Post-salon Colouring: How to maintain hair vitality and shine
Haircare & Beauty Advice
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Many women, and increasingly many men, take a great deal of pride in their appearance and are prepared to put time and effort into achieving their own personal 'look'. At The Chapel we do our utmost to help you use your hair to be part of the striking personality that you present to the world. Hair colour is an important part of our image and sometimes Mother Nature gets it exactly right and sometimes she needs a helping hand. Whether you want the natural look that blends perfectly with your skin tone and eye colour and glides through the seasons with subtle changes, or a little help with disguising maturing colours or, maybe, want a subversive, challenging and brave statement to get you noticed, at The Chapel we are here to make your image dreams a reality. Between REDKEN, who we believe to be, the most advanced, innovative and creative hair colour manufacturers, and our uniquely trained colourists we can achieve the results that will make you hold your head high and put a spring in your step as you leave the salon.
But this is only half of the story; At The Chapel we invest a good deal of time in talking to our guests which in part is making plans for the day of the colour change but equally important is education in how to get the best from your new colour. When your hair is washed, your stylist will have access to every product that we sell in the salon and they will carefully choose which shampoo and conditioner that is most suitable for your hair type; fullness, moisture content, colour, damage and scalp condition. Also during the drying process the appropriate products will be used to enhance the health and shine of your hair; ensuring that you will leave the salon with your hair in its best condition possible.
Our stylists politely ask that you do your very best to maintain and improve this condition between appointments. Yes, our team can go some way to repairing hair but sometimes this is merely using a sticking plaster to give the illusion of strong healthy hair. With care, the hair can be nurtured and restored to good health and by using the correct home-care; colours can remain vibrant, shiny and last a good deal longer. During drying your hair we do encourage you to ask questions; what are you using? Why are you using it? Our team will always be willing to answer these questions and also make suggestions on what would be best to use at home for long term benefit.
Daily Haircare Routine
Take advice from a professional that you trust on what shampoo and conditioner to use. Some shampoos can do more harm than good and often strip hair of its natural protectors which the matching conditioner will try and replace. Although this might be a short-term fix, in the long term this may well weaken the hair and deaden natural and introduced colours.
Heat Styling
One of the most destructive procedures that some people do to their hair is heat styling too often and without taking the proper precautions. This need not be the case.
Invest
Always use a good quality straightening iron. Ceramic plates are certainly the best and please be prepared to spend a reasonable amount; cheap products can be very harmful to hair as they can't be relied upon not to overheat. Buy a pair that has a thermostat as it's important to know how hot they are. Do your research, look on the internet for independent reviews; not reviews on the website that is trying to sell you the irons.
Protect
Irrespective of hair texture, always use a heat protector with a protection factor of 230 degrees or higher. Assess your hair type and choose the correct product; the thicker the hair the more resilient the product should be. Sprays work very well for thinner hair but thicker hair demands a more robust product and should be cream or gel based.
Temperature
Be cautious. Thicker hair demands a higher temperature but it should be kept to the minimum that works. Thinner hair needs a lower temperature as it is more easily damaged.
Restraint
Never heat-treat a section of hair more than twice. If you have suitable irons at the correct temperature and the appropriate protecting product, the process should be easy and there should be no need for extra treatment.
Diet
We seem to be being bombarded with advice about diet, so much of it contradictory, so much of it confusing, so much of it plainly ridiculous. In terms of healthy hair a balanced diet is recommended that includes protein, vitamins A, C, and E, omega 3, iron, zinc and selenium.
Healthy Scalp
Healthy hair grows from a healthy scalp. If you have problems with itchiness or dandruff, take advice from a professional. Do not use propriety brands from the supermarket. They may help the scalp condition but some are so harsh that they can really damage hair. If you find flakes on your head and your shoulders please don't be tempted to use the brand that might spring to mind.
Treatments
Even really healthy hair sometimes might need a little extra pampering and a treatment might be just the thing. There are many types; some heavy and enriching, some lighter and designed to give shine and life to hair. At the risk of sounding repetitive, it is always best to check with your stylist which would be most beneficial for your hair. Treatments can be performed at home or can be performed in the salon.
Colour treated hair doesn't need to be unhealthy hair. Respect your hair, treat it well and it will be glossy, healthy and the colour will last longer.
