Did you know… 🔹 Grey hair is simply hair that lacks pigment (melanin). 🔹 How quickly we go grey depends on genetics, nutritional factors, illness and stress. 🔹 Myth: grey hair is coarser in texture. In fact, our hair gets finer as we age. 🔹 As we age, hair gets drier as our sebaceous glands (attached to each hair follicle) secrete less oil. Hair care for silver shades: 💛 Keep brassy tones at bay by using blue or purple toned shampoo. 💛 Add moisture to dry grey hair with a weekly hair and scalp mask. 💛 Apply a heat protecting spray before using heated styling tools. 💛 Grey hair doesn’t mean you stop colouring your hair. A wash of colour or shots of silver and ice blonde can make natural greys look brighter and more contemporary.
0 Comments
Are you unwittingly buying fake hair & beauty products? This can be dangerous as potentially toxic ingredients, such as cyanide, arsenic, lead, and mercury, are commonly used in fake products to reduce costs. While animal urine is a very popular substitute for expensive fragrance stabilisers.
The products may well be made in unsanitary conditions or even worse, child labour may be involved. Protect yourself and your family with these practical tips: 🔹 If the price seems too good to be true, then it probably is. 🔹 Look out for poor quality boxes and labelling, including spelling mistakes, poor grammar, colour and shape. 🔹 Always buy from a reputable stockist (like us) you can trust. As haircare professionals we can spot the counterfeits flooding the market so you need some advice do please ask us and we’ll check it out for you. Sun, sea, sand… after the past two years of lockdowns and travel restrictions this sounds like bliss, says Dana, but if you’re planning a holiday, don’t forget to factor in a hair care plan too. You may love the sun, but your hair most definitely won’t.First things first…Ensuring your hair looks beach-babe tousled, sun-kissed and effortlessly cool takes planning says Dana.
Start with a pre-holiday trim and professional conditioning treatment for healthy strong strands ready to fend off the onslaught of hot sunshine, salty sea water and chlorinated pools. Avoid sun-stressed locks“Hair becomes weaker, drier and far more prone to breakage and split ends when it is exposed to the sun. This is because the sun’s rays quickly alter the structure of the hair,” explains Dana. To avoid sun-stressed locks apply a high SPF product such as Matrix velvatiser whenever you’re in the sun. Remember your scalp is an extension of your face, so be especially careful along your parting and where hair is thinning. Add much needed moisture by treating hair to an intensive, nourishing mask in the evening. “I like Miracle creator to restore vital moisture lost from exposure to UV rays, heat and pool chemicals and create soft, healthy, shiny locks” says Dana “Ask your stylist to recommend the best one for your hair type.” Coloured hair on vacayColoured hair is especially vulnerable to sun, sea and chlorine. The sun fades coloured hair. And hair that isn’t coloured may become lighter, but this is just another sign of sun damage and should be avoided explains Dana. Avoid the holiday hair blues. Get organised and book your pre and post-holiday appointments now 01604756685. That’s one more thing crossed off your holiday list! Minimise damage from chlorine and saltSea water and chlorine will dry out your hair (and hair extensions) and can irritate your scalp. They can also make your hair tangled and knotty. Here are Danas top tips:
“If you are using heated tools then always, always apply a thermal protector product, such as dream coat, which reduces the harsh drying effects of styling tools and hairdryers. Go shopping!Continuing the pre-holiday planning theme… get shopping!
P.S. Have an amazing holiday! It’s a question I get asked a lot and I always wish I had a really profound answer but the truth is It came about from watching a documentary about the deep sea.
They were explaining how extremely intelligent Octopus are, they can do things like figure out how to unscrew jar lids to get to food. Octopuses are playful, resourceful, and inquisitive. Some are shy, some are confident, they have their own personality. Some species cuddle with one another, while others have been known to bond with humans. I remember watching thinking wow! But the part that really got me was that they can change size, shape, texture and colour at will. They are among the few animals in the world that can change their colour in the blink of an eye. I remember thinking imagine if humans could do that with their hair! Sadly we can't do that, but I've always been passionate about hair colouring and just thought that the name Octopus was a good fit with helping people change their look with as much ease as possible. Hope you like the name too! Dana x We’re looking forward to warmer weather and holidays in the sun (fingers crossed) and hope you are too, says Dana.But in the excitement of planning to get away post-lockdown, don’t forget to step up your summer haircare routine. We love the sun, but our hair really doesn’t.
Why those rays will wreck your hair“The sun will very quickly alter the structure of hair, making it weaker, much drier and far more prone to breakage and split ends as it becomes less elastic”, explains Dana, “And just as the sun can burn our skin, it can also burn our hair – but we don’t think about it because we can’t feel it in the same way.” Coloured hair will fade in the sun while hair that isn’t coloured may become lighter – but this is just another sign that your hair is being damaged by UV rays, so try not to be tempted by the idea of ‘natural highlights’. Professional colour is far kinder to your tresses. Don’t forget your scalpAnd of course, says Dana the sun can burn the skin on our scalp leaving it sore and red just like the skin on the rest of our body. Dana advises wearing a hat to protect your scalp if you can. If you have thinning hair or a receding hairline, then remember to apply your sunscreen over the exposed part of your head and also along your parting line. It’s not all bad…More sun means more vitamin D is absorbed by the skin which is good for us and can give our hair cells a healthy boost. Plus sunny weather and a relaxing break is good for de-stressing – which will also contribute to healthier hair. How to protect and care for your hair in summer, Here’s Dana's seven-point plan for sun-sational summer hair: [1] Switch to a hydrating shampoo and conditioner for the summer months.Pop in or call to ask us for advice on which products will be best for your hair. [2] If your icy blonde is looking a little ‘brassy’ after being in the sun a purple shampoo can help neutralise those yellow tones. Ask your stylist for their advice if you’re unsure – we love to help. [3] In the same way as you apply sunscreen to protect your skin from damaging UV rays use a sun protector for your hair. “I like Keep Me Vivid range as it has Uv protection, heat protection and is super moisturising”, adds Dana. [4] Hats are underrated! When out in the sun wear a hat or scarf – it’s a simple but very effective way to protect your hair. [5] Book in for a regular cut or trim during the summer – it’s the best way to banish those dry and split ends. [6] Deep conditioning treatments are king when it comes to summer hair. Treat yourself to an in-salon professional hydrating and repairing treatment – your stylist will recommend the right one for your hair. They will also advise you on which home-use self-care treatments will be best for you. [7] Finally, it’s especially important in the summer to go easy on heated styling tools says Dana. Try turning the temperature down a notch or two and always use a thermal protectant. And, when you can, air dry your hair naturally after washing if possible. Holiday hair coming soon: look out for our tips and advice blog in July when we’ll be taking an in-depth look at holiday hair and how to combat the effects of sun, sea, and chlorine. Plan ahead: book your pre-hols consultation todayWould you like some expert advice on hair protection and holiday colour and styles? Call now to book a consultation or to ask about our home and holiday use retail products: 01604756685 Remember: book your pre-holiday colour appointment for three to four weeks before you go away and also reserve a slot for when you return. Let your stylist know you’re going away so they can make any necessary adjustments to the treatment and recommend suitable products to keep your holiday hair in tip-top condition while you’re soaking up the sun. We know you’ll be thrilled to hear that Aimee returns to work on Tuesday May 3rd.
It’s been lovey having Aimee in for training days and KIT days but we’re super excited to have her back permanently. Aimee’s still been involved with her work as an educator for Matrix and she’ll be taking part in a big hair show in Manchester in June which she’s really looking forward to. We’ve contacted everyone who’s asked us to, so we think most of her clients should have an upcoming appointment with her but if you don’t it’s not too late you can book online here https://www.mylocalsalon.co.uk/octopushair.html. or call the salon on 01604756685 or drop us an e-mail in reply to this one. If you haven’t had a colour with us for more than 6 months then you’ll need to come in for a new skin test. Aimee will be available for hair appointments in the salon on Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9.30-5.30 and every other Saturday 9-5. Aimee is bursting with ideas and can’t wait to reach for the colour bowl again! Look forward to seeing you soon, Dana x Bad hair day? It could be stress related.April is Stress Awareness Month, says Dana , so this month we’re taking a look at how stress can affect the condition of your hair and what to do about it. Stress can affect your hair and scalp: If you’ve started to shed hair then stress may to be blame, says Dana. Our bodies produce hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline when we feel stressed, and these can raise your testosterone levels causing hair loss. In the same way increased stress can affect your skin, it can also make your scalp produce more oil, upsetting your scalp’s balance and leading to flaking and itching. If you suffer with dandruff you may find it flares up when you are under stress. There are gentle yet effective at-home dandruff treatments available so do ask your stylist for advice – we’re always very happy to help and advise you. Treating stressed-out hair“Always get your GP’s advice if you are worried about your hair or scalp. For example, if clumps of hair are falling out, you have bald patches or your scalp feels painful or is burning,” explains Dana. “In the meantime – indulge yourself with some hair and scalp de-stressing treatment. It’ll not only make your hair look thicker, glossy and healthier, but a little pampering will make you feel better too. We’re happy to talk you through our range of treatments – just pop in or give us a call.” Why not book a consultation if you’d like to discuss some different styling ideas. The right cut and styling can effectively help disguise thinner hair – or you might just fancy a mood-boosting new look. We’ve also got some brilliant products for home use too including conditioning and thickening products as well as scalp treatments to really give your hair a boost. Taking some time out to kick back, relax and give yourself and your hair some TLC on a regular basis will dial down the stress at the end of a long week and help you look and feel amazing. Avoid comfort eatingIt’s so easy to reach out for a glass of wine or some comforting sweet treat when we’re feeling stressed – but giving in to temptation too often will make it even harder for your hair to bounce back from a period of stress. Hair shedding is often one of the first signs of a poor diet. “As ever, the best advice is to follow a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and veg,” says Dana. “Stay active, drink plenty of water and avoid too much alcohol and junk food.” Feeling anxious, depressed or overwhelmed?Don’t soldier on alone if you’re really stressed out and finding it difficult to cope. Always seek advice from your GP and look into self-help techniques too. The NHS has lots of information and guidance on its website. Book a consultation todayWould you like some expert advice on how to cope with stressed-out or thinning hair? Call us to book a consultation or to ask about our selfcare retail products: 01604 756685 Dana can use her Derma scope to have a closer look at your hair follicles.
This is another product we are shouting from the rooftops about. K18 is a leave-in conditioning treatment used to reverse the effects of colour damage, bleach, heat overuse and chemicals to help bring your hair back to life. The magic behind this product is all in the science. It works by bonding together any broken keratin proteins in the hair. This in turn will strengthen it and help it to look like new. K18 is used on damp hair and left for 4 minutes after shampooing. There is no need to rinse and you do not need to include your usual conditioning process either. It is THAT good! There's always a lot of excitement in the salon when we find out about new hair products, and today is one of those days. Our trusted favourite, Matrix, has introduced a new range of conditioners called Biolage Colourbalm, and we're really excited because as of today we are officially stocking them in the salon.
The Colourbalm range comes in 7 varieties: Lavender, Chai Tea, Cinnamon, Earl Grey, Red Poppy, Saffron Red and Clear. Perhaps not the typical names you would expect for a conditioning treatment, but these have been created to improve the shade and texture of your hair depending on your tone and base colour. Don’t worry, we can advise you which will be the one most suitable for your hair, so please make sure to speak to us first if you are interested in purchasing a bottle. We're just amazed how you can have a temporary colour change AND such amazing condition. Although the 'clear' one wont change your shade at all! The great thing about these treatments is they can be used on all hair types. They are also 100% vegan as well as sulfate-free, paraben-free and mineral oil-free which means not only are you doing your part for the environment, you can rest assured you are also using a product that is going to protect your hair and scalp from any unwanted chemicals that can be found in other conditioning treatments. To use this product, it is recommended to shampoo, rinse and towel dry hair as usual, and then generously apply with gloves and comb through. Sit back and relax for 5 - 10 minutes while the colourbalm works its magic and then rinse well. Once hair has dried, you will see the difference it makes. We have been testing the range out in the salon and are loving the results they have and we can’t wait for you to try them out too. You can try one treatment in the salon for just £5 or they are now available to buy from us at £23 for 250ml, so make sure you pick up a bottle on your next visit! Anyone who adds bleach to their hair will be familiar with toners, but do you actually know what their purpose is and the impact it can have on your colour?
Toners are used in between the shampoo and conditioning process following a colour, usually left on the hair for anything between 5 and 20 minutes, with the sole purpose of adding a tone (‘colour’) without making your colour lighter or darker and stopping it look dehydrated. Mainly used on blonde hair, or those opting for pastels, a toner can make a huge difference to the end look and is something your stylist should always discuss with you during your initial consultation. Brunettes can also have toners added to increase the intensity of the colour and get rid of any unwanted orange. We do hear a lot of people talking about toning out dark colours but you have to be careful here because they only change the shade, not the level (light or dark) of your hair so if you are hoping to go from brunette to blonde, a toner isn’t going to do the job. They can also be added to your hair in between appointments too. If your colour needs a bit of a lift, it could be that it requires some toner love to bring it back to life. You can buy at-home toners, however we wouldn’t recommend it as the science behind them is quite technical, and we wouldn’t want you to put something on your head that could have a negative reaction. Instead, we offer treatments that you can have at any time in the salon, so rather come to us first. Of course, you can buy shampoos specifically designed to improve the tone of your hair, for example silver shampoos for blonde hair and blue shampoos for brunettes, and green shampoos for darker hair but we would rather discuss this with you to make sure we can point you in the right direction based on your hair colour. Ultimately, toners have a pivotal role in the hair colour process but are also an essential refreshment between appointments. They should never be underestimated because they can bring something special to your colour and who doesn’t want that! |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
March 2023
Categories |