While everyone is home and our hairstylists are not working, many of us are asking ourselves questions. Should I cut my hair? How often should I wash my hair if I’m home all the time? What kind of hair treatments should I use? Should I color my hair or just wait till my hairstylist starts making appointments again?
I took the opportunity to ask my Aveda Salon hairstylist Melissa from Carmen Carmen Salon at Belk in Durham, North Carolina, some questions that I and some friends were inquiring about and thought I would share with you too!
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1. What are some good practices to care for your hair when home for an extended period of time?
ANSWER: Think of your hair like your skin…what you put on it will affect it. Investing in good products and tools will keep your hair looking and feeling healthy and strong. There is no need to wash your hair daily. When you wash your hair every day it strips away the natural oils and proteins that you need to keep your hair and scalp healthy. If you’re spending a lot of time outside in the sun, maybe consider wearing a hat to protect your color AND your scalp from the damaging UV rays.
2. How can essential workers treat their hair kindly, if they are washing their hair daily, sometimes more than once a day?
a. Should you be using a particular shampoo?
ANSWER: Try avoiding shampoos that contain sulfates and silicones. Sulfates strip color and silicones leave a heavy residue on the hair strains. Use a shampoo that hydrates hair and nourishes from scalp to end. A great shampoo by Aveda is Color Conserve, for those with color-treated hair or Smooth Infusion for adding moisture and shine.
b. Should you be using a conditioner?
ANSWER: Absolutely! Conditioners add moisture and strength back to the hair. Some shampoos can be drying so a conditioner is used to rehydrate and strengthen the hair strands.
c. Any other products you suggest using?
ANSWER: I love using a leave-in conditioner styling product before blow-drying my hair. Aveda’s Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair is a great product. It instantly protects and repairs hair from heat styling, reduces breakages and is a great detangler.
3. What is the difference between the everyday conditioner you use right after you shampoo your hair and rinse out or conditioners you leave in?
ANSWER: Leave-in-conditioners are applied to damp, towel-dried hair and left in the hair without rinsing out. They are generally lightweight and do not contain oils that weigh the hair down. Leave-in-conditioners add moisture and keep your hair soft and shiny. A rinse-out-conditioners is applied to wet hair, usually after your shampoo. It is recommended to use a conditioner after shampooing to rehydrate and strengthen the hair. Conditioners are great for smoothing the cuticle and help with frizz. There are so many different types of conditioners. Make sure to pick one that focuses on your hair needs….whether you want volume, smoothing, color safe, or hydration.
4. If you use multiple products after you shampoo before you dry your hair, how much should you use?
ANSWER: That’s a tricky question but usually you don’t need a lot of products to get maximum results. Applying too much product or too many products can often weigh your hair down and make it feel oily or dirty. Try to limit to one or two products. Maybe one for volume and one for heat protection from your hairdryer. A little hairspray at the end when your hair is dry is always a great lightweight option.
Purchase the invati advanced™ travel-size 3-step system today and if you love it, receive a discount on your next purchase of the full-size system.5. I’ve heard the term make a ‘cocktail’ when using multiple products; does that mean make yourself a margarita or choice of cocktail to drink while you are drying your hair? Or does that mean something completely different?
ANSWER: Wouldn’t that be fun! But no, unfortunately making a cocktail doesn’t refer to the tasty beverage. Sometimes mixing two or three products together in the palm of your hand can offer you great results. I’m not a huge fan of hair product cocktails.I would much rather put each product on individually in order to control how much product is going on my hair. I recommend layering as opposed to mixing them all together.
6. What are some products to add to your hair if it is dry?
ANSWER: Aveda has a great new product in the Nutriplenish line that adds nutrient-powered hydration and shine for all hair types. It is free from sulfates, silicones, mineral oil, parabens, and gluten. It is 100% naturally derived and is made from 5 oils. This product is amazing!! A little squirt of Aveda Nutriplenish Multi-Use Hair Oil in your hand followed by working it into the ends of your hair and you’ll be amazed at the results.
7. What should you use to give your hair volume?
ANSWER: Root lifters are great! I’m a huge fan of Aveda’s Volumizing Tonic. When sprayed at the roots it creates amazing volume on fine and medium hair types. It helps build body and shine. I also love to partner Volumizing Tonic with Aveda’s Thickening Tonic. Together these two products are magic.
8. What should you use to give your hair shine without being oily?
ANSWER: Natural oils such as coconut, argan, jojoba, almond, olive, and grapeseed oils are some of the best oils for skin and hair. Applied directly onto the hair, they can add a beautiful shine. Since we are stuck at home and may not have access to purchasing some of these products there are some things you can do at home to add shine to your hair. Use a clarifying shampoo, load your hair with moisture, rinse it with cold water and finish your blow-dry on the cool setting.
Sign up Today to Become a Pure Privilege Member and Enjoy These Perks: Free Standard Shipping on All Orders. $1 = 10 Points on Every Purchase. Double Points on Your First Purchase. Redeem Your Points for Exclusive Rewards. Plus, Much More!9. I hear people wanting to dye their hair or cover their grey roots while at home. What products do you recommend to help people who want to safely cover their grey without using drugstore box color?
ANSWER: There are several really effective root touch-up sprays that work great for this issue. Most brands that make these sprays sell a variety of shades to best match your hair. My favorite is Oribe’s Airbrush Root Touch Up Spray. It goes on evenly and is quick drying. It comes in Platinum, Blonde, Light Brown, Dark Brown, Black, and Red. Bonus…it smells AMAZING!
10. Some people are looking at cutting their hair at home. What suggestions for scissors or razors do you suggest using?
ANSWER: I wouldn’t suggest going for a new look during this time, but if your bangs need a little trim, then go for it. Just make sure to go slow and cut a little at a time. Remember, you can always cut more….you can’t glue it back if they are too short!! You can purchase good scissors on Amazon or Sally Beauty. I would recommend Joewell 6.0” Shear. They are great for quick bang trims. As for clippers, Wahl is a nice brand and you can find them on Amazon and at Sally Beauty as well.
11. Are there any videos that you would suggest watching to learn how to cut your hair?
ANSWER: Again, I would only suggest cutting your bangs!!! San Francisco-based hairstylist Michelle Fiona of Harper Paige Salon has a quick, easy to follow website called thecut.com that I think is helpful in teaching you the basics of cutting your bangs. My advice, do not rush the process. Take your time and be sure of your cut before you snip! Use the right kind of cutting shears.
12. What type of dry shampoo do you suggest that smells good and does not cause a dry scalp?
ANSWER: I love Aveda’s Shampure Dry Shampoo. When directed at the roots it adds volume and lift as well as nice shine and beautiful texture. Another bonus, Aveda’s Shampure Dry Shampoo is non-aerosol. When squeezed it emits a light powder mist that helps absorb oil between your shampoos. It also has the amazing Shampure scent that calms the senses. It is derived from 25 pure flower and plant essences, including organic lavender, petitgrain and ylang ylang.
Refer a friend and receive 15% off your next order.13. Being you are in the industry, have you heard anything about when hair salons will be open again in the state you practice in?
ANSWER: No, not a word. Just being patient, following stay-at-home orders and praying for those who are helping us fight this virus!
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