There are times a client wants to ask questions about their hair, but refrain, for fear of seeming doltish. However, I think my clients know they are in a safe place and can ask whatever they want. But, I get it. With access to the internet, there isn’t much we can’t find out. Yet…if I were the customer, I would want the input of my stylist, not some stranger on the wide web that can’t possibly know how my hair is going to act in any given circumstance. Hair is hair, you say? True. To a point. Because our hairs nourishment comes from within, there may be different factors that are dictating what my hair will, and will not, do.
So…because it’s been awhile since I’ve written a blog post, I thought this would be a good read. Let’s get to it, then!
1) HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET A HAIRCUT? Number 1 question! This depends largely on your hairstyle. For those wanting to maintain a fixed length and style, that is at least below chin level, every 6-8 weeks is ideal. Remember, hair grows on average, 1/2 inch per month, and for short styles the hair will form to the natural outgrowth and become limp as it grows. Long hair becomes weighted as gravity pulls at it. Also, ends can become frayed from whipping in the wind, or just from natural brushing. If you are wanting to grow your hair out, 12 weeks should be fine between appointments, as long as it is maintained with proper products and care. For my guys that maintain the classic gentleman style, I always tell them every 3-4 weeks.
2) HOW OFTEN SHOULD I WASH MY HAIR? This depends totally on your hair type and needs. If your hair tends to get oily, you may need to wash it daily. Simply because excess oil on the scalp breeds bacteria and bacteria has a way of smelling rank. If your hair is on the drier side, maybe twice a week will be fine. Listen to what your hair tells you. If you have chemically altered hair, it will need more attention than if you don’t. ALWAYS use a good conditioner for your hair type. Light weight (almost clear), for thin, fine hair. Heavy weight (looks like white cream) for chemically altered hair, or thick wiry hair. Moisture and oil are two different conditions. The needs of curly hair is different than those of straight. Shampooing only twice a week is all curly hair needs…UNLESS their is excess scalp oil. Then you must remember to condition the shaft and ends thoroughly to keep it looking its best. I always recommend a finishing product that seals the cuticle of naturally curly hair. My favorite at the moment, is ProRituals Dream Cream. You will love it, and I have it! Surprise, surprise! 😉
3) IS MY HAIR THINNING? Throughout the course of any given day, we will lose upwards of 150 hairs. If we wear our hair up for a couple of days, then take it down, it may seem like we are losing way more than is normal. That’s because it loosened from the follicle while up in the ponytail and gets released when the hair comes down. So now, it’s upwards of 300 hairs. That can seem like a LOT! But it’s totally normal. There are a few factors that can affect the natural growth and shedding phases. Changes in weather and temperature, is one factor. We tend to see more shedding during late summer, early fall. Then it will stabilize and “rest” during the colder months. When Spring hits, we’ll see a rapid growth rate. Usually. There is one main factor that over-shadows it all. That being our health. If we aren’t consistent with a well balanced diet, our hair will begin to thin and the growth will be minimal. If this describes you, consider taking a fish oil supplement, along with biotin and vitamin E. Or find a really good Collagen Peptide product to use in your morning coffee that will promote healthy skin, hair and nails.
4) WHAT COLOR SHOULD I DYE MY HAIR? In the beginning, I never recommend going darker, or lighter, than 2 shades (down or up), from your natural God given color. It’s surprising how experimental we become after that first color fix. If you can’t afford a professional stylist, please don’t trust the color you see on the box, and remember the color that your natural hair is, is part of the formula for what you are hoping to attain. If you don’t understand the color wheel, chances are you won’t know which color to use. Keep in mind that ALL natural pigment “pulls” warm, if you are wanting to lighten your hair. Chances are you will end up pretty brassy if going blonde. Best shot is to make an appointment with a trusted hair stylist and let him/her guide you.
5) HOW CAN I KEEP MY BLONDE HAIR FROM GOING BRASSY? Ha! That’s a loaded question! Soooo many factors play into this answer. A short response would be to purchase a quality purple shampoo and use it only ONCE a week. If you use it more often, your hair will probably turn purple. Bleached hair absorbs color quickly. You’ll also want to use a hair mask at least once a week, just to keep the hair with plenty of porosity fillers. It just so happens you can get everything you need from me. ProRituals line of hair care is amazingly effective at what it’s made for. I have a super hair mask and color protector, that is unmatched. In my opinion…
6) WHAT IS THE BEST STYLE FOR MY FACE SHAPE? It can be hard to decide exactly the shape of any given face structure. The trick is to separate facial features into parts of the whole. Vertically, and horizontally. Vertically, from the hairline to the cheekbone, then from the tip of the nose to the chin. Horizontally, the top, the middle, the bottom. Sometimes the hairstyles you see trending online won’t work for your face shape. That’s why it’s important to figure it out before designing a cut suited for your uniqueness.
7) HOW CAN I MAKE MY BLOWOUT LAST LONGER? Lifestyle comes into play here and just how much you’re willing to alter it. The best way to maintain a blowout is to leave it alone. Avoid sweating, That means stay inside if it’s hot and humid outside. No gymnastics. Going to the gym is out of the question, as well as doing any sort of work-outs at home. Keep your fingers out of your hair! No rubbing the scalp, keeping your follicles and hair strands as oil free as possible. When it does become oily, reach for the dry shampoo, restyle the face-framing roots at the hairline, and backcomb the crown. Sleeping on the hair is yet another trial. But doable. Do a semi-loose space bun and be careful to tuck the ends so there won’t be any crimping. If you have a flat ironed hair stye, just use a silk pillowcase, or wrap the hair in a silk scarf.