1. Round Thermal Brush

Best For:

• Curls, waves, volume and hair flips on normal to thick hair
• Hair Length: The longer the hair, the bigger the brush diameter
• Hair Type: Normal to thick hair

Why?
Large holes allow for great airflow, and ceramic-coated barrels dry the hair faster. Bristles are super heat-resistant AND ionic, so hair gets shiny and bouncy.

2. Square Thermal Brush

Best For:

• Waves and flips (smaller diameters) or volume and smoothing (larger diameters) on normal to thick hair
• Hair Length: The longer the hair, the bigger the brush diameter
• Hair Type: Normal to thick hair

Why?
Square shapes allow you to create more versatile looks, and large holes help with airflow. Soft-tip ionic bristles make the hair shinier and are gentle on the hair and scalp.

Pro Tip: The square thermal brush creates volume while the flat side creates straight, sleekness vs. the round thermal brush that creates a C-shape in the hair.

3. Ionic & Boar Paddle Brush

Best For:

• Daily brushing and care, touch-ups and styling
• Hair Length: Short to long
• Hair Type: Every hair type and hair extensions

Why?
Boar bristles distribute the hair’s natural oils for smooth and shiny hair, eliminating frizz and flyaways. The ionic and boar bristle combo is perfect for styling and brushing thick or curly hair.

4. Round Boar Brush

Best For:                          

• Volume (smaller diameters) and straightening on wavy, curly or very curly hair
• Hair Length: The longer the hair, the bigger the brush diameter
• Hair Type: Wavy, curly and very curly

Why?
Boar bristles distribute the hair’s natural oils, resulting in super shiny hair. The tightly packed bristles give excellent tension control when straightening. Also, remember when using this brush on curls and waves, it is NOT a detangler!

5. Detangling Paddle Brush

Best For:

• Detangles wet or dry hair
• Hair Length: All lengths
• Hair Type: Every hair type

Why?
Ball-point tips are gentle on the hair and scalp, and the snag-free design makes it easier for the brush to gently glide and detangle the hair from roots to ends.

6. Vent Soft Tip Paddle Brush

Best For:

• Blow-drying, styling and daily brushing
• Hair Length: All lengths
• Hair Type: Every hair type

Why?
The large flat area straightens hair, and the vented brush head cuts down blow-drying time. The ionic bristles penetrate all the way to the scalp with gentle ball-point tips.

7. Color & Care Brush

Best For:

• Fully saturating and evenly distributing hair color, lightener and treatments
• Hair Length: All lengths
• Hair Type: Every hair type

Why?
Dual length bristles easily penetrate shallow and deep layers at the same time for full saturation without gaps. The brush removes excess product and redistributes where it’s needed for a natural blend.

8. Styler Brush

Best For:

• Styling, shaping, daily brushing and men’s styling
• Hair Length: Short to medium
• Hair Type: Fine to normal

Why?
Ball-point tips glide through the hair for faster styling, and the ceramic plate retains heat while you style. The heat-resistant, semi-circular pad helps shape the hair.

9. Teasing ­­Brush

Best For:

• Teasing, building volume, creating texture and back-brushing
• Hair Length: All lengths
• Hair Type: Every hair type

Why?
The narrow brush design is perfect for building for back-combing and building volume or texture. The tail helps for sectioning with precision, separating hair, tucking and lifting.

10. Should I Use A Brush Cleaner & How Often?

​Short answer: YES!
Whatever brush you choose, it’s ESSENTIAL to regularly clean—Mickey recommends using the Brush Cleaner between clients who lose a lot of hair and daily. This is a must for maintaining a clean, professional appearance and allows the brushes to do their jobs better!

Getting a good haircut makes us feel confident and empowered. Things can be easy when you have already found the salon and hairstylist you can entrust your tresses to. However, if you are not satisfied with your do or contemplate change, you might be asking yourself lots of questions.
​

• How should I cut my hair?
• How do I find a good hairstylist for a cut?
• What hair length will suit me best?
• How to get a haircut consultation and what questions to ask?

You will find the answers to these questions below, as we are sharing 10 commandments of getting a perfect haircut.

If you have not found a good stylist yet, it is high time to do it. It’s always a significant risk to entrust your hair to a new hairdresser, especially if you need a consultation, want to change your style, or contemplate cutting your long hair short.

Here are a few ways to find a good specialist for a hair job:
​

• First of all, search for a hair salon with some excellent reviews. A great hair salon will most often showcase their work on Instagram or Facebook, so this is where you should go to see the samples of the salon hair cutting and know what kind of hair treatments they specialize in. Good salons carefully select experts they employ and will definitely recommend a professional to cut your hair.
• Mind that if you like a salon, you will be visiting it for a long time for regular trims. This is why a good idea is to start with the places to get a haircut near you. See if they have already earned a good reputation online or ask your neighbors if they have ever had a cut at that place.
• Ask neighbors, relatives, friends, or coworkers, whose cut your like, where they get their hair done. You can even ask a stranger with a lovely salon hairstyle where she gets her hair cut. Still, do not forget that people have different kinds of hair, so it’s better to refer to women whose hair type is similar to yours.

As you are researching the salons’ profiles or asking for a referral, pay attention to whether professionals give haircare and haircut advice and if they pay attention to long-term health of your locks. Needless to say, choose the ones that do.

Thinking about a new haircut, you would definitely like to know what hairstyle suits you. Experts believe that the shape of your face is a crucial point here. To understand what shape your face is, look at the mirror and outline your face’s contour on it with a piece of soap or lipstick. Take your hair off your face and make sure you do not contour it too. Eventually, you should be able to see whether your face is round, prolonged, square, or heart-shaped and thus focus on how to choose a haircut for your face shape.
​
The overarching rule is to go for a cut that will make it look more oval. For example, you might want to go for edgy side bands to elongate your round face and get rid of its excessive softness. Or, get a shaggy layered bob recommended for square faces.

The right haircut can change the impression you make, as the way our haircut looks, how it is set and its overall condition can tell a lot about us. Would you like to look serious, a bit edgy, or maybe 10 years younger? You should take into account that every haircut has its own character that will influence your image for sure. If you are a low-key kind of girl, the daring super-short pixie cut is not your style; you won’t feel comfortable with it.
​
When choosing a haircut, it’s also essential to find the one that fits your lifestyle. The best haircut for you will differ depending on whether you are a mom on maternity leave, a bank officer that has to follow a strict dress code or a creative designer people look up to for style inspiration. Be sure to tell your stylist more about yourself before getting a trim.

If you don’t know what haircut to get, start by browsing the best haircuts for women of your age, hair type or face shape. This is what The Right Hairstyles can really help you with. Pin all the styles that click for you to compare the variants or show them to your stylist to know if this cut will look the right way on you.
​
Another idea is to try one of the free online questionnaires. All you will have to do is to upload your photo and fill out the online form, answering simple questions about your face shape, complexion, eye color, hair color, texture, density, current and desired length, and other points. After the questionnaire is done, you will be suggested several female haircuts that suit you best. You might be able to choose the hairstyle you like from among the suggested options.

Sometimes, the ability to communicate well is the best way to get a haircut you want. Unfortunately, many women don’t know how to describe hairstyles they like to their stylists. So, before you go to cut hair in a salon, learn some important haircut terms that will help you “speak one language” with your hairdresser and get ready to show images of the cuts that you like.
​
Mind that your hairdo can turn ugly not because it was cut the wrong way, but because you do not style it right. This is why it is imperative to ask your stylist what to do with your hair at home. A new haircut may leave you at a loss, so better make a list of what you want to ask when getting a haircut. Also, don’t take product advice as the way to sell you something: the impact of using the right hair products on your hairstyle cannot be overestimated.

Cutting hair off isn’t enough to look beautiful. A good hairstylist cut demands correct styling. Professional stylists can do sleek-looking strands, blowouts, bouncy curls, and other sophisticated dos. But you don’t have a personal home hairdresser to style hair for you every day, do you?
​
Then, before choosing a definite haircut, make sure that you will be able to style your hair and you are ok with making it your daily routine. Consider how much maintenance a haircut requires and be frank about how long you style your hair now. Usually, we don’t have much time to wash and dry hair or create complicated hairdos in the mornings. If you do not use heat tools to set your hair, you’d better choose a haircut that doesn’t demand it.

Hair grows, and your perfect cut may soon look messy and disorderly. Before choosing a haircut, think about how it grows out and how frequently you will have to refresh it.
​
Whatever haircut you choose, you should keep in mind that your new look will demand long-term maintenance. Are you planning to get a bang cut and color your hair? We love the idea, but you should be ready for frequent visits to the salon for touch-ups. And if one day you decide to change your hairstyle, it will take your time and patience.

Are you still shilly shallying over which haircut to choose or not sure it will match your appearance? Then don’t make radical changes and opt for longer haircuts. If you don’t like the result, you can easily change your haircut, and the stress won’t be so painful.
​
Regrowing or styling your bangs is also easier if you opt for elongated feathered fringes. If you haven’t had any bangs before, better start with this one to be satisfied with your cut. You can always go shorter when you get used to it.

Another thing that will help you get a good haircut is having a professional haircut consultation first. You can ask for one or just order a hair dry to communicate with a stylist and see if you feel comfortable. Bring some photos with a desirable hairstyle to help the hairdresser understand your preferences. But don’t be disappointed if a trendy haircut you have chosen from Pinterest or Instagram will be rejected. Not every trend is suitable for your appearance and some may be already criminally outdated.
​
A good stylist will take into account all peculiarities of your appearance and individuality: the shape of your face, age, character, and even job and offer several haircut suggestions.

Don’t be afraid of cutting your hair off. If you feel stressed, your stylist may feel uncomfortable and won’t be able to do his best job. The same thing will happen if you are too assertive. Thus, the main piece of advice for you is to stay positive. You perfectly know that your hair grows back. So, even if something goes wrong, this experiment will help you find your best hairstyle.
​
Use these tips to choose the haircut that would suit you the best. We do hope that you find the right hairstyle that will become an essential part of your image, will help you express your inner world, and will favorably emphasize your features.

We all condition our hair to gain good measure with our strands: to be smoother, softer, tangle-free, and frizz-free. We’ll even turn to conditioners for preventative measures against further damage and breakage. Needless to say, the benefits of conditioning can seem endless. But during a time when we’ve been encouraged to shampoo our hair less and less, (in true Carrie Bradshaw fashion) I can’t help but wonder--are we conditioning our hair enough?

Between density, porosity, and texture, every one of us has our own unique hair type. Wavy, fine, dry. Straight, thick, silky. Fine hair, but lots of it! And on top of all that, we have to consider our styling habits, our chemical treatments, sun exposure, water filtration, diet, and all sorts of other factors that come into play when considering our hair’s state of health. It’s understandably difficult to pinpoint the right formula for hair care, let alone conditioners, but no matter what you’re working with, conditioner is not to be skimped.

While shampoos manage our scalp health, conditioners are the shields for our strands. Its purpose is to help us fight all of those outside barriers. To get things started on the right foot and simplify the decision making process, we’re here to play matchmaker for your strands' conditioning game.

Thick Hair 
Thicker strands need a ton of hydration, so conditioning plays a very important role in your hair's health and should be used on a daily basis. Even if you're skimping on shampooing your hair, the same rule doesn't apply to conditioner (unless your desired end game is dry, brittle ends). Whether you're a gym rat or just a firm believer in minimal shampoos, your thick mane needs to stay moisturized, so be sure to get it wet and apply conditioner every day.

Color Treated Hair
With color treated hair, we suggest using a deep conditioning treatment 1-2 times a week on top of regular conditioning to help rebuild cuticles from the inside out. Hair that's been colored or bleached has been stripped and its porosity has been heightened by bleach and/or peroxide (meaning, your hair absorb moisture but can't actually retain it). A deep conditioner will keep your strands soft and smooth and will fight against treatment-induced frays and breakage. As for your daily conditioner, there's a slew of them out there that can actually support your color from getting stripped or altered by minerals (or other buildup), and we've rounded them up for you here.

Dry Hair
Dry hair could be a result of heat styling too often, or a reaction to a change in your climate. The key word needed in your conditioner is moisturizing, and it's a word you'll want to frequent in your hair care regime. Moisturizing conditioners are going to smooth out any frailties. You can get away with conditioning every other day, but there are also other protective measures we recommend: Use a conditioning oil, cream, or leave-in spray to add extra moisture to your hair after the shower. You'll also want to do a deep treatment conditioning masque once or twice a month. Sticking with this frequency will keep your hair on the shinier side and provide a barrier against drying out.

Conditioning is a crucial part of our hair's overall health. When it comes to how often we condition—whether it be a leave-in spray, deep treatment, or attempt at breakage prevention—the moral of the story is more is more. ​

Carrot oil is a popular hair treatment that comes in several forms and can be applied in multiple ways. It’s said to be nourishing for hair, though this claim is anecdotal. Users report that it makes hair softer, accelerates growth, protects the hair from damage, and more. Carrot oil comes in various forms:

• essential oil derived from carrot seeds
• oil derived from the roots of the carrot
• numerous store-bought products and treatments

Carrot oil contains high levels of vitamin A, vitamin E, and beta carotene, which are essential nutrients for hair health.

What are the benefits?

Based on anecdotal evidence, carrot oil can help hair to grow faster and thicker. People who are looking to keep their hair long and avoid split ends may find that carrot oil helps. Conditioning the hair with carrot oil is also said to improve its texture, making it shinier, smoother, and softer to the touch.

Others who use carrot oil say it helps to prevent hair loss by making the roots stronger at the scalp. Its vitamins could have a protective effect from outdoor damage, shielding it from the harshest UV rays and environmental pollution. By boosting blood circulation to the scalp, carrot oil could also serve to keep your hair healthier from root to tip.

Proponents of carrot oil say it is gentle and healing. Because of its mildly sweet fragrance, it can also be combined with other essential oils of your choice for a customized rinse or treatment.

One recent study shows that carrot oil has antibacterial properties against a variety of bacteria and fungus. People experiencing dandruff and dry scalp may find relief from their symptoms when they treat their hair periodically with carrot oil. Using naturally occurring oils on your scalp, particularly if it’s dry, can stimulate the production of your own body’s oil, or sebum.

What are the risks?
​
There aren’t many studies on the risks and benefits of carrot oil. Because of the anecdotal nature of reported risks, it’s best to consult your doctor before you begin using carrot oil.

As with any topical product or supplement, carrot oil carries the risk of allergic reaction. Before applying carrot oil to your hair, do a patch test on a small amount of skin, such as an area on the inside of your arm or the back of your neck. Always dilute carrot oil with a carrier oil like grapeseed or coconut oil before applying it to your skin. Leave it on for at least 24 hours to observe whether you react to it. If there’s no reaction, you should be fine to proceed with applying a hair treatment. If you do experience an allergic reaction, stop use immediately and contact your doctor.

While carrot oil doesn’t appear to turn dark-pigmented hair orange, overuse could cause the skin of the scalp to turn orange. Using carrot oil too often on blonde or other light-colored hair may carry the same risk. Some people use carrot juice as a natural hair dye.

In folk medicine, carrot oil has traditionally been used both externally and internally. The biggest health risk carrot oil poses is the possibility of psychoactive effects due to a small amount of a component called myristicin. Any psychoactive effects would only be experienced if you consumed carrot oil internally in high amounts.

Researchers who studied the effects of myristicin in nutmeg found the ingredient to be low in toxicity to humans. They cited that high amounts of the toxin — 6 or 7 milligrams — could intoxicate a human. But because of the small amounts present in carrot oil, you’d have to consume a very large amount in order to become intoxicated. Still, the topic warrants further research.

The carotol component of carrot oil has been shown in one study to be moderately toxic to cells in the body, depending on its source. While specific risks aren’t outlined, people in search of gentle, safe, nontoxic treatments may want to consider alternative options for their hair care needs.

Using too much carrot oil internally can cause nausea and vomiting. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should never take carrot oil internally. Additionally, people experiencing asthma or epilepsy should avoid taking it.

How to use carrot oil for hair

You can treat your hair with carrot oil at least twice per week. You can purchase a premade hair treatment, or you can create your own mix and apply at home.

You can make your own hair mask, rinse, or deep conditioner with carrot essential oil. For a simple oil application, dilute 3–4 drops of carrot essential oil in 2–4 tablespoons of coconut oil (or other carrier oil like grapeseed). Work it through your hair with your fingers, massaging it into your scalp. Then, comb it through, cover it with a plastic cap, and leave it in for an hour or two before shampooing it out.

You can also create a rinse using 3–4 drops of carrot oil in a mix of 2 cups water and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. After you shampoo your hair, shake this mixture and rinse your hair once more with the carrot oil rinse. Leave in for 5 minutes before rinsing it again.

Many store-bought carrot oil applications are designed to be left in between washes; they come in oil, serum, and cream forms. It’s the carrot essential oil that needs to be diluted. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for prepared products with carrot oil.

Does it work?

According to anecdotal results, carrot oil:

• restores moisture to hair and scalp
• tames frizz
• softens and smooths texture
• helps hair grow more quickly
• protects hair from damage

Some users with fine or thin hair say it adds body. For many users, results appear to be immediate — or begin to appear after the first application or two.
Based on anecdotal evidence and the available studies, carrot oil may be beneficial for periodic to frequent use on the hair and scalp.

From Healthline

Treating Your Hair With Carrots

There are different methods by which you can treat your hair using carrots. The three most well-known methods are mentioned below.

But before you decide to start the treatment, make sure that you store carrots at home so that you can repeat the treatment regularly.

1. Pre-Shampoo Treatment

If you are bored of oiling your hair on a daily basis and not getting results, you should try out this pre-shampoo treatment. You will require up to two carrots depending on the length of your hair.

• Cut the carrots into small pieces and then mix the pieces with honey, olive oil, essential oil, and coconut oil.
• Once the ingredients are blended well, heat the mixture for a maximum of three minutes.
• Next, blend the mixture with curd. You need to make sure the mixture blends well; it should appear similar to a smoothie.
• Now, apply the mixture to your hair roots and then work your way up to the tips.
• Let the mixture stay on your hair for at least 25 minutes. Then, using a good shampoo, rinse out the mixture thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Doing this twice a week will provide you with amazing results including increased hair growth and shine.

2. Carrot Oil

Making carrot oil is the second method you can try for healthier hair. For this, you’ll need some grated carrots. You can use any standard grater for this.

• Grate a couple of carrots, depending on how much oil you want. Don’t go overboard on your first try.
• Once you grate the carrots, keep them in a sterilized jar. Add olive oil, castor oil, or coconut oil.
• Now, keep the mixture away from light for seven days.
• When the oil changes its color and becomes orange, you can compost the carrots and keep the oil in a new clean container.
• Keep the oil applied for around thirty minutes for effective results before rinsing it off.

The carrot oil treatment not only strengthens the roots but also makes the hair healthier. Moreover, it’ll also help prevent hair breakage and split ends.

3. Carrot Hair Mask

This is another efficient method which boosts hair growth. For making such a hair mask, you’ll need a carrot and a peeled banana.

• Cut both of them into pieces and mix them with olive oil.
• Now using curd and a blender, blend the mixture thoroughly until it becomes a paste. Take care that the paste is not extra thick otherwise you will have difficulty when it comes to washing it out.
• Apply this mask all over your hair at let it stay for half an hour.
• Once the time is up, use a regular shampoo to wash it off.

The carrots present in the mask will stimulate your hair growth and prevents breakage while the banana will make the hair silky and smooth.

From The Health Science Journal

4. Carrot Honey for your Hair

Contrary to what many people imagine when hearing the name of this ingredient, it is not formed by the double honey + carrot. Despite this, it remains very simple to prepare. Are you curious to know how carrot honey is made? Then check out the step by step below!

You will need:

• 1 carrot cut into slices
• sugar
• 1 glass container

Preparation method: as soon as you finish cutting the carrot slices, separate a “tall” glass container. That's because the next step is to alternate a layer of carrots and a layer of sugar until the carrots run out. That done, cover the pot and leave it stored for 24 hours. After that time, your carrot honey will be ready - but, remember: it needs to be stored in the refrigerator!

How to use carrot honey in your hair

After preparing the “magic” mixture, it is time to apply it to the strands. First of all, it is worth mentioning that it is important to always check the quality of the carrot honey, so always check if it is not damaged, especially if it has been some time since you prepared the recipe.

How to do it: to hydrate with carrot honey, your hair must be clean and damp. You will not use all the honey at once, so put just one tablespoon of the mixture in another container and also add the Original SOS Pump Hydration Mask or another of your choice and mix well. Apply the lock to lock the hair and let it act for 20 minutes. Then rinse and finish as usual.

From SalonLine BR
you will need Google Translator for this site

Seeking better hair health? Start at the scalp. Michelle Blaisure, product and technical specialist for Bosley Professional Strength, stresses the importance of a solid background on scalp health, since the scalp skin is the “soil” from which hair grows. “Salon professionals are often the first line of defense when it comes to common scalp issues that can contribute to hair thinning and loss,” Blaisure explains. “They’re given some basic information about scalp issues, such as dry scalp and dandruff, during cosmetology training, so they should be able to recognize some of the more common problems.”

The Importance of ID

Bridgette Hill, aka “The Scalp Therapist,” notes that stylists can address superficial scalp abnormalities, but they should also work in tandem with medical pros—a trichologist, dermatologist or doctor. “Simply by seeing and feeling the scalp, stylists can communicate any changes to clients and aid in identifying their historical scalp/hair routines and habits,” Hill details. “It would be irresponsible to expect the salon professional to medically identify, diagnose or treat conditions of the skin and scalp, but the stylist can present proper scalp analysis and incorporate scalp care to aid in prevention and maintain the health of the clients’ scalp and hair.” Alternatively, Blaisure adds, for more in-depth knowledge—or to specialize in hair and scalp health—trichology certification is a great option.

In reality, a licensed cosmetologist can treat only two scalp conditions in a salon setting once a condition has been diagnosed: dandruff and mild seborrheic dermatitis. “Always put on gloves if you suspect any kind of scalp lesion or debris as some scalp conditions are highly contagious, and practice proper state- issued sanitation rules and regulations,” Hill advises. “While all other conditions must be managed by a dermatologist or medical professional, a stylist should acknowledge any changes in the client’s scalp and hair and engage in proper consultations to address any concern in its infancy before it can become a larger threat to the overall scalp and hair health.” For example, is the client complaining of a scaly, sore or itchy scalp? Are these symptoms visible to the naked eye?

Tony Odisho, president and CEO of Tony Odisho Extensions, agrees that part of the stylist’s job is to examine the scalp as the growing ground for healthy hair— looking for anything from potentially cancerous lesions to excess buildup. “We may see itching, flaking, scaling, allergic reactions or infections, and we may be able to recommend products such as clarifying or anti-dandruff shampoo in certain cases,” he says. “But it’s very important to build a relationship with a dermatologist so you can refer the client when you spot problems.”

Generally, Hill notes several scalp conditions to watch out for, and their symptoms:

• Dandruff: Skin cells of the scalp shed at a faster rate than normal, creating buildup.
• Seborrheic dermatitis: Occurring in oily skin areas other than just the scalp, symptoms are itchiness, as well as scaly, red skin that may occur with dandruff.
• Psoriasis: Look for bright pink, inflamed skin covered with silvery scales (which may bleed if the scales are removed).
• Folliculitis: is is a contagious inflammation of the hair follicle.
• Fungal/bacterial ringworm. “Most medical scalp conditions relate more to general health and diet, but a contributing factor of some scalp ailments can be attributed to the products that the stylist uses on the client during chemical or styling services,” Hill says. “The stylist should do patch testing and incorporate proper scalp cleansing and exfoliation as pre-treatment services, while comprehensive consultations will assist a client in getting to the root of his or her scalp issues and can allow the salon pro to guide the client to consult with a trichologist or dermatologist if needed.”

Root Causes

Hill notes that abnormal hair and scalp conditions can be caused by one or a combination of factors: Genetics, lifestyle, diet, styling habits, environment, health, stress, hormones, and medications may all play a role. For severe problems medical testing may be required, while some issues can be tamed in-salon with treatments that encourage more circulation in the scalp, plus proper shampooing so that the scalp is being properly cleansed and balanced, Hill says. “Because scalp health is a affected by a combination of factors, it’s often challenging to isolate one particular cause,” she adds.

However, Hill outlines some possible causes of various scalp conditions:

• Dandruff: overgrowth of yeast, stress, hormones, excess oil on the scalp, immune system illnesses
• Seborrheic dermatitis: overgrowth of yeast, fatty/poor diet, stress, winter weather
• Psoriasis: bacterial or viral infections, dry air (often worse in winter), injury to skin, stress, excess alcohol consumption, weakened immune system
• Folliculitis: viruses, bacteria, inflammation of ingrown hairs
• Fungal/bacterial (contagious): pets, warm weather environments that create more wetness on the scalp

Odisho, for example, witnesses a definite uptick in dryness amid the fluctuating weather at his Chicago-based salon, while tress-taming ingredients like keratin or silicones can clog the scalp. “Scalp problems can be due to a variety of circumstances, such as the use of harsh chemicals; infrequent shampooing and overuse of dry shampoos; stress; autoimmune disorders; a poor diet lacking in vital nutrients; and environmental factors such as pollution, dry/cold weather and sun damage,” Blaisure explains. “Or the client may simply be genetically predisposed to certain scalp conditions, like eczema.” If a client is experiencing a scalp problem or hair loss, Blaisure recommends questioning the client to help determine the source of the issue and contributing factors, which can provide the stylist with information that can help her make a recommendation—e.g., an anti-dandruff shampoo, different hair products, reducing chemical processes, or seeing a medical pro for a diagnosis.

Talk Therapy

As Blaisure notes, experts agree that conversation is critical—but when it’s time to have that talk with clients, stylists may feel intimidated. How can you approach the topic in a helpful way? “Sometimes stylists are more concerned about making a client comfortable than actually solving problems,” Odisho admits. “But many clients are more likely to confide in their stylist than a doctor, so with the proper education and verbiage, stylists can feel more comfortable.”

Indeed, Hill recommends engaging with the client and making time to scan the client’s scalp and hair prior to every appointment. “Ask questions: ‘Have you noticed or experienced any changes in your scalp and hair since our last appointment?’” she advises. “When seasons change, that’s a great opportunity to inquire about any at-home hair routine changes.” Additionally, if you notice a severe issue (think bleeding or scaly patches), acknowledge what you see and ask, “Have you felt any changes in sensitivity or tenderness on your scalp?” Identify areas of concern and suggest dermatological care in severe cases.

Blaisure agrees that a consultation is the first step toward treatment— especially with a new client. “ is can be as simple as saying, ‘Tell me about your hair; have you had any challenges?’” she says. “This can easily lead into discussing what the stylist sees.” Meanwhile, with a regular client, Blaisure recommends taking advantage of that established relationship to bring up any issues with the scalp or hair, and then making recommendations based on the client’s responses.

Targeted Solutions

Naturally, the proper solutions to a scalp issue depend on the causes. Hill outlines the following possible treatments for various scalp conditions:

• Dandruff: frequent shampooing; anti-​dandruff shampoos containing selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, sulfur, coal tar or zinc; reducing stress and fats in the diet (such as chocolate and cheese)
• Seborrheic dermatitis: Anti- inflammatory, antiseptic prescriptions; frequent shampooing; medical prescriptions; a shampoo with the ingredients mentioned for dandruff
• Psoriasis: Requires medical care (possibly topical and/or oral prescriptions); frequent shampooing; or a shampoo with the ingredients mentioned for dandruff
• Folliculitis or fungal/bacterial causes: Requires medical care with oral and/or topical prescriptions 

However, note that some conditions can look similar, such as dry scalp and dandruff. “With both, we see dry flaking on the scalp, but dandruff is due to a fungal overgrowth, whereas dry scalp is often due to a lack of moisture or oil in the skin,” Blaisure explains. “If it itches and has been ongoing, it may be dandruff, and recommending an anti-dandruff shampoo would be a solution; if it’s dry scalp, using a moisturizing conditioner or scalp oil can help alleviate the dryness.”

On the other hand, Blaisure adds, if the problems are caused by chemical services or products, the client may want to reduce the use of chemicals, cut down the use of problem-causing products or switch the product regimen altogether. “Cleansing the scalp on a regular basis is always recommended—shampooing at least once a week, if not more, especially if your client is experiencing scalp issues,” Blaisure says. “When the scalp is not cleansed on a regular basis, bacteria can build up along with debris and cause inflammation on the scalp, which can lead not only to scalp problems but also to hair loss.”

Still, Hill warns, some of the proven active ingredients in those scalp treatments may have adverse affects on the hair fabric, creating a challenge for the stylist. “ is is where a certified trichologist can assist: understanding ingestibles, topicals and scalp therapies that can offer scalp relief as well as maintain the integrity of the hair,” Hill notes. “For any client who suffers from scalp conditions, use soothing salves and oils designed for sensitive scalps, and create barriers before chemical treatments.”These products are also ideal for pre-treatments before shampooing.

Finally, clients with chronic scalp issues should be encouraged to maintain minimal-heat, low-tension hairstyling routines so as not to worsen any present conditions. Hill notes that most scalp conditions can only be controlled (versus completely healed), but stylists can offer preventive scalp services and treatments to keep domes properly exfoliated and cleansed, which assists in managing proper cellular turnover while keeping the hair follicle nutrient-rich.
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This information is from LaunchPad