The Truth About Your Cut, Style, and What Your Stylist Thinks About Your Hair

We all want great hair, and it starts with a haircut. You may bring in a photo, or describe what you want in your hairstyle to a "T", but are your expectations for a new look on par with what your hair can actually do? Does the celebrity style that you've been coveting match up with amount of time that you're willing to spend on your hair? Here are 11 things to consider, and points that your stylist likely won't say out loud, before you go in for your next haircut.

1.  Great Hair Takes Work. Sorry. 
On some level, if you want your hair to look good it's going to take some work. Unless you have perfect hair, with great body, beautiful thickness, and absolutely no issues whatsoever, you will need to do something with your hair to make it look like that photo you brought in. By the way, I'm pretty sure that the aforementioned perfect hair doesn't really exist.

2.  Surprise! Celebrities Have Hair Just Like You 
Celebrities are born just as human as you and me, with one exception when it comes to hair. Celebrities hire teams of stylists, use extensions, wigs, top of the line hair products and processes that cost a fortune. Unless you're willing to pay those kind of prices, it's probably not realistic to have celebrity perfect hair everyday.

3.  You Want Wash and Go Hair? Me too. 
The truth is, very few people on this planet have wash and go hair. Many people look like they do (like the girl you work with whose hair is perfect all day long), but they have to work at it. They experiment with the right shampoo, get regular haircuts, try out new styling techniques, and they probably use product in their hair. By the way, we all secretly hate the girl with the perfect all day hair. It's okay.

4.  You Need to Use Hair Products 
If you don't want to use product in your hair, don't expect your hair to look like you did. Have you ever noticed how many products your stylist uses during your haircut/blowout? If you're still using Panteen ProV and Aqua net, it's time to find out why professional products are superior and will actually help you achieve salon hair everyday. Bottom line: new professional products are awesome and could give you a brand new appreciation for your hair. 

5.  You're Using That Product Wrong 
Just because you're using product, doesn't mean you're using it right. If you're one of those girls that have been using the same product you used 10 years ago (it's okay, you don't have to admit it out loud), it is time for a change. Ask for advice on your hair products, and implement that advice at home. If your product isn't working out, ask to exchange your product for something that will work for you. 

6.  Change is Good. Embrace Change. 
If you ask for a new look, but style your hair the same way you always have, you will likely not be happy with your hair's result. In fact, it will probably look like it always did. A haircut is simply the foundation to a great look. Styling is key. Ask your stylist for advice on properly styling your new cut. 

7.  If at First You Don't Succeed, Try Try Again 
Practice makes perfect. Try new things with your hair and re-try them when you don't get it right the first time. Trust me, even hairstylist have a hard time blowing out their own hair, and it takes some skill to learn to curl your hair with a flat iron. Rome wasn't built in a day, neither is great hair.

8.  You're Asking for the Impossible 
Have real expectations with your hair. If you're only willing to put 5 minutes of styling into a hair style that should require 30 minutes, expect your hair to look that way. Ask your stylist to help you choose a look that matches the level of effort that you're willing to put in and that matches your hair's texture.

9.  Long Hair Takes More Work 
The more hair you have, the more time it will take to style. Which is a real drag if you were "blessed" with ridiculously thick hair, but it's just a truth that you have to accept.

10.  Your Hair is Different Now, Deal With It 
A salon chair is not a time machine. Hair changes over time as we age, just like our skin and our rear ends. It sucks, but we can only realistically work with the present condition of your hair. As much as you'd love to have your hair look the way it did 15 or 20 years ago, you will be much happier if you work with what you have, at the present moment, instead of focusing on what you once had.

11.  Your Hairstylist Ain't Happy Unless You're Happy 
Your hairstylist sincerely wants you to look good and feel good about your hair. You represent her talent, experience, skill, and her good name. We honestly stress about your hair, and we want you to feel good about it. We want you to love it, to tell your friends about it, and to come back in six weeks with enthusiasm about it. If you don't love it, talk to your stylist about it. And if you do love it, tell her about that, too.

​This article first appeared on About Style

Summertime… and the grooming is easy! Now the sun has returned, there’s something very enticing about ditching the dryer and letting Mother Nature style your strands… until you catch your reflection two hours later and see you’ve morphed into a less-than-fabulous floozy of frizz.

Well, not on our watch. We’ve been on the phone with some of the best hairdressers in the UK – we’ve dubbed them the Layered Air Force on this mission – to quiz them on fighting the frizz while letting our lengths get waved by the wind. Their top tips on air-drying like a boss follow – step away from the irons (for now) and learn the essentials. Air Force DONE!

Throw in the towel

“Drying your hair with the same type of towel you used on your body can damage the hair cuticle, leading to frizz and unwanted knots,” reveals Steve Rowbottom, creative director at Yorkshire salon group Westrow. “Instead, use a soft microfibre towel and gently press it against the hair.”

Forget me knots

After removing any excess moisture from your hair, use a wide-toothed comb to brush out the tangles. “Remember to start in small sections at the bottom of your hair and work your way up, which is much more gentle on the hair,” says Westrow’s Steve Rowbottom.

Don’t go naked

To get the best results when air-drying hair, products are key and the only fighting chance you have of preventing air dried hair from becoming frizzy. “Products will also help create the right type of movement in air-dried hair,” advises Matthew Curtis, who works at New York and London Fashion Weeks and has possibly some of the most gorgeous salons in the UK.

Try a new-gen air drying product straight from the salon

“There are great new products that cater to air drying you hair,” admits Jonathan Long from Lockonego London. He points to Redken’s new No Blow Dry range, which includes three air dry creams and launches in June. We can also recommend Bumble and bumble’s Don’t Blow It (h)air styler – a new version for thicker hair is launching in June, too.

Do the twist

If your hair is naturally wavy or curly, try a technique called twist drying. This involves twisting hair with fingers and mousse, crème or a sea salt spray to manipulate the natural shape. “For a more textured finish, twist small sections tightly, and for gentler waves, twist larger sections more loosely,” says Matthew Curtis. “A favourite product of mine is label.m Soufflé, as it’s so versatile – you can use it both pre- and post air-drying.”

Angel Montague-Sayers, from Sally Montague in Derbyshire and Cloud Nine ambassador, also recommends twisting large sections of your hair around your fingers with a styling cream that has a light hold – she suggests Tecni.ART Spiral Splendour from L’Oréal Professionnel. “This product helps to encourage any curl/wave/movement your hair may have,” she says, “and remember to twist the two front sections away from your face.” For this to work, your hair should NOT be dripping wet, and you’ll need to leave the twists to stay while they dry (Angel also recommends gently tying these up into an Invisibobble while they’re drying).

“Or do what I do, which is to blast the heaters on in your car on the way to work! When your hair is dry; simply tip your head upside down and shake out with your fingertips…”. We’ve also heard of one hairdresser winding all the windows down in her car when driving to work to get the air doing its thang!

Treat AND scrunch

If your hair has a natural texture and it’s long, choose a blow dry balm/serum or curl form serum through the hair, then mix it with some treatment, such as a conditioning hair masque. “Rub together and scrunch all over the hair,” suggests Darren Ambrose, co-founder of D&J Ambrose in Pinner. “Shake it out so the structure falls into place, then either twist random areas around your fingers to enhance the shape, or loosely plait the hair until dry and then shake out for a more boho feel.” A plait you say? Well, read on…

Plaits and buns are your friends

“For the perfect wave, apply Revlon Professional Style Masters Volume Amplifier Mousse and twist your hair loosely into a bun on top of your hair,” says Anne Veck, founder of Anne Veck Salons. “While your hair air-dries, it will create a natural wave.”

Matthew Curtis uses his fiancé as a perfect example of the power of the plait: “She’ll towel dry as much moisture out as possible then run Kérastase Bouffant Mousse through the lengths before quickly French plaiting her hair loosely down the middle of her head and all down the back,” he explains. “Once she arrives at work, she’ll shake this out and be left with a lovely soft wave. She may need to style a couple of bits with serum and hairspray, which she keeps in her bag, but the overall look is always effortless and cool.”

Get slicker than your average

You could just embrace the wet look and work it into your style – it was a huge trend at Fashion Week (just check out the Kenzo and Givenchy shows if you don’t believe us). For this, you can use a good hair oil, such as the classic Moroccanoil, and work into your damp hair for some nourishment, then use a wet look gel (such as Windle & Moodie Thickening Cream or L’Oréal Techni.ART Glue) on top to set it all in place. “Using your wide-tooth comb, pull your hair back off your face and behind your ears,” says Jennifer Linton and Jaye Macdonald, Co-Directors, Linton & Mac, Aberdeen. “The gel will set it in place and you won’t need to fret about frizz, as long as you leave it alone.” This finish is F-I-E-R-C-E with a bold lipgloss (we love Punch by High Definition) or some statement vintage earrings.

Life’s a beach

Oh beach spray, let us count the ways we love thee! The Daddy of all these summer BFFs is the iconic Bumble and bumble Salt Spray, but if your hair is bleached or dry, look out for one that’s got a little more TLC in it, such as its savvy sister Surf Infusion, which is an oil-and-salt-infused spray. For a little texture and hold, try L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.ART Beach Waves, which helps create sexy, tousled waves with a natural-looking matte finish. Simply spray on then scrunch to create perfect beach hair.

Sleep on it

If you’re after Instagram-ready un-done waves, try braiding your hair loosely or wrapping hair in a bun on the top of your head… the night before! This will also stop hair from getting knotted in the night. “In the morning, just release hair and rake your fingers through gently to blend the sections together,” says Westrow’s Steve. Et voila!

Ask your hairdresser for tips – they know!

“If you want to learn more ways to dry your own hair, ask a reputable hair salon if you can attend a training night where the assistants are educated in drying techniques,” suggests Matthew Curtis. “You’ll hear the processes explained step by step, and can take this away to use in your own styling regime.”

Indeed, at salon-of-the-moment Larry King, is running personalised air dry tutorials to coincide with the launch of Redken’s No Blow Dry range, so book in for a personalised masterclass from June.

OK, use your hairdryer – but this is just a little cheat!

“For straighter hair, blast your roots upside-down for a minute or two,” suggests Joe Hemmings at Bloggs Salons in Bristol. “Just lifting the hair off your scalp will help with root lift.”

And one final warning… fingers can be your foes!

Frizz is often caused by your fingers, pulling through hair or playing with it too much. So, remember to sit on your hands every time you want to touch your hair!

This article first appeared on LAYERED

Summer is upon us! A time when your hair needs to look it’s very best and a season to let go of the perfect, sleek hairdos and embrace that loose, natural look.

But have you ever thought about the effects the sun has on your hair and scalp? Just as the sun damages your skin, it can damage your hair and scalp, too.

SO now it’s time to learn how to protect your hair from the heat, the sun, and the humidity without turning it into an endless battle this summer!

Why Protect Your Hair from the Sun?

Your hair gets harmed in many different ways during summer like overexposure to the sun’s harmful rays, sweat and spending too much time in chlorinated water AKA swimming pools.

Here are 3 common reasons:

1. You may have healthy hair almost all year around, but when it comes to summer, your hair may turns limp and lifeless. This happens because of the burning sun (it dries out the hair straws) and high humidity (makes your hair fall flat).
2. Sweat and dust increase hair problems like dandruff and split ends. Worst case scenario is hair fall.
3. Summers can be harsh on your scalp too, causing dryness and sunburn. Some people believe that hair protects the scalp, but that’s actually not the case. In the end, dry scalp can damage your hair roots.

So the question is: How do you protect that crowning glory of yours? Well, let’s take a look…

1. Start Summer with a Trim or Cut
Whether you have long or short hair, the summer weather can make the ends of your hair dry and brittle – and that’s certainly not good-looking.

Summer is the ideal time to give yourself a new haircut or opt for regular trims that will keep your hair in good condition and reduce the risk of split ends, and bring back life to your hair.

2. Care for Your Colour
If you have colour-treated hair, you would want to take extra care during the summer. Chemical treatments can lead to colour fading, maximum damage and hair dryness. Look for hair care products that are specially made for colour-treated hair.

If you want to change your hair colour during the summer, do it a month or two before the sun hits hard. However, if you have recently coloured your hair, try to avoid too much sun – especially when it peaks.

3. Use Conditioner
While the sun is drying out your hair, make sure you help restore some moisture and life in it by using a solid conditioner. Get one that suits your hair type and texture.

If you are going for a swim, apply a thin layer of coconut oil or conditioner in your hair before swimming to protect it. The silicones in the conditioner will keep chlorine and other chemicals away from your hair. 

4. Shampoo with Care
Shampooing your hair every day is not recommendable. A good rinse in cold or lukewarm water will do the trick on days where you don’t use shampoo. 

If your hair gets greasy and sweaty easily and you feel the need to shampoo every day, go for a mild shampoo. Shampoo mainly on the scalp, not the hair, and as you wash your hair, the shampoo will rinse down cleaning up your hair too.

5. Avoid Heat & Use Heat Protection
The sun is already heating your hair, so avoid tools like flat irons and blow dryers as much as you can. Go slow on the blow dryer, and if required, wash your hair half an hour earlier so it has time to air-dry.

If you use a blow dryer, set on a low or a medium temperature and remember to use heat protection.

6. Overnight Hair Treatment
To make your locks totally ready for summer, an overnight hair treatment is a simple method. All you need to do is apply a leave-in conditioner and wrap a towel around your hair overnight. When you wake up in the morning your hair will be soft and not frizzy at all!

7. Dry Wash
Your hair is greasy and oily, and you feel shampoo is a MUST?

Then shift to Dry-shampoos. It does a good job soaking up excess oil (sebum) without causing your scalp to produce even more. It’s also a great timesaver in the morning.

8. Sun Protection 
The best way to screen hair from the sun is wearing a hat, cap or scarf. If that’s not to your liking, then make sure you use a leave-in conditioner with sunscreen.

9. Going For Swim?
…Did you know, that swimming beats up your hair, too. In a swimming pool chlorine strips your hair of its natural protective oils. And a dip in the ocean stresses your hair in a different way. The heavy salt content in seawater draws water out of your hair and skin. What to do about it?

Check out this: MUST KNOW: How to protect your hair from the pool water

10. Use a Wide Tooth Comb
Instead of brushing your hair with a regular hair brush, use a wide tooth comb. This will avoid pulling your hair making it more susceptible to breaking.

Secret tips

There are lots of different, crazy and epic homemade ways to treat your hair, so to make your hair stay excellent during the summer season you can do more than one thing, for example…

Vinegar as an extra treatment:

Rinse your hair in vinegar before you apply shampoo. This will make your hair appear cleaner and shinier and it’s a good way to treat dandruff as well. Go for organic apple cider vinegar. 

Egg & Mayo to remove dry and damaged hair:

Eggs are rich in protein and help to recover damaged hair. Take ¼ cup of plain yogurt, ¼ cup of mayonnaise, and 1 egg white. Mix the ingredients and apply it to your hair. Leave it for 30 minutes and rinse it off with water.

This article first appeared on SLIKHAAR

Hair-loss prevention is often less of a focus than treating thinning or loss that is already advanced; but MODERN SALON’s exclusive HAIR+ research shows clients want to know their options before they start losing hair, and though consumers are concerned about hair loss, they’re not sure who to turn to for information.

Read More >>>