HAIR FAQ

Consistently educating our clients!

Despite making routine trips to the hair salon for regular trims, color touch-ups, and style changes, many are still in the dark when it comes to a lot of basic hair knowledge such as How many times should I be shampooing a week? What products are right for me? What hairstyle suits my face shape? I am sure your questions are seemingly endless.

As much as you love picking our brains as we cut, colour, and blow-dry your hair, sometimes you don’t always have time to pay a visit to the salon just to get a few hair questions answered. In those moments, allow me to share some of the most common questions I get from years of doing clients and give you some answers.

Keep reading to have all of your most burning hair inquiries answered by a professional.

If your question isn’t answered below, please feel free to call or email me.

 

Can I bring inspiration pictures of what I want?

Hairdressers are very visual and I love it if you would bring pictures of the looks you are wanting to achieve. I also have pictures in the salon for you to be inspired by. The pictures will give me a clear idea of the look you are going for, then we can give you options based on your current hair color, hair condition and facial features and complexion.

Pictures are for references, not exact replicas

One of the hardest things to get across to clients is the fact that bringing in a photo of a celebrity doesn’t guarantee your hair will come out exactly like that celebrity. Photos are great for getting an idea of what you may want your hair to look like, but you shouldn’t expect it to come out identical. Realistically everyone’s hair is different, including the undertone colors, so leniency is always appreciated.

I will approach the reference photos carefully because sometimes clients do have unrealistic expectations. So, I will take a good look at the style or colour and let you know honestly whether your hair type would produce the similar results. If not, I will let you know how your results may be different, so you are not unpleasantly shocked after all the work is done.

What shape is my face?

If you’ve ever found yourself staring far too long into the mirror trying to determine “Is my face oval? Diamond? Square? Heart? Oblong? Round?” you’re not alone. However, the answer isn’t that simple. Very few of us are naturally one of these shapes through and through. Most of our face shapes are made of different pieces from each put together.

To help you get to the bottom of this question, think of your face as being broken down into three sections both vertically and horizontally. The vertical breakdown will show us what part’s of our face is the longest, looking at the hairline to the top of the cheekbones, the cheekbones to the jawline, and the jawline to the chin. The same thing goes when we look at the horizontal breakdown of our face. Between the top, middle, and bottom portions, which is the widest, middle and skinniest?

Be aware that sometimes the haircuts that you see trending online won’t always work for your face shape, which is why it’s helpful to determine what yours is before getting a cut at a salon consultation.

How healthy is my hair/scalp?

It’s important to answer this question honestly and accurately. As a hairdresser, I need to be able to assess the health of your scalp and hair in order to provide you with the best advice on how to take care of it.

I will be doing a comprehensive consultation where I will be doing a full hair and scalp inspection, check for signs of scalp conditions, damage such as split ends or brittleness and your colour history as well as Inquire about your current hair care range, heat tools you use and routine. We get all the details to make sure I give you your ideal results and the care you need.

Is scalp health really as important as people say?

Yes – scalp health is the industry secret for better, healthier hair. Did you know the skin on your scalp is the same as the skin on your face? Making an effort to care for your scalp will help you to grow healthier hair. One of the simplest ways to improve your scalp health is to use the right products for your hair. Anything too drying can wreak havoc with your scalp. I can help determine which products are going to be good for your scalp. If you have scalp conditions like dandruff or psoriasis, I have specialist in salon treatments and products to manage it.

 

I don’t like chemicals; do you have an alternative option?

I personally don’t like chemicals either and that’s why I chose Kinessence no ammonia vegan colour. Just mention that you would like me to use this colour. If chemicals are still a concern you also have the option of foils. With this option the color is contained in the foils, therefore, no chemicals are touching your scalp.

Is it worth investing a lot of money on shampoo and conditioner?

Yes and no. It all comes down to your budget and your priorities. While there’s a huge difference in the quality of ingredients of professional hair products vs other hair brands in the super market, it pays more to use haircare suited specifically to your hair type. While it’s absolutely worth investing in a professional haircare brand, also take the time to speak to a professional who can advise you on the products you should be using for the best results.

If you colour your hair, should you use a colour-specific shampoo?

Absolutely. Using a specific colour formula will not only help prolong your colour and reduce colour fade but will also condition and protect your hair. If you have highlights, try to use a product that’ll keep your colour looking fresher for longer and that rebuilds and repairs your hair. The better your hair condition, the better your colour will look and last.

Should you shampoo twice or is this a myth?

This isn’t a myth – you should always shampoo twice. Doing two smaller shampoos is actually far more effective than doing just one with more product. When cleansing twice, the first shampoo will remove oil, dirt and product build-up while the second shampoo will get to work on the area it’s designed for, such as smoothing, repairing or moisturising the scalp.

How often should I wash my hair?

To wash or not to wash, that is the question. This completely depends on your hair type, scalp condition, the type of products your using also considering your needs. You should always listen to your hair and what it asks of you. Meaning, if your hair gets oily you may need to wash it more; if it’s on the drier side, you can probably wash less.

Some people love to wash their hair daily but I caution you not to because it can throw off the natural balance of your scalp, unless you go to the gym or get especially sweaty during the day — then it’s fine. Otherwise consider looking at using a light dry shampoo in between washing.

Curly hair is an exception to this rule. You should limit washing your hair with shampoo as much as you can, no more than twice a week due to being naturally dry and requiring as much moisture as possible. I always like to recommend you brush your hair before shampooing not only to detangle and stimulate hair growth, but to activate the oils on your scalp which is your natural conditioner for your hair to nourish the ends of your hair. It’s also beneficial if you have an oily scalp as you are stimulating the oils beforehand rather during when you are rubbing your scalp while shampooing. This reduces oiliness therefore you are oil free for longer. I recommend on shampooing twice. Doing two smaller shampoos (one pump or 50c piece of shampoo per wash) is actually far more effective than doing just one with more product. When cleansing twice, the first shampoo will remove oil, dirt and product build-up while the second shampoo will get to work on the area it’s designed for, such as smoothing, repairing or moisturising the scalp.

Everyone’s hair is different, so what works for one person may not work for you. Asking me about the best routine for your particular hair type and texture is invaluable. I will be able to assess your hair and tell you how often you should be washing it.

Am I losing my hair?

It’s normal to lose on average 50 to 150 hairs a day, but hair loss at levels higher than that is something that many people face. That’s why it probably comes as no surprise this question is by far one of the most common ones Throughout the course of the day, we lose many that we don’t see, whether in the shower, a brush, or simply falling aside out of our way, However, this can become a bit more shocking if we wear our hair up for a day or two and don’t brush our hair in between. With two days of wearing our hair up, when we finally take it down, we are looking at upwards of 300+ hairs that haven’t been removed through routine brushing. This can lead to what seems like an unhealthy amount of hair falling out all at once, but it’s perfectly normal.

There are a few factors that can impact your body’s natural hair growth and shedding phases. One thing to consider is the weather. It is common to see cycles of this occur during changes in the weather and temperature. Many of us seem to shed more hair during the warmer months, as there is better blood flow and circulation to every part of our body (including our hair follicles), resulting in a renewal of hair growth cycles. Your diet can also affect your hair’s growth. If you’re not getting enough nutrients from foods you can experience slower growth. Make sure that you are getting a well-balanced diet and consider supplementing with fish oil, vitamin E, and biotin to maintain healthy hair, skin, and nails.”

There are other various reasons for hair loss that include:

Hereditary-family history of alopecia increases the risk

Hormonal changes-imbalances caused by pregnancy or menopause could lead to hair loss

Medical conditions such as scalp infections, diabetes, lichen planus, lupus, sarcoidosis, hair-pulling disorder, an autoimmune disorder. Be sure to have a health check.

Medications such as cancer drugs, intake of Vitamin A

Stressful experiences such as sudden weight loss, surgery, high fever, loss of loved one, divorce, work related can trigger hair loss

Age – more common among older people, Poor nutrition, Medical conditions such as diabetes, lupus, extreme low Iron levels increases hair shedding and limits hair growth.

What’s the biggest mistake people make when shampooing their hair?

It sounds obvious, but so many people don’t properly wet their entire head before applying shampoo – failing to do this will mean your shampoo won’t lather properly and won’t do its job. As well as thoroughly wetting your hair, always use around a 50c piece of shampoo, spreading over your hair from root to tips, then using your fingertips in large circular movement start to lather your shampoo moving across your whole head. Always focus on the scalp – so many people forget this.

And what about conditioner – how much should you use?

Again, this is something so many people get wrong. As with any haircare product, it’s always best to use a conditioner that’s suited to your hair – anything too heavy can weigh it down and anything too light may result in frizz. Always apply your conditioner on clean, damp hair (if your hair is long, put your hair in a low pony and squeeze as much of the water out as possible). If your hair is too wet the conditioner will just slide straight off wasting product. Always work the product through the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. Always comb through to ensure that all your hair has been covered and detangled before gently rinsing.

The most common colouring mistake I come across?

Colouring your hair at home is the biggest mistake you can make. Salon professional colour and home box colour are completely different formulations – there’s a reason professionals don’t use them. I’ve seen so many examples of people trying to colour their hair at home only to have to come to a salon to get the colour corrected. If you’re on a budget, there are ways to have low maintenance but beautiful colour, so speak to me before reaching for an at-home colour kit.

What color should I dye my hair?

A colour consultation would be beneficial to discover the best colour suited to your complexion, eye colour, whether your a cool or warm tone, maintenance level and life-style.  If you are new to colour we can start with a colour gloss semi-permanent or some baby high-lights 2-3 shades lighter than your natural hair colour to ease your way into a subtle change.

If you are really not sure, go to a place where you can try on wigs with the color that you’re aiming for and if you like the look take a picture and take it to your consultation. If you decide you want a temporary change just buy the wig and have some fun with it. You’ll get an easy ‘dye job” without the hassle, damage, or surprises — that’s a win-win.

Is it true a cold rinse can make your hair shinier?

Yes – a cooler rinse closes the hair cuticle and can make your scalp feel more refreshed and smooth the cuticle down, helping your hair look shinier. Using conditioner is also crucial for shinier hair, remember, the more nourished and moisturised your hair is, the shinier it’ll be.

How often should you really get your hair cut?

Keep in mind that hair grows at an average rate of about 1 to 2.5cm a month.

If you have a short hairstyle, you might want to consider getting it cut more frequently. Short hair loses its shape quickly because it lies perfectly around the head shape, allowing it to accentuate features specifically where it rests.

The six to eight-week rule stands for everyone, regardless of your hair type. Having a regular cut will keep your ends strong and healthy. Un-trimmed and uncared-for hair is more at risk of breakage, split ends, thin brittle ends so in the long-run you’ll need to cut more off than if you had regular trims. Long hair, on the other hand, can go a little longer without a trim — as long as it’s healthy. If you’re trying to grow your hair extend the time to every 10-12 weeks with weekly home moisture & protein treatments and monthly professional intensive deluxe treatments in the salon.  Please note: The only way to heal split ends is to cut them off. I have a cutting technique that will cut them off without loosing your hair length. Products will only manage them and improve their appearance by giving the illusion of smooth and polished results. Make a plan with me and then simply follow through with it.

Any hacks for waking up with less frizz and fluffy hair?

Use a silk pillowcase – they make a world of difference.

Thanks to silk’s super smooth texture, hair glides over it without any friction which means you’ll be less likely to wake up with frizzy hair, tangles, or bedhead, whereas cotton can snag hair and mess it up into a nest of tangles overnight. Sleeping on silk is a secret that women with textured and curly hair have been using for years to keep styles like braids and blowouts preserved for longer without adding frizz. Reduces breakage and split ends but won’t prevent it. Silk pillowcases can decrease wrinkles and improve the appearance of skin’s hydration, which can make you look more youthful but it’s not anti-aging. Thanks to that super-smooth texture, this is actually true. Silk’s smoothness “means it’s less able to absorb moisture from skin keeping skin nice and hydrated. This is also the case for hair. So, if you have dry hair or scalp this will be perfect for you. Just don’t expect magical results. It’s a tool to manage your hair. Not ready to splurge on a true silk pillowcase, but still want all of those great skin and hair perks? “A faux silk case (usually made of polyester) should still give you the smoothness benefits. It may not feel as luxurious as real silk, but it’ll be easier to clean and more durable.

How long will my blow-dry last and how can I extend It?

I get it, you have made a big investment at the hair salon to get a perfect blow-dry and you want to get the most time out of it as possible. A salon blow-dry can actually last quite a long time if you care for it properly up to 4 days. The first step to making your blow-dry last days and days is to leave it alone. You should avoid sweating, so don’t spend the day outside if it’s hot and humid, and don’t go to the gym for an intense workout. Avoid touching your hair with your fingers to ensure your follicles stay as clean and oil-free as possible. Try to avoid adding more product to it like serums and hairspray.

Once your hair does hit that inevitable oily stage, it’s time to reach for some dry shampoo. Changing your hair part, restyling the face-framing roots at the hairline, and backcombing the crown will also help. When it comes to sleeping, create a Semi-loose space buns (make sure to tuck those ends carefully to avoid kinks) are a great way to preserve your curls. For those that have a beautiful, straight blow-dry they want to preserve, flat wrapping your hair in a silk scarf is the way to go. Otherwise use a silk pillow case to keep your hair smooth and tangle free. When you wake up you could lightly go over the top layers of your hair with a straightener to smooth any fly aways.

Is dry shampoo bad for the hair?

Not always. Dry shampoo can be a lifesaver, but it’s important not to over-use it as some formulas will just lie on the scalp, causing blocked follicles, which can lead to scalp problems and hair loss in the long run. Instead use one that is light and it works like blotting paper to remove excess oil and refresh the scalp.

What’s better – hair oil or serum?

Neither – they’re completely different products. It depends on what your priority is. A hair oil is all about condition, nourishment and deep penetration into the hair shaft like Argan oil (can be applied wet or dry), whereas a serum is more of a styling product applied only on dry hair. A serum can make the hair feel more nourished, but they usually have more of a cosmetic result, such as smoothing and taming the hair for a smoother look.

My hair is burnt. What should I do?

Unfortunately, this is something that can happen when using heat tools daily or the temperature is too high when styling. The solution is to reduce or avoid further heat styling until your hair has been treated with in salon professional nourishing moisture and strengthening protein treatments, specialised products to help repair your damaged hair. I would also like to emphasise the importance of using heat protection products prior to any future heat styling, in order to prevent further damage. I also recommend weekly home treatments to maintain the health of your hair.

How can you protect your hair in the summer?

Always make sure you use products with both UVA and UVB filters in them – these are the rays that can damage the hair, triggering colour fade, dryness, damage and the breakdown of keratin. Try to treat your hair as you do your skin when in the sun, so use a UV spray before and during sun exposure as well as a deep-conditioning treatment come evening. Use good professional products that are great for repairing and moisturising holiday hair. There are hair sheen’s designed to give a natural healthy shine through its unique formulation of ingredients. Hair Sheen is a perfect substitute for sebum (hair’s natural conditioner) often missing in dry or stressed hair types. It will not make hair oily, but will create a protective film against constant exposure to the sun’s damaging rays and other environmental pressures. It will help with protecting your hair from salt or chlorine water (it prevents your hair from going green from frequent swimming in the pool) it’s important to remember to wet and saturate your hair in a shower before entering the pool because your hair can only absorb and hold so much water hence reducing the likely hood of your hair going green and being damaged by the chlorine.

Will my colour fade quickly?

It is normal for colours to fade particularly if they have been applied to pre-lightened hair (hair that has been made lighter with bleach), or if the hair has been exposed to a lot of sunlight, sea water or chlorine. In such cases, colours need to be topped up every couple of weeks to refresh the colour and will become longer lasting with time. Also, the colour will last longer if you wash your hair once or twice per week, as opposed to washing your hair daily. It’s best to keep your hair protected by a sun hat or cap. Use a sodium chloride/sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners to extend the life of your colour. A dry shampoo maybe needed for those that go to the gym or do intensive exercise to stretch out shampooing their hair. It will absorb oil and help it keep fresh in between washing it.

How can I keep my blond hair from getting brassy?

Brassiness is a blonde’s number-one enemy.

Brassiness is caused by an overabundance of warm pigments in your hair. When you have your hair lightened, you’re removing the natural pigment to make room for the new colour. Everyone has underlying tones to their hair – the brassiness is actually those undertones creeping back in. Blonde hair in particular can go brassy very easily, particularly if it’s being lifted up from darker hair.

If you have naturally blonde hair, you’ll probably see yellow undertones. For darker blondes and brunettes, it’s an orange hue, and for dark hair, red.

Other factors that play a part in brassy hair are Chlorine, the sun’s UV rays and air pollution can also bring on those unwanted warm tones. Even the water coming out of your shower head can have an effect, particularly if there’s high levels of minerals, which can dry out your hair. Sometimes it’s the products you’re using – some have parabens and silicones in them that can build up on the hair strands and affect the colour. Your hormones and certain medications can also cause brassiness.

The best way to keep your hair from getting brassy is to use a purple-violet, blue silver pigmented, anti-brass shampoo and mask once a week. Get ultra-nourishing products that contain highly-concentrated violet pigments that neutralize and remove brassy and yellow undertones in your hair. After you apply each of these products, leave them on for two to five minutes before rinsing them out. You could also come into the salon for a gloss toner refresh in between your regular colour appointments as a longer lasting option.

What’s the one thing you can do for better hair?

Go bespoke. Our hair can have several needs: it can be dry and flat and coloured with an oily scalp, yet most people tend to use matching shampoos, conditioners and masks. I like to create the perfect product hair care plan personalised to you so it can be tailored to your routine and address all your needs at once. Just schedule a consultation so you can discover your perfect product combination.

Can I find you on social media?

Social media is a great way to stay connected with me you will get updates on any special offers and promotions

You can also check out more of my work and testimonials that may not be included within my website! Please kindly like or follow my Facebook or Instagram pages.

I really want to book you, but I am on a budget, what do I do?

Exact Quote & Budget Concerns

Quotes for all colour services will not be issued by email or via social media platforms. I am happy to provide a price guide after a detailed conversation over the phone and whilst I endeavour to provide accurate price guides over the phone, prices may vary following a face-to-face in-depth consultation in the salon.

Because it’s important that I serve you the best I can now and in the future. I’d love to hear what budget you have allocated for your hair services and home hair care products. I can potentially use smart and creative colour placement techniques to be able to work within your budget. This may look like perhaps reducing the amount of foils you have or delivering your hair services over two separate appointments weeks apart with in the month, but I’m confident I can achieve your hair goals while adhering to your budget and needs. I am genuinely here to help.

Once we’ve worked out the process of your colouring journey we can give you an exact quote and an estimated time frame.

Book in for a 30min. consultation today!

Shared Kind Words

When it came to choosing someone to do my hair for my wedding day I knew there was no one else who I would trust and would understand the unique style that I wanted to achieve. Totally against the bridal trend at the time, I showed Sandra a few pictures as I could never find the exact style I was after. I liked bits and pieces of a few styles. I had the picture in my mind but never found the exact picture to show her. It wasn’t until I had my trial and I looked in the mirror and that was the exact picture I had been looking for. I loved it; it was as though the hair reflected my own style and personality that Sandra had created just for me. Sandra even handmade hair accessories that I needed to create the style and give me just a little bit more length on the day. I look back now and look at my pictures and still love my hair, not to mention my husband commented on my hair as much as the dress!!!. My bridesmaids and flower girls turned out perfect, the girls loved their hair so much they slept in it and wore it to breakfast the next day! Thanks Sandra for your calmness and making my day the perfect picture that I wanted it to be.

Tamara

Sandra has been looking after my hair for many years now and of course there was no one else I would trust to style my hair and that of my bridesmaids on my Wedding Day.

I must express my utmost thanks to Sandra for going out of her way to help me – one week from the wedding I had a change of heart about my chosen hairstyle, yet she made time for me in her busy schedule, and we finally came up with a style that I wore on the day

On the day itself, Sandra arrived very early even though our wedding wasn’t until three-thirty in the afternoon. She made sure that all five of us, and one flower girl had plenty of time to prepare and that no one was rushing. I believe that this greatly impacted on my mood for the day – I was way too calm!

Both Sandra and the make-up artist were efficient and very professional, and operated as a highly organised team, with plenty of laughter and chatter to make sure that the experience was fun for all of us.

Our wedding photos speak for themselves! The hairstyles and makeup turned out much better than I had imagined – thank you!

Grace

“The peppermint aromatherapy treatment was heavenly and left my scalp and hair feeling fresh and clean. The hand massage also left me feeling very relaxed. The style cut really suited my hair and face shape. I was so pleased to finally find a hairdresser who could cut my uncontrollable curly hair. She really took into consideration the texture and condition of my hair and advised me on what products are best suited to taking care of my hair and made sure that I was able to re-create the same style at home. “
I highly recommend it for anyone wanting something special.

Grace

Hi Sandra, Thank you for your hard work on our big day. All us girls looked fabulous. Everyone was really happy with their hair and commented on how lovely, professional and talented you were. That morning was mad wasn’t it?! It started nice and peaceful…..then crescendo-ed to crazy. Your level headedness amongst it all was really appreciated. The day went off without a hitch and was great fun! It was great to meet you and get to know you. All the best for your business – I know you will be very successful. Thanks again! Cheers!

Fiona

As soon as I walked into the salon Sandra made me feel at ease and relaxed. I had chosen the “Treat Yourself Package” and was so impressed by the professionalism and knowledge that Sandra had with regards to identifying and treating my hair needs. The stimulating scalp brush and invigorating head massage was just what I needed to unwind after a busy week at work! Thanks Sandra for making me feel at ease and confident that my hair will be looked after when I needed it most! I would definitely recommend this package to anyone who needs an hour and half of pure bliss!”

Krystle

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