How To Keep Your Hair Healthy and Looking Great Between Salon Visits

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Having healthy, beautiful hair is a goal that many of us strive for. However, to achieve this goal, it’s important to learn how to properly take care of your hair in between salon visits. With the right hair-care routine, you can maintain healthy hair and keep your locks looking their very best. In this blog post, we'll discuss some tips on how to take care of your hair between salon visits and protect your hair in the best way possible.

Ideally, you leave the salon looking fabulous, with your color on point, your blowout looking amazing and with the best shine!! But how do you make it all last? Here are my helpful ways to help your beautiful salon visit last until your next visit. I’m going to tell you how you can keep your hair in the best shape! I was a former hairstylist behind the chair and Matrix educator for over 10 years and these are the tips and tricks I always shared with my clients and continue to use for myself to this day.

Washing Your Hair

I was always having this conversation with clients as to how often they wash their hair. Often if they are doing daily shampooing it's hard to get them to change, but when they do they are so much happier! Think of all the time you will save, the money on shampoo and to top it all off, your hair will look even better. Now I know some of you say that your hair is too oily to do this or you hate the smell. To ease yourself into this process, start with regularly washing every other day to get your hair used to not producing as much oil, wear a hat on day two or plan it for when you won't be leaving the house. Once your hair gets used to an every other day schedule you can keep pushing it until your only washing your hair around 2 times a week. This will give the best results! Your hair will continue to produce those oils because you are stripping them away. The less you wash the less oil it will produce.

Washing your hair every day actually can strip the scalp of its natural oils, leading to dry, brittle hair. I suggest aiming to wash your hair every 2-3 days, this seems to be the sweet spot for more people for never getting oily and keeping their hair clean. If you have an oily scalp, try using a dry shampoo in between washes to absorb some of the excess oils. When you do wash your hair, make sure to use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and use lukewarm water as hot water can also strip your hair of its natural oils. You also want to make sure you are cleansing correctly. Use two shampoos every time you wash. The first one will clean off any dirt, oils and chemicals from the product, and the second wash will actually clean the hair. This is important for getting your washes to last longer as well. After washing your hair, make sure to condition it to keep it soft and healthy.

Now when you are washing, your water shouldn’t be so hot you're burning your head. For a number of reasons this isn’t good for you! One is it will remove your color faster. Two it’s stripping the oils from your hair again and can cause dryness to your hair. It can also cause your hair to produce even MORE oil. Bottom line, the cooler the water the better for washing your hair.

Heat on Hair

Along with hot water, using hot tools on your hair can also cause damage. Yes, we all want a gorgeous blowout, but save it for special events or use your blow dryer in a cooler setting. Here’s what I do: I wash my hair twice a week. On day one I will usually braid it when it's half dry and sleep on it. This way I have the appearance of full-volume hair in the morning with a beautiful wave but I didn’t use any heat. On day two I will blow it out and give my hair curl (with a lower heat setting and protective products). Usually, day two is for the weekend when I have more places I am going and people to see. If you still need to blow dry and curl your hair just turn down the setting and use a heat protector.

Heat styling can cause extensive damage to your hair, so it is best to keep heat styling to a minimum. Instead, allow your hair to air dry as much as possible and avoid using hot tools such as curling irons, straightening irons, and blow dryers. If you must use heat styling tools, always use a heat protectant product first and set the temperature to the lowest setting. I will link below all of my favorite heat protectants and styling aids to help you maintain gorgeous hair!

When To Use Top Knots & Hats

Yes, we all love those days when you can throw a hat on or pull your hair into a top knot. However, they aren’t ideal for your hair. I myself am a lover of both!! However, if I wear a hat I only use it outside of the house, and as soon as I am home I take it off! Top knots are also my favorite style when it's almost hair-washing day, but I try my best to never sleep with it like that and always leave it loose. The tighter you pull your hair the more it's pulling each strand and causing breakage. I like to use silk scrunchies and tie in a loose pony when I go to bed or leave it loose. The silk scrunchies will help fight the frizz and breakage of hair. You also want to be cautious when combing or brushing your hair. Be sure to use a wide-toothed comb to minimize breakage.

What Products To Use

You just paid good money for your hair to get done, so please don’t run to the store and buy some products off the shelf without some research. The wrong product can strip your color, as well as cause damage to your hair. There is a reason stylists show you the products they use and ask if you need anything as you are checking out. To keep your hair looking its best, it is important to avoid products that contain harsh chemicals such as sulfates, parabens, and mineral oils. These ingredients can strip away natural oils from your hair, leaving it dry and brittle. Instead, opt for natural, organic hair products with ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, and shea butter. These ingredients will nourish and moisturize your hair without stripping away essential oils.

Using fewer styling products such as mousses, gels, and sprays can also help keep your hair healthy between salon visits. These products can leave a residue on your hair that can cause it to become dry and brittle. Again, try to limit your use of heat-styling tools such as curling irons and straighteners as well, as they can cause heat damage and strip away natural oils from your hair.

To further nourish your hair between salon visits, deep condition your hair once a week. This will help replenish moisture and nourish the overall health of your hair. If you are only washing your hair once a week then stick to every other week or every other time. You don't want to over-add protein from conditioners and conditioning masks to your hair, this can cause the opposite effect. So stick to once a week if you wash 2 or more times and every other week or once a month if you wash weekly.

Bonus Tips

- One way to extend the life of your color between salon visits is to use a root touch-up powder or spray to conceal your roots. Apply it to the root area only and blend it in with a brush or a comb for a natural look. Be sure to brush this out before washing your hair.

- Appointments to trim your hair every 6-8 weeks to keep your hair looking healthy and avoid any split ends that can cause your hair to actually get shorter from breakage.

- Protect your hair from the sun with a hat or other coverage, and avoid over-washing your hair. Eating a healthy diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals is also important for keeping your hair healthy and looking its best.

- Avoid using chemical treatments (such as bleaching or coloring) too often or over-processing. A good hairstylist will advise you against any hairstyle that will overly damage your hair.

By following these tips, you can keep your hair looking great between salon visits and maintain a healthier hair care routine.

Balayage Vs. Highlights: What's right for you?

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Trying to decide between Balayage and Highlights for your next hair transformation? There are many factors to consider, including your hair type and desired results. Whether you want an on-trend color or something more classic, I’ll walk you through the differences between Balayage and Highlights, so you can make an informed decision on which is right for you. As a former stylist behind the chair, I have walked many of my clients through this very thing.

Balayage Vs Highlights: Explaining the Differences

When it comes to deciding what kind of coloring technique is right for you, it is important to consider both balayage and highlights. For those looking for a softer, more natural look, balayage is the way to go. This freehand technique is applied lightly at the roots and gradually gets lighter down the hair, creating a natural sun-kissed look. It is also a low-maintenance style that doesn’t require regular touch-ups, so it is a great option for those who don’t want to spend a lot of time at appointments for their hair.

Highlights, on the other hand, are a foil-based technique that gives the hair a more intense, multi-dimensional look. It is applied in sections, giving a more distinct separation between the natural color and the highlights. While they are not as expensive as balayage, you will be in the salon more often for touch ups as they need to be touched up every few months.

Ultimately, the decision of which technique is best for you depends on your hair color, budget, and desired look. Both balayage and highlights are great options for adding dimension and color to your hair, so take the time to weigh your options and choose the one that is right for you.

What is Balayage? (Photos of past clients with Balyage above)

When it comes to achieving the perfect natural sun-kissed hair look, Balayage is often the go-to choice. Balayage is a French word meaning “to sweep”, and it is a technique used to create soft, natural looking highlights. This technique involves painting the hair in a sweeping motion, usually with a large brush or small comb, to create natural looking highlights throughout the hair to create subtle, natural-looking movement in the hair. Balayage looks more natural than traditional highlights and leaves no light of demarcation. The color is applied in sections, so you can achieve a more blended result without hard lines. You can even choose the level of lightness or darkness you want to achieve with Balayage, making it a great option for anyone looking for a customized color. Balayage is also low maintenance, as you don't have to touch up the color as often. If you’re looking to add lightness to your hair without the commitment of traditional highlights, Balayage is a great choice. With its natural look, customizability, and low maintenance, Balayage is an ideal choice for those looking to add some subtle color to their hair.

You also have a variation of Balayage called "The Ombré" it is a combination of both highlights and balayage where the top of the hair is lightened, and the ends are darker. This allows you to maintain your natural color while still creating an effortless lighter look. The Ombré is great for those who want to add dimension to their hair without committing to a full-on highlight or balayage. It’s also a great way to transition from darker to lighter hair without the harsh line of demarcation that can come with a full-on highlight.

What are Highlights?

Highlights are sections of hair that are lightened with a hair lightener and then toned to the desired color. They are usually thicker and more uniform in size than balayage and can often be seen from the root. Highlights are a great way to add dimension to your hair and they tend to be brighter than balayage. Highlights are ideal for those who want a more traditional look and for those who want a more dramatic structured change.

They have been around forever, come in different forms, and are usually wrapped in foil. Highlights give you a compact and even color appearance. By wrapping in a foil it makes for an even lift when using lightener. Still able to use highlights in many colors and tones, you will be able to change the look and make it your own. Nowadays stylists are doing what we call a “shadow root”. This gives a darker base color on your highlights about a 1/2 inch to an inch to give your hair a better grow out process and leaving less of a demarcation line.

You also have a variation called babylights are a type of highlight that creates a softer, subtler look than traditional highlighting techniques. They are typically done using very thin, delicate strands of hair. This technique results in natural-looking highlights that look like they’ve been kissed by the sun. Babylights are perfect for those looking to add subtle dimension to their hair without the dramatic effect of traditional highlights. They are also great for those who want to add lightness around their face without making a drastic change.

Below are photos of highlights (left) vs adding a show root to highlights (right)

What’s Right for You?

The best choice for you depends on the look you are trying to achieve and the amount of maintenance you want to put into your style. If you’re looking for a classic, uniform look, highlights are the way to go. However, if you’re more interested in a more natural, less uniform look, then balayage is the better choice.

How to Keep Your Balayage or Highlights Healthy

If you’re looking for a way to change up your hair color, you may be considering balayage or highlights. Both of these techniques can create beautiful, natural-looking color when done correctly, but it’s important to understand the differences between them. Balayage and highlights can both be used to lighten or darken the overall look of your hair and add dimension and texture. No matter which technique you choose, there are a few tips to keep in mind to protect your color.

1. Avoid washing your hair every day if possible, and limit it to two or three times a week.

2. Using a color-safe shampoo and conditioner is also important to help protect your color.

3. Deep conditioning your hair regularly will keep it hydrated, and using a color-protecting spray or oil before heat styling is a great way to keep your color looking vibrant.

4. Avoid using hot styling tools, swimming pools with chlorine, and going out into the sun without protecting your hair with a UV protection spray.

5. Trimming your hair regularly will also help keep it healthy and strong.

By following these tips, you can be sure that your hair color will look amazing no matter if you choose balayage or highlights. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what look you’re going for, and what you’re comfortable with. So, take the time to do your research and have a consultation with your stylist to make sure you get the look you want.

Unlocking the Secrets of Biolage Oil Renew & The Porosity of Your Hair

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No matter how much you are careful styling and coloring your hair, everyday activities can cause damage to your hair's cuticles, making it look dull and lifeless. If you're looking for a way to restore your hair's natural shine, then Biolage Oil Renew is the perfect product to help replenish your hair's moisture and repair the damaged cuticles. Furthermore, the product is specially formulated to work with the porosity level of your hair and help nourish it from root to tip. In this blog post, we'll discuss how Biolage Oil Renew can help revitalize your hair and restore its natural shine.

First things first...What is porosity in hair? Do you have porous hair? Hair porosity is your hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture. It is affected by the flexible outer hair layer called the cuticle, which determines how easily moisture and oils pass in and out of your hair. Visible symptoms that your hair is porous are that it takes forever to dry, feels rough when dry, and is totally frizzy.

Are you feeling these symptoms? Biolage new oil renewal might be the right option for you.

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Having dry, porous hair can be a difficult issue to tackle. Biolage Oil Renew Shampoo for Dry, Porous Hair is the perfect solution. This shampoo helps to replenish and restore moisture to hair by utilizing a blend of natural oils. Its unique formula helps to protect and strengthen hair, while restoring shine and softness. The shampoo is also sulfate-free and is gentle enough to use daily without stripping your hair of its natural oils.

The oil blend helps to improve hair porosity and reduce dryness, making it easier to style and manage. Biolage Oil Renew Shampoo for Dry, Porous Hair is the perfect choice for anyone looking to bring life back to their dull, dry hair. The natural oils help to penetrate the hair shaft and replace lost moisture, leaving hair feeling smooth, silky, and soft. The unique formula also helps to protect and strengthen the hair, while restoring shine and softness.

Whether you are looking to improve hair porosity or just need to replenish lost moisture, Biolage Oil Renew Shampoo for Dry, Porous Hair is the perfect choice. Its natural oils work to penetrate the hair shaft, restore moisture, and leave hair feeling soft and silky. This shampoo is sulfate-free and gentle enough to use daily, so you can have healthy, soft, and manageable hair in no time.

Biolage Advanced oil renew system will replenish and protect the hair cuticles which will lock in moisture to help your hair feel less porous. The first step is to shampoo to wash away a full day of hair pollutants such as dirt and build up that will get your hair ready for step two. Step two is conditioning. This will help to lock in the moisture your hair has been dying for. Lastly, the oil..this product is great! I really love to "cocktail" together the oil with my other styling products to help give my hair that added moisture it needs. 

Throughout the year my hair goes through changes. Just like a diet our body needs different foods at different times. The same goes for your hair. Whether you have changed the color of your hair, been swimming in the pool a little too much this summer, or just need to give your hair a little more attention for those porous ends, Biolage Advanced Oil Renew is a great option to help your hair quench that thirst it needs!

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Tips for Making Dry Shampoo work for you

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If you’re looking for an easy way to keep your hair looking fresh and clean without having to wash it every day, then dry shampoo could be your best friend. Dry shampoo is a great way to extend the life of your hairstyle, and it works especially well when you’re short on time in the morning. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to make dry shampoo work for you, so that you can get the most out of this amazing product.

As a previous hair dresser behind the chair I had daily conversations with my clients about how often they are washing their hair. As they tell me they are washing everyday this look of horror comes across my face. I soon ask them why, to find out that its either just habit, or that their hair gets too oily. The topic of dry shampoo comes up and nine times out of ten I hear " I tried it, it just doesn't work for me". The reason it doesn't work can be one of two things: 1. you weren't using the right dry shampoo for you (yes there is more then one kind of dry shampoo) and 2. you aren't using it correctly.

Hair comes in all types; flat, thin, thick, coarse, just to name a few. Dry shampoo also comes in all types as well to better suit each type of hair. For thin hair you need something lighter and not too wet. This is so your hair won't weigh down and look worse then before you grabbed that bottle of dry shampoo. If you are part of this squad I would recommend Biolage Waterless Clean and Recharge. If you have thin to medium hair I would recommend it's sister dry shampoo Biolage Clean and Full or Non-Aerosol Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk by Klorane. These products are also light and airy, but it gives you a little extra somethin somethin.. and soon will become your best friend.

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Next.. where are my medium to thick haired girls at?? I'm right there with you! I can go up to five days on some weeks (thank goodness for dry shampoo and top knots!) For this type of hair, I recommend Miracle Extender by Matrix or All-In-One Intense Dry Shampoo by Biolage. This dry shampoo has a little bit more of a wet consistency compared to the two previously mentioned dry shampoos. The best part is that it doesn't leave the hair feeling gritty, and leaves a soft touchable texture.

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The last dry shampoo, Matrix Play Back or Perfect hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo by Living Proof, these are probably my main go to dry shampoos for medium to thick hair. I use them on day one or two to add texture to my hair, or on day four to five to suck up the oils my hair has made. It removes the oils without drying out the hair, leaving no residue. All that and not to mention, how cute is this bottle!

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As I was saying, you can use dry shampoo in more than one way. It can be used to add texture when you have that freshly washed and clean hair. Before there was "texture spray" and "sea salt spray" this was how I added grit into the hair to help make those big braids and full updos!

Now you've found the right dry shampoo...so how do you apply? Start by sectioning throughout your hair and spray. A rule of thumb on how to spray any product is to stay the length of the can away from hair. This will help from getting product build up in one section and disperse evenly. Now that you have sprayed dry shampoo throughout your hair evenly, let it sit and do its job (absorbing up all those oils!) After its gone to work, grab a brush and brush through hair to work product throughout. DO NOT! I repeat... DO NOT use your hands to run the product throughout your hair. The job of a dry shampoo is to remove oils, and that is exactly what is on your hands. All the work of evenly spraying and working the product throughout your hair will be ruined by absorbing the oils from your hands and not your hair. Now that you brushed throughout, STYLE! You are ready for another day without a single drop of regular shampoo! Hurray!

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