Hair Myth Busters

Hello hello everyone, and welcome to my first blog post ever!

I'm so excited to finally start to get the ball rolling with this idea I've had for ages. I have had several pages of saved blog outlines on my laptop for the longest time. Now that I've finally pushed myself to get this website set up, I can start curating this blog for you!

The series I wanted to begin with will be all about busting the "Hair Myths" that have been pervasive in and around my industry for years. Some information is simply outdated in todays beauty world and others somehow got jumbled in the worlds largest version of telephone. In this first entry into the series, I want to address the Top 4 most prevalent myths I hear behind the chair on a weekly basis. So let’s jump right in!

1.Does hair color take better on "dirty" hair?

The idea behind this one is generally that you should have the natural oils on your scalp and hair and the product will "take" better on your hair. This is simply not true. In fact, dirty hair can inhibit the product from covering completely. Years ago, the chemicals were a bit more aggressive and could "eat" through whatever was on the surface of your hair. Modern day color lines have been developed with the health of your hair in mind, and has been designed to be more gentle on the hair. So although it may still may have no issue getting through some dirty hair gunk, there's definitely the possibility that you won't get opaque coverage throughout. I believe this thought process mainly came from people who were getting on the scalp lightening services(meaning bleach touching the skin of your scalp) and some stylists used to advise coming with dirty hair. This is somewhat true to this day for that specific type of service. You would not want to wash your hair the day of getting this service done because for many it can make the scalp more sensitive to an already prickly service.

What's the best way to come prepared for a color service then?

Personally, I advise my clients to always come with clean, dry hair. Now when I say clean, what I mean is washed within the last 48 hours(at most the night before) and to avoid using root touchup sprays, gels, and hairspray prior to your service. Your color will develop evenly and the lift we will achieve during a blonding service will be ideal working with a clean canvas.

2.Does my hair "get used to" a certain shampoo and conditioner(S and C) after awhile?

Nope. Usually when people feel like their hair has gotten used a particular S and C it means that the only thing that might have changed is what type of nutrients your hair is needing at this time. For example, let’s say I recommended a protein based reparative shampoo and conditioner because your were experiencing some severe breakage and split ends. Now let’s say you had been using them for a year and started to feel like the product feels heavy in your hair or simply that it doesn’t feel the same in your hair as it used to. The reason for this is likely due to your hair no longer needing that type of nutrition anymore. You may not be experiencing the severe breakage anymore but it might just feel somewhat dry. At this point we would switch you to a more basic hydrating shampoo and conditioner because your hair no longer needs the protein. Simply put your hair doesn’t get used to them, it probably needs a change to accommodate the current needs of the hair.

3. Are trims and haircuts different services?

They are in fact one in the same. Whether we are taking off a half inch or doing a completely different style and taking off several inches, they are the same service. The reason is regardless of what style we end up going for, I am still going through all the same steps to complete the service. Us stylists like to say that you’re paying for the hair on your head not how much is on the ground.

4. Do certain hair lengths only work on certain face shapes?

Short answer, no. Long answer, there are certain versions/variations of a length that are going to best flatter your face shape. Just because you may have let's say a round face, for example, does not mean that you can’t have short hair(this could be it's own myth to be addressed). It just means that we will customize a version that highlights the features that make you feel the most confident. The most important questions are: what is your lifestyle, what kind of upkeep are you realistically going to do at home, and how often are you willing to have to come back in to refresh your haircut. The answers to these questions will determine what is realistic for you. I do believe there is a variation of any length that will work on everyone.

So there you have it! I hope in debunking these myths you feel more informed and confident going into your next appointment. Keep your eyes peeled for more blogs coming soon!