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Going to get your color done? Dirty hair (second day, third day is fine) makes it easier for the colorist to place foils in your hair. The natural oils also help protect your scalp from possible irritation the color could cause. Pro Tip: Come into the salon with DRY hair – reason? It saves time for you and your colorist (who will have to blowdry your hair before you get started).

How about a haircut? When you come to the salon with your hair styled how you normally wear it, that makes it easier for the stylist to determine what haircut is right for you. Besides, why spend the time washing and drying your hair when we’re going to do it for you!

What about Updos and Curling-Iron services? It’s best to wash your hair the night before and blowdry your hair upside-down with styling products such as Phomollient and Volumizing Tonic for extra volume. Then when you come in the next day, the stylist will have a good base to work with for your fancy hairstyle!

*EXCEPTION – The only exception to my NEVER shampoo rule is chlorine. If you go swimming in a chlorinated pool the day of your color appointment, you must shampoo the chlorine out or there could be some funky results when the color reacts with the chlorine!

Your stylist will love you and your dirty hair!

Your turn: What other situations have you often wondered about when visiting the salon or spa that we can answer. Leave a comment, we’ll address it on our next article!

Always discuss what kind of maintenance this new look will be and what things you will need to do at home in order to keep this look fresh and beautiful at all times. There are always ways to transition into a new look with out making the full commitment. Whether it be doing a mid length hair cut when going from long to short or doing low lights when going from blonde to dark. You may consider peekaboo pieces of that vibrant red you’ve been dying to do as way to test the waters before you dive in.

New changes may require new styling products, a new blow drying technique or color rich shampoo and conditioner to keep your color vibrant and long lasting. Also remember that sometimes new styles may require more frequent visits to the salon and in some cases, fewer visits. Talk over all the options and find something that best fits you and your life style so that you can be happy and excited with your New Do.

Your Turn:

How often do you change up your haircut or style? What’s the biggest roadblock that keeps you from changing up your style? Leave me a comment, I’d love to know.

1. How much maintenance does this color require?
If you can not commit to coming into the salon every four to six weeks, explain this to your colorist. They have the knowledge and experience to find a color schedule that fits into your life.

2. How much money is this going to cost me?
Don’t be shy. Ask up front how much your color is going to cost and have your colorist break it down so you know what you are paying for. If it’s over your budget, speak up. Sometimes a few strategically placed highlights can take the place of a partial highlight and bring the cost down a bit.

3. What products should I use to maintain my color?
Please listen to your colorist when they recommend products to maintain the longevity and shine of your color. These products are formulated to combat fading and dulling caused by all types of environmental elements.

Helpful hints:
As colorists, we sometimes lapse into “hair” speak; commonplace to us, but Klingon to you. If you don’t understand exactly what a colorist means by words like “warm” or ” chunky”, ask them to explain differently or show you a picture.

Compare the thickness of your desired highlights to pasta. Seriously. Most people know the difference in thickness between fettucini and spaghetti.

Caramel, mahogany, and chestnut are different colors to different people. Use pictures to show your colorist what you desire. We heart pictures.

Tell your stylist about your occupation, kids or no kids, frequent travel or homebody, Britney Spears or The Clash, etc. These details may seem like small talk, but over time they go a long way towards helping your colorist customize the perfect color to fit your personality.