So what does your stylist mean when they say aftercare?
After care after your in salon service is one of the most important parts of getting your hair done to maintain the results of your in salon visit!
USE QUALITY PRODUCTS — In the hair industry, you get what you pay for. Ask yourself, would you pay hundreds of dollars to have a personal trainer customize a workout and meal plan for you and then go home and binge eat tacos and cookies? Probably not. Similarly, your hair is an investment too. You’re paying good money to have a great hair experience at the salon and top quality results so why would you go home and use products that weren’t recommended by your stylist? Professional products that are sold directly from the salon will have a higher concentration of ingredients, meaning they last longer as you use less with better results. The issue with drugstore products is that they may leave your hair in worse condition due to harmful chemicals that strip your scalp of its natural oils and in turn dry out your hair and cause flaking. They can also create buildup on the hair (which can cause even more issues down the road). Professional products are designed to cleanse and nourish your hair and scalp from the inside out and the ingredients used are much, much better.
NO BURNING HOT WATER — When you wash your hair with super hot water it can strip your hair of its color as well as dry out your hair! Using cool water can protect the structure and color of your hair for longer! A QUICK TIP to ensure you are using the right temperature for your hair. Use the inside of your wrist to test the water. If its too hot there, its too hot for your hair. 😉
USE HEAT PROTECTANT — we can’t stress this one enough. Using a heat protectant is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it helps prevent damage to your hair caused by high heat. Hot tools can reach temperatures of up to 450°F, which can make your hair dry and brittle. Very dry and brittle hair is difficult to repair, and can even break when it becomes too weak. Using a heat protectant reduces the amount of heat that is absorbed by your hair, keeping it healthier. A heat protectant also keeps your hair looking shiny and gorgeous. By protecting your hair from damage, it helps maintain your hair's natural moisture, preventing it from becoming dull and lifeless.
NO SLEEPING ON WET HAIR — This one sounds a little strange but hair is at its weakest and most vulnerable when wet. Your hair is most prone to damage and breakage when it's wet, so this is the time you need to be extra careful with it. The hair cuticle, which is the protective hair shaft layer, opens up and becomes stretchy and fragile when the hair is damp. Combine this with tossing, turning and friction from your pillow, and you have a recipe for lots of breakage. Just as tugging at your delicate wet strands with a harsh hairbrush can compromise the hair cuticle, sleeping with wet hair can also do severe damage.