Hair care faqs
Have questions about your new do? Let us answer them.
Our specialists are always staying up to date on the best hair maintenance methods.
Q: How often should I shampoo my hair?
A: It is recommended that the hair should be shampooed about once a week to help remove residual styling products, normal dead skin cells, etc. Your hair may need more frequent shampooing depending on your activities like aerobics. swimming, or other outdoor exercise due to perspiration, pollen, dirt, etc. However, you might be able to go longer depending on your hairstyle (1-3 weeks). Also, be cautious not to shampoo too often, or use “hard water” with high mineral levels, because you could strip hair of natural oils which can cause hair & scalp dryness.
Q: Does the shampoo I use make a difference or is it all just the “hype”?
A: There are thousands of shampoos on the market, for different hair types, textures and styling needs- From shampoos for dry hair and to “extend” or enhance hair color, to shampoos that neutralize chemical treatments! For a general shampoo, find one that will gently cleanse and condition, and not strip the hair of vital nutrients. Talk to your stylist for the best recommendations for your hair.
Q: How often should I shampoo my hair?
A: It is recommended that the hair should be shampooed about once a week to help remove residual styling products, normal dead skin cells, etc. Your hair may need more frequent shampooing depending on your activities like aerobics. swimming, or other outdoor exercise due to perspiration, pollen, dirt, etc. However, you might be able to go longer depending on your hairstyle (1-3 weeks). Also, be cautious not to shampoo too often, or use “hard water” with high mineral levels, because you could strip hair of natural oils which can cause hair & scalp dryness.
Q: How often should I “deep condition”?
A: Deep condition about once a month. The deep conditioner should avoid the scalp because it can cause buildup on the scalp. Leave on for 15-20 minutes under a thin plastic or thermal “heat cap”, to permit conditioners to penetrate deep in the hair shaft. Rinse well with cold water to lock in the moisture.
Q: Why is deep conditioning important?
A: Deep conditioning provides more intense strengthening and moisturization, helps “restore” some natural oils and, and can help eliminate dry & brittle hair. Deep conditioning can also enhance your hair’s luster (sheen) and body.
Q: How do I determine my own “hair type”?
A: It’s not easy to determine hair-type and hair porosity on your own, and we suggest you get initial help from a Professional Stylist. A Stylist can examine individual strand samples from your head, test tensile strength and elasticity, and wet & dry your hair to see how your hair reacts to physical manipulation and treatments….. Hair strands have varying diameters or thickness, and natural “curl” and “wave” patterns that designate it as fine, medium, or course.
Q: How do I determine the right hair care system for me?
A: Observe how your hair responds to the products and styling tools you use. No matter the length, does your hair have body, look shiny, feel smooth & strong? Keep a “hair diary” and take seasonal headshot photos to be mindful of the condition of your hair. Listen to compliments from others, because it’s usually an indication that you’ve selected the right hair care regimen for you and your lifestyle and personality.
Q: How can I get my hair to grow?
A: There are usually both internal and external factors that impact normal hair growth, like hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, excessive heat styling, over-processing, HBP medication, etc. However, most times hair is actually growing, but, with breakage and split ends normal growth isn’t noticeable. Your primary objective should be to prevent hair breakage. Use products to increase “slippage” and detangling, be gentle with wet hair which is more prone to break due to the hair being in its most fragile state, and keep hair conditioned for better elasticity.
Q: Is heat bad for my hair?
A: Heat is not the enemy. The misuse of heat is the enemy. It is imperative to understand your hair's porosity when heat is applied. Knowing your hair's porosity will tell you how much heat to apply and how often to apply direct heat. You can still achieve healthy hair by using heat properly.
Q: What can I do for my dry hair and scalp?
A: Dry hair & scalp really begins with genetics, diet, water intake, climate & overall general health condition! If you have serious scalp issues, you more than likely have a leaky gut which is affected by your diet. You can take measures that help, Avoid dairy, fried foods, and highly processed foods. Also, avoid using products that clog pores and inhibit natural sebum secreted down the hair shaft, use a light daily moisturizer or leave-in conditioner, wrap hair at night or sleep on a satin pillowcase, because friction on linens is drying and don’t use sponge rollers that rob hair of moisture.
Q: I’m going through menopause, what can I do for my dry hair and scalp?
A: Menopause can cause abnormal hair thinning and shedding. Hormones play a major role in the health of our hair & scalp. Again, a vitamin and mineral enriched diet, increased circulation and daily water intake will help.
Q: Can the medication I take affect my hair?
A: Yes, medications can have an impact on your hair texture and how it responds to hair products.
Q: What is a hair detox and should I get one?
A: A detox will draw out impurities, DHT (hormone blocking agent), mineral deposit and medicine out of the hair and scalp. A detox will give your hair and scalp a fresh start. This is great for people on medication, people experiencing hormonal changes, scalp issues, and anyone who simply just wants a detox. It should be followed by a deep conditioning treatment.
Q: Is heat bad for my hair?
A: Heat is not the enemy. The misuse of heat is the enemy. It is imperative to understand your hair's porosity when heat is applied. Knowing your hair's porosity will tell you how much heat to apply and how often to apply direct heat. You can still achieve healthy hair by using heat properly.
Q: Can shampooing with very hot water damage my hair?
A: Yes, because it can physically remove natural oils deep in the hair shaft and irritate your scalp. It can definitely damage highly porous hair. Warm water is best when shampooing, and use slightly cooler water for your final rinse to close the hair’s cuticles.
Q: Can I condition my hair too much?
A: Yes, the hair can be overly conditioned and lead to limp and “lifeless” hair. Over-conditioning can weight the hair down by coating the surface of the hair. This can impede proper styling and the impact ability of the hair to “hold a curl”. Select quality, light-weight products that don’t clog pores or cause build-up issues.
Q: It is bad to switch from relaxed hair to “natural” hair styles frequently?
A: No, not as long as hair is conditioned well, ends are clipped regularly and hair is not kept under tension in tight braids or a tight weave for long periods of time.