7 things your hairstylist wants you to know

Going to the hairdresser is not just about getting a good cut. From a simple wash and go, to colour, treatments and everything else we shouldn’t be trying on our own, hairstylists impact our lives more than we realise. And with all that is going on in the world, we have all come to appreciate just how important they are.

So, in honour of this year’s National Hairstylist Appreciation Day and to help you celebrate the women and men behind the chair, we reached out to three of South Africa’s top hairstylists to share some of their best-kept secrets and tips.

1. Treat once a week

Weekly treatments make a big difference in the long run, says Shoneez Warrington, hairstylist and owner of Spoilt Hair Salon in Cape Town. "Treat your locks to a rich, conditioning at-home treatment at least once a week; twice, if your hair is in need of a little extra TLC. Ingredients such as avocado oil, argan oil and keratin are key in helping to nourish and repair any damage. If you are someone who colours their hair a lot, also look for formulas with bond repair technology, that repairs the hair shaft from within.”

2. Don’t over wash your hair

“Over washing can be damaging for your hair, especially if it is bleached, coloured, chemically treated or is naturally very dry or porous,” says Shoneez. “When you wash your hair every day it strips away the natural oils and proteins that you need to keep your hair and scalp healthy, so try to limit hair washing to three times a week if possible.”

Zuleikah Abderasiet Zadneprovsky, national hairstylist and owner of Shampoo Hair Salon, shares the same sentiments, although she does say that when it comes to washing hair, it does depend on your hair type. The curlier your hair is, the longer you can go between washes. Fine and thin hair, however, may require more frequent washes.

3. Trim on time

One thing that all these industry experts agree on was the importance of regular trimming. The longer you go without a trim, the thinner the bottom of your hair will look. “A regular trim removes split ends, promotes healthy growth and gives your hair a fresh new feeling,” says Renee. For those who have a more natural or curly hair texture, Zuleikah recommends at most 12 weeks between trims; while those with coils and tight curls could wait as long as two months.

4. Give your hair a heat break

Too much blow-drying, flat ironing and curling can seriously damage the strand, says Shoneez . “Try and take a break every now and then and make sure to use a good heat protectant spray or treatment that is able to condition from the inside out and shield against damage from your heat-styling tools.” Renee de Wit, celebrity hair and make-up artist, suggests that when drying your hair, try not to hold your hairdryer too close to your length. Following this advice will help prevent splitting and fluffy ends.

5. Avoid hot water

Hair is most vulnerable whilst wet, causing dryness, tangles and breakage. Zuliekah recommends washing hair with tepid water as this will soothe your strands while opening the pores and allowing your shampoo and conditioner to penetrate deeper.

6. Don’t stress over hair loss

Hair loss can be caused by many factors including stress, thyroid problems, bad nutrition, pregnancy and could even be hereditary, says Shoneez. Including zinc, biotin and collagen in your diet, regular hair trims and adding a moisture-boosting treatment will all help make the hair appear fuller.

7. Quality tools rule

When it comes to products and tools, Renee believes in quality over quantity. Think of your hair like your skin - what you put on it will affect it. “Although a quality shampoo, conditioner, hairbrush and styling tool all come with a heftier price tag, they will keep hair looking and feeling healthy and strong.”

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