Hair Care Commonly Asked Questions
Hair care seems to be something people always struggle with and can never find the answers for. I know I feel this way! I have always struggled to get healthy hair and to get my hair to grow. I never understood why you should trim your hair if you wanted it to grow (which is answered later in the post, so keep reading if you want to know the answer)! I decided to team up with one of my oldest friends and KC hairstylist to come up with some common hair care questions that people have!
Q. What is the difference between salon products versus drug store? What do you recommend if someone cannot afford salon quality?
A. The biggest difference between drug store products and salon products are the ingredients within them. A lot of stores that sell “salon” products have watered down their bottles or they are black market products. Most of the products off of Amazon also don’t have the same ingredients. It’s easy to think you’re saving money from buying off Amazon or going to Target or TJ Maxx, but in the long run they aren’t the same products so they aren’t working like they should on your hair. If you can’t afford to buy directly from your stylist or the salon then ask your stylist for a recommendation from Beauty Brands or Ulta.
Q. How often should someone get their hair cut/trimmed?
A. I like to advise my clients to get a trim every time they see me or every other time. I usually do full trims every full color session which would be every 12-16 weeks, if my clients hair needs it before then I would trim their hair at their maintenance appointment which would be every 6-8 weeks.
Q. Do you have any tips to make hair grow faster or to get healthier hair? Any products?
A. Taking collagen is super helpful for hair growth! The liquid collagen is usually the most potent so it will help faster but the powder collagen has the same overall ingredients. There is also a shampoo/ conditioner called Zenagen that boosts hair growth! Vitamins like biotin are great, & there are scalp serums to promote a healthy scalp. Divi is a good one for people to start trying.
Q. Is there a benefit to not washing your hair everyday? How often would you recommend for someone to wash it?
A. I definitely wouldn’t suggest washing everyday. Your hair really needs your natural oils and the shampoo strips all of that. I would say try to wash 1-2 times a week.
Q. Why is it important for regular trims when trying to grow your hair out? How does this help the growing process?
A. It is important for regular trims in order for your hair to grow so you are cutting off any split ends before they split all the way up the strand and break off. It doesn’t necessarily make your hair grow but it keeps it healthy so you are avoiding breakage.
Q. Can you repair damage to hair other than cutting it? Such as with product or a type of treatment.
A. You can’t completely repair damage without cutting it. You can help moisturize the dry and damaged strands by using repair masks. You want to add in that missing protein from the hair that has been taken out which some of these products can do. Not every person is going to need the same treatment though, so the best bet is to talk with your stylist about how your hair feels and what you can do to start rebuilding the health of the hair.
Q. Is there a way to slow down the fading of hair that is colored? How often should a person be getting a touchup?
A. Washing your hair too much can fade color, heat styling tools, and the sun can actually all fade color. You definitely want to use the correct products to properly care for your color. Depending on what you get done I would say touchups should fall between 8-10 weeks. Explaining what your needs are to your stylist is very important & will help nail down exactly what the best color technique and schedule is right for you.
Q. What is the difference between box hair dye and having it done professionally?
A. Box dye just has harsher chemicals. A higher volume of developer is usually used which can lead to a deeper deposit.
Q. What is the best way to reduce or eliminate frizz?
A. The best way to control/ eliminate frizz would be to use a smoothing product. There are a couple of favorites that I have which are Kevin Murphy Smooth Again, IGK Good Behavior, and Eleven Australia Miracle Hair Treatment.
Q. Should men and women use different products?
A. No! I think there is some sort of stigma that comes with hair products and honestly guys should treat their hair just like women do! The all in one shampoos will always be a no from me whether you are male or female!
Q. What is the #1 product you would recommend to clients?
A. This is a hard one. The #1 product I would recommend would be the Young Again Oil by Kevin Murphy. Your ends will always need extra conditioning and an oil is the best way to achieve that. This specific oil is light weight & very easy on the hair making it great for all hair types.
Q. What is the biggest misconception you have encountered?
A. The biggest misconception I have encountered is every client pairs well with every stylist. We don’t all get along, we don’t all do things the same and we don’t all fit the mold for one another. So since we all are different and have different needs it is very important to research your hairstylist, ask questions, and make a good connection with them.
Q. If there was only one thing you wanted people to know or understand about hair care, what would it be?
A. Not every one is suited for the same hair routine. It is very important to stick to what you can handle and what you can afford. Just like anything else, you won’t be seeing the results you want one time or three times. A consistent routine and giving it time will make a huge difference.
Answers are provided by Paige Hull. Visit her at The Bungalow KC!