Are you someone who is invested in your hair, and want to do the best things for it, but don’t know where to start or even where to look for help?! Look no further. Hi, I’m Hannah, I am a graphic design student, recently relocated to Toronto and am now one of the Client Service and Retail Representatives at Fifteen Twelve. I have been working in a hair salon environment for some time now, with absolutely 0 prior hair experience or schooling. I have always had an interest in the beauty industry, but never had a behind the scenes look. So, I am here to share some of the best and most useful tips I have picked up during my time in the salon as a non-hair stylist!
1. Wringing out your hair in the shower before applying conditioner
Such a simple hack. I never knew it was better to apply conditioner to semi-damp hair instead of soaking wet hair, because the product absorbs better, and you get more out of your product. This leaves my hair feeling even smoother and shinier than before, with no switch of product and no extra effort!
2. Not brushing your hair until it’s almost fully dry
Just another simple trick I never knew. I am someone who brushes my hair constantly, but I didn’t realize it was probably more damaging than beneficial to do this. Whether blow drying or towel drying your hair, wait until it is almost fully dry to brush it through! It has helped my hair with breakage and unnecessary damage.
3. Tell your stylist your hair history
Tell. Your. Stylist. If. You. Have. Used. Box. Dye. One thing I have learned hearing stylists consult with clients is clients being nervous to tell their stylists the truth about what is in their hair. I am here to tell you that your stylist is not going to judge you! Being in lockdown for so long, it’s only natural to turn to an easy box dye or root touch up when you couldn’t get in to see your stylist. However, if you tell them you have done nothing to your hair and they start a color/lightening process on your hair, things could go south very quickly. Just be honest! Your stylist wants to achieve the results you want, so being honest can save a lot of stress and unhappiness.
4. Dry Shampoo
Dry Shampoo works best overnight! Who knew? Not me. But when using dry shampoo, the best time to apply it is right before you go to sleep, so the product has ample time to absorb the oil and buildup in your hair. You will wakeup with a ready to go look/feel, without the stress of adding it to your morning routine.
5. Invest in the Products
When I tell you I had so many issues with my hair, it’s not an exaggeration. Greasy in some spots, dry in others, and I could never find a consistent routine that worked for me. When I started working in salons, I quickly saw the results of higher quality products and was hooked. Now, I use the same salon-quality shampoo and conditioner every time I wash my hair and the results speak for themselves. My hair has grown, the spots are gone, and I don’t have to do anything out of the ordinary to achieve the hair look I want. When stylists recommend products, it’s not for them to get sales, it’s so that you can continue getting salon-quality results at home in your hair. It’s so worth it! (P.S. Salon products tend to last a lot longer than drugstore products, as you need less to achieve more!)
6. Inspo Pictures
I used to think that if I showed up to an appointment with inspiration pictures of what I wanted, the stylist would think I didn’t trust them to do their work. This is so far from the truth! Stylists always appreciate an inspiration picture, so they can best achieve what you are looking for. It is always better to come with at least an idea of what you are looking for, as it can be stressful for a stylist to have full freedom (the stylist may like something completely different than the client). So never feel like you can’t bring in photos! The more the merrier.
7. Stylists Appreciation
Stylists are superheroes. Time and time again I have had private conversations with stylists who are not having the best day, have some personal issues going on, or just are not in the mood to be social. They never, ever let this reflect to their clients. Stylists can completely shut off their own feelings to make sure you as the client are happy, comfortable, and relaxed during the appointment. Thank your stylists! You never know what they may be facing when you are in their chairs.
8. Photos after your service
One of the best ways for a stylist to get their work out there and acquire more clients is by posting their work to social media. If you have time after your appointment, allow your stylist to take pictures/videos of your finished hair. Not only do they want to show off their work, but they also want you as the client to be able to see the full transformation they have done and showcase your hair on their social media accounts. This also helps with future clients looking for inspiration, to see exactly what kind of work the stylist can do. So, if you can, stay for a few minutes afterwards and help your stylist get some amazing photos they can share with you and with the world!
