Proper Shampoo

Shampooing the hair is one of the core foundations to a salon service. When a client gets to the shampoo bowl they are ready to relax. Although, this can create the perfect environment for both you and them. You have a job to do!

It is imperative that you provide the client with a proper analysis of their hair and scalp. This can be done during the shampooing process. Checking for open soars, irritations, disease and thinning can help you determine the best steps during their service. If anything is found educate your client not only on the findings but on how they can care for the issue at home. If it is a severe issue have the client consult a physician.

Choosing the proper shampoo is important. Some shampoos have the following benefits, here are a few;

• Remove dirt, debris, cosmetics and oils from the hair.
• Some shampoos close the cuticle which lock in the color for color treated hair.
• Add a hint of color to hair.
• Create volume and body to fine hair.
• Tame and add luster to the strands of textured hair.
• It can restore the hairs pH balance.

Your shampooing technique plays a big role as well. A few tips are; use small portions of shampoo, lather the shampoo in your palms first, massage do not rub - this will disturb the cuticle and take your time.

Although, there are many components to shampooing, redundant shampooing can strip the hair of its natural oils causing the hair to become dry and brittle.

Why Condition?

Conditioners are just as important as shampoos depending on your clients need, You as the stylist must properly select the best conditioner or conditioning treatment for your client. Knowing and understanding what your product does is crucial to providing the service.

Conditioners help to maintain, deposit or replenish the hair. They add protein and moisture as needed. Even though they make the hair soft and silky there are other benefits to conditioning the hair.

• Restore shine to dull lifeless hair. - Gives strength where the hair is weak.
• Repair the hair to a certain extent and protects it from further damages.

Most conditioners are broken down into multiple categories. Some clients do not know the different between a conditioner and a moisturizer. It is your job to enhance their knowledge in each area:

• Detangling lotions and creams are used with the same intent as conditioners. These types of product coat and smooth the cuticle, never getting beyond the surface.
• Conditioners that take 1 to 5 minutes, instruct you not to rinse or allow you to spray them on, are meant to improve the hairs outer appearance and do not fully penetrate the cuticle.
• Moisturizers and deep-conditioners are often used with heat, left on the hair up to 15 minutes, require a thorough application and penetrates deeper within the cuticle.

Knowing the proper way to use product can help you in the salon and your client with home maintenance.

Facts About Hair Growth

As a stylist, you may hear opinions about hair growth from your clients or from other stylists. Here are some facts about hair growth:

“Shaving or cutting the hair on the head has no effect on hair growth. Although when hair is blunt cut to the same length, it grows back more evenly. It may seem to grow back darker, faster, and coarser, shaving or cutting hair on the head has no effect on hair growth.”

“Scalp massages stimulate the scalp and increase blood circulation. It is not scientifically proven that scalp massages or any type of stimulates can encourage hair growth.”

“It is true that gray hair has no pigment, but it is exactly the same as pigmented hair. Gray hair can be resistant, but pigmented hair can be resistant too.”

“Race does not determine the amount of curl in hair. Any person of any race can have straight to extremely curly hair.”