Common Client Queries: Answered! Part Two.

As hairdressers we’re frequently quizzed with questions regarding anything from style advice to aftercare. Even though we’re not expected to know everything, it’s a good idea to have a sufficient knowledge base to answer some of these common client queries. Below we’ve listed a few questions that might pop up in the salon that you can now provide the answers to (if you didn’t know them already.)  

How many times should I shampoo my hair?

Everyones hair is different, so it often depends on how often you wash your hair and how much product you tend to use. If you’re washing your hair regularly, then there won’t be much time for a build up of oils or products to occur, so in this case just one shampoo and one conditioner would be enough. However, if you are leaving a few days to a week between washes, it’s advised to shampoo your hair twice before conditioning. The first shampoo will remove excess build up and the second shampoo will clean the hair itself.

If I pluck out a grey hair, will two grow in its place?

No. This is a myth! If anything, plucking out hairs can damage the follicle and could potentially prevent growth. One hair grows from each follicle, so having two grow from the same place isn’t possible. If anything, because greys tend to stand out from the natural colour, you’re more likely to notice new ones appear. Grey hairs can also have different growth patterns - some can grow sporadically over the head, or can form in a cluster. If you're plucking hairs out from an emerging cluster, it can appear as though they're growing twofold in the same place, when in reality they're growing there naturally.

Do hair masks actually work?

Hair masks work by replenishing natural oils which have been lost due to heat damage and environmental factors such as harsh weather. Masks are the equivalent to a richer, heavier conditioner which tackles dry, damaged hair. However, masks are not miracle workers. If hair has gone past the point of no return with damage, hair masks will be absorbed by the affected and porous hair but then released just as quickly. The key to healthy hair is to put as little strain on it as possible which is often caused by the overuse of heated stylers. Masks are a preventative, not a cure!

Can slick-backs damage my hair?

Slicked back ponytails are a sophisticated style choice for a simple but effective updo or can be the perfect solution to delaying hair wash day. This tight, brushed-back style puts strain on the hair, especially the hairline which seems to suffer the most. Our hairline hairs are weaker and finer which means they are more prone to breakage when frequently pulled back and coated heavily with product. Factors that can exasperate this is having hair lightened which further weakens the hair cuticle. Even though slick-backs are popular at the moment, it might be an idea to save them for the odd occasion to prevent breakage.

Does greasy hair affect hair colour?

It’s a common debate whether it’s better to colour greasy or clean hair. According to professionals, grease can act as a barrier to hair colour, but generally not enough for it to make a difference to colour development. If you’re having your hair bleached, it doesn’t really matter, as bleach can pretty much penetrate anything, however, one thing that has shown to be a barrier against full colour development is temporary colour sprays for root touch-ups. These needs to be washed off before any colour appointment, as they can coat the cuticle enough to block colour absorbing into it. So just to be on the safe side, it's better to turn up to your appointment with clean hair. Some people think that it’s ‘a waste’ to wash their hair when they’re coming to have it washed anyway, but your hairdresser will probably thank you more for coming in with clean hair as opposed to a week’s worth of grease and product.

It’s always handy to brush up on your hair knowledge just in case a question comes your way, so stay tuned to see if any of our common client questions match up with yours!