Salon Secrets-10 Things Your Hairdresser Won't Tell You

April 14, 2010


By Kimberly Fusaro for Woman's Day

If you're constantly trying to put your best face forward, you'd better be on good terms with your hairdresser. Sure, you're savvy on who and when to tip — but there's a lot more your stylist wishes you knew. Ever wonder what your hairdresser is really thinking when he's elbow deep in your tresses? We asked stylists from around the country to sound off on everything they've been dying to tell you.


1. I probably can't give you a celebrity's hairstyle.

Yes, we'd all love Jennifer Aniston's shiny, sun-kissed locks. But even if your stylist can match a celeb's color and cut, she can't give you access to the team of professionals that the rich and famous have fixing their hair before every appearance. Bringing in pictures is great, but be open to adaptations that take into account your hair texture and bone structure. If you go in expecting a carbon copy of a red carpet style, “you may be very disappointed,” says Don Bewley, cofounder of Eufora International Haircare in Carlsbad, California.

2. Tell me exactly what “a little bit” means—even if you feel like you're being nitpicky.

“We're not mind readers!” says Brittany Molina, owner of Brittany's Spa Salon in Jacksonville, Florida. Be prepared to talk specifics with your stylist. Saying, “Just don't go too short” isn't helpful. Show your stylist the exact length you want your hair. And if you request she take off two inches, make sure your definition of “two inches” is the same as hers.

3. Please respect my time.


“A busy hairdresser's time is very valuable,” says Bewley. Being five minutes late can throw off your stylist's entire day. If you're running late, call. And never pull a no-show. On the same note, don't phone at the last minute and ask to get “squeezed in.” Your stylist will likely try to accommodate you, but it may mean staying late or rushing to finish another client first.

4. I love getting to know my clients — to a point.

Don't assume your stylist is eager to listen to you vent about your divorce or your overbearing boss. “After 10 clients a day, everyone's problems start to weigh on us!” says Bewley. Try to keep the conversation centered on fashion, beauty or wellness. And remember: This is your time to relax and feel beautiful — and your stylist's time to focus on your hair.

5. A salon is not a daycare center.

“Kids should not be brought to a salon unless they're getting a service,” says Michael Boychuck, the personal hair colorist of Paris Hilton and owner of Las Vegas salons Color, Amp and Primp. Salons do their best to be kid-friendly, but stylists can't focus on their clients and keep hot irons and chemicals out of little hands. Leave your dog at home, too, urges Emily Howard, owner of Moxie Parlour in San Francisco, California. It's against the law to have animals in salons, so don't bring one in unless you're willing to pay a hefty fine on the salon's behalf.

6. Put down your cell phone. And your lunch.


Turn off your cell phone before the start of your appointment, recommends Molina. “Not only is your conversation distracting to other customers,” she says, “your hairstylist can't do her job if you're reaching for your phone or moving your head from side to side.” And try not to eat when you're getting your hair done, urges Boychuck. The constant motion isn't doing your stylist — or your hair — any favors.

7. I'm pushing my salon's products because they're better for your hair—not to make a few bucks.

Your stylist stocks products he believes in. It's frustrating for him to see a client pay good money for great color or a trendy cut but then buy drugstore shampoo and conditioner to save a few bucks. Your stylist can tell you exactly what you need to maintain your hair — and save you from playing the drugstore guessing game. “I'm here to give you the right advice,” says Bewley. “And I'll gladly exchange anything that's not working for you.”

8. You know your hair better than anyone—tell me about it!


If you're visiting a stylist for the first time, be upfront about your hair's history, says Dickey, founder of the Hair Rules Salon in New York City. Did your last hairdresser use a relaxer? Do you know what he colored your hair with? The more information you have, the better. Previous chemical treatments will affect how the next ones set. And if you have especially thick hair, let the receptionist know when you book your appointment so she can allot enough time for you.

9. If you like my work, please let other people know!

“Referrals are hairstylists' lifeblood,” says Bewley. If you're happy with your cut or color, tell your friends and coworkers. Passing on referrals can be mutually beneficial: If a new client comes in on your recommendation, your stylist will likely give you a discount the next time you visit the salon.

10. You're a walking billboard for my work.

Don't go too long between colorings or let your haircut lose its shape. Your hair should be a positive reflection of your stylist's work. If you're not sure how to style a new cut once you get home, go back and ask questions, urges Bewley. Your hairdresser wants you to look good, and would be more than happy to teach you the proper styling and finishing tips.

Palty Hair Dye Reviews and Directions

These are all the colors of Palty.

It was my first time dying hair at home! I always heard about how other people's hair got ruined because they dye at home by themselves. Although I always tell people as long as you're using the right products it should be fine, I am still hesitated to do it.

I have very dry hair, so everytime I will dye at the salon so they can re-condition my hair. Last time I went to LA, I can't help to buy a pack of this great deal Palty which only costs about $6US. I believe if you buy in other areas or on ebay, it costs more.

So I told my boyfriend to come over to help me dye it. It's ALOOOT better if someone's helping you because sometimes you can't see the back of your hair and the result is you'll get lighter and darker colors. You don't want that!

I used the Pure Natural color, and I'm pretty satisfied with the result. Especially this hair dye product didn't really hurt my hair! When I was washing my hair, I felt that Palty has ingredients that condition and protect my hair because I felt my hair was quite smooth.

I would recommend this product to everyone! I don't feel the chemicals have hurt my hair or cause my hair to become dry. Also, it has a better smell than other hair dye products, you'll feel that it doesn't have as much overreacting chemicals.

Directions:
(I don't read Japanese, so I was a little confused about the directions although it has a poster stating very clear directions using pictures == )

1. Squeeze the hair dye liquid from the "toothpaste tube" into the bigger container with the white liquid.
2. Close the lid and shake it for 10-30 secs.
3. You can use the comb or squeeze on your hand to rub on your hair.
4.**If you have darker hair on the root, rub on the root first, and leave it for at least 5 minutes.
5.(From Direction 4) After five minutes, start rubbing on all the hair thoroughly.
6. **Although the direction from the box may tell you to wash you hair after 15-20 mins, but it isn't true. Wash you hair when you start seeing colors that you're satisfied. The longer you wait, the lighter you hair will become. Some people take longer for their hair to absorb the color.
7. They have a pink mini pack that contains conditioner inside. But it's only a LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER (don't use it as a washing conditioner)!


I dyed my hair almost one month ago, and I don't have a clear picture of my hair. This picture is more bright, so you can see the color is about the same as Pure Natural.

Hair Loss Treatments & Products

My dad was experiencing hair loss during the recent few years. Yes, he's getting old, but it mostly comes from the stress and pressures. I've bought some hair loss products for him, and they do work! Now he's getting some hair back, and my mom is pretty happy about it, too. ^^

Hair loss doesn't only affect men; it can even affect women and children. Surgeries can cause you to have hair loss. And many women notice hair loss about 3 months after they've had a baby. This loss is also related to hormones. Besides, some medicines can cause hair loss. This type of hair loss improves when you stop taking the medicine.

These are some of the products:


Spectral DNC
Extra Strength hair loss treatment with Minoxidil

Spectral DNC® is the world's most effective topical hair loss treatment
•Clinically proven to work faster than Rogaine®
•Works on the entire scalp, including frontal baldness
•Grows normally strong & healthy hair
•Combines the finest, research grade ingredients, including Aminexil®

1 bottle $35.99



Nisim Hair Stimulating Extract - Gel Formulation
Hair loss solution, promotes hair re-growth

•Clinically proven to restore hair growth
•Shown to be more effective than minoxidil (Rogaine)
•Active ingredients block DHT production
•Gel formulation provides styling properties
•No chemical irritants
•Safe for permed, colored or chemically-treated hair
•Safe for men and women

$58.95



Nisim Hair Stimulating Extract - Original Formula
Stimulate re-growth of lost hair

Nisim Hair Stimulating Extract:

•Is clinically proven to restore hair growth
•Has been shown to be more effective than minoxidil (Rogaine)
•Contains active ingredients which block DHT production
•Contains no chemical irritants
•Causes vasodilatation naturally when massaged into your scalp
•Is safe for permed, colored or chemically-treated hair
•Is safe for men and women

%58.95



Revivogen - Anti-DHT hair loss treatment
Halt and reverse hair loss and thinning

Formulated to work together, Revivogen's Scalp Therapy Formula and Bio-Cleansing Shampoo promote new hair growth without the use of harsh chemicals.

•Scientifically proven to stop hair loss
•Promotes new hair growth and thicker, stronger hair
•Contains active ingredients which block the hormone that causes baldness
•Safe and effective for both men and women
•No systemic side effects
•100% natural ingredients
•GUARANTEED to work

1 Kit $99



Nisim Finishing Rinse Conditioner
Condition, thicken and enrich thinning hair

Formulated to work with Nisim Shampoo and Stimulating Extract, this ultra-rich, deep conditioner penetrates into the roots of your hair.

•Improves texture and appearance of hair
•Leaves dull, brittle and thinning hair feeling thicker
•Safe for colored, permed or chemically treated hair
•Effective for both men and women

$14.95



Nisim Oil Free Hair Conditioner
Oil-free hair conditioner helps prevent hair loss

Eliminates heavy oils and unwanted chemicals that may clog your hair follicles.

Formulated to work with Nisim Shampoo and Stimulating Extract, Nisim Oil-Free Conditioner penetrates into the roots of your hair.

•Instantly improves texture and overall appearance of hair
•Leaves even dull, brittle and thinning hair feeling thicker and fuller
•Safe for permed, colored or chemically treated hair
•Effective for both men and women

$14.95



Revivogen Thickening Conditioner
Condition, thicken and enrich thinning hair

Revivogen Conditioner is designed to be used with Revivogen Shampoo and Natural Scalp Therapy. An all-natural product, it:

•Targets DHT, the cause of hair loss
•Promotes new hair growth (when used with other Revivogen products)
•Thickens and protects your new hair
•Prevents future hair loss
•Leaves your hair feeling soft and touchable
•Is safe for both men and women

$20

*Above also have shampoo versions

There many many kinds of pills and vitamins that can treat hair loss. You can find many old recipes online, too. I am not sure if they will work. but hair loss products do work for my dad. I heard Shisheido is launching hair loss treatment, too. I believe that having a healthy body and a good spirit are the most important in treating hair loss. So you should always eat and sleep right and be positive!

Volumize your hair! Say goodbye to flat hair!

I have friends that are troubling about their flat hair, and they're not sure what products they should use. I also have a friend that used to have flat hair, but since she has changed to another shampoo brand, her hair texture totally changed. Now even after three days not washing her hair, her hair still has volumes. I am the kind of person that born to have hair volume; maybe it's because my hair is quite dry. People who's hair are oily tend to have flat hair because oil will weigh hair down.

These are some of the products that are good for volumizing your hair


Kerastase Volumorphose, an in-salon hair treatment ($35; visit kerastase-usa.com for salon locations).
THE PROMISE: Instant body and thickness that lasts a few days and prolongs a professional blowout.
THE EXPERT SAYS: "This could potentially be very effective," says chemist Jim Hammer. "It has a molecule that bonds to the hair's surface, and when moisture is applied--whammo! The molecules link to form a three-dimensional polymer, which has thickening effects and promotes volume."
WE SAY: Our hair definitely had more oomph, and the blowout lasted an extra day.
Fr: Instyle


This new shampoo from Kérastase Paris coats the hair to create air pockets and instant volume without weighing it down.


Hair has added strength and substance, with flexible hold and blow-dry protection. Hair is left with full, long-lasting volume. Style is protected with an anti-static effect. $34




Ratings by TOPBEAUTY


No. 1
Ojon Conditioning Volumizing Foam, $22
Why it's great: This foam gives "hair hold and texture without the least bit of stickiness or coarseness," readers say. Hair is "shiny, wavy and full of body" and looks and "feels healthier." "It gave my hair tons of volume that lasted all day," one reader says.


No.2
Paul Mitchell Thicken Up, $12.25
Why it's great: Readers say "volume looks completely natural" and sets so they aren't "looking at a flat mane at the end of the day." It also gives hair "a sheer film of shine that doesn't scream the obviousness of a hair spray." One reader says "this product gave my thin, limp hair a lot of volume without leaving it crunchy."


No.3
Pantene Pro-V Root Lifting Spray Gel, $4.7
Why it's great: "It gives amazing volume (without looking like '80s hair!)" readers say. A spritz on roots "delivers great lift" and gives "long lasting volume … hair is not flat by day's end." One reader even said, "it keeps my scalp from getting flaky."


No.4
Sexy Hair Flip It Over Full & Wild Spray, $11
Why it's great: This gave readers "extreme volume" that was "full and sexy." The "awesome volume" was about "two or three inches high" for one reader and "lasts a decently long time."



Other products are:

Matrix Amplify Volumizing System Color XL Shampoo, delivered 22 percent more volume. (Though at $9.95 a bottle, it is on the more expensive end of those tested.)

Suave Professionals Amplifying Shampoo provided 17 percent more volume, and is reasonably priced at $1.99.

Clairol Herbal Essences Natural Volume Texturizing Shampoo (9.2 percent more volume) at $3.29

You can also volumize your hair without hair products!
How to Volumize Hair - add volume to fine and flat hair
How to Volumize Hair - add volume to fine and flat hair