I was asked to speak to a small group of ladies about any beauty topic I would like. I thought I would open the session with the the top 10 frequently asked questions I get when I am working. I was just getting ready to type them up when I thought you might enjoy hearing them too!
1. What shampoo/conditioner should I buy at the drug store?
A: I am not a typical stylist. I am not going to tell you that you must buy a professional shampoo/conditioner from me or from a salon. I will say that most professional brands are formulated to be color safe but I definitely have had bad experiences with products within the professional range. I try my best to stay with more natural products and products that are Leaping Bunny certified (no animal testing of any kind). The best advice I can give you in choosing a product is to choose according to the condition of your hair. If you spend money on chemical services you absolutely must protect your investment and buy a good shampoo/conditioner. I would recommend a sulfate free shampoo that is labeled "color safe". The brands I most recommend are:
2. What are the worst hair products on the market?
A: This is a hard question to answer. The first thing I do to check on a product is to search for it on www.ewg.org. This is the Skin Deep cosmetic database. Their mission is to give information on beauty products to ensure the safety of human health and the environment. Currently there are no regulations on beauty products. It looks like of the products they have reviewed, John Frieda is the most harmful in the drug store category and Biosilk is the most harmful in the professional category. I really stay away from most brands until I know what's inside the product.
3. If I wax my face will my hair grow in thicker?
A: I would say yes and no. No, your hair won't really grow in thicker. Yes, your hair will grow back and you may notice it more. Waxing is really the best hair removal method if you are wondering what to do with unwanted facial hair. Last year I did a really long post about hair removal. Check it out for a more lengthy discussion.
4. Why does it cost so much money to get my hair done?
A: It's hard to believe that people ask me this question, but they do. When you come to see a professional stylist you are paying for several things. First, you are paying for the expertise. If you could do it yourself you wouldn't be coming in to the salon. Beauty school is hard work and costs a decent chunk of change. Most of us really do no more after going through it. We also have to pay for at least 7 hours a year of continuing education that doesn't come cheap. Second, you are paying for our overhead. We still have to purchase tools, supplies and pay rent/bills. Lastly, most stylists do not have a retirement fund or private health insurance and the work we do is extremely hard on our bodies. We charge more because those things have to be taken in to account.
5. Do I need to shampoo everyday?
A: No. I actually recommend that you wait at least two days between shampooing. Some people can't deal with going more than 24 hours and I understand that. If you love to wash your hair everyday and your hair is in good condition than go for it. If you have dry or curly hair I especially recommend you wait. The natural oils from your scalp are really good for your hair. Buy a natural bristle brush and brush them through. This really is a personal preference though. You aren't going to damage your hair by shampooing everyday, but you may dry it out which will increase your oil production.
6. How fast does hair grow? Is shedding OK?
A: Hair grows on average about 6 inches a year. There are three stages of hair growth. The active stage (Anagen) can last from 2-5 years and is when the hair grows the most. About 85% of your hair is in this stage at any time. How long your hair stays in this stage is determined by genetics. The transitional stage (Catagen) lasts about 2 weeks. During this stage the hair follicle shrinks and the hair strand rests and detaches itself from its nourishing blood supply. The shedding or resting stage (Telogen) lasts 1-4 months. The hair follicle remains dormant. So yes, it's healthy to shed hair. 10-15% of your hair will be in this stage at all times.
7. How damaging is it to color your hair?
A: This depends on your stylist! No color service has to be damaging. Coloring your hair does change the texture and chemical properties of your hair. Your stylist should explain to you how to care for your hair after any chemical service.
8. What should I tip my stylist?
A: Again, it's hard to believe I get asked this question but I do, frequently. A tip is appreciation for a job well done. I feel a tip is a gift and never expected. If I had to say, I would say that 20% is customary.
9. Can you tell me what over the counter dye to buy?
A: NO! There are only a handful of situations where I think it's alright to color your hair at home. Sorry ladies but I can pick you out a mile away. Coloring your hair at home may save you money but it isn't doing you any favors.
10. How often should I get my hair cut?
A: This really depends on you and your hair texture and condition. To me a trim is less than half an inch. If you are growing your hair out and it is in good condition I suggest a trim every 10-12 weeks. If you have just had a perm or other chemical service I suggest a trim every 4- 6 weeks. Trimming your hair every 6 weeks will help you maintain your style.
