We all want to have amazing hair, but as we know, it can be hard to know what to ask for when we go in-salon. We often end up walking out with a ‘do we weren’t ready to commit to, or a colour we can’t see ourselves living with – and it’s just not the kind of experience you should be, well… experiencing.
We cornered some of this country’s top hair stylists to discover how someone like you or I can go about working with your hairdresser in order to get the best cut, the most fabulous colour, and the most show-stopping style about town.
The Experts
Colour: Dario Cotroneo, owner of Dario Salon
Cut: Frank Apostolopoulos, Hair Expo Australian Hairdresser of the Year
#1: know what will suit you – and your lifestyle
Dario says, ‘the starting point for choosing the right colour is always based on your natural hair and skin tones. Most people either fall into the category of warm or cool-toned skin. Despite which category you fall into, there should be a blonde, brunette or even a red shade to suit you. Generally, the cooler or paler your skin tone, the lighter you can go with your hair. Warm or olive skin can handle a more intense, rich colour such as an auburn brown or a golden caramel.’
Frank says, ‘when someone is ready for a change with their hair, I would always suggest they see their hairdresser and get a professional opinion. Getting a change with your haircut obviously should be something that suits the face shape and lifestyle of the wearer. But it should also be something that doesn’t take long to do. A great haircut should literally fall into place. So find out from your hairdresser what and how the maintenance will be like at home. Your hairdresser can show you some quick easy tricks to maintain your new shape, so you’re out of the house in minutes.
#2: do it right the first time
Frank suggests bringing a visual aid, ‘Bringing in photos from magazines or on an iPad is always a great way to show your hairdresser what you’re really liking. At least this way there is a clear indication of what you’re thinking. From that point on, both parties can work on that base. Sometimes what “a short fringe” means to one person could mean a totally different thing to another.’
Dario suggests heading straight into the salon, ‘I have had a lot of people come into the salon over the last 25 years wanting hairdressers to fix their at-home dye results. So I say avoid spending double the amount to fix it and do it right first time round by seeing a professional hair colourist.’
#3: ask the experts for their opinion – it’s their job to know what will and won’t work!
‘When people come into the salon they should ask their stylist what colour they think will suit their cut, natural hair colour and skin tone. They should also make it very clear to the stylist what colour look they are going for, as the stylist will be able to advise them if this is the right tone for them. The benefits of going into a salon are numerous; stylists have to go through years of training and experience in their profession. My team has over 70 years of experience collectively and they have a mountain of advice and tips that they can pass on to clients. They will know what shades will work for you based on experience, which will be reflected in the results’, says Dario.
‘A definite “no-no” would be for a client to do any cutting at home themselves! Even for a fringe trim they should be popping in to their hair salon to touch up. Always leave cutting to the professionals as sometimes even little mistakes can take a long time to rectify’, says Frank.
To maintain your incredible salon colour and cut at home, beautyheaven recommends using products that are specifically designed to protect your colour and the ends of your hair:
nak colour fix normal– a dual-action, colour-locking treatment designed to rebuild your hair structure, while locking in your hair colour for extra durability and shine.
De Lorenzo Protein Complex strengthening treatment spray – this protein spray, can be used both pre and post-colouring to ensure your hair is nourished enough to take the colour more effectively.
bhave™ fresh ends – smoothes, repairs, seals and controls misbehaving split ends without weighing down your hair.
Will you be trying any of these secrets?
Since got Olaplex and fanola no yellow vegan into my routine, do not care when I mess things up!