It’s that time of year again; it’s officially creeping up to holiday season. And educating your clients before they’re off jet-setting to the sun is key at this time of year. Which is why we’re giving you some top tips, with the help of some industry experts, to help keep your client’s hair hydrated while soaking up the sun. The last thing they want is dry, dull, and brittle hair to ruin their holiday, right?
Pre-Holiday Appointments
If you know your client is going away on holiday, a pre-holiday consultation appointment is always useful. Teri Lowe, Creative Director at The Hair Surgery says: “It gives you the chance to explain how they can protect their hair from heat and keep it hydrated. It’s also a really great opportunity to boost retail, recommending treatments and masks that will help the hair retain moisture.”
Jake Nugent, OSMO Ambassador likes to encourage clients to visit the salon regularly for summer consultations: “Appointments for toners, blow outs and fringe trims keep hair in optimum condition. Customers want our knowledge and experience, so use the chair time well to listen to their needs and wants, but also share at-home care advice, especially if they’re heading off on holiday. We want their hair to be in the best condition.”
Suzie McGill, Artistic Director at Rainbow Room International is a strong believer in the pre-holiday haircut. “Getting a haircut before going on holiday removes any split ends and avoids any further damage being done to the hair,” Suzie says. “Regular treatments at-home and in-salon gives a more intense, professional treatment and ensures the hair is in a pristine condition.”
Conditioning Treatments
Any time is a good time for a conditioning treatment, but Jonathan Andrew, Fudge Professional global brand ambassador, stresses the importance of safeguarding hair before sun damage. “Try to get clients into the mindset that conditioning treatments work best as a preventative measure, rather than a cure further down the line once the damage has already been done. The Fudge Professional Clean Blonde Damage Rewind Treatment is an ideal summertime blonde treatment.”
For Afro and excessively curly hair (type4 hair), Jacqui McIntosh, European Education Director for Avlon, highlights the significance of keeping in hair moisture, especially in the summer season. “In anticipation of the hot weather, make sure you help clients to prepare their hair by increasing its moisture using frequent deep conditioning treatments. KeraCare Intensive Restorative Masque is great for this.”
Drink Plenty of Water
It’s important for clients to drink plenty of water, not only to keep the body hydrated but for hair hydration too. “Drinking water saves hair from becoming brittle, and keeps it looking and feeling healthy,” says Suzie.
Rinsing Hair Before Taking a Dip
“I always advise clients to wet their hair prior to going into the pool or sea, as jumping straight in will result in the hair instantly absorbing the chlorine or salt, which can lead to it drying out,” says Tina Farey, Rush Editorial Director. “By rinsing the hair first, it will soak up less and keep the hair in a better condition.” Tina adds: “Clients should also try to rinse their hair as soon as possible after spending time in the pool or sea, to remove the chlorine or salt and avoid it drying into the hair. A clarifying shampoo is a great product for a deep clean; removing chlorine and build up from the hair.”
Have you got extensions clients? Take a look at our handy guide on all things sun, sea and hair extensions.
UV Protection
While soaking up the rays, Teri says: “To keep clients hair hydrated and protected from the sun, I recommend good UV protection hair products that should be applied like sun cream. Protective products are great, but it’s also better to keep the hair and scalp out of the sun – no one wants a burnt scalp!”
Joana Neves, Editorial Director at ALTERNA recommends the ALTERNA Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture CC Cream to help protect the hair from UV rays and to seal moisture into the hair. “It provides the hair with moisture, shine, smoothness, softness, and so much more!”
Moisturising Shampoo and Conditioner
“Moisturising shampoos and conditioners are a must as they revitalise brittle hair, keep it looking and feeling in optimum condition, and protect it from future damage,” says Joana. “I always advise clients to swap their conditioner with a hair mask 1-2 times a week to give their hair a more intense treatment, particularly if they notice their hair is starting to look dry and damaged.”
“Fudge Professional Damage Rewind Reconstructing Shampoo and Conditioner is an absolute go-to for damaged, stressed or weak hair,” says Jonathan. And for a little extra TLHC (tender loving haircare), Jonathan shares a little top tip: “Use the conditioner like a treatment: apply to the hair after washing and wrap a warm, damp towel around the head until it cools before rinsing.”
Overnight Treatments
Lastly, clients should be encouraged to have a regular moisturising regime, which includes overnight treatments. “The KeraCare Overnight Treatment will ensure the hair is well moisturised and prepared for hot weather,” says Jacqui.
But Tina has other advice. “Another great way for clients to take care of their hair during the night is to sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase,” Tina says. “These are a lot gentler on the hair and will prevent breakage and frizz while also improving hydration, leaving the hair smoother and healthier in appearance. Silk and satin do not soak up as much oil and therefore keeps the hair moisturised and soft.”
With this advice, clients will be flaunting their healthy and hydrated hair all holiday. And if you're wanting to recommend some of this year's hottest styles, take a look at some of these...
