What clients need to know about pre-lightening

The colourful hair trends of 2019 will undoubtedly inspire your clients to change their mane for the new season. What should they know? Hair colour is tricky to prescribe. Even though your clients will have that annual itch to go down the path of Billie Ellish’s vibrant style or Ruby Rose’s pastel hues, there are a few salon rules they should know about and blindly follow. In order to help make every beauty change commitment worth, we have broken down the process of pre-lightening, ahead. From preparation to aftercare, get to know what to advise your clients. https://www.instagram.com/p/BmiegJEAEMb/ If your clients are planning on going pastel or any colour lighter than their current colour, pre-lightening cannot be escaped. But why is it important? Lightening the hair opens up the cuticle of the hair and removes some of the pigment, making it more receptive to colour.  However, when the chemical opens the cuticle within the hair, it can also break down the bonds and damage the hair. In order to ensure your clients' locks are healthy and luscious after the colour treatment, advise them on having an in-depth consultation before the final appointment. The in-depth consultation will help you and your client to get on one page on the following:

Get to know the hair

Each client has different needs based on their hair type and colour. The key is to consider what condition the hair is in, the structure of the hair and how it sits naturally.

Discuss your clients’ hair history

Learn whether the hair had any chemical treatments in the past six months. A relaxed hair would need a different approach to a keratin treatment. This is incredibly important as over processing can weaken the hair and remove the curl pattern. Overlapping on pre-lightened tints can also cause breakage and bands. Session stylist and director of Wig London, Lisa Farrall, shares her key tip for pre-lightening: “Never push the hair structure past its ability.” She highlights that chemicals do not kill hair, but people do, saying that slow and steady is the correct way to lighten the hair. Lisa also recommends a mix of bleach and high lift tint on the hair in sections for those who do not want to compromise the clients' hair structure.

Agree on colour and financial commitment

If your clients go for a full Rihanna’s fiery red hairstyle, they will need to know that four to six weeks is normally a good time for a re-touch on the roots. However, most people go every three to four weeks to stop any possibility of overlapping the hair. In case your clients do not want to commit to a salon re-touch appointment every four weeks, recommend two of the most current trends. Namely, ombre and balayage. These options will help those that are seeking a more of a low-maintenance colour change. https://www.instagram.com/p/B0l33goFub_/

Treat the hair

After the colouring process, the treatment of the hair is essential. Make sure your clients use the right products to secure the condition of the hair and to lock in the colour. Francesca Dixon, a creative colourist at Hari’s Hairdressers, strongly recommends investing in a good salon professional shampoo and conditioner. She also says a good heat protector is important for the best possible end results. Her product of choice is the 10 in 1 spray in the L’Oréal Professionnel Vitamino Collection.