Foils/Highlights

Is a type of colour service in which you can lighten or darken separated strands of hair. Foils often give a more natural effect to the overall colour of your hair. Foils can be weaved or sliced depending on how dramatic you would like the colour to look. For a more natural look fine weaves are appropriate. For a more defined streaky/chunky look the slices or thick weaves would work. The foil is simply used to protect the other surrounding hair from being colored. The rest of your is usually left natural or colored all over with a tint.

What is a highlight?

It’s a colour in a foil that is lighter than your natural or the other colours in your hair. Highlights can brighten up your old colour. 

What is a lowlight?

Lowlights involve darkening strands of hair by using colours that are darker than your natural colour.

Highlighting and low lighting can give your hair more body and shine. Suitable for all hair types, curly, straight, wavy, long or short. 

Why have highlights and low lights?

They’re also a great way to start off dyeing your hair for the first time as you retain your natural shade too. They allow you to have a ‘sun-kissed’ effect with lighter strands running through your hair. They're also great for lighting up the face. 

Want to be blonde? 

This can be achieved with highlights and in some cases low lights. They may result with you having two different tones in your hair. If you have dark hair it is ideal to become blonde slowly by starting with a half a head of foils (this doesn’t include the back or underneath) and next time getting a full head. You most likely won’t achieve the colour you are wanting in the first go, you will become slowly lighter and lighter in each appointment, also your hair won’t become as dry or damaged as it could if you do it all in the one go. Blondes are also high maintenance, expect to be making visits back to the salon every 4-8 weeks, depending on how dark you are, or how fast your hair grows.

There are many ways to keep your hair from becoming brassy at home; purple shampoo, to be used about every second time your wash your hair. There is also toners you can apply onto your hair at home, for longer up keep. It is best to come into the salon just for a toner when you feel like your hair has gone brassy or if you’re not happy with the tone of your hair after a couple of week, after visiting the salon.

In our salons the foil services we do are, Full head, ½ a head, ¾ head and scattered foils. The more foils you have the most expensive it gets. The colour brand we use for hair colour is CHI and INDOLA, 

Written By Becc

Grey Hair

When will you start getting Grey hair? 

The age at which you’ll get your first gray hair is largely determined by genetics. You'll probably get that first strand of gray around the same age your parents and grandparents started to go gray. However, the rate at which the graying progresses is somewhat under your own control. Smoking is known to increase the rate of graying. In some cases a lot of teenagers aged between 17-20 may start getting their first grey hair. This is can be caused by stress.

• Why we get more Grey hair at the front area than the back? Can be caused by stress and lack of vitamins. It might be also because of the less sleep as well, but in some cases it might happen because of genetics.

• Is gray hair resistant? Not all gray hair is resistant, but in most cases it will be especially when they have a thick hair shaft. This is because the hair cuticle is tightly packed down and isn't left open so it makes the hair colour hard to get inside the hair cuticle .This will make the colour process longer over non resistant gray hair, although the gray hair can still be covered 100%.   

• How can we make gray hair low maintenance? By going lighter. The lighter your hair is coloured the more your gray hair will be blended into your colour and less noticeable. You could also have a lot of blonde foils, this will make your hair last long between visits as the foils will blend in with the gray. You can also go with an all over light colour, this wouldn't last as long as what foils would, but it’s still less noticeable then it would be if you were a brown colour with gray re-growth. 

There are different tones of gray, such as silver, white, dark, ashy and brassy. If you want to remove the brassiness of your gray hair you can use a purple shampoo this will get rid of most of the yellow to orange tones.

The colour brands that we use in our salons are: CHI and INDOLA. Both of CHI and INDOLA give 100% grey coverage.

CHI hair colour is the world’s number one ammonia free hair colour. This colour provides coverage for clients with more than 50% gray hair. Great for you if you’re worried about all the chemicals or even the strong smell hair colour can have.                      

If you want to go for a 100% natural colour to cover your grays there is the option of henna. Although henna will not turn your grays to a natural colour such as brown or black, they will in fact turn a copper/red colour. Henna is made out of natural plants. Coffee or tea can be added to make the henna appear darker on the hair. The more times you apply henna the darker the result each time.

Not liking the colour henna gives to your grey hair? We can fix that by using our CHI or INDOLA 100% grey coverage colour’s over the henna. Although we cannot guarantee that it will cover the entire old henna colour. In most cases the colour that is over the henna will fade out.

The Henna product that we use in our salons is ‘herbal henna’

Written by Becc

Pedicure & Manicure

A manicure & pedicure is a cosmetic beauty treatment for your fingernails, toenails, legs hands and in some cases a small part of your arm. You should be getting a manicure and pedicure at least once a month.

Benefits of Manicures:

A good manicure will clean and shape your nails and treat your cuticles, which is vital for keeping your nails healthy and strong. During a manicure your hands will be exfoliated to remove dead skin cells and to improve circulation and stimulate blood flow. A manicure generally not always includes painting the nails. Not only will having a manicure make your nails and hands look good, it is also very relaxing.

Benefits of Pedicures

Feet are one of the most neglected parts of our bodies and often get left off our regular beauty routine. Pedicures are similar to manicures except they are specially designed for your feet. During a pedicure your nails will be cleaned, shaped and trimmed to prevent ingrown nails. The exfoliating and massage elements can relieve aching feet and muscles and stimulate circulation. The oils and moisturizing elements will keep feet well-hydrated and prevent dry cracked heels, which can be painful. Pedicures generally include application of a toenail polish.

Our manicure service includes filing, shaping of the free edge, treatments, massage of the hand and the application of polish. The products that we use in the salon for manicures are:

•    'Natural look hand and nail moisture mask', this product is an aroma therapeutic, rejuvenating hand mask which is enriched with alpha hydroxy acid complexes and soothing, conditioning essential oils of lavender. 

•    'Natural look hand and body exfoliating gel' which is specially formulated to deep cleanse and remove impurities that makes your skin look dull and feel rough. Used regularly it will prevent dry skin building up on hands, elbows or any other areas of the body.

•    'Natural look hand and nail moisture', this product is free from sulphates, parabens and mineral oils. This moisturizes and nourishes your skin using natural oils and herbal extracts. Soften hands and strengthens nails.

Our pedicure service includes removing dead skin, softening hard skin and shaping and treating toe-nails, and also massages softening and soothing oils and creams into your foot to make you feel relaxed. While you’re having your pedicure service done your feet will be soaked in softening soaking liquid and deep sea salt which helps to relax your tired feet. All of our tools we use have been sterilized and cleaned. We also have a massage spa chair that you can relax on while getting your pedicure service done.

The products we use in salons are:

•    'Natural look cool feel softening soak' this product refreshes and deodorises tired feet. This foaming softening soak also cleanses the feet, leaving a cool sensation due to the properties of the natural essential oils.

•    'Natural look deep sea salt' is a softening and hydrating, anti-inflammatory feet soak treatment containing Australian sea salts. This product detoxifies skin and softens callouses.

•    'Natural look cool feet stimulating scrub is especially formulated with papaya to deep cleanse, remove and prevent rough, dry skin build up on your feet. It exfoliates rough and dry skin.

•    'Natural look cool feet massage lotion' moisturises, softens and refreshes tired, aching feet, helps improve circulation problems.

We specialize in basic and deluxe (includes exfoliation mask) manicures and pedicures and we use OPI nail polish.

Written By Becc

Treatments

Hair Treatments are designed to treat your hair when it’s damaged and dry from hair colour, the weather or environment. Hair can be damaged by chemical exposure, repeat of heat when using styling tools like hair dryers, straightening irons, curling wands, perming and in some cases permanent straightening. Treatments help to reconstruct your hair giving moisture and proteins that your hair needs to look and feel healthier and they will penetrate in your hair cuticle, working to repair damage and restore strength and prevent further breakage.

After using the treatment for the first time don’t expect to have the best results your hair might still feel quite dry, depending on how damaged your hair is. It may take a couple of treatments until you start seeing or feeling a healthy difference to your hair. It is recommended to apply a treatment once a week. After using treatments regularly if you can’t see any changes in your hair, its good idea to give your hair a small trim and also switch to shampoos, conditioners and products that are especially for damaged hair. You can then continue on using your treatments once a week. When using treatments try not to put a lot of treatment on your hair and also make sure that you do not put it on the roots, but once you put treatment on the ends you can massage through from roots to ends after 15-20 minutes rinse your hair really well. Before treating your hair you must shampoo your hair twice and towel dry it, this will remove all the excess water, also it will prevent the treatment from being diluted down. Using a microfiber towel will soak up 100 times more water than a normal towel. Using heat over your hair while the treatment is on will activate a deeper penetration of the hair treatment product; you can do this at home just by simply soaking a towel in hot water, squeezing out all the excess water, then wrapping it around your head. Although when getting a treatment done in salon we have a heat lamp which helps to absorb more moisture into your hair.

Ways of preventing your hair from becoming dry and damaged:

•    Do not straighten your hair every day.

•   Keeping your hair natural from any chemicals, such as colour.

•    Regular haircuts every 6-8 weeks.

•   Stay away from supermarket shampoos; they strip your hair from the natural oils it needs to be healthy, smooth and easy to style.

•   Use sulfate, paraben and silicon free shampoos, conditioners and styling products (we sell/use in our salons)

•   Shampoo less often.

•   Use thermal protection products before styling your hair.

In salon we use organic natural treatments:

•    Reconstructing treatment which makes the hair stronger and they are generally protein based. This treatment is recommended if you have chemically damaged hair or breaking weak hair. This treatment won't feel great on the hair at first as they work internally and you may still need a conditioner to make you hair feel smooth.

•    Conditioning/moisturizing treatment is great for frizzy, dry hair and for those of you with curly hair that lacks bounce. Will treat all damage conditions from colouring to over drying or over heating your hair. This Treatment will help to smooth the cuticle giving your hair a smoother, shiner, healthier appearance.

There are different types of treatments we can provide according to the hair type such as curly, straight, frizzy, dry, damaged, broken, and to create volume plus many more.

Written By Becc

Hair Extensions

Hair extensions, also called hair weaves, are lengths of real or synthetic hair that are closely attached to a person's scalp, adding length and/or thickness to the person's own natural hair. There are several different systems for attaching hair extensions, some of which are longer lasting than others. When well matched in color and texture, and professionally applied, hair extensions are designed to mix in and move naturally with a person's own hair, making it difficult to tell the person is wearing them. They can provide volume, extend hair, and add highlights or low lights. With the proper maintenance, some extensions can last up to a full year before they need to be removed.

There is different ways that you can use your extensions for:

•    Length- if you have short hair and can’t wait for it to grow an easy solution is the hair extensions.

•   Thickness- if you have fine or not a lot of hair you can use hair extensions just for thickness by just adding a couple into your hair. You will be surprised on what a difference it does make.

•   Colour- want to change your hair colour but you are too scared in case you don’t like it? Well the easiest way to see if you like this colour is to add a few extensions of the colour you want in your hair. If you don’t like it all you have to do is remove the extension. An example of this is if you want the ombre/balayage but don’t want to damage the ends of your hair by lightening it, the perfect solution is you can try it out with the hair extensions, and then you don’t have to worry about not liking it or your hair being damaged.

Types of Extensions:

Both human and synthetic hair extensions are available, and both come in a variety of colors, textures, styles, and lengths. Each type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Natural or human hair extensions are usually significantly more expensive than synthetic, though they are typically considered to be of higher quality. Synthetic hair is made from chemically processed fibers; although more affordable, it may not look as real and cannot be hot styled, whereas real hair can be washed and styled as normal hair.

•    The most basic type of hair extensions are clip in extensions. These offer thickness and length without the cost of permanent extensions. They are less expensive to buy and also don’t need to be put in by a professional. The advantage of clip ins is the ability to put them in and take them out as you please. They are simply clipped in to your hair in sections. As they are temporary they usually only last a day or a night, although they can be reused repeatedly.

•    Micro beads, weaving, bonding, fusing are other types of extensions. These are all more permanent methods, as they are attached to your own hair using wax, beads or braiding them into your hair. We have found these methods of applying extensions can be damaging to your hair and scalp and can also look unnatural. They can, however, be difficult to remove, add additional weight to the hair, can loosen after a few washings and put a lot more pressure on your scalp.

•    The newest method of extensions is tape extensions. They are two pieces of hair attached by using a double sided tape method, with your hair sandwiched in between the tapes. They are simple to apply and even easier to take out. You can reuse them over and over. Easy to apply with no tools needed. This system is completely seamless with no bumps. Tape hair extensions can be washed and styled as normal, you can use your regular hair products,    and they are designed to be lightweight and are suitable for most hair types. You can wear your hair up or down. Ideal for people with thinning hair and for adding length or volume or simply adding highlights without chemicals. Tape hair extensions can last up to 2 months, they simply get taken out cleaned up and re-taped and then put back in your hair!

Written By Enza

Balayage/Ombre

You may have first heard seen balayage through celebrities in magazines, internet or on the TV, as many of them have or had it. This hair colouring technique first emerged in Paris in the 1970s. The word 'Balayage' is French for 'to sweep', a reference in the way the colour is applied. The colour is applied free hand creating the natural effect. Balayage is a method of highlighting which lightens the hair gradually from the roots to the ends, with also some highlights on your roots to make more natural and not so contrast (this is optional). This technique achieves an ultra-natural effect. Remember it’s supposed to look natural so you should only go 2-3 shades lighter then the colour of your ends.

Ombre means 'two toned' and more dramatic look, such as colours black roots and red ends or just a more contrasting blonde. Ombre is where the ends are lighter than the roots but won’t give you a natural affect than  balayage and it gives you more of a contrast. To achieve this effect it is recommended to go 3-4 shades lighter than the colour of your ends. Some might refer 'Ombre' as 'Dip Dye'', but dip dye is different as it would only be colouring a small part of your ends to a lighter colour.

To achieve both bayalage/ombre correctly your hair should always be darker on the root area and lighter on the ends, rather than having light roots and dark ends.

The Balayage and ombre technique can be used in both long and short styles, however for best results we recommend it is used on long hair, below the shoulders. You can also achieve the best look by doing GHD curls, this achieves an even more natural effect. If you don’t have naturally long hair and you want balayage or ombre there is a solution. Hair extensions will help you achieve this, by using the colour that you would have liked to achieve on your ends as an extension and you will get the same balayage affect the same way as if you have naturally long hair.   

Advantages:

•    Balayage and ombre compared to other colour techniques like full head tints or foil highlights is mainly because it is very easy to maintain. This is because you do not get a solid root line when the hair grows out and means you can leave your hair longer between colour appointments, perfect if you do not have the time to visit the salon every few weeks to get your hair touched up. It’s also CHEAPER!

•    Another way of leaving your hair even longer in between appointments, is to match the root colour to you natural colour as you won’t want get that line of re growth. You may last up to 12 weeks without having to come back into the salon, great idea for some that wants a low maintenance colour.

•    Makes it easier to trim the dry ends off and definitely easier to grow out completely, if you’re wanting to go back to your natural hair colour.

Disadvantages:

•    When having ombre with brighter colours on your ends such as red, pink, blue, green, it does tend to wash out faster than blonde and natural colours. This can also be an advantage as you can change the colour to something different a lot easier as it would have faded out.

•    The ombre and bayalage colour may dry out your ends more than other techniques such as foils or an all over colour. This can be prevented by using treatments and getting trims regularly, but a way to avoid this happening is if your wanting to go 2-3 shades lighter on your ends, is to do it slowly and not all at once.

•    If you were blonde and have gone to Ombre or balayage, it is a bit more difficult to go back to blonde if the root colour is a lot darker.

Written By Becc