Hello my lovelies!

I hope that everyone is doing as well as can be despite the current circumstances in the world! Please remember to be kind to yourselves during these times, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it! There is no shame in asking for help, or just reaching out to talk to someone.

We could all use an ear, a helping hand, and a BREAK these days! Please take care of yourselves as well as you possibly can, and remember
WE ARE RESILIENT!

With that being said, please also be kind to your hair! I know that where I’m located, we are currently on our second lockdown, ugh. This means that this is the second time that my wonderful clients are forced to stay away from me for at least a month or two, (fingers crossed no more than that!). I’m sure it can be very frustrating for all of you at home, with roots, greys, brass, split ends and whooo knows what else! I know you are tempted to take matters into your own hand at this point, and honestly, I get it. HOWEVER, please think twice before making any *irrational* decisions that will be very hard -and very EXPENSIVE- to undo.

Let’s face it, at some point in all of our lives, each of us has believed that we can walk into a drug store, or our local non-professional beauty supply, and be our own hairstylist. The problem is, many of you aren’t aware of the commitment you’re signing up for when you use these over-the-counter products. Whether it be the dreaded box dye, that never leaves, or the packets of bleach with whatever volume of developer the cashier recommends (sigh), or even the drug store shampoo, I plead with you to think twice.

Yes, I know you are bored, SO AM I, but please, your hair shouldn’t be punished for the crazy world that we currently live in. Oh, and before I forget, I beg of you, put…down…the…scissors.

So here we are, bored, locked up, separated from each other, (man I miss you guys!), and I’m sitting here and telling you not to give in to the temptations that we will all just end up paying for in the end. Now that I’ve told you what NOT to do, here are some things that you CAN do, to pass the time, pamper yourself, and take care of your wonderful hair before all of stylists can get our hands back in it!

For Grey Coverage – Options

For those of you who are losing the covid battle to your grey regrowth, I get it. Not to mention everyone wants to see you on zoom call right? Ok so here are two options for you guys specifically. Please check with your stylist before trying either of these suggestions, especially the second one, your stylist knows your hair best and I don’t want to get you in any trouble with them!

1. Ask your stylist for a root colour kit! If you think you are capable, and comfortable of applying some dye to just the roots of your hair, (even just the visible parts that are bugging you), have your stylist pre-mix you a bowl of your custom root tint! Ask for curbside pickup, or local delivery and be sure that you are going right home to apply the mixture immediately as colour does start to oxidize once it touches the air. I’ve seen many stylists and salon owners offering this option and it is
   ESPECIALLY for you guys! Keep in mind, if you have highlights, and they are fresh, you may be a bit wary to try this if you don’t have help or a steady hand. Again, I urge you, please reach out to your stylist!
2. Temporary sprays, powders, creams, and mascaras for hair! They are meant for a temporary fix to blend roots, cover greys, and are the perfect, safe, quick fix for those zoom calls you keep getting dragged on to, or the fabulous trip to the grocery store that we are now all looking forward to.Unfortunately, they will have to be reapplied daily, or at least after every hair wash, but on the bright side, these are harder to mess up, and chances are, your hair stylist won’t yell at you when you finally see them.

For Blondes with Grown out Roots and Brass

For my blonde babes, while there isn’t much that I can advise you to do about your long, brown roots, there are at least a few of thing to make life a bit more bearable, and at the very least, prep your hair for the magical transformation that you will inevitably receive when this is all over!

1. Try using a purple or blue shampoo to kick that brass that you’re probably noticing now that all of your toners and glosses have faded out. You’d be surprised how much brighter and lighter you will feel after just one use of purple shampoo!Be sure to follow instructions, my Favourite brand of shampoo and masks to kick brass is Fanola. It is recommended to only be used every 3 shampoos at the most. Over use of any pigmented shampoo can cause too much of a colour build up and actually being to dull down your blonde, causing it to turn purple, blue, grey, or even muddy and dingey.
2. Prep your hair for your future incredible, magical, hair transformation by treating your hair with Olaplex once a week. Olaplex uses patented technology to repair, restore, and strengthen the bonds of your hair. This will mean you hair will be extra shiny, healthy and STRONG, meaning your hairstylist will have the perfect canvas when tackling those covid roots!
3. If your roots are still bugging you, try using dry shampoo in your hair, the dry shampoo that is meant for blondes leaves just the slightest tint of white powder behind, so while it masks your dirty hair, it actually sometimes makes your hair appear lighter! Disclaimer, considering the vast variety of types of dry shampoo out there, please be sure to test out this method for yourself at home one day when you have nothing better to do!I wouldn’t want your to over do it and have you at the grocery store with a very visibly white powdery head! People might end up standing more than 6 feet away from you! Just start small, test, and practice, and see if this takes away some of the sting of the dreaded root.

For Faded Vivids – Reds, Pinks etc

1. So those of you who have that beautiful fire engine red, vibrant violet, or even a beautiful blue, you already are well aware that your hair colour fades the fastest.There are colour masks, conditioners, and shampoo rinses that your stylist can recommend to bring some vibrancy back into your life! Be sure to consult with your stylist first so that they can recommend their favortite brand and colour, and I promise you will feel more like your vibrant self in the time it takes to wash your hair!
2. I also recommend you guys do an olaplex treatment once a week, preferably right before you do your new at-home colour mask. This will prep your hair for your stylist after lockdown, as well as keep whatever colour is remaining in your hair from fading as fast!

Split Ends!

1. Put down the scissors. Thanks. I know your split ends are bugging you, but unless you live with a stylist or a barber, I really wouldn’t risk taking the blade to your own hair. I’m a hairstylist, and I will not cut my own hair.If you feel like your ends are getting really bad, try a split end smoother, Olaplex sells one, and there are tons of great ones out there. The cream will help smooth the cuticles of your hair and lay your split ends smoother than before to make them more bearable.
2. Avoid heat styling. If you don’t have to, don’t bother. Try to air dry your hair more often, you can try braids, or embracing your natural waves! Heat styling will only increase split ends and breakage, especially when you’re already overdue for a trim.
3. Once again, try doing an Olaplex treatment once a week. This will strengthen and repair your ends, and help to hold you off before you can get a professional trim!

Hopefully these tips can help us all get through this lockdown without losing our sanity, and our hair!!! Remember, you are to save your hair for the magical transformation that awaits you post-lockdown! Be excited, and get ready by taking good care of your hair in the meantime.

Your stylist will be so proud! Your wallet will also thank you for not adding more cost to your hair appointment that you would be paying for removing evil box colour! Remember to shop local, support your local salons and stylists, and ask your stylist about curbside pickup!

— Lexi