Hair Education 101: Understanding the Limitations of Hair Care Products and Chemicals

By Kelsey Morey

Have you ever thought, my hair isn’t bright enough! After a salon appointment?

Have you ever been told by a Stylist that they didn’t recommend the service you requested?

All too often, clients come to the salon with an expectation in their mind of how they’d like their hair to look. Sometimes, your Stylist may not be able to provide exactly what you had in mind during your first session. This can result in clients slamming businesses, thinking the Artist is inadequate, and continuing to believe that something may be achievable for their hair when in actuality, it might not be. Or, might not be right now.

I hesitate to use the word Artist, because I feel that it devalues the respect a Licensed and experienced Cosmetologist deserves. I can’t speak for other industry professionals, but at Haus of Pretty, our Stylists have gone through extensive training, education and rigorous years of experience to learn how to give their clients results they want. A seasoned professional is familiar with the chemicals, products and effort that goes into creating and maintaining a great style. As a client, you are not versed in the limitations of certain chemicals, which by the way, can cause chemical burns, broken and disintegrating hair or reactions. We hope that you trust us to combine our professional judgement with your wishes and take into account that our suggestions are based on our experience and education in this field. With that being said, if you ever left the salon feeling disappointed because your hair didn't turn out quite as you envisioned- understanding the factors at play can help manage expectations and ensure a smoother salon experience next time. Here is our basic overview of this so you can empower yourself with knowledge before your next hair session.

The Science Behind Hair Care

Hair care is a delicate balance of art and science. It's not just about what you want, but also about what is realistically achievable based on the current condition of your hair and the limitations of products and chemicals. From the texture and porosity of your strands to any previous treatments or damage, there are many factors that can influence the outcome of your desired look. If your texture is damaged, remedial and gentle formulations must be used in order to improve your hair health over time. Time DOES improve your hair health. That means, when you are using a chemical (say- a bleach or ammonia based lightener) you need to let your hair rest after using it. Not exposing your hair to additional chemicals is a crucial waiting period in between color visits. This may mean that your Stylist has lightened your hair to the maximum tone that it can be lifted to safely in one session. Going lighter in one session will cause damage that could be irreparable. This is why it is usually extremely important to go lighter over a series of appointments versus in one shot. This means, you may have to have a warmer or brassier tone until your next session. This is something that would be clearly communicated to you during your consultation.

Hormones and illnesses can also affect the way that color processes near your scalp. Pregnancy, chemotherapy and certain medications can emit different hormones from your scalp that may affect color developing. This can result in some unpredictable tones from time to time. Usually, this can be adjusted in your next formulation. It’s important to be patient with yourself and professional which brings us to our next point.

The Importance of Patience and Communication

Patience is key when it comes to achieving your hair goals. While it's natural to want instant results, it's important to understand that certain changes may take time and multiple sessions to achieve. This is where communication with your stylist becomes crucial. By listening to their expertise and following their recommended plan, you can work together to achieve realistic and sustainable results. Can you find another Stylist who will be compliant with your wishes? Yes, and they will likely cost less too. Much like enlisting legal services- you will get what you pay for. I don’t know about you, but I want the best attorney on my case (Okay, okay- I’ve been watching too many episodes of ‘Suits’).

Understanding Product Performance

Not all hair care products are created equal. While there are countless options available on the market, it's important to understand that not every product will deliver the same results for every hair type and condition. Your stylist is trained to select the best products for your specific needs, taking into account factors such as texture, density, and moisture levels. As in life, even using the same formula each day will not yield the exact same result as we are beings with shifting environmental, hormone and styling needs. If you do not keep up with your recommended home care routine, you simply will not achieve the best results possible for your hair. I know we all want that social media ready hair, but it requires effort that continues beyond showing up for your hair appointment. We are Stylists, not magicians. Believe us- we wish we could wave a wand and yell, ‘B-e-a-utify!’ and give you perfect hair every time you wake up in the morning (Shoutout to all my Harry Potter fans).

Managing Expectations

It's important to have realistic expectations when it comes to hair care. While your Stylist will do everything possible to help you achieve your desired look, there may be limitations based on the current state of your hair and the performance of products and chemicals. By understanding these limitations and trusting in your Stylist's expertise, you can avoid disappointment and set yourself up for success. Go in with the expectation that the image you show your Stylist will attribute to an adaptation of it on yourself. Be open to suggestions and kind to your professional who is trying to help you get what you want. We love nothing more than to see happy faces in our Styling chairs, ready to tackle the world.

Embracing the Journey

Your hair care journey is just that – a journey. It's a process of discovery, experimentation, and growth. Embrace the ups and downs, and trust that with time and patience, you will achieve your hair goals. Your Stylist is here to support you every step of the way, offering guidance, advice, and encouragement along the journey to beautiful, healthy hair. Listen to them when they give you your schedule of appointments to keep up with, product recommendations and styling advice. We absolutely love what we do and want you to love your look.

I would also like to acknowledge at this time that many clients use us as pseudo-therapists. In therapy, I think one of the most common issues clients face is being intrinsically and existentially unhappy with themselves. Which, has no bearing on anything external. That comes entirely from the way they are currently perceiving their circumstances and world around them. Because of this, I would argue that Cosmetologists have one of the most impossible jobs in the world. We not only have to make you look a certain way by the end of your session and deliver a tangible end result, but have the mammoth task of making you feel that way to match. Give your Stylist a little more grace!

Educating for Empowerment

We hope you took away something from this article, if not a little patience and love towards your professional who is taking the time out of their schedule to help you achieve your dreams. We are selfless individuals who do this out of passion and deserve respect just as you do. By recognizing the limitations of products, chemicals, and the current state of your hair, you can manage expectations, communicate effectively with your Stylist, and ultimately achieve realistic and sustainable results. So here's to embracing the journey, trusting in the process, and discovering the beauty in every strand of hair- and individual.

Xx

Kelsey