When it comes to haircare and hairstyling, the line between a great style and damaged hair is finer than you think! As a stylist, you can prevent a lot of harm right at the salon chair. Read along as Vidhi Arya from Professional Beauty India spills the secrets you need to prevent hair damage at the stylist’s level.
While clients often blame split ends and breakage on heat tools and unworthy products, some of the damage can stem from the salon chair. If a stylist is vigilant and skilled, a lot of hair issues can be prevented right at the cutting or styling session. Hairdressers, owing to their skilled hands and trained eyes, are the best saviours of hair, especially from unnecessary stress.
Here are some professional yet extremely simple styling habits that can make a huge difference in preventing hair damage.
Using sharp and professional-grade scissors
It might sound like a basic, but it holds paramount importance. The sharpness and quality of scissors can significantly impact the client’s hair. This is because dull scissors can easily cause frayed hair and split ends that lead to impaired hair health.
As a stylist, it’s necessary for you to invest in high-quality scissors to ensure smooth, precision cuts. Also, it’s essential to sharpen and sterilise the scissors regularly. This will also help seal the hair shaft during cuts, reducing the chance of breakage.
Sectioning the hair correctly
Sectioning the hair is a crucial element of your art. When you spend time sectioning the hair properly, you prevent the risk of excessive tugging and manipulation of hair strands. If you ignore this step, a lot of hair breakage and damage can be caused right here, especially while detangling and styling.
Proper sectioning allows for controlled movements, and it ensures even distribution of product and heat. It minimises unnecessary pulling of hair that eventually impacts the hair shaft.
Detangle gently, especially wet hair
As a stylist, you surely know that hair is weakest when it’s wet. So, yanking a comb at the mane to detangle it is a sure shot recipe for disaster.
If you truly care for your client’s hair health, you must develop a habit of detangling from the ends. From there, slowly work your way up using a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush. Be patient, especially with long or curly hair, and use a serum to make the process smoother.
Heat protection? Non-negotiable!
Your clients have also recognised the value of a heat protection product, and not using one before styling will not look good on you. Whether you’re using a blow dryer, flat iron, or curling wand, apply a heat-protectant spray or cream before you start. These products create a barrier on the hair and prevent any direct damage, such as moisture loss.
Let the hair cool down a bit
This is a very understated but very impactful tip. Allow the hair to cool down naturally after applying heat and styling. For instance, as a stylist, you must always clip a curl or let a blow-dried section cool down before combing or brushing it out. This one simple step locks in the style as well as prevents structural damage that comes from reshaping hot strands of hair.
Always pick the right brush
Brushes are not one-size-fits-all. Depending on different hair textures and styling needs, different brushes do the job. Know the distinction by heart!
For example, a boar bristle brush distributes natural oils and is great for fine hair, while a vented brush speeds up drying without concentrating too much heat in one spot.
Educate your clients
Don’t send off your client with just a great cut. Help them understand the care and maintenance it requires. You must advise on the right washing products and techniques, help them understand the right styling, and give them a trim schedule. These simple pointers go a long way in helping them maintain healthy, happy hair.
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