Hair Salon Blog: Essential Hair Care Tips and Insights

Is hard water wrecking your hair? Water softeners in your home may not be enough to prevent breakage, dry hair, or discoloration of colored hair. If you live in an area with hard water, you’ve probably seen the damage its sediment does to your faucets and other plumbing fixtures, but just think – is all that gunk in your hair, too? Here’s a quick guide on hard water hair care solutions that you can use to fix your damaged hair.

If you’re frustrated with dry, damaged hair, your hard water could be to blame. Our hard water hair care solutions can help you tame the frizz and get the healthy, shiny hair you desire.

What Is Hard Water?

Hard water is water with high levels of minerals, like magnesium and calcium, and heavy metals. It leaves sediment in plumbing pipes and shower heads. The minerals and metals in hard water can react with the material of pipes and plumbing fixtures, damaging them.

Those minerals and metals also build up in your hair, even if you shampoo it daily or several times a week. If you have hard water, your hair probably is more damaged than it should be and may not respond to color or heat treatment as well as healthy hair would.

Does Hard Water Damage My Hair?

Yes, and the damage may be worse the higher the calcium level is.

Let’s get scientific: Hard water disrupts the skin barrier, including on the scalp. Calcium can affect the protective skin barrier, causing dehydration. Hard water may strip away the protective oils on the scalp, excessively drying your hair. You may see dandruff or dry, flaky skin on your head or itchy, irritated patches.

Not only does hard water dehydrate your hair and scalp, but it also leaves a film behind. If you color your hair, the minerals in hard water cause brassiness in blonde and yellow tones. The same result can occur if you use a relaxer or perm your hair. The minerals and heavy metals interfere with the chemical treatments.

The result? “Winter hair” all year round: dry flyaway strands, unmanageable frizz, and faded color.

What Are Signs of Hard Water Damage?

It’s tricky to tell what damage is caused by hard water and what may be caused by dry winter weather or over-treating your hair. Dry air and cold winter temperatures can make your scalp drier (and create unsightly flakes) and your hair frizzier.

The shampoo you use could affect your color, especially if you are not using products formulated for color-treated hair. Or, if you over-wash your hair or use heat styling excessively, you could dry the strands and your scalp.

A telltale sign of hard water damage to your hair is a film, like a feeling that your hair isn’t clean enough, even if you’ve just washed it. When the calcium in the water mixes with chemicals in shampoos, it creates this scummy film, and the shampoo can’t do its job. Calcium troubles don’t stop with shampoo. The filmy buildup prevents your conditioner from penetrating the hair shaft and smoothing the cuticles, so it’s less effective.

Protecting Your Hair from Hard Water

What kind of hair care for hard water can fix the frizz? A water softener or a special hard water filter for your showerhead can help. Using gentle shampoos that don’t strip away the moisture barrier of the scalp can reduce the effect of hard water and calcium. Look for hydrating hair products to help protect each strand from damaging calcium and magnesium.

An acidic rinse or purifying and clarifying shampoo can break up the scummy shampoo-hard water buildup. Look for products with a chelating agent or ingredient, which can remove mineral buildup and heavy metals from your hair and scalp. You can also rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar. But if you color your hair, especially blonde, ask your colorist first before putting vinegar on your ‘do.

Purifying shampoos and chelating shampoo rinse aids should only be used once per week, maybe less, if your stylist recommends that. These products lift the minerals from your hair but can leave it prone to dryness. Follow the purifying shampoo with a deep conditioner treatment or a hydrating hair masque to restore moisture.

Can a Professional Stylist Help with Hard Water Damage?

Yes! Many salons offer deep-conditioning treatments, which can help smooth the cuticles of your strands and invigorate your scalp so that it can produce more protective oils. Your stylist may have hard water hair care solutions for your hair type or shampoos and conditioners to use at home. They may also have tips for caring for your hair between shampoos, like heatless styling options that reduce damage to already-dry hair. Call the pros at Therapy Hair Studios today to schedule an appointment with a stylist.

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There’s a difference between these two hair-lightening techniques. Which one is right for you depends on your desired effect and your hair’s natural color. Looking at photos in magazines or online can be overwhelming. It’s important to know the difference between balayage and highlights to ensure you get the look you want. How much do highlights and balayage cost? Let Therapy Hair Studio answer some of the important questions on hair coloring.

The Balayage Process

The French word “balayage” means “to sweep”. It’s a hair coloring process in which the highlights or color are hand-painted or “swept” over the random sections of your hair. Balayage works by applying color without foil separating the strands, so there’s a more natural, sun-kissed look to the hair rather than more regular intervals of lighter color. The color is only applied to the surface, not saturating the strand, so it may not damage the strands as much.

You may be familiar with the “ombre” style that was super-popular a few years back. Ombre is done using a balayage technique, where the color gradually flows from dark to light. When most people refer to a balayage, they’re often asking for a more subtle ombre style, as the color applied in a balayage is usually just a few shades lighter than your natural color.

Pros and Cons of Balayage

The balayage hair color technique leaves less visible root difference as the color grows out, unlike highlights. When your highlights grow out, there may be a noticeable difference between your roots and the larger highlights. Balayage can be done as a partial color treatment, on the bottom part of the hair, or around the face to soften your face.

Balayage is a popular request in the springtime, as it often complements the natural lightening of the hair in the summer sun. As a lower-maintenance option, it may be ideal for a low-stress summer ‘do.

However, there are drawbacks to balayage. It’s more subtle than highlights, so if you want a drastic change or something noticeable, this may not be the right color technique for you.

Highlights Process

Traditional foil highlights add depth and brightness to your hair and are created using foil to separate the strands to be highlighted from those that remain natural. The highlighted portions are more saturated with the color, resulting in larger, brighter, more dramatic swaths of lighter color. Your colorist separates strands of hair, usually starting close to the root, and wraps the separated sections in foil. The hair-highlighted color saturates the strands more fully than in balayage.

You typically see a more structured pattern to highlights, which has a more dramatic effect. Balayage usually begins a few inches from the roots to about halfway down your locks, highlights start much higher, right at the roots.

Highlighting hair can look more appealing if done in addition to balayage. Many people may combine highlights and lowlights (darker colors) to create a multi-tonal look. Your colorist may choose a complementing shade that creates visual movement in your hair.

Not all highlights have to be dramatic, though. Opt for “baby lights” for a more subtle brightness or lowlights without highlights to create more depth and richness in your color.

Pros and Cons of Highlights

Professional, well-placed highlights can make thinner hair appear fuller, especially when the highlights complement a layered cut or a style with loose curls. Highlights require several shades of lighter hair than your natural or base color. Highlighting techniques can give you the “feel” of a lighter hair color without fully committing to dyeing your hair. For example, darker-haired people may opt for reddish highlights around the face to bring out warm undertones in their skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our clients often have questions about these hair treatments, some of which include highlights and balayage cost approximations. We’ve answered some of those for you here:

How long will balayage or highlights last?

Your full balayage-colored treated hair should last for two to four months before you may need a touch-up. Highlights will need a touch-up every couple of months, depending on how fast your hair grows.

How do I keep my balayage from fading?

If you have red or blonde color for your balayage, ask your colorist for a recommendation for color-preserving shampoos. Purple shampoo and conditioners will help prevent blonde and red shades from turning brassy.

Can I get balayage on permed hair?

This depends on the condition of your hair and how light you want to go. New technology in some perm lotions makes it safer to get a perm and balayage on the same day. However, ask your colorist to evaluate how healthy your hair is – the last thing you want is for half of your balayage to break off!

How much does balayage cost?

Each salon sets its own pricing, but generally, longer hair will cost more than shorter hair, as you’ll need more products to get results. You can ask for a quote from different salons in your area and ask to see before-and-after photos, as deciding on hair color or a salon solely on price may not give you the results you’re dreaming of.

Get Expert Help Today

To get an approximation of highlights and balayage cost pricing from expert salons, trust Therapy Hair Studio and call (713) 355-4247. Make an appointment with our team of stylists who can help you decide which treatment is best for you. Our salon is well-equipped and skilled to make your dream look possible.

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Proms, weddings, formals – these are occasions when almost every woman gets her makeup professionally done. You don’t have to save professional makeup service for ball-gown occasions. Having your makeup professionally done gives you more confidence to nail that job interview or feel beautiful and flirty for a first date.

What are some of the benefits of having your makeup professionally done? At Therapy Hair Studio, we believe that looking good can help you feel good. Our professional makeup artists can help you feel gorgeous and sophisticated. Contact our team today for more information!

Why Hire a Professional Makeup Artist?

There are plenty of great reasons to have a professional do your face, like:

Trained Professionals = Flawless Makeup

Makeup artists (MUAs) are trained to apply makeup to all skin tones and facial structures. Their trained eye can highlight your best features and conceal any flaws.

Get Out of Your Rut – Try a New Look

Maybe you’re dying to try winged eyeliner but aren’t sure how to apply the makeup for the right look. A MUA can create your ideal look, so you’re not frustrated with applying, taking off, re-applying, and taking off the makeup.

Or perhaps you want that eye-catching, vibrant red pout but haven’t found the right shade of red for your coloring. Your MUA can evaluate your skin tone and undertones to find the right red (or pink, or purple!) lippy.

Less Stress, Less Time

Whether you’re getting ready for your wedding or prom, want the right look for a special night out, or need professional photos taken, you can reduce the stress of getting ready with professionally applied makeup. Sit, relax, and leave stunning.

We Have Products You Don’t

We have an array of products to choose from: all the bright colors you felt were too much of a splurge, as well as high-end highlighter and contouring makeup. If you have a limited makeup collection, professional service can give you access to products you may not have at home.

Who Needs Professional Makeup?

There are many occasions when professional makeup will give you the confidence to be your best on a special day.

The Perfect Look for Your Wedding Day

Makeup service for weddings is one of the most popular reasons for someone to have their makeup professionally done. Not only will the bride feel and look her best, but a professional makeup artist can complete a look that photographs well, too, so the wedding photos are beautiful.

Booking professional makeup service for the entire bridal party, including the mothers of the bride and groom, and even a touch of sparkle for the flower girls, is a great way to start the special day feeling pampered and gorgeous. Plus, when one artist or team completes the entire party’s look, the overall makeup look is cohesive.

Prom-Perfect

Many teens are troubled with acne or other skin conditions, but the right makeup can help reduce the appearance of blemishes or discoloration and make your teen feel much more confident. And like for wedding photos, the right makeup application can make prom photos look even better, too.

Professional Makeup for Interviews and Headshots

An expertly styled headshot conveys authority, class, and a professional demeanor. From your hair to your makeup, the right look can help you build your brand or attract new clients. Makeup artists can create a look that photographs well, so you can use your headshot for advertising, bylines, your company website, or other career needs. Looking your best for an interview is just a good business strategy.

Elevating Your Date Night Glow

First date jitters? Book a makeup sesh! Having your makeup done by a Therapy Hair Studio aesthetician removes one major worry from your get-ready checklist. Tell us about what you’re going to wear or how you’re styling your hair, and we can give you a couple of options for the right date night look.

Frequently Asked Questions

You have makeup questions – and our MUAs have answers. We can also answer your personal questions in your one-on-one makeup application session.

How can I find the right makeup professional?

You can start by looking at the online galleries of different makeup artists in the Houston area. Different MUAs have different styles – find one who creates looks you love. You can also ask friends or your hair stylist for recommendations for reliable, trained MUAs.

What should I look for when hiring a makeup professional?

Read reviews. Just like any other business, makeup artists are likely to have client reviews online. Read what other people are saying to find one who is reliable and whose fees fall within your budget.

Will my makeup artist give me tips on recreating the look at home?

Yes. Just ask; we’ll happily explain how we create the look step-by-step. We can even tell you about some of our favorite products.

Book Professional Makeup Service Today

Do you need professional makeup for your wedding or other big day? Contact Therapy Hair Studio at (713) 355-4247 today to book your session.

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