My hair appears darker and more dry in fall and winter, is there something I can do to prevent this?

You can use a color gloss, it can be added quickly and is cheaper than doing a full color. A color gloss can either be clear or have a hint of tone to it. Another way you can help lackluster hair is by making sure you clarify the hair to remove product build-up. Additionally, using a good moisturizing mask to replenish moisture to the hair during winter months can help.

How can I add more shine to my hair?

A hair’s shine is caused by light reflecting off of the hair’s cuticle. In order to make the hair more shiny, the cuticle of the hair needs to be closed. The best way to achieve this is by making sure your hair is healthy. Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week and avoid thermal tools. If thermal tools are a must, lower their temperature. Use a heat protectant spray such as Pureology Color Fanatic 21 Benefits Spray. Another quick tip for instant shine is to rinse your hair in cold water. It helps to close the cuticle. Once your hair is dry you can also run an ice cube on the top layer and it will instantly add shine. Clear Gloss treatments can add tons of shine as well as some products available at home, ask your stylist what’s best for your hair.

My hair tangles really easily, is there a solution other than cutting it?

My first recommendation will always be to focus on the health of your hair. If you have a ton of split ends it’s only going to cause further damage to your hair and you’ll never be able to grow it out. I recommend getting a healthy trim, repeating every four to eight weeks. Another way to reduce tangles is to use the correct brush and brushing method. Personally, I love Wet brush! The technology in the Wet Brush bristles allows the hair to detangle without putting stress on the hair or without having to pull harshly. That, along with a leave-in spray that assists with detangling such as Pureology Colour Fanatic 21 Benefits Spray, will allow for the tangles to come right out. Finally, be sure to brush from the end of your hair and work your way up the mid-shaft, brushing in a downwards motion.

I'm growing out my hair and it is healthy but still manages to tangle where it rubs on my clothing. Is there something I can do to prevent this?

Your hair can act like a fabric if your cuticle is open, it can behave in a similar fashion to velcro teeth and will stick to things, causing it to tangle. Be sure to rinse your hair with cool water and use products that can assist closing the cuticle. Another great product I love using when I grow my hair out is Redken argan oil. A little pump goes a long way! Rub it around in your hands first and then work it from the ends of your hair towards the hair’s mid-shaft, starting from the underneath of your hair and working to the top. This product can add slip to the hair and helps to prevent it from tangling while leaving a nice sheen making your hair look healthy and soft.

My hair is flat! How can I give it more volume?

If you blow dry your hair, a great way to add more volume is to brush your hair over the opposite way that your hair naturally falls. For instance, if you’re trying to add volume to the crown, place the brush under the hair at the crown and pull the a brush up and forward, towards your forehead. Then, blow dry with cool air until the hair cools down. If you don’t usually style or blow dry your hair, Redken Powder Grip can add amazing amounts of volume to your hair at the roots. Shake in a little Powder Grip and then massage it in with your fingers; you will instantly see volume. Another great product that kills two birds with one stone is dry shampoo. Not only will it absorb next day oils but it will also add volume to your roots. My favorite dry shampoo is Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo. If applied properly, this dry shampoo works wonders absorbing oils and won’t leave a white residue in the hair.

I have tons of flyaways and little frizzies, how can I get rid of them?

My favorite product for this is Redken Frizz Dismiss Fly-away Fix Finishing Sheets. Unlike oils and serums, it will not leave your roots oily. They’re very simple to use look like dryer sheets. They contain specific oils that help to smooth out frizzies and repel moisture, protecting against humidity without weighing down the hair or making it look oily. They’re a 10 on the FPF scale (Frizz Protection Factor).

I get my haircut regularly but consistently see split ends, what am I doing wrong?

If you are getting your hair trimmed regularly, around every four to eight weeks, and still seeing split ends, you may want to look deeper for the root of the issue. The split ends could be the result of over styling with heat tools. Try to cut back on using heat tools if you are using them more than once or twice a week and be sure to use a heat protectant as well as lowering the temperature of your iron. Another tool that can cause split ends is your brush. Be sure to replace your brush regularly when bristles become damaged. My go-to recommendation for brushes are Wet Brushes. Your hair is most fragile when it’s wet and their brush technology allows the bristles to comb through tangles without putting extra stress on the hair.

Why is my hair breaking?

Your hair has either been over processed with chemicals or has mechanical damage due to excess heat or poor hair care. Unfortunately if the damage is really bad it may be irreversible. Luckily there are many cutting edge products on the market now that can help damaged hair. PH bonder by Redken or Olaplex can be used as an in-salon treatment. Ask your stylist if he or she can use this treatment in your hair one to two times a month, depending on how bad the damage is, to begin to heal the hair and make it stronger. Be sure to follow with the correct home care steps in order to achieve the max benefit.

Can I bleach my hair after it's had a straightening treatment?

Yes, but it is important to talk to your stylist about the treatment preformed because some treatments cannot be lightened over. Straightening treatments alter the bonds in your hair as does lightening. Doing both procedures is not overly carefully can really damage the hair from over processing. I highly recommend if you are looking into a straightening treatment to avoid the need to bleach or lighten the hair.

What types of hair color can cause allergic skin reactions?

The main ingredients to which people have allergic reactions are PPD (ParaPhenyleneDiamine) and Ammonia. If you think you have an allergy to color you can have your stylist do a test patch 72 hours before your color or you can visit a doctor and have an allergy test done. There are many color line alternatives now that are ammonia free and do not have PPD.

Can a permanent color be applied over a demi-permanent color?

According to most manufacturers, directions recommend only applying permanent color to “virgin hair” which is hair that has not been colored or chemically altered in any way, and for two specific reasons, going lighter or covering grey. The reason for this is that permanent color goes into the hair shaft and lifts and deposits color in one step. There is a saying in the hair world, “color doesn’t lift color”, and while this is a very common rule of thumb, sometimes this rule can be broken to try to achieve lightening without the need to go straight to bleach. Although it is not recommended and the outcome can differ in results it can sometimes work the shift previous color to a new result. A demi permanent hair color, also known as a gloss, is a deposit only and is safe for you to put over previously lightened or colored hair. It will enhance shine and refresh faded color.

Can bleach cause scalp irritation?

Yes. Not everyone is sensitive to scalp bleaching. It is very important to pay attention if you are having bleach applied directly to the scalp. If you feel any intense burning or itching, tell your stylist so that your hair can be rinsed immediately. Not paying attention to these signs can result in scalp redness, itching and blisters post service.

Can bleaching make me go permanently bald?

Although bleach is a very strong chemical, it will not cause you to permanently go bald. If not careful, bleach can over process the hair, leaving it feeling dry, singed, or melted; breaking off, but after cutting off the damage, your hair will return to normal with correct care. If you are experiencing balding you may want to look into other indications such as a reaction to certain medications, nutritional deficiency or alopecia.

Can hair break off when you overlap a bleaching retouch service?

Yes, it’s important not to overlap. If you are overlapping to lighten more, it should be done in sessions to protect the hair and a bond multiplier should be used to protect the hair as it's being lightened.

What are the downsides of over-the-counter hair color, or 'box color' options?

For one, the color almost never turns out how it looks on the box. Second, the dyes tend to always be permanent color and the chemical makeup is stronger and more damaging to the hair without the healthy buffers to protect it. Box dye tends to be not only harsher on the hair during use, but trying to “fix” or remove it can be more difficult than salon professional color.

Can I color hair that has been dyed already?

Yes, but once the hair is already colored your options may be limited. You can use lightener or bleach to go lighter or a demi permanent color to dark.

Can I color my eyebrows?

Yes, just be careful with the application. Getting hair color in your eye could cause serious issues.

Can I color or bleach my hair during pregnancy?

Absolutely! Research shows that the chemicals in semi, demi and permanent colors are not highly toxic and can be used safely during pregnancy. Only a very small amount may be absorbed through the scalp and very little may travel to the baby. Each individual may have their own opinion and concerns, so it is best to talk with your OBGYN to decide what you think is healthiest for you and the baby. I highly recommend avoiding on-scalp bleach application although highlights are okay.

Can I dye over my previous hair color using a supermarket box dye?

It is not recommended.

Can I lighten my hair? It went through a lot of processing already.

If your hair has already been through a lot of processing, please talk with your stylist to see if you are a candidate for a lightening service. They may suggest for you to do treatments and follow a home regimen before starting any lightening, or they may decide that your hair condition is too poor to continue with any lightening service. A test strand can always be done to see how your hair will react.

Can I ombré my dark brown hair using just bleach?

Yes, it is recommended that you follow with a color gloss or toner to enhance or diminish unwanted tones after lightening the hair.

Can I use a straightening iron on color-treated hair?

Yes, be sure to use a heat protectant in the hair as well as setting your flat iron on a lower setting. Extended amounts of heat can not only damage your hair but also fade your color quicker.

Can medications make hair not take color?

Yes, medications can affect the way hair color reacts.

Can most developers be used with other products?

It’s important to use the dedicated developer with its intended color to ensure the color turns out correctly.

Can you dye over jet black hair?

Coloring over jet black hair will do nothing but add a layer of color on the hair. Once the hair is black, you will need to lighten it with bleach to change the color.

Can you lift hair using a higher oxidant with hair color?

Using a higher developer with a lighter color can achieve a lighter end result.

Does color filler really help to make your hair color stay longer?

Yes! I cant stress this enough. If your hair is prone to fading, try using filler before your color and watch how much longer your results will last! Anytime you are going two shades darker, your stylist needs to add the “missing color” back into your hair so that your results will last. Example, if you put brown over a blonde two things can happen. One, it looks great that day but after the first wash you will experience dramatic fading or your hair will look “muddy” or flat which is caused by your blonde hair lacking pigments. Think of a filler as a boulder and color as sand. If you have a funnel and you put sand in it, will look full but it will start to empty rather quickly. Now put the boulder in the funnel first and then the sand; the filter then stays full.

Does permanent color really thicken your hair?

Some people feel that permanent color can make their hair feel thicker because the chemicals swell the cuticle of the hair.

Does it affect the dye job if my hair is clean?

No, excessive amounts of products and some particular products can repel color. Try to avoid over use of products right before your color appointment. Bleach on the other hand will “eat” through most dirt, oil and product, and it is actually recommended to have dirty hair for on scalp bleach applications as the oils can help to act as a barrier to irritation.

Styling Creams, what are they?

Creams are great for longer hair that requires minimal hold. Creams are mostly used for adding definition, reducing frizz and adding a small amount of hold. Creams are good for fine, medium and coarse hair. Creams offer more control for hair that’s fine to medium in texture.

How do you use Air Dry Creams?

Air dry creams are used on wet hair. Start with a pea sized amount and if you need more, go up to about a nickel size for longer or thicker hair. Run the cream though with your fingers and style as desired. Then let your hair air dry. Creams can also be used on dry hair to control frizz and to add definition and texture to the hair.

What are pomades?

Pomades are the most universal men’s hair products. They can be used to add messy texture, sleek hold or to spike shorter hair.

How do you use pomades?

Pomades can be applied to both wet and dry hair. For wet hair it works well to slick back the hair. On dry hair pomade can be used to add hold to styles like the pompadour. A pomade can also be used for strong hold separation.

Can I use wax?

A cousin to the pomade, wax is great for short hair and works well for adding shine.

How do you use wax?

Unlike pomade you only want to use wax on dry hair as water and wax repel. Add a small amount to your hands and rub it till it becomes warm and starts to melt. Run the wax through your hair with your fingers for shine and hold. Wax works great on haircuts like Matt Damon’s signature cut, short hair with a spiked front.

What is Mud or Fiber?

Mud or fiber offers hold similar to a pomade that can be used on short to medium hair styles to add a disheveled look. On longer hair mud or fiber can give the effortless swept back shag.

How Would I Use Mud or Fiber?

To use mud or fiber, rub between hands until it looks fibery or stringy, then apply on dry hair and style as desired.

What is Dry Texture?

Dry texture is used for low maintenance styling and consists of a powder or dry aerosol that adds texture and grit but remains matte.

How would you use dry texture?

Dry texture is used on dry hair only. Powders can be sprinkled through the hair in areas where you want texture and rubbed in with your fingertips to create a disheveled look. Dry aerosol sprays are also used on dry hair and are sprayed in areas where you want more volume or texture to add separation for a messy look.

What is Gel?

Gel comes in medium and strong holds. It can be used on short to medium length hair and even sometimes longer hair. On short and medium length hair it can be used to add hold to the hair, like if one were to spike it up, and on medium to longer length hair, add the stronghold such as a slicked back look.

How Do I Use Gel?

Gel is best used on wet hair. Towel dry the hair and apply a small amount to your hands, then rub through your hair. If you’re going for a spiked look, work your fingers from the roots of your hair to the tips, spiking the hair outwards like a porcupine. If you’re looking for a slicked back look, add gel all through your hair where you want the most hold then comb the gel from your forehead towards the back of your head, giving your hair a slicked back look. The gel will harden once it’s dry giving you a long lasting hold.

How Do I Work with Hairspray?

The most common form of hairspray is aerosol and can be used on wet or dry hair to add extra hold. Hairspray comes in all types of holds, from a soft hold all the way up to a strong hold. Most often hairspray is used by men for a medium to strong hold.

Hairspray works great when the hair is wet to add extra hold and insurance if you’re also using pomade or gel in your hair. Hairspray on dry hair works great too. It helps control flyaways or frizz as well as providing control. When using hairspray on dry hair, think of it more as setting the style versus actually styling.

Do I Have to Wash My Hair Every Day when I Use Products?

It depends on what products you use. Most of the time you can re-wet the hair to rework it. However, in some cases like gel or hairspray, if too much is used it may cause flaking and will need to be washed before re-styling.

What Product Works Best for a Slicked Back Look?

For a stiff, hard slicked back look using a strong hold gel on wet hair will work best. Add hair spray as a finisher for high hold insurance.

If you’re looking for a softer slicked back look that will hold and does not appear hard, try a pomade on wet or dry hair. This will give you a slicked back look with a relatively softer appearance.

Hairspray can also be used to slick your hair back, but remember when using hairspray it will always dry more stiff.

Help! I Have Dandruff What Can I Use to Get Rid of It?

Redken has a great anti dandruff shampoo called Scalp Relief. Using it one to two times a week, maybe more as needed, will help to get rid of your dandruff. When you shampoo it into your hair, really work it into the scalp. Most dandruff is just flakes of dry scalp that can be exfoliated away.

Check your products. If you are using a product in your hair that you believe may be the cause of your dandruff, the dandruff you may not be shampooing and conditioning your hair thoroughly enough. Try using Redken Hair Cleansing Cream once or twice a month to give your hair a deep clean. Follow up with your favorite Redken conditioner.

How Often Should I Get My Hair Cut?

3-6 weeks is the most common timeframe for men to get their hair cut. If you like your hair to look perfectly groomed, try shorter times in between appointments, such as 3 or 4 weeks. For longer styles you can get away with 5-7 weeks.

What is included with a haircut?

Every stylist or barber is different. With my clients I like to give them a whole experience, including a second a hair wash to get rid of small cut hairs and the styling of their choice.

How Can I Build the Perfect Pompadour?

Have your stylist cut your sides shorter, fading into the top of your hair. On the top of your hair, you want it to go shorter in the back to longer in the front to support the style.

Dry your hair upside down, maximizing its volume. Add a pomade or wax to your hair and begin to style and shape your pompadour. If you need extra hold don’t shy away from using a hair spray to set your pompadour.

Can Men Color Their Hair?

Yes in fact with today’s technology there are colors specifically formulated for men that help to blend in and cover the gray so as you wash your hair it looks very natural, blending the gray. Ask your stylist about Redken Men’s Coloring Camouflage. If you’re looking for something different, remember all hair is the same so anything a woman can do to her hair a man can as well.

How Can I Make My Hair Look Like Jason Momoa?

First thing’s first: you must have long hair with natural curls.

If your hair is dark like his you can always opt into getting the bottom colored by your stylist. Ask them to “ombre” or “Balayage” the ends. Use an air dry cream, applying it to your hair while your hair is damp, on the mid shafts to ends to help control frizz while adding definition to your curls. Let your hair air dry.