Box Color vs. Professional Color: The Dangers of Doing It Yourself

It's easy to be tempted by the low cost of do-it-yourself hair coloring kits.  However, the low cost of drug store hair color often comes at a high price.  There is a science to professional hair color, just as with any other professional service.  Your stylist has been through years of training and experience, and attempting to replace that with a store-bought box of color can be quite dangerous.  Here are three of the biggest reasons why:

1. You can't buy a consultation in a box

A good consultation is essential to a good color service.  Your stylist will sit down with you and analyze your hair needs, desires, and goals.  He or she will then evaluate the texture, condition, elasticity and porosity of your hair.  Your previous color, starting level, and gray percentage will also be considered.  A box of drugstore hair color doesn't know to ask you any of these questions.  It doesn't know how to look at your face shape and decide the color placement that will best accent your features.  It can't tell you what color is best for your skin tone, what cut would go best with this color, or how to care for your hair so that you get the longest life out of your color.  Your stylist knows the answers to all of these questions and is there to make sure that you get the color that is best for you.  Do-it-yourself hair color kits may be less expensive initially, but don't let the price tag fool you, because...

Hair Myth: Is It Bad to Wash Your Hair Every Day?

We've often heard women quote this myth as fact, saying that washing one's hair every single day is bad for the hair.  It's another simple question with a not-so-simple answer.  The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.  A person's hair washing schedule should vary according to her individual needs, and there are many issues to consider:

The idea behind this myth is that washing hair daily will cause it to dry out.  If you find that your hair is drying out from daily washings, then problem is most likely the products that you are using, not the frequency with which you are using them.  The right shampoo and conditioner for your hair will actually add moisture to your hair, not take it away.

Another issue to consider

3 Easy Ways to Keep Color From Fading

Hair color is an investment.  It's important to take care of it, or else you might as well be throwing money down the drain.  Here are 3 simple tips that you can use to get the longest life out of your hair color:

1. Switch to a color-safe shampoo and conditioner

Some hair care products, especially those found in drug stores and supermarkets, can be harsh on your hair and can cause color to fade prematurely.  A professional color-safe shampoo and conditioner can go a long way when it comes to getting the most out of your hair color.  One of the best products for this purpose is Redken's Color Extend shampoo and conditioner, which is specially formulated for the preservation of color-treated hair.

How Often Should I Have My Hair Cut?

It's a simple question, but one we get asked frequently.  Having a trim regularly is essential for healthy hair, and healthy hair is essential for beautiful hair.

The general rule is six to eight weeks for longer styles, and four to six weeks for shorter cuts.  The longer you go without a trim, the more your ends are going to split over time, and the only way to truly fix split ends is to cut them away.  The more time passes once an end is split, the further the breakage will go up the hair shaft, and the more will have to be cut later.  You have to get your hair trimmed in order to save the length, even if it sounds counter-intuitive.

There are other factors at play as well.

Getting the Best Bangs for Your Buck

When it comes to bangs, the possibilities are endless.  They can be used to accent any cut or style, and can be cut in lots of different ways.  So with all the options available, how do you know which style of bangs is right for you?

It is easy to be intimidated about adding a bang, or fringe, to your hair.  You may not know which style would best suit your features.  You may have had a fringe in the past that wasn't the best fit for your haircut. Or, you may be afraid that if you don't like it, you'll be stuck growing it out.

We've made it a little easier for you by putting together a list of questions to ask yourself when adding or updating your fringe.  These tips, along with a consultation from your stylist, can ensure that you get the best bangs for your buck.

1. What is your face shape?

When choosing a fringe, your options may depend on your face shape.  Oval faces can wear any style, so your options are open.  If your face is square, oblong, or heart-shaped, avoid a fringe that is going to put too much weight on your forehead, as this can draw attention to the wider areas of your face.

5 Tips For Cold Weather Hair Care

BRRRRR!!! It's cold out there, folks!  With the cold weather comes a whole lot of dry, frigid air that can damage your hair if you're not caring for it properly.  So, with the cold weather rolling in, we thought we'd share a few tips with you on how to care for your hair and keep it under control during the cold winter months.  We'll start with the most important:

1. Condition, condition, condition!  The cold, dry air tends to suck moisture out of your hair, leaving your ends parched and dehydrated.  This causes them to be more prone to splitting.  You can fight this by employing a strict conditioning regimen.  Start in the shower with a moisturizing rinse-out treatment, such as Redken's All Soft Heavy Cream*, or, for curly hair, Devacurl's Heaven in Hair Intense Moisture Treatment.  Step 2 is to not leave the house without first applying

Resolve to Make Every Day a Good Hair Day!

It’s that time of year again, when everybody wants to make big changes! So what are your hair resolutions?

A good or a bad hair day can drastically alter your mood. So wouldn’t a good New Year’s resolution be to make every day a good hair day? Start by consulting with your stylist about a new hair-do that works for you. If you’re looking for something subtle, then maybe spice it up with a cute side bang or fringe and a few highlights. Or if you’re looking for a more dramatic change, a new color or drastic new cut might be for you. The most important thing is