As a hairdresser, there’s only so much you can do in the salon when your clients are stuck in unhealthy hair routines, but you can help them back onto a better path, with education, retail recommendations, professional services and expert advice.

“No one wants damaged hair, yet the daily habits of many people are contributing to dryness and breakage, and they don’t even realise it. Knowing what to do and what to avoid is important.  These are some of the steps I share with my guests to help minimise habits that hurt their hair,” sharedTeresa Romero, Sam Villa Artistic Director and Artistic/Education Director for Jose Luis Salon.

Here Teresa offers seven bad hair habits we all need to help our clients break

Using the Wrong Shampoo and Conditioner

Clients can be using the wrong formulas for their specific hair needs, or not evolve their products with changing lifestyle, health and styling habits, so ensure you’re recommending the necessary products based on professional hair diagnoses.

Technique

“Avoid rubbing shampoo into the ends, instead, gently massage shampoo on scalp and pull through ends using fingers like a comb. For even saturation of conditioner, use fingers or a large tooth comb to distribute in a downward motion,” Teresa offered as advice for clients.

Scalp Health

“An unhealthy scalp creates an unhealthy environment for hair to grow in,” Teresa shared. “Use a hair cleansing treatment one to two times per month to remove buildup on the scalp so hair can thrive.”

Combing/Brushing Wet Hair

It’s important that clients know that hair stretches when wet making it vulnerable to breaking. Teresa recommends a large tooth comb or wet brush when detangling wet hair and to treat it gently.

Twisting or Pulling

“Don’t pull or twist hair throughout the day out of habit or stress, the tension will cause breakage,” Teresa informs her clients. “Leaving hair wrapped tightly in a towel, pulling too tightly for braids, ponytails, knots and up styles can also contribute to breakage.”

The Wrong Hair Extensions Practices

Choosing hair extension application processes that minimise damage, and educating clients on maintaining extensions at home, as well as how often they need to be removed and reapplied, is vital to maintaining healthy hair.

Thermal Styling

“Older styling tools or improper heat settings can cause damage. Turn down the heat and use tools with colour treated settings. Always use products that provide heat protection when styling,” Teresa warns her clients.

Ensure your clients heed your advice, recommend the necessary tools and services and break some bad hair habits to make your salon job that much easier.

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