OUR TOP 5 TIPS TO GETTING A GREAT HAIRCUT!

We’ve all been there….

You head off to the salon, with an idea firmly in your head and come out with something completely different.

It can be very tricky trying to describe the image you have in your head to your stylist and sometimes that life changing haircut you’ve got firmly fixed in there, doesn’t actually work or exist. By that i mean, all haircuts are a blend of 6 classic shapes and techniques. Unless your going for something extreme and disconnected, every section relates and flows into the next one, so if you fancy a short bit somewhere, unless it is blended into the adjacent sections, you could look as though you just grabbed your scissors and chopped it in the bathroom.

Communication is the biggest part of the job with being a stylist and we know it can sometimes feel like your under interrogation during your consultation but we just want to get it right for you.

Our Top 5 Tips For Getting a gREAT hAIR cUT!

1) My top tips for getting the haircut you want starts with bringing in a picture!

This is the best way to make sure you don’t get lost in translation, you can show your stylist exactly what you are trying to achieve and they can identify any potential issues and see if it will work on your hair.

2) If you can’t find a picture, keep looking! find pictures similar to what you're looking for or even 2 or 3 pictures that show an aspect of the style you’d like so your stylist can blend them together. Equally valuable, is an image that you really don’t like so they can avoid doing that too. Failing that, if you really cannot find it, it may not exist. We occasionally get told of a style that would simply not work and would look a mess, your stylist does not want to upset you by saying no, they are just trying to save you from yourself.

3) Don’t try to use technical lingo… often clients can try to communicate with technical terms, unless you're a qualified hairdresser, we recommend you don’t venture into this territory. It is absolutely fine to waft your hands about, grab bits and call things “fringey bits” and “feathery bits” We know exactly what you mean. There’s nothing scarier than a client getting a technical term wrong and not liking it when it’s been done….

4) Be honest about how much effort you want to put into styling your hair every day so that your stylist can recommend a style that you can do at home.

5) If you can’t do it, tell us! If there’s a bit that doesn’t hang right after you’ve washed it, tell us! Please don’t keep quiet or we will think you loved it and do it again!

Do I Need Extensions?

It’s about time, don’t you think?

It’s taken until year 9 of Cocco Salon to find some extensions we are happy to recommend.

The advances in hair quality and application methods in recent years means extensions literally could be for everyone!!

They’re not just for people who want super long hair, they can be added to give extra volume, thickness or just a few inches. We have clients who have thick hair in the back but very fine sides that never seem to grow, apply a few bonds or tapes an voila a beautiful perfect bob or full new style shall appear!

What about colour? Did you ever wonder what a colour would look like in your hair but your hair is too weak to take the chemical process, your hair simply won’t lift that light or you know you’ll change your mind pretty quick? Add some coloured hair… Beauty Works do some amazing balayage blended hair that will bring your look bang up to date without the chemicals.

Not as expensive as you might think… With some of the new application methods and by using excellent quality hair, you can often reuse your hair for up to a year if you do your home care!

I haven’t got time… Many of the newer application methods mean you can have a full head in just a hour!

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Are You A Salon Dodger, Is It Time To Go More Often?

Can’t Style, Won’t Style…

Are you one of ‘those’ people who just can’t or won’t do their hair?

Are you in the quarterly haircut crew?

Maybe it’s time to change? After decades of styling different types of people, I can honestly say that the worse you are at doing your hair, the more frequently you should go to the salon.

Why, you may ask? for the simple fact that the longer you leave your hair between cuts, the harder it is to style & the longer it takes to look semi-decent.

Now it can take years to convince a bi-annual hair trimmer to resign themselves to the 6 weekly chop, but I am yet to have one single person revert back to their salon dodging ways. The simple reason is that by going when your stylist recommends, they can see how your hair grows out and assess how to cut it so it’s even easier to style, meaning quicker and less faffing! If your not much of a talker at the salon, it also means you don’t have to tell your stylist how you want it every time and end up with a dodgy doo, because they can remember exactly what they did and get on with styling your hair with minimal input.

If your short on time & never get chance to visit the salon, all the more reason to pre-book a time that suits you, you get reminder text, email and even an app! No more trying to remember to call to book in every day between meetings or before bed each night, we all do that!

How Often Should I Go?

Cropped hair: Cut around the ears, 4 weeks to keep the fuzzy neck hair at bay.

Bob length: 5 weeks to keep looking sharp.

Mid - Long hair 6 weekly to keep in shape, on top of your fringe and to stop layers going flat

Save money! Not only do you manage to stay looking groomed with very minimal effort, besides turning up and sitting in the chair, you will only be paying for a standard haircut not a restyle, reshape or redesign which costs more and can take longer.

Happy trimming :)

Why Does My Hair Feel Dry in The Summer?

Hair can dry out in extreme temperatures and with increased UV exposure in summer months or while your on holiday. Your hair is dead from the root out, so, we can only increase our hair health by what we directly put on it. Diet can help hair as it grows, to give you hair overall better condition so you have a better starting point, but once it's left the follicle its on its own!

Sadly, the huge cosmetic marketing machine would have you believe there are lots of things that can help you in your local supermarket, if only! The only way to repair and hydrate your hair is by using specific products, specifically for your hair type and condition. Choosing the right product can be tricky and costly if you choose wrong, so we always advise you speak to our stylists who has loads and loads of training to help you make an informed decision. 

Penetrate don't cover!

The biggest problem with many supermarket or none professional hair care is that the molecules are too big. They need to be small enough to go deep into the hair and repair it from the inside out. Many natural fixes also sit on the surface and make the hair appear to be healthier but i has just coated and covered up the dryness and damage. Once you re-wash your hair, the ugly truth will show back through, worse still, the plastic coatings can react with hair colours and stop professional products from working!

The Good News Is...

Professional Hair Care is very concentrated, so you won't have to buy it very often and means long term you will actually save money!

3 Steps To Great Summer Hair

1. Invest in a professional moisture shampoo and conditioner with UV protection

2. Use a hydrating mask once a week or in extreme temperatures every time you wash your hair

3. Keep it covered, wear a hat!

What is the difference between balayage and highlights? Salon jargon explained!

Hairdressing jargon has changed in recent years, we’re going to try to demystify some of the terms for you, so you don’t feel quite so daft when you shuffle into the salon and ask for your usual highlight because you have absolutely no idea what all these new fangled services are.

Foils, Meshes, Wraps

Traditional highlights, the term foil, meshe or wrap just describes what your salon likes to use to apply them. It is all highlights.

Highlights

Highlights are where you lighten your hair, but not all of it, just strands that are weaved through the hair, section by section. It’s a similar effect although way less painful than the cap of the 80’s. Highlighting or Lowlighting, where darker colour is applied rather than the lightning solutions, (you see what we did there) are applied more evenly than with the cap. Placement of the strands of colour was not quite random with the cap but not a great deal of control nor was it very close to the root. You were also limited to 1 colour as this was painted all over the hair that had been pulled through the holes of the cap. With foils the number of colours you have is only limited by the number of bowls your stylist owns and his or her patience!

Cap

Not seen as much these days although for short hair it can be handy, hair is pulled through a rubber cap that is put on your head, attractive! The stylist uses a crochet hook which has just been renamed a highlighting hook, yes it was painful!

Babylights

Super, super fine highlights, see above. Only a very small amount of hair is left out of the foils, takes longer than normal highlights, you will get a stronger result as more hair is coloured than in standard foils. You may also get stronger regrowth depending on the colours you have applied.

Back To Back Foils

This is where we leave none of your natural hair out of the foils, you takes even longer than baby lights. Can be used as slices to achieve a blonder result, often used in colour correction.

Balayage

A free hand technique where your stylist paints each of your light strands with a brush and a paddle. A very creative technique, that requires skill and artistry for it to look beautiful. Unlike foils, there is no set pattern or sectioning. The stylist manipulates the hair’s tension, angles, elevation, pressure of the brush, product on the hair and how much colour is painted on to achieve the look. In other words, there is a lot that can go wrong, if it just so happens your confident your stylist could re-create the Mona Lisa, go ahead if not find someone specifically trained and practiced, make sure you see examples of their work! Balayage is a work of art!

New York Lights

Put simply, a half head of balayage.

Glaze

= Toner, a glaze is a semi-permanent colour gloss that will tone, add shine and condition your hair. Our Gazes process for 20 – 30 mins depending on the starting tone and desired look, meaning they last longer than standard toners.

Toner

Toners counter-balance undesired tones in the hair. So, if your hair lifts to warm or you like a cool ash we will use a ‘toner’ if your hair needs just a little help, we will use a toner that’s on 2-10 mins at the back wash. If it needs more help, we will use a glaze to kick its ass! Toners do fade quicker than glazes, sometimes if your hair fades fast, your stylist can leave it on a little longer so the toner is stronger when you leave the salon ie, your hair has a blue or purple tinge but will probably give you an extra week of perfect colour as perfect after your first wash and sinks in better. Your stylist can do this but don’t freak out if you look like Papa Smurf! Your getting 1-2 weeks extra out of your colour, better to be blue than yellow!

Re-Touch and Glaze

Root’s covered and re tone, it’s a maintenance service used to refresh balayage or certain looks when you have totally changed your base colour or have grey.

Blow Wave

There’s even multiple options for drying hair now! Blow wave is where your stylist creates curls or waves in your hair using just a brush. All cut and finishes or blowdrys come with a standard smooth blowdry, if you want your hair dried curly, wavy or curled with the irons this is charged extra unless you ask for a blow wave then its included in that services price, always say which you like when booking so they can book the correct time and quote you correctly.

Last but not least, when is haircut a restyle or redesign? What’s the difference?

Re Design

Is a total major change! Think long to Pixi cut

Re Style

Is when your hair has gone out of shape or you add layers or a fringe, a small change to your existing style or take more than 2 inches off

Cut and finish

Is a trim, this is to keep your hair in shape so it doesn’t go out of style. Think of it as maintaining what you have, less than 2 inches off.

Cut and Blow Wave

As above with a bouncy curly or wavy finish

Dry / Wet Cut

This is usually used as an add on to another service that already includes a blow dry.

Although it’s quicker and cheaper, a good haircut is in 2 stages, so you will compromise an area of your cut.

The drawbacks with a wet or dry cut if that’s what you specifically like to book for are….

1) Wet cutting, this created the structure and the shape, think clean straight lines. Your stylist can comb your hair flat and have greater control when getting the hair straight. If it’s dry, it has kinks and bends in the hair that can make the style totally different or uneven once washed and dried at home.

2) Dry cutting, this is where we check if the base line has any graduation or areas of imperfection that will affect you styling your hair. Your stylist will check through the balance and the weight of your hair cut, thicker hair can require more dry work to remove thickness and bulk, meaning your hair will style easier and last longer. Fine hair may need weight removing to encourage movement, body and volume. Your stylist may shatter the edges to give your style a softer or more textured appearance. The dry stage is the personalisation, the design of the cut.

By opting for one or the other you are compromising one aspect of your cut, in most cases, there are the very rare odd exception to this rule.

If you can think of anything we’ve not covered, get in touch and ask us for an explanation. Our front of house Annie is happy to help!

So, What Is Balayage And Do I Need It?

Balayage By COCCO SALON 

All you hear about is Balayage, but what is it exactly and is it right for everyone?

The are a few unanswered questions about this beautifully glamorous colouring trend that has swept the nation.

Balayage is a technique not a look, Balayage is how a look is created, a skill that must be learnt and practiced to perfection. Originating from the French word meaning “to sweep” the technique involves painting the surface of the hair to mimic the way hair would naturally lighten in the sun.

Each ‘highlight’ is painted individually by a skilled hand. The effect on the hair is determined by how much colour is applied to the hair, how saturated the ends of the hair and the pressure applied to the hair when applying the colour. There can be 1, 2 or 3 points on the starting area of the section, all the hair on the ends covered in colour giving ombre result or leaving hair between the sections and more negative space (darker hair) resulting in a more naturally highlighted affect. The service is totally bespoke, everyone will be different and often multiple sessions are needed to give you that lived in look you are craving.

Now you know the technicalities, is it for you?

Balayage Pro's

Balayage is great if you want to brighten up your natural hair and a classic application will do this perfectly.

Balayage is very low maintenance! Because your hair has less hair painted near the roots and more near the ends, hair effectively starts off with roots. This great if your busy or don’t want to have your hair coloured all the time.

Balayage grows out very naturally you don’t get visible regrowth.

Balayage can be kinder to the hair.

It looks more natural and youthful.

Can make fine hair look fuller by adding dimension.

Can give thick hair movement and look multidimensional.

Can work out cheaper than foils over the year

Balayage Con's

Not all the hair is coloured, if you don’t like your base colour it won’t cover it.

If you are very grey it may not be possible, or you will need a retouch as well as balayage.

If you like your hair very ashy, with all ash colours you will still need to maintain the tone with glazes regularly.

Not all ‘Balayage’ looks are achieved with Balayage, many are created with foils as you can have more control and more lift. Don’t limit your stylist to one technique if you bring an inspiration picture.

Hair can and will lift warmer free hand than in foils as the colour is not insulated and lifts in a different way.

Is a larger investment each appointment as it takes longer than foils. (is cheaper in the long run!)

Still not sure if balayage is for you, or have more questions?

Get in touch!

How To Prepare For Your Wax Appointment

 

Here are our top tips to get the best from your waxing appointment.

First off, ensure a minimum of 4 weeks growth, if your hair is too short the hair will not be removed effectively, therefore your therapist may not be able to carry out the service and you could be charged!

A week before your appointment, exfoliate to remove dead skin cells, dry skin and prevent ingrown hairs.

Always look after your skin and keep it hydrated by moisturizing daily. This will keep your skin supple and prevent your skin becoming dry, dry skin can cause the wax to adhere to the skin resulting in skin irritation, redness and on rare occasions can result in grazing.

Do Not Moisturize ON WAXING DAY!

On waxing day, ensure your skin is showered and wash away any moisturizing butters and oils, do not apply any moisturizers post shower as it acts as a barrier and can prevent your hairs being removed effectively.

Stay away from tanning beds on waxing day as this can leave the skin sensitive and prone to irritation.

Wear loose fitting clothing to allow your skin to breathe and avoid irritation.

Fake Tanners beware!!!  If you are a regular fake tanner, waxing will remove your tan or will leave you patchy, it is not advisable to tan pre appointment or for 48 hrs post appointment.

Intimate waxing

In addition to the advice above.

Arrive at your appointment wearing loose, cotton underwear and freshly cleansed. If this is not possible, please arrive a few minutes early to allow time to freshen up, your therapist doesn't want to see a dirty fairy!

Make sure you tell your therapist of medication or health conditions.

There are certain conditions and medications that can interact with some treatments, You may need to a consult your GP and bring a note to your first appointment for insurance purposes with a number of serious conditions or post cancer treatment.

Why Is All This Hot Weather Making Your Hair CRAZY!?

We British are always moaning!

If it's raining, we wish it were dry, if it’s cold we wish it were warm! Now the sun is finally here, we are moaning because our hairs a flippin mess!

Why does your hair grow outwards when the weather's warm?

It's HUMIDITY! From the atmosphere and from you sweating... gross!

How do we stop it?!

There a few things that can protect your hair from humidity, stay indoors, probably isn't the one you want to hear, however it doe's limit your exposure to it. A few more realistic options are....

Keep your hair hydrated, the better hydrated and the better condition your hair is will affect how much your hair frizzes in damp or humid weather. 

If you have Curly hair and wear it curly  - Use a curl defining cream with more hold than normal, if you like your hair to feel very natural, mix a stronger more crunchy solution together with your normal cream. We like Paul Mitchell's Beach Wave Cream for a stronger hold. We sometimes mix a little of the relaxing balm into this solution if you hair is naturally very curly to counter balance to growing effect humidity has on your hair and add a little extra oil or serum to the mixture too to stop it from drying out. If you quite fancy taming your curls a little or relaxing them slightly, try a 30 day smoothing treatment.

If you have Curly hair and wear it straight - Use a relaxing balm and cocktail it with a blow-drying cream or spray that has more hold, this will help to keep your style longer and keep the growing or curling affect at bay and mist over Moroccanoil's Frizz Control before drying for extra protection. Before straightening spray, a thermal protection spray with hold, we use Hot Off The Press By Paul Mitchell

If you need a little extra help, try a 30 day smoothing treatment by keraStraight, it's their ultimate treatments little sister and give some amazing results. The super conditioning, smoothing treatment is dried into your hair to tame and give you extra control. If you want even more protection you can seal it in with the hot iron.

If you have straight hair that gets kinky or frizzy - Don't worry that more than one product will make your hair greasy or heavy. Most professional brands won't give you greasy build up due to the high-quality ingredients. Use a relaxing balm as this will help to give you a better smooth blow dry to start, you can still add some root boost or similar product for volume if you need it. Add a little blow-drying glaze to add some hold, we like to cocktail super sculpt for hold with super skinny relaxing balm. Take one pump and a a 5p sized amount of each and cocktail together in your hand and work through your damp hair, spritz Moroccanoil Frizz Control all over and try into your style. Use hot off the press to protect your hair when straightening, to cut down your styling regime try a 30 day smoothing treatment as above!

Happy Styling!