10 things Hairdressers hate!

1. Cutting your own hair: It was a necessary evil during *shudder* lockdown, but now life has returned to normal (whatever that is), most of us would be better off leaving the actual cutting to trained and experienced stylists. Often when people attempt to cut their own hair at home it results in uneven or botched cuts that are difficult for your hairdresser to fix without taking your style much shorter than you planned!

2. Skipping appointments: Regular hair appointments are important for maintaining healthy hair and keeping your style looking its best. They also help to keep split ends at bay so don’t skip appointments or wait too long between appointments if possible, as it can mean your hairdresser will have to take more off the lengths of your hair and make it difficult for them to achieve the look you want.

3. Over-washing your hair: Over-washing your hair can strip it of its natural oils and leave it looking dry and damaged. If you have short hair it can be tempting to just quickly wash it whilst you’re in the shower, but hairdressers recommend only washing your hair every two to three days.

4. Brushing your hair too hard: Brushing your hair too hard or using the wrong type of brush can lead to breakage and damage. Be gentle when brushing your hair and if it’s knotted, start at the bottom and work the knots out gently using a wide-tooth comb or a soft-bristled brush – don’t just start at the top with gritted teeth!

5. Using too much heat styling: Heat styling tools like straighteners and hairdryers can damage your hair and cause it to break and become brittle. Use heat protecting products and avoid using heat styling tools every day.

6. Not using enough product or using too much product: Using the right amount of product can help to protect and nourish your hair, but using too much can be overkill and lead to greasy, lank hair. Don’t be afraid to ask your hairdresser for advice on how best to use your hair products.

7. Ignoring your scalp: A healthy scalp is essential for healthy hair. Don’t neglect your scalp and don’t be embarrassed to ask for your hairdresser for advice if you have concerns. Even if you don’t have any issues, consider using a scalp treatment or scalp massage to help stimulate hair growth. You can also increase blood flow to your scalp with a blast of cold water at the end of your shower and this will also help stimulate growth.

8. Wet brushing your hair: You should never try to brush the hair whilst it’s wet as it can be incredibly damaging – instead use a wide tooth comb to work conditioner through your hair whilst in the shower, or to separate strands before you start to dry it.

9. Tying your hair too tight: Or using old-fashioned hair elastics (or *gasp* elastic bands! 😱).Maybe you’re hitting the gym, your job requires you to tie your hair up or you’re choosing the sleek pony for a night out? Whatever the reason, tying your hair too tightly puts pressure on the follicles, particularly around your hairline and if repeated regularly can cause thinning and hair loss. Try to loosen the hair a little or consider using headbands if you need to have your hair off your face, but definitely avoid any bobbles or hair bands that can snag in the hair.  

10. Saying you love it when actually, you really don’t like what they’ve done. I’m sure many of us can relate here – you’re sat eating a disappointing meal when the waitress comes over and asks how the food is and in stereotypically British style, we smile broadly and say ‘lovely thanks’. Why?! Any good hairdresser would much prefer you to say if you don’t like the cut or style and give them the opportunity to correct it, rather than you leave the salon unhappy and tell all your friends and family how much you dislike it. Find the right hairdresser for you and you shouldn’t even get to that stage as you’ll have an open hairdresser-client relationship where you can discuss your style throughout the appointment.