Hair Care Tips to Protect Your Hair from Hard Water

Your first step to repairing your hard water-damaged hair is to remove the build-up of minerals. If you’ve been using hard water for a while, you can use one part apple cider vinegar and three parts water to rinse your hair to help further reduce build-up and begin the detox process. There are now clarifying shampoos that target mineral build-up instead of just styling product build-up. Swapping to one of these can improve your hair and scalp health and ensure your hair can be properly cleansed and moisturized. If you don’t want to use this shampoo every time, you can use a sulfate-free one in between to ensure you’re not disturbing your natural oil production, which will cause new hair and scalp problems. Next, work hard on hydration to combat the hard water dryness. Use light leave-in conditioners and conditioning masks regularly to improve the texture and health of your hair. Always ensure your shampoo is fully rinsed out before conditioning so you’re not locking in anything other than moisture.

Long-Term Steps to Repair Your Hair

The haircare tips here will help protect your hair and scalp, but there are ways to go further for better results. The best way to get results is to replace your shower head with one containing carbon cartridges to soften the water as it comes out. This stops the mineral build-up at its source. If you can’t change your shower this time, using filtered water to rinse at the end of your shower can help clear some minerals. Ending with a cold blast can also help close the cuticles and lock in moisture.

Once you’ve taken steps to prevent further build-up, your salon can offer deep conditioning or protein treatments to help build your hair back up to its full glory. At Indulge Salon, we are proud of our mission to help you find your best hair. To start with, find out more about our conditioning options.

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Many hair care choices contain sulphates, silicones, and parabens, and you should first of all look through everything you’re currently using and see which ones contain these, so you know what to start replacing. Silicone is the most important one to replace, as this creates a dependence on sulphate cleansers to clear it. These ingredients cause build-up, so we’d recommend starting to clear that before you start on new products. You can do this with a scalp scrub and/or clarifying shampoo that will help get your hair to a good starting point where it’s most likely to respond well to new products.

It’s best to start this process gradually. Don’t go out and replace everything, as your hair is likely to react and become hard to manage and style. It’s also important to know what product you’ve changed in case you have any irritation or an allergic reaction to it. Swap your shampoo first so your hair is getting a good cleanse, then conditioner, then other conditioning and styling products. Give each one a few days, then introduce the next swap until your whole routine has been replaced.

What to Expect During Your Transition

Ditching the chemicals your hair is used to may not be easy at first. Your scalp is likely to either produce too much oil or not enough as it gets used to balancing itself without the harsh stripping process of chemicals. It may also feel brittle as your cuticles clear their silicone coverings. It can be tempting to go back to your old habits at this point, but if you can hold out for a couple of months, you’ll see big changes. During the transition process, try to go further between washes to help your scalp balance. You should also do deep conditioning treatments and use heat as little as possible. Using a style like a braid can hide the dryness as you adjust, and it doesn’t require heat at all.

The Benefits of Using Natural Products

Breaking the reliance on chemicals can help improve your hair health. Natural products are made using gentle ingredients such as essential oils and aloe vera. The focus on healthy plant-based elements means natural haircare is designed to nourish your hair and scalp, leaving soft hair that feels as good as it looks. Many people find that this improvement in hair health and the lack of build-up means they need fewer products, no longer having to reach for frizz serums and hair spray. Many people also simply enjoy knowing they are removing a few toxins and chemicals from their routines.

Using quality haircare is the best way to make that freshly cut salon feeling last. Read more about our revolutionary cuts at Indulge Salon that will inspire you to take your haircare to the next level with our French haircuts.

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Natural red hair was viewed suspiciously when it first started to become common in Scotland after the Dark Ages, but once Queen Elizabeth the First took the throne with her shock of bright red hair, it helped it be seen more favorably. Members of higher society even began trying to recreate it on their own hair.

There were no more significant advancements in hair color trends until 1863. An English scientist named William Henry Perkin was attempting to find a cure for malaria and accidentally ended up with mauve dye, which came to be used on hair. The dye was called Mauveine. It’s not dramatic to say it changed the world of hair color forever, as shortly after the discovery, Perkins’ professor isolated a color-changing molecule called PPD in the dye, which is still the base of most permanent hair dyes made.

The Importance of Advertising

Perkins’ incredible discovery opened the door to commercial hair dye, and then movies and advertising combined to propel the market into what it has become today. The first commercial dye was made in 1907 by the founder of what became L’Oreal, and demand soared. Shortly after, in the 1930s, platinum blonde was modelled by Jean Harlow in a film of the same name. Fans of the film rushed to salons to copy the iconic look, and there was even a cash prize of $10,000 offered by Jean Harlow’s publicist if a salon could match her shade exactly.

In 1950, the founder of Clairol created a one-step blonde dye that could be done easily at home and didn’t require bleaching and reducing the damage that could be caused. This caused a surge in at-home dye kits, and by 1968, Americans no longer had to state their hair color on their passports because the chance of it changing was so high.

In the 1970s and 1980s, celebrities began to endorse hair color brands in advertisements. This not only boosted sales but also helped shift the perspective from coloring secretly at home to being honest about your coloring choices.

Recent Changes to Color Treatments

Since the 1980s, celebrity endorsements have continued, salon and home dye offerings have improved, and as of 2015, more than half of American women colored their hair. Hair dyes became kinder to hair, focusing on hair health and not just color. When lockdown hit, box dye sales went through the roof, and many people experimented with bold fun colors while they were bored, although we’re sure there were a few bleach incidents.

Color trends and preferences now change faster than ever, thanks to social media and new brands and techniques entering the dye game and at Indulge Salon we’re excited to see what comes next. Read more about our bespoke color service.

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How to Get the Right Vitamins for Great Hair Health

Once you prioritize good nutrition, you should see positive changes in your nails and skin, too. If you commit to a varied healthy diet, you should see a difference within a few months without having to turn to expensive supplements.

Healthy fats help protect your hair cuticles so they can lock in moisture. Omega-3 fatty acids also help in ensuring your scalp stays hydrated and able to grow new follicles. Focusing on healthy nuts and seeds, such as chia seeds and walnuts, can be a good source of omega-3, and good fat sources are olive oil and avocados.

The keratin your hair is made of is largely protein, so a portion of your daily food should be a protein source. There are recommended goals based on weight and sex, so make sure you know yours and hit them. Healthy sources of protein are lean meat, seafood, and fish such as salmon. If you’re a vegetarian, eggs are packed with protein. If you’re vegan, tofu or other soy products are healthy protein sources and also contain omega-3.

Being low in iron means there’s less oxygen getting to your scalp for hair growth, so it’s a common cause of hair loss. Focus on lean red meat, green leafy vegetables, and lentils to boost your iron stores. Lentils will help you hit your protein goals, too.

Vitamin A helps the production of sebum to keep your scalp nourished. Vegetables such as sweet potatoes and kale are great sources of this. Vitamin C helps your body produce collagen, which can strengthen your hair, and citrus fruits are the best source for this. B vitamins are another common deficiency, especially among vegans and vegetarians, and they can prevent thinning hair. Good sources other than meat are Greek yoghurt and other dairy products, bananas, and spinach.

Don’t Forget Hydration

We all rely on caffeine these days, and we can neglect our water intake. For hair health, it’s vital though, as it carries those nutrients to your follicles, prevents a dry flaky scalp, and improves the cuticles, giving your hair a natural shine. Try for 8 glasses of water a day and include moisture-rich foods such as cucumbers and watermelons.

At Indulge Salon, we can’t make you drink water, but we can provide incredible deep conditioning treatments, which are great for hair health.

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We all lose 50-100 hairs each day as part of the normal cycle of hair growth. If you find you’re losing a lot more than that, you’ve noticed a dry or oily scalp, or you’re dealing with frizz and split ends, it’s likely you need to change up your hair care for the season.

Tips for Healthy Hair no Matter the Month

The best tip for healthy, shiny hair all year is to focus on hydration. In colder months, you’ll need intensive hydration, so look for shampoos with moisturizing components like argan oil or shea butter and apply a weekly intensive leave-in mask. Bringing in oils as a final step after conditioning can help lock the moisture in for long-lasting results. In warmer months, you’ll still need good hydration, but it’s best to stick to light-weight options like water-based conditioners and serums.

Heat styling can dry out your hair, making seasonal changes more apparent. Use heat protection and set the tools to the lowest temperature you can. To protect against UV damage in warmer months, consider a leave-in conditioner with SPF protection and/or wear hats. Air drying is easier in warmer months, too, reducing the need for heat. Hats in winter can also protect against the cold.

Adjusting your styling based on the season can help prevent breakage, too. In summer, it’s the perfect time to let your natural hair flow free in gentle curls; they’re called beachy waves after all. This style will require minimal heat, and it’s easy to quickly rinse off and apply some leave-in conditioner after a dip in the pool. In the winter, a bun or braid helps hide a lot of your hair from the cold air. This hairstyle can also help you go longer between washes. You should avoid washing too often all year, but this is particularly important in winter, so you preserve your hair’s natural oils, working against dryness. When the months turn dry, using silk accessories such as pillowcases can also help prevent breakage.

Finally, no matter the time of year, you should have regular trims at your salon. This helps to remove split ends so energy can be put into new hair growth instead.

The Importance of Avoiding Harsh Products

When choosing your seasonal products, it’s best to avoid ingredients such as synthetic fragrances and parabens, which are common allergens. Harsh chemicals like these can cause scalp irritation and disrupt the natural balance of your oils, making seasonal changes worse. Sticking to natural products that contain ingredients like tea tree oil or aloe vera encourages healthy growth and balances your scalp.

At Indulge Salon, we use great products and help you to your best hair all year round. Find out more about our French haircuts that are sure to flatter you.

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Low porosity hair is generally genetic. High porosity hair is typically normal porosity that’s been damaged. This can be through bleaching, too much high heat use, or environmental damage from the sun and pollution. Knowing your porosity can help you style your hair more easily and reverse damage where possible.

How to Discover Your Hair Porosity

If your hair is frizzy, particularly when it’s humid, and is dull rather than shiny, you probably have high porosity hair. If you’re not sure, there is a simple test you can do to check. Take a few strands of hair, you can collect the ones you lose naturally rather than pulling any out. Drop the strands in a glass of water and leave them for a couple of minutes. If the strands are floating, you probably have low porosity hair. If they’ve made it to the middle of the glass or are sinking slowly, you likely have normal porosity hair. If they’ve sunk to the bottom, you probably have high porosity hair.

The best way to check your porosity and overall hair health is to have a detailed consultation at your salon. They can also tell you how damaged your hair is and give you the best repair tips.

Choosing the Right Hair Care Products and Steps

If you have low porosity hair, it’s best to stick to light-weight products as your hair will struggle to absorb them, so it’s easily weighed down. Doing a scalp scrub once a week will help break down product buildup, as this can make absorption even harder. If you want to do a deep conditioning treatment, using mild heat such as steam or hot towels with them can open the cuticles for better absorption.

Normal porosity hair is the easiest to look after. To avoid damage, focus on products that offer hydration and strengthening, or swap between the two regularly. Ensure you always use heat and UV protection to prevent damage and steer clear of frequent bleaching. If you want fun colors, speak to your salon about the best options to preserve your hair health.

High porosity hair is the one that needs the most attention. It’s best not to wash every day as you’ll risk further breakage, and when you do wash your hair, use gentle shampoos. Introducing oils into your routine can be a game-changer. Apply other forms of hydration first like a creamy conditioner and/or a mist then the oil can help seal that moisture into the cuticle. Look for quality products containing proteins and amino acids that can start to rebuild your damaged strands.

At Indulge Salon, we can work with all hair types and porosities to help you look and feel your best. Find out more about our conditioning treatments to help you lock in moisture.

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Hair loss (also known as alopecia) is a concern that affects many individuals, and while genetics and aging are common causes, stress is also a factor that can significantly impact hair health. Understanding how stress contributes to hair loss and implementing effective prevention strategies can help maintain a healthy head of hair well into old age.

At Indulge Salon, we’re all about helping you feel confident from the inside out. In this article, we explain why stress-related hair loss happens and what you can do to keep your hair looking and feeling healthy.

How and Why Does Stress Cause Hair Loss?

We all deal with health, work, relationship, and general life-related stress, but did you know that stress could be one of the major reasons why you’re noticing more hair is ending up in your brush or the shower drain than is staying attached to your head?

While it’s normal to lose up to 100 hairs a day, noticeable thinning or shedding could be related to a lifestyle that is impacted by a lot of stress. There are a few different ways stress can lead to alopecia:

• Shedding: Stress can cause your hair to stop growing, which means it falls out more than usual and in bigger clumps.
• Bald patches: In more serious cases, stress might even trigger a condition where the body’s immune system attacks the hair follicles, leading to round patches of hair loss.
• Hair pulling: Some people also develop a habit of pulling their own hair when they’re anxious or stressed. They may not subconsciously realize they’re even doing it until it’s too late!

Research has shown that stress hormones like cortisol can disrupt the hair growth cycle by preventing stem cells from replacing hair that has fallen out.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Hair

You can’t always avoid stress, but you can take steps to manage it and care for your hair. Here are some simple things that can really help, not just your hair but your overall quality of life:

1. Find ways to relax: Whether it’s meditative deep breathing, going for walks, journaling, or just committing to a digital detox for a few hours or days every so often, finding time to de-stress is important. Even 10 minutes a day can make a difference.
2. Eat well: Your hair needs nutrients to grow. Try to eat a balanced diet that is rich in protein (such as eggs or beans), iron (from red meats or spinach), and vitamins (especially vitamin D and B vitamins).
3. Be gentle with your hair: Avoid tight hairstyles like slicked-back ponytails or braids that tug on your scalp. Let your hair air-dry whenever possible and use a wide-tooth comb to avoid breakage or shedding.
4. Massage your scalp: This is an easy and relaxing way to boost blood circulation to your hair follicles, which can encourage growth. Just use your fingertips and rub gently in circles for a few minutes a day. Alternatively, why not treat yourself to a professional Indian head massage?
5. Talk to a professional: If you’re experiencing a lot of sudden hair loss, it’s worth checking in with your doctor to rule out anything serious. And of course, our team at Indulge Salon is always here to help with personalized tips and treatments.

At Indulge Salon, we understand how personal and emotionally stressful hair issues can be. That’s why our team is here not just to style your hair, but to support you in regaining your confidence after experiencing hair loss. Whether you’re dealing with thinning hair or hair that isn’t regrowing properly, we’re here with expert advice and customized treatments.

Want to learn more? Call or pay us a visit. Let’s talk about what’s going on with your hair and how we can help.

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Staying active contributes to a healthy lifestyle, and for athletes and fitness enthusiasts, daily workouts are compulsory. But while you’re investing in your physical strength and endurance, your hair care may be left to suffer on the sidelines. Sweat, constant washing, tight hairstyles, and exposure to pollutants, chemicals, and toxins in the environment can leave your locks feeling dry, brittle, or lifeless. At Indulge Salon, we believe healthy hair should be part of your wellness routine. Here’s how you can easily combine a hair care routine with your training program.

Rinse Your Hair After Each Intense Workout

Sweat contains salt and other minerals that can dehydrate both your scalp and hair. While you don’t need to apply shampoo after every workout, it’s a good idea to at least rinse your hair with clean, cool water. This helps wash away sweat and prevents buildup on the scalp. We also recommend using a gentle sulfate-free shampoo every few days to help keep your hair looking and feeling its best.

Be Smart About Conditioning

Athletes often deal with dry or frizzy hair due to frequent rinsing and shampooing. To combat this, apply a lightweight, leave-in conditioner or hair oil to the ends before tying your hair up. This helps to keep your locks hydrated and prevents breakages that can result from wearing headgear or hair ties.

Sweat, chlorine from pools, and exposure to the sun can limit your hair’s natural moisture production. You should regularly use deep conditioning treatments, such as masks that will help restore softness and strength. At Indulge Salon, we offer customized hair treatments that infuse your strands with nourishing ingredients designed for people just like you with active lifestyles.

Think About How You Style Your Hair

Tight ponytails and buns might be convenient as you are less likely to have loose strands flying in your face while you’re running or doing high-intensity training. However, they can cause tension on the scalp and lead to breakages or even hair loss over time. Opt for looser styles such as low-hanging ponytails or braids or use fabric-covered scrunchies that are gentler on your hair. Vary your hairstyle to avoid repeated stress on the same areas.

Use Dry Shampoo

If you’re working out daily but don’t want to overuse shampoo, a high-quality dry shampoo can help absorb excess oil and add volume between washes. Just make sure to use it sparingly and cleanse thoroughly during your regular wash days to avoid buildup, which can have the opposite effect on your luscious locks.

Protect Your Hair from Chlorine and the Sun

If you’re a swimmer or you spend a lot of time outside, chlorine and UV rays can damage your hair. Rinse your hair with clean water before swimming and use a cap when possible. After you’ve completed your swimming session, wash with a shampoo that has been specially formulated to remove chlorine and apply a hydrating conditioner. For sun protection, look for products with built-in UV filters or wear a hat during extended outdoor workouts.

Your hair shouldn’t take second place to your fitness goals. With a little extra care and the right products, you can keep your hair strong, healthy, and beautiful, no matter how hard you train. At Indulge Salon, we specialize in personalized hair care that fits your lifestyle.

Book an appointment today, and let our expert stylists help you create a hair care plan that will work out for you.

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If you’ve ever had your hair lightened, you might have noticed orangey-peachy tones creeping in after a few weeks. This color is often called “blorange” (a blend of blonde and orange), and it doesn’t always appeal to people who want golden or sun-kissed blonde locks.

You may have looked for a solution on Google or seen a video on TikTok telling you to wash your hair with purple-tinted shampoo; however, purple shampoo doesn’t always offer the right fix for orange-toned hair. At Indulge Salon, we see this mistake all the time, and we’re here to help you understand what’s really going on and how to fix it properly.

What Is Blorange Hair?

When you lighten your hair, especially if your natural tones are darker, your pigments don’t just disappear. They fade gradually and can turn orange, brassy, or even reddish. If your hair wasn’t lightened enough or if the color has begun to wash out, you might see those warm tones peek through. This is what creates that “blorange” look.

What Does Purple Shampoo Do?

Purple shampoo is great at keeping blonde, gray, or silver hair from looking too yellow or dull in the weeks and months after it has been colored or subjected to everyday wear and tear. It has purple tones in it that help balance out the yellow. However, purple can only cancel out yellow tones. If your hair looks more orange than yellow, purple shampoo won’t really help, as it’s not strong enough, but blue-tinted shampoos will usually do the trick.

How to Choose the Right Toning Shampoo

If your hair has started to look too yellowy, orangey, or brassy after coloring or lightening, it might be time to add a toning shampoo to your hair cleansing routine. But with so many options out there, including purple, blue, and silver, it can be hard to know which one will deliver the desired results. Here’s how you might go about making the right choice:

1. Figure Out What Tone You’re Trying to Fix: Before you go to the shop to check out the range of shampoos on sale, you need to figure out what kind of tones you’re seeing in your hair. Is it more yellow or more orange?
   • Yellow tones usually show up in lighter blonde or gray hair. Think of that dull, banana-yellow tone that can develop over time.
   • Orange tones tend to be more visible in darker blonde, light brown, or brunette hair that’s been lightened. This is the more coppery, brassy look that produces a “blorange” color.

   If you’re not sure what you’re seeing, take a photo of your hair in natural light, speak to a trusted friend, or, better yet, ask your stylist during your next visit to Indulge Salon.

2. Pick the Right Shampoo for the Job: Once you know the tone you’re dealing with, picking the right shampoo becomes a lot easier:
   • Use purple shampoo if your hair looks too yellow. Purple helps cancel out those unwanted yellow tones and keeps your blonde looking softer and more vibrant.
   • Use blue shampoo if your hair is too orange. Blue pigments help tone down that brassy, copper-like hue that appears in lightened brunette or dark blonde hair.

Still Struggling with Blorange? We’ve Got You

At Indulge Salon, we see this all the time. You don’t need to guess which shampoo to use or throw money at products that don’t work for your specific color. Our stylists can take a look at your hair, figure out exactly what’s going on, and recommend the best way to fix it, whether that’s the right shampoo, a toner refresh, or a full color correction.

We also use and stock professional products you won’t find in drugstores or supermarkets, so you’ll leave with exactly what you need to keep your hair looking fresh and beautiful between salon visits.

Call us now to book an appointment.

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Many people with roots or a full head of hair that is either blonde or silver have incorporated violet or purple shampoos into their hair care routine. This is because it is widely known that these shampoos help neutralize unsightly orange or yellow tones that can make their locks look dull and their vibrant color fade. But with so many options available on the market, you may wonder if all violet shampoos are the same.

While the purpose of violet shampoos is to prevent tones from going orange or yellow, not every type can be used by everyone. In this blog post, we will outline the differences between the ranges available on the market because understanding these can help you choose the best option for your hair.

Differences in the Strength and Tone of the Formula

The strength and pigmentation of violet shampoos can vary widely. Some are highly concentrated with purple pigments, while others will develop with more subtle tones. The more pigmented the shampoo, the stronger its toning effect will be. For example, if you have platinum blonde or silver hair, you may need a more intense violet shampoo to keep your color from becoming too warm or brassy.

On the other hand, if you’re a natural blonde or have lightened highlights, a shampoo with a milder pigment will typically work better. If you use a shampoo with stronger pigments, you may find yourself with unwanted purple or blue tones. This is why it is essential to select one that is best suited to your hair color and goals.

Formulation Varieties

Some formulas are designed for people who want to deep cleanse their hair a few times a week, whereas others are more suitable for color protection or adding nourishing vitamins and minerals. Of course, both color protection and nourishment are goals for most people; however, it’s essential to prioritize your selection depending on the condition of your hair.

If you have dry or color-treated hair, look for a sulfate-free violet shampoo that locks in moisture and nourishes your scalp and strands. Sulfates are effective at cleansing your locks; however, they can strip the natural oils and leave them feeling dry or brittle. Many high-quality violet shampoos also contain natural oils or proteins to replace the ones that can be lost through washing.

For those with sensitive scalps or who prefer more natural options, there are violet shampoos that use gentle, plant-based ingredients that don’t contain harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances that are known to cause irritation.

How Frequently Do You Need to Wash and Clean Your Hair?

How often you need to use violet shampoo depends on your hair color, the level of brassiness, and the strength of the product you choose. Some people with light blonde or platinum locks may need to use violet shampoo more frequently to minimize color fading. On the other hand, those with darker blonde hair or highlights may only need to use it once or twice a week.

You should avoid overuse to stop your hair from turning too purple or blue. If you’re unsure how often you should use a violet shampoo, start with once a week and change the frequency depending on the results you experience.

While all violet shampoos aim to neutralize brassy undertones and maintain a cooler tone in blonde and light-colored hair, not all products are the same. The strength of the pigment, the formula’s ingredients, and how often it should be used are all factors that can make a big difference. At Indulge Salon, we recommend consulting with your stylist, who will be able to help you choose the best violet shampoo for your hair type and color. Whether you’re looking for a more intense toning treatment or a gentle formula for regular use, the right violet shampoo can help keep your hair looking salon-fresh and vibrant for longer.

Why not visit us at Indulge Salon for personalized recommendations or to book a coloring appointment?

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