The Blonde Edit -
by Macey Wright
Nd's Blonde Specialist
How to decide your perfect blonde!
What blonde means to you might mean something completely different to someone else…...
What shade of blonde do you want to be?
What blonde suits your skin tone?
What technique do you go for?
There are so many options out there, there is a whole variety of BLONDE that needs exploring. Luckily, we have Macey, our in-house Blonde Hair Specialist on hand to help.
Here’s some of Macey’s steps to follow when considering your new blonde hair journey…
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Free consultation
Always take advantage of our free consultation, there are hundreds of different shades of blondes: Honey, Champagne, Platinum, Beige, Gold, Caramel, are to name a few, and it may take a cobinatation of tones to create what is right for you, so allow us to take the time to look at all the options in your consultation, this will help to get an understanding of what sort of blonde you desire.
Macey has a vast amount of knowledge of what surrounds the hair colour and colour placement, what techniques are best to use, what tone will compliment your features, skin tone and personal style whilst always maintaining the health and integrity of the hair.
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Bring in a photo
The best way for any stylist to get an understanding of what your desired look is, is by getting inspiration from photos you like and ideas for your end result. This will help our specialist visualise exactly what your goals are and how we can achieve the best possible outcome for you.
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How much does it cost to go blonde?
This depends on your base shade, is it natural? Lightly coloured? Heavily coloured?
What previous colour have you had on your hair?
The level of lightness you’re wanting to achieve and the condition of your hair.
Sometimes getting the desired results takes more than one appointment, in some cases a few to get the right result, depending on how often you come to us.
Taking advantage of our free consultations and speaking to your stylist will help to give you an idea of the overall cost to get your hair to your desired colour and also what the cost of the upkeep will be.
We will also point out your hair journey and direct you in what it is we need to do to achieve your end goal.
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How long does it take to go blonde?
Again, this all depends on your base shade. Taking into consideration if the colours natural or artificial, the condition of your hair and the type of blonde you’re wanting to achieve.
However, for a light blonde result expect that your colour journey will need to be done in a few stages and in more than one sitting. It will most likely mean that we will need to start off the lighting process and trust the process after each appointment while you work with our specialist towards getting your colour just right.
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Sometimes the answer is “NO”
If the stylist believes that the process will be too damaging on your hair type, structure or condition, or your unlikely to ever reach your desired colour, instead of creating irreparable damage to your hair then on some occasions the is is ‘NO’.
As hairdressers are main priority is the health and integrity the hair, and pursuing a colour result that will do more harm than good will likely leave you untrusting any future hair appointments and it is simply not worth the damage. We will come up with a better and kinder solution which can still look amazing alongside product suggestions to help with the condition and end result followed by a home hair care plan package to get your hair to the best it can be.
Don’t think by getting a ‘NO’ for the blonde you had in mind IS ALWAYS a negative, there are so many blonde techniques out there is doesn’t mean all blonde colours are off the table for you. So always speak to your specialist.
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Techniques
There are so many blonde techniques, tips and tricks for us to offer. Highlights, baby lights (which are finer highlights) ombre, root melts, balayage and toners are a few firm favourites. Sometimes an all over colour and root applications maybe an option for you. All you need to do is talk to your Stylist and we will simply state and explain what the best and right techniques are needed to create your desired look.
Advances in hair and care products now means we can protect and even strengthen your hair during the hair lighting process. We have a huge selection of treatments to offer that are designed specifically for use during the hair lighting process to protect your hair.
A toner or a pre toner is a great tool for neutralising unwanted yellow or brassy tones when lifting hair. We offer a huge selection of Joico toners which all offer something different for your perfect shade of blonde.
Alongside neutralising brassy and yellow tones we can use this to simply tone down the blonde if it’s to light or we can brighten it up whilst also adding shine to your hair and increasing longevity of your blonde.
Again speak to your Stylist about toning.
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Now you’ve got your blonde hair of your dreams, here’s how to keep it?
Colour safe shampoos are a must! When you lighten your hair, naturally you lose a little of the structural integrity, so using a shampoo and conditioner designer to help strengthen blonde hair will help it stay bright and bouncy.
Joico’s Blonde Life range has been formulated to restore shine and brighten; Blonde Life has been created by JOICO to boost blondes. Perfect for hair that's been bleached, double-processed or had the colour lifted for a beautiful blonde shade. The formulas are enriched with Arginine and an exotic blend of Monoi and Tamunu oils to banish brassiness and fading and keep your hair hydrated. If you’re not a natural blonde this could mean that your hair is slightly damaged and extremely thirsty. Nourish it regularly with leave in treatments we need to repair and seal that cuticle whilst building the keratin levels in the hair. We have product plans available for each individual client so we can suggest which range of Joico products would best suit you.
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Protect your hair from heat damage
Be mindful that when adding heat onto your hair, heat will significantly decrease the vibrancy of your colour. Minimise heat damage by always using heat protection and check your appliances are at a low heat.
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Keeping on top of your blonde
You will likely want to pop into the salon to have your root regrowth touched up every 6-8 weeks. Highlights are much less obvious, and you can have a T-section cover-up every eight weeks or so.
Balayage is even lower maintenance and you may not need to pop into the salon for even longer, though a glossing treatment or toner to boost your colour after a few weeks will refresh your blonde.
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Colour correction
Going blonde is not something we recommend you try on your own it’s a big job for our Stylists, it requires a lot of time, thought about placement, techniques and products. It’s somewhat of a tricky art to master and If you’ve had a hair colour disaster with an at-home hair dye kit, we can help correct your hair colour.
Book in as soon as possible for a free consultation so we can assess your hair and work on a plan to get it looking healthy and a beautiful colour once more.
How do I book in for my new blonde hair?
We are so excited to be able to give you your dream blonde make over.
Call our salon on 01642956573
Find us on socials Instagram nancy_darcy_marske
Facebook Nancy Darcy
We can’t wait to make your blonde dream come a reality.
Some like it hot… but don’t let the sun ruin your hair
We’re looking forward to warmer weather and holidays in the sun (fingers crossed) and hope you are too, says Macey. But in the excitement of planning to get away post-lockdown, don’t forget to step up your summer haircare routine. We love the sun, but our hair really doesn’t.
Why those rays will wreck your hair
“The sun will very quickly alter the structure of hair, making it weaker, much drier and far more prone to breakage and split ends as it becomes less elastic”, explains Macey. “And just as the sun can burn our skin, it can also burn our hair – but we don’t think about it because we can’t feel it in the same way.”
Coloured hair will fade in the sun while hair that isn’t coloured may become lighter – but this is just another sign that your hair is being damaged by UV rays, so try not to be tempted by the idea of ‘natural highlights’. Professional colour is far kinder to your tresses.
Don’t forget your scalp
And of course, says Macey the sun can burn the skin on our scalp leaving it sore and red just like the skin on the rest of our body.
Macey advises wearing a hat to protect your scalp if you can. If you have thinning hair or a receding hairline, then remember to apply your sunscreen over the exposed part of your head and also along your parting line.
It’s not all bad…
More sun means more vitamin D is absorbed by the skin which is good for us and can give our hair cells a healthy boost. Plus sunny weather and a relaxing break is good for de-stressing – which will also contribute to healthier hair.
How to protect and care for your hair in summer
Here’s Macey's seven-point plan for sun-sational summer hair:
[1] Switch to a hydrating shampoo and conditioner for the summer months. Pop in or call to ask us for advice on which products will be best for your hair.
[2] If your icy blonde is looking a little ‘brassy’ after being in the sun a purple shampoo can help neutralise those yellow tones. Ask your stylist for their advice if you’re unsure – we love to help.
[3] In the same way as you apply sunscreen to protect your skin from damaging UV rays use a sun protector for your hair. “I like Defy Damage proactive shield as it protects from sun exposure. This protective shield helps prevent damage and guards against colour fade for beautiful, vibrant, healthy-looking hair. , adds Macey
[4] Hats are underrated! When out in the sun wear a hat or scarf – it’s a simple but very effective way to protect your hair.
[5] Book in for a regular cut or trim during the summer – it’s the best way to banish those dry and split ends.
[6] Deep conditioning treatments are king when it comes to summer hair. Treat yourself to an in-salon professional hydrating and repairing treatment – your stylist will recommend the right one for your hair. They will also advise you on which home-use self-care treatments will be best for you.
[7] Finally, it’s especially important in the summer to go easy on heated styling tools says Macey. Try turning the temperature down a notch or two and always use a thermal protectant. And, when you can, air dry your hair naturally after washing if possible.
Holiday hair
Coming soon: look out for our tips and advice blog in July, when we’ll be taking an in-depth look at holiday hair and how to combat the effects of sun, sea, and chlorine.
Plan ahead: book your pre-hols consultation today
Would you like some expert advice on hair protection and holiday colour and styles? Call now to book a consultation or to ask about our home and holiday use retail products: [add your phone number].
Remember: book your pre-holiday colour appointment for three to four weeks before you go away and also reserve a slot for when you return. Let your stylist know you’re going away so they can make any necessary adjustments to the treatment and recommend suitable products to keep your holiday hair in tip-top condition while you’re soaking up the sun.
Bad hair day? It could be stress related?
April is Stress Awareness Month, says Beccy, so this month we’re taking a look at how stress can affect the condition of your hair and what to do about it.
Stress can affect your hair and scalp:
If you’ve started to shed hair then stress may to be blame, says Beccy. Our bodies produce hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline when we feel stressed, and these can raise your testosterone levels causing hair loss.
In the same way increased stress can affect your skin, it can also make your scalp produce more oil, upsetting your scalp’s balance and leading to flaking and itching. If you suffer with dandruff you may find it flares up when you are under stress. There are gentle yet effective at-home dandruff treatments available so do ask your stylist for advice – we’re always very happy to help and advise you.
Treating stressed-out hair
“Always get your GP’s advice if you are worried about your hair or scalp. For example, if clumps of hair are falling out, you have bald patches or your scalp feels painful or is burning,” explains Beccy.
“In the meantime – indulge yourself with some hair and scalp de-stressing treatment. It’ll not only make your hair look thicker, glossy and healthier, but a little pampering will make you feel better too. We’re happy to talk you through our range of treatments – just pop in or give us a call.”
Why not book a consultation if you’d like to discuss some different styling ideas. The right cut and styling can effectively help disguise thinner hair – or you might just fancy a mood-boosting new look.
We’ve also got some brilliant products for home use too including conditioning and thickening products as well as scalp treatments to really give your hair a boost.
Taking some time out to kick back, relax and give yourself and your hair some TLC on a regular basis will dial down the stress at the end of a long week and help you look and feel amazing.
Avoid comfort eating
It’s so easy to reach out for a glass of wine or some comforting sweet treat when we’re feeling stressed – but giving in to temptation too often will make it even harder for your hair to bounce back from a period of stress. Hair shedding is often one of the first signs of a poor diet.
“As ever, the best advice is to follow a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and veg,” says Beccy. “Stay active, drink plenty of water and avoid too much alcohol and junk food.”
Feeling anxious, depressed or overwhelmed?
Don’t soldier on alone if you’re really stressed out and finding it difficult to cope. Always seek advice from your GP and look into self-help techniques too. The NHS has lots of information and guidance on its website.
Book a consultation today
Would you like some expert advice on how to cope with stressed-out or thinning hair? Call us to book a consultation or to ask about our self care retail products: 01642 956573.
Hair loss in new mums
If you’re reading this, you may have had a new baby recently, so huge congratulations!
However, there’s also a good chance that you’re now experiencing hair loss – a not so welcome result of giving birth, says Lyndsey.
Coping with hair loss after giving birth
Many new mums find that they quickly lose a lot of hair after giving birth. The good news is that this is normal and, in most cases, it’s temporary and doesn’t mean there is anything wrong.
But what causes postpartum hair loss?
“Pregnant women often find that their hair gets thicker and greasier,” explains Lyndsey. “This is probably related to oestrogen which changes the usual cycle of hair growth and loss, so the scalp holds onto hair for longer. You may also notice thicker eyebrows and eyelashes.”
So after birth, all that extra hair is lost when your oestrogen levels fall. You may feel as if you are shedding frightening amounts of hair, but it’s probably just going back to how it was before you became pregnant. You may have to be patient for a few months before your hormone levels to return to normal.
New mums can also lose their hair if they experienced a stressful birth. This type of hair loss causes thinning of the hair and is called ‘telogen effluvium’ – it can happen about three months after the stressful event that triggers it. Again, this is usually a temporary condition, and your hair will regrow says Lyndsey.
Help for post-baby hair
While you’re waiting for your hair and hormones to settle down, Lyndsey suggests taking these positive confidence-boosting steps to ensure you stay looking and feeling good:
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Try a head massage: to help dial down the stress while stimulating blood flow across your scalp to encourage healthy hair regrowth.
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Change your hairbrush: avoid harsh bristles and metal combs and opt for softer, natural bristles to help massage your scalp and protect your hair from breakage. Ask us if you’d like some advice or help.
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Use thickening shampoos, conditioners, mousses and hairsprays: we can help you decide which products are best for your hair. We can also recommend thickening treatments such as serums and leave-in sprays.
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Eat your veg! In other words eat a healthy diet to give your hair the best chance of recovering quickly. Dark green vegetables, fruit such as blueberries and raspberries, eggs and food rich in protein such as lean meat, fish, seafood, and dairy products should all help.
Thinning hair styling tips for mums
“Pop in for a consultation and be inspired,” says Lyndsey. There are different things you can try to help disguise your temporary hair loss and bring back some of that pre-pregnancy pizzazz:
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Move your parting: hair thinning can show up more along your usual parting. So try moving it – a simple solution that may make a big difference.
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Go shorter or more layered: ask us about which styles will make the most of your post-baby hair.
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Try a new hair colour: we can take you through some options that will help to give the impression of thicker and fuller hair such as highlights or balayage. Spoil yourself!
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Rock a colour spray: this will help to disguise areas where your hair hasn’t yet grown back, making for a fuller more voluminous look.
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Accessorise: hats, scarves, hairbands, clips – add some fun and sparkle to take the attention away from your temporarily thinner locks.
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Experiment with extensions: they are not just for adding length. Let’s chat about using extensions to temporarily increase the volume of your hair.
When to see your GP
Our clients’ health and safety always comes first. It’s best to get advice from your GP if:
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Your hair loss persists.
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Clumps of hair are falling out.
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You have bald patches.
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Your scalp is painful or feels it is burning.
Book a consultation today
Would you like some expert advice on how to cope with your post-baby hair? Call now to book a consultation or to ask about our selfcare retail products.
Feeling flaky? Don’t let dandruff get you down
Let’s be clear: lots of people get dandruff, it’s not harmful (though very annoying), it’s not caused by poor hygiene, and you can’t spread or ‘catch it’, says Julie.
But no one wants white flakes in their hair and on their clothes, so we give you the heads-up on how to shake the flake and ditch the itch.
Don’t confuse dandruff with a dry scalp
Many people assume that dandruff is caused by a dry scalp, but this isn’t true says [add your stylist’s name]. So rubbing oil into the scalp won’t help your dandruff problem.
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Dandruff is caused by the production of too many skin cells. Dead skin cells then collect on the scalp and fall as large white flakes that can be oily or tinged with yellow.
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Dry scalp is caused by not producing enough natural oils to keep your scalp moisturised. The skin then sheds fine flakes that are whiter and smaller than dandruff.
Not sure which one you’ve got? Why not get in touch for a free consultation and advice on the best treatments?
Getting to the root of the problem
“Your first step is to try one of the anti-dandruff shampoos that are available,” says Julie “
ask your stylist at your next appointment.”
Look out for shampoos that contain at least one of the following ingredients:
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Zinc pyrithione
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Salicylic acid
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Selenium sulphide (or selenium sulfide)
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Ketoconazole
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Coal tar
Everyone is different, so you may have to experiment a little to see which product works best for you. You should start to see an improvement after about a month.
You can still condition your hair after using anti-dandruff shampoo to keep it looking healthy and nourished advises [add stylist’s name]. “Ask us for advice about which products will be best for your hair type and for use with an anti-dandruff shampoo.”
Follow instructions…
Julie explains: “Don’t assume that all dandruff shampoos should be used in the same way. Always read the instructions. For example, some should be left on the scalp for a few minutes before rinsing, while others should not.”
Be careful with coal tar
Anti-dandruff shampoos that contain coal tar may not be suitable if you have blonde, grey or white hair as they can cause the hair to discolour, so choose from the alternatives as a first option.
Coal tar can also make your scalp more sensitive to sunlight so cover your head or stay in the shade when out and about in the sun.
Dandruff not going away?
Finally, Julie recommends you always ask your GP for advice if you still have bad dandruff, or a very red, swollen or itchy scalp after trying dandruff treatments for a month. It’s possible that you may have some other condition such as dermatitis, eczema or psoriasis.
Book a consultation today
Do you have a problem with dandruff or a dry and itchy scalp? Call now to book a consultation or to ask about our home-use retail products including anti-dandruff shampoos, conditioners, scalp scrubs and soothing scalp masks: 01642 956573
Healthy hair for Veganuary
We’re busy gearing up for a vibrant Veganuary, says Jess.
Veganuary is now a worldwide event, helping to publicise the health benefits of veganism for people and the planet.
“However a vegan diet can affect the condition of your hair quite quickly,” cautions Jess“ and you may need to change or adapt your haircare routine.”
So if you’ve made the vegan vow, make sure you keep the wow factor too by following our haircare tips for Veganuary and beyond.
Your hair and veganism
A vegan diet may make hair thinner and more likely to break as it becomes weaker and more brittle.
Why does this happen? Well, to stay strong and healthy our hair needs a good supply of protein. This is because our hair and our skin and nails is mostly made of keratin which is a type of protein.
It’s easy to get enough protein when eating meat, but don’t despair says Jess. You can get enough protein to keep your hair happy and healthy by ensuring you eat a wide range of plant foods such as soya-based dishes, lentils, beans, chickpeas, peanut butter, cashew nuts, pumpkin seeds, quinoa, seitan and coconut.
You can also try protein shakes which blend different types of plant-based ingredients to ensure you’re getting all the good stuff that your hair really needs.
Iron, B12 and calcium for healthy hair
“Make sure your vegan diet does not lead to a lack of iron or B12 in your body. Both play a vital part in your overall health and if you don’t keep your levels topped up your hair may start to fall out,” advises Jess.
Look out for soy milks and vegan cereals that are fortified with B12 or take a supplement.
You can also find cereals that are fortified with iron, plus make sure you eat foods that contain iron such as dark green veg, beans, dried apricots, prunes and figs, prune juice soybeans, pulses, almonds, and beets. Be a little careful if you take iron supplements as too much iron can be harmful.
Calcium is important because it helps your body to absorb iron. Dark green veg is good for calcium, as well as foods such as tofu and pinto beans.
Vegan hair care
When following a vegan diet, it’s even more important to ensure your hair is really well cared for. As part of your hair appointment we can offer a range of repairing and strengthening options, including:
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Pre-shampoo treatments to moisturise, protect and improve the elasticity of your hair.
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Restructuring treatments to help repair damage and add protein – perfect for strengthening brittle and chemically treated hair.
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Olaplex and Botanical Repair treatments to protect coloured hair and boost its long-term health and strength.
“We can also recommend vegan-friendly selfcare products that you can use between salon visits to keep your hair nourished and in tip-top condition,” explains Jess. “Give us a call for advice – we love to help.”
Jess's top tip for vegans
When buying products for your hair always check the ingredients list. Products can be marked ‘organic’, ‘natural’ and ‘cruelty free’, but may still contain animal-related ingredients such as honey.
Also, look out for ingredients such as ‘biotin’, ‘gelatin’, ‘hyaluronic acid’, ‘keratin’ and ‘stearic acid’ which are all animal-related.
Ask us about vegan hair
As well as stocking vegan haircare products some of our treatments are vegan. Please do call 01642 956573 to chat through the options or ask your stylist at your next appointment.
Discover how our 100% vegan formulas deliver healthier
looking and feeling hair—no compromises.
This Veganuary, treat your hair to the care it deserves with our 100% vegan hair products and skin saviours that promise to leave you feeling nourished and healthy. Whether you’re looking for vegan skin care, vegan body care or vegan hair products, here at Aveda we have something for everyone who wants to take care of themselves while taking care of the planet.
LETS be COVID SAFE AND ECO-FRIENDLY
ND TAKES STEPS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
If there is one good thing that came from the lockdowns it’s been the positive impact that we witnessed on the planet and the quality of the air we breathe, it really started to make an impact on the global warming crisis. It did feel like we appreciated our planet more, things become more simplistic and we all enjoyed nature and natural surroundings, as we were stripped back of the luxury's we had come accustomed too.
Then we headed back to work and were faced with a whole new world of PPE and all the Covid safe procedures and policies, which without argument has been vital to protect us all from the pandemic. However with constant cleaning, boil washing and disposable everything, there is now a new worry we are becoming more harmful than ever to our environment.
Having been Covid compliant for over a year now, the team at ND have decided to re jig a few things.
obviously the safety of our team and clients is still paramount but we have decided to what we can to be more eco friendly in the salon.
HELP US SO WE CAN HELP THE PLANET
Bring your own towel scheme
First up, we would like to join some other Salons in the
"bring your own towel" campaign. obviously this is optional but it would be really appreciated. Our washing and drying of towels has become not only a full time job but doubled the amount of our water usage. So we a agree that this is a small thing that would help us save time and energy but still keeps every one safe.