If you’ve been in the industry for any length of time, you know that cutting, styling, and caring for gray hair is a completely different experience than working with naturally pigmented hair. But more difficult doesn’t mean impossible. You just need to keep your clients’ hair health in mind with every step during their appointment. Here are a few tips to help you work with gray hair with confidence.
Get Rid of Discoloration
Hard water and mineral buildup can lead to discoloration, and if your clients come in with gray hair that’s suddenly blonde without having been dyed, you know it’s time to clarify their locks. The residue isn’t necessarily harmful, but it can result in a brassy blonde that looks fake or dingy.
Grab your clarifying solution, like the
J Beverly Hills Clarifier, and remove the buildup with ease. Keep in mind that it may require several applications if the buildup is thick or old. But once the buildup is gone, your clients will be able to see their grays in a new light.
Go Easy on the Heat
Gray hair tends to be a lot more brittle than pigmented hair. And that often means it’s more vulnerable to heat damage. Instead of reaching for your hair dryer and flat iron and using them on your standard setting, you may need to adjust the temperature. Using a lower heat setting may take longer, but it will cause less damage and leave your clients feeling more confident in their looks. You can also use a heat-shielding deep moisturizing treatment after clarifying your clients’ hair to restore moisture and pliancy.
Encourage Your Clients to Use the Right Products
It’s rare for clients to use hair products that are tailored to gray hair and the unique needs it has. Instead of leaving things to chance, give your clients a few recommendations and encourage them to use products that will boost the health of their hair rather than strip moisture from the strands. The
J Beverly Hills Masque can help trap moisture and restore luster and the Fragile Conditioner can help maintain that moisture between treatments.
Use Caution When Coloring
Gray hair responds to color differently and that means you’ll need to use caution when you start each coloring appointment. Make sure your clients are happy with the color they’ve selected and apply it appropriately. Encourage them to consider highlights to add dimension and life to the color. If you’re just covering a handful of grays, remember to use a darker color at the roots and a lighter color for the rest of the strand to make it look more natural and blend more effectively.
Help Your Clients Look Their Best
Keeping these tips in mind will help you style and care for your clients’ gray hair with confidence. Just remember to take your time and encourage your clients to communicate with you during each consultation. The more you understand what they want, the easier it will be to bring their vision to life.
But to bring their vision to life, you’ll need to stock up on the right products and tools. Sign up for an account with Professional Salon Concepts today.