14 Questions You’ve Always Wanted To Ask A Hairdresser

CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SYSTEM PROFESSIONAL

1. Is it worth spending a lot of money on shampoo and conditioner?

Yes and no. While there’s a huge difference in the quality of ingredients of professional vs high street hair brands, it pays more to use haircare suited specifically to your hair type. While it’s absolutely worth investing in a professional haircare brand, also take the time to speak with a hairdresser who can advise you on the products you should be using for the best results.

2. If you colour your hair, should you use a colour-specific shampoo?

Absolutely. Using a specific colour formula will not only help prolong your colour and reduce colour fade but will also condition and protect your hair. If you have highlights, try to use a product that’ll keep your colour looking fresher for longer, such as System Professional Silver Shampoo, as well as a conditioner that rebuilds and repairs your hair, such as System Professional Repair Conditioner. The better your hair condition, the better your colour will look and last.

3. Should you shampoo twice or is this a myth?

This isn’t a myth – you should always shampoo twice. Doing two smaller shampoos is actually far more effective than doing just one with more product. When cleansing twice, the first shampoo will remove oil, dirt and product build-up while the second shampoo will get to work on the area it’s designed for, such as smoothing, repairing or moisturising the scalp.

4. What’s the biggest mistake people make when shampooing their hair?

It sounds obvious, but so many people don’t properly wet their entire head before applying shampoo – failing to do this will mean your shampoo won’t lather properly and won’t do its job. As well as thoroughly wetting your hair, always use around a 50p piece of shampoo, spreading over your hair from root to tips, then using your fingertips in large circular movement start to lather your shampoo moving across your whole head. Always focus on the scalp – so many people forget this.

5. And what about conditioner – how much should you use?

Again, this is something so many people get wrong. As with any haircare product, it’s always best to use a conditioner that’s suited to your hair – anything too heavy can weigh it down and anything too light may result in frizz. Always apply your conditioner on clean, damp hair (don’t be afraid to towel dry it – if your hair is too wet the conditioner will just slide straight off), working the product through the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. If you have time, always comb through to ensure that all your hair has been covered, before gently rinsing.

6. The most common colouring mistake you come across?

Colouring your hair at home is the biggest mistake you can make. Salon products and home colour are completely different formulations – there’s a reason professionals don’t use them. I’ve seen so many examples of people trying to colour their hair at home only to have to come to a salon to get the colour corrected. If you’re on a budget, there are ways to have low maintenance but beautiful colour, so speak to your stylist before reaching for an at-home colour kit.

7. Is dry shampoo bad for the hair?

Not always. Dry shampoo can be a lifesaver, but it’s important not to over-use it as some formulas will just lie on the scalp, causing blocked follicles, which can lead to scalp problems and hair loss in the long run. Instead, try the System Professional Instant Reset, one of the lightest dry shampoos in the industry – it works like blotting paper to remove excess oil and refresh the scalp.

8. Is it true a cold rinse can make your hair shinier?

Yes – a cooler rinse can make your scalp feel more refreshed and smooth the cuticle down, helping your hair look shinier. Using conditioner is also crucial for shinier hair – remember, the more nourished and moisturised your hair is, the shinier it’ll be.

9. Is scalp health really as important as people make out?

Yes – scalp health is the industry secret for better, healthier hair. Did you know the skin on your scalp is the same as the skin on your face? Making an effort to care for your scalp will help you to grow healthier hair. One of the simplest ways to improve your scalp health is to use the right products for your hair – anything too drying can wreak havoc with your scalp. System Professional’s EnergyCode test can help determine which are the right products for you and your scalp.

10. What’s better – hair oil or serum?

Neither – they’re completely different products. A hair oil is all about condition, nourishment and deep penetration into the hair fibre (try the System Professional Luxe Oil – one of the brand’s hero products that’s packed with oils and keratin) whereas a serum is more of a styling product. A serum can make the hair feel more nourished, but they usually have more of a cosmetic result, such as smoothing and taming the hair for a sleeker look.

11. How often should you really get your hair cut?

The six to eight-week rule stands for everyone, regardless of your hair type. Having a regular cut will keep your ends strong and healthy, resulting in thicker and better hair. Un-trimmed and uncared-for hair is more at risk of breakage, so in the long-run you’ll need to cut more off than if you had regular trims. If you’re trying to grow your hair or feel you’re prone to split ends, try System Professional Perfect Ends – dubbed a ‘hair cut in a bottle’, it cleverly seals the hair cuticle, making it look smoother and more polished.  

12. Any hacks for waking up with better hair?

Use a silk pillowcase – they make a world of difference when it comes to keeping hair tangle and frizz-free. Over time, a silk pillowcase can help to strengthen your strands and is great for the skin, too.

13. How can you protect your hair in the summer?

Always make sure you use products with both UVA and UVB filters in them – these are the rays that can damage the hair, triggering colour fade, dryness, damage and the breakdown of keratin. Try to treat your hair as you do your skin when in the sun, so use a UV spray before and during sun exposure as well as a deep-conditioning treatment come evening. The System Professional Solar Range is great for repairing and moisturising holiday hair.

14. Finally – what’s the one thing you can do for better hair?

Go bespoke. Our hair has several needs: it can be dry and flat and coloured, yet most people tend to use matching shampoos, conditioners and masks. With System Professional, you can get a tailored routine to address all your needs at once. Just complete your hair-mapping online to discover your perfect product combination.

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