designHouse Salon

Holistic Hair Salon Victoria BC

Short Hair, Don’t Care

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Short-Hair
Are you sick and tired of having long hair? Maintaining it, styling it, drying it, long hair can be so. much. work. But if you’re ready for something more dramatic, why not change your look entirely and cut it all off? Short hair has been trending for some time now with celebrities like Kristen Stewart, Jennifer Lawrence and, of course, Halle Berry all sporting the short look at some point in their careers.
 
If you’re thinking you might want to take the plunge, there are some key things you’ll need to learn in order to keep it looking great. It may seem easy, but eye-catching, head-turning short hair looks can also be difficult to maintain if you aren’t used to it. From washing your hair more frequently, to using less heated styling tools, these tips will have your new look always screaming wow!
 
Cut Down the Use of Hot Tools
If all you’ve ever known is long hair, styling tools have been your best friend. But when you’ve got short hair, that daily relationship has to come to an end. Blow dryers, curling irons and flat irons can damage the hair shaft. If you’re looking for that wavy look, try washing your hair before bed fall asleep with damp hair. In the morning you’ll wake up with gorgeous waves.
 
Calm the Volume with Products
With short hair, your natural volume is able to shine, so you need to find products that will add texture and hold your hair in place. Using a paste with medium hold like this organic product found on our online store will allow your hair to have that hold and texture so your hair looks chic and sleek all day long.
 
Short Hair Means Less Brushing
This should be exciting as you no longer have to spend so much time brushing your hair! Invest in a good bristle brush and run it through your hair gently if you want to brush your hair. When you need to style and brush your hair, use your fingers instead. Make sure they’re clean and dry though, so they don’t add unnecessary grease to your locks.
 
Wash Your Hair Frequently
Another thing you need to change up in your routine is how often you wash your hair. Long hair doesn’t need a daily wash, but short can become greasy much quicker. If you want to keep your shine, daily washing will be necessary. Make sure you invest in good shampoo and conditioner to maintain good hair health.
 
Trim Your Hair Often
In order to maintain the shape of your short hair, you’ll need to visit the salon about every 3-6 weeks. Because your hair grows about an inch and a half each month, these more frequent visits are necessary to maintain your new look. Maintenance is key with any short hairstyle and requires a little more attention to detail than long hair does.
 
Located in beautiful Victoria BC, designHouse is a natural and eco salon that prides itself on offering the best organic hair products on the market. If you want to take the plunge and cut it all off, book your next appointment with us. One of our talented stylists will help you rock some fabulous short hair.

Hair Fails: How to Stop Having Endless Bad Hair Days

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Bad hair days are inevitable and sometimes, they can last for days, weeks and sometimes even months! In all honesty, what’s worse than having a bad hair month? While you can’t stop having the odd bad hair day, you can certainly make sure they don’t happen often. There are so many common mistakes we all make with our hair, we don’t even realize we’re doing them.
 
A lot of us aren’t experts on hair and how to keep it healthy. Sometimes, it’s the products themselves, and not your brushing habits which may be the cause of those awful bad hair days. Here at designHouse, we make sure we’re not only educated on hair styling but also hair health, and it’s our job to pass that knowledge on to you, our clients. Being an eco and natural hair salon, we want to make sure you’re washing and treating your hair with the top organic hair products out there. We want to see you maintaining that healthy shine every single day.
 
We’ve come up with a list of common hair mistakes and tips on how you can stop making them so you can get your locks looking consistently beautiful.
 
Always Protect Your Hair from Heat
We all know heat can severely damage our hair, but we also need our blow-dryers, flat irons and other styling tools that can cause heat damage. In order to combat this, use a heat-protective aid so you can protect your hair from the heat. Try this blow-dry primer and never burn your hair again.
 
NEVER Use Hot Irons on Wet Hair
This is self-explanatory. Wet hair and flat irons are not a match. If you use a hot tool like a curling iron on your hair, expect your hair to get weak and even break. Make sure your hair is always dry before using hot tools.
 
Hairspray Goes on AFTER Hot Irons
Don’t forget there’s alcohol in hairspray that burns when in contact with heat. Have you ever heard that burning sizzle when you try to straighten your hair after you’ve put some hairspray in it? This is why! Hairspray like Davines Strong Hold is great, just know when to use it.
 
Brush Before Washing
Do you love tangled wet hair? We didn’t think so. Make sure you always brush your hair before you wash it. Hair is really weak when it’s wet and prone to tangling. Brushing with an oval paddle brush is a great pre-shower ritual to add to your routine.
 
You Can’t Fix Split Ends
Once your hair has split at its ends, there’s nothing you can do about it. The only solution is preventive so that it never happens again. Ways to prevent split ends include not over-washing your hair, stopping rough towel drying, and cutting down on the use of hot irons. If your ends are already split, try this oil to help smooth them out.
 
designHouse in Victoria, BC is a natural and eco salon that prides itself on offering the best organic hair products on the market. If you need more tips on how you can stop making pesky hair mistakes, book your next appointment with us and we’ll be happy to make sure you never go a day with horrible hair again.

Do You Know What Makes For A Great Barber?

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barber

A lot of men today are missing out on having a great barber they can visit on the regular. Although the barbershops of yesteryear are making a comeback, they’re not as mainstream as they were before. Luckily for us, though, a lot of stylists possess barber skills that can otherwise be hard to find. Every man needs a reliable and skilled barber in their life. Barber cuts involve a sharp and consistent haircut for whenever you need it. If you’re looking for a trim for an event or a big meeting, or just want to freshen up, look no further than a barber.

A good barber has an amazing memory. From the first time they cut your hair, to the 20th, they know your head and how to style you based on the complexities of your hair.

How do you know when you’ve found the right one, though? We’ve outlined some tips that will help you make an informed decision when you’re choosing who to go to when you’re getting your next cut.

 

Hair Knowledge

A professional barber should be incredibly knowledgeable about cutting hair and anything related to the profession. They need to make judgement calls when it comes to cutting someone’s hair because no two heads or hair are the same. Like many stylists, when you’re looking for a change and you mention it to a barber, they’ll know whether the cut will actually suit you. They have your best interests at heart and trusting a knowledgeable barber is an important factor when going in for a cut.

Respect

They have to love and take pride in what they do for a living. They have to have a set of ethics to abide by and hold themselves to a higher standard. Look for a barber who is passionate about what they do.

Interest in Hair

A professional barber has to be obsessed with hair and has probably been that way since they were children. Perhaps they enjoyed playing with dolls hair, their own hair and their sibling’s hair. Styling friends and family’s hair would have been a passion for them growing up.

Creative

A professional barber has chosen a rewarding career that involved them being creative all the time. They’ll always know about the latest hair trends and will always want to try new things. Creating fun and fresh looks are something a barber relishes in.

Social Butterfly

Anyone who works with hair loves to chat and be around other people. A great barber is a great listener and wants to get to know their customers. When they get to know you, they get to know your style and who you are which can help them pick and recommend looks for you.

designHouse hair salon in Victoria, BC has a great, diverse and creative team that can help you achieve whatever look you’re going for. And we’re growing — we’ve added a barber to our amazing team! As an eco salon, we pride ourselves on using organic hair products and making the environment our priority. Book an appointment online today if you’re looking for a change, or if you just need a trim. One of our members of our exceptional team will be happy to make you look your best!

Express Yourself With These Summer 2018 Hair Colour Tones

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We’re almost in the middle of 2018 and the best hair trends have just started to surface. We’ve been seeing our colourists focus more on warmer tones and trying out unconventional shades. They’re even making subtle changes that make our clients natural features stand out. As a top hair salon in Victoria BC, we strive to stay on top of every trend while focusing on our eco salon roots. This summer, we challenge you to be bold and beat the heat with some amazing 2018 trendy colour tones. As a salon, we offer natural and organic products that not only get you that summer “lewk” you’ve been dying to try but do it in a way that also helps the environment.

Blackberry

We all know the delicious fruit but have you thought about putting that colour on your head? Blackberry hair is a look people will be loving this year. This kind of colour job involves using purple tones and infusing a little blue to add some dimension. If you have dark hair and want a little jolt of colour, this will add that colour infusion you want while being on trend for the summer.

Hollywood Opal

Pastel colours are all over Instagram and it’s perfect for someone who already has a double process and wants to switch it up. Dusty tones are sexy and sophisticated and when your hair is lifted to that super light blond, everything looks so reflective and opulent.

Honey-Golden Blonde

While 2017 was the year of platinum ash blonde, this year we suggest going darker with your blonde hue and trying a warm golden-honey colour. Don’t let the idea of warm blonde tones scare you. It’s not all brassy. There are several variations to the tone and our stylists can certainly help make sure you choose the right tone that matches your complexion. If this is the look you want this summer, make sure you are diligent about the upkeep. When changing your hair colour, it’s always important to use conditioner meant for colour-treated hair.

Purples

As we’ve mentioned in a previous social post, violet and plum colours are so in this year. Purple-like colours are set to pop this summer and make a statement. The colour adds an unexpected flirty and fun tone that is sure to make heads turn.

 

Caramel Ombre

Ombre is a hair colour tone that goes in and out all the time. This summer, it’s all about rich dark hues that add a touch of lightness. Dark brown and light brown are great when you want to warm your complexion without fully committing to a solid colour.

Whatever you choose to do with your hair, designHouse salon in Victoria BC will be there to help make you look your best. We pride ourselves on being an eco salon that offers organic products that benefit you and the environment. Come in today or book an appointment with one of our amazing stylists and own summer 2018!

How to Get Your Hair Summer-Ready

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Our favourite time of year has come! In fact, after a cold and rainy winter, summer can’t come soon enough. With that taste of summer we got in Victoria last week, we realize summer’s just around the corner, so it’s time to think about super cute summer looks. Summer may be fabulous but the sun and heat have the potential to wreak havoc on your hair. The last thing we want is to have bad hair while you’re out enjoying the sun on the beach or on the many patios Victoria has to offer.

To achieve that gorgeous, summer-ready hair, we’ve put together a list of tips so you can not only enjoy the heat but keep your hair feeling healthy!

 

Get A Trim

I’m sure a lot of you have been cooped up inside binging your favourite movies and tv shows on Netflix. So while you’ve been lounging in comfy clothes all winter, getting a haircut may have fallen off your radar. Now that summer’s on its way and you know you’ll be soaking outside in that sun, booking an appointment in your nearest eco salon for a trim is imperative. Cleaning up your split ends and taking some of that bulk out of your hair is essential.

Treat Your Hair

Time to bust out those organic hair products. Winter can leave your hair feeling super dull. With summer almost here, you’ll be in the sun, on the beach, out and about and generally outside more often. This can be tough on your hair. Treating yourself to a conditioning treatment like some of these can not only prepare your hair for the heat and sun but also stop the frizz (who doesn’t hate that!?). Hydrating your hair is essential if you want to protect or undo any damage that you may have caused to your hair. Plus, it’ll add that extra bounce we’re sure you’ll love!

Eat Healthy

We delved deep in a previous blog on what to eat if you want healthy hair, but we think it’s important to mention it again. If you want shiny, strong hair, you must provide your hair with the right nutrients and tons of water. Keep your diet high in protein including lean meats, fish and various dairy products. Don’t forget to eat your greens and delicious fruit too, which will not only help your hair look great but make you feel great.

Stay Away from Heat

We all use hair dryers, curlers and straighteners but in the summer, try your best to stay away from them and enjoy your natural hair. Adding heat to your hair when it’s already hot isn’t the best idea.

Clean Hair, Don’t Care

We know you probably don’t wash your hair every day, and you probably shouldn’t, especially if you have curly hair, but in the summer, heat and humidity can make your hair greasy and you’ll likely crave a clean head of hair. Don’t be afraid to wash your hair more often because having a greased-up head of hair is never a good look!

 

Now, if you’re wondering why we didn’t mention colouring your hair for summer, that’s because later this month, we’ll have an entire blog devoted to how to get that perfect colour with the hottest 2018 trends.

Book an appointment with designHouse hair salon in Victoria, BC today to get your hair summer-ready. Go online to book the stylist of your choosing or give us a call — your hair will thank you come June.

Staff Q&A Series: Master Stylist Cory

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We want you to get to know the people that do your hair because trust isn’t earned overnight. Our monthly Staff Q&A helps you learn a little bit about who we are outside the salon. This month, we focus on California bombshell, Cory.

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Besides earning more money and becoming even more profitable, what do you think the goals of designHouse Salon are?

I think one of our biggest goals has always been to educate our clients on the importance of sustainability in the beauty industry. I want to make sure each person leaves our space looking and feeling like a million bucks!

What do you contribute to the team that makes you stand out? What do/should clients come specifically to you for?

I like to build a strong bond with my clients and co-workers. I feel like being a caring and sensitive friend has always taken me far in life and I feel that it is something that is appreciated by coworkers and clients alike. I also love huge transformations and makeovers!

What does Sustainable Beauty mean to you and why is it an important focus?

To me, sustainable beauty means making people look and feel their best, while also taking care of the environment. This is important because people shouldn’t have to choose between helping the world and helping themselves. They should feel good about looking good.

Why should people come to designHouse Salon over the TONS of other available options?

We care about every person that walks through our door. Our service and attention to detail separate us from the competition. We are also a Green Circle Salon, which means that we strive to contribute very little waste to the environment.

What about the beauty industry excites you and why?

I love that boundaries are being broken down. The term “beauty” can mean so many things now. The classic definition of what is beautiful no longer applies and expressing yourself through your style is incredibly exciting!

Tell us about your background. Where are you from? What have you accomplished?

I am originally from California, but my story really begins after moving here, meeting my boyfriend and having a beautiful daughter. They are by far my biggest accomplishment!

When you aren’t working, what are you doing? Hobbies, interests, etc.

When I’m not working, I love going on adventures with my boyfriend, Drew, and daughter, Chloe. I also love exploring the island, horseback riding, painting, jewellery making and planning my next vacation spot.

Do you prefer Cinnamon or Vanilla?

Both!

If you could grant a co-worker a superpower, who and what would it be?

I would grant Matt the power to magically make me food of my choosing mainly because he’s always at work when I am — and I’m usually hungry!

What’s your go-to midnight snack?

Chocolate.

Name 2 things you want everyone to know about you.

  1. I’ll never say no to chocolate;
  2. The best gift you could give me is to be kind to animals (via a donation to BCSPCA)

And lastly, name 3 things on your bucket list.

  1. Scuba dive with a whale shark;
  2. Skydive;
  3. Eat a chocolate croissant in France.

Do You Know The Best Foods For Healthy Hair?

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Back in February, our blog talked about the importance of eating the right foods for healthy, glowing skin. This month, we want to discuss a similar topic but this time, for your hair.

Strong, beautiful hair is what we all dream of but is difficult to achieve if you don’t know what to do. Although it may seem like healthy hair is unattainable, it isn’t. Starting off with the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair and scalp is a great place to start. If you want to take it a step further though, start focusing on your diet.

If you battle dry or frizzy hair, that could be a sign of poor health inside your body. Each individual strand of hair is made up of cells that contain a protein called keratin. In order to strengthen your hair, keratin needs to be nurtured with vitamins and minerals and hair growth vitamins only go so far. To ensure healthy hair, you need to start eating the right foods for healthy hair. We’ve outlined a list of foods that can help make your hair look its absolute best!

Almond Butter

Almond butter is one of many great foods for healthy hair. Packed with healthy fats, protein and vitamins, keeping your hair thick and shiny will get a lot easier. It’s also full of vitamin E, a key ingredient in hair health.

Spinach

Hair loss can be caused by many things, but mineral deficiencies can be a huge contributor. Women, in particular, are naturally prone to them but spinach can help curb that. Spinach is super rich in iron and helps the body produce more sebum, an oily secretion that conditions your hair. Spinach also has magnesium, omega-3 acids, calcium, and potassium to help your hair achieve a shiny look.

Greek Yoghurt

Greek yoghurt is super high in protein and vitamin B5, which assists with blood flow to your scalp as well as hair growth. Plus, Greek yoghurt is delicious and should be added to your diet anyway.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal isn’t just an easy breakfast meal, it’s also rich in nutrients. Loaded with fibre, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and iron, oats help your hair grow and can make it thicker and healthier.  

Eggs

Eggs are a morning staple, so this one shouldn’t be too hard to add to your diet. Loaded with a B vitamin called biotin, eggs are perfect for hair growth and maintaining healthy-looking hair.

Chicken or Fish

Lean meats such as chicken and fish are packed with protein. A lack of protein in your diet can lead to significant hair loss, so make sure you’re getting enough protein. It is incredibly important to your hair health.

Nuts

The fatty omega-3 acids from nuts help thicken your hair and boost your overall health. Our bodies are unable to produce these types of fats so we need to obtain them from the things we eat. Walnuts and almonds are high in these necessary acids, and also make a delicious snack.

If you need more information on how you can have the best hair possible or want to make an appointment, contact us here or come visit our hair salon in Victoria, BC. We’d be happy to help.