designHouse Salon

Holistic Hair Salon Victoria BC

Help Your Hair Avoid The Harmful Effects of Heat Styling

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hair salon victoria

Heat styling can be a regular fixture of many people’s hair care regimen. Hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons and other heat styling devices litter the counters of many bathrooms. Excessive heat or improper care can cause some serious damage to your lustrous locks. The damage caused from improper heat styling techniques can range from excessive flyaways and brittle, dry feeling hair all the way to burnt and singed hair or even hair loss.

In order to avoid the negative effects of heat styling, you need to know how to care for your hair — the right way. There are some easy ways of safeguarding your hair by adding a few extra steps into your daily routine.

 

Moderation

Sometimes people get in the habit of heat styling every single day. It can be nice to have perfect bouncy curls or straight tresses for work and school, but your hair needs balance. Try an updo on alternating days to cut down on the daily heat styling.

Braids, buns, and ponytails are a great way to get around your heat styling woes. You can even keep your hair wet with a pinch of gel to get a unique part look. Even air-drying your hair is a great option to keep it happy and healthy.

Use Quality Product Lines

Heat styling is not necessarily an issue if you have great, all-natural, hair salon products. Investing in a great blowdry primer or a heat protectant spray will help protect your hair against heat and humidity. This can even help reduce your overall blow-drying time, ultimately leading to healthier hair.

Care for your hair in the downtime. Use masks and moisture replenishing products on your hair regularly to help restore the moisture. Natural, hair salon products, such as replenishing butter or repair conditioner, are a must when you heat style your hair often.

Quality Equipment

There is something to be said for quality heat styling equipment. There is nothing better than leaving a hair salon (like ours in Victoria, BC 😉) with freshly cut, styled, supple hair. Your stylist should be using great quality natural hair products but also quality straighteners, hair dryers and all manner of heat styling equipment. Having a good quality straightener can leave you with salon level shine every time.

Safe Techniques

Always keep moving. When you see smoke, your settings are either too high, you have excessive product on your hair, or your hair is still wet. Make sure your hair is dry before using any heat straightening or curling devices and that you’ve used a heat protective product on your hair. Always move your straightener in a fluid movement. When curling your hair, never let it sit for too long and keep the temperature comfortable. You shouldn’t be terrified of burning your ears.

Styling your hair with heat doesn’t have to be damaging. If you take proper care when using heat styling equipment and you pamper yourself at our hair salon in Victoria, BC regularly, you can have perfect curls or straight tresses without the damage. We love styling with straighteners and curling rods. These tools allow us the power to play with our looks and styles. With great power comes great responsibility, and you have a responsibility to heat style responsibly.

How Hair Salons Can Contribute to Environmental Sustainability

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Believe it or not, most hair salons are notoriously bad for the environment.
 
From potentially toxic products to dismal waste disposal practices, running a hair salon comes with plenty of environmental risks. The worst part is that the average person getting their hair done doesn’t even realize how bad it can get.
 
Hair salons need to held accountable for their actions. It isn’t enough to set up a blue recycling bin and call it day. Being environmentally sustainable needs to be taken seriously and starts with an internal acknowledgement of hair salon issues.
 
Educate Your Staff
How is your hair salon going to build sustainable practices if no one knows what they are?
 
Don’t assume that everyone knows how to keep the environment clean. Your staff likely comes from a range of different backgrounds and cultures where it may not have been as important. If you take the time to explain the how and why behind your efforts, that understanding will grow.
 
Not only will this help your staff internalize environmental practices, but it will also bring your team closer together. You’re building a comradery among your workforce and saying “we’re in this together.”
 
This needs to be the mentality for change. Just because the manager is on board, doesn’t mean the rest of the staff is. They’re the ones who will be at the hair salon day-in and day-out making sure these practices are upheld and taught to new hires in the future.
 
Invest in Organic Hair Products
 
Think about that for a second. That means your hair salon could have potentially hazardous hair products without even knowing it. This includes products that are used for extensions and bleaching.
 
While having good ventilation and sealed garbage cans are good when handling these products, it doesn’t actually solve the problem.
 
In order to create an environmentally-friendly environment, you should always go with organic hair products. There is no better alternative than investing in products that are eco-friendly and non-hazardous. It works two-fold in creating a safer environment for clients and staff as well as minimizing your carbon footprint.
 
Organic hair products also have been found to have better long-term effects. They won’t destroy coloured hair and instead keep them vibrant. Organic hair products can also repair damage like hair breakage and split ends with regular use.
 
Make Sustainability a Priority
If you want to make a real difference and contribute to environmental sustainability, committing to an eco-salon mandate is always the best bet.
 
Become a leader in your community and set an example for others to follow. Don’t put off your environmental aspirations for the “right moment,” do it now. If you can’t fully commit to becoming an eco-salon for any reason, think smaller and make everyday adjustments that can help ease you in.
 
Remember, if nobody takes the first step then nothing will change. Running an eco-salon is a rewarding experience in itself, but you need knowledge and patience. It’s a complete shift in traditional hair salon mentality and something you need to be passionate about in order to succeed.
 
If you’re looking for the best eco-salon in town, our trusted team of stylists at designHouse Salon are here to help. Book an appointment today for the best hair salon experience in Victoria, BC.

How To Keep Your Coloured Hair Vibrant and Alive

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organic hair products
Adding some colour to your hair is fun — what happens if you don’t properly care for colour-treated hair is not.
 
As the hair-dying process has evolved, so has the maintenance that comes with it. There are a host of new organic hair products and techniques that can increase the longevity of your colour-treated hair.
 
By adding these simple tips into your hair ritual rotation, you can rest assured knowing your colour will stay intact until your next appointment at the eco salon.
 
Choose Your Shampoo Wisely
After your hair dye has fully soaked in, you need to be picky about the shampoo you use to wash your hair. It’s important to use sulphate-free shampoos since sulphates can cause your colour to fade in a hurry.
 
Track down organic hair products to avoid shampoos that can have adverse effects on your hair colour with unnecessary chemicals. It’s also important to make sure that shampoo is specifically designed for colour-treated hair. This also applies to whatever conditioner you end up going with as well.
 
You can find the right fit for whatever hair type you have, too. If you’re not sure, ask any eco salon stylist to point you in the right direction.
 
Wait Between Washes
Most eco salon stylists will tell you to wait roughly 72 hours before shampooing your hair after getting it dyed. This is because it takes up to three days for the cuticle layer to fully close. The cuticle layer holds the colour molecule that promotes longer lasting hair colour.
 
Don’t wash too often anyway, even when the colour has settled. Colour can start bleeding after multiple washes and it may start fading faster. If you wash your hair four days a week, for example, chopping that number in half will help preserve colour.
 
Not only does washing less frequently help keep colour intact, it also holds in the natural oils that nourish your hair.
 
Finding a dry shampoo can also help buy some time between washes. While they might not work quite as well, they do save time and keep your hair from getting wet.
 
Keep It Cool
Everyone loves a nice hot shower — except your hair dye.
 
Once you’ve got your shampoo on deck, it’s time to get cleaned up. The important thing to remember here is not to run your water super-hot.
 
When washing your hair, run the water to the coldest temperature you can without giving yourself hypothermia. Lukewarm water is acceptable, but running hot water through your coloured hair can cause it to fade over time.
 
If you’re on a tropical vacation with lots of sunshine, stock up on organic hair products that will protect it from UV rays. Since you’re already on vacation, you may end up in the pool as well. That’s fine, but make sure not to wet your hair or wear a shower cap so it won’t absorb chlorine.
 
Our trusted team of stylists at designHouse Salon is here to help keep your hair colour looking good. Book an appointment today for the best hair salon experience in Victoria, BC.

How to Keep Thick Hair Looking Luscious All Summer Long

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hair salon

Summer is here and everyone is loving it. Who doesn’t love hitting up a patio for some afternoon cocktails, going to the beach or taking in all the great summer events Victoria has to offer? Now, while we may be ready for summer, our hair never is. During the summer months, it’s hot, sunny and beautiful outside and while it’s great to bask in every minute of it, you should always be wary of how your hair handles it. If you have thick luscious locks, you need to make sure your hair is protected from possible heat damage to your hair.

One of the biggest annoyances in the summer months is knowing how to style your hair and keep it from looking frizzy or heavy with all the heat your hair is absorbing. For those of you that may not know, having thick hair may need some extra attention in the summer. Check out the tips below so you can make sure your hair stays beautiful all summer long.

 

Protect Your Hair

First and foremost, you want to protect the length you have. If your hair runs well below your shoulders, you know how long it took to grow that, and how long it’ll take to regrow your locks if there’s a lot of sun damage. A good hair salon will tell you to use leave-in conditioner, like this one, in the morning and put your hair in a bun. You’ll lock in moisture and rehydrate your hair from any sun exposure.

 

Layer Your Hair

When you come into our natural hair salon for a trim, ask your stylist to keep your length, but ask them to cut long and loose layers in the back and the front of your hair. This reduces any bulkiness and weight, especially for the summer. Having bulky hair can make styling your thick hair in the summer a lot harder to maintain so keeping it bulk-free is key.

 

Braid Your Hair

Braiding your hair can help reduce the weight of your hair during the summer months. Choose a French braid and pin it back in place behind your neck. You can also do a cute side braid. Having thick hair can be a lot of maintenance and with the added heat, your hair can seem even heavier. Alleviate some of that weight by braiding it before you head out.

 

Curly Hair

If you have curly hair, you’ll want to use natural products to help maintain your curls. Less natural ingredients can make your hair heavy and your curls can look weighed down and dishevelled. Use a curl cream like this one to keep them intact and choose a stylist that specializes in curls when going for a trim.

Long, thick hair is truly a gift and the last thing we want is for the sun to damage or ruin your hair. Being a hair salon in beautiful Victoria, BC, we know how the seasons work and how you should be caring for your hair. We’re a natural hair salon that offers some of the best organic hair products on the market. Book an appointment at our salon and come in for a trim. While you’re here, don’t be afraid to ask for more advice on how you can maintain your beautiful hair all summer.

How Often Should I Be Cutting My Hair?

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eco salon
Figuring out when to go for a haircut all depends on your hair (shocker!). There are general recommendations when it comes to ideal timelines for going in for a trim. However, knowing where your hair falls on those timelines depends on the length and type of hair you have.
 
Generally, our hair grows about half an inch each month, though, of course, some people’s hair grows faster or slower. But if you fall into the half an inch per month category, then our guidelines for how often you need to cut your hair will apply.
 
Running a hair salon in Victoria, BC for as many years as we have gives us the knowledge and experience to know how hair works. Myths such as cutting your hair often will make it grow faster is simply not true.
 
If you use organic hair products, your hair may be in better shape than others so you may not need to come into the salon to freshen up as much. Hair can sometimes appear shorter if you don’t trim often because of damage and breakage. If your hair isn’t damaged and you’re coming in for a trim, you’re just going to lose length. If you’re looking to grow your hair out, you’ll need to spread out how often your hair is trimmed and make sure it’s still frequent enough to stop split ends.
 
If you’re trying to keep your trips to a hair salon less frequent, avoid using tools like flat irons and colour your hair less often. At the end of the day, it’s really all about breakage. The healthier your hair is, the better position you’re in (and your hair should be healthy after visiting an eco-salon like us!). We provide you with the best tips and products so you can make the right decision on how often you need to come into the salon.
 
Medium-Long Hair
The longer the hair, the older and more delicate it will be. You should be coming in every 6-8 weeks if you’re looking to maintain your length. If you’re looking to grow your hair even longer, try coming in every 8-10 weeks.
 
Short Hair
If you love short hair and want to keep it that way, coming in every 4-6 weeks is ideal. When short hair grows out, it’s a lot more noticeable and can appear dishevelled and unkempt so you want to stay on top of it at all times. If you want to grow your hair out, then your salon visits should be much less frequent, more like 4-6 months.
 
Chemically-Treated Hair
When you put chemicals in your hair, it becomes a lot more fragile and maintaining it is a little more work. Trimming it every 4-8 weeks is an ideal time to stop your hair from getting to the point of breakage. Between cuts, opt for organic hair products. They’re a smart way to help keep your chemically-treated hair from breaking.
 
Natural Hair
If your hair is completely natural, maintaining it is a little bit easier. Trimming it every 4 months will help you maintain your length, and if you’re looking to grow it out, every 4-6 months is an ideal time to come into the salon.
 
Whether you have short or long hair, once you figure out how often you need to get it cut, make sure you stay consistent with your haircuts. And when you’re done getting a trim, designHouse in Victoria, BC is a natural, eco-salon that offers some of the best organic hair products on the market. Whenever you need to come in, book your next appointment with us online or by phone.

Do You Know How to Wear a Lob?

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eco hair salon
Going to the hair salon can be an exciting experience. Whether you’re there for a trim or to try out a brand-new look, nothing beats that after-cut fresh look and feel. It doesn’t matter if you’ve rid yourself of split ends or cut it all off, you can leave the salon feeling great. You might even have a new ‘do you want to start showing off.
 
Before this all happens, let’s rewind to before you even go to the salon. How much do you want to cut off? If you like your current length, a quick trim to clean it all up is all you need. If you’re ready to go really short, make sure you read up on how to care for short hair before you commit. But if you want to be a bit more daring, you may want to try the lob aka a “long bob”.
 
A lob can seem like you’re making a huge change, but the feel of a lob doesn’t require as much of a commitment that a super short haircut would. There are several types of lobs to try out, here are some of our favourites.
 
Blunt
Blunt cuts like this one on J.Lo definitely give off that ‘90s supermodel vibe. This is a great cut to show off your facial features since it’s shorter in length. Using a large curling iron at the ends to flip them out helps give off a subtle, yet chic finish.
 
Layers
If you want your hair to look as voluminous as possible, get a cut that hits your shoulders but incorporates long layers throughout. If you have medium to thick hair, your layers will look more pronounced.
 
Asymmetrical
No, we don’t mean the, “Can I speak to your manager?” haircut. This look is a little longer in the front and shorter in the back. It could give you that soccer mom vibe, but done right, you can look très chic. Try curling the edges toward your chin to exude a much softer look.
 
Shoulder Length
Shoulder length hair is probably the simplest lob you can get. Think Kendall Jenner in that awful Pepsi commercial. This style is quite classic and easy to maintain. Getting a fresh cut every two months to maintain the look is all that’s needed.
 
Textured Lob
If you have medium to thick hair, a textured lob that is one-length can add that extra definition you may be looking for. If you’re looking to grow your hair out, this style will allow for an easier transition as there are no layers.
 
Mini Lob
We’ve seen Selena Gomez sport this trendy look. A mini lob is essentially a shorter version of a classic lob. What’s interesting about the look is that it incorporates a bit of edge. Because the look isn’t super straight, you can let your hair dry naturally and style it however you feel.
 
designHouse in Victoria, BC is a natural, eco salon that prides itself on offering the best organic hair products on the market. If you’re looking to make a major change or simply need a trim, book your next appointment with us. We’ll be happy to figure out which lob will look best on you and get you started on your next hair journey.

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.