What Kind of Hairbrush Should you Use?

February 28, 2017 By design house

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Hairbrushes are one of those beauty tools that are often overlooked but did you know using the right one for your hair type can make a huge difference in the health and styling of your hair? Different shapes, sizes and bristle types all contribute to getting the perfect brush for your hair type. Take a peek at this breakdown before you pick up another generic plastic hairbrush!

Bristles:

Natural bristle hair brushes are high end and when it comes to distributing oil in the hair and versatility they take the cake. “The gold standard is the natural boar bristle, which is gentle on the hair, helps smooth the cuticle, and redistributes sebum throughout the strand to moisturize and create a beautiful, glossy finish”, Style Caster.

Synthetic brushes are non-absorbent and won’t contribute to distributing the oil along the hair shaft. They also aren’t flexible so you have to be careful when it comes to hair breakage. The price tag is definitely cheaper but investing in a natural bristle brush is usually better.

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Mixed brushes are great for thick unruly hair types as the natural brushes mixed with nylon can be really great for detangling. These brushes can also add some serious shine! One of the most well known brushes and “considered by pros to be the Rolls-Royce of brushes, this investment piece boasts a gentle, detangling mix of nylon and natural boar bristles”, InStyle.

Brushes:

Paddle: These brushes are the best for natural straight hair types. Style Caster defines it as “Paddles are made for straight hair and straight styles, also best to use before flat ironing. It would be the ideal brush for anyone that feels that their hair straightens easily when heat is applied.”

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Round: Looking for that perfect blow out? The round brush is your best friend when looking for even heat around the hair shaft and control of tension. According to Pop Sugar, “round bristle brushes also help create serious volume.”

Wide Tooth Comb: Perfect for detangling, especially in the shower with conditioner.

Fine Tooth Comb: A great tool for teasing the hair while also being useful when making parts or sectioning areas off to straighten them. According to Slice they’re “perfect for all hair lengths and types, the teasing brush is used for backcombing, which adds significant amounts of volume to parts of the hair at the root.”

Here at DesignHouse we strive to give you personalized attention and answer all your questions when it comes to the health and maintenance of your hair. Picking a hair brush can seem trivial but having some guidance to get the right type for your hair can be really helpful. Pop by and say hi at 1701 Douglas Street (in the Hudson building, downtown Victoria BC) and we can help you get the right hair brush suited for your needs.

How Often You Should Wash Your Hair

February 15, 2017 By design house

Have you ever wondered how often you should wash your hair? This seems to be in constant debate and ultimately depends on a variety of factors including hair type, length and activity level. InStyle provides a great starting point for understanding the negative effects of washing everyday. “While some choose to lather up daily, washing too often can do more harm than good, and strip your strands of essential oils.” Some women can make a blow out last a solid week where others get an oily unmanageable scalp after a couple of days. Style Caster describes it best “How processed your hair is will also come into play, too. The reason is, the oils in your scalp don’t travel down the hair shaft as quickly in hair that’s coarse, curly or processed as it does for gals with fine hair.”

Fine hair is one of the worst culprits when it comes to holding volume and being able to prolong a wash. Because of this, fine hair types are easy to over wash causing a dry hair shaft. “If we’re talking normal, fine hair, shampooing 3 times a week is sufficient. Look for something that is light in conditioning, as any added weight can cause the hair to become lifeless” according to InStyle”
Thick haired ladies are lucky when it comes to wash frequency. These girls can usually prolong a blow out for up to a week and don’t need to wash their hair as frequently. Thick haired girls usually benefit from a smoothing shampoo with keratin or argan oil infused to tame their tresses as they can get out of control.
Curly haired girls can hold out on the frequent washes as oil from the scalp takes longer to make it’s way down a curly hair strand than a straight one. These ladies need to spend extra attention on looking for a moisturizing shampoo that won’t weigh the curl down. Curly hair tends to be on the dry side so using a moisturizing shampoo twice a week at most should do the trick.
Damaged/Chemically straightened hair types need to look for gentle shampoo that should not be used more than once a week. According to Free People, washing damaged, heavily bleached hair will make it grow faster, have less split ends and make it more resilient to chemical processes.

So what do we take away from this?

It’s not just hair type that plays a role in the frequency of how often you should wash your hair but also using the right products for your hair type as well. Using green products such as Davines line of amazing hair products is a smart alternative when it comes to hair products, as they don’t contain the same harsh sulfates as conventional shampoos. This ensures your scalp is left gently cleansed but not stripped which actually encourages more oil production. Davines DEDE Shampoo is great for fine hair types, providing lightweight moisture and gentle cleansing. Curly hair types work great with the Love line by Davines as it provides heavier moisture and works to define and de-frizz curly hair types.

If you have any questions about Davines shampoos, please visit our website at http://designhousesalon.com or call us at 778-433-4393 🙂

How Often Should You Be Conditioning Your Hair?

January 19, 2017 By design house

Hair stylists and colourists will agree that shampooing your hair everyday is damaging and contributes to a rough, and dry hair shaft. The question that remains is, is this also true for conditioning your hair?

BeautyLish explains it best, “All winter we’ve been stressing the importance of moisturizing your mane, but it’s also important to follow the “everything in moderation” motto.” While conditioner can be the savior for dry, damaged hair, too much can cause greasy, lackluster strands. The biggest defining factor with conditioning truly depends on hair length and type. Below are some tips to consider when looking at your conditioning habits.

Conditioner is like face moisturizer

Think of conditioner like you would your facial moisturizer. “They create a seal of natural emollients that hydrate and nourish your hair throughout the day, making it healthier, shinier, and more resilient to damage.” Conditioner makes the hair easier to style and hold a look. A good indicator of whether your conditioner might be too rich is if you can’t style your hair properly. Any limp or greasy strands are hard to handle and manipulate, and if this is happening you might want to get a lighter conditioner.

Length plays a big role

A good general rule of thumb is the longer the hair, the more you need conditioner. This is especially true on the ends of long hair. As the hair grows and goes longer between trims there is a potential increase in getting frizzy split ends.

Check out your hair texture

Is your hair fine? Or is it thick? Your hair texture is usually the easiest way to determine what kind of conditioner is best suited for your hair type. Flat fine hair types generally need a lightweight conditioner that will provide volume and some hold. Davines make an amazing lightweight conditioner for fine hair types called DEDE which ensures hair follicles aren’t weighed down. Thicker, coarser hair types can withstand a heavier, creamy conditioner. Especially for damaged hair types, having that bit of extra weight can provide much needed nourishment and frizz control.

Conditioner for Guys

According to GQ, “Conditioner, for example, is one of those take-or-leave products that really depends on your hair type and length.” It really comes down to the length of the hair and how often you’re getting it cut for men. If you’re getting hair trims once a month, using a 2 in 1 shampoo is all you need. The longer it gets the more susceptible it is to damage, therefore needing more conditioner.

How much and how often?

Style Caster says “Talk to any stylist about conditioning your hair, and most will tell you, that although it’s important, you should go light on product—only applying from mid shaft down to ends. Conditioned hair is stronger, yes, but heavy formulas will weigh down the hair and make styling almost impossible.” Using a small amount after you shampoo a couple times a week is the best method to figure out the perfect amount for your hair type. “Less cleansing allows your skin to do its natural job of conditioning.” This allows your hair to balance itself and also keep the scalp hydrated and happy.

Still feeling confused? Come into DesignHouse Salon and we can help you get the right conditioner for your hair type.

Chic Ways to Store Your Favourite Cosmetics

January 12, 2017 By design house

If you’re like us, you probably have a larger than normal makeup collection that tends to get out of hand. Knowing this, we’ve thought up some great tricks to re-organize your makeup drawer that’s not only thrifty, but incredibly unique. Here at DesignHouse we like to champion sustainability, and reusing old items is a great way to do some spring cleaning.Below is some inspiration and guidance towards organizing your cosmetic collection:

1) Shoe Organizer as a Makeup and Hair Product Divider:

hanging

A shoe organizer is one of the easiest ways to organize an unruly makeup situation. With perfectly sectioned off pockets you can quickly divide products into groups and having see-through pockets is a must!

2) Magnetic Makeup Board

Bustle (https://www.bustle.com/articles/37679-14-diy-makeup-organizer-ideas-that-are-so-much-prettier-than-those-stacks-of-plastic-boxes)

Such a unique way to showcase some of your favourite palettes and compacts from the brands you love! Simply glue small magnets onto the backs of your makeup compacts and put up a magnetic board on a wall of your choice! We love this idea from Bustle, magnetic boards don’t have to be plain and can even be a great piece of artwork.

3) Use Cake and Cupcake Trays

Re-purposing cute trays that you would occasionally use in the kitchen can add a fun and even vintage feel to your makeup counter.

4) Use A Spice Rack as a Product Holder

Great use for an old spice rack that’s been sitting in your cupboard! Cosmo provides this tip as spice racks can hold perfumes (and nail polish!) in place and also showcase them side by side. Spice racks are already a space saver, who says they can’t be used for your favourite makeup products?

5) Use Small Flower Vases

Using small flower vases that you already have. Fill vases with coffee beans, rice or plastic beads and stick makeup brushes upright ensuring you can grab them easily.

6) Mason Jars

DIY Playbook (http://thediyplaybook.com/2013/04/mason-jar-organizer.html)

What can’t you do with mason jars? They’ve become the perfect DIY jar as they instantly add some interest to the most basic craft. You can group them in a corner or even mount them on the wall, making them a great versatile organizational tool.

7) Old Candles

Cleaning out old candles and using them as jars is an easy and cheap way to repurpose plastic or glass you would have thrown out. By gluing them into a pyramid shape they take up less space and look beautiful on a counter or desk. According to Life Ann Style, “You can remove the wax pucks by placing the candle in the freezer. Freezing the wax will cause the wax to shrink and you can easily pop out the wax puck.”

Hopefully we’ve given some great tips and tricks to get started on the organization process! We also want to highlight Elate cosmetics magnetic palettes. They make an easy built in organization tool as you can pick and choose what colours to put in your palette making them great for travel or keeping out the specific colours you’re currently using. We would love to see you drop by DesignHouse Salon to take a peek at the palette options :).

The New And Improved Hair And Beauty New Year’s Resolutions

December 29, 2016 By design house

sparklers

Gone are the days when New Year’s resolutions equated to a new form of torture. This year, start a new trend by loving yourself and cutting yourself some slack. Women are more empowered than ever to work with their natural beauty and attributes that define them as an individual. Take advantage of this mentality when approaching this 2017 New Year’s resolution. We’ve listed our favourite goals to improving hair and beauty in two New Year’s Resolution’s checklists below.

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The New Beauty Resolution Checklist

Remove the old to reveal the new: The key to beautiful skin is to exfoliate dirt and bacteria to reveal fresh skin underneath. If you haven’t already, add this step to your skincare regime. It isn’t necessary to perform this step every day. Sticking to exfoliating at least once a week provides clear and balanced skin. We love Sacred Nature’s “Gommage” as it gently exfoliates the face and body with jojoba beads.
Maintain Consistency: Maintaining youthful skin comes down to properly caring for it everyday. Using an oil to remove makeup, followed by gentle cleansing and moisturizing ensures skin is properly looked after and hydrated. We recommend Sacred Nature’s cleansing oil, perfect for removing makeup and dirt .
Clean your makeup brushes: The buildup of oils and dirt from daily use hinder the amazing benefits of wearing cosmetics. Bacteria collects on the brushes, creating a breeding ground for acne and skin irritation. By keeping them clean, your skin will be kept healthier which lessens the chance of accumulating excess bacteria. Having a makeup artist show you specific brushes and their uses can also be very helpful. Simplifying your makeup routine can begin will eliminating unneeded brushes.
Use face wipes sparingly: Face wipes are a fast option for removing makeup after a fun night out. However, the chemicals used to achieve this aspiration are quite harsh on the skin. These products aren’t for everyday use. They can, in fact, strip away necessary moisture from the skin. A better alternative that removes makeup just as quickly is olive oil, jojoba or coconut oil. They are gentle but effective for these needs, without draining the moisture levels of the skin.
The #1 skin rule: When it comes to the face, don’t touch it during the day. Women who touch their face after their makeup application usually experience more breakouts. The unseen bacteria and sweat that collects on the hands can clog the pores and lead to blemishes.

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Get Inspired with the New Hair Resolution

Book a style consultation: Gone are the days where women get stuck with a bad haircut. A stylist will work with you and should also listen to your specific needs and maintenance level. All of our hair consultations are complimentary to ensure you get what you deserve. Can I get a Hallelujah? Take a peak at our options here → http://designhousesalon.com/hair-menu/.
Breathe in new life with a new colour: A fresh colour or semi permanent dye can enrich the hair and also provide an easy way to change up a style. Colour swatches and a discussion with your stylist should be the first step.
Learn how to achieve the perfect style: Stylists will take the time to show you how to achieve your new style at home. Being introduced and also educated on new products and tools can make recreating the look not as tedious.

When choosing a New Year’s resolution, focusing on positive changes are integral to looking and feeling your best. This New Year’s can easily be kicked off with a hair and makeup makeover that is easy to maintain and also attainable.

Here at DesignHouse Salon we perform and offer a variety of beauty packages. We encourage our clients to ask us about our options in order to get the right fit and also achieve the makeover that fits their lifestyle. Be sure to check us out online at http://designhousesalon.com/ or call to book your next appointment at (778)433-4393.

Hair Blowouts: Tips of the Trade

December 11, 2016 By design house

chantelle-blowout

Do you feel as though your overall look needs an upgrade? Hair is integral to conveying your personality and style, as it is often one of the first things noticed when making an impression. The appearance and health of your hair can easily be altered when thinking about revamping your look. It can give you new-found confidence and also provide a way to step out of your comfort zone. Certain hairstyles have become outdated, but working with a stylist you like and trust can easily lead to a positive salon experience. Learning how to obtain the style that’s right for you begins with the right type of treatment and also understanding the new techniques available on the market.

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What Is a Blowout?

A blowout is a professional wash and dry of the hair designed to give you smooth, manageable hair. It has become increasingly popular with salons starting to offer blowout packages and blow dry bars popping up across the country. Blowouts offer long-lasting treatment for unruly hair that’s difficult to manage. Brazilian blowouts specifically are regarded as one of the hottest new treatments on the market. Brazilian blowouts are a liquid keratin formula that can be applied to the hair shaft, creating a protective protein layer around the hair. It not only protects the hair from outside heat and humidity but also smoothes the cuticle. According to InStyle.com, this allows the stylist to customize every treatment for the client to either achieve a smooth and sleek result, or to keep the curl and lose the frizz. The specific customization is great for those wanting to work with their natural texture while also gaining manageability. Unlike other keratin treatments, the Brazilian Blowout also allows you leave the salon with the freedom to hit the gym, wash your hair or put it up without worrying about ruining the treatment.

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Why Is a Blowout A Good Choice?

Curly, frizzy, fine, damaged or coarse, blowouts are effective on a variety of types and textures of hair. A shampoo, condition and blow dry can range from 40 minutes to over an hour depending on hair length and type. Getting a Brazilian Blowout takes about 2 hours to complete but will deliver manageable hair for up to 12 weeks following the treatment. There is also no permanent change to curl pattern or new hair growth, as it will return after the allotted time. Not willing to commit to the maintenance of a Brazilian Blowout? Ask us about our blowout options and packages or check out our website. You can still achieve great results just without the long-lasting capability.

Tips and Tricks to Keep A Blowout Looking Great

Blowouts don’t just have to be performed after a haircut or colour. A standard blowout can last up to a week if maintained and cared for properly. Using a dry shampoo to wash and style will add volume and stretch the amount of time before a proper wash is needed. If you suffer from flat hair, flipping your head over and use a volumizing spray can prolong the look as well. VOLU hair mist from Davines is a great product to give some lift at the root while also being ethically made and eco friendly.

Here at DesignHouse Salon we perform and offer a variety of blowout options. We encourage our clients to ask us about our blowout packages in order to get the right fit and also achieve the hairstyle that fits their lifestyle. Be sure to check us out online at http://designhousesalon.com/ or call to book your next appointment at (778)433-4393.

Why You Need To Try Davines

September 28, 2016 By design house

There are more than enough options on the market right now for hair products, many of which have good formulas with decent results. With so many to choose from, how do you pick one that not only makes your hair amazing but satisfies you conscientious consumer decision? Davines stands out because it offers a comprehensive, well-established line of products designed to not only provide you with incredible results but also a way to enjoy sustainable, safe products in your home. We proudly recommend Davines products for all of your hair care needs.

What Makes Davines Stand Out?

As a hair salon, we often are asked about the best products for different hair types. People expect well-informed answers, up to date knowledge and expert advice. We need to know why one product is a better fit than others. Davines makes this an easy choice for us and we highly recommend their product. The quality is simply hard to beat which means you’ll always get outstanding results without having to compromise sustainability.

Davines is a line of products that began in Parma, Italy by the Bollati Family. What started originally as a research lab soon developed into a high-end hair care line which carried forward. After honing their expertise for a decade, they created a brand of Davines exclusively for salons that focuses on the concept of sustainable beauty.

Why is Davines the Right Choice?

Designed to be highly effective, Davines products are scientifically engineered based on curated natural ingredients. In short, they work the way they say they do.
The line of hair care products uses only the highest quality of natural ingredients. Making the product line eco-friendly.
These products and their ingredients are not only eco-friendly but they’re designed to have the least impact on the environment after use.

Next time you’re considering a wide range of hair products available to you, take a closer look at Davines. Every product was created with significant rigor to ensure the best quality possible.

Davines is a “thoughtful balance of substance and style, nature and science, people and spirit.” As the winners of the Eco-Salon Design Award of the World, we are proud to use Davines as our main product line as their vision is something we at designHouse Salon fundamentally believe.

Along with Davines a wide range of curated natural and environmentally friendly products are available to you within our salon and studio. At your next visit, we would be delighted to show you what these products offer, and help you choose between comparative products

Be sure to check us out online and to book an appointment or, call to book your next appointment at (778)4334393. We set the standards for sustainability practices in the industry and we are really excited to exceed your expectations!