designHouse Salon

Holistic Hair Salon 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.

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.