In my recent blog I explained the dangers of swimming in chlorinated or salt water. Of the two, chlorine is the most damaging and as you can see from this photo, it can be pretty severe.
I decided to surf the net in search of as much information as possible on what chlorine does to hair and what you should do to PROTECT your crowning glory.
Here are some HOT tips:
PRE SWIM TIPS for chlorine prevention.
Before you enter the water thoroughly wet the hair. If the hair is saturated with non-chlorinated water there is less chance that the hair will absorb chlorine. Then apply a product designed for chlorine protection.
The very best and effective on the market currently is Kerastase Soleil’s AQUA SEAL. This product is revolutionary in that it provide the hair with waterproofing protection. However as it’s not water-resistant therefore it’s easy to wash out with shampoo.
When you decide to take up swimming as a hobby or sport you wouldn’t dream of doing so without buying a swimsuit sometimes goggles yet oftentimes you forget about one of the most important purchases a product which will protect your hair and the investment you may have made in colour or highlights.
You may tell me you wear a swimming cap and that’s good but only to an extent. It will still let in some water.
Post swim: Don’t hang about and allow your hair to dry as it will dry absorbing any traces of chlorine that remain in your hair. Shampoo immediately after the swim, again I recommend the shampoo from the Soleil range: Bain Apres Soleil it’s designed to remove all traces of chlorine or salt water and strengthens hair that has been weakened by the elements as well as moisturising the hair and for extra moisture use Kerastase Soleil Masque.
Finally scroll back to the top and have a long hard look at the photograph of a hair that has been totally obliterated by too much chlorine. The protective sheath of the hair, which is called the cuticle, has totally dissolved. Don’t let that happen to your hair use AQUA SEAL today.
If in doubt call into any of our two High Street salons and ask for a Summer hair and scalp analysis
HOW TO PREVENT CHLORINE AND SALT WATER DAMAGING YOUR HAIR
Whether your hair is coloured or not it’s extremely important that you ensure it’s protected when exposed to chlorinated water or salt water.
I’ve spoken to you in previous newsletters about the damaging effects of the sun but these other two offenders are lurking around, not only when on holiday, but all year round, if you happen to be a swimmer.
Great for physical fitness - terrible for hair condition.
What should you do?
Firstly, apply some protection to the hair. I recommend this year’s new addition to the Kerastase Soleil range ‘Aqua Seal’. This is a cream that’s applied to the hair before swimming and is waterproof but not water resistant, which means that it has the ability to protect but will still wash out of the hair very easily.
The next important bit of advice is that immediately after coming out
of the sea or pool you should shampoo to remove any traces of chlorine/salt. If you don’t do this you’ll find that the hair will absorb the chlorine and the damage is done.
What sort of damage?
Chlorine makes hair more porous which means that it increases its ability to hold water making it more difficult to dry. It starts to eat away at the cuticle (the protective sheath around the hair shaft) which results in hair feeling spongy and losing its elasticity. This means that in extreme cases hair will actually snap off between the middle lengths and ends and at the very least it becomes very challenging to style or blow dry.
Chlorine will also lighten hair which is an absolute disaster if you’ve invested in a salon colour or highlights.
The great thing is that help is at hand - and if you use ‘Aqua Seal’ it doesn’t have to be that way.You can also use Kerastase Bain Soliel which is designed to remove salt and chlorinated water as well as the creams and oils we use to protect ourselves when sunbathing.
These products go along way because of their concentration.
Aqua Seal is £17.90
Bain de Soliel is £14.50
If you print off this letter and hand it in when you purchase an Aqua Seal we’ll give you either a FREE summer make up bag or beach towel (while stocks last).
If you need any advice or clarity on this subject why not drop me an email to dom@migele.co.uk or leave a comment below
DOM
Your Hair Expert
PS If you are a fan of facebook why not become a fan of Migele Experience.
I don’t know about you but I’ve never cared for flying. It used to be a phobia and I’d lose sleep the night before and wake up sweating, then leave for the airport armed with a hip flask and, at the time, a Sony Walkman, both of which I hoped would take my mind of things.
Made no difference. I still hated every minute I was in that plane.
These days the phobia has gone but I still get a little queasy if there is the least bit of turbulence however, what’s just as bad is the whole experience especially going through security at the airport.
The security Aargh!
I accept that it has to happen but what a hassle. And of course, the whole thing about not being able to take liquids on board which in turn forces you to plan the contents of your entire toilet bag.
Of course you can pack the bigger items inside your shoes and other little nooks and crannies before checking in your luggage but wouldn’t it just be so much more convenient to have travel friendly sizes!
Well at last manufacturers are listening and, for shorter trips or for easiness ‘Fly friendly’ travel packs are the answer. Kerastase and Shu Umera have now launched limited edition packs for travelling, check out the attached pictures.
Of course they’re dead handy if you’ve never tried any of these two ranges, you can buy a travel pack, sample and appreciate the difference they make. Once you have these smaller sizes you can, after their empty, refill from a bigger size so that you can use them time and time again.
You’ll notice too that they come in a clear plastic zipped pouch which satisfies the official line. You can even pop in one or two other items so they virtually become a toilet or make up bag.
So there you have it, I’ve offered a solution for the trials and tribulations of transporting hair cosmetics but unfortunately not an answer for fear of flying.
You can find limited edition travel packs in both of our salons. For Shu Umera they come in only one type, that’s Full Shimmer shampoo, Conditioner and Masque this will suit any hair type that’s coloured (a pack costs £25). Oh, and I almost forgot , you’ll also receive a FREE sample of Essence Absolou natural oil which is terrific for absolutely any hair type.
In the Kerastase packs you’ll receive two products, a shampoo and a masque, and there’s a wide choice. For curly, wavy or rebellious hair - Oleo Relax Bain and Masque. For dry hair - Satin Bath 2 and masque. To enhance shine on coloured especially highlighted hair - Bain Chroma Riche and Chroma Riche Masque. For lightened or weakened hair - Bain de Force. All of these Kerastase packs are an incredible £13.50.
Now remember these are truly LIMITED edition packs and once these are gone we can’t get our hands on anymore.
Finally, if you PRINT OFF this blog and hand it in when you purchase any travel pack we’ll give a FREE Kerastase room fragrance to the first TEN people who purchase from this communication.
Magnificent, thank you for reading, I’ll write or speak on the video blog real soon.
When you pack your cases for your holidays for well deserved sunnier climes would you for one minute consider leaving the country without your sun tan lotions or creams?
No! I’m absolutely certain you would not.
Would you lie there day after day exposing your body to the sun’s rays and expect to emerge unscathed?No! You’d be burnt to a frazzle, your skin would be dry and long term it would age much more quickly.Guess what, that’s exactly the same process that your hair goes through, so what you gonna do ‘bout it?Lager yourself with sun tan lotion whilst your hair’s left to do its own thing, with absolutely no protection?
Fair enough, unlike sunburn you’ll get no pain. Or won’t you?
What about the emotional pain when you catch a glimpse of yourself in shop windows and mirrors and see a beautiful tanned face with a bunch of distorted coloured hair, that’s dry, frizzy and snapping off in bits.
It’s not an option, you must protect your hair and we have the very best products for you.
Kerastase Soliel is a comprehensive range and has become the best sun protection for your hair on the market today. A shampoo which moisturises and helps repair, it will soothe the scalp after a day of sunbathing and although it’s gentle it’s designed to cleanse chlorine, salt water and sun tan creams and lotions from your hair thoroughly but gently. Follow that with a choice of either a masque or conditioning milk depending on your hair condition and of course the protective sprays and creams, from a simple spray on shine which will filter out the harmful rays which when left to their own devices will fade your colour and destroy the condition of your hair.
You have no choice if you really care about your hair, you must protect it!!!
And, as has become the way of Kerastase, there is always a gift with each purchase. This year it’s a summer make up bag which is perfect to take with you whether you’re on the beach or by the pool.
REDISCOVER THE ORIGINAL BEAUTY OF YOUR HAIR
With Kérastase Chronologiste The Ultimate Cure for Hair & Scalp
Kérastase Paris, a leader in progressive haircare treatments and styling, uncovers a new and revolutionary haircare secret with the launch of CHRONOLOGISTE – an essential restorative concentrate with Mimetic Caviar to bring back the original beauty of hair.
The result of years of research and development from L’Oréal’s advanced laboratories, CHRONOLOGISTE brings to life the power of alchemy by fusing an ultra-nourishing cream with ingredient-rich Mimetic Caviar pearls to form a technologically advanced, rejuvenating ‘cure’ for problem hair. CHRONOLOGISTE represents a total innovation in professional haircare; never before has such a wide variety of active ingredients, at significantly high concentration levels, been combined in one single Kérastase formula, offering an all-encompassing treatment for all hair types.
As the brand’s most innovative formula to date, CHRONOLOGISTE is the first and finest take-home Kérastase Ritual. The unique essential restorative concentrate effectively treats dry, weakened, colour-treated and highlighted hair, as well as tight scalps. The formula helps to transform the resilience, condition and elasticity of the hair from the first application which in turns assists in prolonging colour. The result is a sublime hair metamorphosis.
CHRONOLOGISTE, THE GENESIS
Inspired by the structure and essential properties of caviar, the secret of CHRONOLOGISTE lies in the fusion of two components, combined only at the time of application to preserve the benefits of the precious ingredients. The two separate elements preserve the respective perspectives of both formulations, keeping the ingredients fresh thus optimising the results on the hair.
CHRONOLOGISTE, THE TECHNOLOGY
PEARLS CHRONOLOGISTE: Mimetic-Caviar pearls immersed in sea-water, mimic the structure of caviar to maintain the quality of the active ingredients found within. The sea water gel is rich in minerals and trace elements.
Squalane – This essential fatty acid provides important lipids to dry hair.
Vitamin A & E – Protects hair from daily damaging influences like pollution, UV rays and colour fade.
Enriched Pacific Sea Water (substance in which the pearls are suspended) – Rich in minerals and trace elements; it is a source of intense nutrition for the hair.
CRÈME CHRONOLOGISTE: A velvety cream deeply nourishes the hair fibre. Soothing molecules work on the scalp, gluco-lipids restore nutritive deficiences, anti-oxidants and vitamin E protect the hair.
Bisabolol – Synthetic molecule soothes and heals the scalp.
Gluco-Lipids – Glucose and lipids restore nutritive deficiencies.
Vitamin E – Anti-oxidants protect from colour fade.
Trio of Ceramides – Trio of micro-actives strengthen and regenerate the hair fibre.
Cationic Derivatives - Soften, smooth and facilitate detangling, enhancing the manageability of the hair.
Silicone Concentrate – Emollient ingredient brings suppleness and shine.
CHRONOLOGISTE, THE RESULT
Hair fibre is nourished; hair is left supple, soft and shiny.
Hair substance is transformed, leaving hair feeling strengthened, renewed and manageable.
UV anti-oxidant protection leaves hair safe-guarded from external aggressions.
Added condition of the hair, helps to prolong the life of colour services.
Scalp is left regenerated, soothed and hydrated.
CHRONOLOGISTE, AT–HOME RITUAL APPLICATION
Think of this as your facial for hair to be used as and when your hair needs additional care in the convenience of your own home. Use CHRONOLOGISTE to supplement the needs of your usual Kérastase programme.
Wash hair with your regular Kérastase shampoo
Using the spatula, fill the Chronologiste bowl with the crème masque up to the bowl mark indicator (approx 20 grams).
Add 10 pumps of the Pearls Chronologiste into the bowl and mix the two formulations together. The pearl matter may not all dissolve, this is normal. Mix until the two are blended (no need to attain an even pale grey mixture).
On towel-dried hair, part the hair, apply and massage the treatment section by section to the scalp, lengths and ends.
Leave on for 10 minutes.
To rinse, add a little water to the hair to create a lather and massage through the hair like a shampoo. Then rinse thoroughly to ensure that all traces of the pearls have been rinsed out.
In my last blog I explained how having a shower at the gym opened up a whole train of thought about how products can make you feel good, but when I say that I mean only certain types of products.
Well, this morning at the gym I brought in a small travel size of Bumble and bumble tonic shampoo that I’d promised to Jamie, one of the guys that goes to the gym, following a conversation we had about my blog about shower gels.
Anyway I gave him the shampoo and he used it there and then when having his shower.It was quite amazing the reaction that he gave me because he immediately said his hair felt so much better plus he loved the smell. I then started to give him some advice on how to get the very best out of your shampoo. MAXIMUM WATER , MINIMUM SHAMPOO.
That’s what most people do wrong they don’t wet their hair enough and then have to use too much shampoo to achieve a lather, so my advice is spend plenty time soaking the hair, drench it in water so that every inch of it is soaking wet then add a little shampoo and WORK FORTHE LATHERthat way you use less shampoo, get more lather but very importantly you’ll give yourself the best shampoo you’ve ever had every single time!
I then reminded Jamie about what happens if you use inferior shampoo.You see cheap shampoos are cheap because they have a soap base or, to get technical, a sodium lauryl sulphate base. This STRIPS the hair of it’s natural oils as well as dirt and grime, this results in rough feeling hair, flyaway and full of static and oftentimes a dry flaky scalp.
In order to minimise the negative effects, silicone is added but the most inferior available because manufacturing costs have to be kept to a minimum. In a low quality silicone the molecule is so large it adheres to the hair shaft but is reluctant to leave so the result is that when you first use it you will witness a great shine for the first two to three shampoos then slowly but surely you will experience a build up of silicone which will have certain tell tale signs such as dullness, rough to touch, difficult to style, taking longer to dry,whilst a great shampoo with a larger manufacturing budget will have a sodium laureth sulphate base which cleanses more thoroughly but more gently much the same way that a cleanser versus a soap does.
Your hair’s long and your dying to grow it longer yet your hairdresser says, “ You must have it cut every 6 weeks.”
“Is that simply because they want me to return to spend more money? It just doesn’t make sense to me………” You think to yourself.
Well, here’s the reason.
Hair at any length should be cut every six weeks because hair grows on average half an inch a month however whilst some hair grows some rest and eventually some fall out. That could take anything from three to seven years for that whole cycle to evolve.
This means that your hair after four weeks can have a difference of half an inch between each hair, more after six weeks. That results in straggly ends, but it has a different effect depending what type of hair and what style or length you have.
In truth someone who has long shoulder length hair could comfortably stretch to eight weeks (but definitely no longer) because they may not see any change in volume or styling behaviour but leave it longer then the wear and tear aspects kick in.
Are you flat ironing your hair on a daily basis? If you are, you have to get those wasted ends manicured at the very least, giving your hair more weight at the ends, which is vital particularly if you have fine hair plus it will condition by removing split and worn ends.( read ‘Frying Tonight in our blog archive)
The fact is that if you don’t and you leave it longer then there will have to be more cut off on your return, because the difference in lengths will be greater therefore the ends will be stragglier and yes you’ll have longer hair, but surely you want longer hair with real quality and abundance and shine.
If your hair depends on layers to give it volume and texture then you must have it cut every six weeks because your hair will start to get flatter and limp and will prove to be harder to work with.
On a final note having your hair cut every six weeks will ensure that your hair always look good and healthy plus it will be easier to style.
After all you don’t wait till your face gets dirty before washing it !
At Migele Experience we have prices to suit every budget from £50 to £24 and if you ask for a META student then you’ll pay as little as an unbelievable £10.
You’ve no excuse! Have a precision haircut every six weeks and ensure that you stay looking and feeling great
I’ve found that most clients don’t know what treatments are or what they can do for you.
It’s our fault really because sometimes we find it difficult to explain things without getting overly technical. So let me have a go now.
Treatments are solutions to issues you may be having with your hair. These issues may be the colour fading quickly, a lack of shine, a lack of volume, hair breaking, to name but a few. Equally they could be scalp related causing greasy hair or a flaking scalp.
Quite simply, if you receive the correct treatment you will enjoy the ultimate hair condition.
But to understand how you would benefit from a treatment we must carry out an in depth consultation that includes a scalp and hair analysis as well as a discussion about your hair frustrations.
You see all of us have particular scalp and hair problems. In my experience very few clients when asked how their hair and scalp was, have said it was PERFECT.
Most clients have at least one problem, which requires attention. And I have yet to come across a problem that cannot be resolved by a treatment.
My wife actually has a treatment twice a week. The benefits she enjoys are that her colour lasts longer, it gives her a shine that she cannot achieve any other way and it gives a great boost in volume. As an extra bonus, she also finds that her hair is much easier to comb through.
But let’s take a minute to think about the rigours your hair is subjected to. Most people put some form of styling product in their hair. Everyone’s hair is subjected to our challenging weather conditions and if you’re lucky also enjoy a holiday or two abroad. Some people enjoy physical exercise be it sports, a workout at the gym or a swim in the pool.
And let’s not forget that if your hair is shoulder length or longer, the mid lengths and ends have been around for a year or more so it seems only right that you give them some extra attention.
A TREATMENT will provide that extra attention whether it’s a scalp or hair problem.
In fact many of our clients have dual treatments either for the scalp and hair or for the inside and outside of the hair. If you’ve ever experienced one of these you would be in no doubt whatsoever that the results are absolutely fantastic and you’ll feel fantastic
Once you’ve experienced the benefits of a great treatment and you enjoy what will virtually seem like a new head of hair, then you will introduce treatments as part of your hair care routine.
And another thing is that the benefits from many treatments remain for up to 5 washes, depending on the condition of your hair, that means there’s no need to condition for the next 4 to 5 shampoos which means they are very cost effective as well.
So next time you visit the salon treat yourself to a treatment. In fact if you’ve never had one then mention this blog and we’ll give you one FREE.
If you are one of the many clients that enjoy a treatment, why not drop me a line and tell me what you think
I woke up this morning opened the curtains and there it was, a stranger, the sun.
Then as I went on my daily dog walk and actually managed to complete it without having to wear a jacket I realised it had arrived- Summer - at least I hope that’s the case.
As we move into the summer period more and more clients begin to ask me about the effect that the sun has on their hair.
I advise all of my clients to protect their hair throughout the summer period and not just when the sun decides to grace us with his pleasure or if you are fortunate enough to escape for a well deserved holiday.
It is especially important to apply protection when you are sunbathing or even simply walking about. My rule of thumb is that if conditions warrant an application of sun cream on your skin, then consider your hair and the fact that it should be protected with a suitable product.
The other considerations are the activities that you become involved in due to the good weather.
You’ll walk or run outdoors. Swimming, whether its salt water or chlorinated both of these will damage your hair and of course if your hair is coloured then if there’s no protection the colour will be drained out of your hair.
Remember as the skin gets darker the hair gets lighter, any physical change means a degree of damage. So please, please, please invest in some good products for this.
The thing is, its not really an extra expense. Instead of buying your regular shampoo and conditioner you buy one that’s suitable for summer hair.
Currently at Migele Experience we stock two very effective sun ranges. First and foremost are a favourite with our clients is the Kerastase Soliel range which has a shampoo designed to remove chlorine or salt water and a masque which will moisturise and strengthen. Also there’s a choice of 2 protect products which are a must before exposure to the sun or prior to swimming. Our clients return to these products year after year. Why? Because they work. They return from their holidays with great hair condition.
The other alternative is Serie Expert by L’Oreal which also has a sun protect range, ‘Solar’. For more information on these products visit our website at http://www.migeleexperience.com/ and both ranges have FREE gifts with purchase.
too that they come in a clear plastic zipped pouch which satisfies the official line. You can even pop in one or two other items so they virtually become a toilet or make up bag.
ese Kerastase packs are an incredible £13.50.
Currently at Migele Experience we stock two very effective sun ranges. First and foremost are a favourite with our clients is the Kerastase Soliel range which has a shampoo designed to remove chlorine or salt water and a masque which will moisturise and strengthen. Also there’s a choice of 2 protect products which are a must before exposure to the sun or prior to swimming. Our clients return to these products year after year. Why? Because they work. They return from their holidays with great hair condition.