We can no longer blame lockdown for trimming our fringes or a bad dye job. Thankfully we have full access to hairdresser’s who, for many of us, have become our BFF’s - our style ally; we would never want to upset, right? Here are the mistakes celebrated hairdresser of the year Danny Pato from d&m hair design wants women to stop doing.
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I confess I am a home hair hacker. And have been guilty of cutting my own fringe and, on one occasion, creating an entirely new hair look. I was scorned the last time I was in Pato’s salon chair, “To leave the big jobs to the professionals.” Point taken. “Your hairdresser is your trusted ally. We're there for you through thick and thin and love working with you to create a look that reflects your style,” says Pato. Who adds, “If I can be honest, there are some things we really do wish you would stop doing.”
Don’t cut your own hair
Most hairdressers agree that doing a DIY job on your hair isn't the best idea, particularly if you have long hair or a layered style. Pato says the fringe is a no, no. “Cutting your fringe. It's the most obvious, and it frames your face, so it’s the most seen part of your haircut. Book in for a regular fringe trim with a pro.”
DIY Colour
While home hair colour can be ideal between salon visits, unless you know what you are doing, or if it’s applied badly the result can be an expensive fix. “It might be tempting, but it can cause havoc and end up costing more, in the long run. If you want your colour to have that professional polish, then leave it to the professionals,” says Pato
Using heated styling tools without protection
The facts are scary. Heat breaks down the hydrogen bonds in hair, melting the cortex and the cuticle of the hair, which is why your hair is sporting split ends and worse - breakage. Pato says you can avoid this. “ Heat can cause a lot of irreversible damage, very quickly. My go-to is using a protective product like MELU Hair Sheild.
Davines MELU Hair Shield $44
This is never far from Pato’s reach when heat styling your hair. “This is the best heat protecting spray for your blowdryer and hair straighteners, plus the woody floral scent stays in your hair for days.”
Brushing wet hair
”Using just any brush on wet hair. Hair is super fragile when wet, so regular brushes will break the cuticle and cause split and damaged ends. Use a Tangle Teezer or wide tooth comb only,” says Pato. Start at the ends and work your way up to the scalp when brushing wet hair.
Tangle Teezer Scalp Exfoliator & Massager, $20
The new multi-tasking marvel from Tangle Teezer has dual teeth to help detox the scalp and clear product build-up, all while giving you a scalp massage. You can use this with a hair mask, the winged design is built to fit in the hand without slipping, which makes it ideal to use in the shower.
Invest in good quality products
Pato says “Cheap shampoos, are made with cheap ingredients, including silicone and harsh detergents that can cause damage, and because they're so diluted, you have to use so much more in the shower to get a lather,” says Pato. Which let’s face is not good for the planet either, washing gallons of shampoo down the drain. If you are investing in an expensive colour it makes sense to protect it with specific shampoo, conditioner and hair mask that will offer nourishment and UV protection, to help your colour last longer.
Tailor your hair care to suit your style
Hair change like a new colour or new style requires new products to help you care for your hair at home. Pato says, “Using the wrong shampoo, conditioner and mask for your hair and scalp type can make caring for your difficult. Just like skincare, hair care should be targeted exactly to your needs.”
Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain Lumiere Shampoo, $49
The latest luxe-y haircare range to land in stores is from Kérastase, specifically designed to nourish and illuminate blonde and grey hair locks. The team at BeautyEQ give this the thumbs up. There a five new products in this new collection.
Overwashing your hair
We get it; hair always feels its best when it has been freshly washed. Follow this golden rule from Pato. Most people should only wash their hair around twice a week; overwashing can cause dryness.” Event after a run or workout, it’s ok to rinse your scalp with warm water and then restyle.
Turning up late for appointments
Anyone who works by appointment only expects you to be on time, of all the professions hairdressers run a very tight, interweaving schedule. “The is more than your stylist involved when you make an appointment - lateness can create pressure that rolls on through the entire day.”
Wearing your hair tied up all the time
Twisting your hair into a slicked-back bun is a good go-to style for the weekend or a spin class. If you are pulling your hair back every day, perhaps this indicates you need a new look, or you may need to book in for a blow-dry styling lesson? “Hair ties create another pressure point for damage and breakage. When you do tie your hair up, use a leave-in anti-breakage mask like The Restless Circle to prevent this damage,” says Pato.
Davines The Restless Circle, $22
Used weekly, Pato says, “This mask gives body and strength to your locks, which helps protect the hair from breakages, from hair clips and elastic bands.” We love the travel-friendly pouch.
Lying about your hair colour history
According to Pato, there is no point lying about the colour you’ve been using on your hair at home; sharing is caring when it comes to creating the best look possible for you. “Don't tell us what you think we want to hear - tell us the whole truth and nothing but the truth. The more information we have upfront, the better the result will be for your hair.”