Wonderful World of Balayage

Wonderful World of Balayage

WONDERFUL WORLD OF BALAYAGE

Let’s talk balayage! If you thought it was just another colour, think again. It’s actually an application technique, not a singular service. The word itself comes from the French “balayer,” which means to sweep – and that’s exactly what we do with the colour, sweeping it onto the hair for that effortlessly natural, multi-tonal, dimensional look we all adore. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Within the world of balayage, there are loads of different sub-techniques, each offering something unique.

Of course, that’s where we come in. During your consultation, the tribe at The Hair Movement will help you pick the perfect technique to match your vibe and hair goals. But, if you’re curious about your options, here’s a little sneak peek into the colourful possibilities…

Foilayage: The Best of Both Worlds

Ever wish you could mix balayage with classic foil highlights? Well, meet foilayage – the dream combo! We use the balayage sweep technique to paint the colour onto your hair, but then wrap each section in foils for an extra boost. The result? A more intense look that grows from the root to the end with a natural, blended finish. This is perfect if you want a low-maintenance, yet high-impact look that lets you stretch out those salon visits without sacrificing style.

Face-Framing Magic: The Money Piece

Looking for a subtle touch-up between colour appointments? Say hello to face-framing highlights! Also known as “money pieces,” this technique involves highlighting strands near the front of your hair to accentuate your facial features and structure. It’s a fab way to brighten your look without a full balayage session, and we finish with a toner to give you that perfect glow. Think of it as a mini-makeover with a maximum of 10 foils – quick, effective, and gorgeous.

Air Touch: A Fresh Spin

Now, if you’re after something truly unique, let us introduce you to AirTouch. Rather than traditional backcombing, we use a hairdryer to blow air onto the hair, gently separating shorter strands from longer ones for a seamless blend of colour. The result? A natural, beautifully soft balayage effect, achieved without the use of foils. And the best part? It’s perfect for those with virgin (never-before coloured) hair, seeking a fresh lift with a delicate, natural finish. It’s also an ideal technique for those with finer hair, looking for subtle grey blending.

What’s Your Balayage Journey?

So, there you have it! Whether you’re all about that bold foilayage, a subtle face-framing refresh, or you’re ready to try the innovative Air Touch, we’ve got something for everyone. Balayage is more than just a look – it’s a journey. And we’re here to guide you every step of the way to find the perfect technique that makes you look and feel amazing.

Curious about which balayage option is right for you? Book a consultation with one of our tribe members, and let’s get ready to sweep your hair into something fabulous!

To Grey or Not to Grey

To Grey or Not to Grey

TO GREY OR NOT TO GREY?

One of the many questions I’m often asked as a hairdresser is whether to embrace grey hair or stick with colour. It’s a conversation I enjoy, and I love helping my guests find their answers. In this post, let’s explore the pros and cons of stepping away from hair colour and welcoming your natural grey.

Embracing the Trend

You’ve probably noticed more silver-haired women strutting their stuff on the streets. The desire for beautiful grey hair is becoming increasingly evident, regardless of age. As a stylist, I can tell you that the popular ice-white and silver trends are here to stay. More colour brands are developing cool, ash-toned ranges to meet this demand. However, achieving and maintaining this stunning shade can be tricky—be prepared for a significant commitment to upkeep!

Caring for Grey Hair (When It’s Not Natural)

Maintaining artificial grey hair isn’t a walk in the park. Achieving that perfect shade will require patience and investment. Regular visits for toners are essential to keep your locks looking bright, while purple shampoo can help neutralise unwanted yellow tones. Remember, your environment can impact your colour, so if you live in a polluted area or have hard water, be mindful of how it affects your hair.

Less About Age, More About Confidence

Many people still associate grey hair with age, but this perception is changing. It’s about finding a striking haircut that flatters your natural grey rather than hiding it behind constant colour. I have guests that have started to grey at 24, and some find that embracing natural colour can be incredibly empowering. Grey is no longer about age, so put that out of your mind.

Financial Freedom

Let’s be real: colouring your hair can be pricey, the costs add up. By going grey, you can save on colour treatments while still investing in a beautiful cut and finish every six weeks to keep your look fresh and youthful.

Navigating Early Greys

If you’re just starting to notice a few wiry greys, don’t rush into a full colour job. There are gentler options available, such as demi-permanent colour, which deposits colour without a dramatic change. Lowlights can also help blend greys while maintaining your natural hue. You may also notice changes in the texture of your grey hair, and that’s where treatments like Nice & Smooth, along with adjustments to your home haircare routine, come into play.

Going Grey Gracefully

If you’re already trapped in a cycle of colour that you want to escape, don’t worry! The journey to embracing your grey can be rewarding. Here are a few options:

  • Let It Grow: The simplest (and cheapest) option, though it can be challenging with long hair, as it grows about 1cm a month.
  • Highlights/Lowlights: This technique offers lower-maintenance coverage, allowing for as much or as little colour as you desire. For those with 75% grey or more, baby-lights can create a seamless blend.

Ultimately, the choice to embrace your grey is yours alone, we are here to help create the right hair journey for you!

Wake up With Gorgeous Hair

Wake up With Gorgeous Hair

WAKE UP WITH GORGEOUS HAIR. 

What if we told you that you could style your hair effortlessly while you sleep? Better yet, what if you could prevent damage during those hours of rest? Both are entirely possible, and we’re here to guide you through how you can care for your hair while you drift into dreamland.

What Happens While You Sleep

During sleep, your body cycles between two main stages: REM (Rapid Eye Movement) and non-REM. Most of the night is spent in non-REM, a lighter sleep phase where you toss and turn. REM sleep is when your eyes move rapidly behind closed lids, your heart rate and breathing increase, and yet your body remains still. Even though you’re resting, your brain is hard at work, ensuring your blood keeps flowing by prompting you to move periodically.

How Does This Affect Your Hair?

Each time you turn over in bed, your hair moves with you—or it doesn’t. Hair can get caught, tugged, or rubbed against your pillow, causing frizz, tangles, or even breakage. But don’t worry, there are simple ways to protect your hair and even style it while you sleep!

Ways to Prevent Hair Damage at Night

1. Loose Braids
Loose braids are an easy and comfortable way to protect your hair overnight. They keep your strands contained, reducing friction and preventing tangles. Just remember to keep them loose if you want to avoid waking up with crimped waves.

2. High Loose Bun
A loose bun keeps your hair from rubbing against the pillow all night, which helps prevent breakage, split ends, and other damage from tossing and turning. Unlike tighter styles, it doesn’t pull on your roots, so you don’t have to worry about stressing your hair or causing it to weaken over time.

3. Silk Headscarf
A silk headscarf is a fantastic option for wrapping up your hair and keeping it safe. It prevents frizz, keeps your hair from snagging, and spares you from being hit in the face by stray strands as you turn in your sleep.

4. Silk Pillowcase
A silk pillowcase allows your hair to glide smoothly without causing friction, helping you avoid frizz and breakage. Silk also doesn’t absorb moisture like cotton, meaning your hair stays hydrated and healthy.

Styling Your Hair While You Sleep

Why just protect your hair when you can style it too? If you love waking up to soft waves, try this easy overnight styling trick:

  1. Divide your hair into four sections – Part down the middle from the front to the nape of your neck, then split each side behind the ears.
  2. Wear a headband – Think ninja style! It should sit comfortably around your head, just above the eyebrows. If you don’t have one, use a cut-off leg from an old pair of tights.
  3. Twist your hair – Twist each section tightly, moving away from the face in the front and towards the face in the back.
  4. Wrap it up – Take each twisted section and wind it around the headband. Once done, your hair will cover the headband entirely.

Now, all that’s left is to drift off into a peaceful sleep, knowing you’ll wake up with gorgeous, soft waves.

Enjoy your beauty sleep, and say goodbye to bedhead!

The Evolution of Smooth Hair

The Evolution of Smooth Hair

THE EVOLUTION OF SMOOTH HAIR

At our salon, we know that achieving healthy, manageable, frizz-free hair is high on your priority list, and that’s where professional smoothing treatments come in. Over the years, these treatments have become a game-changer for many, offering solutions that truly benefit your hair’s health and appearance. From early methods to the advanced treatments we offer today, the journey to healthier locks has been an evolving one, shaped by technology, changing beauty standards, and a growing focus on safety.

A Look Back: The Early Days of Hair Relaxers

Hair smoothing treatments have come a long way. The journey began in the early 20th century with hair relaxers, which were especially popular with those who have Afro-Caribbean hair. These relaxers used harsh chemicals like sodium hydroxide to break down the protein bonds in the hair. While they smoothed the hair, they also caused significant damage if not applied carefully.

The 1990s: Japanese Hair Straightening Takes Over

By the 1990s, Japanese hair straightening, also called thermal reconditioning, was all the rage. It offered ultra-straight, shiny hair that lasted. However, the process was lengthy, risky, and expensive. Constant regrowth made it impractical for many, and it was easy for hair to suffer damage if not done perfectly.

The 2000s: Brazilian Blow-dry and Keratin Treatments

Fast forward to the early 2000s, and Brazilian Blow-dry and keratin treatments became wildly popular. These treatments claimed to use keratin, a protein already found in your hair, to smooth and strengthen strands. The promise? Frizz-free, sleek, shiny hair.

However, as many of you might have heard, these treatments faced scrutiny for containing high levels of formaldehyde, a harmful chemical, which raised concerns for both clients and stylists. This led to lawsuits and global bans on some of the products.

A New Era in Smoothing: The Rise of Safe, Effective Treatments

The turning point came in 2010, with the launch of Kebelo’s professional smoothing treatment using carbocysteine, a safer alternative that worked at a foundational level to strengthen damaged bonds. Now rebranded as Nice and Smoothand exclusively offered at The Hair Movement, this treatment has revolutionised the industry. We’ve embraced this treatment in our salon because it offers all the benefits of smoothing—better manageability, reduced frizz, improved texture—without the damage that some older treatments caused. It helps you embrace your natural texture while making your hair healthier and easier to style.

Why Choose Professional Smoothing Today?

Today, smoothing treatments are an essential part of healthy haircare. Unlike older methods that often masked damage, modern smoothing treatments work to enhance your hair’s health while giving you beautiful, manageable results. These advancements have also expanded into retail, meaning you can maintain the benefits of smoothing at home between visits to the salon.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Smoothing

According to Jonathan Shipman, co-founder of The Hair Movement, “The future of professional smoothing treatments appears promising… it’s a must-have service on any salon menu.” While smoothing treatments may never reach the popularity of colour services, they’ve become a core offering in many salons.

And the good news? Smoothing treatments are only becoming more affordable and easier to apply, making them more accessible to everyone. In fact, research shows that salons offering smoothing treatments see their clients visiting four times more frequently each year. This means more opportunities for us to help you maintain healthy, beautiful hair all year round!

Why Smoothing is More Relevant Than Ever

As more of you seek to balance healthy, natural hair with manageable styling, smoothing treatments have become one of the most relevant services we offer. It’s no longer just about straightening—smoothing is about improving hair health while giving you more freedom with your style.

If you’re ready to transform your hair, reduce frizz, and enjoy a smoother, healthier texture, ask us about our Nice and Smooth treatment the next time you visit. Let us help you embrace your hair’s true potential!

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