To cut or not to cut?

To cut or not to cut?

TO CUT OR NOT TO CUT? THE REAL HAIR DILEMA. 

Let’s talk about one of the ultimate hair decisions: should you cut your hair or not? I’ve been noticing a trend on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok where people aren’t just asking their close friends for advice—they’re turning to strangers on the internet for an honest opinion. But here’s the deal: the only person who can truly decide is YOU. My role? To help you weigh the pros and cons of your next big hair move.

Without diving too deep into the psychology of it all, the first question you need to ask yourself is simple: Why? Are you just fed up and craving a change, or is there something deeper driving your urge to grab the scissors? Let’s break down some of the most common reasons for wanting to cut it all off and analyse them, Hair Movement style.

“I’ve had long hair forever—it’s time for a change.”

Ah, the timeless need for something new! This is probably my favourite reason because it opens the door to endless creativity. If you’ve flipped between long and short before, this won’t be too daunting. This is a solid reason—so go for it if you’ve been considering it for a while. One tip, though: make sure you have at least five images of your dream look. Also, include things that you do not like; this helps us, as your stylist, really delve into what you are and are not looking for. That way, we know you’ve truly put some thought into this. If not, perhaps try a new hair accessory or lipstick before going for the chop.

“I can’t do anything with my hair anymore.”

Been there! First off, when was your last cut? If it’s been a while and your hair was manageable right after that cut, you probably just need a trim to get it back in shape. You’d be amazed at how much a half-inch off can change the game. However, if styling has always been a challenge, it might be time for a bigger change—something that’ll make your hair easier to work with day-to-day. Not sure how often you should be cutting? Check out our guide on routine hair maintenance.

“I’m having a rough week, and I need a change.”

This one covers a lot more than just a bad week. New job, end of a relationship, feeling overwhelmed? Don’t touch your hair. Trust me. Your hair doesn’t need to reflect the ups and downs of life. Big changes should be made from a place of positivity, not emotional turbulence. When the wave passes, you don’t want to associate your new look with a tough time. Instead, make that transformation when you’re thriving—it’ll become a visual reminder of a happy moment, and you’ll love what you see in the mirror.

“What if it doesn’t suit me?”

This one breaks my heart. So many people shy away from change because they’re afraid a style won’t work for them. But that’s what we’re here for! A hair professional’s job is to help you find a shape and style that enhances your unique beauty. Don’t let self-doubt stop you from going after a look you love. You may be your own harshest critic, but I see the potential in every client. Gather all your favourite inspiration photos and let us guide you through the process.

“What if I regret it?”

Changing your hair can be empowering! But as I mentioned, it should be done to celebrate a positive moment. Hit a milestone? Landed that dream job? Lost those extra pounds? Now is a great time to switch things up. When you look back, you want to think, “Wow, I felt amazing then,” instead of “Ugh, that was a rough time.” The goal is to elevate your happiness, not fix a low point. If manageability is a factor, talk to your stylist in detail. Cutting it shorter doesn’t always mean easier—sometimes it’s the opposite.

“What if my partner doesn’t like it?”

Let me be real—if anyone is trying to control your look, they don’t deserve a say. Hair is an expression of your personality and style. The right person will support whatever makes you feel like your best self. So go ahead, make that change for you. Confidence is the most attractive feature you can have!

Final Thoughts

As I said in the beginning, only you can make the final call. Haircuts can be liberating, refreshing, and fun! But they can also be overwhelming if you’re not doing it for the right reasons. The key is timing and intention—do it when you’re ready, and because you want to, not because you’re trying to fix something else in your life.

If you’re still on the fence, give yourself more time. Go buy a new outfit or switch up your hair care routine instead. And remember, we’re here to chat whenever you need a second opinion. Leave us a comment below and share your hair thoughts—what’s holding you back, or what are you dying to try? Let’s get to the root of it together.

Until next time, keep loving your hair, and keep moving forward with style.

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!

Commonly asked hair questions.

Commonly asked hair questions.

SOME COMMONLY ASKED HAIRCARE QUESTIONS

Should you wash your hair before a colour? How often should you wash your hair? Answering some of the most commonly asked hair questions that we are asked in the salon.

Commonly asked hair question #1

I’m losing a lot of hair, am I thinning/going bald?

While it’s true that 40% of women experience visible hair loss by the age of 40, seeing more hair in your brush might not be as alarming as it seems. I never take this question lightly, and my first inquiry is: does your hair feel thinner? If you’re unsure, but have noticed more strands in the drain when you wash your hair, it could simply be a shift in your routine that’s making it appear as though you’re losing more hair than usual.

On average, we shed about 50 to 100 hairs a day; this is completely normal and part of the hair growth cycle known as the telogen phase. If you’ve been tying your hair back more frequently, those fallen strands have nowhere to go. So when you finally release your hair and brush it out, you may notice a larger amount coming out than expected. Normally, that hair would have been freely escaping throughout the day.

A similar situation occurs if you’re washing your hair less often. Those strands have detached from the follicle, but until you give your hair a thorough wash, they’re just lingering in your mane, waiting to escape into the drain.

Commonly asked hair question #2

How often should I get my hair cut?

When new guests ask me how often they should get a haircut, my honest response is that it really depends on a few factors. If you’ve just had a fresh cut that you absolutely love and want to maintain that length, the general recommendation is every 6-8 weeks. However, if you’re on a journey to grow your hair while still getting regular trims to keep it healthy, I’d suggest a cut every 3-4 months.

Now, why is that? On average, hair grows about 1 cm every 4 weeks. So, by the 6-8 week mark, your fabulous haircut has grown approximately 1.5-2 cm. While that may not seem like a lot, if you’re loving your current style, you’ll definitely notice that extra length. This is why I recommend waiting 3-4 months for those looking to grow their hair; a simple trim of about 1 cm after that time will leave you with 2-3 cm of growth since your last appointment.

Guests often wonder about this when they’ve recently changed their hairstyle. The key factor here is how well you manage the style at home. If your new cut feels perfect right from the first wash and doesn’t get any better in the following weeks, it’s time to book your next appointment in 6 weeks to maintain that fresh look. But if you find it takes you a week or two to really get the hang of styling it—what some might call it “settling”—then you can likely extend it to 8 weeks or even a bit longer.

Commonly asked hair question #3

Should I wash my hair before a colour service?

At The Hair Movement, we’ve always stressed the importance of using the right professional products at home. It’s something I discuss with every guest, and the difference these products make is truly noticeable. One area where professional products are absolutely essential is preparing your hair for colour services.

Days before your colour appointment, I always recommend using our Build-up Be Gone shampoo. This deep-cleansing formula is designed to remove product residue, environmental build-up, and any impurities. Why is this important? By thoroughly cleansing your hair before a colour service, you’re giving your stylist the best possible canvas to work with, ensuring your colour service performs optimally.

Debunking the Myth: Should You Wash Your Hair Before Colouring?

There’s a common internet myth that you should never wash your hair the day you’re having it coloured. Let’s break this one down. Yes, a little natural oil on your scalp can act as a protective barrier, but excessively greasy hair can actually slow down the colouring process.

To make sense of this, it’s important to understand the difference between two common processes: lightener (which many mistakenly refer to as bleach, though that’s something I reserve for toilets!) and tint. Lightener is used in the blonding process, either applied directly to your scalp or used in foils for highlights. Tint, on the other hand, is applied straight to the scalp to darken or cover grey hairs.

Let’s go through each process and discuss how to prepare.

On-Scalp Lightener

If you’re having lightener applied directly to your scalp, I recommend avoiding washing your hair for 48 hours before your appointment. Lightening is a harsh process, and your natural oils help protect your scalp from the burning sensation that often accompanies it. Also, avoid scratching, brushing, or irritating your scalp in the 24 hours leading up to your appointment, as this can increase the likelihood of discomfort.

Lightener in Foils

For those getting blonde highlights, the lightener is applied to your roots and wrapped in foils, meaning it doesn’t come into contact with your scalp. There’s no need for a protective layer of natural oils in this case. If you feel like washing your hair on the morning of your appointment, go ahead! Just be gentle—don’t scrub the scalp too hard, as you may still need a toner afterward, and your hair will get a thorough wash post-highlights anyway.

One thing to keep in mind: your stylist will be working on your hair for an extended period without gloves, and they need to weave and section your hair carefully. Please, don’t turn up with greasy hair for highlights—it’s unpleasant to work with and makes it harder to get those perfect weaves.

Tint on Scalp

When having a tint applied to your scalp, you can wash your hair up to 24 hours before your appointment. If you have a sensitive scalp, avoid scratching or brushing it, as these actions can cause mild irritation when the tint is applied. Your hair doesn’t need to be overly clean or dirty for this service, but please keep in mind that your hairdresser has to work closely with it. If you’ve had a sweaty gym session that morning, washing your hair won’t impact the colour, just make sure it’s dry before your visit and avoid scrubbing too aggressively.

The Bottom Line

At The Hair Movement, we believe that every hair journey deserves the best care, and that starts with using the right products at home. Whether you’re prepping for a colour service or maintaining your daily routine, professional products like Build-up Be Gone are designed to protect your hair and enhance your overall results. So next time you’re tempted by a supermarket shampoo or unsure about how to prepare for a colour appointment, remember: healthy, happy hair starts with the right steps.

Commonly asked hair question #4

How often should I wash my hair?

This depends on a multitude of factors, but the golden rule is that you should avoid washing your hair every day.  There are a few reasons for this, mainly because you build up natural oils on your scalp, washing every day will continuously remove these and leave your hair dry and dull.  You will also find it will cause your colour to fade a lot faster, and it leads to more heat damage as you are then presumably drying and styling it every day.  It also means you’re getting out of bed earlier each morning, need I say more?

If you frequent the gym every day and feel you need to wash away the sweat, I would recommend giving your hair a good rinse and just applying conditioner to the ends.  If you do it because it means you can dry and style more volume into your hair, try a dry shampoo every other day.

I personally feel that washing your hair 2-3 times a week is enough with a good deep cleansing shampoo.  If necessary, washing your hair every other day is not a problem, but if you are blow drying it each time then use a form of heat protection to avoid damaging your ends.

That’s all for now

I hope that helps you in your quest to many happy hair days.  If you have any more questions, contact us and we’ll be happy to answer them or add them to future posts.

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