Hair Salon Blog: Essential Hair Care Tips and Insights

If you’ve ever bleached or dyed your hair, you know how color treatments can cause severe damage. The good news is you can repair damage from color treatments and make your hair look good as new (and maybe even a little better than new). How? By using the Olaplex hair treatment system.

Olaplex is the name of a hair care company that creates products for both salon and home use, and their products are specifically designed to repair damaged hair. Olaplex products use a patented chemical called Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate that repairs the disulfide bonds in human hair. These bonds give hair its structure, stability, and strength, and repairing broken bonds is essential to restoring damaged hair to its former glory.

The hair care specialists at Therapy Hair Studio are familiar with Olaplex products for both salon and home use, and we’d be happy to show you how this incredible treatment can fix your hair. Below we explain more about what Olaplex is and how it can restore damaged hair.

How Olaplex Works

While Olaplex offers products for home use, those products are meant to work as part of a more extensive treatment system. The first two steps in the treatment process require a trip to a salon.

The Olaplex treatment starts at the salon, where a stylist applies the company’s Olaplex No. 1 Bond Multiplier to your hair. When mixed with water, the Bond Multiplier restores and repairs the bonds in your hair, helping to fix split ends and other damage. You can use the Bond Multiplier as a standalone treatment or include it with a bleach treatment, in which case the stylist will mix the product with the bleach.

The next step in the treatment also requires a salon visit, as a stylist will apply the Olaplex No. 2 Bond Perfector. The Bond Perfector goes in your hair after the stylist rinses out the bleach, and you’ll keep it in your hair for about 20 minutes to mend any damage from your bleach treatment.
The Olaplex salon treatments are great for restoring hair with severe damage, but you can also use Olaplex products at home to keep your hair looking beautiful. The company’s most popular product is most likely their No. 3 Hair Perfector, which you apply to your hair before shampooing. The nice thing about the Hair Perfector is that it’s a preventative treatment that keeps your hair looking amazing by minimizing damage from color, bleach, or environmental factors like intense heat or humidity.

Using Olaplex at Home

Once you complete the first two steps in the salon, you can use Olaplex products at home until it’s time for another bleach or color treatment. In addition to the Hair Perfector, you can use the following Olaplex products at home as part of your regular hair care routine:

• No. 0 Intensive Bond Building Treatment – The Intensive Bond Building Treatment helps prime your hair and enhances the effects of the Hair Perfector.
• No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner – Olaplex’s shampoos and conditioners are specifically designed to work with and enhance the effects of their other products.
• No. 6 Bond Smoother – The Bond Smoother is a treatment you can leave in your hair to repair damage from color treatments or bleaching. The company says using the Bond Smoother reduces your blow-drying time and helps prevent frizzy hair for up to 72 hours.
• No. 7 Bonding Oil – Olaplex recommends using their Bonding Oil to increase your hair’s shine, softness, and vibrancy, especially if you use straighteners, curling irons, or other heated tools on your hair.
• No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask – The Intense Moisture Mask can help add shine, smoothness, and volume to your hair, along with the moisture it needs to stay healthy. Olaplex says that in a clinical trial, people who used the Intense Moisture Mask saw twice as much shine, four times as much moisture, and six times more smoothness than before they used the products. The company also says 94 percent of people who used the Intense Moisture Mask saw more body and volume in their hair.
• No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum – Being out in the sun or exposure to air pollution can cause intense hair damage, but Olaplex’s Nourishing Hair Serum is designed to counter the damaging effects of your everyday environment. The Nourishing Hair Serum protects your hair from pollution for 48 hours and temperatures up to 450℉.

Therapy Hair Studio offers Olaplex Treatments for Our Clients

Olaplex products have taken the beauty industry by storm, and Therapy Hair Studio is proud to offer these treatments to people with brittle or damaged hair. You can learn more about Olaplex treatments or schedule an appointment with one of our stylists by calling 713-355-HAIR (4247) or filling out our contact form.

Caring for curly hair is challenging, and even figuring out something as ordinary as how often to wash your curly hair is difficult. If you wash your hair too often, it may become dull and flat, especially if you use harsh shampoos and conditioners. On the other hand, going too long between washes can cause odors to build up or make your hair flaky. You want to find that Goldilocks zone for washing your hair: Not too often, but often enough to keep your hair looking beautiful.

So, how often should you wash 4C hair? Most hair care professionals recommend washing 4C hair once or twice a month, with at least five days between washes. Washing more frequently can severely damage 4C hair because it’s particularly dry and brittle compared to other hair types.

The Houston hair care team at Therapy Hair Studio understands the special challenges of caring for curly hair generally, and 4C hair in particular. Our highly trained technicians can help you create a hair care routine that will make your curls shine. Keep reading for more information on washing 4C hair, or you can call us or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment with one of our expert stylists.

What Does ‘4C Hair’ Mean?

Hair comes in many styles, textures, and colors, and different hair types require different routines and products to maintain. The term “4C Hair” comes from a hair type chart popularized by stylist Andre Walker, who is best known for working with Oprah. While the chart itself is not without controversy, as some people argue its definitions are too narrow, it’s a helpful starting point for developing an effective hair care routine. 4C Hair refers to hair with tight coils instead of curls, and the coils sometimes form “Z” patterns.

Challenges in Caring for 4C Hair

The tight curls of 4C hair can make for some unbelievably gorgeous styles, but they can also break easily. 4C hair also tends to be really dry, which can make it frizzy, matted, or tangled without proper care. Knowing how to care for 4C hair is essential to looking your best.

4C Hair Care Tips

While everyone’s hair is unique, our stylists have compiled some tips you can use if you have 4C hair. Remember that these are general tips, and our stylists are happy to meet with you or recommend products to help with your hair care routine. Keep these tips in mind when caring for 4C hair:

• Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: 4C hair loves moisture! Use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner as part of your routine to keep your hair happy. Drink plenty of water, too, because hydration starts from within.
• Deep Conditioning: A deep conditioning treatment is like a spa day for your hair. Do this once a week to keep your curls soft and shiny. When applying a deep conditioner, cover your hair with a shower cap for added warmth and better absorption.
• Say No to Heat: Avoid styling tools like straighteners and curling irons, as the heat from these devices can damage your hair and lead to breakage.
• Protective Styles: Braids, twists, and updos protect your hair from damage and give it a break from daily styling. Plus, they look super cool!
• Use the Right Tools: Wide-toothed combs and soft brushes are your hair’s best friends. They help detangle your hair without breaking it.
• Night-Time Care: Protect your hair at night with a satin or silk scarf or pillowcase. This reduces friction and helps retain moisture.
• Be Gentle: 4C hair needs a gentle touch. Treat your hair like fine silk, and avoid pulling or tugging on it.
• Oil It Up: Oils like jojoba, argan, and coconut can add extra moisture and shine. But remember, a little oil in your hair goes a long way!
• Patience Is Key: 4C hair may take a little longer to grow because of its tight, coiled pattern. But with the right care and patience, your hair will thrive!

Remember, everyone’s hair is unique, so what works for someone else might not be the right choice for you. Our stylists know how to care for 4C hair and can help you establish a workable routine.

Therapy Hair Studio Is All About Curly Hair

We encourage anyone with 4C hair to embrace their natural curls and coils. Our stylists can recommend the right products and routine to give your hair a beautiful and distinctive look. Call us today or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.

Untangling the world of hair styling products can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the game. With so many options, it can be hard to determine which product is right for your hair type and desired hairstyle. Today, we’ll break down the key differences between hair paste and pomade, two popular styling products, to help you make an informed decision.

What Is Hair Pomade?

Hair pomade has been around since the mid-1900s and was initially made from petroleum jelly to help men achieve the slicked-back look. Today’s pomades are much gentler and more nourishing for your hair and scalp. They are usually made with natural oils and wash out easily with regular shampoo and conditioner.

Pomade offers a robust and long-lasting hold that doesn’t dry out or harden. It’s also known for providing a high-shine finish that can add a classic touch to any hairstyle. When choosing a pomade, consider the hold, shine, and desired look. Lightweight pomades work well for taming flyaway hairs, while thicker products with strong holds are better suited for ambitious styles like the pompadour or slick-back.

What Is Hair Paste?

Hair paste is a versatile styling product for any hair type and hairstyle. It has a thicker consistency than pomade and is usually water-based. Hair paste provides a natural-looking finish that varies from matte to medium shine, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a more subtle look.

One of the benefits of hair paste is that it’s easy to wash out with regular shampoo. It also offers a medium to firm hold to create almost any hairstyle. When choosing a hair paste, consider the hold, shine, and your hair type. Low-hold pastes with matte to low shine work well for messy looks with a natural finish, while stronger holds are better suited for spiked-up hairstyles or waves.

So, Which One Should You Use?

Choosing between hair paste and pomade comes down to your desired hairstyle and personal preference. Hair paste is an excellent option if you want a natural-looking finish with a medium to firm hold. On the other hand, if you’re going for a classic look with a high-shine finish, pomade is your go-to product.

Ultimately, both hair paste and pomade offer unique benefits that can enhance your hair styling routine. With the right product and technique, you can achieve any hairstyle you desire. Just remember to consider your hair type, desired look, and the product’s attributes when making your choice.

Other Hair Styling Products to Try

Pastes and pomades are hardly the only options for styling your hair. Some other products you might find helpful include:

• Clay – Hair clay is ideal for those with short to medium-length hair and provides a high hold and matte finish. These attributes make hair clay perfect for creating structured hairstyles like the slick-back. Clay sets firmly and holds throughout the day, so it’s important to get your hairstyle right before leaving the house.
• Cream – Hair creams are mild hair products that provide minimal hold and work best for adding volume to hair without committing to a rigid or aggressive hairstyle. They can also smooth out curls and reduce stray hairs. Hair creams are malleable, meaning you can always add more and restyle as necessary.
• Fiber – Hair fiber is great for those with short to medium-length thin hair, adding texture and fullness to limp or flat hair. It provides a medium hold and matte finish, making it ideal for styling hair according to your preference.
• Gel – Hair gel is good for any hair length and delivers strong definition, sharp texture, a firm hold, and high shine. It’s perfect for those who want everyone to know they have product in their hair. How much gel you use depends on your hair length, and the more you apply, the more hold you’ll get.
• Mousse – Hair mousse is light, easy to distribute, and capable of adding more volume to your hair than expected. It’s perfect for those with short, medium-length, and long, thin hair who want to avoid weighing down their hair. You can apply small amounts of the mousse, starting at the roots of your hair and ending at the ends, using your fingertips to style your hair.
• Wax – Hair wax is best for those with short hair and provides a straitjacket-like hold to weigh down the hair and add some shine. Wax-based waxes are more challenging to shampoo out of your hair, while water-based waxes wash out easily. Use a pea-sized amount, warm it between your hands until it’s soft, and apply it to your roots, working the product through to the ends of your hair to achieve your desired style.

Let Therapy Hair Studio Find the Perfect Product for Your Style

Our stylists carry a wide range of pastes, pomades, and other hair products to help you achieve your perfect look. Call Therapy Hair Studio today or visit our contact page to schedule an appointment.