Hair Salon Blog: Essential Hair Care Tips and Insights

Congratulations, you’re pregnant! Whether it’s your first or subsequent pregnancy, there will be much to think about throughout your pregnancy. Of course, at the top of your mind, practically every day, will be thoughts about your baby’s health and development. You might wonder, can highlighting or lowlighting your hair harm your baby’s health?

What are Hair Highlights?

Highlighting is a hair coloring activity or technique that uses a lightener, a hair dye, or a color to add streaks to your hair. The streaks are typically two to three shades lighter than your original hair color, making your hair look multi-dimensional. Lowlighting is a similar technique, except the streaks are two to three shades darker than your natural hair color. It’s an excellent technique for women with thin hair, creating the appearance of thicker hair.

Should I Get Highlights While Pregnant?

Although it is generally agreed that dying your hair won’t harm your baby, scientists do not know for sure if it’s safe to highlight your hair while you are pregnant. There haven’t been enough research studies to answer this question definitively. The limited number of studies done so far have primarily examined the potential effects of hair dyes, which contain chemicals and are typically applied to your whole head of hair and scalp. After coming in contact with your scalp, “…exposure to these chemicals from hair dyes or hair products results in very limited systemic absorption unless there are burns or abscesses on the scalp. Therefore, these chemicals are unlikely to reach the placenta.” This conclusion is from a 2008 study in the Official Publication of the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) agrees with the findings. For over 60 years, ACOG has published information based on medical research and Ob-Gyn experiences. ACOG’s official statement on hair dye hair during pregnancy is, “Most experts think that using hair dye during pregnancy is not toxic for your fetus. There are different types of hair coloring, including permanent, semi-permanent or temporary color. These all contain chemicals. Studies on animals show that high doses of these chemicals do not cause serious birth defects. Also, only a tiny amount of chemicals from hair dye is absorbed through the scalp.”

Most experts advise pregnant women to wait until at least after the first trimester for whole-head hair-dying techniques. Here is a sampling from credible medical sources for how long to wait to dye your hair:

• “Consider waiting until the second trimester.” (The American Pregnancy Association)
• “Some doctors advise women to avoid having their hair dyed during pregnancy (or at least until after the first trimester).” (The American Cancer Society)
• “Many doctors recommend holding off on hair color until week 13 of your pregnancy, just to be safe…” (The Cleveland Clinic)

Do medical experts also advise pregnant women to wait to have their hair highlighted? Hair highlighting methods do not come into contact with the scalp, so the risk of chemicals entering the scalp is much less than that from whole-head coloring. A pregnancy’s first trimester lasts until the end of the 13th week. This time is critical for your baby’s growth and development. Thirteen weeks is a fairly short time to wait to have your hair highlighted. If you are still concerned about getting your hair done with highlights during your pregnancy you should talk to your doctor.

Learn more about a highlighting technique we use here at the Therapy Hair Studio called Balayage. Balayage (pronounced “baa-lay-ahge)” is a French hair-coloring method that works by hand-painting the surface of your hair, starting midshaft and continuing toward the ends of your hair. This method has several advantages over the more traditional highlighting technique using foil. Balayage requires less maintenance, is less damaging to your hair, and avoids chemicals coming into contact with your scalp, reducing the risk of scalp absorption.

Contact Our Expert Hair Salon in Houston

When you’re ready to highlight your hair, please call our expert colorists at Therapy Hair Studio at (713) 355-HAIR or contact us online to schedule a consultation or appointment.

Our skin is our largest organ and a protective barrier shielding us from harmful external factors. Taking care of your skin is essential to your overall health. Facial treatments can help your skin thrive.

Types of Facials

Spas and salons offer various kinds of facials. Each type of facial is designed for a different purpose and provides a distinct benefit for your skin. Here are some of the most common facials:

• Deep cleansing facial: A deep cleansing facial removes dirt, oil, and impurities from your skin. Generally, this type of facial will include steam, exfoliation, and extraction to unclog your pores. You should leave a deep cleansing facial looking and feeling fresh and rejuvenated.
• Anti-aging facial: An anti-aging facial combats the signs of aging, such as wrinkles and age spots. Usually, this type of facial will involve ingredients like antioxidants and collagen. You will leave an anti-aging facial with new firmness and elasticity to your skin.
• Hydrating facial: A hydrating facial helps people with dry skin. Typically, this facial involves glycerin and aloe vera, replenishing the skin’s moisture. In addition, a hydrating facial will give your face a soft and supple look.
• Acne facial: An acne facial involves deep cleansing and extraction to unclog pores and remove dirt and oil. Acne facials differ from deep cleansing facials because they usually use salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide to prevent future breakouts.
• Chemical peel facial: A chemical peel is a treatment that involves a solution that exfoliates the outer layer of dead skin. This helps reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. In addition, a chemical peel facial can help prevent acne breakouts and reduce the appearance of acne scars.
• LED facial: An LED facial uses light therapy to promote collagen and reduce inflammation. Light therapy helps the appearance of wrinkles and acne.
• Brightening facial: These types of facial treatments reduce your pigmentation and brighten your skin. They usually use ingredients like Vitamin C and licorice extract. A brightening facial helps give you an even skin tone and a radiant glow.

Benefits of Facials

Not only do facials pamper you and make you feel great, but they also offer a variety of benefits, including:

• Unclogs pores
• Removes dirt and oil
• Prevents acne and breakouts
• Removes dead skin
• Boosts collagen production
• Replenishes your skin’s moisture
• Provides a pampering experience that reduces stress

How Often Should You Get a Facial?

The frequency at which you should get a facial depends on your type of skin and the concerns you have. Typically, you should get a facial every four to six weeks to maintain the health and radiance of your skin. However, if you are acne-prone or have hyperpigmentation, you might get facials more often.

DIY Facial Tips

We understand that facials can be expensive. If you don’t have the budget to get a professional facial every six weeks, you can do some things at home to extend the time between your professional facials while keeping your skin looking great. Here are some DIY tips for doing a facial at home:

• Clean your skin thoroughly with a gentle cleanser.
• Exfoliate using a natural scrub to remove dead skin cells.
• Steam your face to open up your pores.
• Apply a face mask made of natural ingredients.
• Finish with a toner and moisturizer to seal the benefits of the facial.

Facials done at home are usually less effective than professional facials. As a result, if you want the best result, consider a professional facial.

What to Do When You Are in the Market for a Facial

Facials are generally safe and beneficial. But you should still do the following to reduce the chances of adverse effects.

• Choose an experienced and licensed aesthetician.
• Tell your aesthetician about any allergies, skin sensitives, or medical conditions you have.
• If you have open wounds, rashes, or sunburn, wait to get a facial.
• Avoid wearing makeup immediately after your facial.
• Stay hydrated after your facial to keep your skin nourished.
• Finally, follow your aesthetician’s directions to provide the best results.

Facials are a great way to maintain the health and radiance of your skin. Choosing the right facial and having it done frequently can make a substantial difference for your skin. While you can perform DIY facials at home to pamper yourself, you should have a professional facial to experience the best benefits possible.

Contact Therapy Hair Studio for Your Next Facial

Choosing someone to make your skin look radiant can feel overwhelming. The Therapy Hair Studio professionals have the experience and knowledge to make recommendations and provide the service you desire.

Contact the experienced aestheticians at Therapy Hair Studio to incorporate facials into your skincare routine. To schedule an appointment, call us at (713) 355-4247 today or contact us online.

Balayage is a popular hair coloring technique where a stylist paints the hair in a sweeping motion to create a natural, sun-kissed effect. Unlike a traditional hair coloring technique which uses foils or caps, a balayage creates a subtle and gradual transition between shades. If you want a natural new look to your hair, consider balayage.

How Is a Balayage Created?

To create a balayage, your stylist will section your hair and apply the color with a brush or sponge. The stylist will paint your hair to mimic its natural movement and flow. This can create various effects, from subtle highlights to high-contrast looks.

Benefits of a Balayage

The balayage technique has become increasingly popular because of its many benefits, including:

• Low maintenance: Unlike traditional hair coloring, which requires touch-ups every four to six weeks, a balayage can last several months. This is because regrowth is less noticeable with a balayage due to its natural look.
• Versatile: A balayage can suit any hair, texture, or color. It can also create various looks, from natural-looking highlights to high-contrast effects.
• Depth and dimension: A balayage can also create depth and dimension, making your hair appear fuller and more voluminous.
• Minimal damage: Balayages only require the application of the coloring product to smaller portions of hair. This minimizes the amount of hair exposed to the chemicals. Also, a balayage requires fewer touch-ups, limiting the time your hair is exposed to the dye.

Drawbacks of a Balayage

While there are many benefits to balayage, there are also various drawbacks, including:

• Cost: A balayage usually costs more than traditional hair coloring techniques because it requires more skill.
• Limited color options: A balayage limits the colors and shades you can choose, especially if you want very dark or light hair.
• Potential hair damage: A balayage generally causes less damage than traditional coloring. However, if it is not done correctly, or the hair isn’t adequately prepped, a balayage can harm your hair. A bad balayage may make your hair look dry and brittle and cause it to become prone to breakage.
• Maintenance: The required maintenance for a balayage may be less than traditionally colored hair, but you still need to take care of it to keep your hair looking amazing.
• Results may vary: The free-form technique of a balayage is what makes it popular. However, it also creates unpredictability because each stylist will paint the color on differently, causing varying results.

How Long Does a Balayage Last?

The longevity of a balayage depends on various factors, such as your hair type and the color applied. It also depends on how well you care for your hair after the balayage application. Typically, a balayage will last 8 to 12 weeks before it begins to fade.

However, once it begins to fade, that doesn’t mean you must rush to retouch it. Sometimes, the naturally faded look may enhance the overall look of your hair.

How to Make Your Balayage Last Longer?

Once you finish your balayage, you’ll want to ensure it lasts as long as possible. You should do the following to maintain your balayage to keep it looking vibrant.

• Use the right products: Using sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner designed for color-treated hair can help prevent fading. Additionally, using a color-depositing conditioner can improve the look of your hair.
• Avoid heat styling: You can minimize damage by letting your hair dry naturally and using heat-based styling tools sparingly.
• Avoid over-washing your hair: Washing your hair too frequently can cause your balayage to fade. To limit how often you wash your hair, use dry shampoo or other products recommended by your stylist.
• Get your hair trimmed regularly: Trimming your hair can keep it healthy and prevent split ends. Failing to trim your ends can cause your balayage to fade and look dull.
• Use leave-in conditioner: Using leave-in conditioner can keep your hair moisturized and healthy.

By following the above tips, you can extend the life of your balayage and keep your hair looking fabulous.

Contact a Stylist Today To Get Your Balayage

Leave the traditional hair color look behind. Instead, consider balayage for a natural highlight or lowlight look. The stylists at Therapy Hair Studio are skilled in this fantastic and fresh technique.

If you are ready to try balayage, contact our team today at (713) 355-4247 or through our online contact form.