Using Box Color Between Appointments
"Box color and professional color do not mix. A big reason people have for wanting to use box color is to save money. What people don't realize though is that using box color can make the stylist's job much more complex and can end up costing you more money undoing the damage box color has done to the hair. This is classified as a color correction. I have seen hair smoke while being highlighted over box color. The metals in the box color do not mix with professional chemicals. If your natural color has a tough contrast from your desired color, you should have a more extended conversation with your stylist about different options." -Cody Renegar
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Overusing Products
"It's pretty common to overuse a product. If you're using something and feel you need more to get the desired results, what you're doing is likely creating buildup. You will want to use a cleansing shampoo at least once a week to get this useless buildup off. Cheaper products tend to have more filler with no purpose, whereas professional products are usually vibrant with ingredients that serve a specific purpose when used in the right amount. If you overuse these products, they will weigh the hair down and create a film over the hair shaft and your scalp sometimes blocking the root growth and causing your hair to come out thin and fragile. Usually, less is more when using styling, cleansing and treatment products. I would suggest reading the directions, using the smallest amount possible and then building from there. You will be surprised how little product it takes to make a difference. Less is more in this situation." -Cody Renegar
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Telling Them How to Do Their Job
"Most people will go into their hair appointment with a handful of inspirational photos. This is a great idea. This gives your stylist a general idea of what look you are trying to achieve. However, once your stylist starts working, do not stop them or add to your consultation conversation. If your stylist has done a proper consultation, then they already know what vision you are trying to achieve and adding to it while they are creating will actually strongly disrupt the creative flow and your desired results. Make sure you and your stylist share a very clear vision BEFORE they start cutting or coloring. Let the stylist do their job and don't watch them like a hawk because they know what they are doing, not you." -Cody Renegar
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Not Conditioning and Prepping Your Hair Before Chemical Treatments
"In the weeks leading up to your appointment, make sure you're conditioning your hair properly before any heavy chemical services to avoid potential damage." -Michael Canale, celebrity hairstylist
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Using High Heat
"There are so many styling tools on the market nowadays. It's important that you have good ones if you want to have great-looking hair. A good hot tool will have temperature controls, auto shutoffs and will be durable as well as easy to operate. I recommend tools that utilize infrared technology because the technology works to lock the moisture into the hair strands rather than drying the hair out. Along with having the right styling tools, make sure to keep the tool at a lower heat to maintain great-looking hair. This is especially true for fine hair which damages easily. While typically hot tools may be set a bit higher for coarser hair, it's equally important to realize that all hair can be susceptible to temperatures which are too hot and this goes for coarse hair as well. Always consult with your stylist to ensure your settings are correct for your hair type." -Gina Rivera, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites
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