spotlight- treatments, masks & leave-in conditioners

Let’s normalize not having an intensive 10-step routine. Instead, focusing on fewer wholesome products with quality ingredients we can rely on. So what is really necessary, and what is not? We’re breaking down why leave-ins and treatments are the secret to a minimal haircare routine.

Your haircare routine starts with the wash. We’ve said it before but we’ll always keep reminding you- concentrate the shampoo on your roots, and conditioner on your ends. If you find you have particularly dehydrated hair, you may want to opt for a moisturizing set. Of course, there is only so much your conditioner is going to do for the longevity of your hydration. This is when a hair mask or treatment comes into play. A conditioning mask contains highly concentrated moisturizing ingredients such as oils, extracts, or butters. These provide deep and intense nourishment that your normal conditioner alone cannot provide.  When used once a week or when necessary, this will give your hair a soft and hydrated base. We recommend our Hairaddictz Repair Mask- a deeply nourishing treatment that moisturizes and strengthens hair as it restores shine, using natural ingredients such as Organic Quinoa & Argan Oil. This can be used on wash day or once a week to promote prolonged hydration and strength. Another product we love and trust at the studio is the Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector- a hair treatment that strengthens and reduces breakage. Different than a conditioning mask, this product is used on damp hair, before washing your hair with shampoo and conditioner, to help repair the bonds in your hair. Alternating with your Repair Mask, this is also an amazing product to use weekly or as necessary.

Hairaddictz Repair Mask- $26 

Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector- $32

 

A good mask on wash day, followed by a leave-in treatment… chefs kiss. If your hair is really down bad, you may want to add in-studio treatments to your appointments- targeted to protect and strengthen hair throughout the process. Our New Custom Prescription In-Salon Treatment can target a variety of concerns, providing you a healthier base when you leave the studio, and is way more affordable than a keratin treatment. In the long run, coupling these products will limit the amount of times you need to re-apply a hydrating product, control frizz and breakage, and help protect your colour and vibrancy.

 

 

In our last post, we touched on the effects of different stresses on our hair, especially during the summer season. Between the brushes we use, the pillow cases we sleep on, exposure to the environment, we are constantly putting our hair through it. That’s the beauty of using a leave-in conditioner. This is a product that is designed to provide and lock in moisture, nourish, and protect the hair from damage. This also helps with controlling frizz and tangles, and enhances the work of your conditioner. Without it, your hair may dry out faster, becoming more susceptible to frizz and breakage. With it, your hair should stay hydrated longer, and protected from common stress. A good leave-in conditioner won’t weigh down your hair and make it greasy, but rather enhance the longevity of your moisture and protection. In the long run, this will minimize breakage and split ends, and help lock in your colour longer. At the studio, we love the AG Fast Food Leave On Conditioner because it’s lightweight, moisturizing, and very rich- so a little goes a long way.

 

AG Fast Food Leave On Conditioner- $24

 

There are other types of leave in products used between washes to help smooth and moisturize hair, such as serums and oils. Serums are a styling product used to smooth the cuticle, nourish, and protect from common stress. The issue with most serums is that they use silicones. Now if you’ve been here before, you probably have heard us talk about why certain products contain silicones- to coat the hair and smooth the cuticle. Over time however, silicones will build-up on your hair and have a negative effect on your hair quality. We stay away from silicones, and would recommend brands that use a more natural approach, such as the AG Glow Shine Infuse Serum- silicone free and is made of 97% naturally-derived ingredients. If you are in need of a trustworthy serum for some added shine and protection, you can pick it up on your next visit to the studio.

 

 

Oils are another type of leave-in product used to moisturize and smooth the hair. These hair oils are designed to penetrate the cuticle and benefit the structure of your hair- which is very different from serums. They can be used to help with frizz, tangles, and especially for heat protection. It is important to note that not all oils are made the same, some oils also contain silicones and other additives that will weigh your hair down. We recommend the Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil which is highly concentrated, very lightweight, and provides colour and heat protection, also available for purchase at the studio.

 

Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil- $32

 

 

Investing in creating a routine utilizing these products now, will ultimately save you time and money in the long run. With the addition of a hair mask weekly, leave-ins after each wash, and a serum or oil when needed, you will find your hair will become increasingly more manageable, smooth, and strong, and requiring less maintenance and products over time.