TIP: Put conditioner only on the ends of your hair (what would fit into a ponytail) and work it up so as little as possible gets on your scalp.
TIP: Also try putting a little baby powder on your scalp. This will absorb oil and even add a little volume to finer-haired foils. Putting it on before bed ensures no one will see it in your hair. Any excess will rub off in your pillow or get brushed out in the morning.
2) When swimming, particularly in a pool, make sure you wear a swimming cap, especially if you are blonde. I know they aren't the most attractive invention, but it will keep the minerals and chemicals out of your hair, and the moisture and/or color in. If you absolutely refuse to wear one, make sure you wet your hair completely with tap water (conditioner is even better) BEFORE you get into the water. This will help keep natural moisture in your hair, but won't necessarily keep your hair from turning colors!
TIP: If you find your hair has already turned either greenish (chlorine or lime) or orangish (iron), there are treatments that can be done to help reduce mineral build up. If your hair is colored, you may need something more than home treatments can safely do on your hair. Call me and I can recommend the right treatment for you.
3) Don't fight it! Sometimes the weather will get a hold of your hair and there is just nothing anyone can do. Especially if you have curly or coarse hair, nature knows best. Try to let your hair air dry if possible. There is no shame in a ponytail or hat day in Misawa! We are all going through it together.
2) If you are a color client, get your color done regularly as well. Waiting too long between visits can yield different results in hair color at the new growth area. The hair closest to your scalp is warmer and processes differently than the hair farther from your head. Make sure you have at least 1/2" (3/4" for foil clients) and no more than 1 1/2" of new growth to ensure even results.
3) When blow drying your hair, make sure you point the air nozzle downwards on the hair shaft (in the direction of the ends). Directing the air flow against the direction of your hair cuticle will ruff it up and make it fuzzy, but directing it down will help lay the cuticle flat for shinier, smoother results.
4) Make sure hair is at least 80% dry before putting it in a ponytail. When wet, the hair is more elastic and stretches up to 50% more than when dry. As the hair dries, if it is in a ponytail, the holder is stretching while your hair is trying to shrink up, causing unnecessary stress and breakage. I can often tell the military girls, because the have a permanent indent or fuzzies exactly where the ponytail goes every morning. Also, try to use holders with no metal, as it can catch and tear your hair.
5) The worst time in the world for a drastic change is right before a major event. If you really want a big change I strongly recommend doing it at least 2 or 3 months in advance. Some color changes require more than one sitting, This will give you time to make sure it is what you want, and leave time to go back in case you don't like it before the big event. If you want a drastic length change, it will give you time to get used to styling it. If it comes down to it, we can always order extensions!
6) Pictures are the best thing you can do for your stylist. If you want to do something different on your next visit, bring pictures. We all have our own idea of what we want. But what you would call "caramel" highlights, I might think is more of a "honey" color. Bring in a photo of your favorite celebrity blonde or the best hair cut you ever had. Words are all open to interpretation, but a picture narrows it down.