New year, new hair? 

After a stressful couple of months (more like the entirety of 2020 and 2021), it's totally understandable why you'd want a fresh start. A different, vibrant hair color is the perfect thing to take you into 2022 as your best and brightest self.

After all, 52% of women feel they've gone grayer faster during quarantine.

So imagine your surprise when you put down the box hair dye, look in the mirror, and find that instead of the beautiful 'do you imagined, you're now rocking tiger stripes and have splotches of hair in the back that went untouched.

Your whole intention was to skip the hair salon, but now you've got no choice but to get it corrected. Here's why (besides the leopard spots) professional hair coloring is always the answer.

Box Hair Dye Isn't One-Color-Fits-All

Of course, the woman on the cover of the dye box is going to look gorgeous and happy, with luscious, silky hair. That's called good advertising!

But just because the color looks great on her doesn't mean it'll translate to your skin tone or hair type.

When you do your hair at home (especially if you're not a hair professional), you're missing this vital consultation. A professional stylist can assess your current hair color and the color you want and find a balance.

They're able to blend colors to create something unique—and fitting—to you.

You're Missing Out on Salon-Specific Products

Another thing you won't get at home is access to products that salons have.

Typically, a stylist uses a wide range of products to ensure the color bonds and the hair stays conditioned. 

At home, you might accidentally over-process your hair—and you won't have the necessary products to correct that. Say hello to frizzy hair that feels like hay!

Hair is extremely sensitive; even the strongest hair needs to be protected from damage. If you truly want to achieve the look on your dye box, you'll need more than the coloring agent that's inside. You'll need a whole host of products that most individuals can't get without a license. 

Additionally, when you finally make your way into the salon for a correction, you'll find that professional color and box color simply don't mix.

Certain Hair Dye Ingredients Should Be Avoided

Do you know what ingredients to look for in your hair dye?

Which ones, like ammonia, you should avoid, according to the professionals?

It's not only the ingredients you can't pronounce that could be dangerous. In the case of ammonia, for example, one professional would stay away from any box dyes that have ammonia in the developer as it could be extremely damaging to your hair. The problem is that it's an incredibly common ingredient in the box-dye industry.

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow?

In serious cases, your at-home hair appointment could result in you needing a whole makeover—costing you not only money and time but the look you've imagined for yourself.

Consider this your warning from the professionals: Step away from the box hair dye. It's simply not worth the risk.

Instead, give the best salon in your area a call and skip the hassle. If you're in the Northern California area, that's Crush Salon.

Call us at 510-358-2286 to book an appointment with one of our many talented stylists, or click here!

You want every day to be a good hair day, but the cold weather likes to take its toll on your hair.

Cold, windy temperatures along with dry indoor heat can dehydrate your hair and scalp. The result is dry, frizzy hair that's hard to manage.

There's no need to hide under your hat. We have some ideas that will keep your hair looking its best all winter long.

Here are some tips for how to keep hair from frizzing this winter.

Don't Wash Your Hair Every Day

If you wash your hair every day, you may be doing more harm than good. Washing your hair too much in the winter can strip your hair of natural oils and dry it out even more.

A good plan is to try to wash your hair two to three times a week. This will help prevent over-drying and frizzing. And fewer washes will limit the amount of heat styling of your hair.

Blow dryers and straighteners are hard on hair, especially in the winter. Limiting hair washing and heat styling helps control dryness and hair frizz all winter long.

Choose the Right Shampoo and Conditioner 

Sulfate is a common shampoo ingredient. But it can be harsh and strip the beneficial oils from your hair. 

For winter, choose a moisturizing shampoo that's free of sulfate and other harsh chemicals. Choose a rich, moisturizing conditioner that contains fatty acids and humectants.

These nourishing ingredients allow your hair to retain moisture and prevent frizzy hair during the coldest of days.

Avoid Hot Showers

When it's icy cold outside, a hot bath or shower is tempting. But very hot water is bad for your skin and your scalp.

If your scalp is dry, your hair will be dry too. Get in the habit of taking lukewarm baths and showers and try to limit your time in the water to ten minutes or less. 

Use Nourishing Hair Treatments

In addition to a good moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, you may want to add an additional hair product or two to your winter beauty routine. Adding moisture and healthy oils to your hair helps you battle the harsh outdoor elements and dry indoor air.

Massaging moisturizing products into your hair and scalp can protect and rejuvenate your hair when the cold weather is working against you. 

Eat a Healthy Diet 

Your daily habits affect the condition of your skin and hair. Be sure to drink lots of water and eat a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and natural oils.

This will help you feel better and keep your hair looking its best all year long. A diet rich in Vitamin A, C, and E boosts your immune system and benefits your hair, skin, and nails.

How to Keep Hair From Frizzing This Winter

The cold weather can definitely take a toll on your hair, leaving it looking and feeling dull, dry, and lifeless. There's a lot you can do if you want to know how to keep hair from frizzing this winter.

Good habits and the right hair products can help you keep your hair looking shiny and healthy during winter's harshest days.

No matter the weather, our goal at Crush Salon is to help you look your best and provide an amazing salon experience for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.