FUNdamentals 31: Why does clean hair matter?

Services not working like they should? Your client’s hair looking duller and drier than usual? This could be a result of all the stuff that can build up on hair—keeping it from being clean and keeping their hair from looking great. Based on the science, clean hair = healthy hair…

what is clean hair?

A clean slate may not look like what you expect. Shampoo commercials show off glossy, smooth locks as the picture-perfect version of clean hair. In reality, truly clean hair looks more matte and feels soft and airy—not slick and shiny like traditional advertising has taught us. An easy way to tell is when you go to wet your client’s hair. If it feels buttery soft like you already applied conditioner, there might be some buildup going on.

Here’s another way to think about it. If clean hair is a fresh piece of paper with nothing on it, it doesn’t look as shiny. When you go to laminate it, it now feels smooth and reflects more shine. That lamination is like buildup on hair, acting as a roadblock to anything you put on top.

Truly clean hair might even give a little squeak when rubbed together from friction between the hair cuticle and your fingers —a fun experiment you can try at the shampoo bowl.

what if my client’s hair isn’t clean?

To get your client’s hair back on track, we first need to understand the culprits behind dirty hair. These can come from their routine, the environment, and even just living with hair. Here’s the break down:

FUNdamentals 31: Why does clean hair matter?

Yeah, we put hair through a lot. Without even trying, your client’s hair can accumulate buildup that blocks anything you put on top from reaching your strands and working properly. Hence those subpar service results we mentioned earlier.

clean canvas = better results

With a clean base, hair color applies more vibrantly, treatments perform more effectively, and styling products work better. So no matter what you’re creating in the salon, starting with clean hair will deliver better results.

So let’s get you there.

You might be wondering “do I just need to shampoo and my clients are good to go?” Well, sort of. The ironic thing is that most shampoos aren’t made with hair and scalp health in mind. The average shampoo is not pH optimized, causing a higher degree of cuticle swelling and letting excess water get into your client’s hair. This causes damage, dullness, frizz, and tangling—which we usually fix with styling products, and perpetuates the buildup cycle. Hair + scalp pH being thrown off balance can also contribute to excess sebum and oil buildup. Our pH-optimized shampoos are made with hair’s optimal pH in mind to minimize cuticle swelling. This protects your client’s hair color and keeps their moisture levels in check for healthier hair and scalp after just one wash.

And how about shampoos that claim to style while they clean? We’re talking things like volumizing and curl-enhancing shampoos. They’re usually packed with filler ingredients that leave deposits behind (read: more buildup) to give your clients that promised look. Our no-filler shampoos are formulated with our K18PEPTIDE™ to effectively cleanse and maintain hair strength without leaving fillers or deposits behind. So when you’re in need of a heavy-duty detox shampoo before your service or our smoothing DAMAGE SHIELD pH protective shampoo for multi-wash services, our pH-optimized shampoos have your back.

keep clean hair going

Now that you got a better cleanse in the salon, how about the other things impacting hair cleanliness? It can feel impossible for your clients to avoid environmental irritants and metals and minerals from their water. Good news, there’re a few recommendations so they can get holistically clean and healthy hair in-between appointments.

Try a shower filter that keeps metals + minerals out
Look for products optimized for the hair + scalp environment
Try limiting hair’s sun exposure
Use a chelating treatment pre-service to remove stubborn metal + mineral buildup

See ya soon for more FUNdamentals.