- by Maggie Cullen

Hairstylists are struggling. We are people who are passionate about what we do. We want to make you feel and look good, we crave personal interactions. We too are lonely in much of this “stay home, stay safe” world we are all living in.

I would like to share some of the industry’s best suggestions on how to feel good about your hair through this pandemic.

BANGS (or fringe) are quite literally at the front of the pack when it comes to people’s issues with their hair.

My suggestions:
1. As your bangs grow out and into your eyes, begin styling them to the side. It will refresh your look, lifting and softly opening up your face.
2. Cutting your bangs at home is a reality that sometimes can’t be avoided. Cut them when your hair is clean and dry. Don’t pull down too hard, hold gently. Go slow, take small amounts off at a time to avoid going too short.

ROOTS, oh those dreaded roots! Proof that your hair is growing but they are the last thing you want to see.

My suggestions:
1. Root spray in a colour close to your hair colour. L’Oréal Professional Root Spray and KMS Style Colour are two great options that don’t leave a buildup on your hair.
- holding the can approximately 4 to 6 inches away from your head and spritz along your part. For your hairline, place a tissue or towel on your forehead and then spritz. Allow it to dry for a few seconds and then brush through.
2. Matte Eye Shadow also works in a pinch.
- always choose a Matte colour that is a bit darker than what you think you need.
- pat on your part with the sponge applicator or with your finger. Finish with a bit of hairspray to hold it in its place.
3. Changing your part from side to side or a small zigzag part can help when your roots are showing just a bit.

When all else fails, there are no judgements. In the salon, stylists ask for your colour history. “Is your colour professional or at home colour?” Have you heard that before? Stylists are not judging you. We simply need to know so we can give you the best result possible. For example: Redken has 7 different lightener options. One of those lighteners lifts through at home colour better than the others.

My suggestions:
1. Try to hold off making any big changes to your hair until we are all back in the salon together.
2. Always wear the gloves that are supplied.
3. When picking the colour stay as close to your old colour as possible. (You can always message your stylist for their suggestion)
4. Do not pull the colour all the way through your hair. Try to only do the front hairline and your part. It may seem like a waste of colour but truly the less at home colour you use the less it will be at the salon to refresh, remix or remove.

Reach out to your hairstylist, they are missing you as much as you are missing them

Maggie Cullen is a Redken Certified Colourist. She works at Chatters Owen Sound as a Redken Chatters Colour Specialist Manager and a Chatters Master Stylist. You can reach her on Facebook Messenger at Maggie Cullen.