To get the results you want at your next salon visit, it’s important to communicate well with your stylist and show up to your appointment prepared. That being said, we understand that the salon environment can be intimidating and that not everyone knows exactly what to discuss with their stylist or what to do beforehand.
We’re here to help.
So what should you share with your stylist in the chair? And what can you do before the salon to prepare for your visit? Keep reading for six easy tips that ensure you leave with your desired results and healthiest hair—every time.
tip #1: arrive with clean hair
Showing up to the salon with clean hair allows for optimal application of hair color, more effective treatments, and helps your stylist better perform any service you’re looking for.
K18’s DAMAGE SHIELD pH protective shampoo gently cleanses without stripping while simultaneously protecting hair from damage. The pH-optimized formula helps to reduce excess swelling of the hair cuticle during washing, which helps prevent frizz, preserve color, and boost shine.
If you have a lot of buildup, cleanse with the PEPTIDE PREP™ detox shampoo beforehand. The heavy-lifting formula gently removes 99% of product buildup*, 95% of sebum*, and 76% copper*. This leaves your scalp and hair ready for maximum damage repair (and results!).
tip #2: know your home’s water hardness
The metals and minerals in hard water can take a major toll on hair’s health, so be sure to check it before you show up to the salon so your stylist can prep your hair as needed.
If it’s very hard, ask your stylist to start your appointment with K18’s PEPTIDE PREP™ pro chelating hair complex. This spray-on treatment demineralizes hair and is clinically proven to reduce seven types of metal and mineral buildup*. This helps ensure more vibrant and even color, restores bounce and shine, and improves the effectiveness of your desired salon services.
tip #3: use K18’s leave-in molecular repair mask at-home
Set hair up for success before you get to the salon by using the K18 leave-in molecular repair mask prior to your appointment. The 4-minute treatment works on the molecular level to reverse damage from bleach, color + chemical services, and heat* for all hair types.
By incorporating it in your regular routine, you’re ensuring your hair is in its healthiest state and can handle any services you undergo.
tip #4: bring pictures with you
Bring inspiration photos to your appointment to show your stylist the look you’re going for and what you hope to achieve. This way they can do their best to replicate what you want and you can discuss the benefits, any potential challenges, or adjustments they recommend for your lifestyle and appearance.
tip #5: tell your stylist your current routine
Before any service, it’s a good idea to give your stylist a rundown of your current routine including the products you use, how you style your hair, and if you use any special treatments. This helps your stylist to understand your hair’s foundation and how to best approach your transformation.
They can also make personalized recommendations for at-home or travel routines to keep your hair healthy between appointments.
tip #6: ask for K18REPAIR™
Last but not least, ask your stylist for K18REPAIR™ at every appointment. This two-step service is exclusively available at salons and is powered by K18-patented K18PEPTIDE™, to fortify hair before—and repair after—any salon service.
Together, they deliver lasting, biocompatible repair from bleach, color + chemical services, and heat* for all hair types. It only takes 8 minutes (4 minutes each) and delivers healthier hair through every transformation—even extreme salon services.