Hair Care Tips Carmen Walker Hair Care Tips Carmen Walker

A Simple Hair Care Routine: What Should My Hair Routine Be?

Do you ever find yourself asking, "What should my hair routine be?" or wondering, "What should a hair routine look like?" If you've been searching for a straightforward and easy-to-follow hair care routine that you can share with friends and family, you're in the right place. In this blog post, we'll walk you through a weekly and monthly hair care routine that will leave your hair looking its best without requiring a lot of time or effort.

Do you ever find yourself asking, "What should my hair routine be?" or wondering, "What should a hair routine look like?" If you've been searching for a straightforward and easy-to-follow hair care routine that you can share with friends and family, you're in the right place. In this blog post, we'll walk you through a weekly and monthly hair care routine that will leave your hair looking its best without requiring a lot of time or effort.

Why a Hair Care Routine is Essential

Before we dive into the details, let's understand why having a hair care routine is crucial. Just like any other part of your body, your hair needs consistent care to maintain its health and beauty. A well-thought-out routine can help prevent damage, promote growth, and keep your hair shiny and vibrant.

Weekly Hair Care Routine:

1. Rosemary Oil on Scalp:

- Start your week by applying rosemary oil to your scalp. This natural oil is known for its hair-strengthening properties and can help improve blood circulation to your hair follicles.

2. Shampoo:

- Use a mild, sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse your hair thoroughly. This will remove dirt and excess oil while being gentle on your hair.

3. Skip Conditioner:

- For your weekly routine, skip using conditioner to avoid product buildup. Conditioner can be used sparingly during your monthly routine.

4. Towel Dry:

- Gently towel dry your hair to remove excess moisture.

5. K18 Repair Mask:

- Apply the K18 Repair Mask to your hair. This mask is designed to repair and strengthen damaged hair, leaving it looking healthier.

6. Detangle:

- Carefully detangle your hair using a wide-tooth comb to prevent breakage.

7. Leave-In Conditioner:

- Apply a leave-in conditioner to keep your hair hydrated and manageable.

8. Heat Protector:

- Before using any heat styling tools, make sure to apply a heat protector to shield your hair from damage.

9. Blow-Dry and Style Accordingly:

- Blow-dry your hair and style it as desired. Use heat styling tools sparingly to prevent excessive damage.

Monthly Hair Care Routine:

1. Brush Using Boar Bristles:

- Use a brush with boar bristles to distribute natural oils evenly and promote scalp health.

2. Rosemary Oil on Scalp:

- Like in your weekly routine, apply rosemary oil to your scalp to boost hair growth.

3. Castor Oil Treatment:

- Apply castor oil to your hair and scalp and leave it on for 1-2 hours. This treatment can help strengthen and nourish your hair.

4. Clarifying Shampoo:

- Use a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup or impurities from your hair.

5. Mask:

- Apply a deep conditioning mask to restore moisture and vitality to your hair.

6. Brush:

- Gently brush your hair again to distribute the mask evenly.

7. Leave-In Conditioner:

- Apply leave-in conditioner to maintain moisture balance.

8. Heat Protection:

- Don't forget to apply a heat protector before using heat styling tools.

9. Blow-Dry and Style Accordingly:

- Finish your monthly routine by blow-drying and styling your hair as desired.


By following this simple and effective hair care routine, you can maintain healthy, beautiful locks without spending hours on your hair each day. Share this routine with your friends and family, and let them in on the secret to gorgeous hair. Remember, consistency is key, so make this routine a regular part of your self-care regimen for the best results. Here's to fabulous hair days ahead!

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K18 Stand Alone Treatment

The K18 Mask is the most effective hair mask I've ever used, and I've cycled through many treatments over the years. However, I was not 100% Sold the first time I used it, so the instructions explained using it six times consecutively before dropping it every three or four washes for maintenance.

Around the third application, you notice the most significant difference in touch ability. The only hesitation I can think of over this mask is the price, which is steep for such a small bottle, but I'm a big believer in you paying for what you get.

If there were ever an excuse to splash out, this is the one, a science-backed (and pro-loved) add-on treatment that is perfect when used in Bleach + Color, Relaxers, and Perms. The list goes on.

-

VEGAN

-

dermatologically tested

-

cruelty-free

-

color-safe

- VEGAN - dermatologically tested - cruelty-free - color-safe


MESSAGE FROM CARMEN

The K18 Mask is the most effective hair mask I've ever used, and I've cycled through many treatments over the years. However, I was not 100% Sold the first time I used it, so the instructions explained using it six times consecutively before dropping it every three or four washes for maintenance.

Around the third application, you notice the most significant difference in touch ability. The only hesitation I can think of over this mask is the price, which is steep for such a small bottle, but I'm a big believer in you paying for what you get.

If there were ever an excuse to splash out, this is the one, a science-backed (and pro-loved) add-on treatment that is perfect when used in Bleach + Color, Relaxers, and Perms. The list goes on.

Below is some information surrounding the stand alone service.


The Process…

STEP 1: K18 PEPTIDE PREP Spray

Removes hard water buildup, minerals + metal buildup


STEP 2: K18PEPTIDE DETOX SHAMPOO

Removes- 99% of product buildup

K18PEPTIDE reduces protein loss to keep hair feeling soft, strong, healthy + clean.

STEP 3: PH MAINTENANCE SHAMPOO

The certified microbiome-friendly formula removes dirt + oil without disturbing the scalp’s natural protective barrier.

STEP 4: MOLECULAR REPAIR MIST

This Part of the K18 Stand Alone service is used to open the cuticle + strengthen the hair canvas before undergoing the next stage.

STEP 5: MOLECULAR REPAIR MASK

Used to close the cuticle + renew damage to the chemical service

COST OF THE TREATMENT

FROM £50


THE SCIENCE BY VIDEO

  • The three alcohols in the k18 formula work together to open the hair cuticle to carry the k18 peptide further into the inner layers of hair to reach broken polypeptide chains. This repairs hair's structural integrity, renewing strength, softness, smoothness, and bounce.

  • K18 needs to reach that inner part of the hair to work most effectively.

    Buildup from other products can sit on the hair, making it hard for K18 peptides to penetrate.

    Clean hair ensures K18 can make it all the way to the inner layers reaching the polypeptide chains (keratin chains) and renewing strength and elasticity when it gets there.

  • Traditional conditioners coat the outer layers of hair to patch up the damage.

    This also causes buildup, making it hard for K18 to penetrate the hair.

    Clarified and cleansed hair ensures K18 can make it all the way to the inner layers reaching the polypeptide chains (keratin chains) and renewing strength and elasticity when it gets there.

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K18 Repair Treatment

K18 is the patented molecular breakthrough clinically proven to reverse hair damage from bleach + colour, chemical services, and heat in two simple steps.

A treatment for all hair types that clinically reverses damage in 4 minutes.

The science is complex but here’s everything you need to know about why K18 is a scientific breakthrough—and how it can bring your damaged strands back to their original, youthful state.

When hair gets damaged, the polypeptide chains (keratin chains) that make up the inner structure of hair strands become weakened and break. For context, there are billions and billions of keratin chains in a single strand of hair. When these are damaged, hair’s core structure becomes compromised and, as a result, it loses its strength, elasticity, resiliency, and shine.


THE SCIENCE BY VIDEO

  • The three alcohols in the k18 formula work together to open the hair cuticle to carry the k18 peptide further into the inner layers of hair to reach broken polypeptide chains. This repairs hair's structural integrity, renewing strength, softness, smoothness, and bounce.

  • K18 needs to reach that inner part of the hair to work most effectively.

    Buildup from other products can sit on the hair, making it hard for K18 peptides to penetrate.

    Clean hair ensures K18 can make it all the way to the inner layers reaching the polypeptide chains (keratin chains) and renewing strength and elasticity when it gets there.

  • Traditional conditioners coat the outer layers of hair to patch up the damage.

    This also causes buildup, making it hard for K18 to penetrate the hair.

    Clarified and cleansed hair ensures K18 can make it all the way to the inner layers reaching the polypeptide chains (keratin chains) and renewing strength and elasticity when it gets there.


The K18 Add-on Service In The Salon

STEP 1: Chelator

Reduces 7 of the most common types of metal + mineral buildup in 4 minutes*

STEP 2: Molecular repair hair mist
A pre-service treatment that strengthens hair before any chemical service.

STEP 3: molecular repair hair mask
A post-service treatment that repairs damage caused during any salon service. Clinically proven to improve & reverse damage from chemical services and thermal styling– in 4 minutes.

COST TO ADD TO YOUR SERVICE: £30


-

VEGAN

-

dermatologically tested

-

cruelty-free

-

color-safe

- VEGAN - dermatologically tested - cruelty-free - color-safe

Using K18 at home

    1. Shampoo, do not condition.

    2. Towel dry thoroughly.

    3. Begin with one pump of the K18 Mask and add more as needed depending on the length, thickness, and condition.

    4. Work evenly into hair from ends to roots, one pump at a time.

    Let the k18 sit for 4 minutes to activate.

    Do NOT rinse out.

    Apply the rest of your styling products after the 4 minutes is up

    Style as usual.

  • DO use a clarifying shampoo if you’re a heavy product or dry shampoo user to remove buildup and help our peptide penetrate and get where it needs to go.

    DO wait the full 4 minutes before styling or applying other product

    DO use every 4-6 shampoos consecutively to see and feel ongoing results

    DON’T condition your hair before application.

    DON’T overuse; a little goes a long way.

    DON’T rinse out. This is a leave-in, so leave it in.

    • K18 is clinically proven to reverse damage in just 4 minutes.

    • Heals damage from bleach, colour, chemical services, and heat

    • Restores strength, softness, smoothness

    • Doesn’t wash away with shampoo, leaving lasting results

    Vegan, colour-safe, cruelty-free

    up to 91% original strength*

    up to 94% original elasticity*

    • Results were observed in a clinical study while using mist and mask as part of bleaching treatment. Results may vary depending on hair type, quality and history.


MESSAGE FROM CARMEN

The K18 Mask is the most effective hair mask I've ever used, and I've cycled through many treatments over the years. However, the first time I used it, I was not 100% Sold, which is why the instructions explained using it six times consecutively before dropping down to every three or four washes for maintenance.

Around the third application, you notice the most significant difference in touch-ability. The only hesitation I can think of over this mask is the price, which is steep for such a small bottle, but I'm a big believer in you paying for what you get.

If there were ever an excuse to splash out, this is the one, a science-backed (and pro-loved) add-on treatment perfect when used in Bleach + Color, Relaxers, Perms, the list goes on.

Read More
Hair care Carmen Walker Hair care Carmen Walker

Why you should stop letting your hair air dry

So many clients, tell me they leave their hair to dry naturally and I understand; drying your hair is a lot of effort (especially for those of us with hair extensions)! We’re told about the dangers of heat styling all the time, so why not just leave your hair to dry by itself or even dry while you sleep??

Well, letting your hair air dry may be causing a lot more damage than you think!

air+drying-3.jpg

Raise your hand if you thought leaving your hair to air dry was good for your hair…

So many clients tell me they leave their hair to dry naturally and I understand; drying your hair is a lot of effort (especially for those of us with hair extensions)! We’re told about the dangers of heat styling all the time, so why not just leave your hair to dry by itself or even dry while you sleep??

Well, letting your hair air dry may be causing a lot more damage than you think!

When our hair gets wet it swells. Hair can absorb up to 30% of its weight in water! That swelling puts pressure on the hair cuticles making it significantly weaker when wet, and the longer that swelling takes place, the more pressure it puts on the cuticles. Hair is especially vulnerable to damage at this time, as washing hair strips it of its natural oils. Therefore, by leaving your hair wet for a long period of time, you risk broken and split ends.

And leaving your hair to dry while you sleep overnight is an even bigger no no! As you toss and turn throughout the night, friction will cause the hair to snap! Also, the combination of warmth and dampness allows bacteria and fungi to multiply on your scalp, leading to all of ours worst nightmare - dandruff. Not to mention the tangled bedhead you’ll be greeted with in the morning! One of the most important investments you can make to reduce these effects is to sleep on a silk pillowcase instead of cotton. This material is smoother, which means less friction and hence less breakage and less frizz!

So, you’ve been told to stay away from heat styling and now told not to air dry your hair either! What should you do??

Excessive heat does damage your hair, but the key is adopting the right blow-dry technique!

Start by removing excess water when towel drying! Then, begin blow drying on a low heat, as your hair begins to dry you can increase the temperature until finally styling your hair on the highest temperature.

Most importantly, don’t forget to apply product to your damp hair! My favourites are Olaplex no.6 and no.7! Olaplex no.6 is a leave-in smoothing cream which strengthens and moisturises hair! While Olaplex no.7 is a reparative styling oil that protects against UV/heat and increases shine and softness of hair!

And this applies to men too! Male hair isn’t any stronger and its a lot quicker to blow dry! Its important we all take a little more time for ourselves and our hair, try this hair drying technique and see the improvement in your locks!

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Hair Mask 101

Considering the amount of strain we all put our hair through with heat styling, teasing, chemical straightening and colouring, we should all be using luxurious hair masks. If you have a specific hair concern - such as damage or really dry hair - then treating it with an intensive mask will only do great things, plus chilling out at home with a hair mask is great for the soul.

Considering the amount of strain we all put our hair through with heat styling, teasing, chemical straightening and colouring, we should all be using luxurious hair masks. If you have a specific hair concern - such as damage or really dry hair - then treating it with an intensive mask will only do great things, plus chilling out at home with a hair mask is great for the soul. 

To keep it really simple i have broke down my favourite hair mask, based on some popular concerns;

If it’s BREAKAGE or SPLIT ENDS - look for masks which containing proteins 

If its MOISTURE or FRIZZ - look for masks which contain ‘butter’, hydration and shine

Hair masks listed can be used on all hair types

elasticizer hair mask

Elasticizer contains all the moisturising needed perfect for very dry, fragile and thirsty hair. Your hair will feel instantly hydrated and nourished, leaving your hair full of elasticity, bounce and shine.

Directions of use:

Apply before shampooing.

Dampen the hair and apply in sections from roots through to mid-lengths and ends, ensuring maximum coverage.

Cover the hair with a shower cap or towel to ensure absorption of all nutrients.

Leave for 10 to 20 minutes to process.(the longer the better) - you can even sleep with product on

Rinse thoroughly, then shampoo and condition

Note: Do not use Elasticizer 72 hours before or after colouring your hair, as it may affect how the colour takes.

redken-all-soft-heavy-cream-mask

All Soft Heavy Cream moisturises and conditions as well as strengthening your hair to leave your hair feeling sleek and nourished.

Directions of use:

Can be used regularly

Apply to towel-dried hair after cleansing with shampoo

Gently massage product through hair. (Mid length to Ends)

Cover hair with a shower cap / towel or plastic cap. The heat created helps open up your hair’s cuticles, so they can properly absorb the nutrients.

Leave in for 15 - 30 minutes.

Rinse thoroughly.

olaplex-no-3-hair-perfector-no-6-bond-smoother-twin-2-x-100ml

Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector - a treatment that reconnects bonds in the hair that have been broken by colouring, lightening or excessive heat styling. By multiplying and rebuilding the hair's bonds, it eliminates breakage whilst making colour last much longer. You'll see the best results when you use with step 1 + 2, which are in-salon services

Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother - is an amazing concentrated, leave-in smoothing cream, great for use on all hair types, including colour-processed or chemically-treated hair. ingredients contain Coconut Oil and Vitamin E, it combats frizz and flyaway for up to 72 hours, hydrates and provides thermal protection.

Directions of use:

No. 3 - apply a generous amount to wet (not washed) hair then comb through. Leave in for 10 minutes or longer. the longer the better!). – you can even sleep with olaplex no 3

Cover hair with a shower cap / towel or plastic cap. The heat created helps open up your hair’s cuticles, so they can properly absorb the nutrients.

Rinse and wash with a Sulphate free shampoo then condition. If necessary, can be used more than once per week.

No. 6 - apply a small amount to damp or dry hair. Distribute evenly through mid-lengths and ends. Style as desired.

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Shampoo's and Conditioner’s to Maintain Hair Health

Choosing the right Shampoos and Conditioners is a vital part of your hair routine. Shampoos and Conditioners are both important for cleansing, smoothing and refreshing your hair.
In this blog post I have named some of my favourite Shampoos and Conditioners

 

Shampoo Choices Based on Hair Type

DRY HAIR 

Kera Care Moisture/ Hydrating Detangling Shampoo 16oz - £8

“ A great option when your hair is feeling dry or brittle”  

Humecto Crème Conditioner - £8

“It is amazing when used correctly. Humecto helps correct and prevent moisture loss more so when it's been exposed to chemical and thermal styling appliances”.

Please ensure you apply the conditioner mid-length to ends and ensure you rinse properly.

STRENGTHENING

Olaplex No 4 & 5- £48

“It is one of my personal favorites, it's great for colored hair, weakened, or brittle hair. Olaplex contains bond repairing ingredients to improve hair condition”.

All the products which I have listed, I use within the salon and personally.

I hope you purchase, at least one of the two brands which I have listed, to ensure we maintain your hair health.

Lots of LOVE






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