Hair Treatments
The Keratin Smoothing Treatment
Now that summer is just about over, it’s time to reflect a little bit. Everyone has been loving the Keratin Smoothing Treatment that Oliver’s offers which is great! I’m glad I got to showcase such a cool treatment that a lot of people don’t know about, especially during the summer when a ton of us suffer from frizzy and difficult-to-manage hair. In this post, I’m going to provide a quick follow up to the Keratin Smoothing Treatment I was able to receive. If you haven’t gotten the chance to read that blog, check it out here first, then come back to read about the results!
Here’s my hair 6 weeks out from the treatment! It’s still straight and way softer than before I had the treatment done. For the full follow-up, keep reading.
So first, a little recap of the results I saw immediately after my treatment. The treatment I received was the Keratin Express Blowout, which is the shorter version of the full Keratin Smoothing Treatment. It was expected to last about 6 weeks and make my hair less reactive to humidity and frizziness. The few days directly following my hair was much easier to manage, especially on humid days when it’s usually a nightmare. I don’t fully straighten or style my hair on a daily basis. I generally touch up my roots and ends with a straightener in the morning, but now I wake up, brush it out, and go--yes, I woke up like this.
Day to Day Differences
I didn’t really notice a decrease in the quality of the treatment as the weeks went on. My hair didn’t seem to get any less smooth and I wasn’t noticing it reverting back to its original frizz, even in humid temperatures or during rainy days. Obviously, when I wash my hair it still comes out curly, but my curls are significantly looser and easier to run my fingers through. I’ve been doing a lot of travelling so not having to bring as many styling products around with me has been a huge plus.
Washing
One thing I was super excited to see was how the treatment affected my natural hair. I have curly hair that I usually wear straightened, and from washing to styling, it used to take me around 90 minutes. My hair is definitely much harder to wrangle when its curly and nearly impossible to comb through while it’s wet, especially before I condition it.
Following my Keratin Smoothing Treatment, washing my hair was a hundred times easier. While it was wet, products easily coated my locks and I was able to spend less time fighting with the comb. My curls were looser so sectioning everything off before blow drying was much easier. However, the biggest difference this treatment made was after I blow dried it. Usually, blow drying my hair takes about 20 minutes, and I end up looking like I just got electrocuted. The Keratin Smoothing Treatment made my hair so much tamer after blow drying for less than 10 minutes. I’d say my blow dried hair was about a quarter of the size it usually is, and looked much more presentable to the point where I could have walked out of my house without straightening it.
It’s also worth noting that I don’t wash my hair everyday, so this probably prolonged the treatment's effect.
Final Thoughts
I would definitely recommend this treatment to anyone who has more difficult to manage hair, especially if you have curly or wavy hair. It will loosen your curls and make them easier to deal with, without any damage. Even if you have straight hair that picks up humidity, this treatment would still be perfect for you. It didn’t take any body or fullness away from my hair, it just make it easier to manage while curly and more sleek and controlled looking while straight.
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Here’s the full set of before and after pictures, from day one to 6 weeks later! The first two photos are from the day I got the treatment, and the third is after 6 weeks. I’m super happy with the results I got from the Keratin Express Treatment and I'm still getting benefits from it even 6 weeks later.
One big plus I noticed was my lack of split ends. I had my hair trimmed the same day as my Keratin Smoothing Treatment, giving my ends a fresh start. I usually straighten the ends of my hair daily, so I notice damaged ends much sooner following a trim. However, since I've been completely skipping that step in my routine, my split ends have been nonexistent.
If you’re still unsure about the treatment, start out with the express version like I did. It’ll give you an idea of what your hair texture will be without committing to the full Keratin Smoothing Treatment.
Time Saved
In the morning, before the treatment I’d estimate that I spent about 15 minutes doing my hair. Now when I get ready, I literally brush it and leave, which takes under a minute. So across about 6 weeks, that equals over 10 hours of saved time in the mornings across about 6 weeks. (This is only a rough estimate. I’m on summer break so please don’t ask me to do any serious mathematical computations for at least another week or two.) This is a huge amount of time, and doesn’t even account for the time I’ve saved on hair-washing days. Since the treatment, I’ve been setting my alarms later because I know I don’t have to do my hair. This is totally ideal for someone like me who is always looking for that extra couple of minutes in my bed in the morning.
So just for fun...
Here are a couple ways I could have spent those 10 hours:
- Watching 20 episodes of The Office.
- Run about 78 miles at the gym. (Who am I kidding, this one would never have happened)
- One beach day.
- A one-way flight to Italy.
- 10 extra hours at work. (Maybe I’d feel less guilty about my most recent shoe purchase if I had done this one)
What did I actually do? Catch a couple extra minutes of sleep in the morning. #NoRegrets.
Interested in saving time in the morning (and hopefully spending it more productively than I did?) For more information on how to get the Keratin Express or the full Keratin Smoothing Treatment from one of our many certified stylists, call us at (610) 366-8808 or book online.
Salon Consultations 101
With so many different hair styles and trends out there, it’s hard to avoid hair envy. Try scrolling through the Instagram #hair page without being just a little bit jealous of that girl with the super cute rose gold ombre, or the one with the icy blonde balayage. Everyone gets that itch every once in a while to completely redo their look. So what happens when you decide to scratch it? You take the plunge and call your stylist saying you need a change. Sure, you may have an Instagram picture to go off of. But how do you make sure that your new look comes out looking just how you want it? A consultation.
In this post, I’m going to give you some insight into why booking a salon consultation with your stylist before making any major changes is an absolute must. A quick consultation with your stylist will put you both on the same page, address any possible issues that may arise, and can potentially give you new ideas that you hadn't thought about before.
Making a radical change? This process took a salon consultation, as well as multiple visits, lightening sessions, and sets of extensions. Make sure to schedule a salon consultation with your stylist so they can pull off every component of your perfect new ‘do. Keep reading to see pictures of the entire process!
Let’s face it: Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we’ve all made style or beauty mistakes that are downright embarrassing. Whether it was my barely-there eyebrow phase, or my neon hair phase, I’ve deleted more Facebook and Instagram pictures from middle and high school than I can count. It happens to all of us, because it’s easy to overlook a glaring error in your beauty routine or pick a style that might not fit into your life well.
For example, I love all the amazing balayages that are popular right now. But I stay away from getting one because I know I'm not the best with maintenance. (My hair has been super easy to style since having a Keratin Express Treatment. Click here to read my blog about it!) The most perfect style in the world isn't really perfect if it also doesn't fit into your routine and habits. That’s where your stylist can step in. Along with knowing the technicalities of HOW to do your hair, stylists are also able to make suggestions that will customize the style you want perfectly into to your life.
So What Is A Salon Consultation?
A salon consultation is a quick visit with your stylist or aesthetician to go over what you want and need in your next visit. They’re not necessary every time you get your hair done. If you’re a regular and have been getting your haircut by the same stylist in the same way for 10 years, naturally you don’t need any advice on what you want to get done. However, if you’re seeing a new stylist, visiting a new salon, or making a change to your current hairstyle it should be your first step.
Why Is A Consultation Necessary?
1. Lifestyle
It’s great to go in with an idea of what you’re looking for, but it’s also smart to let your stylist make suggestions. Our stylists won't sway you away from what you want, but they can ask questions you may not have considered. Does your job require you to wear your hair up? Are you able to take a lot or a little time for styling in the mornings? Are there certain products that you absolutely can't live without? These are all factors that go into choosing your perfect style that works for your life. The more custom tailored they’re able to make your appointment, the more likely you are to love your new hairstyle afterward.
2. Time
Everyone's hair type is different. Differences in hair length, thickness, type, and curl patterns can change your appointment drastically. Consultations can help the stylist get a gist of your appointment, ensuring they have enough time to do what you've requested. Getting to see you and your hair in person beforehand is a major plus. Your stylist wants to give you the optimal amount of time to make sure you're feeling well taken care of and not rushed out of their chair.
3. Reflect On Your Last Appointment
Didn’t like your bangs the last time? Felt your hair color made you look a little bit washed out? Now is the time to tell your stylist of any concerns you had from your previous appointment. So, be honest. Communication is key if you want to make sure you hair comes out exactly as you want it.
4. Different terms/lingo
Sometimes it’s hard to describe exactly what you want. I love beauty and style, but even I’m not a walking hair lingo dictionary. If you scroll through any stylist’s Instagram, they’re likely using more hashtags than you can count. From balayages to mermaid hair to platinum pixie cuts, there’s such a huge range of hairstyles and terms that describing exactly what you want can get messy. A consultation, especially one with pictures and references, is way more helpful to a stylist than just booking and booking an appointment and just saying you want “highlights,” when you actually want a “balayage.”
Nearly 3 million posts on this hashtag alone makes pinning down what you want in a look to one specific photo is almost impossible. Find multiple to show your stylist during your consultation and they'll figure out the rest.
There are so many different features of hairstyles to consider, such as tone, shade, and cut. So, its a great idea to have multiple picture examples highlighting different things you want. Having multiple pictures where you can point to different features is ideal. Think: "I like the bangs on this one. I want the length on this one but with more layers. The color on this picture is perfect.”
This method is so much more personalized to what you want than a single picture. Now, your stylist can piece together your perfectly customized look.
5. Feedback On Ideas
Stylists know what is and isn’t recommended with certain hair types and best ways to frame your face. So, they have valuable background knowledge that can help you make your final decisions. They'll be able to tell you any effects a service may have on your hair type. For me, this is a huge plus because my curly hair is prone to dryness. So knowing beforehand that a treatment will dry it out even more may change my decision. This is also helpful for maintenance like I mentioned before. If you show your stylist a picture and the maintenance requirements are something out of your comfort zone, you may want to opt for an easier style.
6. Specialty Appointments
Some hair appointments take even longer. For example, if you have very thick or curly hair, or damaged and brittle hair. A stylist will cut short, fine hair differently than they'll cut long curly hair. If this is you, you share my stress of going into a stylist. Do I want a different look? Yes. Do I want to destroy my hair in the process? Definitely not. A consultation is a perfect way to address any concerns or have your questions answered before your appointment.
The same goes if you're looking to get hair extensions. A consultation is required to color match your hair perfectly and pick out the desired length. Then, your extensions are custom ordered just for you. Customization is key to finding your perfect new look. So, consultations are necessary because your specific hair extensions need to be ordered in advance of your installation appointment.
Need Proof? Check Out The Dramatic Change In The Photos Below. This Transformation Was Only Achievable After A Successful Consultation
These pictures are the before and after extensions were added. These extensions were custom ordered and dyed for the client to make sure they perfectly matched her new color. Starting from the first picture to the last, it's hard to tell that's even the same person. For a change this drastic, a consultation was needed to talk through all of the steps that would take place.
Scheduling One Appointment Is A Pain, Now I Have To Schedule Two?
At Oliver's we want to give you the highest quality experience every time, so we make sure to offer consultations to all of our clients free of charge. They only take about 15 minutes and can give both you and your stylist peace of mind. After a quick meeting, you'll both know exactly what you want on the day of your appointment. Plus, you’ve done your due diligence with your stylist. Good hair karma all around.
If you can't pull off a consultation, another option is an "online" consultation. (I understand having a busy schedule, no judgement.) First, snap a couple selfies of your hair that show its different features (length, thickness, color). Make sure these are in the best lighting possible so they're accurate. Next, gather all of the #hairgoals pictures you've compiled of what you want your end look to be. Like I mentioned before, the best method is to have multiple pictures that you can pull inspiration from. Then, pass both of these onto your stylist so they can figure out what it'll take to pull off your before and after. While an in-person consultation is still preferable, this is a great alternative to simply booking an appointment without giving your stylist an idea of what your hair's starting point is.
Other Areas For Consultations
Changing up your hairstyle isn’t the only type of appointment that might need a consultation. If you’re receiving any type of permanent makeup application, Oliver’s requires a consultation. These procedures are partially permanent and require some thought before committing to. Microblading, for example, potentially lasts for years and can completely change your eyebrow shape and the entire look of your face.
A full blown consultation separate from your appointment isn’t necessary for most services. However, it’s always a good idea to let your aestheticians or masseuses know of any potential issues before an appointment. That sore shoulder you neglected to tell your masseuse about has the potential to make your massage seriously unpleasant. So, just give them a heads up on any areas that may need special attention. Same goes with any skin issues (like eczema or psoriasis) of you’re receiving a skin treatment. Spa treatments are for relaxation, so make sure you let your professional know of anything that might prevent that.
We Want You To Love Your Look
At the end of the day, we want our clients to have great relationships with our service providers. The better your stylist or aesthetician knows you, the better the end product is. Salon consultations are a great way to not only make sure you’re getting exactly what you want from a service, but also to form a bond with your stylist or aesthetician so in the future so they know your tastes and can give you suggestions. Oliver’s has many of clients that have been coming in for years that know exactly what they want. If you’re a new client or trying out something different, book a consultation to get that Instagram-worthy hairstyle.
If you want to change up your look and are interested in having one of our stylists help you out, schedule an appointment by calling us at (610) 366-8808 or booking online.
Tame Your Frizzy Hair
Let’s face it: all of us have been cursed at least once with the dreaded bad hair day, where nothing can seem to tame our frizz. There’s nothing worse than having to spend an extra 20 minutes of your morning calming your locks, just for them to revert back to their original shape by the end of the day. In this post, I'm going to explore one of the possible methods to stop frizzy hair: the Keratin Smoothing Treatment.
My hair directly after receiving my Keratin Smoothing Treatment! It looks way more healthy, smooth, and shiny, and seems like it's grown inches in just 90 minutes.
What makes hair frizzy?
Sun, heat, age, and environmental factors cause a reduction in keratin in your hair, which leads to your hair being drier and more porous. This causes the strands to take excess moisture from the air, producing frizz. (Hence why your hair may be extra unruly on those especially humid days.)
How to get rid of frizzy hair?
The best way to tame frizzy hair is by replenishing the keratin in your hair. But what is keratin? Keratin is a natural protein in your skin, hair and nails. In your hair, keratin gives your strands structure and provides a shield from the elements. When hair is damaged physically, the keratin protein is the first to go. So by replenishing keratin, you’re able to condition, strengthen, revitalize and repair damage. This results in shinier, bouncier, and more healthy looking hair. However, you can’t add more keratin back into your hair with wishful thinking.
LUCKILY, Oliver’s Salon and Spa offers an awesome service called the Keratin Complex Smoothing Treatment.
This treatment is a professional hair smoothening service that uses the reparative protein keratin. (Side note: There are multiple brands of the Keratin treatment on the market, but it is worth noting that this is a completely different service from many of the Brazilian Blowout/Brazilian Hair Smoothening treatments.)
How does that treatment work?
First and foremost, the treatment must be done in-house by a trained stylist. The stylist will perform a simple four-step process, outlined below. (Check out the end of the blog for my before and after!) Oliver's has several amazing stylists who are certified in performing both the Natural Keratin Smoothing Treatment and Keratin Express Blowout. Now, for the treatment process:
1. Your stylist will use a special deep-clarifying shampoo and wash your hair twice with it, preparing the hair for treatment and to remove residue and buildup from previous hair care products.
2. The selected smoothing treatment is applied.
3. The hair is blow-dried.
4. A hair straightener is used to seal in the treatment for a smooth, silky finish.(Steps may vary depending on the service performed)
The entire process takes about 90 minutes and leaves your hair looking fresh and fabulous. Everyone’s hair is different, so the longevity of the treatment varies on factors such as lifestyle and at-home maintenance. Oliver’s offers two methods for the Keratin treatment: The Natural Keratin Smoothing Treatment which lasts up to five months, and the Keratin Express Blowout which lasts up to six weeks. To prolong the amazing results from this treatment, make sure to use sodium chloride-free and sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners following your appointment.
My Experience
Now it wouldn’t be nearly as helpful or informative of a blog if I didn’t actually test the Keratin Smoothing Treatment out myself, right? I received the Keratin Express Treatment, which took about an hour and a half and the results are expected to last 6 weeks. I have naturally curly hair that is very prone to dryness and frizziness, especially during the summer. I generally keep it straightened to cut down on styling times and products, however this gives me even more dead ends and dryness. So, I was a pretty ideal candidate for the treatment because I had more than enough experience with frizzy damaged hair.
To start off the treatment my hair was washed twice with the Keratin clarifying shampoo. In my own hair care routine, I also use a clarifying shampoo for buildup. This makes my hair extremely dry, so I ALWAYS have to condition afterwards unless I feel like fighting with my hairbrush for the next hour. Naturally I was a little worried when I learned we wouldn’t be able to use conditioner prior to brushing the keratin treatment through my hair. I immediately felt bad for Hannah who would have to deal with the endless knots that were likely to form after shampooing my hair. However, when she began to brush the keratin through it glided easily through each of the sections, already making my curls much more manageable.
Next the keratin was blow dried into my hair. I usually blow dry my hair following a shower which generally causes it to grow immensely, but while Hannah was blowing it out, it was much smoother and a fraction of the size. Lastly, Hannah straightened the Keratin into my hair. This was an easy process and only took about 20 minutes. Altogether, the Keratin Complex Blowout was an extremely quick and easy treatment that hardly strayed away from a normal morning routine. As someone who has tested out a couple different types of relaxers and treatments, this was by far the easiest.
The Results
It was a rainy day so typically by the time I’d walk from the salon to my car at the end of the day, in the rain and humidity would have made my hair noticeably frizzier/larger by the second I closed the door. Today, my hair stayed completely in place and didn’t give me any trouble.
When I wake up, my usual morning routine is to take my hair down, brush it out, and lightly straighten the front pieces and ends which get slightly curly in my sleep, usually taking me about 15 minutes. The morning following the blowout I was able to just wake up and go because my hair was silky and much more manageable, and didn’t curl up at all in the night. (Anything that will help me to get a couple extra minutes of sleep in the morning I can 100% get behind.)
The weekend directly following my treatment was the ultimate test: I went camping. The weekend’s extreme humidity, thunderstorms, and the lack of all my hair products around me was daunting. While I love the outdoors, my hair was not built to be out in the wilderness without a flat iron. I expected to look like a complete mess by the end of the weekend, but that definitely wasn't the case. My hair stayed straight and in place, even through an afternoon hike in 90 degree weather.
I’m about a week out from the day I received my treatment and my first impression is definitely a home-run. I’ll post a follow up blog with how it’s held up over the next few weeks, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it goes!
Convinced Yet?
I would absolutely recommend the Keratin Complex Blowout treatment to anyone, especially those with wavy, curly, or hard to manage hair. Not only does it make your hair look and feel nicer in the short term, but it will cut down on the need for frequent styling with excessive heat, which will improve your hair’s health in the long run. If you’re new to hair treatments and want something with a shorter longevity, the Express Blowout is a great option to try before committing to the full treatment. You can get a feel of how the treatment will affect your personal hair type, and if you’re anything like me you’ll be dying to get the full treatment ASAP.
The Keratin Complex Blowout is an amazing treatment that will revamp your hair and cut down on future styling time, making your morning routine all that much easier. So the next time you wake up and can’t seem to tame your mane, give us a call to schedule your smoothing treatment!
For more information on how to get this service from one of our many talented stylists, call us at (610) 366-8808 or book online.
