What Colorists Wish You Knew…

 

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What Colorists Wish You Knew Before Your Hair Appointment

 

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How to best prep your tresses for transformation.

If you have a hair-coloring nightmare under your belt, you are not alone. But chances are, that “Ack!” experience was born out of a lack of preparation, whether that was a refusal to prep mentally (sadly, platinum blonde tresses will not magically transform you into Kim Kardashian’s clone) or a refusal to prep your actual hair for the process (spoiler alert: dirty hair is not the way to go). Here, expert colorist Allison Condon’s secrets for properly preparing your tresses before you head to your next hair-coloring appointment.

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Don’t fall prey to the dirty-hair myth.

Despite the myth that hair color is best delivered to dirty tresses, having a bunch of buildup on your scalp and in your hair actually prevents the hair color from doing its job. That layer of build-up from products and oil acts a shield, meaning the color has to work double-duty to break through all that gunk before it actually gets to the real work: coloring your hair. So the first step in making sure your hair-coloring appointment is smooth sailing is to arrive to the salon with a clean mane. (And note: If washing your hair just isn’t in the cards, make sure to show up to your appointment a bit early so you don’t eat into your coloring time with a wash.)

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But be smart about how you wash your hair.

So you do want to wash your hair but, ideally, not on the same day as your appointment. (If you do have to wash your hair on the same day, avoid getting carried away with your at-home scalp massage — you don’t want your scalp to be sensitive when the dye is being applied.) While you don’t want to have a ton of buildup on your scalp, it does help to have a thin layer of natural protection. In order to give yourself time to build up a slight cushion, Condon suggests using a detoxifying shampoo (some are better than others — a safe bet is the Architeqt-recommended ColorProof Clear It Up Detox Shampoo), a rockstar when it comes to cutting through oils and residue from styling products, and a hair mask the night before you head to the salon. If you’re trying to fix a botched box-dye job (been there), you’ll want to consult with your colorist first and most likely get the “Get Pure” clarifying treatment ($25) which prepares your hair for a chemical service by removing minerals and cosmetic build up so that your hair will be a clean canvas for your coloring service.

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Don’t be afraid to go au naturale.

You wouldn’t go in for a facial with a full face of makeup, right? Getting all that foundation and blush and mascara off would cut into the time your esthetician has to actually, you know, perform your facial. So natural face it is. You want to think the same way when it comes to getting your hair colored. I know: The thought of walking out of your house without your usual styled-to-perfection locks might feel a bit scary, but all those “I’m so exposed!” feelings will pay off when your hair color is able to do its job more effectively, without your styling products creating a barrier that it needs to break down first. The same rule goes for using powders and sprays that conceal gray hairs — you’ll want to skip them for the day or risk them blocking the color from reaching your hair.

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Know that, try as you might, you will not magically transform into Jennifer Aniston in the chair.

Condon says she likes for clients to show up with some photos for reference while also understanding that there is no way to guarantee that a color that looks flawless on someone else’s hair — let’s say Jennifer Aniston — will turn out exactly the same on your hair. The way color presents is tied in not just to the actual color, but also hair texture, style and how your hair reflects color. You also want to have realistic expectations when it comes to how light you can go in one sitting. As Condon says, ever since Kim Kardashian went platinum blonde, that’s been a popular request, but the reality is that it took more than 13 hours (really) to get Kim’s hair to that hue. Your hair can also only lighten so much in one sitting — you have to give it some time for the cuticle to close so that you can go in and color it again. So if you have a dramatic transformation in mind, just be prepared for it to take a few sessions.

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Don’t slack off in between appointments

This one’s for all my procrastinators: You don’t just want to squeeze in the prep work in the days leading up to your appointment — you should be using a color-safe, low-PH shampoo and masking your hair regularly in between appointments to keep hair healthy for future coloring sessions. At Architeqt, a L’oreal Power Mix, an add-in treatment to keep hair healthy, is performed during all color treatments and clients are recommended to purchase Olaplex #3 or Smartbond #3 to help rebuild the bonds in the hair that might became damaged during a lightening service. And after using those, Condon suggests using a mask once a week. The reason? Your color isn’t going to look great if it’s painted onto damaged hair, and it’s also more difficult to predict what color will look like on damaged hair. (Psst: You can also head into Architeqt for a reviving Power Mix treatment for $35 anytime your hair is feeling less Jennifer-Aniston healthy and more Courtney-Love hot-mess. There are different formulas for everything from keeping color-treated hair healthy to adding moisture to repairing everyday wear and tear)

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olaplex_smartbondAnd there you have it! How to prep before you land in the chair for your hair coloring appointment.  Here’s to looking and feeling your best!

 

By Adjua Fisher

How to Have Your Healthiest Hair Yet

For your most Instagram-worthy locks this season, soak up these top-notch tips from our recent hair care event

with Alexey Kats, Sequoya Yeagle, and Dr. Vicki Bralow.

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  1. Don’t skimp on your shampoo and conditioner.

If you want to keep your tresses healthy—and that hard-earned color intact—upgrading your shower essentials is a must. (Read: The cheapest shampoo you can find at Target isn’t going to cut it anymore.) Sequoya Yeagle, a senior colorist and stylist educator at Architeqt Salon, suggests that everyone, no matter their hair type, invest in a pH-balanced shampoo. When it comes to how much to spend on said shampoo, Architeqt owner Alexey Kats says you’ll be looking at between $15 and $35. Look for paraben and sulfate-free products—as Alexey notes, “Sulfates are like using sandpaper on your hair over and over again.” No,thanks. The problem with many drugstore brands is that they are alkaline, and using them is akin to washing your hair with pool water all the time, Alexey says. So be sure to look for a shampoo with a pH of 7 or below.

 

  1. Be a smart shopper.

If you’re looking to save by shopping hair products on Amazon, make sure to look out for warning signs. Parabens are used as preservatives, so paraben-free products usually expire after a year or so, growing mold and bacteria when past their prime. Make sure to buy from reputable vendors and keep an eye out for old packaging, which could mean the product is expired. Knowing what types of products your hair type needs is also key, Sequoya notes: curly hair needs moisture-promoting products while straight hair is thirsty for protein-packed products.

 

  1. Beware the weather.

The dry heat found just about everywhere in winter can leave both your skin and hair parched. This affects how often you should wash your hair, which ranges form once every other day to once a week depending on your hair type. That said, one smart way to regulate your hair’s oil production, so it doesn’t dry out during the colder months, is to invest in a humidifier. You can also switch your products seasonally, based on what your hair is telling you it needs more of.

 

  1. Pay attention to what’s on your plate.

Okay, so we’ve talked about what you’re putting on your hair, but what you put in your body also plays a big part in your hair’s health. As Dr. Vicki Bralow noted during the hair health shindig, omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon, promote healthy hair. You also want to make sure you’re getting hefty servings of antioxidants. As Dr. Bralow explains, antioxidants act in your body as a sort of siv to catch the garbage that’s not benefiting your body. When you don’t get enough antioxidants, that gunk builds up in your body and shows in your outward appearance. Hello, dull hair. You can find antioxidants in all sorts of fruits and veggies, like berries and leafy greens.

 

  1. Know when to head to your doc.

Some hair-health issues are simply a reflection of the products you’re using (or not using), how often you’re coloring your hair, or the weather. But some hair-health issues can be symptomatic of larger issues. As Dr. Bralow points out, iron deficiency is a big precursor to hair loss, along with thyroid issues, stress and more. So if you have a hunch that a change in your hair’s health is symptomatic of a medical issue, schedule an appointment with your doctor. If you are experiencing hair loss, be sure to ask the stylists at Architeqt about the products offered, like Evolis, to promote hair growth.

 

By. Adjua Fisher

 

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Guess who’s Trending…

We have recently been featured as a “Best of Style” salon in Philadelphia Style Magazine

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Philadelphia Style has also reached out to us for trend ideas over the last 2 seasons…

pixietrends17_smallsleektrends17smallAnd Sequoya was recently on FOX 29 talking about the “Glow in the Dark” hair trend

Stay tuned to see where we’ll appear next!

Sunday Is About to Become Your Best Hair Day

Say goodbye to your Sunday scaries by booking a fabulous appointment at Architeqt! We are so excited to announce that we are now taking appointments on Sundays from 10-4 at 10th Street and 11-4 at Callowhill. Three of of our all-star stylists will be running the show on Sundays at Architeqt: Alba, Crystal and Jennalyn.

The 10th Street Sunday Squad: With a background in graphic design, Alba has a keen eye for color and form. She’s been apprenticing under owner Alexey Kats since joining the team last year and has all your hair needs covered. Crystal has apprenticed under Jessica, Sequoya and Allison since she joined the Architeqt team in 2016. She learned dry cutting under the direction of owner Alexey Kats. Crystal is also a talented makeup artist, here to get you glam for that Sunday wedding (you know you’ve got at least one coming up).

Callowhill’s Sunday Soloist: Jennalyn got her start in the industry at just 16 years old, and has been part of the Architeqt family for three years. She excels in balayage techniques and the dry cutting method, all taught here at the salon — plus, an apprenticeship under Pawel has turned her into a men’s haircut pro.

Together, this creative trio has you covered for whatever your Sunday plans may demand. If you’ve got kids, leave them with dad for a bit of “you” time — trade in Sesame Street for some R&R and walk out feeling like a queen. Whether you’ve got a big event coming up or are just looking for a productive way to spend your hungover Sunday, come to Architeqt to be pampered! There’s nothing like a good hair of the dog glass of wine and Vogue perusal to make you perk right back up. If nothing more, book your hair appointment on Sundays for a few hours away from the week’s demands to sit back, relax and get glam with our amazing team.

 

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Spring Forecasting: Hair Trends and Treatments

Spring is the time for switching things up and starting fresh, from decluttering your home to donating old clothes to revamping your hair. This spring, things are heading in a new direction when it comes to hair trends, and we’ve got the skinny on three looks that are about to be huge—and the best treatments to salvage your locks from winter dryness and prep your hair for your new, fresh look.

 

  1. Straight hair with a center part

    If you thought the 90s trend was limited to fashion, think again. The middle part is back in a big way, with sleeker, straighter hair. Think straightened hair that’s a day or two old—not pin-straight, but a relaxed tousle that’s smooth and under control.

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  2. Flat waves with minimal layers

    Think heavy, blunt ends without sacrificing any texture. This look requires an intentional, relaxed, just-rolled-out-of-bed vibe. To achieve this, wrap small sections of hair around the curler barrel, but only curl the midshaft of the hair (not roots or tips).trendCtrendD


  3. Grown-out shags with curtain bangs

    This cut rolls with the 70s bohemian trend, but keeps things fresh with an intentional grown-in look. Keep things piecey and textured by blasting your hair with a good texturizing spray, channel your inner Brigitte Bardot, and slay.

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Here’s the kicker, though: In order to pull these looks off, your hair’s health needs to be on lock. Central heat can wreak havoc on hair, sucking out moisture and turning ends brittle. Be sure to restore moisture and shine to your hair or prep your tresses to receive spring color with any of the amazing treatments we offer at Architeqt, from L’Oreal’s Pro-fiber treatment for damaged tresses to the at-home extended Linkage Meu treatment for silky smooth hair. There’s also L’Oreal’s Mythic Oil treatment to tame unruly, coarse hair or the L’Oreal Power Dose add-on to prolong your hair color after your in-salon color process.

Now you’ve got the style forecast and hair health knowledge to go into this spring ahead of the curve!

 

By Lauren McGrath