Can a manicure or pedicure be done at the same time as a hair service?

Yes! But only for hair services that require processing times, like keratin, collagen, hair and scalp repair treatments, and color services like balayage and highlights. During the time that the hair is processing, a manicure or pedicure can be done.

What is a keratin smoothing treatment?

Our bodies naturally create keratin, the predominant protein that comprises our hair, skin, and nails. It is a protein that strengthens the hair strand thereby preventing damage. Keratin smoothing treatments are one the best ways to eliminate frizz and gain manageability while maintaining a smooth and shiny appearance. The more frizz and damaged the hair is, the more dramatic the effect of the keratin treatment.

We recommend collagen treatments for thin relatively straight hair or to preserve curl integrity.

Remember to stay out of salt or chlorinated water in the first 72 hours after a keratin treatment. And honestly, even after that, the more you jump in the water, the sooner you’ll have to jump back in the salon! Exposure to chlorine and saltwater strip the keratin out of your hair leading to potential hair breakage.

Should I do a keratin smoothing treatment after hair color or hair color after a keratin smoothing treatment?

Because keratin treatments can lighten your hair by one or two tones, waiting two weeks after keratin to do color is your safest bet. You are more likely to obtain the exact shade you desire with less risk of fading or changing.

Can I do a keratin smoothing treatment and hair color on the same day?

We advise against it. The hair is more fragile and may not tolerate the bleach that is used during the coloring process. Hair tone may change after the first 48 to 72 hours leaving the salon. Even if you use bleach free color option, it’s still better to wait unless you are ok with some variability in results.

Can I do a keratin smoothing treatment on bleached or damaged hair?

Yes, in fact, keratin is a great solution for preserving and building hair strength. However, if your hair very damaged or breaking, we recommend essential oil hair therapy and possibly cutting badly damaged ends where there is little to no moisture. Essential oil therapy like our signature organic, 100% natural essential oil treatments. restore damaged hair by infusing the hair strand and follicle with minerals, vitamins, and a protective layer of essential oil that locks in an incredible amount of moisture. The steam processing activates the oils to permeate the hair and scalp for a healing experience you really can’t beat. In some cases, we recommend a couple of essential oil treatments before doing the keratin treatment so we know we are working with strong enough hair to endure the lengthy flat ironing following the keratin application.

How often should I do keratin smoothing treatments?

Results can vary, but generally, a keratin treatment should last at least three months. If the treatment is performed correctly and the hair is properly maintained following the treatment (i.e. avoiding sulfate shampoos and chlorinated or salt water, frequent flat ironing), results can last up to six months.

Can I do a keratin smoothing treatment while pregnant?

As a rule of thumb it would be best to avoid keratin smoothing treatments while pregnant because some contain harmful ingredients. However, speak to your medical provider to see what they recommend.

How often should I shampoo and condition my hair?

Sebaceous glands that produce sebum, your body’s natural hair oil, are not influenced by the type of shampoo or conditioner you use or how often you use them. For some, hair is oily to the touch after one week and for others after only a few days. One should shampoo and condition when there is noticeable oil in the hair to the touch. If your hair feels and looks dry before it feels oily, conditioning is recommended without shampoo to keep the hair moisturized without over stripping the hair of natural oils.

We do not recommend dry shampoos because they clog hair follicles with product residue deposits which can affect hair growth and prevent sebum from escaping the follicle pores naturally.

What shampoo is best for my hair type?

Shampoo is basically a soap for your scalp containing cleansing ingredients that remove your hair’s natural oil, sebum, dirt, and any product residue lingering on your scalp and in your hair. So you will want to pick a shampoo that is ideally good for the skin on your scalp, which means selecting one that has quality moisturizing ingredients and does not have harsh or low quality ingredients. Stick to natural ingredients in high quality shampoos and conditioners that can be found in our very own Hair Repair Bar by Gioje Keratin and Clarifying Shampoo and Conditioner line.

Whatever you decide to choose, be on the look out for the following ingredients to avoid:

Parabens, Sulfates, Formaldehyde, Phthalates, Silicones, Alcohol, Dimethicone, Triclosan, Sodium laureth sulfate, Polyethylene glycol, Retinyl palmitate, Sodium chloride, Synthetic polymers, Diethanolamine, Preservatives, Propylene glycol, Silicone oils, Sodium cocoyl isethionate, Stearyl alcohol, Artificial dyes, Clays, Coal tar

What essential oils are best for hair?

There are many essential oils that benefit the hair and scalp. Typically, essential oils are blended together to target particular conditions. At Hair Repair Bar by Gioje, we use various essential oils in their 100% organic and natural form as typically used in alternative, Eastern, and homeopathic medicinal applications and traditions.

Below is a list of commonly used essential oils and how they are used to benefit the hair and scalp.

Almond:  Almond oil contains Omega-3 fatty acids, phospholipids, vitamin E, and magnesium that nourishes and strengthens your hair, and a powerful ingredient for treating hair loss and damaged hair. Almond oil also adds silkiness and shine for a healthier scalp.

Argan (Moroccan): Rich in vitamin E and antioxidants called polyphenols, argan oil can fight the effects of aging, A super conditioner on it’s own, argan oil can help minimize inflammation, dandruff and dry scalp.

Baobab: Baobab oil has a unique chemistry backing it’s hair benefits, comprised of equal parts saturated fats, monounsaturated fats, and polyunsaturated fats, it multi functions as a hair softener, improves elasticity and anti-slip agent making detangling easier. Additionally, the oil adds a layer of gloss and shine to the hair while trapping moisture into the hair shaft. Basically, it’s a hair superhero.

Castor: Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, comprised mostly of omega-6 and 9 fatty acids, which aids in the nourishment of hair shafts and roots, boosting hair growth.

Cedar Wood, Peppermint, and Rosemary: A miracle hair follicle stimulator, these oils function as vasodilators, increasing blood circulation to the scalp to promote hair growth. In some recent studies, application of these oils were found to be just effective as Rogaine for the treatment of hair loss, Recommended for those who think they might be losing their hair.

Chamomile: A therapeutic oil, chamomile is rich in vitamin E and C that acts a softener to mend rough, brittle hair. It also soothes a sensitive scalp from excessive dryness.

Coconut: Nature’s answer to conditioner, coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft on a deeper level due it’s potent fatty acid content, giving the hair a more complete and thorough conditioning you won’t find in an off-the-shelf product. Highly recommended for very dry, damaged hair.

Jojoba:  A versatile oil, jojoba oil’s high mineral content leaves the hair shinier, stronger, and silkier.

Kalahari: A lightweight oil rich in copper, kalahari oil helps preserve your hair color. Ideal for those who color their hair regularly.

Lavender: Known for its relaxing fragrance and calming therapeutic properties, lavendar oil is also a hair growth stimulator and head lice killer. The potent oil boasts antimicrobial properties to help reduce scalp inflammation and keep your scalp in good health.

Macadamia: Another lightweight oil excellent for preventing tangling and reducing frizz. Macadamia oil is recommended for those who have issues with overall hair management.

Patchouli: The scalp scrub of choice for those who suffer from dandruff and other scalp conditions, patchouli oil’s antiseptic, astringent, and fungicidal properties are essential for complete scalp health.

Sage: Excellent for stimulating hair growth, sage oil is loaded anti-inflammation and anti-microbial properties that cleanse the scalp and clear the hair follicle to promote natural hair growth.

Ylang Ylang: An oil from Asia, ylang ylang can help control the production of sebum, the scalp’s natural oil, which can help prevent oily scalp, dull hair and flakiness.

How to stop thinning hair and hair loss?

We highly recommend that if you have noticed your hair has recently started thin, shed, and or recede more than usual, to pay a visit to your medical provider to rule out any dietary, hormonal, stress, or any other underlying medical reasons.

If you received a clean bill of health, then the culprit could be the products you are using (like hair sprays or gels high in alcohol content) or overuse of a hair tie when wearing your hair up which can lead to excessive hair loss due the constant tension.

We recommend removing low quality shampoos and conditioners from your regimen and any other hair products that you may have started using recently that contain harmful ingredients. If your product arsenal is relatively high quality, then be sure to not overdo it (i.e. avoid shampooing everyday). Finally add an essential oil treatment and scalp massage once a week to every other week to stimulate the hair follicles and blood flow in the scalp and infuse the follicle and hair shaft with a large dose of vitamins, minerals, and moisture. The stimulating effect of essential oils on hair growth have been impressive.

How to care for dry scalp and eliminate dandruff?

When the skin on your head (Your scalp) gets dry it starts to itch and flake. This is dry scalp not dandruff. When you have dry scalp, other parts of your body may be dry too. In the winter, for example, the cold dry air can wreak havoc on your skin so we are quick to use hand and body lotion, but forget our scalp needs the moisture too. Not thoroughly rinsing out shampoo can also be a common cause of dry scalp, or using a shampoo with ingredients that aren’t agreeing with your scalp.

To fend off a dry scalp, use a high quality shampoo with least amount of harsh ingredients you can find and don’t shampoo too often (only when your hair is noticeably oily). Don’t forget to condition your hair because the ingredients in a high quality conditioner will act like a hand lotion for your scalp. Drink plenty of water and try an essential oil treatment once to every other week to take advantage of the medicinal properties which will be like a day at the spa for your scalp.

Dandruff is a different kind of flake altogether. To put it simply, excess oil causes dandruff. Dandruff appears as larger flakes than the finer flakes from dry scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis, which can stem from various underlying conditions, is the most common cause of dandruff. When too much of the natural oil, sebum, builds up in the hair follicle, it starts to form scaly-like deposits that flake off.

At Hair Repair Bar by Gioje, we use close up, high definition, scalp cameras to identify dry scalp or dandruff and will recommend the right treatment and plan to remove it.

What haircut is best for my face shape?

If you are looking to go short, long, curly, or straight for the first time or your just looking for a haircut that is different and fresh, speak to your stylist. Consultations should come at no cost and your hair stylist can help you see what your hair might look like with various styles. Depending on your face shape, certain looks may be more befitting than others. There are many different face shapes including oval, square, round, heart, oblong, rectangle, and diamond, and when you factor in your hair type (straight, wavy, curly, and coily), the right choice of haircut may require a professional opinion.

What is the difference between highlights and balayage?

To balayage means “to paint” as they say in France where the word is derived; a technique used to create soft, sun-kissed highlights that look natural opposed to their more dramatic counterpart highlights. Balayage is a hand painting technique that greatly relies and varies on the skill and style of the hair stylist to accomplish a beautiful array of colors that is highly customizable. The overall result mimics the effect the sun would have, lightening strands of hair naturally.

One advantage of balayage is that it does not require as much maintenance as highlights due to indiscernible demarcations between the colored and noncolored hair pieces. The effect can also be more or less pronounced through a partial or face frame service which furthers the subtlety look.

Highlights especially with foils will result in a more stark difference in color and complete coverage for those looking to cover up their grays or make a dramatic shift in color. Highlights will require more maintenance since root regrowth will be more visible as well as the demarcation line. Hair health is also a consideration as frequent highlighting can result in breakage if the hair is not properly maintained.

Before you decide to move forward with balayage or highlights make sure you choose a stylist with experience and skills in both techniques.

Check out our Instagram at /HairRepairBar to view our collection of work performing both techniques.