If you’re considering getting extensions, it’s essential to know the difference between tape-in and keratin bonded extensions to determine which is best for you.

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Are you losing the vibrancy of your colour? Is your fading colour a constant drain on your pocket? The colour experts at North Sydney Hairdressers, West St Salon offer the following advice to extend the life of your colour treatment.

TIP 1: Avoid shampooing as this makes your colour fade. Shampoo opens your cuticle then the colour molecules wash away. Try only using conditioner instead.

TIP 2: After initial colour treatment wait 48 hours before washing your hair.

TIP 3: Try only shampooing your scalp to avoid washing colour away from ends.

Tip 4: Wash your hair in cold water. This will not only help keep your colour it also maintains healthy hair with lots of shine.

TOP 5: Avoid putting your head under water when swimming especially in a chlorine pool. Not an option? Make sure you use a swimming cap.

TIP 6: Always use a shampoo and condition that is designed especially for colour treatment hair.

TIP 7: Use a leave in conditioner before blow drying that has a UV protector as this protects your hair from sun and our harsh environment.

TIP 8: Use a shampoo or conditioner that has colour pigment molecules at least once a week. This will top up your colour in between your salon visits.

TIP 9:  Come to the salon in between colour appointments for a quick semi or toner colour top up.

TIP 10: Use a dry shampoo instead of shampooing.

If you’ve any questions about how to have your colour last longer, we would love to hear from you. Just give our friendly team a call. Hairdressers in North Sydney – West Street Salon, 9956 8484. 

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Braids are a classic boho look that you’ll want to add to your style statement.

From simple to oh so chic, they can take you from bar to bedroom, from work to the gym or from conference to clubbing. 

Put simply, Braids are one of the most fashionable looks for hair this winter.

Elegant, stylish and very versatile, the braid can be worn in many different ways, each one as unique as the person wearing it!  Most braids are based on the traditional 3 strand braid but this traditional style has evolved and what’s been added are some new techniques to make them even quirkier.

Some styles that you can add to your hair style options:

The Dutch Braid

This stylish braid is the closest to the classic French braid, but instead of passing hair over the top you pass it underneath. This twists the braid upside down.

The Fishtail Braid

One of the easiest braids around. This look is created by putting your hair in a ponytail first, then taking a section from underneath and folding it over the top. Repeat this on both sides.

The Waterfall Braid

A great option, especially if you’re wanting a classy style. Most of the hair is left out, still allowing you to show off your beautiful long locks!

The Bohemian Braid

One of the trendiest braided looks of this year is the bohemian loose messy braid with lots of texture. This is achieved by using the end of your tail comb to loosen and pull out some of the braid.

Braid options are endless and some can be easily achieved.  However, if you want to have something special and intricate, such as the flower braid, give our stylists a call at West Street Salon – North Sydney Hairdresser on 9956 8484. 

The post It’s all about the braids – four beautiful braid styles for winter appeared first on West Street Salon.

Most women love the thought of long hair, but there is no denying it, long hair does need to be cared for properly. So if you want to enjoy your long locks, here are some easy tips to take the hassle out of managing your long hair.

TIP 1: When you wake up you may notice that your hair is tangled and dishevelled – yes we all have it – bed hair!

Before trying to put a brush or comb through your hair, try to untangle it with your fingers first.

TIP 2: Only use a wooden brush with soft bristles on your hair as this will avoid breakage. When brushing your hair, try dividing your hair into a couple of sections.

TIP 3: Comb from the ends first, then up to mid lengths, then up to the roots as this helps get the knots out easily.

TIP 4: Another great tip is to leave a wide tooth comb in your shower and use this when you have conditioner in your hair.

TIP 5: If you are trying to grow your hair make sure you have it trimmed regularly, about every 4-8 weeks. Trimming a little will keep the split ends at bay.

TIP 6: When tying your hair up in a ponytail, always make sure the band is not too tight, because when it rubs against the hair this can cause breakage. Of course, never use an elastic band.

TIP 7: Try platting your hair before you sleep. This will eliminate knotting.

TIP 8: Also make sure you use a deep conditioning treatment at least once a week as this helps maintain moisture. Healthy hair will always grow faster.

Give our friendly team a call if you’d like to know more about how to manage your long hair. Hairdressers in North Sydney – West Street Salon, 9956 8484.

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Everyone loves the look of smooth, shiny, silky hair and the easiest way to achieve this is with none other than the legendary ghd®.

It’s astonishingly versatile in helping you to not only create straight hair but also waves, curls, flicks and many more amazing styles.

Here’s a little bit behind the ghd®… Manufactured in a factory in Cambridge, ghd® employs highly skilled people with specific skill sets including electrical, mechanical and software engineers. There is an abundance of technology and innovation behind these beautiful machines. Before they begin to put them together, the people of ghd® look at the science of the hair to compose something that will be unlike any other styler.

The science behind its success …ghd® knows that the perfect temperature to style hair is at 185 degrees celsius. When the hair reaches this temp it enters a phase called the glass transition and at this point hair is easy to style and without any permanent damage.

The ceramic coating also helps your ghd® styler to glide through your hair, preventing tugging or pulling and minimising damage.The plates on ghds are made from aluminium, which is then coated with a thin layer of ceramic. This allows the plates to have a consistent temperature across the plates for a more polished finish.

The straightening irons come in 3 different sizes, so it does not matter what length you hair is. In addition to their straighteners, ghd® has another range called ghd® Curve, this range also comes in four different styles, to create all the coolest waves.

So if you want to walk out the door with a different look depending on what mood you’re in or look you want to have the ghd® styler is more than just a straightener.  You can create soft retro curls; glamour curls; messy beach waves, vintage 1920s style waves or hip grungy bends.  Just plug in, heat up and you can go from sleek, smooth ponytails to creative curls.

If you want to purchase a ghd®, or want know how to really get the most out of your existing one call our stylists at West Street Salon – North Sydney Hairdresser on 9956 8484. 

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We know, you can’t do a thing with it. Your fine hair just sticks to your head, hanging limp like overcooked spaghetti or all wispy and fly-away. Time to try the following tips from our expert stylists, you’ll get great results.

TIP 1: USE THE RIGHT SHAMPOO:  Limp and wispy fine hair is always a styling challenge, especially if you’ve over active sebum glands – very oily hair will definitely weigh fine hair down. So, it’s always best to use a shampoo specifically for fine hair, nothing too heavy. The name of the fine hair game is to not weigh the hair down and a Volumising shampoo is perfect.  It will also allow you to get lots of height when you blow dry.

TIP 2: GET RID OF STATIC: Static hair and knots often go hand in hand with fine hair. To fight the static fight and win try using dry shampoo or a texture spray.

TIP 3: WHEN TO BRUSH: Make sure you always brush your hair when it’s dry. Dry hair is stronger than wet hair, so detangling before you get in the shower is a must and will stop breakage.

TIP 4:  HOW TO USE CONDITIONER:  Only use conditioner on your mid lengths and ends.

TIP 5: SHORT HAIR STYLES: If you have short hair it’s always best to have lots of layers as it will allow you to create mega volume when you blow dry.  Also, it’s always a good idea to ask your hairdresser to do a blunt cut.  Too much texturising and slicing will make your hair look and feel thinner.

TIP 6: LONG HAIR STYLES: If you have long hair, a blunt cut with no layers will work best for you as putting layers in long hair will make your hair seem finer and stringy. Adding layers around your face is an option if you want to mix it up.

TIP 7: HOW TO BLOW DRY: Prior to blow drying, it’s always good to use a light volumising spray.  Also, blow dry using a small ceramic brush. Make sure you let the hair cool down around the brush before removing as this will act like a hot roller.

Want any more tips for fine hair? Looking for a stylist who will give you a style that gives your fine hair the look and feel you want? If so, give us a call at West Street Salon – North Sydney Hairdressers on 9956 8484. 

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Weddings … it can be the biggest day of a your life. Let West Street Salon help you with your wedding hair…

A day that can make the average person turn from sweet princess to enraged crazy lady. 

Picking a dress for the big day is one of the hardest decisions you will have to make – apart from choosing the groom of course!

Another difficult decision is finding the right hairstyle to go with the dress. Simple, you might think? Well not really.

Apart from wanting to pick something on trend, it’s very important that you decide on a hairstyle that compliments your face shape. Usually this is easily sorted out after a consultation with your hairdresser.

It’s crucial that you stay true to yourself, determine a hairstyle that makes you feel like you and one that you feel comfortable wearing. You wouldn’t want to look back on your wedding photos and cringe, saying “what was I thinking”?  Look at creating a timeless hairstyle. Simplicity is the way to go, so don’t overdo it, especially if your dress is very busy. Another idea to take into consideration is the venue. If the wedding is outside or perhaps on a boat then you may want to contemplate wearing your hair in an upstyle, so it doesn’t get blown away.  You really don’t want photos with hair covering your face or all over the place. 

So to recap:

DO: Consult your hair stylist

DO: Pick a style that complements your face

DO: Stay true to yourself

DO: Keep it simple

DO: Consider your venue

DO: Consider the weather

At the end of the day every bride’s dream is that everything comes together effortlessly and runs as smoothly as clockwork. So tick off the hairstyle without any hassles and talk to one of our stylists. They love creating something unique that will look just right for your special day.

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There are so many advantages to using a dry shampoo, read more to find out about this much loved hair care product. 

We all know that dry shampoo has been around for years. It was developed well before what we now know as everyday shampoo, when running water wasn’t plumbed into your home and available with a quick flick of a faucet. Back in the day, if you couldn’t afford dry shampoo you reached for baby powder instead.    

Thankfully it has come a long way since then.  It has ascended into the 21^st century and is now available in powder, mousse and aerosol.

There are so many advantages to using a dry shampoo, apart from the obvious that is.  It is also great for those days you can’t be bothered, or don’t have the time or you get that last minute call to hang out with friends at the latest wine bar, attend a glamorous event or enjoy a hot date and your hair’s dirty!

Why use dry shampoo?

1. It is great as it prolongs the life of your blow dry
2. It creates volume in fine hair
3. As washing your hair daily removes all your natural oils, it also keeps moisture in your hair
4. For people with naturally greasy, flat or even sweaty gym hair, it sorts it all in a flash

What brand of dry shampoo is the best?

The stylists at West Street Salon stock R+Co Death Valley dry shampoo. It works a treat and the aerosol amazing and so easy to use as it allows you to cover the whole head effortlessly.

How to use dry shampoo

• TIP 1: Never spray it on the top section of your hair as you may see the residue
• TIP 2: Lift a section about two centimetres from the top, spray on the roots and mid lengths (not too close)
• TIP 3: Wait a couple of minutes then brush or blow dry

Regardless of how amazing good dry shampoo is, you will still need to wash your hair regularly.  At the end of the day dirt and oil will accumulate, making your hair look limp and unhealthy. However in today’s world where we need convenience, a good dry shampoo will see you through many a tight “my hair, I can’t go out looking like this” moment.

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Want to get that sexy, natural wave? Looking to create volume in your hair?

So you don’t have hours to spend blow drying, primping, fussing and you’d love volume; wave and have that natural beachy not over styled look.

We have your how to guide right here, suitable for all hair types and no blow drying required.

Tip 1:

Start with a quality Texture Spray. No need for hairspray. We advise you to use Shu Uemura Texture Wave. Spraying from the roots thru to the mid lengths (not ends) this will create lots of volume. Hairspray just holds the hair in place, where as texture spray turns flat fly away hair into big hair. If you like the way your hair behaves after a couple of days without shampooing, then texture wave is the product for you.

Tip 2:

Essential to add a Salt Spray. We recommend using R+Co, Rockaway Salt Spray. It’s a great product to get that sexy beach look. The salt will absorb the natural oils in your hair. Rockaway is the closest you’ll get to looking like you’ve been at the beach. It gives your hair a dry wave and curl without that crunchy wet look. To get the natural, messy look, just let your hair dry naturally and when 95% dry, use the spray globally then scrunch. Blasting with the blow dryer is optional. If you are after volume with smooth bouncy ends blow dry with round brush.

Tip 3:

Use a Volume Maker. If you want really big hair as part of your “beachy” look and create even more volume use Shu Uemura Volume Maker. It’s a powder that creates a matt dusty feeling, giving you volume and texture. Use Volume Maker after your blow dry. Shu Uemera is very user friendly as it has an inbuilt applicator brush. Also great to use in between washes as this eliminates the natural oils.

If you’ve any questions about how to get the “beachy” look we would love to hear from you. Just give our team a call. We are passionate, friendly and love to help our clients.

Your North Sydney Hairdresser – West Street Salon

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These favourite and easy up-do’s will give your hair that chic summer look with only minimal effort.

The ponytail

 We all love the fact that the Ponytail is easy and simple to do, so why not jazz it up a little. Here’s how!

• Dust the whole head first with Shu Uemura Volume Maker, Texturising Powder. Concentrating on the mid-lengths and ends
• Section the hair from ear to ear, then tie this section into a ponytail
• Spray the front half, top and sides with a strong hairspray (we like R+Co Vicious Strong Hold Spray), brush this section into the existing ponytail, tying with another elastic
• Hairspray the tail and backcomb with your fingers to add volume and texture.

Voila! you have a gorgeous ponytail for any occasion.

The bun

It’s a great, easy hairstyle that’s so versatile that it can be worn in many ways, low and messy, high and sleek, from simply functional to utterly elegant.

Tips for a no fuss bun:

• Tip your head upside down, spray with a flexible hairspray (R+Co Outer Space Flexible Hairspray)
• Shake your hands through your hair to create volume
• Comb your fingers through your hair, pulling it into a high Ponytail, flip your head back over
• Twist and wrap the hair loosely into a top bun and fix with a few pins
• A little tip to make your bun look messy, simply pull on some strands, this leaves you with a soft and wispy bun.

No matter the occasion, a great ponytail or bun can be everything from functional to elegant, from day to night and from work to play.

Let us know if you have any more tips too.

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Keeping longer hair off your face and neck can be simple yet creative with a knotted up-do. Read more about how to manage your hair in the summer.

As Sydney burns with hot days in Summer, what to do with your hair becomes more an issue of comfort and coolness.

However there is no need to scrape your hair into a simple ponytail and hope for the best.

Follow our instructions below to create the perfect knotted up-do.

• Make a triangle on top of the head and place it in a ponytail
• Half the other two sections also placing them in ponytails
• Tie each ponytail into a knot and secure with hair pins
• Gather the ends that are dangling out and tie them in another knot
• Once again secure the final knot.

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