Spill the tea: why your hair colourist asks so many questions

A woman with red hair is wearing a light blue dress with puffed sleeves.

Visiting Friends and Co’s city hair salon is more than getting a haircut and colour. In fact, we pride ourselves on the sense of sanctuary and relaxation we create for our clients in the short time they are with us in our Christchurch hair salon.


But there are times when we need to chat.


Getting your hair coloured is an exciting way to transform your look, but before you dive into that fresh shade, your hair colourist has a few burning questions for you. Why? Because achieving the perfect hair colour requires more than picking up a tube of dye – it’s about customising the process and aftercare routine to your unique hair type, history, and lifestyle so your hair becomes your crowning glory.


Roots of the matter: why hair colourists ask questions

Before any hair colour treatment begins, your stylist needs to know the full story behind your hair. Hair colourists are like detectives, gathering clues to lead them to best hair products and techniques to achieve your desired look while protecting the health of your hair. They’ll ask about your hair’s natural colour, texture, and condition, as well as any previous treatments or colourings you've had.


Why does this matter? Imagine if you have naturally dark hair but want to go for a balayage or platinum blonde – it’s a significant transformation that requires careful planning. The process involves multiple steps and specialised products to lighten your hair gradually without causing damage. Likewise, if you’ve already coloured your hair before, your stylist needs to know what products were used to avoid any unwanted chemical reactions that could cause unexpected results or hair damage. Whether you’re booking with a wedding hair stylist in Christchurch or just looking for the best hairdressers in ChCh to restyle your look, this information is vital to ensure your colour is flawless and long-lasting.


A woman with pink hair is wearing a pink sweater and a pink skirt.

Dye another day: the dangers of hiding your hair’s history

It might be tempting to leave out details about your hair’s past – especially if you’ve had a DIY disaster or used a box dye. Remember, your stylist isn’t there to judge – they’re there to give you the gorgeous, head-turning results you deserve.


Your stylist sees only the surface of the hair and doesn’t see the inner layers of the hair strands. So, if you previously bleached your hair, but then covered it with a darker colour, they may not be able to see your hair has been previously chemically lightened. If you don’t disclose your hair history, or worse, if they don’t ask, they hair colourist may use a technique that can weaken already fragile processed hair which can cause breakage, leave hair brittle or patchy, uneven colour. This is why stylists perform a strand test to see how the hair reacts to a new colour and gauge what your hair can handle.


Colour to fit your everyday: tailoring your colour to your routine

Your colourist’s questions won’t just focus on your hair’s history – we also want to know about your daily routine. How often do you wash your hair? Do you swim regularly? What products do you use? These details help us to understand the best products and techniques to ensure your colour lasts and your hair stays healthy. Whether you’re visiting us for for the first time for a new colour or a regular client booking with late night hairdressers in Christchurch, knowing your lifestyle habits helps us recommend a colour that’s more resistant to fading to maintain the vibrancy and integrity of your colour.


And relax

Once we have a comprehensive understanding of your hair, you can exhale, unwind, and immerse yourself in the Friends and Co experience. Book a hair appointment online with one of our creative team or call 03 371 9297, we look forward to seeing you. 

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30 July 2025
Most (if not all) curlies have a hair horror story and avoid going to a salon as the result. The problem is some stylists don’t fully understand how best to approach curly hair, whether that’s being scissor happy and taking too much from the length causing the curls to spring up even shorter, or giving the client the dreaded pyramid shape. Naturally curly hair - is both a blessing and a challenge. Curls have personality – they’re fun and full of volume, but they are completely unique to you – there is no singular cookie-cutter hair style for curly hair. To keep them looking their best, they need specialist hair care and attention : a cut that works with their natural shape, not against it. Whether you’re rocking soft waves or tighter spirals, finding the right style is key to getting the most from your curls, but also making your daily styling less time consuming and your mane more manageable. At Friends and Co our city hair salon is a curly hairdresser in Christchurch – passionate for curly haircuts, colouring and styling. Our expert team of stylists – including some of the best hairdressers in Christchurch – understand curl patterns, shrinkage, and how to shape curls to enhance their natural bounce. If you’re searching for a curly hairdresser in Christchurch, you’re in the right place. What are the best haircuts for curly hair? Soft, shaped layers Long curls benefit from soft, graduated layers that remove bulk and avoid the dreaded pyramid shape. By carefully layering the hair, we can create shape and definition, movement and volume where it matters – around the crown and face. This kind of cut works beautifully with colour too, especially a lived-in balayage in Christchurch for that sun kissed, effortless vibe. The curly bob A chin-length or shoulder-length bob is perfect for those wanting a shorter style that still makes the most of natural curls. Depending on your curl pattern, the shape is often cut dry (because wet hair lies!) so we can see exactly how the curls sit. It’s an ideal haircut for those who want a manageable, everyday style with a little Parisian flair. Curly bangs Thinking about a fringe? Curly bangs are having a real moment. When cut well, they soften the face and add a cool, modern edge for any style. They’re especially flattering on oval and heart-shaped faces. During your hair appointment and consultation, Friends and Co’s hair stylists in Christchurch will help you decide whether a full, wispy or side-swept fringe is best for your curl type. The shag or wolf cut This modern, choppy style is perfect for looser curls and waves. With its rock’n’roll attitude and tons of volume, the shag is all about movement and texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, ask your stylist about pairing it with a bold new colour or a subtle balayage for extra dimension. Why visit a curl specialist hairdresser? Curly hair isn't a one-size-fits-all situation. That’s why it's so important to visit a curly hair hairdresser in Christchurch who understands the unique needs of your texture. At Friends and Co hair salon in Christchurch, we use cutting techniques tailored to your curls and only recommend products to nourish and define – never flatten. If you are ready to fall in love with your curls again, you can book your haircut online or call us on 03 371 9297 to make your appointment. With late night hair appointments and hairdressers Afterpay available, great hair has never been more accessible.
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