Wash, rinse, and radiate: salon-worthy hair at home

An appointment at Friends and Co hair salon in Christchurch is more than simply having a haircut. Having time out of a busy schedule to sit and be still is wonderfully beneficial for the soul, but it’s that feeling our customers experience when they leave the salon that is pure magic: that fresh, just-styled feeling that makes our clients feel so good and walk with a spring in their step.

While we can’t bottle those feelings, what we can do is give you tips on how to keep your hair looking and feeling its best between visits, so you can feel fabulous each and everyday. So, whether you've had a balayage refresh, a shampoo and blow-dry in Christchurch city centre, or a well needed trim, maintaining salon-quality hair between visits is the next best thing to bottling the feel-good factor of a visit to the salon.

Stroke of genius: tangle less, shine more

Aside from detangling knots, using the right brush for your hair type and regularly brushing your hair is so important for hair health – the benefits far exceeding those of expensive hair products and treatments.

Regular brushing is essential for maintaining healthy, shiny hair. It distributes natural oils, reducing frizz and breakage while keeping hair hydrated. Brushing also removes dead skin and product buildup, champion for promoting a healthier scalp. By stimulating circulation, it encourages hair growth and scalp nourishment.

Wash with care, don’t despair

Over washing your hair strips it of its precious natural oils, leaving it dry and prone to breakage. It’s important to find the balance between hair hygiene and over washing. Your hair will give you signs it is being washed too much:

• Hair colour fades – every time you shampoo the colour fades and becomes less vibrant.

• Changes in texture – curls may lose definition or become frizzy, your once soft hair feels coarser and drier.

• More split ends – hair is vulnerable when it’s wet, so the more time it spends in a weakened state, the greater the risk of breakage and split ends.

• Loss of shine – natural hair oils are responsible for that gorgeous sheen of healthy hair, over washing causes hair to look lacklustre.

How often you should wash your hair is open to debate, it depends on your skin and hair type, hairstyle and lifestyle. Typically, once or twice a week is sufficient, but ask your hairstylist next time you visit our Christchurch city hair salon for the best bespoke hair advice.

Shampoo wisely, condition kindly

Not all shampoos and conditioners are created equal, and choosing the right ones for your hair type makes a big difference. The best shampoo will cleanse gently while addressing specific concerns like dryness, oiliness, or colour maintenance. Using the wrong formula, such as an ultra-moisturising shampoo on fine hair or a clarifying shampoo too often, can throw your hair off balance.

A good conditioner is essential for keeping hair smooth and manageable – it is the guardian of your hair and helps prevent dryness and split ends. The best hair conditioner for you depends on what you are trying to achieve – do you want smoother slicker hair, more volume or curl definition? Selecting the right shampoo and conditioner ensures your hair stays clean, nourished, and healthy while helping maintain the shape and integrity of your style between salon visits.

These tips are simple, but often overlooked when it comes to hair health – the crucial ingredient for maintaining salon-fresh hair between appointments. At Friends and Co we pride ourselves on helping our clients look fabulous and feeling wonderful for the long term, not just when you visit out hair salon. Booking a consultation has never been easier with our online convenient hairdresser book online system or call 03 371 9297.