Reopen with Wella: How to Tackle Post-Lockdown Hair
Whether your salon has already reopened or you’re just gearing up for post-lockdown life, there’s a lot to consider when getting back to the business of hair. Not only will the day-to-day running of salons be going through some changes, but the way you treat clients’ hair will also be different, as you tackle your largest color corrections yet.
The good news is, you’re up to the challenge. You’ve got endless creativity, and Wella Professionals is committed to helping you successfully navigate this unprecedented time. Case in point: we’ve pulled together hacks that will make all those root touch-ups and color corrections much easier. Brush up on the advice below, and you’ll be able to handle any post-lockdown hair problem…
Do #CouchConsultations First
Before you book appointments, try carrying out online hair consultations. One-on-one video calls will allow you to see the condition of your client’s hair, so you can determine exactly what treatment they’ll need, which products you should stock up on, and how long you should book them in for. Not only will this help you handle the avalanche of appointments coming your way; it will also save time when your salon has reopened, meaning you can hit the ground running.
Root Touch-Up Services
Root touch-ups are a common process, whether you’re dealing with gray coverage on dark hair or matching brown regrowth to your client’s golden blonde lengths. However, post-lockdown roots are likely to be a whole lot longer, meaning precise application is more important than ever.
Image Credit: @wellanordic
Image Credit: @kirlir
1. How to Handle Very Long Regrowth
Designed for long regrowth when lightening or creating vibrant reds, this technique requires using enough product to ensure an ultra-even finish.
Step 1: Apply first your target shade to the mid band area, approximately 2cm from the scalp. Leave to develop for up to 20 minutes or 30 minutes with shades from the Koleston Perfect Special Blonde family.
Step 2: Next, apply the same color to the remaining root area. Allow it to develop for up to 40 minutes or up to 60 minutes with Special Blonde shades.
Top tip: Follow the long regrowth application method even for gray coverage, when the percentage of white is below 50 % and your target shade is lighter than the natural depth.
2. How to Fight Shade Fade
After getting long regrowth under control, mid-lengths and ends will need tending to, too. Fight shade fade with a Pure Intense Balance Service, which will help to rejuvenate the full look. Simply mix one part of your target shade with two parts of Welloxon Perfect Pastel 1.9%. This step should only take you around 10-15 minutes.
Color Correction Services
Color corrections will be one of the most common post-lockdown services, offering some great ‘before and after’ opportunities to boost your salon Instagram. Discover the below tips and tricks to create some head-turning transformations.
Image Credit: @wellahair
1. How to Tackle Box Dyed Hair
If your client has had a DIY disaster, don’t despair. A one-off application of box dye can easily be fixed with the right pro technique.
Option 1: Conduct a Color Renew Color Correction Service to balance color build-up on lengths and ends. This can be done with a 1:10 ratio of Color Crystal Powder and the Activator Liquid, applied to dry hair. Start with the darkest areas first, comb through and cover with a plastic cap, then add heat. Rinse with water only and dry thoroughly before you apply color on top.
Top tip: Color Renew is an excellent solution for removing bands since it doesn't lighten the natural melanin in the hair.
Option 2: For hair that looks patchy and uneven, you might want to go for a Mild Lightener Service, as it gives you more control in the areas you want to lighten. Mix Blondor Multi Blonde Powder with Welloxon Perfect Pastel 1.9% in a 1:4 mixing ratio, then apply to the chosen areas, paying close attention to the regrowth area since this mix lightens the natural melanin as well. Control the development visually. Rinse, shampoo and condition with Blondor Seal & Care. Then, you’ll have the perfect canvas for the target shade.
2. How to Save Home-Lightened Hair
When home lightening goes wrong, it tends to be fairly patchy, which means you’ll need to balance an uneven canvas. If your goal is not to go dramatically lighter or darker, trying adding highlights and lowlights using separators to guarantee controlled lift. We don’t want any more patches, right?
To avoid further damage in the hair, use BlondorPlex, which is infused with our bond-strengthening system, WellaPlex. Mix the powder 1:2 with Welloxon Perfect, using a lower percentage of the developer, as the hair has already been lightened.
Finally, once the canvas has been balanced, choose the perfect toner to neutralize or enhance the wanted and unwanted tones. We love the Illumina Blonde Toning Service, which involves blending your chosen shade of Illumina Color with Welloxon Perfect Pastel 1.9%. Et voila; bleach blunders are a thing of the past.
Looking for more ways to fix your clients’ hair? Keep an eye on the @WellaHairUSA Instagram feed, where we’ll be posting endless inspiration. Don’t forget to share your own post-lockdown creations, using the hashtags #ButFirstHair and #ReopenwithWella for a chance to be featured on our grid.