Hi, friends! I’m Lisa Edwards, and I like to think of myself as a storyteller—except I don’t work with words; I work with hair. At Sunday Salon here in Cary, NC, I’ve had the incredible privilege of helping people express themselves through their hair color. From fiery reds to icy blondes to rich, sultry brunettes, I’ve seen it all—and I’ve met some amazing people along the way.
You might be wondering, “Lisa, how do I keep my hair as vibrant as it was when I left your chair?” Well, you’re in luck because I’m here to spill my secrets. Along the way, I’ll share a few stories and tips I’ve picked up over the years. Think of this as us chatting over coffee, but it’s all about hair (and hey—I’ll take mine with a dash of oak milk, thanks!).
Finding Your Hair Personality
Your hair has a personality. No, I’m serious! Just like we have our quirks, our hair has its own tendencies. I learned this early on in my career when I accidentally turned my best friend’s hair bright orange with a home dye kit (sorry, Sarah!). Why did it happen? I didn’t understand her hair type—its porosity, texture, or natural tone.
Now, I like to think of understanding hair as detective work. For instance, high-porosity hair, which soaks up moisture and dye like a sponge, can lose color just as quickly. One of my clients—she loves a deep, jewel-toned emerald—used to tell me her color always faded to olive within weeks. Together, we tested her porosity by dropping a strand of her hair into water (it sank immediately). Armed with that knowledge, we added moisture-rich products into her routine, and voilà—her emerald stayed vibrant much longer!
If your hair has low porosity, it’s a little like a closed-off introvert; it doesn’t just let color in. For those clients, I use a little heat during the coloring process to coax the cuticle into opening up. Pay attention to these traits, and you’ll be able to give your hair what it needs to thrive.
Hair porosity, in particular, is a game-changer when it comes to keeping color vibrant. Research shows that porous hair can soak up dye easily but is also more prone to color loss because the open cuticle lets moisture and pigments escape quickly. On the other hand, low-porosity hair, with its tightly-closed cuticle, resists dyes, making it harder to achieve lasting color. According to studies, using the right products to adjust for porosity can make all the difference in maintaining that salon-fresh look (source).
Care Tips You’ll Actually Stick To
Every time a client leaves my chair, I make them promise to follow my “golden rules” for keeping their color lush and beautiful. Of course, some listen better than others (looking at you, Alexis!). Here’s the rundown, as if you and I were chatting post-appointment.
- Use Color-Safe Products: Guys, I cannot stress this enough—check your shampoo labels! If you see sulfates, run. Sulfates are like that frenemy who’s super fun at parties but wrecks your life afterward. Sulfates strip natural oils and moisture from hair, leaving it dry and prone to breakage. Worse, they also accelerate the fading of hair color by roughing up the hair’s cuticle, according to findings in the dermatological field (source). Stick to products specifically labeled “color-safe.” Bonus points if they have nourishing extras like argan oil or keratin.
- Wash Less Often (and I Mean It!): I always joke that you’re not paying me to watch your beautiful color swirl down the drain. Limit washing to two or three times a week. On off days, dry shampoo is your best friend. One of my clients calls it “magic dust” because it keeps her blonde balayage looking fresh.
- Keep Your Hair Covered: A day at the beach without UV protection is like asking the sun to roast your hair color. Just last summer, one of my clients came to me in a panic—her gorgeous blonde had turned brassy from being outside too long. These days, she sports a floppy beach hat and loves a good SPF spray for her strands.
- Stay Away from Pools… or Be Sneaky: Chlorine? No thank you. Before jumping in, coat your hair with conditioner and tuck it into a swim cap. I wear one too—yes, even a hair color expert can’t pull off green swimmer’s hair.
The ROZ SANTA LUCIA STYLING OIL is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to elevate their hair care routine with a product that delivers on its promises. While it might be on the pricier side, the quality and results make it a worthwhile investment for achieving salon-worthy hair at home.
Keeping That Salon Shine
Want to keep your hair as shiny and luxurious as it felt when you first left the salon? I’ve got you. These are my salon-approved tricks for looking like you just stepped off the red carpet.
- Rinse Smart: Use warm water during your usual routine, but finish with a cool rinse. It seals your hair cuticle and adds a natural shine. Trust me, this makes a difference.
- Deep Condition Like a Pro: Once a week, treat your strands to some TLC. One time, a client of mine used a store-bought mask that promised “mirror shine” and ended up sticky like she’d dipped her hair in honey. Now, she swears by professional keratin conditioning masks—and her golden blonde lives up to the promise!
- Treat Heat with Caution: Look, I know your flat iron is your BFF, but it’s also a frenemy if you’re not careful. Always use a heat protectant spray before styling. “Protect first, style second,” as I always say.
My Journey and Favorite Tricks
I’d be lying if I said I’ve never made mistakes. Years ago, I experimented on my own hair trying to go platinum at home—and ended up with bubblegum pink roots (not by choice). Those early blunders are what push me to find the best techniques and products for my clients.
One thing I’ve fallen in love with? Ammonia-free hair color. I use it for all my clients; they’re less aggressive, and the results look amazing. Oh, and glosses—don’t get me started. A well-done gloss treatment can transform your color into one of those gorgeous, glossy manes you see in hair commercials.
Real Talk About Maintenance
Here’s the truth, friends—hair color doesn’t last forever. But regular touch-ups can make your vibrant hair color feel timeless. I always recommend coming in every 6-8 weeks depending on your shade. This isn’t me just trying to see more of you (though that’s a bonus!); I want you to feel your best every day.
Parting Words from a hair color expert
Hair is such an intimate, personal thing. It’s your crown, your personality, your signature. Taking care of it—and keeping it vibrant—isn’t just about looking good. It’s about feeling good. And I’m here to help no matter what.
If you’re near Cary, NC, swing by Sunday Salon. I’d love to share a laugh, hear your story, and help you bring your dream hair color to life. Until then, be kind to your hair, wear your color with pride, and don’t forget your hat when it’s sunny out!
Love,
Lisa Edwards
Your Trusted Hair Color Expert at Sunday Salon
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