Author: salonbuzz

Four Summer Hair Offenders, And Tips on How to Combat

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The idea of “fun in the sun” is the perfect mantra for a productively fabulous summer— great for our psyches, but unfortunately bad for our hair. The summer months are full of weather-related woes that can be hard on hair.

Ahead we look at the four biggest summer culprits that work against the health of the hair; and provide tips on how to keep your hair beautiful all season long.

Dried and Fried

Between the heat, sun rays and the wind, hair in the summer months gets dry. With all three of these elements at work, moisture is simply lacking which can lead to breakage, split ends and an overall drab and dull appearance to the hair.

To address the dryness, it’s imperative to use an extra moisturizing shampoo and conditioner every day, and a deep conditioner masque once a week. Look for one with rich ingredients designed to nourish and replenish the hair to bring back hydration.

We love any of the shampoo and conditioner collections from Kérastase, but especially the ones that add in the extra surge of moisture. The Nutritive Collection is a great go-to for the summer months because of its ingredients to bring in moisture, but also because it has added ingredients to help calm and address a dry scalp.

Hairstylist Andreas Zafiriadis, founder of Salon Buzz, says that in the summer it’s best to use the conditioner also on the scalp to help massage over dry skin. For a scalp that is beyond just dry, but is also suffering a sun burn, Zafiriadis advises applying aloe vera on the scalp for immediate pain relive and to add moisture back into the skin.

Sun Rays & Hair Color Fading
“People who have hair color services need a very strong routine to protect their hair in the sun,” Zafiriadis says. “Just as the strong rays can burn skin, the rays lighten hair color. The easiest way to avoid color fading is to wear a hat or scarf.”

This however may not always be practical so thankfully there are some key products that offer UV protection against harmful rays. A favorite of ours is the Soleil Sun Protection collection from Kérastase. The line includes a UV protecting shampoo perfect for color-treated hair. You will also want to spray your hair with an UV protectant before heading outside when the sun is at its strongest— even if it’s just to run errands. The Kérastase Huile Sirene Hair Oil Mist has a UV filter to absorb UVs and minimizes their effect on the hair fiber. If it’s hard to do this daily, at least remember to spritz the hair often on vacation when your hair’s exposure to the sun is often every day.

Chlorine Culprit
A swimming pool can be so refreshing, but the chlorine can seriously damage hair, and quicker than you may realize. Dry hair that immediately goes into a swimming pool will absorb a huge amount of this chemical that causes cuticle damage leading to hair breakage. It will also shift the color of the hair as well.

To prevent this from happening, first wet the hair with water, coat it with a protein-rich conditioner, and then put on a swim cap. If you really don’t want to wear the cap, still do the first two steps, especially if you have curly hair. Textured hair is extra porous so it can absorb more into the strands at a quicker rate.

“Hair is like a sponge so if you first get it wet it will absorb the water and be less able to take in the chlorine,” Zafiriadis notes. “The conditioner is a second line of defense as it is a barrier on top of the hair making it difficult for the chlorine to penetrate through.”

After your swim, immediately rinse out the chlorine and wash the hair with a clarifying shampoo.

If your hair is damaged already from chlorine, then you need to go very extreme in how you will care for it. The best thing is to use a clarifying shampoo daily to strip out the chlorine from the hair. Try Sunday Shampoo from Bumble and bumble as it deeply cleanses and removes build-up and residue. Be prepared also to cut off much of the damaged ends as this will help get your hair back to health faster.

Humidity and Hair Frizz

For those wanting to keep their hair smooth and sleek, but they live in a humid climate be prepared to deal with the frizz of summer. Before going out in the heat spray your style with Imperméable Anti-Humidity Spray from Oribe to shield the hair from the humidity. It is like a light coat for your hair that will protect the style and smoothness.

The deep heat of summer is also the perfect time of year to go for a little extra style that can also serve a purpose. “Wearing hats, braids or even space buns can add a level of fun to your look while being beautiful, easy to do and helping to control the frizz during the season’s hottest of days,” Zafiriadis notes

 

 

 

 

 

Get The #glasshair Look With These Three Smoothing Hair Styles

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You’ve seen that Instagram-worthy hair under the hashtag #glasshair — it’s ultra-smooth, super sleek and beyond shiny. It may seem unattainable- but by following these three easy steps you too can achieve that ultimate glass hair look that is beyond lux and with an incredible sheen.

 

Hairdressing veteran Andreas Zafiriadis, founder of Salon Buzz, shares the goods below so you can get ready to swing and sashay your glass hair down the city streets — and yes, even in the heat of a Chicago summer!

 

STEP #1: CONDITION WITH INTENTION

 

After cleansing the hair with a favorite smoothing shampoo, apply your conditioner to seal the cuticle. “Proper application of the conditioner is very important so that you are both sealing the cuticles shut but also being careful not saturate the roots which can lead to limp and oily hair,” Andreas says.

 

Begin by applying the conditioner from the top of the hair where it starts to grow away from the scalp, and smooth it toward the ends. Then, with a wide-tooth comb, gently comb the conditioner through the hair to evenly distributed throughout all the strands. Wait 3 – 5 minutes before rinsing with cool water.

 

STEP #2: BLOW DRY, LAYER, FLAT IRON, LAYER

 

With hair freshly washed it’s time for some hot tools and product layering. The first product to use, before any heat is applied to the hair, is a thermal protectant to shield strands from the damaging hot tools.

 

“We love Kératine Thermique from Kérastase because it’s milky and creamy and protects the hair while also helping with the style’s longevity,” Andreas says. “The anti-humidity and anti-frizz properties ensure the styled hair stays smoother for longer.”

 

Once applied, blow dry hair on a medium heat setting with the nozzle of the dryer blowing down the hair. After hair is a quarter dry, apply Kérastase’s L’Huile Original Hair Oil. This cult favorite product is a blend of three oils — argan, marula and camellia— and is the key component in achieving that wild super shiny and seriously smooth style.

 

Finish blow drying the hair in the same fashion as noted above. You can also use a flat brush to help in distributing the heat. Then to hold the style, lightly apply a dime to nickel size amount of a favorite lightweight smoothing style serum.

 

To further instill that glass look, follow up by gently using a flat iron on medium heat.

 

STEP #3: SET & SASHAY!

With your hair now styled and as smooth as you want it, it’s time to cover it up! Not with a hat or scarf obviously, but with the ultimate setting spray— Imperméable Anti-Humidity Spray from Oribe. “This is basically a raincoat for your hair; it locks in the style, but also defends it from everyday weather elements like humidity and wind,” Andreas says.

Now you’re ready to kill it on the ’gram, but also in real life too!

 

GET GLASS HAIR PRO!

To get a professional glass hair blowout, visit Salon Buzz online to schedule an appointment with one of our stylists that will get you smooth and set for a hot summer day!

Take a Curl Journey with These Six Styling and Care Tips for Embracing your Natural Texture

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Have textured hair, but you’re not sure how to amplify its maximum loveliness? While attempting to define your curls and reduce dryness, you may find you’re often perplexed. Some days your hair is frizzy; some days the curls are ‘meh’; and some days are wild magic card days of beautiful curls – but you’re not exactly sure what you did to make this happen.

 

Ahead are some tried and true textured hair tricks from hairdressing veteran Andreas Zafiriadis, founder of Salon Buzz. These tips will help you enhance your beautiful natural texture, hydrate your hair and ensure you have dream waves and curls every day.

 

Understanding Your Texture

“Before you take on your own personal curl journey, it’s important to get to know your hair type,” Andreas says. “Curly hair will naturally be in a drier state because of the way cuticles twist and turn. These bends open the cuticles more and can be a contributor to dryness. The twists are also a big reason why curly hair doesn’t shine as much as straight hair.”

 

Knowing this will help as you make decisions about haircare product and how you handle your hair. You can dive even deeper to learn about your own unique hair by asking your hairstylist.

 

Take Your Curl Journey!

TIP #1: Cleanse & Condition

Shampooing opens the hair cuticles to allow for ingredient absorption, therefore choose the right shampoo that will provide lots of moisture and nourishment. Also remember that curly hair already tends to have open cuticles, so it’s recommended to only shampoo textured hair every other day or even less if you can stand it, to not cause more dryness.

 

To seal the cuticles back up with all the shampoo nutrients, use a conditioner from the same brand that also hydrates as it seals the hair shaft. For extra conditioning, consider investing in weekly treatments. You can do an at-home hair masque, or in-salon treatments such as a customized Kérastase Fusio-Dose.

 

Tip #2 Dry with Intention
When the hair is at its wettest, never rub the hair with a towel as this causes instant damage. Instead, always blot the hair gently with a towel. Blotting also sets the hair up to receive more ingredients. Hair is like a sponge, so it will soak up ingredients, but if it’s too wet it won’t absorb.

 

It’s essential to also have a few air-dry only days so the hair gets a break from unnecessary heat.

 

For the days where you want to speed up the drying process then definitely use the right products that will not only help protect the hair, but also help to bring out the curls.

 

Never dry the hair 100% though because it can cause brittleness, so it’s best to dry it at 70 to 80%. To dry partially, prep the hair with Kérastase’s Mousse Curl Idéal, a light-weight mouse that is a thermal heat protectant and curl definer. Then use a diffuser on your blow dryer as this spreads the airstream over a wider area and not concentrated on one section.

 

Tip #3 Build a Solid Foundation

For strong, gorgeous curls you will need to build a beautiful foundation with a nourishing cream or primer that is the main ingredient to reduce frizz and dryness. What is used at the foundation level will be instrumental in your curl journey. This should be applied just after hair is towel-blotted from the shampoo and conditioning process. A great primer to try is Crème du Jour from Kérastase.

TIP #4: Sweet Definition

Once hair is dried completely, use a hair oil to help nourish strands and bring out a defined wave or corkscrew curl that is smooth and luxe. “My favorite oil is Bumble and bumble’s Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil because it helps to hydrate the ends, brings the shine back, breaks up the curls, and it protects the hair from getting frizzy when you run your hands through the hair,” Andreas says.

 

Tip #5: Low-Maintenance Curl

Here’s a great tip for the curly girl just starting her curl journey: After washing and when you’re either going to air dry, or you’ve partially dried with a diffuser, simply use Curl Control Silkening Creme from Oribe. This is a great foundation for textured hair because it provides a nice balance of moisture and a little bit of control. You can apply and then move on with your day.

 

Tip #4: Avoid the Crunch

While products can be incredible for adding moisture, protection, and definition, be mindful of the crunch factor. Curly hair can get crunchy fast depending on what you use and how much. Be sure you’re only using stylers that are designed to add softness, texture, and bendability. A wonderful styler that can help to add hold to the hair and won’t get crunchy is Curl Gloss Hydration from Oribe.

 

Tip #5: Don’t Go Potion Overboard

Your curl journey product choices, while exciting, can seem overwhelming. A quick rule of thumb that will help both your hair and your peace of mind is choosing a nice hair cream for the foundation; and one styler that provides the results you’re wanting to achieve. Just those two and you’re good to go!

 

As for application portion, use a dime to nickel portion of the product— this will depend on your hair’s density and length. Distribute it in the hair in layers starting from the ends and staying at least an inch from the scalp as the newest hair is the most nourished and doesn’t need the ingredients.

 

Tip #6: Sleep & Refresh

When it comes time to sleep, invest in a silk pillowcase that allows the hair to slide along the pillow at night as opposed to getting caught up in a cotton or poly fabric that will pull and tear strands.

 

In the morning, curls can be refreshed with a mist of water or Refresh Absolu Hair Spray from Kérastase.

 

To learn more about your textured hair, visit Salon Buzz online to schedule an appointment with one of our stylists that will share more about your hair and curl type.

Spring + Summer 2022 Hair Cutting Trends for All

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Three Spring 2022 Hair Cutting Trends That Fit All


It’s finally that time of year when the Chicago winds turn from intense cold snaps to a welcome warmth of spring that carries the fragrant aroma of blooming flowers and budding trees.

Basically, it’s time to cut winter locks into a chic, fashion-forward style for the upcoming new season.

Keeping in tune with the latest education for haircutting, we’re loving three haircuts for Spring 2022. All are beautiful and at least one of these cuts can work for any individual wanting a beauty refresh for upcoming warm nights out on the town and seasonal events.

 

Haircut Trend #1: The Shag

A shag haircut can result in several variations, including the popular ‘wolf cut’ and the modern mullet. Shags are essentially layered cuts that result in a sculptural silhouette to suit one’s own personal style. Depending on what that style is— from the person first to try an edgy cut to a fashion-forward conservative— we believe there is a shag for everyone. Haircutting artists will also always take into consideration face shape and hair texture for the best shag for you.

 

Haircut Trend #2: Curtain Bangs

Think side-swept bangs, but on each side of the face with hair parted and bangs coming down and blending seamlessly into longer layers ultimately melting into the hair.

“Curtain Bangs first showed up on the scene a few seasons back, but because they are so versatile and complementary to all face shapes, they are still going strong as they evolve in structure and style,” says Salon Buzz founder and lead stylist Andreas Zafiriadis.

For women who love their long hair and don’t want to do much of a cut, curtain bangs are perfect for a subtle change that doesn’t sacrifice the hair’s length. It’s not a huge commitment, while adding an elevated style and moment of texture to the hair.

 

Haircut Trend #3: The Layered Bob

Bobs have always been a classic go-to for anyone looking for a complete refresh. It’s for those people that love to wow— and of course, there’s nothing quite like cutting off inches of hair to start a season fresh.

For Spring/Summer 2022, the bob is going to be less sharp and instead will be in favor of softness. The overall popularity of layers show up for the season’s bob. The layers will be sweet and approachable with a moment of that “je ne sais quoi” look, for the ultimate variation on a French Bob.

Get your Spring haircut on the books today, visit Salon Buzz online to schedule your appointment.

 

‘Mane’ Stream: Level Up Your Look, 3 Ways with Hair Extensions

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Once viewed as a celebrity-exclusive luxury product, hair extensions have evolved into a beautiful and affordable option for everyone and often for reasons that don’t have much to do with length. Extensions create a desired look that can’t often be achieved with some people’s natural hair. For this reason, extensions have gone well past the celebrity set into the everyday.

“There are so many myths surrounding hair extensions, such as they damage natural hair— they do not— and that they’re not accessible to all— also false. Hair extensions are an incredible and easy way to instantly elevate one’s natural hairstyle for anyone looking for a refresh,” says Salon Buzz founder and stylist Andreas Zafiriadis. “You can use just a few extensions to create a slight change, or you can go all-in for a dramatic, glamorous look—and there are many styles in between.”

Salon Buzz carries the leading human hair extension brand BELLAMI as the flagship salon in Chicago. The options include clip-in, bonded, wefts and the most popular for many salons, tape-in hair extensions. The technological advancements for how tape-in came about is exactly why so many people gravitate toward extensions today— they are easy to apply, easy to maintain and result in an extremely natural look. They also last up to six weeks before the hair is gently removed so it can be re-applied again.

The magic of hair extensions is realized in just a simple consultation with a stylist. And it’s amazing to understand that there are so many reasons to embrace a few extensions.

Here are three ways extensions go beyond just adding length:

  1. Achieve Instant Volume with Tape-In Extensions

Many people have issues with thinning hair and often turn to styling products to achieve the look of fullness. While some products can be truly amazing for that moment of oomph, hair extensions can do this instantly with no daily work. By adding just a few tape-in extensions to shorter styles such as bobs and shoulder-length hair, there is immediate fullness to thinning hair. And with this comes a welcome feeling of confidence.

  1. Gain Gorgeous Accent Colors with No Chemicals, using Tape-In Extensions
    Hair color can be tricky and altering the chemical makeup of one’s natural hair can pose some issues. Not everyone’s hair responds the same way to certain colors, or someone may simply not want the permanent change, but still want the look.

This is where extensions are amazing because you can add the look of a balayage, rooted color, highlights or fashion colors— all with a few extensions. The variety is limitless. Imagine approaching the possibilities the way you would with any art project— and of course alongside an expert, your hairstylist.

“As a flagship Bellami location in Chicago, we have a large inventory on hand to show our clients straight away and can apply that same day,” Andreas notes.

  1. Go Glam for Event Styling with Clip-In Extensions

For anyone looking to go ultra-glam for a wedding, gala or similar event, level up your look with clip-in extensions, a zero-commitment choice. You already have that incredible dress, so now your hairstyle can be extra elegant and dramatic with a stunning clip-in ponytail, full bun or textured waves. While the look will have drama, the result will still be natural but expensive because of the stylist application and hair quality.

While Salon Buzz loves their extensions, they do stress that first-time users have a collaborative consultation with their stylist. “We want people to be armed with knowledge,” says Andreas. It’s important your choice is what you want aesthetically, but also that fits your lifestyle as extensions can require a little higher maintenance in terms of coming back to the salon for upkeep and how the hair will work in your everyday life.”

To learn more and to set up a consultation today, visit BELLAMI Hair Extensions at Salon Buzz.

Keep Hair Hydrated with These 4 Easy Tips

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There’s no denying, winter is a tough season on hair. Strands suffer from the cold air and high winds outside; dry air inside; and forced heat funneling in homes, cars and offices. All these winter elements can dry hair out and potentially cause strand breakage.

While we’re in the winter home stretch, it’s important not to lose focus on the extra care your hair still needs during these next couple months of cold.

Here are four easy things you can do to combat the winter hair woes to have beautiful, healthy, and hydrated hair well into spring.

 

Tip #1: Regular Trims

Getting a new haircut is always a fabulous experience and provides a complete refresh; that said- during the colder months, it’s important you’re getting simple trims to eliminate the dryer ends and damaged hair. Split ends can only ever go away by cutting them off, which also is preventative in avoiding additional hair breakage as a dead-end travels up the hair shaft. It’s best to get a trim every six weeks.

 

Tip #2: Condition and Weekly Masques

Always thoroughly condition your hair every time you shampoo— this is one of the most important actions you can take in nourishing your hair. To do, comb conditioner through the hair with a wide-tooth comb starting from the bottom up—but combing down in the direction of the hair shaft— to ensure each strand is getting thoroughly moisturized.

Once a week, do a deep conditioning masque for extra love and attention for the hair— also applied with a wide-tooth comb. We love Masque Réhydratant Hair Mask from Kérastase because it’s formulated to rebalance hair’s hydration.

Giving extra attention to hair conditioning will help with dryness and static while the weekly treatments help to add strength to prevent breakage without weighing it down.

 

Tip #3 Realize the Power of Silk

Invest in a silk pillowcase because it provides a frictionless surface for your hair which will curb hair breakage and damage. Silk also won’t leech moisture from the hair compared to a cotton pillowcase.

Silk can additionally be used as a lining in your favorite winter hat to avoid hair damage from the traditional hard fabrics of hats— just think of all the times you’re putting the hat on and taking it off, this is not great for the hair shaft. Silk is always gentler to hair and, as a bonus, it will help to keep you warmer.

 

Tip #4 Limit Your Use of Hot Tools

Think first before reaching for your curling iron, waver, or flat iron. The extra surge of heat on the hair from hot tools will be an additional element to all the factors that your hair is already up against in the winter months.

For the times you must use a hot tool be sure to safeguard your hair with a thermal heat protectant such as Nectar Thermique Blow Dry Primer from Kérastase. This primer is a heat protectant with 450°F thermo-protection and provides 85% less hair breakage from blow dry.