Before& after
What to do before you come in, and how to keep a cut or colour looking like it did in the mirror.
Before you come
The two daysbefore
- 01
Skin test, 48 hours ahead
Any colour needs a skin test at least 48 hours before, and again every six months or when we change brand. Pop in, it takes five minutes. We don't colour under-16s.
- 02
Come as you wear it
Wear your hair the way you do on a normal day. For curl cuts, come with it dry and down, no ponytail, clips or fresh product.
- 03
Bring two photos
One of what you'd like and one of what you don't. Photos say more than 'a bit shorter'.
- 04
Allow the time
Colour takes two to three hours; balayage can take longer on long or thick hair. We'll tell you when you book.
After you go
Keep thecolour
- 01
Wait before the first wash
Give new colour 48 hours before shampoo, 72 if you can. It's still settling into the hair.
- 02
Sulphate-free, cool rinse
Use a sulphate-free shampoo and rinse lukewarm to cool. Hot water opens the hair's outer layer and lets colour slip out.
- 03
Two or three washes a week
Every wash takes a little colour with it. Dry shampoo in between does no harm.
- 04
Heat on low, with protection
Use a heat protector and the middle setting. Straighteners at full heat fade toner fastest.
- 05
When to come back
Cuts every 6–8 weeks, root tints every 4–6. Balayage grows out without a line, so most people come back after 3–6 months for a gloss.