Here are some suggestions to help you take the best possible care of your clients. Let’s start with education. The first priority is to instruct your clients to maintain their hair better. Teach them to use the right shampoos and conditioners and other hair care products.

Unfortunately, in today’s saturated market, it is difficult for most people to determine what products are actually beneficial to the hair and which ones are damaging. For example, SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) is a harsh detergent which actually dries the hair, yet most shampoos contain SLS, sometimes in concentrations of up to 10% by volume.

On the other hand, using the wrong conditioner will coat and weigh down the hair without delivering the expected benefits. Contrary to popular belief, the key function of a conditioner is to reduce friction between adjacent hairs, preventing the loss of vital hair cells, the generation of electricity both of which impact the hair’s longevity and manageability.

Quality of Hair

Moisture retention is a benefit that was added at a later stage in the development of conditioners as scientists came to understand the physics of hair growth. Even today’s best conditioner can only retain moisture in top quality hair for 2 to 3 hours. Damaged hair, or over-processed hair extensions may lose its moisture in half that time. However there are a few conditioners specifically formulated for processed hair, but without your advice, your clients are unlikely to be able to find them.

If your client plans to buy shampoos and conditioners at the local drug store, supermarket, or beauty supply store, encourage them to select one that states on the label their specific hair needs, such as dry, damaged or colored hair. Also advise them to opt for products with natural or mild ingredients.