frequently asked questions
What is a Blonde Specialist?
A: A Blonde Specialist is a qualified hairdresser and colourist with many years of experience with blonde hair and bleach. Not all blondes are created equal so that’s why you need to find a colourist that specialises in blonde hair to get the best results.
I live and breathe bleach and lightening hair. Bleach can cause all types of issues if not applied and processed correctly. If processed too long, it can cause breakage or the hair can look brassy and warm if not processed enough.
As Blonde Specialist I’ve had 27 years experience in blonding hair.
Don’t leave your blonde to those without the relevant experience
Q: What products do you use in the salon?
A: As a Blonde Specialist I struggled to find products within the big brands that satisfied myself and my clients and got the best results for blonde hair. So I created my own colour line and hair product range designed with blonde hair in mind. I named the range Beach Doll
Q: Why Is Beach Doll Bleach so special?
A: I have tried many brands over the years and just couldn’t find a bleach that lightned clean but still kept the hair in amazing condition. So I created my own blonde specialist range. Beach Doll bleach lifts hair to 9 levels, is dust free and contains white truffle oil for hydration, hair strength, shine and bounce. With Beach Doll bleach there is no burning and minimal irritation. Most of our clients feel nothing. Bonus!!
Q: My straightening irons are burning my hair. Help!
A: Here at Birdie we sparingly use Hair Straighteners. This is because we believe hair straighteners are not a great option for blonde hair. They can result in the toner ‘burning off’ the hair, resulting in the hair turning a warmer tone a lot quicker. Straighteners are also notorious for causing breakage of the hair, especially around the front hairline, and creating ‘antennas’ on the top of the head. If you must use a hair straightener, make sure it is sparingly (once a week is ample), turn the temperature down to 180 degrees celsius and use a heat protector on the hair.
Q: My curly hair is frizzy with lots of split ends, is this because my hairdresser uses a razor and thinning scissors?
A: Yes. Curly hair should never be razored. This causes the hair to split and go frizzy. Here at Birdie our hair stylists are trained to texturise your curly hair without razoring or thinning. We also recommend using the Beach Doll Save My Locks Conditioning Spray for a weightless feel and to help moisturise your curls and improve elasticity.
Q: Should I get more than a day out of my Blow Dry?
A: Here at Birdie I pride myself on giving my clients one of the best Blow Dries they’ve ever had. Come in and see for yourself! My Blow Dries last a week.
Q: why don't you use chemical free colour?
A: No hair colour is chemical free. Hair colour contains chemicals and is mixed with Hydrogen Peroxide to produce a chemical reaction. The only chemical free colour is henna. Our colours are PPD Free though so less nasties than other brands.
Q: Can your cut short hair?
A: I have had short hair most of my life. I believe you must wear it to know it and I have lots of clients with short hair.
Q: Why don’t you do keratin straightening?
A: I never liked the smell and how the keratin straighteners made me feel so I started to research the products and found that they contained carcenogenic ingredients. I didn’t want to put my health and the health of my clients at risk I have written a blog about my findings. You can read it here
Q: What will help give my hair body?
A: Our favourite products are Beach Doll Island Time (Beach Spray) and Beach Doll Boost! (Hair Powder with a puff)
Q: My vivid at home hair colour fades and is very high maintenance, what will help me?
A: I have created my own range of Vivids in my Beach Doll range These brights last up to 6 weeks and we can custom make a touch up conditioner for you to take home to refresh your colour. The over the counter vivids don't last as long and you run the risk of build up in certain areas. We also recommend an in salon treatment after your vivid. It locks in the colour, gives incredible shine and reduces fading so you get longer out of your vivid.
Q: I want to grow out my grey hair. can you help me?
A: Going grey can be liberating, no more 4-6 weekly grey coverage tints. But it can also be difficult and a long wait to grow out the old colour. You have the option of cutting all the colour our and rocking a short haircut but that might not be for everyone. So you can start the process a of grey transitioning colour. This involved removing the old colour, depending on how dark it is, and starting the highlighting process to blend the grey demarcation line. This can involve both highlights and lowlights in silvers and greys to mimic your natural colour. Please contact me for more information on this process.
Q: Do I have to pay extra for a toner?
A: My pricing system is based on time and amount of colour used. Some people can get away without a toner and that’s ok but a toner can counteract unwanted tones or help give tones to highlights or bleach. Toners are built into our pricing structure so are optional but most of my clients prefer a toner.
Q: Can I bring my kids to the salon with me?
A: Sure! We are happy for children to come into the salon with you as long as they do not disturb the other patrons and respect our environment.
Q.: Can I bring my dog into the salon?
A: We love all the puppies here at Birdie and like kids, they are welcome as long as they do not disturb the other patrons and you clean up after them if there are any ‘little accidents’.