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Recommended Trimming Times 

How do I know I need to trim my hair?

If you’re having split ends, this is long past the time you should have had a trim. Prior to your split ends, your hair may have been dry and brittle and may have been hard to comb or brush through. You might also find that it takes more time for you to style. Before you find your hair looking lifeless, it’s time for a trim. 

How much hair should I cut and how often?

Some experts say every 3 to 4 weeks, on the average. However, we have always been taught that 6 to 8 weeks is the norm. If you are growing out your hair, trimming is also necessary and the expert advice is between a quarter to half an inch off the hair every 12 weeks. If you want it more frequently than that, remember that hair grows generally a half inch per 30 days. It doesn’t go any faster than that. Another tip is if you notice breakage higher up the hair from the ends, trimming is advised. 

How often should I trim my bangs?

For bangs to look their best, every 2 weeks trim is recommended. Most people who want their bangs out of their eyes would go for cuts every 3 to 4 weeks. This is the time you feel your bangs have overgrown. 

How often should I trim:

Short Hair

Maintain trimming every month or every 6 weeks. This is for pixies, bowl cut, or contemporary crop. As short hair like these seem to grow much faster than shoulder length hair, they can lose their distinctiveness quickly as they tend to frame the face. So to keep them sharp-looking, regular trims are called for.

Medium-length Hair

You can have hair cuts every 6 to 8 weeks, or 8 to 12 weeks if you want to keep it longer. Styles vary from long bobs, tousled shags, or layered. You can actually keep them as long before a trim as they become more distinct over time. 

Long hair

Recommended is 3 to 6 months. That’s depending on the style – from braids, sleek/straight, curls, and beach waves. However, due to their length, long hair can break easily and appear thinner. Hair care must be in order. They are easier to maintain if you don’t use color or heat. 

Layered Hair

It’s best to trim every 6 to 8 weeks. You can easily feel this style verging to overgrowth if trimming goes beyond this time frame. Layers are distinctive as they frame the face between the cheekbones and the jawline. Trim at 6 weeks if you have many choppy layers.

Schedule an Appointment with Geena

Whatever your hair length, if you think you need to go for a trim, visit Geena Moon’s hair salon in Bellevue. Gain more hair care tips when you see her.

The Basic Components 

Whatever your hair type, how you wear your hair, and whatever your hair concerns are, every hair care routine has basic components. 

Cleansing hair is removing product residue, dirt, and dead skin without stripping the natural oils from the strands. But if hair is not properly washed, the oily, sticky wax called sebum builds up and attracts more dirt and residue. What’s best for you: A clarifying shampoo is a deep-working shampoo that gets rid of all build-up. Its use must be limited though to once monthly as it can strip natural oils as well. Otherwise, for regular washing so-called daily shampoos with gentler formulas can be used.

Conditioning does moisturising primarily, but as well as detangling, add shine and reduce frizz. Its main ingredient, a cationic surfactant, sticks to wet hair coating it with moisture that shampoo has removed. What’s best for you:  You can use a daily conditioner that rinses out in a few minutes. There are leave-in conditioners that you don’t need to leave out. Use this if your hair needs more nourishment and moisture. And if your hair is damaged or tends toward dryness, use a deep conditioner. 

Moisturising and Sealing is a two-step process that provides more hydration than conditioning. This is your go-to step if your hair is kinky or coily and with a tendency to dryness. The process involves sealing in the moisture by a hydrating product and sealing oil. What’s best for you: After you have done with shampoo and conditioner, apply a cream-based hair lotion and then seal with oil. The lotion protects from dryness and breaking, as the oil seals the moisture in.

Detangling is removing all those tangled knots in your hair without causing breakage. Tangles can happen to all hair types and it’s essential that you use the right tool for it, or else by mistake, you might pull out a handful of strands. Sometimes you might do detangling everyday. What’s best for you: Use a comb on wet hair, more so if it’s textured or very curly; a wide-tooth comb is safer to use. Use a brush that you’re comfortable with; settle with bristles that are not too hard on your hair and scalp; avoid too much brushing. Use detangling spray or detangling serum if need be before brushing or combing. 

Styling and Protecting go together because with so many array of products available, plus hot tools, your hair needs a lot of protection as you style. What’s best for you: Mousse provides volume and texture, especially to curls; choose one that doesn’t feel sticky. Hair wax provides more hold but shouldn’t make your hair stiff; they also add lots of shine. Pomade gives that sleek look to the hair; it’s very shiny, not drying, and lasts through the day. Styling gel gives that obvious shine and texture; different types provide anywhere from a light hold to very strong hold.

Dry Shampoo is used to eliminate extra oil which makes your hair often greasy; it’s not used everyday as it builds up on your scalp. Volumizers tend to lift your hair making it look thicker; it’s supposed to be lightweight and generally intended for limp hair. Texturizers add texture to hair and tend to preserve the style; examples are salt sprays, curl definers, foam, dry spray, etc. Shine serum or spray gives the glossy, smooth look, applied on hair surfaces except the roots. Hair spray provides a variety of holding power, but shouldn’t make hair appear stiff. Heat protection spray is important when you use heating tools; it  shields the hair strands from extreme heat.

Treatments for various hair issues include scalp treatment, protein treatment and hair masks. Scalp treatments are 1 or 2 times monthly; it uses exfoliating action that unclog follicles, stimulate blood circulation for growth, and resolves itchiness. Protein treatments give frizzy or brittle hair more protein; monthly treatments strengthen and smooth strands and fill in gaps in the cuticle. Hair masks take only a few minutes to nourish the hair with nutrients and resolve frizz, dryness, or split ends.

While most apply themselves to follow these steps faithfully, use of these products and tools vary widely and preferences differ. Find out what is best for you. Do not expect overnight results because they take time. For a more professional approach, ask your hairstylist. What is important is not the order of the routine, but your consistency. 

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What You Need To Know 

Once you know what works for you, you can get yourself a great hair routine that can pretty much make life a lot easier for you. Before that, it can be daunting as there will be hits and misses. Here’s laying down for you what you need to know to land that hair care routine.

What’s Your Hair Type?

Firstly, know what your natural hair texture or type is. There are actually four categories and you can only have one of them – straight, wavy, curly, or kinky. There are advantages and disadvantages for each type. For example, straight hair can look sleek due to the ease that natural oils coat it. However, straight hair often lacks volume and body. On the other hand, curly hair affords volume and does not need those curling tools. But then, this hair type needs a lot of anti-frizz and conditioning products.

Is Your Hair Chemically Treated?

Then, determine if your hair has been dyed, bleached , or has undergone chemical treatments like straightening. If so, your hair needs extra work. Dyed hair calls for practices and products that prevent dryness and color fading. Bleached hair needs regular conditioning like use of hair masks to give it extra nourishment. Chemically straightened hair also needs regular conditioning and avoidance of heating tools. 

How Do You Wear Your Hair Daily?

Do you always wear it naturally, no straightening or curling?  Or do you always have to resort to hot tools like blow dryers and irons and you can’t leave the house without using them? You have to consider these, too, because frequent heat application can lead to damaged hair. Do you wear your hair in buns, ponytails, headbands, or do you braid them often? These can cause breakage and thinning. It’s another practise you have to consider.

Do You Have Current Hair Issues?

You might have specific concerns that are presently confounding you about your hair. Do you suffer from thinning and loss of hair, flaky scalp, split-ends, frizzy hair, dry and damaged hair? These problems should be addressed and remedies incorporated into your routine to be able to fix the condition. 

Knowing where you are in your hair care journey is just the first half of the task. The next part is finding the solutions to the problems. That will be the subject of our next blog.

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Asking The Professional in Bellevue

When you have problems in establishing which hair care routine is best for you, do not hesitate to ask Geena Moon. Visit us at our hair salon in Bellevue.

More Easy-To-Remember Tips

Want to know more helpful and cost-saving advice for healthier hair? Here are more hair care tips to serve you in good stead.
You might think that you get more with high-powered blow dryers. Experts say that most blow dryers dry hair at about the same time. They say the more expensive models are the quietest. However, frequent use of any hair dryer can lead to brittleness and hair loss, especially if your hair is fine. Keep blow dryers a rest. If you must, get protected by using a conditioner or heat styling product.

Your hair undeniably goes through a lot of styling, finding reasons that suit the occasion – all the seasons, parties, outings, etc. Hence, you subject it to combing, brushing, blow drying, and then some chemical treatments. It is no wonder there can be hair damage. Even using certain strong shampoos or vigorously drying the hair can cause damage. Take a break from styling and let new hair grow.

If you have grays and want to cover them, be sure to use a gentle color. Mature hair tends to be weaker and grows out at a slower pace. To avoid damage, mature hair should use less strong chemicals in their dyes. Younger people should also avoid extreme color changes. For example, blondes want to go brunette suddenly and brunettes want to go blonde. There is a risk of damage with extreme changes. Experts recommend staying within three shades of the natural hair color.

Does your hair get frizzy during the hot months? That’s because of the humidity. The high content of water in the atmosphere combines with hair protein and causes some curling or frizzing. This makes hair static if the air is dry. However, even the winter months cause frizzy hair. To counter this static electricity, use a conditioner. Also use shampoos that are pH-balanced.

Caring for curly hair isn’t that difficult. Be sure to use a pick instead of a comb or a brush. It will prevent breakage. They will also look a lot prettier. Curls are also prone to dryness and brittleness. So keep your curls smooth and manageable by using conditioners with polyvinylpyrrolidone.
If you are going for a swim in a pool, better take a shower first. You want to avoid the effects of chlorine in the water that can cause dryness and brittleness on hair. Having taken a shower first, not too much chlorine can be absorbed by hair as it is already saturated with water. If you don’t like to use a swim cap, you can use a pH-balancing product for more hair protection.

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More Hair Care Tips in Bellevue

Geena will know how to take care of your hair. Our hair salon’s many services and walk away with lots of tips in hair care. Only here in Bellevue.

Easy-To-Remember Snappy Tips

Hair care tips serve as reminders that help you in your daily care routine. After you have gone through our easy list, you’d say you wished you’d known these hair care tips before.
For stronger and healthier hair, eat nutritious foods like fish and nuts rich in omega-3 fatty acids and proteins. They make your scalp and follicles healthy. Leafy veggies, as well as beans and carrots, are also great for building up the strength of your strands. Avoid quick weight loss fads that can harm your hair.

When shampooing your hair, use lukewarm water, not hot. You can strip your hair of its natural protective oils when you use hot water, leading to the loss of its natural shine. It’s also important that you give your scalp a gentle massage while shampooing to encourage the oils to coat your hair.

You can remedy split ends by using protein products. Split ends can be due to overstyling – frequent use of hot tools, perm, color, and bleach that can strip your strands of their outer layer. Condition with protein products regularly to repair split ends.

Is your hair thin and lifeless? Then give it a boost with silicone. Choose products with dimethicone or cyclomethicone which coats your hair with a thin film without looking oily or greasy. They remain on hair after rinsing. Don’t use thick or rich conditioners because they will only make hair look limp and without bounce.

Are you plagued with dandruff? You might have a minor skin disorder of the scalp. Get yourself a shampoo with medication against dandruff. Soak it into your scalp for at least 5 minutes and rinse well after. Do not rub oil into your scalp thinking that your dandruff is caused by dryness. It can become worse if you do.

If you think you are experiencing too much hair loss, like more than 100 to 200 strands a day, avoid too much brushing. Brushing at 100 strokes a day can snap off more strands. You may be interfering with the up-tick and resting phases of hair growth. Also, use a ball-tipped bristle hair brush which is gentler on hair. And do not brush wet-hair.

If you are still losing hair, look at the way you wound and bound your tresses. You might be wearing your ponytails and braids too tightly, sporting them the entire day, or even sleeping with these styles. These practices can break off strands and pull out roots. Give your hair a rest by setting it free before bed.

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Hair Care Tips A-Plenty in Bellevue

If you come visit your popular Bellevue hair salon, you wont leave without a lot of hair care tips to bring home. See us soon at Geena Moon’s in Bellevue.

Helpful Tips for Healthy Summer Hair

Did you know that UV effects of the sun can cause damage to your hair? Like most people who enjoy the beach, doing all sorts of water activities, including sunbathing, you would go to great lengths to protect your skin. Even with lots of sunscreen on, you overlook that part of you that also needs protection – your hair.

According to experts in hair and scalp care treatments, a lot of damage happens to hair exposed to extended UV radiation. Your hair fibers weaken, become brittle, dry, and lose color. As the sun beats down on your hair, fibers break down, as well as the color. The result is rough-textured hair and lackluster appearance.

Keratin, a major component of hair, is lost on prolonged sun exposure. Radiation breaks it down, leading to fibers thinning and weakening and resulting in more regular snapping and breaking. Your scalp will also be affected. Extended burning of your scalp will actually damage the hair follicles. While your hair will always grow back and the fiber will replace itself, the damage to the scalp from burning under the sun can be painful and uncomfortable. The effects can be long-lasting, even irreparable. Your scalp can be very sensitive – to touch, brushing and hair treatments. It may also lead to skin cancer.

Can you minimize the effects of UV radiation on your hair?

Yes, and there are different ways. Normally, wearing a hat can shut out most of the radiation. You can use hair products with built-in SPF, which protects the scalp and the hair. There are hair oil products that contain essential oils, like sunflower seeds, safflower, avocado, jojoba, and coconut. Use sesame oil which acts as a natural UV filter. Products with castor oil add shine. They both can prevent salt and chlorine from staying on to your hair.

Use conditioner to bring back moisture to your hair after UV exposure. Choose sulfate-free, silicone-free, and paraben free conditioner. Hydrating conditioners with essential oils and vitamins are also helpful. Hair creams that are nourishing, prevent breakage, and control frizz also provide sun protection before you go under the sun.

Minimize your hair’s exposure to sea water and pool water. They make your hair vulnerable to UV radiation, altering the proteins in your hair. Be sure to wash your hair clean as soon as possible after you are done with your beach or pool activities. You can also use a hair mask as additional protection.

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More Sun Protection Tips for Hair in Bellevue

Learn more about sun protection for your hair, especially this summer. Before you hit the beach, see Gina Moon, your favorite hair salon in Bellevue for more tips.

Countering the Negative Effects

So you expect to do a lot of swimming this summer. You must know that a day of dipping into a chlorine pool can do some damage to your hair. Chlorine protects swimmers from harmful bacteria that can grow in swimming pools. However, if you soak too long in the water, it can take its toll on your skin and hair. Experts say you have to prepare your hair to save yourself from being sorry that you have ruined your locks. Here are some helpful tips.

Know your hair type. Some hair types are more prone to extreme dryness and tangling. Chlorine in water strips hair of their natural oils, leaving your hair dry and brittle. The curlier and tighter your hair pattern, the more dry and tangled it becomes due to chlorine. That’s because curls are naturally drier than straight or wavy hair.

Be ready before you jump in. Prepare your hair by putting on a rich conditioner or a leave-on conditioner and detangling your hair strands as hair absorbs chlorine. Also, chlorine can turn blonde hair into a greenish color, initiating chemical reactions which accelerate under UV light. UV rays mixed with chlorine can cause hair protein oxidation which weakens hair strands and causes split ends. A good conditioner limits chlorine penetration as it acts as a water repellant. Using a swim cap adds more protection.

When you are done with swimming, wash with a clarifying shampoo. As soon as possible, rinse, shampoo, detangle, and reapply conditioner to your hair. Use a sulfate-free clarifying shampoo which is not harsh.

Condition well. Go for a moisturizing deep conditioner. If you have curly hair or a coily pattern, you will need to continue adding more moisture to your hair for the next few days. Remember that even natural hair is not exempt from the negative effects of chlorine.

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Learning More About Hair Care in Bellevue

Summer is here and it’s time to get expert advice from your stylist about hair care. Visit us at Gina Moon’s hair salon in Bellevue soon.

Color Ideas for Brunettes

If you’re a brunette, you can have lots of fun with the new hair colors trending this summer. With these options, brunettes can dish those misconceptions that say brown hair is boring and only light colors work for summer. Celebrity colorists are saying these are the trending brunette hair colors, along with tips on how to maintain them.

Ombré highlights on brunette hair is the best because it stays true to the color without going too blonde, for example, caramel and honey highlights. It mimics natural hair and so it is one of those hues that will never go away in style. Experts advise that to keep the colors from fading, use color-safe shampoo and conditioner that are sulfate-free and acidic to keep hair balanced.

Red tones are great hues for the summer because they are warm tones that match the climate. It’s also head-turning, vibrant, wearable daily, and fades out beautifully. To care for this look, use color-safe products, especially if you will use heat to style or go out for periods under the sun.

Chunky highlights, which are a hit in the 90’s, are trending again. The look is iconic and tends towards nostalgia. To maintain the look, invest in a blow dryer that doesn’t rely on wind power and pressure to dry hair.

Sun-kissed Balayage can either be honey blonde or caramel highlights on a brown base. The lighter hue is painted onto the hair to create a natural-blended highlight effect. It tends to accentuate your facial features, creates dimension to hair, and is super low maintenance. Use extra gloss to keep it shiny and healthy-looking.

The Money Piece Highlight is really a cost-effective choice though many celebrities are favoring it. It brightens the look without having to have your entire head of hair highlighted. Experts however say that it becomes important to take care of your hair health because the chemical processing can be damaging. This may happen whenever you add any bright blonde shade to dark hair. Choose a formula that hydrates and puts in shine and smoothness.

Mushroom Brown or Sandy Brown is for brunettes who want to stick to cool undertones for summer. It combines earthy brown as the primary color with ashy gray or creamy highlights to bring it to life. The finished look is subtle, stunning, and simple.

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Getting Your New Summer Look in Bellevue

If you are now ready to recreate your summer look, come to Geena Moon’s hair salon in Bellevue.

Standout Sunshine Hair Colors

It’s summertime and the new season calls for something new. The new season is looking for a new look and what better way than to go for a hair color change. While last year had its popular trends, this year’s trends are departures or come with surprising twists. With more mobility and activities around, more experimenting with colors are seen. Summer colors are fresh, gorgeous, and low-maintenance. Here they are:

Money Piece Highlights are so named because they are a time-saver and cost-effective coloring process. Any shade of highlights is ok, but mostly seen are blonde, pink or red. Face-framing sections are head-turners.

Copper is great for summer – goldish red and brown shine! They can be integrated into your current color with highlights and lowlights. It makes your face glow. You can also try dyeing your locks all copper.

Pastel hues this year will have some unexpected shades. Though some are classics, like rose-inspired hues, there are other playful pastels like soft peach tones, mint green, and icy blue.

Caramel’s sweet shade of brown looks great on all hair types. The color choice adds warmth to the strands and is perfect when mixed with other tones. Another similar color like this is almond.

Creamy Platinum gives hair the best of both worlds: a cool-toned blonde with the warmth and creaminess of a honey blonde shade. However, only the right products can result in fresh-looking hues without leaving brassy or yellow tones.

Mutitone Blonde is different shades of blonde that creates a beautiful blend that can be described as another unique color. It’s very summery and a major inspiration for the new season.

Grainy Golden reflects the most light, leaving a lot of shimmer on the hair. And who wouldn’t like sparklers in their hair in the summertime. Gold tones are very popular, just like stepping out of a salon after an ultra shine.

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Getting Your Summer Color in Bellevue

Don’t let summer pass you by without getting any of the trending colors mentioned. Make your appointment soon at Geena Moon, your favorite hair salon in Bellevue.