Do you find your blonde looks flawless after the salon, but find that is dulls really quickly? Maybe you find split ends keep occuring. Or you tried a purple shampoo potion and now your hair is grey!
Melbourne Hair Colour Specialist Mark L reveals his top tips!
Whats different about 2024 Winter is right around the corner and with that, the bi-annual change with our hair too! But what hair colours are best for winter? This year is all about Healthy. Rich. Glossy hair trends. We are looking at deeper tones that still have vitality and dimension, whether that be blonde, brunette or copper. These hair colours are paired with long effortless layers that speak ‘I just woke up like this’. Some ideas might be a long curtain fringe and face framing to add highs and lows with your haircut. The key to creating an effortless, undone look is to pair your desires hair colour with tones that suit your natural complexion and / or makeup choices. If you find you have cooler skin and eyes, a warmer tonal direction will suit, and if you find you have warmer skin and eyes, then a cooler tone will suite you nicely! If you feel like you sit somewhere in the middle, then you may wish to enhance what you like best. This year is focusing on hair condition over exact tone. We are looking for shiny hair, moveable hair, touchable hair instead of compromising condition for colour. Is it all about brunettes? Blondes still do have fun for winter don’t worry! one way to keep your winter fair festive may be to add a slightly cooler tonal direction. Or my favourite way, to blend the highlights at the roots for a really soft seamless blend with an addedd pop on the ends. How you wear your blonde hair will also be taken into account! Leave the tight high bun for lazy sundays and opt for a soft tossled wave. Using a tong or iron to gently add movement to your hair will ehance the pop on the ends and enhance your layers! My favourite way to do this is to use a lightweight styling oil, such as Luxe Oil by Wella to add nourishment and heat protection and finish with a dry texture / dry shampoo spray! Let it all cool and either use your fingers for a messy texture or a wide toothed comb for something slightly polished. To summarise, you should focus on two things; your hairs health and finding the right tone for you! whether thats warm, cool or neutral! If you struggle to know how to do any of these, my books are open. Consultations are free and no obligation!
Available now at MARK L HAIR Transform Your Hair With Our Nanoplasty Keratin Smoothing Treatment In the bustling heart of Camberwell, Melbourne, Mark L Hair introduces an innovative hair care solution that’s set to redefine your hair experience: Nanoplasty Keratin Smoothing Services in Camberwell. This groundbreaking treatment combines the latest in hair care technology with natural, plant-based ingredients to deliver unparalleled results. Whether you’re battling frizz, dreaming of defined curls, or seeking a silky smooth texture, our Nanoplasty service promises to transform your hair while prioritizing its health. Suitable for most hair types, nanoplasty by Sarah K offers refined, sleek, smoother, even healthier hair. Nanoplasty works by being small, nano particles that penetrate deep into the hair. It replenishes lipids and ammino acids lost during time, wear and damage. Nanoplasty can also straighten the hair on some hair types. A consultation is highly recommended, however nanoplasty gives uncompromising results and will take your breath away! Key Benefits of Nanoplasty Smoothing Greatly Reduces Frizz Bid farewell to frizz and welcome sleek, manageable hair. Our Nanoplasty treatment smoothens your locks, leaving them frizz-free, even in Melbourne’s unpredictable weather. Defines Curls Embrace your curls like never before. Nanoplasty enhances and defines your natural curls, giving you the perfect balance of bounce and structure. Smoothens Curly Hair For those desiring straighter strands, stronger applications of Nanoplasty can significantly smooth out curly hair, offering a sleek and lustrous finish. Cuts Blow Drying Time in Half Imagine reducing your styling time while achieving better results. Nanoplasty makes it possible by halving blow-drying time, simplifying your morning routine. Safe for Coloured and Highlighted Hair Worried about your colour-treated hair? Our treatment is specifically designed to work wonders on coloured and highlighted hair, enhancing its vibrancy and health. Touchable, Soft Hair Gone are the days of sacrificing softness for style. Nanoplasty leaves your hair feeling incredibly soft and touchable, without compromising on appearance. Plant-Based and Formaldehyde-Free Committing to your hair’s health means using the safest products available. Our Nanoplasty service is plant-based and free from harmful formaldehyde, ensuring your hair’s health and vitality. Long-Lasting Results Enjoy smooth, frizz-free hair for over six months. Extend the life of your treatment with salon-quality shampoo and conditioner available in salon Why Choose Nanoplasty at Mark L Hair? Located in the vibrant Camberwell area of Melbourne, Mark L Hair is at the forefront of hair care innovation. Our commitment to excellence and the health of your hair means we only offer services that meet our high standards. The Nanoplasty Keratin Smoothing Service is no exception, providing a transformative experience with lasting benefits. Maintain Your Mane with Salon-Quality Products To maximize the longevity of your Nanoplasty results, we recommend using salon-quality shampoo and conditioner. Book Your Nanoplasty Service Today Transform your hair and simplify your life with our Nanoplasty Keratin Smoothing Service. Located in Camberwell, Melbourne, Mark L Hair is your destination for advanced hair care solutions. Book your appointment today and discover the difference Nanoplasty can make for your hair. Book Now!
In this day and age, consumers are incredibly ‘ingredient conscious’ and think that if two shampoos of different value share more than 50% of the ingredients, then they must simply be the same product with the same performance. Introduction: The Fast Food Analogy When you go to McDonald’s and order a classic Big Mac and Fries, you know that you’re getting something fast and relatively inexpensive. It does the job you need it to do, in spite of its obvious lack in nutritional value. The Fine Dining Experience But when you go out somewhere nice and need to go somewhere with a better reputation, perhaps to celebrate an important milestone, you may opt to go to a fancy restaurant. At this restaurant, you order their signature slow-cooked beef wagyu burger. Immediately, you notice the difference in quality. It’s been cooked in far better conditions, it was served to you in immaculate presentation, and when you left the restaurant, you felt full. The Core Ingredients: Not So Different? Despite this, the base ingredients of both burgers are the same, aren’t they? 2 buns, beef patty, onions, lettuce, signature sauces served with a side of fries or the like. However, one of these is a far superior product. Because the quality of the ingredients that made the product stand out! The Hair Care Parralel So, what does this have to do with hair again? This isn’t unlike consumers choosing a hair product. In this day and age, consumers are incredibly ‘ingredient conscious’ and think that if two shampoos of different value share more than 50% of the ingredients, then they must simply be the same product with the same performance. The Importance of Quality in Hair Products When considering your next hair product, whether it be shampoo or for styling, remember that the ingredients inside the product aren’t always as important as the actual quality the ingredient was sourced from. Conclusion: Understanding Professional Hair Care I hope this helps clients understand why professional hair care is important for hair and scalp health, and maybe this has helped a stylist explain the product a bit easier for you!
What is Ammonia? Discover the Truth About Ammonia in Hair Colour: Expert Hairdresser Mark L in Hawthorn, Melbourne Embraces Safe and Stunning Results.Ammonia, a colorless gas with a distinct odor, has been a widely used ingredient in permanent and semi-permanent hair colors for decades. With our increasing awareness of the ingredients we consume, concerns have arisen about the potential harm ammonia may pose to both hair health and overall well-being. However, it’s important to note that ammonia has been continually revisited and refined over the past 50 years as technologies advance. And the consensus among experts remains consistent: Ammonia is the superior ingredient for achieving the desired final color result. We understand the importance of using ammonia to swell the cuticle layer of your hair. This, when combined with Hydrogen Peroxide, creates the desired lift for lighter and more vibrant color outcomes. Rest assured, the presence of ammonia in your hair color shouldn’t be a cause for concern. As the ammonia content in the color mixture evaporates rapidly and in minimal amounts. That’s why your skilled colorist may often remix the color as they apply it, ensuring the best possible results for your hair. Mark L Hair is comitted to prioritize both safety and stunning outcomes. Experience the transformative power of ammonia-based hair color with us. Ammonia Vs MEA Ammonia is often swapped out and replaced by MEA, a liquid alkaliser that has the same job. MEA’s biggest benefit is that it has no odour, making it highly favourable. While an ammonia free colourant may smell nicer, its weakened power as a liquid means it needs more MEA content than what is needed from ammonia to achieve the same effect.Essentially speaking, you shouldn’t opt for ‘Ammonia Free’ colours if your anxious about ‘Harsh Chemicals’ Koleston Perfect by Wella embraces Ammonia’s technology and has optimised it with its own colour technology called ‘Me+’. This technology not only ensures true and accurate colour results but also ensures that your hair is not damaged during the colour process. It does this by purifying the hair of Metals and Minerals before the colour begins oxidising. So you have peace of mind knowing that your colour is the truest, most natural result while also using the best technology available to protect your hair and scalp!
What is Toner? Have you ever been sitting in the chair at your hairdressers and thought ‘What are they doing to my hair?’ We hairdressers use a lot of buzzwords and terminology that sound like gibberish. On top of that, the rise of Tik Tok Hairdressing has caused a lot of confusion with what a stylist is doing. In its early years ‘Toner’ got a bit of a bad reputation. This was because toners were used mostly to neutralise yellow (for that ashy sparkle) and was used to touch up parts in the hair where highlights bled. Because of the miscommunication as to ‘Why’ the hairdresser chose to tone, it became common to assume that the hairdresser made a mistake. Attitudes like ‘They needed to tone it ashy because they didn’t do it right’ or ‘I was at the basin for so long, something must have gone wrong’ were formed. Today, our language has expanded and so has the possibilities of what we can do with colour. The Toner is the finishing glaze to your colour. Thats where words like ‘Gloss’ ‘Glaze’ ‘Smudge’ ‘Tap’ ‘Zone- Tone’ come from.In the end, toner hasn’t changed. It is a Semi Permanent deposit only colour that is applied all over your hair. The purpose of the toner is custom mixed with your colour goals in mind. So whether its for that clean, icy finish, or for a natural biscuit blonde, to a rich vibrant copper. The toner will deposit our desired tone for the custom finish. Do I really need a toner? Sometimes the hair lifts so beautifully and blends so well that a toner isn’t required. This usually happens when your colour goals align with what your hair is like before the appointment started. Remember, all hair types lift warm. So after the highlights are rinsed it will be left with the raw underlaying pigment ranging between: Red, to Orange, to Yellow. If warmth isn’t your goal, you will need to tone. Remember!A toner is not a magic wand. It cannot lighten your hair, only deposit or deepen. Meaning, if you are stuck feeling orange or brassy, you will need to first highlight or lighten the hair first so the toner can deposit the tone on the right level of depth! Follow your hairdressers recommendation and if you have any questions or concerns don’t be afraid to ask them.
Will Hair Colour Damage my Hair? Hair Colour is the most common way people change up their appearance. For good reason too! It’s relatively quick as well as painless. Major transformations will be done and over with in a single session without worrying about any post session healing or checkups (unlike tattoos, peircings or injectables). Having your hair done is also a fun social experience with your friends or your stylist. Yet the #1 concern with getting these makeovers will always be about the damage done to our beautiful locks. Im here today to set the record straight and answer ‘Will Colour Damage my Hair?’ Hair colourants and techniques have come a long way in the past decade or so. Used to be that we mix up the strongest peroxide and let it sit for over an hour and then your walked out the door without any education for home care. Most lighteners are now adapted to maintain your hairs integrity and new techniques have been created so that we are getting optimum lift without needing to over develop. Even though the technology has changed, it is still incredibly important to take your colourists advice and use correct hair care and return to the salon for follow up appointments to manage the colour. My favourite way to try a new colour without risking commitment or damage is to opt for a Semi (or Demi) permanant colour. Its a low commitment colour that deepens your existing base and fades out progressively overtime meaning you won’t develop a harsh line of regrowth. Its perfect for the client who hasn’t made their mind up yet, or knows they may want to go lighter again in the summer. They leave your hair glossy and fuller-looking as the pigment can fill parts of the hair strand. You can opt for a deeper shade of brunette, try a soft copper or red, even go a deeper shade of maroon. In the end, hair colour has adapted and changed a lot to alleviate our anxieties about damage. Taking home hair care and having realistic goals are 2 ways to ensure your beautiful locks arent ruined by our need for change. Always remember to follow your colourists advice for suitability and longevity.
Imagine this; you go into your hair service. You tell your stylist that you’re looking for a change. Maybe it’s blonde, or copper. Maybe even pink! You and your stylist are excited. You discuss the process, the maintainance appointments and find a shade in the shade book with references to your inspo photos on instagram. Finally the two of you talk about Home Care. You come clean, you aren’t using good stuff. Your hairdresser forgives you, they prescribe a regime that will benefit your colour, and your hair and scalp. You go home all pumped and refreshed from your service. Products in hand. Now What? Firstly, congratulations on investing in yourself! Making the change from Supermarket/Pharmacy products to Salon quality will serve you and your hair well. Now that it is time to wash your hair since being at the salon its important to remember that salon products are concentrated! You only need to use around a 10 cent piece of product. Lather in your hands first, then apply methodically. I like to go around my hairline and then make my way inward in a circular motion, like im preparing to tie my hair into a ponytail. Did you know? you need to shampoo your hair twice! This is because the first shampoo takes out excess debris and product etc, so that your second shampoo can do its ‘job’. This is why the first shampoo doesnt lather, and why you might buy a ‘deep cleansing’ shampoo, but still feel greasy. Following after your two shampoo’s you will use your conditioner. Like before, you won’t need much. Start from the ends of your hair and using a wide tooth comb or wet detangle brush (never a styling brush) make your way up your hair. You won’t need the product to go near the root of your hair, and especially the scalp. Let your conditioner sit. Most reccomended intructions are only 30 seconds, but if you can spare a minute or two, you may find you notice a difference. Rinse thoroughly. It will take more than a few seconds for all the product to be rinsed out. You’ll find your hair may look or feel greasy, and you may be inclined to think the product you are using is ‘too heavy’ when that may not be the case. You will find you’ll need to rinse again, or next time use even less product (meaning you will keep the product longer!) FAQ How long should my product last? Because your product is concentrated, it should last you a lot longer than product from a Supermarket/Pharmacy. Despite the smaller size. In my experience my Home Care will last me 4-6 months! So I may only invest in Home Care twice a year. Once for Summer, once for Winter! I may need things in between, like my leave in or a dry shampoo. If you are finding that your prdouct isn’t lasting you as long as you were hoping, either too much product is being used or you may be washing your hair too often. Does my hair really ‘get used to a product’? We have heard before a lot about going back to unprofessional product because your hair ‘got used to it’ or maybe it didnt ‘clean as well’. From my experience, a few things may be at play. The first may be that your hair or scalp has changed over time and as such, so does your hair care. I wouldnt be reccomending my once blonde client a blonde repair shampoo if they have grown out their roots, right? Seasonally as well, our scalps get dry in winter from all the air conditioning and hot and oily in the summer. As for a product not ‘cleaning as well’ that could have something to do with managing expectations of the role your home care has. Your shampoo should not be stripping everything out. The oils in your scalp are good. We just want to balance them out and remove excess debris or product! Why is my hairstylist always strying to sell me product? It’s so salesy! Your hairstylists entire role is to give you the best looking hair. This also expands to outside your time in the salon. Your hair becomes their walking advertisement. If it’s only looked nice the one week out of how many weeks inbetween vists, it won’t sell them very far. It is also a disservice to you, as a client, if we DON’T reccomend what you need. You have come to see us for our professional opinion. To ignore your home care, in fear you will say no, is not providing you with the best experience. If you have any questions regarding product taken home after seeing me dont hesitate to reach me here Image by: Karina Jane
‘Plex’ treatments refer to an additional service performed with your colour. They come with many different names from many different brands. While they all are made differently, they all have one goal in common. To protect your hair. In salon you will hear me talk about ‘WellaPlex’. This is Wella Pro’s very own version that has a familiar 3 step system. Their #1 goes into my powder lightener, or any colour for that matter and will maintain the structure and ‘integrity’ of your hair as your colour develops. #2 is a Basin service, that develops after your colour has rinsed for 10 minutes. The excess time is alleviated with a hot towel and massage. And finally #3 is an at home treatment for you to use once every week or so, to maintain the bonds we have protected during your service. Do I need Wellaplex? I strongly recommend Wellaplex to all my blondes and other clients who have sensitive hair as a result of colouring. Think of it as our insurance. Not only do will it mean your hair is protected in salon, but also being well looked after once you have left the salon. Is Wellaplex for me? Wellaplex is for clients that will be proactive with their Haircare and can commit to treating their hair weekly. If you feel that this is too much of a commitment for your routine, another solution could be to get your hair maintained in salon every 6-8 weeks, with a Toner, treatment and haircut/Blow wave. Why choose Wellaplex over other brands? The answer is simple! Wellaplex was tested and formulated for many years before release and boasts strong empirical studies. The formulation of Wellaplex is designed to work perfectly with all my Wella colour without interfering with Lift, Tone accuracy and colour longevity. It ensures your hair is protected and my work is not interrupted!
So you just got your brand new balayage, or you had your highlights refreshed and you ask yourself: “How do I maintain my colour?!” I would recommend following your hairdressers advice that they should have given you. But perhaps you have forgotten, or maybe it wasn’t mentioned. First things first! Dont. Use. Supermarket. Crap. There is a reason we stylists beg you not to use it. The detergent in shampoo and silicones in conditioners dry your hair out and then seal it away from the outside treatments you try to use over the top of it. They dull your colour down and strip away the oils from your scalp and hair. As well as the to ner you paid good money to have put in. Ask your Hairdresser how much your toner is in your next service, and then you’ll realise you won’t want to just strip it all out. “Im using the natural range from the chemist” Yeah, and I have the McVeggie from Maccas. In other words, companies use very clever marketing to appeal to what means most to their target audiences. Green washing is a phrase you may have heard. It refers to labelling something as environmentally friendly or biodegradable, when in reality, it is not. By extension, anything from Amazon or ‘Catch’ is also a no go. This is because the quality of the product cannot be guaranteed. A lot of the time they are fake, or old stock, or real stock diluted with filler, water or other unknown ingredients. Trust the product from your salon. It is more than likely new stock that hasn’t sat on a shelf in a warehouse for very long. You also will have their personal recommendation for you. In many instances, salons will happily exchange the product if you have used it once and it’s not for you. Secondly, Invest in a Leave in! Many hair types, like fine or curly hair, are naturally drier to begin with. Adding any chemical service will perpetuate dryness overtime. Your shampoo and conditioner will aid with this, but for a more cosmetic, touchable finish, a leave in oil or serum will create that end polish. Some are designed to style with a hair dryer, and others are made for naturally drying your hair. Your stylist can give you their recommendations for their favourites! Most leave ins offer heat and / or UV protection. Don’t style your hair without one! Thirdly, Cut your hair. I mean it. Every 3 months. 4 months, maybe, but it’s pushing it. After 3 months in most hair types split ends occur. It occurs quicker in dryer, chemically altered hair types. Your hair will actually grow out quicker and stronger. This is because the ends are routinely getting maintained and kept strong on the ends by cutting the weaker bits off. Preventing brittle, broken hair. Fourthly, Avoid anything Purple or pigmented for the first 4 weeks. I will hardly use purple shampoo in the salon, and I will never use It after a blonding session. Why? Because my toner is going to do the hard work for me. Depositing a real colour that best suits you, as discussed in our consult together. Using anything purple or pigmented requires the hair shaft to be opened, pulling out the toner we spent ages at the basin developing for. Your pigmented shampoo/treatment is used to carry you between your appointments once your colour has already begun to fade / look brassy. Tone on top of tone will DEEPEN, not lighten. Lastly. Be good to your hair. Look after it. Its been through a bit with the lightening, the styling, the tying too tightly etc. Be gentle with it. Imagine its like your skin, it just doesn’t have nerve endings so you can’t feel it. Trust your stylist. Ask them questions, even if you think it’s the most stupid thing. Just ask. We might have a little giggle, but we truly want the best for your hair. Its our work walking down the street, and its your crown! Love, Mark.