Plastics in our Oceans

Did you know over 16 billion pounds of plastic leak into our ocean waters yearly?

With the world’s population increasing, this number is only projected to increase. Plastic in our oceans is something to be concerned about not only because of its detrimental effects on animal life and vital ecosystems but also on our health.

Divines is proud to partner with Plastic Bank to stop ocean bound plastic and improve lives. 

Through their partnerships, they will prevent 100 tonnes of plastic from entering the ocean each year. Empower collectors in coastal communities in Indonesia, the Philippines and Brazil.

Products with No Animal-Tested or Animal-Derived Ingredients

Over 100 million animals a year die from animal testing and millions more are captured and caged for the sole purpose of animal testing. Not only is this cruel to animals, but this could also pose sustainability concerns in areas of the world where animals are captured. Disrupting the balance of nature in the name of animal testing is both risky and more expensive than non-animal testing. It is best to choose products that do not support animal testing. Davines Group is committed to producing only the highest quality products which meet our uncompromising efficacy and ethical standards. They do not test their products on animals, nor do they ask others to test either their products or ingredients on animals. Animal testing does not align with their values. 

Supporting cruelty-free products not only will make you feel better knowing no animals were harmed in the making of your products, but you will be one step closer to helping us become an eco-friendly salon.

Energy-Saving Practices

We have started to use energy-saving components in our salon to conserve electricity and water. For example, using energy-efficient lighting like the GE Energy Smart Energy light bulbs. 

We have fitted a programmable thermostat in the salon and set it to a comfortable temperature to help reduce our energy consumption.

We have installed water saving taps to help conserve the amount of water used.

We at Avalon salon Crouch End are working towards building a sustainable salon. We want to inspire and enable as many people as possible to live more sustainably.  

What is a toner? Admittedly, the term can be confusing. That’s because many hairdressers use the word interchangeably with other terms like hair glossing and fading. Essentially, a toner is a hair colour product that contains low or no ammonia, that gently alters the undertone of the hair but let me break it down for you so that you understand what they do and why they are so important. When lighting, we lift the hair to what we call "RAW" lift. It’s a raw cuticle that is open and if it’s not closed and the pH of the hair isn’t balanced, it can create damage and split ends over time. Lightener leaves the hair yellow, a little orange and sometimes white. And even if you love the colour it is, it needs to be toned to close the cuticle. A consultation is a guided interview that should help you both get to the best understanding of what you would like, and what is attainable. Our colour experts at Avalon hair salon, Crouch End will take time to talk in depth about your hair history. So when you talk to one of our colourist, honesty is truly the best policy. We work with a variety of chemicals that create different reactions. Sometimes these chemicals have adverse reactions when mixed, and the only way your colourist will know if they are present is for you to tell them. The simplest way to talk about your “Hair History” is to work backward in months. Hair grows on average half an inch per month. If your hair is 6 inches long, the ends are 1 year old.  If it 12 inches long it is 2 years old. Everything that you do and live through exists in that hair. If you went blonde last year but put a box on it to go back to your natural, the blonde is still there, just hidden.  If you used any sort of box or shampoo that altered your colour enough for you see “roots” growing out, it is chemically affected, and you must tell your colourist everything that has affected your hair. This is where your toner comes in to play. Toners are designed to either enhance warmth or neutralise, subdue excessive warmth or simply to sprinkle some absolute magic onto your hair to create something absolutely beautiful. Toners are what we as hairdresser mostly call a “semi” permanent colour meaning they fade from shampooing and once they are gone the hair is back to its Raw state. Toner formulas can be changed tweaked to suit changing needs and trends and a great way to keep your hair shiny and fresh without having to foil work every time. Toner will not lift your hair to make it lighter but they can certainly make a big impact when the correct formula is chosen. Why not pop in to Avalon Crouch End Hair Salon and ask one of our colourist for advice. This article was written by the Salon Manager Michelle at Avalon.

Does your hair constantly feel stiff, dry?

Does it look dull and dingy?

Does your colour lose a little more clarity with every shampoo… even turn weird shades of green, yellow, orange or brown?

If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, it’s a sure thing you’ve got hard water.

Hard water can really mess with your hair texture and colour, making it very hard to style and leaving you with no shine. 

SPLIT ENDS

So let’s start with what split ends actually are. Basically it is wear and tear. From shampooing to styling, it's dehydrated hair. In technical terms it’s where large areas of the cuticle have split away from the shaft, revealing the inner cortex.

What causes our hair to split?

Well there are a number of reasons.

COLOURING - Colouring changes the structure of your hair. Our colour experts at Avalon Hair Salon Crouch End  always recommend you use an Olaplex treatment with your colour so as to reduce the damaging effect of colour.

CHEMICAL TREATMENT - Chemical straightening and perming weakens the hair quite dramatically. Your aftercare is extremely important to make sure your hair doesn't dry out.

HEAT STYLING - Step away from those straighteners ladies! Heat styling also significantly weakens your hair, especially if you’re not using heat protection every single time you style. My recommendation if you have to use heat on your hair is to use Resistance Extentioniste Thermique Hair Protection. It's strengthening hair protector for long hair and split ends which helps to gently restore hair and detangle without causing breakage.

How to get rid of split ends?

Unfortunately there is no way of fixing a split end. You can make them look a little more presentable with finishing products like Kerastase Resistance Serum Therapiste Dual Treatment. This product helps with dehydrated hair and can temporary seal the split ends which makes them visibly smoother.

So what can you do about split ends?

Cut them off! Unfortunately this is our only option. Once you have cut them off you can then change what you do that cause the ends to split.

How to prevent split ends happening again?

Get regular haircuts. Our stylists at Avalon Hair Studios Crouch End recommend every six to seven weeks to really stop those pesky ends from splitting.

Don't brush so hard. Maybe try a tangle teaser and start at the bottom and work your way up.

Use a deep conditioning treatment to keep the ends hydrated. You can even comb your hair while the conditioner is still in especially if you do have a tendency to have knotty hair.

Oils! I can not emphasise this enough. Add to your daily routine a little oil to the ends of your hair, it will make a huge difference. I swear by Elixir Ultime L'huile Original, it's saved my poor dried out hair!

Put your hairdryer on a low heat. Over heating can burn and dry the hair out.

Wear a hat on your holidays! UV rays is so damaging for the hair, it can make your hair dry and brittle.

So that's it folks. My advice on split ends. Cut and rehydrate is my two key points!

This article was written by Debbie at Avalon.

Scalp issues are one of the most common causes for unhealthy hair. Here we will address some of the most common problems like itching, dryness, flaking and oiliness.

So here's the thing, we only ever want to fix something once it becomes a problem instead of looking at the root of the problem. It's the same with our hair; if we concentrate on the root then there will be no problem.

What do we really know about our scalp? No it's not just skin. it differs in the fact that it has a high number of lipid and sweat glands and is home to around 100,000 hair follicles. Those lipid and sweat glands combined with the strands of hair means that our scalps can get dirty and sweaty far more easily than other areas of our body. Keeping your scalp healthy and clean is the key to beautiful hair.

So what are major issues when it comes to our scalp:-

1/ ITCHY SCALP

This generally shows that you have a sensitive scalp. It can be due to a number of factors like, pollution or UV rays which can lead to inflammation and itching. It can also be caused by more internal issues like anxiety and stress and it can also be just down to the products you use. Some products you may find way too harsh for your scalp. So I'd maybe start with that one. Why not change your shampoo to a more sensitive formula. At our hair salon in Crouch End we would always recommend Kerastase Specifique Bain Riche Dermo-Calm.

This shampoo cleanses the scalp and helps with any discomfort with dry hair. Infused with Calophyllum Oil and Glycerin with soothing and calming properties, the scalp is gently cleansed, soothed and rehydrated whilst lengths and ends of the hair are nourished. Hair regains lightness and vitality. This is our go to product from our full range of shampoos and conditioners in our back wash bar.

For seriously irritated scalps try Specifique Cure Apaisante, the kit contains a leave-on scalp treatment that you apply three times a week for four weeks. A three-pronged approach, the formula soothes irritation, hydrates and protects the scalp against the environment.

2/ DEHYDRATED OR DRY SCALP

So this is different:-

A dry scalp is usually genetic and generally what you are born with. In some cases it can lead to eczema.

Whereas a dehydrated scalp could be caused by a number or things like stress or just something as simple as central heating. A dry or dehydrated scalp is likely to feel tight and you may experience some unwanted flaking.

So how do you fix these it?

Well the first suggestion is an easy one, water! We should drink at lease eight glasses of water a day to be completely hydrated (that means water, not coffee or wine!)

Lemon juice is also one to try. Not only does lemon juice help to reduce itching and remove dead cells, but it also helps to lock in moisture. Try a mixture of fresh lemon juice and honey in your hair, and rinse it out after several minutes.

Factor a hydrating mask into your routine that you can use on the scalp. Most hair masks are rich and heavy, designed to nourish the ends of your hair but Masque Hydra-Apaisant Hair Mask is a silicone-free gel formula that should be massaged into the scalp and extended through the lengths of the hair. Left on for three minutes, it has a cooling and soothing effect on the scalp, it nourishes and balances the skin while leaving your strands soft and beautiful.

3/ FLAKY SCALP

A flaky scalp can be embarrassing and sometime damn right annoying. That beautiful black jacket that you'd love to wear but makes you nervous as you know you'll be spending your day brushing your shoulders to rid off  the flakes. So what causes a flaky scalp?

There are various conditions that may cause a dry flaky scalp. Eczema, psoriasis, dehydration, poor nutrition and even shampoo can all be harmful to your scalp. However, it is possible to restore your scalp's health - from dry and flaky to soft and smooth.

Don't wash your hair so often. Try to wash your hair three times a week or less if possible. This will help  restore the natural oils in the scalp. Oh and rinse with warm water rather than hot. This again will strip the oils if too hot.

Diet. A good sauce of oily fish, lean protein and green leafy vegetables is a way to eating yourself to a healthy scalp.

Olive Oil massage.  Olive oil can restore the scalp's moisture balance. For best results, try this home remedy:

• Mix the juice of 1 lemon with 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a bowl.
• Warm the bowl in a tub of hot water.
• Massage the lemon/oil mixture onto your scalp, being careful to avoid any blistered areas.
• Soak a towel in the hot water, then wrap your hair in this towel and leave for 10 minutes.
• Wash out the mixture using a mild shampoo.

Make sure you use a good anti dandruff shampoo. The Bain Anti-Pelliculaire, an anti-dandruff shampoo, acts on two types of dandruffs, dry and oily flakes. A cleansing action eliminates impurities from scalp. The anti-relapse action treats the scalp to remove visible flakes from recurring for up to 8 weeks

4/ OILY SCALP

Well this is something that we really should dislike too much as we want these sebum oils. Without them our skin wouldn't be looking it's best but too much isn't great either.

Microscopic sebaceous glands secrete a waxy oil called sebum. Sebum is our natural moisturizer that softens and waterproofs our skin and hair, among other things. We have the greatest number of glands on the face and scalp, and none on the palms of our hands and soles of our feet.

I asked our hair experts at Crouch End, Avalon what type of hair they would say was the most oily. They all came back with the same answer, people with fine or straight hair.

The reason that people with fine hair are more likely to complain about oiliness is simple: There may not be enough hair to fully absorb the amount of sebum their scalps produce. Straight hair tends to look oilier because the sebum travels easily from roots to tips without curls or kinks as obstacles. Fine, straight hair can spell double trouble. People with curly or oily hair complain of oiliness at the roots and dryness at the tips because oil builds up close to the scalp, and because curls act as obstacles, it doesn’t travel as efficiently down the hair shaft.

So how to get rid of oily hair?

Cool rinses - Hot water stimulates sebaceous glands and encourages them to produce more sebum.

Less shampooing - I know this is the last thing you'd want to do if you have oily hair but it's a viscous circle. Detergent strips your scalp of sebum – and your glands do an admirable job of replacing them as quickly as possible.

Try Bain Divalent, this shampoo is specifically designed for oily roots to balance the scalp and limit the overproduction of oil, so your roots get greasy less quickly. What’s clever about the formula is that it also nourishes your strands, so your hair is left soft, shiny and supple, while split ends are sealed.

As a thank you for reading this blog, we'd like to offer you 10% off any of our Kerastase products, just pop into the salon and quote our scalp blog offer. We look forward to seeing you soon.

So here you are, a whole new world of colour names you've never heard of. Sombre, Ombre, Balayage and now Layage!!! Confused? Ok let's shed some light on this barrage of Balayages!

SOMBRE

Ok let's start with the Sombre. The Sombre is a subtle colour transition from roots to ends. It's basically an Ombre but softer. The appearance of dark roots is less harsh than before and therefore colour is more seamlessly melted together. Some people find it a little too subtle while others love the soft, gradual contrast of the colour shades. The ultimate effect is a less of an abrupt contrast from roots to ends. By using tones that are a few shades lighter and a few shades darker than the natural colour base helps make the whole affect a lot more natural. Make sense?

OMBRE

Ombre, meaning from dark to light, darker roots and lighter ends. This is a hair colour technique where ALL the ends are coloured and the transition from the deeper roots and light ends is going to be pretty short. More of a blocky look let's say. One of the reasons that ombre hair is such a popular look is thanks to how easy it is to maintain. Thanks to the gradual colour gradation, as your hair grows out, the lighter sections subtly move further down the tips.

BALAYAGE

Meaning to paint, in French! I love that! So this is a freehanded technique which is applied to just to the surface of the hair. It gives a more natural look than the basic hi-light. It is designed to replicate what the sun does to your hair. A natural sunkissed look. By strategically freehand painting the hair, you can highlight or even detract from certain features of your face, and you can be sure that no one else out there has the exact same hair color as you.

LAYAGE

Ok, so I don't want to go on and on about this colour and that colour but I do have to mention before I finish the lastest trend, the Layage. I know, the names they give them but this one sort of is in keeping with actually what they do. Similar to Balayage, the Layage gives a graduated lightening or colouring effect. The only difference is you do it laying back. Not sure how many clients can have this done in the salon at once as it does take up a lot of space but I personally love it! It's basically dividing the hair into sections and laying it out onto a board. Depending on how long your hair is, this board has to be big enough to accomodate so you can see how this could be a problem on a busy Saturday afternoon. Fun though and it gives our colourist full artistic control. So if you don't mind being centre of attention for an hour or so then go for it, the results are great!

So there it is, the difference between Sombre, Ombre, Balayage and even Layage. They all do take a little bit extra time and money to achieve compared to your normal half head hi-light appointment but once done they are relatively low maintanence and cost. For your next few appointments you would just book a root tint which is a lot quicker and a whole lot better for the bank balance! So when it comes to all colour techniques and trends, sometimes the differences between them are so nuanced that it’s hard to keep them straight. Never fear. We’re here. Our colour experts at our Crouch End hair salon are ready to give any advice on all the upto date colours and trends. We have a vast amount of knowledge on all aspects of Balayage, Omber, etc. We've even been told on numerous occassions that we do the best Balayage in North London so don't be affraid to pop in and just ask us for some advice. But remember, when your hair is coloured in any way, whether it’s lifted to a brighter colour or altered to a darker one, it changes the pH balance of your hair. So please do talk to one of our creative stylists at our Crouch End hair salon about what’s best to keep your hair feeling and looking healthy or you can also check out our Healthy Hair section on our instagram for advice on how to look after your dry hair. 

Written by Salon Owner Debbie Newman Avalon Hair Salon Crouch End London

HERE ARE SOME OF THE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS YOU MAY BE LOOKING FOR.

Ok, so we are starting to come out of lockdown. The summer is around the corner and we’re going to have one hell of a good one! What you notice in the mirror is not actually what you want to take out onto the street. Zoom calls are all well and good as nobody notices that scraped back greasy ponytail but we can’t get away with it when we’re back face to face so one of the questions you may be asking yourself is  “What can I do about my greasy hair?"

There’s one obvious answer which springs to mind, “get your hi-lights done”, which is one of the reasons some of my clients at Avalon Crouch End Hairdressers have hi-lights, it helps dry out the greasy roots. Unfortunately though until the 12th April, all being well, we are stuck with our greasy dark roots. Even after the 12th, to get an appointment soon after the restrictions are lifted could be a problem on it’s own. If you haven’t booked your appointment already then get on it as they are going fast! BOOK HERE

So let’s start with  “Why do I have greasy hair?”

The answer is our sebaceous glands on our scalp which produces Sebum oil. This oil keeps the scalp moisturised and prevents your hair from becoming brittle. An increase in this oil can be caused by a few factors like hormone fluctuations, using too many products, lifestyle and over use of heat products. When the oil absorbs into our hair it can cause the greasy appearance. It’s not a bad thing! In fact it’s great for the hair. It gives us the shiny, healthy hair we all crave but too much can make it look limp and flat. 

You may say, “that’s all well and good but my hair gets greasy after one day!” This can be annoying and hard work. Unfortunately this can come down to what texture your hair is. If you have fine or thin hair, this tends to be more prone to becoming greasy unlike, thick, curly, coarse hair which can look better after a week without a drop of shampoo.

Can touching my hair too much make it greasy?

Yes, too much brushing or touching your hair can stimulate the sebum glands which leads to more oil production from your scalp, so once you’ve styled it, leave it alone. 

So what can I do about my greasy hair?

You’ve most probably read about the fad of putting apple cider in your hair, right? And like most people, this sounds like the perfect quick fix but it does set off alarm bells. “Does putting vinegar on my hair damage it?” Well the answer is YES! 

I’m not sure if you ever went on holiday and put lemon juice in your hair and came home with orange, dried out, brittle locks? Well vinegar will have the same effect due to the acidic PH. So please stay away from that bottle of acid!!!

What shampoo and conditioner can I use for greasy hair? 

Try to avoid anything that says damaged hair or shiny hair. These can end up making your hair look greasier due to a coating that may cover the follicles. I would choose a lighter shampoo and conditioner. As part of our Kerastase range we have a perfect shampoo for this exact problem, Kerastase Bain Divalent shampoo for oily roots. It’s a scalp balancing shampoo that treats oily roots by regulating the overproduction of sebum.

As for conditioner for greasy hair, why not try Kerastase Sepcifique Hydra Apaisant Hair Mask. It is great for hydrating and smoothing hair to enhance scalp quality and scalp defense. Ask one of our Kerastase experts at Avalon Crouch End hair salon for more advice. 

Can washing my hair too much make it greasier?

Yes, If you over wash your scalp you dry out the sebaceous glands which has been proven to react by producing more oil. We end up in a vicious cycle of washing it everyday. Why not have a day off in between washes and find a nice way to tie your hair up or grab a scarf and get creative, so on-trend! Check out our Hairstyles section on our instagram page. 

I just want a quick fix to greasy hair?

Well my advice if you are looking for a quick fix is to head for the dry shampoo department. This absorbent powder spray is a god send for those oversleeping, last minute invitations (remember those) kind of people. It’s great for soaking up those greasy roots but please be aware, too much of this heaven sent ingredients will cause a build up on your scalp which may lead to dandruff so no overloading ladies. 

What food should I eat for hair?

So here we are again. What do I eat to stop my hair from being greasy? 

I can tell you to lay off the greasy burgers and head to the veg aisle but we all know this, so I won’t. 

Check out our  Healthy Hair section on our Instagram page for more details.

So that’s it folks! My tips for getting rid of greasy hair. Here's to beautiful hair when we get out of lockdown!

Written by Debbie Newman, Avalon Hair Salon Haringey London

Ask the experts at Avalon: Why does my hair feel so dry?

by Debbie Newman January 14, 2021

Your head is covered with millions of strands of hair.  Each strand is covered by thousands of scales.  These scales, or the cuticle acts as a protective layer.  When your hair is at it's healthiest and all of these scales are laying smoothly along the length of the hair strand, your hair will be soft and appear shiny.  When this protective layer is damaged, your hair will feel dry, look dull and become brittle.  

Your hair feels dry because you are using products and practices that damage the cuticle layer.  Practices such as colour over processing and excessive heat, will inadvertently cause dryness and damage to our hair.

Suggestions:

Olaplex is our go to product when a client has extremely damaged hair. Whether you have dyed, coloured hair, or struggle with breakage from heat styling, the active Olaplex ingredients will help repair broken bonds for sleeker, healthier looking hair.

Elixir Ultime L'huile Original is my favourite everyday hair product. I use it on myself and on all my clients. We have the full range of Kerastase product in our Haringey Hair Salon. Pop in and one of our Kerastase experts will be happy to help you decided what products would work best for your hair.

Using too much heat and not caring for your hair can also leave your hair looking dry, dull and lifeless so instead of reaching for those hairdryers, tonging, etc. just let your hair dry naturally. If you have straight hair then just blow dry your hair once it's naturally died by 95% and it you like the curly look then only head for those tongs once it's completely dry. Then only curl the very top section to give you that controlled curl look.

Exposure to the suns harmful UV rays can be another reason for hair damage. My best advice to you if is "Wear a hat!" It's the best protection of all!

Have a happy hair day. Debbie from Crouch End Hairdresser X

Even if you've been kinder to your hair during quarantine, deliberately cutting back on heat styling during the work week, you may still be dealing with strands that grow too slowly or seemingly not at all. There are a few easy-to-follow remedies for maximizing your growth potential.

Our Hair experts at our Crouch End Hair Salon spill their top hair-growth tips. You can implement just one or put them all into practice, and you'll be reaping the benefits of extra inches before you know it.

Address Your Specific Scalp Needs 

It may sound intuitive, but healthy hair starts all the way up at the root, which means that your scalp is an integral part of the equation. Kerastase Specify Stimuliste Spray is an energising anti-hair loss spray to stimulate hair production while improving hair density and substance. Talk to one of our Kerastase experts at Avalon Hairdressers in Haringey for more advice.

Schedule A Seasonal Haircut 

On the flip side, down-the-back princess hair also requires a standing salon appointment with a hairstylist skilled in the art of dusting dead ends. "Make sure that you’re in the hands of a good hairstylist who understands barely-trimming," says Debbie Newman, owner of Avalon Crouch End Hair Salon. She tells us that a stylist who trims for growth will be able to cut into the hair in a way that maintains — and promotes — extra length, and doesn't just lop off a few inches.

Use A Deep Conditioner 

Those who are frustrated by their slow grow-out process are often forgetting the TLC. Masking, deep conditioning, and being super gentle with the hair are all equally important. "I recommend using a hydrating hair mask weekly to maintain hair strength and prevent split ends," says Debbie, who recommends Olaplex. "I also would make sure you're using a hydrating shampoo and conditioner that won't dry your hair out." This is especially important if you're using hot tools or getting highlights because both make your hair prone to breakage, which is the opposite of what you want.

Eat A Healthy Diet

You may not be able to make your hair grow faster than it's genetically capable of growing, but you can help maximise its potential by eating a healthy, nutrient-rich diet. If you lack in certain minerals, vitamins, and proteins, your hair will start growing slower. To make hair grow at its optimum level, you need a lot of protein and iron. Red meat, oily fish, and eggs are fantastic for hair, as they all have the sulfur rich amino acids your body uses to make new hair cells. Hair-growth vitamins are often pricey and can be hit or miss — so start by focusing simply on putting good nutrients into your body, and enjoy the fringe benefit of longer, shinier, all-around healthier hair.

Written by Debbie Newman, Avalon Hair Salon Crouch End