Short or Long? How to Decide What Length Will Work for You

25/01/202325/01/2023Leave a comment

It can be a tricky decision choosing between a short or long hair style. Your face shape, the texture of your hair and your lifestyle are all important factors when considering the best hair length for you. Here at David & David we take pride in working with each and every client to ensure that whatever length of hair you choose, we create a unique style which works for you. We treat each and every client as an individual and take time to listen to your wishes so that you bounce out of the salon feeling utterly fabulous every single time.

Are you debating about cutting your long hair and finally committing to a shorter hair style? Do you have short hair but are considering growing it out? This blog post is for you!

The Pros and Cons of Long Hair

Lots of our clients have long hair and have done so for many years. It’s a seemingly easy option, and many people with long hair enjoy low maintenance and the fact that it is versatile enough to enable them to create different looks depending on their day. However, looking at the pros and cons of a long hairstyle is important when considering whether to keep the long hair you’ve loved for years or not…

THE Pros of long hair

Lower maintenance. You can simply throw it up in a bun and you’re set for the day
Less frequent hair cuts (also see ‘cons’)
You can choose to wear it in plaits, buns, topknots, waves, curls, poker straight… the options are endless and can be adapted to suit your mood
Long hair can be easily changed and updated with colouring or the addition of a fringe/layers
Longer styles always seem to be on trend and have never really gone out of fashion
Whether you’re male, female, old or young, long hair can suit anyone and celebrates your individuality

THE Cons of Long Hair

Long hair can look straggly and unkempt if you don’t keep up regular trims
You will need to use more shampoo and conditioner than with shorter styles
It takes longer to blow dry long hair which can cause heat damage
It can shed if not looked after properly, blocking your sink and filling your brush
Split ends!
Long hair can look outdated or messy if you don’t look after it properly

The Pros and Cons of Short Hair

Short hair can make a style statement and beautifully frame the face, giving you a feeling of empowerment and freedom. Short hair styles are supremely versatile and ‘short hair’ doesn’t just have to mean a short pixie crop; bobs, shoulder-length dos, lobs and textured shorter hair styles can all come under the banner of ‘short hair’ and can work beautifully on all manner of face shapes.

THE Pros of Short hair

Short hair usually looks in better condition as it has regular cuts to keep the shape and style
Those with short hair find that it is quicker to wash and style, taking less time in the mornings to look ‘made’
Shorter hair can look more stylish and modern
Short hair isn’t weighed down like long hair can sometimes be, so shorter styles can look fuller and more voluminous
Less hair = less products! Short styles require less shampoo and conditioner so are kinder on the pocket
Cutting off significant length from your hair can remove damage previously caused by heat/colour and give you a fresh new canvas to ‘start again’
Shorter hair styles are often easier to manage if you are sporty, active or work in an industrial environment. Shorter dos are also cooler in summer!
Short hair looks good on curly, wavy or straight hair and can work on any hair type

THE CONS of Short hair

You actually have to style it in the morning as opposed to just tossing it up in a ponytail
More frequent trims are needed to keep your style looking sharp
Although you’ll use less shampoo, you may need to wash it more often to stop oil and product build-up
Once you’ve plucked up the courage for that big chop, there’s no going back! Short hairstyles take a while to grow out so be sure before you make the decision to go short
Short hair means limited styling options – no long braids, long-pony, big top knot or curls if your hair is really short

Should I Cut My Curly Hair Short?

Curly hair can look amazing in a shorter style, especially if the cut is done right. Cutting curly hair will not make it curlier, but could help enhance your natural curl pattern. Whilst it’s true that cutting your curls can make them appear bouncier and springier, your final results will still come down to your unique curl type and how your hair is cut.

If you’re a follower of David & David Hair Salon, you’ll know that we are the South West curly hair specialists and clients come to us from miles around to benefit from our curly hair expertise. Many curly clients ask us whether cutting their hair short will help their curls to bounce and give their curly hair more shape. It takes a skilled hairdresser to successfully cut layers or other haircuts in curly hair. When we cut curls, each curl is cut individually and normally at an angle so as to not disrupt the curl pattern. If choosing a short curly cut, before you take the plunge be sure that your hair stylist knows the curly girl hair method and that they are able to cut the curls where they naturally sit to ensure a beautiful end result.

Unlike straight-haired clients who may visit the salon every 4-6 weeks, the slow-growing nature of curly hair means that curly clients usually only need to visit the salon 2-4 times per year and so a shorter haircut might be a great option for curly haired clients looking for a style update.

Which Length hairstyle Works for Me?

So now we have looked at the pros and cons of short and long hair, how do you decide which style works best for you? A shaggy medium length bob (see image above) can work wonders for those who like the flexibility of long hair but want a modern update, whilst a striking pixie crop can really define your features and give you a new zest for life. Boho babes who love the soft romantic look can opt for long tresses, whilst gents looking for a statement style can grow their hair out and celebrate their mane. But what else should you consider before choosing the perfect hair length for you?

Face Shape

Certain haircuts are more flattering on certain face shapes so it’s essential to identify which one is right for you before you commit to a new length. Every face shape is beautiful, and you want to determine what hairstyle might suit your face shape so that you can flaunt your best features. For example, layers have the advantage of adding height and volume to your facial shape which can be flattering, especially on people who have prominent cheekbones. Chat to your stylist to discuss what style might work best for you and your face shape.

Hair Type

Your hair type plays a major role in how long or short to wear your hair. Those with fine hair can really pull of a sleek bob with the addition of layers and slight, piecey waves to add some oomph. Cropped pixie cuts also work well for fine hair, add a fringe for extra face framing. Those with thick wavy hair will look incredible with a mid-length textured bob – the natural wave will add movement and make it look fuller and healthier. Tight Afro curls can look amazingly striking if cropped short, whilst fringed bobs can also celebrate Afro curls beautifully.

LIfestyle and Personality

If you’re a busy parent with not much time for styling, then choosing a short hairstyle might mean less drying time. You can use texturing products to help you to look ‘finished’ without the need for blow drying so it saves you time in the morning rush! Others find that the ease of a messy ‘mum bun’ is all they have time for in the morning, it really depends on the individual, the style, and type of hair. Sometimes, all you need is a certain personality to flaunt a certain hairstyle. Pick a hairstyle that works well with your persona. You will be surprised how well you can pull off a look that you never thought of sporting and how it gives you a new confidence.

Whichever hairstyle you choose, long or short, make sure that you choose a salon with stylists that you trust. Here at David & David Hair Salon in Plymouth the incredibly talented team of stylists are passionate, creative and take pride in their craft. Making clients look and feel fabulous is what drives us, no matter what style you choose!

Get in touch today and let us transform you and your hair – you won’t regret it.

8 Summer Hair Care Tips – How To Avoid Heat Damage in the Sun

13/07/202213/07/2022Leave a comment

8 Summer Hair care tips

This hot weather is amazing for those who love feeling the warmth of the sun on their faces and the mood-boosting effects of long, hot summer days. However, just as the sun can damage your skin, your hair is also at risk of being harmed when temperatures soar. Here are our top summer hair care tips about how to avoid heat damage in the sun. Your hair needs this!

How to Avoid Sun Hair Damage

The sun’s heat and the effect of UV rays can damage the outer cuticle of the hair, leaving it frizzy, flat and at risk of damage. Aside from this, when the sun is out we are more likely to go for a dip in an attempt to cool off. Whether that’s in the sea, lake or a pool, this can all lead to damaging the hair’s delicate structure and leave your hair dry and in need of repair. Frizzy hair is dry, unmanageable and prone to breakage and this, coupled with sweat and added moisture, can all lead to your hair looking substantially lacklustre.

Use our summer hair guide to help keep your tresses in tip top condition and minimise the risk of damage when you’re out enjoying this beautiful weather…

1. Cover Up

The best way to avoid sun damage on the hair is to cover it up. Whether you wear a hat, cap or scarf, covering the hair is the easiest way to ensure your hair is protected from the direct heat of the sun. If your hair is curly or naturally prone to frizz, consider a silky scarf or turban-style headwrap to protect the delicate structure of the hair.

Cover up your hair in summer with a hat

2. Apply UV Protection

Prolonged sun exposure degrades the protein structure of hair, often resulting in low elasticity, breakage, split ends and lack of shine. Just as we should regularly apply sun cream to our skin, applying a UV hair protection product to your hair before you go out in the sun can minimise any damage and keep your hair feeling protected and moisturised. If your hair is thin/fine choose a lightweight UV spray to keep it bouncy. For thicker hair choose a rich moisture-boosting UV cream or oil.

3. Keep up the regular trims

Hair which is in need of a trim is more prone to breakage in the sun because the flyaway ends will be more likely to split. Keeping up your regular hair care routine with a decent trim is a fail safe way of protecting the hair from more breakage when exposed to high temperatures.

4. deep moisturising treatments

Using a deep moisturising treatment such as Olaplex can give your hair a protective moisture boost in hot weather. Olaplex is a hair care treatment system which actually re-builds broken bonds in the hair, returning your hair to the lustrous, full and healthy hair you were born with. When using Olaplex, all thermal, mechanical and chemical damage is reversed and broken ends are fixed.

5. Hydrate from within

If your body is dehydrated then your hair will follow suit. Keeping hydrated in hot temperatures is vital for a healthy body, and this will also transfer to your hair’s health. Drink lots of water and cooling fluids in summer to provide hydration to your hair strands and keep them in tip top condition.

6. protect the colour

When the sun is out your skin colour may darken, but hair colour is likely to fade. Using a top quality hair colouring system (such as Neale and Wolf which we use here in the salon) will protect the hair and make it less likely to break. Avoid shop-bought colours (always, not just in the heat) to ensure that your hair colour remains shiny and radiant all summer long.

7. avoid using heated hair tools

The temptation to use heated hair tools such as straightners may seem like a good choice when your hair is frizzy and in need of some love, but this will only mask the problem and ultimately, add to the problem. Using heated hair tools when the temperatures are soaring outside will only serve to increase hair damage and make your hair even frizzier. Instead consider lathering on a rich moisturising treatment and letting your hair dry naturally, or get it professionally blow-dryed in a salon.

8. post-swim Hair care

If you’ve been for a cooling dunk in the sea then your hair will be prone to damage because of the drying effect of the salt water. Likewise, chemicals like chlorine in pools can damage the hair and make it brittle. Use salon-quality shampoos and conditioners to remove all salt and chlorine after a swim and your hair will thank you for it.

Now you know how to protect your hair, go out and enjoy this blissful sunshine because we all know it probably won’t last forever! Take proper care of your hair and it will return the favour by remaining strong, shiny and healthy all summer long.

Make an appointment for your next trim/deep conditioning treatment by clicking the button below, we can’t wait to welcome you 🙂

5 Foods For Ultimate Healthy Hair

20/10/202120/10/2021Leave a comment

With winter fast approaching, we thought it a good idea to share our top tips with you for foods which can help your hair health so that you can really make the most of the hair you were blessed with, even when the weather is doing its dogged best to make it frizzy and untameable!

Here at David & David we firmly believe in the holistic approach to healthy hair. You can’t expect a tree to grow well in contaminated soil, and likewise you can’t expect to grow shiny, strong beautiful hair if you don’t look after your overall health and diet.

Which Foods Can Help me Have Healthier Hair?

Whilst you can’t change factors like genetics or age, what you eat can have a huge effect on the health of your hair. Eating a balanced, nutritious diet can help promote healthy hair growth, especially if you’re experiencing hair loss due to poor nutrition. Eating well can improve your mood, your vitality and also help your skin and hair glow from within. By choosing clean, nutritious foods, you can really give your natural hair the best chance of being the very best version of itself it can be.

We believe that there are three main essentials when it comes to healthy hair growth:

Staying hydrated and drinking lots of water
Choosing good food for healthy hair via a healthy, balanced diet
Taking good care of your scalp by keeping it clean and free of build-up

6 Foods for Stronger Hair

Good health starts from within and it’s true what they say, you really are what you eat. Here are six foods which might be beneficial towards helping you achieve healthier, stronger, shinier hair.

1. Eggs

Two nutrients which can be beneficial for healthy hair are protein and biotin. Eggs are a rich source of both of these nutrients and, when eaten as part of a healthy diet, can promote healthy hair and strong growth with less split ends and breakages. Biotin is essential for the production of a hair protein called keratin. Keratin is the structural building block of your hair and so by consuming more eggs, it can help you to achieve a healthier, stronger you. Eggs are also a great source of zinc, selenium and other hair-healthy nutrients so be sure to enjoy eggs as part of a healthy balanced diet.

2. Avocados

Avocados are a nutrition powerhouse which contain magnesium, vitamins C and D, E, potassium and vitamin B6. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and can help to reduce stress and free radicals which could potentially negatively impact the scalp. Avocados are also rich in essential fatty acids which are a vital component in building cells. Our bodies can’t produce fatty acids and so it’s important we include foods like avocados as an overall health-boosting nutrient-rich addition to our balanced diet.

3. Green Leafy Vegetables

“Eat your greens” is an oft-used phrase which has been passed down through the generations, and for good reason. Leafy greens such as spinach are jam-packed full of beneficial nutrients like folate, iron, and vitamins A and C, all of which may promote hair growth. A cup of spinach can provide up to 54% of your daily vitamin A needs which is great news for hair because Vitamin A helps the skin glands produce sebum which moisturizes the scalp to keep hair healthy. Spinach is also a brilliant source of plant-based iron – iron is crucial as it helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body to fuel your metabolism and aid growth and repair. Without adequate iron in your diet your hair will definitely suffer.

4. Fatty Fish

Omegas have been linked to healthy growth of skin and hair, and fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and herring are full of omega-3s which can contribute to a healthy, strong head of hair. A study found that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids were pivotal in reducing hair loss and increasing hair density, so opt for the salmon or mackerel when you next dine out and be glad that we live in a sea-faring city where such delicacies are available fresh from the boat!

5. Nuts and Seeds

Just like fatty fish, nuts and seeds are full of good omegas and all manner of powerful nutrients which can be beneficial to hair health. Just 28 grams of almonds provides an impressive 37% of your daily vitamin E needs, and flaxseeds and chia seeds are bursting with vitamin E goodness. This vitamin is essential for healthy skin, which includes the skin on your scalp! A healthy head of hair can’t grow if your scalp is in a bad condition, so getting enough vitamin E is vital. Nuts are an easy (and delicious) way of incorporating B vitamins, zinc and essential fatty acids into your diet.

6. Good Hydration

Drinking more than 8 glasses of water a day helps to support and revitalise hair growth from root to tip. Being hydrated also helps prevent split ends and stops hair from becoming brittle and snapping. If you drink enough water your whole body will benefit, and that means your overall health will flourish as a result. A more hydrated you means a more hydrated scalp which cuts your chances of developing skin problems like dryness, itchiness, or dandruff.

If the idea of getting all these vitamins into your diet sounds difficult, fear not! It’s easier than you might think. Sprinkle nuts and seeds onto your porridge or salad for added omegas, stir peas into your risotto for added B vitamins, or choose a berry smoothie instead of your usual coffee one morning a week. Taking small positive steps can make a huge difference to your overall hair health and ensure your tresses are as shiny and strong as can be.

When you come to visit us next, let us know the changes you’ve made and I’ll bet you see a difference when you look in the salon mirror…. We can’t wait to see you at your next appointment and make you feel fabulous 🙂

Curly girl hair method salon in Plymouth

The Curly Girl Method; In a Nutshell

16/04/202125/10/2021Leave a comment

Do you suffer from curly hair that’s dry, damaged, frizzy, or uncontrollable? Do you find yourself not knowing how to self-care for your curls so straighten it until it’s damaged beyond repair? Pull up a chair and read on…

There is a lot of buzz online about the Curly Girl Method way of taming and celebrating curly hair. Curly-haired women all over the internet are waxing lyrical about how adopting the Curly Girl Method has changed their lives, and how their curls are bouncier and more healthy than ever before. Many curly-haired folk have a very real fear and distrust of hairdressers following salon disasters in the past, and we are striving forwards to change that for the future. We want curly-haired girls (and boys) to feel utterly fabulous! But what is it, and what exactly does following the ‘Curly Girl Method’ involve?

What is the Curly Girl Method?

The curly girl method is based on the book “Curly Girl” by Lorraine Massey. Lorraine’s advice about caring for curly hair created a movement, a sisterhood for all girls with naturally curly hair. Lorraine’s ‘no-more-shampoo’ epiphany suggests that you handle your curly hair as gently as you would your finest cashmere jumper; you wouldn’t wash your cashmere on a hot wash using washing-up liquid, and the same should apply when caring for your curly hair.

Here at David & David, we have had the absolute honour of having Lorraine Massey herself visit the salon and train two of our stylists in the techniques of how to cut and care for curly hair. Creative Director Jonathan and senior stylist Gemma both undertook the masterclass in cutting curly hair in June and were incredibly inspired by Lorraine and her wizardry with curly hair, putting David & David firmly on the curly girl map as one of the only salons in the UK to have been personally trained by Lorraine Massey herself.

We thought it interesting to explore the methods adopted by the Curly Girl Method to see if it helps you care for your curly hair at home in between visits to the salon. We hope it clears a few things up and helps you enjoy the beautiful bouncy curls you were blessed with!

What Do You Have to Avoid in the Curly Hair Method?

Firstly, it’s important to know what the Curly Girl Method (also referred to as “no-poo” hair care) advises you avoid using on your curly hair:

Shampoo
Heat
Combs and brushes
Fragrance
Sulphates (sodium lauryl sulphate and ammonium laureth sulphate)
Non-water-soluble silicones
Alcohol

Avoid shampoo? Are they crazy? Well yes. It might seem that way (!) but to achieve the lustrous bouncy curls promised by devotees of the Curly Girl Method, they say it’s important to cleanse the hair gently without removing the oils which are crucial to hair health and protecting your hair and scalp. Stripping the oils away deprives the hair of necessary moisture and amino acids, leaving it dry and dull. Most shampoos contain harsh, drying sulphates which can be damaging for curly hair (ammonium laureth sulphate, ammonium lauryl sulphate, sodium laureth sulphate, sodium lauryl sulphate are common ingredients to look out for.). These common detergents found in shampoos make curly hair frizzy and uncooperative.

A Curly Girl Method hair transformation

How to Follow the Curly Girl Method

Step 1: Cleanse

Here in the salon we use the Bouclème range which is natural, silicone, sulphate & paraben free (of course), and specially formulated for curly hair. Curly hair is drier and more fragile than other hair types so requires nourishing and penetrating ingredients to help hydrate and strengthen the cuticle from the inside out. Bouclème products are packed with high performance actives that restore moisture and life to dry lacklustre hair. As a result hair has more volume and it is perfect for women following the Curly Girl Method. Gently scrub and stimulate the entire scalp with fingertips (no nails!) and conditioner. The friction will lift residue, sweat & oil to be rinsed out. Some of you may feel that your hair is greasy to start with (and this is normal until your hair gets used to being in a natural ‘no-poo’ state, it will soon correct itself), but it also varies depending on hair type and you should play with it to see what works for you. Curl pattern is not the only determining factor, other characteristics of your hair like porosity, density and width will play a big role so feel free to experiment with products to see what works for you, everyone’s hair is individual! See below for a quick guide:

Wavy Hair – You may use Curly Girl-approved cleanser, but only once a week. Always condition before and after using cleanser.
Curly Hair – Cowash with water and conditioner once a week or every 10 days
Coily Hair – In between cowash days, wet your hair and go straight to Step 2

Next Step: Condition

A major focus of the CG method is keeping as much moisture in the hair as possible so the cuticle lies flat without having to brush/straighten it flat. As with shampoo, make sure that your conditioner is silicone-free and sulphate free. It may feel odd at first – but try not to over-rinse your conditioner. Just think of it almost as a “leave-in” conditioner and your curls will feel so much healthier and moisture-filled. Start by untangling bottom sections of your hair and then gradually move upwards. Let the conditioner sit in your hair for five minutes or so for extra moisture. You also may want to part your hair at this point with a comb. It’s recommended that you part your hair to the side to prevent “triangle-shaped” hair. Do the final rinse of your hair with cool or cold water to seal the hair’s cuticle and lock in moisture, this will decrease frizz and add shine

We can’t stress enough how much silicone damages your hair! Our Olaplex treatments in the salon are amazing and work wonders for hair of all types, especially curlies. Guide depending on your own curly hair type:

Wavy Hair– Rinse your hair for just a few seconds, if a little bit of conditioner is left on the hair that’s ok
Curly Hair – You can either rinse or leave the conditioner in at this point, depending on how much moisture you need
Coily Hair – If you have time when conditioning, wrap your hair and apply heat for 15 minutes for a moisture boost. Rinse completely to avoid a visible film.

Step 3: Products and Drying Curly Hair

If you have curly hair then you should always apply products whilst your hair is soaking wet. If you have wavy or medium curly hair, then wait 5 minutes. Smooth or rake your hair product into your hair by sections. Some people like to use a leave-in oil or cream but beware that this won’t work well for second day hair. Some people using the Curly Girl Method use a scrunch gel to form the curl. If using this, scrunch gel from ends toward the scalp, starting at the nape and working up, scrunch the top layer last. Clip the roots for lift.

To dry, bend forward and blot dry by cupping curls in a t-shirt, paper towel or micro-fibre towel. Never wring or disturb your curls as this will disturb them! You can then leave your hair to air-dry naturally or, if you’re in a hurry, use a diffuser.

What is “Plopping”?

“Plopping” as it is interestingly named (!), is the process of tying curly hair up into a t-shirt or towel so that it preserves the curls and prevents frizz. Lots of people do this overnight and sleep in the t-shirt or silk head sock to wake up with beautiful curls in the morning. Plopping works best for medium to long length curly hair. The curls usually become weirdly squished after plopping in shorter hair. Find out more about how to plop your hair here.

How to Maintain Your Curly Hair

Well you’ve done the most important bit; finding a hair stylist experienced with curly hair in Plymouth! Not all hair dressers were created equal, so if you’re looking for a stylist skilled in cutting curly hair make sure that you trust that they understand curly hair first (as all our talented stylists do here at David & David). Unplanned haircuts can be disastrous for curly hair! Remember, it takes a skilled hairdresser to successfully cut layers or other haircuts in curly hair.

What is the “Deva Cut”?

The Deva Cut is a hair cutting technique created by Lorraine Massey at her Devachan salon in New York (in 1994) whereby each curl is cut individually and normally at an angle so as to not disrupt the curl pattern. Usual practice in salons is the hair is washed, dried, the hair brushed and pulled straight and then cut. Well as we know here at D&D, that doesn’t work with curly hair. No two curls are the same so cutting curls like this usually results in an uneven disaster. By cutting the hair dry, in its natural state, specialist stylists who are adept at cutting curls (like us) are able to cut the curls where they naturally sit, and thus create a beautiful shape. This has become known in the USA as the ‘Deva Cut’ and is beginning to be a known term here in the UK too. We also use ‘curl-by-curl’ cuts as this is the trademark which Lorraine now uses. Curly hair cuts are nothing new however, and here at David & David, we treat each person’s hair individually and exercise the best techniques for their style.

Curly Hair Stylists in Plymouth

People with curly hair should have their hair trimmed every three to six months. A half inch trim is usually enough to get rid of split ends and keep it looking lustrous. Because curly hair usually consists of a combination of textures, with the crown being the curliest part, long, rounded layers are more suited to curly hair.

No two curls are the same, so why treat them so? Here at David & David we understand the specialist needs of clients with naturally curly hair. We can’t wait to meet you curly-haired goddesses and help you to celebrate the beautiful curls you were blessed with. Get in touch to discuss your curls with one of our talented curly hair stylists today… you won’t regret it. Share your curly hair transformations, hints, tips and tricks with us over on Facebook and Instagram – join our vibrant online community!

How to prepare for Your Curl-by-Curl Cutting Appointment

Before coming along to your curl-by-curl hair appointment, please ensure that you adhere to the following points so that you can be assured of the best results and the beautiful bouncy curls you were blessed with….

Arrive with your hair cleansed and fully detangled
Please make sure you don’t have your hair in a pony tail or bun as this makes cutting your curls extremely difficult (the kinks will give a false impression of the natural fall of the curls )
Come in with your hair ‘naked’ (no gel, hair spray, heavy butters or oils!)
Wash your hair with conditioner, re-apply to condition and then gently rinse, leaving a small amount of conditioner in the hair
If you have finer/wavier hair, you can rinse partially if you feel its necessary (if you have Afro Caribbean curls, apply even more conditioner and use this to style your curls)
Please ensure your hair is 100% dry on arrival at the salon

How Much Does a Curly Cut Cost?

Since our visit from Lorraine Massey and the investment we have made to further our training in the specialist field of curl-by-curl cuts, we have realised that we need to spread the appointments to 90 minutes to ensure that we give curly clients the full curl-by-curl cutting experience. Unlike straight-haired clients who may visit the salon every 4-6 weeks, the slow-growing nature of curly hair means that curly clients usually only need to visit the salon 2 – 4 times per year.

If it is your first time having a curl-by-curl cut at David & David then you will need to have the full curl-by-curl cut. If you have already had your initial curl-by-curl cut with us then you can request a subsequent shape-up ‘express’ appointment (but are of course welcome to have the full works if you rather!). A breakdown of each can be seen below:

Full Curl-by-Curl Cut £67 / 90 mins
If it’s your first time getting a curly cut by Jonathan or Gemma then you will get to experience the full works. A curl-by-curl cut will take 90 mins and you will enjoy a dry cut and consultation before your curls are cleansed, conditioned, dried and styled.
Express Curl-by-Curl Cut £45 / 45 mins
The express shape-up is offered to curly clients who have already had the full curly cut with one of our curl specialists before but want to have a reshape to freshen their look. The express curly cut is a dry cut without cleansing/drying.

If you want to make an appointment please get in touch here. We can’t wait to welcome you to Plymouth’s curly hair specialist salon!

12 Small Pleasures to Elevate Your Everyday…

10/02/202110/02/2021Leave a comment

We understand that this lockdown is important to keep the most vulnerable members of our community safe, but we really miss normal life! We miss the buzz of the salon, the cheery smiles and the light-hearted banter as we bring you a steaming hot coffee. We miss the enormous grins as clients skip out the door after being made to feel fabulous. We miss our friends, we miss our colleagues, we just miss LIFE. Spring is just around the corner and lets hope it brings with it the promise of fresh hope, sunshine and freedom.

Sometimes in these troubled times it’s easy to lose sight of the small pleasures in life so we thought we’d share with you some ideas of how to elevate your everyday. Finding joy in the little moments can provide a much-needed boost in times of uncertainty. And it’s got to be better than reading the news at the moment!

How to Find Joy in the Everyday…

1. Luxuriate

Whether you’re pushing the vacuum around after the kids or stripping the bed sheets, why not inject a little joy at the same time? Do it wearing a hair/face mask and you’ll feel awesome afterwards. We recommend Olaplex for silky soft strong hair you’ll want to show off.

2. Dance

Stick on your favourite music, turn it right up and really let loose in your kitchen. No-one is watching so just go for it! You never know, a dance might be just what the doctor ordered and make you smile from ear-to-ear. We love dancing around in the salon staff room when no-one is watching… shhh don’t tell anyone.

3. Send Flowers

Sending flowers to someone else always makes you feel a warm glow inside, but don’t forget how awesome it is to receive them too. Send flowers to yourself and enjoy the display of colour and heady scent every time you walk past them. Pure joy.

4. Bake

The smell of fresh bread baking in the oven is thought to have mood-lifting properties. Whether you’re Mary Berry or not, baking a cake or some buns is a sure fire way to make you feel like you’ve achieved a little joy in your day. And you get to scoff them afterwards too…

5. Be You

If you feel like wearing a slick of red lipstick, your best dress and spending ages doing your hair ‘just’ to knock about the house in, DO IT. Nothing makes you feel better than getting all dolled up and feeling like the old you. Similarly, if you only feel comfortable in your slouchiest loungewear then you have more than an excuse to remain that way just as long as you please!

6. Be Kind to Yourself

Giving yourself a break and letting go of the things which cause you upset is harder than it sounds. Pick your battles and let go of all the little things which can wait. This especially extends to those of you with kids at home…everyone is feeling the strain right so give yourself a break and don’t beat yourself up – you are doing AMAZINGLY.

7. Find Time for You

Be sure to give yourself that much-needed ‘me’ time, even if it means just taking a quick walk around the block whilst dinner is cooking -there is much joy to be found in getting some headspace. If you can have a blissful long soak in the bath with no kids around then better still…absolute heaven.

8. Do a Blow Dry

After indulging in a hair mask, give yourself a really beautiful blow-dry and take your time doing it. Whether you prefer tousled, curled, sleek or straight, taking the time to really look after your hair will make you feel incredible (and your hair will thank you for it too).

9. Drink Water

Make sure you are drinking at least 2 litres of water every day. Why not inject some extra joy into your daily hydration with a slice or two of lemon or cucumber? If you are properly hydrated your hair and skin will look radiant and you’ll feel so much better for it.

10. Glow

Turn the lights off when you have your nightly bath/shower and light some candles instead. Close your eyes and make some positive affirmations about the day ahead, breathing deeply and setting your sights on happiness. This lockdown is only temporary and there is a glimmer of hope as Spring comes around. We can almost feel the warm glow of sun on our skin and feel the click of the lock as we throw open the doors to the salon again…. Please let’s hope it’s not too far away!!

11. Cuddle Your Fur Babies

Digby sure is missing you all, and we can’t think of a better way to feel joy than by cuddling your fur babies! Whether cat, dog, hamster or rabbit, stroking an animal is a sure-fire way to boost endorphins and feel the love.

12. Enjoy Nature

Getting outdoors and enjoying the beauty of nature is a proven way to boost mood and make you feel great. Even if its raining, the feel of just being outside can invigorate you and make you feel whole again. Spend a few minutes in the garden each day as you drink your morning coffee, just breathing and listening to the sounds all around you- it can work wonders and energise you for the rest of the day.

We hope that these fun ideas of how to inject some small joys into your everyday lives are useful. They are just a bit of fun to remind you that we are thinking of you all, and can’t wait to open the doors to the salon once more! Please stay tuned on our social media channels to hear news of reopening, we’ll let you know just as soon as we hear more from the powers-that-be.

Until then, stay fabulous and let us know of any small daily joys you think we’ve missed!

For appointments just get in touch or use the ‘book now‘ button our website. We can’t wait to welcome you all back (hopefully soon!).

How to Look After Your Hair During Lockdown

22/05/202002/06/2020Leave a comment

If you’re reading this then you’ll probably agree that having your hair done is one of life’s essentials. Popping to your local salon to relax with a book, have a deliciously decadent head massage and be made to look fabulous is one of life’s little pleasures.

Since the lockdown started and our salon closed its doors, we’ve been hearing from lots of our lovely clients who are desperate for a cut or have roots crying out for a touch up. Not being able to get to a salon is proving a hugely frustrating time for lots of you, so we thought we’d offer some respite with a helpful guide of how to look after your hair during lockdown!

How to Cut Your Hair at Home

Our first tip about caring for your hair whilst the salon is closed, is how to cut your hair at home. Our advice is – JUST DON’T DO IT!

Hair cutting is a highly-honed craft and there are so many ways it can go wrong without the proper training, so the chances of a hair disaster when trying to cut it at home are high.

Hair stylists train for years to understand the inner workings of hair and to become professionals in their field. Our highly-trained stylists have spent many years gaining the experience required to execute creative professional hair cutting and styling here in the salon. If you try to replicate this at home it’s likely you’ll end up with a wonky ‘do or something much shorter than you hoped for which will need salon assistance! Something which we sadly can’t provide right now.

Going DIY isn’t just a style risk, it can also damage your hair. We bet that very few of you have professional grade hair cutting equipment at home… reaching for the kitchen or office scissors is a common mistake which causes split ends due to the blunt blades. As well as having specifically designed blades for cutting hair, professional hair cutting scissors are manufactured from the hardest stainless steel. You just won’t get the results you crave from using tools you find at home. Blunt blades will ‘fray’ and split the delicate hair shaft meaning it will look more frizzy and less well-kempt as a result. Certainly not the look you’re after!

Now is not the time for a grand re-style. If you want to have a new fringe cut in or want to cut your long hair into a dramatic bob, we strongly advise waiting until we’re open again so we can perform this transformation for you. If you are absolutely desperate and need to trim your (already-existing) fringe, or nab split ends at home then we advise using the sharpest professional hair scissors you can get your hands on (anything else will wreck your hair’s structure) and exercising complete caution. It’s important to realise that you can always take more away, but you can’t stick hair back on (!) so a gentle ‘nibbling’ at overhanging fringes and gentle very small snips at the ends will be the safest way to avoid a hair disaster. And remember, if you’re cutting your hair while it’s wet it will look even shorter once it dries.

Dyeing Your Hair at Home; The Pros and Cons

Shudders… some of the most dramatic hair fails we’ve had to fix in the salon have come from home hair dye efforts. Home hair dyeing can be SCARY. Think tobacco-yellow bleach jobs, half-head inky black/deep orange ombre efforts, and hair snapping clean off due to the bleach being too concentrated from a cheap home bleaching kit. Hair dyeing at home is really rather risky because unless you have pure never-before-dyed hair, you don’t know what the home dye kit colour will do to the remnants of colour you already have on your hair. Hair colouring is a science- the chemistry behind it and the carefully balanced ratios of colour agents is something we take years to perfect here in the salon.

Embracing grey hair and letting your silvery strands peek through can make you become a new more confident ‘you’. Whether salt & pepper-y, silvery or ashen, your natural shade of grey may be both chic and flattering so why not try to let yourself go au naturale? Even aside from it being the hottest hair colour of the season, showing off your silver locks with pride and magnificence can be incredibly empowering!

Professional colourists use a precise combination of art and science to create custom formulas that are suited to the texture and colour of each individual client’s hair. Whilst we make it looks effortless (!), when we apply colour in the salon we have a pretty good idea of how the hair in question will respond. Also, a home dye box doesn’t say how much ammonia is in the product; as a result, you might be applying far more ammonia than is necessary to get the job done, and that can be very damaging for your hair and cause irreparable damage. You also need to be very careful that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients and that you take care to do a patch test at least 48 hours before using a new dye. We do this meticulously in the salon, and it’s extremely risky to use a dye you haven’t used before without doing a patch test in case of allergic reactions.

Unless you’re one of the rare exceptions, your hair will not look like the colour it tells you it will on the box and you will ruin the colour we have worked so hard to achieve here in the salon. Someone with fine hair can get a completely different result than a person with coarse hair, even is they use exactly the same box of home hair dye.

If you’re a regular here in the salon then you would’ve invested a lot of time and effort with your stylist to create the style, condition and colour you have achieved over the years. To ruin this by using an £8 home hair dye box will take you back to square one and it could take many appointments to correct the home hair dye damage!

If you really must home dye your hair, then there are root sprays and powders available which can touch up roots in a less scary, non-permanent way. If you think this might be for you, then we advise that you look for the best quality professional ones on the market. Feel free to contact us for advice, we’re always here to help!

Salon-Quality Shampoo, Conditioner and Styling Products

We really don’t advise using supermarket shampoos and conditioners if you can help it. All they do is cover up dry brittle hair. No shop bought products can “heal” damaged hair — all they do is coat the hair strand to change the appearance or how manageable it is. Many brands do this with silicone, which makes the hair feel smooth and shiny, but some people find this builds up over time and makes their hair heavy. Professional-quality hair products are able to penetrate the hair shaft to provide it with nutrients which strengthens it, rather than just coats it.

For all those missing salon-quality products and craving beautifully healthy hair, you can now buy your favourite Keune UK products from our online storefront partnership with Keune. This easy and convenient way to purchase any Keune products online and delivered to your door is proving an incredibly popular way of keeping your hair salon-tastic during lockdown. Just click here to shop the range.

In a Nutshell

We know it’s hard but try not to do anything too drastic to your hair at home before we can see you again. We envisage the salon will be opening by July at the latest so we are really looking forward to getting back to (the new) normal and making you all look fabulous once more.

The safety and well-being of our clients and staff is absolutely paramount and we have being crazily busy behind the scenes to ensure that when we re-open the salon it will be as safe as it can possibly be with social distancing and protective measures firmly in place.

Every stylist in the salon has recently undergone a Barbercide training course to ensure that they are well-versed in the most up-to-date information about safely working in a hair salon post-lockdown.

We are (nearly) ready for you! We just have to wait for the nod from the government and then we’ll re-open our doors with a big welcoming (socially distant) smile. We can’t wait to get back to business! xx

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