Where Hair and Culture Meet

Thanks to great education and the commitment we have to diversity, the days of finding a salon that only serves women of color, bi-racial or white is in the past. Times have changed and now and thanks to an industry that has evolved and creates quality products for everyone, it’s easy to find just what you need no matter what your ethnicity is or what type of hair you have. We invited one of our professionally trained stylists to answer questions that many women have, starting with:

“What’s the difference between Caucasian and Ethnic hair?”

Less than you might think. All hair consists of a cortex, follicle, medulla and keratin protein. However, there are differences when it comes to the shape or size of the follicle. The follicle determines the type and texture of the hair. Ethnic hair follicles generally are stretched oval shaped that produce plenty of protective oils, called Sebum. Although Ethnic hair produces more oils than Caucasian hair, the tight spirals prevent the oil from distributing properly and evenly along the hair fibers. With the oils not lubricating, the hair fibers become very dry. In return the strands become brittle and start to flake, leaving the hair feeling coarse. The flakey, brittle strands give the illusion that Ethnic hair cannot be grown long. Scientists are still questioning why this trait runs so strong in African American culture.

Caucasian follicles generally are a circle shape producing a straight strand or a slight oval producing a wavy strand. Despite Ethnic hair producing more oils, the relaxed follicles typically found in Caucasian hair allow oils to be spread properly throughout the hair fibers. This produces the smooth silky look with typically less breakage. The follicle shape also allows for the hair to grow at a faster rate than the follicle that is stretched thin.

“How do you approach Caucasian and Ethnic hair differently?”

I don’t! When you walk towards my chair for the first time, I’m already focusing on your hair not the color of your skin. How does it feel, is it dry, and is it coarse? Is it flat or is it too oily? How often do you wash it and how do you wear it? Whether it’s in a ponytail, free flowing or styled – the condition of your hair is everything – and I know how to bring out the beauty in your hair.

The next step is to find out what you want to accomplish. Do you want change? What do you love and how comfortable are you recreating your ‘just left the salon’ look every day?

Based on understanding the texture and condition of your hair, combined with what you want to accomplish, I will always ask: “What products are you using at home?” No matter how you answer, working at Bambou Salons, I have everything we need to get great results.

“What special steps and products do you use with Ethnic hair?”

Coarse to medium and thick textured hair needs moisture, oils and heat protectant. Keune’s Vital Nutrition line will produce revolutionary change. Created to cleanse your hair and strip away grime, we start with the Keune Vital Nutrition Shampoo, avoiding stripping the oils your hair desperately needs.

Next, I would recommend swapping your conditioner for the Vital Nutrition masque, a heavier version of a basic conditioner which penetrates deeper into the hair shaft producing longer lasting results. A good quality conditioner closes the hair cuticle to create that smooth silky touch you are looking for and best used at least once every week.

After towel drying, the next step is to use the Keune Satin Oil which helps maintain healthy hair, that is being deprived from your natural protective oils, and strengthens the hair fibers and reduces breakage.

Although heat protectant of up to 446 degrees is in all Keune products, our final step is to use Keune’s 2-Phase. I really love using 2-Phase because it helps detangle the hair while providing the extra coat of heat protectant to prevent damage.

For the finishing touch, we choose one of Keune’s four hairsprays within the Style line to suit your preferred hold.

“What special steps and products do you use with Caucasian hair?”

Straight to fine/medium texture hair will need lighter shampoo and conditioners, less oils, and of course a heat protectant. Typically, when you someone has fine hair, they want products that give them volume without weighing the hair down.

I recommend Keune’s Absolute Volume Shampoo and Conditioner followed by Keune’s Root Volumizer. The Root Volumizer is light weight and creates lift at the scalp. Remembering that Keune products contain a heat protectant of up to 446 degrees, their 2-Phase will help with detangling and protect against any heat being applied.

Remembering the similarities of hair, the finishing touch always includes choosing one of Keune’s four hairsprays to suit the level of hold you desire.

“What about maintaining chemically treated hair?”

It’s so important to get a deep conditioner treatment between hair services. Bambou offers the Keune Miracle Elixir treatment or the Kevin Murphy Chemistry Treatments. Both of these services are provided at the shampoo bowl averaging 15 to 20 minutes. We wrap your hair in a hot towel to open the follicle in order to optimize the results. These services are important to maintain the integrity of the hair and extend color life. Keeping a schedule of about 6 to 8 weeks for a trim will help prevent split ends. If not taken care of, split ends will break down the follicle little by little.

However, life happens and if you are unable to make it to the Salon every 6 to 8 weeks a Heat Protectant and a light oil for the ends is recommended to ensure your hair is not becoming dry and brittle.

“What’s your best tip for hair for women, regardless of ethnicity?”

That’s my favorite and easiest question to answer! The best tip I can leave you with is to remember hair is hair! As long as you are using proper professional products at home and schedule routine care and maintenance with a professionally trained stylist to maintain beautiful healthy hair, your ethnicity does not matter.

Want to book your first appointment with Antoinette? New Guests receive $10 OFF their first visit and $20 OFF their second when spending $50 or more. Bambou Salons & Spa’s uses the professional product lines as listed: Keune; ColorProof; Dudley Q; Kevin Murphy and Eleven Australia. Receive 10% discount when purchasing 2 products from any line.