(Or use on your hair)

The precise quote is:
: "Water, water, everywhere, nor any drop to drink"
: but the meaning is the same. It's from The Rime
: of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge -
: when the Ancient Mariner is stuck in the middle
: of the sea.

And because the ancient mariner is on the open ocean, the water is all salt and unfor for consumption - thus his lament.

The state of water and the resulting condition of hair.

Having moved to Florida 7 years ago from Australia, I have experienced a number of changes that I needed to adjust to, both personally and professionally. One of the biggest professional adjustments has been with the condition of people’s hair.

In Melbourne, Australia people don’t think twice about drinking water straight from the faucet, it is totally safe to do so. In Florida (as well as many other parts of the States) it appears you would be putting your life at risk by doing so. I can distinctly remember my early visits to the states, going into the washroom of the hotel where the distinct chlorine smell was so strong, I wondered where the swimming pool was.  After some inquiry, I learned that chlorine was used to “sanitize” the water.

What I also noticed on my early visits to the USA was how different my hair felt within two to three days. So what is this difference I’m talking about and why is it relevant to hairdressers?

The fundamental difference is a large percentage of the States water supply is a chemical cocktail. The influences of these chemicals alter the state of the fabric with which you have to work with.

A point in case.

I live in Clearwater, FL.  A beautiful part of the States. Its water supply, as well of most of the southern states is Artesian.   (Artesian means it comes from below the ground) In my area, it is supplied from the Floridian Aquifer. In addition, in the county in which I live, the water supply not only has a tremendous amount of Chlorine but they have recently added Ammonia in the form of Chloramines and Fluoride to the water supply.  Adding fluoride to the water supply is a very controversial subject which I have my opinions about but that is not the issue here.

www.citizensforsafedrinkingwater.org/ This is a link for further info for those interested.

What is the issue is that where I live and work the water is full of minerals and is very hard. It has a Ph of about 8 to 8.2.  This is about the same as a swimming pool, with about as much Chlorine. According to a recent article I read, this water condition applies to about 80% of the USA.

The effect this has on client’s hair is dehydration.  It also coats the hair with deposits of minerals. There are measures you can take to soften the effects of hard water in your salon. But you also need to advise your clients on the use of shower head filters and water softeners.  They can find shower head filters at the local hardware store for around $45.00 or they can get more expensive shower heads that eliminate more chemicals and minerals. I have seen the difference that a simple shower head filter makes to the condition of hair and hence the lasting power of colors.

It is also worth mentioning that well water can have even a higher concentration of minerals, iron and copper at high levels in the hair.  This can create havoc with chemical services.  If you have a client that uses well water or you are questioning mineral deposits, clarify the client’s hair before chemical services. Your client could also use a clarifying product from time to time, as part of their routine.  These shampoos can be very aggressive, so educate them to do this infrequently.

It is also worth noting that there are products on the market, (Shampoos, conditioners and styling products) that have metals in them. They are used by some companies to produce shine and shimmer on the hair. In some cases they even use Mercury to do this. (Apart from the havoc that this can have on potential chemical services, I have great reservations about the toxic factor involved for the client.)

If you put a chemical lightening powder on a client’s hair with any of the above build ups you can and probably will get a chemical reaction and a strange result. This can also happen with color and perms.

 I think as professionals we need to become informed and educate our clients on what is best to use, what to avoid and how to look after what they have invested money and time into, their hair.

The Q range of products was developed to give hairdressers a performance based retail line to maintain healthy hair. As well they can be used in the salon to counteract certain problems that you or you clients may encounter.

 

Hilton Bell

Founder/ President

 

 

 

(Or use on your hair)

The precise quote is:
: "Water, water, everywhere, nor any drop to drink"
: but the meaning is the same. It's from The Rime
: of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge -
: when the Ancient Mariner is stuck in the middle
: of the sea.

And because the ancient mariner is on the open ocean, the water is all salt and unfor for consumption - thus his lament.

The state of water and the resulting condition of hair.

Having moved to Florida 7 years ago from Australia, I have experienced a number of changes that I needed to adjust to, both personally and professionally. One of the biggest professional adjustments has been with the condition of people’s hair.

In Melbourne, Australia people don’t think twice about drinking water straight from the faucet, it is totally safe to do so. In Florida (as well as many other parts of the States) it appears you would be putting your life at risk by doing so. I can distinctly remember my early visits to the states, going into the washroom of the hotel where the distinct chlorine smell was so strong, I wondered where the swimming pool was.  After some inquiry, I learned that chlorine was used to “sanitize” the water.

What I also noticed on my early visits to the USA was how different my hair felt within two to three days. So what is this difference I’m talking about and why is it relevant to hairdressers?

The fundamental difference is a large percentage of the States water supply is a chemical cocktail. The influences of these chemicals alter the state of the fabric with which you have to work with.

A point in case.

I live in Clearwater, FL.  A beautiful part of the States. Its water supply, as well of most of the southern states is Artesian.   (Artesian means it comes from below the ground) In my area, it is supplied from the Floridian Aquifer. In addition, in the county in which I live, the water supply not only has a tremendous amount of Chlorine but they have recently added Ammonia in the form of Chloramines and Fluoride to the water supply.  Adding fluoride to the water supply is a very controversial subject which I have my opinions about but that is not the issue here.

www.citizensforsafedrinkingwater.org/ This is a link for further info for those interested.

What is the issue is that where I live and work the water is full of minerals and is very hard. It has a Ph of about 8 to 8.2.  This is about the same as a swimming pool, with about as much Chlorine. According to a recent article I read, this water condition applies to about 80% of the USA.

The effect this has on client’s hair is dehydration.  It also coats the hair with deposits of minerals. There are measures you can take to soften the effects of hard water in your salon. But you also need to advise your clients on the use of shower head filters and water softeners.  They can find shower head filters at the local hardware store for around $45.00 or they can get more expensive shower heads that eliminate more chemicals and minerals. I have seen the difference that a simple shower head filter makes to the condition of hair and hence the lasting power of colors.

It is also worth mentioning that well water can have even a higher concentration of minerals, iron and copper at high levels in the hair.  This can create havoc with chemical services.  If you have a client that uses well water or you are questioning mineral deposits, clarify the client’s hair before chemical services. Your client could also use a clarifying product from time to time, as part of their routine.  These shampoos can be very aggressive, so educate them to do this infrequently.

It is also worth noting that there are products on the market, (Shampoos, conditioners and styling products) that have metals in them. They are used by some companies to produce shine and shimmer on the hair. In some cases they even use Mercury to do this. (Apart from the havoc that this can have on potential chemical services, I have great reservations about the toxic factor involved for the client.)

If you put a chemical lightening powder on a client’s hair with any of the above build ups you can and probably will get a chemical reaction and a strange result. This can also happen with color and perms.

 I think as professionals we need to become informed and educate our clients on what is best to use, what to avoid and how to look after what they have invested money and time into, their hair.

The Q range of products was developed to give hairdressers a performance based retail line to maintain healthy hair. As well they can be used in the salon to counteract certain problems that you or you clients may encounter.

 

Hilton Bell

Founder/ President