Grounding: Dipping Your Toe in the Water
Starting a career in hairdressing is both thrilling and a bit nerve-wracking. At NOCO Hair, we understand that transitioning from the classroom to the salon floor comes with mixed emotions. The Grounding phase, or onboarding phase, is where your journey begins. This initial stage, spanning your first year, is all about growth, learning, and discovering your place in the salon environment.
The Grounding Phase: A Personal Experience
Reflecting on my own experiences, I recall taking my kids to the swimming pool for the first time. They were excited but also nervous. There was no pressure to swim laps; instead, they just splashed around and got comfortable with the water. Similarly, as you start at NOCO Hair, this first phase is about getting comfortable in your new surroundings—dipping your toe in the water, so to speak. There’s no rush to master advanced skills right away; it’s about exploring the environment, finding your footing, and seeing how it feels.
What to Expect During Grounding (Onboarding)
Before you join us, there’s an onboarding process that begins with an interview. This can be a nerve-wracking experience, but it’s also the first step into a supportive journey where we get to know you and your aspirations. Once you’re on board, it’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and apprehension—questions like, “What if I mess up?” or “How will I fit in?” are common.
During the first year, our focus is less on technical hairdressing skills and more on building foundational professional skills. Here’s what you’ll be working on:
Before you join us, there’s an onboarding process that begins with an interview. This can be a nerve-wracking experience, but it’s also the first step into a supportive journey where we get to know you and your aspirations. Once you’re on board, it’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and apprehension—questions like, “What if I mess up?” or “How will I fit in?” are common.
During the first year, our focus is less on technical hairdressing skills and more on building foundational professional skills. Here’s what you’ll be working on:
- Communication and Professional Presence: Learn how to make strong first impressions, communicate effectively with clients, and maintain professionalism in all interactions.
- Understanding Salon Culture: At NOCO Hair, we aim for a high standard of service. You’ll learn what sets us apart and how to contribute to creating a welcoming, five-star experience for every client.
- Finding Your Fit: This year is also about discovering if hairdressing is truly your passion. It’s a time to explore different aspects of salon life, build relationships, and understand the day-to-day flow.
Looking Ahead
While the Grounding phase focuses on getting comfortable and learning the basics, more specialised hairdressing training ramps up in your second year in what we call the Rooting Phase. This is when you’ll start diving deeper into the craft with a strong foundation already in place, much like moving from the shallow end of the pool to the deeper waters but still being supported by a mentor and with flotation devices.
Embracing the Journey
Remember, everyone at NOCO Hair has been where you are now. It’s okay to feel nervous and excited. This is a supportive environment, and we’re here to help you grow. Approach this phase with an open mind and a willingness to learn, and you’ll find that the journey becomes both enjoyable and rewarding.
By Noel Halligan – Co-Founder of NOCO Hair
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As a hairdresser and salon owner, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges and rewards of growing in this industry. Over the years, I’ve noticed that there are six predictable stages that every professional seems to go through. These stages not only shape our careers but also help us understand our team members’ journeys. Interestingly, this progression isn’t just limited to hairdressing; it applies to any skilled profession.
I’ve come to recognise these stages as the GROWTH cycle:
- Grounding
- Rooting
- Opening
- Wilderness
- Tempo / Technitian
- Highly Skilled & High Income
Let me walk you through these stages and share how you can embrace them.
Grounding: Finding Your Feet (1 Year)
When someone first joins our team or when you’re starting something new, you’re in the Grounding phase. This phase typically lasts about a year. It’s the time to get comfortable, understand the environment, and decide if it’s the right fit for you. It’s overwhelming at first—there’s so much to learn, and the job can feel daunting. But it’s crucial not to rush this stage. The key is to make newcomers feel welcomed, valued, and excited about their future while ensuring they aren’t overloaded with information.
Rooting: Building a Foundation (2-3 Years)
After grounding comes Rooting, which spans roughly the next two to three years. In this phase, the focus shifts to developing skills. Whether you’re an apprentice hairdresser or someone learning a new aspect of your trade, this stage is about starting to engage more deeply with your work. You’re not just fitting in anymore; you’re beginning to explore where your strengths lie. Rooting involves honing communication skills, understanding teamwork, and beginning to master the basics of the job.
Opening: Stepping into the Unknown (3-4 Years)
The Opening phase, which usually occurs in years three to four of your career, is both exhilarating and intimidating. You’ve just qualified—congratulations! But this is where reality hits. Up to this point, every haircut or colour you’ve done has been supported by an educator or teacher. Now, it’s time to think for yourself, and that can be scary. You’re likely to seek safety, wanting reassurance as you start to make decisions on your own. The opening phase is a time of making mistakes, learning from them, and gradually building confidence. It’s essential to stay humble and keep learning, even though the external pressure to perform can be intense.
Wilderness: The Hardest Part of the Journey (4-5 Years)
The Wilderness phase, typically in the fourth to fifth year of your career, is perhaps the most challenging. You’ve left the safety of the Opening stage but aren’t yet a seasoned professional. This phase can feel isolating, and doubts often creep in. It’s easy to feel lost, especially when external voices question your progress. However, this is where resilience is built. The key is to keep pushing forward, making mistakes, learning, and refining your skills. Remember, every professional has been through this stage.
It’s common to feel like you’re on the brink of a breakthrough, thinking that completion is just around the corner. However, the reality is that there is no final destination in this journey—there’s always another level to reach. Too many people give up too soon, especially during the Wilderness stage, often lured by offers of more money or seemingly better benefits. But true growth, high skills, and high pay come from sticking with it and pushing through the pain.
This requires hard work, discipline, consistency, and the compounding of daily efforts. Nobody can do it for you, but the success is unlimited if you stay the course.
Tempo: Finding Your Rhythm (5-10 Years)
After persevering through the Wilderness, you’ll enter the Tempo phase, typically in years five to ten. Here, things start to click. You’re still learning, but now you’re making decisions with more confidence and understanding. Mistakes become less frequent because you can anticipate outcomes better. This phase is all about rhythm and flow—you’re in a groove, enjoying your work, and starting to see the rewards, both in terms of skills and income. It’s a time to relish your progress and build on the solid foundation you’ve created.
Highly Skilled & High Income: Mastery and Beyond (10+ Years)
Finally, we arrive at the stage of Highly Skilled and High Income, which usually begins after ten years in your career. This is where the years of hard work pay off. Your skills are refined, your client base is strong, and your income reflects your expertise. But this stage is not the end; it’s a new beginning. With your craft mastered, you now have the bandwidth to explore new opportunities—whether that’s mentoring others, taking on more complex work, or even branching out into business ventures.
At this point, you’ve earned the right to enjoy the fruits of your labor. You can work smarter, not harder, perhaps even reducing your days in the salon while maintaining, or even increasing, your income. It’s a stage where you can finally see the full picture of your career journey and appreciate every step that got you here.
Embrace the Growing Pains
Every stage of the GROWTH cycle comes with its own set of challenges—what I like to call growing pains. But remember, if you’re not experiencing any discomfort, you’re probably not growing. Each phase serves a purpose, preparing you for the next. The key is to embrace where you are now, without rushing to the next stage. Growth takes time, and every step in this journey is valuable.
It’s normal to feel like you’re always on the verge of reaching the next level, but true growth is about continuous leveling up. You can’t go back; your only option is to move forward. By sticking with it and pushing through the challenges, especially during the Wilderness phase, you become more skilled, more valuable, and better positioned to enjoy the rewards that come with mastery.
My advice is simple: don’t look around at where others are on their journey. Focus on your own path, knuckle down, and become as valuable as you can by doing everything possible to achieve success. When you dedicate yourself to this process, you’ll find that the possibilities are truly limitless.
So, wherever you find yourself in this cycle, take a moment to appreciate it. Ground yourself, root your skills, open yourself to learning, navigate the wilderness, find your tempo, and eventually, enjoy the rewards of being highly skilled. The journey is as important as the destination, and the lessons learned along the way are what make you truly great.
By Noel Halligan
Written by Noel Halligan
As eager beavers, we’re often bursting with energy, ready to conquer the world with our ambitions. But just like in a marathon, if we start too fast, we risk burning out long before the finish line.
In the London Marathon, there’s a blue line that guides runners along the exact 26.2 miles – it’s a simple yet powerful guide that keeps them on track. There are also mile markers, helping runners pace themselves, ensuring they don’t go too hard, too soon. There have been many times where wondering off has left me with more work to do than sticking to the game plan.
This image is when was I finishing my 1st half ironman! It was tough. Didn’t do enough training, didn’t know what to expect but I did know that I could control my self when it came to the long game. One foot in front of the other. Even when people were stopping to walk in the run I used their energy to fuel me forward to the end. (Then ate the craziest amount of pizza)
But in life, our markers aren’t as clear. Birthdays remind us of time passing, but they don’t keep us focused on the journey. We need to set our own flags, create our own mile markers, to guide us through the marathon of life.
The Eager Beaver’s Guide to Self-Control is about finding that perfect balance. It’s about mentally and physically warming up to the challenges ahead, understanding that this journey is a long one. There’s a reward at the end, but it’s crucial not to get disheartened by how far away it seems.
Remember to breathe, to stay present, and to embrace the pain – because those tough moments are what build our character. They remind us that we’re alive, that we’re pushing our limits, and that we’re on a journey worth taking.
In the end, it’s not about how quickly you start, but how well you finish. So, as eager beavers, let’s pace ourselves, follow our own blue line, and keep moving forward with control, focus, and a smile on our face. The finish line is out there, and it’s waiting for us to cross it – one well-paced step at a time. 🏅
Wednesday 7th August & Friday 30th August
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You will learn
The most 3 common mistakes people make when they choose a hair colour
Our award-winning stylists are here to share their expertise and guide you through the process. Learn what to expect, how long it takes, and explore stylish options that make grey look fabulous.
FAQs we will cover…
Will Grey Hair suit me?
Will it make me look old?
How long does it take to grow out?
& Much more
Styles That Work with Grey Hair
From cropped hair to chic bobs to flowing locks, grey hair opens up a world of stylish possibilities. We will show you styles where it works and where it doesn’t!
Ready to Learn More?
Join our exclusive online session where our award-winning stylists will reveal everything you need to know about going grey. Get expert advice, see real-life transformations, and ask all your questions.
Register now for our Zoom session by selecting your date and clicking the image below:
Embark on your journey to beautiful grey hair with confidence and expert guidance. We’re here to help you every step of the way!
Download the FREE APP:
Do you wonder what you look like with a different colour?
Why not have a some fun and download the Loreal My Hair [ID] App. You can play around with different hair colours to see what works.
This is a bit of fun and worth play with but we would always recommend coming in for a consultation for some personalised professional advice
Can you make me look and feel younger?
Are concerns about age or gender inclusivity holding you back from stepping into a salon? Fear not, at NOCO Salon, we understand these worries, and we’re here to show you why age shouldn’t be a barrier to exceptional haircare. In this guide, we’ll delve into what sets NOCO Salon apart, how we embrace diversity, and why our services cater to everyone, regardless of age or gender.
Understanding Age and Inclusivity:
Have you ever wondered if you’re too old or too young for a salon visit? It’s a common question, but rest assured, at NOCO Salon, everyone is welcome. Age is merely a number in our salon, where our experienced stylists cater to clients of all ages, from those in their 20s to those in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond. Our goal is simple: to boost your confidence, irrespective of age.
Catering to Diversity:
At NOCO Salon, inclusivity is at the heart of what we do. As a unisex salon, we take pride in offering a diverse range of services that suit all genders and age groups. Whether you’re seeking trendy highlights or classic haircuts, our versatile services cater to everyone’s preferences and needs, ensuring a tailored experience for each client.
Expertise in Youthful Haircare:
Our team of skilled stylists is well-versed in age-defying haircare techniques. Whether it’s a precision cut or subtle colour enhancements, we specialise in rejuvenating and enhancing your natural beauty, leaving you feeling refreshed and confident after every visit.
Celebrating Every Stage:
At NOCO Salon, we celebrate you at every stage of your journey. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a young adult exploring new styles, our doors are wide open to welcome you. Expect a warm, inviting atmosphere where everyone is valued and appreciated.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, age should never deter you from indulging in top-tier haircare. At NOCO Salon, we embrace clients of all ages and genders, offering a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone. Whether you’re in need of age-defying treatments or simply seeking a style update, our dedicated stylists are here to exceed your expectations. Visit NOCO Salon today and discover why beauty knows no bounds.
“We always say clients arrive in a taxi and leave in a limo”
This was a key direction NOCO co-founder Noel gave to Jack Kinsey about transforming our luxury salon on Whiteladies Road. The customer experience is the foundation of everything NOCO does, so it was vital that the redesign echoed the idea of taking guests to a transformational space that took them to a new level of luxury and glamour. However, this wasn’t your regular salon refurbishment.
It’s been months since we were first contacted about being a part of BBC’s Interior Design Masters’ exciting semi-final, but we were sworn to secrecy until the show aired. Now, we can finally reveal all the exciting details of our Clifton salon’s incredible “japandi” redesign!
Can’t wait to see the redesign in person? Book your next service now
Interior Design Masters
If you’ve never seen the show, Interior Design Masters isn’t too different from other BBC series like The Great British Bake Off or Glow Up. Each season, 10 talented amateur interior designers are given the chance to redesign unique spaces to impress design expert Michelle Ogundehin and various guest judges.
Contestants are given a different interior design brief each week (this season alone has seen nurseries, beach chalets, and wedding venues), with the least successful designer being sent home at the end of each episode until the last competitor standing is named the winner. Oh, and comedian Alan Carr is along for the ride as presenter.
A Visit from the BBC
The show has visited Bristol before, transforming local restaurants – including our neighbour, Muino. This time, they reached out to several local hair salons, and we were excited to be among them.
For some time, we had been considering some changes to make the salon a little less monotone and more welcoming to our guests. This was the perfect opportunity to give NOCO a glow-up while supporting the development of a promising new creative.
Our Interior Designer
Our salon being a part of the semi-finals meant that the standard of all the designers was high, but we were particularly excited to find out we were working with Jack Kinsey. The Fine Art Graduate has created some incredible spaces throughout the series, including a stunning 1930s beach hut for the NHS and a maximalist Scottish hotel room, so we were excited to get him onboard with NOCO.
During our initial chat, we spoke to him about the importance of creating a unique, deluxe experience for our guests which left them feeling elevated: body, hair, and soul. We also spoke about our preference for a Scandinavian-inspired design to harmonise with our clean, sophisticated, bold brand image.
Jack’s final design ran with the brief to combine elements of scandi design with a Japanese influence – dubbed “Japandi”!
“I just had the best time making over this incredible hair salon in Bristol! Thank you @nocohair for being so open to ideas and letting me free-style your incredible space. “
Jack Kinsey
Over 2 days, Jack worked with a team of builders and decorators to re-style every part of the salon, with a particular focus on the Welcome Area and Relaxation Zone. The Results?
Presenting… the NOCO Bristol redesign!
Softness and colour have been added all over the salon with the addition of yellows, navy, and burnt oranges, along with beautiful live plants.
Our welcome area has been embellished with rattan lamps, a sunset-coloured mural, and an abstract mountain effect.
Our Relaxation Zone can now fully live up to its name with a peaceful tree and bamboo mural covering several walls and the ceiling, teleporting guests to a meditative space while they sink into their massage chairs.
You can watch Jack’s walkthrough of the finished design here.
The Feedback?
The judges, Michelle and Mary Portas (yes, really – The Queen of Shops herself!) were just as impressed as we were, awarding Jack the first place in the grand finale for his “upmarket and chic” design. “I was so surprised in terms of the beautiful artwork,” glowed Mary during the debrief. “It just feels wonderful”.
Social media was awash with praise too!
“Just wow! 🔥🔥🔥 this space is so luscious”
@ryelliot (former contestant)
“That reception is stunning! I’m very much here for the Japandi aesthetic ❤️”
@bananasnickers
“know the shop, live in Bristol, will be going up to look! Just love it 💖😁”
@sheronhepper
“knockout!!! ❤️ my favourite room of yours and perhaps of any the whole series”
@thewhitehome (former contestant)
“Loved the salon and your bamboo artwork – sooo clever 😍 it has the wow factor”
@nigelalexanderinteriors
“Great design 🙌 Dead classy. Loved the real plants”
@windmillhillantiques
“I love Japandi, a bit of Scandi and a bit of Japan mixed works perfectly. It love the Japanese for there organised way of life and the Nordic influences of light wood and functional, practical furniture.”
@oldschoolreno1855
Interested in Hearing More?
You can watch our starring role in the episode on iplayer now, or why not visit the salon to see for yourself?
We offer a range of unisex cuts, colours, and treatments to bring the wow factor to your look and help you feel ready to take on the world and win! Book in a service or view our price list now.
Are you considering changing your hair colour but unsure which service to choose? We understand that choosing the right colour service can be a tough decision, which is why we’re here to help.
Here at NOCO, we offer a range of colour services including root touch ups, all over colours, white hair coverage and blending, balayage (top up, classic & transformation), highlights (partial, half, full & super full), scalp bleach, colour correction, creative colour, toners and our signature soft blend.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the benefits of each service and provide tips for selecting the right one based on your hair type, lifestyle, and maintenance preferences. By the end of this post, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision about a hair colour that suits you. Let’s get started!
Balayage
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance hair colour option, balayage might be the perfect choice for you. Balayage is a French word that means “to sweep,” and this hair colouring technique involves painting the hair with a sweeping motion to create a sun-kissed, subtle effect.
Balayage is a hair colouring technique that has gained popularity in recent years and for good reason. One of the main benefits of balayage is its versatility – it can be tailored to suit different hair types, lengths, and skin tones. Whether you’re looking for a subtle change or a more dramatic transformation, balayage can deliver the perfect result.
Another advantage of balayage is that it’s easy to care for. Unlike other colouring techniques like classic foils or all-over colour, balayage requires less frequent touch-ups. Balayage generally is blended up towards the root meaning it grows out more naturally, which means you can enjoy the results for longer without worrying about unsightly roots or harsh lines.
Balayage can also add dimension and depth to the hair without looking too over-the-top. It can be used to create a range of effects, from sun-kissed highlights to more dramatic, high-contrast looks. Balayage is also a great option for someone who wants to experiment with dyeing their hair without committing to a full head of colour.
We have 3 service options for balayage. Along with a classic balayage, we also offer a “Balayage Top Up” which is a 1-hour lightning session to concentrate on applying the ribbons of colour where you need them, often brightening around the face. As well as this, we offer a “Balayage Transformation” service which is an extended appointment for more dramatic changes to your colour.
Highlights
If you’re looking for a way to add dimension and brightness to your hair, or achieve a lighter look overall, highlights could be the perfect way to achieve your hair goals.
Highlights are a popular colouring technique that involves lightening certain sections of the hair to create contrast and depth or achieve maximum lightness. We offer 4 highlighting services: partial, half, full and super full.
Partial Highlights:
Partial highlights involve lightening only specific sections of the hair, typically around the face, along the parting, and at the crown.
This technique is great for someone who wants a subtle change, to add some face framing, to top up between full highlighting appointments, and for shorter hair where a scattering of highlights through the top will work better to complement their haircut. A partial highlight can also be distributed throughout the entire head to add minimal lightness throughout the hair.
Half Head of Highlights:
A half head of highlights is generally the top half of the head from ear to ear. This is a common service to top up colour in between full highlight appointments. It’s also a good option if you only want to see lightness through the top of your hair. As with a partial highlight, a “half head” can be distributed throughout the hair for a more balanced look.
Full Highlights:
Full highlights cover the whole head. This is best suited for someone who wants to achieve a lighter overall look.
Super Full Highlights:
A super full highlight still covers the whole head, but we put many more foils in to create maximum lightness and a more dramatic transformation.
One of the key benefits of highlights is that they can add dimension and brightness to the hair without requiring complete coverage. This makes them a great option for someone who wants a change but isn’t ready to commit to a major transformation. Plus, highlights can be customised to suit different hair types and skin tones, so they’re a versatile option for many people.
In addition, highlights can help to create the illusion of volume and thickness in the hair. This is especially true for fine or thinning hair, as highlights can add texture and depth.
With all highlighting services, we have the option to add colour in between the foils. This is great if you want to change your natural hair colour in between the highlights, cover or camouflage greys, blend away harsh demarcation lines from exiting colour, or add depth back into your hair.
Highlights for Grey Hair
Highlights for grey hair are a specialised colouring technique that involves adding highlights to grey hair to create a blended, effect that helps to mask the appearance of grey hair.
One of the key benefits of highlights for grey hair is that they can help to blend grey hair with natural hair colour, creating a more even, cohesive look. By adding highlights, the grey hair can be seamlessly blended with the natural hair colour for a more flattering look. It can also help to create a softer transition if you are looking to embrace your natural colour as it becomes greyer.
Another benefit of highlights for grey hair is that they can be a low-maintenance way to manage grey hair. Rather than having to touch up your roots every few weeks, highlights can be strategically placed to help mask the appearance of grey hair and create a more natural look.
At NOCO Hair we have a range of colour products. Our most popular for grey hair blending is Dialight which is an acidic colour so that we can add depth back into your hair where needed without affecting your natural hair colour. This is a great option if your natural hair is more “salt & pepper” as we can blend the darker areas of your hair between the highlights.
This technique can deliver a glamorous look that will leave you feeling confident and refreshed.
Toner & Soft Blend
Toner is a colouring service used to neutralise the tone of the hair. It can also be used to darken previously lightened hair to create a more vibrant, healthy-looking result.
It differs from other colour services as a toner is not designed to change your natural hair colour. It is typically used after the hair has been lightened, to help neutralise any brassy or yellow tones that may have appeared during the lightening process. Toners can also be used to add warmth to the hair such as copper and red. They can also be used to create a temporary creative colour such as rose gold, pink, lilac, etc.
Toners are a great way to top up your colour in between full colour appointments. If you’ve recently lightened your hair and notice that it has faded to a brassy or yellow tone, a toner can be used to help neutralise these tones and create a more neutral / ash result.
Likewise, if your copper or brunette colour has faded and you wish to refresh it, a gloss toner is an easy, time efficient and affordable way to do this. Adding a toner to your haircut can refresh your colour and add shine.
This can be especially important for someone who wants to achieve a specific hair colour or look, as unwanted tones can detract from the overall result. For high maintenance colours such as ash blonde and vivid reds, regular toners are a must to keep the colour looking at its best.
Our Signature Soft Blend is a toning technique where a darker shade, more similar to your natural colour, is applied to the root area and melted into the target shade. This is a great way to blend highlights with your natural hair colour, giving a really soft transition as your natural colour grows through.
Scalp Bleach
Along with our other colour services, our salon also offers scalp bleaching. While this service may not be for everyone, it can be a great option for those looking to make a bold statement with their hair.
Scalp bleach is a service where pre lightener is applied globally to your hair, either root to ends or just on the regrowth depending on existing colour.
Who it’s good for…
Scalp bleach can be a good option for shorter styles that is too short to place foils to achieve a lighter look overall. It can alternatively be used to create a canvas for more creative colour work.
It’s advised that this service is maintained at the salon every 6 weeks to avoid “banding”, which can occur as the hair becomes keratinised as it grows from the scalp.
Even more than other colour services, the longer-term results of scalp bleaching depend on maintaining high quality haircare at home, so make sure to consider this before booking.
Who it’s not suitable for…
Scalp Bleaching is the highest maintenance colour service as the demarcation line can be quite harsh, especially for darker bases.
If your hair is particularly fine or delicate this may be too harsh for your hair to handle, so we do not recommend this service for those with these hair types.
How to Select the Right Colour Service for You
Now that you know more about the colour services available here at NOCO, you may be wondering how to choose the right one for you.
Here are our tips to help you make the right decision:
- Consider your hair type: Some colour services may work better on certain hair types than others. For example, if you have fine or curly hair, balayage or partial highlights may be the best option for you as they can help to create the illusion of more volume and depth.
- Think about your lifestyle: Are you someone who likes to change up your hair colour frequently, or are you looking for a low-maintenance option? Balayage or highlights with a soft blend may be a good choice for someone who wants a low-maintenance colour option, while someone who likes to change their hair frequently may prefer full highlights and a creative toner.
- Factor in your maintenance needs: Some colour services require more maintenance than others. Balayage highlights for grey hair and highlight with a soft blend, typically require less maintenance than full highlights, all over colours, or scalp bleach. This is because they grow out more naturally and don’t create an obvious line of demarcation between new and old growth.
Ultimately, the best way to select the right colour service for you is to schedule a colour consultation with one of our expert stylists. Colour consultations are complimentary and recommended for all new colour clients.
During your consultation, we can discuss your hair goals, preferences, suitability, and lifestyle, and recommend the colour service that will work best for you. We can also answer any questions you may have about the process and help you to achieve the beautiful, results you desire.
Discover Your Perfect Colour Service
Choosing the right colour service can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. By considering your hair type, lifestyle, and maintenance needs, you can select a service that will make you feel confident and beautiful. Whether you opt for balayage, highlights, highlights for grey hair, or toner, each service has its unique benefits and can help you achieve the look you desire.
Here at NOCO, our team of colour experts are ready and raring to bring your dream colour to life. So, don’t be afraid to book an appointment and take the first step towards achieving your dream hair colour. Get in contact today, we look forward to helping you transform your locks and unleash your inner confidence!
Are you ready to spice up your hair game with some dimension and texture? Look no further than balayage hair! This popular hair colouring technique has been taking the beauty world by storm with its natural-looking highlights and low-maintenance upkeep.
But once you’ve got your gorgeous balayage locks, what’s next? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with some fun and easy styling ideas to take your hair to the next level. Get ready to rock your sun-kissed strands with confidence!
Whether you’re looking for hair ideas for your blonde balayage or deciding if a caramel blonde balayage is right for you, this blog post will provide you with the knowledge and inspiration you need to rock your balayage hair. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of balayage hair styling!
Understanding Balayage Hair
Balayage is a French word that means “sweeping” or “painting”. In the context of hair colouring, balayage is a technique that involves hand-painting highlights onto the hair to create a natural, graduated effect.
Foil highlights, although known for creating a more uniform look, can still provide a beautiful and eye-catching result. However, if you’re looking for a softer and more natural look that mimics the way hair naturally lightens in the sun, then balayage might be the perfect choice for you!
One of the key benefits of balayage is that it can add dimension and texture to hair. By using a hand-painting technique, hair colourists can create a range of tones and hues that blend seamlessly together, creating a multi-dimensional effect. This can make hair look fuller and more voluminous, and can also help to hide grey hairs or regrowth.
Another benefit of balayage is that it can work on different hair types, including blonde, brown, and dark hair. Balayage can be adapted to suit different styles and lengths and can be used to create a variety of effects, from subtle and natural-looking highlights to bold and dramatic colour contrasts. Balayage can also be customised based on skin tone and natural hair colour, making it a versatile choice for anyone looking to enhance their hair.
Styling Balayage Hair
Now that you understand what balayage is and how it can work on different hair types, let’s talk about how to style balayage hair. Balayage hair can be styled in a variety of ways, from choppy bobs to loose waves. Here are some hair styling ideas to help you make the most of your balayage hair:
Choppy Bobs
A choppy bob is a great way to show off your balayage hair. The uneven layers and textured ends can add depth and dimension to your hair, while the bob length can help to frame your face and accentuate your features.
Face-Framing Layers
Face-framing layers can help to highlight your balayage hair and draw attention to your face. By adding layers around your face, you can create a soft, natural-looking effect that can enhance your overall appearance.
Loose Waves
Loose waves are a great way to showcase the different tones and hues in your balayage hair. Whether you have blonde balayage or chocolate brown balayage, these waves can add volume and movement to your hair, creating a soft, romantic look.
Braids
Braids can be a fun and playful way to style your balayage hair. Try a loose, messy braid to showcase your colour and add some texture. Alternatively, you can create a braided updo for a more formal look.
Half-Up Half-Down
A half-up half-down style is a great option for those who want to showcase their balayage hair while keeping their hair out of their face. To really make this style pop, you can add some volume to the crown of your head by teasing the hair before pulling it back.
When it comes to maintaining your balayage hair, it’s important to use the right hair products. Shampoos and conditioners that are formulated for colour-treated hair can help to keep your hair looking vibrant and healthy. You may also want to use a colour-enhancing treatment or gloss to keep your balayage hair looking fresh and shiny.
Finally, when styling different hair types with balayage, it’s important to consider the natural hair colour and skin tone. For example, if you have dark hair, you may want to opt for a caramel blonde balayage. If you have light hair, you may want to choose a darker base colour to create a more dramatic effect. By customising your balayage to suit your hair type and skin tone, you can create a look that’s uniquely yours.
Tips for Styling Different Hair Types with Balayage
Blonde Balayage: Blonde balayage hair looks great when styled in loose waves or with a messy bun. To keep your blonde balayage looking vibrant, use a purple shampoo to prevent brassy tones.
Chocolate Brown Balayage: Chocolate brown balayage hair can be styled in a sleek, straight look or with bouncy curls. To add some volume to your hair, use a volumising mousse or spray.
Caramel Blonde Balayage: Caramel blonde balayage hair looks great when styled in beachy waves or with a braided updo. To keep your caramel blonde balayage looking shiny and healthy, use a leave-in conditioner to protect your hair from heat damage.
Benefits of Balayage Hair Colouring Technique
Balayage hair colouring technique has gained immense popularity over the years for several reasons. Let’s take a look at some of its benefits:
Natural Look: Balayage involves the selection of specific strands of hair and blending them with the natural base. The result is a soft and natural-looking hair colour that is different from traditional foil highlights that have obvious lines of demarcation.
Low-Maintenance: Balayage is a low-maintenance technique that allows for more time between appointments. The lightened strokes are painted softly, leaving no trace of harsh or blunt lines or obvious regrowth.
Less Damage: The balayage technique does not involve saturating the entire head of hair in bleach, as is the case with the double process. Therefore, less bleach is used, resulting in a lighter look with significantly less damage to your hair.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Beauty of Balayage
In summary, balayage is a versatile hair colouring technique that adds dimension and texture to different hair types. It looks more natural than traditional foil highlights and requires less maintenance, making it a great option for those who want to experiment with new hair colours without committing to frequent touch-ups.
We hope this article has given you some inspiration and ideas for how to style your beautiful balayage hair. Don’t be afraid to try out different styling techniques, such as choppy bobs, face-framing layers, and loose waves, to showcase your unique and stunning hair. And if you’re looking to get your own balayage hair done, our team of expert stylists at NOCO would be thrilled to help you achieve the perfect look. Book your appointment with us today and let us help you unleash your inner balayage goddess!
Choosing the right hair colour can make a big difference in your appearance, boosting your confidence and helping you express your personality.
Whether you’re a natural blonde or a dark brunette, there are plenty of ways to switch up your look and find a shade that works for you. In this blog post, we’ll explore everything that goes into choosing the right hair colour, from skin tone to eye colour and lifestyle.
Skin Tone
One of the most important factors in choosing a hair colour is your skin tone. Within each complexion category, there are shades of tone from cool to warm. Then you also need to consider if you have fair, medium, olive or dark skin.
Fair Skin – If you have fair skin, you may want to opt for cooler, ashy blondes or lighter shades of brown to complement your complexion.
Medium Skin – Or medium skin tones, warm tones like honey or caramel can add a beautiful glow to the skin, while rich, dark hues like chestnut and mocha can create a striking contrast.
Olive Skin – Those with olive skin tones can experiment with deeper, richer colours like chocolate browns, auburn, and even some shades of red.
Dark Skin – For those with darker skin tones, rich shades of black, deep browns, and warm reds can create a stunning contrast, while lighter shades like caramel and honey can add warmth and dimension to the skin.
Overall, understanding your skin tone helps to determine which hair colour shades will look best on you.
Eye colour
Your eye colour can also play a significant role in choosing the right hair colour. The perfect hair colour can either make your eye colour pop or make them seem less prominent. Therefore, it is important to choose a hair colour that will complement and enhance your eye colour. Here is a general guide on hair colours which are the most flattering for different eye colours:
Blue: If you have blue eyes, choose hair colours that will enhance the blue shade. Ashy blondes and golden locks work well with blue eyes. Although auburn can sometimes clash with blue eyes, you can still use it in lowlights to create depth.
Green: If you have green eyes, auburn is the perfect hair colour to complement your eye colour. The combination is striking, even with cool fair skin. You can also try rich browns, coppery reds, and hazels.
Amber: If you have amber eyes, choose warm tones that come from a natural palette. Nectar, golden wheat, butterscotch, and other warm neutrals are great choices.
Brown: With the incredible variety of shades of brown eyes, many different hair colours can work well. A general rule is to pair the depth of colour in your eyes with the depth of the brunette. Light brown eyes can handle edging towards dark blonde and caramel, while deep brown eyes can be complemented with shades of chocolate brown.
Hazel: If you have hazel eyes, you have a wide range of hair colours to choose from. However, it’s best to avoid extremes of too dark or too light. In the middle range, many great options can enhance the green and brown shades in your eyes.
Lifestyle
When it comes to choosing the right hair colour, lifestyle factors such as your career, personality, and maintenance preferences can all play an important role. You should always consider whether a hair colour would be practical for your lifestyle and work commitments.
For example, if you have a job with a conservative dress code, you may want to avoid bold or unconventional colours that might clash with your professional image. Alternatively, if you work in a creative field, you may have more freedom to experiment with different shades and styles.
Choosing a hair colour that matches your personality is a great way to express yourself and show off your unique style. If you have a bold and outgoing personality, you might want to consider a vibrant and attention-grabbing colour like fiery red or platinum blonde.
On the other hand, if you have a more laid-back and natural vibe, a subtle shade like honey blonde or a warm brown might be more your style. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colours and shades to find the perfect match for your personality.
Maintenance preferences are also a key factor to keep in mind when selecting a hair colour. If you have a busy schedule or prefer low-maintenance styling, you may want to opt for a natural-looking shade that doesn’t require frequent touch-ups.
Alternatively, if you’re willing to invest more time and effort in maintaining your hair colour, you could consider more vibrant or unique shades.
Best Hair colours for Different Seasons
Hair colour can also be seasonal, with certain shades working better in different seasons. For instance, warm, rich colours like copper and auburn can be great for fall, while lighter, cooler shades like platinum blonde and pastel pink are popular in the spring and summer.
When considering seasonal hair colours, it’s also important to take into account your skin tone and eye colour to ensure a flattering look.
Ready for a new look?
Now that you have learned all about choosing the right hair colour for your skin tone, eye colour, and lifestyle, it’s time to take the plunge and transform your locks. Whether you want to go bold with a new colour or opt for a subtle change, you can trust that your chosen shade will perfectly suit you.
Why not begin the journey by booking an appointment with our salon? Our team of expert hair colourists here at NOCO have years of experience and will help you achieve your desired look. You are guaranteed to leave our salon feeling confident and fabulous in your perfect shade! Get in contact today.
When it comes to how long you should go between haircuts, there’s no one rule that will work for everyone, after all, your hair is as unique as your personality. However, if you’re looking for a general rule of thumb, many stylists agree that most people should have regular trims between every 6 weeks and every 12 weeks.
However, these timings might need to be adjusted according to many different hair situations, which you can learn more about below.
What good does a trim do?
Hair grows at an average of one inch every month, so if you have short or layered hair, leaving a long time between trims can mean you quickly lose the definition in your style.
However, the most important reason to get frequent trims is that it helps to keep your hair healthy. Hairs develop split ends over time and, left unchecked, these splits will break off or, worse, travel all the way up your hair. This can lead to frizz, tangles, reduced shine, and hair colour fading earlier than normal.
Early warning signs that it’s trim time
About a month after your last cut, it’s a good idea to start looking out for clues that your hair is in need of some more tlc. Some common warning signs that it’s time for a trim include:
· Coarse hair texture
· Difficulty styling your hair as normal
· Visible damage at the end of your hair
· Hair that “puffs out” on the ends
· Hair that appears thinner and duller than normal
· More tangles than usual
What affects how long I should go between cuts?
A few different factors depending on your preferences, hair type, and styling plans for the future.
Curly hair
For natural hair, stylists recommend about 12 weeks, or three months, between trims. This is because this type of hair generally grows more slowly than other types. If your hair is chemically relaxed or if you have thinner curls, you may need to visit the hairdressers closer to every 8 weeks.
For all types of curls, learning how to maintain your hair between cuts can also make a huge difference in how many trims you need. This hair type craves moisture, so using oil hair treatments and leaving some time between washes can mean it takes longer for split ends to appear. If your curls start losing their definition or changing in pattern, it’s probably time to get a haircut.
Layered Hair
If you’re trying to maintain a layered style, you might not be able to delay visits to the salon as long as your friends can. Not only can layers easily grow out or lose their framing qualities if you leave too long between trims, but the puffy effect of dead ends can be even more obvious when they’re layered. Aim to get a trim about every 6 weeks.
Treated Hair
Hair which is chemically treated, dyed, or frequently heated to high temperatures for styling is much more prone to damage. This means that you might start to notice split ends sooner after a cut than those who don’t treat their hair. Trimming it about every 8 weeks is recommended to keep your hair as healthy as possible.
If your hair is significantly heat damaged (for example, through using hot tools without effective heat protectants) it can be managed but the existing hair won’t return to its former state, no matter what your newest conditioner says on the bottle.
The only way forward is to regrow a healthy head of hair. This is best managed with regular trims which help promote healthy hair growth, and mean you can watch the damaged hair disappear snip by snip, month by month.
Hair Length
Maintaining a pixie cut, bob, or other short hairstyles means a shorter amount of time between trims than most, usually 4-6 weeks. An extra inch or two can make a huge difference to how these styles appear and behave, and no one wants dead ends framing their face.
If you have medium length or long hair which is straight or wavy in texture, you can wait between 8 and 12 weeks for a cut.
Thin Hair
As a general rule, the thicker your hair, the longer you can afford to go between cuts before your hair starts to show signs of damage.
Thin hair breaks and splits much more easily, which may sound like bad news, but there’s also some extra benefits of getting frequent cuts if this is your hair type: Not only do trims take dead weight off your hair, meaning it’s less likely to break than normal, but they also often make your hair appear thicker and fuller.
How often should I trim my fringe?
Most people trim their bangs about once per month, or whenever they reach an undesirable length. Their prominent position means it’s much easier to spot early warning signs of any damage in a fringe, so most people manage to monitor this fairly well themselves.
Growing your Hair out?
There’s an old wives tale that cutting your hair makes it grow back more quickly, which isn’t exactly true. However, removing split ends does mean your hair can grow back healthier and appear thicker and shinier.
You might not want as many trims while you’re growing your hair out, and may want to cut back on how much hair you have taken off, but having your ends snipped at least every 3 months is recommended.
Looking for some expert hair care, styling, and advice?
If you’re in the Bristol area, why not drop into NOCO or book a session with one of our stylists? We’re on a mission to make every single one of our clients look and feel their best selves, and we tailor all of our advice to your hair type and history.