Spill the tea: why your hair colourist asks so many questions

A woman with red hair is wearing a light blue dress with puffed sleeves.

Visiting Friends and Co’s city hair salon is more than getting a haircut and colour. In fact, we pride ourselves on the sense of sanctuary and relaxation we create for our clients in the short time they are with us in our Christchurch hair salon.


But there are times when we need to chat.


Getting your hair coloured is an exciting way to transform your look, but before you dive into that fresh shade, your hair colourist has a few burning questions for you. Why? Because achieving the perfect hair colour requires more than picking up a tube of dye – it’s about customising the process and aftercare routine to your unique hair type, history, and lifestyle so your hair becomes your crowning glory.


Roots of the matter: why hair colourists ask questions

Before any hair colour treatment begins, your stylist needs to know the full story behind your hair. Hair colourists are like detectives, gathering clues to lead them to best hair products and techniques to achieve your desired look while protecting the health of your hair. They’ll ask about your hair’s natural colour, texture, and condition, as well as any previous treatments or colourings you've had.


Why does this matter? Imagine if you have naturally dark hair but want to go for a balayage or platinum blonde – it’s a significant transformation that requires careful planning. The process involves multiple steps and specialised products to lighten your hair gradually without causing damage. Likewise, if you’ve already coloured your hair before, your stylist needs to know what products were used to avoid any unwanted chemical reactions that could cause unexpected results or hair damage. Whether you’re booking with a wedding hair stylist in Christchurch or just looking for the best hairdressers in ChCh to restyle your look, this information is vital to ensure your colour is flawless and long-lasting.


A woman with pink hair is wearing a pink sweater and a pink skirt.

Dye another day: the dangers of hiding your hair’s history

It might be tempting to leave out details about your hair’s past – especially if you’ve had a DIY disaster or used a box dye. Remember, your stylist isn’t there to judge – they’re there to give you the gorgeous, head-turning results you deserve.


Your stylist sees only the surface of the hair and doesn’t see the inner layers of the hair strands. So, if you previously bleached your hair, but then covered it with a darker colour, they may not be able to see your hair has been previously chemically lightened. If you don’t disclose your hair history, or worse, if they don’t ask, they hair colourist may use a technique that can weaken already fragile processed hair which can cause breakage, leave hair brittle or patchy, uneven colour. This is why stylists perform a strand test to see how the hair reacts to a new colour and gauge what your hair can handle.


Colour to fit your everyday: tailoring your colour to your routine

Your colourist’s questions won’t just focus on your hair’s history – we also want to know about your daily routine. How often do you wash your hair? Do you swim regularly? What products do you use? These details help us to understand the best products and techniques to ensure your colour lasts and your hair stays healthy. Whether you’re visiting us for for the first time for a new colour or a regular client booking with late night hairdressers in Christchurch, knowing your lifestyle habits helps us recommend a colour that’s more resistant to fading to maintain the vibrancy and integrity of your colour.


And relax

Once we have a comprehensive understanding of your hair, you can exhale, unwind, and immerse yourself in the Friends and Co experience. Book a hair appointment online with one of our creative team or call 03 371 9297, we look forward to seeing you. 

Book Appointment
A woman with long curly hair is looking down on a pink background.

Wash, rinse, and radiate: salon-worthy hair at home

31 March 2025
An appointment at Friends and Co hair salon in Christchurch is more than simply having a haircut. Having time out of a busy schedule to sit and be still is wonderfully beneficial for the soul, but it’s that feeling our customers experience when they leave the salon that is pure magic: that fresh, just-styled feeling that makes our clients feel so good and walk with a spring in their step. While we can’t bottle those feelings, what we can do is give you tips on how to keep your hair looking and feeling its best between visits, so you can feel fabulous each and everyday. So, whether you've had a balayage refresh, a shampoo and blow-dry in Christchurch city centre, or a well needed trim, maintaining salon-quality hair between visits is the next best thing to bottling the feel-good factor of a visit to the salon. Stroke of genius: tangle less, shine more Aside from detangling knots, using the right brush for your hair type and regularly brushing your hair is so important for hair health – the benefits far exceeding those of expensive hair products and treatments. Regular brushing is essential for maintaining healthy, shiny hair. It distributes natural oils, reducing frizz and breakage while keeping hair hydrated. Brushing also removes dead skin and product buildup, champion for promoting a healthier scalp. By stimulating circulation, it encourages hair growth and scalp nourishment. Wash with care, don’t despair Over washing your hair strips it of its precious natural oils, leaving it dry and prone to breakage. It’s important to find the balance between hair hygiene and over washing. Your hair will give you signs it is being washed too much: Hair colour fades – every time you shampoo the colour fades and becomes less vibrant. Changes in texture – curls may lose definition or become frizzy , your once soft hair feels coarser and drier. More split ends – hair is vulnerable when it’s wet, so the more time it spends in a weakened state, the greater the risk of breakage and split ends. Loss of shine – natural hair oils are responsible for that gorgeous sheen of healthy hair, over washing causes hair to look lacklustre. How often you should wash your hair is open to debate, it depends on your skin and hair type, hairstyle and lifestyle. Typically, once or twice a week is sufficient, but ask your hairstylist next time you visit our Christchurch city hair salon for the best bespoke hair advice. Shampoo wisely, condition kindly Not all shampoos and conditioners are created equal, and choosing the right ones for your hair type makes a big difference. The best shampoo will cleanse gently while addressing specific concerns like dryness, oiliness, or colour maintenance. Using the wrong formula, such as an ultra-moisturising shampoo on fine hair or a clarifying shampoo too often, can throw your hair off balance. A good conditioner is essential for keeping hair smooth and manageable – it is the guardian of your hair and helps prevent dryness and split ends. The best hair conditioner for you depends on what you are trying to achieve – do you want smoother slicker hair, more volume or curl definition? Selecting the right shampoo and conditioner ensures your hair stays clean, nourished, and healthy while helping maintain the shape and integrity of your style between salon visits. These tips are simple, but often overlooked when it comes to hair health – the crucial ingredient for maintaining salon-fresh hair between appointments. At Friends and Co we pride ourselves on helping our clients look fabulous and feeling wonderful for the long term, not just when you visit out hair salon. Booking a consultation has never been easier with our online convenient hairdresser book online system or call 03 371 9297 .
A woman is getting her hair done by a hairdresser in a salon.

The root of the matter: how to look fabulous naturally

19 March 2025
Discover natural beauty tips to enhance your look effortlessly. Learn skincare, haircare, and lifestyle habits for a healthy, radiant appearance
A woman with curly hair is wearing a white dress.

Sun-kissed but not sun-stressed: keeping your summer locks lush

30 January 2025
Discover expert tips to keep your hair healthy, hydrated, and protected from sun damage this summer. Say goodbye to dryness and hello to silky locks!
A woman with blonde hair is wearing a black tank top.

New year, new ‘do: top hair trends for 2025

13 December 2024
Refresh your style with 2025's top hair trends! Explore expert tips, bold cuts, and chic colours to inspire your perfect New Year look. Book now!
A woman is wearing a black crop top and black pants.

Sleigh your look: Christmas hair trends for a festive glow-up

by Agency Stack • 27 November 2024
Get ready for the holidays with the latest Christmas hair trends! Discover festive styles to give you the ultimate glow-up this season. Contact us today!
Three women in red dresses and suits are standing next to each other on a red background.

Welcoming the future of Christchurch hairdressing: introducing Friends + Co

28 October 2024
Experience the future of hairdressing at Friends + Co in Christchurch. Enjoy innovative styles, skilled stylists, and a friendly atmosphere. Book today!
Show More
Share by: