Ever since lockdown was imposed, we have all discovered cravings for the simple things in life – hugging our relatives, socialising with friends, spending time in the great outdoors, heading to the shops, for example. One commonality seems to have been pining for a good haircut.
In our desperation to fix our quarantine hair fails, grown-out roots and too-long locks, we’re flocking to the hairdresser’s in our droves. Those of us lucky enough to get an appointment, that is.
After four months of lockdown hair, what exactly are we asking for when perched in the salon chair? Here’s what our research has uncovered…
Correctional appointments
Unsurprisingly, individuals who’ve taken their hair problems into their own hands these past weeks now want things put right again. Jagged ends, wonky fringes, uneven shavings and patchy dye resulting from DIY mistakes are undergoing correctional work by hair professionals.
With so many of us experiencing major hair errors, it’s thought that people are generally expressing greater appreciation of hair experts by better understanding just how difficult it is to cut, shave and dye hair properly.
‘Proper’ hair cuts
With the twelve-week absence keenly felt, another much-requested treatment is drastic haircuts. Essentially, we finally wish for something to show from our next salon appointment. This desire for change is likely to result in bobs and short cuts with layered, wispy hair less popular currently.
Our new selfie-ready hair allows us to exhibit our redefined styles as a badge of honour; which we’ve been unable to do since March. With the gradual opening up of work, shopping and entertainment venues, we have somewhere to display our hair at long last too.
Au naturel
Conversely, lots of people have had no choice but to embrace their natural state – be it colour or texture – during the pandemic. Having been forced to rethink our relationship with our hair and reassess our long-term approach to hair maintenance.
Those who’ve endured the regrowth of roots and relaxed their straightening routine have actually started to enjoy their natural-looking appearance. As an added bonus, this lower-maintenance strategy is easier on the purse for those financially challenged by coronavirus too.
For Afro hair, it’s all about braids, cornrow sets, bantu knots, plaits and twists. This is an attempt to get a natural style which allows hair to be worn loose and free for a week or two without having to shampoo, condition and style daily.
Low-maintenance colouring
Continuing on the theme of colouring, people with high-maintenance colour before, such as full head lightening, are looking for low-maintenance alternatives. Balayage colour is in vogue. This is the process whereby hair graduates in colour from root to tips in a subtle way.
There are possibly two reasons for this: (1) a longing to go back to basics and (2) financial instability impacting hairdressing budgets. That’s because colouring techniques such as these demand less time in front of the mirror and fewer visits to the hairdresser’s.
Our hair is part of our identity, lifestyle and beauty, so it’s important to prep adequately for your first trip back to the hair salon. If you’re seeking one of these emerging trends, beware of ‘bad salons’, insist on an initial consultation even if it’s virtual, set out your expectations clearly, and undergo patch and strand tests where necessary. These steps will ensure you avoid hairdressing mistakes which is the last thing you want post lockdown.
Negligent hairdressing isn’t just disappointing (because you don’t get the style you were hankering after), it’s painful (such as scalp burns and scalp blisters) and damaging to your self esteem too (your hair is your crowning glory). Our legal team is always here to help you claim compensation from your hairdresser, should you need us.
Please email enquiries@hairdressingclaims.co.uk, call 0800 970 9102 from a landline for free, phone 0333 202 6560 from a mobile or complete our online enquiry form.
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