Hair Styling Tips

May 7, 2022  by

Some like it hot… but don’t let the sun ruin your hair

We’re looking forward to warmer weather and holidays in the sun (fingers crossed) and hope you are too. But in the excitement of planning to get outside, don’t forget to step up your summer haircare routine. We love the sun, but our hair really doesn’t.

Why those rays will wreck your hair

The sun will very quickly alter the structure of hair, making it weaker, much drier and far more prone to breakage and split ends as it becomes less elastic. And just as the sun can burn our skin, it can also burn our hair – but we don’t think about it because we can’t feel it in the same way.

Colored hair will fade in the sun while hair that isn’t colored may become lighter – but this is just another sign that your hair is being damaged by UV rays, so try not to be tempted by the idea of ‘natural highlights’. Professional color is far kinder to your tresses.

Don’t forget your scalp

And of course, the sun can burn the skin on our scalp leaving it sore and red just like the skin on the rest of our body.

We advise wearing a hat to protect your scalp if you can. If you have thinning hair or a receding hairline, then remember to apply your sunscreen over the exposed part of your head and also along your parting line.

It’s not all bad…

More sun means more vitamin D is absorbed by the skin which is good for us and can give our hair cells a healthy boost. Plus sunny weather and a relaxing break is good for de-stressing – which will also contribute to healthier hair.

How to protect and care for your hair in summer

Here’s our seven-point plan for sun-sational summer hair:

[1] Switch to a hydrating shampoo and conditioner for the summer months. We recommend our KEVIN.MURPHY HYDRATE.ME WASH and HYDRATE.ME RINSE or our Eleven Hydrate My Hair Shampoo and Hydrate My Hair Conditioner.

[2] If your icy blonde is looking a little ‘brassy’ after being in the sun, grab a bottle of our KEVIN.MURPHY BLONDE.ANGEL treatment to remove the brassiness and yellow-tones.

[3] In the same way as you apply sunscreen to protect your skin from damaging UV rays use a sun protector for your hair. Our KEVIN.MURPHY UN.TANGLED leave-in treatment has kakadu plum that shields hair from damage caused by hot tools and the sun.

[4] Hats are underrated! When out in the sun wear a hat or scarf – it’s a simple but very effective way to protect your hair.

[5] Book in for a regular cut or trim during the summer – it’s the best way to banish those dry and split ends.

[6] Deep conditioning treatments are king when it comes to summer hair. Treat yourself to an in-salon professional hydrating and repairing treatment – your stylist will recommend the right one for your hair. They will also advise you on which home-use self-care treatments will be best for you.

[7] Finally, it’s especially important in the summer to go easy on heated styling tools Try turning the temperature down a notch or two and always use a thermal protectant. And, when you can, air dry your hair naturally after washing if possible.

 

Plan ahead: book your pre-holiday appointments

Remember: book your pre-holiday color appointment for three to four weeks before you go away and also reserve a slot for when you return. Let your stylist know you’re going away so they can make any necessary adjustments to the treatment and recommend suitable products to keep your holiday hair in tip-top condition while you’re soaking up the sun.

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March 5, 2022  by

Pro-Approved Techniques To Speed Up Your Blow Dry

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of walking out of the salon with a fresh blow-dry. Hair feels bouncier, healthier and shinier — leaving confidence levels at an all-time high. While your salon style may have an expiration date, there’s plenty of time to learn how to recreate the look at home.

Creating a blow-dry in the comforts of your own home can be challenging and time-consuming, but with a few pro-approved techniques you can easily speed up your blow-dry and transform your strands into a salon-worthy finished look.

  1. Start With a Pre-Shampoo Treatment

Stack the deck in your favour by adding an extra step to your go-to routine. Pre-shampoo treatments, like SCALP.SPA TREATMENT and SCALP.SPA SCRUB, soothe, balance and invigorate the scalp, leading to a better style in both the short and long term.

SCALP.SPA

Apply SCALP.SPA TREATMENT to dry hair before showering to remove dirt and excess oil while creating a luxurious soothing finish.

For extra exfoliation, SCALP.SPA SCRUB makes the perfect pre-shampoo treatment. Simply apply to damp hair, massage in small circles and rinse to reveal a hydrated, soothed and balanced scalp free of impurities.

  1. Be Choosy About Your Shampoo and Conditioner

It can be a great idea to have various shampoo and conditioner formulas in your shower to choose from based on the style you’ll be creating that day and the current state of your hair — ie. dry, lacking volume, or in need of definition.

If the hair feels dry, reach for HYDRATE-ME.WASH + RINSE.

HYDRATE-ME.WASH and RINSE

Strands need a little oomph, PLUMPING.WASH + RINSE is a must.

PLUMPING.WASH and RINSE

Want to define your natural texture? You’ll love SMOOTH.AGAIN.WASH + RINSE.

SMOOTH.AGAIN WASH and RINSE

  1. Dry Gently

When hair is wet, it is in a very fragile state, which is why you should invest in a microfiber towel to gently blot excess water from your hair. Using a towel too roughly on the hair can raise the cuticle, leading to frizz and breakage.

  1. Apply Products Based on Hair Type and Finished Style

It goes without saying that when blow-drying hair, a heat protectant should always be part of the equation. This is why it’s a great idea to start layering with HEATED.DEFENSE, a lightweight treatment foam that will nourish the hair and safeguard against heat damage.

Heated Defense

Next, apply a layer to cut down on styling time, extend the longevity of your look and improve style memory. Choose from EVER.SMOOTH, EVER.LIFT, EVER.THICKEN, or EVER.BOUNCE for style-specific results and a beautiful finish every time. *Pro-tip: Combine stylers ie. EVER.LIFT at the new growth and EVER.SMOOTH throughout the ends to add volume and control movement.

BLOW.DRY

  1. Use The Right Tools

A professional blow-dryer and quality round brush can all make all the difference when heat styling. A high powered blow-dryer gives you the control and air pressure needed to smooth hair while quality brushes (we suggest boar bristle) will add smoothness and shine to the hair while cutting down on damage.

ROUND.BRUSH

  1. Work In Sections

At home, you’ll find it is easiest to move from the back of the head to the front. This allows you to clip hair up and away from the face so you’re better able to see what you’re doing. As you work in sections, be sure to fully dry each one before moving on to the next to avoid frizz.

  1. Don’t Forget to Finish

Once hair is dry and cool, lock in the style by applying a finishing spray like SESSION.SPRAY for a flexible hold that also fights humidity. If you’re looking for an extra lift or want to add airiness to your look, opt for BEDROOM.HAIR or DOO.OVER to do the trick.

finishing stylers

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November 13, 2021  by

Fabulous hair for the festive season

Holiday Hair

The festive holidays are fast approaching and we’re aiming to spread a little extra magic and sparkle this year!

It’s time to spoil yourself, especially after the year we’ve just been through. So bring on the glitter and glam and make sure your hair is looking fabulously festive and ready for anything – from late-night partying and mistletoe moments to coffee with friends and that all-important Christmas lunch with the family.

Here are our top hair tips for a truly beautiful Christmas:

Step into Christmas
We love an up-do and Christmas is the perfect time to really rock this look. While in the chair, ask your stylist to show you a couple of easy party options – from ballerina buns to classy chignons and baby braids to a twisted tie-back.

Or take a leaf out of Kate’s Middleton’s dazzling look for the James Bond premiere with an intricate up-do. Book an appointment and we’ll pull out all the stops to ensure you make an unforgettable entrance!

Add some Christmas Color
Go for it! But don’t forget you’ll need to plan ahead a little. Depending on the look you’re after, you may need more than one color appointment, so it’s best to book early as Christmas is our busiest time.

Keep an eye on our salon social for some creative color inspo – from pretty pastels to festive reds and brilliant blondes to sultry brunettes – you’ll find tons of ideas to inspire your next salon visit.

To keep your color salon-fresh into the new year, we recommend:

  • Use a sulphate-free shampoo
  • Rinse with cold water as hot water opens the hair cuticle and washes color away.
  • Use heat protectant when drying and styling as heat will cause faster fading.

Extending the party season

Do you want long, tumbling locks to die for this Christmas? If so, glam up with some swishy hair extensions for instant natural looking volume, length and color.

Extensions can transform the way you look and give you a huge confidence boost. Book a complimentary extensions consult with one of our certified extensions stylists.

Pump up the (festive) volume
And, of course, big is back. The glossy and voluminous blowout vibe that was so popular in the 90s is back with a bang – book now so you can go large at that special Christmas party. The bigger the bounce the better!

‘Tis the season to be gorgeous
Want your hair to look its best-ever for the holiday party circuit? Then give yourself an early Christmas pressie and book today via the Salon Khouri phone app, via phone at 703.273.7878 or via text at 703-776-9858.

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October 4, 2021  by

Trending Hairstyles: Natural Movement

 

Whether working with natural texture patterns or recreating them with styling techniques, in addition to embracing individual texture, we’re seeing a polished styling trend that is leaning toward natural movement in all shapes and forms. From less deliberate curls to randomized wave patterns and a variety of patterns, this takes undone movement to the next level.

Where You Can Spot The Movement:

Drawing on the natural progression of the styles seen around the world, you can easily see natural movement in all its glory in our 2021 LOOK.BOOK. Highlighting the latest product picks, color trends and styles featured in our most-loved campaigns. One of our latest features, VELVET.FLORA was inspired by the opulence of 19th-century romance and glamour, shapes are refined yet wild, polished yet natural, and inexplicably individualized. Adding to this, the influence of fashion and nature built into the brand ethos are also echoed in the trend.

How To Create the Look:

It isn’t just about utilizing a single technique, it is about mixing them to create a more unplanned feel. “Movement that appears natural can be very hard to achieve, and even harder to maintain. It’s not as simple as just leaving your hair to air dry. Great looking natural hair always comes down to your product choice.” — Kevin Murphy

Each look has a beginning, middle, and end. To begin, you start by improving the health of the hair so that whether you’re working with natural air-dried texture, heat-styled, or a combination of the two, you’re able to begin with the best possible canvas. Regular use of a WASH and RINSE system like HYDRATE-ME.WASH + RINSE, which adds moisture and nourishment to the hair is ideal.

The middle is then all about product combinations and layering at the right times throughout styling to get the desired effect. For example, if you want to create curly texture but with more drawn-out shapes you’ll need a product that refines the shape but with a degree of style ability to reshape the structure. Depending on your hair pattern type either reach for MOTION.LOTION to deliver flexible, frizz-free hold or KILLER.CURLS to define curls and help strengthen and smooth strands.

The end is where the finishing touches come into play. No matter the look, applying texturizing, shine, or holding agents to the hair takes the style to the next level — from separating curls to highlighting shapes or creating style memory. A few of our favorites to finish include DOO.OVER for fresh texture, SHIMMER.SHINE for shine and the iconic SESSION.SPRAY for long-lasting style memory with a flexible finish that never flakes.

Making It Your Own:

People always want what they can’t have and in this instance, your natural texture can be exactly what sets you apart from others. This movement is all about creating a style that draws on your individual texture and makes it your own. There are no set rules about the type of curls to create, how to part your hair, or what products to use. It is more about picking a style that suits you, is fairly easy to create, and makes you feel like your most authentic self.

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October 1, 2021  by

Keep your life colorful between appointments

Don’t fade away! There’s plenty you can do to keep your color fresh and vibrant until you’re back in the salon again!

Some like it hot…

But your colored hair won’t. Always use lukewarm water when rinsing it through – anything hotter may leave your hair dry and dull. And always go for sulfate-free shampoos which are less drying.

Hairdryer heat is another enemy of colored hair. When possible, let it dry naturally.

We’ve some brilliant at-home products to help protect your hair when washing. We love everything KEVIN.MURPHY!

And to make it look great even without the help of a hairdryer try our KEVIN.MURPHY HAIR.RESORT.

We also have a heat protectant HEATED.DEFENSE for those days when you just have to use a hairdryer.

Keep in trim…

A simple trim and tidy-up between color appointments will keep your hair in tip-top condition (and you looking amazing) and will give the best possible results when you next have it colored.

Book for a quick trim now if you’re between color appointments. Just call us, 703.273.7878 or text us at 703.776.9858.

Blonde ambition…

Ditch the dull and brassy and keep the fabulous with some of our home-use color revival products designed specifically for between salon visits. Ask us about our KEVIN.MURPHY BLONDE Regimen.

Don’t use them straight away between salon visits, only when the brassiness starts to appear and limit to once a week or as needed.

We also have revival products for brunettes and redheads including KEVIN.MURPHY AUTUMN.ANGEL.

Get back to your roots…

Don’t despair when your roots start coming through. You can try root touch-up pens that won’t damage your hair and wash out with one shampoo.

We’re really happy to give advice about rescuing your roots between color appointments. You could also try our WOW Color Root Cover Up.

Throw on a hat…

Love the sun? We do too – but your colored hair won’t.

Sunlight can cause the color to fade. Protect your hair (and your skin) from those damaging UVA rays with a wide-brimmed sunhat when you’re out and about.

Book your color consultation today

Why not book a free consultation with one of our hair color experts for advice and recommendations? Call 703.273.7878 or text us at 703.776.9858. Browse our color services and price list here.

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Balayage in Fairfax, VA - Done at Salon Khouri
December 10, 2019  by

Balayage vs Foil Highlights

Balayage vs foil highlights? Which one is right for you? The answer to that question largely depends on personal preference. And while we can’t make that decision for you, we are happy to help you understand the difference between the two.

Foil Highlights

Balayage vs Foil Highlights - This is foilFoil highlights is a lifting process during which a hairstylist uses foils to separate strands of your hair. Lightner is applied to the strands and then wrapped in foil to process. The foil keeps the lightener from bleeding onto the rest of your hair. 

In a traditional foil highlight service, the stylist takes the lightener all the way to the root of your hair. Generally, you should touch up your foil highlights every 4-6 weeks. 

Balayage

Balayage is a lightening process that uses a sweeping motion to apply lightener to strands of hair. Hairstylists use freehand motion application and, typically, foil is not used and , instead, the the lightener processes in open air. Balayage is not typically taken to the root and can give a more ‘lived-in’ look. 

Balayage vs Foil Highlights - Color Balayage example

Since balayage application is done freehand, the technique gives a more natural, sunkissed look that requires less frequent balayage appointments — typically it’s touched up every 8 weeks, however, having a quick toner application done every four weeks will ensure your balayage looks Hollywood-caliber all the time.

Balayage vs Foil Highlights: Which One Should You Choose?

The choice is yours! Both offer beautiful results. If you are looking for heaving lifting or a platinum blonde, foil highlights or babylights are the way to go. If you prefer a more natural, sunkissed look, then we definitely recommend balayage. 

What’s Next?

Whether you want balayage or foil highlights, Salon Khouri has you covered. Learn more about our hair color services and let us work with you one-on-one to come up with a customized look that is perfect for you.

 

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May 30, 2018  by

Hair Color FAQs: What You’ve Always Wanted To Ask Your Stylist

Dyeing one’s hair is actually an ancient practice, but it’s still a popular one. With 673,700 barbers, hair stylists, and cosmetologists currently working in the United States, there are a lot of Americans who are sporting hair colors that don’t reflect the hues they were born with. If you’re captivated by the idea of dyeing your hair a new color but aren’t exactly sure where to start — or have a million questions that are holding you back from booking an appointment at one of the hair salons in your area — you might want to check out some of the FAQs below. We know you’re just “dyeing” to know the answers!

Once I start coloring my hair, what will the upkeep be like?

The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the color you’ve chosen, the type of dye, the texture of your hair, the products you use on a regular basis, and how quickly your hair grows. Typically, a darker brown or medium blonde dye will last longer than a silver-gray or a red, as these tones fade faster. However, using color-safe, sulfate-free hair products will extend the life of your hair color and keep it looking fresh for a lot longer. If upkeep is a concern for you, be sure to ask your hair stylist about the particulars of the color and dye you’ve chosen before they start your service.

What’s the difference between semi-permanent, demi-permanent, and permanent color?

As their names suggest, these designations indicate how long a color will last. More specifically, semi-permanent dye will typically last for six to 12 washings. These dyes don’t contain peroxide, so they will fade rather than growing out. Demi-permanent dyes contain small amounts of peroxide and can last anywhere from three months to seven months. Permanent hair color lasts until the hair actually grows out and can produce more drastic results (i.e., significantly lightening naturally dark hair) than the other types of dyes mentioned here.

I’ve always wanted a certain hair color, but how do I know if it would look good on me?

Skin tone plays a key role here, as almost anyone can look good with a new hair color as long as the shade is a complementary one. If you want to go darker, wash your hair and see how your wet (read: darker) hair looks against your skin. You can also try out some wigs to see whether you might look good as a blonde or as a redhead. Your hair stylist is your best resource here, though. They’ll be able to ensure that the tone looks great on you from the get-go and that your hair stays healthy throughout this process.

If I’ve dyed my hair black, can I bleach it?

Your hair stylist will likely not recommend using bleach on hair that’s been permanently dyed black. Doing so can cause a lot of damage and breakage (or even hair loss in some cases). This may not be the case 100% of the time, but it’s definitely something you need to consult a professional about. More than likely, you’ll need to grow out the black dye before embracing a lighter hue. Your hair stylist may be able to use a gloss to restore shine or another semi-permanent dye to create some highlights that won’t cause damage but can bring some other tones back into your hair.

Can I dye my hair if I’m pregnant?

Yes, as long as your hair stylist knows not to use any potentially harmful chemicals and to keep the hair color away from your scalp. Highlights are typically recommended in lieu of a full coloring. Be sure to talk with your salon beforehand to ensure everyone’s on the same page before booking your appointment.

We hope this FAQ post has cleared up any lingering questions you may have had about hair dye. Always be sure to enlist the help of a professional stylist for any and all hair coloring. This is one time to skip the DIY and go straight to the experts! We’d love to help you achieve your ideal ‘do. Contact us today for more.

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May 3, 2018  by

Keeping Your Curls Happy: Tips to Follow Between Salon Visits

salonsRoughly 54% of women agree that they’re their own worst critics when it comes to their personal appearance. Some might even believe that they can never recreate the magic that happens in their hair salons, particularly if they’ve struggled with unruly curls for their entire lives. But your curly hair is unique and beautiful — just like you. You just might need a crash course in how to keep your curls happy and healthy between appointments with your stylist. Here are a few tips you’ll want to keep in mind for your tresses.

    • Put down the brush
      Curl care rule number one: never use a brush. You’ll never see one used at hair salons for curly-haired clients. Brushes are fine for those with stick-straight locks, but a brush is not a curly-haired gal’s friend. Using a brush will lead to breakage and disruption of your natural curl pattern. If you need to detangle your hair in the shower when you apply your conditioner, stick to your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. And don’t comb through it at all once you rinse. You’ll find your hair will be a lot easier to control (read: less frizzy and wild) if you say “see ya” to your brush.
    • Stay sulfate-free
      You might have heard from hair stylists or even TV advertisements about how shampoos with sulfates can harm your hair. This is especially true for those with naturally curly hair, as sulfates will strip the natural oils from your hair and make it dry. Sulfate-free shampoos, on the other hand, will lock moisture in and restore shine.

 

    • Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
      Speaking of moisture, curly hair needs a lot of it. It’s the essential component to keep your curls feeling and looking healthy and gorgeous. Limit your use of heating products, hydrate your curls with one of our amazing Kevin Murphy products, and perk up your curls throughout the day using Kevin Murpy UN.TANGLED. And never use a terrycloth towel to dry your hair! Whenever possible, air dry your curls or use a microfiber towel instead.

 

  • Sleep on satin
    Our stylists will have recommended high-quality shampoos, conditioners, and styling products to you in the past. They will have also shared with you how your choice in pillow case can make a difference for your curls. A satin pillowcase is much better for curls and will ensure you don’t wake up with bedhead. It’ll also protect your hair from breakage and other damage (plus, your skin will look amazing!)

Another great way to keep your curls in prime shape? Head to hair salons on the regular to get a trim — and make sure your stylist is well-versed in cutting curly hair. To find out more about how our salon team can help spring your curls into action and improve your self-confidence in the process, contact us today.

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July 7, 2017  by

Introducing: Bedroom Hair

Color.Me_2016_02_546

We are so excited about this new product from Kevin Murphy!! The lived-in look is very current, and this ultra light texturizing hairspray will create post-nap, sexy hair with just the right amount of volume and texture without feeling heavy. BEDROOM.HAIR created that perfectly messy, “I woke up like this” hair — think messy, sexy, groomed hair with texture and movement.

BedroomHair_1-2

Perfect for all hair textures and types, BEDROOM.HAIR contains lightweight ingredients to provide pliable hold for your natural wave and curl in the lightest way possible. Containing a trio of hero ingredients including Camellia Leaf Extract, Sunflower Seed Extract, and Ginger Root Extract to condition, protect and strengthen your hair without weighing it down, BEDROOM.HAIR offers a soft, shiny finish to help you maintain a perfectly imperfect, disheveled texture.

 

 

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October 31, 2015  by

How to Avoid Halloween Beauty Blunders

We recently were asked by the Today Show how to avoid Halloween hair hijinks!

You can read the full article here, and below is an excerpt:

“If you get glitter stuck to your scalp, try using a clarifying shampoo such as Kevin Murphy Maxi Wash. This often does the trick for my clients. Gently massage the scalp with the shampoo to break up any glitter that has affixed to your scalp,” said Jonathan Elkhouri, master stylist and owner of Salon Khouri in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. If you are attempting any hair looks that defy gravity using wire (like Pippi Longstocking or Dr. Seuss’ Whoville characters), be sure to use a coated wire such as a pipe cleaner or wired-ribbon. If your hair gets stuck in one of the wires, apply a generous amount of conditioner onto the knot and gently work out the tangle, Elkhouri suggests. The conditioner will make the hair slippery enough to detangle the wire from the hair.

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