Sobo Hair in Top 10 Hair Salons in Edinburgh

We’ve been featured!

The reputable and one-stop-shop for the best of anything in Edinburgh, Edinburgh Livereleased their latest article with a special feature on the Top Hair and Beauty Salons in Edinburgh for the latest cuts, trends and treatments, Sobo Hair Boutique made the Top 10, along with our sister salon Yuu Beauty! We are very proud of this achievement, you can read more of the article below:

With spring just around the corner, now’s a great time to refresh your look. Whether you just want to brighten up your colour, get a fresh set of nails, or want to completely revamp your style, here are some of the best salons that offer the top cuts, colours and trends for 2022.

7. Sobo Hair Boutique

Established in 2014, Sobo has grown into an all-inclusive, ethical boutique hair salon based in Trinity, Edinburgh.

The salon prides itself on its eco values, Sobo reduces, reuses and recycles for guilt-free pampering. The talented team of stylists at Sobo hold an in-depth knowledge of a wide range of hair types and needs, focussing on quality over quantity and using only the best brands such as Aveda, Kérastase and L’Oreal.

With a wealth of experience and a philosophy of mastery, you can feel safe in the knowledge that you’re in great hands at Sobo, and not to mention the great coffee!

Read the full article here – https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/special-features/top-hair-beauty-salons-edinburgh

Read our previous blog – How Often Should Men Cut Their Hair?

 

How Often Should Men Cut Their Hair?

mens-hair-cut

mens-hair-cut

How often should men cut their hair?

Are you ready for a new haircut? Spring is the perfect time to try one of the most popular men’s hairstyles of 2022.

How Often Should You Cut Your Hair?

How often you should cut your hair really depends on your style and your budget. While you may love the look and feel of a fresh cut, weekly visits to the barber can really do a number on your bank account.

However, the biggest factor to consider in how often you should cut your hair is your hair length. In general, men with short haircuts will want to visit the barber at least once a month to keep their hair looking neat and trimmed. Men with medium-length styles can usually go a little longer before they look like they need a trim, about every one to two months. And men with longer hairstyles usually can get away with going a few months between cuts.

However, if you have lifestyle factors like poor diet, smoking or high stress, your hair may be more prone to thinning or breakage. And this can prevent it from reaching longer lengths, and make it seem to grow more slowly. While slow-growing hair doesn’t need to be cut as often (a bonus for your wallet), it’s more likely to become thin since your follicles aren’t growing hair quickly enough to replace the hair that’s naturally been shed.

So how do you promote existing hair growth? 

man-looking-in-mirror

You are not alone if you are wondering how to stimulate hair growth. The average person loses about 70 to 100 strands of hair every day. However, this is typically not noticeable because they fall out over the course of the day and are replaced by new hair growth.

Here are some tips to promote hair growth naturally:

  1. Massage your scalp with essential oils, several of which are natural remedies for hair regrowth. Try this recipe: One tablespoon of almond oil, three to four drops of rosemary essential oil and peppermint essential oil. Mix them together and then rub into your scalp to stimulate hair growth.
  2. Take a vitamin B supplement. The B vitamin biotin is especially important for hair growth and is one of the natural ingredients for hair growth in many natural hair health supplements.
  3. Use lemon juice. When applied to the scalp, lemon juice stimulates circulation and prevents hair loss. You can mix it with oil and rub it into your scalp for half an hour before washing it out.
  4. Balance out your hormones. Cortisol is one of the hormones often identified with hair loss. Cortisol can spike due to stress on the body. It needs to be regulated in order for us to function daily and for hair growth to happen.

How to get rid of a dry scalp?

Suffering from a dry scalp? Here are our tips to get rid of it.

How to Get Rid of a Dry Scalp

itchy dry scalp

 

itchy dry scalp

There is nothing more annoying than leaning in close to the mirror and noticing the small white flakes dotted around your hair parting. Many of us experience a dry, flaky scalp during the winter months as the skin on our scalp struggles to retain moisture, similar to the rest of our body. However, a lot of people mistake their dry scalp for dandruff, although they both have similar symptoms, they are very different. If you feel that you have too much dead skin on your scalp or if it feels dry, then read on for tips on how to treat both and tell the difference between the two.

Difference Between Dandruff & Dry Scalp

The biggest difference is the cause. Dry scalp is due to the skin being irritated and then flaking off, usually, this is because the scalp isn’t getting enough moisture, however, overuse of heated styling tools, a reaction to products, cold, dry air and old age can all be contributing factors. Whilst dandruff is caused by too much oil on the scalp, excess skin cells build up which then fall off. A fungus called Malassezia can also trigger dandruff, this fungus normally lives on your scalp, some people can have too much of it which causes skin cells to multiply more than usual.

Dry Scalp usually results in small, white flakes of dead skin & often you can tell if it’s dry scalp by looking at the skin on the rest of your body, if it is also dry then you will know how to treat it.
Both Dandruff & Dry Scalp give you an itchy head however, Dandruff provides larger, yellow flakes & the scalp can be red and inflamed.

Dirty Hair doesn’t cause dandruff, but not washing it often enough allows oil to build up and flakes of excess skin will fall off.

How to Get Rid Of Flaky, Dry Scalp

Repeat after us: Stimulate, Treat, Condition. Using a gentle shampoo that does not contain alcohol or sulphates will remove the unwanted dry flakes without dehydrating your scalp. We also recommend trying Kérastase Soothing Scrub to remove dead skin, which was specifically designed for sensitive scalps, it’s infused with Jojoba and Sweet Orange Peel to soften and hydrate the scalp. Massaging your scalp during this process is a MUST, use your fingertips to massage in gentle, circular motions. This will stimulate the production of natural oils and increase blood flow to the hair cuticles, which is great because a healthy scalp = healthy hair. Use a moisturising conditioner to bring back the moisture lost & soothe the skin.

SCALP TREATMENTS

How can I hydrate my scalp? Treat the main causes of dryness with a scalp treatment that contains lots of natural ingredients. Make sure it is compatible with your hair type – check out Glamot’s website to learn what hair type you have. If you want a more professional dry scalp treatment, we recommend using the Aveda Prasmasana Protective Scalp Concentrate to soothe, nourish and protect the scalps natural barrier.

For at-home, DIY treatments, try Coconut Oil or Shea Butter for a home Scalp Soak. Leave on for about 20 minutes and gently wash out. Tea Tree oils can be used as a natural anti-inflammatory that relieves itchiness and soothes the skin.

How to Treat Dandruff

Washing hair once a week can seem great for our hair, but it won’t necessarily serve the same purpose if you are prone to dandruff. Since dandruff can be caused by a build-up of oil, it’s important you wash your hair often with a gentle shampoo to reduce the build-up of oil. For Malassezia, use a treatment shampoo that kills off the fungus, you can get these over the counter. If you have tried dandruff shampoo for over a month and the itchiness/flakes haven’t improved then consider meeting with a dermatologist, who specialises in the skin as you may have another skin condition that needs to be treated such as eczema or psoriasis.

Ready to revitalise your scalp? Try out Kérastase Fusio Scrub on your next treatment, specifically designed for sensitive scalps.

Haircuts and Hairstyle Trends to Try in 2022

male-mullet-hairstyle-trend-2022

Gather round folks, let’s talk about that undeniable temptation new year brings to switch up your hairstyle. Some of us want to hit the reset button, just chop it all off! While others are tired of the maintenance and want to grow it all out. Natural texture will be the focus of 2022 we reckon. More people are embracing their natural texture and avoiding the high maintenance looks we’ve opted for previously. We’re putting down the styling tools and concentrating on curl defining serums, welcoming wavy, fluffy textures.

Not sure what style to go for next? Check out the Hair Trends for 2022 below.

Subtle Changes

SUBTLE HAIRSTYLE #1: LONG LAYERS

long-layered-hair
credit: @dvcolour

If you aren’t known for being a risk-taker, a subtler option may be more desirable for you. Adding in long layers to weighted hair gives it direction and movement when styling. Frame your face and flaunt your full-looking hair.

SUBLTLE HAIRSTYLE #2: FRINGE OR GROWN-OUT BANGS

grown-out-bangs
credit: @salsalhair

Grown out bangs will be a really popular hair trend in 2022. The natural, effortless look is more appealing as it gives volume to the font without looking like it will matter if the wind hits you in the face, hello January. Go for somewhere between a fringe and front layers.

SUBTLE HAIRSTYLE #3: BALAYAGE OR HIGHLIGHTS

natural-blonde-balayage
credit: @bravincreative

Maybe a new cut isn’t getting you excited. A subtle colour change could be exactly what you’re looking for! Try balayage for a low maintenance, sun-kissed look to highlight your hair & add depth, great if you have fine or thin hair.

For the Brave & Bold

BRAVE & BOLD HAIRSTYLE #1: CHOPPY BOB

choppy-bob-hair-trend-2022
credit: @salsalhair

If you’re entering 2022 with the plan to drastically change yourself, then a choppy bob could be right up your street. Add texture & embrace the ‘un-done’ look as a choppy bob allows the natural texture of your hair to roam free with shorter layers & flicky fringes.

BRAVE & BOLD HAIRSTYLE #2: COLOURFUL HAIR

short-orange-colourful-hair
credit:@hairapy_hairdressing
colourful-hair-trends-2022
credit: @hair_kand1
blue-hair-trend-2022
credit: @andie_salon_kalingga

If natural-looking highlights isn’t a big enough change for you, why not broaden your colour palette. Be careful to not clash with your skin tone, we always suggest chatting with your stylist when reaching for the rainbow. Warmer, orange tones with blonde highlights at the very front is already a major trend, don’t limit yourself!

BRAVE & BOLD HAIRSTYLE #3: MULLET

short-blonde-mullet-cut
credit: @arenakappers
male-mullet-hairstyle-trend-2022
credit: @mulletdragon
male-mullet-hair-trend
credit: @toreemessina__

Probably a personal favourite, the mullet/70’s shag has been circling since 2019, gaining traction in 2021 and we expect to see it in 2022 since they are now more accessible. The beauty in this style is the growth. As your hair grows, the style evolves and is easily styled as it works with your hairs natural texture.

Ready to take the plunge into New Year, New Hair goodness? Book Online Now

Our Top 5 Layered Cuts for Thin Hair

drying hair upside down

Having thin hair doesn’t mean that you can’t have great hair. The key is having a hairstyle that works with fine hair, not against it. With the wrong kind of haircut, thin hair can look limp, flat, and lifeless. The right kind of haircut can transform thin hair, adding bouncy volume and healthy fullness. Keep reading to find out our picks for the best-layered hairstyles for fine hair.

 

Choppy Bob
Credit: Us

1. Choppy Bob

Light layers with waves add soft, ruffled volume to fine hair. Ask for an asymmetrical bob with feathered layers for a modern, trendy look. We suggest wearing with a deep part for added volume.

 

 

 

 

 

Angled Bob
Credit: Us

2. Angled Lob

This shoulder-grazing haircut is very flattering for fine or thin hair. Side-swept bangs frame the face, while feathery layers add movement and lots of volume.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long hair with light layers
Credit: Us

3. Long with Light Layers

Fine hair doesn’t necessarily mean short hair! If you long for mermaid lengths, think feathery layers. These lightweight layers will add texture and movement to the ends, without weighing down the roots or making thin hair look limp or stringy.  Follow our style tips below to bring volume to the roots.

 

 

 

 

 

shag cut with bangs
Credit: Us

4. Shag with Bangs

We’ve been seeing this layered haircut everywhere lately – and loving it. Shaggy layers with blunt ends are easy to curl or air dry for beachy waves. (Perfect for next summer!) The bangs add shape and style to this look.

 

 

 

 

 

Chopped Pixie Cut
Credit: Us

5. Chopped Pixie

If you’re feeling bold, ask your hairdresser for a chopped pixie cut. A short and sassy pixie make hair look thicker and fuller, plus it’s easy to style. It’s also a great option to cut away any damaged hair from years of styling.

 

 

 

 

 

Must-Know Tips for Styling Thin Hair

Now that you have the right haircut, utilize these tips to bring the most out of your new look:


washed hair
Credit: Canva

Start With Clean Hair

Bouncy, voluminous looks are the easiest to create on clean hair. Wash hair with a gentle shampoo like Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Shampoo, and follow by applying Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Conditioner to the ends – super important for reducing damage & frizz.

 

 

 

 

 

drying hair upside down
Credit: Canva

Blow Dry Upside Down

Blow drying your hair upside down is one of the best ways to add volume to thin hair. Add a small amount of Aveda Thickening Tonic to hair and gently comb to distribute. Then, give your hair a rough blow dry hair with the nozzle pointed downwards to add volume while avoiding frizz. Rough dry until hair is 90% dry, then smooth hair using a round brush.

 

 

 

 

Aveda Damage Control hair products
Credit: Aveda

Protect Your Hair

Repeat after us: ALWAYS use a heat protectant before applying heat tools to hair. Fine hair is even more prone to breakage, and breakage means thinner hair. We suggest Aveda Heat Relief or Aveda Brilliant Damage Control. Use the lowest heat setting possible for your look, or opt for no-heat styles that embrace your natural hair texture whenever possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are Aveda Stockists & one of few Aveda Salons in Edinburgh, shop with us for 100% Vegan Products.

Shop Now

Wolf Cut, A Summer 2021 Hair Trend

debbyryan wolf cut
blonde wolf cut
Credit: Instagram @daniellamacran

The wolf cut is a blend between the mullet & the 70’s shag cut.

After a year and a half of people adopting the DIY mentality when it came to cutting their own hair, it’s no surprise the latest summer 2021 hair trend is a little wild. This audacious style is the latest viral trend on Tik Tok, reaching over 600 million views so far! 

The wolf cut seems to be low maintenance and requires little styling as the choppy layers do most of the work, you may need just a little texturising spray – however, if you have naturally straight hair, you might have to do some heated styling. “Everyone wants a wolf cut until they realise your hair will be flat unless you style it.” Said @coolmadsgames on TikTok.

Is the wolf cut & mullet the same?

Yes and no, a wolf cut can have a deep mullet, depending on how far back to your ears you want to take your fringe/bangs. You can also opt for a grown-out fringe if you don’t feel like plunging into the deep end. 

Here are a few ways you can wear this trend:

1. Soft Wolf Cut

before and after of blonde wolf cut
Credit: Us! Stylist: Sarah

This is a recent wolf cut we did at the salon! Our client opted for softer bangs at the front instead of the full fringe. We kept as much length at the bottom whilst adding in lots of choppy layers around the crown. 

2. Wolf cut with a deep mullet

debbyryan wolf cut
Credit: Instagram @debbyryan

Actor and singer Debby Ryan posted her big chop on Instagram, she brought her layered fringe back to her ears to bring out the mullet style, whilst taking a lot of weight out from the top – we think this edgy look is really wearable and will require little styling.

3. Curly Wolf Cut

simple cie Alf cut
Credit: Instagram @simply.cie

Frame your curls around your face and stack your fringe in layers to achieve this super shaggy look. This is so easily styled, just follow your usual routine to define your curls. 

4. Short Wolf Cut

Miley cyrus wolf cut
Credit: Instagram @mileycyrus

Brave it like Miley and opt for a Short Wolf Cut! A Mullet isn’t an alien concept to the Cyrus family which explains this bold look that has probably been the catapult behind the craze this year! 

5. Extreme Wolf Cut

extreme wolf cut with mullet
Credit: Instagram @dome4domes

It’s called a Wolf Cut for a reason – you’re supposed to get wild with it! Keep the under layers of your hair long with super shaggy layers on top and tapered down to the bottom. Add in a bold fringe to top it off!

Pro’s:

Easy to Style

Gives you natural volume 

You’ll be totally on-trend

Looks great on ALL hair colours & textures

Con’s:

You need attitude to pull it off

You may have to get creative with your tied-up hairstyles 

If your hair is thick & straight, you may have to use heated styling tools 

Convinced? Book In Here!

Check out our previous blog – Why You Shouldn’t Pick Your Split Ends

Why You Shouldn’t Pick Your Split Ends

woman looking at the split ends of her hair worryingly

woman looking at the ends of her hair worryingly

The harsh reality is that split ends are meant to be cut, not picked! However, we know this is easier said than done. On average, 50% of people in the UK pick their split ends, over 80% of them being women! This can be a sign of something more serious called Trichotillomania, if you think you have this you should speak to your doctor.

So are split ends really that bad? YES, besides it causing irreversible damage to the hair shaft, or if split right to the scalp, this could cause follicle damage. Something you don’t want to do if you love your hair!

What causes split ends?

There are a few contributing factors that cause split ends, heat being one of them – if you are using heated tools to style and dry your hair, without prepping the hair before & after, the heat sucks moisture from your hair, leaving it dry and susceptible to split ends.

Using shampoos with harsh soaps called sulphates – we touched on this in our ‘The Down-Low On Hair Growth: 7 Tips for Longer, Healthier Hair’ blog, a lot of shampoos have sulphates that strip your hair of moisture. We recommend shampooing less, applying it only on the roots and don’t skip using conditioner!

Dying your hair can also lead to split ends if you don’t apply an adequate amount of nourishment.

close up of hair strand with split ends

What do split ends look like?

If you’ve been lucky enough to have not seen what a split hair end looks like (we’re pretty jealous if that’s the case) then the biggest telltale sign is when the very end of the hair has split into two, they can be hard to notice, and when you do notice, it can be even harder to resist the temptation to pull it apart.

When you pull the two ends apart, you aren’t just making your hair thinner, you are damaging the core & hair cuticle leaving your hair weaker & more likely to break off.

How to fix split ends?

There is no glue that sticks them back together, once the hair is damaged, it’s damaged. The best way to fix them is to chop them off. If you can see your ends have split over an inch up the hair shaft, you’re going to have to cut more than that off to avoid it happening again and to restore strong, healthy hair.

See your hairdressers for the chop too – reaching for kitchen scissors will not give you the results you think they will. Kitchen & office scissors are not as sharp and can leave you with a frayed cut.

How do I prevent them from happening?

If you use heated styling tools daily and dye your hair regularly then split ends are more than likely going to happen, however, there are products you can incorporate into your daily hair care routine to slow down the inevitable.
We suggest:

Hair Oil Products by Kérastase & Aveda

(left to right: Kérastase Aura Botanica, Aveda Nutri-Plenish Hair Oil)

There are other ways to prevent split ends from happening or worsening:

  • Avoid brushing hair when wet, if you need to, start from ends first and work your way up.
  • Use heat protecting spray before drying & styling
  • Use hair masks weekly

Now we’ve covered all that, it’s time to get your next trim booked in!

BOOK HERE

The Down-Low On Hair Growth: 7 Tips for Longer, Healthier Hair

Hair dresser talking to client in chair

Hair dresser talking to client in chair

Tired of having short hair that never seems to grow? Are you totally over your ends breaking and splitting? Many clients walk through our door with lots of hair growth questions, like ‘how do I get longer hair’ or ‘how long will it take hair to grow back’ after years of bleaching? The truth is, no one oil fixes everything, the basic equation is Healthy Hair = Longer Hair.

How long does it take your hair to grow? Hair only grows a half-inch per month (and that’s if your hair is already healthy). Want the good news? We pulled together our expertise to come up with 7 Top Hair Growth Tips on how to get longer, healthier hair that is maintainable.

1.Check-In With Your Doctor

Let’s get this out of the way first – if you’re really concerned about your hair not growing fast enough or that you’re suffering from thinning/hair loss then we really suggest you speak to a Trichologist (hair expert) or a Dermatologist as they will be able to get down to the nitty-gritty details and can identify what is going on with your scalp and hair to set you on the right path to achieving longer, thicker hair. Let’s not forget on average we lose about 50 to 100 hairs per day, which is only about 0.1% of our total hair. So if you feel like you’re losing double or triple that, then that may be a sign that your hair growth cycle is a bit short, this could be due to diet, stress, hormones but your doctor should be able to help determine that for you.

close up of hair being cut

2. Regular Trims – Yep, We Said It.

This may seem really counter-productive, but honestly booking in for regular trims has lots of benefits if your goal is to achieve optimum hair growth. Hair grows from the root but length is maintained at the ends, so if your hair is packed with split ends and breakage you will only be left with uneven, thin hair that never seems to grow past a certain point. Sound familiar?

The trick is to trim your hair before the split ends appear, even trimming half an inch every 10-12 weeks will prevent split ends from emerging, leaving you with longer, healthy-looking hair.

When’s the last time you had a haircut? Ages ago?! Book In Here.

3. Hydrate With Oils On A Regular Basis

There is no magical potion that will make your hair grow super long overnight however, there are oils that are packed with lots of hydrating ingredients which can be great if applied regularly.

One of the most popular hair growth oils is Castor Oil as it’s packed with Vitamin E, Fatty Acids & Minerals, the perfect meal for your scalp (the key to hair growth). “Castor oil is not only anti- inflammatory and anti-microbial, but it also helps maintain moisture.” Says Michelle Blaisure, a certified Trichologist from Bosley Professional Strength.

Hair Oil Products by Kérastase & Aveda

We recommend Kérastase Aura Botanica Hair Oil or Aveda Nutri Plenish Multi-Use Oil.

You can shop them here.

4. Give Your Hair A Caffeine Boost For Growth

Before you go pouring an espresso all over your head (pls don’t), you may want to consider purchasing a caffeine-infused hair product to add it to your styling routine. Not only is caffeine a brilliant and slept-on ingredient for hair growth, it also counteracts DHT, the hormone behind hair loss. Caffeine stimulates blood flow to the scalp (super-duper important for hair growth) which makes it a great addition to your hair care routine as far as hair growth tips go.

Disclaimer; caffeine takes about two to three months to kick in so we recommend starting using hair care products with caffeine ASAP to achieve optimal results.

5. Shift Your Focus to Scalp Care

Treating your scalp is kind of like tending to a garden’s soil, it helps the grass (a.k.a your hair) grow. Using a scalp scrub or mask will ensure that there is no product build-up that could negatively affect growth, while a scalp massage can help relieve tension and boost blood circulation to the hair follicles.

Quarantine Scalp – yes, it’s a thing! When you are stressed your cortisol levels spike, leading to excess sebum (aka oil) production on the scalp. Which makes sense right?! After months of lockdowns, I think we have all felt the extra anxiety and stress they brought with them. To make matters worse, excess oil build-up can trigger seborrheic dermatitis, an itchy, flakey scalp inflammation, which paired with days of applying dry shampoo (c’mon, we’re all guilty of it) is a concoction for scalp care disaster.

So how do you know what scalp care would best suit you? Well, If your main concern is product build-up then go for a great clarifying shampoo and If you’re dealing with excess oil, think hydrating and lightweight.

For a Clarifying Shampoo Try:

 

Clarifying Shampoo's by Kérastase and Aveda

(Left to Right) Kérastase Bain Vital Dermo-Calm, Aveda Sap Moss, Aveda Pramasana Scalp Cleanser

For Hydrating & Lightweight Try:

Kérastase and Aveda Hydrating Shampoo's

(Left to Right) Kérastase Bain Vital Derma-Calm, Aveda Rosemary & Mint Purifying Shampoo

6. Shampoo Less on Wash Days

There are still so many people who wash their hair every day – this can be great for always looking fresh but it can strip the moisture from your hair as most shampoos have harsh soaps called sulphates which can be really damaging, especially to your ends. You should also think twice before you skip using conditioner on your wash day, this is absolutely essential if you’re looking to grow your hair and should be something you do every single time you wash your hair.

Tip: When washing your hair, try only apply & lather the shampoo on your root, then wash out. Why not opt for one of our sulphate-free shampoo’s:

Kérastase and Aveda Sulphate-free shampoo

Kérastase Bain Fluidealiste Gentle & Aveda Damage Remedy Restructuring Shampoo

7. Take a Cold Shower

Brrrrr…the thought alone gives us chills but your hair will LOVE it! Fear not, we aren’t suggesting using cold water for the whole duration of your shower – we recommend rinsing your hair with cold water at the very end to give your hair that much needed BOOST.

Cold water closes the cuticles on your hair and pores on your scalp, adding shine which is due to closed cuticles. Smoother hair prevents unnecessary moisture loss and snags, prolonging hair health and remember what we said earlier? Healthy Hair = Longer Hair.

So moral of the blog is, as much as we wish we could squeeze really hard and hair magically start to growing, there is a solution for longer hair, and it really starts with the scalp, and ends with hair care.

Ready to achieve longer hair? Book a hair consultation in here.

Got long hair and looking to show it off? Check out our blog on Everything You Need To Know about Balayage.

If you don’t see your product on our online shop, please contact us here as we may have it in stock in salon.

What Is Balayage? Everything You Need To Know

Blonde balayage hair colour modelled by woman
Blonde balayage hair colour modelled by woman
Credits: Instagram – @emilypepin_

Ever caught yourself thinking – What is balayage? What does balayage mean? Well, balayage is a French word that translates in English too ‘to sweep’ or ‘to paint’. Essentially, it is the technique of painting the colour onto the hair to give a sun-kissed effect that mimics natural-looking highlights. picture of female hairdresserWe caught up with our Artistic Director, Allana, to see what all the hype is about.

What’s the difference between Balayage & Ombré? 

“Although both are pretty low maintenance services, there are some differences between an Ombré Colour and a Balayage” explains Allana. The main difference is that Ombré has a horizontal colour application with a seamless gradient, going from dark to light. Whilst Balayage has a vertical colour application, as it’s painted on to give a naturally highlighted look. “There are many ways of doing a balayage depending on the result you want to achieve. For example, you may want your balayage to be blended quite high up towards your root or you may want the ends mainly lightened and brought midway up. This is an individual preference which will be discussed during your consultation”.

Is it better than highlights?

“I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s better than highlights, it really all depends what look you want to achieve” says Allana. “A balayage is a softer, less-maintenance way to add lightness to your hair. This can be done by working with your natural hair colour at the root or alongside a root tint. Whereas if you are a client who likes a brighter, bolder result, a balayage may not be for you”.

The real principle behind balayage is to achieve the natural highlight look that we see in our hair and children’s hair. Only adding colour to the areas that would naturally lighten in the sun. Balayage also has a lot less noticeable re-growth than highlights, letting you get away with longer gaps between colour appointments.

Is Balayage popular to get in the salon?

back of woman head with wavy hair
Credits: Instagram @notanothersalon

If you have been keeping up to date on our Instagram, you’ll have noticed Balayage is definitely a trend in Edinburgh right now since salons re-opened in April. 

“Since lockdown, this has been a very in-demand service within the salon. Obviously, with it being a good few months since we’ve seen our lovely clients for their colour appointments, their re-growths were a lot larger than usual” explains Allana, “This being the case many clients have decided to embrace their natural root with keeping their ends light and blended. We’ve had a lot of re-fresh balayage clients and a good few highlight clients change to a balayage in order to have a more low maintenance look”.

three hairstyles featuring balayage colouring
Some of Allana’s recent work.

Is Balayage healthy for your hair?

Colouring & bleaching your hair is never going to be healthy however, balayage doesn’t require fully saturating your hair in bleach or colour dye, leaving you with healthier hair that is less processed. “Our standard highlight clients are usually 6-8 weeks for their next appointment where our balayage clients can be as little as twice a year for their full balayage application. Again, this all depends on what kind of balayage service you’re having done i.e. if you have had a root colour applied or a toner etc you will need to visit the salon more regularly for freshen ups” says Allana. 

So is it for me?

We can only tell you that during your consultation! 

We advise all colour services to book in for a consultation prior to their visit to the salon. 

Book Online Here

Get Summer Ready with Kérastase K Water!

Kerastase-K-Water-Blowdry

We’re Back and ready to get your locks Spring/Summer Ready with our Kérastase K Water Blow Dry!

We are almost a month into being re-opened and we are SO happy to be back! If you’ve been to the salon already you will have seen some of the decor changes that have taken place! With a lot of help from our Senior Stylist Sarah, we were able to bring Spring into Sobo!

Kerastase-K-Water-Blowdry

Happy Hair, Happy client, and what would make your hair happier than having glass-like shine?! Kérastase K Water is an add-on treatment to your blow-dry for ONLY £5! Replacing your conditioner, the Lamellar technology instantly activates upon contact with water, and rinses off leaving a weightless fine coat, smoothing out the hair fibre, giving you shine in a flash!

Ask your stylist to add this onto your next cut and blow dry – you won’t regret it!

Online-Booking-Sobohairboutique

 

If you didn’t already know, our online booking is open and we encourage you to use this feature to make any future appointments. Don’t forget – if you rebook your whilst you’re in the salon you can get 10% OFF your next appointment!

 

Book Online

 

 

-Recent 5* Client Reviews-

“Sarah, as usual, was able to put my request into practice. My hair looks great and I feel like a new woman! Thank You!” – Shirley, 5*

“Really enjoyed my visit to Sobo, had been looking forward to getting my post lockdown haircut and they didn’t disappoint. Team are lovely, salon is very clean and covid safe, looking forward to my next visit.” – Nichie, 5*

“Brilliant as always! Brian is brilliant making me feel relaxed and safe in COVID times, my hair was fab as always!” – Audrey, 5*

“Felt wonderfully pampered. It was a real treat. Emily was easy company and I was delighted with the result” – Carol, 5*

Keep your finger on the pulse and make sure you are following us on everything social as we bring lots of transformations your way! 

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