when to book your next haircut

Your hair plays a big role in your overall look, and keeping its shape and health in check is key. Do you ever wait until your hair starts to feel unruly, only to find your stylist’s schedule is already full? Planning ahead and scheduling your next appointment before you leave the salon can make all the difference in maintaining both your style and your sanity.

If your hair is shorter than collarbone length, I recommend scheduling every four to six weeks to keep your shape looking fresh. For hair that’s longer than your shoulders, or if you’re growing it out, eight to ten weeks is usually best. When you’re in a growing phase, make sure to let your stylist know so she can trim just enough to keep your ends healthy while maintaining your length and shape.

Should you break up with your hairstylist?

Dear Client,

There is something you should know about me: the stylist. My ultimate goal at work is to make you happy. I want you to come back, time after time, raving about how beautiful I have helped you feel. I want to turn you around in the chair after I am done styling your hair and hear you say, “Wow!”

That being said, I also want to know if you are ever unhappy with your service. I will do everything in my power to give you what you are wanting while maintaining the integrity of your hair.

I can’t tell you how many new clients sitting in my chair share with me their continual disappointment in their previous stylist. Maybe you have heard a friend give these excuses, or maybe you are also guilty of these: finding someone new was too hard, they had a friendship with their stylist, or they didn’t want to hurt their stylist’s feelings. This really breaks my heart. My clients really are my friends. I enjoy hanging out and chatting while I am making you beautiful, but I would never want you to like my company but not like my skills. I have a different style & technique than the stylist in the chair next to me, and that’s okay. As the client, you have to realize that each stylist has their strengths and you should find a stylist that aligns with your needs.

Can I tell you a secret? If you like my company we can go have coffee and I will compliment your hair just the same if someone else has done it.

Does that make sense? Don’t stay with someone who is performing a service on you if you don’t like the outcome. It is stressful on you, and it is stressful on them.

Should you tell your stylist that you are leaving? I think this is completely up to you. There are two different scenarios: the client who never expressed that she was unhappy and suddenly stopped coming, or you have the client who time after time was always unhappy and then was never seen again.

If you fall into the first category where your stylist never knew that you were unhappy, I think it would be nice to express to her that you want to try something new and that you might not see her again. You don’t have to go into detail about how much you didn’t like this or that, just keep it short and sweet. It’s not personal, it’s business. Once you step back from the situation, you will realize that you can still maintain a friendship and you will both get over it. If you have always expressed that you were unhappy, then trust me, your stylist is glad to see you leave. She can take that time to make someone else feel good about themselves instead of having a repeat client make them feel like their skills are subpar.

There you have it. Loyalty is great, but remember, you are paying for the service. And I always want you to be happy, even if that means breaking up with me

Xoxo
Amber

I wrote this in 2014 and it still rings true today.

Grey Coverage vs. Grey Blending

Grey Coverage vs. Grey Blending: Think Leggings vs. Pantyhose

Deciding how to manage grey hair can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Two of the most popular techniques are grey blending and grey coverage. While both enhance the hair’s appearance, they achieve different results. Understanding the differences can help you determine which method best suits your hair goals.

One of the easiest ways to explain the difference is by comparing leggings and pantyhose.

• Grey coverage is like leggings—it completely masks grey hair, providing full, opaque coverage. Just as leggings fully cover your legs, grey coverage ensures no grey strands are visible.

• Grey blending is like pantyhose—it softens and diffuses the appearance of grey, allowing some natural tones to show through. Just like pantyhose provide a sheer, blended look, grey blending integrates grey hair into a multi-dimensional color.

This comparison makes it easier to choose the right approach. If you prefer a solid, fully-covered look, grey coverage may be the best option. If you like a softer, more natural transition, grey blending is the way to go.

What Is Grey Coverage?

Grey coverage is the traditional approach to coloring grey hair. It typically involves using permanent color to fully cover grey strands, creating a uniform shade with no visible greys.

Who Is Grey Coverage Best For?

This method is ideal for those who:

• Want full, consistent color with no grey showing

• Prefer a structured hair color routine with regular touch-ups

• Are comfortable with more frequent maintenance, as regrowth can create a visible line of demarcation

Grey coverage offers complete opacity, but it does require maintenance every four to six weeks to keep roots looking fresh.

What Is Grey Blending?

Grey blending is a more subtle and low-maintenance alternative. Instead of fully covering grey hair, this technique softens and integrates it with your natural color. This is achieved through highlights, lowlights, and demi-permanent color, which create a seamless, dimensional effect.

Who Is Grey Blending Best For?

This approach is a great choice for those who:

• Want a softer, more natural transition as their grey grows in

• Prefer a low-maintenance routine with less frequent salon visits

• Want to avoid harsh regrowth lines and maintain depth and dimension

Grey blending allows for a more seamless grow-out, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to embrace their natural grey over time while keeping their hair vibrant and dimensional.

At Glossed Collective, I have refined my grey blending techniques over the years, and my mom was one of the first people who inspired me to rethink traditional grey coverage. In the beginning, I used permanent color between foils, but over time, I realized this method wasn’t ideal for her. She had the perfect natural grey base, and permanent color only emphasized unwanted warmth.

After experimenting with different techniques and products, I developed a customized grey blending process that enhances natural beauty rather than masking it.

-Amber Gallegos

Key Steps in My Grey Blending Process:

• Using demi-permanent color instead of permanent for soft, seamless coverage

• Incorporating lowlights with demi-permanent color to add depth and dimension

• Focusing on eliminating harsh lines of demarcation for a flawless grow-out

This approach results in a multi-tonal color that enhances natural grey while creating a beautifully blended look.

Should You Choose Grey Coverage or Grey Blending?

The best choice depends on your personal style, maintenance preferences, and long-term hair goals.

• If you want a polished, consistent color and don’t mind regular salon visits, grey coverage may be the right option.

• If you prefer a softer, more natural transition with fewer salon visits, grey blending is a great choice.

If you're unsure which approach is best for you, I’d love to help. Book a consultation at Glossed Collective in Allen, TX, and we’ll create a custom plan that enhances your natural beauty while fitting your lifestyle.