Hair Care Tips with The Lillie Bag

Hair Q&A’s

Hello there.  As many of you already know, I am a Master Hairstylist and have been working behind the chair for 16 years.  I work part-time these days, and specialize in both color and cutting.  Throughout the years, I have had many products and tools at my fingertips and I am lucky to have worked at the same salon for almost my entire career.  With this being said, we all have our favorite products and brands and I do believe there is a few tricks of the trade.  I don’t believe you need to break the bank on your tools to have something work good and efficiently.  I DO believe in a really good shampoo and conditioner if that be all that you use, spend here.  I decided after so much feedback and questions, to answer some right here!  I plan to continue this question and answers addition to the blog space throughout the year.

Before we begin, these are my tools of choice.  All opinions are based on my own and none of these are sponsored.

I have dry itchy scalp, how can rid this problem?

There’s a few reasons this can happen.  I find in most cases it is because some sleep on their hair wet or leave it wet and the scalp then peels.  This is the most common reason, many think it’s only because of dry scalp but it isn’t always the case.  This SHAMPOO is a miracle worker.  Wether you have dry or oily dandruff , it will get the job done!  Think of you skin underneath a band-aid that has gotten wet, the skin starts to peel because of the trapped moisture, this is the same with your scalp.  Try drying it a bit or at least along the scalp to rid this problem.  If you are not doing this, and you have dry dandruff, this shampoo will help balance the pH levels out and still work for you.  It is also color safe.

How do I get rid of oily looking hair?

Clarify once a week at least with this CLARIFYING shampoo.  If you are super oily you can do this twice a week but keep in mind it does clarify.  Also never condition your scalp area, only the mid shaft and down.  This will help too.  You need to get rid of the buildup on the hair to help this problem.

How do I get my stick straight hair to hold curl?

This is tricky, I always suggest spraying the hair BEFORE you curl with this exact HAIRSPRAY.  It is light and has a nice pliable hold, and firm.  Also take small sections to curl and rotate the direction of the curls every section.  Let the curls set and cool before you even touch them.  Also apply a light mouse or styling product on your hair before you blow dry it.  I like this VOLUMIZING SPRAY and this MOUSSE.  Once curled and set , spray again with that same HAIRSPRAY.  Also you may need to size down to a one inch barrel or even 3/4 inch.  It helps hold curl better if you are super fine.

I have really thick and heavy hair, what can I do to achieve more volume?

Blow dry it with a ROOT LIFTER (also a great all over volumizer) and blow dry 80% of it upside down and away from your scalp.  I also tease section by section with this TEASING COMB for added volume to straight or curled hair.  I would limit too much product and also just a light SMOOTHING CREAM on the ends if needed before you dry.  Also HAIRSPRAY as you go and not too heavy of a conditioner and avoid all leave in conditioners, they will just add to the weight.

I have shorter, bob length hair that wont hold a curl as easy because of its length, what do you suggest?

Again , as stated above, you will need to probably size down in your curling iron barrel to a 3/4 inch.  Also smaller sections and spray before and after.  Shorter hair sometimes needs the smaller iron like THIS one.

My hair is very dry and damaged and breaking off, help!?

You have heard me say this before, try a MASK or a treatment (see below, linking a few options).  Also invest in proper shampoo and conditioner that is salon friendly.  Over the counter ones generally have added alcohols and different ingredients.  You need a professional shampoo and conditioner.  I also swear by this leave in ALL IN ONE MILK spray!  This is great for all hair types but limit it to about 4 squirts to your entire hair.  You can dilute it a little if you find it heavy.  Make sure your blow dryer and tools aren’t too hot.  This is why it is so important to get a good BLOW DRYER and this one doesn’t break the bank and I use it behind the chair and at home.  Also , turn the heat down on your irons !  No need to go to 400, that is how hot a frying pan is when you fry and egg!  Imagine your poor hair!  If you flat-iron, protect it with this lightweight FLAT IRON SPRAY.  This doesn’t work for curls because it has a layer of silicone in it to protect the hair it wont allow the curling iron to curl it.  It is also a SHINE spray so you could use it for added shine to finish ANY look.

What can I use safely at home to help rid brassy tones?

Once your desired color level is reached, to maintain the neutral tones, I love this purple SHAMPOO for blondes, and this one for BRUNETTES.  It can be a little drying so be sure to moisturize , I love to follow-up with this MASK on my hair.  I like to shampoo first and let it sit for a few minutes and then allow the mask to sit for the remainder of my shower.

I have static like crazy!  What can I do?

This is usually caused from lack of moisturize or super dry environments.  A little hack is to add moisture anywhere you can , and a bounce sheet!  Yup , rub it over the hair and its gone.  I also suggest stuffing your coat sleeves with them and keeping jackets away from heat vents in dry months.  You can also keep a bounce sheet in your purse for on the go.

What are you favorite products for curly hair?

Some of my favorite Hair Masks for all hair types:

Here are a few shampoo and conditioners for all hair types: