We all love to express ourselves through our hair—from making it glow with color to styling it with different hair products and accessories. But sometimes we get creative to a fault that we put our hair at risk because of the tools we use, or we fail to double-check the harmful ingredients on the products we buy.

To know what’s good for our tresses, we sat down with two of PH’s top stylists Jude Hipolito and Rose Velasco of JuRo Salon Exlusif, a premium salon based in Bonifacio Global City. The duo, together with L’Oreal Professionnel, are going around the Philippines to teach different styling and coloring techniques to hairstylists all over the country. South Luzon was their first stop this year.

With over 20 years of experience, the duo boasts a solid reputation in the industry, sought after for their very personalized approach to hair styling. “We do something that is suitable for the person, something they can replicate by themselves,” says Mr. Hipolito, known for his expert precision cut. They have encountered a wide variety of hair problems—from patchy hair color to damaged hair—which, according to them, can be prevented with proper care.

We asked them to share us some advices they usually share to their clients. Check out these premium stylist-approved tips to prevent a hair disaster in the future:

Carefully choose your hair stylist

Your hairstylist is like a doctor. “You have to find the best doctor there is,” says Hipolito; someone who can manage your hair type well and style it according to your liking and lifestyle. It’s alright to be picky, and you need to be picky. Investing in a good hairstylist is a must, because it’s true that great hair can give you a positive outlook.

Remember all your past treatment history

It’s important to keep track of your past hair treatments to lessen the damage, and to know if your locks need corrective work. Aside from your stylist, it helps you to know which products work for you, and which ones don’t.

“Blackening” your hair is not advisable

Dyeing your hair black after sporting a colored hair is normal, but lightening it again after going black can be a mistake. According to Ms. Rose Velasco, expert hair colorist who mastered her craft at the prestigious Vidal Sassoon Academy, you need to seek help from a hair expert for a hair test if you’ve gone black (especially if you want it bleached). so you don’t damage your hair and scalp. Blackening your hair can result to more damage, and/or patchy hair color.

 

When ironing your hair, don’t let the iron stay for long

Hair irons should be used with caution, according to Hipolito. Never let the iron stay long in your hair, or else you’ll “fry” it. Using hair protectant products is recommended to prevent your strands from drying, especially if you regularly iron your hair. Always remember that your hair has limitations.

Check your hair product if it’s FDA-approved

FDA-approved products are guaranteed safe for the hair.

For coloring your hair, Velasco recommends using hair colors Majirel and Inoa of L’Oreal Professionnel. Not only they are safe for your hair, these products don’t contain bad fumes that would put you and your hair stylist’s health at risk.

Use the right products to target your hair and scalp problems

Using dandruff shampoos and/or treatments is a good practice for those who suffer from a flaky scalp. Same with color-treated hair, using color-treated-friendly products is a must. However, proper usage of these products should be kept in mind. According to Hipolito, dandruff shampoos dries out the hair, so it’s recommended to use it only on the scalp. You can also consult your trusted stylist on what’s best for your hair type.

No to metallic color

Metallic hair color is a big trend last year, but unfortunately, metallic dyes and henna dyes are something you should stay away from. According to Velasco, the products contain metallic salt which makes your hair brittle, and eventually damaging it in the long run.

Have a routine

Once you know what works for your hair, stick to a routine. Investing in the right products and hair stylist and can help you prevent spending more to correct your hair damage. Treat your hair as luxury!

Any hair care tips you’d like to share? Sound off below!