frequently asked questions
What is a Blonde Specialist?
A: A Blonde Specialist is a qualified hairdresser and colourist with many years of experience with blonde hair and bleach. Not all blondes are created equal so that’s why you need to find a colourist that specialises in blonde hair to get the best results.
They live and breathe bleach and lightening hair. Bleach can be all types of wrong in inexperienced hands. It can cause breakage or if not lightened enough, the hair can be brassy and look murky.
A Blonde Specialist has had years of training in colour and in particular, blonding hair.
Don’t leave your blonde to those without the relevant experience
Q: What products do you use in the salon?
A: Bleachdoll- Shampoo, Conditioner and Styling- Our salon signature range designed by us for our blonde clients.
Pulp Riot- Hair Colour, Bleach and Vivids
Q: Why Is pulp riot your bleach of choice?
A: We have tried many brands over the years and Pulp Riot is by far the best one we have ever used. Pulp Riot Blonde AF contains quinoa as the magical bonding protein. This doesn’t affect the colour or interfere with the lifting process to get the lightest blonde possible while leaving the hair feeling and looking healthy. With Blonde AF there is no burning and minimal irritation. Most of our clients feel nothing. Bonus!!
Q: My straightening irons are burning my hair. Help!
A: Here at Birdie we sparingly use Hair Straighteners. This is because we believe hair straighteners are not a great option for blonde hair. They can result in the toner ‘burning off’ the hair, resulting in the hair turning a warmer tone a lot quicker. Straighteners are also notorious for causing breakage of the hair, especially around the front hairline, and creating ‘antennas’ on the top of the head. If you must use a hair straightener, make sure it is sparingly (once a week is ample), turn the temperature down to 180 degrees celsius and use a heat protector on the hair.
Q: My curly hair is frizzy with lots of split ends, is this because my hairdresser uses a razor and thinning scissors?
A: Yes. Curly hair should never be razored. This causes the hair to split and go frizzy. Here at Birdie our hair stylists are trained to texturise your curly hair without razoring or thinning. We also recommend using the Bleachdoll Save My Locks Conditioning Spray for a weightless feel and to help moisturise your curls and improve elasticity.
Q: Should I get more than a day out of my Blow Dry?
A: Here at Birdie we pride ourselves on giving our clients ‘Northcote’s best Blow Dry’. Come in and see for yourself! Our Blow Dry's last a week.
Q: why don't you use chemical free colour?
A: No hair colour is chemical free. Hair colour contains chemicals and is mixed with Hydrogen Peroxide to produce a chemical reaction. The only chemical free colour is henna.
Q: Can your hairdressers cut short hair?
A: Our award winning hair cutters specialise in cutting short hair. Leasa has had short hair most of her life. We believe you must wear it to know it.
Q: What is Perfection Smoothing Treatment?
A: The Pravana Perfection system is a ‘semi permanent’ relaxation that in time fades out of the hair. This treatment will last approximately 3 months and is an excellent nourishing treatment for your hair that smooths out frizz and cuts down your daily blow dry time. This treatment is formaldehyde free.
Q: What will help give my hair body?
A: Our favourite products are Bleachdoll Island Time (Beach Spray) and Bleachdoll Boost! (Hair Powder with a puff)
Q: My vivid at home hair colour fades and is very high maintenance, what will help me?
A: We use and recommend Pulp Riot Vivids. These brights last up to 3 weeks and we can custom make a touch up conditioner for you to take home to refresh your colour. The over the counter vivids don't last as long and you run the risk of build up in certain areas. We also recommend an in salon treatment after your vivid. It locks in the colour, gives incredible shine and reduces fading so you get longer out of your vivid.
Q: I want a hairdresser that can give me silver grey hair. can you help me?
A: The silver grey trend is not for everyone so make sure you really want it. Firstly we need to bleach up the hair to palest yellow. There needs to be no warmth in the hair for the grey to work. We find the best way is to tone in the grey with a toner. These types of colours fade over time but if the hair is light enough, then the colour will fade to a vanilla blonde. Nice! If you are not sure you want to go fully grey or if you have colour build up, we suggest you try a smokey brown first to see if you like the ashy tones.
Q: Do I have to pay extra for a toner?
A: Our pricing system is based on time and amount of colour used. Some people can get away without a toner but it's pretty rare. We recommend you get a toner after all blondes unless you have an issue why you wouldn't. We would like to discuss this with you if you have any queries.
Q: Can I bring my kids to the salon with me?
A: Sure! We are happy for children to come into the salon with you as long as they do not disturb the other patrons and respect our environment.
Q.: Can I bring my dog into the salon?
A: We love all the puppies here at Birdie and like kids, they are welcome as long as they do not disturb the other patrons and you clean up after them if there are any ‘little accidents’.