The Ultimate Guide to Hair Care Between Salon Visits

Between salon appointments, it's easy to feel like your hair loses its shine, strength, or style — especially when many of us deal with fine, frizz-prone hair and hard water. But don’t worry! With a few simple tweaks to your routine, you can keep your hair looking fresh, healthy, and salon-worthy every day.

Here’s our expert-approved guide to taking care of your hair between salon visits — tailored especially for Irish hair types and those tricky hard water issues.

1. Know Your Hair Type – and Treat It Right

Knowing your hair type is the cornerstone of effective hair care. Each hair type has unique characteristics that require specific treatments and products to ensure optimal health and appearance. Let's explore the different hair types and how best to care for them.

• Fine Hair: Avoid heavy products that can weigh it down. Use volumising shampoos and dry shampoos sparingly to maintain body.
• Curly or Wavy Hair: Hydration is key. Opt for sulfate-free shampoos and deep condition regularly.
• Coloured Hair: Use colour-protecting shampoos and avoid washing too frequently — two to three times a week is ideal.
  
  

💡Salon Tip: Ask your stylist which products suit your exact hair type — many professional salon brands offer tailored solutions that go far beyond supermarket shelves.

2. Fight Back Against Hard Water Damage

Hard water is a hidden hair saboteur — and it’s a common issue across many parts of Ireland. It can leave your hair feeling dry, dull, and more prone to breakage.

How to protect your hair from hard water:

• Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove mineral buildup.
• Install a shower filter – these are surprisingly affordable and make a big difference
• Deep condition weekly to restore moisture stripped by mineral-heavy water.
  
  

💧 Pro Tip: Look for ingredients like chelating agents (EDTA or citric acid) in your shampoo — they help break down mineral buildup.

3. Master the Blow-Dry (and Make It Last!)

Want that just-left-the-salon look every day? Here’s how to get the most from your at-home blow dry:

• Use a heat protectant every time you apply heat.
• Blow-dry in sections, using a round brush for bounce and shape.
• Finish with a cool shot to lock in style and reduce frizz.
  
  

🪞 Insider Trick: Invest in a silk pillowcase — it reduces friction while you sleep, meaning smoother hair and a longer-lasting blow dry.

4. Stretch Out the Time Between Washes

Washing your hair too often can strip natural oils and fade colour faster. Instead:

• Use a good dry shampoo to absorb oil and add volume on day 2 or 3.
• Try styles like loose braids, buns, or half-up looks to disguise second (or third!) day hair.
• If your scalp gets oily, use a scalp scrub once a week to keep things balanced.
  
  

5. Don’t Skip Regular Trims – Even If You’re Growing It Out

Split ends travel up the hair shaft and lead to breakage — making your hair actually look shorter and more damaged over time. We recommend:

✂️ Getting a trim every 6–8 weeks to keep hair healthy, strong, and growing beautifully.

6. Stock Up on Salon-Grade Products

Not all products are created equal. Supermarket brands might seem budget-friendly, but many are loaded with sulfates, silicones, and drying alcohols. Your hair deserves better!

✨ At Mary Quinlan Hair, we stock brands formulated to protect hair, preserve colour, and support healthy growth.

Final Thoughts

Need help finding the perfect products for your hair type? Pop into the salon and we’ll be happy to match you with the right ones.