Throughout 2023, we’ve kept consistent with our blog content! From West Kelowna hair care tips to current trends, we hope that this year’s blog posts have been insightful. With 2024 on the horizon, we thought it would be best to continue with our tradition of writing a year-end recap of all of the content we wrote for our blog in 2023! This way, you can catch up on any missed content, and get a jump start on your new year’s hair care resolutions. Follow along below to read this year’s blog recap!

Rewind to Winter and Fall Blog Content in 2023

Jan – 2023 Hair Care Resolutions

What better time than now to start thinking about hair care goals for the new year? Check out this article that we wrote in January of 2023 for some inspiration about what kinds of hair care resolutions you’d like to set in the new year. 

Feb – Hairstylists West Kelowna On: Hair Damage

Often, the most basic elements of your hair care regimen can drastically affect the health of your hair. In this article, we shed some light on how to prevent hair damage by showing you the areas where people go wrong when taking care of their locks.

Mar – Why You Should Entrust Bottega Hairstylists

Did you know that not every stylist or esthetician that you visit in B.C. will be licensed? In this article, we delved deeper into the hairdressing industry in B.C. and explained why you should choose Bottega for your next hair/beauty appointment!

Apr – Bottega Now Offers Hair Extension Services

In April we revealed that our salon would finally be offering hair extension services! Check out this post to find out more about pricing, process, and extension services. Look no further than Bottega for your 2024 extension installs!

May – How to Protect Your Hair From Chlorine?

Going somewhere tropical this winter? If you are, a) jealous. And, b) we recommend giving this article a read. In this post, we go over all of the ways that you can protect your hair from chlorine! This way you come back from your vacation sans green locks. 

What West Kelowna Hair Care Content Was on our Blog During the Spring and Summer?

Jun – Summer Hair Care in West Kelowna: Top Tips!

Again, those of you headed somewhere warm this winter should consider brushing up on our summer hair care content. Check out this post to find out how to ensure your hair stays thriving in a hot climate!

Jul – Pros and Cons of Hair Extensions in West Kelowna (Part 1)

To help you decide on the right hair extensions, we started a two-part series in July that provided our readers with information about the pros and cons of different types of extensions that we offer. In this post, we focused on Tape-ins and Keratin bonds.

Aug – Pros and Cons of West Kelowna Hair Extensions (Part 2)

In this continuation of July’s blog post, we wrote all about the pros and cons of sew-in wefts and I-tip extensions. Check it out to see which extensions are best suited for your lifestyle. 

Sept – How to Curl Short Hair? Tips From a Hair Stylist in West Kelowna! 

If you have short hair and are looking for some tips on curling your locks, we’ve got you covered! In this article, one of our stylists provided a step-by-step process for curling short hair. 

Oct – Unveiling Our Ask a Stylist Forum!

If you’ve been keeping up with our blog, then you would know that in October we released our “Ask a Stylist” forum! In this article, we explained how the forum works and what you can expect. Check it out and leave some questions for us to answer in 2024!

Nov – Why Get Regular Haircuts at Our Salon in West Kelowna?

The simplest way to achieve healthy hair is by getting regular haircuts. In this article, we went over the benefits of receiving a haircut at our salon in West Kelowna regularly. 

Contact us Today!

We want to thank everyone for an awesome third year at Bottega Salon! We hope that you found this year’s blog content helpful. As always, be sure to contact us if you have any questions, or to book an appointment. We look forward to seeing you in the salon in the new year. Don’t forget to submit your New Year’s hair care questions to our “Ask a Stylist” forum.  Moreover, be sure to check back next month for more hair content and visit our social media here. Happy holidays!

Keeping your hair in a healthy state is an important part in making sure your hair looks its best! Hair is an essential part of who we are as human beings. It represents our personalities, shows off our interests, and sets us apart from others. But, in order to keep our hair in a healthy condition, it’s crucial that we do more than just style and wash our locks.  The simplest way to achieve healthy hair is by getting regular haircuts. Having a cut or trim every six to eight weeks is a great way to prevent breakage. In this article, we will be going over the benefits of receiving a haircut at our salon in West Kelowna on a regular basis. Follow along below to learn more!

Benefits of Regular Haircuts at a Salon in West Kelowna

  1. Minimize/Prevent Damage

By having your hair cut on a regular basis, you will do wonders for the health of your hair. Trimming your locks every few weeks will keep split ends at bay and improve your cuticles. In turn, this will create a better, healthier hair texture. Avoiding regular haircuts can cause your hair to thin due to split end issues. This is hard to repair once the damage is done. So, keep your hair shiny and full with routine trims. 

  1. Increase Growth

Letting a stylist chop off some of your hair every now and then is actually a great way to boost hair growth. While it may seem counterintuitive, cutting off the damaged parts of your hair will make room for more healthy growth. Of course, it is still important that you wash and moisturize your scalp. However, if you’ve been wanting your hair to grow, a regular trim might be the secret to achieving your desired length! Visit one of our stylists in West Kelowna for more information about hair growth.

  1. Maintain Style and Length

Another benefit of having your hair cut often is that you get to maintain a specific style and length. If you have bangs, you’ll know that getting your hair trimmed often is essential in maintaining the style. Furthermore, for those with layered hair, having regular cuts is a much-needed part of retaining the layers. A regular haircut can also be of benefit for those with short hair so that they can preserve the perfect length!

Additional Perks of Regular Salon Visits

  1. Your Hair is Easier to Manage

Going to the salon for a regular trim makes it much easier to manage. Detangling your hair becomes that much simpler when your hair is even and strong. Take back those precious minutes you spend detangling your hair and spend them on something you enjoy. In addition to easier detangling, healthy hair is also less frizzy, smoother, and responds better to styling. Simply cutting your hair on a frequent basis can make your morning routine that much more effortless. 

  1. It’s a Form of Self-Care

Visiting the salon is a great way to incorporate self-care into your routine. Hair is a large part of people’s confidence – no matter what gender you identify as. For centuries, hair has been a primary way that humans express their personality. According to an article by Healthline, our hair has a direct impact on our mental well-being. It is thought that bad hair can impact our mood because of the way it changes how we perceive ourselves. If this sounds like something you can relate to, it might be worth it to invest in your hair. We wrote all about haircare as a form of self-care in a blog post last year, and we encourage you to check it out!

  1. Chat With Your Stylist(s)

One of the best parts of visiting the salon is that you get to chat with your stylists. Whether you want to gossip about your neighbour or ask us questions about your hair routine, we’re here to listen. And, we are happy to give you our professional opinion about the best ways to style, care for, and treat your locks! 

Contact me Today!

Making time for a haircut can be difficult. However, adding this task to your routine can make a world of difference in your confidence and the health of your hair. If you’re looking to get your hair styled at our salon in West Kelowna, contact us today to book your appointment! For more information about the types of services that we offer, visit our services page.

For the months to come, Bottega stylists will be answering your most pressing hair styling questions via a forum called “Ask a Stylist”. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in being a part of, keep an eye out over the next couple of weeks. Our Ask-a-Stylist forum will allow all of our clients and readers to get the hair knowledge they’re looking for from a reliable source! Simply submit a question to the forum and we will do our best to answer these questions on social media and in our blog! So, make sure you’re keeping up with our socials. We look forward to answering your questions soon. 

If you’ve been keeping up with our blog, then you would know that we have been in the process of creating an “Ask a Stylist” forum! This forum is going to serve as a channel for all of your most pressing hair and beauty questions. Our expert stylists are ready to inform you about what it takes to achieve the hair of your dreams. At Bottega Salon, we believe that your hair is more than a physical appearance; it’s also a reflection of your personality and unique style. If you want to make 2024 your best hair year yet, then we encourage you to participate in the forum! In this article, we will be going over some details about how the forum works and what you can expect. Follow along below to learn more!

How Does Our Ask a Stylist Forum Work?

Our Ask a Stylist forum is a page on our website that any of our clients or online visitors can access. We wanted to ensure total accessibility so that anyone is able to submit a question to be answered by our team of experts—regardless of your geographical location. Those who want to submit a question can visit this page and use the contact form to provide their inquiry. We will do our very best to get to every question. However, only the best questions will be answered in our monthly blog posts! We hope that you find this forum a fun and interactive way to connect with us about your hair needs. This collaborative space fosters a supportive environment where you can ask questions, receive personalized advice, and connect with a like-minded community!

What Can You Expect From Our End?

  1. Expert Advice

When you submit a question to our forum, you can rest assured that our stylists are going to answer with the most relevant information. Our team is comprised of highly qualified stylists—two of whom are Red Seal certified. Whether you are looking for info about the latest trends or want to find a healthier hair routine, we are ready to guide you!  At Bottega, we believe that your hair deserves the very best, and that is what we intend to provide. 

  1. Tailored Guidance 

Everyone’s hair is different, and we recognize this. No two people are going to share the same hair experience. Because of this, we do our very best to ensure that our responses and recommendations are specific to each hair type, texture and lifestyle. Kiss those generic solutions goodbye and give a warm welcome to our tailored guidance!

  1. Instructive Resources

Finding reliable haircare resources online can be tricky. Especially, given the information overload present on the Internet. Thankfully, with our new forum, you’ll have a place to visit where you’re guaranteed to find instructive and educational information about all things hair. From articles to guides, we’re committed to providing you with everything you need to understand the science behind hair care. 

Contact us or Drop a Message on the Forum Now!

If you want to learn more about our Ask a Stylist page, we encourage you to contact us today! We are so excited to start engaging with your questions and providing you with our feedback. Ready to get involved? Then what are you waiting for? Submit your questions to our forum today so that they can be answered in the next blog post. As always, if you’re looking to get your hair styled at our salon in West Kelowna, contact us today to book your appointment! For more information about the types of services that we offer, visit our services page. We look forward to interacting with you soon!

For many people, curling their hair can be a challenge—one that is only made more difficult by the texture and length of our locks. If you’re a short-haired human who’s looking for some tips on curling your short hair, we’ve got you covered! It can be hard to curl shorter hair, but with the right tips and tricks, it can be easy. Rocking curls of your own can give the illusion of thicker, fuller hair! In this article, one of our hair stylists in West Kelowna will take you step-by-step through the process of curling short hair. Follow along below to learn more!

Hair Stylist in West Kelowna Goes Over Curling Short Hair (Steps 1-4)

  1. Start With Clean Hair

In order to get the best results, it’s a good idea to start with freshly washed locks. Styling with dirty or unwashed hair can prevent the curls from looking their best. If your hair is oily, your curls will likely begin to unravel and won’t hold their shape as well. Once you’ve washed your hair, be sure to let it dry before styling. 

  1. Use Your Favourite Heat Protectant

For heat-styled curls, you will need to use a heat protectant. We’ve said it once, and we will say it again, heat protectant is a step you cannot skip! Our stylists can recommend a number of different heat protectants if you’re not sure what to use. By using heat protectant you will preserve the health and longevity of your hair.

  1. Section Your Locks

Now that you have cleaned your hair and applied your favourite heat protectant, it’s time to section off your hair. Sectioning your hair will help achieve better volume, evenness, and overall consistency. You can section off your hair by using hair clips, bobby pins, or elastic bands. The smaller the sections you create, the better. 

  1. Choose Your Favourite Curling Tool

Next, you’ll want to determine what kind of curl you are trying to achieve. Curling wands, curling irons, and flat irons are the most common choices for curling your hair. Curling wands and irons are flexible options for those with short hair. This is because they often come in a variety of barrel sizes. Thus, helping you achieve different looks. Bigger barrels are good for beachy waves, and smaller barrels are good for tight curls. Additionally, both tools are very easy to use. By comparison, a flat iron has a slight learning curve in order to achieve the same kind of style.

Curling Short Hair Continued (Steps 5-7)

  1. Methods for Curling

Before you start to curl, you need to know what temperature to set your heat tool. For those with finer, delicate hair, set your device to a maximum of 200 degrees Fahrenheit. For those with thicker, coarser hair, 200-300 degrees Fahrenheit should do the trick! Once you start curling your hair, try to keep the heat on for the least amount of time. When you’re ready to release your hair from the curler, hold the curl against your head for a few seconds until the hair becomes cool. This will help the curl set. Once you’re done, you can spray your hair with hairspray (for longer-lasting curls) and brush through the curls with a paddle brush or your fingers to give a more effortless look. 

  1. Heatless Methods

If you don’t want to damage your hair with heat, we hear you! Heatless styling is a much healthier option anyway. The only downside is that heatless curls usually take several hours or overnight before they are ready. For most heatless styles, it is good to have damp hair. So, spray your hair with some water or let it partially air dry after your shower before beginning. Once you’re ready, start sectioning off your locks. Then you can braid, twist, use rollers, or try sock curls for different results. After six to eight hours you should be ready to go! Heatless styles are great time savers for the morning. 

  1. Styling and Finishing Touches

Once you’ve achieved the curls of your dreams, it’s time to style. Using additional products like hairspray or salt spray can help them hold their shape all day long. Talk with your stylist about what kind of products you should put in your hair after curling!

Contact a Hair Stylist in West Kelowna! 

Curling short hair can be tricky. Especially, if don’t have a lot of practice. If you’re looking to get your hair styled by a professional hair stylist in West Kelowna, contact us today to book your appointment! For more information about the types of services that we offer, visit our services page.

For the months to come, Bottega stylists will be answering your most pressing hair styling questions via a forum called “Ask a Stylist”. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in being a part of, keep an eye out over the next couple of weeks. Our Ask-a-Stylist forum will allow all of our clients and readers to get the hair knowledge they’re looking for from a reliable source! Simply submit a question to the forum and we will do our best to answer these questions on social media and in our blog! So, make sure you’re keeping up with our socials. We look forward to answering your questions soon. 

As some of you may know, Bottega has recently begun offering hair extension services! If you’re thinking about getting West Kelowna hair extensions, there are a few things you should know before booking your appointment. Hair extensions can be costly, so it’s important to carefully consider your decision. Furthermore, it is equally important that you pick the right type of extensions for your lifestyle. To help you out, we created a two-part series that provides you with information about the pros and cons of the different types of extensions that we offer. We wrote part one last month, and it covers all you need to know about tape-ins and keratin bonds. Keep on reading below to discover part two of our hair extension information series!

Pros and Cons of Sew-In West Kelowna Hair Extensions

Sew-in wefts require no heat, chemicals or adhesives to achieve the highest coverage! To install wefts, they are sewn onto a beaded foundation that is created with your natural hair. At Bottega, we offer two kinds of sew-in wefts: volume wefts and hand-tied wefts.

Pros:

  • Sew-in wefts are very gentle on your hair if done correctly. Compared to other hair extension methods, they don’t need any heat, chemicals or adhesives to apply the extensions to your hair. This makes them a safe option for those who are worried about damaging their natural locks. 
  • Another pro of sew-in wefts is that many clients find them very comfortable and versatile. Similar to keratin bond extensions, sew-ins allow you to style your extensions in a number of ways without worrying about having them show. 
  • Additionally, sew-ins can be worn in the water which allows clients to continue to live their normal lifestyle without needing to avoid the things that they love most. 
  • Finally, sew-ins allow clients to reuse the hair that they purchase for up to one year if properly taken care of. This is a big advantage compared to other extensions which require that you have new hair at each reapplication. 

Cons: 

  • While many people find that sew-ins are very comfortable, they can cause pain and headaches if they are sewn in too tightly. This can also weaken your roots and eventually can lead to hair loss. 
  • Sew-ins are not ideal for those with thin or fine hair. 
  • Hand-tied wefts can be more expensive than other extension methods available. 
  • Like many other hair extension methods, sew-ins can be difficult to wash since your natural hair is in braids while the extensions are in. 
  • Sew-in hair extensions can take a long time to install. 
West-Kelowna-Hair-Extensions

Pros and Cons of I-Tip Extensions

I-Tips which are also known as microbeads are an individual bond method. They are installed by clamping an extension strand (it’s actually a small bundle, not one strand of hair) and a small section of your natural hair inside a silicone-lined or micro-lock bead. The extension is tipped with polyurethane, creating a cushion of protection for your natural hair inside the bead.

Pros: 

  • I-Tip extensions are good for people with thin or fine hair since each I-Tip extension is rather lightweight. Additionally, it will be concealed well in any type of hair because of the small size of the tip. 
  • Unlike other extensions, there is no heat or glue needed to install I-Tips. This means minimal damage to your natural hair. 
  • I-Tips are great for those who like to wear their hair in up-dos.
  • These extensions are ideal for people who want to fill in thin areas of their hair or add volume. 
  • I-Tips work well for people who are looking to get highlights or pops of colour in their hair without dying their natural locks.

Cons:

  • For the first little while, I-Tips can be very itchy and uncomfortable. This usually lasts for about 2 weeks after the initial installation. 
  • You have to be extremely careful when washing and brushing your hair with I-Tips. It is important to avoid tugging or scratching at the bead. This can make hair maintenance very tedious. 
  • You need to have I-Tips reinstalled on a regular basis otherwise the beads will begin to show. 

Bottega Has A Special Announcement!

Hair extensions can be tricky to navigate. Especially, if you’ve never had them before. If you’re looking to get West Kelowna hair extensions installed, contact us today to book your consultation appointment! For more information about the types of extensions that we offer, visit our extensions page!

For the months to come, Bottega stylists will be answering your most pressing hair styling questions via a forum called “Ask a Stylist”. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in being a part of, keep an eye out over the next couple of weeks. Our Ask-a-Stylist forum will allow all of our clients and readers to get the hair knowledge they’re looking for from a reliable source! Simply submit a question to the forum and we will do our best to answer these questions on social media and in our blog! So, make sure you’re keeping up with our socials. We look forward to answering your questions soon. 

As some of you may know, Bottega has recently begun offering hair extension services! If you’re thinking about getting hair extensions in West Kelowna, there are a few things you should know before taking the plunge. Hair extensions aren’t cheap, so it’s important to carefully consider your decision. In addition to this, it is equally important that you pick the right type of extensions for your life. To help you out, we’ve started a two-part series that provides you with information about the pros and cons of the different types of extensions that we offer. Keep on reading below to discover what type of extensions are best for you!

Pros and Cons of Tape-In Hair Extensions in West Kelowna

Tape-ins are a high-coverage hair extension method. They are installed by sandwiching a section of natural hair between two pieces of taped extensions. Those with finer hair have the option of using a single-sided extension.

Pros: 

  • Tape-in extensions usually take less time to apply than other extension methods. So, they are perfect for those who don’t want to spend hours at the salon but still want to have gorgeously thick, long hair. 
  • Another benefit to tape-in extensions is that they lie flat on your head, which reduces the amount of strain and discomfort that can sometimes be felt with other extensions. Since the weight is better distributed they can feel lighter on your scalp!
  • Finally, tape-in extensions are incredibly discreet due to the fact that they lay so flat on your head. This helps the extensions blend seamlessly into your hair and provides a more natural look. 

Cons:

  • Those who choose to get tape-ins will need to use special adhesives and solvents to apply/remove the extensions. These sorts of products can cause damage to your existing locks.
  • Tape-in extensions are prone to slipping, folding and matting which can result in hair loss. This is especially true when tape-ins are worn for prolonged periods of time. 
  • Often, those with tape-ins find them very restrictive. It is advised that people who have tape-in extensions do not get them wet for long periods of time. This means little to no swimming, and could potentially mean not working out. If you do choose to participate in these activities while having tape-ins, it’s important to dry them right away!
  • Another downside to tape-ins is that they aren’t up-do friendly. If you love wearing your hair up, then tape-ins are probably not the best option for you. 
hair-extensions-in-west-Kelowna

Pros and Cons of Keratin Bond Extensions

Fusion bonds are keratin protein-based tips with added silicone to act as a barrier which protects the natural hair when bonded around it. Installation involves using a low-heat tool to soften the keratin and form the bond around the natural hair. 

Pros:

  • Keratin bond extensions allow you to style your hair however you choose. Whether that be up, down, or half and half!
  • Another great pro to keratin bond extensions is that they are durable and long-lasting. With the right care and maintenance, keratin extensions can last for months.
  • Lastly, keratin extensions are extremely discreet since the bonds are hard to spot in your natural hair. This means that no matter what kind of style your hair is in, it will appear natural. 

Cons:

  • Keratin bonds take a long time to apply. If you hate being in the salon for hours, then keratin bonds probably aren’t the right choice for you.
  • Another downside to keratin bonds is that they are often said to be uncomfortable after the initial application. Many say that this discomfort does subside after a few days, however. 
  • Unlike other hair extension methods, there is absolutely no way that you can finagle keratin bonds out of your own hair. You definitely will require a skilled professional in order to remove them. If you do try to remove them yourself, you will likely cause a serious amount of damage to your hair and scalp. 
  • With some extension methods, you are able to reuse the hair each time your extensions get moved up or changed out. However, with keratin extensions, you need to have new hair for each install!

Contact us Today!

Hair extensions can be tricky to navigate. Especially, if you’ve never had them before. If you want hair extensions in West Kelowna installed, contact us today to book your consultation appointment! For more information about the types of extensions that we offer, visit our extensions page! Be sure to visit our social media for the latest news and updates about our salon! We look forward to seeing you in our salon soon. 

Summer is almost here! And, the weather is heating up in the Okanagan. In fact, it’s been so warm that people are already swimming in pools and the lake to cool off. Summer in Kelowna is certainly something to get excited about, however, it can also cause a lot of damage to people’s hair. Increased exposure to sunshine, chlorine, and saltwater can leave your hair in a state of disrepair. To help minimize seasonal damage to your locks, we’ve compiled a list of our top tips for summer hair care in West Kelowna. Continue reading below to find out how you can make sure your hair stays healthy and happy all summer long!

Summer Hair Care in West Kelowna: How to Keep Your Hair Healthy in the Heat?

  1. Start By Trimming Your Hair

Before summer officially begins, it is a good idea to start with a trim. Cutting off the dead ends will help ensure that your hair feels fresher for longer. Besides freshness, getting a trim will help keep your hair strands stay stronger. This can help to prevent future damage from UV rays, chlorine, or simple wear and tear! Book your summer trim with one of our experienced stylists at Bottega Salon today.

  1. Water Care

Water damage is the most common kind of damage that our stylists see during the summer months. With so many people in pools, lakes, and oceans, it’s obvious why hair does so poorly during this season. To prevent water damage, there are a few things that you can do. For instance, wetting your hair with clean water prior to swimming, showering after swimming and wearing a swim cap. If you want to enjoy the water while keeping your hair healthy, we recommend taking some preventative measures before diving in! You can learn more about how to protect your hair from water damage in our article titled, “How to Protect Your Hair From Chlorine?”

  1. Don’t Forget Your Scalp

People often overlook the scalp when they think about hair care. When it comes to swimming, your scalp is just as important as the strands of hair growing from it. Chlorine and salt water can easily get trapped in your roots which can cause blockages. In turn, this can end up limiting or preventing hair growth. To avoid build-up in your scalp during the summer, include a scalp scrub in your seasonal routine. These are designed to get rid of dirt and grime that has built up over time. In addition, scalp scrubs have been known to promote hair growth and nourish the skin.

More Tips!

  1. Use Products With UV Protection

You may know about the importance of using sunscreen to protect against harmful UV rays. But, did you know that your hair also requires UV protection? If not, we’re here to tell you about it! When spending lots of time in the sunshine it’s a good idea to apply a product with UV protection to your hair. Too much exposure to the sun can cause similar damage to your scalp as it would your face. If you don’t want to buy another product, consider using a physical barrier like a hat or bandana to keep the sun off of your hair. 

  1. Minimize the Use of Heat Tools

The summer in Kelowna is hot enough as it is. So why burn your hair more with heat tools? During the summer months, it is best to avoid heat tools whenever possible. The additional heat can cause frizzy, dry and brittle locks that are more susceptible to damage. If you must use a heat tool, keep the temperature to a minimum and be sure to use a heat protectant! Otherwise, stick to heatless styles like roller curls, waves from braids, or leave your hair natural. There is tons of heatless hair inspo circulating the Internet right now, so take advantage! 

  1. Stay Hydrated

You’ve heard it once, but we will say it again: stay hyrdated! Hair health during the summer has a large part to do with how hydrated you are. Not only is water essential for your overall health, it is also necessary in maintaining those luscious locks. Especially during the Okanagan heat! Try your best to drink at least 2-3 litres of water per day and eat nourishing foods for maximal hair growth/health. 

Contact us Today

Contact us today for more information on how to protect your hair during the summer. Feel free to reach out to one of our West Kelowna hair stylists with any questions you may have about your hair or our salon! Bottega has a range of beauty services to ensure all of your hair needs are taken care of. Check out our social media for the latest updates and events! We look forward to seeing you at our salon soon! 

Pool season is right around the corner! If you are looking for hair stylist advice Kelowna, you’ve come to the right place. For those with plans of being in a pool all summer long, you’ve come to the right place. It can be hard to maintain your luscious locks while still being able to enjoy the refreshing bath that a pool provides. Chlorine damage is a big problem that we often see with our clients during the summer months. Especially, with those who use a pool on the daily. However, if you want to keep your hair from being chlorine damaged and still enjoy your daily swim, there are a few things that you can do. In this article, we will be going over all of the ways that you can protect your hair from chlorine this summer. Follow along below to learn more. 

How Does Chlorine Damage Your Hair? What are the Signs of Chlorine Damage?

Water with chlorine can take a toll on your gorgeous locks. The chemicals that form chlorine have a tendency to dry out your hair which leaves it weak and brittle. In turn, causing lots of breakages and sometimes discolouration. Most of our tap water contains chlorine, but there is usually not enough of it to cause noticeable damage. But, the amount of chlorine in pools can have seriously harmful effects on both your hair and skin. 

Chlorine is necessary in pools because it helps kill bacteria and keep the water clean for swimming. If you go in chlorinated water every now and again your likely hair won’t suffer any damage. But, the more frequently you visit the pool, the more risk you have of ruining your hair.  Some of the effects that chlorine can have on your hair include:

  1. Cracking and Splitting
  2. Removal of Natural Oils (Sebum)
  3. Changing Your Hair Colour
  4. Weakened Structure → More Split Ends

In addition to this, those who have the following types of hair are more likely to experience damage from chlorine than others:

  1. Thin or Fine Hair
  2. Coloured Hair
  3. Bleached Hair
  4. Dry Hair
  5. Already Damaged Hair 
  6. Blonde Hair

Regardless of your type of hair or how often you swim in the pool, it is important to know how to protect your hair from chlorine damage. These tips can also help for those who spend lots of time in saltwater, like the ocean. 

Kelowna hair stylist advice

How to Keep Your Hair Healthy with Increased Exposure to Chlorine?

  1. Wet Your Hair Before and After Swimming

There’s a reason that as a kid you were told to shower before and after swimming. This is an important step that ensures your hair is protected and your body is clean before entering the pool. By wetting your hair prior to swimming in chlorine, your hair strands absorb the clean water which minimizes the amount of chlorine your hair can soak up. Then, once you’re done swimming it’s always a good idea to rinse your body and hair with clean water. 

  1. Apply Natural Oils to Your Hair

If you frequent the pool, it may be a good idea to add some natural oils to your hair. Coconut oil and olive oil are common choices that can help prevent chlorine damage. This is because they act as a protective barrier so that chlorine and other chemicals aren’t as easily absorbed. 

  1. Buy a Swim Spray

Swim sprays have long been used by pro swimmers and those who spend lots of time in the water. They’re also a common purchase among blondes since blonde hair tends to be more susceptible to the green side effect of chlorine damage.

  1. Wear a Swim Cap

While It might not be the most attractive solution, it’s certainly effective. Swim caps are a standard garment for competitive athletes that promote aerodynamics and prevent chlorinated water from reaching your hair. Wet your hair prior to putting on a swim cap for easier application. 

  1. Put Your Hair Up

If your hair is super long, you may want to consider putting it up before taking a swim. By placing your hair in a braid, bun, or ponytail before swimming, you can help minimize the contact that your hair makes with the water. This tactic isn’t the most effective, but it’s better than nothing!

Contact us Today for More Hair Stylist Advice Kelowna!

Contact us today for more information on how to protect your hair from chlorine and saltwater damage. Feel free to reach out to one of our West Kelowna hair stylists with any questions you may have about your hair or our salon! Bottega has a range of beauty services to ensure all of your hair needs are taken care of. Be sure to check out our social media for the latest updates and events! We look forward to seeing you at our salon soon!

It’s been a long time coming, but BOTTEGA is finally offering hair extension services! If you are looking for a great salon to install your extensions, look no further than BOTTEGA. We will be offering hair extensions from Bellami, Babe, and Hotheads. All of which are 100% human, Remy hair. If you are curious about pricing, process, and additional extension services continue reading this article!

General Information

The cost of hair extensions varies depending on the length, brand, and type of extensions. Clients can choose between straight or wavy hair in many different lengths between 14’’ and 24’’. For those who want hair between the lengths of 26’’ to 40’’, it will need to be custom ordered. 

It should be noted that 50% of the extension service fee will be required to book an installation appointment and order hair extensions. The time it takes to install extensions will be dependent on the method and amount of hair being installed. 

At Bottega, we don’t recommend that clients get bump up’s. As such we will not perform bump up’s on any hair that is damaged or weak. However, we do offer them in select cases. The cost for this service is determined by the extension method. 

Besides installation, BOTTEGA will also be offering other extension services. For instance:

  • A hair wash and scalp treatment with a blow dry and style ($60)
  • Weft and Extension Malibu C Replenish Masque for take-home ($11) or in-salon treatment during installation ($30)
  • Custom colour matching (consultation required)

Sew in Wefts

Sew-in wefts require no heat, chemicals, or adhesives to achieve the highest coverage! This makes them ideal for clients with thick hair. Wefts are great for adding volume and length without causing lots of damage. To install wefts, they are sewn onto a beaded foundation that is created with your natural hair. In addition, wefts lay flat on the head and can be matched to almost any thickness of hair. However, with this in mind, they aren’t ideal for those with thin or fine hair. 

At Bottega, we offer two kinds of sew-in wefts: volume wefts and hand-tied wefts. Volume wefts are machine-tied wefts that can be double or triple-stacked and staggered for volume, length, and discreteness. On the other hand, hand-tied wefts are the best when it comes to being discreet, lightweight, moveable, and comfortable. Hand-tied wefts are done in single layers that can be stacked for volume and length.

Sew-in wefts need to be re-applied every 6-9 weeks. This means removing old extensions and reinstalling a new beaded base in a slightly different location to protect the integrity of the natural hair. Reapplying in this way prevents damage and matting that can happen with bump up’s/move up’s. Clients with sew in’s will be able to reuse extension hair 3-5 times or 10 months to 1 year, with proper care. 

Sew in Weft Pricing? Check out our services page here!

I-Tips or Microbeads

I-Tips which are also known as microbeads are an individual bond method. They are installed by clamping an extension strand (it’s actually a small bundle, not one strand of hair) and a small section of your natural hair inside a silicone-lined or micro-lock bead. The extension is tipped with polyurethane, creating a cushion of protection for your natural hair inside the bead.

Microbeads allow for movement in the hair and are good for those who wear lots of up-dos. I-Tips are versatile since they can be used by any hair type to add length, and volume, fill in thin areas, or add pops of colour!

I-Tips need to be re-applied every 6-9 weeks. This means removing old extensions and reinstalling a new bead and extension in a slightly different location to protect the integrity of the natural hair. Reapplying in this way prevents damage and matting that can happen with bump up’s/move up’s. 

I-Tips Pricing? Learn more about pricing for I-Tips here!

Tape-Ins

Tape-ins are a high-coverage hair extension method. They are installed by sandwiching a section of natural hair between two pieces of taped extensions. Clients with finer hair have the option of using a single-sided extension. Tape-ins will lay extremely flat to the head and are highly discreet. 

It should be noted that extensions must be removed and reinstalled every 6-8 weeks. This involves the removal and re-installation of the taped sandwiches in a slightly different location to protect the integrity of the natural hair. If hair is placed on the same base strands, it can cause damage and matting. Hair can be reused for 8-10 months with proper care.

Tape-ins Pricing? Find out more about the cost of Tape-ins here!

Fusion/ Keratin Bonds

Fusion bonds are keratin protein-based tips with added silicone to act as a barrier that protects the natural hair when bonded around it. Installation involves using a low-heat tool to soften the keratin and form the bond around the natural hair. This method is completely customizable and can be cut down into micro pieces to add volume and cover

thinning of hair. Furthermore, it allows 360-degree movement of the hair for optimal styling. 

This method lasts anywhere from 3-5 months (15-22 weeks) depending on the length and density of the hair. The hair used in this extension method is not reusable which means that new hair is needed every install!

Fusion/Keratin Bonds Pricing? Pricing for Fusion/Keratin Bonds can be found here!

Contact us and Learn More About How Much Hair Extensions Cost in Kelowna!

Hair extensions can be tricky to navigate. Especially, if you’ve never had them before. If you’re looking to get extensions installed contact us today to book your consultation appointment! For more information about types of extensions and their respective pros and cons, check out this article we did in the past! We look forward to seeing you in our salon soon. 

In British Columbia, the beauty industry is deregulated. This means that not every stylist or esthetician that you visit in B.C. will be licensed. In fact, there is no law in B.C. that states that stylists working at a salon need to have any sort of education or experience. Instead, it is up to the owner of the salon to ensure that their staff has sufficient knowledge and training. Comparatively, all other provinces in Canada require that hair stylists are licensed. This means they must receive an education and pass the licensing requirements in their province in order to work as a hairdresser. In this article, we will be delving deeper into the hairdressing industry in B.C. and explaining why you should choose Bottega for your next hair/beauty appointment!

Follow along below to learn more.

Hairdressing in B.C.

In B.C. no one is required to have any certification to do any hair or esthetic service. Shocking, yes, B.C. is the only province that is unregulated. The province used to be regulated and beauty salons were required to have health and safety inspections like any other business. However, in 2003, the government deregulated the beauty industry. Thus, allowing anyone (license or not) to provide hairdressing or esthetic services across the province. Unlike B.C., the rest of Canada is fully regulated. In all other places in the nation, you must have Trade Certification to be able to do hair, either as an Apprentice, Journeyman (Certificate of Qualification), or Red Seal (internationally recognized). It should be noted that not all hairdressers that went to hair school and hold hair school certificates are Trade Certified!

Most employers of beauty businesses in B.C. require employees to have a certificate of completion from a recognized cosmetology school. Although, it’s hard to say whether a salon has licensed employees. This is because the government does not regulate this in any way. Furthermore, since beauty salons are not regulated by the provincial government, not all establishments will undergo health and safety inspections. Despite this, Interior Health does provide a list of requirements for hair salons to follow regarding health and safety.  

At Bottega, we have three stylists that have certificates from Hair Schools, and they will be going for their Certificate of Qualification (journeyman) and then going for their Red Seal Ticket. However, we also have two Red Seal Certified stylists and two Journeyman Trade Certified stylists. You can check the qualifications of our stylists on the “Meet the Stylists” page!

Why Choose Bottega?

Salons that don’t require their stylists to undergo proper training pose several risks to their clients. For instance, higher chances of infection or spreading of diseases. Moreover, there is a large possibility that an untrained stylist could damage or ruin a person’s hair. In addition to this, placing scissors, razors, and chemicals in the hands of an untrained stylist can result in serious injury. Finally, there is always the risk that you will leave the salon with a bad haircut. 

To avoid these dangers, we recommend finding a salon that is open to the training of their stylists. As we mentioned above, all of our stylists have received education and training prior to working at our salon. Moreover, our salon is clean and follows the guidelines set by Interior Health for how a salon is to be operated. This means that our clients don’t need to worry about unsanitary conditions or nightmare haircuts. Instead, they can find comfort in knowing that our qualified stylists will be able to provide them with their dream hair! Whether that’s a new colour, layers, or a different length. You’ll also be happy to know that all of our beauty room services are performed by the same, highly-qualified stylists. Enjoy a brow tint/lamination, lash tint/lamination, or brow wax stress-free. 

Book an Appointment With us Today!

Since the beauty industry is deregulated in B.C., it is important to be extra cautious when booking salon appointments in British Columbia. Contact us today for more information on the training of our stylists at Bottega. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have about your hair or our salon! Bottega has a range of beauty services to ensure all of your hair needs are taken care of. Be sure to check out our social media for the latest updates and events! We look forward to seeing you at our salon soon!