Ask the Experts - Carter T. Lund

Ask the Experts Banner

Educator, platform artist and salon owner Carter T. Lund of A Carter T. Lund Salon in Austin, Texas answers some of your hair questions.  

Q: My natural curls always look so fuzzy…. How can I style frizz-free coils?

It all starts with product, as you want something to help smooth yet define the curl but not make the hair too heavy. I suggest a mixture of Framesi I.dentity X.Alt, a silky texture cream, and Xs.Twist curl enhancer. These two products allow the curl to activate but also provide shine and separation. Once the mixture is worked into damp hair, take the weight off by placing your fingers into the hair, lift to remove the weight and jiggle the hair to help activate the natural texture. Continue while you diffuse dry to create soft, touchable curls without the frizz!

Q: What’s new in short hair this season?

Texture, texture and more texture! Short hair is very popular these days and is seen with a variety of lengths, finishes and personalized touches. Look for disconnected pieces, long fringes, notched or carved out perimeters and lots of color blocking in everything from bold to subtle contrast to show off the shape of the overall style. Chin length bobs are very vogue and geometric, even asymmetric with heavy side bangs and arched cutouts around the face.

Q: I have very straight, boring hair and I’d love to have some curls or waves. The problem is that I hate trying to curl it every day and it doesn’t stay anyway! Should I consider a perm or is that considered passé?

We don’t technically call it perming anymore, so that could be what you are thinking is somewhat dated. Now days we call it texture services and it can involve straightening, curling or adding body and movement just where needed or all over. For you I might recommend a condensed wrap (perm) texture service. Basically the entire head is wrapped in only four or five large rods, which gives a hint of movement or body without the poodle curls.

Q: My roots are always oily and my ends are dry. Should I use a shampoo and conditioner for oily hair or dry hair?

The Framesi Hair Treatment Line has a shampoo called Balance that re-calibrates the sebaceous glands, which when working in overdrive is the culprit causing oily roots. Since this shampoo is good for color-treated hair, it’s very gentle and can even be used everyday. There’s also something called Corrective Moisturizing Fluid with sunflower extract that would be ideal for the mid shafts to the ends of your strands.

Q: Can split ends really be cured?

Yes, but only by cutting them completely off!  To keep split ends from forming, remove all damaged areas and keep your ends neatly trimmed, even if you are trying to grow your hair out. Keep hair moisturized and ask your stylist about using a protein treatment after any chemical services to keep tresses in top notch shape. If you see split ends start to form, have them cut off above the highest split point, otherwise the hair will continue to divide up the shaft. Allowing hair to grow out while having spit ends is simply counterproductive.

Q: How often do I need to deep condition and what type of treatment should I use?

That would depend on the condition of your hair, the natural texture, if you have color or other chemical treatments, exposure to thermal tools and the elements such as sun, salt or chlorine, or even high levels of pollutants. The basic types of deep conditioners range from all moisture, all protein and a mix of the two. Most hair types and conditions need moisture ay some level, but naturally curly hair is even thirstier. You may need protein if you have chemical damage or breakage, but don’t over use this type as it can cause hair that doesn’t need protein to feel dry. Ask your salon pro which type is for you and then use it weekly, following the specific directions for maximum effectiveness. If your hair starts or continues to feel brittle or feels weighed down, let your hairstylist know so they can adjust their recommendations for you.

Q: I want to try a bold new hair color. How do I know what shade of red is right for me?

When a client is open to a new color, including red, I do a very thorough consultation. I like to take a swatch chart and isolate five or six different levels of the general target color, holding each color swatch up to her face to see how well it goes with her skin tone and eye color. I find that there is an immediate response with most any shade, with some looking even better than others. Those I hold aside and then make my recommendations accordingly after we’ve gone through several options. To a well-trained color specialist, it’s just a natural sense. If you are looking for the right shade of red, or any other amazing color, you’ll want that seasoned pro on your side!

Q: Is it okay to have my eyebrows colored when I have the rest of my hair done or is that dangerous being so close to my eyes?

Most salons have licensed Estheticians who can apply color to your brows safely and effectively. I don’t suggest trying this at home yourself, as box color is not meant to be used so close to your eyes.

About Carter T. Lund

Known as a color specialist, Carter T. Lund of A Carter T. Lund Salon in Austin, Texas is a Framesi National Technician and a proud member of the Framesi Italian Style Team. He travels throughout the United States educating both in salons and at national hair shows.

Have a question for our panel of experts? Drop us a line at info@focusonhair.com. We'd love to hear from you!

X