Conversations from A Genesis Chair: Questions Clients Ask Us Every Single Day (And Our Honest Answers)

At Genesis, our job goes beyond great hair. It’s about understanding what your hair needs, why it behaves the way it does, and how to maintain it after you leave the salon. These are the questions our clients ask most — and our honest answers + advice! Part 2 coming soon! Q- I wish I could go way longer between washes, how do I last more than 1-2 days without looking/feeling oily?

A- "The thing is you still need to "style" out your hair on the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th day. The blowdryer is your best friend to refresh your hair. Take your dry shampoo and massage that in your scalp while blowdrying it in. Then apply an oil on your ends to bring back some moisture. This is why double cleansing is important because when it comes wash day again, that first shampoo will just remove any product build up and excess oil." -from Owner, Johnnie Schaper

Q- My hair doesn’t get volume so I avoid conditioner but now my hair feels damaged, what do I do?

A- "You HAVE to close your cuticle with conditioner after you shampoo. You should be using a shampoo/ conditioner duo specifically made for volume (Redken Volume Injection, or Pureology Pure Volume) Volume shampoos have a clarifying agent in them to remove oil and build up. Volume conditioners don’t use a lot of waxy or heavy moisturizers, its formulated to balance out your PH and deliver just the right amount of moisture. Make sure you rinse out the conditioner all the way. You can't have buildup, especially on fine hair, and expect to have volume. -from Owner, Johnnie Schaper

Q- How should I use purple shampoo??

A- "So I always say about once a week or two after a highlighting service, like when they start to feel yellowy. Then use it weekly! I also recommend to use a clarifying shampoo first or their regular shampoo first to really cleanse the hair. Then do the 2nd shampoo with their purple shampoo." - from Mari, Part Owner and level 5 stylist

Q- My color doesn’t stay long and my hair feels heavy, what am I doing wrong?

A- When I hear those two things together, I almost always ask the same questions: Where do you live? Are you on well water or city water? And if it’s well water, is it treated with a softener?

Water quality matters—significantly. To the point that when my husband and I were searching for a home outside the city, my number one requirement was no well water. With highlighted hair in particular, well water can cause lightener to process more slowly, toner to grab unevenly or fade quickly, and hair to appear dirty or coated even after washing. It can lack body and pull brassy.

So, my solution to these women is- In salon decalcifying treatments and/or a pre-art treatment. This is an excellent way to prepare the hair for color. These treatments remove chlorine and mineral buildup that sit on the hair shaft, allowing the cuticle to open properly. This creates a more even canvas, improves lift when lightening, enhances color deposit, and ultimately leads to better longevity and healthier-feeling results. At home, I recommend using a clarifying or cleansing shampoo as your first wash. Like Redken Cleansing Cream. This is like a mini version of the in salon treatment but with regular use, it helps reduce mineral buildup between salon visits.

-from Maribel, level 3 stylist

Q- How do you get my hair so smooth just by blowdrying it?

A- "...I always tell them the products I'm using, its usually these 3- Pureology Smooth Perfection Serum, Kerastase Anti-Frizz Glaze Milk Spray, or Kerastase Discipline Thermique from Kerastase.

I always dry the hair with a vent brush, get it almost dry and then go over it with a round brush to seal the cuticle and lock out frizz.- from Ruby, entry level stylist

Q- My hair is constantly getting dry and flakey at the scalp and frizz is becoming an issue, what can i do?

A- "I recommend them the Kerastase Nutritive Scalp Serum. I tell them to part their hair to where they see scalp, use the dropper and disperse it onto their scalp, 2-3 droppers full when it’s wet and only 1 if they use it dry. Then for them to massage it in really good. I usually say only to use it at night so it can soak into their scalp while they sleep and not look oily.

If their hair is frizzy, I will recommend regular salon treatments but also the Discipline line by Kerastase is amazing, especially the Discipline Thermique (leave-in and heat protectant). Don't be shy with the amount, put it in wet, and blow dry it in for a smooth look. In this Texas humidity, anyone who air drys their hair will have a little bit of frizz, but the Thermique will help and then adding some oil on the ends once it dries!" -from Natalia, level 2 stylist

Q- My hair has been really oily lately!

A- "First thing I ask when I hear that is “Do you double cleanse?” and it blows my mind how many girls don’t know about this! We always do a first cleanse with a clarifying shampoo. Redken Cleansing Cream being my fav- its also the one we use at the salon on everyone. This step helps remove any buildup of oils, products, sweat, ect. that have been sitting in the hair since the last wash WITHOUT stripping color! Kinda like skincare-you always double cleanse your skin and should do the same with your hair.

Double cleansing helps create a clean canvas for your 2nd shampoo to go in there and do its thing without having any buildup getting in the way. Your second shampoo is what balances the moisture in your hair and treats what you struggle with!" -from Kenya, level 1 stylist

Q- Should I come to the salon with clean or dirty hair? and/ or When should I wash my hair after getting color done?

A- "I wouldn't recommend washing for at least 3 days! The first 72 hours are important because the color molecules are still settling into the hair. BUT when you come in for color always come with clean hair- an artist wouldn't paint on a dirty canvas. Dirty hair can affect how the hair processes the color and can alter the end results. Sweat can even make the hair take darker around the hair line because of the salt in your sweat." - from Ashlee, level 3 Curly Specialist

Every client, texture, lifestyle, and goal is different — and that’s why our recommendations are always customized. These questions are just a glimpse into the conversations we have daily, and the care we put into helping our clients maintain healthy, beautiful hair long after their appointment ends!

As 2025 ends it’s a great moment to check in on your hair — what’s working, what isn’t, and what could use a little extra care. A trim, a gloss refresh, or even just a better at-home routine can make a bigger difference than you think. Reserve with a Genesis Girl Today!