Welcome to the healthy hair + healthy colour blog!

Colour should feel like self-care, not stress. Nothing beats the confidence boost of fresh colour, but no one wants the hidden side effect of weak, snapping strands. At QUE Colour, we believe your dream shade should never come at the expense of strong, glossy hair. The good news? With the right prep, the right approach in the chair, and the right love at home, you *can* have both. Here’s how to colour smarter, not harsher - straight from the QUE experts. Why Does Hair Breakage Happen When Colouring? Let’s break it down (pun intended). Colour works by lifting the hair cuticle so pigment can get in or out. It’s totally normal, but it does make strands more vulnerable. Add in regular heat styling, bleaching, or a little too much DIY box dye action, and breakage risk skyrockets. How to know if your hair’s crying out for help?  Watch for: • Split ends that multiply faster than you can trim. • Snapping strands around your hairline. • That dull, rough feeling that no amount of brushing fixes. • Colour that seems to fade the minute you leave the salon. But don’t panic, colour and healthy hair can absolutely co-exist with the right care.   How to Prepare Your Hair Before Colouring to Avoid Breakage Think of pre-colour prep as your hair’s training session before the big game. Just like an athlete wouldn’t show up without warming up, your strands need a little TLC before facing the colour bowl. When your hair is strong and hydrated, the colour payoff is richer, longer-lasting, and far less damaging. Deep Hydration Treatments Moisture is the foundation of healthy hair. A week or two before your appointment, start treating your hair with rich masks or leave-in treatments packed with ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides.  These restore shine and softness while helping to smooth the cuticle, so your strands can better withstand the colouring process. Pair hydration with protein-based treatments to rebuild elasticity and strength; this balance is key to preventing snapping or brittle ends. Bond Builders Before Colour If you’re planning to lighten your hair or go through a big colour shift, bond-repair treatments are essential. Products like Olaplex or K18 work on a molecular level to reconnect broken bonds inside the hair shaft.  This means your stylist can lift your colour safely while keeping your hair’s structure intact. Think of bond builders as a safety net; they give your hair extra resilience during chemical services. Give Heat Tools a Break Overusing straighteners, curling irons, and even blow dryers leaves the cuticle fragile before you colour. In the lead-up to your appointment, give your hair a “heat holiday.” Try air-drying, gentle braids, or heatless waves to reduce cumulative stress. This rest period gives your strands more flexibility and strength once the colour process begins. Clarify and Nourish A clean canvas always delivers the best results. Using a gentle clarifying shampoo a week before your colour removes product build-up, minerals, and excess oils that can block even colour absorption.  But don’t stop there,  follow up immediately with a deep conditioning mask to replenish lost moisture. This one-two punch ensures your hair is perfectly primed to soak up both pigment and treatments at the salon.   Pro tip: Healthy, prepped hair doesn’t just resist breakage, it also holds onto colour better, meaning fewer touch-ups and a longer-lasting glow.   In-Salon Tips to Avoid Hair Breakage During Colouring   This is where your stylist’s expertise makes all the difference. At QUE Colour, we never copy-and-paste colour formulas - everything is designed around your hair’s condition, texture, and long-term goals. By choosing the right techniques and treatments in the chair, you can enjoy beautiful colour without compromising your hair’s strength. Choose the Right Technique Not every colouring method is created equal. Balayage, foils, glosses, tints, and root melts all put different levels of stress on the hair. For fragile or previously coloured strands, a gloss or partial balayage may be far gentler than a full-head bleach.  The right choice depends on your hair’s health, your maintenance preferences, and the look you’re chasing. A skilled colourist will guide you toward options that give maximum impact with minimal breakage risk. Make Bond Builders Non-Negotiable Ask your stylist if bond-building treatments can be added directly to your colour service. These advanced formulas (like Olaplex or K18) protect and repair hair as it’s being coloured, acting as armour for your strands. Especially if you’re going lighter, bond builders dramatically reduce breakage and leave your hair feeling stronger post-service. Ask Smart Questions Curiosity isn’t just welcome - it’s encouraged. During your appointment, don’t be shy about asking: Can bond builders be added to my colour today? What’s the best refresh or toning timeline for my shade? Which aftercare products will protect my colour and prevent breakage between visits? The answers help you understand the process, set realistic expectations, and keep your results looking salon-fresh for longer. Trust the Personalisation At QUE Colour, we always weigh up the health of your hair with your dream shade. Sometimes that means slowing the process down and reaching your goal in stages rather than in one sitting. It’s not about saying “no” to your colour, it’s about saying “yes” to long-lasting, glossy results that won’t leave your strands compromised. Pro tip: Breakage often happens when stylists rush the process. Taking it slow may feel like a longer journey, but it’s the only way to achieve your colour safely and sustainably. Aftercare Tips to Prevent Hair Breakage After Colouring The salon glow is just the beginning - what you do at home determines whether your colour stays glossy or fades fast, and whether your strands stay strong or start to snap. With the right aftercare routine, you can extend your colour, protect your hair’s structure, and prevent breakage long after your appointment. Gentle Cleansing for Colour-Treated Hair Switch to a sulphate-free shampoo designed for coloured hair. Sulphates strip away natural oils and pigments, making hair dry and prone to breakage. Washing less often allows your scalp’s natural oils to protect and nourish your strands, aim for 2–3 washes per week, and use dry shampoo in between if needed. Handle Your Hair Like Silk Freshly coloured hair is more fragile, so treat it gently. Instead of rough towel-drying, gently pat or squeeze out excess water with a soft cotton T-shirt or microfiber towel. At night, sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase, or wrap your hair, reducing friction while you sleep, which helps prevent breakage and keeps your cuticle smooth. Detangle With Care Always detangle hair when it’s damp, not soaking wet, and use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush. Start at the ends and work upwards in sections to avoid unnecessary snapping. For extra protection, apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner or detangling spray. Weekly Treatments = Stronger Strands Think of weekly masks as your hair’s maintenance plan. Alternate between a deeply hydrating mask (to replenish moisture) and a bond-repair treatment (to rebuild strength and elasticity). Setting aside one “mask day” per week makes this habit easy to stick to — and your colour will last longer as a result. Be Smart With Heat Styling Heat doesn’t have to be the enemy, but protection is non-negotiable. Always apply a heat shield before blow-drying, straightening, or curling. Where possible, lower the temperature setting and avoid daily use. Your hair will thank you with fewer split ends and longer-lasting colour vibrancy. Shield Your Hair From the Sun UV exposure can fade colour and weaken hair fibres just as much as heat tools. When you’re outdoors, protect your strands with a UV-protective spray or a wide-brimmed hat. This small step keeps both your colour and your hair integrity intact.   Pro tip: Consistency is everything. Following these simple habits every week makes the difference between colour that fades fast and hair that stays glossy, strong, and breakage-free.   When to Call in the Hair Colour Experts If your hair is shedding more than usual, breaking at the root, or your colour won’t hold no matter what you do, it’s time to let us take a look. A professional consultation at QUE Colour can pinpoint the issue and set you up with tailored treatments (in-salon and at home) to get your hair back on track. Because sometimes, your strands just need that extra bit of expert love. Final Thoughts Colouring your hair should feel exciting, not risky. With the right prep, an expert stylist, and a little aftercare discipline, breakage doesn’t stand a chance. At QUE Colour, our mantra is simple: healthy hair, always. We combine artistry with science so you never have to choose between your dream colour and the strength of your strands. **Ready to protect your colour and your hair?** [Book a Colour Consultation] with QUE Colour for personalised advice and colour planning. [Shop Hair Repair Treatments] curated by our stylists to keep your hair strong at home.  

Your Next Must-Have Hair Colour at Que If you’re on the hunt for a hair colour that’s luxurious yet refined, look no further than our Mink Brunette. Subtle and sophisticated, this delicate balance of neutral, cool yet still rich toned brunette has taken over as the go-to choice for anyone wanting to enhance their natural beauty without going over the top. Whether you’re already rocking brunette shades or thinking about making a shift from lighter hues, Mink Brunette could be your ideal match. -- What Exactly Is Mink Brunette? Mink Brunette is all about understated luxury. Inspired by the sleek, plush tones of mink fur, this shade is a cool-toned brunette with a soft, velvety finish. Imagine rich brown tones infused with muted ash or beige undertones, creating a multidimensional colour that radiates elegance without overpowering your look. This colour suits a range of skin tones and adds depth and dimension for that polished, effortlessly chic vibe.  What sets Mink Brunette apart from traditional brunette shades? It steers clear of warm, red or orange undertones, offering instead a cooler, more refined aesthetic. The result is a sophisticated, muted hue that feels both modern and timeless.  How Often Should I Visit the Salon to Maintain this Colour? To keep your Mink Brunette looking fresh and vibrant, we recommend booking an appointment every 5 to 6 weeks. But here’s the good news: while this means more frequent visits, you’ll actually spend less time in the salon. Think of it like a quick glaze refresh, your stylist will focus on maintaining the richness of the cool tones and adding dimension without a full re-colour. This approach keeps your hair looking polished and glossy with minimal fuss, ensuring the luxurious depth of Mink Brunette lasts while minimising time spent in the chair. With regular touch-ups, you'll preserve that effortless, elegant look between visits without the need for lengthy appointments! -- What Products Should I Use at Home to Keep My Mink Brunette Fresh? To maintain the richness and depth of your Mink Brunette, you can customise your care routine by mixing different shades of Christophe Robin’s Shade Variation Masks for the perfect tone. Here's how you can achieve both cooler and warmer variations of your colour: Christophe Robin’s Colour Shield Shampoo Start with Christophe Robin’s Colour Shield Shampoo to protect your hair from fading and maintain your colour’s vibrancy. This will ensure that your brunette shade remains glossy and full of life between salon visits. Christophe Robin’s Aloe Hydrating Shampoo Instead of the Colour Shield Shampoo, you might opt for Christophe Robin’s Aloe Hydrating Shampoo. This gentle, hydrating formula cleanses while maintaining moisture balance, ensuring your hair remains soft and vibrant. Christophe Robin’s Shade Variation Mask in Warm Chestnut  Enhances your brunette colour by adding warmth and richness. It revives dull tones, leaving your Mink Brunette vibrant and luxurious while nourishing your hair for a soft, healthy finish. Customising with Christophe Robin’s Shade Variation Masks You can mix and match the Shade Variation Masks to create the perfect tone for your Mink Brunette: For a Cooler Tone: If you want to dial down the warmth and lean into cooler undertones, mix the Warm Chestnut Shade Variation Mask with the Baby Blonde Shade Variation Mask. The Baby Blonde mask will add subtle ash tones to your brunette, creating a more neutral, cool-toned look without sacrificing the depth and dimension of the colour.  For a Warmer Tone:  If you’re looking to add more warmth and richness to your colour, mix the Warm Chestnut Shade Variation Mask with the Golden Blonde Shade Variation Mask. This combination will infuse your Mink Brunette with warmer, golden hues, enhancing the vibrancy while keeping it multidimensional.  -- Celebs We Love Caught Rocking the Mink Brunette:          Amal Clooney Kaia Gerber, IG: @kaiagerber Hailey Bieber, IG: @hayileybieber  Daisy Edgar-Jones, IG: @daisyedgarjones    Why Choose Que Colours’ Mink Brunette? At Que, we believe in creating hair colours that are as versatile as they are beautiful. Our Mink Brunette is designed to offer you a stunning, dimensional colour that’s easy to maintain. Here’s why Mink Brunette might just be your new signature shade: 1. Versatility for Every Occasion Mink Brunette is the perfect blend of chic and subtle. Whether you’re heading to a work meeting or out for a weekend brunch, this shade adapts to every situation. It works beautifully with straight, sleek styles or adds extra dimension to textured waves or curls. ll 2. Customisable Depth & Dimension One of the standout features of Mink Brunette is its customisable depth. Your stylist can tweak the shade with highlights or lowlights to create a unique look tailored to your complexion. This multi-tonal effect means your hair looks rich and dynamic, even in soft or low lighting.   3. Low Maintenance, High Impact Want a colour that makes a statement without requiring endless salon visits? Mink Brunette is known for its low-maintenance, high-impact appeal. The cooler tones fade naturally over time, meaning you won’t need to rush back for constant touch-ups. Plus, with Que’s premium formulation, the colour stays vibrant and glossy for longer.  4. Healthy Hair, Always At Que Colour, we prioritise hair health just as much as hair colour. Our Mink Brunette formula nourishes your hair while enhancing shine and smoothness, so you leave the salon with locks that feel as good as they look.  Ready to Make the Switch? If you’re thinking about switching up your brunette look, Que’s Mink Brunette could be the ultimate refresh you need. Luxurious, dimensional, and effortlessly elegant, this colour offers a refined, cool-toned alternative that enhances your natural beauty. Step into the trend and experience the understated glamour of Mink Brunette. Trust us—your hair will thank you. Book your appointment at Que Colour today and step into a world of cool, subtle luxury with Mink Brunette!

SPRING INTO STYLE  As the chill of winter fades and your hair emerges from months of dry, indoor heat, spring bursts onto the scene with vibrant colours, warmer days, and the promise of renewal. Just as we swap out our wardrobes for lighter fabrics and brighter hues, our hair care routine needs a seasonal refresh too. How can I save my winter hair? Winter can be tough on hair. The cold, dry air, and indoor heating often leave our locks parched and prone to breakage. As you transition into spring, focus on rehydrating and nourishing your hair to restore its natural lustre.                                          Pro Tip:                         Use a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask once a week. Products like the Regenerating Prickly Pear mask (for coarse more dense hair types) or Hydrating mask with Aloe (for our finer hair types), adding  moisture and strengthening your hair, whilst being a super lightweight treatment. Pay extra attention to the ends, where damage is most common!  What hair colour should I get this spring? From soft peachy tones, warm sun kissed blondes to chocolate glazes and mink brunettes. There’s no better time to play with colour!  Pro Tip:  If you’re thinking about going lighter or darker, make sure to protect your colour investment. The Shade Variation mask  is perfect for keeping your hair colour fresh and vibrant while providing the hydration it needs.   Layers & Curtain Bangs this spring? There’s something incredibly refreshing about starting the new season with a fresh haircut. This spring, it’s all about movement and texture. Think hidden layers, bouncy curls, and chic curtain bangs that effortlessly frame the face.  That’s a YES from QUE!  Pro Tip:  To maintain your new style, use a lightweight styling mousse like Larry King's famous Nannas mousse. It provides just the right amount of hold and volume while keeping your hair looking natural and full of life with the perfect  amount of shine.   Can my hair be damaged by the sun? As the days get longer and the sun shines brighter, your hair needs protection from UV rays, which can cause dryness and colour fading. Additionally, springtime showers and humidity can lead to frizz and flyaways. Pro Tip:  Incorporate a UV-protection like Larry King's The Good life Shampoo into your  routine. Not only will it help protect your hair from the sun, but it will also keep it smooth and frizz-free, no matter the weather. How do I Revitalise my  Scalp for Hair Growth?  A healthy scalp is the foundation for beautiful hair. After a winter of dry, flaky conditions, spring is the ideal time to focus on scalp care.  Pro Tip: Start with  The Spoilt for Choice (rosemary) hair oil as a pre-shampoo treatment using the pipettes to apply small drops to the scalp, massage  and leave in for 10 minutes then going in with The Good Life Shampoo. This will create an optimal environment for hair growth, leaving your scalp feeling refreshed and your hair looking its best. Can I ask a professional? Finding the right products for your specific needs can make all the difference. Whether you’re looking to maintain your new colour, or simply boost your hair’s overall health, it’s worth getting personalised advice from a professional. Visit QUE for a complimentary consultation on all things healthy hair and scalp. You can piggy back this on top of your next cut or blow dry appointment, or call up and book in as a single service. Our expert team will help you choose the best products for your hair type and goals, ensuring you get the most out of your spring hair care routine. Ready for a Spring Refresh? Spring is a time of renewal and growth, and your hair deserves to shine just as brightly as the season. By focusing on hydration, protection, and embracing the latest trends, you’ll step into spring with hair that feels as fresh and vibrant as the world around you <3 Book in Now!

Want nourished, moisturised, frizz free curls? Look no further…  Anyone who has curly hair knows how hard it can be to find curly hair products that make your defined curls look their best, not flat, frizzy, weighed down or fluffy. With so many different curly hair products on the market , it can be hard to find the best product for your curly hair type.   The much anticipated launch of Christophe Robin new Luscious Curls range has us thinking all things curls. We’ve pulled together your most asked CURL-Q’s to provide some insight on how to improve your hair strength, hair shine and help you love your defined curls even more! Why is my curly hair frizzy?  Natural curls, waves and coils require special attention. Due to the hair’s natural shape, curls tend to be more fragile and much drier than straight hair as it’s harder for sebum to fully penetrate the lengths and ends of the hair. The tighter the curl pattern, the more challenging it is for oils to travel down the hair shaft. As a result, the cuticles stay open and lack nutrition, leaving hair porous dry and curls can become unstructured and frizzy.   This is why natural curls commonly crave moisture and nutrition!    What hair products should I avoid for my curly hair?  In haircare, there are some ingredients we call "Curl-Killers". These are common and often found in Shampoo and Conditioner.   Curl killers include Parabens, Sulphates and the mortal enemy… Silicones. Silicone-based products wreak havoc on curly hair, as the product sits on top of the hair and stops moisture from entering the follicle. This makes them a big NO for any hair type, but especially curls who need that extra hydration.   Thicker silicones, such as dimethicones, which are often found in leave-in treatments and serums, can build up along the hair cuticle over time like a film and require clarifying shampoos for removal, which can leave your hair feeling weighed down and dull because the silicone coating attracts debris and dirt.  How to look out for silicones Firstly check to see if there are any features on the product which say “silicone free” if it isn’t obvious check the ingredients! Yes these words are a mouthful, but once you know what to look for you won’t make the same mistake twice!   Cetyl Dimethicone Dimethicone Cetearyl Methicone Trimethylsilylamodimethicone Amodimethicone  The shift to silicone free products may take a few washes to get used to as you remove existing build up, but believe us when we say that once you are silicone free you won't look back! What are the best hair care products for curly hair?  With curly hair, you’ll always want to focus on products that help add moisture to the hair and avoid any hair products that are going to result in dry hair or weigh your hair down.  Wavy/ light curly hair will often have a relaxed ‘s'’ shape or beach wave pattern. For this hair type, heavy products can weigh down and straighten natural curls. For this hair type the best go-to is products that have a lightweight hydration, enhance curl and tame frizz.   Very Curly to Coil hair has a tight corkscrew-like or ‘Z’ shaped zig zag curl pattern, These types of curls are usually thin and fragile and can be unruly/more susceptible to breakage. Tight and curly coils need deep hydration for maximum softness and strength.  Is shampoo good or bad for curly hair care? If we’re getting real with you, every person's curls are SO unique that it really comes down to what works best for your hair type. From a professional point of view, it is beneficial to cleanse your hair at least once a week. This is essential to scalp health and to remove build up of existing products on the hair!  Now for the exciting part... Christophe Robin has just launched the ultimate curl cleansing conditioner. This hybrid curl cleanser/ curl nourisher gives very curly to coily hair the nourishment it needs to thrive. The Magic Formula is generous and rich, inspired by skincare. The non lathering balm instantly cleanses and offers deep condition nourishment, definition and manageability to curls, and coils.  - Silky chia seed oil, rich in omega 3 & 6, boosts glossy shine  - Sustainably sourced nigella seed oil smooths strands to tame frizz  - A highly nourishing yet lightweight shea butter emollient softens and eases combing     How do I use a conditioning cleanser? Simply use it like a shampoo – no additional conditioner needed. Apply onto damp hair, working it in from root to tip to cleanse and lather slightly enveloping it in decadent moisture. The thirst-quenching formula transforms into a milky lather as it washes, detangles and conditions so even the driest, most brittle curls feel nourished and defined with a manageable, shiny finish.  Comb through the lengths to detangle before rinsing thoroughly! Blow drying & styling curly hair First things first, before you even touch your blow drier or heat styling tools, to detangle and comb your curly hair make sure you use care and use seamless, snag-free combs. Start from the bottom to detangle easily whilst you still have wet hair. Invest in the best possible quality you can find, we love the rose scented detangling comb by Ibiza Hair Tools which is;  Highly flexible to glide effortlessly through the hair  Naturally anti-microbial  Salon quality design and construction Now for the styling... Most curly girls will say no heat at all ! It's true, heat is the first thing to dry out and stress your curls. This doesn't mean that you can't have fun with styling or need a little help every now and then to amplify your natural wave.  Blow dryers are normally seen as a curly girl's enemy- but have you heard of the diffuser? It's your new BFF! What is a hair diffuser? A diffuser is an attachment for your hairdryer which works by spreading the airstream over a wider area in a more controlled way. Diffusers are great for those with curly to wavy hair types as it helps to maintain the natural curl pattern whilst also reducing heat damage. To avoid frizz, let your hair air dry as long as possible, then finish the styling by clicking a diffuser attachment onto your hairdryer. Flick the heat setting to medium and tip your head upside down, placing the diffuser upwards towards the scalp hold it until that section is around 90% dry, continuing doing this in sections, moving the head around until dry. We hope this answered some of your curly hair questions!  Remember, every hair type is unique so do what works for you!