Great hair doesn't just start with the finish, it starts at the root.
As clients return from summer with changing hair needs, Olivia Garden ambassador Amie Sillis explains why scalp health, gentle brushing and smarter tool choices should become part of every salon consultation.
Clients are more invested in the health of their hair than ever before. From professional colour services and salon treatments to premium homecare routines, they're willing to invest in maintaining beautiful results. Yet while much of the focus is often placed on the hair itself, professionals know that healthy-looking hair starts at the root.
As conversations around scalp health become more common in the salon, hairdressers have an opportunity to go beyond colour and styling consultations, helping clients better understand the everyday habits that support healthier hair.
Hairdressers are increasingly seeing clients ask about:
- Hair thinning and changes in density
- Increased shedding
- Hormonal changes, including perimenopause and menopause
- Stress-related hair concerns
- Seasonal changes following sun exposure, chlorine and salt water
- Product build-up affecting the look and feel of the hair
While hair professionals are not there to diagnose scalp conditions, they are often the first trusted person a client speaks to when they notice changes.
Amie Sillis, UK Olivia Garden Educator, explains: "Clients are much more aware of their hair than ever before. They want to understand why it feels different and what they can do to improve its condition. The consultation gives us the opportunity to ask the right questions and guide them towards the best solutions.
“Being able to explain the difference between a dry scalp, dandruff or psoriasis helps us recommend the right homecare where appropriate. Just as importantly, we need to recognise when it's time to refer a client to their GP or a dermatologist if the concern is beyond our expertise."
The Post-Holiday Hair Reset
As clients return from summer holidays, many notice changes in both their scalp and hair. Sun exposure, chlorine, salt water and changes in routine can all affect the hair's condition, making August the ideal time to revisit homecare and scalp health during the consultation.
A simple consultation check-in can help identify what the hair needs next, whether that's a nourishing treatment, a change in homecare routine or simply educating clients on gentler everyday habits.
Amie continues: "Clients often come back from holiday wanting to refresh their colour, but it's also the perfect opportunity to reassess the condition of their hair and talk through what they need moving forward.
“Summer and winter are the seasons when I recommend treatments most consistently. I also encourage clients to use a leave-in conditioner, treatment or oil before spending time in the sun or water to help create a protective barrier for the hair.
“One thing that still gets overlooked is brushing. Many clients don't realise how important it is or that using the right brush can help distribute products evenly through the hair. I often recommend the Olivia Garden Fingerbrush or Double Bristle alongside their homecare, helping clients get the most from the products they're already investing in. Just remember to advise clients to clean their brush regularly, especially when using it to distribute styling products or treatments."
Brushing: The Everyday Habit Clients Overlook
One of the biggest opportunities for hairdressers is helping clients understand that maintaining beautiful hair doesn't stop when they leave the salon.
The tools clients use every day can have a huge impact on how their hair looks, feels and behaves between appointments. Choosing the right brush, using the correct technique and understanding the importance of gentle detangling can all help protect the investment clients make in their colour and styling.
Amie says: "We're taught that every step at the backwash has a purpose, and brushing should be viewed in exactly the same way. A quality detangling brush with boar bristles helps distribute the hair's natural oils while reducing unnecessary pulling.
“I've had extension clients, clients with sensitive scalps and even clients going through chemotherapy tell me how much more comfortable they find using the Olivia Garden Fingerbrush. It reminds us that sometimes the smallest changes to a client's routine can make the biggest difference.
“I also regularly see clients who don't realise that dry shampoo should be brushed through. Using a quality brush helps distribute the product more evenly and can reduce unnecessary build-up, while also encouraging clients to use less product overall."
Educating clients on gentle detangling is a simple way to help them care for their hair between appointments. It's about choosing the right tool for the right result and helping clients understand why that matters.
Choosing the Right Tool
Helping clients choose the right brush is another simple way hairdressers can personalise their recommendations. Different tools are designed for different stages of the service, allowing professionals to support healthier brushing habits both in and out of the salon.
- The Olivia Garden Boar & Nylon Fingerbrush – Designed for gentle detangling, helping minimise unnecessary pulling and tension while creating a comfortable brushing experience.
- The Olivia Garden Expert Blowout Shine Brush – Built to boost shine whilst taming frizz. Perfect for polished finished and voluminous styles.
- The Olivia Garden Essential Style Blend Brush – Designed with colour professionals in mind, supporting precision and control during colour application.
- The Olivia Garden Expert Blowout Speed Brush – Created to support efficient styling and faster blow-drying while helping professionals achieve smooth, polished finishes.
Amie concludes: "When recommending styling tools, it's important to consider what's realistic for each client's routine. Some clients love styling their hair every day, while others want something quick and simple.
“The Olivia Garden Fingerbrush is one product I recommend to almost every client because it's so versatile. It's gentle, easy to use and supports healthier detangling as part of an everyday routine."
Today's hairdresser is far more than a stylist. They're an educator, a trusted advisor and often the first professional a client turns to when something doesn't feel right with their hair.
By bringing scalp health into every consultation and helping clients make informed choices about their homecare and tools, salons can build stronger relationships while supporting healthier-looking hair long after the appointment ends.
Because great hair doesn't just start with the finish, it starts at the root.
Discover more at oliviagarden.eu.