Post-Hair Appointment Checklist
8 Things to Do After Your New Color or Cut at London Rayne Salon in Duluth, Minnesota
So you just walked out of London Rayne Salon in Duluth, Minnesota with a fresh haircut or new haircolor. Your strands are shiny, your style is flawless, and you are ready to show off your look around town. Maybe you are grabbing dinner in Canal Park, heading to a local event downtown, or planning a photo session near the Lakewalk. Wherever you are headed, there is one thing you should know — how you care for your hair after your salon appointment matters just as much as what happens in the chair.
Too often, clients think their work is done once they leave the salon. In reality, maintaining that salon-fresh look requires a little bit of follow-through at home. To help you protect your investment in professional haircolor, extensions, or a precision cut, our team of stylists has created a simple guide. Follow these eight essential steps after your appointment at London Rayne Salon to keep your hair healthy, vibrant, and beautiful between visits.
Step 1: Avoid Washing Your Hair Right Away
The first and most important rule after a fresh haircolor or style is to hold off on washing. Shampooing too soon can cause color molecules to slip out of the cuticle before they have had time to fully lock in. For most clients, we recommend waiting 48 to 72 hours before your first wash.
If you had a color service such as balayage, highlights, or a full color, giving your hair this rest period will help maintain that rich, vibrant tone. For haircut-only clients, skipping a wash allows styling products your stylist applied to protect your strands and keep your style intact.
Step 2: Protect Your Hair from Heat
Freshly colored hair is more delicate, and overusing hot tools can cause dryness and breakage. If you are planning to use a blow dryer, flat iron, or curling wand, always apply a heat protectant spray first. At London Rayne Salon, we carry eco friendly, salon-quality products that shield your strands while reducing environmental impact.
Pro tip: If you want to extend your style without daily heat, try using dry shampoo or a silk scarf at night to preserve your look.
Step 3: Skip Tight Hairstyles for a Few Days
Your hair is at its most vulnerable right after a color service or fresh cut. Pulling it tightly into ponytails, buns, or braids can stress the strands and lead to breakage. For at least two to three days, choose looser hairstyles. Soft waves, a gentle braid, or leaving your hair down will protect the integrity of your cut and reduce strain on your hair.
Step 4: Invest in the Right Products
The truth is, what you do at home determines how long your salon results last. For color clients, a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and conditioner is non-negotiable. Sulfates strip color quickly and leave hair feeling dry. If you wear extensions, make sure your products are extension-safe to protect bonds and prevent slipping.
At London Rayne Salon, our stylists will recommend products tailored to your specific needs, whether you want to preserve a rich brunette shade, extend the life of your blonde highlights, or maintain hydration for long extensions. We believe in eco friendly practices, so we carefully choose lines that are good for both your hair and the environment.
Step 5: Protect Your Hair While Sleeping
Your nighttime routine can make or break your style. Cotton pillowcases create friction, which leads to frizz, tangles, and even split ends. Switching to a silk or satin pillowcase can dramatically reduce hair damage.
If your hair is longer, loosely braid it or secure it with a soft scrunchie before bed. This keeps your strands from knotting and helps preserve your style until morning. Small changes like this add up to healthier, shinier hair in the long run.
Step 6: Book Your Next Appointment Before You Leave
The best way to maintain your style and color is with consistency. Instead of waiting until your hair looks grown out, book your next visit before leaving the salon.
For short haircuts: every 4–6 weeks
For medium-length styles: every 6–8 weeks
For long hair or extensions: every 8–12 weeks
For haircolor: touch-ups every 6–8 weeks depending on your shade
Our stylists at London Rayne Salon in Duluth will work with you to create a personalized schedule that keeps your hair looking polished year-round.
Step 7: Avoid Chlorine and Sun Damage
Minnesota summers often mean pool days and lake time, but chlorine and UV rays are two of your hair’s biggest enemies. Chlorine strips away moisture and fades color, while the sun can dry out strands and make haircolor look dull.
Before swimming, rinse your hair with clean water or apply a leave-in conditioner. Wearing a swim cap can also protect color-treated hair. If you are spending the day outside, use a UV protectant spray to keep your hair safe from sun damage.
Step 8: Show Off Your New Look
You did not spend time in our chair for nothing — now is the time to celebrate your gorgeous new look. Share your style on Instagram, tag @LondonRayneSalon, and let your friends know where they can achieve the same salon results in Duluth.
Even better, if you enjoyed your appointment, leave us a Google review. Reviews help other Duluth locals discover our salon, and they allow us to continue providing the highest level of service to our clients.
Wrapping It Up
Your post-appointment care routine is just as important as the appointment itself. By following these eight steps, you will extend the life of your color, protect your haircut, and maintain healthier, shinier strands until your next visit.
At London Rayne Salon in Duluth, Minnesota, we are here to help you every step of the way. Whether you are visiting us for expert haircolor, seamless extensions, or a precision haircut, our eco friendly salon practices and personalized approach ensure your hair always looks and feels its best.
Book your next appointment today and let our team of stylists help you maintain your most beautiful, confident self.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wait to wash my hair after coloring?
We recommend waiting 48–72 hours to allow your cuticles to close and lock in color.
How do I keep my hair from fading between salon visits?
Use a color-safe shampoo, minimize heat styling, and protect your hair from the sun with UV sprays.
Do extensions require special aftercare?
Yes. Use extension-safe products, avoid heavy oils near bonds, and brush gently to prevent tangling.
What products do you recommend for eco friendly hair care?
At London Rayne Salon, we use and recommend salon-quality, eco friendly products that protect your hair and the environment.
