What The Heck Is A Hair Facial?

Everything you need to know about the treatment you didn’t know you needed.

Never heard of a hair facial before? Neither had I. But recently I had the opportunity to try a hair facial at Sydney based hair salon, QUE Colour. Full disclosure, I went in thinking this treatment was probably unnecessary, but let me tell you… my hair has truly never looked better. Soft and shiny with just the right amount of bounce, it’s the perfect pre-event treatment. Plus, as someone who stretches hair wash days out as much as possible, my scalp felt far more comfortable after some much needed TLC.

Whether your hair is in desperate need of a wash (guilty!) or you’ve got an event coming up, we spoke with QUE Colour founder, Monique McMahon, to get the lowdown on who should try a hair facial, what benefits to expect and how to give yourself a DIY treatment at home.

What is a hair facial?
“A hair facial is a protocol treatment triggering all the senses and treating the whole head, from the scalp to the very lengths of the hair.”

“[There are] so many benefits, you guys! I'd suggest adding a hair facial to your monthly routine, especially through the winter. A hair facial will detox your hair and scalp of any product build-up, pollution, dead or dry skin. It will rehydrate and soften, rebuilding elasticity back into the hair. This type of treatment will also seal split ends and smooth the cuticle, leaving the hair super healthy and your colour glossy.”

What is the step-by-step process?
“There are so many incredible hair facials that you can create. Generally, they begin with a pre-shampoo treatment like an oil or mist, followed by a deep cleansing scalp exfoliation and cleansing rinse, and then with a mask to deliver the nourishment your hair type needs. Here's just one step-by-step example that I love, called the ‘detox protocol’ which we offer at QUE – it leaves your hair feeling refreshed and looking shiny and healthy.”

“The treatment begins with a nourishing pre-treatment using a moisturising hair oil such as Christophe Robin’s Night Recovery Oil, followed by a cleansing, exfoliating shampoo and head massage.

I reach for Christophe’s Cleansing Purifying Scrub with sea salt or Hydrating Scrub with Aloe Vera if the scalp and hair are more sensitive. Finish with a luxurious anti-aging treatment such as Christophe’s Regenerating Mask with rare prickly pear seed oil applied from the scalp to the tips. Heat may be applied for extra conditioning – wrap your hair in a warm towel or cap if you’re doing this at home.”

Are hair facials only for a specific hair type or concern?
“They are for everyone! At QUE, we’ve got several versions like the VOLUMISING PROTOCOL, which uses the naturally volume-giving benefits of rhassoul clay and rose, to the SHADE ENHANCING PROTOCOL which adds extra luminosity to your hair colour and corrects any warm tones. There is something for all hair types and scalp conditions. I love Larry King’s version of the hair facial too – he has three shampoos in his care line, which you mix and match depending on your hair’s needs during the month. I usually start with a clarifying rinse using his City Life shampoo, then Good Life shampoo, which is a nourishing shampoo – like a yoga class for your hair – that’s replenishing and soothing.”

Ok, we’re convinced! How can we give ourselves a hair facial at home?
“Some of my favourite at-home hair facial products include Christophe’s Night Recovery Cream and his Colour Shield Cleansing mask. It’s so easy to use these products at home, and the results are incredible. On dry hair, apply the colour shield cleansing mask, add a touch of water and massage into the scalp and through the lengths of the hair. Leave for 10-15 mins and rinse thoroughly. The overnight cream is just as easy to apply. Smooth it through dry, brushed hair. Leave in overnight and shampoo out in the morning. You don’t need a conditioner with either. So, so good.”

Any recommendations for someone who wants to improve their scalp health?
“Scalp is such a big thing as it's so important to hair growth. Keep your follicles clear, guys! I love the smooth Sea Salt Scrub by Christophe Robin and for hair that's a little finer in texture and density, go for the Hydrating Cream Scrub with Aloe Vera. A game changer for stressed-out hair is the Christophe Robin Purifying Mask with Thermal Mud. This mask goes on dry hair before you shampoo, and just like a clay mask for your skin, it draws out impurities and pollution build-up.”

Shop Monique’s Top Hair Products >