Get Ready for a Summer of Sustainable Hair Care with Bob Hair Co.'s Charlotte Archer

Charlotte Archer knows how to take care of your hair. In lieu of understanding a more fine-tuned, natural and sustainable approach to transforming frazzled, over-dyed and under-maintained locks into sleek and healthy tresses (especially as we lean into the warmer months), our recent visit to her South Yarra salon Bob Hair was truly an essential experience. It is one of our favourite hair salons in Melbourne, after all.  

Fortunately for us, Charlotte was also more than willing to share her best hair care tips and tricks for the drying summer weather ahead. From must-buy haircare products to ingredients you need to avoid, heat and humidity combating steps to transitioning from dark to light in the healthiest way possible, plus her step-by-step guide to elevate your hair from zero to hero. 

She's also an avid tea drinker, and the salon is loaded up with her favourite brews from Mayde. We also got her to narrow down all of her favourite hot-spots around South Yarra, perfect for that post-salon lunch or spa sesh. 

For a spring refresh and summer of sustainable hair care, look no further than right here. 

First off, which ingredients should we look for that are big no-no's when it comes to maintaining your locks? 

The big five are parabens, silicones, phalates, sulfates and artificial fragrance.

Parabens: Can disrupt hormones in the body and harm fertility and reproductive organs, with some studies even citing that it can cause an increased risk of cancer.

Silicones: Non-water soluble silicones create build up in the hair, which leads to damage and dryness as well as weighing the hair down.

Phalates: Phalates are commonly used to help lubricate other substances in the formula and to carry fragrance. They've been linked to breast cancer, reproductive development and male fertility issues, and even neurodevelopment and behavioral issues.

Sulfates: Used as a cleansing agent that make shampoos sud up, sulfates strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dull, brittle and weak hair. Using a sulfate-free shampoo will help maintain the natural oils, leaving hair feeling noticeably shinier and softer.

Artificial fragrances: These fragrances are highly toxic and are linked to a number of health risks. Chemicals used to make fragrances are known as allergens, hormone disruptors, asthma triggers, neurotoxins and carcinogens. Manufacturers are not required to list their fragrance ingredients on product labels – only using “fragrance” – which can hide more than 100 toxic ingredients.

What are your 5 best tips for glowing, healthy hair for summer?

Tip 1: Regular haircuts every 8-12 weeks will keep those tips in tip top shape and stop your hair from splitting. 

Tip 2: Regular treatments to keep your hair hydrated and keep that cuticle closed to maintain shine and keep the hair looking and feeling healthy.

Charlotte Recommends: "We love the Davines Vegetarian Miracle Mask for dry hair that needs a bit of love and Davines Heart of Glass Treatment for blondes."

Tip 3: Avoid using heat tools regularly, but if you must, try invest in a good quality tool that has temperature controls so you don't scorch your hair. 

Tip 4: Use a good quality shampoo and conditioner that is right for your hair and scalp. Avoid using ones that have any of the five nasties above. 

Tip 5: Lastly, ALWAYS wash your hair after swimming in chlorine.

What are your favourite products and treatments to support healthy, glowing hair, depending on hair type?

For Curly Girls: "We're big fans of the Davines Love Curl range. Their shampoo is a standout, but if your curls are on the drier side, you can opt for the Love Curl Masque as an alternative to traditional conditioner. To maintain well-hydrated curls and achieve excellent definition, our top choice is the Davines Curl Moisturizing Mousse. It's a fan favorite for a reason!"

For Dry, Brittle & Damaged Hair: "If your hair is suffering from dryness, brittleness, or damage, we turn to the Davines Nourishing Range. Depending on your specific hair and scalp needs, this range has got you covered. The shampoo is incredibly hydrating and has an enticing scent. You can then choose between the Vegetarian Miracle Mask or the Nourishing Hair Building Pak, depending on whether your primary concern is hydration or repairing breakage."

"To finish off the regimen, the Nourishing Keratin Sealer is applied to towel-dried hair. This spray helps seal the hair cuticles, boosting brightness and softness while also preventing split ends."

Hotter days mean drier hair. What are the best ways to combat this?

"This can be a bit of a challenge, but there are some effective strategies to combat the effects of heat and humidity."

"One of the most helpful solutions is to use a leave-in product that contains anti-humectants and smoothing properties. My personal favorite is the Neuma Smoothing Crème. It offers a combination of UV protection, anti-humectant properties, cuticle smoothing, and control over flyaways and static. Come summertime, It's also great for post-swim use to manage the drying process."

"For those with extremely dry hair, you can also apply a serum once your hair is dry to control frizz and safeguard your locks from pollutants, UV damage, and humidity. The Neuma Argan Oil is a fantastic choice. It's luxurious but not overly heavy, ensuring your hair remains non-greasy while enjoying protection and nourishment."

This is for the dark-haired gals wanting to go lighter for summer. What's the best approach to go about that? 

"The best approach would vary based on your current hair color and its natural condition. If you already have a naturally lighter hair base and your hair is in good shape, you have more flexibility to experiment with bolder changes."

"However, if your hair tends to be a bit dry and sensitive, I would suggest starting with what we refer to as a "face frame" of foils. This technique involves adding highlights around your face to create a brightening effect. You can gradually build on this by adding more highlights in subsequent appointments. It's an effective way to achieve a lighter look without causing damage to your hair, and it's also cost-effective." 

Years of box dyes, not getting regular haircuts, over-shampooing and not using the right treatments have left my hair a hot mess. Help me transform these faded locks into a glowing and magnificent mane! 

Step 1: "Find a trustworthy and dependable hairdresser with whom you can build a strong relationship. Frequent changes can lead to conflicting advice and a surplus of unused hair products."

Step 2: "Schedule some extra consultation time with your hairdresser to discuss your hair goals, create a plan and timeline for achieving them, and ensure they're on board to assist you. Understand that there may be limitations due to your hair's condition, and it's crucial that your hairdresser is honest with you - there is nothing worse than someone just going ahead and doing what you want, knowing it may not work or completely destroying your hair."

Step 3: "Get a thorough scalp consultation from your hairdresser and ask for recommendations for the best shampoo and conditioner for your hair and scalp. If you're shampooing too frequently, it might be because you're using products that are too heavy, causing your sebaceous glands to overproduce oil. With the right products, aim to wash your hair no more than 2-3 times a week. Your scalp will adjust over time, producing less oil."

Step 4: "Reduce the frequency of colouring treatments, especially if your hair is dry and damaged from years of colouring. For blondes, consider a "face-frame" of foils to maintain a fresh and bright look without excessive damage. The less coloring you do, the healthier your hair will be. During this period, ensure you get regular haircuts every 10-12 weeks and use weekly treatments, which could include products like K18 or Evo Top drops, to begin repairing your hair."

Step 5: "Minimise heat styling as much as possible. Opt for air-drying your hair when you can and reserve blow-drying and curling for special occasions. Excessive heat can further damage your hair and impede the transformation process."

Step 6: "Use lukewarm water when showering. While hot showers may be enjoyable, they aren't kind to your hair. Keep the water temperature slightly cooler, and if you're brave, consider a brief cold-water rinse at the end of your shower to close the hair cuticle and enhance shine."

Finally, Bob Hair Co. is based in South Yarra. Tell us about your favourite food and drink spots in this beautiful 'burb.

"This is a tricky one as there are so many great spots close by. If I had to narrow it down to a few, I'd say Shadow Boxer, right around the corner from us on Toorak Road. We love sneaking in there post-work for one of the best spritzes in town and a bite to eat. The team are also so welcoming."

"Rustica on Chapel Street does a great brekkie. We have our monthly team meeting there and never get bored of the menu; they also bake their own bread daily, so you can grab a loaf on the way out." 

"If it's been a hard day and we're all hanging for some greasy goodness, it's got to be a juicy burger at Leonard's House of Love. They have a great outdoor area, a great beer menu, plus it's dog friendly for the Bob doggos!"

Other than Bob, where in South Yarra would you go for a hit of self-care? 

"Comma is a bathhouse and does the best massage this end of town; a total sanctuary for the Bob crew. If you haven't been there you need to go!" 

"For the best mani/pedi you'll ever get, accompanied by a pretty damn good cocktail, Soak is a must. We came across this place a year ago for our team Christmas party and haven’t stopped going there since." 

"One of the most beautiful yoga studios in town is Humming Puppy. This place is pure zen, a dimly lit, spacious studio, with amazing bathrooms to boot! It also has a deep hum that fills the room as you do your practice."

Enjoyed our sustainable hair care chat with Bob Hair Co.'s Charlotte Archer and now eager for more health and beauty tips and tricks? Check out our favourite probiotics for gut health, Australian skincare brands, and the best sunscreens in Australia to keep your skin protected and youthful.