With a new season in bloom, there's never been a better time to prepare your hair and skin for warmer weather. Hair stylist Toni Bish shares her hair tips, icks and the importance of filtered water for keeping those locks in tip-top condition.

Tell us a little about you. Where are you from, and what do you do?

I’m Toni Bish, I’m a Hair Stylist and have been in the hair industry for 15 years. I’m originally from a small town in Pennsylvania outside of Pittsburgh, where I got my cosmetology education while still in high school. I’ve been in Austin for 10 years, and it feels like home! 

I originally focused on rainbow hair colors, fun vivid hues, or soft pastels, but over the years, I discovered more about the ingredients that are in our products and water and how they can have harmful effects over time.

How can someone tell if their water might be affecting their hair?

Many things can contribute to your hair's health, and water is one of them. My focus now as a hairdresser is to educate my clients on clean products and the importance of having a filter in your shower! (also a good filter for our drinking water, but that’s a whole other story). I’ve shifted my clientele to those with lower maintenance color processes and enjoy haircuts that enhance their natural texture or have a soft grow-out. 

I had scalp itchiness and excessive hair fall, which I felt my water contributed to. Water that’s very “hard” and high in minerals will cause the hair to be brassy and fragile and even cause a slight penny smell. “Soft” water will cause hair to feel as though it’s never been rinsed of soap, the scalp can become waxy and flaky, and strands can look limp or without body.

Would you say filtered water helps with scalp health and hair hydration? 

Filtered water DEFINITELY supports scalp, skin, and hair health. The chemicals used in water treatment plants, while necessary to clean our water, can cause all kinds of side effects with time. For example, redness, itchiness, excessive hair fall, build up, breakage, and eczema or psoriasis-like side effects on the skin/body. 

What’s your go-to, no-fail hair hack that everyone should know?

I’ve been taking as many seminars as I can in trichology, the study of scalp and hair health. One of the latest studies examines recent changes in shampoo formulas containing salicylic acid.

SA has been shown to decrease hair fall over time when combined with other scalp-stimulating ingredients. I’ve seen Aveda, Act and Acre, Necessaire, and more reformulating or creating shampoos with salicylic acid in them now.

Besides that, I always remind clients that scalp health starts within. There is no cure-all shampoo if you’re low on iron or going through a hormonal change, so it’s always important to discuss things with your doctor and take a look at creating a healthy lifestyle with balanced eating habits and nutrition.