Welcome to HAIRCARE. Hotline: Meet Our Expert.

Published on October 2, 2026

Time to read 4 min

We take hair seriously here at HAIRCARE. And because of that we believe that expert advice should come from experts! Which is why we have brought onboard a Hair Expert to give us more insight and depth to our hair advice and chats. Welcome to the HAIRCARE. Hotline 📞

💓 Meet our Hair Expert Ashlea 💓

Hi, I’m Ashlea! I am HAIRCARE.'s and YOUR new Hair Expert. I have been working in the haircare industry as a hairstylist for over 15 years! WOW! (scary when you start counting 😩) This has led me to gaining insight into not only what products to use, but why, when and how to use them effectively.

Alongside currently managing a boutique salon, I’m excited to bring my hands-on industry experience and professional knowledge to HAIRCARE.. Think of me as your Insider guide to professional haircare — helping you understand what your hair actually needs, choose products with confidence and get the most out of every product you use 💅

Why should your hairdresser's best kept secrets be kept a secret.....?! We don't believe in gatekeeping here at HAIRCARE. so that's what I am here for! Let's spill the hair tea and get you confident in knowing how to gain the best looking hair with products that work for you!

There is a lot of noise when it comes to how we consume media, content and advice - TikTok, Instagram, Magazines, Facebook, whatever it is, there are A LOT of conflicting ideas out there!

Our goals with HAIRCARE. Hotline are

#1 To provide credible and valued information when it comes to haircare. Expert input helps us pinpoint what's just a popular trend and what's actually good for your hair!

#2 Build trust with you, our readers 😍 we want our blogs to be a trusted source of information when it comes to all things hair ✨

And with that, let's get into some of my Tips of the Trade 👀

Hair Expert Tip #1 - Heat Protectant Isn't Just For Straighteners

Any time you are using some form of heat on your hair, heat protection is important. Before you blow dry, then again before you straighten, curl or hot brush your hair.

A lot of the time we think that our favourite blow dry lotion we put in our hair before we blow dry is enough heat protection until we have finished styling our hair (including use of straighteners or hair curler etc) but this is not always true.

To ensure that you are maintaining optimal hair health and protection, it is important to use a heat protection product before blow drying, then again a heat protection spray that can be used on dry hair before straightening, curling or using any additional hair tools.

Also how you are using the heat protection product is important. You want to distribute your heat protection products from roots to ends in sections to ensure that you are covering all of the hair strands before applying heat.

⭐ Hair Expert Top Tip ⭐

One last VERY important tip! Don’t forget about days 2, 3, 4 and so on, before your next hair wash. Are you going over your hair with the straighteners the next morning? Don’t assume your hair is still protected. Get out your heat protection spray, re-apply to the hair in sections before then going in with your heat tools. You want to be doing this EVERY time you are using heat on your hair. With this routine you will be able to help maintain beautifully healthy hair and meet your hair goals in no time!

Here are a few of our faves (and best-sellers) on HAIRCARE.co.nz 💫

Hair Expert Tip #2 - Wet Hair is More Vulnerable to Breakage

Hair that is wet is a lot weaker and therefore more vulnerable to breakage.

I won’t get into technical details but just know that your hair, once wet, becomes more stretchy and vulnerable due to weakening of the bonds within the structure. The vigorous towel drying, brushing and hair tying of your wet hair as you rush to get out the door can be causing more damage than you think! 😪

⭐ Hair Expert Top Tip ⭐

Rubbing your hair vigorously with a traditional towel creates friction. This can lead to frizz! Nobody wants that. Swap out your traditional towel for a microfibre towel or t-shirt which is much softer, and use this to gently squeeze any excess moisture from your hair. This will minimise friction that can cause hair breakage or frizz.

Still using your favourite hair brush from 10 years ago that you purchased from your local pharmacy? 😶 Now is the time to look at an upgrade!

A wet brush - hairbrush that is designed to be used on wet hair - will be your new bestie 👯 This brush will glide through your freshly washed hair and get out any knots (with ease I might add) and leave your hair in perfect condition to either air dry or heat style (whatever comes next in your routine).

Some of my faves are:

Clever Curl Hydra Style Brush

Framar Detangle Brush

Plus more you can find on HAIRCARE.co.nz, or below!