The Salon-Grade Secret: Pro Tips On How To Reset Your Hair For Spring

After a long winter of dry air and indoor heating, our hair often ends up as dull and resilient as a January frost. But as we head into the spring beauty season, Nicolette Cammalleri—Director of Education at Mela & Kera and founder of Colette Studio—is here to help us navigate the ultimate seasonal hair reset.

A specialist in “lived-in” and corrective color, Nicolette bridges the gap between high-performance product formulation and practical, at-home maintenance. Whether you are looking to master the elusive DIY blowout, extend the life of your balayage, or finally fix the biggest mistakes in your shower routine, Nicolette’s stylist-backed insights make salon-quality results feel entirely approachable. We sat down with the expert to learn how to simplify our routines and get that “just-left-the-chair” glow from our own bathrooms. —Noa Nichol

You wear two major hats as a founder (of Colette studio) and a product developer; when you’re in the lab formulating for Mela & Kera, what is the one “professional-only” secret you’re most excited to bring to at-home consumers?

Aside from the incredible results Mela & Kera delivers both at home and in the salon. The “professional-only” secret I’m most excited for consumers to learn, is how to truly get the most out of their at-home styling routine. I know that many people struggle with styling their own hair, and I believe it’s imperative that salon partners and professionals equip their clients with the right tools and education to do it effectively. In turn, this not only empowers the consumer but also highlights the full capabilities and performance of our products.

As a Lived-In and Corrective Colour Specialist, you’ve seen it all. What is the absolute “biggest mistake” you see people making at home that sends them running back to your chair for a correction?

Naturally, I would have to say any type of at home colouring. I know it can be tempting when you see a brand at the drugstore with the word “professional” on the box. But don’t be fooled, there’s no such thing as a professional drugstore product. And of course we can never fail to mention the typical at home bang trim gone rogue. 

We’re finally shaking off the winter chill—what is the first thing we should do to “reset” our hair for spring to repair months of cold-weather damage?

A good haircut is always a great place to start. It doesn’t have to be that dreaded 2 inches but naturally it has to be more than most requests of ⅛ of an inch trim, haha. As we know, a quality shampoo and conditioner also goes a long way. A good shampoo and conditioner is imperative for long-lasting healthy hair through the dry months. 

For the blonde and balayage enthusiasts who want to save their pennies, what are your top three non-negotiable tips for extending the life of a colour appointment?

Colour-safe shampoo and conditioner is tried and true for extending colour, and never where you should be cutting costs. Secondly, I would recommend a hat. We know the sun tends to dry out and lighten hair naturally so protecting your hair like your skin is very important for a long lasting and healthy colour. Lastly, If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly tip for the balayage addicted clients,  talk to your colourist about a more sunkissed colour that both allows you to go longer between appointments and save some money. 

Everyone wants the “perfect salon blowout” at home, but few achieve it. What is the one tool or technique most people are missing in their bathroom arsenal?

A great blowout cream, for instance the Balayage Exceptionnel Exquisite Blowout Cream, and an even better round brush, particularly natural bore bristle. I have had the same Ibiza hairbrushes my whole career and they are tried and true. Some of our best sellers on colettestudio.ca. My top technique for the perfect salon blowout is don’t over dry or use your round brush on wet hair, your hair must be 70 to 80% dry before going in with the round brush. 

You specialize in “colour protective” formulas. Why is plant-powered chemistry becoming a game-changer for maintaining the integrity of high-maintenance hair shades?

Plant-powered chemistry has evolved dramatically. Today’s advanced botanical actives help reinforce the hair’s structure, minimize oxidation, and lock in vibrancy. Which is essential for maintaining high-maintenance shades. It’s not just about being natural; it’s about delivering high-performance protection while preserving the integrity of the hair.

Many people have a 10-step skincare routine but a 2-step hair routine. How do you coach clients to build a simplified, effective “hair wardrobe” that doesn’t feel like a chore?

For starters as we know hair ages just as much as skin, just in different ways. Fragility increases, density lessens, and melanin dissipates overtime creating tired, looking and ageing hair. Naturally, we try to coach our clients into understanding that your scalp is an extension of your face, and the strands of your hair are just as important as the lines on your forehead. It doesn’t have to be overly complicated or long.  But it’s simple things like leaving a mask on your hair the same way we leave a mask on our face that make the biggest difference.

When it comes to “healthy, resilient hair year-round,” what is one ingredient we should be looking for—and one we should be avoiding—on our product labels?

You should always be avoiding any harsh ingredients such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or Alcohol based ingredients that can strip your hair colour and dry out and damage the hair strand itself. When we’re talking about ingredients to look for, keep an eye out for hydrolyzed plant proteins, camellia oil, and antioxidant-rich botanicals. These help strengthen the hair strand, improve elasticity, and protect against oxidative stress, which is key for maintaining both integrity and colour longevity.

Your work bridges professional technique with daily routines. Is there a “stylist-backed” hack for reviving second-day hair that doesn’t involve just dousing it in dry shampoo?

I’ve never really been a dry shampoo person. Most powders can clog the scalp and, over time, actually make the hair feel dirtier rather than fresher. As a stylist and colourist, scalp health is everything to me. For my clients, ‘second-day hair’ often looks more like day three or four, but it usually requires intention. I’ll add texture with a curling iron or lean into a sleek, slicked-back style instead of masking buildup. It’s about working with the hair, not covering it up.

Looking at the hair trends for 2026, what is the “next big thing” in hair health that we’re going to be obsessed with by the time summer hits?

I’m seeing some shorts hairstyles again and lots of layers which is exciting. Many people are going back to darker hair or their natural tones. I’m also loving this warm tone we’re seeing our brunettes coming out with. There will always be our tried and true bright blondes but we’re seeing more dimension and depth across the board . But I think this year we’re going closer to the Hailey Bieber and Sofia Richie Grange, babes of the world with warm natural colours and minimal highlights, just enough to enhance your natural glow.