The back-to-school haircut is officially a thing—and September is the perfect time for a reset

Forget January — September is the month that really makes us want to get our lives together.

There’s something about the end of summer and the return to routine that brings with it an irresistible urge for a fresh start. New journal, new wardrobe, newly organised kitchen cupboards (OK, maybe that is a step too far!)—and, naturally, a new haircut.

And while the kids might be the ones heading back to school, there’s no reason they should get all the new-term excitement.

Consider this your post-summer hair reset

After months of a heatwave, holidays, swimming and just being outside more than normal, our hair can emerge from summer looking a little less glossy than it did going in.

Dry ends, faded colour and grown-out layers can all make hair feel lacklustre, which is why September is such a good time to book in for a cut.

You don’t necessarily need a dramatic transformation. Taking a few inches off those tired ends, refreshing your layers or adding some subtle face-framing can be enough to make your hair feel healthier, fuller and infinitely more polished.

Time for something completely new?

If you’ve been thinking about doing something more dramatic with your hair, consider this your sign.

A sharp bob, soft fringe, shorter layers or a more dramatic chop can deliver exactly the kind of fresh-start energy we're craving at this time of year.

Not sure what will work? Rather than arriving at Pankhurst & Deane armed with a screenshot of your favourite celebrity’s hair, talk to us about the overall look you love. The best haircut will take into account your hair texture, face shape and—crucially—how much effort you're prepared to put into styling it.

Because a haircut that looks incredible after a professional blow-dry but requires 45 minutes of work every morning probably isn't the new-term energy we're after.

The best haircuts make life easier

September often means earlier mornings, packed diaries and a return to juggling approximately 53 things before breakfast, so this is also the perfect opportunity to rethink how your hair fits into your routine.

Ask us about cuts that work with your natural texture and still look good with minimal styling. The goal? Hair you can wash, style quickly and get on with your day.

And if you happen to get an hour of uninterrupted peace, a great head massage and a really good blow-dry in the process? Even better.

The kids may be going back to school, but consider this your excuse for a new-term reset of your own.

Fridge to fabulous: Three quirky DIY hair masks for seriously shiny hair

If your hair is looking more lacklustre than luminous, your kitchen cupboard might hold the answer. While a good glossing treatment is hard to beat, a few surprisingly simple homemade hair masks can give dry, dull lengths a welcome dose of TLC.

Here are some of our favourite homemade hair masks you can try yourself.

Avocado and olive oil hair mask

First up: avocado and olive oil. It might sound more like the beginnings of brunch, but mashed avocado mixed with a teaspoon of olive oil makes a rich conditioning mask for dry hair. Smooth it through the mid-lengths and ends, leave for 15–20 minutes, then shampoo thoroughly.

Honey and coconut oil hair mask

If you like a sweeter scent, try honey and coconut oil. Honey is a humectant, meaning it helps attract and retain moisture, while coconut oil can help soften the hair. Warm a small amount between your hands, mix together and apply sparingly—particularly if your hair is fine.

Banana and yogurt hair mask

Blend a very ripe banana until completely smooth (trust us, you don’t want chunks caught in your hair!) then add a spoonful of yoghurt and apply to thirsty lengths before rinsing well.

Of course, shine isn’t just about masks. Rinsing hair with lukewarm rather than piping hot water can help minimise dryness, while regular trims keep frazzled ends at bay. A tiny amount of lightweight hair oil applied to damp ends can also deliver instant polish.

One final rule? Go easy. Homemade treatments should feel like an occasional beauty ritual rather than a daily habit—and always patch-test ingredients first. Sometimes, the route to expensive-looking shine really does start in the fridge.

How to stop greasy hair in its tracks: five expert-approved tricks that actually work

You know the story: you’ve washed your hair in the morning only to find your roots looking greasy again by lunchtime. If oily hair is a regular occurrence, don’t worry as we have compiled our favourite tricks that can make all the difference.

Reconsider your washing routine

While it’s tempting to shampoo daily, over-cleansing can strip the scalp of its natural oils, potentially encouraging it to produce more. Instead, try gradually spacing out washes and opt for a gentle, balancing shampoo.

Put shampoo and conditioner where your hair needs it most

When you do wash, concentrate shampoo at the roots, where oil builds up, and keep conditioner strictly to the mid-lengths and ends.

Watch out for product build-up

Styling creams, oils and even dry shampoo can accumulate on the scalp, so introduce a clarifying shampoo once a week for a proper reset.

Then there are the less obvious habits: constantly touching or brushing your hair can transfer oils from your hands and scalp through the lengths, while an overdue pillowcase change certainly won’t help.

Last resort

And for the days when your roots still refuse to cooperate? Apply dry shampoo before they become greasy, ideally before bed. It has time to absorb excess oil overnight, leaving hair fresher and fuller by morning.

Need more help with your hair? Give us a call or drop into the salon.

Why regular haircuts matter - especially in summer

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy sunshine, holidays and long days outdoors, but it can be one of the toughest seasons for your hair.

UV rays, chlorine from swimming pools and salt water from the sea can all leave your hair feeling dry, brittle and more prone to damage. One of the best ways to keep your hair looking healthy and fresh is to book regular trims.

Prevent split ends from travelling

When hair becomes damaged, the ends can start to split and fray. If left untreated, these splits can travel further up the hair shaft, making your hair look thinner and more uneven. Regular trims remove those damaged ends, helping your hair stay stronger and healthier.

Keep your style looking its best

A fresh cut doesn’t just improve the health of your hair — it also helps your style keep its shape. Whether you have layers, a bob, long locks or a fringe, regular appointments keep your haircut looking polished and easier to manage.

Restore summer-damaged hair

After months of sun exposure and swimming, your hair may need a little extra care. A trim combined with a nourishing salon treatment can help bring back softness, shine and movement.

How often should you have a haircut?

Most people benefit from a trim every 6–12 weeks, depending on their hair type, length and how much styling or colouring they do. If your hair feels dry, looks dull or you’re noticing more split ends, it could be time for a refresh.

At our salon, we can help you choose the right cut and treatments to keep your hair looking healthy all year round — not just in summer. Give us a call to make your next appointment.

Spotted your first grey hair? Here's what to do

Finding your first grey hair can come as a (nasty!) surprise, but there's no need to panic. Going grey is a completely natural part of ageing and, for many people, it can start as early as their twenties or thirties.

Genetics play the biggest role in determining when your hair begins to lose its pigment. So, what's the best thing to do?

Don't pull it out

We know it can be tempting to pluck a grey hair, but it's better to resist. Pulling hairs out repeatedly can damage the hair follicle over time and may lead to thinner hair in that area. One grey hair won't suddenly multiply, despite the old myth, but it's kinder to simply leave it or trim it if it bothers you.

Embrace it or cover it

There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to grey hair. Some people choose to embrace their natural silver strands, while others prefer to blend or cover them up with colour. From subtle highlights that disguise greys to full colour transformations, there are plenty of options to suit your style and maintenance routine. Talk to us about your options.

Speak to your stylist

If you're starting to notice more grey hairs, book a consultation with your regular stylist. We can recommend the best colour techniques, products and treatments to keep your hair looking healthy, shiny and beautifully maintained—whether you decide to go grey gracefully or keep your natural colour for a little longer.

Whatever you choose, remember that grey hair is simply another stage of your hair journey, and with the right care, it can look just as beautiful as any other shade.

How to restore sun damaged hair this summer

We are really enjoying these long, sunny days but they can take a real toll on your hair. Just as UV rays can damage your skin, they can also weaken the hair cuticle, leaving strands dry, brittle and more prone to breakage.

Add in chlorine from swimming pools and salt water from holidays, and your hair can quickly lose its shine and softness. The good news is that a little extra care can make a big difference.

Give your hair a moisture boost

Start by using a nourishing shampoo and conditioner designed for dry or damaged hair, and treat your locks to a deep conditioning mask once a week to replenish lost moisture.

Protect your hair from the sun

If you're spending lots of time outdoors, wear a hat or scarf to shield your hair from the sun, or use a leave-in conditioner with UV protection.

Take a break from the heat

Try to limit the use of heated styling tools while your hair is recovering. If you do use a hairdryer, straighteners or curling tongs, always apply a heat protection spray first to prevent further damage.

Snip away split ends

Getting a fresh cut is essential. Removing split ends stops them travelling further up the hair shaft and keeps your hair looking healthier, thicker and fuller.

Treat your hair to some TLC

If your hair feels particularly dry or lifeless after summer, a professional conditioning treatment can help restore moisture, improve shine and leave your hair feeling soft, smooth and healthy again.

At our salon, we're always happy to recommend the best treatments and home-care products for your hair type, so you can enjoy healthy, glossy hair all year round. Just ask!

Dry hair? Here's how to bring it back to life

If your hair feels rough, looks dull or is prone to frizz, you're not alone. Dry hair is one of the most common concerns hairdressers see, and it can be caused by everything from heat styling and colouring to sun exposure, hard water and even changing seasons.

The good news? With the right hair care routine, dry hair can become softer, smoother and noticeably healthier.

Start by switching to a moisturising shampoo and conditioner designed for dry or damaged hair. These products help replenish lost moisture without stripping away your hair's natural oils. Once a week, use a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask to give thirsty strands an extra boost of hydration.

If you regularly use heated styling tools, always apply a heat protection spray before blow drying, curling or straightening. Reducing the temperature on your styling tools can also help prevent further damage.

Regular trims are just as important. Cutting away dry, split ends every six to eight weeks keeps your hair looking healthy and stops damage from travelling further up the hair shaft.

For the best results, book a consultation with us. A professional conditioning treatment, combined with our expert advice tailored to your hair type, can restore moisture, improve shine and leave your hair feeling soft, healthy and full of life.

The simple secrets to healthier, shinier hair

There's something about glossy, healthy-looking hair that instantly makes you feel more put together. While genetics play a part, the biggest difference often comes down to how well you care for your hair between salon appointments.

The foundation of shiny hair is hydration. Using a nourishing conditioner every time you wash your hair helps replenish moisture, smooth the hair cuticle and reduce frizz. If your hair feels dry or has been coloured, swap your regular conditioner for a deep conditioning hair mask once a week to restore softness and shine.

Heat styling is another common culprit behind dull, dehydrated hair. Whether you're blow drying or using straighteners, always apply a heat protection spray first to minimise damage and help your hair retain its natural gloss.

Don't underestimate the power of regular trims either. Booking a haircut every six to eight weeks removes split ends before they travel further up the hair shaft, leaving your hair looking healthier and feeling thicker.

Finally, if your hair has lost its sparkle, speak to us about a professional conditioning treatment. Combined with expert advice and the right home hair care products, it's one of the quickest ways to revive dry, damaged hair and achieve that salon-fresh shine every day.

Beach waves made easy: the straightener styling trick you need to know

Beachy curls are one of those timeless, effortless-looking styles that actually take a little know-how to get right.

The good news? You don’t need a curling wand to achieve them. A straightener works just as well—sometimes even better—once you know the technique. Here’s how to create soft, textured beachy waves using a hair straightener.

Step one: Start with dry, fully brushed hair. Any knots will cause uneven bends, so take a moment to smooth everything out.

Step two: Apply a heat protectant spray before you begin—this is essential to protect your hair from heat damage and keep your waves looking glossy rather than frizzy.

Step three: Section your hair into manageable layers. The smaller the sections, the more defined your waves will be. If you want a more relaxed, undone look, go slightly larger with your sections.

Step four: Take your straightener and clamp it gently about halfway down the section of hair. Instead of pulling straight down, rotate the straightener 180 degrees away from your face while slowly gliding it down the strand. Think of it as creating an “S” shape with your hair as you move. Keep the motion smooth and continuous—this is what gives that natural, beachy bend.

For a more lived-in finish, alternate the direction of the curls as you move around your head. This prevents the style from looking too uniform and gives it that relaxed, just-off-the-beach vibe.

Step five: Once all your hair is done, let the waves cool completely before touching them.

Step six: Then gently run your fingers through to break them up.

Step seven: Finish with a light texturising spray or sea salt spray to add hold and that signature beachy texture.

The key is not perfection—messy, soft, and undone is exactly what makes this style work.

The do's and don'ts of heat styling

Heat styling can help you get a polished look, but it can also cause damage to your hair, Here are our top do’s and don’ts for protecting your hair when using hot tools.

Do always apply a heat protectant before using any heated styling tools. This creates a barrier between your hair and the heat, reducing moisture loss and damage.

Do invest in high-quality styling tools with adjustable temperature settings. Fine hair requires less heat, while thicker hair may need slightly higher temperatures.

Do give your hair regular breaks from heat styling. Embrace your natural style or try heat-free methods like braiding damp hair or doing sock curls.

Don’t use heat tools on soaking wet hair unless they’re specifically designed for it. This can cause severe damage and weaken the hair structure.

Don’t go over the same section repeatedly. Try to style each section in one smooth pass to minimise exposure to heat.