Use a sheet mask for extra moisture.
Central heating and cold weather can play havoc with our skin. Using a weekly face or sheet mask can add moisture and hydrating leaving you with a fresh and dewy complexion.
Moisturise day and night
As well as a weekly face mask it’s important to moisturise the skin day and night, using a lighter cream for daytime and a thicker one overnight.
Don't forget sun cream
It might be winter and less sunny, but your skin is still exposed to harmful rays in the winter so slap on the sun cream daily to prevent damage.
Apply an antioxidant serum
Antioxidant serums can help protect you skin from environmental damage and signs of ageing.
Hydrate the scalp with a hair mask
Just like skin, our hair can get dry and brittle during the winter so be sure to hydrate it with a weekly nourishing hair mask.
Always carry a lip balm
Lips get dry in winter, so like your face and hair, hydrate with some moisturising lip balm.
How to look after long hair
Trying to grow your hair or simply maintain your already long locks? Read on...
Maintain a regular haircare routine
The longer your hair, the more it gets damaged by the heat, styling and sun damage. Invest in a weekly hair mask. Treat yourself out to get a hair spa treatment with us once a month, too.
Don’t blowdry wet hair
Towel dry hair thoroughly and let it semi air dry before you apply heat. Also, invest in a microfibre towel, which is gentler on the hair. Then add moisture with hair serum and heat protectant.
Buy paraben-free products
Alcohol-laden hair sprays and products with parabens damage the hair. Remember, the longer your hair the more nourishment your ends need!
Have regular trims
Regular trims are vital when you have long hair to keep it healthy and strong.
Avoid plastic hair brushes
Instead opt for a ceramic or wooden bristle brush. It’s less harsh on your scalp and also makes sure the natural oils get evenly distributed through the hair.
Our favourite vegan shampoos and conditioners you NEED in your life
How to repair chemically damaged hair
Too many chemical treatments, like hair dyes, professional straightening or perms, can leave your hair in serious need of some TLC.
While going for a drastic chop and starting again is one option, if you can't face a completely new look there are a few things you can do to repair your hair and stop it from getting worse...
Unlike your skin, your hair doesn't regenerate itself once it is damaged. The good news is, increasing the moisture with a hydrating mask can help bond the hair cuticles back, both in the salon and at home. Talk to us today about the moisturising treatments we have on offer.
Weekly hair mask
If you're doing a DIY hair mask, aim for once a week. You can even sleep in it overnight (with hair wrapped in a microfibre towel) for maximum hydration.
Comb conditioner through before rinsing
Another way to improve the appearance of frazzled hair by combing conditioner through your mid-lengths and ends before rinsing, which has the effect of smoothing the hair cuticles down.
Use hair serum
A fortifying hair serum nourishes the scalp and hair follicles. We like L'Oreal's Absolute Repair Serum, which you can buy here.
Regular haircuts
A great haircut will also revitalise hair and make you look - and feel - better about your damaged hair. You don't have to do anything drastic. We can work with your hair to create a style that complements the way it moves.
Leave-in conditioners to revive sun damaged hair
Hot weather. It’s great, but it puts your hair through the wringer!
Protect against humidity with these 6 leave-in conditioners...
How do I choose the right hair colour for me?
When it comes to choosing the right hair colour for you, our colourists know the three elements that combined will create your perfect look...
1) Your complexion
The colour of your skin tone is actually one of the most important aspects of choosing the perfect hair colour. The correct colour will compliment your skin and make it appear even more beautiful, while the wrong colour might make your skin look dull and dreary.
2) Your eyes
To really enhance and intensify your eye colour, we might recommend a contrasting colour. For instance - if your eyes are blue, a caramel or golden blonde tone will make them appear even bluer. If they are green, a fiery or soft red tone could be the perfect colour for you.
3) Personal style
Once the hair colour has been narrowed down to suit your complexion and eye colour, your personal style should be considered - and this is where you know best. Do you want to be noticed or blend in? Do you need to be more daring or does your outfit say enough? Make sure the shades you and your hair stylist choose is one that will make you feel confident and yourself.
Healthy hair care secrets for dyed hair you need to know now
1. Wash your hair less
The more you wash, the quicker your colour will fade – it really is as simple as that. So buy back some time in your every day routine and skip the frequent washing. The best way to care for your colour is to wash only twice or three times a week – then soak up oil from those roots with dry shampoo when needed.
2. Skip straight to conditioner
So, you’re having trouble weaning yourself off daily washing – you’ve been doing it for years. At the very least, try skipping shampoo and jumping straight to conditioner. You’ll add softness, shine and caring nourishment – all without washing that crazy colour away.
3. Pick the right shampoo
There’s a reason why colour protective shampoo was invented. While some regular shampoos can wash away your colour and accelerate colour fade, formulas like L’Oréal Paris Elvive Colour Protect Shampoo actually work to protect your colour, helping to keep your pastel, vivid or metallic shade looking beautiful and vibrant. Whatever you do, choose a “low sulphate” shampoo as it will help to wash out less colour from your hair.
4. Condition
When we colour our hair, it becomes more fragile – this helps the colour make an exit and therefore, that’s when fading occurs. So allow the oils, butters, conditioning polymers and other hydrating elements that often go into a great conditioner to help form a protective barrier and help prevent your colour making a bid for freedom.
5. Heat protection
They work - In particular, the ingredients in heat protection sprays reduce heat damage, most likely by evening out how the hair heats up. However, they can’t insulate your hair from most of the damage, so you still need to minimise your hair’s exposure to heat styling!
6. Make time for masks
Did we mention condition? Just for good measure, it’s back in at number six. If you’ve been on a colour break and become slack about masking, now’s the time to get back on the wagon. Just 5-10 minutes of masking twice a week can add a super dose of healing nourishment that helps to repair damage, increase shine – and naturally, keep that colour going stronger for longer.
7. Air dry
There’s a blow-dry backlash brewing amongst the style set – and we think we know why. Addicted to colour – that’s crazier by the second – they know that all that heat from blow-dryers, straightening irons and curling tongs may not only be damaging to the hair, but also be pressing play on yet more moisture loss and compromising that radiant colour. So do as they do and simply apply L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Hair Oil to damp hair to nourish and add shine – all whilst helping to save your colour from the perils of the hairdryer.
8. Use filters
One of the number one enemies to long-lasting, super bold colour is UV light from the sun. Even in winter when the days seem dark, light loves to play havoc with your hair. So add a UV filter finishing spray to your morning routine and show the sun who’s boss.
9. Swim smart
Remember the stories about chlorine turning coloured hair a slimy shade of green? Chlorine can not only change your colour (obviously not colouring it green), but it can also fast forward fading. So if you’re heading to the pool, prep your hair and pre-condition. Apply a layer of conditioner to your hair and spin it up into a bun to form a protective barrier against chemical damage. After all, if you’d wanted to go green, you’d have picked Colorista Spray in Mint.
10. Eat right
Condition – like beauty – starts from within, so feed your hair from the inside out. A diet rich in oily fish such as salmon and mackerel will nourish your hair with omega-3 fatty acids, making it shiny and strong. Add some walnuts in and get a hit of vitamin E to help combat dry, brittle hair post-colour.
Pankhurst and Deane uses L’Oreal products in the salon.
How to give sun damaged hair some TLC
Sunshine we love you!
Here's our top four tips to protect your hair from sun damage.
INVEST IN SOME LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER
Comb a restorative leave-in conditioner L'Oréal Paris Ever Strong Break Proof lotion in wet hair, then throw it up into a bun to create a barrier from UV rays and keep hair hydrated. Buy it here.
PROTECT WITH A HYDRATING HAIR MASK
The sun’s rays are harsher in the summer, so even if you aren’t outside every day, your hair can still get damaged when you are. Use a hair mask like Lóreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil Very Dry Hair Masque once a week to maintain moisture. Buy it here.
CUT BACK ON WASHING YOUR HAIR
The oil your hair naturally produces protects it from the sun, so you don’t want to over-wash during the warmer months. Instead of lathering up daily, use a dry shampoo like Batiste a couple times a week to give your hair a break. Buy it here.
SPRAY ON THE MOISTURE
Some styling products can give you those effortless beach hair waves. L'Oréal Paris Stylista The Beach Wave Mist Salt Spray creates texture while adding moisture back into the cuticle so your hair is less susceptible to the sun’s heat damage. Buy it here.
What is the perfect hair care routine?
Does your hair need some TLC? Try this simple haircare routine for healthy hair…
Step 1: Cleanse
Just like you cleanse your skin, your hair needs the same care. You don’t have to do this daily - how often you wash your hair depends on its dryness and if you have product build up. Washing your hair will leave it and your scalp feeling clean, removing any products, grease, dirt and dead skin cells which might have built up.
Step 2: Condition and nourish
Conditioning your hair helps to detangle, seal the cuticles and provide moisture. It replenishes the moisture that your shampoo may have removed, and it will help remove any knots or tangles that were caused by massaging your shampoo onto your hair and scalp.
Step 3: Protect
Never use heated styling tools like curlers or straightener on wet or damp hair. After applying a heat protectant, let your hair air dry for a couple of minutes before applying heat.
Step 4: Moisturise
After styling your hair or letting it air dry, add back in a little moisture. Also on days where you’re not washing your hair, your hair may benefit from a moisture boost. This is where hair oil comes in, our favorite multitasker! Hair oils are also great for controlling frizz and preventing dryness.
Step 5: Treatment
Try a weekly mask, oil or a scalp treatment. This can help tackle damage, dryness and an oily, flaky or dry scalp, and improve the overall appearance and health of your hair.
Three easy spring haircare tips you need to try TODAY
Spring is finally here, which means the weather is (hopefully!) sunnier, the flowers are in full bloom and it's a great time to think about changing your haircare routine.
Here are our top three tips for looking after your hair this season:
1. Have a trim
Winter really takes its toll on your hair, with the cold air and indoor heating playing havoc with your locks by drying it out. A quick trim is all you need to get rid of dry and damaged ends and help your hair regain its shine and health. Book your next appointment by calling us today on 01865 553725 or fill in our booking form here.
2. Lighten your hair
In spring, not only the days should be lighter, but it's nice to give your hair a lift, too. If you're not ready to completely overhaul your look with a brand new colour, then we recommend trying our new L'oreal Instant Highlights to change your hairstyle without doing anything too drastic. Not only do they take half the time of normal highlights, they have a really natural finish for that all-important sun kissed look.
3. Let your hair dry naturally
It's madness to go out with wet hair in winter, but now the weather is warming up you can let your hair air dry a bit more. Taking a hairdryer break will also give your hair a chance to grow stronger and it avoids further damaging the strands. Remember to gently towel dry rather than rub your hair as the follicles are at their weakest when wet.