Everything you need to know about sulfate-free hair care

When you’re ready to make the move to sulfate-free hair care products, there’s more to it than heading to the shops and picking up the first bottle you see.

Sulfate-free hair care products have become super-popular over the years—meaning you’ve got plenty of options to choose from. Here’s our guide to L’Oreal’s best sulfate-free hair care products, so you can find the right ones for your hair.

PRODUCTS FOR BLONDE, COLOURED HAIR

Once you switch up your shade, your hair will require special care. That means your regular old shampoo and conditioner won't do the trick any more, so try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Shade Reviving Treatment. The EverPure Blonde system can help neutralise unwanted brass tones while hydrating over-processed hair. Once or twice a week, use the hair mask in place of the conditioner.

PRODUCTS FOR DRY HAIR

Just as using the wrong facial cleanser and moisturiser can be a detriment to your dry skin, using the wrong shampoo and conditioner won’t exactly benefit your hair if it’s on the dry side. Focus on finding a system of shampoo and conditioner that moisturises, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner. The EverPure Moisture system gently cleanses and conditions dry hair to help replenish essential moisture, lush-touch softness, and luminous shine.

PRODUCTS FOR FRIZZY HAIR

Frizz, frizz go away. Come again…not another day. It’s pretty clear that frizzy hair is one thing pretty much no one wants, and managing it is all about using the right hair care products. Enter the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Frizz-Defy Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris EverPure Frizz-Defy Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris EverSleek Frizz Finish Oil-In-Serum, which can be used in conjunction for humidity and frizz control, manageability, and smooth luminosity.

PRODUCTS FOR THIN HAIR

If you have thin hair, you may be wondering how to create the appearance of a fuller-looking mane. If that sounds like you, try the L’Oréal Paris EverStrong Thickening Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris EverStrong Thickening Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris EverStrong Break Proof Lotion. The system of shampoo and conditioner gently cleanses and purifies thin hair, removing buildup and excess oils to help promote the appearance of thicker-looking hair, while the leave-in lotion helps repair the look of damaged, split ends.

PRODUCTS FOR DAMAGED HAIR

You can be as careful as can be, but still your hair may end up damaged. If you have damaged hair, it’s a good idea to look for a hair care system that’s formulated for your hair type. Try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair and Defend Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris Repair and Defend Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair Remedy Balm, which can help protect damaged hair from daily aggressors like UV rays, water, and heat styling. Use the hair mask in place of the conditioner once or twice a week—you can also use it as a pre-shampoo mask for extra conditioning.

PRODUCTS FOR CURLY HAIR

If you’ve got spirals, you’re in luck: Curly hair is in! Use a system of hair care products that helps create the appearance of soft, manageable, hydrated curls, like the L’Oréal Paris EverCurl HydraCharge Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris EverCurl HydraCharge Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris EverCurl Sculpt & Hold Cream Gel. To use the hair gel, apply 1-2 pumps to clean, towel-dried hair, then let your curls air dry.

Pankhurst and Deane is a L’Oreal hair salon and we use and sell their products. This is an edited version of a L’Oreal article. The original version can be viewed here.

Help! How do I grow out a short bob?

When you're growing out your hair it can feel painstakingly slow, and there's nothing worse than that in between stage when you feel like you're neither one style nor another.

The thing is, there is no single product that will make your hair grow quicker (sorry, we wish there was!). But there are certain things you can do which will get your hair in great condition to help it grow:

Treat your hair with some TLC

Try and exfoliating shampoo to properly cleanse your hair and strengthen it against breakage. We like this one from L'Oreal Paris. A rich argan-oil based conditioner like this will also keep your locks in good condition.

Cut your hair every six - eight weeks

We know this sounds scary and counterproductive to someone growing their hair, but regular trims will give your follicles a boost and help with your game-term plan to have long, luscious locks . Book your next appointment by calling us on 01865 553725 or clicking here.

Stop towel drying your hair

If you wrap your hair into a bath towel turban after washing, stop! This causes hair to break, and towel rubbing it dry causes even more damage. Instead invest in a microfibre hair wrap like this, which is more gentle on the follicles and also helps to de-frizz at the same time.

The ten biggest 2021 hair trends - according to L'Oreal

After the year we’ve had, there’s no doubt 2021 is calling for a serious hair makeover. And there are plenty of new trends to choose from, whether you want a new colour, trendy cut or chic new hairstyle.

As stockists of L’Oreal’s fantastic range at Pankhurst & Deane, here is the beauty giant’s top predictions for hair trends for 2021:

#1: SILVER PURPLE HAIR

Hybrid hair colour, basically shades that blend two hues into one, has made quite the name for itself in the beauty world, and silver purple hair is no exception. It’s bold, chic, and combines notes of purple with shimmery silver tints. Like the sound of this? Book in with us now to give your hair the modern take on a blue rinse!

#2: PIXIES

Short hair is one of the best ways to create a new look and 2021 is the time to reinvent yourself.

Pixie cuts are making a comeback.

#3: ROSE BROWN HAIR

If you’re brunette, there are various ways to spice up your mane—via a warm or cool-toned touch—and rosy brown hair has become a popular pick. It’s a low-maintenance option that adds dimension to brown manes—though blondes to redheads can totally rock the colour as well, just with a little more upkeep.

#4: HAIR CLIPS

Sometimes, a hair accessory is all you need to switch things up in the mane department. Barrettes, in particular, serve as a nostalgic staple that adds a chic accent to your hairstyles. You can choose to crisscross them or wear them on the side of your head. Wear your hair down with just a few strands clipped back, or pair them with your favourite undoes.

#5: SIDE-SWEPT FRINGE

If a fringe is your thing, then you’ll be happy to learn that side-swept fringes are seriously trendy for 2021. This style provides movement and works to highlight your features. It looks especially flattering on those with bigger foreheads since it shifts the focus to your eyes.

#6: CURTAIN FRINGE

This look is all about framing your face, thanks to their long sides and wispy ends. Talk to us today about creating this style for you.

#7: SHAG HAIRCUTS

In case you’ve missed it, shag haircuts are back and better than ever. They’re a fantastic way to add edge to your look and pay homage to the rock n’ rollers of the ’70s.

Shaggy haircuts are making a comeback!

#8: SMOKED MARSHMALLOW

If you have naturally dark hair and are curious about going blonde, ‘smoked marshmallow hair’ may be the trend for you. This rooted blonde colour features brunette roots that gradually transition to platinum blonde ends using lowlights and highlights to create a modern look.

#9: BLUNT BOB

As we said, short hair is a mood for 2021. A blunt bob is another popular cut, but it isn’t a look for the faint-hearted. This bold cut requires quite a bit of maintenance to keep its sleek, straight-across edges intact.

#10: TEXTURED BOB

No rule says that you can’t flaunt a bob with textured strands. Adding texture into the mix is a chic way to steer away from the traditional look. It also highlights natural textures and can be pulled together in a matter of minutes. All you need is a touch of hair mousse, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Elastic Curl Mousse, to rock the trend like a pro. Apply a 20p-sized amount of curl mousse evenly through your damp strands, scrunch, and go.

This is an edited version of a feature by L’Oreal. Read the full article here.

How to dye your hair red - by L'Oreal

Red hair colour – it’s fierce, vibrant and stands out in a crowd. From warm, orange-red hues to the boldest scarlet shade, there are so many ways to give your hair an edge.

Always toyed with the idea of going red but worried about maintaining those fiery hues? We’ve spent years honing our hair colour products, so vibrant, fiery and bright red hair is easier than ever to achieve.

Follow our guide on how to dye your hair red at home – from choosing your best shade, to the dyeing process and aftercare.

Which shade of red is right for me?

-For cool, rosier skin tones: Go for red-red or red-violet
-For warmer or olive skin tones: Choose red-red or orange-red. It’s best to stick to either two shades lighter or darker than your natural hair colour. This is more likely to give you a great colour match with your brows and skin tone.

How to dye hair bright red

Follow these steps to achieve beautiful, bright red hair with Colorista Bright Red Permanent Gel Hair Dye. If you don’t want to commit to a full head of colour, dip-dyeing and ombre techniques are a great way to get some subtle red tones. Make sure you are colour safe and that you do your allergy alert test 48h before colouring hair! You can do this by applying a small amount of the red hair dye and peroxide behind your ear.

Step 1

Red hair colour dyes better when you haven’t used shampoo for at least a day. Be sure to wear gloves, cover shoulders with a towel and wear an old t-shirt. Then begin by brushing out any knots and clip your hair up into two or three sections, leaving the bottom layer loose.

Step 2

Here’s a simple and great hack to make sure you don’t stain your skin: rub a thin layer of petroleum jelly around your hairline. Who wants pink blotches on their forehead? Not us!

Step 3

Remember to always follow the instructions on the packet. As a general guide (please refer to the Colorista Paint leaflet for more information) begin applying the mixture onto your roots and then apply the remaining product through lengths and ends. For even, all-over colour, it might be easier to get a friend to help you out. Repeat layer-by-layer, un-clipping hair as you go, making sure you’re coating every strand. Applying the dye can take between 10 and 20 minutes depending on the thickness of your hair.

Step 4

Once you’ve applied the red hair colour, secure your hair so it’s out of way. Remove any excess dye from the skin surrounding your hairline, then relax while you wait for the colour to develop. Go with the recommended time in the instruction leaflet, but check on it regularly to see how it’s progressing. We recommend waiting the full development time for the most vibrant, long-lasting colour. After all, good things come to those who wait!

Step 5

Time’s up! Wash your hair until the water runs clear and apply the nourishing post-colour mask included in the box. Leave the conditioner in for a while longer than usual to really lock that moisture into your hair.

Dry straight away to see your new vibrant red hair!

Dyeing dark hair red

Brunette is an easy shade to transition from, providing the red hair colour you choose is darker than your current shade. The red hues in permanent dye are powerful and transform brown hair easily. Dyeing black hair red (especially if it’s been dyed black) isn’t recommended unless you see a hair colour professional who can bleach it first. Don’t want to go for a permanent shade? You could always try our Colorista Washout in red.

Dyeing blonde hair red

Blonde bombshells, it’s worth noting that rich, merlot shades of red could end up turning pink, which probably isn’t quite the look you were going for. Use the Colorista bright red shade, and make sure you keep up the fade-defying maintenance tips afterwards to keep your locks vibrant.

Our Colorista Bright Red Permanent Gel Hair Dye isn’t recommended for very light blondes, but rose gold could be your colour. Discover different rose gold looks here.

How to stop red hair fading

Red hair colour does have a reputation for fading fast. This can be explained by some simple science: red molecules are slightly larger than those found in other hair dyes, and the larger surface area stands less chance of clinging to your hair.

But it’s not all doom and gloom – following a colour maintenance haircare routine and investing in a good quality home dye kit are essential for maintaining luscious red locks. Colorista Bright Red Permanent Gel Hair Dye is expertly formulated to lock in colour, and by using Elvive Colour Protect products in your daily routine, your hair will look radiant for longer and get the nourishment it needs to stay looking fresh.

Fancy trying a different bright shade? Get some inspiration for a bold new look here, or if you fancy something lighter, follow our guide to dyeing your hair silver.

Best hair products for shiny healthy hair

January is all about self care and looking after ourselves again after a month of mainlining wine, cheese, chocolate and Christmas dinners.

And what better (and easier) way than to start from the top. We’ve come up with some of the best products out there to give your hair a healthy shine boost. Let us know which ones are your favourites!

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How to give your hair a January detox

Drink water

Yeah yeah, we know it’s boring but water really is one of the key ways to keep your body - and therefore you hair - hydrated.

Not only will it have your hair shining and skin sparkling in no time, it’ll help reduce hangover time, too.

Hydrate your hair

Invest in some hydrating shampoo and conditioner like the Matrix Biolage HydraSource range.

As a L’Oreal salon, we stock and sell lots of amazing products including Matrix Biolage.

Ditch the crap

Not an easy request we know, but booze, fags and coffee are all nutrient-poor and damage the hair and body.

Food full of vitamins and minerals support healthy hair. Ot try a hair supplement like Vitabiotics Perfectil.

Get a trim

Cutting off split ends and having a fresh cut can not only make you look and feel great, it gets rid of damage and helps new hair to grow.

Book your appointment by calling 01865 553725 or click on the ‘book a haircut’ button, below.

L’oréal’s expert advice to take care of any hair type

HAIR CARE TIP #1: WASH WITH LUKEWARM WATER

Scalding showers may feel relaxing, but they aren’t worth it. That almost-too-hot-to-touch water can actually strip your hair of essential oils, which can leave it feeling drier and looking duller. So, the next time you step into the shower, adjust the temperature. Lukewarm water is just as effective at getting you clean, without being quite as harsh on your hair.

HAIR CARE TIP #2: CONDITION CORRECTLY

Chances are you already know that you should use conditioner, but are you sure you’re using it the right way? Think about where your hair tends to get greasy first—typically the roots—and use it as a reminder that conditioner only needs to be placed on part of your hair. Skip applying it near your roots, and apply conditioner from mid-lengths to ends. Conditioning at the roots can end up weighing down your hair. As for an application tip, try distributing the conditioner through your hair with a wide-toothed comb, which can help de-tangle your hair. Use a system of moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner.

HAIR CARE TIP #3: BE EXTRA THOROUGH WITH RINSING

You’re almost ready to get out of the shower, and that means rinsing out any remaining product. Be sure to be extremely thorough with washing everything out, as left-over product can leave you with buildup.

HAIR CARE TIP #4: DON’T DRY OFF USING A TOWEL

A towel totally seems like the obvious way to remove excess water and start drying your hair post-shower, but it may not be what’s best. The better option is to squeeze out excess water and then dry off using an old cotton T-shirt, which is gentler than a towel.

HAIR CARE TIP #5: PROTECT HAIR BEFORE HEAT STYLING

We all love how our hair looks after a blowdry, but excessive heat styling can do a number on your hair. While we wouldn’t expect you to part with your hot tools completely, it is a must to make one small adjustment when you’re using heat to style. Every single time, you should be applying a protective product first. Spritz on a heat protectant, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Blow Out HeatSpray, before blow-drying, straightening, or curling your hair.

HAIR CARE TIP #6: BLOW-DRY WITH A BRUSH

Blow-drying your hair may not be the easiest skill to master, but you may have more success if you add a round hair brush into the mix. Brush your hair in the same direction you’re blow-drying for smoother results, using the brush to pull your hair straight. While you’re at it, be careful to move your blow-dryer from roots to ends—not vice versa, to help prevent frizz.

HAIR CARE TIP #7: ONLY STRAIGHTEN AND CURL DRY HAIR

Think about what happens when you drop water into a hot pan, then consider if you want the same to happen to your hair. We think not! That’s why you never want to using a curling iron or hair straightener when your strands are wet or even just a little damp. It’s well worth the wait to let your hair completely dry, whether you’re air drying or giving your mane a blast with a blow-dryer.

HAIR CARE TIP #8: SWITCH UP YOUR PARTING

Sometimes the simplest hair care tips have such a big impact. All it takes to give your hair a fuller look is to change where you part your hair. Switch to the opposite side and you’ll instantly notice your roots have more lift.

HAIR CARE TIP #9: GIVE STRANDS A BREAK FROM PONYTAILS

Ponytails are a classic for a reason. Come on, just think about how convenient it is to be able to sweep all of your hair off your face. Still, that doesn’t mean they’re right for all the time. Pulling your hair up every day can put unnecessary strain on your locks. Try wearing your hair down more often, rocking lower and looser ponytails, and using softer hair ties that won’t pinch.

HAIR CARE TIP #10: LOCK IN YOUR LOOK WITH HAIRSPRAY

You can’t forget the finishing touch. Make sure your hairstyle lasts, no matter where you go or what you do with a strong hold, weather control hairspray, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Weather Control Hairspray. A quick coat of hairspray could make all the difference in how your hair looks after a few hours of wear. While you’re at it, why not check out the 6 Hairspray Hacks Every Woman Should Know? Might as well make the most out of your product pick!

Three ways 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.

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.

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.

A fortifying hair serum nourishes the scalp and hair follicles. We like L'Oreal's Absolute Repair Serum, which you can buy here.

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.

L'Oréal at Pankhurst and Deane

In case you didn't know, Pankhurst & Deane are a L'Oréal professional salon. We stock L'Oréal's full range of colour, including Majirel, Dia Riches and Luo. To complement our colour service, we would like to introduce smartbond, which strengthens and protects hair during the process, to keep hair shiny and smooth. We also use their TechniART styling range, and their shampoo and conditioners to enhance colour and shine. 

Images courtesy of L'Oréal