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.

Tricks to overcome greasy hair and get your shine back

We're loving the sunshine - not so much the sweaty, greasy hair that comes with it.

With increased humidity, the air is full of moisture, and this can transfer into your hair.

Even our faithful sunnies and sun hats can make matters worse, pushing the natural oils around making roots flatter and greasier.

So what's the answer? Here are our top three foolproof ways to blitz greasy hair this summer:

Photo by Erick Larregui on Unsplash

EASE UP ON HAIR WASHING

As hair gets greasier it can be tempting to wash it more. But if you wash your hair every day, your scalp feels like it needs to over-compensate by producing more sebum. You'll just end up in a vicious cycle of feeling you need to wash it every day. Try reducing how often you wash your hair and opt for sulphate-free products to help clarify the hair.

DRY SHAMPOO IS YOUR FRIEND

To combat greasy hair between washes and keep strands looking fresh and full of volume, try dry shampoo. Add it to your root area to absorb excess oils, sweat and impurities. It can also create volume and texture in yesterday’s hair do. Click here to read our recommendations for five of the best dry shampoos.

Photo by Park Street on Unsplash

LESS IS MORE

With conditioner, avoid applying it at the root as this will only make the greasiness worse. The same goes for styling products which can create build up.

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.

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 secret to thicker hair

Want to know how to thicken hair? It’s one of the most common questions we get asked at the salon, and the answer to how to thicken hair is a complex one, but it can be done!

First it’s useful to understand a bit about why your hair loses thickness in the first place, and then read on to find out our top tips for how to get thicker hair…

What causes hair to lose thickness?

The most common reason for a gradual loss of hair in volume and thickness is getting older. This is because, as we age, the new hair emerging from the follicle is thinner, and eventually the same stem cells stop producing melanin (the colour pigment), so these wispy thin hairs turn grey or white.

Medical conditions like eczema can also make hair thinner, as it causes follicles to become blocked and prevent new hair growth.

Autoimmune and/or genetic disorders can also mean that hair gets thinner or even falls out altogether, while some meds can have an adverse effect on hair thickness.

Temporary hair loss or thinning hair can also happen after the body experiences a major shock that disrupts the hair's normal growth pattern.

What bad habits can cause thinning hair?

Before you can thicken hair, it's useful to know about any habits that might be causing it to thin. As we’ve heard, while genetics and medical conditions are sometimes responsible, they're not the only culprits!

Pulling at hair and keeping it in very tight hairstyles will, not surprisingly, gradually weaken the hair strand and the follicle it comes from.

Your lifestyle plays a major role in the quality of your hair. Stress and nutrition (vitamin deficiency) have been directly linked to poor hair quality, as well as unhealthy habits such as smoking and yo-yo dieting.

How to thicken your hair's appearance

Try a spalp massage

When washing the hair, use your fingertips to massage the scalp in gentle circular motions to stimulate blood flow and promote the healthy growth of new hair.

Use hair thickening products

For thinning hair, we love L’Oreal’s Serioxyl Denser Hair Serum, a daily treatment to improve hair density. For fine hair needing a little volume boost, we recommend L’Oreal Serie Expert Volumetry volumising root spray, as well as Volumetry Shampoo and Conditioner. For long hair, suffering from thin ends, L’Oreal Serie Expert Pro Longer uses patented, filling technology to renew lengths and fills-in-ends. The Pro Longer Ends Filler Concentrate, is a weekly hair treatment that provides strength and durable thickness to ends.

Have regular trims

Have your hair trimmed regularly to prevent the development of split and uneven tips, which will cause the hair to look thin and straggly. Even, well-cut hair automatically looks fuller and healthier. Ask your stylist at Pankhurst and Deane about a micro-trim hair cut, or an 'invisible cut'. You get to keep the length but the split ends are dusted off.

Our favourite hair products that really work

Fed up with hair products that over-promise and under-deliver? We’ve tracked down the ones that we think REALLY work, from frizz busters and heat protectors to hydration boosters and thickening lotions.

Try this £7.59 deep conditioning trick to add moisture to hair

Is your hair heat damaged and flyaway? Exposure to sun, excessive blowdrying, curling and straightening, can leave hair dry and frazzled, stripping it of its natural oils.

It's unrealistic for most of us to completely abandon our favourite heat styling tools, but you can bring your hair back to life with Argan oil (just £7.59 from Amazon).

Argan oil from Amazon

Add moisture to hair

Step one: Apply a generous amount of oil to your hair.

Step two: Comb the oil through to the ends.

Step three: Leave it on for 30-60 minutes (longer if you have time) before shampooing it out. Remember that a little goes a long way with argan oil, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.

Three common hair problems and how to fix them

Want to know how to fix some of the most common hair problems? We’re here for you. Read on for our expert advice…

Problem: Oily Scalp

Solution: The best way to get rid of oily scalp and greasy hair is to improve your hair care regime. That means washing your hair with a paraben-free shampoo to clear your clogged pores and scalp. You could also try using a clarifying shampoo every so often, which can help reset the health of your hair. Diluted apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil also helps.

Problem: Dry scalp

Solution: Argan oil brings back moisture to your scalp and forms a protective layer against extreme heat. You also need to avoid using any heat-based hair styling products while suffering from a dry scalp.

Problem: Frizzy hair

Solution: Washing your hair less often and avoiding hot water can help with the frizz. Applying Argan oil can also add moisture to hair and protect it from excess heat.

Five ways to spring clean your haircare routine

With the days getting longer and spring around the corner, it’s time to change up your haircare routine for the new season….

Show your scalp some love

Winter can play havoc with hair - woolly hats, cold temperatures and central heating can all damage the hair and scalp.

The secret to reviving a dry scalp? Hair oil before shampooing. Leave it in your half for half an our, or even better, overnight, to give it time to nourish the scalp follicles and restore the hair's natural shine.

Invest in B vits

Increased hair loss can be more common in spring, often because of vitamin deficiency. Counteract this by increasing your intake of B vitamins, zinc, copper, vitamin C and protein. However, if your hair loss is worrying, it’s worth looking into the cause, including hormonal imbalances, diet, stress etc.

Rinse hair with lukewarm water

If you already have a dry scalp or hair, avoid very hot water in the shower, especially for fine hair which is more delicate. Instead opt for lukewarm water for rinsing. Colder water means will cause the hair cuticle to lay flat, which leads to a shiny, glossy finish.

Use heatless drying techniques

If your hair has become dry and brittle over the winter months, give it a break from hair drying. Why? Heated styling compromises the cuticle and over drying leads to moisture loss in both the scalp and the strands. Take advantage of the weather as it gets warmer and allow your hair to air dry where possible.

Use heat protectant spray

Air drying not your thing? Use protection! Heat protection sprays create a barrier between the cuticle and the hot air, minimising any moisture loss and preventing breakage and split ends.

Your hair questions answered - by the experts

Always wanted to know what happens if you pluck a grey hair out? What about if washing hair in beer is a good idea? We answer some of the most common hair care questions….

Q: Can apple cider vinegar make hair shinier?

In a word, yes! Try working about 5ml of apple cider vinegar into your hair and leave for roughly five minutes before rinsing with cold water. This leaves your hair shiny and less frizzy because the apple vinegar lowers the PH scale on your scalp, redressing the balance. It also closes and smoothes the hair cuticles to retain nutrients and moisture. Note: if you have dry hair, don’t do this too often, but if you have oily hair, do it frequently to help with build up.

Q: If you pluck a grey hair, will 10 grow back in its place?

You’ll be pleased to know that this is a complete myth and your grey hair will not grow back. If a single strand annoys you, just cut it as near to the root as possible as plucking it will only cause stress to the follicle, and if it gets infected you could cause hair loss in that area which is the last thing you want!

Q: Does washing your hair in beer help make it healthy?

There is no clinical evidence that this is true, but some say that Guinness, because of all the B vitamins and antioxidants it contains, can add shine to hair.

Q: Will brushing 100 times a day keep hair healthy?

No, brushing your hair that many times a day will actually do some damage through all the friction, especially if you have fine, brittle hair or if you do it when it’s wet. However, a few gentle brush strokes daily with a natural bristle brush on dry hair can stimulate scalp circulation, and help to distribute natural oils from roots to tips.