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.

How can I make my hair grow faster?

Longer, stronger, healthier-looking hair: it’s the beauty goal that never really goes out of style.

And while our feeds might be filled with miracle oils, scalp serums and supplements promising inches overnight, the reality of hair growth is a little less dramatic — but thankfully, much easier to navigate.

It all starts at the scalp

Consider scalp care the skincare of the hair world. Keeping your scalp clean, balanced and free from excessive product build-up can help create a healthy environment for your hair. Adding a gentle scalp massage to your wash-day ritual? Even better.

Protect those precious lengths

Here’s the catch: sometimes the secret to “faster” hair growth is simply holding onto the hair you already have. Heat styling, aggressive brushing, chemical treatments and ultra-tight hairstyles can all contribute to breakage, leaving your ends playing catch-up.

Turn down the temperature on your styling tools, detangle gently and give your hair a little more TLC. Your lengths will thank you.

Feed your hair from within

No, you don’t necessarily need an overflowing shelf of hair gummies. A balanced diet with plenty of protein, iron, zinc and essential vitamins helps support normal, healthy hair. Before investing in the latest viral supplement, start with what’s on your plate.

Be suspicious of miracle claims

That trending rosemary oil? The £50 scalp serum? They might have a place in your routine, but no product can transform your natural hair-growth cycle overnight. Look for products that keep your scalp and strands in good condition rather than getting swept up in dramatic before-and-afters.

The bottom line

There’s no secret shortcut to waist-length hair. The real formula is decidedly less glamorous: a healthy scalp, less breakage, good nutrition and consistency.

Think of it as playing the long game. Treat your hair well now, and those extra inches have a much better chance of sticking around.

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.

Growing out hair dye? Here's how to make it look good

Growing out hair dye can feel awkward at first, especially when roots start showing or colour fades unevenly. The key is to make the transition look intentional while keeping your hair healthy.

One of the easiest ways to blend grown-out colour is with highlights, balayage, or a toner. These techniques soften the harsh lines between your natural hair and old colour, making regrowth much less noticeable.

Regular trims also help during the process. Cutting away dry or damaged ends keeps your hair looking fresh and gradually removes old colour over time. If your dyed hair feels dry, use nourishing masks and hydrating products to restore softness and shine.

Patience is important when growing out colour, especially if you’re used to having dyed hair. Trying to strip colour too quickly can damage your hair, so it’s always best to work with your Pankhurst & Deane stylist who can guide you through the process safely.

What to eat when you want faster hair growth

We spend so much time thinking about what to put on our hair that we sometimes forget that health actually starts from within.

While no single food will magically give you waist-length locks overnight, eating a balanced diet can absolutely support stronger, shinier, healthier hair growth.

Protein is your hair’s best friend

Hair is made mostly of protein, specifically keratin. So if your diet lacks protein, your hair can become weaker and grow more slowly.

Here’s our top list of protein-rich foods you can eat to improve hair health:

• Eggs

• Chicken

• Fish

• Greek yoghurt

• Beans and lentils

• Nuts and seeds

Bonus points for eggs, which also contain biotin — a nutrient often linked to healthy hair growth.

Healthy fats = healthy hair

If your hair feels dry or dull, healthy fats may help support shine and scalp health.

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include:

• Salmon

• Avocados

• Walnuts

• Chia seeds

Think glossy hair from the inside out.

Iron matters more than you think

Low iron levels can sometimes contribute to hair shedding, particularly in women.

Iron-rich foods include:

• Spinach

• Red meat

• Lentils

• Tofu

• Pumpkin seeds

Pairing iron-rich foods with vitamin C - like oranges or peppers - can help your body absorb it better, too.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Technically not a food — but water deserves a mention. Dehydration can affect your scalp and hair condition more than you’d think. So when we tell you to drink more water, we know what we’re talking about.

Vitamins that support healthy hair

Some key nutrients linked to healthy hair include:

• Biotin

• Vitamin D

• Zinc

• Iron

• Omega-3s

Hair growth takes time. On average, hair grows around half an inch per month, so consistency matters more than quick fixes or miracle gummies promising Rapunzel hair overnight. Healthy habits, regular trims, scalp care, and good nutrition all work together to keep your hair looking its best.

Everyday hair care: the five things you can do today for healthier hair

Healthy hair doesn’t require a complicated routine—just consistency and the right habits.

1. Choose the right products for you: Start by choosing a shampoo and conditioner for your hair type. Whether your hair is dry, oily, curly or dyed, using targeted products makes a noticeable difference to the condition of your hair.

2. Don’t over-wash it: For most people, washing two to three times a week is enough. Over washing can strip your scalp of natural oils, leaving hair dry and brittle. On days you don’t wash your hair, dry shampoo can refresh your look.

3. Limit heat styling: This is one of the biggest causes of damage. Always apply a heat protectant before using straighteners, curling irons or your hairdryer. Give your hair a break by letting it air dry ever so often.

4. Have regular trims: Even if you’re growing your hair, trimming every six to eight weeks helps prevent split ends from travelling up the hair shaft.

5. You are what you eat: Hair health starts from within, so make sure you’re eating foods rich in vitamins, protein and healthy fats. Drinking plenty of water also helps keep your hair hydrated.

Five insider secrets for a flawless hair day

We all know the feeling: you step out the door, catch your reflection, and wow—your hair just works. Effortless, glossy, perfectly styled.

The good news? Great hair days aren’t just luck—they’re part of your salon-approved strategy. Here are five stylist-approved tips to keep your strands looking salon-fresh, no matter the day.

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1. Start with the right wash routine

Over washing strips your hair of natural oils can leave it dry, frizzy and so much harder to manage. Aim to wash two to three times a week and always match your shampoo and conditioner to your hair type—hydrating for dry hair, volumising for fine strands.

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2. Don’t skip the heat protection

If you’re using hot styling tools, a heat protectant isn’t optional—it’s essential. Think of it as your hair’s invisible shield, preventing breakage and keeping your ends looking smooth and healthy.

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3. Master the blow dry

A good blow dry sets the tone for your entire look and can be the difference in a good or bad hair day. Use the nozzle attachment, direct the airflow downwards from the root to the bottom of your hair and finish with a cool blast to lock in that shine. Even a quick, rough dry with the right technique can elevate your style.

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4. Embrace second-day styling

Sometimes, hair behaves better the day after washing. Dry shampoo is your best friend here—add it at the roots for instant lift and texture. A quick restyle (think loose waves or a sleek ponytail) can transform yesterday’s hair.

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5. Sleep smart for better hair

Your nighttime routine matters more than you think. Swap cotton pillowcases for silk or satin to reduce friction, prevent frizz and help your style last longer. Bonus: it’s kinder to your skin, too.

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6. Finish with a lightweight serum
A small amount of serum or oil can smooth flyaways and enhance shine instantly, offering a refined, well-groomed appearance.