Five budget face serums that really work

If you’re looking for a product to give your skin a real hydration boost, serums are a great place to start.

Use a few drops before your moisturiser for fresh-faced, happy skin. Which is your favourite budget brand that really works?

Five products to fix static hair

We’ve all had those moments.

You’ve just finished blow drying your hair and then those annoying bits that always stick up automatically ping sky-high as if to say: “we’re still here, guys!”

The good news is, you’re not alone. Everyone gets fuzzy hair, whether it’s from over-styling, excessive hairbrush yanking, too tight ponytails, menopausal hair thinning or even fragile post-baby hair.

The even better news is, you can fix it with these five anti-frizz products…

Secrets to shiny hair, revealed by professionals

How can I get my hair shiny? It’s one of the most common questions we get asked at Pankhurst & Deane and we know all the tricks for how to get your hair shiny….

How can I get my hair shiny tip 1: PROTECT HAIR AT HOME

Use a hair mask to hydrate and reduce hair breakage and choose a volumising shampoo to make hair appear fuller. Apply from the middle of your head down to the ends to prevent flatness. Don’t forget to use heat protecting products when styling hair with straighteners, curlers and hairdryers, too.

How can I get my hair shiny tip 2: LOOK AFTER COLOUR

Dying your hair can make it weaker, so be sure to wash it with colour-safe shampoo and conditioner - opt for ones that contain keratin as it makes chemically-treated hair stronger.

How can I get my hair shiny tip 3: GET REGULAR TRIMS

What can we say, we are champions of the good old fashion haircut! But don’t be afraid to get a trim especially if you’re growing it. It’s the best way to keep hair healthy, happy and shiny. Give us a call on 01865 55375 to book your next appointment.

How to use less plastic in your beauty routine

You may have nailed the BYOB (bring your own bag) to the supermarket and you’ve invested in a Keep Cup for your coffee, but what about the plastic in your skincare and beauty regime?

A quick look in most people’s bathroom cupboards, wash and make up bags would reveal a whole heap of plastics. But all is not lost. Here are our top tips for reducing your plastic use.

Ditch the glitter

With festival season fast approaching, it’s tempting to stockpile the face paints and glitter transfers. But glitter is made from tiny pieces of plastic and foil, which are non-recyclable and can take several YEARS to decompose. So invest in some bio-degradable glitter instead. Simples.

Go package-free

We buy over 1.4 BILLION plastic bottles across the world. And while LUSH Cosmetics is a great champion for so-called ‘naked’ cosmetics, opting for products that are packaging-free is the best way to make an impact. Solid shampoos, soaps and deodorants are great choices.

Shop in store or buddy up to combine orders

Online shopping is wonderfully convenient but often comes with excessive packaging. The cardboard used for shipment in America alone equated to 1 billion trees in 2018. So what’s the answer? Mindfully shop online and steer away from outlets that are renowned to use copious amounts of packaging. Alternatively, ‘buddy up’ with a friend and combine your orders to ensure that only one shipment is made. Of course, shopping in store is a great alternative as you can use your own bag.

Ditch wipes

Wet wipes, baby wipes and make up wipes are all plastic-based, meaning they won’t break down and stay in landfill blocking water systems. Worryingly wipes are responsible for 93% of the make up in blockages found in our water systems and the fastest cause of pollution on our beaches. So ditch the wipes and use biodegradable products, cleansers in glass bottles or good old fashioned soap and a flannel!

Recycle make up

Include a recycling bin in your bathroom. Many people only have one waste bin for recycling, usually in the kitchen. This often means that every mixed rubbish ends up in the generic bin.

How to have a good hair day - every day

We all know the feeling… our hair won’t behave and, silly as it seems, we can’t help feeling that it’s ruined the rest of the day.

But help is at hand. Just follow our four tips and you’ll never have another bad hair day again. We promise!

Use protection

The easiest way to ensure that you have a good hair day is to use a heat protectant spray after you wash your hair, and before you use any styling tools like straighteners, curlers or hairdryers. Not only will this protect your hair from any heat damage, but it will also create the perfect base for you to create the perfect look.

Shiny happy hair

We all know that shiny hair equals healthy hair - just look at Meghan Markle! So if you want to make every day a Good Hair Day, simply invest in a good hair mask and make it a regular ritual to deeply condition your locks.

Add volume

Gentle backcombing (think a little tussle rather than full on 80s style) can help your hair look full of life. To do this, start at the roots and tease the hair over your brush and then give it a blast with your favourite hairspray.

Fake it

Even when you’re having an off day you can still bring it back with some handy handbag essentials like dry shampoo and hair serum.

The Summer I Turned Pretty's Lola Tung shares her make up secrets

If you’re as obsessed with The Summer I Turned Pretty as we are, then you’re going to love Lola Tung’s make up masterclass. She plays the lead character ‘Belly’ and we can’t get enough of her dewy, natural make up and beauty hair.

How to get shiny hair - three natural hair masks you can make at home with these everyday foods

Do you want to know how to get glossy hair?

A shine-enhancing hair mask, either in our salon before a cut (ask your stylist about treatments), or a DIY one at home is a great haircare habit to get into for that ultimate shine.

Read on to find out about three hair masks you can make with everyday fridge ingredients.

Avocado hair mask

Avocados contain natural oils that are hydrating for dry hair, so using the fruit in a mask is a great way to add shine. It’s also full of vitamins that are nourishing to the scalp and can help hair look healthier.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Mash an avocado until smooth. You can also use a blender to process it.

2. Wet your hair then spread the avocado from your roots to your tips.

3. Leave it in your hair for at least 15 minutes.

4. Shampoo your hair as normal then rinse with cold water.

Egg mask

It may sound strange, but an egg can do wonders for your hair. This is because the yolk nourishes your hair by adding moisture. The white part of the egg also helps remove any build-up, and because eggs are full of protein, they are really strengthening - resulting in lovely, shiny hair.

Here's how to do it:

1. Beat one egg in a small bowl.

2. Wet your hair.

3. Pour the egg over your head. Use a wide-tooth comb to comb it to the tips of your hair.

4. Leave it in the hair for at least 15 minutes.

5. Shampoo as normal, then rinse with cold water for maximum shine.

Apple cider vinegar mask

Apple cider vinegar is an amazing natural conditioner and gloss booster, which works by balancing the hair’s pH level, removing product build-up and leaving hair super soft.

And don’t worry because once your hair dries, it won’t smell like vinegar.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Shampoo your hair as usual, but don’t use any conditioner.

2. Pour a mixture of 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon water over your head. Comb it through to your tips. Very long hair may require two to three tablespoons.

3. Leave it in for five minutes, then rinse your hair with cold water.