Four signs your hair is unhealthy - and what to do about it

Worried about your hair health?

We reveal some of the most common signs your hair needs some TLC, and what to do about it…

Excessive hair shedding

It’s normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day but excessive hair shedding could be a sign of a deeper issue. Losing hair can be a temporary thing, affected by stress, weight loss or pregnancy. If your hair is shedding a lot however it’s best to talk to your doctor to see if there is an underlying health issue.

Lots of split ends

If you notice more split ends than normal, it’s time to take a look at what’s happening with your hair health. While a trim is the best way to get rid of split ends, deep conditioning can also help restore your hair and reduce breakage.

Overly tangly hair

When hair is damaged or weak, it’s more likely to get tangled. But if you’re constantly trying to detangle hair you could be causing even more damage, especially when it’s wet and at its most vulnerable. Using a leave-in conditioner before you set about detangling can help.

Hair snapping

Hair snapping easily is another sign it’s unhealthy and this means it’s probably time to look at the styling appliances you’re using, as hot tools like hairdryers, straighteners and curlers are harsh on hair. Invest in a heat protectant spray, lower the heat level on styling tools and use a boar bristle brush for minimal damage.

Three ways to take care of dyed hair - and make your colour last longer

1. Wait 72 hours before shampooing
Hair dye works by opening the cuticle layer of your hair and penetrating the hair shaft. And it can take up to three days for the cuticle to close again.

If you wash during this time, you'll also be washing your money down the drain, literally! The longer you wait between colouring your hair and the first shampoo, the better.

2. Use products specially formulated for coloured hair
If you dye your hair, it’s important to use hair products that are made to be used on coloured hair.

Most products will say if they are for coloured hair, but as if not just aim for sulphate free.

3. Use deep conditioner
Healthy hair holds onto colour for longer. A deep conditioner is the perfect product to repair dry, damaged hair. Just make sure it is a deep conditioner specially formulated for coloured hair!

How do I take care of my blonde curly hair?

Being blonde and curly are two things that need just that little bit extra attention when it comes to hair care.

Here are our top tips for looking after your colour and curls.

Shampoo sparingly

Over-washing curly hair can strip it of the natural oils you need to keep it healthy, shiny and hydrated. Opt for colour enhancing purple shampoos. Click here to read about our pick of the best.

Condition like crazy

Coloured hair, as well as curl, need extra moisture, so invest in some quality deep conditioner and try and do a hair mask once a week.

Over avoid-styling

Heated styling tools like hairdryers, straighteners and curlers really play havoc with hair, so try to minimise how often you do this, and keep the heat setting low.

What is the best way to prevent heat damage?

Q: What is the best way to prevent heat damage?

A: Heat-protecting sprays are the best way to protect hair from damage

Reducing the heat on your styling tools (hairdryer, curler, straighteners) will make a difference. Try to only use heated tools once a week to reduce further hair damage.

Here are some of our favourite heat defence sprays to protect hair:

Three fool-proof ways to take care of curly hair

Consider your shampoo wisely

Avoid shampoos with chemicals like sulphates and paragons that strip the hair of its natural oils. Curly hair tends to dry more easily so it’s important not to over-shampoo, or you'll lose your nature moisture. You can also try a pre-shampoo treatment, which helps in detangling and removing the frizz from your hair.

Apply a hair mask or a conditioning oil to your dry hair by separating out sections of hair. Try wearing a shower cap or a towel while you have the mask on to trap some heat and open up the cuticle. This ensures that the conditioner penetrates your hair well.

Use moderate heat to style your hair

The high temperature from heat styling tools can remove the natural texture of your curls, making them dull and lifeless. Limit the use of heat styling and use a good heat protectant spray whenever you can't avoid it. Use moderate heat and a diffuser to protect your naturally beautiful curls.

Invest in a wide tooth comb

Use a wide-toothed comb to remove the tangles in your curly hair. Comb from bottom to up to remove the knots if any. Each curl can be considered as a potential breaking point, handling gently is the way to go. A hairbrush can mess with your natural hair texture and can cause damage to your hair.

Three ways to hydrate summer hair and bring it back to life

Fight dryness with a hair serum

Warmer temperatures can leave any hair type frizzy and fluffy, and a good hair serum is the fastest way to restore order.

The best hair serums will work to smooth frizz while also adding shine, making your hair look as healthy as can be. What’s more, today’s best options come with a whole host of added benefits, from colour-protecting ingredients to nourishing actives and deep-hydrating extracts.

Invest in a hair mask

Just like hydrating yourself with a glass of water, a hair mask puts moisture back into the hair giving it a new lease of life. It also helps weakened hair follicles to regain strength and elasticity, helping to avoid further damage.

Don’t forget your scalp

Just like the skin on your face, your scalp can become dry and sensitive when it is exposed to the heat and air conditioning.

Like your skin, you should treat your scalp to some extra TLC in the summer, using products that specifically address your issues.

For instance, applying a weekly soothing scalp mask in the summer is a great way to calm and moisturise your scalp. Daily hydrating scalp toners can also be very beneficial – a healthy scalp is key to hair growth.

How to get shiny hair in five easy steps

Hands up if you want to learn how to get shiny hair. Everyday exposure to hair styling products, especially heat tools like hairdryers, curlers and straighteners, can really play havoc with our hair.

Throw in pollution, heating and sun damage and it’s no wonder it can be hard to keep hair healthy and shiny.

But don’t worry as there are plenty of ways to get shiny hair and we’re hear to tell you all about five of them.

Avoid sulfates

Hair can easily get bogged down with styling products that can make it less shiny than normal. Sulfates in shampoos and conditioners can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it looking dull, especially if you have dyed or chemically treated hair so opt for products without these.

Try an apple cider vinegar rinse

Steer clear of clarifying shampoos that can strip hair of everything, both the bad and the good, and instead try an apple cider vinegar rinse. We like Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, which can help balance the scalp's natural pH level, and leave hair looking shinier and healthier over time.

Massage your scalp with vitamin E

We all know how good vitamins are for us, but applying them topically to hair can also help make it stronger, healthier and shinier. Here’s a great trick: buy a bottle of vitamin E capsules, snip off the ends of about six capsules and squeeze the oil into a bowl. Next give yourself a pre-shampoo massage with the oil, which will nourish and hydrate hair strands. Then use your regular shampoo to wash it out.

Use a bristle brush

Bristle brushes seal the cuticle, making sure you lock in maximum shine by creating a completely two-dimensional surface for the light to reflect off. These stiff brushes will also draw natural oils from your roots to the ends of your hair, giving you a natural gloss and shine.

Have regular trims

Regular haircuts are a great way to keep hair looking healthy and shiny. You can book an appointment online or give us a call on 01865 553725.

Best deep conditioners your hair needs right now

Best hair mask for under £10: Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food Papaya 3-in-1 Mask Treatment

Best hair mask for dry hair: Pureology Hydrate Softening Treatment

Best hair mask for fragile hair: L'Oréal Paris Botanicals Ginger & Coriander Fragile Hair Mask

Best hair mask for blondes: Kérastase Blond Absolu Masque Ultra-Violet Treatment

Best hair mask for sensitive scalps: Innersense Hydrating Hair Masque

Best hair mask for frizzy hair: Living Proof No Frizz Intense Moisture Mask

Best vegan hair mask: Noughty To The Rescue Intense Moisture Treatment

Best hair mask for fine hair: Shu Uemura Art of Hair Art of Hair Muroto Volume Masque

How to do a messy bun [video]

How to do a messy bun: lovely US hair stylist Alexsis Mae reveals her 1 minute messy bun trick.

Are you a fan of messy buns? What’s your favourite easy go-to hairstyle?

How to do a fast messy bun with Alexsis Mae.

3 easy ways to prepare your hair for summer

Freshen up

Not sure whether to book in a cut or colour before or after your holiday? We’ve got the stylist-approved answer: do it before!

Freshly-trimmed locks will ensure the hair is in the best condition to handle the heat, while newly dyed hair will look incredible in holiday photos.

Pack sun protection

Our hair needs UV protection too, so to shield your strands from the damaging effects of the sun by packing a protective hair spray or cream.

Hold back on heat styling

Holidays are the time to go a bit more natural, so hold back on using heated styling tools or hairdryers to give your hair a break.

And don't forget to book your next appointment ready for when you get home, too.3 easy ways to prepare your hair for summer.