Five ways to avoid hat hair this winter

Make sure your hair is completely dry

It sounds obvious but if you put your hat on wet hair you’re going to create some funky looking new style when you take it off!

Choose your hat carefully

A coarse beanie will frizz up your hair more than a smoother one — which is why cashmere, silk, or angora are the best picks.

Make sure your beanie fits

The tighter the beanie, the worse the hat hair.

Reduce static

Reduce static by making sure your hair is nice and moisturised before throwing on a hat. Cutting back on heat tools helps with this, as does a good hair oil or moisturising cream.

Style your hair pre-hat

Try a low ponytail or loose plaits to minimise the dreaded hat hair.

Miracle moisture makers to restore dry Autumn hair

Central heating, blow-drying and even wearing a hat to keep warm (which can rub against and damage hair fibres) can mean that in Autumn our hair looks and feels more brittle and dry than usual. To counteract this seasonal dilemma, here are our top moisture makers to try today:

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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!

Are protein-packed hair products all that?

Most of us know that protein is good for building muscles, repairing cells and helping us feel fuller for longer, but did you know it could also be the secret to stronger, healthier hair?

And it's now popping up in all kinds of haircare products as the latest miracle ingredient. It makes sense - hair is up to 95% protein but everything from dyeing to bleaching and blow-drying can cause damage and protein loss.

The thing is, although hair is made of protein, its dead. And when your hair is damaged from over-styling, bits of the outer layer - the cuticle - can break off. So putting protein (products) on top of protein (the hair) won't magically fix it and make it healthier. But what it will do is plug the gaps of damaged hair, making it appear smoother and shinier. It also acts as an intense mousturiser which can have a plumping effect making fine hair look thicker.

Protein hydrates and can help your hair grow stronger.

A quick Google search and you'll see protein-packed hair products have had a bit of a bad rep, with claims they can make hair brittle and dry.

The truth is, all hair is different and what we do know is these products are great for chemically damaged hair, so anyone who has dyed their hair or used straighteners or curling tongs will benefit from a hydration boost.

Click on the links for our favourite products to try for yourself:

Rahua Hydration Shampoo

Kiehl's Amino Acid Conditioner

Tresemme Keratin Smooth Shine Oil

John Frieda Luxurious Volume Core Restore Protein-Infused Clear Conditioner

L'Oreal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Protein Recharge

Four hero products to restore and revive your hair this summer

Invest in one (or all!) of these great Pankhurst & Deane approved products to get your hair back to normal this summer.

Buy Moroccanoil Mending Infusion here.

Buy Matrix Biology Smoothproof Serum at Pankhurst & Deane.

Buy Aussie Miracle Hair Insurance Spray here.

Buy Bumble and Bumble Bb Scalp Detox here.

8 things women with long hair NEVER do (and why you shouldn't, either)

Trying to grow your hair or simply maintain your already luscious locks? Read on... 

1. Never use harsh shampoos

Shampoos that strip the scalp of its natural oils are a complete no-no! You need to understand that the longer the hair, the drier the ends.

You need to cleanse the dirt but you can't strip your hair of its nutrients. Opt for a super mild shampoo and conditioner and see the difference.

2. Never skip haircare regimes

The longer your hair, the more it gets damaged by the heat, styling and sun damage. So make sure you take some time out once a week to do a hair mask or give yourself an oil massage. Take yourself out to get a hair spa treatment with us once a month, too. 

3. Never ill-treat wet hair

Seriously, never ever start using the blow dryer on dripping wet hair! Make sure you towel dry hair thoroughly and let it semi air dry before you apply heat. Also, do yourself a favour and get a microfibre towel, which is gentler on the hair. Don't forget to add moisture with hair serum and heat protectant. 

4. Never backcomb your hair for volume

Teasing is the worst thing that you could do to your long hair. Your hair is already stressed by the weight. Instead, invest in a great texturising spray and scrunch your hair for volume.

5. Never douse your hair in chemicals

Steer clear of alcohol-laden hair sprays and products with parabens, especially when those products need to be applied to your ends. Remember, the longer your hair the more nourishment your ends need!

6. Never cancel your trim appointments

You know how we keep recommending that you get regular trims? Well, we're not just saying it for fun - it's vital to do so when you have long hair to keep it healthy and strong.

7. Never tie your hair up the same way

This is a two-fold misdemeanour: give your hair a break, switch up the position of your ponytail/bun, let your hair down or braid it. Make sure your hair is not tied too tight and you don't use a hair elastic that causes breakage. 

8. Never use plastic hair brushes

Use a ceramic or wooden bristle brush. It is less harsh on your scalp and also makes sure the natural oils get evenly distributed through the hair. 

This is an edited version of beauty journalist Kannagi Desai's article on the Popxo website. Read the original version here.

Heatwave hair care in three easy steps

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Shampooing with a formula that’s too harsh for your dry hair, or washing too often can strip away your hair’s natural oils. On the other hand, you really can’t use too much conditioner — it’s dry hair’s best friend! So choose a shampoo that’s designed for dry hair like Elvive Extraordinary Oil Dry Hair Shampoo. These are usually creamy rather than clear, and they may contain ingredients like aloe vera or apricot kernel oil that help dry hair retain moisture. Then opt for a leave-in conditioner (we like Aussie Miracle Recharge Moisture Infuser Leave-in Conditioner) or Matrix Biology Keratindose Renewal Spray, available to buy now in the salon, to really hydrate the hair.

Heat-busting hair

Up-dos are the best option in the heat, keeping your neckline fresh and cool. Channel Kim Kardashian and brush your hair into a low ponytail for a modern look, or roll into a messy bun like Meghan Markle for a timeless classic. Use a light serum to smooth flyaway hairs.

Fight the frizz

If high humidity levels are playing havoc with your hair, keep a vial of oil like this L'Oreal one in your handbag for an instant de-frizz solution. Another tip is to give your hair a cold rinse post-shampoo - it'll not only keep you cool but also shut off the hair cuticle to prevent hot-weather frizz.

How to maintain your beard (video)

Good style isn't just limited to women. This great video from our sister salon Pankhurst London shows you everything you need to know about maintaining your beard. 

3 quick ways to beat hair loss

Feed your follicles

What you eat really does affect how healthy your hair is. The hair follicle lives in what is known as the ‘dermal layer’ of the scalp, which is supplied by a network of blood vessels that deliver nutrients to the cells. So you need a healthy diet rich in proteins and vitamins in order for your hair to benefit. Protein like meat, eggs, cheese, tofu and nuts is particularly good for follicles because it helps boost the hair-thickening fibre, keratin. Eat foods rich in Vitamin D - like tuna,mackerel and salmon - to keep the hair growth cycle ticking over. Iron, found in red meat and spinach, helps carry oxygen to the hair and zinc, found in baked beans and almonds, encourages the production of protein.

Give yourself a head massage

Massages aren’t just good for the body and soul - a head massage is a simple and quick way to boost the blood flow to your hair bulbs, spurring them into action. You don’t even need to go to a fancy salon. Just use your fingertips to push and press products into your scalp, or invest in a tool like Briogeo’s Scalp Revival Stimulating Therapy Massager, £13.50. Apply some castor or sesame oil, which is full of fatty acids and proteins to promote growth, into your hair before massaging. A recent study revealed that scalp massage increased hair thickness!

Blame the seasons and fake it

Eating well, not feeling stressed and have no history of hereditary hair loss but you’re still filling the shower plughole daily? Research has found that hair tends to shed most in late summer and early autumn, which could be down to evolution. Less hair loss in summer means we are protecting the scalp against harmful UV rays with our luscious locks, but as they die down in autumn the hairs will often fall out. So what’s the answer? Fake it by investing in some of these scalp-stimulating and follicle-fattening products….

L'Oreal Paris Hair Expertise Total Repair 5 Serum

Toppik Hair Building Fibres

Aveda Invati Advanced Thickening Conditioner

Philip Kingsley Trichotherapy Tricho Pro Spray

How to use hair oil as a conditioning treatment

L'Oréal Paris hairstylist Chris Appleton shows you how to use the ultra-versatile and non-greasy Elvive Extraordinary hair oil as a conditioning treatment.