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Fine hair? Here's how to add volume
Want to know the best ways to look after fine hair?
The endless pursuit of volume can be tricky for those with fine hair, but there are a few tricks you can to do care for it like a pro.
Read on to find out how…
Invest in a volumising shampoo…
Avoid sulphates - these harsh detergents are found in most shampoos and can weaken hair over time, making it more likely to break and appear thin. A volumising shampoo can help plump up the roots and add nutrients back to depleted strands.
…but don't go crazy with the shampoo
Most fine hair clients feel the need to wash every day because they feel greasy, but it makes more sense to limit this to 2-3 times a week. Why? Over-washing the hair can create too much oil, which can give the appearance of flat and lifeless hair.
Limit conditioner
Volumising shampoos tend to be quite drying, which can make the scalp overproduce oils. Using a moisturising conditioner can help maintain the balance. Note: only apply conditioner on the middle of hair to the ends, never directly on the scalp.
Air-dry hair
Fine hair should be left to air-dry 75 percent before you hit the heat. This is because wet hair is the most vulnerable to stretching and breaking while being pulled. Once almost dry, you can use a hairdryer to finish it off. Dry upside down for extra shape and volume in the roots.
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L'Oreal's guide to dying your hair red
Red hair colour – it’s fierce, vibrant and stands out in a crowd. From warm, orange-red hues to the boldest scarlet shade, there are so many ways to give your hair an edge.
Always toyed with the idea of going red but worried about maintaining those fiery hues? We’ve spent years honing our hair colour products, so vibrant, fiery and bright red hair is easier than ever to achieve.
Follow our guide on how to dye your hair red at home – from choosing your best shade, to the dyeing process and aftercare.
Which shade of red is right for me?
-For cool, rosier skin tones: Go for red-red or red-violet
-For warmer or olive skin tones: Choose red-red or orange-red. It’s best to stick to either two shades lighter or darker than your natural hair colour. This is more likely to give you a great colour match with your brows and skin tone.
How to dye hair bright red
Follow these steps to achieve beautiful, bright red hair with Colorista Bright Red Permanent Gel Hair Dye. If you don’t want to commit to a full head of colour, dip-dyeing and ombre techniques are a great way to get some subtle red tones. Make sure you are colour safe and that you do your allergy alert test 48h before colouring hair! You can do this by applying a small amount of the red hair dye and peroxide behind your ear.
Step 1
Red hair colour dyes better when you haven’t used shampoo for at least a day. Be sure to wear gloves, cover shoulders with a towel and wear an old t-shirt. Then begin by brushing out any knots and clip your hair up into two or three sections, leaving the bottom layer loose.
Step 2
Here’s a simple and great hack to make sure you don’t stain your skin: rub a thin layer of petroleum jelly around your hairline. Who wants pink blotches on their forehead? Not us!
Step 3
Remember to always follow the instructions on the packet. As a general guide (please refer to the Colorista Paint leaflet for more information) begin applying the mixture onto your roots and then apply the remaining product through lengths and ends. For even, all-over colour, it might be easier to get a friend to help you out. Repeat layer-by-layer, un-clipping hair as you go, making sure you’re coating every strand. Applying the dye can take between 10 and 20 minutes depending on the thickness of your hair.
Step 4
Once you’ve applied the red hair colour, secure your hair so it’s out of way. Remove any excess dye from the skin surrounding your hairline, then relax while you wait for the colour to develop. Go with the recommended time in the instruction leaflet, but check on it regularly to see how it’s progressing. We recommend waiting the full development time for the most vibrant, long-lasting colour. After all, good things come to those who wait!
Step 5
Time’s up! Wash your hair until the water runs clear and apply the nourishing post-colour mask included in the box. Leave the conditioner in for a while longer than usual to really lock that moisture into your hair.
Dry straight away to see your new vibrant red hair!
Dyeing dark hair red
Brunette is an easy shade to transition from, providing the red hair colour you choose is darker than your current shade. The red hues in permanent dye are powerful and transform brown hair easily. Dyeing black hair red (especially if it’s been dyed black) isn’t recommended unless you see a hair colour professional who can bleach it first. Don’t want to go for a permanent shade? You could always try our Colorista Washout in red.
Dyeing blonde hair red
Blonde bombshells, it’s worth noting that rich, merlot shades of red could end up turning pink, which probably isn’t quite the look you were going for. Use the Colorista bright red shade, and make sure you keep up the fade-defying maintenance tips afterwards to keep your locks vibrant.
Our Colorista Bright Red Permanent Gel Hair Dye isn’t recommended for very light blondes, but rose gold could be your colour. Discover different rose gold looks here.
How to stop red hair fading
Red hair colour does have a reputation for fading fast. This can be explained by some simple science: red molecules are slightly larger than those found in other hair dyes, and the larger surface area stands less chance of clinging to your hair.
But it’s not all doom and gloom – following a colour maintenance haircare routine and investing in a good quality home dye kit are essential for maintaining luscious red locks. Colorista Bright Red Permanent Gel Hair Dye is expertly formulated to lock in colour, and by using Elvive Colour Protect products in your daily routine, your hair will look radiant for longer and get the nourishment it needs to stay looking fresh.
Fancy trying a different bright shade? Get some inspiration for a bold new look here, or if you fancy something lighter, follow our guide to dyeing your hair silver.
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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 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.