Leave-in conditioners to revive sun damaged hair

How do I choose the right hair colour for me?

When it comes to choosing the right hair colour for you, our colourists know the three elements that combined will create your perfect look...

1) Your complexion

The colour of your skin tone is actually one of the most important aspects of choosing the perfect hair colour. The correct colour will compliment your skin and make it appear even more beautiful, while the wrong colour might make your skin look dull and dreary.

2) Your eyes

To really enhance and intensify your eye colour, we might recommend a contrasting colour. For instance - if your eyes are blue, a caramel or golden blonde tone will make them appear even bluer. If they are green, a fiery or soft red tone could be the perfect colour for you.

3) Personal style

Once the hair colour has been narrowed down to suit your complexion and eye colour, your personal style should be considered - and this is where you know best. Do you want to be noticed or blend in? Do you need to be more daring or does your outfit say enough? Make sure the shades you and your hair stylist choose is one that will make you feel confident and yourself.

Everything you need to know about sulfate-free hair care

When you’re ready to make the move to sulfate-free hair care products, there’s more to it than heading to the shops and picking up the first bottle you see.

Sulfate-free hair care products have become super-popular over the years—meaning you’ve got plenty of options to choose from. Here’s our guide to L’Oreal’s best sulfate-free hair care products, so you can find the right ones for your hair.

PRODUCTS FOR BLONDE, COLOURED HAIR

Once you switch up your shade, your hair will require special care. That means your regular old shampoo and conditioner won't do the trick any more, so try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Shade Reviving Treatment. The EverPure Blonde system can help neutralise unwanted brass tones while hydrating over-processed hair. Once or twice a week, use the hair mask in place of the conditioner.

PRODUCTS FOR DRY HAIR

Just as using the wrong facial cleanser and moisturiser can be a detriment to your dry skin, using the wrong shampoo and conditioner won’t exactly benefit your hair if it’s on the dry side. Focus on finding a system of shampoo and conditioner that moisturises, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner. The EverPure Moisture system gently cleanses and conditions dry hair to help replenish essential moisture, lush-touch softness, and luminous shine.

PRODUCTS FOR FRIZZY HAIR

Frizz, frizz go away. Come again…not another day. It’s pretty clear that frizzy hair is one thing pretty much no one wants, and managing it is all about using the right hair care products. Enter the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Frizz-Defy Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris EverPure Frizz-Defy Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris EverSleek Frizz Finish Oil-In-Serum, which can be used in conjunction for humidity and frizz control, manageability, and smooth luminosity.

PRODUCTS FOR THIN HAIR

If you have thin hair, you may be wondering how to create the appearance of a fuller-looking mane. If that sounds like you, try the L’Oréal Paris EverStrong Thickening Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris EverStrong Thickening Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris EverStrong Break Proof Lotion. The system of shampoo and conditioner gently cleanses and purifies thin hair, removing buildup and excess oils to help promote the appearance of thicker-looking hair, while the leave-in lotion helps repair the look of damaged, split ends.

PRODUCTS FOR DAMAGED HAIR

You can be as careful as can be, but still your hair may end up damaged. If you have damaged hair, it’s a good idea to look for a hair care system that’s formulated for your hair type. Try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair and Defend Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris Repair and Defend Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair Remedy Balm, which can help protect damaged hair from daily aggressors like UV rays, water, and heat styling. Use the hair mask in place of the conditioner once or twice a week—you can also use it as a pre-shampoo mask for extra conditioning.

PRODUCTS FOR CURLY HAIR

If you’ve got spirals, you’re in luck: Curly hair is in! Use a system of hair care products that helps create the appearance of soft, manageable, hydrated curls, like the L’Oréal Paris EverCurl HydraCharge Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris EverCurl HydraCharge Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris EverCurl Sculpt & Hold Cream Gel. To use the hair gel, apply 1-2 pumps to clean, towel-dried hair, then let your curls air dry.

Pankhurst and Deane is a L’Oreal hair salon and we use and sell their products. This is an edited version of a L’Oreal article. The original version can be viewed here.

Tricks to overcome greasy hair and get your shine back

We're loving the sunshine - not so much the sweaty, greasy hair that comes with it.

With increased humidity, the air is full of moisture, and this can transfer into your hair.

Even our faithful sunnies and sun hats can make matters worse, pushing the natural oils around making roots flatter and greasier.

So what's the answer? Here are our top three foolproof ways to blitz greasy hair this summer:

Photo by Erick Larregui on Unsplash

EASE UP ON HAIR WASHING

As hair gets greasier it can be tempting to wash it more. But if you wash your hair every day, your scalp feels like it needs to over-compensate by producing more sebum. You'll just end up in a vicious cycle of feeling you need to wash it every day. Try reducing how often you wash your hair and opt for sulphate-free products to help clarify the hair.

DRY SHAMPOO IS YOUR FRIEND

To combat greasy hair between washes and keep strands looking fresh and full of volume, try dry shampoo. Add it to your root area to absorb excess oils, sweat and impurities. It can also create volume and texture in yesterday’s hair do. Click here to read our recommendations for five of the best dry shampoos.

Photo by Park Street on Unsplash

LESS IS MORE

With conditioner, avoid applying it at the root as this will only make the greasiness worse. The same goes for styling products which can create build up.

Healthy hair care secrets for dyed hair you need to know now

1. Wash your hair less

The more you wash, the quicker your colour will fade – it really is as simple as that. So buy back some time in your every day routine and skip the frequent washing. The best way to care for your colour is to wash only twice or three times a week – then soak up oil from those roots with dry shampoo when needed.

2. Skip straight to conditioner

So, you’re having trouble weaning yourself off daily washing – you’ve been doing it for years. At the very least, try skipping shampoo and jumping straight to conditioner. You’ll add softness, shine and caring nourishment – all without washing that crazy colour away.

3. Pick the right shampoo

There’s a reason why colour protective shampoo was invented. While some regular shampoos can wash away your colour and accelerate colour fade, formulas like L’Oréal Paris Elvive Colour Protect Shampoo actually work to protect your colour, helping to keep your pastel, vivid or metallic shade looking beautiful and vibrant. Whatever you do, choose a “low sulphate” shampoo as it will help to wash out less colour from your hair.

4. Condition

When we colour our hair, it becomes more fragile – this helps the colour make an exit and therefore, that’s when fading occurs. So allow the oils, butters, conditioning polymers and other hydrating elements that often go into a great conditioner to help form a protective barrier and help prevent your colour making a bid for freedom.

5. Heat protection

They work - In particular, the ingredients in heat protection sprays reduce heat damage, most likely by evening out how the hair heats up. However, they can’t insulate your hair from most of the damage, so you still need to minimise your hair’s exposure to heat styling!

6. Make time for masks

Did we mention condition? Just for good measure, it’s back in at number six. If you’ve been on a colour break and become slack about masking, now’s the time to get back on the wagon. Just 5-10 minutes of masking twice a week can add a super dose of healing nourishment that helps to repair damage, increase shine – and naturally, keep that colour going stronger for longer.

7. Air dry 

There’s a blow-dry backlash brewing amongst the style set – and we think we know why. Addicted to colour – that’s crazier by the second – they know that all that heat from blow-dryers, straightening irons and curling tongs may not only be damaging to the hair, but also be pressing play on yet more moisture loss and compromising that radiant colour. So do as they do and simply apply L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Hair Oil to damp hair to nourish and add shine – all whilst helping to save your colour from the perils of the hairdryer.

8. Use filters

One of the number one enemies to long-lasting, super bold colour is UV light from the sun. Even in winter when the days seem dark, light loves to play havoc with your hair. So add a UV filter finishing spray to your morning routine and show the sun who’s boss.

9. Swim smart

Remember the stories about chlorine turning coloured hair a slimy shade of green? Chlorine can not only change your colour (obviously not colouring it green), but it can also fast forward fading. So if you’re heading to the pool, prep your hair and pre-condition. Apply a layer of conditioner to your hair and spin it up into a bun to form a protective barrier against chemical damage. After all, if you’d wanted to go green, you’d have picked Colorista Spray in Mint.

10. Eat right

Condition – like beauty – starts from within, so feed your hair from the inside out. A diet rich in oily fish such as salmon and mackerel will nourish your hair with omega-3 fatty acids, making it shiny and strong. Add some walnuts in and get a hit of vitamin E to help combat dry, brittle hair post-colour.

Pankhurst and Deane uses L’Oreal products in the salon.

Three easy ways to bring brittle and damaged hair back to life

Most of us aren’t prepared to give up our styling tools, but if you’re noticing your hair is getting dry and damaged from too much heat, follow these expert tips…

Start with shampoo

Frequent heat styling can sizzle the hair’s outer layer - the cuticle - and this can make it more prone to losing moisture and becoming brittle and damaged. Reinforce weak strands with shampoo and conditioner that has protein in it (sometimes called keratin) to boost the cuticle strength.

Make time for a hair mask

Adding extra moisture to hair as we’ve heard is key to keeping it healthy and shiny. Adding a deep treatment hair mask to your weekly routine is a great place to start and as well as adding some much need hydration it’s a lovely habit to get into as part of your self care regime. Apply the mask while you’re in a hot steamy shower or a bath as the heat can help it absorb.

Invest in a heat protectant spray

Spray on a heat-protectant styling product before blow-drying, straightening or curling hair. Think of it like an SPF for hair, make sure all the strands are evenly coated. You can also use leave in conditioner as a protectant, as this can protect hair up to 232C!

How to give sun damaged hair some TLC

INVEST IN SOME LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

Comb a restorative leave-in conditioner L'Oréal Paris Ever Strong Break Proof lotion in wet hair, then throw it up into a bun to create a barrier from UV rays and keep hair hydrated. Buy it here.

PROTECT WITH A HYDRATING HAIR MASK

The sun’s rays are harsher in the summer, so even if you aren’t outside every day, your hair can still get damaged when you are. Use a hair mask like Lóreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil Very Dry Hair Masque once a week to maintain moisture. Buy it here.

CUT BACK ON WASHING YOUR HAIR

The oil your hair naturally produces protects it from the sun, so you don’t want to over-wash during the warmer months. Instead of lathering up daily, use a dry shampoo like Batiste a couple times a week to give your hair a break. Buy it here.

SPRAY ON THE MOISTURE

Some styling products can give you those effortless beach hair waves. L'Oréal Paris Stylista The Beach Wave Mist Salt Spray creates texture while adding moisture back into the cuticle so your hair is less susceptible to the sun’s heat damage. Buy it here.

Help! How do I grow out a short bob?

When you're growing out your hair it can feel painstakingly slow, and there's nothing worse than that in between stage when you feel like you're neither one style nor another.

The thing is, there is no single product that will make your hair grow quicker (sorry, we wish there was!). But there are certain things you can do which will get your hair in great condition to help it grow:

Treat your hair with some TLC

Try and exfoliating shampoo to properly cleanse your hair and strengthen it against breakage. We like this one from L'Oreal Paris. A rich argan-oil based conditioner like this will also keep your locks in good condition.

Cut your hair every six - eight weeks

We know this sounds scary and counterproductive to someone growing their hair, but regular trims will give your follicles a boost and help with your game-term plan to have long, luscious locks . Book your next appointment by calling us on 01865 553725 or clicking here.

Stop towel drying your hair

If you wrap your hair into a bath towel turban after washing, stop! This causes hair to break, and towel rubbing it dry causes even more damage. Instead invest in a microfibre hair wrap like this, which is more gentle on the follicles and also helps to de-frizz at the same time.

What is the perfect hair care routine?

Does your hair need some TLC? Try this simple haircare routine for healthy hair…

Step 1: Cleanse

Just like you cleanse your skin, your hair needs the same care. You don’t have to do this daily - how often you wash your hair depends on its dryness and if you have product build up. Washing your hair will leave it and your scalp feeling clean, removing any products, grease, dirt and dead skin cells which might have built up.

Step 2: Condition and nourish

Conditioning your hair helps to detangle, seal the cuticles and provide moisture. It replenishes the moisture that your shampoo may have removed, and it will help remove any knots or tangles that were caused by massaging your shampoo onto your hair and scalp.

Step 3: Protect

Never use heated styling tools like curlers or straightener on wet or damp hair. After applying a heat protectant, let your hair air dry for a couple of minutes before applying heat.

Step 4: Moisturise

After styling your hair or letting it air dry, add back in a little moisture. Also on days where you’re not washing your hair, your hair may benefit from a moisture boost. This is where hair oil comes in, our favorite multitasker! Hair oils are also great for controlling frizz and preventing dryness.

Step 5: Treatment

Try a weekly mask, oil or a scalp treatment. This can help tackle damage, dryness and an oily, flaky or dry scalp, and improve the overall appearance and health of your hair.

Three easy spring haircare tips you need to try TODAY

Spring is finally here, which means the weather is (hopefully!) sunnier, the flowers are in full bloom and it's a great time to think about changing your haircare routine.

Here are our top three tips for looking after your hair this season:

1. Have a trim

Winter really takes its toll on your hair, with the cold air and indoor heating playing havoc with your locks by drying it out. A quick trim is all you need to get rid of dry and damaged ends and help your hair regain its shine and health. Book your next appointment by calling us today on 01865 553725 or fill in our booking form here.

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2. Lighten your hair

In spring, not only the days should be lighter, but it's nice to give your hair a lift, too. If you're not ready to completely overhaul your look with a brand new colour, then we recommend trying our new L'oreal Instant Highlights to change your hairstyle without doing anything too drastic. Not only do they take half the time of normal highlights, they have a really natural finish for that all-important sun kissed look.

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3. Let your hair dry naturally

It's madness to go out with wet hair in winter, but now the weather is warming up you can let your hair air dry a bit more. Taking a hairdryer break will also give your hair a chance to grow stronger and it avoids further damaging the strands. Remember to gently towel dry rather than rub your hair as the follicles are at their weakest when wet.

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