Protect winter skin with these five expert tips

1. Use a sheet mask for extra moisture.

   Central heating and cold weather can play havoc with our skin. Using a weekly face or sheet mask can add moisture and hydrating leaving you with a fresh and dewy complexion.

2. Moisturise day and night

   As well as a weekly face mask it’s important to moisturise the skin day and night, using a lighter cream for daytime and a thicker one overnight.

3. Don't forget sun cream

   It might be winter and less sunny, but your skin is still exposed to harmful rays in the winter so slap on the sun cream daily to prevent damage.

4. Apply an antioxidant serum

   Antioxidant serums can help protect you skin from environmental damage and signs of ageing.

5. Hydrate the scalp with a hair mask

   Just like skin, our hair can get dry and brittle during the winter so be sure to hydrate it with a weekly nourishing hair mask.

6. Always carry a lip balm

   Lips get dry in winter, so like your face and hair, hydrate with some moisturising lip balm.

How to look after long hair

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

Maintain a regular haircare routine

The longer your hair, the more it gets damaged by the heat, styling and sun damage. Invest in a weekly hair mask. Treat yourself out to get a hair spa treatment with us once a month, too. 

Don’t blowdry wet hair

Towel dry hair thoroughly and let it semi air dry before you apply heat. Also, invest in a microfibre towel, which is gentler on the hair. Then add moisture with hair serum and heat protectant. 

Buy paraben-free products

Alcohol-laden hair sprays and products with parabens damage the hair. Remember, the longer your hair the more nourishment your ends need!

Have regular trims

Regular trims are vital when you have long hair to keep it healthy and strong.

Avoid plastic hair brushes

Instead opt for a ceramic or wooden bristle brush. It’s less harsh on your scalp and also makes sure the natural oils get evenly distributed through the hair. 

How to repair chemically damaged hair

Too many chemical treatments, like hair dyes, professional straightening or perms, can leave your hair in serious need of some TLC.

While going for a drastic chop and starting again is one option, if you can't face a completely new look there are a few things you can do to repair your hair and stop it from getting worse...

Unlike your skin, your hair doesn't regenerate itself once it is damaged. The good news is, increasing the moisture with a hydrating mask can help bond the hair cuticles back, both in the salon and at home. Talk to us today about the moisturising treatments we have on offer.

Weekly hair mask

If you're doing a DIY hair mask, aim for once a week. You can even sleep in it overnight (with hair wrapped in a microfibre towel) for maximum hydration.

Comb conditioner through before rinsing

Another way to improve the appearance of frazzled hair by combing conditioner through your mid-lengths and ends before rinsing, which has the effect of smoothing the hair cuticles down.

Use hair serum

A fortifying hair serum nourishes the scalp and hair follicles. We like L'Oreal's Absolute Repair Serum, which you can buy here.

Regular haircuts

A great haircut will also revitalise hair and make you look - and feel - better about your damaged hair. You don't have to do anything drastic. We can work with your hair to create a style that complements the way it moves.

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 fix unhealthy hair

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.

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.