hairspray

As a beauty and hair specialist, I get asked hundreds of questions everyday, so I thought it would be a great idea to blog about my 5 top most asked questions and give you some great advice…

How do I cure hair dryness?

The key to rehydrating hair is a good moisturising shampoo and conditioner.

Using a moisturising shampoo followed by a deep hydrating conditioner with a rich moisturising agent will work wonders on your hair. Don’t go crazy on the conditioner as it can make your hair greasy.

The main source of dry hair is heat, try not to over blow dry, straighten or curl your hair. If you are going to use heat, as let's face it most people do, you are better off using a cream heat protector instead of a spray. The cream ensures that the hair shaft is evenly protected and helps to lock in moisture.

You can also use a hydrating hair mask once a week. This will restore your hair moisture and leave it silky smooth. Apply and leave in your hair for 4-5 minutes then rinse with cool water, this will help to seal in the benefits and nutrients to give lasting results. It also gives the hair a better shine, as well as sealing the hair cuticle to smooth out the hair. Think of it like using a skin toner on the hair.

After washing your hair, use a leave in conditioner. This will ensure extra moisture is kept on your hair all day long.

Another tip is to wash your hair less often - no more than every other day, as this gives the scalp's natural oils the chance to work. Otherwise you're just shampooing out the goodness. You can still wet your hair down if you need to restyle, just leave the shampoo out of it.

TOP TIP: Seal the ends of your hair with a natural conditioner such as olive oil or coconut oil on a regular basis. Part your hair prior to applying this product, as this will allow for a better even coverage.

My Recommendation: Catwalk Oatmeal & Honey Shampoo & Conditioner Duo. This duo helps to restore dry, damaged hair and has been designed to also protect your hair from colour damage and heat damage. It also helps that it smells good enough to eat!

Catwalk Oatmeal & Honey 750ml Shampoo & Conditioner Duo

How do I combat greasy hair?

Greasy hair happens to everyone, its nothing to be embarrassed about!

I know this sounds silly but washing your hair everyday makes your hair greasier! It irritates the hair follicle and increases oil production.

You can also use dry shampoo or talc powder to soak up the grease on the days that you don’t wash it.

TOP TIP: Try to alternate shampoos as this prevents build up.

My Recommendation: For sensitive scalps try using Schwarzkopf BC Bonacure Sensitive Soothe Mild Shampoo, this moisturises, protects and cares for delicate scalps without the risk of irritation or inflammation.

BC Bonacure Sensitive Soothe Mild Shampoo 250ml

How do I prevent hair loss?

Common theories behind hair loss are: a lack of essential nutrients, extensive use of chemicals such as hair colouring and treatments, improper and unhealthy dietary habits, certain medications, hormonal imbalance and alopecia.

You can try heating natural hair oils such as coconut, jojoba and sesame oil and massage into your scalp as this will encourage new hair growth. Cover with a shower cap and keep covered for 1 hour then rinse with a mild shampoo.

TOP TIP: Wait until your hair is semi-dry before combing through using a wide toothed hair comb to gently detangle the hair as this will reduce the risk of hair breakage and falling out. Also, don’t vigorously rub your hair in a towel as will only result in unwanted hair breakage.

My Recommendation: The Nioxin set. They have created hair sets with products, which help to increase hair growth, aiming to thicken any thinning locks. The three products; the cleaners, scalp therapy and scalp treatment, work together in order to combat any hair loss you may be experiencing.

NIOXIN Hair System Kit

How do I encourage my hair to grow in length?

There is no ground breaking answer with this question I’m afraid. Be patient.

Growing your hair is a long process which requires care, including brushing your hair before you shower and using as little electronic heat on your hair as possible, so plan when you wash your hair.

TOP TIP: I know this sounds strange but eat a healthy diet; ensure you are eating all the essential nutrients, it is surprising how much of a difference this has on your hair growth!

My Recommendation:  Moroccanoil Oil Treatment. This little bottle has made its mark all over the world and every catwalk! It helps to protect your hair and give it the nutrients that it needs!

Moroccanoil Oil Treatment 25ml

What products prevent hair colour from fading?

So many people I know are constantly changing their hair colour. Don’t get me wrong, its great! But they panic that the colour fades too quickly and dying it too often can cause your hair to become dry and weak.

I personally recommend using Bed Head Colour Goddess Shampoo and Conditioner Duo. The colour lockdown technology repairs and protects your hair from further damage colours may cause. The conditioner is great for protecting the colour from fading and from any heat and UV damage that may be caused over time.

TOP TIP: Use styling products formulated with UV filters, this will help protect your colour against any rays!

My Recommendation: Redken Colour Extend Range. This duo has a feature called Charge Attract Complex, which crystalises the colour molecule in the hair to minimise colour fade, even for the most vibrant colours. It locks in colour radiance and the protein gives the hair progressive hair conditioning, so it's perfect for blondes too.

I'd also recommend L'oreal Solar Protecting Spray for UV protection to prevent colour fade in the sun. Just a quick spritz on damp hair and you're good to go!

Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo 300ml