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curls

  • How to make your curls last for longer than an hour

    …trust me it is possible!

    I’ve had loads of requests from both you guys and my clients in salon asking for tips to transform your hair into beautiful, face framing curls and how, more importantly, to make them last. So today I’m going to share all my insider knowledge to teach you how you can acheive the look at home. You’re welcome.

    First things first, it all starts with the cut. One thing us hair stylists know for sure is that thick, blunt ends won’t hold a curl for long. Or, if you’re looking for that sought after beach wave look, long layers work best. Make sure you have a great consultatation with your stylist by letting them know how you like to style it at home. This will help them understand how best to cut your hair to acheive your desired look. Your hair’s health plays an important role too. In fact, the more damaged and split the ends of your hair are, the harder it will be to curl your hair. Make sure you use a conditioning masque on your hair at least once a week. I recommend Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Masque to my clients as it deeply hydrates the hair whilst making it more manageable.

    I know it goes against the grain, but it might be time to cut down on the shampoo and conditioner. If you’re trying to curl freshly washed hair you’re already making your job more difficult. Unwashed hair always holds a style better than freshly washed hair. Now is the time to get yourself a good dry shampoo. When you’re skipping the shampoo on certain days, a little dry shampoo will do wonders in adding some volume and getting rid of any excess oil. I tend to prefer L’Oreal Tecni Art Fresh Dust, just sprayed onto the root area.

    Now it’s time to add some texture. My hero product is Redken Guts Mousse. It adds volume, texture and has a great amount of hold. Can’t ask for more than that. Just pop a walnut size piece into the palm of your hand and work into damp hair from root to tip.

    Before you break out the curling wand, you need to make sure to apply a heat protector to your hair. No excuses. I find the best heat protectors are added to damp hair, not dry, as you can really make sure the product is evenly distributed. I reach for Pureology Strength Cure Fabulous Lengths.

    This one seems a bit obvious, but make sure you’re using the right curling wand. Large barrel tongs will be the secret to Hollywood curls, whereas a curling wand will give you those beach waves you’re craving. Remember, the smaller the barrel of the wand, the tighter the curl.

    Technique time; make sure you start from the top. Clients are always telling me how they start curling from the bottom up. Whilst this works best when straightening, curls work better from the top down. It’s much easier and quicker…give it a try and I promise you’ll be amazed.

    If I could only give you ONE piece of advice about how to get your curls to last, it has got to be this: roll each fresh curl around your finger, fasten it to your head with a hair grip. When all of your hair has been curled and pinned, spray with hair spray, leave for 10 minutes, and remove the curls one by one. This will be a life-changer. Just make sure you don’t faff with the curls too much and you can say hello to bouncier curls that last all day long.

    I’d love to hear which tips work best for you… let me know if you give any of these a go and tweet me your finished look @thesalonlook

  • Hair: 5 top questions answered

    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 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 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 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 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 Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo 300ml
  • Look amazing this Valentines..

    Romance is in the air as Valentine’s Day is only 10 days away, the night of the year for you to look your very best for your partner! With your new lingerie and outfit in tow, it is only necessary to get your hair, make-up and skin perfect.Screen Shot 2014-02-04 at 12.18.35

    Plan your hairstyle in advance, as you may not need to wash it. If you are planning an up-do, many hairstyles work best with not freshly washed hair- don’t be scared of a tiny bit of grease! If you are using rollers, place them in before your make-up as they take about 2 hours to take full effect depending on your hair type. Whilst pampering the night before, why not take your time to give your hair a good treatment too, such as a hair mask. I love Moroccan Oil’s Intense Hydrating Mask, it leaves your hair feeling luxuriously soft like satin.

    Preparation is key in order to let your skin be it’s best for date night, shave and buffer the night before in order to get super smooth legs. Doing it the night before enables your skin to replenish overnight, adding a light moisturiser whilst getting ready, making it extra smooth for a cosy night in. Plucking and shaping your eyebrows should also be done the night before to avoid any red blotchiness on the night, glowing under candle light.

    A facial the night before will cleanse your skin, hydrating it and leaving it refreshed and glowing. Moisturise after this as it will leave your skin feeling silky and smooth. Apply moisturiser before any make- up and leave it to dry in order to form a barrier against all the layers of face make-up you are about to apply.

    Don’t forget your nails! It is a busy night before Valentine’s Day and for some girls, nails always go forgotten about! Apply a coat while letting your hair mask work, staying productive on this long preparation process, or if you have time and the money, treat yourself to false nails or shellac which creates a gleaming shine and the affect of false nails without the hassle if they break.

    Choosing the right make-up is a big decision if this is your first date. Don’t be too over powering, let your natural beauty shine through. Either enhance your eyes with a smoky defined eye shadow- not too heavy, with a natural looking lip, or a brightly coloured lip with natural glowing eyes.

    Enjoy your night ladies!

    Xoxo

     

     

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