morning hair

It’s fair to say we all know the differences between a shampoo, conditioner and masque, but there are so many products out there these days that it can be hard to keep up. To be honest, with so many ‘revolutionary’ products being released it can be confusing to know which ones are right for you and how you should be using them. Ever wondered what exactly dry shampoo is and how it works? I’m sure you’ve pondered the difference between pomade and hair oil?

Your hair products are the first and most important step to achieving a desired look or hairstyle. Without the correct hair care products, you can kiss that beachy wave look goodbye. So let’s go back to basics and run down the basic hair products every girl should have and know how best to use them. That’s healthy hair guaranteed right there.

1. Shampoo

We all know what shampoo is - simply put, it cleanses the hair. But here's where it gets tricky: there are so many different types of shampoos out there. From clarifying shampoo to volumising shampoo, smoothing, sulphate-free, and shampoos for colour treated hair, it's important to choose the type of shampoo that is best suited to your hair.

CLARIFYING SHAMPOO

Clarifying shampoo roughens up the hair cuticle and gets the roots extra squeaky clean. This can be used when you feel that there is too much product build-up in your hair or before getting your colour done. Try Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo.

VOLUMISING SHAMPOO

This baby is designed to open up the hair cuticle and make it thicker. In order to get the root lift you desire, try to pick a shampoo with a lightweight conditioning ingredient that rinses off well and doesn't weigh the hair down.  I love Kérastase Resistance Volumifique Bain 250ml

SHAMPOO FOR COLOURED HAIR

If your hair is coloured, I would always recommend to go for a shampoo specifically designed for colour treated hair. It really is the secret to avoid colour fade. Remember – you’ve spend ££s on getting your hair the right shade, it would be a real shame to waste that by using the wrong shampoo. Great hair products for coloured hair will also include ingredients like oils or algae, in order to lock in colour. Give Redken Colour Extend Magnetics Shampoo a try.

SULPHATE-FREE SHAMPOO

Sulphate-free shampoos fit into the same category as those for colour treated hair, but are more specific than that. They are perfect for those with delicate colours, like reds or pastel tones and will help avoid that sinking feeling when you see all your colour being washed down the drain as you shower. I always recommend Kérastase Discipline Bain Fluidealiste Sulphate Free to my clients.

Whichever shampoo you choose, be sure that it's right for the texture of your hair. If you choose a shampoo that's too clarifying, you could strip the hair of its natural oils, and lead to additional oil being produced. If you choose a shampoo that's too moisturising, you could end up with product build-up at the scalp. If you're not sure what type of hair you have, you can always consult your hair stylist for a recommendation.

Also, be sure to choose two "go-to" shampoos that both have different ingredients and benefits to rotate between, to maintain balance in your hair. Switch your shampoo every 4 to 5 washes to remove product build-up and restore cleanliness to your hair.

2. Conditioner

Conditioner is designed to smooth your hair cuticle and restore moisture.

RINSE-OUT CONDITIONER

Rinse-out conditioners are the most common type of conditioner, worked through the ends of your hair, left in for a few minutes, and rinsed out. Avoid applying conditioner to the roots of your hair, as this could result in greasy looking roots and weigh your hair down. Try Bed Head Urban Antidotes Recovery Conditioner.

LEAVE IN CONDITIONER

Leave in conditioners are great for smoothing and de-tangling. These conditioners are light-weight, and can be used as a styling product to get your tresses silky and glossy.

HAIR MASKS

Hair masks or deep conditioners are perfect for repairing dry and damaged hair. Hair masks contain ingredients like waxes, oils and emulsifiers to get down to the root and repair the hair from its source. Most masks should be applied from root to tip and left in for at least 30 minutes before rinsing out thoroughly. I love Kérastase Nutritive Masque Magistral

Just be sure to avoid the common mistake of only rinsing out half your conditioner We all love that glorious, silky, smooth feeling conditioners leave, however, this means you haven't rinsed out all the product from your hair and you're actually weighing your hair down.

3. Hair oils and serums

From argan to avocado oil, hair oil is a must for those with 'problematic' hair. They tame frizz, add shine, promote growth, and give your hair a high shine look. For best results, use hair oil on dry or almost dry hair. Top tip: if you have dry ends, use some oil on the mid-lengths and ends BEFORE washing your hair. This will stop you drying out your ends even more when shampooing.

4. Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo comes in either a powder or spray form, and is designed to absorb excess oil at the roots of the hair. Don't have time to wash your hair? No problem. Not only does dry shampoo get rid of excess oil, it also provides lift at the roots. Beware though, this is not a replacement for washing your hair so try to only use dry shampoo for a maximum of two days before giving your hair a good wash. Try Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo.

So there you have it…the basics to healthy and great looking hair. What are your hair product must haves?

Undone volume. It’s one of those styles that everyone lusts after, but so few feel confident they can achieve without the help of their stylist. It’s the celebrity go to look and as a result has become one of the most requested blow-dry looks ever. But trust me ladies, the beauty of this style is that it’s meant to look messy and scream ‘I just woke up like this’ (yeah right). With just a few hints and tips from a pro, you can achieve this look at home and have everyone thinking you’ve got one hell of a loyalty card at the salon.

Step 1: Root lift

Apply a root lift spray, such as L’Oreal Professionnel Volumetry Anti-Gravity Volume Root Spray 125ml then, using your hairdryer without the nozzle, start to dry with your fingers, lifting the hair and directing the airflow into the root area.

Step 2: Curl up

Pop your hairdryer nozzle back on and grab a Moroccanoil Ceramic Barrel Brush (or similar) and direct the airflow from the roots to ends. Roll the hair around the brush back towards the heat, heating the hair as you roll. Now for the clever bit…ever wondered what that cold button on your dryer was for? Use it now to set the hair before unwrapping the hair, back-brushing lightly at the root and pinning into a barrel curl. That’s how the pro’s do it.

Step 3: Pin curls

Carry on section by section through your hair, remembering to take vertical sections and directing the heat away from the face. Repeat the previous step to complete the sides and back of the head, wrapping and pinning each section.

Step 4: Get that lift

Now you’ve reached the crown and the top start taking horizontal sections, elevating each section vertically and directing the nozzle into the root area for extra lift

Step 5: Tease out

Unpin each section and gently tease the hair at the root using a comb before spritzing with hairspray. I love Tigi Catwalk Session Series Finishing Hairspray. Shake the style out with your hands then use your fingers to dress it out to our desired finish.

Simple right?! Give it a go and you’ll be amazed at the results.

Xoxo

It has to be said, as women, we do tend to abuse our hair a bit. From heated styling tools to backcombing, we probably wouldn’t put our skin through half the stuff we expect our hair to put up with on a daily basis. But, just as skin suffers if you don’t take care of it, your hair will too. That’s when breakage and split ends rear their ugly head. If there is one question I get asked every day, it’s ‘how do I avoid split ends?’. So here’s my top 10 tips to keep split ends at bay.

1. Learn to work with second day hair.

Washing your hair every day strips your hair of natural oils that, instead of making your hair greasy, actually help to keep your hair healthy and nourished.  Washing your hair every other day allows your body to repair hair with its natural oils, leaving your hair silky, smooth and protected.  Sulphate free shampoos are the best, as they don’t remove too many of those natural oils when you do wash your hair. I recommend Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo.

2. Brush wisely.

For daily brushing, choose a cushioned paddle brush with flexible bristles. Always brush from root to end, tackling any knotting by holding the hair away from the scalp to avoid any tension that could cause breakage. Try Tangle Teezer Elite. Oh, and I don’t have to tell you to never brush wet hair, only comb or use your trusted Tangle Teezer.

3. Shampoo only your scalp.

Let your hair sit normally once wet and simply lather your shampoo onto your scalp, then let the ends of your hair experience the second hand suds as you rinse the shampoo through your hair. This will avoid stripping any natural oils from the ends, causing them to become dry and brittle.

4. Condition your ends.

This one is a no brainer; always use conditioner! Be sure to apply conditioner directly to the ends of your hair and then give it a couple of minutes to work it’s magic. When you rinse your hair, leave a small bit of residue. Make sure to avoid the root areas though, otherwise you’ll struggle to work with your hair.

5. Let’s talk towel drying.

Do not scrub and rub a towel all over your head like a maniac, as this can cause damage. Instead, wrap a towel around your hair and simply squeeze different areas to draw the moisture out.

6. Wide tooth combs with wet hair.

Invest in a wide toothed comb for use in your shower to lightly glide through your hair and loosely manage your locks without causing as much breakage.

7. Blow-drying.

When blow-drying, do your best to avoid placing direct heat on the ends of your hair until absolutely necessary. Most people only think to use a heat protector when using straighteners or tongs, but your hair dryer produces a hefty amount of heat. Make sure you apply a heat protector to your hair before you start. I go for .

8. Straightening.

When straightening your hair, always use a brush or comb to guide your hair through, to avoid straightening a strand in a creased or bent position, which can lead to breakage. And don’t repeat the same section over and over. Oh and remember my words about heat protection people.

9. Curling.

Instead of beginning the curl at the ends of your hair and winding all the way up, begin at your roots and guide hair through the curling iron as you twist up. This way, your ends will only take in as much heat as needed to hold the style.

10. A trip to your hair stylist.

To maintain hair condition, it’s vital to keep your visits to your stylist as regular as possible, every 6-8 weeks. This way they can remove any breakage and make sure your healthy hair has the best chance possible. Don’t avoid us, we can help!