Why your hair turns oily - and what to do it about it now

Here’s the thing: a certain degree of oiliness is not only normal, but necessary. The scalp produces sebum as a protective mechanism, keeping both skin and hair adequately hydrated. The trouble starts when this process tips out of balance, leaving hair looking limp and greasy rather than healthy.

1. Over-washing can backfire
It may seem counterintuitive, but washing your hair too frequently can make oiliness worse. Regular stripping of natural oils prompts the scalp to compensate by producing more sebum, often resulting in the very greasiness one is attempting to avoid.

2. Hair type plays a role
Straighter hair types tend to appear oilier more quickly. Without curls or texture to slow its progress, sebum travels easily down the hair shaft, making it more visible from root to tip.

3. Product choice matters
Not all cleansing routines are created equal. Water alone will not dissolve oil effectively, and relying just on conditioner can allow residue to build. A well-formulated shampoo is essential for properly removing excess sebum and maintaining balance.

4. Lifestyle factors contribute
Heat, humidity, exercise and heavy styling products all encourage oil accumulation. These external influences can turn an otherwise manageable scalp into a persistently greasy one.

The practical approach
Wash regularly—but not excessively—with a suitable shampoo, avoid overloading the hair with product, and tailor your routine to your hair type. In most cases, restraint rather than excess is the key to restoring equilibrium.

Six smart ways to make hair look noticeably shinier

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High-shine hair needn’t rely on expensive salon treatments or elaborate routines. With a few well-chosen habits, achieving a polished, healthy gloss is entirely within reach.

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1. Rinse with cool water
Turning down the temperature at the end of your shower helps seal the hair cuticle, allowing light to reflect more evenly across the surface.

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2. Choose the right shampoo
Opt for sulphate-free formulas that cleanse without stripping natural oils. Overly harsh products can leave hair looking dull and brittle.

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3. Condition with precision
Apply conditioner primarily to mid-lengths and ends, where moisture is most needed. This keeps hair smooth without weighing down the roots.

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4. Incorporate a weekly hair mask
A nourishing mask once a week restores hydration and improves texture—key factors in achieving a glossy finish.

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5. Limit heat styling
Excessive use of straighteners and dryers can damage the cuticle. When styling is necessary, always use a heat protectant and moderate temperatures

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6. Finish with a lightweight serum
A small amount of serum or oil can smooth flyaways and enhance shine instantly, offering a refined, well-groomed appearance.

Your ultimate step-by-step guide to fixing split ends

Split ends are a pain and while they are practically unavoidable, the good news is with the right approach and a little consistency they are totally manageable. Here’s your five step plan.

1. Start with the only true fix: a trim
Let’s be honest—once a hair strand splits, it can’t be permanently repaired.

The most effective solution is a clean trim to stop the damage from traveling further up the shaft. Even a micro-trim every six to eight weeks keeps the ends looking fresh.

2. Boost your hydration
Dryness is one of the biggest causes of split ends. Invest in a nourishing conditioner and commit to a weekly deep-conditioning mask.

Look for ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, and keratin to restore moisture and smooth the cuticle.

3. Turn down the heat
Excessive heat styling weakens the hair structure, making it more prone to splitting. Try air-drying when possible, and always use a heat protectant before styling tools. Lower temperatures can make a noticeable difference over time.

4. Be gentle with your hair
Rough towel-drying and aggressive brushing can worsen breakage. Switch to a microfibre towel or even a cotton T-shirt to dry your hair, and use a wide-tooth comb to detangle—starting from the ends and working upward.

5. Seal and protect
While you can’t fix split ends permanently, lightweight oils and hair serums can temporarily seal them, giving a smoother, polished appearance. Think of it as a finishing touch rather than a cure.

5 chic reasons regular haircuts are the ULTIMATE self care ritual

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Anyone who has ever had a Bad Hair Day will know the transformative power of a haircut. And beyond simply looking good, a visit to Pankhurst & Deane can nourish the mind as well as the body. Here’s why.

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1. Confidence boost
There’s something undeniably empowering about a fresh haircut. A clean shape frames the face, enhances your features and delivers that a polished well put-together energy. It’s a small but undeniable shift that often translates into a BIG confidence boost.

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2. Mental health reset
Haircuts can act as a symbolic release—there’s a reason why we often go for a dramatic haircut after a break-up or big life change. The experience of being in the salon, relaxing and indulgent, allows you to take a rare pause in a busy world.

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3. Healthier hair growth
While trimming doesn’t directly speed up growth, it prevents breakage from travelling up the hair shaft. And by removing damaged ends, your hair will stay strong, allowing it to grow longer, thicker and healthier over time.

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4. Scalp care
A healthy scalp is the foundation of beautiful hair. Regular cuts are the best way to support optimal hair growth.

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5. Effortless styling
Well-maintained hair simply behaves better making styling simpler. Whether air-dried or heat-styled, your hair will fall into place with minimal effort.

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Consider your next haircut not as maintenance, but as a mindful investment—one that nurtures beauty from the inside out.

10 salon-approved ways to grow thicker, fuller hair

If your hair is feeling fine, flat, or lacking volume, you’re not alone. Thicker-looking hair doesn’t come from one miracle product—it’s the result of consistent care, smart habits and a focus on your hair health as a whole.

Here are our 10 expert-approved ways to help you achieve fuller, stronger strands.

1. Start with your scalp
Healthy hair begins at the root. Keep your scalp clean and balanced to avoid clogged follicles that can slow growth. Regular cleansing and gentle exfoliation can make a big difference.

2. Massage for growth
Scalp massages help stimulate blood flow, which supports healthier hair follicles. Just a few minutes a day can encourage thicker growth over time.

3. Use lightweight strengthening products
Heavy products can weigh hair down. Opt for volumising shampoos and conditioners that strengthen without buildup.

4. Stick to trims
While trims don’t make hair grow faster, they prevent breakage and split ends—helping your hair maintain its thickness and shape.

5. Limit heat styling
Excessive heat weakens the hair and causes breakage. Reduce how often you use hot tools or always apply a heat protectant when styling.

6. Be gentle with styling
Tight hairstyles and rough brushing can lead to thinning over time. Choose looser styles and use a soft brush to minimise damage.

7. Feed hair from within
Hair health is closely linked to your diet. Make sure you’re getting enough protein, vitamins and hydration to support stronger, thicker strands.

8. Avoid overwashing
Washing your hair too often can strip natural oils that protect and nourish your strands. Find a balance that works for your hair type.

9. Try hydrating treatments
Incorporate treatments like strengthening masks or scalp serums into your routine to boost thickness and resilience.

10. Be consistent and patient
Thicker hair doesn’t happen overnight. With the right routine and consistency, you’ll start to notice stronger, fuller results over time.

Growing thicker hair is all about protecting what you have while creating the best conditions for new growth. Focus on scalp care, minimise damage and stay consistent—your hair will thank you for it.

The secret to faster hair growth: simple habits for stronger, healthier hair

Healthy, beautiful hair doesn’t happen overnight—but with the right care and consistency, you can absolutely support faster, stronger growth.

At Pankhurst & Deane, we always remind our clients that hair growth starts at the scalp and it’s also influenced by your daily habits as well as the products you use. Here are our secret tricks for hair growth.

Look after your scalp

Maintaining a clean and well-nourished scalp is essential. Product build-up, excess oil and environmental pollutants can block hair follicles and slow down growth. Using a gentle, high-quality shampoo and conditioner suited to your hair type helps keep your scalp balanced and healthy—creating the ideal environment for hair to thrive.

Give yourself a head massage

Scalp massage is another simple but powerful habit to introduce into your routine. Taking a few minutes each day to gently massage your scalp can help stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles, encouraging healthier growth over time. It’s a small step that can make a noticeable difference when done consistently.

Get a trim

Regular trims are often misunderstood when it comes to growing your hair. While trimming doesn’t directly speed up growth from the root, it does prevent split ends from travelling up the hair shaft and causing breakage. Keeping your ends healthy means your hair can retain its length more effectively.

Cut back on heat styling

It’s also important to minimise damage. Frequent heat styling, tight hairstyles, and harsh chemical treatments can weaken the hair, leading to breakage and slower progress. Whenever possible, use heat protection, opt for looser styles, and give your hair regular breaks from intensive styling.

Eat well

Finally, don’t forget that healthy hair starts from within. A balanced diet, proper hydration, and key nutrients all play a role in supporting strong, resilient hair.

Hair growth is a journey, and patience is key—but by focusing on overall hair health, you’ll see stronger, longer results over time.

How to keep your hair strong and healthy

A little redness or a few broken hairs might not seem like a big deal at first, but these early warning signs mean your hair is under stress. The good news? Small changes to your routine can help prevent long-term damage.

Here are some easy ways to protect your hair:

• Loosen tight hairstyles and avoid constant tension

• Give your hairline regular “rest days”

• Choose gentler products and avoid heavy application every day

• Limit heat use and always use heat protectant

• Opt for silk or satin at night to reduce friction

Healthy hair starts with mindful habits—and we’re here to help. If you’re worried about thinning or want personalised advice, book a consultation with one of our stylists. We’ll help you find styles and routines that keep your hair looking gorgeous while protecting it for the long-run.

Growing your hair? Here are our five stylist-approved tips to speed things up

Growing out your hair can be challenging but with patience and dedication, you will get there!

And with our expert tips, you'll be on your way to achieving the long, healthy hair of your dreams. Simply follow our five steps, below:

1. Experiment with different styles

During the awkward phase, experiment with different hairstyles to find what works best for you. Try plaits, messy buns and ponytails to keep things interesting.

2. Get regular trims

Although it may seem counterproductive, getting regular trims can help your hair grow longer and keep it healtthy. Having a trim every six to eight weeks helps avoid split ends from travelling up the hair shaft, causing additional damage and breakage.

3. Avoid over-shampooing

Over-shampooing can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage. Ideally wash your hair every other day or every two days, depending on your hair type.

4. Use heat protection products

Using hot styling tools such as straighteners, curlers or your hairdryer can damage your hair. Protect it by applying a heat protectant before using hot tools, which helps reduce breakage and split ends.

5. Don’t stress

The awkward phase can be frustrating, but it's important to stay positive and remember that it's only temporary. Keep your hair healthy and take care of it, and before you know it, you'll be out of the awkward phase and well on your way to achieving your hair goals!

Hollywood actress Mila Kunis reveals her beauty secrets

We’ve loved Mila Kunis since That ‘70s Show and she literally hasn’t aged since. Here are her beauty secrets in this VOGUE video.

Five hair mistakes to avoid, says the man who created Jennifer Aniston's 'The Rachel' haircut

Even if you don’t recognise his name, you’ve definitely seen Chris McMillan’s work. He’s the celebrity hairstylist behind The Rachel—Jennifer Aniston’s iconic haircut from Friends—and he knows a thing or two about healthy hair.

In a recent TikTok, McMillan didn’t sugar-coat it, saying “winter is the worst for hair.” And honestly? He’s not wrong. Between freezing temperatures outside, dry heated air indoors, and styling hair more often, winter can be tough on both your hair and scalp.

At Pankhurst and Deane we wholeheartedly agree. The colder months put extra stress on hair, but the good news is you don’t need to completely change your routine—just make a few smart adjustments. Here are McMillian’s five common winter hair mistakes - and how to fix them.

1. Taking super hot showers

We get it—nothing feels better in winter than a steaming hot shower. But McMillan calls scalding hot water one of the biggest mistakes for hair health. Hot water strips away the natural oils your scalp needs, leaving hair dry, dull, and more prone to irritation.

Try this instead: Turn the temperature down slightly when washing your hair. Warm water is enough to cleanse without causing damage.

2. Not hydrating enough

Hydration is everything in winter. McMillan describes it as creating a barrier that protects hair from the elements—and that barrier really matters when hair is constantly moving between cold air outside and dry indoor heating.

A lightweight leave-in conditioner, serum or a small amount of oil can go a long way in keeping hair softer and less frizzy.

3. Wearing ‘protective’ styles that pull

Protective styles can help in winter—but only if they’re actually gentle. Tight ponytails, slicked-back buns, or braids that pull at the hairline can create ongoing tension, especially if worn regularly.

If a style feels uncomfortable, causes headaches, or pulls around the edges, it’s probably doing more harm than good.

4. Skipping treatment time

One of McMillan’s favourite tips is “multi-masking.” Basically, if you’re wearing a slicked-back style, turn it into a treatment moment. Apply a conditioning mask, nourishing oil, or deep conditioner, slick it back, and let it work while you go about your day.

It’s an easy way to add moisture without adding extra steps—perfect for winter when hair tends to feel drier than usual.

5. Heat styling without protection (or skipping conditioner altogether)

Heat styling plus dry winter air is a recipe for breakage if hair isn’t protected. McMillan stresses using heat protection every time and not skipping conditioner during the colder months.

Heat protectants help reduce damage and frizz, while regular conditioning keeps hair softer, smoother, and less prone to snapping.

Here’s the thing: Most winter hair damage is fixable. Simple changes—cooling down your showers, keeping hair hydrated, choosing styles that don’t pull, and always using heat protection—can make a noticeable difference.