Aimee Lou Wood calls her new bob “life changing” — and we can see why

There are haircuts that look good in a photo, and then there are haircuts that make you feel more like yourself. Aimee Lou Wood says her new bob falls firmly into the second camp.

Pic credit Aimee Lou Wood Instagram

The Sex Education actress revealed her cut on Instagram, crediting hairstylist George Northwood. She called it “life changing” because, when she looked in the mirror, she recognised herself more. She also described it as feeling “French Oui Oui Amelie”. That is a rather lovely brief for a haircut.

What does her bob look like?

In the photo, Aimee’s brunette hair sits around jaw length, with a softly defined shape and ends that flick out instead of curling neatly under. A sweeping side part adds movement across the front. It has the clean outline of a bob, but the finish feels relaxed and lived in.

The Amélie reference captures the playful, French-film mood, though this is Aimee’s own version - without copying the character’s short fringe.

Why this cut feels so good

A bob changes the outline of your hair immediately: it reveals the neck, brings attention to the face and gives the ends a fuller-looking shape. But Aimee’s caption makes a more interesting point. The best haircut isn’t always the one that makes you look different. Sometimes it’s the one that makes the person in the mirror feel familiar again.

That is why a reference photo is only the start of a good consultation. We also need to know how you want to feel wearing the cut. Polished? Playful? A little undone? Able to get ready in ten minutes? Those answers help shape the length and finish as much as the photograph does.

How to ask for Aimee’s bob

Bring the photo to your next appointment and ask for a jaw-length bob with a soft outline and enough movement for the ends to flick out. Show us where you’d like the length to fall on your face, and discuss whether a side part works with your natural growth pattern.

Be honest about your hair’s texture and how much styling you enjoy. On some hair, this shape may air-dry beautifully; on others, it will need a quick blow-dry or a little work on the ends. If you still want to tie your hair back, say so before the first cut: a few centimetres can make all the difference.

The at-home finishing touch

You don’t need to make every strand curve in the same direction. Try drying your roots for lift, then use a brush to turn a few ends gently away from your face. Leave some pieces alone for that easy, imperfect finish. A small amount of light styling product through the ends can add separation; start sparingly so the bob keeps its movement.

The back-to-school haircut is officially a thing—and September is the perfect time for a reset

Forget January — September is the month that really makes us want to get our lives together. There’s something about the end of summer and the return to routine that brings with it an irresistible urge for a fresh start.

New journal, new wardrobe, newly organised kitchen cupboards (OK, maybe that is a step too far!)—and, naturally, a new haircut. And while the kids might be the ones heading back to school, there’s no reason they should get all the new-term excitement.

Consider this your post-summer hair reset

After months of a heatwave, holidays, swimming and just being outside more than normal, our hair can emerge from summer looking a little less glossy than it did going in.

Dry ends, faded colour and grown-out layers can all make hair feel lacklustre, which is why September is such a good time to book in for a cut.

You don’t necessarily need a dramatic transformation. Taking a few inches off those tired ends, refreshing your layers or adding some subtle face-framing can be enough to make your hair feel healthier, fuller and infinitely more polished.

Time for something completely new?

If you’ve been thinking about doing something more dramatic with your hair, consider this your sign.

A sharp bob, soft fringe, shorter layers or a more dramatic chop can deliver exactly the kind of fresh-start energy we're craving at this time of year.

Not sure what will work? Rather than arriving at Pankhurst & Deane armed with a screenshot of your favourite celebrity’s hair, talk to us about the overall look you love. The best haircut will take into account your hair texture, face shape and—crucially—how much effort you're prepared to put into styling it.

Because a haircut that looks incredible after a professional blow-dry but requires 45 minutes of work every morning probably isn't the new-term energy we're after.

The best haircuts make life easier

September often means earlier mornings, packed diaries and a return to juggling approximately 53 things before breakfast, so this is also the perfect opportunity to rethink how your hair fits into your routine.

Ask us about cuts that work with your natural texture and still look good with minimal styling. The goal? Hair you can wash, style quickly and get on with your day.

And if you happen to get an hour of uninterrupted peace, a great head massage and a really good blow-dry in the process? Even better.

The kids may be going back to school, but consider this your excuse for a new-term reset of your own.

Beach waves made easy: the straightener styling trick you need to know

Beachy curls are one of those timeless, effortless-looking styles that actually take a little know-how to get right.

The good news? You don’t need a curling wand to achieve them. A straightener works just as well—sometimes even better—once you know the technique. Here’s how to create soft, textured beachy waves using a hair straightener.

Step one: Start with dry, fully brushed hair. Any knots will cause uneven bends, so take a moment to smooth everything out.

Step two: Apply a heat protectant spray before you begin—this is essential to protect your hair from heat damage and keep your waves looking glossy rather than frizzy.

Step three: Section your hair into manageable layers. The smaller the sections, the more defined your waves will be. If you want a more relaxed, undone look, go slightly larger with your sections.

Step four: Take your straightener and clamp it gently about halfway down the section of hair. Instead of pulling straight down, rotate the straightener 180 degrees away from your face while slowly gliding it down the strand. Think of it as creating an “S” shape with your hair as you move. Keep the motion smooth and continuous—this is what gives that natural, beachy bend.

For a more lived-in finish, alternate the direction of the curls as you move around your head. This prevents the style from looking too uniform and gives it that relaxed, just-off-the-beach vibe.

Step five: Once all your hair is done, let the waves cool completely before touching them.

Step six: Then gently run your fingers through to break them up.

Step seven: Finish with a light texturising spray or sea salt spray to add hold and that signature beachy texture.

The key is not perfection—messy, soft, and undone is exactly what makes this style work.

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.

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.

Get more volume in your hair by doing these three things

Invest in a volumising shampoo and conditioner 

Volume starts in the shower (or bath) so find a volumising shampoo and conditioner for your hair type and make it part of your haircare routine.

Part-dry your hair upside down

Start off your drying journey with your head flipped upside down - this lifts hair at the root and will rough up your cuticles for maximum volume. When your hair is almost dry, flip back to upright and blow-dry the mid-ends to smooth and soften them.

Don’t put conditioner on roots

Tempting as it might be to slather conditioner all over our heads, this will actually make your hair look flatter! When you clean your hair with shampoo, your cuticles open up looking for nourishment and moisture, but when you whack loads of conditioner on the scalp (a natural oil source) it will make your roots appear heavy and greasy.

Want healthier hair? Avoid doing these five things

We all love a good hair day, but you could be sabotaging how many you have by doing certain normal everyday habits. Here are five common mistakes we see in the salon (and how to fix them).

1. Using the ‘wrong’ brush
Not all brushes are created equal and it’s important to choose one that suits your hair type. Fine, thick, curly or textured hair each need something different. The ‘wrong’ brush can weaken the hair and cause breakage, while the right one helps detangle gently while stimulating the scalp. If brushing feels like a battle, it’s probably time to switch tools.

2. Washing too often… or not often enough
Overwashing can leave your hair and scalp dry, while underwashing can cause product buildup and irritation. For most people, washing around two or three times a week is the best way to keep hair healthy, and fresh.

3. Forgetting about your scalp
Healthy hair starts at the top - your scalp. If your scalp is dry, oily or full of product buildup, it can affect how your hair grows and behaves. Giving your scalp some attention can make a big difference to shine, strength, and overall hair health.

4. Heat styling without protection
We get it — heat tools are part of everyday life. But using them without a heat protectant can seriously damage your hair over time. A good heat protector acts like a barrier, helping prevent dryness, breakage and dullness.

5. Avoiding products altogether
Hair products aren’t the enemy. When used correctly, they protect your hair, add shine and can help maintain your style. The key is using the right products for your hair type — not skipping them entirely.

The good news?
Most hair damage can be improved with a few small changes. Gentler brushing, better washing habits, scalp care and proper heat protection can transform your hair faster than you think.

Not sure what your hair needs? Whether you’re a regular client or visiting us for the first time, we’re always happy to recommend the right tools, products, and routine for your hair.

Happy shiny hair products you need in your life

Shiny hair isn’t just down to luck. If you want that glossy look then there are a few things you can do, including investing in some of our favourite shine boosting products, below.

Rinsing your hair with cold water after a shower can help to close the hair follicles and boost the shine factor. Using a clarifying shampoo weekly can remove build-up and regular deep conditioning treatments, hair oils and masks can protect from heat and sun damage.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in keratin, like nuts and fish, and Omega-3 fatty acids can help hair growth and promote shine, too.

These are the three hair styling tools you need to nail the curly girl look

Silk wave curler, £39.99 (was £79) at Silk-wave.com.

Mermade hair curler, pro waver mini 25mm, £55, Mermade.

BaByliss PRO Perfect Curl MKII, £112.50 from BaByliss.

What is the best hair colour for me?

Looking to change your hair colour? Our hairstylists reveal how to get the look that suits you.

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.