Help! How do I grow out a short bob?

When you're growing out your hair it can feel painstakingly slow, and there's nothing worse than that in between stage when you feel like you're neither one style nor another.

The thing is, there is no single product that will make your hair grow quicker (sorry, we wish there was!). But there are certain things you can do which will get your hair in great condition to help it grow:

Treat your hair with some TLC

Try and exfoliating shampoo to properly cleanse your hair and strengthen it against breakage. We like this one from L'Oreal Paris. A rich argan-oil based conditioner like this will also keep your locks in good condition.

Cut your hair every six - eight weeks

We know this sounds scary and counterproductive to someone growing their hair, but regular trims will give your follicles a boost and help with your game-term plan to have long, luscious locks . Book your next appointment by calling us on 01865 553725 or clicking here.

Stop towel drying your hair

If you wrap your hair into a bath towel turban after washing, stop! This causes hair to break, and towel rubbing it dry causes even more damage. Instead invest in a microfibre hair wrap like this, which is more gentle on the follicles and also helps to de-frizz at the same time.

How to take care of long hair

We’re L’Oreal ambassadors here at Pankhurst & Deane (just pop into the salon to stock up on their gorgeous products!) so we thought we’d share their brilliant tips for how to take of long hair….

L'Oreal's guide to dying your hair red

Red hair colour – it’s fierce, vibrant and stands out in a crowd. From warm, orange-red hues to the boldest scarlet shade, there are so many ways to give your hair an edge.

Always toyed with the idea of going red but worried about maintaining those fiery hues? We’ve spent years honing our hair colour products, so vibrant, fiery and bright red hair is easier than ever to achieve.

Follow our guide on how to dye your hair red at home – from choosing your best shade, to the dyeing process and aftercare.

Which shade of red is right for me?

-For cool, rosier skin tones: Go for red-red or red-violet
-For warmer or olive skin tones: Choose red-red or orange-red. It’s best to stick to either two shades lighter or darker than your natural hair colour. This is more likely to give you a great colour match with your brows and skin tone.

How to dye hair bright red

Follow these steps to achieve beautiful, bright red hair with Colorista Bright Red Permanent Gel Hair Dye. If you don’t want to commit to a full head of colour, dip-dyeing and ombre techniques are a great way to get some subtle red tones. Make sure you are colour safe and that you do your allergy alert test 48h before colouring hair! You can do this by applying a small amount of the red hair dye and peroxide behind your ear.

Step 1

Red hair colour dyes better when you haven’t used shampoo for at least a day. Be sure to wear gloves, cover shoulders with a towel and wear an old t-shirt. Then begin by brushing out any knots and clip your hair up into two or three sections, leaving the bottom layer loose.

Step 2

Here’s a simple and great hack to make sure you don’t stain your skin: rub a thin layer of petroleum jelly around your hairline. Who wants pink blotches on their forehead? Not us!

Step 3

Remember to always follow the instructions on the packet. As a general guide (please refer to the Colorista Paint leaflet for more information) begin applying the mixture onto your roots and then apply the remaining product through lengths and ends. For even, all-over colour, it might be easier to get a friend to help you out. Repeat layer-by-layer, un-clipping hair as you go, making sure you’re coating every strand. Applying the dye can take between 10 and 20 minutes depending on the thickness of your hair.

Step 4

Once you’ve applied the red hair colour, secure your hair so it’s out of way. Remove any excess dye from the skin surrounding your hairline, then relax while you wait for the colour to develop. Go with the recommended time in the instruction leaflet, but check on it regularly to see how it’s progressing. We recommend waiting the full development time for the most vibrant, long-lasting colour. After all, good things come to those who wait!

Step 5

Time’s up! Wash your hair until the water runs clear and apply the nourishing post-colour mask included in the box. Leave the conditioner in for a while longer than usual to really lock that moisture into your hair.

Dry straight away to see your new vibrant red hair!

Dyeing dark hair red

Brunette is an easy shade to transition from, providing the red hair colour you choose is darker than your current shade. The red hues in permanent dye are powerful and transform brown hair easily. Dyeing black hair red (especially if it’s been dyed black) isn’t recommended unless you see a hair colour professional who can bleach it first. Don’t want to go for a permanent shade? You could always try our Colorista Washout in red.

Dyeing blonde hair red

Blonde bombshells, it’s worth noting that rich, merlot shades of red could end up turning pink, which probably isn’t quite the look you were going for. Use the Colorista bright red shade, and make sure you keep up the fade-defying maintenance tips afterwards to keep your locks vibrant.

Our Colorista Bright Red Permanent Gel Hair Dye isn’t recommended for very light blondes, but rose gold could be your colour. Discover different rose gold looks here.

How to stop red hair fading

Red hair colour does have a reputation for fading fast. This can be explained by some simple science: red molecules are slightly larger than those found in other hair dyes, and the larger surface area stands less chance of clinging to your hair.

But it’s not all doom and gloom – following a colour maintenance haircare routine and investing in a good quality home dye kit are essential for maintaining luscious red locks. Colorista Bright Red Permanent Gel Hair Dye is expertly formulated to lock in colour, and by using Elvive Colour Protect products in your daily routine, your hair will look radiant for longer and get the nourishment it needs to stay looking fresh.

Fancy trying a different bright shade? Get some inspiration for a bold new look here, or if you fancy something lighter, follow our guide to dyeing your hair silver.

How to take care of long hair

We’re L’Oreal ambassadors here at Pankhurst & Deane (just pop into the salon to stock up on their gorgeous products!) so we thought we’d share their brilliant tips for how to take of long hair….

How to curl naturally straight hair

If you’re after gorgeous bouncy curls, click here to find out five ways to do it via L’Oreal. And if you need styling products to keep those curls lasting longer, pop into the salon and choose from our huge range of L’Oreal products.

The ten biggest 2021 hair trends - according to L'Oreal

After the year we’ve had, there’s no doubt 2021 is calling for a serious hair makeover. And there are plenty of new trends to choose from, whether you want a new colour, trendy cut or chic new hairstyle.

As stockists of L’Oreal’s fantastic range at Pankhurst & Deane, here is the beauty giant’s top predictions for hair trends for 2021:

#1: SILVER PURPLE HAIR

Hybrid hair colour, basically shades that blend two hues into one, has made quite the name for itself in the beauty world, and silver purple hair is no exception. It’s bold, chic, and combines notes of purple with shimmery silver tints. Like the sound of this? Book in with us now to give your hair the modern take on a blue rinse!

#2: PIXIES

Short hair is one of the best ways to create a new look and 2021 is the time to reinvent yourself.

Pixie cuts are making a comeback.

#3: ROSE BROWN HAIR

If you’re brunette, there are various ways to spice up your mane—via a warm or cool-toned touch—and rosy brown hair has become a popular pick. It’s a low-maintenance option that adds dimension to brown manes—though blondes to redheads can totally rock the colour as well, just with a little more upkeep.

#4: HAIR CLIPS

Sometimes, a hair accessory is all you need to switch things up in the mane department. Barrettes, in particular, serve as a nostalgic staple that adds a chic accent to your hairstyles. You can choose to crisscross them or wear them on the side of your head. Wear your hair down with just a few strands clipped back, or pair them with your favourite undoes.

#5: SIDE-SWEPT FRINGE

If a fringe is your thing, then you’ll be happy to learn that side-swept fringes are seriously trendy for 2021. This style provides movement and works to highlight your features. It looks especially flattering on those with bigger foreheads since it shifts the focus to your eyes.

#6: CURTAIN FRINGE

This look is all about framing your face, thanks to their long sides and wispy ends. Talk to us today about creating this style for you.

#7: SHAG HAIRCUTS

In case you’ve missed it, shag haircuts are back and better than ever. They’re a fantastic way to add edge to your look and pay homage to the rock n’ rollers of the ’70s.

Shaggy haircuts are making a comeback!

#8: SMOKED MARSHMALLOW

If you have naturally dark hair and are curious about going blonde, ‘smoked marshmallow hair’ may be the trend for you. This rooted blonde colour features brunette roots that gradually transition to platinum blonde ends using lowlights and highlights to create a modern look.

#9: BLUNT BOB

As we said, short hair is a mood for 2021. A blunt bob is another popular cut, but it isn’t a look for the faint-hearted. This bold cut requires quite a bit of maintenance to keep its sleek, straight-across edges intact.

#10: TEXTURED BOB

No rule says that you can’t flaunt a bob with textured strands. Adding texture into the mix is a chic way to steer away from the traditional look. It also highlights natural textures and can be pulled together in a matter of minutes. All you need is a touch of hair mousse, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Elastic Curl Mousse, to rock the trend like a pro. Apply a 20p-sized amount of curl mousse evenly through your damp strands, scrunch, and go.

This is an edited version of a feature by L’Oreal. Read the full article here.

How to get a salon blow dry at home - by L'Oreal

How to blow dry your hair

When it comes to hair, a style switch-up is as easy as a flick of the wrist. No matter the length or hair type you have, with a core arsenal of tools and techniques, you can bring your blow dry game up to photo-ready in minutes.

So what are these fix-all techniques? We’ve put together our top tips for luscious, blow-dried locks.

The At Home Blow Dry

Always wanted to know how your stylist creates that killer blow dry? Look no further. You can achieve a salon-worthy blow dry at home in minutes, regardless of the length of your hair.

Step One - Lather and Rinse 
The key to any good blow dry is, of course, beginning with clean, damp hair. Choose a volumising shampoo, such as our Elvive Fibrology Thickening Shampoo, to give your strands a little extra oomph later in the process. For now, massage your shampoo into a rich lather (treat yourself to a little scalp massage, too) and then rinse. Apply your Elvive Fibrology Thickening Conditioner and let it soak for a few minutes before rinsing.

Step Two - Wait Until Your Hair Dries to Damp 
Use a cotton t-shirt or soft towel to soak up any excess water from your hair. When your hair is just about damp, you’re ready to go.

Step Three - Prime Your Strands 
Protecting your strands with a good heat protector is key to a sleek style – you don’t want to dry your ends out! Our Elnett Heat Protect Spray Smooth Blow Dry protects your hair and also helps cut down on drying time. What could be better? To use, hold your heat protection spray away from your hair and spritz evenly.

Step Four - Choose the Right Brush 
It’s best to select your brush based on the style you’d like to achieve. A flat paddle brush, for example, will help to ensure smooth, straight drying. For more volume, try a round brush – this can add some serious body to your style. 

Your brush size should also be determined by the length of your hair. Short hair is more easily managed by a smaller brush, whilst a bigger brush can help speed up the drying time on long locks.

Step Five - Blow Dry from the Roots
To actually dry your hair, work in sections from the back of your head to the front. Always begin at the roots. Once those are dry, work your way down your strands. 

TIP: If your hair dryer comes with nozzle attachments, use them! They help to evenly distribute heat for a sleeker style.

How to Blow Dry Straight Hair 

Few of us are born with naturally pin-straight hair. Fortunately, if that’s the look you’re longing for, there’s an easy blow dry solution to whip your strands straight into shape.

Step One - Detangle 
To create the sleek, smooth blowout of your dreams, begin with clean hair and use the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type. Using a detangling brush or wide tooth comb, gently work out any knots or tangles in your hair.

Step Two - Section Your Hair 
Separate your hair into four sections ­– two on the top of your head along your natural parting, and two below – and clip securely. This will help keep your hair tame and tangle-free as you begin to dry your hair.

Step Three - Dry your Hair
Beginning with the back sections, blow dry your hair from root to end using a flat paddle brush. Make sure your roots are dry before moving on to the ends of your hair. Work through all four sections of hair.  

Et voila! Runway-worthy straight hair in no time at all.

How to Blow Dry Curly Hair 

You may be thinking: curly hair + blow dry = frizz but, unlike other styles, the right tools make all the difference.

For a perfect curly blow dry, you’ll need:

● Ceramic or tourmaline blow dryer – It may be specific, but choosing a dryer like these will seriously reduce frizz formation. Bonus points for buying one with a diffuser attachment. These UFO-shaped add-ons can help shape your curls and decrease the threat of frizz even further.
● Shampoo, conditioner, and a hair mask formulated for curly hair
● Hair mousse, such as our Elnett Satin  Crème de de mousse  

So, let’s get started!

Step One - Start with Clean Hair
Clean and condition your curly hair with the right formula for your hair type. As often as you can, shower with lukewarm water. It’s far less drying on your strands, which help to reduce frizz. Twice a week, up the conditioning ante by swapping your daily conditioner for a hair mask, such as our Elvive Extraordinary Oil Masque, which nourishes your hair by targeting the driest ends.

Step Two - Remove Excess Water from your hair 
Use a cotton t-shirt to blot your hair, removing any extra water. Be gentle, though – you don’t want to disturb your natural curl pattern.

Step Three - Use Leave-in Conditioner  
Apply a small dollop of leave-in conditioner to help lock in your hair’s moisture.

Step Four - Add Your Mousse
After your leave-in conditioner has had a few minutes to work its magic, apply Elnett Satin  Crème de de mousse  from your roots to your tip in sections. This will help to give your curls more definition and shape. Shake your hair out to re-define your natural curl pattern. 

Step Five - Diffuse your Roots 
With the diffuser attachment on your hair dryer, begin to dry your roots. On a low or medium setting, flip over your hair and begin at the nape of the neck. The diffuser prongs should be lightly touching your scalp. 

Work in slow, gentle circles and make sure your ends are not trapped in the bowl of the diffuser – they can become dried out and frizzy this way. Repeat the process until your hair is about 80% dried and then air dry the rest.

And that’s it! Curly, frizz-free blow-dried hair at home.

How to dye your hair red - by L'Oreal

Red hair colour – it’s fierce, vibrant and stands out in a crowd. From warm, orange-red hues to the boldest scarlet shade, there are so many ways to give your hair an edge.

Always toyed with the idea of going red but worried about maintaining those fiery hues? We’ve spent years honing our hair colour products, so vibrant, fiery and bright red hair is easier than ever to achieve.

Follow our guide on how to dye your hair red at home – from choosing your best shade, to the dyeing process and aftercare.

Which shade of red is right for me?

-For cool, rosier skin tones: Go for red-red or red-violet
-For warmer or olive skin tones: Choose red-red or orange-red. It’s best to stick to either two shades lighter or darker than your natural hair colour. This is more likely to give you a great colour match with your brows and skin tone.

How to dye hair bright red

Follow these steps to achieve beautiful, bright red hair with Colorista Bright Red Permanent Gel Hair Dye. If you don’t want to commit to a full head of colour, dip-dyeing and ombre techniques are a great way to get some subtle red tones. Make sure you are colour safe and that you do your allergy alert test 48h before colouring hair! You can do this by applying a small amount of the red hair dye and peroxide behind your ear.

Step 1

Red hair colour dyes better when you haven’t used shampoo for at least a day. Be sure to wear gloves, cover shoulders with a towel and wear an old t-shirt. Then begin by brushing out any knots and clip your hair up into two or three sections, leaving the bottom layer loose.

Step 2

Here’s a simple and great hack to make sure you don’t stain your skin: rub a thin layer of petroleum jelly around your hairline. Who wants pink blotches on their forehead? Not us!

Step 3

Remember to always follow the instructions on the packet. As a general guide (please refer to the Colorista Paint leaflet for more information) begin applying the mixture onto your roots and then apply the remaining product through lengths and ends. For even, all-over colour, it might be easier to get a friend to help you out. Repeat layer-by-layer, un-clipping hair as you go, making sure you’re coating every strand. Applying the dye can take between 10 and 20 minutes depending on the thickness of your hair.

Step 4

Once you’ve applied the red hair colour, secure your hair so it’s out of way. Remove any excess dye from the skin surrounding your hairline, then relax while you wait for the colour to develop. Go with the recommended time in the instruction leaflet, but check on it regularly to see how it’s progressing. We recommend waiting the full development time for the most vibrant, long-lasting colour. After all, good things come to those who wait!

Step 5

Time’s up! Wash your hair until the water runs clear and apply the nourishing post-colour mask included in the box. Leave the conditioner in for a while longer than usual to really lock that moisture into your hair.

Dry straight away to see your new vibrant red hair!

Dyeing dark hair red

Brunette is an easy shade to transition from, providing the red hair colour you choose is darker than your current shade. The red hues in permanent dye are powerful and transform brown hair easily. Dyeing black hair red (especially if it’s been dyed black) isn’t recommended unless you see a hair colour professional who can bleach it first. Don’t want to go for a permanent shade? You could always try our Colorista Washout in red.

Dyeing blonde hair red

Blonde bombshells, it’s worth noting that rich, merlot shades of red could end up turning pink, which probably isn’t quite the look you were going for. Use the Colorista bright red shade, and make sure you keep up the fade-defying maintenance tips afterwards to keep your locks vibrant.

Our Colorista Bright Red Permanent Gel Hair Dye isn’t recommended for very light blondes, but rose gold could be your colour. Discover different rose gold looks here.

How to stop red hair fading

Red hair colour does have a reputation for fading fast. This can be explained by some simple science: red molecules are slightly larger than those found in other hair dyes, and the larger surface area stands less chance of clinging to your hair.

But it’s not all doom and gloom – following a colour maintenance haircare routine and investing in a good quality home dye kit are essential for maintaining luscious red locks. Colorista Bright Red Permanent Gel Hair Dye is expertly formulated to lock in colour, and by using Elvive Colour Protect products in your daily routine, your hair will look radiant for longer and get the nourishment it needs to stay looking fresh.

Fancy trying a different bright shade? Get some inspiration for a bold new look here, or if you fancy something lighter, follow our guide to dyeing your hair silver.

10 ways to keep dyed hair healthy (by L'Oreal experts)

1. Wash your hair less

The more you wash, the quicker your colour will fade – it really is as simple as that. So buy back some time in your every day routine and skip the frequent washing. The best way to care for your colour is to wash only twice or three times a week – then soak up oil from those roots with dry shampoo when needed.

2. Skip straight to conditioner

So, you’re having trouble weaning yourself off daily washing – you’ve been doing it for years. At the very least, try skipping shampoo and jumping straight to conditioner. You’ll add softness, shine and caring nourishment – all without washing that crazy colour away.

3. Pick the right shampoo

There’s a reason why colour protective shampoo was invented. While some regular shampoos can wash away your colour and accelerate colour fade, formulas like L’Oréal Paris Elvive Colour Protect Shampoo actually work to protect your colour, helping to keep your pastel, vivid or metallic shade looking beautiful and vibrant. Whatever you do, choose a “low sulphate” shampoo as it will help to wash out less colour from your hair.

4. Condition, condition, condition

When we colour our hair, it becomes more fragile – this helps the colour make an exit and therefore, that’s when fading occurs. So allow the oils, butters, conditioning polymers and other hydrating elements that often go into a great conditioner to help form a protective barrier and help prevent your colour making a bid for freedom.

5. Heat Protection

They work - In particular, the ingredients in heat protection sprays reduce heat damage, most likely by evening out how the hair heats up. However, they can’t insulate your hair from most of the damage, so you still need to minimise your hair’s exposure to heat styling!

6. Make time for masks

Did we mention condition? Just for good measure, it’s back in at number six. If you’ve been on a colour break and become slack about masking, now’s the time to get back on the wagon. Just 5-10 minutes of masking twice a week can add a super dose of healing nourishment that helps to repair damage, increase shine – and naturally, keep that colour going stronger for longer.

7. Air dry 

There’s a blow-dry backlash brewing amongst the style set – and we think we know why. Addicted to colour – that’s crazier by the second – they know that all that heat from blow-dryers, straightening irons and curling tongs may not only be damaging to the hair, but also be pressing play on yet more moisture loss and compromising that radiant colour. So do as they do and simply apply L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Hair Oil to damp hair to nourish and add shine – all whilst helping to save your colour from the perils of the hairdryer.

8. Use filters

One of the number one enemies to long-lasting, super bold colour is UV light from the sun. Even in winter when the days seem dark, light loves to play havoc with your hair. So add a UV filter finishing spray to your morning routine and show the sun who’s boss.

9. Swim smart

Remember the stories about chlorine turning coloured hair a slimy shade of green? Chlorine can not only change your colour (obviously not colouring it green), but it can also fast forward fading. So if you’re heading to the pool, prep your hair and pre-condition. Apply a layer of conditioner to your hair and spin it up into a bun to form a protective barrier against chemical damage. After all, if you’d wanted to go green, you’d have picked Colorista Spray in Mint.

10. Eat right

Condition – like beauty – starts from within, so feed your hair from the inside out. A diet rich in oily fish such as salmon and mackerel will nourish your hair with omega-3 fatty acids, making it shiny and strong. Add some walnuts in and get a hit of vitamin E to help combat dry, brittle hair post-colour.

Pankhurst and Deane uses L’Oreal products in the salon.