Having a haircut is good for your health, according to research

Having a haircut is good for your health according to research.

That’s right, sitting in the salon chair doesn’t just give you a new look, it lifts your mood and helps you feel better about life in general.

A study by Tamika Roper and Dr. John Barry asked men and women about what they loved about going to the hairdresser. They found that a trip to the hairdressers could boost wellbeing in the same way as talking with friends or watching your favourite TV show.

It’s a really lovely bond between trusted hairstylist and customer, which adds to a feeling of being safe, as well as seen and heard, that boosts wellbeing.

Then there’s the added bonus of feeling good about our new look - we leave feeling like a different person, lighter, happier and healthier in mind.

Winter hair care you need to know about

When it gets colder, our hair can really take a hit.

Throw in central heating, cold winds, friction from wearing hats and a lack of sunlight and it can be a recipe for flyaway, dry and damaged hair.

But the good news is the secret to sorting winter hair is starting from the inside out and that means feeding the body with the right nutrients.

Here are the top foods and nutrients we swear by for healthy hair (and skin):

Oily fish - Salmon, mackerel and sardines are packed with omega-3s which can hydrate your scalp and make hair bouncier. If you’re plant-based, chia or flax seeds are a great alternative and it only takes a few weeks to notice a more natural shine.

Vitamin C - Citrus fruits, kiwis, tomatoes, red peppers and berries all have a ton of Vitamin C in, which boosts collagen and can repair dry and damaged hair from the inside out.

Protein - Our hair is full of protein so eating more of this can help keep it healthy. Think eggs, lentils, mushrooms, tuna, Greek yoghurt and peas.

Iron and zinc – For particularly weak and brittle hair, upping your iron and zinc intake can help. Either buy a supplement or eat more spinach, pumpkin seeds or lean red meat for healthy hair growth.

Water - We often forget that dehydration can cause dullness, especially in hair. Keep a bottle by your side to remind you to drink, little and often.

For healthy hair this autumn you need to do these four things

Now the weather is getting cooler, our hair takes a hit. But there are a few things you can do to help protect your hair this autumn. Here they are:

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

Deep condition your hair with a mask or leave-on conditioner once or twice a week in autumn. Just 10 minutes a few times a week is all you need to keep hair healthy.

Avoid tight ponytails

It’s cooler to wear your hair up in the summer but this can cause breakages and scalp stress some come the autumn consider wearing your hair down more often. Avoid tight ponytails so that it puts less pressure on the hair follicles.

Protect yourself

Heated styling tools can cause all sorts of damage, especially during the colder months. Add a few protectant products like spray, serum, mousse, or cream to your winter beauty arsenal.

Go for the chop

Regular haircuts promote growth and keeps hair healthy. The longer your hair, the more susceptible you are to breakage so give us a call to book your next appointment.

Repair coloured hair with this quick four-step guide

Over-styling, colouring your hair and professional straightening or perms can leave your hair crying out for some TLC.

And while it might be tempting to chop it all off and start again, there’s no need for a new look (unless you really want one - in which case give us a call!).

Instead try our four-step plan to repair damaged hair:

Have a weekly hair mask: You can even sleep in it overnight (with hair wrapped in a microfibre towel) for maximum hydration.

Comb conditioner through before rinsing: This helps to improve the appearance of frazzled hair and has the effect of smoothing the hair cuticles down.

Use hair serum: This nourishes the scalp and hair follicles. We like L'Oreal's Absolute Repair Serum, which you can buy here.

Regular haircuts: A great haircut will revitalise hair and make you look - and feel - better about your damaged hair. You don’t have to go for a dramatic new style, just talk to us about your needs and we will deliver!

These are the five steps you need to follow for rapid hair growth

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. Stay positive

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!

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.

Ultimate shiny hair tips - by the experts

One of the most common questions we get asked is how to get shiny hair. If you’re after the ultimate gloss, we’ve got your covered….

What’s one thing I can do for healthy hair?

We all have different needs so the best thing to do is talk to your stylist about the correct product for your hair. This will save you money on products that aren’t right for your hair.

Is hair shinier when you rinse it in cold water?

Hydrating products like hair masks and deep conditioners are best for shiny hair, but there’s no harm in a lukewarm rinse. This closes down the cuticles, the outer protection of the hair, making hair appear smoother and look shinier.

Which is better for hair - oil or serum?

Depending on what your hair needs, oils penetrate your hair, giving it nourishment while serums are more cosmetic and are for taming and smoothing your hair. This can get confusing as some brands call them serums ‘oil’, like like Olaplex No7. These are dry oils and for soothing your hair.

Why getting a haircut is the best thing you could do for healthy hair

Been putting off getting a haircut? Here why you should give us a call today…

Getting a fresh haircut feels great, doesn’t it. And while you may think it is just about aesthetics, there are many benefits of getting a regular haircut - and it could boost your mental, physical, and even financial health….

Getting a haircut boosts your mood

Maintaining good grooming is essential for our mental wellbeing. And when you get a haircut it boosts your mood and confidence. Taking care of yourself can also reduce stress and anxiety levels. When we look good, we feel good.

Healthy hair = healthy head

A regular trim can help reduce scalp itchiness and irritation, as hair hygiene helps keep the scalp clean and healthy. Plus, a regular haircut promotes better scalp circulation, helping to stimulate healthier hair growth and shinier locks.

Regular haircuts could save you money

Getting regular haircuts not only keeps hair looking healthy, it could even save you money as you don’t need to keep spending on products to counteract damage or dryness.

How do I protect my hair while I sleep?

As much as we love sleeping is, it can play havoc with your hair.

But there are a few things you can do to protect it. Here are our top tips and tricks for protecting your hair while you sleep…

Seven ways to protect your hair while sleeping:

1. Dry your hair before bed: wet hair is fragile so if it’s dry when you go to sleep it will be less likely to get damaged when you move around.

2. Avoid sleeping with your hair tied up: wearing your hair up puts it under pressure so keep it loose and carefree for perfect ‘just got out of bed’ hair in the morning.

3. Use scrunchies over hair bobbles: hair bobbles are more abrasive than scrunchies.

4. Apply some dry shampoo: this adds an extra layer of protectin when you’re moving around in your sleep.

5. Use a silk scarf: another level of protection from friction when you move positions in your sleep.

6. Apply an overnight conditioning treatment: hair needs hydration and when you sleep in a deep conditioner you not only add moisture but you also protect it from movement-related friction.

7. Splurge on a silk pillowcase: in the same way as a silk scarf, this type of pillowcase keeps hair soft and protected.

How do I take care of blonde curly hair?

Being blonde and curly are two things that need just that little bit extra attention when it comes to hair care.

Here are our top tips for looking after your colour and curls.

Shampoo sparingly

Over-washing curly hair can strip it of the natural oils you need to keep it healthy, shiny and hydrated. Opt for colour enhancing purple shampoos. Click here to read about our pick of the best.

Condition like crazy

Coloured hair, as well as curl, need extra moisture, so invest in some quality deep conditioner and try and do a hair mask once a week.

Over avoid-styling

Heated styling tools like hairdryers, straighteners and curlers really play havoc with hair, so try to minimise how often you do this, and keep the heat setting low.