How to protect your hair in winter

Want to know how to protect your hair in winter? Central heating, cold air and styling can really play havoc with hair and cause it to be dry and brittle. But with these haircare tips you can keep your hair hydrated and healthy.

Wash your hair less often

If you want to know how to protect your hair in winter, one simple trick is to wash it less. Natural oils provide a protective layer between your scalp and hair and washing removes some of these essential oils. Bridge the gap between washes – and avoid looking greasy – by using dry shampoo.

Click here to see some of our favourites. Bonus tip: dry shampoo smells great and gives extra volume!

Go easy with the hairdryer

Going out with damp or wet hair is definitely a big no-no in winter, but using a hairdryer to dry hair can actually make it dryer. Make sure you use a low heat setting and a heat protection product before styling for gorgeous, healthy hair.

Hydrate

Invest in some moisturising shampoo and conditioner and give hair a boost with a weekly hair mask or deep conditioning treatment.

Wear a hat

Keep hair protected from the cold with a beanie. Just make sure hair is totally dry before you put the hat on or expect some funky new hairstyle when you take it off!

Photo credit Emma Kate Instagram. Emma is wearing the MND Tee hat, which raises money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Buy yours here.

Cut off split ends

Winter is often toughest of all on the ends of your hair. Get regular trims and those split ends won’t stand a chance – your hair will remain healthy and gorgeous. Book your next appointment online here or click the button below.

How to blow-dry hair and get the salon look at home

Always wanted to know how to blow dry hair like a professional hairstylist? We give you proper tips and tricks for your most impressive blowdry yet.

Ever wondered how to blow-dry hair at home and get pro results? When salons closed during lockdown we all had to become home hairdressers, with various results from bad to really bad!

There’s no substitute for a salon blow-dry and if you want to book an appointment for your big night out then click the button below for our online booking system.

But if you want to know how to blow-dry your hair at home with salon results, then read on….

As always, careful preparation is everything. Before anything else, wash your hair or make sure it is clean and that you have got a great hairdryer and hairbrush.

It’s also worth investing in a detangling brush or comb, “no dent” section clips, heat protection spray, a vented or round brush and your favourite hairspray or holding product.

HOW TO BLOW-DRY HAIR AT HOME: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

ROUGH-DRY HAIR AFTER WASHING

Start by rough-drying your hair after washing (this means just using your hands and blow-drying hair with general all-over movements) on a medium-speed setting until damp, or until approximately 80 per cent dry.

Now is the time to add a heat protecting spray or balm to work in conjunction with a hair dryer to keep your hair healthy.

PART HAIR

Prep the hair by brushing through and and parting it in the middle with a comb.

DRY THE FRONT SECTIONS FIRST

We recommend drying the fronts first because these are the sections that will naturally dry quickest.

Once you’ve done this, pin with “no dent” clips to hold in place.

PART THE REST OF THE HEAD AND BEGIN DRYING

Part your hair from ear to ear, divide into smaller sections with clips, and then dry the hair with a large round roller brush. Wooden ones work better than metal as the metal can get really hot and burn and damage the hair. Roll the large brush at the end of each section to create a smooth curl.

ANGLE DOWNWARDS

When drying, always make sure your dryer is angled down, as this will make the hair cuticle smooth and shiny.

FINISH THE FRONT SECTION

Finally, finish off by drying the top front section near the forehead and crown by splitting hair into two along the parting. We find that blow-drying hair away from each side of the face gives more flattering results, since it opens up your features.

COMPLETE THE LOOK WITH HAIRSPRAY

Remove clips and spritz with a flexible-hold hairspray for locks that have natural movement and control.

Four easy tips for healthy, gorgeous hair

Summer hair tip 1: Start with a trim

Not only will it get rid of split ends and instantly make hair look healthier, it’ll make you feel - and look - great. Call us on 01865 553725 or email Emma at Emma.pankhurst7@icloud.com to make an appointment.

Tip 2: Shield your hair from the sun with a hat

Yes, it sounds simple, but protecting your strands with a hat is an easy way to keep hair healthy.

Tip 3: Invest in a moisturising shampoo and conditioner

We love L’Oreal Paris Power Moisture Hydrating Shampoo and L'Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Color Care System Moisture Conditioner. Talk to us in the salon about our L’Oreal range of moisturising shampoos and conditioners.

Tip 4: Ditch the hot tools

Hair styling tools can be damaging at the best of times, but when the heat is on, give your hair a break by letting hair dry naturally.

Why is my hair so oily?

Why is my hair so oily? we hear you cry. Well, there can be many reasons for this and we’re here to help you get to the bottom of it.

As you’re probably already aware, healthy hair produces a certain amount of sebum, or oil, as a way to hydrate your scalp and protect your hair.

And the amount of oil you produce varies depending on your hair type, how often you shower and other lifestyle factors like that.

Sometimes this natural oil can collect on your hair, especially at the root - and this can look greasy or oily.

If this sounds familiar, then we’re here to tell you the causes of oily hair, products that can control oil production, and some home remedies for when your hair looks too greasy.

So what’s the cause?

The oil in your hair is part of your body’s defense system for the sensitive hair of your scalp. This oil mixes with sweat and dirt, coating your scalp and sometimes the top of your head, too. This is actually normal, so don’t panic.

Practicing good hygiene by washing your scalp often with a shampoo cleanses the oil and gives your hair a fresh start. But saying that, some hair types (straight hair for one, sorry guys) are prone to oil build-up and certain lifestyle habits, like exercise, over-use of styling products, and being out in the heat or humidity can add to your bad hair day.

Photo by Chris Slupski on Unsplash

Cause 1: Over-washing

If your hair is oily or greasy one of the causes could be over-washing.

Every time you wash your hair with shampoo, it sends the scalp the signal to produce more sebum. If you’re washing your hair too often, your scalp gets the message that it needs to be in oil production overdrive.

This can result in oily build-up on your scalp - and the greasy look you’re trying to avoid.

Cause 2: Hair type

Straight hair is especially prone to collecting oil because the hair shaft doesn’t have any texture or wave to it, so oil slides straight down the hair shaft and collects all over your head. It also makes oil in your hair more visible when hair hangs straight down.

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

Cause 3: Products

Another cause of oily hair is the type of styling products you use. Sebum is a type of oil, which means that simply washing it with water doesn’t break it up.

Rinsing your hair with just water or skipping the shampoo step and using only conditioner can allow oil to build up.

While it might not be easy to spot the oil when your hair is drying, it quickly appears oily again only a few hours or so later.

That’s because only certain ingredients, found in most shampoos, can break down the oil that builds up on your hair.

How do I get healthy, shiny hair?

TIP 1: PROTECT HAIR AT HOME

Use a hair mask to hydrate and reduce hair breakage and choose a volumising shampoo to make hair appear fuller. Apply from the middle of your head down to the ends to prevent flatness. Don’t forget to use heat protecting products when styling hair with straighteners, curlers and hairdryers, too.

TIP 2: LOOK AFTER COLOUR

Dying your hair can make it weaker, so be sure to wash it with colour-safe shampoo and conditioner - opt for ones that contain keratin as it makes chemically-treated hair stronger

Photo by Egor Barmin on Unsplash

TIP 3: GET REGULAR TRIMS

What can we say, we are champions of the good old fashion haircut! But don’t be afraid to get a trim especially if you’re growing it. It’s the best way to keep hair healthy, happy and shiny.

How do I stop my hair from being greasy?

We're loving the sunshine - not so much the sweaty, greasy hair that comes with it.

With increased humidity, the air is full of moisture, and this can transfer into your hair.

Even our faithful sunnies and sun hats can make matters worse, pushing the natural oils around making roots flatter and greasier.

So what's the answer? Here are our top three foolproof ways to blitz greasy hair this summer:

Photo by Erick Larregui on Unsplash

EASE UP ON HAIR WASHING

As hair gets greasier it can be tempting to wash it more. But if you wash your hair every day, your scalp feels like it needs to over-compensate by producing more sebum. You'll just end up in a vicious cycle of feeling you need to wash it every day. Try reducing how often you wash your hair and opt for sulphate-free products to help clarify the hair.

DRY SHAMPOO IS YOUR FRIEND

To combat greasy hair between washes and keep strands looking fresh and full of volume, try dry shampoo. Add it to your root area to absorb excess oils, sweat and impurities. It can also create volume and texture in yesterday’s hair do. Click here to read our recommendations for five of the best dry shampoos.

Photo by Park Street on Unsplash

LESS IS MORE

With conditioner, avoid applying it at the root as this will only make the greasiness worse. The same goes for styling products which can create build up.

How to repair dry hair at home

It’s going to be a hot one this weekend and lovely as the sunshine is, it can really play havoc with your hair.

So, how do you repair dry, sun-damaged hair? Here are our top tips:

Use protection

UV rays can damage your hair as well as your skin. Investing in a hair protector that has UV filters has the same effect as sun cream, shielding the strands from harmful rays (which can break down the structure of your hair as well as fade any colour). 

Photo by averie woodard on Unsplash

Invest in a hair mask

Just like hydrating yourself with a glass of water (or a cool G&T), using a hair mask puts moisture back into the hair giving it a new lease of life.

It also helps weakened hair follicles to regain strength and elasticity, helping to avoid further sun damage.

Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

Fight humidity with a hair serum

Rising temperatures can leave any hair type frizzy and fluffy, and a good hair serum is the fastest way to restore order.

The best hair serums will work to smooth frizz while also adding shine, making your hair look as healthy as can be. What’s more, today’s best options come with a whole host of added benefits, from colour-protecting ingredients to nourishing actives and deep-hydrating extracts.

Photo by Philipp Cordts on Unsplash

Don’t forget your scalp

Just like the skin on your face, your scalp can become dry and sensitive when it is exposed to the sun. You may even find your parting becomes pink and burnt if you leave it unprotected.

Like your skin, you should treat your scalp to some extra TLC in the summer, using products that specifically address your issues. For instance, applying a weekly soothing scalp mask in the summer is a great way to calm and moisturise your scalp. Daily hydrating scalp toners can also be very beneficial – a healthy scalp is key to hair growth.

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.

The best purple shampoos to make your hair colour last longer

If you’ve got dyed hair then preserving your colour at home has never been easier — especially for bottle blondes.

This is where you need some purple shampoo in your life. Delicate, clean blonde hair colour in particular can tend to fade faster, lose shine, and can look brassy or yellow very fast.

So what is a purple shampoo?

It contains purple pigment to neutralise brassy and yellow tones on lighter hair. It’s purple because on the colour wheel it’s the direct opposite colour of yellow, so essentially they cancel each other out. So purple shampoo on dyed hair with yellow tones can “colour correct” your hair’s hue, restoring it to a more natural tone.

Are purple shampoos just for blondes?

No - they can also be used to boost grey or brunette hair with golden highlights.

How and when should you use purple shampoo?

To use a purple shampoo, wet the hair and lather on the formula. Once applied evenly, leave it on for two to four minutes depending on the amount of brassiness or yellow in the hair. When rinsing the shampoo out of your hair, use cool water, which will help close the cuticle and seal the colour.

Start by using purple shampoo once a week and build up if needed. Purple shampoo helps keep colour fresh, but it’s important not to over-use it. If you start to notice too much purple tone in your hair, it’s time for a break!

Here’s our pick of some of the best purple shampoos out there.

Click on the images to BUY NOW and you can pick up the L’Oreal Serie Expert Blondifier shampoo at Pankhurst & Deane.

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.