How do I look after my hair in winter? The ultimate guide to winter haircare

How do I look after my hair in winter: the tips and tricks you need for shiny glossy hair.

Want to know how to look after your hair in winter? We’ve got the answers so don’t panic!

We all know that the cold, dry air and harsh winds can strip our hair of moisture and leaving it looking dull and lifeless.

Photo by Martin Reisch on Unsplash

Static can be a big problem in winter too particularly after wearing a woolly hat, or if you spend a lot of time in rooms with the central heating on.

This is basically because the hair starts to pick up a static charge whenever it dries out - under normal circumstances this static charge would be absorbed by water molecules in the air, but dry winter air means there is nowhere for this moisture to go. And that means FRIZZ!

So if you want to know how do I look after my hair in winter, here are our top three tips to try today:

PUT THE MOISTURE BACK WITH A HAIR TREATMENT

Give your hair a lovely hydrating shampoo, use a hair oil treatment or deep conditioning mask to lock in that moisture and stop hair becoming brittle.

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

LOOK AFTER YOUR SCALP

As well as the hair follicles the scalp is covered in a ton of microscopic sebaceous glands (responsible for producing the healthy hair sebum oils that keep the hair nourished).

When the scalp gets dry or irritated, these glands stop working properly and your body’s supply of sebum dries up - so the hair is stripped of its natural protective coating, and exposed to the cold winter air - this is what makes it brittle or dry in the colder months.

To counteract this, look out for specialist shampoos and treatments designed to nourish the scalp. Most of these products have a combo of peptides, proteins and plant extracts to maintain the balance of natural oil needed for a healthy scalp.

GET A HAIRCUT

Regular trims mean that the split ends, and any damaged dry or old hairs are left on the salon floor. We recommend getting a trim every 4-6 weeks, more if you have a shorter style you want to keep in check. Click here or the button below to book your next haircut.

How can I get shiny hair? Five products to get that glossy look

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.