Budget-friendly products to revive dry and damaged hair

Having dry and damaged hair doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune on products to fix it.

In fact we’ve found some of the best brands that really work - all for under £20. Scroll through the gallery to see our recommendations.

These are the signs your hair is unhealthy (and what to do to fix it)

Is your hair in poor shape? Here are the four most common hair issues and what do to about it.

Excessive hair shedding

It’s normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day but excessive hair shedding could be a sign of a deeper issue. Losing hair can be a temporary thing, affected by stress, weight loss or pregnancy. If your hair is shedding a lot however it’s best to talk to your doctor to see if there is an underlying health issue.

Lots of split ends

If you notice more split ends than normal, it’s time to take a look at what’s happening with your hair health. While a trim is the best way to get rid of split ends, deep conditioning can also help restore your hair and reduce breakage.

Overly tangly hair

When hair is damaged or weak, it’s more likely to get tangled. But if you’re constantly trying to detangle hair you could be causing even more damage, especially when it’s wet and at its most vulnerable. Using a leave-in conditioner before you set about detangling can help.

Hair snapping

Hair snapping easily is another sign it’s unhealthy and this means it’s probably time to look at the styling appliances you’re using, as hot tools like hairdryers, straighteners and curlers are harsh on hair. Invest in a heat protectant spray, lower the heat level on styling tools and use a boar bristle brush for minimal damage.

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.

How to have a Good Hair Day every day

Fed up of waking up with hair you can’t tame? This is our five step salon-approved formula for how to have a Good Hair Day every day.

Step 1: Cleanse

Just like you cleanse your skin, your hair needs the same care. You don’t have to do this daily - how often you wash your hair depends on its dryness and if you have product build up. Washing your hair will leave it and your scalp feeling clean, removing any products, grease, dirt and dead skin cells which might have built up.

Step 2: Condition and nourish

Conditioning your hair helps to detangle, seal the cuticles and provide moisture. It replenishes the moisture that your shampoo may have removed, and it will help remove any knots or tangles that were caused by massaging your shampoo onto your hair and scalp.

Step 3: Protect

Never use heated styling tools like curlers or straightener on wet or damp hair. After applying a heat protectant, let your hair air dry for a couple of minutes before applying heat.

Step 4: Moisturise

After styling your hair or letting it air dry, add back in a little moisture. Also on days where you’re not washing your hair, your hair may benefit from a moisture boost. This is where hair oil comes in, our favorite multitasker! Hair oils are also great for controlling frizz and preventing dryness.

Step 5: Treatment

Try a weekly mask, oil or a scalp treatment. This can help tackle damage, dryness and an oily, flaky or dry scalp, and improve the overall appearance and health of your hair.

Fix swimming hair with these simple steps

Hot weather, chlorinated swimming pools and salty sea water can all wreak havoc with your hair, resulting in dry lengths, damaged ends and dull, faded colour.

So, how do you keep your hair looking full, shiny and healthy during the warmest months of the year? A few small tweaks to you everyday routine can make all the difference.

Don’t forget the SPF for your hair

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). 

Fight humidity with 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.

Hydrate with 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.

Give your scalp some TLC

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.

These are the best non-sticky hair mousse products we LOVE

Think hair mousse is for the 90s? Think again…

Remember when hair mousse used to try rock-hard in your hair and it would take loads of washes to get it out?!

Not any more, my friend! The latest formulas will leave curly hair sexy, not sticky. And they smell divine, too!

Here’s our pick of the best to try out yourself. Which is your favourite?

These are our favourite sea salt sprays for beautiful beach waves

If you love the way your hair looks on holiday then you need to invest in some sea salt spray for those effortless beachy waves. We’ve tracked down the ones that we think REALLY work…

If you're hair is fine this is what you need to do to add volume

Want to know the best ways to look after fine hair? The endless pursuit of volume can be tricky for those with fine hair, but there are a few tricks you can to do care for it like a pro. Read on to find out how…

Invest in a volumising shampoo…

Avoid sulphates - these harsh detergents are found in most shampoos and can weaken hair over time, making it more likely to break and appear thin. A volumising shampoo can help plump up the roots and add nutrients back to depleted strands.

…but don't go crazy with the shampoo

Most fine hair clients feel the need to wash every day because they feel greasy, but it makes more sense to limit this to 2-3 times a week. Why? Over-washing the hair can create too much oil, which can give the appearance of flat and lifeless hair.

Limit conditioner

Volumising shampoos tend to be quite drying, which can make the scalp overproduce oils. Using a moisturising conditioner can help maintain the balance. Note: only apply conditioner on the middle of hair to the ends, never directly on the scalp.

Air-dry hair

Fine hair should be left to air-dry 75 percent before you hit the heat. This is because wet hair is the most vulnerable to stretching and breaking while being pulled. Once almost dry, you can use a hairdryer to finish it off. Dry upside down for extra shape and volume in the roots.

RELATED: Three ways to take care of dyed hair

How to grow out a 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.