Central heating, blow-drying and even wearing a hat to keep warm (which can rub against and damage hair fibres) can mean that in Autumn our hair looks and feels more brittle and dry than usual. To counteract this seasonal dilemma, here are our top moisture makers to try today:
L’oréal’s expert advice to take care of any hair type
Haircare secrets by L’Oreal
While you may want to tailor your routine to your hair type, the basics of hair care are just as important to know.
HAIR CARE TIP #1: WASH WITH LUKEWARM WATER
Scalding showers may feel relaxing, but they aren’t worth it. That almost-too-hot-to-touch water can actually strip your hair of essential oils, which can leave it feeling drier and looking duller. So, the next time you step into the shower, adjust the temperature. Lukewarm water is just as effective at getting you clean, without being quite as harsh on your hair.
HAIR CARE TIP #2: CONDITION CORRECTLY
Chances are you already know that you should use conditioner, but are you sure you’re using it the right way? Think about where your hair tends to get greasy first—typically the roots—and use it as a reminder that conditioner only needs to be placed on part of your hair. Skip applying it near your roots, and apply conditioner from mid-lengths to ends. Conditioning at the roots can end up weighing down your hair. As for an application tip, try distributing the conditioner through your hair with a wide-toothed comb, which can help de-tangle your hair. Use a system of moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner.
HAIR CARE TIP #3: BE EXTRA THOROUGH WITH RINSING
You’re almost ready to get out of the shower, and that means rinsing out any remaining product. Be sure to be extremely thorough with washing everything out, as left-over product can leave you with buildup.
HAIR CARE TIP #4: DON’T DRY OFF USING A TOWEL
A towel totally seems like the obvious way to remove excess water and start drying your hair post-shower, but it may not be what’s best. The better option is to squeeze out excess water and then dry off using an old cotton T-shirt, which is gentler than a towel.
HAIR CARE TIP #5: PROTECT HAIR BEFORE HEAT STYLING
We all love how our hair looks after a blowdry, but excessive heat styling can do a number on your hair. While we wouldn’t expect you to part with your hot tools completely, it is a must to make one small adjustment when you’re using heat to style. Every single time, you should be applying a protective product first. Spritz on a heat protectant, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Blow Out HeatSpray, before blow-drying, straightening, or curling your hair.
HAIR CARE TIP #6: BLOW-DRY WITH A BRUSH
Blow-drying your hair may not be the easiest skill to master, but you may have more success if you add a round hair brush into the mix. Brush your hair in the same direction you’re blow-drying for smoother results, using the brush to pull your hair straight. While you’re at it, be careful to move your blow-dryer from roots to ends—not vice versa, to help prevent frizz.
HAIR CARE TIP #7: ONLY STRAIGHTEN AND CURL DRY HAIR
Think about what happens when you drop water into a hot pan, then consider if you want the same to happen to your hair. We think not! That’s why you never want to using a curling iron or hair straightener when your strands are wet or even just a little damp. It’s well worth the wait to let your hair completely dry, whether you’re air drying or giving your mane a blast with a blow-dryer.
HAIR CARE TIP #8: SWITCH UP YOUR PARTING
Sometimes the simplest hair care tips have such a big impact. All it takes to give your hair a fuller look is to change where you part your hair. Switch to the opposite side and you’ll instantly notice your roots have more lift.
HAIR CARE TIP #9: GIVE STRANDS A BREAK FROM PONYTAILS
Ponytails are a classic for a reason. Come on, just think about how convenient it is to be able to sweep all of your hair off your face. Still, that doesn’t mean they’re right for all the time. Pulling your hair up every day can put unnecessary strain on your locks. Try wearing your hair down more often, rocking lower and looser ponytails, and using softer hair ties that won’t pinch.
HAIR CARE TIP #10: LOCK IN YOUR LOOK WITH HAIRSPRAY
You can’t forget the finishing touch. Make sure your hairstyle lasts, no matter where you go or what you do with a strong hold, weather control hairspray, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Weather Control Hairspray. A quick coat of hairspray could make all the difference in how your hair looks after a few hours of wear. While you’re at it, why not check out the 6 Hairspray Hacks Every Woman Should Know? Might as well make the most out of your product pick!
Are protein-packed hair products all that?
TREND ALERT: Are protein-packed hair products worth investing in?
If you want strong, healthy hair, could supplementing your haircare routine with a protein boost be the way to go?
Most of us know that protein is good for building muscles, repairing cells and helping us feel fuller for longer, but did you know it could also be the secret to stronger, healthier hair?
And it's now popping up in all kinds of haircare products as the latest miracle ingredient. It makes sense - hair is up to 95% protein but everything from dyeing to bleaching and blow-drying can cause damage and protein loss.
The thing is, although hair is made of protein, its dead. And when your hair is damaged from over-styling, bits of the outer layer - the cuticle - can break off. So putting protein (products) on top of protein (the hair) won't magically fix it and make it healthier. But what it will do is plug the gaps of damaged hair, making it appear smoother and shinier. It also acts as an intense mousturiser which can have a plumping effect making fine hair look thicker.
Protein hydrates and can help your hair grow stronger.
A quick Google search and you'll see protein-packed hair products have had a bit of a bad rep, with claims they can make hair brittle and dry.
The truth is, all hair is different and what we do know is these products are great for chemically damaged hair, so anyone who has dyed their hair or used straighteners or curling tongs will benefit from a hydration boost.
Click on the links for our favourite products to try for yourself:
Kiehl's Amino Acid Conditioner
Tresemme Keratin Smooth Shine Oil
John Frieda Luxurious Volume Core Restore Protein-Infused Clear Conditioner
Four hero products to restore and revive your hair this summer
Invest in one (or all!) of these great Pankhurst & Deane approved products to get your hair back to normal this summer.
Buy Moroccanoil Mending Infusion here.
Buy Matrix Biology Smoothproof Serum at Pankhurst & Deane.
Buy Aussie Miracle Hair Insurance Spray here.
Buy Bumble and Bumble Bb Scalp Detox here.
Here are the eight things women with long hair should never do
Trying to grow your hair or simply maintain what you’ve got going on? Here’s how…
1. Never use harsh shampoos
Shampoos that strip the scalp of its natural oils are a complete no-no! You need to understand that the longer the hair, the drier the ends. You need to cleanse the dirt but you can't strip your hair of its nutrients. Opt for a super mild shampoo and conditioner and see the difference.
2. Don’t skip your haircare routine
The longer your hair, the more it gets damaged by the heat, styling and sun damage. So make sure you take some time out once a week to do a hair mask or give yourself an oil massage. Take yourself out to get a hair spa treatment with us once a month, too.
3. Be careful with wet hair
Seriously, never ever start using the blow dryer on dripping wet hair! Make sure you towel dry hair thoroughly and let it semi air dry before you apply heat. Also, do yourself a favour and get a microfibre towel, which is gentler on the hair. Don't forget to add moisture with hair serum and heat protectant.
4. Don’t backcomb your hair for volume
Teasing is the worst thing that you could do to your long hair. Your hair is already stressed by the weight. Instead, invest in a great texturising spray and scrunch your hair for volume.
5. Try to avoid harsh chemicals
Steer clear of alcohol-laden hair sprays and products with parabens, especially when those products need to be applied to your ends. Remember, the longer your hair the more nourishment your ends need!
6. Don’t miss your trim appointments
You know how we keep recommending that you get regular trims? Well, we're not just saying it for fun - it's vital to do so when you have long hair to keep it healthy and strong.
7. Never tie your hair up the same way
This is a two-fold misdemeanour: give your hair a break, switch up the position of your ponytail/bun, let your hair down or braid it. Make sure your hair is not tied too tight and you don't use a hair elastic that causes breakage.
8. Ditch plastic hair brushes
Use a ceramic or wooden bristle brush. It is less harsh on your scalp and also makes sure the natural oils get evenly distributed through the hair.
This is an edited version of beauty journalist Kannagi Desai's article on the Popxo website. Read the original version here.
Heatwave hair care in three easy steps
Heatwave hair care
As the heatwave this week sends temperatures soaring, try our top three tips for keeping your hair well protected and nourished.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Shampooing with a formula that’s too harsh for your dry hair, or washing too often can strip away your hair’s natural oils. On the other hand, you really can’t use too much conditioner — it’s dry hair’s best friend! So choose a shampoo that’s designed for dry hair like Elvive Extraordinary Oil Dry Hair Shampoo. These are usually creamy rather than clear, and they may contain ingredients like aloe vera or apricot kernel oil that help dry hair retain moisture. Then opt for a leave-in conditioner (we like Aussie Miracle Recharge Moisture Infuser Leave-in Conditioner) or Matrix Biology Keratindose Renewal Spray, available to buy now in the salon, to really hydrate the hair.
Heat-busting hair
Up-dos are the best option in the heat, keeping your neckline fresh and cool. Channel Kim Kardashian and brush your hair into a low ponytail for a modern look, or roll into a messy bun like Meghan Markle for a timeless classic. Use a light serum to smooth flyaway hairs.
Fight the frizz
If high humidity levels are playing havoc with your hair, keep a vial of oil like this L'Oreal one in your handbag for an instant de-frizz solution. Another tip is to give your hair a cold rinse post-shampoo - it'll not only keep you cool but also shut off the hair cuticle to prevent hot-weather frizz.
How to maintain your beard (video)
Good style isn't just limited to women. This great video from our sister salon Pankhurst London shows you everything you need to know about maintaining your beard.
3 quick ways to beat hair loss
Hair loss? Don't panic...
When you consider we lose up to 100 hairs a day, it’s no wonder we’re all after the secret to healthy hair. With 50 per cent of women experiencing hair loss at some point in their lives, here's our top three tips to preserve and protect.
Feed your follicles
What you eat really does affect how healthy your hair is. The hair follicle lives in what is known as the ‘dermal layer’ of the scalp, which is supplied by a network of blood vessels that deliver nutrients to the cells. So you need a healthy diet rich in proteins and vitamins in order for your hair to benefit. Protein like meat, eggs, cheese, tofu and nuts is particularly good for follicles because it helps boost the hair-thickening fibre, keratin. Eat foods rich in Vitamin D - like tuna,mackerel and salmon - to keep the hair growth cycle ticking over. Iron, found in red meat and spinach, helps carry oxygen to the hair and zinc, found in baked beans and almonds, encourages the production of protein.
Give yourself a head massage
Massages aren’t just good for the body and soul - a head massage is a simple and quick way to boost the blood flow to your hair bulbs, spurring them into action. You don’t even need to go to a fancy salon. Just use your fingertips to push and press products into your scalp, or invest in a tool like Briogeo’s Scalp Revival Stimulating Therapy Massager, £13.50. Apply some castor or sesame oil, which is full of fatty acids and proteins to promote growth, into your hair before massaging. A recent study revealed that scalp massage increased hair thickness!
Blame the seasons and fake it
Eating well, not feeling stressed and have no history of hereditary hair loss but you’re still filling the shower plughole daily? Research has found that hair tends to shed most in late summer and early autumn, which could be down to evolution. Less hair loss in summer means we are protecting the scalp against harmful UV rays with our luscious locks, but as they die down in autumn the hairs will often fall out. So what’s the answer? Fake it by investing in some of these scalp-stimulating and follicle-fattening products….
L'Oreal Paris Hair Expertise Total Repair 5 Serum
How to use hair oil as a conditioning treatment
L'Oréal Paris hairstylist Chris Appleton shows you how to use the ultra-versatile and non-greasy Elvive Extraordinary hair oil as a conditioning treatment.
How to get volume in your hair
Massage Your Scalp
Your scalp, or more accurately, your hair follicles are key to transforming your fine, limp mane into the glamourous hair of your dreams. Massaging the scalp regularly will increase blood circulation to the follicles and boost the strength of the hair roots and plump up thin hair.
Condition Before Shampooing
Conditioner should always be applied after shampoo right? Wrong! Applying a conditioner to your hair before shampooing might not be the normal routine but if you want to create volume to your hair it works. Although conditioner nourishes hair, it also weighs it down, so shampooing afterwards will remove any heavy residues left by the conditioner and leave your hair feeling clean and bouncy.
If you just can't bring yourself to apply your conditioner before your shampoo, then condition only the tips of your hair after shampooing. This will keep conditioner from weighing down hair from the roots.
Switch Your Parting
Keeping your hair styled in the same way forces it to lay flat on your scalp over time. To achieve an instant lift, switch your parting to the other side every couple of months or every time you have it cut. This will create volume and also change your look slightly.
Blow-Drying Tips
Before you blow dry your hair, spritz volumising texture spray into your locks. Tip your head upside down when hair is still wet. Blow dry your hair in this position until it is 60% dry using a big round brush, as this will redirect the roots and create extra volume. Flip your head upright and continue to blow-dry your hair, using your fingers to pick up your roots. You’ll be left with professional looking big and bouncy hair.
Get The Right Cut
Having your hair cut one length will make hair look its thickest. Too many layers will make hair look stringy. Go for something in-between. Opt for regular trims with us and throw in a few layers to create volume. Book your next appointment here.
Hair Products
Dry Shampoo
Freshly washed hair can often feel too silky and flat. To add volume to clean hair, use dry shampoo on your locks. Flip your head upside down and spritz some dry shampoo all over the roots. Gently rough up your hair, shaking your strands with your fingertips. This will instantly add lift to your hair.
Texture Sprays
Think dry shampoo, hairspray, sea salt spray and backcombing all in one can! Texture sprays are great because they work just as well on freshly washed hair as they do on second or third day hair. A quick spritz on your roots will instantly add lots of volume to your hair without having to backcomb. The beauty of these sprays is that they’re self-setting so once it’s been sprayed on there’s no need for hairspray.
Volumising Styling Powder
This is great for a quick volume fix to your hair. Volumising powders work by creating maximum volume at the roots as each hair strand is texturised by the powder. Simply shake the powder directly into your roots and with your fingertips, massage the powder in to create a big, volumised style.
Backcombing
Backcombing your hair is a sure fire way to create volume and body to even the thinnest of tresses. If done properly, it can create beautiful hold and lift but get it wrong and you could cause some serious damage to your hair. See the step by step guide on How to Backcomb Your Hair for glamorous, volumised hair.
This article was originally featured on the Superdrug.com website.