How to repair chemically damaged hair

Too many chemical treatments, like hair dyes, professional straightening or perms, can leave your hair in serious need of some TLC.

While going for a drastic chop and starting again is one option, if you can't face a completely new look there are a few things you can do to repair your hair and stop it from getting worse...

Unlike your skin, your hair doesn't regenerate itself once it is damaged. The good news is, increasing the moisture with a hydrating mask can help bond the hair cuticles back, both in the salon and at home. Talk to us today about the moisturising treatments we have on offer.

Weekly hair mask

If you're doing a DIY hair mask, aim for once a week. You can even sleep in it overnight (with hair wrapped in a microfibre towel) for maximum hydration.

Comb conditioner through before rinsing

Another way to improve the appearance of frazzled hair by combing conditioner through your mid-lengths and ends before rinsing, which has the effect of smoothing the hair cuticles down.

Use hair serum

A fortifying hair serum 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 also revitalise hair and make you look - and feel - better about your damaged hair. You don't have to do anything drastic. We can work with your hair to create a style that complements the way it moves.

Everything you need to know about sulfate-free hair care

When you’re ready to make the move to sulfate-free hair care products, there’s more to it than heading to the shops and picking up the first bottle you see.

Sulfate-free hair care products have become super-popular over the years—meaning you’ve got plenty of options to choose from. Here’s our guide to L’Oreal’s best sulfate-free hair care products, so you can find the right ones for your hair.

PRODUCTS FOR BLONDE, COLOURED HAIR

Once you switch up your shade, your hair will require special care. That means your regular old shampoo and conditioner won't do the trick any more, so try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Shade Reviving Treatment. The EverPure Blonde system can help neutralise unwanted brass tones while hydrating over-processed hair. Once or twice a week, use the hair mask in place of the conditioner.

PRODUCTS FOR DRY HAIR

Just as using the wrong facial cleanser and moisturiser can be a detriment to your dry skin, using the wrong shampoo and conditioner won’t exactly benefit your hair if it’s on the dry side. Focus on finding a system of shampoo and conditioner that moisturises, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner. The EverPure Moisture system gently cleanses and conditions dry hair to help replenish essential moisture, lush-touch softness, and luminous shine.

PRODUCTS FOR FRIZZY HAIR

Frizz, frizz go away. Come again…not another day. It’s pretty clear that frizzy hair is one thing pretty much no one wants, and managing it is all about using the right hair care products. Enter the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Frizz-Defy Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris EverPure Frizz-Defy Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris EverSleek Frizz Finish Oil-In-Serum, which can be used in conjunction for humidity and frizz control, manageability, and smooth luminosity.

PRODUCTS FOR THIN HAIR

If you have thin hair, you may be wondering how to create the appearance of a fuller-looking mane. If that sounds like you, try the L’Oréal Paris EverStrong Thickening Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris EverStrong Thickening Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris EverStrong Break Proof Lotion. The system of shampoo and conditioner gently cleanses and purifies thin hair, removing buildup and excess oils to help promote the appearance of thicker-looking hair, while the leave-in lotion helps repair the look of damaged, split ends.

PRODUCTS FOR DAMAGED HAIR

You can be as careful as can be, but still your hair may end up damaged. If you have damaged hair, it’s a good idea to look for a hair care system that’s formulated for your hair type. Try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair and Defend Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris Repair and Defend Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair Remedy Balm, which can help protect damaged hair from daily aggressors like UV rays, water, and heat styling. Use the hair mask in place of the conditioner once or twice a week—you can also use it as a pre-shampoo mask for extra conditioning.

PRODUCTS FOR CURLY HAIR

If you’ve got spirals, you’re in luck: Curly hair is in! Use a system of hair care products that helps create the appearance of soft, manageable, hydrated curls, like the L’Oréal Paris EverCurl HydraCharge Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris EverCurl HydraCharge Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris EverCurl Sculpt & Hold Cream Gel. To use the hair gel, apply 1-2 pumps to clean, towel-dried hair, then let your curls air dry.

Pankhurst and Deane is a L’Oreal hair salon and we use and sell their products. This is an edited version of a L’Oreal article. The original version can be viewed here.

How to grow out a short 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.

What is the perfect hair care routine?

Does your hair need some TLC? Try this simple haircare routine for healthy hair…

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.

Our favourite hair products that really work

Fed up with hair products that over-promise and under-deliver? We’ve tracked down the ones that we think REALLY work, from frizz busters and heat protectors to hydration boosters and thickening lotions.

Shiny hair secrets, from the experts

Everyday exposure to things like showers, pollution, and hair styling products can decrease your hair's health and make it look less shiny than you'd like.

The most important thing for shiny hair is that the hair cuticle is closed and smooth so it can reflect the light. Well-moisturised, healthy hair is naturally shinier—and applying hot hair oils is the fastest way to boost hydration levels and improve existing damage.

Here are three more ways to boost shine:

1. Blast your hair with cold water after washing: an icy cold rinse in the shower shuts all the cuticles down, making them lay flat so your strands will shine.

2. Try a leave in conditioner: a lightweight leave-in conditioner can help moisturise and smooth the hair cuticles.

3. Avoid harmful ingredients: check labels on shampoo, conditioner and styling products and avoid anything with paragons, which can strip the hair of moisture.

Three common hair problems and how to fix them

Want to know how to fix some of the most common hair problems? We’re here for you. Read on for our expert advice…

Problem: Oily Scalp

Solution: The best way to get rid of oily scalp and greasy hair is to improve your hair care regime. That means washing your hair with a paraben-free shampoo to clear your clogged pores and scalp. You could also try using a clarifying shampoo every so often, which can help reset the health of your hair. Diluted apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil also helps.

Problem: Dry scalp

Solution: Argan oil brings back moisture to your scalp and forms a protective layer against extreme heat. You also need to avoid using any heat-based hair styling products while suffering from a dry scalp.

Problem: Frizzy hair

Solution: Washing your hair less often and avoiding hot water can help with the frizz. Applying Argan oil can also add moisture to hair and protect it from excess heat.

How to repair heat damaged hair

With constant styling from blow dries, curling and straightening, it’s no wonder many of us are suffering with heat-damaged hair.

But first, what does heat damage do to hair?

Heat damaged hair happens when the hair cuticles are broken. The cuticles are the outer layers of each strand of hair, and they're made up of proteins that form shingles, a bit like a roof. These shingles overlap to keep strands moisturised and protected.

Heat damage causes these shingles to rise up, exposing the inner layer of hair and when this happens, your hair will become dehydrated and struggle to contain moisture.

How can you tell if you have heat damaged hair?

It’s quite obvious as your hair will look dull, and feel dry and brittle. If you’re a curly girl, you might notice you’ve lost your natural bounce. Straight hair loses its sleekness and you might see more split ends and flyaway hairs.

Five ways to repair heat damaged hair

Get a haircut

The most dramatic heat damaged hair treatment option is cutting your hair. This is the only way to 'undo damage because you're removing hair that has split ends, hair that's damaged and has been weakened by over-use of hot tools.

Get a trim

If you aren't ready for a complete haircut, getting a trim off the ends of your hair can help while allowing you to keep the length. 

Switch products

Aim for products that are free from sulfates and parabens and made specifically for damaged hair. Damaged hair shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in conditioners add moisture into your hair and help to rebuild the broken protein bonds. If you wash your hair daily, consider going a little longer between washes to allow some of the natural oils to build up and create a protective barrier around your hair.

Do a weekly hair mask

Heat damaged hair has become severely dehydrated because the moisture is stripped when you use a hairdryer, straighteners or curlers on a high heat setting. You can help rehydrate your hair with a moisturizing hair mask once or twice a week.

Use a heat protectant

Heat protectant sprays create a barrier between your hair and the hot tools, so you can dry and style your hair without causing more damage. And the great thing is, heat protectants can be applied to dry or wet hair. 

How to grow hair faster

Want to know how to grow hair faster? We reveal the top super foods to eat today for healthy hair growth…

How quickly your hair grows is dependent on a lot of things, and keeping it hydrated with good quality products can certainly help.

Similar to your skin, hair requires a lot of love to promote growth and shine - and your diet can actually have some serious impact. While genetics plays a big role in hair loss, a poor diet can also contribute.

Here are three super foods you can eat today to help your hair grow faster:

Eggs

As hair is made of protein, it only makes sense that upping your intake of this essential macronutrient can improve its health. Start with eggs, which are filled with B vitamins, encouraging hair growth and reducing hair fall and damage.

Berries

Fun of vitamin C, berries are packed with antioxidants that protect the hair follicle against damage. Vitamin-rich berries also boost hair growth.

Avocado

Studies have shown that the minerals contained in avocados help seal the hair cuticle cells. The combined potassium and magnesium present in this tasty fruit also helps to give a smooth and shiny appearance to hair.

Keep bleached hair healthy with our expert tips

Bleached blonde hair needs some special care and attention, but don’t worry as with our expert backed styling tips, you can’t go wrong.

Invest in purple shampoo

Purple shampoo can help take the brassiness out of bleached blonde hair, just don’t use it too much - every few washes is enough.

Sleep on a silk pillowcase

If you’re not familiar with silk pillowcases, they are a great way to maintain hair’s integrity and prevent breakage. They also help to prevent split ends.

Use weekly hair masks

Alternate between a protein and moistures place of your normal conditioner. We recommend L’Oreal’s Professionnel Absolut Repair Mask (£36, 500ml), which boasts a nourishing and reparative formula that leaves hair feeling soft and looking shiny.

Prioritise regular haircuts

Ideally have a haircut or trim immediately—or at least within a week—after getting your hair coloured to seal the ends. Then if you can, every eight weeks.