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.

What are the best shampoos for hair growth?

What you eat, your genetics, how stressed you are and your age can all contribute to thinning and breakage. You may not know this, but hair growth is a cycle and there are lots of things that can disrupt this, from hormonal shifts, medicine, illnesses and disease. Anything big going on - like pregnancy, menopause and even losing weight - can also interfere with hair growth. And constant chemical treatments, hot styling tools and even harsh brushing can reduce or damage the hair.

So what’s the answer? Shampoos that nourish the scalp and strengthen the hair of course! They not only make it less brittle and healthier, they can reduce oil build-up, which in turn encourages hair growth (by reducing breakage).

To really speed up your hair growth, supplement your shampoo with a diet rich in protein (found in lean meats, leafy greens, nuts, beans, and fish), fats (fish, nuts, flaxseeds and avocado can really help keep hair soft and silky), vitamin A (milk, eggs, and yoghurt to improve scalp health), and iron (try a supplement or eat more lentils, eggs, and spinach).

Here are some of our favourite shampoos that will give your locks a new lease of life…

Elvive Extraordinary Clay Rebalancing Shampoo

£2.99, Boots

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This wonder shampoo is a steal and even gives you change from a fiver! The clay-infused formula rids the scalp of excess build-up, which can slow down growth. The shampoo also purifies and rehydrates the hair.

OGX Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen Shampoo

£6.99, Boots

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Like the Elvive shampoo, this OGX product does a lot for such a bargain price. Its blend of powerful ProVitamin B7 Biotin infuses nutrients into every strand and the hydrolyzed wheat proteins help to strengthen making thicker, fuller, healthier looking hair. The biotin and collagen boost volume on fine hair and leaves hair shiny and glossy. Best of all, its ingredients brings brittle hair back to life with new growth. We also really love this shampoo because it is sulfate-free and less drying than many similar products. The keratin proteins and argan oil also strengthen the cuticle for stronger hair.

Nioxin Cleanser, System 1 Shampoo

£21.99, Amazon

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This is a winner for fine, thin hair. When you use it, it’ll make the scalp tingle a little, so you’ll know it’s working. It’s packed with vitamins, botanicals, SPF, and amino acids to help protect hair and promote healthy new growth.

Kérastase Discipline Bain Fluidealiste (250ml) and Fondant Fluidealiste (200ml)

£28.14, Lookfantastic.com

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This product duo leaves hair strong and full of vitality and shine. After you use it, your hair will be less frizzy for days. Full of amino acids and wheat protein derivatives, it makes hair stronger and smoother.

ArtNaturals Argan Oil Shampoo for Hair-Regrowth

£40.99, Amazon

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This all-natural option is a great pick for anyone who wants to reduce the impact of thinning hair and encourage new hair growth. This argan oil shampoo contains DHT blockers (DHT prevents nutrients from being absorbed by hair follicles, which causes them to shrink and eventually fall out. This special ingredient works to prevent damage of the hair and further hair loss.

Leave-in conditioners to revive dry hair

Five budget face serums that really work

If you’re looking for a product to give your skin a real hydration boost, serums are a great place to start.

Use a few drops before your moisturiser for fresh-faced, happy skin. Which is your favourite budget brand that really works?

Five products to fix static hair

We’ve all had those moments.

You’ve just finished blow drying your hair and then those annoying bits that always stick up automatically ping sky-high as if to say: “we’re still here, guys!”

The good news is, you’re not alone. Everyone gets fuzzy hair, whether it’s from over-styling, excessive hairbrush yanking, too tight ponytails, menopausal hair thinning or even fragile post-baby hair.

The even better news is, you can fix it with these five anti-frizz products…

Secrets to shiny hair, revealed by professionals

How can I get my hair shiny? It’s one of the most common questions we get asked at Pankhurst & Deane and we know all the tricks for how to get your hair shiny….

How can I get my hair shiny 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.

How can I get my hair shiny 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.

How can I get my hair shiny 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. Give us a call on 01865 55375 to book your next appointment.

How to use less plastic in your beauty routine

You may have nailed the BYOB (bring your own bag) to the supermarket and you’ve invested in a Keep Cup for your coffee, but what about the plastic in your skincare and beauty regime?

A quick look in most people’s bathroom cupboards, wash and make up bags would reveal a whole heap of plastics. But all is not lost. Here are our top tips for reducing your plastic use.

Ditch the glitter

With festival season fast approaching, it’s tempting to stockpile the face paints and glitter transfers. But glitter is made from tiny pieces of plastic and foil, which are non-recyclable and can take several YEARS to decompose. So invest in some bio-degradable glitter instead. Simples.

Go package-free

We buy over 1.4 BILLION plastic bottles across the world. And while LUSH Cosmetics is a great champion for so-called ‘naked’ cosmetics, opting for products that are packaging-free is the best way to make an impact. Solid shampoos, soaps and deodorants are great choices.

Shop in store or buddy up to combine orders

Online shopping is wonderfully convenient but often comes with excessive packaging. The cardboard used for shipment in America alone equated to 1 billion trees in 2018. So what’s the answer? Mindfully shop online and steer away from outlets that are renowned to use copious amounts of packaging. Alternatively, ‘buddy up’ with a friend and combine your orders to ensure that only one shipment is made. Of course, shopping in store is a great alternative as you can use your own bag.

Ditch wipes

Wet wipes, baby wipes and make up wipes are all plastic-based, meaning they won’t break down and stay in landfill blocking water systems. Worryingly wipes are responsible for 93% of the make up in blockages found in our water systems and the fastest cause of pollution on our beaches. So ditch the wipes and use biodegradable products, cleansers in glass bottles or good old fashioned soap and a flannel!

Recycle make up

Include a recycling bin in your bathroom. Many people only have one waste bin for recycling, usually in the kitchen. This often means that every mixed rubbish ends up in the generic bin.

Five ways to fight the frizz this summer

1. INVEST IN SUNSCREEN FOR YOUR HAIR

Apply it daily to freshly washed hair, and leave in all day to protect and nourish. Simply twist your hair into a bun or slick it back. Rinse off at night and style as normal.

2. ALWAYS WASH YOUR HAIR AFTER THE POOL

Sea water won't do much damage to your hair overnight but chlorine will, especially if your hair is coloured. In fact if your hair is dyed, swimming in the pool could change the tone of your colour so keep hair tied up when taking the plunge.

3. DON'T OVERSTYLE YOUR HAIR

Holidays are the perfect opportunity to relax your haircare regime. That means messy plaits, headbands or just tying it back in a simple ponytail. 

4. USE HAIR OILS TO CALM THE FRIZZ

We like L'Oreal's Elvive Extraordinary Hair Oil to keep our hair frizz-free. Buy it here.

5. BOOK IN FOR A COLOUR, CUT OR TREATMENT WHEN YOU'RE BACK

Restore your hair to its former glory with a chop, colour or conditioning treatment at Pankhurst and Deane. Just give us a call or use our contact form to book your next appointment.