How hormones can affect your hair - and what to do about it

Hormones play a crucial role in the body and that includes hair growth and loss. They can influence how thick your hair is, how fast it grows and even changes in texture and colour. Here we answer some of your top questions around hormones and hair.

How do hormones affect hair growth?

If you’ve ever been pregnant you probably remember your hair being thicker and shinier than ever before, whereas when we get older and our oestrogen levels drop we might notice hair thinning or shedding.

Will my hair colour be affected by my hormones?

Short answer, yes. Hormones can something affect the result of your hair dye and it could mean it doesn’t take as well, fades quicker or doesn’t lift. But it can also make hair more responsive and it’s hard to predict as everyone is individual and hormones affect everyone differently. If you’re worried then we can give you a strand test before your hair appointment.

Do hormones make my scalp more sensitive?

Yes, scalp tenderness can be affected by hormones and you might notice that brushing, washing or combing hair is uncomfortable when you are on your period. For this reason we’d recommend avoiding booking your appointment when your scalp is feeling extra sensitive as we want you to have the most relaxing and pleasant experience possible.

Summer hair SOS

Our hair gets a beating in the summer by sunshine, chlorine in pools and hats but the good news is you can look after it with our stylist-approved tips.

Get a haircut

Not sure whether to book in a cut or colour before or after your holiday? We’ve got the stylist-approved answer: do it before! Freshly-trimmed locks will ensure the hair is in the best condition to handle the heat, while newly dyed hair will look incredible in holiday photos.

Hair needs SPF, too

Our hair needs UV protection so to shield your strands from the damaging effects of the sun by packing a protective hair spray or cream.

Put the hairdryer down!

Holidays are the time to go a bit more natural, so hold back on using heated styling tools or hairdryers to give your hair a break.

And don't forget to book your next appointment ready for when you get home, too.3 easy ways to prepare your hair for summer.

These are the hair masks to beat dry and damaged hair

If you have dry and damaged hair then you need to get your hands on a hair mask!

The beauty of a hair mask is that they get deep into hair strands and the cuticle to repair breakage and strengthen from root to tip. If you have dyed hair they are also a must.

“The key with hair treatments is to keep them up and ensure they are used weekly to keep hair condition at its best,” recommends Sam McKnight, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Hair by Sam McKnight.

Read on for our list of the best hair masks for dry, damaged hair.

These are the three hair styling tools you need to nail the curly girl look

Silk wave curler, £39.99 (was £79) at Silk-wave.com.

Mermade hair curler, pro waver mini 25mm, £55, Mermade.

BaByliss PRO Perfect Curl MKII, £112.50 from BaByliss.

All you need for super soft locks is this budget friendly hair product

Is your hair heat damaged and flyaway? Exposure to sun, excessive blowdrying, curling and straightening, can leave hair dry and frazzled, stripping it of its natural oils.

It's unrealistic for most of us to completely abandon our favourite heat styling tools, but you can bring your hair back to life with Argan oil (just £7.59 from Amazon).

Argan oil from Amazon

Add moisture to hair

Step one: Apply a generous amount of oil to your hair.

Step two: Comb the oil through to the ends.

Step three: Leave it on for 30-60 minutes (longer if you have time) before shampooing it out. Remember that a little goes a long way with argan oil, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.

These are the five steps you need to follow for rapid hair growth

Growing out your hair can be challenging but with patience and dedication, you will get there!

And with our expert tips, you'll be on your way to achieving the long, healthy hair of your dreams. Simply follow our five steps, below:

1. Experiment with different styles

During the awkward phase, experiment with different hairstyles to find what works best for you. Try plaits, messy buns and ponytails to keep things interesting.

2. Get regular trims

Although it may seem counterproductive, getting regular trims can help your hair grow longer and keep it healtthy. Having a trim every six to eight weeks helps avoid split ends from travelling up the hair shaft, causing additional damage and breakage.

3. Avoid over-shampooing

Over-shampooing can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage. Ideally wash your hair every other day or every two days, depending on your hair type.

4. Use heat protection products

Using hot styling tools such as straighteners, curlers or your hairdryer can damage your hair. Protect it by applying a heat protectant before using hot tools, which helps reduce breakage and split ends.

5. Stay positive

The awkward phase can be frustrating, but it's important to stay positive and remember that it's only temporary. Keep your hair healthy and take care of it, and before you know it, you'll be out of the awkward phase and well on your way to achieving your hair goals!

These are the products you NEED in your life to repair dry hair

Healthy hair should stretch up to 30% of its length before snapping. But if your hair is heat-damaged and dry, it will break under tension. But with these clever hair products that we recommend, you can add moisture and shine to strengthen and restore…

Dry hair detox: these are the ONLY hair products you need

Healthy hair should stretch up to 30% of its length before snapping. But if your hair is heat-damaged and dry, it will break under tension. But with these clever hair products that we recommend, you can add moisture and shine to strengthen and restore…

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.