What to eat when you want faster hair growth

We spend so much time thinking about what to put on our hair that we sometimes forget that health actually starts from within.

While no single food will magically give you waist-length locks overnight, eating a balanced diet can absolutely support stronger, shinier, healthier hair growth.

Protein is your hair’s best friend

Hair is made mostly of protein, specifically keratin. So if your diet lacks protein, your hair can become weaker and grow more slowly.

Here’s our top list of protein-rich foods you can eat to improve hair health:

• Eggs

• Chicken

• Fish

• Greek yoghurt

• Beans and lentils

• Nuts and seeds

Bonus points for eggs, which also contain biotin — a nutrient often linked to healthy hair growth.

Healthy fats = healthy hair

If your hair feels dry or dull, healthy fats may help support shine and scalp health.

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include:

• Salmon

• Avocados

• Walnuts

• Chia seeds

Think glossy hair from the inside out.

Iron matters more than you think

Low iron levels can sometimes contribute to hair shedding, particularly in women.

Iron-rich foods include:

• Spinach

• Red meat

• Lentils

• Tofu

• Pumpkin seeds

Pairing iron-rich foods with vitamin C - like oranges or peppers - can help your body absorb it better, too.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Technically not a food — but water deserves a mention. Dehydration can affect your scalp and hair condition more than you’d think. So when we tell you to drink more water, we know what we’re talking about.

Vitamins that support healthy hair

Some key nutrients linked to healthy hair include:

• Biotin

• Vitamin D

• Zinc

• Iron

• Omega-3s

Hair growth takes time. On average, hair grows around half an inch per month, so consistency matters more than quick fixes or miracle gummies promising Rapunzel hair overnight. Healthy habits, regular trims, scalp care, and good nutrition all work together to keep your hair looking its best.

How to repair heat damaged hair

Heat styling is a great way to perfect your look but between straighteners, curlers and hair dryers it can play havoc on your hair.

So what does heat damage look like? Heat-damaged hair usually feels:

• Dry or rough

• More prone to breakage

• Frizzy, even after styling

• Dull and lacking shine

• Difficult to hold curls or styles

You might also notice split ends appearing faster than usual. Hair that’s been overheated loses moisture and protein, leaving it weak and thirsty.

What to do next: turn down the heat

Lowering the temperature on your styling tools can make a huge difference. Most hair types don’t need maximum heat settings, despite what your straighteners might suggest!

Instead try:

• Using medium heat instead of high

• Letting hair air-dry partially before blow drying

• Always applying a heat protectant

• Giving your hair a few heat-free days each week

Hydration is everything

Think of damaged hair like a plant that’s been forgotten in the sun — it needs moisture and fast. Time to invest in deep conditioning masks, leave-on conditioners, hair oils and sulphate-free shampoos. A weekly hair mask can work wonders for restoring softness and helping hair feel manageable again.

Regular trims help more than you think

Unfortunately, split ends don’t magically repair themselves. Once hair splits, the damage can travel further up the strand. Regular trims keep your hair looking healthier while helping prevent more breakage.

Even taking off a small amount every 6–8 weeks can make a huge difference to the overall condition of your hair.

Be careful with wet hair

Hair is at its weakest when wet, so now is not the time for aggressive towel drying. Instead use a microfibres towel to gently squeeze out excess water. Using a wide tooth comb can help detangle hair, too.

Healthy hair takes time

There’s no overnight miracle fix, but consistency really works. Treat your hair gently, nourish it properly, and slowly but surely you’ll notice more shine, softness, and strength returning. And remember — sometimes the healthiest thing you can do for your hair is simply giving it a break from the hot tools for a while!

The do's and don'ts of heat styling

Heat styling can help you get a polished look, but it can also cause damage to your hair, Here are our top do’s and don’ts for protecting your hair when using hot tools.

Do always apply a heat protectant before using any heated styling tools. This creates a barrier between your hair and the heat, reducing moisture loss and damage.

Do invest in high-quality styling tools with adjustable temperature settings. Fine hair requires less heat, while thicker hair may need slightly higher temperatures.

Do give your hair regular breaks from heat styling. Embrace your natural style or try heat-free methods like braiding damp hair or doing sock curls.

Don’t use heat tools on soaking wet hair unless they’re specifically designed for it. This can cause severe damage and weaken the hair structure.

Don’t go over the same section repeatedly. Try to style each section in one smooth pass to minimise exposure to heat.

How to keep hair healthy between salon visits

A trip to Pankhurst & Deane is essential for maintaining your look, but what you do between appointments matters just as much. A good at-home routine can keep your hair looking fresh and healthy for longer.

Start by using salon-quality products recommended by one of our stylists. These are often more concentrated and tailored to your specific hair needs, so you can recreate that salon look at home.

Brush your hair the ‘right’ way. Always start from the ends and work your way up to avoid unnecessary breakage. Use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair, as it’s more fragile when damp.

Sleeping habits can also affect your hair. Try using a silk or satin pillowcase, which creates less friction than cotton and helps reduce frizz and breakage.

If you dye your hair, protect it by using colour-safe shampoos and avoiding excessive sun exposure. Cooler water temperatures when you wash it can also help the colour last longer.

Finally, don’t ignore your scalp. A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair. Gentle exfoliation or scalp treatments can help remove buildup and promote better growth.

With the right habits, you can extend the life of your style and keep your hair looking salon-fresh every day.

Everyday hair care: the five things you can do today for healthier hair

Healthy hair doesn’t require a complicated routine—just consistency and the right habits.

1. Choose the right products for you: Start by choosing a shampoo and conditioner for your hair type. Whether your hair is dry, oily, curly or dyed, using targeted products makes a noticeable difference to the condition of your hair.

2. Don’t over-wash it: For most people, washing two to three times a week is enough. Over washing can strip your scalp of natural oils, leaving hair dry and brittle. On days you don’t wash your hair, dry shampoo can refresh your look.

3. Limit heat styling: This is one of the biggest causes of damage. Always apply a heat protectant before using straighteners, curling irons or your hairdryer. Give your hair a break by letting it air dry ever so often.

4. Have regular trims: Even if you’re growing your hair, trimming every six to eight weeks helps prevent split ends from travelling up the hair shaft.

5. You are what you eat: Hair health starts from within, so make sure you’re eating foods rich in vitamins, protein and healthy fats. Drinking plenty of water also helps keep your hair hydrated.

Five insider secrets for a flawless hair day

We all know the feeling: you step out the door, catch your reflection, and wow—your hair just works. Effortless, glossy, perfectly styled.

The good news? Great hair days aren’t just luck—they’re part of your salon-approved strategy. Here are five stylist-approved tips to keep your strands looking salon-fresh, no matter the day.

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1. Start with the right wash routine

Over washing strips your hair of natural oils can leave it dry, frizzy and so much harder to manage. Aim to wash two to three times a week and always match your shampoo and conditioner to your hair type—hydrating for dry hair, volumising for fine strands.

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2. Don’t skip the heat protection

If you’re using hot styling tools, a heat protectant isn’t optional—it’s essential. Think of it as your hair’s invisible shield, preventing breakage and keeping your ends looking smooth and healthy.

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3. Master the blow dry

A good blow dry sets the tone for your entire look and can be the difference in a good or bad hair day. Use the nozzle attachment, direct the airflow downwards from the root to the bottom of your hair and finish with a cool blast to lock in that shine. Even a quick, rough dry with the right technique can elevate your style.

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4. Embrace second-day styling

Sometimes, hair behaves better the day after washing. Dry shampoo is your best friend here—add it at the roots for instant lift and texture. A quick restyle (think loose waves or a sleek ponytail) can transform yesterday’s hair.

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5. Sleep smart for better hair

Your nighttime routine matters more than you think. Swap cotton pillowcases for silk or satin to reduce friction, prevent frizz and help your style last longer. Bonus: it’s kinder to your skin, too.

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6. Finish with a lightweight serum
A small amount of serum or oil can smooth flyaways and enhance shine instantly, offering a refined, well-groomed appearance.

Why your hair turns oily - and what to do it about it now

Here’s the thing: a certain degree of oiliness is not only normal, but necessary. The scalp produces sebum as a protective mechanism, keeping both skin and hair adequately hydrated. The trouble starts when this process tips out of balance, leaving hair looking limp and greasy rather than healthy.

1. Over-washing can backfire
It may seem counterintuitive, but washing your hair too frequently can make oiliness worse. Regular stripping of natural oils prompts the scalp to compensate by producing more sebum, often resulting in the very greasiness one is attempting to avoid.

2. Hair type plays a role
Straighter hair types tend to appear oilier more quickly. Without curls or texture to slow its progress, sebum travels easily down the hair shaft, making it more visible from root to tip.

3. Product choice matters
Not all cleansing routines are created equal. Water alone will not dissolve oil effectively, and relying just on conditioner can allow residue to build. A well-formulated shampoo is essential for properly removing excess sebum and maintaining balance.

4. Lifestyle factors contribute
Heat, humidity, exercise and heavy styling products all encourage oil accumulation. These external influences can turn an otherwise manageable scalp into a persistently greasy one.

The practical approach
Wash regularly—but not excessively—with a suitable shampoo, avoid overloading the hair with product, and tailor your routine to your hair type. In most cases, restraint rather than excess is the key to restoring equilibrium.

Six smart ways to make hair look noticeably shinier

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High-shine hair needn’t rely on expensive salon treatments or elaborate routines. With a few well-chosen habits, achieving a polished, healthy gloss is entirely within reach.

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1. Rinse with cool water
Turning down the temperature at the end of your shower helps seal the hair cuticle, allowing light to reflect more evenly across the surface.

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2. Choose the right shampoo
Opt for sulphate-free formulas that cleanse without stripping natural oils. Overly harsh products can leave hair looking dull and brittle.

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3. Condition with precision
Apply conditioner primarily to mid-lengths and ends, where moisture is most needed. This keeps hair smooth without weighing down the roots.

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4. Incorporate a weekly hair mask
A nourishing mask once a week restores hydration and improves texture—key factors in achieving a glossy finish.

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5. Limit heat styling
Excessive use of straighteners and dryers can damage the cuticle. When styling is necessary, always use a heat protectant and moderate temperatures.

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6. Finish with a lightweight serum
A small amount of serum or oil can smooth flyaways and enhance shine instantly, offering a refined, well-groomed appearance.

Your ultimate step-by-step guide to fixing split ends

Split ends are a pain and while they are practically unavoidable, the good news is with the right approach and a little consistency they are totally manageable. Here’s your five step plan.

1. Start with the only true fix: a trim
Let’s be honest—once a hair strand splits, it can’t be permanently repaired.

The most effective solution is a clean trim to stop the damage from traveling further up the shaft. Even a micro-trim every six to eight weeks keeps the ends looking fresh.

2. Boost your hydration
Dryness is one of the biggest causes of split ends. Invest in a nourishing conditioner and commit to a weekly deep-conditioning mask.

Look for ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, and keratin to restore moisture and smooth the cuticle.

3. Turn down the heat
Excessive heat styling weakens the hair structure, making it more prone to splitting. Try air-drying when possible, and always use a heat protectant before styling tools. Lower temperatures can make a noticeable difference over time.

4. Be gentle with your hair
Rough towel-drying and aggressive brushing can worsen breakage. Switch to a microfibre towel or even a cotton T-shirt to dry your hair, and use a wide-tooth comb to detangle—starting from the ends and working upward.

5. Seal and protect
While you can’t fix split ends permanently, lightweight oils and hair serums can temporarily seal them, giving a smoother, polished appearance. Think of it as a finishing touch rather than a cure.

5 chic reasons regular haircuts are the ULTIMATE self care ritual

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Anyone who has ever had a Bad Hair Day will know the transformative power of a haircut. And beyond simply looking good, a visit to Pankhurst & Deane can nourish the mind as well as the body. Here’s why.

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1. Confidence boost
There’s something undeniably empowering about a fresh haircut. A clean shape frames the face, enhances your features and delivers that a polished well put-together energy. It’s a small but undeniable shift that often translates into a BIG confidence boost.

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2. Mental health reset
Haircuts can act as a symbolic release—there’s a reason why we often go for a dramatic haircut after a break-up or big life change. The experience of being in the salon, relaxing and indulgent, allows you to take a rare pause in a busy world.

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3. Healthier hair growth
While trimming doesn’t directly speed up growth, it prevents breakage from travelling up the hair shaft. And by removing damaged ends, your hair will stay strong, allowing it to grow longer, thicker and healthier over time.

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4. Scalp care
A healthy scalp is the foundation of beautiful hair. Regular cuts are the best way to support optimal hair growth.

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5. Effortless styling
Well-maintained hair simply behaves better making styling simpler. Whether air-dried or heat-styled, your hair will fall into place with minimal effort.

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Consider your next haircut not as maintenance, but as a mindful investment—one that nurtures beauty from the inside out.