Hair Care
For the best, shiniest, straightest styles, your hair needs to be healthy and cared for. This includes everything from washing and styling to nutrition.
Washing
It is important to use a shampoo and conditioner that is formulated for your
particular hair type. If your hair is very dry and damaged, then it is well
worth taking the time to search for products that will add moisture and protect
your hair from further damage. A deep conditioning treatment or oil product
is a good way to re-nourish your hair from time to time.
For limp, greasier hair it is important not to overuse conditioner, as this
will make your hair extra greasy and heavy. Apply conditioner at the tips only,
and look for conditioner suited to greasy hair.
Hair that is washed very frequently can lose some of its natural moisture and
oils, plus leave a build-up of products on the scalp. If you wash your hair
every day use a light and mild shampoo and conditioner.
There are also some natural ingredients to kook out for in products, which
can have beneficial effects on your hair.
- Coconut oil- this is moisturising for your hair and soothes the scalp.
- Tea- conditions and softens hair.
- Honey- acts as a deep conditioner
- Jojoba- often seen in products for coloured hair, it conditions permed/chemically treated hair.
- Apple Cider Vinegar- to encourage hair growth and control dandruff.
- Rosemary Oil- for controlling dandruff.
- Lemon- this is conditioning and adds shine.
- Egg- to moisturise dry hair. Beat an egg and apply it to wet hair. Cover your hair with a plastic bag and leave for 15 minutes. Rinse off with cold water.
- Olive Oil – This moisturises dry and damaged hair. Massage it into your hair and scalp, leave for 10 minutes, then shampoo as normal.
Styling
It is important to get your hair trimmed regularly, especially if you are trying to grow it. Every 8-10 weeks is recommended to get rid of split ends and encourage new growth. It also makes your hair look healthier and keep its shape. If you are trying to grow your hair long, ask your hairdresser to take off only the damage at the ends (called ‘dusting’), and retain most of the length.
There are a number of products available that help to protect and nourish your hair while it is being styled.
Shampoo and Conditioner
For thin, fine hair:
• John Frieda Volume Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner (£4.25 each)
• Matrix Sleek Look Smoothing System Shampoo (£6.90) and Conditioner
(£7.90)
• Garnier Fructis Fortifying Shampoo Sleek and Shine (£1.69)
For thick, frizzy hair:
• John Frieda Frizz-Ease Smooth Start Extra Strength Shampoo (£3.95)
and Conditioner (£4.25)
• Citre Shine Shampoo and Conditioner (£3.49 each)
Helpful Products for Straight Styles
Whether you use a ceramic straightener, or just a hairdryer and brush, there are products that will help protect your hair.
• Infatreat Thermal Protector (£8.95)
• Philip Kingsley Straight Hair Straightening Balm (£9.45)
• Soya Want Flat Hair Flat Iron Spray (£11.95)
• Graham Webb Internationals Stick Straight Super Strength Smoothing Gel
(around £12)
• Zotos International Bain De Terre All Day Straight Safflower Smoothing
Gel (around £5)
• Philip B Drop Dead Straight Hair Straightening Baume (around £15)
• Redken Straight Hair Straightening Balm (around £9)
Fine Hair
• Aveda Light Elements Smoothing Fluid (£19.50)
• Paul Mitchell Heat Seal (£8.95)
• Lee Stafford Poker Straight Flat Iron Protection Shine Mist (£4.99)
• Wella SP Start Up (£6.95)
• Ghd Flat Iron Oil (£13.45)
• Clynol Create Styling Cream (£6.45)
• L’Oreal Professional Liss Extreme Serum (£8.50)
Dry Hair
• Bumble and Bumble Gloss (£9.90)
• Matrix Glow Trix Luminous Crème Smoother (£8.95)
• Schwarzkopf Pro Styling Smoothing Milk (£3.49)
• Thick, Curly Hair
• Phytologie Phyto Defrisant Balm (£10)
• Redken Straight Line Hair Straightening Balm (£9.50)
• Charles Worthington Q+A Triple Dose Super Control Straightening Balm
(£5.99)
• Phytologie Phyto 9 (£11)
Nutrition
The condition of your hair is affected by many things such as stress, tiredness,
illness and of course, what you eat.
For naturally shiny, healthy hair:
-Avoid Excess Stress
-Get Plenty of Sleep (7-8hrs per night)
-Follow a Balanced Diet
-Drink Plenty of Water
Diet
• Vitamins: Vitamin A (dark green, orange and yellow fruit and veg).
Promotes a healthy scalp
• Vitamin B Complex (Cereals, tomatoes, lean meat, brewers yeast, eggs
and green veg). Keeps hair moisturised, regulates secretion of oils.
• Vitamin C. Important for hair growth, good circulation and hair colour.
• Minerals. Iron carries oxygen to the hair iron. Copper is involved in
pigmentation of hair. Zinc carries oxygen to the hair. Promote healthy hair.
Lack of iron is linked to hair loss.
• Protein (lean meat, fish, grains, soy). Gives your hair a natural shine
and strength, as hair is 97% protein.
• Water. Actually makes up one quarter of the weight of hair, and keeps
it supple. You should aim to drink around 8-10 glasses a day.
Any pricing information was correct when we first saw it but will be likely to change.
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