Greasy Hair
Lots of things can make your hair greasy: excessive use of products, hot weather and constantly running your hands through it. It’s also said that washing your hair too much can be the culprit – but is this really true? What hair products should you be using?
“Some people believe that the more often you shampoo your hair, the more you’re stripping the scalp of natural oils,” “That’s nonsense. If you think about it, you’re effectively taking your hair and scalp to the same places as you do your face and body every day. Think about the grime and sweat that builds up on your skin. The hair’s picking up all that bacteria and dirt and oil too, so it’s best to wash it as often as it looks like your hair needs it (this will be more frequent for fine hair, less often for thicker hair).”
Another tip is to chop and change products to keep hair in good condition – if you wash your hair every day with a moisturising shampoo, use a clarifying shampoo on the third day, or if you use a shampoo for greasy hair, use a neutral shampoo every three days.
Fine Hair
If you have fine hair, your holy hair grail is volume. We all like to pump up the volume on a night out, but much as we love it, 1980s backcombing is not always the answer. Brushing your hair against the direction of growth rips away the outer surface and leaves it weak, dull and prone to breakage.
For a glossier look, and a less damaging way of creating volume, apply a volumising mousse to your roots before drying. To give it an extra boost once it’s dry, hold the hair away from the head and spray underneath the roots with a volumising hairspray.
It’s also worth varying the parting in your hair. “Over time if you wear your hair in the same parting every day, the weight will cause it to go flat,” says top stylist Nicola Rose from Rush London. “Blow dry it in the opposite direction, then flip over to create a bit of root lift.”
Frizzy Hair
Voluptuous curls or poker-straight locks are equally gorgeous – but why does our hair insist on sitting in the frizzy, wavy middle ground? Fear not, because there are tricks to making the most of frizzy hair.
To achieve the best curls, wash with a lightweight shampoo and conditioner. Squeeze hair dry with a towel, then gently rake your fingers through it – no brushing! Put a generous amount of fixing gel or curl cream into your palms and rub hands together.
Bend your head down and work the serum in from the roots at the back of your neck to the tips at the front; when you get to the tips of your hair scrunch it in your palm. Leave the hair to dry naturally, occasionally scrunching it gently to ensure the curls are defined.
If you are short on time, dry your hair on the lowest setting and use a diffuser (the bell shaped attachment that often comes with hair dryers), the more gentle dispersal of air stops the cuticles from being lifted away from the hair shaft, which allows it to reflect more light and make your hair look glossy.
If shiny, straight hair is your desired look, heat is the only way to achieve it. Always make sure you use a heat-protective product before blow-drying. Silicone-based serums are recommended, as these will protect hair from splitting. Use a large round bristle brush or wide flat paddle brush to help maintain control whilst straightening.
Did you know that brewed coffee can be used on your hair to prevent shedding, aid in growth AND leave a nice tint/shine on dark hair hues? I love coffee and I usually drink a cup daily. When I heard about the hair benefits of using brewed coffee directly on my curls, I did some digging.