Frequently Asked Questions

Had a bad hair day? Got a burning question about your hair?

If you can’t find the answer below, why not give me a call to arrange a Free, No Obligation Consultation and I'll do my best to help!

Q. Why does my hair always goes static, how can I stop it?

A. Typically hair seems to be more static in the winter months. My personal opinion is that this is due to central heating and going in and out of hot and cold atmospheres. To help control this you must use a blow-dry lotion that is suitable for your hair type every time you style your hair. When it happens to me sometimes, after I have finished blow-drying I spray some hairspray on a brush and brush it through the hair, this always makes a difference.

Q. I seem to be losing loads of hair at the moment and it is really worrying me, why and what can I do about it?

A. Please don't worry! We all shed up to 100 hairs a day, some times the longer the hair the more noticeable to you it is. There are 3 stages of hair growth, some times you might feel your hair never stops growing, sometimes it feels like it never grows and sometimes you feel like you are losing loads!
When you are losing hair it is when the new hair is pushing out the old hair, you might find in about 3 months time you will see lots of short pieces of hair, this is not a breakage this is the new hair growing. So please rest assured your losing hair is a good thing, it means that your hair is going through the 3 stages of hair growth as it should.

Q. I have so many split ends, why and how do I get rid of them?

A. This is very common so no need to worry. I can only imagine you have long or longish hair. If you think about how long your ends have been hanging around for,  it could be 2/3/4 years, you hair would have had 2,3,4 summers on it holidays, thousands of blow-dries, ghds, maybe the wind, the cold etc. so the ends would of started to lack moisture and protein, you need to be having regular treatments or have your stylist/technician provide regular treatments. These treatments will work into the inner part of the hair to replace all you have lost.

You will also need regular trims to keep the ends healthy and please stop towel drying your hair, when the hair is wet it is in a very delicate state. Wrap your hair up in a towel and blot dry.

Q. My hair gets really greasy, what can I do to stop it?

A. Sadly there is nothing you can do to stop it as it comes from within, but you can control it by using the correct products. There are shampoos that can help you with this by slowing the flow of sebum (grease) down the hair shaft and help give more volume. This is great as most people with greasy hair say their hair goes flat very easily whereas these shampoos also leave the hair feeling really fresh. I would recommend when shampooing and conditioning your hair, shampoo with the flats of your hands as too much massaging with your finger tips will stimulate the sebaceous glands which will produce more sebum. Still continue to condition but only the mid-lengths and ends - you do not want to end up with greasy roots and dry ends!

Q. How do I get more volume in my hair?

A. Always make sure you are using the correct products on your hair, for example shampoo, conditioner and blow-dry lotion. Look for products that have volume on them, these will be more protein based to give your hair strength, your hair should never feel slimy after you have conditioned it, if it does, you have used to much product or have chosen the wrong one!

Let your stylist recommend the best products for you. It is easy to end up with a bathroom full of the wrong stuff and can end up very expensive (it is a minefield out there!) When blow-drying your hair make sure you dry the roots first, this can be done by tipping your head upside down and blasting your hair ensuring you always use a nozzle on your hairdryer to control the air flow.
When the hair is just damp, tip your head back up, and your hair should be standing on end! By tipping your head upside down you would have dried your roots upwards creating lots of volume. Just tip your ends over with a brush of your choice to finish. Remember the more you fuss with your hair the flatter you will make it, less is most definitely more when it comes to volume.

Q. I want to change the colour of my hair but I hate how roots look! Is there anything that can make them less noticeable?

A. The first thing is to steer clear of any dramatic colour change. Opt for a semi-permanent tint that will fade without leaving noticeable roots. If you have a permanent colour put in, stay within two shades of your natural shade to minimize the demarcation line. Or go for highlights or lowlights. The subtler they are, the more they look as if they have been caused by the sun and they will often grow out gracefully.

Q: How do I grow my fringe out? I am currently growing out a layered fringe and I am finding it difficult to style in the process. Could you please give me any tips on how to style my fringe so it looks nice until it has fully grown out?

A. The common problem that occurs when growing out a fringe is the shape, even if you want to grow it out it is a good idea to go and get it cut to a shape where it can move better. It may be that your hairstylist only takes away a corner or softens the line, but it will make a huge difference. Try wearing your hair down the middle and just flick the edges a little, maybe even a touch of product to give definition or completely sweep the fringe over from one side to the other, avoid partings and separate the hair when wet with your fingers. It kind of should be one extreme to the other.

Q. Why is my hair greasy? I have very greasy roots and have tried lots and lots of shampoos and cannot find one that makes my hair less greasy.  I don’t want to have to wash my hair everyday but every other day, any suggestions?  I only use shampoo and a bit of conditioner on the mid sections and ends and don’t use any products apart from some heat protecting spray every other day before using GHD’s.

A. There is something in your diet that is making your hair go oily. Saturated fat is bad for hair. Hair loves fresh fruit, especially red and orange one’s as well as vegetables, all the greens from cabbage to asparagus. Whole grains are other foods good for hair. Product wise, go for a Dry Shampoo and blast into the hair when you feel it’s getting too greasy.

Q. Any tips on managing and styling my hair?

A. If you have a heavy eyelid, do a tight up-do or ponytail. It will give you a mini facelift! It really works and looks incredibly striking. If you just want body and fullness, Velcro rollers or hot rollers are best. Instead of using a classic rubber band, use cord. It’s firmer and more contemporary.

Whilst blast drying your hair, for more fullness, remove the nozzle and direct the dryer towards the roots whilst lifting hair away. To keep hair flatter, use a nozzle to follow the shape of your head and move your hair around with a comb. For a little fullness that looks more natural than teasing, mist hairspray on your finger tips and massage in a circular motion on to your scalp. Tuck your hair into a high collar or scarf, especially with really dressed-up clothes. It gives the look a feeling of ease. Make it even sexier by adding a bit of lift at the crown.

Q. How can i find a stylist for my curly hair? I have thick hair with a loose curl and have straightened it for years.  I’m trying to embrace the curl but it takes hours to dry naturally and tends to frizz.  How can I find a stylist that is used to curly hair and knows how to cut/style it?

A. Curly Hair is a tricky one for some hairstylists. I personally love cutting curly hair as each cut is totally individual and has its own personality. The key to it is to allow the curl to move, work with it and create shape. You need layers internally without going too short. Round shaped haircuts are better for curly hair than any other. Your stylist should understand this and use cutting techniques such as slicing and brick cutting to create texture and movement. Regarding the frizz, use products dry on hair, smoothening balms and even finishing serums and pomades are great because they pump moisture and shine into the hair.

Q. I dyed my hair at home but I don’t like it. What should I do?

A. Home dying kits come in all different strengths from permanent, semi-permanent and organic.  Choosing the correct colour can sometimes be a bit confusing, which is why sometimes we see all sorts of results. If you are unsatisfied with the colour you have applied, do not try to alter it with a similar product. Different products react differently to one another. Instead, may I suggest you book a complimentary consultation and hair analysis with a specially trained colour technicians – like me!

Q. What is the best hairstyle for glasses? I have to wear glasses all the time and would like to know what the best hairstyles are that complement women that wear glasses? I’m 22 and feel stuck in a hair rut! It’s difficult to know what hairstyles are best as not many celebrities wear glasses, and not many models in the hair magazines wear glasses. I hope to book an appointment with you soon, but would like to have a few ideas beforehand.

A. You should avoid fringes and glasses look best on girls with longer hair and can look quite seductive if you have a bit of volume on the crown. Glasses are quite strong, clean and crisp, so mirror this with your cut. Your ends need to be heavy and your layers should be strong and sharp. I often see women in glasses with their hair tied back. Hair makes you look sexier, so wear it down and don’t tuck it behind your ears. Get lots of shaping with layering from your chin down to the ends.

Q. Why do I always get a slight kink at the end of my hair when I’ve used heated rollers or curling tongs?

A. Easy – you haven’t made sure that the ends are tucked in properly. Always roll the ends under carefully on rollers and tuck them in properly on tongs. You may also be trying to put too much hair in for each curl.

Q: Why is my scalp broken and sore? Over the past year my hair has become really fine and gets sticky. As my hair gets greasy quickly, I have to wash it every day which I think is making it worse as my scalp is broken and sore and my hair is always sticky. Is there anything you can recommend - I’m afraid of losing my hair?

A. If your scalp is broken and sore then you should go and see your doctor. Sticky and greasy hair can be caused my many things such as using the wrong shampoo and conditioner for your hair type or from using a product incorrectly. You should avoid washing your hair every day and you could also try using a dry shampoo that will clean your hair without making it too greasy.

Q. How do I cover my grey without getting roots?

A. Catching grey early is key. Introducing your natural colour with free hand colour or highlights will reduce the demarcation line known as regrowth. This will also reduce the amount of maintenance that your hair colour will require and you will only need to have your colour done every twelve weeks rather than every six. You can also apply a vegetable colour to your hair which will reduce the appearance of grey hairs and is completely natural.

It is important when covering men’s hair that is doesn’t show when your colour starts to grow out. Your sideburns and facial hair should be left natural and you should avoid colouring them.

Q. What is the best way to straighten hair?

A. Your hair needs to be completely dry and preferably smoothed out with a hairdryer and brush.  Then take two inch sections of your hair and apply a heat protective product by spraying 15cm away from the hair and distributing evenly. Starting at the roots, bring your hair-straightener through to the ends. Ensure that the straightener is always moving to avoid burning the hair. When you get to the ends, slightly bend your wrist downwards so the ends slightly curl underneath to give them some shape.  You should also try to avoid straightening your fringe with straighteners and instead use a hairdryer and brush. If you do use your straighteners, only straighten the ends and ensure you slightly curl the ends down as well. If after you have straightened your hair, there are flyaway hairs, apply a light serum to tame them.

Q. I’m pregnant, can I colour my hair?

A. Yes! When pregnant, your body produces more oestrogen and colour pigment. You can still have highlights put in but I would recommend not using bleach but instead use a high lift tint for blonde hair. From my past experience, if you are tinting with permanent dye there has never been any differentiation in colour and the results shouldn’t be any different if you are pregnant or not.  There are a number of cosmetic hair colours that don’t contain peroxide or ammonia. These are commonly known as semi-permanents or vegetable colour but cannot make the hair lighter. As there are no chemicals in the product, it will only last between 6-10 shampoos. Vegetable colour is tailor made for every hair type.

Q. I’m never quite sure what my hair’s real texture?

A. All you need to do is take a strand of hair, either plucked from your head or unravelled from your hairbrush, and try to break it. If it snaps easily then it’s fine in texture, if it breaks only with a bit of effort it’s medium, and if it’s almost impossible to break then it’s coarse.

Q. I’m blonde and my hair has gone green after my holiday, what should I do?

A. Bleached hair is very porous and very easily stained. The most common causes of this are from swimming pools, chlorinated water, water softeners and lime scale and they can leave a residue or stain on very blonde hair. If you go swimming in a pool, try and always rinse your hair thoroughly each time as this is the most common cause of discoloured hair. If your hair has any chlorine in it while in the sun, this will fade any artificial and natural colour in the sun.

If your hair has become discoloured, use a deep cleansing shampoo and this will remove any unwanted pigment. If that is not enough, the hair needs to be cleansed professionally, which will result in a clean polished finish. I offer a complimentary consultation service and also provide a cleansing bath for your hair if you require it.

Q: How can i make my dark hair lighter? I have dark brown, mid-length, thick, wavy hair and would love to go lighter with my hair colour. I always go darker when I get my hair coloured but would love a change.  I would love to be able to go lighter, if so how light could I go being a natural brunette and with how much maintenance involved?  I have a fear of going ginger!  What would you advise?

A. If your hair is coloured with a darker permanent or semi-permanent colour, the only way is to use a pre-lightener, as putting on a lighter colour dye will not lift the colour pigment.  However the best thing is to let the colour fade naturally and introduce very fine natural highlights. This will give you a lighter look like a sun kissed effect. All of our salons offer a complimentary consultation service and we would recommend having test highlights put into your hair to see if the hair colour would lift. If you are worried about going ginger, pre-lightening will often be toned to eliminate any red or ginger undertones.

Q. Why is my hair lank and lifeless, and what can I do about it?

A. First check your scalp to see how oily it is. Make a parting down the centre of your hair and gently rub your forefinger back and forth along the parting. Now rub your thumb and forefinger together – if this feels slippery you have an oily scalp. Now you need to find a shampoo that controls the oil. For styling, use mousse: it has a slightly more drying effect than a spray.

Examine your diet – too many processed foods, fried foods and dairy foods contribute to lank hair. Up your intake of fresh fruit and vegetables and drink lots of water. Some prescription drugs – including oral contraceptives – can affect your scalp and hair, so it might be worth checking with your doctor to see if you need to change brands. Finally, try to keep your hands away from your hair. The more you fiddle with it the flatter it will lie on your head, and you can also transfer oil to it from your hands.

Q. Do I Have Dandruff Or A Dry Scalp? I’ve noticed powdery white flakes on my shoulders – does that mean I have dandruff? How did I get it and what can I do about it?

A. It could be that you’re suffering from a dry scalp. Turn your head upside down and brush your hair over some dark fabric or paper. If the flakes are small and powdery, it’s likely you have a dry scalp. If they are large, clumpy and moist, it’s likely you have dandruff. Both can be treated and are temporary conditions. A dry scalp may be caused by stress, tiredness or insufficient rinsing of shampoos and conditioners. Give your scalp a gentle massage once a week with warm oils, such as almond, before shampooing out. Keep hair scrupulously clean, washing frequently with a gentle shampoo.

Although dandruff also results in flakes from the scalp, it’s more likely to be caused by oily conditions than dry ones. The dead cells from the scalp pick up excess sebum, which is why they can fall in clumps. Use a specifically formulated shampoo - there are a number of them on the market – and use it regularly, alternating it with your regular shampoo. Watch your diet too; eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and cut down on fats. Try to get regular exercise because it helps send oxygen through your body to regenerate the cells. If the condition persists, see your doctor or consult a trichologist. Don’t worry unduly about it: worrying only makes the condition worse. After all, we all come across it at some point in our lives.

Q. Why does my hairline always go dark when I colour my hair?

A. When colouring hair regularly, it is very easy to get a build-up of colour, this is known as colour grabbing. This happens when the same piece of previously coloured hair is over dyed or overlapped, adding more pigment to the area. It is important to just dye the regrowth area without overlapping. There are a number of techniques that I offer to eliminate this.

Q. I’m thinking of copying Lily Allen’s new hair style but I don’t know if it will suit me. My face is round.

A. Today’s hair is all about individuality. It should kind of look as if you might have done it yourself. If your face is a round shape then avoid short haircuts and especially heavy fringes. Go for something longer in length and get those Tongs out!

Q. Why Doesn’t my Hairdresser listen to me? I think my hairdresser is bored with me – he never really tries to do anything different and seems not to notice how I look. What should I do?

A. Before you do anything, tell him how you feel. Perhaps you’re so used to each other, like in many relationships, you’ve stopped talking. If after this you feel he hasn’t responded to your problem – find another stylist. I offer complimentary free, no obligation consultations so you can discuss your hair and what you want to achieve. Call me on 07983 996 185.

Q. I’m 25 and I’m going bald. What can I do?

A. Hair loss tends to follow a similar pattern to our parents and grand parents. However, balding isn’t always genetic. If you have exposed your head to too much processing over the years, it will of course damage your hair follicle. There are options however, many of which have been developed in recent years. Hair transplants have become quite popular and the results can be pretty amazing. A good quality wig can make a big difference to your balding appearance. Before you try these options, it maybe worth giving a hair treatment product a go. You can buy a variety of them from your local chemist. Regaine Hair Treatment gel and Propecia Tablets for example are quite popular however they cannot guarantee perfect results. They don’t always re-grow the hair but can really help to prevent any further loss.

Q. How do I know what the best hairspray is?

A. The best hairspray should come out in a fine mist. Spray it on your brush for even distribution through strands.

Q. My hair has no natural parting. How can I create one easily?

A. When creating a parting, it is important to remember that what you create must flatter your face shape. If you have a narrow or oval face, make a part on the left or right side, in line with the arch in your eyebrow. This will add fullness to your features. If you have a square face or wide jaw, a middle part elongates everything.

For a prominent forehead or pointed chin, a parting that’s slightly off centre draws attention away from those areas. When creating the parting, separate your hair with a comb when it’s wet (this is so the roots will dry in the right direction). Keep your hands firm on your head and stroke the comb in the direction you want the hair to fall. Work through flexible hold Mousse and blow-dry. Afterwards, mist the roots with a non-sticky hair spray. That way, you can fingerbrush your hair and it will always fall into place, without fly away strands of hair.

Q. How can I make my hair grow quicker?

A. A healthy diet is important. Low levels of Vitamin B can lead to a change in colour and texture! Not enough fatty acids in your diet may lead to dry, brittle hair. It’s best to include plenty of fruit and veg, protein, oily fish and water.

Getting your hair cut regularly will help to stimulate hair growth. Leaving it too long can mean split ends become split hair shafts and you could end up having to lose several inches when you’re trying to add them.

Q. I can’t decide whether to buy Velcro rollers or curling tongs, what’s the difference?

A. Rollers are a great way to achieve a ‘big hair’ look because they give lift and movement at the root. Larger ones help smooth the hair, while smaller ones will give you soft waves. They’re quicker if you are in a rush. Tongs are better if you want to create curls or waves through the lengths of you hair, but they won’t give you as much lift at the roots.

Q. Is there a general rule of thumb to wearing your hair up/down?

A. There’s no rule of thumb but there are some rules to stick to:

Hair Up
Hair ups work well when the details of your outfit are on the upper section of your body. Keep your hair off your face. Otherwise, your hair will compete with your look. Wear it up if you have an interesting neckline or earrings to flaunt. The second day is the day to play with it. Once it’s a bit more lived in, it will be much easier to put up.

Hair Down
Wearing hear down is great for when you want to flaunt your hair colour – or when your hair is freshly dyed. If you have gorgeous red hair, show it off; heavily pigmented hair – think newly tinted reds, browns and blacks, which are at their heaviest saturation points. On the contrary, these colours can look quite severe when worn up.

Q. I want to go blonde! My hair is naturally mousey brown but I recently dyed it slightly darker about a month ago. Is it possible to dye my hair blonde or has it been dyed too recently for it to work? If it was possible, do you know how much it'd cost? Thanks a lot for your help.

A. It is possible to dye your hair blonde, but it would be costly! I would need to see your hair and test it with a strand tester, to gauge your sensitivity to hair colourants, and also ascertain the condition of your hair.

The normal process is to do a gentle cleanse to see the amount of colour in the hair and to remove as much as I can. This costs between £25 and £40 depending on your hair length and volume. In extreme cases I may have to do a deep cleanse if the colour isn’t removed in the first process. This would be an added cost of £40 to £60. Then you would need the new blonde on top. This does seem like a lot of money, but it is a very time consuming process and the products are also expensive. Colour change does damage your hair slightly so a professional treatment is recommended. Please ring me for a consultation, because when I test your hair, it may not be as bad as it sounds!

Q: I would like some Hair Extensions. How much would they be and how do I go about it?

A: Hair extensions are very expensive, so it is important you choose a salon that specialises in it. I cannot give you an exact quote as extensions range from between £200 to £600. This depends on the amount of hair ordered, the length and the colours (blonde hair is more expensive) it also depends on whether you have a full head, half head or partial (meaning just the sides or a fringe). I always recommend you book for a consultation which takes approx 45 mins. Please make sure your salon offer a follow up package ensuring you have regular maintenance visits to keep them looking beautiful throughout.

Q: My hair colour fades really quickly! Why might this happen and what I can do to stop it?

A. Your hair colour might be fading for a few reasons. Incorrect shampoo that is not PH to your hair or shampoo that contains silicone that coats and suffocates your hair. Harsh styling products like mousses that contain alcohol can cause this fading. And also heat and UV damage and hard water can cause fading if your hair has been over processed and over coloured.

I really would recommend regular treatments with your hairdresser - I would say that wouldn't I, but it's very true! Also, the use of professional shampoos and styling products which are individually recommended for your own hair by your stylist.

Q. I'm trying to grow my hair but it's not looking great and is very out of condition..... do you have any advice?

A. All hair is in fact 'dead', so the longer it is, the 'deader' it is and it really needs loads of extra love and attention to keep it tip top.  You would need to get it cut at the ends as regularly as 8 to 10 weeks, instead of the usual 6 weeks.  This is essential as it prevents split ends and we can cut out some through the mid-lengths.  We would also recommend an in salon semi permanent treatment every time you come in and the use a professional shampoo and conditioner, chosen by your stylist for your hair.  Finally be very careful when using straighteners, do not use too much heat and be sure to use heat protection.

Q. I'm wanting to go blonde, but my natural hair colour is dark brown, how do I go about changing it?

A. Colour can only lift up to 5 levels and can come out very copper gold on dark hair, as colour exposes the hair's natural undercoat.  We can use toners that are blue and violet to knock out some of these tones, to make the hair seem lighter.  But to get the highest effect a bleach (pre-lightener) would have to be used.  This is not as scary as it sounds because products have improved drastically over the years and we even have ammonia free pre-lighteners.  With correct after care the hair can maintain it's condition. But first, are you sure your skin tones and colouring can take very blonde hair????

Q. What can I do about white bits in my hair every time I wash it?  It won't seem to go away!

A. You must use a good shampoo and conditioner that's approved by trading standards and you will find in your salon.  Lots of products off the shelf in supermarkets etc. are NOT pH balanced for the scalp and can dry it out. If your flakes are in patches and are quite large you may have eczema which can be treated with a moisturiser, which we do sell and is very rich in vitamin E and helps re-build skin cells.

If the flakes are large and yellow you may have dandruff, in which case, do NOT use an Anti-dandruff brand shampoo! These can cause more harm than good as they remain on the top layer of the scalp and can cause infection as the hair follicles will be exposed. Try a medicated, antidandruff shampoo, together with a conditioner which complements it.  If you would like me to have a look so I can give you an opinion on what I think the problem is, feel free to give me a quick call and I’ll see what I can recommend. In persistent cases you may want to seek advice from your doctor.

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