Tips for managing dry or oily hair

[caption id="attachment_1059" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Image courtesy of HealthViva.com[/caption]

Many of us are subject to dry, damaged or oily, greasy hair - these are not conditions to be tolerated! We have put together a few tips for managing dry and oily hair types, so that you can ensure your locks stay healthy, supple and glowing.

Go forth and claim stronger, silkier, more fabulous looking hair!

Dry Hair

Dry hair is due to a lack of your hair’s natural oils that maintain a healthy moisture, shine and texture. If you find that you hair is dull, coarse and prone to split ends, you more than likely fit into this category (curly hair is more susceptible).

Dry hair can be caused by a number of factors, both internal and external. Hormonal conditions such as an underactive thyroid or parathyroid can lead to dry hair, as can external factors such as excessive shampooing, heat styling or air conditioning.

Tips to managing dry hair:

• Get a haircut! Have your dry, split ends removed to make room for fresh, healthier locks.


• Shampooing washes away the oils that dry hair thirsts for, so try to shampoo less frequently (once or twice a week may be enough) and opt for quality shampoo designed for dry hair that will help restore moisture.


• Condition your hair after every shampoo with a quality conditioner. Try not to over rinse and consider a professional deep conditioning treatment every six to eight weeks.


• Brushing your hair well can help distribute your scalps moisturising oils down the length of your hair. Brush your hair with a soft-bristled hairbrush or wide toothcomb to avoid hair breakage.


• Heat sucks the moisture from your hair, so give hair dryers and heated stylers the cold shoulder. Try to air-dry your hair (with rollers for added volume) or consider a new “wash and wear” haircut that will air-dry in style.

Oily hair

Oily hair is due to overactive sebaceous glands on the scalp, resulting in the overproduction of your skins natural oil. The natural oils of your hair give a natural, healthy shine to your hair that keeps it conditioned, supple and strong, but too much results in greasy weighed-down locks (fine, straight hair is more prone to oily hair).

Oily hair can be hereditary, but other factors that can contribute to oily locks are stress, birth-control or menstrual medications and incompatible hair products.

Tips to managing oily hair:

• Wash your hair frequently with a quality shampoo designed for oily hair, that will remove excess oil without drying your hair out. Make sure you massage your scalp well to breakdown grease and product build-up, and rinse well.


• Reduce the frequency of your conditioning treatments (once or twice a week should be enough). Conditioners are important for locking in moisture and particularly nourishing the drier ends of your hair, but as your roots are already well moisturised by your skin’s natural oils, focus on the lower half of your hair rather than your scalp.


• Styling products can weigh down oily hair and cause a build-up of greasy residue. Stay clear of heavy styling products such as waxes and gels and stick to hairsprays and lighter styling pastes. Also, try to lighten up on the amount you use, the more product the more oil build-up.


• Cut back on your hair brushing. Brushing and “finger combing” your hair carries oils from your scalp down the length of your hair. Over-brushing also stimulates your scalps oil glands, which in turn will increase oil production.

Feel free to come in and chat with us about the best solutions for your hair!

Stylish ways to warm your head this winter

Daylight savings has come to an end, the days are getting shorter, colder and a little greyer (although the Autumn leaves are stunning at the moment). It’s time to get the winter woollies out and start snuggling up for the winter months – and what a great excuse to purchase a colourful headpiece to brighten the grey days and stay warm in style!

A winter hat is a practical accessory for keeping the cold out and the warmth in, while providing a great feature piece and a way to give your winter style a unique twist.

Here are a few of our favourite head-warmers for you to consider this winter:

Keeping it Cloche These twenties-inspired hats are chic and sophisticated. A cloche hat projects classic elegance with a feminine flare, while protecting your head and hair from the wind and rain. This is a perfect style for winter weddings and Christmas celebrations.
[caption id="attachment_1045" align="aligncenter" width="235"] £45.87 from Bloomingdales.com[/caption]	[caption id="attachment_1043" align="aligncenter" width="235"] £25 from TopShop.com[/caption]
Faux Fur Add an air of luxury to your jacket and jeans combo with a fur hat. Super stylish and snuggly too, fur hats are ideal for wandering through the Christmas markets and snow-covered parks, especially if you’re going to be snapping a few pictures (your sure to look fabulous)!
[caption id="attachment_1048" align="aligncenter" width="235"] £16 from ASOS.com[/caption]	[caption id="attachment_1047" align="aligncenter" width="235"] £18 from ASOS.com[/caption]
Peaking This style is a nod to the working and utilitarian classes of the thirties, forties and fifties. Smart and classic, short peaked woollen hats have a look that is both practical and classy. Have a bit of fun with patterns or stick to a block colour for a timeless accessory.
[caption id="attachment_1044" align="aligncenter" width="234"] £120 from Lacoste.com[/caption]	[caption id="attachment_1042" align="aligncenter" width="234"] £25 from TopShop.com[/caption]
Turbands The chic style of a turban combined with the warmth and practicality of a headband and ear warmer = a turband. A versatile winter hair accessory, turbands allow you to wear your hair in a variety of ways while keeping a snug and warm head – a great weekend wear. Try to find a turband colour that contrasts and complements your hair colour.
[caption id="attachment_1049" align="aligncenter" width="235"] £10 from ASOS.com[/caption]	[caption id="attachment_1046" align="aligncenter" width="235"] £57.12 from Shopbop.com[/caption]

Get the look: Bérénice Marlohe's Bond Beauty

Bond girls are the embodiment of sass, style and sophistication. At one point or another, all of us have wished we were one of them right? (Or is that just me?!

Skyfall is the latest addition to the James Bond collection, and marks the 50th anniversary of the famed series. Making her debut as a Bond girl in the new film is Bérénice Marlohe (as Sévérine) - and what an absolute stunner! The Parisian actress is a sultry piece of glamour and pulls off tousled, carefree class in typical Bond fashion. At the Paris premiere of Skyfall, Ms Marlohe sported this glam side-swept ‘do.

With the impending “end of year” events, this is a great style to master. It’s reasonably simple to recreate, and looks romantic and elegant with its loose curls and textured chignon.

• Begin by running a volume-enhancing mousse through towel-dried hair (to create texture)


• Throw your head upside down and give your hair a quick blow-wave so that your hair is about eighty percent dry


• To create voluminous curls, use a hair straightener (read “how to”) or roll and secure sections of your hair in rollers and blow wave your hair complete dry (use a paddle brush to blend the sections)


• Create a deep side parting and form 3 sections – fringe, top and sides/back


• Loosely pin your fringe off to the side and clip your sides/back section out of the way


• Comb the top section straight back and lightly tease it (focus on the crown of your head for additional volume) to create a slight bouffant


• Gather the teased hair together and after smoothing the top layer of hair, sweep the section off to the side (just behind your ear) and secure with hairpins


• Comb the sides/back section to join the “pinned” top section, and hold in a relaxed ponytail just behind your ear, at the nap of your neck


• Fashion a loose chignon by twisting your hair into a coil and securing with hairpins (it’s ok to let a few strands hang loose)


• Set the style with a spritz of hairspray.

Bond-beautiful!

Update your look with a fringe!

If you’re keen on updating your hairstyle, but don’t want to undergo any drastic changes - a fringe is the perfect option. The fringe is currently a big hit on the catwalk and red carpet with stars like Zooey Deschanel, Taylor Swift and Florence Welch championing the diverse look.

Adding bangs is like giving yourself a mini makeover. You can completely change your look, but it’s a low risk option because you can grow them out pretty quickly! Fringes are great for shoulder length hair and work best with hair that is naturally straight or slightly wavy.

Here are a few ways to wear bangs – why don’t you consider making the cut!

Full block Heavy eye or eyebrow skimming fringes like Jessica Biel's are great for drawing attention to your eyes. They’re reasonably low maintenance and can be cheeky, cute, sophisticated and elegant all at the same time! Block fringes are great for long and heart shaped faces, and best worn thick and long (just above the eyes).

Short & sharp This blunt fringe hits well above the eyebrows and is the ultimate statement maker. Inspired by the art-deco jazz age of the 1920s, short blunt bangs are fierce, sharp and sassy. This is a daring look that works perfectly for an oval face-shape like Rooney Mara’s (below), but stay clear of this look if you have a square face-shape.

Side-swept Oh, the romantic and softening look of a side swept fringe! This style frames the face nicely and provides a relaxed and effortless elegance (just like Rose Byrne, below). While side-swept bangs work for all face shapes, this is the best fringe option for round faces, as it will give the illusion of length.

Light & wispy A light choppy fringe like Alexa Chung’s is an easy, carefree option. Taking cue from Brigitte Bardot, wispy textured bangs is a versatile style that looks great straight forward and messy, centre-parted or swept to the side. This is a fitting choice for square faces as it can soften the angles.

Safeguard against split ends

Oh, the never-ending nuisance that is split ends! If we’re being honest, there’s no escaping split ends, however it is possible to minimise and prevent unnecessary damage.

Split ends (Trichoptilosis), is the vertical splitting or fraying of the hair shaft due to stress placed on the hair. Perming, colouring and using heated stylers strips your strands of the nutrients that keep them strong and moisture-rich, which leads to dull brittle hair that is prone to split ends.

Leaving damaged ends can lead to further breakage higher up the hair shaft. This can lead to hair shedding, which will inhibit your ability to maintain the length of your hair. It also makes it difficult to preserve styles such as curls or straightened hair.

Reduce the causes and safeguard against split ends by following these few simple tips…


Regular Trims
The only genuine way to rid yourself of split ends is to chop them off! Also, by removing at least a quarter of an inch off the ends you allow oxygen to reach the ends of your locks, creating a foundation for strong, healthy hair. Regular trims every six to eight weeks are recommended.

A quality clean
To maintain hydrated and nourished locks and prevent your hair from drying out, you need to invest in a quality moisturising shampoo and conditioner.  A leave-in conditioner or regular salon deep-conditioning treatments are also a great way to preserve moisture. For more information on choosing quality haircare, read our “Looking after your locks” article

Gently does it
Your tresses are fragile. Rough, repeated brushing and combing equals damaged hair. Use a hair-friendly tool for smoothing out your locks – a wide-toothed comb is the best option for thicker hair. Be gentle when detangling, start at the ends and work your way up (it’s best to do this when you hair is dry). Try not to brush your hair too much; intensive brushing creates more split ends!

Keep a cool head
Heat draws moisture from your locks, consequently, regular use of hot stylers leads to dry and brittle hair. Try to cut back on your heated-styler usage and when using hairdryers, curling and straightening irons, consider using a heat protectant to help retain your hair’s moisture.

 

Celebrity style inspiration

Happy October everyone! It’s hard to believe we’re nearing Christmas! Phew - how time flies!

September was a great month for following the “A-listers” as they paraded the red carpet at high profile events including London Fashion Week, the Emmy Awards and the NYC Ballet Fall Gala.

We love a good celebrity-infused event for a healthy dose of hair inspiration. And although you may not have 24-hour access to a professional stylist like these lovely ladies, you can breathe life into your daily hairstyling routine by gleaning ideas from the following looks, and having a wee play! Enjoy!

[caption id="attachment_946" align="aligncenter" width="230"] Image courtesy of Elle UK[/caption]	[caption id="attachment_945" align="aligncenter" width="199"] Image courtesy of Early Sunset Over Monroeville[/caption]
At London Fashion Week, Poppy Delevigne paraded a plaited up-do that was perfect for taking her from front row at the Matthew Williamson fashion show, right through to the Rag & Bone homecoming-party. Check out our “Braided beauty” article, for tips on how to create a similar style.	For the Mulberry Spring/Summer 2013 show at Claridge’s, Alexa Chung went for casual chic, with a quick and easy topknot. Her cute fringe and the wispy layers that framed her face made for a relaxed, natural beauty – a no fuss style, perfect for your weekend soirees.
[caption id="attachment_944" align="aligncenter" width="201"] Image courtesy of Celebrity Red Carpet[/caption]	[caption id="attachment_942" align="aligncenter" width="199"] Image courtesy of Zimbio[/caption]
Sarah Jessica Parker looked absolutely divine at the New York City Ballet's Fall Gala, wearing a gorgeous Valentino Couture dress in honour of Valentino Garavani. Her glamorous look was perfected with an elegantly swept-back bun and mauve rose clip - an elegant look that can carry you from work to dinner date.	Also donning a Valentino Couture gown, Anne Hathaway looked super sophisticated with a side of sassy at the Ballet Gala. Her easy wash and wear crop was side swept with an edgy feathered texture – such a versatile and simple style. We just love Ms Hathaway’s short hair; it really makes those stunning eyes pop!
[caption id="attachment_943" align="aligncenter" width="211"] Image courtesy of Beauty 411[/caption]	[caption id="attachment_949" align="aligncenter" width="207"] Image courtesy of Beauty Editor[/caption]
The lovely Zooey Deschanel brought old-hollywood-glam to the 64th Annual Emmy Awards with a sixties-inspired bouffant and low chignon. Her darling signature fringe kept the style looking soft and feminine. Read our Fearne Cotton “Get The Look” article, for advice on fashioning bouffant brilliance.	Homeland star Claire Danes sported glamourous curls at the Emmy’s. With a deep side parting and elegantly formed yet natural-looking waves, this style is a great way to vamp up your regular blow wave. To replicate Ms Danes curled locks, refer to our article “The way of the hair straightener.”

Get the look: Fearne Cotton’s beehive beauty

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[caption id="attachment_930" align="aligncenter" width="208" caption="Image courtesy of Celebrity Red Carpet"][/caption]

Last week, on the eve of London Fashion Week, Fearne Cotton launched her latest clothing line for Very.co.uk, and both lady and designs were bright, bold and bouffantastically retro!

Joining the ranks of bouffant lovers such as Adele and Katy Perry, Fearne Cotton is proof that big is beautiful and the sixties are still very much in vogue!

If you’re keen on freshening up your day-to-day hairstyle repertoire, we think Ms Cotton’s beehive style is a brilliant addition! Whether you opt for sleek and elegant or rough and edgy, the beehive is dramatic, fresh and super trendy.

Replicate Fearne Cotton’s look by following these simple steps:

• Begin by running a volume-enhancing mousse through towel-dried hair to create texture


• Throw your head upside down and roughly blow wave your hair for volume


• Create your desired parting and form 3 sections (front, top/middle and back)


• Taking the top/middle section, tease your hair from the roots to the ends focusing on the crown of your head for additional volume


• Slightly smooth and gather the teased hair together, and shape it into a beehive of your preferred height - secure with hairpins


• Draw the front sections back to join the secured “beehive” section and pin together (leave a few strands loose to frame your face)


• Take the back section (adding any free hair leftover from the beehive) and loosely pull your locks back into a relaxed ponytail just above the nap of your neck


• Fashion a simple French roll by twisting the ponytail upwards and inwards against your head (If you have long hair you’ll need to twist and fold the end of your ponytail back down, tucking the end into the French roll)


• Secure the twist in place with hairpins (horizontally).


• Complete your masterpiece with a generous spritzing of hair spray

Absolutely fabulous darling!