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Healthy and strong hair does take a little maintenance, and there are many ways in which we might be damaging our hair without even realising. Having hair that is healthy both inside and out isn’t rocket science, all it takes is a few steps to ensure your hair is protected and nourished from root to tip.

Read on to discover the full guide to creating a routine for strong and healthy hair…

A regular trim…

One of the most important aspects to creating and maintaining healthy hair is to have it trimmed regularly. With upmost care you will suffer less in the way of split ends and dryness, but no matter how carefully you look after your hair you will find a trim is still necessary every three to six months to keep on top of split ends. If split ends are left they can continue up the hair shaft, making the hair prone to breakage, frizz and generally unruly. Keep on top of split ends by having regular trims, to avoid having to have inches and inches cut off due to split ends spreading up the hair.

Deep cleanse…

The oils in which our scalp generates are good for the hair, so washing it too often and stripping your hair of its natural oils isn’t actually good for the hair. Regular brushing will help distribute your hairs natural oils throughout the hair to help condition and hydrate. Aim to wash your hair two to three times a week and use a shampoo that is paraben free.

Condition…

Follow your shampoo with a hydrating conditioner. If your hair is thin avoid heavy conditioners that might weigh it down, instead opt for a nourishing but light conditioner. For thicker unruly hair try a taming and smoothing conditioner. When it comes to conditioner splash out a little and invest in something rich and free from harsh chemicals. Apply conditioner to damp hair for best results.

Treat…

It is important to understand your hair’s unique needs and treat it to help it be as healthy and strong as possible. For example if your hair is naturally dry and coarse try an intense mask once a week to help soften and smooth. For hair that’s naturally frizzy try an argan oil or similar to add moisture and tame. For those that heat style their hair always use a heat protector before drying and styling.

Getting to know your hair is important, but all hair types will need a regular trim as well as hydration. Work out a routine that works for you, and once you find the right routine and products, stick with it for strong and healthy hair for years to come.

You might be familiar with this scenario – you’ve freshly washed your hair, blowdried it and curled it using a heated styling tool, or carefully placed rollers in each and every section, shaken out your curls, perfected the last few stands, added hairspray to hold, gone out…and an hour later your hair is flat and lifeless. This is a common issue when it comes to curling hair that isn’t naturally curly, and many of us find an hour of hair prep is wasted moments after stepping out the door.

It is possible to make your curls last though, by just taking a few careful steps you can make your curls last all day or all night long. Here’s how…

Prep is key

The first place where you might be going wrong when it comes to getting your curls to hold is not preparing the hair properly. We often think hairspray after curling will do the job, but the reality is your hair probably needs all the help it can get to hold your curls. While hair is damp, apply a volumising and holding mousse to add texture to the hair and give it better staying power.

Let the curls cool

Rollers are great for adding curls as they allow the hair to cool before you let the curl down. If you are using rollers give yourself lots of time to ensure the hair is properly cooled before you take them out. If you are using a curling iron or similar try pinning your curls to your head as you let them out of your iron, and allow them to cool down in a curled position before you take them down.

Choose the right barrel size

The most popular curls are big and bouncy, but actually big barrels often cause the curl to drop out faster. If you’re using a curling iron choose a smaller barrel. Initially your curls might look a bit cork-screw, but let them sit for a moment and shake them out to create a more natural and bigger curl.

Finish off

While you might have followed all the necessary steps to get your curls to stay, they still might need an extra helping hand in the form of a spritz of hairspray. Choose a spray that is light, but also offers ultimate staying power. Tip your head upside down to make sure that you get all of the stands and to boost volume and spray generously.

Healthy hair matters

One reason why your hair might not hold a curl is because it is too dry. To create beautiful bouncing curls the hair needs to be in good condition. If you find even with the steps above your hair still isn’t holding a curl properly, it might be time for a trim. The quality of your hair is key to long lasting curls, so you might have to sacrifice an inch or two in order to get the curls you want.

Hair extensions can be hugely appealing, as they allow us to add length and volume to our hair quickly, without having to wait months for it to grow or spend hours styling to add body. With so many different types of extensions available though, it can be tricky to know what to go for. The easiest way to determine which are best for you is to book a consultation with a professional hairdresser, but of course you might like to know a little more before you take this step…

Strand by Strand

Strand by strand extensions are applied by a professional, and involve glueing each hair…yep you guessed it… strand by strand. These extensions are semi-permanent, but do offer one of the longest lasting and most natural hair extension options, and can last up to six months with proper maintenance.

Experienced hairdressers can usually complete a full head of strand by strand extensions in 2-3 hours, and you can opt to add as much length as you like (within reason of course.) This method is one of the most expensive, but is by far the most effective when it comes to adding length, and can work for a variety of hair types.

Weft Hair Extensions

Applied to the hair in rows, weft hair extensions can be glued in or sewn in. If you have your weft glued in this is a more short term option, and the extensions may need removing every couple of weeks, the glue combed out and the hair reapplied. Sewn in wefts are better for particularly thick or curly hair. To sew in the hair the clients hair is braided to create a base in which to attach the weft extensions.

Because weft hair is attached at the root of the hair, wefts can also be used to add volume as well as length, and are a cheaper alternative to stand by stand, although do not last as long.

Clip-in Hair Extensions

Clip-ins can be a great option for anyone who doesn’t want to wear hair extensions on a permanent basis. Using wefts of hair with clips attached to the top, clip-ins can be applied throughout the hair and removed again. It is not recommended that clip-ins are worn to sleep in, but they can be worn for special occasions or to add length or body during the day to boost confidence.

When it comes to hair extensions, there are loads of options to suit all budgets and needs. If you opt for glue in, sew in or clip-in, it might be worth considering having your extensions cut by a professional to create the most natural look possible. Always choose human hair extensions, which can be dyed and styled just like your own hair. With proper care and maintenance, hair extensions can really enhance your look.

The winter weather can be harsh on our hair, but many of us don’t alter our haircare routine to reflect this. Just a few small changes to the products that you use and the way that you care for your hair can ensure that your hair stays healthy and strong during the winter months.

Read on to discover our top winter haircare tips…

1. Be aware of how the weather effects your hair

We are all different, and our hair is just the same, but there is one way in which the winter can damage all hair types – through artificial heating. During the winter both our hair and our skin have to adjust to big temperature changes, from being outside in the cold, to coming indoors to the warm – doing this repeatedly will dry your hair out, causing frizz and breakage.

2. Take action

So now you know what winter weather can do to your hair, you can take action against heat damage. By adjusting your haircare routine a little you can ensure that your hair stays strong and glossy throughout winter, and will still be healthy come spring, so that you can avoid having to have a big chop or a complete restyle.

3. Nourish, nourish, nourish

Looking after your hair in winter is all about providing nourishment. If you don’t already, for the winter choose a hydrating shampoo and a nourishing conditioner. When it comes to conditioner choose something free from harsh chemicals as this will only dry your hair out further, instead opt for a product that is full of hair loving ingredients, and is designed to nourish and hydrate your hair from root to tip. If you suffer from oily hair avoid using heavy conditioners at the roots, instead focus on the length of your hair as this is where the strands will need the most help.

Add a serum to your routine too, that offers protection from heat styling and the weather, as well as adding shine and working to nourish your hair further. Apply serums to damp hair before blowdrying to protect the hair from heat styling, unless your product states otherwise.

Just a few small changes for the season ahead can ensure your hair stays healthy and strong throughout winter, meaning you can experiment with fun party-season looks, and have healthy hair right through to spring.