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Few of us are blessed with naturally perfect curls. For some curls are unruly and for others the hair is naturally straight or frizzy. Curls is the most sought after hairstyle, but regularly curling your hair using wands, tongs or straighteners will cause heat damage that could result in split ends, breakage, dry and unmanageable hair. If you prefer to wear your hair curly, but want to avoid using heat every day, how can you achieve fantastic curls without heat styling? Read on to find out…

1. Lazy Curls

For those who want heatless curls without a lot of fuss, this is perfect for you. Start by tying the hair back into a high ponytail, then take a section of the ponytail that’s about an inch wide and spray with water until damp. Wrap this section around two fingers, starting at the ends of the hair and ending at the top of the ponytail, then slide your fingers out and clip the curl to your head to secure. Take a second section, but this time use one finger to wrap around before pinning the curl. Work your way through your pony tail, alternating from one finger curls to two finger curls.

When you’ve done all your hair, spritz it with hairspray, then leave to dry. It should take around 30 minutes to an hour to dry, once dry remove the clips and then remove the hair band used to secure the ponytail. Shake your hair out to breakup the curls, then spritz with hairspray to hold.

2. Wonderful Waves

If you prefer a wavy and natural look instead of a curled look, try this to create heatless waves that will stay put all day. Split your hair into two sections and bring your hair forward over your shoulders. Take the right section to start with, and take a small section of hair (around 1-2inches) from the neck, clip the rest of the hair back and out of the way. Spray the section with water until damp. Wrap the section of around around two fingers from the ends up to the roots. Take your fingers out and continue rolling up and then clip to your head to set. Take another section and do the same thing, keep going until you’ve done the entire left side of your head.

Now repeat on the right side. Once all of your hair has been rolled and clipped up spritz with hairspray. You can do this first thing in the morning and wait for the waves to dry while you do your make-up or have your breakfast, your hair should be dry enough to take down within 30 minutes. Take the waves down and shake them out a little. Take a little hair wax and rub it between your palms and scrunch your waves to help sculpt them and make them last longer.

Heatless curls and waves really are achievable. If you currently curl your hair using heat, try swapping your heated style for heatless at least a few days a week to help the condition of your hair.

A trip to the hairdressers might seem like a pretty average thing that you’ve done many times before, but there are a few things to consider to ensure you get the most out of your visit. Whether you’re going for a cut, a colour or you need some advice regarding styling or the condition of your hear, here are five things to consider before your trip to the hair salon…

1. Know your shape and style

What many of us don’t realise is that your face shape and hair type dramatically effect which cuts and styles will suit you. Once you know your face shape you will then know the styles that will suit you. While many hairdressers are trained in understanding how a cut can flatter the face, it is also their job to deliver the style the client is after, and so understanding what suits you yourself will help you ensure you never end up with a flattering cut.

To determine your face shape stand in front of the mirror and look at your jawline. From this you will be able to determine whether your face is oval, circle, square or heart shaped. You can then look up the different styles that will suit you, and go armed with this knowledge to the hairdressers.

2. Consider your lifestyle

When you are thinking about a new cut or colour, have a think about your current lifestyle, and whether you’d be able to take on a cut that needs more maintenance and care. It’s always worth having a think about this before hand, and having a conversation with your hairdresser about what you can and can’t manage.

3. Book a consultation

If you’re trying a new style or colour it is always worth booking a consultation to discus your ideas with a professional before taking the plunge. This will mean that if the look you wanted to go for isn’t realistic or achievable you will have time to think about your hairdressers suggestions, rather than having to make a decision then and there at your appointment.

4. Aim to be as truthful as possible

It can be easy to get swept up in ideas and just go along with what your hairdresser is saying, but that can result in you having a cut or colour that you didn’t actually really want. Before you go to the hairdressers, think about your limits. It is possible that the look you wanted might not be achievable, and so your hairdresser may recommend some alternatives. Think about what would be acceptable and what you would want to avoid before hand, so that you can be honest about any suggestions you don’t think will work for you.

5. Have realistic expectations

This is where knowing your hair type comes in – if you’ve seen a look in a magazine with long straight and glossy looks, when your hair is shoulder length and curly, this might not be a look that will be easy to achieve and keep on top of. Consider your current situation, and the options available to you. If in doubt, as above, book a consultation to discus your ideas and get some professional advice.

One of the most sought after things is silky glossy hair that looks effortlessly healthy and strong. The truth is really shiny hair isn’t just about treatment and styling, it’s also about the health of your hair, your diet and hydration too. Here’s how to achieve silky shiny hair, that looks beautiful but is also strong and healthy too…

1. Stay hydrated and nourished

Our skin and our hair start to suffer when we are dehydrated, causing both to become dry and dull. If you haven’t over processed your hair with heat styling or dying, yet it looks dry and flat it may be down to hydration. Try and drink 2 litres of water a day to provide your body with the water it needs, you’ll soon start to see an effect on your skin and hair, as well as your energy levels too.

Your diet can also determine how glossy your hair is. Try adding an extra portion of fruit and veg to your daily diet, and take fish oil supplements to give hair a natural boost.

2. Cold water blast

When you wash your hair, try blasting it with cold water for 30 seconds at the end. The cold water will seal the cuticle making hair look glossier all over. If it’s super shine that you’re after, use a shampoo and conditioner that inject moisture and smooth all over. Try to go for quality brands and avoid using harsh chemicals on your hair as this will only cause it to become dry, which is the opposite of what you are trying to achieve!

3. Wear it straight

Straight hair looks glossier as it reflects the light better, so if shiny is what you are after go for a straight finish. After washing and blasting with cold water, follow a similar method for drying your hair. Rough dry to start with, then using a paddle brush blow dry straight. Once hair is dry finish off with a three minute blast on the cool setting of your hairdryer to add extra shine.

4. Use a serum

Serums are a great way to add an extra hit of shine to your hair. Try a 2-in-1 serum that also offers heat protection to avoid split ends from heat styling. Argan oil, coconut oil and other serums that use natural ingredients are the best options when it comes to boosting gloss without applying harsh chemicals to the hair.

5. Treat regularly

It’s almost impossible to achieve glossy hair if your hair isn’t in good condition, so it’s important to keep on top of things. Try to apply a treatment mask every 1-2 weeks to give your hair a boost of moisture and strength. Opt for all natural at home remedies or invest in masks from quality brands. Once every 3-4 months book in for a trim at the hairdressers to keep split ends at bay.

Just a few simple steps can ensure your hair is strong, glossy and healthy, with a natural shine that is boosted with a few key products.

Dry hair can be extremely difficult to manage, making it hard to style and generally unruly. Some of us may find we have naturally dry hair, whereas others may end up with dryness as a result of over styling or over exposure to the sun. Dry hair can benefit from a trim to tidy up split ends, but when all of the hair has become dry it will need more than a trim to bring it back to life.

There are some fantastic treatments that can go a long way to softening your dry hair, making it silky and manageable again…

Avocado Mask

There is a variety of ingredients that you might find at home or in the supermarket that can work miracles for your dry hair.  Avocado can provide a lot of benefits to the hair, due to the fact that it is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that will help restore your hair and add shine too. Mash one rip avocado with one egg, ensure it is mixed well and then apply to wet hair. Leave for on for at least 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Try this remedy once a week for damaged hair, or once a month for healthy hair to maintain shine.

Olive Oil Treatment

Just like coconut oil and shea butter, olive oil is great for the hair. Just one treatment can lock moisture back into parched strands and add a healthy shine. Treat hair once ever other week by warming half a cup of olive oil (do not allow to boil), and massaging it into the lengths of the hair. Twist your hair up on top of your head and cover with a shower cap or plastic bag, then cover with a towel to keep all of the heat and moisture in. Leave on for 45 minutes, then shampoo and rinse well.

Professional Treatment

If a makeshift mask isn’t really your thing, try investing in a mask made by a well known brand, or have a professional conditioning treatment at a salon to give your hair the best chance of becoming healthy and strong again.

If you over processed your hair, try the Kerastase Discipline Maskeratine Smooth-in-Motion Masque, which is specifically designed for hair that has been damaged with bleaches and dyes as well as heat styling. The masque delivers a huge shot of moisture to strengthen locks and make hair easier to style and manage.

For really dry hair consider a trip to Soul Hair, to create an action plan to bring your locks back to life. Ways in which a professional might do this is trimming split ends followed by a deeply conditioning treatment, and you may be required to return for regular treatments to get things back on track.

It’s no lie that our modern day lifestyles are now busier than ever before, yet we all want to feel and look great as we go about our day. Busier schedules and an increasing list of responsibilities means that we have less time to spend on everyday grooming, but that doesn’t mean you should forget about it all together. The trick is finding a style that works for you that’s easy to do and quick too. Read on to discover everyday hairstyles that you can create in 10 minutes or less…

Bohemian Braid – Time: 10 minutes

A side braid is a great way to create a stylish look and keep your hair neat and out of the way for a busy day ahead. Rather than opting for a basic braid, try this bohemian twist on a classic style for a super-stylish look…

1. Create a deep side parting on one side of your head, then sweep the hair back a few inches from the forehead to ensure you have lots of volume at the back. Use a comb to backbrush the hair at your crown a little.
2. Take the front section of your hair on the opposite side to your parting and start to braid, use a french braid method by picking up extra pieces of hair from the back of your head and the front.

3. Carry on braiding, taking extra sections to add more hair into the plait. When you reach the bottom of your ear use a tie to secure the braid here.
4. Take the hair on the other side of your head and twist it up and back to create some volume here, pull a little hair out at the front to keep the look soft. Swoop your hair round the back of your neck to join with the plait you secured earlier on the opposite side.
5. You should now have all of your hair in one hand. Remove the band you used to secure your plait, but keep the plait in place and start to plait in the rest of your hair. Continue to braid your hair until you get to the length you want, then secure with a band. Finish with hairspray to keep in place all day.

Simple Waves – Time – 5 Minutes

This look takes a little prep the night before, but it so easy to style the next day and looks beachy and natural.

1. The night before after washing your hair, comb it back at the roots so that it doesn’t sit in a parting. Add a little mousse to the roots and the length and plait the hair. Secure with a band and leave over night.
2. Remove your braid in the morning, tip your head upside down and shake to loosen the waves. Back brush at the crown a little to avoid the hair being flat.
3. Take a section of hair at the front on either side at your temples, around an inch wide each. Twist the hair and pull it back, securing at the back of the head if it is long enough with a band, or securing at the side of the head using grips. Tease your hair underneath up a little to add volume to the top section.
4. Finish with a little hairspray to hold.

Hair in ten minutes doesn’t have to mean boring or basic. Try these adding these looks into your everyday style to mix things up a bit.

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.

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.

With Halloween just around the corner, now is a better time than ever to start thinking about your Halloween party style. Whether you’re dressing up in fancy dress for the occasion or you’re simply heading out in style for dinner or drinks, Halloween is the perfect opportunity to experiment with a new look, and have fun with your style.

Read on to discover three party-worthy Halloween hairstyles…

Zombie Punk

Put a stylish twist on the classic zombie look with a punk inspired up-do. It can be tricky to work out how to be creative with a zombie style, to avoid looking like everyone else at the party or out in town. A zombie punk look is ideal for anyone who loves to look stylish, even when in fancy dress.

To create the look:

1. Back brush the hair at the roots, starting from the crown and working forwards. You want to add lots of volume to the roots of the hair to nail this look. Use a little hairspray to hold.

2. Use a comb to separate a section of hair, from the crown, parting the hair at the temples on both sides.

3. Scoop the sectioned off hair back to pin into a quiff. As you pull the section back to the crown push it forwards and up a little before securing it with lots of grips. Smooth the top down before you secure with hair spray. Backbrush the rest of the roots a little and tease the hair so that it looks a little messy – sleek and smooth won’t do for this look. Finish off with a spritz more hairspray.

Dark and Blunt

Experiment with a style that can work all year round, but that can be enhanced for halloween too. If you’re planning on keeping things simple this halloween, going for a dark lip or eye to give a subtle nod towards the season, why not try a complimentary hairstyle?

A fringe is a great way to update your look without having to change your style too dramatically. Perfect for halloween but versatile for A/W ‘17, why not have a blunt fringe cut and a dark colour update. For halloween parties style sleek and apply a deep plum lipstick. Finish off the look with a black dress and a smokey eye.

Day of the Dead

The Day of the Dead look offers the prefect style to get really creative with your hair. Typically all about the make-up, why not be bold with your hair too. If you have blonde hair try experimenting with temporary colourful dyes, such as pastel pink, purple, mint green and baby blue. Try a colourful ombre in true Mexican style and finish off with a floral garland wrapping around the hair.

For a more traditional Day of the Dead look and if you have dark hair, try a pretty up-do by plaiting the hair and securing it to the head, adding flowers to complete this spooky yet famine look.

The start of the new season means we are thinking about a style update for autumn. From
introducing coats, jumpers and boots back into our wardrobes and opting for smokey
browns and autumnal shades with our makeup, to experimenting with new hair styles and
colours, autumn presents the perfect opportunity to mix up your style.
Each season new hair trends land, but it can be tricky to know which to try and which to
steer clear of. Read on to discover our five favourite hair trends to try this autumn…

1. Lash skimming locks

If you’re looking for a style update without completely changing the colour or chopping
inches off, the answer might be a fringe. This season it’s all about shaggy lash skimming
bangs, which offer enough of a transformation without too big a commitment. This look
isn’t about a blunt cut or a full fringe, more of a soft style that’s a little longer than your
typical fringe. As the perfect autumnal update, you can grow out your locks again by the
summer.

2. Face Framing

The ‘90s shape around the face is back this season. Choppy layers to frame the face are
ultra flattering and can add thickness and texture to hair that’s a little on the fine side.
Channel the ‘90s style and wear your hair in a chignon at the neck, leaving the front free to
fall around your face.

3. Peekaboo blonde

Add instant warmth to your hair with subtle caramel highlights through the length. Opt for a
deep caramel or even an auburn tone for autumn to create a post-beach summer holiday
look as we head into the cooler months. This isn’t a dip dye, but you want to keep roots
darker and just add a few touches through the length, for a natural sun kissed look.
Honey blonde is also going to big for the season ahead. This almost rosy shade of blonde
is most flattering for those with medium skin tones.

4. Crop it

If you’re going for a bob this season banish the layers. Instead keep hair one length, but a
little longer through the front, allowing it to graze your collar bones. This low maintenance
look is stylish and up-to- date. Consider a colour update too adding chocolate or auburn
tones to add a block colour and subtle shine.

5. Sleek and low

Ponytails are worn low at the neck this season and sleek. Parted in the centre and secured
at the neck, this is the perfect five minute style when you’re in a rush to pick up the kids or
meet your girlfriends. This look requires a fresh colour to look neat and glossy, so consider
updating your colour if you haven’t in a while to get this just right.
Now is the perfect time to think about updating your hair style for the season ahead.
Remember if you’re unsure which style will suit you best, book a consultation to discus
your ideas with a stylist.