Blog Archives

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.

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 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.