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Naturally looking wavy hair is one of the most sought after looks around the world. Waves seem to always be on trend, and it’s this relaxed ‘I woke up like this’ vibe that we all want to achieve. Waves look soft, pretty and feminine, without being over done or too styled. Wavy locks are a go to for many occasions – from festivals and summer holidays, to bridal looks and everyday style – waves continue to be in high demand.

Night Time Buns

No time in the morning to style your hair? Try this simple way to create natural waves, without the addition of heat damage. Just before bed, part your hair and split into two sections. Twist each section into a tight bun and secure with grips. Use a spray bottle to spritz each bun to make the hair damp. Leave in over night to create natural looking waves. In the morning simply unravel each side. You might need to tease the hair into place here and there, and back brush a little to create volume, but you’ll only need five minutes in the morning and you’ll be good to go.

Mermaid Worthy Waves

Creating waves with your straighteners is easier than you might think. Our tool of choice is the GHD IV Styler Hair Straightener, as it’s the perfect size to create mermaid style waves. In addition, who doesn’t love having a tool that you can create multiple looks with?

To create waves with your straighteners, section off the top three quarters of your hair and secure with a band so that it’s out of the way. With the hair that’s left down, take a section at a time around one inch wide and place your straighteners at the top. Move them down the length of the hair curling in and out, in and out as you go. You can make your waves as tight or as lose as you want. Work your way around all of the hair that is down, then take down another quarter section of your hair and continue until you’ve done it all.

Back brush the roots a little to avoid the hair being flat at the roots, spritz with hairspray and you’re done.

Whether you want to create quick and easy waves without heat, or you want to go for a more precise look, creating waves at home is doable with these two methods.

Beach hair can feel tricky to approach. You want to look and feel great on the beach this summer, but you don’t want to spend a lot of time styling your hair. In addition, you want to protect your hair from the salty sea water and the sun. The trick is finding the right balance – creating a style that you love but that is practical and speedy to achieve. Read on to discover our top three beach worthy hairstyles, for your summer break in 2018…

1. Half Up Braids

Keep your hair out of your face and off your forehead with this half up-do. The whimsical festival feel makes it perfect for a day at the beach. Simply section off the hair, taking two 2-inch wide sections at the front of the head. Begin to plait backwards, picking up a little more hair as you go to create french braids. Do this on either side, and secure at the back of the head with grips. Ready to go for a swim? Simply pop your hair that’s left down into a bun to protect your hair from the salt water.

2. Half up Bun

This is another great style that will keep your hair off your face in the hot weather, as well as looking stylish. Split your hair into two, picking up the top half and leaving the underneath down. It’s best to section your hair off from the top of your ears, creating a line from your ears to the back of the top of your head, in an upwards motion. Use a comb to brush the top half of your hair back so that it’s neat, then twist into a bun at the top of the back of your head. Secure with grips and tease a few strands out to create a chilled out beach vibe.

3. Side Swoop Braid

Keep your hair off the back of your neck and off one side too, with this beach-worthy braid style. This is ideal if you want to keep your hair neat, but don’t want to go for a full up do such as a ponytail or a bun. It’s also ideal if you’re going out in the evening and want to create beachy waves the natural way. Simply leave your braid in all day and sprizt until damp, leave to dry in the sun and take out in the evening for natural waves.

To style start by parting the hair on one side. At the front of your head, take a section about two inches wide and start to braid the side that has the most hair on. Sweep the hair from the other side and the back of the head round the back and onto the side you are braiding. As you go, start to add in more sections of hair from the back. This doesn’t have to be neat and precise, this is all about creating a laid back look. As you reach the length of your hair, you should now have all of your hair in the braid. Secure with a band, then take a section of hair and wrap round the band to conceal.

Beach-worthy hair doesn’t have to be a headache. Create stylish hair that’s practical too, with these three styles.

Hair colour is a little more complex than you might realise. Over the years, if you’ve experimented with changing your colour, you might have found some shades were a great success, while others just didn’t have quite the same impact. This is because hair colour and skin tone are both very precise, meaning while some hair colours look great on some people, on others they are unflattering.

We are always happy to advise through consultation in regards to the best hair colour for your skin tone. For now though, read on to get an idea of the kind of colours you can pull off, and which to avoid…

Cool Blonde

Cool blonde or ‘ice blonde’ is ideal for those with pale skin tones. If you have very fair skin, with rosey warm undertones cool blonde is an ideal colour choice. If you have blue, grey or green eyes and fair skin, try and ash blonde.

Warm Blonde

Including caramel, gold, honey, butterscotch and amber, warm blonde is best suited to those with olive skin tones, or fair skin with cooler undertones. Lighter ashy blonde shades can wash out an olive skin tone. If you want to go lighter, try a caramel blonde rather than a cool blonde.

Cool Red

This shade includes dark auburn and burgundy. It may not sound quite right, but red is very flattering for those with red tones in their skin. Opting for a red shade will make your skin look glowy, rather than trying to fight against it. If you have a warm and fair complexion, try a cool red to make your skin glow.

Warm Red

Think copper, strawberry blonde, amber and rust. Warm reds are very flattering on fair and neutral skin tones. Try mixing a cool and warm red to create a creamy shade that’s warm and soft, but with a hint of golden tones too. If you have a cool skin tone, you could also try warm reds to counteract the blue tones in your skin.

Cool Brown

Cool brown tones include mocha, dark chocolate, dark auburn and chestnut. Cooler brown tones can look particularly striking on those with warm skin. Whether you have fair skin, medium or dark skin, cool brown is a great choice is you have a warm complexion.

Warm Brown

When it comes to warm brown, think cinnamon, caramel, golden brown, honey, amber and mahogany. If you have a medium skin tone, a warm brown is ideal as it will stop you looking washed out.

Warm Black

Think brown black or dark mocha. Add chocolatey tones to your black shade to warm it up, this is super flattering on cool-toned skin, and ideal for medium to dark skin tones.

Cool Black

Deep shades of coffee, blue-black and licorice are what you’re aiming for here. Opt for a cool black if your skin has warm or neutral undertones. Avoid this shade if you have fair, cool-toned skin.

If you’re interested in a colour change, book in for a consultation. It’s good to have some ideas before you visit us, but if you’re not sure which shade to go for, we can advise on what will be most flattering for your skin tone.

Managing curly hair can be tricky. If your hair is naturally curly it’s likely that you will have developed your own way to look after your curls over the years. Product is key when it comes to making the most of your natural curls – from curl defining to curl calming – products can transform your hair with minimal effort.

Finding the right product for your hair type is key. Read on to discover our top products for naturally curly hair…

Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancer

For anyone who wants more defined curls, or to bring out the natural curl in their hair, the Be Curly Curl Enhancer by Aveda is the idea product. Working to intensify curls, tame frizz and add shine, this product has been designed for use on waves and curls.

Containing a wheat protein blend, the product expands on wet hair, and then retracts when the hair dries, to lock in and define curls. For best results, apply to towel dried hair and dry with a diffuser. Add a little more product as you go to coax your curls into place. Finish and define the style with one final application once dry.

Wella Sebastian Professional Twisted Curl Manager

This curl cream by Sebastian Professional from Wella works to polish and define curls. Light and easy to use, the cream doesn’t add extra weight, crunchiness or stiffness to the hair. The Flexi Alg Complex technology works by fighting frizz and dryness in the hair, resulting in natural definition and a light bouncy finish.

To use apply all over damp hair and scrunch well. Dry with a diffuser or air-dry for curls that are defined and smooth with soft movement. The end result is smoother, softer and glossier curls.

Aveda Be Curly Curl Controller

This is the perfect option for anyone with tight or frizzy curls who wants to tame them. Working to lengthen even the tightest of curls, the Be Curly Curl Controller by Aveda also controls volume and smoothes frizz.

With organic babassu oil, the hair is conditioned and the curls are relaxed, while the corn-derived smoother works to reduce volume and frizz. Finally, the pure-fume aroma adds a beautiful fresh scent to the hair, with organic lemon, orange and bergamot. Simply apply to damp hair before drying, then dry with a diffuser or air dry for natural yet smooth curls.

In addition to product, your cut also influences how your natural curls sit. A great cut makes styling curls simple. For expert advice on the best style for your naturally curly hair book a consultation and let us help you find your perfect style.

For a long time GHD have dominated the professional haircare and styling market. 2018 is no different, and for good reason – with advanced technology, high quality products and impressive results, GHD continue to be a hair styling brand that you can rely on.

Most well know for its straighteners, GHD also offer a great range when it comes to creating curls. Whether you want to achieve natural looking waves, big and bouncy curls or even corkscrew curls, GHD has you covered. Read on to discover out top three styling tools for creating curls…

1. GHD Curve Soft Curl Tong: £120.00

As part of the latest range of tongs and wands from GHD, the Curve Soft Curl Tong uses the tri-zone technology for healthier looking curls that will stay in place all day. With a large barrel, it’s easy to create natural looking bouncy curls.

Set as a temperature of 185C, the tongs ensure a long lasting curl without damaging your hair. Easy to use and effective, you won’t find a better natural looking bouncy curl with any other styler.

2. GHD IV Styler Hair Straightener: £86

With a little bit of practice, you can actually curl your hair any way you want with the IV Styler Hair Straightener. This is the ideal tool if you like to style your hair differently, from poker straight and wavy, to bouncy curls and tight curls.

The multi-action, refined ceramic blades work efficiently through the hair for a professional finish. The plates glide smoothly over the hair, meaning no snagging or pulling, no matter what style you are creating. If you’re not sure how to use your straighteners to create waves or curls, check out YouTube tutorials to master this skill. Once you’ve got the knack it’s really quite easy.

3. GHD Curve Classic Wave Wand: £120.00

Create beach-worthy waves with the Curve Classic Wave Wand by GHD. The tri-zone technology ensures that the hair will stay in place day and night, without damaging the hair during styling, for healthier looking waves.

Traditionally, achieving the perfect beach wave can be tricky, but this styling tool makes it super easy. The 38-26mm oval shaped barrel creates shapely and deep waves and is perfect for use on mid to long hair.

Whether you’re looking to create waves, curls, poker straight hair or a bouncy blow dry finish, GHD provide all of the tools you need to create your ultimate look. In addition they are renowned for their quality, which makes your investment translate into amazing looking hair for years to come.

Fine hair can be difficult to manage. For many with fine hair, the end goal is to create thicker looking locks. While your hair cut and style can greatly improve how thick your hair looks, there are a few other ways in which you can manage your fine hair…

Wash Your Hair Frequently

People with thick hair can get away with washing their hair less frequently. If you have fine hair, you’ll find that after a few days in between washing your hair starts to look limp and flat. Aim to wash your hair every other day, to allow your hair to benefit from the natural oils that your scalp produces, but to avoid it becoming greasy.

When you do wash your hair, don’t use conditioner on your roots – this will weigh your roots down and cause your hair to become greasy faster.

Blow Dry Your Hair Upside Down

With fine hair it’s all about trying to increase the body to create thicker looking locks. Your blow dry is key to this. Try using a thickness boosting cream or similar, and dry your hair upside down to get lots of volume in at the roots.

Avoid using a lot of product though as this will weigh your hair down. Use a light conditioner and no more additional product than the size of a 50p when it’s in your hand.

Invest in a Flattering Cut

Your hair cut plays a huge role in how thick or fine your hair looks. Get the cut wrong and you could be stuck with hair that looks even thinner for months. Before you settle on a style or go for the chop, book a consultation to discus your options with a professional. Let them know that you’re keen to get your hair looking thicker and discus the various options available. A good hair dresser will be able to make the most of your fine hair.

Fine hair can be frustrating, but when you know how to manage it you will feel far more confident in how it looks and how it makes you feel. Just a few simple tricks can make your hair appear thicker, which is generally more flattering and easy to manage.

Whether your on the hunt for the perfect hairstyle for your big day, or you’re looking for a style that will suit all of your bridesmaids, 2018 had provided some stunning new bridal hair trends.

Read on to discover five bridal hairstyles for 2018…

1. Textured Low Updo

This is a 21^st century update on the bridal updo. It’s unfussy, pretty and feminine, and will stay in place all day.  Think of a stylish combination of loose french braids and a simple chignon. At the front and the roots create soft and pretty volume, and soften the style by teasing a few strands of hair our around the face. Leave the look simple, or finish it with a vintage jeweled slide.

2. The Undone Bun

The bun is still one of the most popular bridal styles, but it also works brilliant for bridesmaids too. Think soft and feminine, rather than neat and tight. Try a chignon at the base of the neck. The hair should be swept back from the forehead and twisted to create volume. This is the perfect whimsical updo – just finish by teasing a few pieces of hair out around the face and out of the chignon for a soft finish.

3. Plaited Waves

When you have long hair, you want to show off your locks. Consider wearing your hair down for your big day, adding a fairytale finish with tiny braids. To create the look, part the hair in the middle and wear wavy and soft. Add a few small but lose plaits through out the hair. Try adding a few under the bulk or your hair, and a few on top to. This look shouldn’t look too styled or uniform.

4. The Low Pony

This look is perfect for brides who prefer a sleeker but low maintenance look. Leave the length of the hair soft and a little fluffy, rather than smoothing it down. This can be achieved by adding soft waves to the hair. Sweep the hair back at the crown and keep the hair on the head smooth. Secure into a ponytail at the base of the neck, and wrap a strand of hair around to hide where you are secured the ponytail for a natural finish.

5. The New Half Updo

Rather than opting to put up all of the top half of the hair, consider this softer approach. Take the hair on one side, starting about an inch back from the face. Split into two sections, leaving the bottom half of the hair free. Then twist or plait the upper section towards the back of the head, securing in the centre of the back of the head with pins. Wear the hair wavy and natural, and ensure the hair at the back covers the pins so that the braid naturally merges with the rest of the hair.

This year it’s all about romantic, soft and feminine bridal hair. Try a whimsical style, or opt for a sleeker version to suit your own unique style.

What we put in our bodies is just as important as what we put on our hair when it comes to achieving strong and healthy hair. Just like your skin, the condition of your hair is an outward sign of inside health. Those with a poor diet might find that their hair is brittle, dry and thinning, where as those with a healthy diet benefit from strong, glossy and healthy hair.

If you want to improve the condition of your hair, consider what you put on it as well as what you eat. Read on to discover the full guide to nutrition for strong and healthy hair…

Protein

The hair is actually made of proteins, so ensuring you have enough healthy protein in your diet is key. When you do not eat enough protein, the hair can become brittle and weak, and a diet with extremely low protein levels can even result in hair loss. Ensure your daily diet is rich in protein, and opt for lean options such as chicken, turkey, fish, dairy and eggs. In addition nuts are a great source of protein and also contain hair loving oils.

Omega 3

Our bodies cannot make omega 3 fats themselves, so it’s important to ensure enough Omega 3 is consumed through out diets. Omega 3s are in the cells that line the scalp, these provide oils to keep the scalp and hair hydrated. With out enough Omega 3 in our diet, the scalp can become dry and the hair can suffer. Fish, avocado, walnuts and pumpkin seeds are all a great way of getting more Omega 3 in your diet.

Iron

Iron is essential to healthy hair as too little iron in the body is one of the key results of hair loss. Low iron levels can cause anaemia, which disrupts the nutrient supply to the hair follicle and can result in shedding. Ensure your diet is high in iron by introducing chicken, fish and a little red meat to your diet. You can also try spinach, lentils and other leafy green vegetables to increase iron intake.

Vitamin C

Eat foods rich in vitamin C alongside iron-rich foods – Vitamin C helps with the absorption of iron, and is key to keeping hair healthy. Try berries such as blackcurrants, strawberries and blueberries, as well as broccoli, oranges and kiwi. Vitamin C helps with the production of collagen too, which works to strengthens the capillaries that supply the hair shafts.

A healthy diet can go a long way to ensuring your hair is strong and healthy too. In addition you should have regular trims and treat your hair to conditioning treatments once every month or so to keep hair in tip top condition.

If you have thick hair you’ll know all too well of the problems it can cause. You probably find that you are regularly told ‘you’re so lucky,’ as people fuss over your thick locks, but you know just how high maintenance thick hair can be.

Over the years it’s likely that you’ve worked out various ways to deal with your unruly hair, but there might be a few tricks that you could be missing. Read on to discover the full guide to managing thick hair…

Brushing

Brushing can be a problem for anyone with very thick hair. If you have a lot of hair you probably find that it gets knotty very easily, but dragging a brush through the knots can be damaging to the hair, causing split ends and breakage, which can result in it being even more difficult to manage.

When it comes to brushing manage your thick and knotty hair by using a Tangle Tease. Start at the top and work your way down to remove knots without damaging your hair. Try to avoid brushing your hair too much when it is wet, as the hair is weaker when wet meaning more damage can occur through brushing.

Maintenance

Very thick hair may need thinning out to make it more manageable. Aim to have your hair cut every 6-12 weeks and ask to have it thinned a little to help with everyday maintenance and styling. If your hair is very curly, you might want to consider having it relaxed too, as this can help make it more manageable.

Conditioning

If your hair is thick and long it’s likely that you end up going through conditioner twice as fast as you go through shampoo. Thick hair is often more wiry and brittle, meaning it needs a softening and smoothing conditioner, and lots of it. They key to conditioning is to ensure the product that you choose is of high quality and designed specifically to tame thick hair. It’s worth investing a little more on a conditioner that will smooth, detangle and nourish. When you use a high quality conditioner you’ll also find you need to use less, making your product go that little bit further.

Treatment

Thick hair seems to get thirsty faster, so provide your hair with all the nourishment and hydration it needs with a weekly treatment. Every once in a while, splash out on a professional treatment when you’re at the hairdressers to keep your locks in tip top condition.

If you’re got thick hair you might have to put a little more energy into caring for it, but consider yourself lucky, as many people around the world pay a lot of money to fake thick hair.

Long hair is really on-trend at the moment, with many of us turning to hair extensions to help us achieve lust-worthy waist length locks. Growing your hair long takes time and commitment, so isn’t well suited to those who like to change their style regularly. If you are committed to growing your hair long the benefits of achieving the length you’ve always desired are vast. Unless you use extensions, reaching the length you want will take time, but there are a few ways to help your hair along the way…

1. Keep your Scalp Healthy

A healthy scalp is key to healthy hair, and if you’re hair isn’t healthy it won’t grow quickly. Looking after your scalp is just as important as looking after your hair. Try treating your scalp once a week to hydrate it and provide all the vital nutrients that it needs. Check out our blog post ‘How to Care for Your Hair Using Natural Ingredients,’ for natural ways to treat your scalp.

2. Get Regular Trims

The idea of having your hair cut when you are trying to grow it can sound contradictory, but having regular trims is key to growing long, strong and healthy hair. Without having your ends trimmed every now and then, your hair will suffer from split ends, which could result in you having to have more length cut off when you do go for a trim. Help your hair stay strong from root to tip, by booking in for a trim every 2-4 months.

3. Don’t Over Wash

Many of us actually wash our hair far too regularly, which means your hair won’t benefit from the natural oils produced by your scalp. Try to aim to shampoo your hair just 2-3 times a week, and use a nourishing conditioner every time you wash your hair. Shampoo strips your hair of the oils that naturally occur and nourish your hair. Avoid shampooing too often, and replace hydration and nourishment by using a rich conditioner.

4. Cold Blast

Every time you wash your hair, finish with a cold rinse. Cold water lays down the outer layer of the hair more smoothly, creating a sleeker finish as well as reducing snags and moisture loss. This will help your hair stay stronger throughout the length.

5. Focus on Nutrition

Nutrition is key to healthy hair. Without ensuring you are providing your hair with everything it needs from the inside out, your hair will not be able to grow at its full potential. To create strong healthy hair your diet should be rich in lean protein, healthy fats and Vitamin C. Try introducing healthy fats such as avocado, olive oil and nuts into your daily diet, as well as chicken, eggs or turkey and berries.  You could also try a hair health supplement to add to your daily diet.

Just a few small changes could help your hair grow much faster. Avoid over brushing too, and every once in a while book yourself in for a conditioning treatment to boost your hair health.