Sometimes a good hair day is all we need to put a smile on our face, and if you've ever wondered how to make your locks look like you've just stepped out of the salon, then listen up...
We spoke to hair expert Gareth Williams, Creative Ambassador for Headmasters Salons, and Phil Smith of Smith England to discover their top tips for how to prepare and style your hair to achieve a professional finish at home.
Don't know where to start with your mane? Here is what we found out…
Lather, Rinse, Repeat…
First up, adjust your water temperature carefully. If it's too hot or cold, this could overstimulate your oil-producing sebaceous glands, leading to greasy hair.
Don't wash your hair that often? You should always shampoo twice – start off with a clarifying shampoo to get rid of any dirt and product build-up, before continuing with a second shampoo that is targeted to your specific hair needs.
Remember that one shampoo won’t necessarily suit everyone in your household!
Curly or afro hair is naturally drier in texture, so don’t scrimp on the conditioner. It can handle heavier duty moisturising products so Phil Smith recommends using a leave in conditioner on towel dried hair too. "Don’t be rough, as curly hair can be really fragile. Instead use your towel to gently squeeze the moisture from hair," he said.
Does your hair really get used to your shampoo?
The shampoo you choose should be selected with your hair needs in mind, just like a prescription. Aim to target your hair's most important need at that moment in time.
If your shampoo seems to stop delivering the same results over time, it could be that it has has already “serviced” your hair's needs and it may be time to re-examine your product choice. Remember that your hair's needs will continuously change!
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Prepare and protect your hair
Hair is most fragile and least resistant to heat when it's wet, and can get damaged a lot more easily as a result. While wet locks can only withstand temperatures of 40-60°C, dry hair can take higher temperatures of around 185°C.
Gareth Williams said: "When using straighteners, tongs or heated rollers, make sure your hair is 100% dry, as it will be more resilient."
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That said, you should always apply a thermal protecting product to your hair before adding heat. If you have long hair, apply product to a ponytail then work upwards, but if you have shorter hair then work from the ends to the roots.
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Make sure your hair is 70% dry before styling and blow dry the front of your hair first, as you’re more likely to put more effort in at the beginning of your styling session. Section your hair so that it's roughly the same width as your hairbrush.
Pump up the volume
If you have straight hair in need of some volume, blow it in the opposite direction that you want it to sit, so when you bring it back over, your hair appears thicker and fuller. You should also direct the flow of air towards the nape of your neck and point your dryer downwards (also the direction of your hair cuticle). As heat rises, it will help dry the hair above and cut down the drying time.
For better control, use your hair dryer's thinnest nozzle, as this will offer a more accurate air flow.
If you have curly hair, add a serum or an oil and choose a medium heat and speed with a diffuser to reduce damage.
And remember, if your curls don’t last long or go frizzy easily, it could be down to the way you're washing your hair. It may be that you need to wash it more thoroughly.
Tips for picking a perfect curling tong
Consider the barrel size of your curling tong; long hair generally needs a larger barrel, although a smaller barrel size can create tighter curls that last longer throughout the day.
If during curling, you notice that your curl comes out too tight, then immediately pull the section downwards by the tip and hold for a few seconds; when you release it, your curl should loosen.
You should also alternate the angle when curling your hair, so that you don't end up with just one shape throughout. Avoid tonging the ends for a more understated look. Finish off with hairspray to hold the style and serum to tame any flyaway hairs
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When styling or using heat on curly or afro hair, Phil Smith suggests washing the night before and using an intensive moisture mask overnight. This means your hair will be in better condition and you can add in extra hair oils and creams the next day to amp up the hydration and heat protection.
How to blow dry your curly hair
"If you want to blow-dry your hair and keep it’s natural texture, use a diffuser and low heat," Phil Smith said.
"Rest your curls on the surface and dry upward. When it’s 90% dry, stop and add in a control cream to define your curls. Leave the last 10% to dry naturally and spritz with hairspray.
"If you want to try a straighter blow-dry, try using the tension technique. Section hair and gently hold the curl taught, again use the dryer on a low temperature but this time, point the flow of air down to smooth and straighten the section," he added.
Phil always likes to finish with a glossing spray to boost dimension and light reflecting shine.
Choose the right brush
Ceramic brushes have holes in them so, when you use one, air flow passes through to create a volumised effect.
Meanwhile, soft bristle brushes are good for adding shine and reducing frizz (a Manta brush can reduce static); and for that extra oomph, consider investing in a prestige brush for back combing (or back brushing), such as a Pastiche brush.
When tying up your hair, the softer the hair band, the better. Anything that adds too much tension is detrimental to your hair.
If you have curly hair, Phil Smith suggests "always using a wide tooth comb as this reduces frizz".
"Using a brush will mean loosing the definition of your curls whilst creating a static look," he added.
"When applying a leave in conditioner or oil, a wide tooth comb will disperse the product evenly. Use your fingers to section hair and twist to encourage your curl pattern. You can also tip your head upside for this to boost volume at the root."
Keep your appliances clean!
To maximise the lifespan of your hair appliances, clean and dust off the vent of your hairdryer regularly. If it gets too dusty, then air can’t get through and may cause overheating.
You can simply use nail varnish remover to clean product build up on your tongs or straighteners, but always make sure the appliance is turned off first!
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Throw in the towel
Imagine your hair as a material: it's soft, silky and smooth. And then think about the material of your towel. A rough or hard-textured towel will be too harsh on your hair, so always choose a soft option to reduce damage.
Finally, when towel drying your hair, always squeeze out excess water first. However tempting it is, never rub your hair against the towel. This will just damage your hair and create extra tangling.
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