Say goodbye to bad hair days

16:56 08 April 2010

Blow-drying, straightening and tying your hair up can all add to everyday wear and tear. Even the changing weather conditions can make it become dry and damaged. But whatever the dilemma here's some top advice on how to make sure you have heavenly hair.

Problem: It's too thin

Eamonn Boreham, international artistic director for Toni & Guy, says that the shape of a haircut is all important if your hair is too thin. He told the Daily Mirror, "If your hair is thin it's good to have graduation - a build-up of weight and length. The shorter it is, the thicker it will look. A bob is good for fine hair because it adds volume."

Anything that's too long will just accentuate thinness. There are also thickening shampoos available that will aid the situation.

Problem: It's too thick

Get layers cut in to reduce the length and make it look less thick. If the layers are irregular your hair will look thinner than if it's cut in a blunt shape. Undercutting is popular at the moment, where you cut away the bulk of the hair underneath and the top layers hide it.

Problem: It's going grey

Use colour to cover grey because in most cases the cause is ageing. Eamonn advices that, "If you're only starting to go grey, there are partial colours you can use. There are lots of good semi-permanent colours around now that are really good, that disguise white hair rather than just covering it up."

Sometimes white hair looks great on people. If you do have it, make sure you use a good shampoo. White hair is more prone to pollution and dirt, but there are silver shampoos available that neutralise the yellow and give the white hair a spark.

Problem: It's frizzy

Richard Ward, celebrity hairdresser to stars, says to treat you hair to a 'facial'. His expert advice and skills have won him clients including Liz Hurley and Trinny and Susannah.

He said: "To keep hair in optimum condition, treat it to an intensive moisturising treatment as often as possible. Apply by smoothing the product down the midlengths and ends of the hair shaft and smoothing flat (to flatten the cuticle and promote shine).

To do this apply in a steamy bath and leave on for at least 15 minutes for an intense treat. Try to give your hair a treat at least once a month and you will start to notice the difference."

Problem: I have dandruff

Lots of people think they suffer from dandruff when really they've just got a flaky scalp. There are lots of reasons why your scalp might be dry - stress, central heating or your diet.

Just like when you have dry skin you use products to treat it, the same applies to a dry scalp. Look for shampoos that treat the scalp. But if it is dandruff then seek medical advice.

Problem: It's always greasy

People think if their hair is greasy they should wash it more thoroughly to get the oil out - but that is actually the worst thing to do.

Greasy hair is caused by an overactive or very active sebaceous gland so when you wash your hair don't scrub it too vigorously. Gently wash the hair and then at the end rinse it with cold water, as cold as you can stand. This will close the gland.

Problem: Too many split ends

If you are growing your hair, get rid of split ends by trimming them 'hairdresser style'.

Take a small section (1in wide) and twist around to the root. Holding it taut and firmly in your hand, trim off any split ends that are protruding along the vertical length of the hair. You should be able to see them as they will stick out where the hair is broken and sensitised - the ends look slightly 'white' when they are just about to split.

Problem: I have colour damage

You've got two options - you can take the most drastic step and cut it all off and start again, that way all the damaged hair will have gone. Or you can use lots of treatments.

There are lots of shampoos and conditioners devoted to protecting your hair from colour damage. Your hair is made of protein, but the colouring chemicals break down the protein. You need these specialised shampoos to replace it.

Problem: Hair extension damage

Firstly, expect your new hair to take up to seven days to settle down and for you to get used to wearing extensions.

Always try to visit a stylist for your first hair wash so they can explain the best technique. Only use specialist extension products.

A couple of times a day you should try to separate your extensions. Starting at the roots, make sure each bond is separated from the natural hair above and below. It's quick and prevents any natural shedding getting caught up.

While sleeping, loosely tie your hair in a plait or ponytail to prevent knots. But don't use uncovered elastic bands as these damage both your natural hair and extensions.

It may be useful to book in to see your stylist once a month to assess your extensions.

Problem: Hair loss

We all lose hair all the time, but sometimes we lose more. This might be down to your diet or stress. There are hair-thickening products available, but if you're losing it in clumps you may have alopecia and should seek medical advice.