Our three favourite eco friendly hair shampoos (that smell amazing!)

Ever tried a shampoo bar? We’re big fans at Pankhurst & Deane, and here are three reasons why (and some of our favourites to get you started)…

1. They replace single-use plastic bottles and are free from drying preservatives and harsh sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), so they are much kinder to your hair.

2. They lather and rinse like normal shamppoos and your bar should last weeks longer than your usual bottle.

3. With so many lovely products out there to choose from, it’s a great way to do your bit for the planet - and your hair!

In place of chemicals, shampoo soap bars are full of nourishing oils and butters, like Funky Soap’s Babassu Oil Shampoo, £5.50, which has super hydrating babassu oil with cocoa and shea butters to revive dull hair and boost shine.

If you are obsessed with scent, Bain & Savon’s Zesty Orange Shampoo Bar, £5.50, is made with orange, grapefruit and lemongrass oil. Divine!

And we can’t get enough of Lush’s natural lemon Shampoo Bar, £7.50, which smells like holiday.

Fine hair ladies - this is our step by step plan to boost volume today

Want to know the best ways to look after fine hair? The endless pursuit of volume can be tricky for those with fine hair, but there are a few tricks you can to do care for it like a pro. Read on to find out how…

Step 1: Invest in a volumising shampoo…

Avoid sulphates - these harsh detergents are found in most shampoos and can weaken hair over time, making it more likely to break and appear thin. A volumising shampoo can help plump up the roots and add nutrients back to depleted strands.

Step 2: …but don't go crazy with the shampoo

Most fine hair clients feel the need to wash every day because they feel greasy, but it makes more sense to limit this to 2-3 times a week. Why? Over-washing the hair can create too much oil, which can give the appearance of flat and lifeless hair.

Step 3: Limit conditioner

Volumising shampoos tend to be quite drying, which can make the scalp overproduce oils. Using a moisturising conditioner can help maintain the balance. Note: only apply conditioner on the middle of hair to the ends, never directly on the scalp.

Step 4: Air-dry hair

Fine hair should be left to air-dry 75 percent before you hit the heat. This is because wet hair is the most vulnerable to stretching and breaking while being pulled. Once almost dry, you can use a hairdryer to finish it off. Dry upside down for extra shape and volume in the roots.

RELATED: Three ways to take care of dyed hair

Four simple tricks to have a good hair day all the time

How do I make my hair look good all the time? If you want a good hair day every day, these are the three things you need to do.

Want to know how to make your hair look good all the time? These are some of our salon-approved tricks for glossy, healthy hair every day. Which one is your favourite?

Tip 1: Use a hydrating shampoo twice a week

Tip 2: Invest in a hair oil

Tip 3: Pick the right product for your hair type

Tip 4: Avoid over-styling your hair

Skincare SOS: These are the five budget face serums we're buying on repeat

The colder months can really play havoc with our complexion. If you’re looking for a product to hydrate tired skin, serums are a great place to start.

Use a few drops before your moisturiser for fresh-faced, happy skin. Which is your favourite budget brand that really works? Tell us in the comments.

Happy shiny hair products you need in your life

Shiny hair isn’t just down to luck. If you want that glossy look then there are a few things you can do, including investing in some of our favourite shine boosting products, below.

Rinsing your hair with cold water after a shower can help to close the hair follicles and boost the shine factor. Using a clarifying shampoo weekly can remove build-up and regular deep conditioning treatments, hair oils and masks can protect from heat and sun damage.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in keratin, like nuts and fish, and Omega-3 fatty acids can help hair growth and promote shine, too.

Why is my hair oily?

Why is my hair so oily?

Healthy hair produces a certain amount of sebum, or oil, as a way to hydrate your scalp and protect your hair. And the amount of oil you produce varies depending on your hair type, how often you shower and other lifestyle factors like that.

Sometimes this natural oil can collect on your hair, especially at the root - and this can look greasy or oily.

If this sounds familiar, then we’re here to tell you the causes of oily hair, products that can control oil production, and some home remedies for when your hair looks too greasy.

So what’s the cause?

The oil in your hair is part of your body’s defense system for the sensitive hair of your scalp. This oil mixes with sweat and dirt, coating your scalp and sometimes the top of your head, too. This is actually normal, so don’t panic.

How to fix it

Practicing good hygiene by washing your scalp often with a shampoo cleanses the oil and gives your hair a fresh start. But saying that, some hair types (straight hair for one, sorry guys) are prone to oil build-up and certain lifestyle habits, like exercise, over-use of styling products, and being out in the heat or humidity can add to your bad hair day.

Photo by Chris Slupski on Unsplash

Cause 1: Over-washing

If your hair is oily or greasy one of the causes could be over-washing.

Every time you wash your hair with shampoo, it sends the scalp the signal to produce more sebum. If you’re washing your hair too often, your scalp gets the message that it needs to be in oil production overdrive.

This can result in oily build-up on your scalp - and the greasy look you’re trying to avoid.

Cause 2: Hair type

Straight hair is especially prone to collecting oil because the hair shaft doesn’t have any texture or wave to it, so oil slides straight down the hair shaft and collects all over your head. It also makes oil in your hair more visible when hair hangs straight down.

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

Cause 3: Using the wrong products

Another cause of oily hair is the type of styling products you use. Sebum is a type of oil, which means that simply washing it with water doesn’t break it up.

Rinsing your hair with just water or skipping the shampoo step and using only conditioner can allow oil to build up. While it might not be easy to spot the oil when your hair is drying, it quickly appears oily again only a few hours or so later.

That’s because only certain ingredients, found in most shampoos, can break down the oil that builds up on your hair.

For healthy hair this autumn you need to do these four things

Now the weather is getting cooler, our hair takes a hit. But there are a few things you can do to help protect your hair this autumn. Here they are:

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

Deep condition your hair with a mask or leave-on conditioner once or twice a week in autumn. Just 10 minutes a few times a week is all you need to keep hair healthy.

Avoid tight ponytails

It’s cooler to wear your hair up in the summer but this can cause breakages and scalp stress some come the autumn consider wearing your hair down more often. Avoid tight ponytails so that it puts less pressure on the hair follicles.

Protect yourself

Heated styling tools can cause all sorts of damage, especially during the colder months. Add a few protectant products like spray, serum, mousse, or cream to your winter beauty arsenal.

Go for the chop

Regular haircuts promote growth and keeps hair healthy. The longer your hair, the more susceptible you are to breakage so give us a call to book your next appointment.

Repair coloured hair with this quick four-step guide

Over-styling, colouring your hair and professional straightening or perms can leave your hair crying out for some TLC.

And while it might be tempting to chop it all off and start again, there’s no need for a new look (unless you really want one - in which case give us a call!).

Instead try our four-step plan to repair damaged hair:

Have a weekly hair mask: You can even sleep in it overnight (with hair wrapped in a microfibre towel) for maximum hydration.

Comb conditioner through before rinsing: This helps to improve the appearance of frazzled hair and has the effect of smoothing the hair cuticles down.

Use hair serum: This nourishes the scalp and hair follicles. We like L'Oreal's Absolute Repair Serum, which you can buy here.

Regular haircuts: A great haircut will revitalise hair and make you look - and feel - better about your damaged hair. You don’t have to go for a dramatic new style, just talk to us about your needs and we will deliver!

How to choose a hair colour

When it comes to choosing the right hair colour for you, our colourists know the three elements that combined will create your perfect look...

1) Your complexion

The colour of your skin tone is actually one of the most important aspects of choosing the perfect hair colour. The correct colour will compliment your skin and make it appear even more beautiful, while the wrong colour might make your skin look dull and dreary.

2) Your eyes

To really enhance and intensify your eye colour, we might recommend a contrasting colour. For instance - if your eyes are blue, a caramel or golden blonde tone will make them appear even bluer. If they are green, a fiery or soft red tone could be the perfect colour for you.

3) Personal style

Once the hair colour has been narrowed down to suit your complexion and eye colour, your personal style should be considered - and this is where you know best. Do you want to be noticed or blend in? Do you need to be more daring or does your outfit say enough? Make sure the shades you and your hair stylist choose is one that will make you feel confident and yourself.

Growing your hair? Here are eight things to avoid for optimum growth

Trying to grow your hair or simply maintain what you’ve got going on? Here’s how…

1. Avoid harsh shampoos

Certain shampoos strip the scalp of its natural oils so read the ingredients on your bottle and avoid anything that says sulfates, parabens, formaldehyde-releasing agents (DMDM hydantoin), silicones and phthalates. And when your hair is long, it’s more likely to be dry at the ends. Opt for a super mild shampoo and conditioner to gently cleanse it.

2. Limit styling tools

The longer your hair the more it can get damaged by styling tools and sun damage. Repair damaged hair with a weekly hair mask or give yourself an oil massage. We can also give your hair a new lease of life with a treatment at the salon. 

3. Be gentle with wet hair

Don’t start drying your hair when it’s totally wet. Gently towel dry your hair and let it semi air dry before you apply any kind of heat. Add moisture with hair serum and heat protectant. 

4. Avoid backcombing

Backcombing is so damaging to hair. Instead invest in hair powder to add volume.

5. Don’t avoid getting a trim

This is vital, especially when you have long hair or are growing it, to keep it healthy and strong.

6. Ditch plastic hairbrushes

Instead invest in a wooden bristle brush, which is more gentle on your scalp and also makes sure the natural oils get evenly distributed through the hair.