These are the hair masks to beat dry and damaged hair

If you have dry and damaged hair then you need to get your hands on a hair mask!

The beauty of a hair mask is that they get deep into hair strands and the cuticle to repair breakage and strengthen from root to tip. If you have dyed hair they are also a must.

“The key with hair treatments is to keep them up and ensure they are used weekly to keep hair condition at its best,” recommends Sam McKnight, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Hair by Sam McKnight.

Read on for our list of the best hair masks for dry, damaged hair.

These are the three hair styling tools you need to nail the curly girl look

Silk wave curler, £39.99 (was £79) at Silk-wave.com.

Mermade hair curler, pro waver mini 25mm, £55, Mermade.

BaByliss PRO Perfect Curl MKII, £112.50 from BaByliss.

All you need for super soft locks is this budget friendly hair product

Is your hair heat damaged and flyaway? Exposure to sun, excessive blowdrying, curling and straightening, can leave hair dry and frazzled, stripping it of its natural oils.

It's unrealistic for most of us to completely abandon our favourite heat styling tools, but you can bring your hair back to life with Argan oil (just £7.59 from Amazon).

Argan oil from Amazon

Add moisture to hair

Step one: Apply a generous amount of oil to your hair.

Step two: Comb the oil through to the ends.

Step three: Leave it on for 30-60 minutes (longer if you have time) before shampooing it out. Remember that a little goes a long way with argan oil, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.

These are the five steps you need to follow for rapid hair growth

Growing out your hair can be challenging but with patience and dedication, you will get there!

And with our expert tips, you'll be on your way to achieving the long, healthy hair of your dreams. Simply follow our five steps, below:

1. Experiment with different styles

During the awkward phase, experiment with different hairstyles to find what works best for you. Try plaits, messy buns and ponytails to keep things interesting.

2. Get regular trims

Although it may seem counterproductive, getting regular trims can help your hair grow longer and keep it healtthy. Having a trim every six to eight weeks helps avoid split ends from travelling up the hair shaft, causing additional damage and breakage.

3. Avoid over-shampooing

Over-shampooing can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage. Ideally wash your hair every other day or every two days, depending on your hair type.

4. Use heat protection products

Using hot styling tools such as straighteners, curlers or your hairdryer can damage your hair. Protect it by applying a heat protectant before using hot tools, which helps reduce breakage and split ends.

5. Stay positive

The awkward phase can be frustrating, but it's important to stay positive and remember that it's only temporary. Keep your hair healthy and take care of it, and before you know it, you'll be out of the awkward phase and well on your way to achieving your hair goals!

These are the products you NEED in your life to repair dry hair

Healthy hair should stretch up to 30% of its length before snapping. But if your hair is heat-damaged and dry, it will break under tension. But with these clever hair products that we recommend, you can add moisture and shine to strengthen and restore…

Dry hair detox: these are the ONLY hair products you need

Healthy hair should stretch up to 30% of its length before snapping. But if your hair is heat-damaged and dry, it will break under tension. But with these clever hair products that we recommend, you can add moisture and shine to strengthen and restore…

Budget-friendly products to revive dry and damaged hair

Having dry and damaged hair doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune on products to fix it.

In fact we’ve found some of the best brands that really work - all for under £20. Scroll through the gallery to see our recommendations.

These are the signs your hair is unhealthy (and what to do to fix it)

Is your hair in poor shape? Here are the four most common hair issues and what do to about it.

Excessive hair shedding

It’s normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day but excessive hair shedding could be a sign of a deeper issue. Losing hair can be a temporary thing, affected by stress, weight loss or pregnancy. If your hair is shedding a lot however it’s best to talk to your doctor to see if there is an underlying health issue.

Lots of split ends

If you notice more split ends than normal, it’s time to take a look at what’s happening with your hair health. While a trim is the best way to get rid of split ends, deep conditioning can also help restore your hair and reduce breakage.

Overly tangly hair

When hair is damaged or weak, it’s more likely to get tangled. But if you’re constantly trying to detangle hair you could be causing even more damage, especially when it’s wet and at its most vulnerable. Using a leave-in conditioner before you set about detangling can help.

Hair snapping

Hair snapping easily is another sign it’s unhealthy and this means it’s probably time to look at the styling appliances you’re using, as hot tools like hairdryers, straighteners and curlers are harsh on hair. Invest in a heat protectant spray, lower the heat level on styling tools and use a boar bristle brush for minimal damage.

Long hair? Follow these stylist-approved steps to maintain it

Trying to grow your hair or simply maintain your already luscious locks? Read on... 

1. Never use harsh shampoos

Shampoos that strip the scalp of its natural oils are a complete no-no! You need to understand that the longer the hair, the drier the ends.

You need to cleanse the dirt but you can't strip your hair of its nutrients. Opt for a super mild shampoo and conditioner and see the difference.

2. Never skip haircare regimes

The longer your hair, the more it gets damaged by the heat, styling and sun damage. So make sure you take some time out once a week to do a hair mask or give yourself an oil massage. Take yourself out to get a hair spa treatment with us once a month, too. 

3. Never ill-treat wet hair

Seriously, never ever start using the blow dryer on dripping wet hair! Make sure you towel dry hair thoroughly and let it semi air dry before you apply heat. Also, do yourself a favour and get a microfibre towel, which is gentler on the hair. Don't forget to add moisture with hair serum and heat protectant. 

4. Never backcomb your hair for volume

Teasing is the worst thing that you could do to your long hair. Your hair is already stressed by the weight. Instead, invest in a great texturising spray and scrunch your hair for volume.

5. Never douse your hair in chemicals

Steer clear of alcohol-laden hair sprays and products with parabens, especially when those products need to be applied to your ends. Remember, the longer your hair the more nourishment your ends need!

6. Never cancel your trim appointments

You know how we keep recommending that you get regular trims? Well, we're not just saying it for fun - it's vital to do so when you have long hair to keep it healthy and strong.

7. Never tie your hair up the same way

This is a two-fold misdemeanour: give your hair a break, switch up the position of your ponytail/bun, let your hair down or braid it. Make sure your hair is not tied too tight and you don't use a hair elastic that causes breakage. 

8. Never use plastic hair brushes

Use a ceramic or wooden bristle brush. It is less harsh on your scalp and also makes sure the natural oils get evenly distributed through the hair. 

This is an edited version of beauty journalist Kannagi Desai's article on the Popxo website. Read the original version here.

What is the best hair colour for me?

Looking to change your hair colour? Our hairstylists reveal how to get the look that suits you.

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.