The F words

Four hair horrors and how to fix them

FRIED

Reason: Too much sun, chlorine, hair colour, heat tools and alcohol-based styling products.

Repair: Nourish damaged strands with sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners, throwing in a fortifying mask at least once a week. Use heatprotectors like ghd’s Heat Protect Spray ($30), to fight frizz and leave-in conditioners to keep hair tangle-free.

FLAT

Reason: Oiliness that is exacerbated by conditioners and styling products.

Repair: Shampoo and condition less. Try cleansers like A’Kin Dry Shampoo

($20) on the days you don’t wash it and, when you do, apply conditioner to the mid-lengths and down only. Go for alcohol-free salt styling sprays, which add body and hold without drying out the hair and get extra root lift from drying your hair upside down.

FRIZZY

Reason: Lack of moisture, excess humidity and towel drying.

Repair: Start in the shower with a hydrating anti-frizz shampoo and conditioner combo, which will help seal the hair cuticle and stop it from drawing in too much moisture from the air. Dab hair dry with a towel (rather than rub) and detangle with a wide-tooth comb, such as Mita’s ($9).

FADED

Reason: Sunshine and over-washing are two main causes of colour fade.

Repair: Use specialist shampoos such as Goldwell’s Kerasilk ($39.50),

which claims to add up to six weeks between visits to the colourist, and hair-protecting sprays that contain UV filters.