THE MANE ATTRACTION
We all want strong and shiny tresses, but it’s not always easy to get our locks looking their best. Here are some expert tips to ensure every day is a good hair day, right through the season.
Top tips to make every day a good hair day, right through the autumn season.
There’s nothing quite like stepping out of the salon with the radiant, healthy tresses of your dreams. But with everything from the weather to our hormones wreaking havoc on our locks, ensuring every day is a great hair day can take a bit of work.
With autumn well on the way, one of the best places to start with overhauling your haircare routine is to start reassessing your needs for the cooler months. “The seasons tend to dictate what hobbies we are enjoying,” says Felicity Bruce, Joico expert and owner of Cocoon Salon. “Sunny days at the beach can leave your hair dry and in need of hydration.” And while the cooler months might offer some respite from summer’s sun and surf, that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down as the seasons change.
Unfortunately, the harsh sun can still damage hair during the cooler months. Bruce explains that bright winter sun and cold weather can be just as harsh on hair as the summer warmth – especially for those who enjoy skiing and snowboarding.
To fend off UV rays and keep hair hydrated, Bruce recommends the use of multi-tasking products – she swears by Joico K-Pak Color Therapy Luster Lock Multi-Perfector Daily Shine & Protect Spray. But because everyone’s locks and lifestyle are different, Bruce says that it’s important to chat to your hairdresser as the seasons change to create a unique haircare routine that works for you. “Every season requires different solutions for your hair,” she explains. “Your hairdresser is there for you to work out your hair needs. They see your hair regularly, and they will recognise any change in condition. If you change your colour and it needs special care and attention, they will give you the best advice.”
According to Bruce, an appointment with your hairdresser is the perfect opportunity to discuss
any concerns that you might have with your hair. “Hairdressers love to problem-solve, and they want you to have happy, healthy hair. That might be really simple for you to achieve, but they need to know what your concerns are,” she explains. A good hairdresser, Bruce says, will also tell you if your hair goals are unachievable.
ROOT OF THE PROBLEM
While we spend a lot of time styling and caring for our locks, many of us overlook our scalp – which plays a vital role in how healthy our hair is.
“Scalp health is so important for hair growth and general wellbeing,” explains Bruce. So whether it’s a dry, flaky scalp that you’re suffering from or an oily scalp that’s contributing to dull, greasy hair, Bruce says the best course of action is to work out the cause quickly and start treating the problem. “Your hairdresser will be your best place to start, as they will be able to see if your scalp is irritated and if there are any dry flakes, sebum build-up or dermatitis,” she states.
Bruce says that scalp issues can often come down to lifestyle, and she always starts by asking clients about their diet, exercise, stress levels and hormones. It’s not until she has a good understanding of her client’s lifestyle that she will ask about the frequency of washing, products and styling techniques used.
“Some of our rural clients have an oily scalp because of their water, for others it can be a hormonal problem or incorrect shampoo or conditioner,” she explains. “There are always clues and sometimes it takes patience and trialling a few products before you find the winning solution.”
For those with locks that always seem to be oily, Bruce recommends easing off on the conditioner. “Use it only on the ends for a week or two to see if the roots improve before testing other products,” she says.
A diet with plenty of omega-rich foods such as fatty fish, avocados and nuts can benefit our scalp and tresses too, says Bruce. “If you are struggling to maintain a diet that includes everything you need for healthy hair, supplements can be a great option to top up what you need,” she adds.
THE DAY-TO-DAY
Our everyday haircare routine plays a massive role in the overall health of our hair, and even just changing how often you wash your hair could make a difference. While Bruce says everyone is different, she tends to recommend washing hair every second day and then adjusting once you’ve assessed your lifestyle and hair concerns. As for whether it’s okay to wash your hair every day, Bruce says it really depends on the individual. “Is your hair oily? Does it get flat through the day? Are you exercising daily?” If this sounds like you and you do wash your hair each day, there are considerations you should make. “If you’re washing daily you want to ensure hydration as well as cleansing – especially if your hair is coloured,” Bruce says. “If your hair is fine and you need to wash it daily for styling reasons, then a volume-enhancing shampoo is your best bet.”
Reaching for the straightening iron, hair dryer or curling wand is something a lot of us do each day – which is why Bruce says it’s crucial to couple styling tools with protective products that hydrate locks and fend off heat damage. Bruce says it’s also important to regularly assess the ends of your hair – and she explains that if you’re struggling to achieve your usual polished look, you might need a trim.
“Never underestimate the benefits of regular trims, and don’t leave it for more than six weeks,” Bruce states. “If you like your hair long, then find a stylist who believes in millimetres not centimetres.”