GET OUT OF A HAIR RUT
Turn back the clock with tips from some of GH’S favourite hair experts
Be open to ideas
‘Getting stuck in a rut is often about your hairdresser. They’ll say, “Same as last time?” as they whisk you off to the backwash, then you’ll get chatting and it turns into more of a social than anything else. I start all my appointments with an open question – what are we going to do today? Even with clients I’ve had for 20 years, it’s important to open up a conversation about change. A pair of fresh eyes can also help – try a consultation elsewhere, or book in for a blow-dry with someone new. You can talk about ideas while you’re having it done.’ Ben Cooke, Pantene and Aussie ambassador
Say goodbye to dry
‘Hair gets drier with age, but you don’t have to take it lying down. The first thing I encourage my clients to do is boost their protein and mineral intake and healthy fats with a supplement like Viviscal, from £49.95, or Bare Biology Lion Heart Pure Omega 3 Fish Oil, from £28.50. Next, switch to Sls-free formulas when washing your hair and reduce heat styling as much as you can. And try introducing a scalp oil before you shampoo, such as Percy & Reed Perfectly Perfecting Wonder Treatment Oil+, £25. As well as treating your scalp (which also gets drier with age) it’ll encourage healthy hair growth and can be used after washing to put back lost shine.’ Adam Reed, creative director at Percy & Reed
Think outside the box
‘I see so many women whose home hair colour doesn’t look as good as it used to. This is because skin loses colour with age, so a shade that used to be perfect becomes draining. Going a notch lighter should fix things; ask a colourist to soften the join between the shades while the old one grows out. Home and salon colour can work well together – touch-up products, like Josh Wood Colour Root Smudger, £12, are brilliant.’ Sibi Bolan, master colourist at Josh Wood Atelier
Lose a little length
‘Losing some length can give your look a new lease of life. If your stylist suggests going shorter, ask to see pictures instead of rejecting the idea out of hand. Short doesn’t always mean cropped – hair that sits on the shoulders or just above has a feeling of length but can be shaped really flatteringly in a way that longer hair can’t. Don’t do it all at once if your hair has become your comfort blanket. An inch at a time is fine – it’s all about baby steps.’ Michaela Galvin, senior stylist at Jo Hansford
New twists
‘Long hair? Try a new up-do! Twists look youthful in the right way. Pin one on either side above your ears – loose and low is elegant. If you have a shorter bob, use tongs to curl random sections in different directions, leaving the ends straight for a modern feel. Run your fingers through the curls and blast with a dryer. Finish with styling cream. Kerluxe Multi-tasking 360°, £36, conditions and adds shine, so the overall look is polished.’ Earl Simms, celebrity hair stylist