Dry Hair:

 

Brittle, dry or coarse hair requires nourishment from within, so 'rinse-out' conditioners are not the answer. Instead use a high quality moisturising shampoo followed by an intensive conditioner. Preferably with heat so that it opens the hair cuticles and penetrates the hair shafts, giving both suppleness and bounce. Mousse often makes dry hair look dull, so use a blow-styling or other form of thickening lotion instead. And never excessively rub your hair when towel-drying it, as that will damage it more.

However, a tip worth trying is one that we at Browns have given people for well over half-a-century, which has helped thousands of clients using one of nature's own products. Do not first wash your hair and, before retiring to bed, warm some good quality olive oil in a pan and massage the oil into your hair. Using a large round toothed comb, gently work the oil through the hair from root to tip. Then wrap a towel around it in turban fashion and place at least 2 towels on your pillow to prevent staining during sleep. Next morning, before using any water, first massage in a moisturising shampoo. Proceed to wash the hair with the same shampoo and warm water until all traces of the oil have gone. "Sounds strange? ".. yet nature's own oil, as it's warm and left on throughout the night, will open up the cuticles and enter the hair shafts in an ideal manner. So if your hair is extremely dry or coarse, try that remedy about once or twice a week. But please be aware that it's far better if your hair is short. As if it's long it can take ages to untangle - and to shampoo all the oil out!
 
 
Fine or Thin Hair:
 
The best way to hide and improve the look of fine or thin hair is by having a good cut. Natural looking styles are back in fashion so ask for one that suits your particular hair and face, instead of attempting something which isn't natural looking. Try not to have your hair in too long a style and consider having it shaped into the nape of the neck. There are many well known people, both in public life and on TV, who have fine hair yet give the illusion of thick hair by having a good cut. Hair thickening shampoos will also help, as will firmer styling lotions that can make the hair more controllable. A semi-permanent colour can also give a feeling of thickness, while careful drying with a blow dry lotion can help control fly-away hair.
 
 
Split Ends:
 
Hair that has split at the ends can only being repaired by cutting. While protect it from reoccurring by keeping it supple, moisturised and by using a 'leave-in' conditioner. As with dry hair, avoid rubbing it excessively when towel drying, for that encourages more splitting. Some blow drying methods also cause damage, so always use a nozzle on your hairdryer and aim the air parallel to the hair shafts to avoid burning them. If the damage already exists, a serum product applied to the hair ends will assist in hiding them and will help when using direct heat such as from tongs. But the only real solution is to have the split ends cut off by your hairdresser using sharp scissors, which, if they are not, could leave a less than successful clean cut of the hair shafts.
 
Lack of Body:
 
Ensure that you obtain a good cut, not far below jaw length and with a few areas of layering using skilled and clever graduation. Colour enhancing can also help to create the illusion of extra body and the blow drying technique is most important. Use a wide-toothed vent brush and lift the hair up and towards the crown, putting creases at the roots so that they are there before styling the rest. Using very large Velcro rollers around the crown when the hair is still warm from blow drying can give increased lift. So after putting them in, spray with a hairspray, dry for a few minutes with a hairdryer, before allowing them to fully cool down.
 
 
Greasy Hair:
 
This is caused by over-active sebaceous glands that secrete excessive grease onto the hair. So avoid daily washing as it forms a vicious circle, where the more you wash it the more you stimulate the glands to produce more grease. Try also not to rub the scalp when washing the hair as it will further stimulate the glands, so use a 'flat-handed' method when shampooing. Another problem with regular washing is that, while the roots are greasy, the hair shafts become stripped of oil and the hair ends become brittle and dry. Use a mild ph-balanced shampoo, again without rubbing the scalp, and only apply conditioner to the middle and ends of the hair - never to the roots. Attention to diet is also important, so try and avoid oily and fatty foods which can contribute to a greasy skin and scalp. While children's shampoos are often mild enough to use for greasy hair.
 
 
Frizzy Hair:
 
Regular conditioning and rich moisturising products are needed to improve this problem. The hair style is also important, as if your hair is very frizzy then don't have too many layers. Instead have some longish ones that will allow the hair to flow. And always use a diffuser when blow-drying it as that will help control the frizz without removing the body from your hair.
 
 
Over-Dyed Hair:
 
The more your hair is coloured the more noticeable will be its re-growth, especially when going blonder. So for that blonde look, a few carefully chosen highlights, focusing lighter ones around the face, will give a natural look without an obvious re-growth appearance. Hair colouring is always best handled by experts. But when colouring light hair do remember that dye will often turn out darker than illustrated on its box. So if for example, you want dark brown hair, then choose a mid-brown colour.
 
 
Slow Hair Growth:
 
Hair growth cannot be speeded up in any way but you can keep it healthy. A regular trim every six weeks or so will keep thin ends in check. Also watch your diet, making sure you get sufficient minerals and vitamins, especially B12 and iron.
 
 
Hair Loss:
 
New mums often find their hair thins considerably after the birth, especially around the crown area. This is perfectly normal so don't worry about it. Stress sometimes causes hair loss as well, but eventually your hair usually returns to normal. Meanwhile you can follow the tips for fine or thin hair as described above.
 
 
Grey Hair:
 
If you've only a small amount of grey then a semi-permanent colour wash will cover it for about six to eight washes. For more than 30% grey then a more permanent colour will cover it whilst keeping a natural look. If you go grey in patches, a permanent tint or a foil and tone technique - where highlights are woven around the top and crown and a semi-permanent colour is put through the rest of the hair - is the best method to cover it. This creates warmth and depth throughout the hair.
 
 
Product build-up :
 
Styling products often contain silicon which build up on the hair and need regular cleansing in order to remove them. So where possible stop using styling products for a while to give your hair a rest, and occasionally change shampoos. Especially when using moisture rich types, try switching to milder ph-balanced shampoos instead.
 
 
Style doesn't suit:
 
Taking a picture in with you can help if you have an idea for a particular style. Or you could ask the stylist to suggest something, as most leading hairdressers offer a completely free and personal consultation service. Give as much information about yourself as possible, such as how much time you spend on your hair and what your own limits of styling abilities are. In general. If your face is narrow then a style containing width can work well. Whilst if it's round then something soft with texture may suit you better, for it's wise to remember that your hair is "the dress you never take off ". Unlike clothes which, if they don't suit you, can be quickly changed for something else from your wardrobe.