Our Choice of 5 familiar hair problems… and how to solve them!

Whether it’s frizzy, damaged or lacking in volume, we all tend to suffer from a few familiar hair problems. So we’ve pulled together the five most common difficulties our clients face with their hair and show you how to overcome them.

1. I need more volume in my hair…

This has got to be the most common of all the hair problems we hear. But if your hair is fine and lacking in volume there are several ways you can make it look and feel fuller.

To begin with, make sure you’ve got the basics right. You need a style that’s going to give the illusion of volume. There are plenty to choose from, both long and short and your stylist will be able to help you pick the best one for you.

Once you’ve got the right cut, the right hair care products will be your biggest ally. Firstly, make sure you’re using a shampoo and conditioner that has been specially formulated to add volume. Next, try not to wash your hair more than two or three times a week as this can make hair limp. Finally, get yourself a good volumizing mousse that will build up even more volume as you blow-dry. We recommend the KMS California Add Volume range.

There are also several styling techniques that you can use to pump up the volume of fine hair. For example, blow-drying away from the scalp, gently backcombing your hair and adding bounce and volume with some velcro rollers.

2. My hair is out of control…

Another big hair problem our clients face is trying to control frizz. Although this can never be completely cured, there are certainly ways to reduce it.

Probably the single most important thing you can do in your fight against frizz is to make sure your hair is kept well hydrated. This means not only using a shampoo and conditioner that will replenish lost moisture but also applying an intense hydrating treatment once a week for deep moisturising. We like the smoothing range from Moroccanoil.
A simple trick you could try is to wrap a silk scarf around your head before bed or swap it for a silk pillowcase. The smooth silk prevents the build-up of friction and static which can cause frizz.
Of course, keeping your hair out of the rain will also help prevent frizz, so always keep one of those fold-up umbrellas handy. And in winter, be sure to avoid woollen hats as these are a sure way to bring out the frizz.
For more tips and information about controlling frizz, see our post, 7 ways to keep your hair frizz-free.

3. My hair is too greasy…

Oily hair isn’t just the preserve of teenagers; some of us struggle with it for most of our lives. But as with most hair problems, there are ways to minimize the impact.

If you struggle with oily hair the important thing you can do is to try and break the constant cycle of washing, styling and washing again. Although it’s hard, you need to try and reduce washing down to every second or third day; but before you despair, you do have an ally – dry shampoo. This is the saviour of greasy hair and will absorb excess oil and build up bulk in second-day hair. Over time your hair should adapt and need washing less frequently.
When you do wash your hair, make sure you’re rinsing really thoroughly as sometimes you can make your hair look more oily with a build-up of shampoo and conditioner. Finally, choose your styling products carefully and avoid anything that contains oils to add shine.

4. My hair is dry and damaged…

At the opposite end of the spectrum from greasy hair lies that of dry and damaged tresses. So if this is your predicament, what should you do?

Well, the answer is twofold. Firstly get rid of those damaged ends with a visit to the salon, even if that means losing a couple of inches or more. Split ends can’t be repaired. So they need removing before you can move on to part two which is preventing them from coming back.
To do this, make sure you condition the mid-lengths and ends every time you get your hair wet, even if you haven’t washed it. In addition, treat your hair with care, especially when wet as this is when it is most prone to breaking. When you’re drying with a towel dab rather than rub. Also, never, ever brush wet hair – always use a wide-toothed comb.

Finally, try and reduce the amount of heat that you expose your hair to as this can wreak havoc with dry hair. Aim to air dry your hair where possible, don’t use the straighteners every day, and ALWAYS use a heat protection product.

5. I wish my hair were glossier and shinier…

If dull and drab is what gets you down about your hair, then these tips should see you showing off shiny, glossy locks in no time at all.

The key to super shiny tresses is smooth hair cuticles. This is because a smooth surface reflects the light better and so gives the illusion of shine. To achieve this you need to keep your hair healthy and hydrated. Something like the Lifestyle Detox and Nourish treatment will kick start this process which you can then build on at home.
A good diet is just as important for glowing hair as it is for glowing skin so make sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need. Omega 3 oils are particularly important for healthy hair. Read Eat your way to healthier hair here.
If your hair is in good condition but still lacks shine, maybe you need to rinse your hair more thoroughly. Shampoo and conditioner left in the hair are one of the most common causes of dull hair. So when you’ve finished rinsing, then rinse again. Right up until the water is running crystal clear and your hair squeaks when the palm of your hand is run over it.
Check out this blog for more Easy ways to revive dull hair.

No doubt all of us can relate to at least one of these common hair problems. But by making just a few changes to your hair care routine you could be waving them goodbye forever.

For more advice go to L’Oreal.com