We answer the 5 hair questions our stylists get asked most often.

How often should I wash my hair?

This one is all down to the individual, as it depends on several factors, including your hair type, scalp health, lifestyle and personal preference. Generally, finer hair tends to get greasy more quickly than thicker textured or curly hair and needs to be washed more regularly, while if you have dry or damaged hair, you may benefit from leaving it a bit longer between washes to allow your hair’s natural oils to get to work. Unless your hair is very greasy or very dry, most people should wash their hair every two to three days, but if you work out regularly or use styling products every day, you may prefer to wash your hair more frequently. So it’s all about finding the right balance for you and your hair.

How long can I go between hair cuts?

The general rule is every six to eight weeks, although everyone’s hair grows at different rates. If you’ve got a shorter hair style you may want to visit the salon more frequently to maintain your style, but even if you’re trying to grow your hair, a regular trim will keep your hair strong and healthy and help prevent breakage.

Is dry shampoo bad for my hair?

The ultimate time-saver, dry shampoo is perfect for giving greasy hair a quick refresh post-workout or in between washes, and frankly, we’re all for it. Problems only really arise through overuse, when product build up coats the scalp and clogs the follicles, which can lead to irritation and itchiness. Stick to using it occasionally rather than for several days in a row, and be sure to brush your hair after applying to distribute the product evenly and minimise build up at the roots. Aveda’s Shampowder dry shampoo, £26, is perfect for absorbing excess oil and adding volume, and smells amazing, too. But remember that despite its name, dry shampoo doesn’t actually clean your hair. Nothing beats a proper wash with water and your regular shampoo to remove dirt, sweat, dead skin cells and sebum and maintain a healthy scalp.

If I colour my hair, do I need to use products that are specifically for coloured hair?

In short, yes. Using a colour-specific shampoo, conditioner and treatment will reduce colour fade and keep your shade looking salon-fresh for longer. Whether you’ve had highlights, balayage or an all over colour, any hair that has been coloured has undergone a chemical change, so it’s important to use nourishing products that repair and smooth each strand to maintain your colour’s vibrancy. We love Aveda’s Color Control Leave-in treatment, £27.50, available in light and rich formulations.

Can I do anything to prevent split ends?

Nothing can repair split ends once your hair has frayed, but there are things you can do to prevent them happening in the first place. Hair is fragile so treat it with a bit of TLC when brushing and styling. Use a wide-toothed comb or wet hair brush when detangling wet hair, starting at the ends of the hair and working up. Apply a heat protectant product like Aveda’s Heat Relief Thermal Protector and Conditioning Mist, £27, before using heated styling tools, and ideally don’t use them at their highest temperature setting. To reduce the appearance of split ends and strengthen and smooth the hair, we recommend Aveda’s Botanical Repair Strengthening Overnight Serum, £42. And finally, a regular trim will keep you hair looking healthy, and prevent any split ends travelling further up the hair shaft.

What we’re up to this month…

Watching

If you haven’t seen any of Starstruck yet, you’re in for a real treat. This warm-hearted romcom is brilliantly written, sparklingly witty, sometimes emotional, but never overly soppy. And with each episode coming in at under half an hour, it’s the perfect binge-watch. All three series are available on iPlayer.

Loving where we live

It may not have been a stellar summer, but whatever the weather we always appreciate how lucky we are to enjoy living by the sea. Organise a community beach clean with a couple of friends and family and register it with Surfers Against Sewage’s Million Mile Clean campaign, and they’ll provide you with enough beach cleaning equipment for up to 30 volunteers.

That’s all for this month! We hope to see you soon. Book your next appointment with us online, by email or over the phone.