Hair Q&A with Errol Douglas

Errol Douglas is one of the country's best known and most well loved hairdressers. He has been nominated nine times for British Hairdresser of the Year and his swish London salon plays host to glamorous women and top celebs; all of them receiving Douglas' trademark elegant cuts and beautiful blow drys. Douglas is also renowned for his backstage and session work, and regularly makes TV appearances.

Dear Errol

I'm always looking for a new ways to re-vamp my hair and I've seen lots of advertising recently for Layered Shampoos - do they really work? And what are they designed to do? Just need advice before I invest! Thanks, Susie

Hi Susie,

I'd say layered shampoo is marketing speak - I think in hairdressers terms it would be a texturising shampoo to put texture into hair - it automatically means it'll give body and movement, though obviously you'll need a haircut that is inclined to embrace texture in the first place! A good cut will make more of a difference than a shampoo so if you're looking to re-vamp I'd say your style is the first port of call. That said, on the right cut a texturising shampoo is a great start - the right shampoo and conditioner are the building blocks for a good hair day... hope that helps!

Hi Errol

I have been using henna for years and years on my hair but it soon fades so I wondered what would be a natural colorant to use instead. Do you have any recommendations?

Thanks, Christine

Hi Christine,

Henna has been a natural favourite for years but these days there are a number of really fabulous alternatives that are still natural but perform incredibly well. Professionally, the best bet is to have a consultation with a reputable colourist and have a look at charts and books to find the right shade for your complexion. A skin test is also essential even when using natural products. We use different vegetable/organic colours in the salon to products that are available on the market for home colouring and I always recommend that people come into a salon for this service. With the right colour and care your new shade won't fade like the henna so it's worth the investment in the long run.

Hello Errol

I'm quite embarrassed at asking this question - although I have noticed over the last few months that I am dramatically losing my hair. I do understand that we lose a certain amount every day - although I am 27 years old and my hair has suddenly become so incredibly fine that people are starting to comment on it. I am healthy and an active person - no illnesses, and have good genetics with a family all with a full thick head of hair.

But lately, even when taking a shower, I seem to lose at least three times what I have been used to my whole life. I have also noticed that my scalp is itchy a lot more too. I am really concerned that this is becoming a socially noticeable problem when I am still quite young. At first I tried to overlook this - just marking it down to my simple paranoia. Are there any products or salon treatments I should try?
Please let me know any advice or treatment that may somehow stimulate hair growth.


Thank you, Vanessa

Hi Vanessa,

I'm really really sorry to hear this - I know how distressing it can be. The best thing for you to do is go and see a trichologist. Most hairdressers can only recommend surface treatments if there's something wrong, but a tricholgist will put samples from your scalp and hair under a microscope, analyse it and give an on the spot diagnosis. I strongly recommend Philip Kingsley, or the Institute of Trichologists can help you to find someone local. You need to know what the cause is before you start attempting to rectify it with products or treatments. It's important that you do take action but don't worry as it could be an easy problem to solve. And worrying is terrible for the scalp and hair and can exacerbate hair loss!

Dear Errol

Ok this might seem like a silly question but with lots of woolly jumpers and hats coming back for winter - how can I stop my hair being static? It seems to get static at the drop of a hat in winter and it's so annoying? Do I need to use a hair spray?

Thanks in advance, K

Hi K,

There's some brilliant products on the market now, so look for anything that has anti-static qualities. Also avoiding brushing or combing the hair with nylon fibres as this will encourage static - a boar bristle brush is best. Using leave in conditioner will make hair heavier and less prone to being flyaway too.

Hi Errol

My hairdresser put pink panels in my hair but they tend to fade lots after 2 washes - what colour will they go? My hair was previously dyed mahogany and now I'm worried what colour my hair will be. Should I stop using the pink dyes?

Thanks, Emma

Hi Emma,

I have to be honest, it's almost impossible to guess what colour your hair will go without seeing it and having an idea of what colour it is/was. I love clients who experiment with colour but it's something that you're right to leave to the experts - it's such an exact science because you have to consider the hair's base tone along with how it will react to colours you put on and what effect they will have on existing colours, it's such a lot to think about! The type of colour used is also a consideration - is it a vegetable colour, a semi permanent or a permanent? Speak to your hairdresser about what colour they're using and what you want from it, they should be able to work out why it's fading so fast and what the solution is for panels with staying power.

Good luck!

To make an appointment with Errol or one of his team call 020 7235 0110, Erroldouglas.com

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