Hair Q&A with Gary Ingham

Incredibly talented Gary Ingham was most recently seen as Director at Trevor Sorbie's salon in Covent Garden and is a former London Hairdresser of the Year finalist. He's finally taken his talents his fab new salon in Hampstead where he delivers high quality, technically accurate, elegant hairdressing with every snip.

Hi Gary

 

My hair is in good condition but I suffer with an itchy scalp. It is worse when I get hot and particularly in bed at night when I am restless.   I've tried lots of different medicated shampoos which help to soothe it short term.  I've also tried to find styling products that are suitable and not make it worse but to no avail.  Can you recommend any products that would help?

 

Gaynor

Kent

 

Hi Gaynor,

 

Some shampoos are working for you, if only in the short term, so perhaps try alternating brands. Have 4 or 5 of the best in your bathroom and swap from one to the other regularly. It's an old chestnut, but healthy hair really does begin with a healthy scalp. Aveda's Scalp Benefits is one of the very best scalp products out there, and because it's 98% organically derived, is unlikely to have any negative effects.  Bumble and bumble's Tonic Shampoo is a great daily cleanser with therapeutic tea tree oil which will gently tone and soothe your scalp. Both are definitely worth trying.

If it gets worse on a night, you should check what your pillows are made from. You could be allergic to the contents, or even the pillow-cases. Most department stores sell non-allergenic pillows, and if your pillow-cases are made from man-made fibres (polyester etc) then change them for 100% cotton.

If your scalp doesn't calm down after a week or so I'd recommend a quick trip to a tricologist. It may be that you are allergic to some common component in shampoo, or that other external influences are causing this particular reaction. Good luck.

 

 

Hi Gary

 

My hair is really fine.  I love the layered looks which are in at the moment, but worry that my hair is just too fine to cope.  My hair is currently mid way down my back - please help with any suggestions as I always seem to wear it the same, and its definitely time for a change even though my hair is so thin. Should I go short?

 

Thanks, Tara

 

Hi Tara,

When you're considering making such a drastic change as going from very long to short you need to be certain that you're putting your hair in the hands of someone you can really trust. Even if you've been going to the same stylist for years - in fact especially if you have been going to the same stylist for years - have at least 3 consultations with good quality stylists in your area. Try and get recommendations from people with hair you admire. By seeing a few stylists you'll get a feel for who can best work with you and your hair.

For fine hair, as you describe, one-length and graduated haircuts work the best. But why not go really short? A change is as good as a rest... there's some great short-cut pixie crops around at the moment, but remember, for optimum results visit your stylist every 4-6 weeks to keep your crop well cropped!

 

Hi Gary

 

I have fluffy wavy hair that often ends up looking a state unless I straighten it. Ideally not wanting to use damaging heat products each day is there anything I can use to either encourage the wave or straighten out the fluff? It is also incredibly slow growing and anything that you know of to make it grow would also be appreciated.

 

Regards,

Karima Brady

 

Hi Karima,

 

Many people have hair that's neither here nor there... not quite curly, not quite straight, but luckily there are plenty of products out there to encourage your hair to go one way or the other. As curls are big at the moment, I'm going to concentrate on products that will bring out the best in your texture. The Curl Conscious range from New York's Bumble and bumble contains a wonderful curl-boosting shampoo and conditioner and a nourishing masque, all designed to enhance the curl of your hair and bring it to the fore. Follow with styling products designed for a specific purpose like Defining Creme - to support fine curls that tend to drop, keeping them shapely and resilient - or Reactivating Mist - to awaken soft curls or tame wild ones - and you'll find you've got waves or curls that even Reubens would die for!

 

 

Hi Gary

My daughter, age 23 has strong dark honey blonde very thick hair which she currently wears straight with a centre parting.  The length is just below her shoulders.  When she wants it to look special she tongs it to give it gentle curls which really softens her look and suits her, but it takes a lot of time.

She has thought about having a light body perm, because the weight of her hair does not allow the tonged curls to stay in very long, but she is worried that a perm may produce a thick frizz effect.

Can you please advise her.

 

Regards,

Pauline Harman

 

Hi Pauline,

 

Ask your stylist to add graduation to the front of your daughter's haircut, and then weave cut underneath the back sections. If your stylist doesn't know what Weave Cutting is, find a new stylist!

This will eliminate a lot of the weight and density in the hair, which is why the curls currently drop out after a while.

By devolumising like this - and using the correct products -  your daughter will find that styling will last longer, and look much better. Try Bumble and bumble Does It All Spray for a great long-lasting hold.

 

 

Hi Gary,

 

I have relatively thick wavy long (often frizzy) Mediterranean hair. I have kept it long for years and have not changed my style that much as its easiest to manage. I would still like to keep it long but change the style - something fashionable. I also don't have the time/patience to spend too long on my hair - only if I am going out. I really would like a change but I think fringes are a big No no!; I have just got married and would really like something different. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated that would suit my thick frizzy hair.

 

Kind regards,

 

Helena.

 

Hi Helena,

 

First things first - you need to tame that frizz! It doesn't matter what look you go for, if you're not happy with the texture, you'll never be happy with the style. Try L'Oreal Professional's X-Tenso; it's a long lasting smoothing service to tame frizz, help devolumise and smooth hair cuticles for up to 12 weeks. It will calm your hair, make it much more manageable and give it a silky, sexy feel. Once you've got that sorted you can chat to your stylist about what styles will work with your new texture, taking into consideration your face shape and lifestyle. Remember, for best results don't tell your stylist what you want, but ask them what they think will best suit you - it'll always get you better results as they are the experts.

 

To make an appointment with Gary or one of the team at the Hampstead salon call  020 7431 0777.

 

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