Hair Q&A with Leo Bancroft

At only 28 Leo Bancroft is fast becoming an impressive name in the hair industry. Already hairdresser to the stars he nevertheless keeps himself grounded as the Global educator for Redken, New York...

When he isn't teaching you can find him starring as the face of global brand TRESemmé and he has just endorsed an exclusive electrical range of products with TRESemmé Philips. We can only wait with excitement to see what 2009 holds for this talented stylist.

Hi

As I am fast approaching my 40's, I have recently become concerned about thinning hair as it seems to fall out an awful lot now, I have shoulder length hair which I have coloured every couple of months and use straighteners on it at times, such as when I go on a night out, at Christmas, or on the odd occasion for work, but recently I have found that it falls out pretty easily leaving my mark everywhere I go, also whenever I wash it I seem to leave numerous hairs in the bath, and when I comb it the comb seems to collect a lot of hairs. I have heard about Nourkin that is meant for thinning hair and another but they are expensive and out of my budget. I wondered if there are any inexpensive shampoos, conditioners out there that I could try for this problem that really work?

Many thanks

Samantha

 

It's pretty normal to lose around 100 hairs a day but if you feel that the amount of hair you're losing has increased dramatically I'd recommend a visit to your GP before you shell out on expensive supplements, as often hair loss can be a medical issue - hormones, stress etc can all contribute.  There are products on the market which can help - they tend to be salon brands like Redken's Vivagen.  It's difficult to say whether they will have an effect in your case but are well worth a try.

 

Hi

After many years of my hair being straight and me straightening it, while on holiday and not being able to dry the hair with a dryer I discovered I have a few curls and loads of body but I don't know how to care for it and make the most of my newly discovered volume, what products do I use? My hair is shoulder length, naturally ginger biscuit colour, thick but can be dry at times. Can you please advise me on what I can do to make the most of my natural hair texture?

 

Thank you

Debbie

 

I like your style - curls are still massive news this year and you're right to be encouraging your newly discovered natural movement.  You need a product to keep the hair moisturised while adding definition to the curl bit keeping things soft and touchable - try the new TRESemmé Flawless Curls Leave In Hydration Cream, then either diffuse gently or leave to dry naturally.   

 

Hi there

I'm a natural blonde, and have grown out my crop to a chin level layered bob now.  For ages, I've wanted to really go quite retro-modern and get a Marilyn Monroe style hairdo.  I know I could probably do this with curlers etc., but I really want something on a more permanent basis as I don't have time to faff around with all that before I go out to work in the morning, as a mum of 2!  I'm happy to go a shade lighter as well, and be quite bold! Where do I start, and what do I need to ask my hairdresser for?  Obviously I don't want someone to make a dogs breakfast of it!

 

Thanks in advance for your help

Nic Bailey

 

The only permanent option is a soft perm, but I don't think you'll get the groomed, glam look you're after.  Because your hairstyle needs to fit your lifestyle, you should talk to your hairdresser about what you need in terms of time as well as the style you want to achieve.  I'd suggest keeping your bob but take it up an inch or two to get it looking sharp and maybe go more daring on the shade, that way you've got a versatile style which you can work into a Marilyn look when you have time, or rough dry in the mornings and add a little wax at the ends for a funky style.

 

Hi

I am a 16 year old girl with naturally curly hair, which I love and try to care for as much as possible. I usually use GHD hair straighteners to style the top layers of my hair, which are about 12cms long and I try to pull them up at the roots and slightly curl them at the ends to give a bit more volume. I use hairspray to attempt to keep these in and also use a texturising paste. The ends of my hair I leave natural and they curl as normal. When my hair is curly it comes down to just below my shoulders. My hair is a black brown colour and I don't use conditioner at the roots. The problem I'm having is with the top layers. I find they easily go flat and straighten out quite a lot.

 

I am trying to achieve is a full voluminous look where the top layers are longer controlled curls which have volume underneath. If you've ever checked out some of the bigger, curly hairstyles the American model 'Audrey Kitching' has, you might have a clearer understand of what I'm trying to get. I just wondered if you know how I can achieve hair like that, am I using the wrong products or using my GHDs in the wrong way? I'd appreciate it so much if you could try and help.

 

Thanks

Lauren

 

I think you're overloading the top layers.  Firstly, put down the GHDs.  Diffusing the curls dry will help you get the volume you're looking for, then once dry, I think you'd be better off with a curling tong to style and enhance your natural curls.  To get the style you're looking for experiment with the tong - pick out small sections to create more definition on the top layers or bigger sections to get a softer look.  Wind the sections tighter for ringlet style curls, or loosely for waves.  Remember to use a heat protection spray before you blow dry or tong, and I'd also suggest a handful of mousse before you diffuse to help support your curls as well as maybe a styling crème or leave in conditioner.

 

Hi

I have had the same hairstyle for quite a while now and I really fancy a change and I want to go for something a bit edgier and possibly a lot shorter as I have medium long hair and I have quite a long face shape. What would you suggest?

 

Thanks

Danielle

 

How short you go and what style is going to work all depends on the texture of your hair.  The bob shape is still so strong but with lots of variation - I love Gwyneth Paltrow's longer bob, but you might want to go for a side parting to balance out your features.  A shorter bob looks great if you have the hair type to pull it off - you can go quite heavy around the face - think Katie Holmes - or have it sliced into to create lots of texture which you can have fun styling. 

 

 

To make an appointment with Leo or one of his team call 01932 844 443, leobancroft.com

 

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