Hair Q&A with Phil Smith

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Hi Phil,

My hair has changed in texture since having children five years ago. It's mid length with a strange 'layer' 3 inches from the bottom after a misunderstanding with my hairdresser. This doesn't help matters at all as it bulks out in a strange fashion at the layer and then is wavy at the bottom. I like my hair when it's 3/4 dry and not so bulky, it also has a nice wave to it then. Once it's dry it just goes crazy, big, bulky and very fluffy. I have little time to spend taming it, but would like to wear it down more often. Any tips would be gratefully received!

Best wishes

Jo

Hi Jo,

It sounds like you almost have two separate hair cuts, so the first thing I would suggest is finding a new stylist who you feel understands you so the layer can be blended in with the rest of the hair. I always recommend taking an image of the style you would like into the salon so there is no misunderstanding. Once the layer has been blended in and you are happy with the cut, you need to get the correct products for your hair.

After having children your hair does change, it will loose moisture and elasticity so you need to replace this with the correct products. Use my Be Gorgeous Moisture Rich shampoo and conditioner to give extra life to your hair, and before blow drying apply a small amount of my Be Gorgeous Heat Protection Blow Dry Cream to the mid length and ends of your hair. With your hair type you need a large bristle brush and hair dryer with a nozzle to get the smooth result you're after. Together these will give you the smooth, frizz free you long for again.

Hi

I am 56 and suffering from fluffy hair. It is fine and still quite thick. I have never been able to have a 'bob' because my hair doesn't swing. With the increasing amount of grey (covered with colour) it is more and more difficult to get a good result. Thickening shampoos leave my hair like Brillo. Hydrating and anti frizz shampoos work but humidity makes my hair even more fluffy. I don't do bed head styles because I look like a bag lady but I don't want a lacquered style as it is just dated.

Help please!

Jan

Hi Jan,

I think you must have fine hair - but lots of it! The last thing you need is a thickening shampoo, but I would suggest sticking with a moisturising range, such as my Be Gorgeous Moisture Rich Shampoo and Conditioner. You need to replace the moisture that coloured hair demands.

The humidity issue can easily be prevented with a few tricks, such as ‘setting' the hair with a shot of cold air from your dryer once the hair is dry. Make sure the hair is 100% dry otherwise it will frizz up as soon as you step outside. After this, gently mist the hair with my Xtreme Style Xtravagant Hairspray to give it a slight hold, and that much wanted shine.

With regards to your colour, I would suggest you embrace the grey. A grey bob is a strong look, made popular by Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada - and her hair doesn't swing either!

Hi Phil,

I'm in my early 50's with shortish hair which is fine in texture but lots of it at the back but not so much near the fringe, overall it is fairly straight with a slight kink to it. I also have very curly sideboards which were like ringlets when I was younger but are now frizzy and uncontrollable. Please help, I've tried all kinds of products and nothing seems to work. I think maybe the cut is not right for me.

Maureen

Hi Maureen,

I agree, I don't think the cut is right for you. In fact, it sounds like the cut isn't right for anyone! Either go for a short, Victoria Beckham style crop, which looks good at any age and with the right products, or opt for something a little softer but a little more high maintenance, such as Natasha Kaplinsky . Taking more hair into a side-sweeping fringe will create a balance to your style and while it might be more time consuming, the end result looks very stylish. To recreate Natasha's look use a round brush for lots of volume and my Be Gorgeous Big it Up Mousse to give some body and hold, then straighten through the ends for that choppy textured look. Finish with my Xtreme Style Xtravagant Hairspray for hold and shine.

Hi Phil,

I currently have very long relaxed hair but am fed up with it being thin, I want the flexibility to have my natural curly hair but be able to have it straight if I wish. However my hair when natural doesn't show its length and its curls very well, plus I have the problem of a fluffy hair line. I have been advised to try a hair texturiser as it doesn't process your hair as much as a relaxer, is this advisable.

Thanks in advance

Cecilia

Hi Cecila,

There are in-salon treatments out there now which sound perfect for your hair type. They pack the hair with Keratin, protein for hair, so leave it feeling super smooth, glossy and easy to manage. While treatment is great and lasts for three months, it is expensive.

With the right products you can eliminate the fluff and enhance the curl. It is a lack of moisture in your hair that creates the frizz, and this can be the result of blow drying and straightening without the right heat protection. If you are leaving your hair to dry naturally, apply a five pence size of my Xtreme Style Xpanding Thickening Cream to the mid-length and ends of your hair, once it is have been towelled dried. Finish with my Xtreme Style Xtrated Shin Serum for extra definition and shine. However, if you are going straight then mist your hair with my Be Gorgeous Heat Protection Irons Straightening Mist to protect the hair from the heat of the hair dryer and irons, and again finish with Super Straight Leave Me Sleek Serum to keep the fly-aways at bay.

Dear Phil,

I need your advice about a haircut to suit my face shape and take into consideration my hair texture. I have lots of hair and it's very wavy, almost curly, plus my face is round with full cheeks. For the last five years I have kept my hair at shoulder length and I keep wearing it in a pony tail or I blow-dry and then iron it straight twice a week. It's very shiny and healthy because I deep condition it once a week and every three months I attend the stylist for a trim, but now I'm ready for a change and let my hair be free. It's so much effort and it takes a lot of time every morning to make it look just right. I would be grateful for any advice you could give me.

Best regards,

Pia.

Hi Pia,

It is always great to hear from someone who uses a weekly mask and visits their salon regularly! Top marks there. With regards to your hair type and face shape I would recommend you grow your hair a few inches as this will drop the curl down and elongate your face shape. Charlize Theron and Thandie Newton both have round faces but with simple, long layers cut around the jaw line and below it highlights their cheekbones, giving the impression of a heart shaped face.

Using my Xtreme Style Xceptional Curl Cream will give a sexy dishevelled finish to your hair, in a similar style to Kate Hudson and her mother Goldie Hawn

Visit philsmithhair.com for more information.

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