Q1. Frizz
I have naturally wavy/frizzy hair that's uncontrollable unless I force it into submission with heated implements. And, of course, continued use of these appliances makes it worse, a vicious circle of frizz! I have no idea what I can do about this. Can you give me some hair care help?
A. Frizz control is particularly important at this time of year as winter weather can exacerbate the problem. If wintering in the tropics is out of the question, replace lost moisture with a deep conditioner hair care product such as TIGI Chocolate Head (£10.50, call 0870 330 0955) once a week, to stop hair drying out.
If you don't have the type of hair that can be left to dry naturally without it looking as though you've crawled through a hedge backwards, take heart because industry boffins have been inspired to create hair appliances that use the principle of ion technology, where basically a flow of negative ions neutralises the naturally occurring positive ions that causee electro-static and frizziness. The mission of these appliances: to make daily styling less of a battle. It's this technology that helps product the sleek finish you get from celebs' fave, ghd ceramic straighteners. If it's the ends of your hair that are most troublesome, use the cool setting on your hairdryer to dry and 'set' these for a bit longer and use Sunsilk Aloe Serum Frizz Control Cream (£1.99) sparingly to dress hair daily.
Q2. Dryness
I have long, thick, straight hair and no matter what I do, it always feels so dry. I wash it with a moisturising shampoo and I even leave the conditioner in while I finish my shower and rinse it off last, but still, after blow-drying, my hair is always dry. What can I do to fix this?
A. It sounds like you're doing the right thing, but are you combing the conditioner right through to the ends? If you're not using one already indulge in an intensive treatment once a week. Bumble & Bumble Deeep (from £8, call 01768 895505) is a 20-minute protein feast and a favourite of Sophie Dahl. Kérastase Nutritive Masquintense for Dry & Thick Hair (£11, call 0800 316440) is another revitaliser that is highly recommended. A spritz-on, leave-in conditioner such as Fudge 1 shot+ (£8.50, www.fudge.com) can be used daily as back-up to your usual regime.
Hair does lose condition with age and regular trips to the hairdresser and a balanced diet do play a significant role in keeping long locks looking their best. Limit usage of heated appliances and wait 'til hair is around 80 per cent dry before blow-drying on a medium heat. Brushing hair regularly will stimulate the scalp's production of natural oils and distribute them throughout the hair, helping to counteract dryness.
Q3. Choosing the right product
How do you knowing which shampoos to use/buy ... are all high street brands - Pantene, VO5, Herbal Essences etc - bad for your hair? Should you follow the advice of your hairdresser and only use salon products such as Redken, Kérastase and others?
A. No shampoo is bad for your hair providing you select the right formula for your hair type and use it correctly – eg cleanse hair thoroughly and rinse away all residue. However, if you have dry or coloured locks and wash your hair daily, harsh detergents are to be avoided. Hairdressing is an industry and therefore marketing does play a part. Stylists are encouraged to act as sales people in salons for professional brands, though many of these products have been developed using expert technology over many years. They are put through their paces by professionals every day and also may contain higher concentrations of hair-friendly ingredients than less expensive consumer brands, which is why they cost more (Redken shampoos from £8). That said, the proliferation of designer hair care brands in the consumer market from the likes of Beverly Cobella, Nicky Clarke, John Frieda, Jo Hansford and Trevor Sorbie provide expertise and glamour at a more modest price.
Also, spending a little more may make washing your hair a more indulgent experience rather than a hurried chore. For example, Beverly Cobella products (from £3.99) share a sensual 'floriental' signature scent. Expect a certain amount of trial and error before you find a brand you love above all others, however switching brands from time to time helps hair from getting 'bored'. Look for in-store or in-salon promotions such as buy-one-get-one-free on name brands if you want to try them for the first time and also try some homemade remedies such as using mashed up avocado or mayonnaise as a conditioner if you're struggling 'til payday.
Q4. Flatness
I have long, fine hair and it goes flat so quickly! How can I give it some oomph?
A. You're not alone, according to a survey carried out on behalf of John Frieda hair care, one in five UK women think their crowning glory lacks body, is fine, flat or limp. Inspired by these findings the new John Frieda Volume range (from £4.29) delivers full-bodied results to flat and limp locks in a four-step ritual. These products are exclusive to Boots nationwide until December and at major retailers from January 2004.
Another solution may be having some texture cut into your hair or opting for a shorter style - say shoulder length - if your locks are very long. Also tint, highlights or low-lights immediately add body by thickening up the hair's appearance; permanent colour coats each strand, swelling the dimensions. If hair has a tendency to flatness at the roots, add some va-va-voom with Wella Silvikrin 24 Hour Volume Mousse (£2.49). Denman's Thermo Magic Rollers (£4.50) are ideal for creating root lift and are really simple to use, pop them in and blow-dry as normal. Learning how to blow-dry using a radial brush will also give hair more body at the roots and ends. With 'big hair' in vogue, back-combing is all the rage for creating retro-60s looks and again gives the appearance of abundant perky locks.
Q5. Fly-away hair
My hair is fine and tends to be on the fluffy side! How should I keep it sleek without over-loading it with product, which leaves it looking dull and greasy?
A. The right cut is vital if you have fine, flyaway locks. This season's trendy blunt cuts and lightly texturised straight lines should suit your hair type and help control the fluffy factor. Avoid lots of feathering through the ends as it can emphasise the wispiness if not done skilfully. Build strength with Andrew Collinge Salon Solutions Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner (£3.95 each), both of which contain thickening agents and anti-static ingredients. Avoid styling waxes and any silicone-based products because they can weigh the hair down and make it look lank. Modern Organic Products Styling Tonic (£7.95, call 01282 613413), with certified organic horsetail and echinacea, is a leave-in conditioning spray detangler, which is ideal for use when blow-drying fine hair. A natural bristle brush and a misting of Nicky Clarke Hairomatherapy should also help discourage a build-up of static electricity - a key reason why all those unruly strands wave around like tentacles.
