Is it just us, or is knowing the right way to treat your hair an absolute minefield? Wash it every day or leave it alone for a week? Heat or no heat? And how do you get that elusive shine?
With contrasting advice from friends and family, it can be difficult to know what route to take with the hair problems we all suffer from. Luckily for you, we called upon Gorka Arraras, Creative Manager and Senior Master Stylist at Charles Worthington for the all important answers to those burning questions.
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Winter is coming, which can wreak havoc on your hair. Which products are must-haves for protecting hair in winter?
"Regardless of summer or winter, a heat protecting primer is a must for every hair type. My favourite is the Kerastase Thermique- there’s one for all hair types, including fine, brittle to slightly dry, dry and unruly hair. This product would help keep hair healthy and we can build products on top, such as texturisers, volumising mousses, salt sprays and so on."
Split ends are everyone’s worst nightmare - what treatments/routine would you recommend for someone who’s suffering? Can you banish split ends for good?
"Sadly, you can't ever banish split ends completely. Split ends should be cut, otherwise the split will carry on up the hair shaft. If the hair is very brittle, treatments like the Extentioniste range or Fusio Dose HomeLab from Kerastase guarantee to lessen the chances of future breakage."
With the festive season on its way, most of us will be reaching for the curlers for celebratory events – what are your top tips for making your curls last all night?
"The best way to make your curls last all night is to separate each curl that has just been tonged and clip it to set with a hairspray layer, letting it set for at least 15 minutes, until the hair has cooled down."
What’s the weirdest trick you’ve learned from the trade that most people don’t believe when you tell them?
"Using Fairy Liquid to get rid of an over processed colour that has gone too dark and matte. It eventually lifts the hair slightly, breaking that solid effect."
How often should you really wash your hair?
"Two to three times a week, max. Even if you are a daily gym-goer, try rinsing it thoroughly every other time."
What remedy do you swear by to treat an oily scalp?
"The Fusio Scrub by Kerastase or the Chronoliste Scalp Cleanser work beautifully. I also like the Amla Hair Remedy from Alchemy Oils."
What treatment do you go to for a dry/itchy scalp?
"Naturally, you can put soothing oils such as coconut or olive oil to calm it, otherwise using a pH neutral shampoo is a must, and washing your hair in cool water tends help massively. Alchemy Oils has a great range of hair remedies to treat dry/itchy scalps."
How hot should you have your hairdryer?
"There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this. It all depends on the sensitivity of your scalp, which varies from person to person."
What’s your top tip for getting shiny locks?
"Get your hair cut regularly, use the right cleanser and conditioning treatments, protect hair before drying. The better you treat your hair, the more it will show. For instant shine, try the latest K Water treatment from Kerastase (salon only) which guarantees shine."