Top 10 Most Common Haircare Questions Answered

We’re here to answer the top 10 most frequently asked questions about haircare, helping you achieve healthier, shinier, and more manageable hair.

Supermarket vs. Salon Professional Haircare

The key difference between supermarket and professional haircare products lies in the quality and concentration of ingredients. Professional products typically feature higher-grade, targeted formulas designed for specific hair types, while supermarket brands often contain cheaper fillers and harsher chemicals. While supermarket products may be more affordable and convenient, they often don’t provide long-term benefits. Many products in this category use silicones to create the appearance of smooth, shiny hair, but these simply coat the surface of the hair without offering any deep nourishment. On the other hand, salon-quality products are formulated to truly improve hair health, delivering lasting results with ingredients that work from the inside out.

How Do You Wash Your Hair Properly?

The first step to a thorough wash is brushing your hair before getting it wet. This stimulates blood flow, loosens scalp buildup, and helps break down any styling products. Next, rinse your hair thoroughly–this step is often rushed but crucial for a clean scalp. Use the pads of your fingertips to gently massage your scalp, loosening dead skin and product residue. Apply your shampoo directly to the scalp, where most of the buildup occurs. When you apply your second shampoo, you can use less product. Gently work it through your hair, avoiding any harsh rubbing or pulling. Once done, rinse thoroughly to ensure shine and manageability. To maximise the effectiveness of your conditioner or mask, squeeze out excess water from your hair before application. Apply conditioner to the mid-lengths of your hair, avoiding the roots. Finish with a cold rinse to help seal the cuticle and lock in moisture, giving your hair a glossy finish. Lastly, avoid roughing up your hair with a towel–simply squeeze gently to remove excess water.

What Causes Split Ends?

Split ends occur when the hair cuticle, or outer layer, becomes damaged, causing the hair shaft to split or fray. This damage can make hair appear thinner, feel rough, and break more easily. Common causes of split ends include excessive heat styling, harsh chemical treatments, exposure to extreme weather conditions, sleeping with wet hair, tying hair up regularly, and natural aging. Split ends often appear as a Y-shape or fork at the tip of the hair. Regular trims, along with leave-in conditioners and repair serums, can help manage split ends and prevent further damage.

How Do You Grow Your Hair?

There’s no magic formula for fast hair growth, but several factors can help support the process. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, managing stress levels, using hair thinning or hair loss products designed to stimulate growth, and gently massaging your scalp can all contribute to healthier hair. While genetics play a significant role, these lifestyle changes can encourage optimal hair health and growth.

How Do You Prevent Colour Fading?

To preserve the vibrancy of your hair colour and prevent fading, avoid overexposure to heat styling tools, wash your hair less frequently, and use colour protecting products specifically formulated for colour-treated hair. Regular hydration is also essential, as dry hair is more prone to colour loss. Additionally, protect your hair from UV rays by wearing a hat or using UV-protectant hair products.

Is Heat Bad for Your Hair?

Excessive heat styling can be damaging to your hair, stripping it of natural moisture and causing the cuticle to lift. This leads to dryness, breakage, split ends, and a dull appearance. To minimise heat damage, always use a heat protectant before styling, adjust the heat settings to a lower temperature, and limit the frequency of heat styling. When possible, try air-drying your hair and get regular trims to prevent split ends. Overusing heat can result in damaged hair that’s prone to frizz and fading colour.

How Often Should You Tone Your Hair?

Toning is typically necessary every 4-6 weeks when done in a salon to maintain your desired colour, though this may vary based on hair type and how often you wash your hair. At-home toners will need to be done more frequently every 1-2 weeks. For those with blonde or lightened hair, toning can help neutralise brassiness and keep the colour looking fresh. If your hair tends to become brassy quickly, you may need to tone it more frequently. Stronger toners can last longer, so you might not need to reapply as often. Your washing habits also impact how quickly toner fades—frequent washing can speed up the process.

Am I Losing Too Much Hair? What Could Be Causing It?

It's normal to lose between 50 and 100 strands of hair per day as part of the natural hair growth cycle. However, various factors can contribute to increased hair loss, including nutrition, stress, hygiene, daily styling habits, and certain medications. Hairstyles like braids, cornrows, weaves, and tight ponytails can also lead to a specific type of hair loss known as traction alopecia. Additionally, excessive washing, bleaching, brushing, or heat styling can cause more hair to shed than usual. To help combat this, we recommend using a professional hair care line tailored to your specific concern and minimising the frequency of tight updos. If you notice significant hair loss, including bald spots, patchy areas, or clumps of hair falling out, it's best to consult a doctor, as this could indicate an underlying issue.

How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?

How often you should wash your hair depends on your hair type, lifestyle, and personal preference. Washing too frequently can strip your scalp of natural oils, which are crucial for healthy, shiny hair. However, it’s fine to wash your hair when it feels oily or dirty. Straight and fine hair typically requires more frequent washing than curly or wavy hair because the oil spreads more easily along the strand. On the other hand, thick or curly hair tends to be drier, so washing it less frequently may be beneficial. Additionally, factors like sweat and environmental conditions can affect how often your hair needs to be washed. Experimenting with washing 2-3 times a week or every other day can help you determine what works best for your hair.

What Should You Look For in Your Hair Care?

When choosing hair care products, it’s essential to select those tailored to your specific hair type and concerns. Avoid harsh sulphates, as they can strip the scalp of natural oils, and parabens, which are preservatives that may irritate the skin. Look for ingredients that nourish and strengthen the hair, such as natural oils like Argan oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil, which add moisture and shine. Keratin is another beneficial ingredient, as it helps to strengthen the hair and reduce frizz. Plant extracts like aloe vera and chamomile can help soothe and calm the scalp.

Understanding the fundamentals of haircare can help you achieve the healthy, beautiful hair you’ve always wanted. Our customer service team are here to help guide you on your haircare journey with tailored recommendations to suit your personal needs. Reach out to us today and let’s get started on your path to healthier hair!