If you are having problems with your hair – you've come to the right place! Mark Woolley and his team of experts are on hand to offer comprehensive advice and realistic solutions so that your hair can be manageable, easy to style, healthy and shiny!

Question of the Week

Q: Hey Mark, My hair is shoulder length and I'd like more volume, I'd like it look thicker – should I get a perm? Thanks, Pippa

Q: Hey Mark, My hair is shoulder length and I'd like more volume, I'd like it look thicker – should I get a perm? Thanks, Pippa

A:

Hello Pippa,

Perms work best on hair that has not previously been coloured or chemically treated, as otherwise you are more likely to get a head of frizz rather than the bouncy result you were hoping for.

Perms are also highly chemical and can damage the hair quite significantly if incorrectly applied. I strongly advise against home perming kits. I advise you to come in to the salon for a consultation to discuss the type of perm you would like, such as a body wave, which gives you lots of volume and va-va-voom!

• Hair Colour Problems

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  Q: 

  Hello Mark,

  I recently coloured my light brown hair blonde, but it has turned an ugly dijon mustard, brassy yellow colour. I would like my hair to feel soft, with a more beach sun-kissed blonde.

  What do you suggest?

  Sarah.

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  Q: 

  Hello Mark,

  I recently coloured my light brown hair blonde, but it has turned an ugly dijon mustard, brassy yellow colour. I would like my hair to feel soft, with a more beach sun-kissed blonde.

  What do you suggest?

  Sarah.

   [Hide]

  A:

  Hi Sarah.

  Colour change is never as straight forward as the box promises! When hair turns a brassy yellow colour it is usually because it has not lifted enough.
  
  Try a violet shampoo for blondes such as – L'Oreal Serie Expert – Silver Gloss Protect System RRP £8.90. It is for grey and white hair but works a treat on blonde hair with brassy tones.
  
  If these don't do the trick I would strongly recommend you come into the salon and have one of our highly qualified stylist have a good look and help to create the beach blonde you were meant to be!

  Q: 

  Hey Mark

  My blond hair is a nasty shade of orange, do I bleach it again or darken it?

  Kiki

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  Q: 

  Hey Mark

  My blond hair is a nasty shade of orange, do I bleach it again or darken it?

  Kiki

   [Hide]

  A:

  Hey Kiki

  I would recommend that you come into the salon for an in-depth consultation and hair diagnosis. If you try to fix the problem at home you risk further damage. If light cool ash tones are added, the orange may well turn green!

  Your stylist will be able to advise which way to go depending on the condition of your hair and the desired result.

  So pop a hat on and get to your nearest salon to return your hair to a healthy natural tone.

  Q: 

  Dear Mark

  My colour (dark warm brown) keeps fading to an odd ginger, what can I do to keep my colour rich?

  Many Thanks

  Rowena

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  Q: 

  Dear Mark

  My colour (dark warm brown) keeps fading to an odd ginger, what can I do to keep my colour rich?

  Many Thanks

  Rowena

   [Hide]

  A:

  Hi Rowena,

  Your hair may be a little too porous from over processing this can cause fading.  A good strengthening professional treatment would help with the overall condition, such as the in salon Kerastase Vita Ciment treatment.

  To keep your colour rich I would recommend the Kerestase Reflection range. This will leave your hair bright, voluptuous, radiant and shiny.

   

  Q: 

  To Mark

  I have natural red hair but as I've gotten older it has started to fade and got a bit mousy.
  For a change about two years ago I dyed it red, and since then I haven't stopped. Now, I'd like to turn it up even more. I want my hair to be literally fire engine red! To make this change I decided to go to a pro, and pay the extra money to get it done right. But for some strange reason my hairdresser lost her nerve and chose not to pre-lighten my hair (on her managers advice) and I ended up paying through the nose for a typical red colour. I'm already leaving home dyes on my hair for up to double the time, to try and make the colour brighter. What can I do besides having regular trims to keep my hair in good condition, but get it intensely red?

  Thanks, Laura

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  Q: 

  To Mark

  I have natural red hair but as I've gotten older it has started to fade and got a bit mousy.
  For a change about two years ago I dyed it red, and since then I haven't stopped. Now, I'd like to turn it up even more. I want my hair to be literally fire engine red! To make this change I decided to go to a pro, and pay the extra money to get it done right. But for some strange reason my hairdresser lost her nerve and chose not to pre-lighten my hair (on her managers advice) and I ended up paying through the nose for a typical red colour. I'm already leaving home dyes on my hair for up to double the time, to try and make the colour brighter. What can I do besides having regular trims to keep my hair in good condition, but get it intensely red?

  Thanks, Laura

   [Hide]

  A:

  Hi Laura

  I would categorically ask you to never pre-lighten hair at home! It has the potential to be quite damaging and the correct application for this is all about expert timing. Leave it on for too long and it will damage your hair making it more porous and easy to break, leave for too short a time and it won't absorb the colour properly. In this instance always see a professional to keep in the best condition possible. Ask for a salon range by L'Oreal Professional called Magi Rouge which has lovely intense red colours that work really well on pre-lightened hair.
  To ensure your colour stays intensely red, avoid UV light as much as possible and use a gentle shampoo and conditioner that wont strip the hair of pigment, like Kerastase Bain Miroir and Chroma Reflect.

• Limp Flyaway Hair

  Show

  Q: 

  Hey Mark,

  My hair is shoulder length and I'd like more volume, I'd like it look thicker – should I get a perm?

  Thanks,

  Pippa

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  Q: 

  Hey Mark,

  My hair is shoulder length and I'd like more volume, I'd like it look thicker – should I get a perm?

  Thanks,

  Pippa

   [Hide]

  A:

  Hello Pippa,

  Perms work best on hair that has not previously been coloured or chemically treated, as otherwise you are more likely to get a head of frizz rather than the bouncy result you were hoping for.

  Perms are also highly chemical and can damage the hair quite significantly if incorrectly applied. I strongly advise against home perming kits. I advise you to come in to the salon for a consultation to discuss the type of perm you would like, such as a body wave, which gives you lots of volume and va-va-voom!

  Q: 

  Hey Mark,

  How do I get more volume, I have medium length, fine hair that is flat and has little to no volume?

  Cheers,

  Tilly

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  Q: 

  Hey Mark,

  How do I get more volume, I have medium length, fine hair that is flat and has little to no volume?

  Cheers,

  Tilly

   [Hide]

  A:

  Hi Tilly,

  There are many products on the market today that can really help add volume to your hair. We love the Kerastase Volumactive range as they add volume without weighing the hair down. You do not want sticky heavy products.

  If you add a volume enhancing blow-dry product to your roots to towel dried hair – hang your head upside down and dry your roots. Then use a large round head hugger brush (Denman do a fantastic range) to dry and style your hair. This will produce fantastic volume.

• Frizzy Hair

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  Q: 

  Hey Mark

  I have very thick curly frizzy hair. My hairdresser recommended  a Brazilian keratin treatment but I don't want my hair to be straight.

  I just want it to lose the frizz but still have loose curls. I don't know enough about this product to see if this would work, any ideas?

  Please help!

  Yasmin

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  Q: 

  Hey Mark

  I have very thick curly frizzy hair. My hairdresser recommended  a Brazilian keratin treatment but I don't want my hair to be straight.

  I just want it to lose the frizz but still have loose curls. I don't know enough about this product to see if this would work, any ideas?

  Please help!

  Yasmin

   [Hide]

  A:

  Hi Yasmin,

  A Brazilian Keratin treatment tends to eliminate both frizz and curl, so although has fantastic results it will get rid of a loose wave. Therefore this may not be the treatment for you.

  SHU UEMURA Art of Style Kaze Wave is a texturising foam that defines curls with a flexible hold and produces a soft, weightless finish and natural shine.

  Kerastase Serum Nutri-Sculpt is a brilliant serum to smooth on as a finishing product.  Try these and see how you go.

  Q: 

  Dear Mark, 

  I have curly hair which I diffuse on a daily basis. In the morning it looks great but by the afternoon it turns frizzy and starts to look more like a birds nest! 

  Please help!

  Diana

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  Q: 

  Dear Mark, 

  I have curly hair which I diffuse on a daily basis. In the morning it looks great but by the afternoon it turns frizzy and starts to look more like a birds nest! 

  Please help!

  Diana

   [Hide]

  A:

  Dear Diana,

   I would advise you to stop washing your hair everyday as this can strip the hair of natural sebum and cause more frizz.

  If you do need to wash your hair everyday use less shampoo and dilute with water. Throughout the day if you feel the frizz is coming back use a small amount of serum, such as Kerastase Serum Nutri-Sculpt and run through the problem areas. 

  Perms are coming back in, try to avoid those straighteners and just love the curls!

  Mark

• Grey Hair

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  Q: 

  Hi Mark,

  My grey hair is turning an odd shade of yellow, why is this and what can I do to stop it?

  Thanks,

  Dee

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  Q: 

  Hi Mark,

  My grey hair is turning an odd shade of yellow, why is this and what can I do to stop it?

  Thanks,

  Dee

   [Hide]

  A:

  Hi Dee,

  I would recommend you use a toner treatment or toner shampoo. These products are often used on blond hair that has unwanted brassy tones – they are designed to eliminate yellow tones.

  We love L'Oreal Serie Expert, Silver For Grey Or White Hair it is scientifically developed to maintain the condition, softness and shine of grey or white hair. Reduces yellow tones and revives the shine of grey and white hair. I would recommend that you use this product once a week until you obtain the right shade and then reduce it down to perhaps once or twice a month. If you would like a more instant solution, speak to your stylist about colour options, highlights and tints etc.

  Q: 

  Hi Mark,

  Can I darken over bleached highlights, I look washed out and they have a cotton wool feel to them, almost like chewing gum when wet, can you help?

  Thanks

  Rachel

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  Q: 

  Hi Mark,

  Can I darken over bleached highlights, I look washed out and they have a cotton wool feel to them, almost like chewing gum when wet, can you help?

  Thanks

  Rachel

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  A:

  Hi Rachel,

  Hair colour is complex when making dramatic changes. Going darker can help with condition depending on the products you choose to use.

  I would work on getting the strength back into your hair with products such as Redken Extreme Anti-Snap. It is a brilliant leave-in treatment that gently smoothes the cuticle, reduces friction from brushing and helps fortify hair that's prone to breaking, splitting or snapping off.

  Q: 

  Dear Mark,

  My grey hair is dull and becoming coarse – what can I do?

  Many Thanks,

  Annie

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  Q: 

  Dear Mark,

  My grey hair is dull and becoming coarse – what can I do?

  Many Thanks,

  Annie

   [Hide]

  A:

  Hi Annie

  There are some great home care products designed for mature hair. Kerastase Age Premium Bain Substantif is a fantastic product that combats the signs ageing in hair.

  This age premium nourishing hair bath revitalises, thicken and leaves your hair feeling light and thoroughly revitalised.

  Q: 

  Dear Mark,

  My hair is a salt 'n' pepper grey – what can I do achieve a more feminine glamorous look?

  Please help!

  Carol

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  Q: 

  Dear Mark,

  My hair is a salt 'n' pepper grey – what can I do achieve a more feminine glamorous look?

  Please help!

  Carol

   [Hide]

  A:

  Dear Carol

  Grey hair can be stunning, keeping it in peek condition and the tone right for your skin-tone is the key.

  The best results tend to come from using a professional semi permanent blended to match your original colour so the grey or white tones are a few shades lighter and look more like glimmering highlights.

  To maintain and add lustre to your hair use a professional shampoo, our favourite is Kerastase Bain Age Recharge. 

  Q: 

  Hi Mark

  My grey hair seems to be turning an odd shade of blue?

  Can you advise me how to stop this?

  Mary

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  Q: 

  Hi Mark

  My grey hair seems to be turning an odd shade of blue?

  Can you advise me how to stop this?

  Mary

   [Hide]

  A:

  Hi Mary

  Many shampoos for grey hair have either blue tones or anti-colour properties in them, this may be causing the problem if you are using them each day. The blue toner may be building up on the hair creating a blue hue.

  Avoid using these products for at least six weeks and see if this helps with the tone, if it turns out that this is not the issue come in to the salon and discuss having a colour treatment with your stylist.

  Q: 

  Dear Mark

  I suffer from really resilient grey hair, can you recommend a good hair product to cover them up? I would rather use a home product than go to a salon as I don't have the money.

  Thanks

  Pam

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  Q: 

  Dear Mark

  I suffer from really resilient grey hair, can you recommend a good hair product to cover them up? I would rather use a home product than go to a salon as I don't have the money.

  Thanks

  Pam

   [Hide]

  A:

  Hi Pam

  The reason you probably aren't getting the right coverage at home, isn't necessarily just from the product you are using but also the application technique.

  A salon stylist will not only use a better quality product, but they will section the hair and apply product to each individual area- which is extremely difficult for you to do by yourself. They also tend to use more than one colour. If you are dead set on choosing a home colour, enlist the help of a friend to get better results in the areas you can't reach.

  Q: 

  Mark,

  My grey hair is very dull, dry and fine and not that easy to manage, do you have any recommendations? I would also like it to be thick and bouncy and full of life?

  Much Appreciated,

  Sheila

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  Q: 

  Mark,

  My grey hair is very dull, dry and fine and not that easy to manage, do you have any recommendations? I would also like it to be thick and bouncy and full of life?

  Much Appreciated,

  Sheila

   [Hide]

  A:

  Dear Sheila

  The key to bouncy hair is in learning to master the perfect blow-dry. For this the correct tools and products are essential. As you have fine hair don't overload it with heavy products as they will just make it limp.

  I'd recommend using a lightweight heat activated product like Kerastase Ciment Thermique, which will help protect hair and hold the style. Rough dry hair to 90% then use a styling brush to gain height from the scalp and mainly the crown.

  I thoroughly recommend Denman Head Huggers which is a curved styling brush shaped to the contours of your head. You don't need to master a technique with it just simply wrap your hair in it and direct the hairdryer flow through the barrel, hold like a heated roller until completely dry...and voila.

• Dry Hair

  Show

  Q: 

  Hi Mark,

  My hair is highlighted and I just cant stand the feeling of it. It feels brittle and dry. What can you do to help it feel hair like again?

  Thank You

  Winnie

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  Q: 

  Hi Mark,

  My hair is highlighted and I just cant stand the feeling of it. It feels brittle and dry. What can you do to help it feel hair like again?

  Thank You

  Winnie

   [Hide]

  A:

  Hi Winnie,

    Highlighted hair can feel and look beautiful if the right products are used and the hair has not been over processed. The Redken Extreme or All Soft range depending on the condition of the hair. You could even alternate them both. Plus straight after your highlights have an In-Salon treatment to really kick start the conditioning process. 

  Your soft healthy hair will flourish in no time.

  Q: 

  Mark,

  I get my hair coloured dark brown every 3 weeks as I have grey roots which I hate.

  It's starting to feel really dry, is there anything you can suggest to prevent the dryness?

  Julie

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  Q: 

  Mark,

  I get my hair coloured dark brown every 3 weeks as I have grey roots which I hate.

  It's starting to feel really dry, is there anything you can suggest to prevent the dryness?

  Julie

   [Hide]

  A:

  Hi Julie

  Getting your roots covered is not a problem as long as you only get the colour placed on the re growth area. If you feel the colour on the ends is dull, I would advice a gloss colour is applied  which is conditioning and will add shine.

  You could use the new L'oreal INOA colours which helps your hair return to its natural state after 6 - 8 applications. After your colour service apply an In-Salon treatment, to lock in your colour. A regular trim will also help the overall condition of your hair.

• Scalp Problems

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  Q: 

  Dear Mark

  I have recently started getting a sore scalp after having colour? It has started to put me off having the colour done, but my roots are getting very grey now.

  Many Thanks

  Stacey

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  Q: 

  Dear Mark

  I have recently started getting a sore scalp after having colour? It has started to put me off having the colour done, but my roots are getting very grey now.

  Many Thanks

  Stacey

   [Hide]

  A:

  Hi Stacey,

  You should check with your stylist that they have not changed the product they normally use on your hair. I would ask for a skin test as you may have a formed an allergic reaction to the existing or new product.

  Perhaps use a product with no ammonia present, like the New Inoa Range.

  Q: 

  Hi Mark

  I find when the weather gets hotter my dandruff gets worse? Can I do anything to prevent this from getting any worse?

  Ben

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  Q: 

  Hi Mark

  I find when the weather gets hotter my dandruff gets worse? Can I do anything to prevent this from getting any worse?

  Ben

   [Hide]

  A:

  Hi Ben

  This is very unusual as generally dandruff is worse in the winter as the scalp is a lot dryer. The only suggestion would be to use Kerastase Bain Gommage. Make sure you wash all product out thoroughly as that can affect the scalp too.

  If the problem persists go to your doctor who may be able to prescribe a medicated shampoo specifically for you.

   

• Greasy Hair

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  Q: 

  Hi Mark

  I have tried EVERYTHING the supermarkets sell for greasy hair – yet the day after washing my hair it seems greasy at the roots and almost flyaway at the ends, Why does this happen? – I am 14 – Can you help?

  Thanks

  Jade

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  Q: 

  Hi Mark

  I have tried EVERYTHING the supermarkets sell for greasy hair – yet the day after washing my hair it seems greasy at the roots and almost flyaway at the ends, Why does this happen? – I am 14 – Can you help?

  Thanks

  Jade

   [Hide]

  A:

  Hi Jade,

  Greasy hair is caused by the over production of Sebum, produced by the sebaceous glands, it is a waxy substance whose job is to keep your hair waterproof, supple and soft. Fine hair tends to become greasy more so than any other hair type, this is thought to be because people with fine hair tend to have a lot more hair than those with other hair textures, the more hair strands the more sebaceous glands.

  My guess would be that your hair would be linked to hormonal changes due to your age, and that it will not be a long term problem.

  The fact that the ends of your hair are not greasy would imply that it is not due to a lack of cleansing but perhaps to incorrect products and hormones.

  I would avoid using conditioner on your roots and just add a very small amount to the ends.

  I would recommend you use a professional salon shampoo – Kerastase Bain Clarifiant – this deeply cleanses the scalp while regulating excess sebum production.

  Your scalp will feel clean and refreshed; your hair fuller, naturally soft and silky.

  Q: 

  Hey Mark

  I do a lot of sport and therefore I do not wash my hair until the evening. But there is nothing more embarrassing than walking to the gym with greasy roots. What can I do to stop this looking so obvious?

  Thanks 

  Kirsty

   

   [Show]

  Q: 

  Hey Mark

  I do a lot of sport and therefore I do not wash my hair until the evening. But there is nothing more embarrassing than walking to the gym with greasy roots. What can I do to stop this looking so obvious?

  Thanks 

  Kirsty

   

   [Hide]

  A:

  I am glad you are washing your hair on a daily basis. As you are an athlete and doing lots of sport you will be sweating a lot and you always sweat through the pores on your scalp. Firstly use a cleansing shampoo and do not apply conditioner to the roots.

  In the morning either tie your hair or you could use a dry shampoo which will make the roots look less greasy.

   

• Hair Loss

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  Q: 

  Hey Mark

  I am 21 years old and have found that my hair is falling out, it started off by a few strands of hair falling out but now it's coming out in chunks. Can you help or am I going to be bald by my thirties?

  Thanks 

  Grant

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  Q: 

  Hey Mark

  I am 21 years old and have found that my hair is falling out, it started off by a few strands of hair falling out but now it's coming out in chunks. Can you help or am I going to be bald by my thirties?

  Thanks 

  Grant

   [Hide]

  A:

  Hi Grant

  Its very upsetting when you lose hair but try not to let it put you down.

  Firstly, I would use Kerastase Bain Prevention which will gently regulate your scalp and help prevent your hair from thinning. Hair loss is related to stress so try not to stress out to much.

  If the problem persist then contact your doctor as there are many surgical and non - surgical treatments being offered now.

  Q: 

  Hey Mark

  I used to have lots of hair an it always looked full and bouncy. Lately I have felt it is thinning and just not like how it normally is.

  Can I do anything to make it look how it used to be?

  Thanks

  Matilda

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  Q: 

  Hey Mark

  I used to have lots of hair an it always looked full and bouncy. Lately I have felt it is thinning and just not like how it normally is.

  Can I do anything to make it look how it used to be?

  Thanks

  Matilda

   [Hide]

  A:

  Hi Matilda

  You may not be loosing hair it just may be feeling a bit lank and unhealthy. I suggest having a trim and using volumising shampoo such as Redken Body Full. To get volume you should blow dry your hair and make sure the roots are fully dry. 

  If you start to notice hair falling out this could be due to stress, weather and many other symptoms. I would recommend going to your doctor and letting him examine you properly as there may be some underlying problem.

  I am sure you are fine, and your big glamorous hair will be back in full flow soon!

• Hair Styling

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  Q: 

  To Mark

  I have frizzy hair and when I go out I would love for it to have smooth bouncy curls. Unfortunately it does not happen and ends up looking like a frizzy mess.

  What can I do to stop it looking so messy?

  Thanks

  Natalie

   [Show]

  Q: 

  To Mark

  I have frizzy hair and when I go out I would love for it to have smooth bouncy curls. Unfortunately it does not happen and ends up looking like a frizzy mess.

  What can I do to stop it looking so messy?

  Thanks

  Natalie

   [Hide]

  A:

  Hi Natalie

  I am sorry to hear your hair is looking messy on a night out, but this can be sorted.

  Start by blowdrying your hair with a paddle brush smooth and straight, then you can either tong or curl your hair with the GHD stylers. After it has been tonged place your head upside down and run serum through with your hands to loosen the curl and then finish with hairspray. 

  Q: 

  Mark

  I have long skater dude type hair but its getting out of control, what styling techniques would you give me to make me look smarter. It's my Aunties wedding soon and I need to look smart?

  Thanks

  George

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  Q: 

  Mark

  I have long skater dude type hair but its getting out of control, what styling techniques would you give me to make me look smarter. It's my Aunties wedding soon and I need to look smart?

  Thanks

  George

   [Hide]

  A:

  Hi George

  I would really recommend for you to get a cut to tidy and neaten up the shape. If its to late for that then I would recommend straightening your hair and then applying product. When applying product run it through the whole of the hair and then tweak into place. This will give you a product free modern look.

  Have fun at your Aunties wedding!

• Damaged – Hair Disasters

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  Q: 

  To Mark,

  My hair will not grow further than my neck – it keeps breaking not just at the ends but mid length – what can I do or use to stop this?

  Please Help

  Tina

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  Q: 

  To Mark,

  My hair will not grow further than my neck – it keeps breaking not just at the ends but mid length – what can I do or use to stop this?

  Please Help

  Tina

   [Hide]

  A:

  Hi Tina

  You need to concentrate on the strength and condition of your hair. To do this you should use the Redken Extreme range, Anti-Snap does a great job. Another tip is to try and prevent using heat on your hair for a while whilst the hair is reforming and for the time being steer away from colour. Trust me It will grow back and be full and beautiful once more.

  Q: 

  Dear Mark

  My hair keeps breaking on the ends – I would like to grow it but it just keeps snapping off and almost looks fuzzy at the ends – can you help?

  Thanks,

  Joanna

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  Q: 

  Dear Mark

  My hair keeps breaking on the ends – I would like to grow it but it just keeps snapping off and almost looks fuzzy at the ends – can you help?

  Thanks,

  Joanna

   [Hide]

  A:

  Hello Joanna,

  Your hair needs to be nourished and strengthened – this is where good products come into their own. KÉRASTASE BAIN DE FORCE and KÉRASTASE CIMENT ANTI USURE are famously good for strengthening hair. They gently cleanse and put vitality and strength back into your hair.

  Q: 

  Dear Mark,

  I use hair straighteners everyday and now my hair seems dry and weak – am I using the wrong ones or is it my hair that is the problem – they are ceramic?

  Many Thanks

  Claire

   [Show]

  Q: 

  Dear Mark,

  I use hair straighteners everyday and now my hair seems dry and weak – am I using the wrong ones or is it my hair that is the problem – they are ceramic?

  Many Thanks

  Claire

   [Hide]

  A:

  Hi Claire,

  The first action I would take is to protect your hair from the heat, there are many products out there that can help with this depending on your budget. We love KÉRASTASE CIMENT THERMIQUE it is certainly not the cheapest but it really works, it protects and strengthens your hair the heat activated thermo cosmetic reconstructing milk reinforces and beautifies weakened hair.