Q: Can I prevent static in my hair?

A: Static is particularly a problem during the winter months, but can be minimised by using a lightweight moisturising conditioner. Change any nylon hairbrush to a natural-bristle brush, and do not over-dry with the hair dryer set to hot.

Q: How can I make my hair shine?

A: Blow dry using a flat brush, keeping your hair as close to the dryer as possible (without burning) to allow a steady stream of heat to flatten the cuticles. Apply a styling product to the hair (one not too oily) and smooth on halfway between the crown and the ends, but avoid the roots.

Q: I've heard that alternating my shampoo can help improve the condition of my hair. Is this true?

A: Because our hair learns to adapt to the chemistry in the same shampoo, it can be said that it becomes less effective over a period of time. This problem can be rectified by changing our brand or type of shampoo every once in a while. If you have oily hair, this would mean perhaps alternating with a shampoo that is not designed for oily hair, but also using one for normal, to obtain best results.

Q: How can I give my hair more volume?

First, blow until around 70% percent dry, then apply a hair volumizer to the roots. Dry as normal. When dry but still warm, aim a quick blast of cold air to the roots to give longer lasting body.

Q: My hair used to be thick and beautiful, but has been falling out over the past couple of years. Can stress be the cause?

A: We all lose around 100 strands of hair on a daily basis and many cases of hair loss are usually temporary as sometimes in the case of alopecia. Another cause of hair loss can be breakage due to colouring, heated styling or a low-protein diet.

Normally, everyday stress is not the cause of hair loss, unless associated with a major event like the death of a partner or relative. A more likely cause could be a thyroid or hormonal imbalance, or even reaction to certain medications. If you have any unexplained hair loss, you should visit your doctor for a full examination.

Q: How can I find the most suitable hair colour?

A: When considering any hair colour, your first consideration should be which one will complement your skin tone. If your hair is more than 30% grey and is your main reason for dying your hair, then using a permanent colour will be the best option. The improved formulas of modern hair dyes can in fact make grey hair less wiry, and improve the texture by making it softer and smoother.

Because semi-permanent does not contain the peroxide and developer, it coats the hair without penetrating the shaft. However, semi permanent is good for those who would like to add more shine or depth to their natural colour.

Auburn is popular but can enhance any red tones in the skin.

Brunette can flatter many women, and is good on olive or darker complexions. This is not to say that it cannot look striking on fair-skinned women!

Blonde looks best on fair-skinned women who have pink undertones.

Red Women with natural blonde hair, can fire up their looks by using this shade. It can look good on those with darker skin, provided the shade is at the darker end of the spectrum.

Q: My hair is so fine and straight and has no volume at all. Is there anything I can do to add a little body?

A: With this kind of hair, often the right cut and style can give body to where it is needed. Some mistakenly think that lots of layers will give more body. However, this is not the case, as it actually deprives the hair of body leaving it flatter than before.

You should choose your products carefully. Gels are good for building body, but only if used in moderation. After towel-drying and combing, lightly dip your fingertips into the gel, turn your head upside down and massage into the hair roots. Bring your head back rubbing any remaining gel into your hands. To add lift around your face, apply the gel evenly from your hands to the hairline, but avoid putting any on the hair ends.

Many stylists prefer mousse, but because it contains a lot of alcohol, it can dry the hair and cause static. You can test your mousse by spraying some onto your hand and seeing whether it evaporates quickly. If it does not disappear, then it contains less alcohol and could be a worthy alternative to gel. When blow drying, use the dryer's slowest set as drying hair too fast or hot, will make it fall flat.

Q: After colouring my hair for years, I now want to go natural. What is the best way to get back my true colour?

A: Growing out colour can be a daunting process, and you should wear your hair as short as you can comfortably. Apply highlights a few shades lighter than your natural colour, to the roots on your head and face as these are the most noticeable. This will soften any sharp contrast between both your natural colour and the one that is growing out. However, this is not an option if you have grey roots, in which case you will just have to be patient.

Q: Because my hair is dry and dull, I would like to deep condition it at home. What is the best way to do this?

A: Deep conditioning will greatly improve the texture and appearance of your hair. Hot-oil treatment is specially formulated to do this. Each brand of treatment can be different, so you should read the instructions carefully. Wet and then towel dry your hair. Heat the oil in a cup of hot water or cold if you have processed hair. Massage the oil into your hair, then comb through for an even distribution. Wear a plastic shower hat on your head for up to an hour, allowing the oil to penetrate your hair.

Do not use a hair dryer or any form of heat once you have applied the oil. You should then shampoo out the oil. You can achieve optimum effects by doing this twice a week for the first month, and then once a week for the next two. At the end of this period your hair will have shine and bounce that should last for another 3 months.

Q: How can I protect my hair and my colour from chlorine damage when swimming?

A: You should wet your hair with fresh water before getting into the pool, as this will create a sealing effect. You could also apply a conditioner before swimming and use a bath cap. When you have finished your swimming session, simply wash and rinse your hair thoroughly, making sure you get rid of any chlorine residue.

Q: What is hair elasticity and how can I test how much I have?

A: The elasticity of hair is its ability to stretch and spring back to its usual shape. This should be taken into consideration before applying any chemical treatments, as if stretched too far it can break. You can test the elasticity yourself by gently stretching a strand to see if it springs back. If it breaks, you should avoid using any chemical processes.

Q: I want to give my usual hair colour a boost this year. Should I use highlights or low lights?

A: Being spot colour processes, highlights and lowlights are different to all-over hair colour, and can be used on coloured or uncoloured hair. These use bleach mixed with peroxide to take your colour 'higher' (lighter) or 'lower' darker, and can be used individually or both together.

Used together, highlights can complement your natural hair colour, with the lowlights enhancing your skin tone and eye colour. Ideally, your hair colour should not clash with your complexion, and too much highlighting can make your skin look washed out. If you have dark hair, do not go more than three shades higher than your natural colour. With lowlights, reddish blends like copper or gold work best. If you are naturally blonde, you have more room for manoeuvre, and can disregard the above three-shade rule. Lowlights will be the best for you, particularly gold or copper if you have fair skin.

Q: What causes split ends?

A: Split ends occur when the protective cuticles at the tips of your hair, become worn or damaged. The ends of your hair are particularly prone because they have been longer exposed to washing, styling or brushing. Having a light trim i.e. half an inch usually solves the problem.

Q: I want to give my hair colour a boost this year. Should I use highlights or lowlights?

A: Being spot colour processes, highlights and lowlights are different to all-over hair colour, and can be used on coloured or uncoloured hair. These use bleach mixed with peroxide to take your colour 'higher' (lighter) or 'lower' darker, and can be used individually or both together. Used together, highlights can complement your natural hair colour, with the lowlights enhancing your skin tone and eye colour. Ideally, your hair colour should not clash with your complexion, and too much highlighting can make your skin look washed out. If you have dark hair, do not go more than three shades higher than your natural colour.

With lowlights, reddish blends like copper or gold work best. If you are naturally blonde, you have more room for manoeuvre, and can disregard the above three-shade rule. Lowlights will be the best for you, particularly gold or copper if you have fair skin.

Q: How often should I trim my hair?

A: Hair should be trimmed every two months or so. This will encourage it to grow and also prevent split ends. If you are not sure what condition your hair is in, see a hairdresser who will be able to advise you on the best course of action.

Q: How can I stop my hair from becoming sad and limp?

A: Use a shampoo that is volumising before you go out. It will transform you hair from being dull and limp to that with lots of body and shine. Hold it in place with an ultra hold hair spray, or volumising spray.

Q: What is a permanent hair colour?

A: A permanent hair colour is one that contains hydrogen peroxide. It is the peroxide that colours the hair shaft. This can fade with time but will not go away until the hair is cut or it grows out. If you do not want a colour to stay in your hair for that long, go for a semi-permanent one that is formulated to stay on the hair for 6-12 washes. They coat and stain the hair but they do not penetrate the cuticle.

Q: What is the best way to colour my hair?

A: Always read the leaflet enclosed before doing anything. Follow the directions as stated on the leaflet. Always wear the gloves that come with the pack or invest in strong pair of latex gloves. Do a strand test before colouring the whole head. This is the safest way of knowing what the colour will look like, but also test that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients in them. It is best to dab a little colour behind the ears or on the inside of the forearm and wait for 48 hours to see if the skin breaks out. It is better to do the roots first and then the length. Hair that is slightly damaged by previous colour, a perm or chemical treatment will colour faster than hair that is healthy.

© allcures.com September 2002