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Q. I would love to have wavy hair to give it a bit more life. I've been told that even the new demi-waves are a bad idea with highlighted hair. I only highlight my hair about every eight months so it's not that often. I've got long blonde hair, would a demi-wave ruin it and if so, are there any other relatively easy ways to get wavy hair that won't go straight after a little while?
captaincaveman
A. 'Generally, having demi-waves on highlighted hair is a bad idea as you are applying two lots of different chemicals onto the same hair,' says Hari Salem, of famous Knightsbridge salon Hari's. 'Having said that, if your hair is strong you may be able to get away with it. It's always best to have a consultation with a technician first, so that the strength and condition of your hair can be assessed.' If you're set on going wavy, spend a few months getting your highlighted hair in top form, which will minimise the damage done during the demi-wave treatment. Start using Dove Hair Silk Intensive Conditioning Mask For Coloured Hair, £3.99, every week and don't highlight your hair in the interim. That way, your hair will be stronger than ever and better able to withstand the chemicals in the waving treatment. 'Alternatively,' says Hari, 'if you are blessed with straight hair why not make the best of it and try volumising products instead?' L'Oreal Studio Line Hot Volume Mousse, £3.99, will really boost your roots and if you scrunch a palm-sized ball of mousse through wet hair, before blow-drying with a diffuser attachment, you'll give even the straightest locks a sexy, tousled wave that will last until your next shampoo.
Q. I have very fine hair, but lots of it. My hair is very long but I would like to know how I can stop it looking slightly lank and flat at the crown, and fuzzy at the bottom?
spuzza
A. The longer the hair, the heavier it will be, which can cause it to fall flatter around the roots. Paul Merritt, director of London salon Bloww, advises 'adding long layers and shaping the hair around the face. This will create more movement and give body to longer hair and generally make for a more interesting cut. Bringing the length up by a couple of inches will also help to reduce "lankness" and texturising the ends gives a bit of a sexy edge too.' Styling aside, long hair also needs TLC when being washed - after all, by the time hair gets past your shoulders, the ends are over a year old. Counteract 'fuzzy' ends by using a shampoo and conditioner that will moisturise and repair any damage done. Dove Intensive Care Repairing Shampoo and Conditioner, £2.59 each, are full of creamy conditioners that penetrate damaged hair fibres, but won't weigh them down.
Q. I've just started using hair straighteners, and I use them almost every day. My hair is also highlighted. What should I be doing to make sure my hair doesn't dry out?
charliesmum
A. The fact that your hair is highlighted will mean that it is weaker than normal - add to this the regular use of straightening irons, and the cumulative damage can be great. It's therefore necessary to take extra precautions. 'There are now plenty of heat protection sprays on the market, which are designed to be sprayed on to the hair before you use straightening irons. You should definitely invest in one of these and use it every time you style your hair,' says Stephen Nurse, General Manager of the Daniel Galvin salon. Trevor Sorbie Straightening Addict Shine Spray, £4.99, is a great choice. 'I would also get into the habit of applying intensive conditioner and leaving it on the hair for 15-20 minutes once a fortnight. I recommend Louise Galvin Sacred Locks Intensive Hair Masque, £26 (www.lousiegalvin.com). If possible, try to use your irons no more than five days out of seven - so if you like your hair straight for work, keep it natural at the weekends to give it a break.'
Q. I wash my hair every day, but have heard that this will eventually strip it of its natural oils and lustre. Is this true?
peanut1
A. The experts are divided on whether or not regular washing has detrimental effects on the hair and scalp, but Toby Rundle, Senior Stylist at Jo Hansford, believes daily washing is unnecessary. 'Shampooing every single day can remove too many natural oils and affect lustre. But if you're going to wash your hair regularly, the best thing you can do is always use a shampoo that suits your scalp and hair type.' If you're prone to an oily scalp, try Dove Purifying Shampoo for Greasy Hair, £2.59. Unlike some other shampoos it removes all residues without stripping the hair, but will also leave locks moisturised and soft too. 'I'd also recommend that if your hair is extremely dry and your scalp is tight, just condition your hair without shampooing it and don't forget to use regular nourishing, conditioning treatments on the lengths and ends, which will restore shine,' advises Toby.