Following Boris Johnson’s announcement of a potential timetable for easing lockdown restrictions, all hopes of a haircut have been dashed until July at the earliest, leaving many of us worried about what state our hair will be in by then.
UK hairdressers have been closed for seven weeks since the start of the lockdown, and with at least another six weeks to go, Femail spoke to the experts to find out how to avoid a frazzled head of split ends in the meantime.
If you’re not brave enough for a DIY job with the scissors, here’s how to emerge from lockdown with longer and healthier hair – including embracing scalp massages, making sure there’s plenty of vitamin A and iron in your diet, and ditching the hair dryer.
Experts give their top tips on how to keep your hair healthy at home while we wait for hairdressers to reopen (stock picture of a woman with beautiful hair)
FOR WOMEN
Adee Phelan, the man behind David Beckham’s famous mowhawk, gave Femail tips for both men and women on what to do if you’re deciding to cut your hair at home, and how to avoid a hairy disaster.
Adee, who teamed up with the cosmetic industry to donate 100,000 unused products to the NHS, said keeping things simple was the best policy when contemplating a haircut at home.
‘But if you have split ends that are really bothering you, you can successfully trim them, following these simple steps and with a little help from a friend.
‘Comb hair straight back off your face, so it’s to the back of your head and flat down your back.
‘If you live with someone ask them with scissors or clippers to draw a straight line at back of middle of head. – when hair falls forward it should be even and balanced. – using any scissors remove, evenly, whatever you think is necessary. – Do not get creative and attempt layers or a new look, it will end in disaster,’ he said.
KEEPING YOUR SCALP HEALTHY
Anabel Kingsley, Philip Kingsley Brand President and Consultant Trichologist said that taking care of your scalp was very important to grow healthy hair
For Philip Kingsley Brand President and Consultant Trichologist, Anabel Kingsley, scalp health is the basis of healthy hair.
‘Your scalp is your hair’s support system – and so a healthy scalp is key to the production of healthy hair,’ she explained.
‘During lockdown, your scalp’s condition is just as important as ever – if not more so – as stress, which we are all feeling, can negatively impact the health of your scalp and, subsequently, hair growth,’ she added.
‘This is especially true if you already suffer from dandruff or other scalp conditions.’
She said it was best to keep washing your head regularly, but to skip on blow-drying it.
‘The best way to maintain a healthy scalp is to shampoo regularly. Your scalp is simply an extension of the skin on your forehead. I.e. it’s a living tissue that sweats, produces oils and sheds skin cells. Like the skin on your face, it needs be cleansed frequently to be kept in optimal condition,’ she said.
It’s a great opportunity to take a break from blow-drying, curling tongs and straightening irons – all of which can dry-out your hair and make your ends brittle and split.
‘All that extra time saved by not having to commute also gives you ample time to look after your scalp; now that morning routines aren’t as hectic, you don’t have to rush your shampoo and can give your scalp a good massage (at least 60 seconds is ideal),’ she added.
HOW TO KEEP HAIR HEALTHY STAYING AT HOME
‘This is a wonderful opportunity to let your hair have a breather,’ Adee said.
‘Leave it in its natural state, refrain from drying it out with straighteners / curling tongs/ hair dryers, hairsprays etc.
‘Indulge in conditioning treatments, generously worked from roots through to ends, and leave in overnight to really nourish your hair.
‘You can hide massive sins with a top bun. Don’t try to perfect it but let it be dishevelled, wild and free.’
TO FACE THE OUTSIDE WORLD
Adee also laid out the dos and don’t of how to treat your hair if you have to go out and are self-conscious about roots.
‘Do not attempt to bleach or highlight your hair. Unless you are trained this will only result in a disaster,’ he said.
‘For one, you could have an allergic reaction to the product. Second, you are not a professional and will not have the training necessary to do it justice,’ he warned.
Adee Phalen is sending out over 200 gift boxes a day of cosmetic products as a thank you to help lift the spirits of each and every NHS care worker. Follow @adee_phelan5 on Instagram for more advice on how to keep hair healthy and looking good during this period
‘However, you can successfully use all over colour, simply following the easy instructions on the packaging.
‘And to disguise grey hairs or colour over roots whatever the colour may be, boots do very effective pens paints for this that I highly recommend as a safe and easy way to temporarily resolve this,’ he added.
FOR MEN
Adee, who issued a call to action for people to donate their unused toileteries so he could send 200 gift box a day to NHS workers, also gave advice on how to care for men’s hair.
‘Most clippers come with a set of eight guards,’ he explained, ‘I suggest using the biggest guard on the clipper and rotate all the way around the head for a smooth even look.
‘If you want a shorter look at the sides, try guard six first and see how you go. If you want a shorter look then use guard five before trying four…. If you’re feeling super confident, you could even go a little shorter.
‘The most important tip is to do it in gradual stages because you can always take more away but you can never put back,’ he added.
MEN WITH LONGER HAIR
Longer hair for men is making a come back into fashion once more, so now is your chance to get through that awkward stage of growing it.
Adee said the ‘golden rule; if attempting to cut your hair yourself was to do it in stages.
‘If it’s bothering you, just invest in some balm aid, cream or wax and grease it back for now,’ he said.
‘You may still want to tidy up the neck and side burns, so get the clippers out and address these areas,’ he added.