The scalp was once regarded as a niche, unsexy corner of the haircare discussion—but in 2026, it is the conversation. As we know, each strand comes from a living follicle on the scalp, meaning that its condition can affect everything from growth, shedding and lustre. So, in tandem with the “skinitification” trend of hair, a booming market around scalp health has emerged. There have never been so many products addressing everything from thinning to density—two key issues that take root at the scalp.

But one area that is crucially neglected is the sun, the effect it has on our scalps, and hence everything that grows from it. “People often forget that the scalp is skin, and because it's covered by hair it's very much ‘out of sight, out of mind’,” Dr Sharon Wong, consultant dermatologist and hair specialist, explains. “However, the scalp is one of the most sun-exposed areas of the body and often doesn't receive the same attention as the face when it comes to sun protection.”

How Sun Exposure Affects the Hair

When exposed to the sun, UV radiation breaks down the proteins and lips that give hair its strength and structure, making it weaker, drier, more brittle and prone to breakage, the expert states. It also affects hair pigment, meaning natural hair can become lighter over the summer, while coloured or dyed hair tends to fade more quickly. In short, while we have collectively improved at applying facial sunscreen, it’s important to remember that our scalps are exposed to the same exact environmental stressors.

In fact, it’s critical, Dr Simon Jackson, Scientific Ambassador of Davines, comments. “Unlike skin, hair cannot repair itself once it has been damaged. Sun exposure also generates free radicals that contribute to oxidative stress, and this all compounds when you factor in salt water, chlorine and prolonged heat.”

Can the Sun Accelerate Scalp Ageing?

We have to factor in age here, too. As we get older, our scalps start to change: there’s collagen and elastin loss, reduced blood supply, increased inflammation, altered cell signalling, and declining stem cell activity, meaning that our follicles don’t function as well as they used to. This contributes to reduced and poorer hair growth.

“The scalp actually shows signs of ageing faster than many other areas of the body,” adds Dr Aamna Adel, consultant dermatologist and the founder of rhute. “Unlike facial skin, the scalp has relatively little subcutaneous fat, is constantly exposed to environmental stressors and receives cumulative UV damage over decades.” So, as the hair thins, and is more exposed in areas like the parting, the scalp becomes even more vulnerable.

The Skin Cancer Risk

Indeed, per Dr Wong, the head and neck are the most common sites for UV-related skin cancers. And while scalp melanomas, or cancerous moles, account for only six to seven per cent of all melanomas, they are associated with significantly poorer survival rates than others elsewhere on the body. This is in part because they’re detected later, as they are often hidden by hair.

“Repeated sunburn isn't just uncomfortable; it increases the risk of actinic damage and skin cancers over time," adds Dr Adel. "Over many years, that cumulative UV exposure increases the risk of developing precancerous changes such as actinic keratoses, which can progress to squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated." She notes that this can be worse amongst those who have thinning hair or age-related hair loss.

How to Protect Your Hair in the Sun

All experts conclude that the most effective way to protect your scalp is by seeking both physical and topical protection. But first things first: “A wide-brimmed hat or tightly woven cap provides far more reliable UV protection than relying on your hair alone,” states Dr Adel, “Particularly if you have a visible parting, finer hair or areas of thinning. Hair offers some protection, but it shouldn't be considered a substitute for sun protection.”

If your scalp is exposed, or wearing a hat isn’t practical, apply sunscreen along the parting, hairline and any areas where the scalp is visible. And as with any sunscreen, it needs to be reapplied if you’re spending prolonged periods outside, especially when sweating or swimming.

Dr Jackson helped develop Davines’ new SU range with this in mind; to care for the hair before, during and after sun exposure. “At the heart of the range is Bitter Orange (Citrus aurantium) Peel Extract. Naturally rich in antioxidant flavonoids, the extract helps protect the hair fibre against UV-induced oxidative stress while supporting softness and shine,” he says.

When it comes to the hair itself, Dr Adel adds that UV protective leave-in sprays or conditioners can help reduce related damage and colour fade. “If you're swimming, wetting the hair with fresh water beforehand and applying a leave-in conditioner or a nourishing pre-wash treatment, such as the rhute’s Triple Density Complex Pre-Wash Hair Oil, can help reduce how much chlorinated or salt water the hair absorbs, before you rinse thoroughly afterwards.” As ever, looking after both the scalp and the hair fibre gives the best long-term results.

Few haircuts have achieved first-name status.‘The Rachel’ arrived in the early seasons of Friends, when Rachel Green’s shoulder-skimming explosion of layers became almost as famous as the character herself—and launched a thousand salon appointments in the process. Even today, the millennial style continues to inspire fresh interpretations—the latest being Gigi Hadid’s glossy, swishy reinterpretation. Her longer layers, sweeping face-framing sections, and softly curved ends retain the bounce that made the original so appealing, minus the ’90s cosplay. As her hairstylist, Dimitris Giannetos put it on his Instagram post, “I wanted to create the updated version of the C-cut, giving Gigi some Love Layers (aka heart shape layers)!” So how can we recreate this new take on a classic? I asked leading hairdressers Samantha Cusick and Jay Birmingham to explain how to wear the style now.

The 'Modern Rachel'

While the original relied on short, visible layers and a bouncy, rounded blow-dry, the new interpretation is altogether subtler. “The modern Rachel is all about softer glamour,” explains celebrity hairdresser Jay Birmingham. “The original was built around short, choppy layers and lots of volume, whereas today’s version is sleeker, longer and much more wearable. The layers are more blended, the movement is softer, and the finish is glossy rather than fluffy.”

That distinction is what makes the revival feel fresh. Rather than reproducing Jennifer Aniston’s haircut section by section, the aim is to capture its buoyant, face-framing effect. “It’s less about recreating a ’90s hairstyle and more about capturing that effortless bounce and healthy-looking shine,” says Birmingham.

Cusick believes the resurgence also reflects our renewed appetite for ’90s beauty, along with a broader shift towards haircuts that create movement. “We’re obsessed with volume, with movement, with that lived-in layered quality that looks effortless but is actually really considered,” she says. “The original Rachel had all of those things; it was just styled in a more structured, high-maintenance way for the time.”

What to Ask for at the Salon

The words ‘The Rachel’ may conjure a very specific image, so arriving armed with a reference to the longer, contemporary version is sensible. The most important point to communicate is that you want movement while preserving weight and fullness through the ends. “I’d ask for long, seamless layers that create movement without taking away too much weight,” advises Birmingham. “Soft face-framing pieces around the cheekbones or jawline will open up the face while keeping the overall look elegant and modern.” The layering should blend into the haircut rather than create obvious steps. “The beauty of this cut is that it should move naturally, so the layering needs to feel invisible rather than obvious,” he adds.

“The OG version was very much built for thicker, straighter hair, where you could get that signature volume and flick”, explains Cusick. “The 2026 version works with so many more hair types because the layering technique has evolved significantly.” That’s why the modern Rachel can be adapted to a much broader range of hair types than its predecessor. Layers remove bulk and encourage movement in thick hair, while naturally wavy textures lend themselves particularly well to the softer, undone finish.

Fine hair requires a more restrained approach. Too many layers can leave the ends looking sparse, so maintaining density is more important than chasing dramatic volume. This also makes the cut a compelling option for midlife hair that has become finer, drier or less dense.

“This style is actually brilliant for midlife hair because it creates the illusion of movement and fullness without relying on lots of short layers,” says Birmingham. “I’d recommend keeping the layers longer and softer to maintain density through the ends, while using styling techniques to build lift around the crown.”

Cusick agrees that precision matters: “On finer hair, you do need a skilled hand because you want to add layers that create movement without removing too much weight, but when it’s done right, it’s incredible.” Very curly hair can also carry the shape, although its layers must be positioned with shrinkage in mind. A stylist experienced in cutting curls will be best placed to tailor the look.

How to Create The Modern Rachel

The secret to Gigi’s finish lies in balancing root lift with smooth, glossy lengths. Begin with heat protectant (my go-to is always Moroccanoil Perfect Defence, £28, then work in small sections, directing the hair away from the face. Allowing each section to cool before touching it helps the shape last longer. “My biggest tip is to style the hair away from the face, then let each section cool before brushing it through gently with your fingers,” says Birmingham. “That gives you soft movement rather than overly defined curls.”

A blow-dry brush or air styler will create the initial lift, but a straightener can be used to refine the shape, bend the face-framing sections and smooth the ends. I used the new ghd Sculpt Styler, £369, which promotes shine and discourages frizz thanks to its fancy Heat-adapt technology. I have layers but usually they just blend in, this allowed me to add intentional cool-girl kinks through the front sections and mid-lengths. “That face-framing quality that made the original so iconic is still completely there, but it's softer, more undone, as Cusick says, “more like your hair just fell that way rather than something you carefully constructed. You’re not trying to recreate that very polished ’90s flick; you’re taking the spirit of it and making it feel like 2026,” she explains. I’ve recently discovered Cécred's Heat Activated Silk Glaze, £32, and it's a game-changer for creating a glass-like finish and almost locking in the style you’ve created. I’ve been using JVN Hair Perfect FlexHold Strengthening Flexible Hairspray, £27, to give hair extra gravitas and keep tufty flyaways in check. If the ends of my hair are starting to look a little worse for wear, Virtue’s Healing Oil, £44, is a godsend at keeping flicks looking the chef’s kiss.

The main pitfalls are over-layering, excessive teasing and ends that have been curled too deliberately. As Birmingham puts it: “Today’s version is all about healthy-looking hair with effortless bounce and natural movement.”

Since writing this article, I have found myself wearing this new version of The Rachel more and more. With its flattering face-framing pieces, fullness-enhancing layers and glossy finish, it simply looks like very good hair. It doesn’t feel like a retro haircut enjoying a brief revival; it feels current, wearable and actually, really easy to achieve, and suitable for everyone.

Your Modern Rachel Essentials

When the temperature rises, so does our hair. Ponytails, slicked-back buns and polished knots are summer’s chicest form of heat management—keeping lengths off sticky necks while making even the most thrown-together outfit look intentional. Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Ariana Grande love a slicked-back ‘do, and Kate Middleton opted for a sporty ponytail at this year’s Wimbledon.

The only catch? Wearing your hair pulled back on repeat, particularly when it’s secured too tightly, can put stress on both strands and scalp, causing that all-too-familiar dull, tight-band headache creeping in by mid-afternoon. From tension headaches and split ends to tension-related hair loss, your sleek summer updo may be doing more damage than you realise. Here, the experts reveal the mistakes worth avoiding—and how to keep your hair up without the pounding head that comes with it.

So, can a tight ponytail really cause a headache?

First, the reassuring news: wearing a slicked-back ponytail or bun occasionally is unlikely to leave you with more than mild, short-lived discomfort. The tension is real, though—when hair is pulled tightly at the root, it can trigger what's sometimes called a "ponytail headache," a dull, tight sensation caused by strain on the scalp's nerve endings. When this tension is happening for prolonged periods, a slicked-back ponytail is your everyday go-to style, and it can cause more lasting damage.

The keywords here are repeated and prolonged. According to Cos Sakkas, global creative director at TONI&GUY, regularly pulling hair into a tight ponytail or top knot places pressure on the roots and can, over time, create tension—particularly around the temples, where that headache-like sensation is often felt. "The real issue isn't the occasional sleek style," agrees Proctor. "It's wearing your hair tightly in the same position every day without giving your scalp a break."

Jade Proctor, co-owner, senior director and colour specialist at Scullion & Scot, agrees: "Traction alopecia is a medically recognised form of hair loss caused by repeated, prolonged tension on the hair follicles over months or years—not by wearing a sleek ponytail for a special occasion or now and then."

In other words, there's no need to retire the slicked-back bun entirely. The way you wear it—and how often—is what matters.

Know when your hair is asking for a break

A snatched ponytail might look immaculate, but it shouldn’t feel uncomfortable. Itching, tenderness or redness around the hairline can all indicate that a style is placing too much strain on the follicles. Look closely at the temples, too: short, snapped strands can easily be mistaken for new growth.

“If your ponytail is giving you a headache at the end of the day, it’s a sign it’s too tight,” says Proctor. Sakkas agrees that a hairstyle should never make the hairline hurt or visibly pull at the skin. That familiar soreness when you finally take your hair down? It’s often a sign that the weight has been concentrated in one place for too long. If you notice discomfort, don’t try to push through it in the name of a cleaner finish. Take the style down, loosen it or wear your hair loose for a few days. Sleek should feel secure, not punishing.

Switch up your style—and spread the load

Wearing your ponytail at exactly the same height each day repeatedly pulls on the same areas, so a little variation can make a meaningful difference. Alternate a high ponytail with a low one at the nape, swap a sculpted bun for a softer knot and build loose or textured styles into the rotation. For thick or heavy hair, Sakkas recommends dividing the ponytail into two sections—one above the other—to distribute its weight more evenly. The technique can help alleviate pressure at the base while creating a fuller, more dimensional-looking tail.

And resist the urge to pull your hair tighter each time a flyaway appears. “Sleek doesn’t have to mean the tightest,” says Proctor. “The best-looking styles always come from healthy, conditioned hair and using the right tools and styling products.” A smoothing cream or leave-in treatment can create polish before the hair is secured, while hairspray and shine mist will deal with flyaways and add that expensive, glassy finish. Unless you deliberately want a hard, fixed effect, Sakkas suggests stepping away from heavy gel and letting a smoothing formula do the work instead.

Be smarter about brushes, bobbles and bedtime

The smallest details can make the biggest difference in breakage. Worn-out bobbles create friction and uneven tension, so replace them once they become stretched, rough or damaged. Avoid ordinary rubber bands entirely; soft, snag-free elastics, satin scrunchies and hook elastics are gentler alternatives.

Your brush matters, too. Proctor recommends choosing a good-quality brush that glides through the hair without catching, while Sakkas advises using a comb rather than a brush on wet hair. Hair is more vulnerable when wet, making it easier for bristles to snag, stretch and snap the strands.

Finally, however flawless your bun still looks at bedtime, take it down. “Always give your hair and scalp a chance to relax overnight,” says Proctor. Sleeping in a tight style adds pillow friction to an already stressed hairline. If you need to tie your hair back at night, Sakkas recommends a loose satin scrunchie and a silk or satin pillowcase.

The happy updo shopping list

There’s one question I’m asked more than almost any other: Why does my hair never look as good as it does when I leave the salon? The answer isn’t because your hairdresser has a magic pair of hands. It’s because we’re thinking about the process, not just the finished result. A great blow-dry begins long before you pick up a hairdryer.

The truth is, whether I’m in the salon, backstage at Fashion Week, or styling someone for a red-carpet event, my priority is always the same: healthy hair. Hair that is well cared for has better elasticity, more movement and responds far better to styling. One of the biggest misconceptions I hear daily is that styling products damage hair. On the contrary, when used correctly, they actually protect the hair, improve longevity and allow you to use less heat.

With that in mind, here's how to recreate a salon blow-dry at home, every time.

Start with the scalp

The best blow-dries begin with a really clean scalp. Many people focus on washing the lengths but neglect the roots. Product buildup, excess oil, and pollution all affect how hair behaves. A clean scalp creates lift from the root, meaning your blow-dry lasts longer before falling flat.

I also encourage introducing a regular scalp scrub into your routine to remove buildup and create the perfect foundation for styling. Healthy hair always starts with a healthy scalp.

Preparation is everything

The salon difference is rarely what happens at the end—it’s what happens at the beginning. Always remove as much moisture as possible before you even think about styling. Hair should be around 80% dry before introducing a brush.

Next comes product layering. You don’t need lots of products—you simply need the right ones. I always think in four stages: protection, performance, polish and preservation. I love K18 HeatBounce because it protects the hair from heat without weighing it down. For volume and grip, L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Pli has been a staple in my kit for years. If your hair needs softness, hydration or frizz control, ARKIVE The Good Calmer Moisture Cream creates beautiful movement while keeping the hair touchable. Once the blow-dry is complete, finish with ARKIVE The Good Habit Hybrid Oil to smooth the cuticle, add shine and help protect against humidity.

The importance of patience

One of the biggest differences between salon and home styling is patience. Hairdressers work in clean, manageable sections. Trying to dry too much hair at once simply moves moisture around the head rather than removing it. Smaller sections create smoother cuticles, better control and a blow-dry that lasts significantly longer.

Heat isn't the (only) answer

One of the biggest myths in hairdressing is that hotter always means better. In reality, excessive heat can compromise the hair's condition, roughening the cuticle and making it harder for your style to hold over time. Instead, opt for a medium heat setting paired with consistent tension as you dry. It's far kinder to the hair, delivers a smoother finish with more shine, and helps your blow-dry maintain its shape for much longer.

Never skip the cooling stage

This is probably the biggest salon secret of all. Hair doesn't hold its shape because it was heated—it holds its shape because it cooled in position. Whether you're using a round brush, a hot brush or rollers, resist the temptation to touch your hair too soon and let each section cool completely before moving on. That cooling process is what locks in the shape, giving you longer-lasting volume, bounce and movement.

I absolutely love Unity Rollers because they're a modern take on a timeless classic. They're incredibly easy to use and create soft movement, body and lift that lasts for days rather than just a few hours, making them one of the simplest ways to extend the life of your blow-dry.

Hot weather doesn't have to ruin your blow dry

Humidity isn’t your enemy—poor preparation is. Before leaving the house, make sure the hair is completely dry. Any remaining moisture allows humidity to enter the hair shaft, creating frizz and reducing longevity.

Avoid constantly touching your hair throughout the day, too. Hands transfer moisture and natural oils much faster than most people realise. A lightweight finishing oil and a quick refresh with a brush are often all you need.

The tools I swear by

Great styling starts with great tools. My essentials are the Diva Pro Styling Atmos Dryer for fast, controlled drying and beautiful shine; a quality round or vent brush suited to your hair length; sectioning clips; a medium-tooth comb for even product distribution; and Unity Rollers to lock in volume and movement while the hair cools.

Professional tools don’t do the work for you—but they certainly make achieving salon-quality results much easier.

Luke Hersheson is undoubtedly one of the most esteemed names in British hairdressing. As CEO of Hershesons—the salon group that has shaped the way we think about hair for the better part of three decades—he has spent his career at the intersection of editorial, celebrity, and culture, with a client list most hairdressers could only dream of and an eye for the next it-girl haircut that has proved, time and again, to be about six months ahead of the curve.

The first salon he worked in, however, wasn't his own. It was his father Daniel's, on the King's Road in the 1980s—a place he was taken to every Saturday as a child, but rather than bored, he was inspired. "I was surrounded by loads of punks and mods," he says. "There were all these different kinds of tribes and looks that were like fascinating to me."

His father, far from grooming him for the industry, actively put obstacles in his way. He wanted to make sure Luke came to it for the right reasons—and it worked. When Luke eventually found his way to hairdressing, it was on his own terms, armed with a cultural curiosity that's never left him. Decades later, he has a client list that includes Victoria Beckham, Kylie Minogue, Keira Knightley, and Dua Lipa, and a salon empire that has rewritten the rules of what a hair appointment can look like. Here, he reflects on the cuts, the clients, and everything in between.

The shoot that changed everything

Luke had been working steadily—Sunday papers, a few pages for The Face, some i-D—when a booking came in that would change the shape of his career entirely. A shoot with renowned photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, featuring supermodel Gisele Bündchen and a then-unknown Charlotte Tilbury on makeup. "That was my first break," he says simply. "It catapulted me to really understand what great models and great photographers were, and how it made everything look better."

He's candid about how insecure he felt on set. "I had huge imposter syndrome. I got thrown into it at a very young age." The experience functioned less like a launch and more like an apprenticeship—a crash course in high-level creative collaboration. "I was just trying to be a sponge and soak up as much as possible. All their references, all their ideas. If I had the confidence then that I have now, it would have been amazing. But that's what time gives you."

Soon after, Luke booked his first shoot with photographer David Sims, which required him to cut a model's hair off—a model who didn't particularly want it to be cut. "It was kind of emotional," he says. "There was a huge responsibility. But the resulting images were extraordinary."

What the experience really taught him was about the importance of composure. "It was all about confidence. You need a bit of swagger, a bit of arrogance—but you also need to know your stuff." And when it comes to creative direction, he's developed a philosophy he still stands by today: never say no. "The worst that can happen is it doesn't work. But if you show willing, people want to collaborate with you. They want you on set."

The Body Language era

Kylie Minogue's Body Language era—i.e. latex bodysuits and caramel waves—remains one of the most referenced aesthetic moments of the early 2000s. Luke worked closely with her stylist William Baker to design the look from scratch. "We designed it around Bardot hair," he says, "and I suppose that was before that thing even became what it became—really before that hair look became synonymous with the next couple of decades."

For Luke, the lesson wasn't just about iconography. It was about the gap between editorial trend cycles and how change actually moves. "When you look at macro trends in the salon or on the street, they evolve much slower than you think—over a few years, not every season."

The bob that broke the internet

In 2015, Luke cut Victoria Beckham's hair into what became one of the most copied haircuts of the decade. "Bobs were just coming in," he says. "We were coming out of this moment of long hair." He'd cut Sienna Miller's bob not long before, and Alexa Chung had been rocking hers for years. But when Beckham went for the chop, something really resonated.

"It was a moment of minimalism and effortlessness—you can have a great haircut and look like you don't need to style it." The collaboration itself was very much two-way. "I think I came up with the 'why don't we chop it off?' And she was up for it, strangely. One of those magic moments." He's equally clear about what makes Beckham such a singular client: "She has a very strong sensibility of what she likes and what she doesn't like. That's what makes her brilliant."

Long-term relationships, he says, are where the best work happens. "There's a trust that's magical. The fear of trying things out doesn't exist. I think that's when you do your best work."

The blow-dry bar boom

The early-to-mid 2000s congestion charge hit London's salons hard. Footfall dropped, and appointments slowly declined. And out of that pressure came something that would redefine the salon experience for the next generation. Daniel Hersheson came up with the concept of a blow-dry bar inside Topshop; Luke designed the menu—and together, they spotted the gap nobody else had seen. "Going for a blow dry in most salons meant a round brush blow dry, and everyone looked the same. Whereas we knew people wanted a beach wave, or a great messy updo, or a braid."

It was an immediate hit. "Everyone was like, 'Oh my god, why didn't we think of that?'" The ripple effect across the industry was tangible—hair menus became standard, and salons were suddenly expected to offer a variety of finishes and styles. "People demanded more from a hairdresser. It wasn't just a bouncy blow-dry anymore."

Dua, YSL, and the wig no one knew was a wig

More recently, Luke worked on a global YSL campaign with Dua Lipa—an experience that proved to be a different creative context entirely—more of a collaborative machine than a single person's vision. "There are so many ad agencies and creative directors involved," Luke says. "You're really just taking direction at that point." But there's a detail he's happy to reveal: the iconic bob in that campaign wasn't Dua's hair. "It was a wig. She'd grown her hair much longer and they wanted the bob back. You'd never know."

Lessons on great hair

While Hershesons has grown into an empire of three salons and a namesake brand of hair tools and products, Luke's ethos hasn't shifted since the King's Road days. "I hate that some people think they have to get a blow dry to make their hair look good," he says. "Put some Almost Everything Cream on, spritz it with Air Dry Spray, tuck it behind your ears. Work with your natural texture and don't labour over it—it should look like part of you. I think that's what's timeless."

Come summer, I become obsessed with growing out my hair. There's no better accompaniment to sunny days than ultra-long, mermaid-esque locks, right? Keeping them healthy and free of split ends, though, is another matter.

The longer your hair, the more likely it is to be damaged and of lesser quality. It makes sense, the hair at the bottom is often a lot older than your roots, of course. And when you add in colouring, bleaching and heat styling, it becomes a lot more difficult to keep it looking and feeling healthy.

I've always supplemented with oils and leave-in conditioners but in recent years I've steered clear of nourishing shampoos and conditioners. It may sound counter-intuitive but I found that these rich, moisturising products would leave my hair flat and incapable of holding volume. Well, that was until I discovered my holy-grail haircare range: Davines' MOMO line, which I've now been testing for six months.

I've long been a fan of Davines' Essential Haircare formulas, which were relaunched earlier this year. Now, they feature on average 93 per cent natural origin ingredients, as well as high-performance bio-polymers to elevate results while maintaining a lighter environmental footprint. MOMO is one of nine families, and addresses dry or dehydrated hair (the others target everything from curls and volume to highly processed or damaged strands).

The MOMO range is comprised of a shampoo, shampoo bar, conditioner and serum. Infused with regenerative apricot extract, vitamin A, and polysaccharides to deliver up to 11 times more hydrated hair, the shampoo gently cleanses to enhance hydration, leaving hair feeling soft, manageable and shiny.

But what really sets it and the conditioner apart is how lightweight they are—they do not weigh my hair down in the slightest nor leave it limp and greasy-feeling. Instead, there's plenty of bounce and movement, but my hair also feels supremely nourished, even after just one wash.

Then I seal in all the goodness with the accompanying serum. I often find leave-in conditioners can weigh my hair down, but not this one. It smooths frizz, softens beautifully, and makes my hair so much easier to style, without any heaviness.

In fact, I haven't had a trim in a year, and I really do credit this range for that. My split ends look sealed and healthy, which definitely wasn't the case before. It's real holy-grail status.

Imagine waking up one day and noticing your hairline had receded by an inch. Sounds unbelievable, but that’s what happened to me a few years ago. I was on autopilot with my morning skincare routine when I noticed the scar on my scalp—which has been hidden by my hair since I got it at age five—was suddenly very visible. I was shocked, worried and rather confused. There weren’t hundreds of hairs on my pillow, so obviously, I hadn’t lost all of that hair overnight, but how had I not noticed until that morning that I’d been losing my hair? I rushed to my phone to look back at pictures of myself, and I realised my hairline had been thinning consistently over the course of a decade. And now I had been left with areas completely devoid of hair, and patches with very little hair left at all.

I hotfooted it to see a dermatologist who explained I likely had traction alopecia. “It’s a form of hair loss caused by chronic tension or pulling on the hair follicle, usually caused by tight hairstyles like ponytails, weaves, braids, or even tight head coverings,” explains consultant dermatologist Dr Sharon Belmo. Turns out that the hairline is particularly vulnerable to this traction-related damage, as “the hair follicles are finer, more delicate and exposed to the greatest amount of tension in many hairstyles. These hairs also tend to have a shorter growth cycle than other hairs on the scalp,” adds Belmo.

My biggest question was whether I’d be able to grow my hair back or whether I’d left it too late, but I was reassured that regrowth is often possible, especially in the early stages. However, “prolonged trauma from tension causes inflammation around the hair follicle. So, if styling practices remain the same, this chronic inflammation can lead to the destruction of the hair follicle, also known as scarring. At this point, the hair follicle will no longer be able to produce hair, and the hair loss becomes irreversible,” reveals Belmo.

Armed with lots of advice, I set off on a mission to restore my hairline, and these are the seven hairline-saving hacks that worked for me.

Embrace your natural texture

Entering a new era of styling my hair sounded easy enough, but after years of blow-drying it straight, I found it really hard to embrace my natural texture. So much of our identity gets tied up in our hair that I didn’t feel like me when sporting my curls. I also had no idea how to define them, and hated how short my hair was when it wasn’t straight. I persevered because, according to Belmo, “the more the hair is unnaturally forced into styles that require tension to maintain sleekness or straightness, the higher the risk of stress on follicles.” This leads to breakage and hair loss, while sticking with your natural texture reduces dependence on heat or chemical straightening and requires less manipulation when styling, which should essentially save your strands.

Loose, low-tension styles are best when rehabbing your hair post-traction alopecia, so I mastered my wash-day routine to sport defined curls for at least three days at a time. Currently, I use the Typebea Intense Bond Repair Leave-in Treatment, £43, which strengthens hair by up to 52 per cent and reduces breakage by 80 per cent after just one use. Next, I section my hair and apply Innersense I Create Volume Lotion, £26, to each section, as it helps define my curls and lock them into place for days. I finish by adding a drop of the Cécred Oil Ritual, £44, which is packed with 21 nourishing oils that keep my hair well moisturised and help weigh my curls down so that I don’t lose as much length when they’re dry.

Invest in a water filter

Ever noticed how the look and feel of your hair can totally change when you’re on holiday? Well, it’s the water, or more specifically, it’s what's in the water that can make such a major difference. Just over 60 per cent of UK households have hard water flowing out of their taps and according to Trichologist Ricardo Vila Nova that’s far from ideal when it comes to our hair.

“Hard water is determined by the presence of minerals or metals, as well as limescale or chlorine. Some minerals can build up superficially on the hair, while others can actually reach the cortex—the middle layer of the hair—causing more severe changes to the hair structure,” shares Vila Nova. And if that doesn’t sound scary enough, hard water can also “stop the active ingredients in your products from being properly absorbed by your hair. It also affects the scalp by disrupting its natural pH balance and reducing hydration levels, which may compromise both scalp health and hair fibre elasticity. This imbalance can contribute to scalp dryness, irritation, and increased sensitivity. And for those with traction alopecia, these effects can potentially increase hair fragility, breakage, and add additional stress to existing hair fibres,” he adds.

The fix? A water filter. Which is why I swapped my shower head for the Hello Klean Shower Head+, £120, which features advanced three-stage filtration to reduce heavy metals, minerals, and chlorine buildup on your hair. Not only that, it also tracks how much water you use and alerts you through an app when it’s time to replace your filter—genius!

Add a dandruff shampoo

I don’t have dandruff, but I do use anti-dandruff shampoos (it makes sense I promise). “Repeated pulling causes inflammation around the follicle, often seen on the scalp as tenderness, bumps, redness or irritation along the hairline. This is why anti-inflammatory scalp treatments can be helpful, particularly when the condition is still active and potentially reversible,” explains Consultant Dermatologist and Head of Medical at Hair+Me, Dr Jason Thomson.

Hair experts often recommend once-weekly use of an anti-dandruff shampoo containing selenium sulfide or ketoconazole, even for people like me without obvious dandruff, as these ingredients can help reduce inflammatory activity, excess buildup, and microbial imbalance on the scalp. I switch between the Vichy Dercos Antidandruff Shampoo, £11.62, which contains selenium sulfide, and the Nizoral Dandruff Treatment 2 % w/w Shampoo, £14.99, which is packed with ketoconazole.

Consider a scalp injectable

Patience isn’t one of my strong suits, but when you’re dealing with traction alopecia, it can often take up to a year to see an improvement in hair growth and density. So, in a bid to speed things up, and get the best results, I decided to try some needle based in-clinic treatments. I started with platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections. This is where growth factor-packed plasma is taken from your own blood. "When injected into the scalp these growth factors stimulate the hair follicles to kick start growth and prevent further hair loss," explains Belmo. And after three sessions, spaced four weeks apart I noticed a lot more new hairs sprouting from my hairline.

Next, I tried polynucleotides, the purified fish sperm DNA, a popular facial aesthetic treatment, but it can be injected into the scalp to boost hair growth. It works by stimulating dormant follicles back into the growth phase, calming the inflammation and micro-trauma caused by traction, improving blood flow to the follicles, and boosting collagen and elastin production in the scalp. Like PRP, three to six monthly injections are recommended, and while by this point I was well into my hair growth journey, I am convinced it helped thicken up my strands and boost growth.

Most recently I’ve been testing out MCT exosome therapy. "Exosomes are nanosized extracellular vesicles naturally released by cells to transport biological information between tissues. They contain highly active signalling molecules including growth factors, proteins, lipids, mRNA, and microRNA that regulate inflammation, tissue repair, blood flow, and stem cell communication," explains Viviana Botoaca, Geneviv Clinic founder. For traction alopecia specifically, they "help support recovery by calming the inflammation around the follicle, sending signals that encourage the tissue to repair itself, and keeping hair follicles alive and functioning before permanent damage sets in,” adds Botoaca.

What makes MCT exosomes different is that they're made from your own plasma, rather than from plant, marine or bovine sources. Like with PRP your blood is taken, the plasma is extracted, and then it’s fed through the MCT device, where it is heated to increase the concentration of growth factors and trigger the release of your own exosomes. That supercharged plasma is then reinjected into the scalp. For me, this has been the most exciting treatment because I thought I’d reached the peak amount of regrowth and density possible, and somehow a course of three treatments coaxed more hairs out of my hairline and improved overall density.

Address your diet

When it comes to hair health, what you eat plays a role. “Food is the easiest way to absorb vital nutrients and vitamins of which the body may be deprived, and it is also necessary for hair to grow and remain healthy. Foods high in nutrients like biotin, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and protein are all known to promote hair health. This will not only help the hairline but also the overall health of your hair,” shares Trichologist Hannah Gaboardi. I asked my GP for some blood tests to see if I had any deficiencies I needed to address, and it turned out I was vitamin D deficient and had low ferritin levels too.

“Vitamin D influences the hair growth cycle and supports the proper functioning of hair follicles. Ferritin (stored iron) plays a vital role in hair growth as it helps regulate the release of iron, a crucial mineral for optimal hair health,” explains Gaboardi.

Interestingly, when it comes to hair health and deficiencies, you don’t want to just be in the normal range. According to Gaboardi, levels need to be in the mid-high range to help your hair grow, as the body prioritises the function of your vital organs over your hair, skin and nails.

I optimised my diet by upping my protein as it’s the building block for hair, and its deficiency can lead to hair thinning and loss. And I added some supplements to my diet.

“With Traction Alopecia, supplements should focus on reducing inflammation, supporting follicular repair, improving circulation, and strengthening weakened strands while the follicles recover from tension. It’s best to prioritise nutrients involved in tissue repair and hair strength such as protein, iron, zinc, omega-3s, biotin, amino acids, collagen support, and anti-inflammatory support,” shares Gaboardi. I take the Vida Glow Hairology Capsules, £45 at Vida Glow which contain AnaGain, an extract derived from organic pea sprouts that’s proven to boost growth, reduce hair loss and strengthen tresses too. It also contains iodine-rich bladderwrack seaweed, zinc, selenium and biotin to deeply nourish fragile strands from the inside out. I also take the Vida Glow Pro Collagen+, £55, the marine collagen tripeptides are fast acting and are more easily absorbed by the body thanks to how teeny tiny they are in comparison to typical hydrolysed collagen used in other supplements. The Artah Advanced Multi-Nutrient, £60, rounds out my daily dose of oral haircare to target everything your hair (and body) needs for healthy growth.

Try at-home growth support

Every other week, there’s a new ingredient, product or hack that claims to work wonders when it comes to hair growth. Rice water, no shampoo, and every oil imaginable have been touted as a panacea for hair loss. “The most common myth is that rosemary oil can grow your hair, when in fact it can do the opposite by blocking the follicle and delaying hair growth,” warns Gaboardi.

And I’ve discovered through my research that many growth serums don’t actually contain actives that are clinically proven to boost growth directly. But they do contain “ingredients such as niacinamide, panthenol and glycerin that can improve scalp comfort, reduce dryness and support the skin barrier,” says Thomson. And this can create a scalp environment that’s conducive to growth.

I use a mixture of proven hair growth boosters and scalp care to ensure I’m covering all my bases. The Current Body LED Hair Growth Helmet, £649.99, is by no means cheap, but it is clinically proven to extend the growth phase of our hair, increase density and reduce scalp inflammation too. While my current scalp serum of choice is the Rhute Density + Repair Scalp Serum, £55, developed by a dermatologist and powered by caffeine, peptides, stem cell extracts and niacinamide.

Opt for a hair transplant

About two years into my regrowth journey, it became obvious that I had areas of scarring alopecia, which is when, as Belmo explained, the hair follicle has been completely destroyed and can no longer produce hair, aka irreversible hair loss. I couldn’t grow back a single strand around my scar, and my temples were very sparse, too. Luckily, “when it comes to hair transplant surgery, the most compatible forms of hair loss are androgenetic alopecia (a genetic disorder), and irreversible traction alopecia,” explains my hair transplant surgeon, Dr Christopher D’Souza.

Hair transplant surgery involves removing follicles from one part of the scalp and placing them in areas where hair loss has occurred. It’s a commitment in terms of aftercare, and a waiting game when it comes to results. The implanted hairs need to be treated with kid gloves for the first 10 days while the follicles embed in the scalp. The hairs (but not the follicles) typically fall out around day 14 and then, “new hair will start to appear from these follicles at three to four months post op with noticeable results at the six-month mark,” explains D’Souza.

I had two in total and I’m considering a third, as “density with a single hair transplant can never match the existing density of the rest of the hair on the head,” shares D’Souza. And as someone who is very much a more is more kinda gal, I really want to fill out my hairline as much as possible. With that said, hair transplant surgery was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made when it comes to treating my traction alopecia. There was no way I was getting that hair back, and my confidence levels really plummeted having to walk around with bald patches and a higher hairline.

Repair is central to any good hair routine—from heat styling damage to colour-processed hair, there are myriad ways we can impact the quality of our strands. But recent innovations have seen a slew of bond-repair products and nourishing masks come to market, all designed to treat and strengthen hair from the inside out.

Read on for the best "Repair Ritualists" of 2026, as voted for by our expert panel of judges.

How are the products tested and judged?

The Marie Claire UK Hair Awards judging panel is made up of industry experts, from esteemed hairstylists including Sam McKnight, Samantha Cusick, Luke Hersheson and Adam Reed, to journalists, content creators and hair specialists, ensuring every product is thoroughly put through its paces.

WINNER: BEST STRENGTHENING TREATMENT

WINNER: BEST BOND TREATMENT

WINNER: BEST BOND REPAIR PRODUCT

WINNER: BEST INTENSIVE HAIR MASK

WINNER: BEST PRE-SHAMPOO TREATMENT

WINNER: BEST NIGHT TREATMENT

WINNER: BEST SHAMPOO FOR DAMAGED HAIR

WINNER: BEST CONDITIONER FOR DAMAGED HAIR

WINNER: BEST LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

WINNER: BEST MOISTURISING CREAM

WINNER: BEST HAIR OIL

WINNER: BEST DETANGLER

WINNER: BEST DETANGLING SPRAY FOR KIDS

WINNER: BEST HYDRATING SHAMPOO

WINNER: BEST HYDRATING CONDITIONER

WINNER: BEST TREATMENT MIST

WINNER: BEST SHINE-BOOSTING SHAMPOO

WINNER: BEST SHINE-BOOSTING CONDITIONER

Hair tools are big business in beauty. Gone are the days of clunky hairdryers and straighteners that take forever to heat up—in their place are curlers, hot brushes and styling tools powered by the latest technology that get the job done, fast.

From Dyson’s latest breakthrough to ghd's speediest offering yet, this was a category packed with innovation and ease of use. Our judges’ picks, ahead.

How are the products tested and judged?

The Marie Claire UK Hair Awards judging panel is made up of industry experts, from esteemed hairstylists including Sam McKnight, Samantha Cusick, Luke Hersheson and Adam Reed, to journalists, content creators and hair specialists, ensuring every product is thoroughly put through its paces.

WINNER: BEST HAIRDRYER

WINNER: BEST HAIR ROLLERS

WINNER: BEST HAIRBRUSH

WINNER: BEST DETANGLER BRUSH

WINNER: BEST MULTI-STYLER

WINNER: BEST CURLING TONG

WINNER: BEST STRAIGHTENER

WINNER: BEST HOT BRUSH

WINNER: BEST FILTERED SHOWERHEAD

WINNER: BEST HAIR EXTENSIONS

WINNER: BEST IN-SALON HAIR EXTENSIONS

WINNER: BEST HAIR CLIP

WINNER: BEST HAIR SCRUNCHIE

WINNER: BEST PROTECTIVE HAIR ACCESSORY

WINNER: BEST HAIR REMOVAL TOOL

Trends come and go, but this year we really realised the value of scalp care when it comes to hair health. It is the foundation: home to follicles and the nutrients needed for strong, shiny and nourished hair.

However, many people don’t know where to start. Luckily, the judges of the Marie Claire UK Hair Awards 2026 have long championed the benefits of looking after your scalp—ahead are their top picks

How are the products tested and judged?

The Marie Claire UK Hair Awards judging panel is made up of industry experts, from esteemed hairstylists including Sam McKnight, Samantha Cusick, Luke Hersheson and Adam Reed, to journalists, content creators and hair specialists, ensuring every product is thoroughly put through its paces.

WINNER: BEST SCALP SERUM

WINNER: BEST SCALP TREATMENT

WINNER: BEST HAIR GROWTH OIL

WINNER: BEST HAIRLINE TREATMENT

WINNER: BEST DANDRUFF SOLUTION

WINNER: BEST ANTI-DANDRUFF SHAMPOO

WINNER: BEST CLARIFYING SHAMPOO

WINNER: BEST SHAMPOO FOR THINNING/HAIR LOSS

WINNER: BEST CONDITIONER FOR THINNING/HAIR LOSS

WINNER: BEST TREATMENT FOR THINNING/HAIR LOSS

WINNER: BEST ROOT TOUCH UP

As any beauty aficionado will tell you, it’s not the packaging (or the claims) that matter—it’s the formula inside that counts, and this is especially true when it comes to hair. With so many different textures, types, and concerns to address, there's rarely a one-size-fits-all solution, which is exactly why Formula Pioneers is our most extensive category in the 2026 Marie Claire Hair Awards.

Across the categories that follow, the brands rewriting the rules aren't just launching new products—they're rethinking what haircare can be: more personalised, more sustainable, more attuned to the full spectrum of hair types and needs. From liquid collagen and natural ingredient formulas to specialist colour care and kids' ranges, our experts tried the full gamut of products on the market to find the ones that really work. Whether you're navigating a curly hair routine, protecting a fresh colour, or simply searching for a shampoo that actually delivers, consider this your definitive guide to what's worth your shelf space right now.

How are the products tested and judged?

The Marie Claire UK Hair Awards judging panel is made up of industry experts, from esteemed hairstylists including Sam McKnight, Samantha Cusick, Luke Hersheson and Adam Reed, to journalists, content creators and hair specialists, ensuring every product is thoroughly put through its paces.

WINNER: BEST NEW HAIR BRAND

Our judges were impressed by new-to-market Saudi Arabian hair brand CLARA. Created by regional experts who understand the nuances of Middle Eastern hair, the range is designed to cater to straight, frizzy and thick hair types while protecting against humidity. All formulas are vegan, as well as paraben- and sulfate-free.

WINNER: BEST NEW HAIR PRODUCT

WINNER: BEST PERSONALISED HAIRCARE

WINNER: BEST ORGANIC BRAND

This range is made with hazelnuts grown on renowned hairstylist Adem Oygur’s family farm in Divaniturk, just east of Istanbul, and its organic credentials truly stand out in a saturated market. The brand’s formulas are 100% natural, cruelty-free, and sans parabens, sulfates and SLS/SLES. Its hero ingredient also shines: naturally rich in fibre, protein and around a third of your daily folate intake, this superfood also contain vitamins A, B, D and E.

WINNER: BEST SUSTAINABLE BRAND

Small Wonder managed to do what many though was impossible: removing water from haircare. For over 12 years, the brand's cosmetic chemists worked on dehydrating high performance nutrients, without degrading them. The result is actually sustainable haircare, which doesn't compromise on efficacy. But they didn't stop there: the next step was engineering a patented bottle to keep their protective antioxidants, nourishing oils and precision peptides sealed until activation.

WINNER: BEST NATURAL FORMULA

TROPIC has made waves in the industry thanks to its unwavering commitment to wholly natural, sustainable solutions to everyday beauty concerns. While the brand began in skincare and makeup, its haircare offering is just as considered. The sulfate-free formulas are designed to work in harmony with both scalp and strands, helping to support a healthy pH balance while gently cleansing and hydrating without harsh foaming agents or silicones; suitable for every hair type, from straight to kinky, coily and processed.

WINNER: BEST NATURAL INGREDIENT SHAMPOO

WINNER: BEST NATURAL INGREDIENT CONDITIONER

WINNER: BEST HAIR SUPPLEMENT

WINNER: BEST LIQUID COLLAGEN

WINNER: BEST HAIR SUN PROTECTION

WINNER: BEST MULTI-TASKER FOR TEXTURED HAIR

WINNER: BEST GROOMING BALM/BEARD PRODUCT

WINNER: BEST LASH CARE PRODUCT

WINNER: BEST BROW CARE PRODUCT

WINNER: BEST COLOUR CARE FOR REDHEADS

WINNER: BEST TONING CONDITIONER

WINNER: BEST TONING SHAMPOO

WINNER: BEST SHAMPOO FOR CURLY HAIR

WINNER: BEST HAIRCARE RANGE FOR KIDS

WINNER: BEST VOLUMISING SHAMPOO

WINNER: BEST NEW SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER

WINNER: BEST AT-HOME COLOUR

WINNER: BEST AT-HOME GLAZE

WINNER: BEST COLOUR SHAMPOO

For nine years, Marie Claire UK has championed the finest formulations and innovations in haircare—from the tools that have genuinely changed the way we style at home to the treatments that have revolutionised our routines. The products, as ever, matter enormously.

But this year, we wanted to turn the spotlight on the people behind the hair. The colourists, clinicians, creatives and cultural figures who set the agenda, raise the bar and whose contribution to this industry extends far beyond the salon chair.

These are the winners of our inaugural Hair Industry Icons category.

WINNER: BEST NEW SALON

There are new salons, and then there are salons that make you reconsider what a salon visit can feel like entirely. AEVUM is the latter. From the moment you walk in, it's clear that every detail has been considered—not just the cut, but the experience around it, ranging from DNA Trichotesting to alternative wellness therapies. A deserving winner of our Best New Salon award, and one to watch.

WINNER: RISING STAR

Some colourists take years to find their signature. Harriet Muldoon arrived knowing exactly what hers was—and has built her reputation as Blonde Specialist at Larry King Salon with the kind of instinct, skill and creative confidence that marks her out as one of the most exciting names working in British hair right now.

WINNER: THE TRENDSETTERS

Their philosophy is disarmingly simple: a great haircut should look just as good on a rushed Tuesday morning as it does the moment you leave the salon. In championing the cut over the blow-dry and the natural look over polished perfection, The Hair Bros have shifted the conversation around what good hair actually means—and captured an entirely new generation at the same time.

WINNER: HAIR HEALTH HERO

The conversation around hair health has take centre stage over the past decade and Dr Aamna Adel has made it her life's work to ensure it's properly informed. As the founder of Rhute, she has brought clinical rigour to a space that thrives on expertise, making science-backed knowledge accessible to the women who need it most. Our Hair Health Hero award recognises not just what she knows, but how so generously she shares it.

WINNER: LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

There are careers, and then there is Sam McKnight's career. Spanning decades, continents and some of the most iconic images in fashion history, his work has defined eras and shaped the way the world sees hair. To say he is deserving of our Lifetime Achievement award feels like an understatement. It is, simply, an honour.

In 2026, there is no dearth of innovation in the haircare industry. From next-gen mousses and featherweight oils to technologically enhanced heat protectors, you will be able to find the solution to any hair-related woe you can think of.

Indeed, this year our expert panel of judges were spoilt for choice when it came to the best "style architects" on the market... Read on for the winner list.

How are the products tested and judged?

The Marie Claire UK Hair Awards judging panel is made up of industry experts, from esteemed hairstylists including Sam McKnight, Samantha Cusick, Luke Hersheson and Adam Reed, to journalists, content creators and hair specialists, ensuring every product is thoroughly put through its paces.

WINNER: BEST STYLING MOUSSE

WINNER: BEST HAIR SPRAY

WINNER: BEST HAIR GEL

WINNER: BEST TEXTURISER

WINNER: BEST SMOOTHING PRODUCT

WINNER: BEST VOLUMISER

WINNER: BEST BLOW DRY PRODUCT

WINNER: BEST HEAT PROTECTOR

WINNER: BEST SHINE PRODUCT

WINNER: BEST DRY SHAMPOO

WINNER: BEST FLYAWAY PRODUCT

WINNER: BEST WAX STICK

WINNER: BEST CURL ENHANCER

WINNER: BEST STYLING PRODUCT FOR NATURAL/TEXTURED HAIR

WINNER: BEST MULTI-TASKER FOR CURLS

I'll be the first to admit that I spend a significant amount of time caring for the skin on my face, but this doesn't often extend to other parts of my body in quite the same way—including my scalp. That was, until I discovered Hydrafacial's Keravive treatment, which is essentially a heavy-duty facial for your scalp.

If you're pining for enviably full and healthy hair, scalp care is an unmissable step in your routine. And although scalp oils and specialist shampoos can go a long way, it's scalp treatments that will provide the best instant and lasting results.

You might be familiar with the much-raved-about Hydrafacial treatment for the skin, which is famed for the enviable glow and smoothness it provides, but you can now deliver the same results to your scalp, too. Designed to smooth skin, reduce itching and irritation, reduce hair loss and thinning, and make hair look and feel thicker and fuller, there are some big promises. Following my visit to Hydrafacial's flagship location, I can attest to how effective this treatment really is.

What is the Hydrafacial Keravive Treatment?

"Keravive by Hydrafacial is a scalp peptide treatment clinically proven to help reduce hair thinning and stimulate the hair’s natural ability to grow hair," as the clinic explains. It uses the same machine and technology as the original Hydrafacial, which involves a small handheld suction-like device that exfoliates, cleanses, and hydrates in one.

It removes buildup and impurities from the scalp's surface, whilst also delivering niacinamide to protect against environmental stressors, vitamin B5 and arginine to replenish moisture and rejuvenate the scalp and hair, and the signature Keravive Peptide Complex—a blend of nourishing peptides and growth factors to support fuller, healthier-looking hair.

Best of all, it's completely non-invasive and feels like a relaxing head massage.

What happens during the Hydrafacial Keravive Treatment?

For my session at Hydrafacial's London flagship, I went straight into the treatment room where I lay down under a blanket for the practitioner to get to work. Already, this was enough to relax me.

The full treatment consists of a round of exfoliation and removing dead skin cells and build-up from the surface of the scalp, followed by the Keravive peptide blend which is then massaged in, finished off with a red light treatment to promote hair growth and increase circulation.

It felt like a targeted head massage, with the tool worked over various parts of my hair for a full scalp treatment. Not one part of it was even remotely uncomfortable—in fact, I nearly nodded off several times.

Afterwards, you can see exactly what has come off your scalp (as shown below). If you're anything like me, you'll find this part particularly satisfying. You also get a Keravive spray to take home and use daily, which further enhances the treatment's results.

You can choose to stack your treatment with a facial or other body options, or you can go just for Keravive. The treatment will last approximately 30-60 minutes depending on your needs and concerns.

Who is it suitable for?

The Hydrafacial Keravive Treatment is suitable for all scalp and hair types, including braids, extensions, locs, and bleached or dyed hair. Your practitioner will ask you about your scalp concerns and tailor it to you, so if you have any problem areas or places you'd like them to avoid, that won't be a problem.

How should I prepare?

There is absolutely no prep involved for this treatment—just walk into the salon. However, my practitioner told me that it's best to come with freshly washed hair if possible. This is so the treatment can reach the scalp effectively and so you can leave it on your scalp for a day or two before your next hair wash.

That being said, I arrived with day-two hair that definitely needed a wash, but it didn't affect the treatment at all. The results were just as effective, and the process didn't change.

What results can you expect?

For best results, it's recommended that you have three treatments roughly a month apart. Then, simply continue using your take-home spray and enjoy the results. Further follow-up treatments aren't essential, but you can book back in whenever you think your scalp might need them.

I noticed a huge difference in the feel of my scalp, itchiness levels, and the appearance of my hair after just one session. I left the treatment on for 24 hours before washing, and my hair felt much cleaner than usual afterwards. Typically, I double-cleanse with a detox shampoo to get everything off my scalp, but I only needed one regular shampoo to feel squeaky clean.

My hair also already feels and appears fuller, particularly around my parting and hairline. I'm only expecting this to increase with continued use of the Keravive spray.

One of my favourite things about the Keravive treatment is that you can walk straight out of the salon and carry on with your day. Your hair isn't wet or greasy from the process, and it looks almost exactly the same as when you went in. That means you can have it done whenever suits you, with no hair styling necessary afterwards.

Most of all, it's one of the most relaxing treatments I've had in a while. Even without the increased benefits over time, I'd enjoy going back just for the massage-esque feeling.

Sessions typically range from £300-£500 for a single session, and you can find your nearest provider via the Hydrafacial website.

Summertime has myriad reasons to rejoice: the sun's out, BBQs are back, and you can finally get your toes out and into those cute sandals you bought during last year's sale season. But if your hair always seems to go haywire the moment you land somewhere hot, there are actually a number of specific reasons for it.

Travelling to warmer climes for holiday season can often mean pool and sea water aplenty (i.e. chlorine and salt), elevated temperatures and harmful UV rays, and increased humidity. And guess what? None of these tend to be a friend to hair. In fact, they can cause dryness and frizz in abundance.

Another key culprit which is common abroad? Softer water than we're used to in the UK, which changes the way hair behaves entirely. Without the minerals found in hard water weighing strands down, hair can become prone to flyaways and frizz—and your usual products may not work the same way either. I've seen this first-hand since moving to Australia from the UK, and trichologist Anabel Kingsley of Philip Kingsley confirms it's more common than you'd think.

"High humidity definitely adds to frizz," she says—but so can different water. "It's true that hard water [which many of us have in the UK] has many pitfalls—it can leave hair feeling coated and looking dull. Soft water leaves less of a residue on hair, often making it feel softer and look shinier. However, as you have that loss of added texture and weight from the minerals found in hard water, hair may be more prone to fly-aways," she explains, adding: "Another thing to consider is that your usual products may work differently when used with soft water, so you might need to rethink your products."

For this reason, it may be time to restock your haircare shelves for the summer season, as I have recently. Below, some of the most respected beauty editors in the industry share their favourite hydrating, shine-boosting, anti-frizz formulas worth a try if you struggle around this time of year.

9 anti-frizz, anti-humidity essentials recommended by beauty editors

Known as 'the salmon sperm facial,' Polynucleotides have undeniably been one of the most popular aesthetic treatments in recent years. Beloved for their ability to refresh skin by boosting collagen and elastin levels, deeply hydrate and reduce inflammation, this regenerative treatment is a sign of the times: we no longer want obvious injectables, but subtle changes that prioritise longevity.

And with this surge in aesthetics came PDRN, a topical 'alternative' also made from salmon sperm and hailing from South Korea. Popularised by skincare formulas like Anua's PDRN Hyaluronic Acid, this ingredient became the ideal complementary step to polynucleotide appointments.

So, perhaps we shouldn't be surprised that it started to pop up in other categories across beauty: namely, bodycare (think, the Heveblue Salmon Fruity Centella Body Cream) and now, haircare. So what can PDRN actually do for the hair, and how can you buy into the trend from the UK? Here's what you need to know.

What does PDRN do?

PDRN, which stands for Polydeoxyribonucleotide, has been dubbed the topical 'alternative' to polynucleotide applications. It's worth pointing out from the off that few-to-no skincare ingredients are able to offer the same kind of results as injectables – but PDRN (also derived from salmon sperm fragments) might be a strong contender, and does have some impressive benefits.

For one, it deeply hydrates the skin and aids in damaged skin barriers. PDRN works to boost elastin and collagen production and reduces inflammation. The result is usually fresher-looking, healthier skin all around.

But how does this translate to hair? The idea is that the ingredient is so brilliant for the face, it works wonders on the scalp, which, simply put, is also just skin. The healthier our scalp is, the better we experience growth and stronger strands generally, meaning an ingredient that can repair broken barriers, target inflammation and hydrate deeply is bound to have benefits when applied here too. In short, it's thought that scalps which may feel dry, itchy or irritated could benefit from a little PDRN.

Then there's the 'glass hair' claim. PDRN skincare formulas like Anua's are celebrated for their ability to promote the desirable 'glass skin' aesthetic, so the thinking is that this will also apply to hair. After all, hair that's deeply hydrated and grows from a healthy scalp is more likely to be super shiny and 'swishy'!

Is PDRN haircare effective?

The most notable recent foray into PDRN haircare is Medicube's Rosemary PDRN range, which includes a shampoo, conditioner, and scalp serum. When used alongside 19 amino acids and rosemary (an ingredient thought to aid in hair growth), PDRN works in these formulas to cleanse, hydrate, strengthen and create 'fuller-looking' hair.

VT Cosmetics – the brand best known for its 'Reedle' skincare products (made with tiny microneedles)—also offers a PDRN 'hair shot' designed to clean and strengthen the scalp.

Aesthetic Doctor at Taktouk Clinic and K-beauty expert Dr Christine Hall comments that she's noticed an influx of PDRN haircare, such as the aforementioned formulas by Medicube and VT. She says their popularity has grown as mainstream knowledge has increased that "the scalp is an extension of our skin." These days, we prioritise anything that can support our scalp health (and, by extension, our hair health/appearance). "PDRN, like in the skin, is about barrier repair, anti-inflammation and restoration," she explains, noting that "inflammatory conditions and scalp conditions often lead to hair loss," hence why we're trying out these products.

However, the results aren't yet really proven. According to Anabel Kingsley, Consultant Trichologist and Brand President at Philip Kingsley, instead of jumping head-first into the PDRN haircare trend, now may be the time to "watch and wait."

"To my knowledge, there have been very few studies on the benefits of injecting PDRN into the scalp for hair growth [such as this one, which featured PDRN injections] – and none regarding purely topical application," she explains. "PDRN has only been tested on pattern hair loss and not on other types of hair loss, such as telogen effluvium (excessive daily hair shedding)."

For this reason (and because "female pattern hair loss is progressive"), she says if you're going to try a PDRN hair serum specifically for growth, "use it alongside a more established and well-studied treatment, like minoxidil." She also advises being careful with products that use spicules like VT's, as "the data on them is limited, and they have the potential to cause irritation and disrupt the scalp barrier."

That said, using something like the Medicube range can't hurt, and may even help you achieve the glass-like locks of your dreams!

How can you buy PDRN hair products?

Kingsley's advice to "watch and wait" may be your only option right now; the UK is still waiting to gain access to products like Medicube's and VT Cosmetics.

That said, given how quickly things move in beauty, there's little doubt this will change any day now. So if you've got your heart set on trying PDRN for hair, you hopefully won't have to wait long! And in the meantime, why not give these trending K-beauty bodycare buys a go?

If you're on the never-ending quest for smooth, supple, "glass-like" skin, then it's time to get acquainted with Japanese beauty.

While it has a similar ethos to the innovations coming out of South Korea—so, a focus on gentle, hydrating and barrier-building ingredients—there are key differences. While K-beauty is focused on trends and rapid production, J-beauty formulas are often decades in the making, and centred around specific ingredients, like ferments, green tea, rice and seaweed, as well as precise application techniques.

In fact, it has been a favourite amongst industry insiders for decades, well before it became easily accessible in the UK. So, without further ado, the very best of the sector across make-up, skincare, haircare and fragrance, as selected by those in the know.

Best J-Beauty Products to Shop Now

I hadn’t heard the term follicle fitness until very recently. I was at a haircare brand presentation when it was dropped into conversation so casually, as if it were everyday beauty lingo. I had no clue what it meant, but no one else seemed to bat an eyelid. I assumed it was another gimmick: a workout for the scalp, perhaps. And while my follicles could probably benefit from a high-intensity workout, I wasn’t in the market for yet another step in an already jam-packed routine.

As it turns out, I’d got it wrong.

What Follicle Fitness Actually Means

“‘Follicle fitness’ is used to describe how healthy your hair follicles are and how well they’re functioning,” explains trichologist Akta Bavalia. Take away the trendy phrasing and it’s a measure of hair health at the root. Not a product, not a treatment, but think of it as a tool. “When follicles are considered ‘fit,’ it means the hair growth cycle is operating as it should and the environment surrounding each follicle is well supported.”

When it comes to follicle fitness, environment is everything. Each follicle sits within a complex micro-ecosystem, impacted by blood supply, hormone signalling, nutrient availability and the condition of the scalp itself—all of which influence how our hair grows. Hair growth happens in cycles—anagen (growth), catagen (transition) and telogen (rest)—and when that rhythm is disrupted, the visible effects can range from thinning and shedding to weaker, more brittle strands. “A steady supply of nutrients and oxygen via good blood flow, balanced hormones, and a well-maintained scalp environment” all contribute to follicles that are “strong and resilient, capable of producing hair that grows consistently (according to individual growth cycle) but also better quality hair.”

Looking at follicle fitness offers a useful shift in perspective, particularly now, when haircare feels more complicated than ever. Gone are the days of a routine built around shampoo and conditioner alone. Now we’re navigating exfoliating scalp acids, bond-building treatments that promise to repair hair structure, and glosses designed to mimic salon shine. And it’s not just products; we’re inundated with so much information. The result is a routine that can feel excessive and, at times, so far from what our hair actually needs.

When you consider follicle fitness, you can cut through that noise and refocus on the foundations. “‘Follicle Fitness’ isn't a medical or scientific term. You won't find it in any dermatology textbooks,” says Dr Amy Vowler, NHS GP and hair restoration doctor at Hair GP. “However, it’s a consumer-friendly way of describing the hair follicle and its surrounding environment. It’s a bit like ‘gut health’ which is marketing friendly but also has real underlying science.” The language may be new, but the goal has always been the same.

Where Follicle Fitness Fits Into Your Routine

So what can we actually do to improve our follicle fitness? According to Dr Vowler, it starts with the scalp. “There are a few things that actually matter for follicle health. First up is scalp inflammation; if you have chronic low-grade microinflammation around the follicle, it can drive hair miniaturisation and hair thinning.” This can also show up as itchiness, flaking or sensitivity—all signs that the scalp barrier is compromised. Addressing this doesn’t mean adding more products, but choosing the right ones: gentle cleansers, targeted treatments and, in some cases, medicated solutions.

Circulation is another important factor. “Blood supply… delivers oxygen and nutrients hair needs in the growth phase. This is partly how minoxidil works as it’s a vasodilator.” While not everyone needs clinical treatment, it’s worth remembering that follicles are highly active structures and require consistent nourishment—in fact, they are “one of the most metabolically active structures in the body”, as Dr Vowler notes. Even simple habits, from regular scalp massage to avoiding overly tight hairstyles that restrict blood flow, can support healthier follicles over time.

And we can’t ignore nutrition. It plays a vital role. “Ferritin, vitamin D and zinc” are key, says Dr Vowler. “You can have the best scalp routine in the world, but if your ferritin is 20, your follicles will struggle.” Hair is often one of the first areas to reflect low levels of vitamins and minerals. Low iron stores, restrictive diets, or underlying health conditions can manifest as shedding or thinning, which is just further evidence that haircare goes far beyond the products we apply.

Lifestyle plays its part too—often more than we’d like to admit. High stress, disrupted sleep or illness can push hair prematurely into its shedding phase. “Chronic stress is another factor; it can disrupt the natural hair cycle,” says Bavalia. “Supporting your overall well-being can make a real difference in maintaining more consistent growth.”

Clever Marketing or Clinically Valid?

Which brings us to the inevitable question: is follicle fitness just clever marketing? “Partly yes… the term is designed to sell scalp serums and treatments,” Dr Vowler shares. “Which means ‘follicle fitness’ claims may have limited clinical evidence behind them.” But she adds, “The principle of looking after the follicle environment is clinically valid.” The nuance lies in how you approach it. “A topical serum alone cannot address internal drivers like low iron, hormonal changes or thyroid dysfunction. The most effective approach is an inside-out and outside-in.”

If you’re serious about improving your follicle fitness, it’s about looking at everything. Rather than searching for a single hero product, it encourages a broader strategy—one that considers what we eat, how we live, and how we care for our scalp. This is not to dismiss product innovation; products can have significant effects on the health of our hair. Katherine Frizoni, Unilever Beauty and Wellbeing R&D Lead, explains: “Our technology… helps improve follicle fitness by supporting the scalp environment and strengthening hair at the root. Better root anchorage means hair is held more securely in the scalp, supporting stronger-looking, denser hair over time.”

I guess this is why follicle fitness is worth paying attention to. While the term itself may feel trend-led, the thinking behind it is anything is far from it. “The concept is rooted in established scalp health principles and fundamental to maintaining healthy hair. Worth considering as part of a long-term haircare approach,” says As certified trichologist Shannel Watson. Definitely time to pay attention to your follicle fitness.

The best products to boost your follicle fitness

I've just come back from a two-week tropical holiday, where I had little access to my creature comforts. While travelling, I had to really pare back my clothing and my rather intensive skincare, make-up and hair regimens (I am a beauty editor, after all). The latter was the hardest—I have very long, thick, and difficult-to-manage hair, and when you add humidity to it... Well, it takes much longer to tame.

It was when hairdresser to the stars, Samantha Cusick, was styling my hair that I had a revelation—what about a Brazilian Blow Dry? Also known as a keratin treatment, this semi-permanent procedure was all the rage in the 00's, but in recent years, has fallen out of vogue.

"I think it had a bit of a reputation moment," Cusick tells me. "For a while, everything felt very 'sleek at all costs', and then naturally we swung the other way, towards texture, movement, and hair that felt a bit more undone. But the truth is, when done well, it's never about erasing your hair’s personality; it’s about making it easier to live with. And honestly, anything that gives you great hair without the daily battle is always going to have a place."

It's also worth noting that the Brazilian Blow Dry, has come leaps and bounds since its heyday. As the stylist explains, the newer formulas are much softer and far more adaptable. "It’s less of a one-look-fits-all situation now, and more about enhancing what you already have. Think smoother, not flatter, which is where modern hair really sits."

But back to me. Cusick explained that this would be the most effective option if I wanted effortless hair on my tropical vacation, and I was right to trust her. Now that I'm back, I can say that I have never had better hair, even in jungle-level humidity. Rather than instantly inflating, my hair was smooth, super soft and frizz-free, but retained my natural wave. In fact, I was able to let it air-dry, with no styling, for the first time in a decade, saving me hours in washing, drying and styling.

As she adds: "Holiday hair should be the least stressful part of your trip. Humidity, sea, sun, all the things we love don’t always love our hair back. This just takes away the unpredictability. You can wash it, leave it, tie it up, and it still looks good. Isn’t that kind of the dream?"

It's been a month since my appointment, and it's held up beautifully—and apparently should do for another three months. It's a no-brainer that I'll get another treatment as soon as the effects wear off.

Sold? All your questions about the new-and-improved Brazilian Blow Dry ahead.

How does a Brazilian Blow Dry work?

At its core, it’s about reinforcing the hair, explains the expert. Keratin is infused into the cuticle and then sealed in with heat, which smooths everything out, reduces frizz, and adds that glossy, healthy finish. "It’s one of those treatments where you really notice the difference in how your hair behaves day to day," she notes.

Marie Claire's Picks for Humidity-Proof hair

What results can you expect?

As I explained above, basically anyone can benefit from a Brazilian Blow Dry. Expect softer, shinier, more manageable hair with noticeably less frizz. It doesn't need to be pin-straight, unless you want it to be. You can still keep movement, and your hair's natural wave or curl, but without the chaos.

How long do the results last?

You can expect the treatment to last for three to four months, depending on your hair type and how you look after it—the less washes, the better. But as Cusick explains: "It's one of those treatments that quietly grows out rather than suddenly disappearing, which I always think is a plus."

What hair types is it suitable for?

It's great for anyone who feels like their hair is a bit of a "daily negotiation", says the expert. "It’s especially great for thicker, more textured, or frizz-prone hair, but it can be tailored so finer hair still feels like itself, just better."

Can it damage hair?

Done properly, no. Rather, it can leave the hair feeling stronger and healthier. Ensure your stylist is using a quality product, knows the technique and when less is more.

How often should you get a treatment?

You don't need to overdo a Brazilian Blow Dry, it should fit effortlessly into your routine. Every three to four months is usually ideal.

When it comes to throwback beauty trends, these makeup and hair doyennes don’t just remember them—they pioneered them, sculpting decade-defining looks we continue to emulate today. Having spent years commanding the industry's front line, they’ve witnessed trends surge, collapse, and resurface, sometimes repeatedly. Here, we posed four simple but definitive questions to them about the moments that revolutionised beauty—and the ones we may soon find ourselves longing for.

Sam McKnight MBE, Hairstylist and Founder, Hair by Sam McKnight

Which beauty product do you think changed the industry forever?

The launch of mousse in the ‘80s was huge and really changed hair styling. In the last 10 years, though, dry styling texture mists have revolutionised the speed and ease of quick, easy styling.

Which beauty trend do you miss the most?

I don’t miss trends, they are never gone for long! You see things come back and evolve constantly. Right now, I’m loving the return to glamour we are seeing—more volume, more polish.

Is there a retro look you always keep on file or return to for inspiration?

That beautiful, supermodel blowout. Think Cindy Crawford’s big, bombshell hair in the early ‘90s.

Which current beauty trend do you think we’ll feel nostalgic about in 2040?

“Cool-girl” hair refers to that effortless, undone, and textured look—hair that's styled to appear as though it's naturally tousled and carefree. It's the off-duty supermodel style, reminiscent of Kate Moss and Sienna Miller, which embodies relaxed confidence and unstudied glamour.

Lisa Eldridge, Makeup Artist, Author & Founder, Lisa Eldridge Beauty

Which beauty product do you think changed the industry forever?

The most significant developments in makeup have often been those that made products easier to use and more accessible to women. Products like Max Factor's portable, quick, high-coverage Pan-Stik (1947) became an industry staple. That swipe-and-go complexion format that feels so modern and relevant now actually started decades ago and felt revolutionary at the time.

Which beauty trend do you miss the most?

I’ve been so glad to see real skin and lived-in makeup trending again. When I started as a makeup artist in the ‘90s, we shifted away from the hyper-glamorous, full-coverage looks of the ‘80s and instead sought cool, androgynous, and youthful styles. In recent decades, heavier and more perfected makeup became dominant, but I’m now thrilled to see a move toward less “paint by numbers” techniques, with more skin texture visible and individuality embraced—the essence of “perfectly imperfect” makeup.

Is there a retro look you always keep on file or return to for inspiration?

Blue eyeshadow is a retro look I always return to. In the ‘60s, it appeared as soft, rounded clouds of colour paired with dramatic, doll-like lashes. The ‘70s brought disco, metallic blues for a glamorous effect. In the ‘90s, blue eyeshadow shifted to icy, pastel shimmers, gently washed over the lids, made famous by supermodels and pop stars. Today, we've returned to this nostalgic ‘90s or ‘00s version, mixing modern and retro vibes.

Which current beauty trend do you think we’ll feel nostalgic about in 2040?

I’ll be feeling nostalgic for the trend of uber flushed cheeks and faux freckles—a look where cheeks are generously blushed for a youthful, healthy effect, and freckles are drawn or highlighted for a playful, natural vibe. Though this trend may be fading, I believe it will return, as it suits many and is playful and easy to achieve when done right.

Adam Reed, Hairdresser & Founder, ARKIVE Headcare

Which beauty product do you think changed the industry forever?

L’Oréal Elnett Supreme Hold Hairspray in 1960. It completely changed the way we finished hair—strong hold but brushable, invisible and workable. It allowed hair to move while still holding its shape, which remains the gold standard today.

Which beauty trend do you miss the most?

I have a soft spot for proper blow-dries—that era when hair was styled with intentional volume and bounce, resulting in big, glossy looks that felt polished, lively, and crafted with skill. The result always made people stand a little taller, exuding confidence and meticulous style.

Is there a retro look you always keep on file or return to for inspiration?

The beehive. It’s iconic. There’s something about the structure, the drama and the confidence it brings. Even when it’s softened or modernised, the essence of it—height, shape and presence—still feels incredibly relevant.

Which current beauty trend do you think we’ll feel nostalgic about in 2040?

The current focus on natural texture and undone hair—what I call the “perfectly imperfect” trend. I think in 2040 we’ll look back at it as the moment we moved away from over-styling and embraced something more personal, a bit more relaxed, and a lot more real.

Bobbi Brown, Makeup Artist, Entrepreneur & Founder, Jones Road

Which beauty product do you think changed the industry forever?

Lipstick. The best place to express your style is with lipstick. If you love red, go for it. If you love bright pink, go for it. And if you’re more subtle and neutral, just don’t go paler than your natural lip colour.

Which beauty trend do you miss the most?

The supermodel glam era of the ‘90s. A nude, lined, filled-in matte lip. Very clean skin, not a lot of blush, and very neutral eyes—whether it's brown shadows or just mascara. There wasn't a lot of colour on the face—it was really about nude. The ‘90s look was very much a sporty, relaxed, cool-girl look and a new kind of glamour.

Is there a retro look you always keep on file or return to for inspiration?

The cat eye. The definition helps keep eyes looking fresh and the face more lifted.

Which current beauty trend do you think we’ll feel nostalgic about in 2040?

The glowy cheek. I love to mimic a natural flush with a healthy pop of colour on the cheeks.

Spring has officially arrived, and with it, the promise of brighter, blonder hair. And if you're looking for the perfect refresh for dull locks, you may want to buy into this latest trend: buttercream blonde. Coveted by everyone from Love Story's Sarah Pidgeon to Elle Fanning, Sabrina Carpenter and Lily-Rose Depp, this hue has depth and is generally pretty dazzling.

"As the weather warms up, so do blonde tones. We’re seeing a real move away from cooler, ashy shades and towards richer, warmer blondes that feel more natural and flattering," explains Jason Collier, Jerome Russell Bblonde Key Opinion Leader and A-list hairstylist, of the shift. "Buttercream Blonde is a softer, more refined take on warm blonde," he continues. "It has that golden, sunlit quality, but with a smooth, glossy finish that looks really expensive."

The buttercream hue is defined by its creamy, velvety tones. As Christel Barron-Hough, founder of Stil Salon notes, it's "very different" from cool-toned blondes that are icy or ashy. In fact, she says, buttercream really is "the opposite of that."

Collier labels it a "beautifully balanced shade," which can be worn in several ways, depending on the individual: "Think creamy, golden tones that aren’t too yellow or too brassy, more of a polished warmth. It can range from lighter, pale buttery blondes through to deeper, honeyed tones, depending on how bold you want to go."

This is the perfect blonde upgrade for spring because it honours the seasonal change during this time of year, when we're brightening up ahead of summer and moving away from the dullness and muted tones of winter.

As a life-long blonde myself, I'd always recommend having specific colour trends like this completed in-salon by a professional. Barron-Hough notes that it's usually an easy-enough look to achieve; you just need to know what to ask for.

"The key thing your colourist will need to do to create buttercream blonde is lighten the hair to get it super bright—so the lightest blonde possible. Then, you would either add the buttercream hue as a gloss toner afterwards, or layer the tones in between the highlights. The key thing is to work with different hues, such as pale gold and slightly warmer beige tones. The more shades you work with, the more natural the end result will look," she explains.

This is a look that's not only perfectly-timed for spring, but also "has a luxe, high-end feel to it," according to Barron-Hough, and "looks very soft on neutral to warm complexions."

Tempted? Book in for that colour appointment, I dare you.

Anyone with curly hair will know that not all hairdressers are created equal. Finding the ideal haircut for your hair type and texture can be particularly tricky when it's not pin straight, so it pays to know a thing or two about haircuts for curly hair before sitting down in the salon chair.

"From coils to curls, textured hair requires extra care when it comes to cutting—it’s not a one size fits all," says Tina Farey, Editorial Director at Rush Hair. Even with the best curly hair products by your side, you're likely to find that your hair won't look its best without proper care when cutting, so it's essential to get a bespoke cut designed for your length and curl type.

To make the process as smooth as possible, Farey has broken down exactly how those with curly hair should have their hair cut, as well as the hairstyles that suit different curls and lengths. So when it comes to styling yourself at home, shampoos for curly hair and a hair dryer for curly hair are all you'll need for perfectly defined curls.

Why does curly hair require different haircuts to straight hair?

"Varying curl patterns, textures and density can vary from person to person, so when it comes to cutting curly hair, your stylist should always complete a consultation bespoke to your hair type. They will help identify what cut will work best for you and give you a personalised regime taking your lifestyle and physical features into consideration," says Farey.

How should those with curly hair have their hair cut?

"Curly hair should be cut dry and curl-by-curl to balance the silhouette and avoid any shrinkage that may occur. I’d recommend blending layers throughout to distribute the weight and maintain the natural curl pattern for voluminous, bouncy curls," suggests Farey. This means it's a good idea to seek out salons that offer a dry cut for best results.

Which haircuts suit those with curly hair?

"Tapping into the essence of this style’s carefree, boho nature, the curly wolf cut is perfect for those with long hair. The cut harmonises perfectly with most curl patterns making it an absolute dream to style with the main focal points being lots of choppy layers, movement, and volume," explains Farey.

"For those with mid-length hair, I’d recommend trying the curly lob. Falling somewhere between the chin and the collarbone, this style has reigned supreme thanks to its versatility and chic appeal. This haircut is perfect for enhancing natural curls, whilst preventing the hair from looking weighed down," she says.

"When it comes to short curly hair, I love a super-short afro. Shorter hair allows the curl pattern to shine," says Farey.

Curly hair styling tips

"When it comes to styling curly hair, you’re looking for products that will enhance your hair’s natural curl pattern, adding shape and holding your curls in place all day," says Farey. "With that in mind, curly hair also tends to be a lot drier than straighter hair, so it’s important to incorporate products that are deep conditioning to avoid frizz and lock moisture in. As with any hair type, try to avoid heat styling where possible and ensure you’re going for regular trims to keep your hair in good condition."

If you’re caught between a bob and longer lengths, the collarbone-skimming ‘clavi cut’ makes that in-between phase feel entirely deliberate. Skimming the collarbone (or clavicle), it’s become the go-to look for that cool-but-undone finish flooding TikTok—and on the red carpet, too. From Kim Kardashian’s almost-grunge take and Kirsten Dunst's softer, vintage version to Victoria Beckham's laissez-faire styling, this cut proves that mid-length hair doesn’t have to feel like a compromise.

“The clavicle is one of the most elegant, feminine parts of the body,” says Mark Leeson of Mark Leeson Salon. It’s this exact placement of the style that elevates it beyond a standard long bob. “This length sits in that perfect sweet spot: not too short, not too long, but deliberately placed to draw the eye.” Nata Bumford, hairstylist at Hershesons Belgravia, agrees on its versatility, "There’s still enough length to put your hair up or tie it for the gym, yet it’s quick to restyle, effortlessly going from a sharp, polished look to a romantic or cool-girl vibe."

What makes the 'clavi cut' especially appealing right now is how cleverly it solves the grow-out dilemma. Rather than waiting for hair to reach a flattering length, this cut builds the shape around it—giving structure to that otherwise awkward phase. The collarbone-grazing line acts almost like a built-in contour. “Hitting the collarbone creates a visual line that naturally lengthens the neck and sharpens the jaw,” Leeson explains. Errol Douglas MBE agrees, noting that the rise of this cut comes down to its balance of effort and impact. “It’s wearable, low-maintenance—it frames, softens and defines in equal measure,” he says. “That precise collarbone length acts almost like a visual anchor for the entire look.”

There’s also a technical reason it’s so universally flattering. “By allowing the hair to rest at the clavicle, you create a horizontal line that contrasts beautifully with the vertical lines of the neck,” says Douglas. “This interplay subtly lengthens the silhouette while bringing focus upward to the jawline and cheekbones.” The effect is achieved through a combination of techniques, explains Bumford. "The precise cut line, whether blunt or softly textured, keeps the perimeter clean. Subtle graduation or soft layers allow natural movement without losing density."

Who will it suit?

Crucially, it’s not a one-size-fits-all cut. The finish can be adapted depending on texture and density. For finer hair, Leeson recommends keeping the ends blunt to create the illusion of thickness, while thicker hair benefits from internal layering to remove bulk. Douglas takes a similar approach: “It can be sculpted to suit the individual rather than forcing the individual to suit the cut. With curls, you might embrace a softer edge, while straighter textures lend themselves to a sharper outline.” Concerning face shapes, Bumford says that, "Round faces benefit from slightly longer fronts and softer framing to add definition without widening the face. And longer or angular faces suit more noticeable framing and internal movement to soften the overall look."

How to style it?

Styling doesn’t need to be complicated. “A well-executed clavicle cut should require minimal effort,” Douglas says. Think a smooth blow-dry, a slight bend through the mid-lengths, or even an air-dried texture with a bit of refinement. The goal is always to keep the shape looking intentional, not overworked. Both Leeson and Bumford recommend starting with a smoothing foundation to refine the surface. "Thermal brushes make it quick and easy to achieve a sleek, smooth finish," says Bumford. "While air-dry sprays enhance texture and volume. Tucking one side behind the ear gives a relaxed, effortless finish."

The only caveat? Precision. Because the defining feature is its exact length, regular trims are key. “Even a slight drop can lose that intentional edge,” Leeson notes, with both experts recommending a refresh every six to eight weeks to keep it sitting exactly where it should.

If you’ve been stuck in hair limbo, consider this your way out: a cut that doesn’t just tolerate the grow-out phase, but makes it look entirely put-together.

The 'clavi-cut' styling kit

The bob has been circling back into favour for a while now, but this season it’s had a subtle, grown-up upgrade. The contoured bob, as seen on Gigi Hadid and Grace Abrams, is less rigid than its classic predecessors and far more tailored; this is the cut fashion insiders are gravitating towards. Think soft shape, expensive movement and just enough structure to frame and flatter the natural contours of the face. If you’ve been flirting with the idea of going shorter, but want something that still feels effortless, this might be your cue.

What exactly is the contour bob?

So, what exactly sets the contoured bob apart from the rest? According to hairdresser Phillip Haug, founder of Haug London, it’s all in the detail. “It's the definitive evolution of the ‘soft luxury’ aesthetic,” he explains. “It focuses on bespoke, architectural tailoring—combining a classic bob length with a full fringe or effortless curtain bangs to create a frame that acts as built-in contouring for the face.”

In practical terms, that means stepping away from the blunt, one-length finish of a traditional bob and embracing something softer, more fluid. “It’s characterised by ditching harsh lines in favour of a lived-in, touchable texture,” Haug says. The 'contouring' element comes down to clever placement. "The length through the front, combined with shorter face-framing pieces, creates shape around the cheekbones and jaw,” he explains. The result? A cut that subtly enhances your bone structure—no bronzer required.

How to wear the contour bob?

The style aligns seamlessly with beauty’s ongoing obsession with understated polish. “This cut embodies quiet luxury,” Haug notes. “You get the simplicity of a bob, but it still feels cool and elevated. It’s soft, natural and easy to wear—it works with your features rather than overpowering them.” The back has a slight kick, while the front retains more shape—so instead of sitting flat, it moves. "That’s what gives it that modern, expensive feel,” says Haug and recommends using a mousse on damp hair - his go-to is Osis Air Whip from Schwarzkopf, £13.86. Blast the roots with your dryer to add volume, then use a round brush to bend the front in slightly and flick the back out.

Who will it suit?

Another major selling point is its versatility. “The beauty of the contoured bob is that it suits everybody, because it can be tailored,” says Haug. Those with medium to fine hair may find it particularly transformative, as layering helps to build volume and movement. “But it can be adapted for thicker textures too—you’d simply remove some weight,” he adds. “It also works beautifully with natural curls when styled with a diffuser.”

If you’re tempted to take the plunge, communication is key. “Ask your hairdresser for softness,” Haug advises. “The whole cut should be point-cut with plenty of layers. That’s what creates the signature texture and prevents it from feeling too blunt or structured.” If the classic bob feels a little too sharp and longer layers aren’t quite cutting it anymore, the contoured bob strikes the perfect middle ground—polished, flattering, and just undone enough to feel modern.

Your contour bob kit

Not to jinx it, but it does feel as though the first hints of warmer, sunnier days are beginning to creep in. With them comes the urge to recalibrate our beauty routines: a renewed focus on glowing, sun-kissed skin, lighter textures and fresher scents, and products that work hard, but feel effortless—much like a summer’s day.

This month’s edit captures that shift exactly. Complexion enhancers that deliver instant radiance, skincare that balances potency with skin-friendly formulations, and haircare that simplifies protection without sacrificing results.

These are the new beauty products that landed on our desks—and quickly made their way home with us.

If you choose to remove the hair from your bikini line, you’ve probably got your routine down pat by now. Whether you prefer to shave, laser or wax your hair, you know best which hair removal method suits your lifestyle and hair type.

Sure, we can arm ourselves with the best razors, bikini trimmers, and IPL devices, but apparently, there are a few very simple things a lot of us get wrong when removing hair from intimate areas. After all, your bikini line is one of the most delicate areas of skin on the body, and behaves very differently from the skin on your legs or underarms. From dry shaving when you’re short on time to picking at ingrown hairs, you might have unwittingly picked up small habits that can accumulate and quietly trigger irritation.

So I spoke to Shireen Forster, founder of Laser Me Out and Monica Ella Botros, Managing Director at Strip Hair Removal Experts, to find out what experts really wish you wouldn’t do to your bikini line: the bad, the avoidable, and the downright painful. Read on for their advice on the most common bikini line mistakes to avoid (and what to do instead).

7 Things Experts Wish You’d Stop Doing to Your Bikini Line:

1. Dry shaving

We’ve all been there. While you probably know deep down that dry shaving isn’t good for your skin, it’s easy to push this to the back of your mind when you’re in a rush and need a quick hair-removal fix. “In reality”, says Forster, “shaving without water or lubrication can create a lot of friction between the blade and your skin. When the blade drags, it actually scrapes the surface layer of your skin. That causes tiny microcuts you often can’t see.” These small cuts don’t just cause the inevitable sting the next time you hop in the shower, as Forster points out, they often have longer-lasting effects too: “as a result, the skin barrier weakens, and irritation shows up later as razor burn, redness, stinging or small bumps.”

“Dry shaving also cuts the hair at a blunt, sharp angle”, she continues. "When that hair starts growing back, it’s more likely to curl into the skin instead of growing outward, leading to ingrowns”. Essentially, dry shaving is low maintenance now, but it will become high maintenance for a few weeks at the very least. It's simply not worth it.

If you shave frequently, Forster suggests upgrading to a razor with five in-built hydration strips to reduce friction. Additionally, a fragrance-free shaving gel helps create adequate slip, and using warm water softens the hair and reduces resistance.

2. Picking ingrown hairs

As someone with quite thick body hair, my hair grows back much thinner after waxing, so I’ve come to expect at least one or two ingrown hairs after each hair removal session. While it’s tempting to pick or squeeze them out, Forster says this is one of the worst mistakes you can make when it comes to your bikini line.

“Picking an ingrown hair usually does more harm than the hair itself," she says. “When you dig into the skin, you create trauma and break the skin barrier’s surface. That gives bacteria an easy way in, and what started as a small, trapped hair can turn into a painful, swollen bump. In some cases, it can even leave behind dark marks or scarring that lasts longer than the ingrown would have. The issue isn’t that the hair is ‘stuck’ under the skin because it’s trapped; it’s that its growth direction has changed. Forcing it out often makes the inflammation worse.”

To help prevent ingrown hairs, Forster recommends you incorporate dry brushing in your routine to prevent dead skin from blocking the follicle. “If you already have an ingrown hair, resist the urge to pick at it and instead, apply a warm compress to calm inflammation and encourage the hair to surface naturally”, advises Forster.

3. Wearing thongs daily

The first couple of points that Forster has brought up are probably quite common knowledge, but this one surprised me. Apparently, thongs are the worst style of underwear for irritating your bikini line. Forster explains: “It’s very common to see irritation exactly where underwear sits and rubs. Tight thongs create constant friction along the bikini line, and every time you walk, sit or exercise, the fabric repeatedly moves against the skin.”

When you think about it, it makes sense. “The bikini line is a naturally warmer area," explains Forster. "Meaning heat and sweat build up easily. When friction is combined with moisture, irritation becomes far more likely. Switch to breathable, looser-fitting underwear where possible, especially during workouts, after hair removal or on long days out.”

And it’s not just the style of pants you wear that matters, but the material too. “Soft cotton fabrics allow airflow, helping to keep the bikini area cooler and drier," Forster says. “Reducing constant rubbing is often enough to calm recurring bumps and sensitivity.” So, if you feel you’re doing everything else right when it comes to taking care of your bikini line, it might be as simple as switching your lace thongs to cotton briefs every other day.

4. Using harsh scrubs

While gentle exfoliation can help prevent and loosen ingrown hairs to give you the smoothest shave possible, Forster stresses that "aggressive physical scrubs" can often make things a whole lot worse—especially when used on the sensitive bikini area. “Large, rough particles in sugar or salt scrubs can irritate the thin skin around the bikini line, leaving it sore and more likely to sting after shaving. This extra irritation can then trigger more redness, post-inflammatory pigmentation and even increase the risk of further ingrowns, creating a cycle that’s hard to break.”

So, how to find the balance between smooth results and a safe execution? Forster advises switching to gentler methods: “Dry brushing uses soft to moderately firm bristles to lightly sweep away dead skin cells without dragging or scratching the surface. It improves surface circulation and helps guide hairs to grow outward instead of curling back into the skin. Done once or twice a week, it supports smoother texture and reduces ingrowns far more effectively than harsh, physical scrubs.”

5. Waxing too frequently

If waxing is your preferred method of hair removal, it might be tempting to do it more frequently during the warmer months when you’ll probably want to be hair-free for longer stretches of time. But leaving enough time for healthy regrowth between wax appointments is crucial, as Forster points out. “Waxing forcibly removes the entire hair from the root, which traumatises the follicle and surrounding skin every single time. The hair then has to regrow through the surface, increasing the likelihood of curling back in and becoming ingrown, particularly in coarse bikini hair. If you don’t allow enough time between appointments, the skin doesn’t fully recover, and regrowth becomes harder to time properly.”

How long should we be leaving between bikini wax appointments? Monica Ella Botros, Managing Director at Strip Hair Removal Experts, advises around three to four weeks. “This allows the hair to grow to the optimal length (around ¼ inch, roughly the size of a grain of rice) so the wax can grip it properly and remove it cleanly.”

Waxing too frequently won’t just cause trauma to the skin, but you probably won’t get the ultra-smooth results you’re after, either. “If you wax too soon, the hair can be too short for the wax to adhere to properly, and the results won’t be as smooth," says Botros. “Leaving it too long can mean thicker regrowth and slightly more discomfort during the appointment. Keeping a consistent waxing schedule also helps regulate the hair growth cycle, meaning the hair often grows back finer and sparser over time, making future waxes quicker and more comfortable.”

If you’re after longer stretches of hair-free skin than waxing can offer, Forster recommends laser hair removal as an alternative: “It uses controlled light energy to progressively weaken the hair follicle, rather than forcibly removing the hair from the root as waxing does. Each session typically targets around 10-15% of active hair growth, and over time, the hair grows back finer, sparser and slower. For best results, most people require a course of six to eight sessions.”

6. Heat exposure

“Exposing your bikini line to excessive heat is a common mistake, especially after hair removal," says Forster. “When you step into a hot bath, sauna or strong sunshine, your blood vessels dilate, making the skin more prone to redness, swelling and inflammation. In an area that is already sensitive and friction-prone, this can quickly worsen irritation.”

She continues, “Temperature control is so important during hair removal treatments. At Laser Me Out, we use Soprano Titanium, which incorporates built-in ICE Plus cooling to protect the surface of the skin while targeting the follicle beneath. Keeping the outer layer cool helps minimise inflammation and reduce post-treatment sensitivity.”

What about after waxing? Botros says it’s completely normal for the skin to feel a little red, warm or sensitive for up to 48 hours after waxing, as the hair has been removed from the follicle. She advises you to focus on “cooling, calming and protecting the skin barrier. Applying a cool compress or aloe vera can help reduce redness, and wearing loose, breathable clothing will prevent unnecessary friction.”

Both experts agree: for the first 24 hours after any type of hair removal, it’s best to avoid hot baths or showers, saunas, heavy workouts, tight clothing and fragranced products, allow your skin time to calm down and recover, using gentle, fragrance-free products to soothe any redness or irritation.

7. Switching hair removal methods constantly

Finally, Forster highlights the importance of sticking to a single method of hair removal: “Each method affects the follicle differently. Shaving cuts the hair at the surface, waxing pulls it from the root, whereas laser hair removal targets the pigment inside the follicle during its growth phase. When you keep switching, the follicle never settles into a predictable cycle. This can lead to uneven regrowth and inconsistent results, especially with professional treatments like laser hair removal, which rely on structured growth phases to work properly. Commit to one approach and follow it correctly rather than jumping between methods whenever regrowth appears.”

What are the best products to soothe the bikini line area?

You’ve done everything possible to avoid irritating your bikini line, but you’re still experiencing some sensitivity. Not to worry, there are plenty of soothing products that can help. Botros advises you to “keep products simple, gentle and fragrance-free—ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile are great for calming redness and soothing irritation, while lightweight moisturisers help restore hydration and support the skin barrier.” She also recommends using products containing tea tree or mild exfoliating acids between hair removal sessions, which can help prevent ingrown hairs and keep the area smooth.

LED face masks are popular for calming irritation and inflammation on the face, but that same technology works well elsewhere on the body, too.

Split ends: nobody wants them, yet somehow we all get them. So, what actually causes them? How can we prevent them? And crucially, can they even be treated? As a beauty writer, talking about how to take care of your hair is pretty much my bread and butter, and I've tried more hair masks, oils and leave-in conditioners than I can count in my quest for healthy hair. But even I don’t have all the answers, so I asked the expert trichologists. Here’s everything they think you need to know...

What causes split ends?

“Split ends occur when the protective outer layer of the hair—the cuticle—becomes damaged or worn away”, says Mark Blake, leading Harley Street Trichologist and Nioxin Ambassador. “Once that happens, the inner fibres start to separate and fray.” According to Blake, this can happen in several ways:

Firstly, “Ignore anyone who says you should brush your hair 100 times a day,” says Blake. Mechanical damage (from things like vigorous towel drying and over-brushing) is something that most of us don’t realise can rough up the cuticle and cause breakage. Another key culprit? Thermal damage. Excessive heat from straighteners, curling tongs, or blow dryers can be very damaging, particularly when used without heat protection.

Blake also points out that chemical damage from bleaching or perming can weaken the cuticle if the hair isn’t properly protected or conditioned afterwards. And environmental damage, like sun exposure, salt water, and even leaving hair wet for long periods, can have more of an impact than you might think. “Hair can absorb around 30% of its own weight in water”, explains Blake, “when it swells like this, it stretches the internal structure and puts pressure on the cell membrane complex—the part that acts like a glue holding the cuticle layers together. If hair stays wet for too long, the cuticle can crack, which can also cause colour to fade.”

It’s also not so much what you do to your hair as the aspects of haircare that you neglect. Blake names infrequent haircuts as another common cause of split ends. “The older the hair, the more weathered it becomes,” Blake explains. “Hair doesn’t regenerate, so wear and tear eventually shows up as splits.” Finally, please don’t skip your conditioner, as they “help flatten and smooth the cuticle layers, which protect the hair fibre and prevent fraying.”

Are there different types of split ends?

“Yes”, says Blake “and some are more common than others.” The classic split end (otherwise known as trichoptilosis), Blake explains, is where the hair splits into two strands at the tip.

You can also have multiple splits, where the hair shaft branches into several strands; feather splits, where tiny micro-splits appear along the hair shaft, creating a feather-like texture; tree splits, where the end of the hair branches into multiple forks, resembling a tree; and mid-shaft splits, where damage appears in the middle of the hair fibre rather than just at the ends.

The rarer form is Trichorrhexis nodosa (or white dots), which occurs when the cuticle becomes severely damaged by heat, chemicals, or friction. In this case, the internal fibres begin to fray and push outward, forming a small node that appears as a white dot.

Which hair types are more prone to split ends?

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I do everything I can to prevent damage, but still somehow end up with split ends,” then you’re not alone. In fact, there are certain hair types that are naturally more vulnerable to split ends, according to Blake. Curly and coily hair, for one, has a structure that is more prone to breakage. “Each bend in the hair fibre creates a natural weak point,” Blake points out, while fine hair has fewer cuticle layers protecting it, making it more vulnerable to damage.

With long hair, the ends are simply older and more weathered, and chemically treated hair has sped up the ‘weathering’ process, making it more fragile earlier. Finally, the porosity of your hair must also be considered. With porous hair, Blake explains that “when the cuticle is lifted or damaged, the hair becomes more susceptible to splitting”. For all of these hair types, it’s even more crucial that you take the necessary steps to prevent damage if you want to avoid split ends.

How can I prevent split ends?

There are many things you can do to strengthen your hair and prevent split ends from forming. Monique McMahon, globally recognised Colour Educator and Pro Brand Ambassador for Christophe Robin, recommends sealing the ends of your hair with soft, natural oils or serums to prevent hair strands from splitting further up the shaft. “One I absolutely love is prickly pear seed oil,” she states, “it has been used by Moroccan women as a beauty treatment for centuries, it’s beautifully absorbed by the hair and naturally regenerates and protects”.

Along with using a decent conditioner, it’s also a good idea to fit a lightweight yet nourishing leave-in product into your hair routine. One McMahon highly recommends is Christophe Robin’s Hydrating Leave-in cream with Aloe vera. “It hydrates, smoothes, and softens the hair as well, plus it has heat protection to shield fragile, split hair from heat damage," she says.

Using a strong heat protector is non-negotiable, according to McMahon, especially if you heat-style your hair often. “I use the Christophe Robin Regenerating Serum with prickly pear oil all the time in the salon when blow drying my client’s hair”, she shares, “it's a light but rich serum formula that won’t weigh down hair or create build up. It works to smooth and hydrate, masking those split ends so you don't even see them anymore, and uses a sugar complex to mimic the feel of silicones and leaves hair glossy, protected, and strong.” If you’re after a super lightweight heat protection spray, I’m a huge fan of Cecred’s new thermal shield mist, which has a barely-there feel, protects the hair up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, and helps to smooth down flyaways.

“Another hot tip for split ends is to reduce friction whenever and wherever you can”, says McMahon, “woollen beanies, synthetic pillowcases, bike helmets, elastic hair ties and plastic hair brushes all create friction that compromises hair integrity and strength, making it more prone to split ends”. When brushing your hair, McMahon suggests using a soft, natural boar-bristle brush (rather than synthetic brushes, which can tear or split hair). Not only is this super gentle on the hair, but it also stimulates the scalp to support healthy growth: “those natural oils from your scalp are an elixir for healthy, split-free hair”, she says.

How you brush and dry your hair also matters. According to McMahon, you should always detangle your hair from the ends up to prevent too much tugging, and once detangled you should brush your hair from root to tip to ensure those nourishing natural oils are evenly distributed down the hair shaft. After washing your hair, McMahon advises squeezing your hair with a soft towel (such as microfibre or jersey cotton) rather than rubbing aggressively, and using a comb rather than a brush to detangle before drying, as wet hair is far more fragile and prone to damage. Using a silk pillowcase, she shares, reduces friction, minimising hair loss while also gently polishing your hair thanks to its natural fibre.

Lastly, don’t forget your scalp! “The healthier your scalp and roots are, the stronger and more resilient your hair will be to splitting”, says McMahon, “I recommend weekly scalp treatments to exfoliate the skin and deep cleanse the roots. My go-to is Christophe Robin’s purifying treatment, which uses crunchy sea salt crystals that emulsify in water to give a really satisfying clean.”

Can split ends be treated?

Unfortunately not. “The reality is hair is dead tissue”, shares Blake, “so once it splits it can’t repair itself, and the only real cure is to cut it off.” McMahon agrees that the only way to stay on top of split ends is through prevention and regular trims—but that doesn’t mean getting a dramatic chop every few months. She recommends having ‘baby trims’ every six to eight weeks as the best way to prevent split ends. “Even one to two millimeters is all you need to have those split ends under control in no time”, she shares, “it also helps to protect your cuticles, so fewer splits.”

But if you have chronic split ends or can’t really afford super regular trims, there are some products that can improve the appearance of split ends, helping you stretch between hair appointments. Hair oils, for example, can be used to make split ends look smoother, stop them from traveling further up the hair shaft, and prevent new ones from forming. Argan oil is one of McMahon’s go-tos: “a few drops will make the ends look visibly more polished by smoothing and sealing those split ends.”

Hair treatments can also be a huge help. McMahon suggests adding a protein or strengthening in-salon treatment to strengthen hair bonds and prevent further splitting. “These treatments stop the splits from traveling further up the hair shaft”. As with most things in life, though, prevention is always better than the cure, so while you won't be able to reverse them once they've taken hold, at least now you’re well equipped to prevent hair breakage and avoid split ends for good.

As softer, more natural-looking blondes continue to dominate, there’s a noticeable move away from high-maintenance highlights towards colour that feels instinctive rather than engineered. Enter 'barn girl blonde'—a muted, sandy shade with natural roots and softly diffused lengths that reads dreamy, youthful and delicately luxurious. Less polished than 'expensive bronde', but just as considered, this countryside-inspired blonde is fast becoming one of the most wearable shades of the season. According to Hershesons consultant colourist Nicole Kahlani, it’s all about enhancing what you already have—rather than transforming it entirely.

What is barn girl blonde?

“This shade sits within the colour-melting family but with a slightly more pronounced root,” Kahlani explains. “It’s not grungy though—it feels romantic, soft and a little innocent.” The look starts with a natural, dark-blonde base that melts seamlessly into sandy, blonde-taupe lengths. There are no obvious ribbons of highlight here—just a whisper of lift that gives hair that elusive ‘enhanced natural’ finish. “The tone itself sits beautifully in the middle—not too warm, not too ashy—with that slightly matte finish you get from softly lightened hair,” she adds. “It’s less about a perfectly polished blonde and more about something airy and effortless.”

Why is it trending now?

If the past few years have been defined by glossy, high-contrast colour, consider this the antidote. “There’s been a real shift away from overly done, perfect hair,” says Kahlani. “People are rediscovering their natural colour and seeking subtle, effortless enhancements instead.” It taps into a broader mood: less influencer, more insouciant. “In a world where there’s so much pressure to look picture-perfect, many are yearning for something more authentic and relaxed."

If the name feels nostalgic, that’s because it is. It harkens back to that effortless cool of the ’90s. “It reminds me of the kind of blonde you’d see on Bella Hadid, Lily-Rose Depp, Sarah Jessica Parker pre–Sex and the City, or Julia Roberts early in her career,” Kahlani says. “When their hair felt natural and untouched.” Not beachy, not brassy—just softly lifted lengths grounded by a natural root.

Who does it suit?

One of the reasons 'Barn Girl Blonde' is gaining traction as the hair colour trend for spring is its versatility. “It’s the perfect spring shade,” Kahlani notes. “It warms the skin as summer approaches, striking a balance between warm and muted.” The tone can help neutralise pink undertones while softly enhancing golden hues—but ultimately, it’s less about strict skin tone rules and more about personal aesthetic. “It’s softer and more ethereal,” she adds, meaning it may not align with more dramatic, high-contrast styles—but for those leaning into an understated look, it’s ideal.

What to ask for in the salon?

The key to getting this right lies in restraint. “Ideally, your client would start as a medium blonde,” says Kahlani. “Freehand paint very blended tip-outs, then seamlessly connect these with a root drag and toner to create a cohesive look.” For darker bases, the process is even more subtle: “Use a global tint, then add delicate, freehand tip-outs with low-lift bleach—just a hint of blonde, nothing too bright or stark.”

Is 'barn girl blonde' low maintenance?

In short: yes—and that’s part of the appeal. “It’s not about a harsh, grungy dark root, but rather a soft, seamless root that still keeps your face bright,” Kahlani explains. “The focus is on enhancing your natural look—subtle, effortless, and better than ever.” It also makes an excellent entry point for those new to blonde. “It offers a softer transition than going darker, while giving hair a break from heavy bleaching,” she says.

How to style 'barn girl blonde'?

Finish is everything here. The colour may be understated, but the texture is what brings it to life. “We saw versions of this on the runway recently, and it has that understated luxury about it,” Kahlani notes. “Because the hair isn’t heavily bleached or overworked, it’s important to keep the finish soft and natural.” Think fluffy texture, gentle bends and a brushed-out, matte feel—hair that moves, rather than holds.

If high-gloss blonde has started to feel a little too done, consider this your softer alternative. Barn girl blonde isn’t about chasing perfection—it’s about recalibrating it. Subtle, wearable and inherently low-maintenance, it’s the kind of colour that works with your hair, not against it—and right now, that’s exactly the point.

For as long as I can remember, I've always been self-conscious about my fine hair. Friends who effortlessly styled their thick, long locks had my eternal envy, in stark contrast to me, the girl who's always joked about having 'about three hairs' on her head. I've always wanted thicker, longer hair, but there comes a time when you have to accept and love your hair as is, which I now do.

These days, I know how best to boost my hair for bounce, body and volume. I've discovered the lifestyle habits, styling techniques and products I should use to work with what I've got, and this starts with a great shampoo.

Many formulas have weighed my hair down, so when I find one that feels lightweight yet cleanses effectively and nourishes my dry strands, I shout from the rooftops about it. And there are nine that I consistently turn to.

What should you look for in a shampoo for fine hair?

Experts agree that the priority should be finding a formula that effectively cleanses without stripping, because buildup is often what weighs fine hair down. "Look for lightweight, volumising shampoos that remove build-up but don’t leave heavy residue behind," advises Stylist Hadley Yates. "Look for shampoos that focus on volume, body or strengthening. Ingredients that gently lift the hair at the root and support the hair fibre can make a big difference in how full the hair looks once it’s styled," adds Neale Rodger, Style Director for STIL Salon.

It's also worth checking the ingredients list. "Proteins like keratin, rice protein or wheat protein are great because they help strengthen the hair and can give it a bit more structure, which fine hair often needs," says Rodger, while Yates says that strengthening and hydrating ingredients that are still lightweight are recommended. These include ingredients such as panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) and gentle plant extracts.

In terms of what to avoid, it's mostly about steering clear of anything that will weigh the hair down more. "Try to avoid anything overly rich or oil-heavy. Ingredients like heavy oils and rich butters can coat the hair shaft and flatten the root, which is the opposite of what fine hair needs. Oil-based products in particular can reduce lift and volume, so keeping formulas lightweight will help maintain bounce and body," says Yates.

Also, be careful with silicone-based products; while they can be incredible for boosting shine and softness initially, they can quickly build up at the root, pulling hair down over time.

The best shampoos for fine hair

1. Champo Pitta Volumising Shampoo

You may take one look at this shampoo bottle and think: instantly sold. I wouldn't blame you – the packaging is so chic, and looks gorgeous on any bathroom shelf. But it's what's inside that counts the most, and luckily, that's just as impressive. Made with 98% naturally derived ingredients, Chāmpo's formula helps hair that's both fine and/or thinning, cleansing effectively but without weighing the hair down, and boosting volume noticeably. It's best when used in conjunction with the line's conditioner, for fuller effects.

2. Hair by Sam McKnight Cool Girl Volume Cleanse Shampoo

I am proudly Hair By Sam McKnight's biggest fan. I think the products are absolute genius. I remember going to the launch years ago, when the line consisted of four sprays – and while they're all incredible, the shampoo and conditioners in the range are just as brilliant. As someone who always has the brand's Cool Girl texture spray on my shelf, this shampoo was a game changer for me. It has a similar vibe – cleansing, adding a little texture and boosting volume, making it perfect for hair on the finer side. My only qualm would be that it can sometimes feel not as nourishing for dry hair, but once you use conditioner, you're pretty much good to go.

3. Living Proof Full Shampoo

Another absolute game-changer, Living Proof's Full Shampoo is designed to give the hair a noticeable boost in volume and fullness, which it wholeheartedly delivers on. The product does its work by effectively cleansing and removing build-up at the scalp, which has been weighing hair down and stripping it of its natural oils. By reducing this build-up, hair is left looking bouncier and shinier. Oh, and wait until you smell it...

4. Davines VOLU Shampoo

I'm a big fan of Davines haircare, and feel like it always runs slightly under the radar and never quite gets the hype it deserves. Case in point: this volumising shampoo, which feels super lightweight on hair but cleanses effectively while feeling really moisturising and hydrating – particularly if you're prone to dryness. The hero ingredient is turnip from Caprauna, Piedmont, which injects hair with vitamins and minerals to revive and add bounce.

5. Philip Kingsley Density Thickening Shampoo

Whenever I have any issues with my hair or scalp, I turn to Philip Kingsley. They just know hair. Powered by trichologists, the brand's thickening shampoo works hard to boost fine hair in a way that really lasts. It features three core ingredients: hyper-branched polymers and hydrolysed pea peptides to boost volume and fullness, as well as BHAs to exfoliate the scalp and remove build-up that could be weighing fine hair down. It may be a little on the expensive side, but this is a product that does what it says on the tin.

6. Rahua Voluminous Shampoo

A favourite of Yates', this shampoo has the expert seal of approval: "If you want something more natural-leaning, Rahua shampoos are great as they use whole-food ingredients and avoid a lot of the heavier components that can flatten fine hair," he comments. "The key is always to keep things lightweight, avoid oil-heavy formulas, and focus on scalp health – when the scalp is clean and balanced, fine hair naturally has more lift and movement." Powered by green tea antioxidants, citrus juices, and lemongrass to remove buildup at the scalp and enhance body, this shampoo is suitable for all hair types.

7. Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hydrating Shampoo

When I initially tried Gisou's shampoo, I had pretty much convinced myself it would be no good for my hair type. The product is focused on moisturising and hydrating aplenty, so I feared it would noticeably weigh down my locks. I can admit I was wrong: this formula manages to bridge the gap between being ultra-nourishing and yet still lightweight enough to be suitable for finer hair types. It lathers up beautifully, smells incredible and looks so cute on your bathroom shelf (just look at that packaging), making it a real unexpected find.

8. Redken High Rise Volume Lifting Shampoo

I really am a ride or die Redken girl: I just feel like I've never used a bad product from them. And while I usually use the 'Extreme' range for damaged hair (in the blue bottle), I also love the volumising formula which targets fine, lifeless locks in particular. It's designed to deeply cleanse at the scalp meaning less buildup, and also features volume-boosting Filloxane and Silicone Polymers to add body and bounce. Another winner from the line, IMO.

9. Oribe Gold Lust Repair Restore Shampoo 

I couldn't possibly complete a shampoo roundup without an Oribe mention: I've been using this brand for nearly a decade and it just works for my fine hair type perfectly. I actually don't opt for its volume-boosting shampoo usually, but stick to the Gold Lust Repair range, which is beautifully hydrating and repairing without weighing hair down. Honestly though, you can't really go wrong with anything in this range. And if you love your shampoo to smell good, you won't get much better than this...

If you dye your hair regularly, you’ve either come to terms with your roots appearing after a while or you’d categorise root regrowth as the absolute bane of your life. If you fall into the latter camp, you need to get familiar with the best root touch-ups.

Sure—you can always dye your roots at home, but some of us aren’t that confident with DIY dye kits, and sometimes you need a quicker fix. That’s where the best root touch-ups come in. These handy formulas work to temporarily conceal your root regrowth by blending it in with the rest of your hair.

Simply pick a product in the same colour as your dyed hair (or as close to it as you can get) and spray, brush, or dab it on over your roots. Whether you’re keen to cover up grey strands or conceal the dark roots of your blonde dyed hair, there’s a plethora of root touch-up products to choose from.

How to choose the best root touch-up spray

But where to begin? According to Hannah G, hair colourist at Hershesons Belgravia, formula matters most. “I’d always choose a soft product”, she says. “Something that feels light, and more of a blend than heavy, hard full coverage”. Root touch-up sprays are a great option for speedy coverage and even help to make your hair look thicker at the roots, while compact powders are great for a more precise application (and Hannah’s personal favourite for a natural finish). Tinted dry shampoos will add subtle colour and freshen hair between washes—a win-win.

How to apply the best root touch-up spray

When it comes to applying your root touch-ups, it’s a good idea to nail the trickiest parts first: around your hairline and parting, then work your way through to where natural hair meets dyed, ensuring to blend any harsh edges well. Hannah recommends starting with a light touch and building the product up slowly to your preferred level of coverage to avoid a ‘heavy’ effect. This also has the added benefit of longevity. According to Hannah, if you use the right products and a light hand, you can reapply them as many times as you need between washes.

So, without further ado, here are the best root touch-ups to shop in 2026:

The best root touch-ups

1. Color Wow Root Cover Up

This bestselling root touch-up powder allows for the most precise application and is Hannah’s top pick for a natural-looking finish. “Colour Wow Root Cover Up is a win for me”, she says. “It’s the same consistency as an eyeshadow powder: super soft, and doesn’t go hard or sticky. You can really go soft and build the products up, so you can have a soft blend or full coverage.” It comes in a range of shades, including platinum blonde, black and red.

2. L’Oréal Paris Magic Retouch Temporary Instant Root Concealer Spray

If you’re after a speedy application, this is a great option. Spray it on in seconds for instant coverage with no blending required. Do note, though, that it’s difficult to be precise with this spray product, so you should probably have a shield handy to cover your hairline and parting—especially if there’s a big contrast between your skin and hair colours.

3. Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Dark Tones

This is my all-time favourite dry shampoo—it freshens up my hair in seconds, doesn’t feel heavy or chalky and smells incredible. It comes in two tinted shades to suit light and dark tones, and I find the dark tones option has a decent amount of colour to it. While it’s not as high-coverage as some options in this list, it offers a subtle tint: perfect for blending in, rather than completely covering, your roots.

4. Josh Wood Colour Blending Brush

Unlike most of the products in this list, this is best applied to damp, freshly washed hair before blow-drying. It looks incredibly natural and can be reapplied between washes too. It combines the convenience of a spray with the precise application of a powder compact, plus it comes in a good range of shades.

5. Josh Wood Colour Airbrush Root Spray

Finding root sprays in a variety of shades is surprisingly difficult, so for lighter blonde dyed hair, the Josh Wood Airbrush Root Spray is perfect. Spray in light strokes, slowly building the product up to your desired level of coverage, and let the product sit for a minute before blending it in with your fingers. Super simple.

6. John Frieda Root Blur Colour Blending Concealer

This clever compact has two shades of concealing powder, which you can blend together to create your perfect shade. If you’re between shades (or constantly switching between blonde and brunette), this is a great customisable option. The small brush allows for really precise application, too.

7. Clairol Root Touch Up 2 In 1 Spray

This affordable spray option provides quick, buildable coverage and a shade selection that ranges from light blonde to black. It also adds a volumising boost to your roots, making it perfect for using between wash days.

As a time-poor city dweller, I am increasingly relying on hardworking products. Between work, social engagements and general life admin, it's difficult to schedule in regular beauty appointments, let alone stay on top of "upkeep". I've stopped getting my nails done, which has freed up an alarming chunk of time (and money), but other things—like covering my greys and getting my eyebrows threaded are priorities; for better or worse, they just make me feel like me.

That's why I have been gravitating towards products that do a lot in no time at all. These overnight solutions have nothing to do with the much-maligned "morning shed", rather they are items that have been making my life easier with little effort. It can be anything from slapping on an overnight mask to using a silk pillowcase, but I've seen the biggest success from using dedicated hair products. In fact, since using three products for over a year, my hair has been growing faster and is in strikingly better condition. Get the rundown of my favourites ahead.

Best overnight hair products

Cast your mind back to 2023, when we were in the high season of bob fever. Everywhere you looked, hair was being chopped, with celebrities from Hailey Bieber to Zendaya, Gigi Hadid to Lori Harvey hopping on the short hair train. Whether it was sharply cut and razor straight at the jaw or wavy, longer and with plenty of volume, the humble bob was everywhere.

I myself was drinking the Kool Aid. Having previously spent a couple of years growing out my bob, I decided to bite the bullet and cut my hair off once again, around this time. I opted for a bleach blonde colour and a jawline cut which I often wore with a little wave to promote movement.

But fast forward to 2026 and I – along with many others – are moving away from shorter cuts and beginning to embrace length once more. Stars who previously made headlines for opting for bobs are now rocking longer locks again, and super short styles seem to be in rapid decline. So what's been happening, and why?

Are we moving away from bobs?

According to Neale Rodger, Style Director at Stil salon, it's all to do with trend 'cycles'. "Bobs have totally dominated the last few years because they’re chic, sharp and feel like a bit of a reset - and they’re also great for social media content," he says. "But trends always move in cycles, and we’re starting to see people wanting to soften things again. After lots of structured, blunt bobs, there’s a growing appetite for movement, length and a slightly more effortless feel."

And as with everything in fashion and beauty, we've taken on influences from both celebrity styles and catwalk references. "There’s been a noticeable shift on the catwalk and with celebrities towards longer, layered hair that looks healthy and natural rather than overly styled. People are leaning into hair that feels versatile, something you can wear loose, tied up, textured or polished depending on the day," notes Rodger. "Growing out a bob gives you that flexibility again, so it makes sense that many people are entering their long hair era."

It's of course crucial to take mentions of a 'post-bob era' with a pinch of salt; there are always going to be people who wear their hair in bobs for life, and look effortlessly cool doing so, 'trends' be damned. And it's not exactly like bobs are 'out;' Margot Robbie – one of the most famous women in the world – just debuted a brand new cut after years of wearing her hair long.

How to grow out a bob for your longest hair ever

While bobs will always be objectively cool, if you are in a hair growth phase, there are plenty of tips you can take on board. If like me, you're attempting to grow out a bob and achieve length but in a slow, healthy way, you'll want to consider lifestyle habits as well as topical products. Here are my top tips, supported by hairstylists and trichologists.

1. Get regular cuts

It's the age-old story: unfortunately, in order to grow out hair healthily, you do still need to prioritise cuts. "Regular trims are really important. It sounds counterintuitive when you’re trying to grow your hair, but small tidy ups stop the ends from looking bulky or triangular," says Rodger.

When in the past I've stubbornly decided to forgo the hairdresser for years on end to grow out my short hair, all I've been left with are strands that break at the ends and eventually snap off, which isn't exactly conducive to growth. I now go for haircuts every 2 months or so, just to tidy up the ends and keep things neat.

2. Focus on scalp care

Something that I have really invested in since going on my hair growth journey is scalp care. Hair growth begins here, and without nurturing a healthy environment for strands to healthily thrive, it's simply not going to happen.

Remember that the scalp is an extension of the face; we should be taking care of the skin here in a similar way. I tend to mix things up weekly; sometimes I will opt for a scalp scrub pre-shampoo and massage this in with a scalp tool, in order to aid in product absorption and encourage growth. Other times, I'll take more of a hydrating and soothing approach; be it a scalp mask after shampooing or scalp serum when hair is dry, it's so important to prioritise the scalp for overall hair health.

3. Nourish, hydrate and moisture

Something Rodger considers to be of critical importance when growing hair longer is prioritising products that nourish, hydrate and moisturise. The more hydrated and nourished hair is, the more it stands to grow.

"From a care perspective, hydration and moisture is key," he explains. "Healthy hair grows better, so I always recommend using nourishing shampoos and conditioners, and incorporating a weekly treatment or mask to keep the ends strong while they’re growing out." I like K18 for a bi-weekly protein infusion, and post-shampoo masks from the likes of Kerastase, Typebea and Gisou.

4. Sleep in silk

One of my ride-or-die rules for hair growth is being gentle. This means always using heat protectant when reaching for the tools, only combing hair when it's wet (and with great care) and perhaps most importantly, protecting it while you sleep.

I now use silk pillowcases, scrunchies and wraps to prevent friction and breakage as I sleep, and have noticed such a difference.

5. Get on the supplements (and prioritise a well-rounded diet)

This one's a do or die: no matter how many pricey masks you use on your hair or how often you treat it, nothing will work effectively if you don't approach hair health and growth from the inside-out.

According to Zoë Passam, Senior Consultant Trichologist at Philip Kingsley, what you eat means everything for healthy hair: "Eating a balanced, varied diet is vital for healthy hair growth," she says. "Hair is non-essential tissue, so if the diet is inadequate, nutrition will be prioritised for vital body functions, and the hair will lose out."

She continues: "Protein is a particularly important food group, as our hair is composed primarily of a type of protein called keratin. Look for foods rich in iron and B12, as these are key nutrients for hair growth."

And if you need a little help? There are plenty of amazing hair supplements out there to try.

I would gladly forfeit every single product in my vast makeup and skincare collection if it meant I could have the hair of my dreams. Waist length mermaid hair has always been the fantasy, but bleaching for over a decade has meant that any significant growth takes me years to achieve—and that's without regular trims to get rid of my dead ends that set me back. It's only recently that I've turned to hair growth serums to attempt to rectify this, and I've already noticed a huge difference in terms of shininess, softness, and yes, new growth.

Hair longevity is set to be a huge beauty trend this year, which all starts with the scalp. Most of us are familiar with rosemary oil for hair growth and other scalp-based oil treatments, but there are countless other ingredients found in serums that can work wonders for both growth and skin health.

In my quest to achieve ridiculously long hair for summer—and years to come—I've had a series of hair growth serums in rotation. These are the ones that I can confidently say genuinely deliver on all fronts, plus, some expert-approved recommendations from our beauty team.

The hair growth serums we swear by

We all want what we can't have. Whilst I spent my whole adolescence coveting pin-straight hair, I had countless friends lusting after my loose waves and sleeping in plaits to achieve the same finish. Now that I've had almost three decades to get used to my waves—and experimented with a lot of products to enhance them—I've learnt that they look their very best when they're cared for properly. That's why perfecting my wavy hair routine has been non-negotiable.

But it hasn't been easy. Most curly hair products aren't suited to my wave pattern or hair type, and those designed for straight hair just do nothing for my texture. I have pretty long and thick hair, and it's prone to frizz and knots itself almost instantly after brushing. But with some serious trial and error, I've finally curated a strict routine of the best wavy hair products that never fail me.

It might seem slightly excessive at first glance, but considering I spend the best part of two hours heat styling my hair when I don't want to wear it natural, it's actually extremely low maintenance. Plus, I don't do every step every single time I wash—I see how my hair is feeling and behaving and cut out the parts that don't feel necessary when I need to. But since sticking to this routine, my waves not only look more hydrated, healthy, and defined, but my ends feel softer and look shinier too.

1. Scalp oil

Oiling my scalp pre-wash is a step I've only recently added to my routine, but it has made such a huge difference to the softness of my hair. I will apply oil generously to my scalp, massage it in, and leave for a minimum of 20 minutes (but usually about an hour) to sit. My oils of choice are primarily to promote growth, but my ends always appear so much smoother and shinier post-wash after oiling.

2. Detox shampoo

In order to get rid of the aforementioned oil, only one thing will cut it—a detox shampoo. Not only do these formulas thoroughly cleanse, but they also help to remove hard water impurities and environmental stressors. I notice that this plays a huge part in keeping my waves soft and defined, rather than dry or dull. I tend to use my detox shampoo once a week, and use a frizz-control shampoo alone for my other wash.

3. Frizz control shampoo

After detoxing, I follow up with a second cleanse of my hair using a frizz-control shampoo to make sure it's completely oil-free and ready for the elements. And as mentioned, this is my first wash step if I've already detoxed that week. I find that this step ensures my hair is less susceptible to frizz and looks more sleek and defined once it's dried.

4. In-shower treatment

Next comes one of the most important steps for me—an in-shower treatment. I switch this up fairly regularly, but I always use some sort of mask or bond-builder. Since my wavy hair is also bleached, it needs some extra TLC to keep my wave pattern in tact and not destroy all my natural texture. This is the wash step that ensures success.

5. Hydrating conditioner

Of course, I have to finish off with a conditioner too. I can't get enough moisture. I apply a hydrating conditioner to my ends as a final step, though this can be skipped if I've used a particularly conditioning mask.

6. Detangling spray

As previously mentioned, my hair is brilliant at knotting itself. I get out of the shower and it almost instantly looks like a bird's nest. I can't even attempt to run a brush through it without using a detangling or leave-in conditioner spray first. Again, this helps to lock in hydration and prepare my waves to air dry without losing too much moisture. My current favourite from K18 is also a heat protectant.

7. Wide tooth comb

I typically brush it through using a wide tooth comb to avoid disrupting how my waves are naturally forming post-wash. A wide tooth comb is also brilliant to use when refreshing dry hair, to remove knots without turning your waves into a frizzy mess.

8. Mousse

When I'm feeling lazy or in a rush, I skip straight to step nine. But if I want my waves to last and look extra defined, a mousse is a non-negotiable. I find that a lightweight mousse is more suited to my hair type than a gel that can be a little heavier, but it still manages to offer all the definition I need. I apply mine from roots to ends, combing through evenly. Start of with a small amount and work up as needed for your hair type and thickness.

9. Air dry cream

If I could only use one product for my wavy hair, it would be an air dry cream. When I'm travelling and can only pack light, this is the thing that comes with me everywhere—and makes the most difference to the outcome of my waves. If you're after a low maintenance routine, you can use an air dry formula as your single styling product for a shortcut to healthy waves. I apply mine from roots to ends and scrunch it in for best results.

10. Serum/oil

Finally, once my hair has fully air dried, I'll use a serum or oil for a final shine boost. I also use an oil on day two after washing to revive my waves and make them look freshly washed.

We do so much to slow the optimise health and delay visible signs of ageing when it comes to our skin. We invest in potent retinol serums and indulgent overnight masks, book in for Botox, and never leave the house without a high factor SPF. And yet, when it comes to our hair, many of the decisions we make are far less considered.

A haircut has the power to subtly transform how we look. The right cut can lift the face, add movement and create the illusion of thicker, healthier hair. The wrong shape, however, can do the exact opposite, adding heaviness, emphasising lines or simply making your overall look feel a little dated.

“The issue isn’t necessarily age itself,” says Andreas Wild, stylist at Larry King Salon in Notting Hill. “It’s when a haircut becomes dated, overly heavy or disconnected from your natural texture and face shape.”

From overly layered cuts to fringes that fall flat, these are the five common hairstyles that can unintentionally age you—and the modern alternatives that feel fresher, softer and much more flattering.

Over-Layered Cuts

Layers can create beautiful movement, but too many can quickly have the opposite effect. “Over-layering is something we still see a lot,” says Wild. “When hair is chopped into too many layers, the ends can look wispy and frizzy rather than full and healthy.”

Instead of creating volume, excessive layering can remove essential weight from the hair, leaving it looking thin and lacking structure—particularly around the ends.

The key to keeping layers youthful is to keep them subtle. “Modern layering is much softer and more strategic,” he explains. “You want to keep strength through the perimeter while introducing subtle layers that enhance movement without sacrificing density.”

The Wrong Fringe

Fringes can be instantly transformative, perfectly framing the eyes and sculpting the cheekbones—but the wrong style can have the opposite effect. “Very thick, blunt fringes can feel heavy and severe,” says Wild. “On the other hand, extremely thin fringes can emphasise fine lines and lack impact.”

“A longer, softer fringe that blends into the sides of the haircut tends to feel much more modern,” he explains. “It frames the face gently and grows out beautifully, which makes it far more wearable.”

An Out-of-Date Bob

Few haircuts are as timeless as the bob, and the cut is still going strong for Spring 2026—but certain versions have definitely fallen out of favour. “The very stacked bob that’s shorter at the back and longer at the front was hugely popular in the early 2000s,” says Wild. “But today it can look quite rigid and dated.” These sharply angled cuts often lack movement, which can make the overall style feel heavy.

“A softer bob with natural movement feels much more contemporary,” he says. “Think less structure and more fluidity—a shape that moves naturally and feels effortless.” Try the bubble bob for soft volume, the tucked bob for face framing, or if you're in doubt, opt for the universally-flattering French bob.

Hair That’s Too Long

Length can be beautiful at any age, but extremely long hair without shape can sometimes drag the face down. “When hair becomes very long and flat, it can pull the features downward,” explains Wild. “Especially if there’s no movement or structure around the face.”

“Length can absolutely still work—it just needs shape,” he says. “Face-framing layers, healthy ends and a little movement make all the difference.”

Cuts That Fight Your Natural Texture

One of the biggest mistakes Wild sees in the salon isn’t a specific haircut—it’s choosing a style that constantly fights your natural hair type. “If you’re battling your hair every single day to make it behave, the cut probably isn’t working with your texture,” he says.

Trying to force naturally wavy hair to sit poker-straight—or vice versa—often results in styles that look stiff and high-maintenance. “The most modern haircuts work with your natural movement,” says Wild. “Whether that’s waves, curls or straight texture. When the shape supports your natural hair type, the result always looks more effortless and youthful.”

It’s safe to say that beauty editors get very excited at the first hint of a new hair tool launch, especially when it's from Shark. The brand has built a reputation for incorporating cutting-edge technology into its innovations, so we weren't surprised to hear that the waiting list for their new wet-to-dry styler, the SilkiPro Straight, had reached 10,000 people. Plus, it's said to work on all hair types, which was music to our ears.

I have naturally wavy hair, so I've long relied on similar models, including the Dyson Airstraight, for when I want a sleeker style. I was curious to see how Shark's offering compared to what's currently on the market, and just how smooth it left my strands... See how I got on below.

What makes the Shark SilkiPro Straight different?

Unlike the offerings from Dyson and GHD's Duet 2-in-1 Hot Air Styler, the Shark SilkiPro includes three interchangeable combs, which are designed to reach every strand from root to tip. Chiefly, this means that it is much easier to straighten your roots, and this is something I have struggled with when it comes to similar products.

Another mental tick for me was that these combs were developed to replicate the "chase method" used by hairstylists to increase tension and allow for greater control.

The SilkiPro also utilises HeatSense Ceramic Plates with a built-in sensor that measures its temperature 1000x per second to help prevent heat damage. and it was tested under Shark’s For All Hair Kind platform to ensure consistent 5-star performance across all different hair types.

Crucially, though, this tool was designed to work equally well for those with curly, coily and textured hair, with results that allegedly last all day long.

What does the Shark SilkiPro come with?

As well as the styler, the SilkiPro also comes with a heatproof case and three interchangeable combs you can use depending on your styling needs.

• A wide-tooth comb to use to rough-dry roots, and for stretching thick, long, textured, or curly hair.
• A gentle comb to use for a natural, straight style with body and movement.
• A precision comb to use for more tension and control for a sleeker, ultra-straight finish.

You can buy the Shark SilkiPro Straight in two colour-ways: Plum Satin and Rose Petal.

A Beauty Editor's honest review of the Shark SilkiPro

Because I have very long, thick and naturally wavy hair, I spritzed my heat protectant spray and then used the styler's airflow mode with the device clamped shut, so I could essentially blow-dry my roots to ensure they were dry, but you can also do this just by using the combs, which I love.

I then opted for the precision comb to get the sleekest finish, and finished off my hair by using a combination of the wet and dry modes. I did find that it was a little confusing to get a handle on all of the different modes and combs. In fact, initially, I struggled to get that "pin-straight" look I wanted, until a couple of uses in, when I found the exact comb that worked well for me—the precision comb is a winner for hair like mine that is not naturally straight and can be difficult to style.

After I'd worked that out, however, I loved it. The SilkiPro straight left my hair so smooth and shiny, even without my usual roster of styling products, and it did stay true to its longevity claims, too. It's also slightly cheaper than its direct competitors, at £249.99, and as you're technically getting two tools in one—a wet and dry straightener—I'd argue it's great value for money.

Overall, it's one of the best wet-to-dry stylers I've ever used, but it's a real game-changer for those with curly, coily or kinky hair; the attachments really do ensure that each hairtype is catered for. Plus, it's a lot less bulky than other models on the market, which makes styling that much easier.

The days are finally getting longer and sunnier, and I, for one, can't wait to do a big spring overhaul. What I'm most looking forward to, though, is changing up my hair. The start of a new season is a perfect time to consider a chop or a new style.

And one look I've been seeing all over my feeds is the "bubble bob". Not only is it on trend (the bob is going nowhere, folks), it's also a great way to instantly boost volume and fullness, especially when it comes to fine hair. Get the lowdown ahead.

What is the cloud bob?

Cos Sakkas, TONI&GUY Global Creative Director, explains that the cloud bob is a modern, softly textured, chin-length bob, designed to look effortless and airy. "It’s popular because it's low-maintenance, looks lived-in yet modern, and offers plenty of movement. There are no harsh lines here—it’s all about softness, versatility and doesn’t need lots of work or products to get the look. It’s weightless, bouncy and fluffy."

Award-winning stylist Tim Scott-Wright, adds that this look is a brilliant way to create natural volume. "It holds a blunt, bold outer line, almost like a classic bob with a twist. But the difference is in the interior. We surface layer it, or ‘take the corner out’ as hairstylists would say, to build a softer, rounded silhouette. The beauty of this technique is that it works on all hair types because you’re not stripping away density as you might with a heavily layered shag; instead, you’re adding a shorter internal layer to encourage lift and movement."

Who does the bubble bob suit?

Per Daniel Rice of Daniel's Chelsea, it works especially well for finer to medium hair because the curved perimeter creates the illusion of density and lift. "That said, it can also be tailored for thicker textures by removing internal weight so the silhouette stays buoyant rather than heavy. It is ideal for anyone who wants a statement cut that still feels wearable and refined."

Sakkas adds, "It works well with your natural texture, so it is ideal for those with curly or wavy hair. The seamless layers give it an effortless, breezy feeling, and it is perfect for those who want something a little bit more relaxed and lived-in. It has face-framing layers, which are great for oval faces, while the volume plays nicely with natural curls and waves. It can be as big or as small as you want, but the key is making it voluminous."

How do you style the bubble bob

For styling, preparation is everything, says Rice. Start with a lightweight volumising mousse on damp hair to give that airy structure without stiffness. You want lift and memory in the shape, not crunch. Blow dry using a medium round brush, directing the ends slightly under to create that soft, bevelled curve. The key is tension and control through the mid-lengths while keeping the finish smooth and glossy.

Once dry, you can refine the silhouette with a large barrel tong or hot brush just through the ends if needed, but avoid over-curling, explains the expert. "It should feel rounded and buoyant rather than flicked. Finish with a light mist of flexible hairspray or a shine spray to keep the movement intact."

The Autumn/Winter 2026 Fashion Week season has arrived, and so far, the hair looks have been excellent. From stacked braids to unkempt glamour, this season is shaping up to be about loose, unfussy hair, with a key point of interest.

Paris Fashion Week

Victoria Beckham: Side partings and low ponytails

The look at Victoria Beckham centred on a strong side parting and a loose, low ponytail, which championed natural texture.

Vivienne Westwood: Romy Schneider's 60's glamour

Over at Vivienne Westwood, the hair drew inspiration from actress Romy Schneider and the glamour of the 1960s. The look centred on strong, dry texture, softly structured shapes and very low side partings, with backcombed roots and brushed-out curls.

Ann Demeulemeester: From preppy to punk rock

At Ann Demeulemeester, hair celebrated individuality, inspired by a university classroom of alternative characters, from rockers and goths to preppy archetypes. Each look was tailored to the model’s natural texture and persona, united by a subtly dishevelled, lived-in finish.

Milan Fashion Week

Sportmax: Air-dried hair

Models walked the runway with damp hair, which appeared to dry as they walked.

Gucci: Deep side parts

The party vibe at Gucci was echoed in the hair, which saw a return to 90's era side parts.

Prada: Greasy strands

At Prada, models embraced an unkempt with greasy looking strands.

Bluemarine: Low ponytails

Low ponytails and sharp middle parts dominated the runway at Bluemarine.

Fendi: Tousled hair

Hairstylist Guido Palau crafted hair into low buns, leaving out some wavy tendrils.

Etro: Just out of the shower

At Etro, models' hair were doused in water, as if they were freshly out of the shower.

London Fashion Week

Dreaming Eli: Marie Antoinette's court

Hair lead Danilo Giangreco looked to the court of Marie Antoinette, and created dishevelled, party-esque updos.

Paul Costelloe: Sculptural Chignons

Cos Sakkascreated low, sculptural chignons at the nape.

Joseph: Power femininity

Backstage, Anna Cofone, who led the hair, explained that the look was a blend of 1970s freedom and 1980s power femininity. The result was softly pushed back, lived-in and texture-led strands, which aimed to convey the effortless modern woman.

Annie's Ibiza: Romantic silk roses

At Annie's Ibiza, hair lead Sam McKnight created soft, textured updos, which he then adorned with silky pink roses.

Erdem: Texture galore

At Erdem, the hair was romantic, with fuzzy, wispy accents.

Simone Rocha: Weather-beaten hair

Backstage at Simone Rocha, stylist Anthony Turner used Sebastian Professional to create an "exaggerated sense of reality in the hair", drawing inspiration from Perry Ogden’s book Pony Kids, which was a key influence for the show.

Turner says: "Longer hair feels weathered and wind-beaten. Sometimes, textures are lightly deconstructed, and other times, textures are completely deconstructed. This is a narrative of travelling, going from one place to the next... Something that once was and no longer is."

Chet Lo: Glass hair remains king

Hair at Chet Lo was presided over by Anna Cofone, who created glass-like and uber-straight lengths, using Authentic Beauty Concept.

New York Fashion Week

Tory Burch: Stacked Braids

Hair stylist Guido Palau gave models at Tory Burch stacked braids, separated into tiers.

Christian Siriano: Hair Scarves

At Christian Siriano, stylists wrapped models' hair around their necks, it was part scarf, part snood.

Zankov: Side parts are so back

Side parts were everywhere at Zankov, as were unfussy, skew-whiff partings.

The bob is going nowhere in 2026. Last year, we saw everything from the "boho bob" to the "box bob", and now it's the "tucked bob" that is trending. It's as it sounds: a blunt cut that is tucked around the ears. It's effortless, elevated, and the best bit? It's low-maintenance to boot.

It's been sported by everyone from Hailey Bieber and Sabrina Elba to Lucy Boynton. In fact, I'd argue that it's universally flattering; you can wear it on a range of shorter hair lengths, including long and micro bobs.

And, it's a great choice for flat or fine hair. It instantly adds volume while accentuating your cheekbones. This creates the illusion of widening the face, if it's on the longer or narrower side, as you're creating structure on the sides and volume at the crown... I guess it's time to put down the contouring sticks. Get the lowdown ahead.

What is the tucked bob

"The tucked bob sits above the shoulder lengthwise and is tucked behind one or both ears, giving a clean look, explains Mark Smith, senior stylist at Nicola Clarke Salon. "It's a great look for both the daytime and evening events. And I've already spotted several celebrities wearing it during the current awards season."

Plus, he adds, it can easily be elevated to a "super glam" look by adding hair accessories to hold it back and adding some sparkle with a cool slide or clip.

If you don't want to use a slide to keep the hair back, though, Smith recommends grabbing a small side piece of hair in front of the ear and using a small clear elastic to create a small ponytail that goes backwards. You can then style the rest of the hair over it to disguise it.

How to style the tucked bob at home

The expert recommends using a round brush to get a smooth finish and bounce on the ends. You can then decide whether you want to wear the look tucked under or flicked out. Finish with flexible hairspray to smooth any flyaways and add shine.

Best products for the tucked bob

Truthfully, if there's one type of hair tool that doesn't really get me excited, it's a hair dryer. I have fairly thick hair that takes the best part of an hour to dry, and it always requires further styling with a straightener or curling wand to tame the fluff and flyaways left by blow drying. But, much to my surprise, ghd's newest launch—the Speed Iconic Hair Dryer—is the one exception.

After trying it just once back in November last year, I realised just how different this was to any other hair dryer on the market. It promises ultra-fast drying with no heat damage, creating salon-smooth results. Cutting my hair drying time down to just ten minutes, I can confirm it lives up to every single claim.

And I'm not the only fan. I spent roughly an hour talking to MC UK's Social Media Editor, Dionne Brighton, about just how good this hair dryer is. Considering Dionne has the longest and thickest hair of anyone I know, her seal of approval is high praise indeed. "Ever since I saw the ghd Speed launch on Instagram, and the claim that it was going to be the fastest hairdryer yet, I knew I had to try it," she says.

"I typically spend around 45 minutes drying my hair, so the idea of cutting that time down felt almost too good to be true. After using it, it’s safe to say it absolutely lives up to the hype and totally exceeded my expectations. The ghd Speed has cut my drying time in half, and honestly, that alone has been life-changing."

Our honest ghd Speed Iconic Hair Dryer review

There is plenty to talk about when it comes to the Speed Iconic, but I have to start with how quickly it gets to work. Both Dionne and I have struggled with just how long it takes to blow dry our hair, so much so that I gave up on it altogether a couple of years ago—instead allowing my hair to air dry overnight and using heat tools in the morning. Using the ghd Speed Iconic, I can go from fresh out of the shower to fully dry in ten minutes. It still amazes me every time I dry my hair.

"Drying my hair has always been my biggest burden and I know from many hairdressers, just how difficult my hair can be," says Dionne. "On multiple occasions, I’ve had two hairdressers blow-dry my hair at the same time just to speed things up."

"In the first week of using it, I told nearly everyone I spoke to that I’d dried my hair in just 15 minutes," says Dionne. "Which doesn’t sound that exciting until I explain it usually takes me 45, and I normally plan my entire week around when I have enough time to wash and blow-dry my hair. Yes, it really is that serious to me."

"I won’t bore you with a play-by-play of how long each section took, but I will say this: two minutes in, the underneath section of my hair was already nearly dry. I kept checking the timer in disbelief. At that point, I was already thinking about who I could give my old hairdryer to, because I knew I wouldn’t be using it again. To be exact, the first full dry took 13 minutes and 30 seconds, and I’m still amazed," shares Dionne.

The brand explains that Speed Iconic was "developed by our engineers in collaboration with ghd professional stylists," with over 4000 consumers providing feedback during the testing and development stages. "Powered by our fastest next-generation motor spinning at 118,000 RPM², ghd Speed produces a high-pressure airflow up to 176km/h, drying hair quickly from root to tip with the perfect balance of speed and power with control." And this technology really shows—ten and 15 minutes respectively to get our hair dry is no mean feat.

And in terms of no heat damage, it works using something called dual-airflow, which has two layers. Most of the air passes through the centre and is heated, and a smaller outer layer remains cool. That's how it manages to prevent overheating or serious damage to your hair.

But going back to basics, the feel and functionality of the tool is also worth highlighting. "My first impression was how lightweight it is," shares Dionne. "This is a big deal for me, as someone who usually holds a hairdryer up for over half an hour. For a tool that clearly packs a punch, it felt much lighter than I expected. The controls are also incredibly easy to use, and I love the way the hairdryer lights up so you can see at a glance which heat and speed setting you’re on," she says.

Much to my amazement, this hair dryer also doesn't get hot. You can touch it during and straight after using it, and there's zero heat radiating off it—yep, I can switch it off and put it immediately back in my hair tool draw with no cooling off time required. If you're someone who often burns your neck with heated tools or fears creating a fire hazard by putting them on your carpet for even a second, this will be music to your ears.

Although I seriously value cutting my drying time, my other primary concern is a smooth blow dry. I'm not quite skilled enough to use a round brush and create my own bouncy ends, so I had never used a hair dryer that would give me a nice enough result to not have to further style my hair once it had dried. But for the first time in my life, I believe my hair actually looks better with just a rough dry from the Speed Iconic than it does straightened.

I had countless compliments from colleagues the first time I went to the office after using the Speed Iconic, and I'm sure my hair has never looked or felt healthier (despite over a decade of heavy bleaching).

"As someone with long, thick, often unmanageable hair, I can say with confidence that this hairdryer has completely transformed my routine," says Dionne. "If you also spend 45 minutes drying your hair and dread every second of it, this will feel like a total game-changer."

When you have fine or thinning hair, the goal is always to mimic thickness and add volume. Sometimes this can be achieved with clever products, like blow-dry sprays that lift the roots or texturising sprays that add height, without the weight.

However, products for fine hair can only do so much and often a trip to the salon is the best place to start.

We asked Hairstylist Edward James to recommend the thickening hairstyles to ask for when you're sitting in the hairdresser's chair.

Salon tips for those with fine or thinning hair

First things first, James was keen to point out that it's important to know why you're seeking out a thickening haircut. For those with fine hair, which refers to the diameter of the strand, the focus is purely on cutting strategy and preserving strength through the ends.

Whereas with thinning hair, which is a reduction is density and linked with hormones, stress, illness and treatments, you can't rely just on a blowdry. "A big round-brush finish can create temporary volume that drops within hours. Ask your stylist to show you the cut air-dried or minimally styled so you understand the real shape. Avoid aggressive layering, it weakens the ends. Be open to colour to add visual depth. Consider well-fitted extensions too. When applied properly, tapes can add body and fullness without damaging the hair."

What's the best way to create the illusion of thickness? 

Whilst adding layers to your hair seems like the most obvious route, James says that the biggest mistake that he sees is actually over-layering. "Fine hair does not need more taken out of it; it needs strength at the baseline. Blunt ends instantly create density because they give the eye a solid line to sit on. If you want movement, focus on subtle interior or face-framing layers rather than layering the whole head. The perimeter must look strong. Thickness is about visual weight, not texture for the sake of it."

The other assumption, when it comes to adding thickness, is that length is important. However, James says that it's actually nothing to do with short versus long. "It's about how full the baseline looks. Some hair will not grow long because it weakens and snaps, so forcing length can actually make it appear thinner. Cutting it short does not magically create density either. Face shape, styling time and colour all play a role. Colour can add depth and dimension, which increases the illusion of fullness. A great cut works with the whole picture, not just the scissors."

What's the best thickening haircut for each hair type? 

"For fine straight hair, blunt cuts are your best friend," he says. "For fine wavy hair, keep the baseline strong but add light face-framing so it does not sit flat. For naturally curly fine hair, shaping must respect the curl pattern but avoid removing too much bulk internally." James explains that for all hair types, the strength of the style lies in the ends. Once the ends look thin, he says, the entire style collapses visually.

What are the best thickening hairstyles to ask for in the salon?

Bobs

For those with short hair, James recommends the sharp chin-length bob, à la Hailey Bieber. He says this "works brilliantly because the blunt edge makes the hair look fuller immediately."

Alternatively, Florence Pugh's soft, cropped bob "is another strong option, clean in shape and not overly feathered," he says.

Blunt and layered lobs

When your hair isn't short or long, but sits somewhere in between, James says there are two directions you can take: a sharp, defined cut or a layered lob. "A collarbone blunt cut, like Lily Collins, gives fullness while still allowing movement. Whereas a slightly longer lob with minimal layering, similar to Margot Robbie, works well because the ends stay dense, but the length remains versatile."

Well-placed layers

Long hair can often appear heavy and flat, which is why layers work particularly well with length. "Think strong long layers with a solid base like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley," Edwards says. "Gwyneth Paltrow wears her hair long and blunt with only subtle shaping at the front. The key in every case is fullness through the bottom third of the hair."

“The key to physical beauty and a long life is keeping your system in balance”, Professor of Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM, Dr Ke, tells me after he’s peered intently at my tongue. I am sitting in his office at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, where he offers a TCM Longevity Reset as part of the hotel’s new curated wellness journeys. While the packages may be recent, Professor Ke has been advocating for and teaching TCM in the UK for the past 40 years. Of course, the system of medicine is believed to be at least 23 centuries old, but it’s only within the last few years that it has seen an overwhelming swell of interest in the West.

Scroll through TikTok, and you’ll likely notice thousands of creators posting videos about “How to become a ‘Chinese Baddie’”. Like all trends, it’s simplistic and boils down the ancient practice to a few pithy lifestyle changes, largely involving drinking warm water and using a gua sha. But it does speak to a rapid shift of awareness—estimates from Mordor Intelligence project that the TCM market will reach a whopping $92.67 billion in 2026.

Still, while cultural relevance has never been higher, general understanding remains shallow.

Indeed, within TCM, beauty and health have always gone hand-in-hand. If your system is in disharmony, or out of whack, Dr Ke explains, it will manifest physically: In your hair, your skin, your weight, and even your hands. To this end, the professor looks at my peeling nails, takes my pulse, snaps pictures of my tongue, listens to my litany of complaints, and diagnoses me with a heart and kidney imbalance, which has manifested emotionally, physiologically and physically.

A Western doctor would then prescribe me medication or topical treatments, but Dr Ke turns the focus to healing my internal health through a tightly edited plan of acupuncture, herbs, diet, and broader lifestyle changes. “These changes will, in time, impact your appearance,” he says.

Catarina Oliveira has a master's in TCM, and is the co-founder of Herbar—a skincare brand inspired by the practice. She tells Marie Claire UK that TCM is especially effective at treating day-to-day beauty woes that feel chronic, including hormonal acne, sagging, redness, flushing, sensitivity, puffiness and water retention, dullness, chronic dryness, eczema, dark circles and otherwise stressed skin.

For Oliviera, the TCM approach revolves around the idea that your skin is not separate from you. This is a sentiment that award-winning integrative Chinese Medicine clinician Ada Ooi brings to her practice, too. "TCM looks at the entire body, nervous system, digestion, bowel movement and stools, circulation, sleep, emotional health, hormones, and organ systems,” she explains. “We often say that the skin is a mirror of what is happening inside. If digestion is weak, nutrients are not absorbed properly. If circulation is poor, the complexion is dull. If emotional stress is unresolved, inflammation and tension appear in the face. TCM focuses on restoring balance from within so that beauty emerges naturally, rather than forcing results. Beauty is therefore not cosmetic in nature—it is a sign of vitality."

So, within the practice, the appearance of the skin is closely tied to body fluids and blood, which nourish the skin and remove toxins. Skin problems can result from either excess or deficiency. Hair, on the other hand, is dependent on the blood and kidneys being in harmony. As Professor Ke explains, if someone has "weak blood", they can experience hair loss, thinning, and even changes in colour and texture.

By this logic, acne may be linked to excessive internal “heat” (inflammation) and “dampness” (fluid retention), while pigmentation is associated with blood stagnation. Premature ageing is often attributed to “Yin deficiency”, a depletion of cooling, nourishing fluids, often exacerbated by chronic stress, and puffiness to poor fluid metabolism. Conditions such as eczema and rosacea signal deeper systemic imbalance. But instead of suppressing the symptoms, TCM strives to address the underlying imbalance, often through a combination of approaches.

It's then unsurprising that these practitioners work extensively with stress-related concerns like jaw tension, fatigue, skin sensitivity or immune-driven inflammation. "Many clients come in after trying multiple skincare products with little success, only to discover that their concerns are rooted in digestion, sleep disruption, emotional overload, hormonal imbalance, or mental burden developed from a younger age,” adds Ooi. “Once these internal systems are supported, the skin often improves as a secondary effect."

Plus, it’s all about timing. The West prioritises immediate, visible results, but TCM emphasises long-term resilience and steady, sustainable change. “Western skincare often pushes the skin with strong actives and intensive treatments,” Oliviera continues. “TCM is more about supporting the skin, strengthening the system and allowing it to regulate itself. In the East, skincare is rooted in daily consistency—SPF, gentle hydration, barrier support. The results are slower, but it’s not about short-term reward.”

And while terms like “science-backed” are replete in our cosmetics industry, Professor Ke emphasises that this doesn’t mean that TCM isn’t "evidence-backed": some of these cures have been performed effectively and safely for centuries.

So, what are they? Herbs form the cornerstone of treatment. At Herbar, Oliviera and her co-founder Rui Liu prioritise ingredients focused on regulation rather than attack. “Instead of stripping, exfoliating, blasting or correcting, it’s about harmonising: calming the system, strengthening the barrier and supporting recovery,” she says.

Among the ingredients rarely seen in Western formulations are Reishi—the “longevity mushroom”, prized for resilience and stressed skin—Jujube (Da Zao), which restores and supports that soft, healthy glow, and Tremella. “It may be viral on Instagram now, but it has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries for hydration and plumping,” she says. “It’s literally known as the beauty mushroom.”

It’s also about how the entire formula, or blend, works together. “It’s not always about one hero ingredient doing everything. There’s an entire school of thought in Chinese Medicine around how ingredients support, guide, harmonise, and balance each other, and that’s a huge part of what makes these TCM formulas so powerful and so intelligent."

TCM can also address cosmetic concerns directly, through two synergistic pathways, Ooi adds—these are systemic regulation and local stimulation. Firstly, you can target core meridians, including the liver, spleen and kidney, for systemic wellbeing. “Acupuncture regulates the nervous system, hormones, digestion, and fluid metabolism, all of which impact skin health. Many signs of ageing (dullness, puffiness, breakouts) are linked to stress, inflammation, or internal imbalances. Supporting the body’s internal systems helps resolve the root cause and restores natural radiance from within.”

You can use acupuncture akin to an injectable, too—it’s just been performed for centuries longer. Ooi adds: “Fine needles are applied directly to areas of concern, such as frown lines, sagging, or under-eye puffiness, to increase microcirculation, stimulate collagen production, release muscle tension, and enhance lymphatic drainage. This can improve tone, texture, and lift without invasive procedures.”

This is often a last resort, however. A holistic approach remains central, Dr Ke concludes: “Your body’s constitution underpins everything. Whether it’s too damp, dry, hot or cold, knowing your body type allows targeted interventions in diet, drinks, or lifestyle; we go from there.”

The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, recently launched Hyde Park Wellness—a curated accommodation package that includes in-room wellness amenities and two 60-minute spa treatments of choice. You can enhance your wellness journey with a curated selection of personalised experiences with their wellness specialists. I saw Professor Ke, but the team also comprises Human Performance Specialists, Reiki Master Practitioners, and Gong Therapists. You can book here.

Craving a "new hair, new me" moment? Well, the trends for the coming season certainly inspire excitement. “Right now, curly and afro hair trends are all about enhancing natural shape, volume and definition. We’re seeing a clear move towards cuts that celebrate texture rather than control it, a shift reflected both on the runway and across celebrity looks,” reveals celebrity hairstylist Jay Birmingham.

To help you pick your next cut, Birmingham, along with some of the most well-respected textured hair experts, walks us through the on-trend cuts for waves, curls, coils and textured hair.

90’s Layers

We’re seeing a return of 90’s nostalgia with this one, think early 90’s Mariah Carey, and SZA at this year’s Grammys. “It’s a cut that works beautifully for textured hair because well-placed shaping by way of layers allows split and thinning ends to be removed without sacrificing overall fullness and length,” shares Talisha Cox, founder of Elite Hair Lounge.

Plus, it offers natural movement and body that complements type three and four curls and coils, and it’s a versatile cut that can be switched up with ease. So you can rock your natural texture or blow it out straight and still look gorgeous either way.

“Cut on stretched hair with shorter layers at the top and less weight at the ends, this style is designed to give lift at the crown and prevent the hair from sitting in a triangle when worn natural,” adds Cox.

But to bring this cut into the 21^st century, the finish is key. “Unlike a sleek silk press, or uber-defined curls, this look embraces the ‘soft life’ with a touch of fluffiness, volume and a little frizz and texture. It’s airy, light, and has a youthful vibe,” explains Cox.

The Shag

The shag is softer, curlier, a little less rock-and-roll than previously, and a lot more boho chic. Seen on the runway at Chloé A/W25, where layered textures framed the face with effortless movement (and worn by Zendaya, Rihanna and Tracee Ellis Ross), this is a cut that doesn’t need a live-in hairdresser for daily styling.

“The cut embraces a lived-in nonchalant energy, and on textured hair, it actually looks even better on day two or three post initial styling—as a little frizz, and extra volume, actually enhances the boho, undone cool girl vibe. It’s part of the charm, and not something to fight against,” shares Birmingham.

The cut itself is made up of staggered layering that creates dimension, lift and makes 3B-4A curls feel more dynamic instead of uniform, resulting in that covetable bohemian aesthetic. Though those with waves and 3A hair shouldn’t shy away from the shag, and nor should those with textured hair using relaxer, as heated tools can be used to create a curl or wave.

“When drying your shag, you can enhance your natural curl pattern, as well as amplify texture and bounce by using the diffuser attachment of the Shark FlexStyle 5-in-1 Air Styler & Hair Dryer, reveals Birmingham. Finish with the Jay B Hair Care Split Seal Serum, £20, for high shine and smooth ends without weighing the hair down, as fluffy volume is key.

Rounded Afros

The rounded Afro is sculpted and intentional. Doechii embraced her natural texture and graced the last Met Gala with a precisely cut halo-esque version, while we saw models at the S.S. Daley womenswear A/W25 show, and the Wales Bonner’s S/S26 show sporting TWAs (that’s teeny-weeny afros)—that proved that rounded afros don’t have to be big to be beautiful.

They do, however, have to be cut incredibly neatly and evenly, says Cox. “They should be full all the way around, no corners, no flat top and no heavy bottom. Just a soft circular outline,” she adds.

It’s a deliberate cut that works particularly well on oval, heart and longer face shapes, and suits 3C-4C hair with good density. “Weight is taken from the bottom, fullness is built through the middle, and the shape is refined last. You’re creating a rounded outline, not trimming it like a bob,” explains Cox. The result is balanced and symmetrical, framing the face rather than overwhelming it.

The cut is key, but styling correctly brings the look together. “Apply a moisture-boosting product to your wet hair, dry fully, then pick only from the roots, never the ends, as this breaks up the curls, creates frizz and disturbs the clean circular outline of your afro. Finish with a touch of oil for healthy shine, and you’re good to go,” reveals Cox.

Lobs

The lob, aka a long bob, might not seem like the ideal fit for some textured hair types, but surprisingly, it works on a range of curls and coils. Let’s get into it. “Sitting at collarbone length and typically cut straight across, to allow 3A-C curls the ability to spring upwards as they naturally do, while maintaining enough weight to avoid any puffiness,” shares Donna Marie, senior hair stylist and afro hair specialist at Neville’s Hair and Beauty.

We’ve seen it on Gugum Batha-Raw, Kerry Washington, and Yara Shahidi in several ways—worn with their natural tighter textures or with a more stretched out curl. Marie agrees the lob is ‘super versatile. For those with 3A-C hair, I like to define the curls as much as possible, but for the 4A-C types, my technique shifts, as I’m looking to retain more length and essentially stretch out their hair. So, after shampoo and conditioner, I would twist the hair into sections and then dry it under the dryer. Once dry, I’ll employ a light wax to separate and define the stretched-out coils, and spritz with a sheen spray for a healthy shine,” says Marie.

Braids can also be worn in a lob, and for those who relax their hair and who want more volume, a few strategically placed clip-in extensions from non-toxic textured hair extension brand Ruka are worth a try. Similarly, for textured tresses that aren’t long enough for a lob, clip-ins make for the perfect cheat.

Curly Bangs

A curly fringe screams daring, because let’s face it, fringes are hard to maintain, and we all know that curls and coils are higher maintenance than straight strands. Stars like Selena Gomez and Tracee Ellis Ross love them, and with stylists on speed dial, we’re not surprised, but the (not so) average Joe can get in on the act too, promise.

“On 3A–3C textures in particular, curls have enough spring and definition to hold a fringe shape while remaining soft and fluid, creating a balanced frame around the face without looking too tight or overly compact,” shares Birmingham.

Plus, they can be cut into a host of trending styles, like the shag, pixie, 90’s layers and lobs. But be warned, the length you choose will greatly dictate the aesthetic. “Longer, brow-skimming or cheekbone-length bangs feel softer, more romantic and whimsical, while shorter versions lean bolder and more fashion-forward,” adds Birmingham.

Like with all cuts, getting a curly fringe right is all in the cutting technique. They are rarely cut blunt; instead, they’re cut dry with soft layering and sculpting to enhance the natural curl shape. This avoids harsh lines and allows the fringe to blend seamlessly and grow out beautifully.

Styling-wise, crunchy, ultra glossy curls and coils are a no-no; you’ll want definition, frizz control and hold. However, Birmingham stresses that hair should ‘look intentionally styled, but soft enough to move naturally, with a subtle satin or soft-matte sheen.’

Pixie Cut

This one’s high maintenance, but every time Teyana Taylor walks a red carpet, we don’t just gasp at her killer abs, we’re also floored by her hair. Proving the versatility of a pixie and how well it suits a range of curl patterns – we’ve seen her sport straight and spiky like 90’s Halle Berry, as well as fluffy and curly.

“It's one of the most powerful silhouettes within afro hair, it’s short, yes, but it’s never simple,” says award-winning hairstylist Charlotte Mensah MBE. On curly hair, it offers softness and movement, as looser curls add volume through the crown without needing heavy styling, so the shape feels effortless. “On tightly coiled hair, a pixie is sculptural. The cut becomes more architectural. Coils provide natural density, which allows you to create a striking, sculpted silhouette. The key is understanding shrinkage and growth patterns,” explains Mensah.

Whatever your texture, a pixie is meant to be cut so that tresses sit close through the nape and sides, with carefully controlled length through the crown to create lift, movement and shape.

And while we agree with Mensah that the cut is pure art, it doesn’t work without a well-hydrated head of hair. “It’s essential,” shares Mensah. Try the Trepadora Goji Berry Mint Reviving Hair Rinse as it works wonders at removing build-up without totally stripping the hair and scalp. Condition with Bouclème Seal + Shield Curl Conditioner, which is formulated to shield against humidity, which is higher in the winter months here in the UK.

When it comes to styling, “Add definition with a small amount of the Charlotte Mensah Manketti Oil Pomade", worked through the crown to create separation and highlight the layers without stiffness. Then top with a drop of the Charlotte Mensah Manketti Oil, to add a healthy sheen without weighing short hair down,” she adds.

Although my hairdresser has told me time and time again that using dry shampoo regularly isn't the best thing for my scalp health, it's an inevitable part of my beauty routine. I'll do anything I can to make a single blow dry last as long as possible, and my years of laziness have finally paid off in the form of my most recommended hair discovery—liquid dry shampoos.

We're all familiar with the best dry shampoos and powdery formulas that do a brilliant job at absorbing excess oil, but the one downfall is how itchy they can make your scalp. Not to mention the white residue often left behind that is tricky to truly brush out, and struggles to add more than an extra day to your scalp.

Since discovering K18's innovative liquid formula a couple of years back, I knew my basic dry shampoos had instantly become redundant. I made it my mission to try out a range of liquid dry shampoos, and can confirm that they are the holy grail of a speedy hair refresh with just a few pumps. There are still only a handful of brands experimenting with the liquid formula, but each of them are well worth trying out.

Does liquid dry shampoo work?

After using a liquid dry shampoo for years, I can confirm that they really do work. Although the name itself seems like an oxymoron, they do an incredible job at absorbing oil on dry hair without ruining your hairstyle or texture. These formulas come in spray bottles and come out in a mist. Liquid, yes, but lightweight enough to not disrupt the hair. Think setting spray over makeup.

The beauty of a liquid dry shampoo is how light it is on the scalp—I have thick hair but typically only need a few pumps to get my whole head under control. Wait 30 seconds or so after spritzing and rub into the scalp if you like, or leave as is. I find both ways of applying work equally as well, which is why these liquid formulas get my vote for extra low maintenance hair styling. Plus, most of them keep my hair looking fresh for two or three days after applying (which my old powdery aerosols could never).

Best liquid dry shampoos

Who among us wouldn’t like to have full, volumised, bouncy hair? Sure, finding the best shampoos and conditioners for your hair type is a great place to start when it comes to taking care of your hair, and moisturising hair masks and oils will add an unreal shine to your lengths.

But, as is often the case with beauty, nourishing your hair from *within* can be far more effective than anything you may apply topically. That’s where the best supplements for hair come in.

As someone with fine and flyaway-prone wavy hair, I’ve made it my mission to find the right products to tame my tangles and bring out my natural curl pattern without weighing down my waves. Of course, my hair goals are unique and there are plenty of hair concerns any one individual could wish to address: whether your hair has recently started thinning or has always lacked fullness, whether you’re experiencing hair loss due to hormonal changes or simply want more bounce, shine and fullness.

Luckily, there are loads of supplements for hair available right now, many of them tailored to suit a plethora of different hair concerns, but tackling such a saturated market can be daunting. The search for the best supplements for hair often produces more questions than answers - what ingredients should I be looking for in a hair supplement? What on earth are DHT blockers? And crucially: which hair supplement is the best for my specific concerns?

The answers are not so straightforward, which is why I’ve gone on a deep dive to answer these questions for you, recruiting the help of hair industry experts for their advice. Find their answers to my burning hair supplement questions below, and keep scrolling to shop the best supplements for hair for yourself.

Best supplements for hair at a glance:

• Best for healthy hair growth: Viviscal Healthy Hair Vitamins | £29.99 at Holland & Barrett
• Best for thinning hair: Hair + Me The Capsules | £14.99 at Hair + Me
• Best for hair loss: Victoria Health Superior Hair | £33 at Victoria Health
• Best for on the go: Unfabled Collagen Pureblend | £12.59 at Unfabled
• Best for thicker hair: Hairburst Advanced+ Hair Formula | £54.99 at Hairburst
• Best for hair, skin and nails: INGENIOUS Collagen + | £48 at INGENIOUS
• Best for gut health: Epetome Synbiotic Duo Cap | Shop at Epetome

Why does hair start thinning?

“Hair thinning is primarily driven by the influence of androgens, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT), on hair follicles,” says Hannah Gaobardi, Celebrity Trichologist, “this leads to a gradual shrinking and miniaturization of follicles, ultimately causing them to produce finer, shorter hair until they cease to produce hair altogether.”

According to Gaobardi, changes caused by hormonal shifts can also play a huge factor: “menopause can cause hair thinning and female pattern hair loss due to hormonal changes,” she continues, “primarily the drop in oestrogen and progesterone. Lower oestrogen shortens the hair growth cycle, while higher relative levels of androgens (like DHT) can shrink hair follicles, leading to thinning.”

While it’s not possible to reverse the effects of hair thinning completely, Gaobardi points out, you’re likely to have the most luck treating your scalp with "medications which work to widen the blood vessels, improving blood flow to hair follicles, and potentially prolonging the growth phase of hair follicles. This," Gaobardi states, "can lead to hair regrowth and a reduction in hair loss."

Pupinder Ghatora, pharmacist and co-founder of INGENIOUS, weighs in on the importance of collagen for our hair health. “As we age, collagen production declines, which weakens our skin and can cause hair follicles to shrink. Collagen plays an important role in forming keratin and in supporting the strength and elasticity of the dermis (where your hair roots live). When collagen levels decline, the scalp environment becomes less supportive of healthy hair growth, increasing the likelihood of thinning.”

“While genetic hair loss cannot be fully reversed,” he continues, “thinning associated with ageing, hormonal changes or lifestyle factors can often be supported. Maintaining collagen levels through diet or supplements may help support follicle health, prevent further thinning and support ongoing hair growth.”

What should I be looking for in a hair supplement?

"When choosing a hair supplement, it is important to look for ingredients that support the structure of the hair follicles and overall scalp health,” says Ghatora, “collagen is a key component as it provides the amino acids required to form keratin and can also help maintain the integrity and elasticity of the dermis by stimulating collagen production in specialised cells known as fibroblasts.”

Gaobardi adds that we should be looking for nutrients like protein, iron, zinc, biotin, vitamins A and E, and omega-3 fatty acids, which she states are “essential for maintaining healthy hair growth, strength, and texture. Protein, in particular,” she shares, “is a building block for hair, and its deficiency can lead to hair thinning and loss. Iron supports the delivery of oxygen to hair follicles, while zinc aids in hair tissue repair. Biotin is crucial for keratin production, a protein that forms the structure of hair.”

But it’s not just what’s in our supplements that matters, it’s also important to make sure these ingredients are absorbed into our bodies effectively, as Ghatora points out: “products that prioritise bioavailability and repeatable dosing are more likely to provide results than formulations that solely focus on ingredient quantities. This is important because many protein based supplements will be broken down by stomach acid and pepsin enzymes before they reach the small intestine, therefore meaning very poor absorption and hence low efficacy.”

Emily English, Nutritionist and Founder of Epetōme, points out the importance of establishing a healthy diet before we look at adding any supplements into our routines: “skin, hair and nails are built from the nutrients we eat every day. If you are not getting enough protein, healthy fats, or key vitamins and minerals, your body will prioritise more essential functions first, and that is often when you start to notice things like thinning hair, brittle nails or dull skin.”

Are expensive hair supplements more effective?

"Not necessarily,” insists Ghatora, “price isn’t a reliable indicator of effectiveness when it comes to supplements. What matters most is the quality of ingredients and whether they are absorbed predictably by the body. Many higher-priced formulations rely on large doses without clear evidence of how much actually reaches the bloodstream.”

“A well-formulated supplement with targeted, repeatable delivery can be more effective than a more expensive alternative that lacks absorption control. In this context, consistency and bioavailability are more important than price point.”

English adds: “what matters most is whether a supplement is evidence-based, well-formulated and used for the right reason,” so if you’re keen to start shopping for one of the best supplements for hair yourself, I’ve rounded up my top picks - at all budgets - below:

The best supplements for hair to shop in 2026

1. Viviscal Healthy Hair Vitamins

“There are so many supplements on the market, however a clinically backed supplement like Viviscal is a trusted source to ensure you are taking the correct and right doses. This supplement includes all the vitamins and minerals needed for hair health. With nutrients and minerals like Biotin and zinc which help build the protein back in the hair shaft and maintain structure and strength. Vitamin C also helps to store iron, which will further help reduce shedding.” - Hannah Gaobardi, Celebrity Trichologist

2. Hair + Me The Capsules

These clever capsules are personalised to suit your hair’s *specific* needs: whether you’re looking to help with pattern hair loss, hair thinning, density, regrowth, or general scalp and hair health. You only have to take one potent capsule a day, making it great for those who aren’t a fan of swallowing multiple pills in one go.

3. Victoria Health Superior Hair

Victoria Health’s Superior Hair supplement contains hormone-balancing vitamins that nourish the hair follicles and may not only help to combat hair loss but also encourage new growth. Not only does it contain well-researched vitamins and minerals, specifically chosen to strengthen the hair, the bottle will also look incredibly chic on your dressing table.

4. Unfabled Collagen Pureblend

If you’re in the market for a collagen-based supplement to boost your hair health, I’m a huge fan of the Unfabled Collagen Pureblend capsules and Collagen gummies. The capsules come in a slim, compact case which is perfect for slipping into your handbag (because I don’t know about you, but if I have my supplements with me on the go, I’m much less likely to forget to take them). Not only are these supplements travel-friendly, they’re also pretty affordable, plus they contain Type 1 Hydrolysed Marine Collagen - the most absorbent collagen out there - and vitamin C to boost your body’s natural collagen production.

5. Hairburst Advanced+ Hair Formula

If your goal is to boost your hair’s thickness, Hairburst’s Advanced+ Hair Formula helps to balance hormonal shifts that can impact density and growth. My favourite thing about this supplement, though, is that it also aims to alleviate stress levels to help minimise stress-related shedding. Those of us who have experienced it ourselves will know that stress is often the cause and effect of hair loss, so I’m a huge fan of the fact that this supports sleep, mood and overall wellbeing as well as targeting hair density and scalp health.

6. INGENIOUS Collagen+

Ever felt like your supplements aren’t having the effect you’re after, even though you take them day in, day out? It might be down to the product’s bioavailability. INGENIOUS’ Collagen + contains collagen peptides which are specifically engineered to reach your small intestine, where it can be most effectively absorbed into your body. Healthier hair, skin and nails, here you come!

7. Epetome synbiotic duo cap

“I always recommend starting with food first and addressing any underlying deficiencies with a healthcare professional. If someone is experiencing hair thinning or loss, evidence-based topical treatments such as minoxidil should be considered alongside lifestyle factors like nutrition, stress and sleep.”

“From a more holistic perspective, supporting gut health may be helpful. A high-quality gut health supplement, such as Epetōme, is not designed as a hair supplement, but by supporting digestion and nutrient absorption, it can play a small supportive role in overall hair, skin and general health.” - Emily English, Nutritionist and Founder of Epetome

The Wuthering Heights press tour is in full swing, and it's safe to say that we collectively can't get over the beauty looks. Margot Robbie's hairstylist, Bryce Scarlett—who was responsible for her Barbie looks—and this time around, he stayed true to the brief, so the gothic romance of Emily Bronte's seminal novel.

There have been many looks, but our favourite has to be the cascading, long mermaid-esque waves, which were completed with a half-updo and face-framing layers.

"It’s a romantic and youthful look that is soft and whimsical, and gives the look of energy and dimension in the Hair," comments hairstylist Tom Smith. "It’s popular now because of a desire for more structured and natural-looking texture in the hair, a focus on longer and fluid haircuts, shapes, and subtly multidimensional colour, all of which are made to look better with this specific type of S wave."

Smith explains that this look would have been achieved using a triple-barrel waver like GHD's Wave Triple Barrel Hair Waver. "Stylers like this make it quite easy to achieve. When a professional would execute this, they would direct key sections in different directions to make sure the result looked more natural and less like a mermaid imitation."

He continues: "A good trick to achieve this look at home is to take diagonal sections rather than horizontal ones. This creates a more modern look and reduces the risk of dents or lines across the hair. Take care to lift each section out, tipping your head to one side to make things easier, and gradually work down each strand, holding for a few seconds before moving on.

"For best results, prep the hair with a protective styling spray; my current favourite is K18 Heat Bounce. For extra definition when finished, use a dry texture spray.

If you really want the exact look, Poppy Saunders, Remi Cachet Super Stylist of the Year, says that hair extensions are a great hack. "These waves are all about fluid movement and softness through the mid-lengths and ends. Extensions allow you to create that cascading, mermaid effect without overworking the natural hair, which is especially important for keeping the look modern rather than overly styled." Plus, there's the longevity factor: "Because extensions don’t need to be washed as frequently as natural hair, the style actually lasts longer. There’s less disruption to the wave pattern, so the hair holds that lived-in texture for days rather than hours."

We select products for our hair type all the time—whether our priorities are shine, curls, coils, or breakage, but as it turns out, there's another thing we should consider before browsing the beauty aisles.

Speak to any hairstylist, and they'll likely espouse the virtues of knowing your hair porosity—but what does the term refer to? "It's used to explain how effectively the hair fibre absorbs and retains water, moisture products," Dr Sidra Khan, Glasgow-based consultant dermatologist, tells Marie Claire UK. This affects how well oil and moisture pass in and out of the outermost layer of your hair: the cuticle. As such, your porosity determines how well your hair is able to maintain hydration and nourishment.

As the dermatologist notes, it's very helpful to know your porosity, particularly for textured hair, as it guides smarter product and technique choices. "Scalp health, hair density, curl pattern, styling habits and overall health matter too, but I see porosity as a useful framework, not a strict rulebook. It's best assessed by observing how hair behaves over time rather than relying on one-off tests."

It's important to note that porosity is partly genetic, particularly in textured hair, where fibre curvature can affect cuticle alignment. It can also be altered by heat styling, chemical treatments, UV exposure and mechanical stress. Get the full breakdown ahead.

High Porosity vs Low Porosity Hair

"High porosity hair absorbs moisture quickly but loses it just as easily, often feeling dry, frizzy or fragile. In textured and tightly coiled hair, this can reflect natural fibre shape rather than damage," explains the expert.

On the other hand, low porosity hair has a tightly packed cuticle that resists water and product absorption, but once hydrated, tends to retain moisture well.

As a general rule, low porosity is usually inherited, while high porosity is more likely to develop over time due to cumulative damage.

What products are best for high and low porosity hair?

High porosity hair benefits from richer, reparative formulations, including conditioners with glycerin, ceramides, emollients and oils to help reinforce and seal the cuticle, says Dr Khan.

On the other hand, low porosity hair tends to respond better to lightweight, water-based products with humectants. Gentle heat during conditioning can help products penetrate without overloading the hair.

But regardless of your particular porosity, the expert stresses that your scalp products should remain light to avoid inflammation or build-up.

Best products for low porosity hair

There’s another thing to add to the ever-growing list of what we should have been taught in school—how to rain-proof your hair, especially if you live in the UK. Whether it’s a drizzle or a full-blown downpour, knowing how to shield your strands is a life skill. You’ve put in the time and the effort, only for your hair to collapse the second you step outside… We’ve all been there.

While a sturdy umbrella helps, and staying indoors sounds dreamy (but unrealistic), the experts agree that with the right prep, products and styling choices, you can protect your hair against rain-induced frizz. So, take notes.

“When hair is exposed to rain, the water penetrates the outer cuticle layer and moves into the inner cortex, causing the hair fibre to swell. This swelling lifts and disrupts the cuticle, which reduces smoothness and increases friction between strands,” explains Dr Aamna Adel, Consultant Dermatologist. The result? Frizz.

Rain doesn’t just affect how your hair looks, either. Dr Adel adds that exposure to moisture means hair can be “more prone to tangling and breakage, particularly if it’s already dry or porous”.

And not all hair responds to rain in the same way. “Naturally curly, wavy, or textured hair tends to be more porous and has a less compact cuticle structure, meaning it takes on water more easily. Once the hair absorbs moisture, it expands unevenly, disrupting the curl pattern and causing strands to lift away from each other. Fine or damaged hair can also frizz quickly because it has less structural integrity to maintain shape when humidity changes,” the expert continues.

So what actually helps? “Start with strength”, stresses OLAPLEX global ambassador Samantha Cusick. The more porous or compromised the hair, the more reactive it will be in damp weather, which is why strength is the foundation of rainproofing.

Bond-repair treatments are key here. Working at a molecular level, they repair broken links within the hair caused by colouring, heat styling and everyday wear and tear, improving overall resilience. Olaplex is synonymous with bond repair—it’s where it all started. Cusick recommends “Regular use of Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector helps repair bonds so hair is less porous and less reactive to moisture.”

Powered by the brand’s patented Bond Building Technology, the treatment repairs disulfide bonds—the most important for hair structure—leaving strands stronger and better able to withstand humidity. “Think of rainproofing as building resilience, not creating a barrier. Healthy hair always behaves better in bad weather.

The next step is targeted protection. Think of this part as a literal raincoat for your strands. Products like Colour Wow’s Dream Coat are designed specifically for humidity defence. Inspired by textile technology, its heat-activated polymers “create a shield around the hair strands, by sealing the cuticle and stopping moisture from getting in, acting like an invisible umbrella so water beads off instead of soaking in,” says Carl Bembridge, celebrity hairstylist and Colour Wow ambassador.

With Dream Coat, heat is essential, of course, but before you consider skipping heat styling altogether, think again. “Air-drying sounds like the gentlest option, but hair is actually most fragile when it’s wet. Water causes the fibre to swell and the cuticle to soften, increasing vulnerability the longer hair stays damp. Research shows prolonged air-drying can create more internal stress than controlled blow-drying at moderate heat,” explains Julie Chung, T3 Co-founder. A controlled blow-dry helps seal the cuticle, lock in styling products and reduce the window where hair is most vulnerable.

While no hairstyle is completely rainproof, some do cope better than others. “Sleek low buns, braided styles, or softly slicked-back looks tend to hold up well because the hair is controlled and sealed”, says Cusick. Less movement, less exposure, less frizz.

As always, less is more. “The biggest mistake I see is overloading the hair with heavy products or oils without prepping the hair properly," concludes Cusick. "If the hair is already dry or damaged, no amount of product will truly rainproof it. Healthy, strong hair is naturally more resistant to humidity, so repairing first is always the foundation."

The key notes are to strengthen first, then shield, and then style smartly. Think less last minute quick fixes, and more long-term plan. After all, rain is inevitable.

Best products for rain-proof hair

I've had the same beauty resolution for years—to grow my hair really long for summer. Sadly, those mermaid-esque lengths have always evaded me, largely as I'm partial to heat styling and, well, it isn't the easiest task anyway.

Still, this year, I wanted to give myself the best chance possible, and so I consulted the experts as early as I could. Ahead is everything I learnt, and a run-down of the best products on the market for growth with a capital "G".

How to encourage hair growth now

"Everybody is talking about hair health, but it is relatively recently that we are talking more about the significance of scalp health," explains licensed consultant dermatologist, Dr Margo Gkini, who specialises in hair disorders, hair loss treatments, and scalp health. "A healthy, protected scalp is essential for optimal hair growth. The purpose is to reduce inflammation and scale, to improve circulation and nutrient delivery and to support follicles to function more efficiently."

As such, you must maintain a healthy diet, drink plenty of water, and get enough protein and micronutrients, such as iron, zinc, and vitamin D. "Supplements can be offered, and they can be beneficial in people with hair loss who have specific nutrient deficiencies, such as iron or vitamin D deficiency," adds Dr Gkini. "However, evidence about their impact on hair loss in people who do not have a deficiency is limited, and they cannot replace approved medical treatments, such as Minoxidil [a synthetic drug clinically proven and licensed for the treatment of male and female pattern hair loss]."

If hair loss is compromising your growth goals, the doctor recommends incorporating Minoxidil into your routine now to increase blood flow and stimulate the follicles. Otherwise, rosemary and lavender oil help to nourish and support the scalp to create an optimal environment for hair growth.

Know what inhibits hair growth

There are a number of things that can affect healthy hair growth. "Over exfoliation can cause irritation, inflammation or dermatitis. Likewise, using too many or harsh products can lead to build-up, clogged pores and scalp issues," explains Dr Gkini. "And make sure you minimise mechanical damage, so avoid brushing your hair when it is wet, tying your hair too tightly, and limit significant heat styling."

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can affect proteins in the hair shaft, resulting in damage, stress and weakening, adds the expert. "Hair can dry out and become brittle, which increases the risk of breakage as well as hair loss. Moreover, sweating, saltwater or bleach in pool water can affect the scalp microenvironment and contribute to scalp irritation and itching."

As such, when you're in heat and humidity, use UV-protective hair sprays and products with antioxidants, and avoid peak sun hours, as well as utilising hats, caps and scarves to protect strands.

Prioritise the scalp

Dr Gkini encourages her patients to perform a "scalp detox" every month or so to remove build-up that may include desquamation, product residue, excess sebum and environmental pollutants. "The purpose is to reduce inflammation and scale, to improve circulation and nutrient delivery and to support follicles to function more efficiently," she explains, "But don't overdo it. Remember, too much exfoliation can cause more harm than good."

1. Use a clarifying shampoo first. Leave it for a few minutes, so that surfactants can work and remove the buildup on the scalp.
2. Use a scrub once or twice per week to exfoliate.
3. Do a scalp massage. Massaging the scalp is pleasurable, but it can also improve blood circulation, which can then aid hair growth

Best products for encouraging hair growth