7 Tips For The Quickest DIY Blowdry

With party season fast approaching, we all want to be able to achieve wow-worthy locks with the minimum of fuss. But, with jam-packed festive calendars leaving little time for pampering and preening, it can be hard to get that hair salon inspired style in the time you have available.

We’re all for putting glamorous blow-dried locks back in the spotlight this Christmas; and the good news is that you don’t need to set aside hours to achieve the look you love. Read on to discover our top tips on achieving the quickest DIY blowdry at home!

1. Don’t Forget The Conditioner

It might seem strange to suggest washing your hair more to help it dry faster but using conditioner when you wash your hair will actually help it repel water. Yes, conditioner helps to rehydrate your hair after you’ve watched it, but it will also help stop your hair absorbing more water than it needs.

This is a particularly important step if you’ve got a coloured style such as balayage or Ombre Manchester, and will help boost your hair’s natural gloss and shine.

2. Upgrade Your Hairdryer

It might sound obvious, but the key to a faster blow-dry is a more powerful hairdryer. Not only will this help you achieve a faster blowdry, it will help protect your hair from heat damage too. You don’t need to go for a hair salon quality hairdryer but, if your hair’s thin you should look for a hairdryer about 1000 watts, whilst if your hair is thick, you’ll need to up that to at least 2000 watts.

Depending on your budget, some of the other things you could add to the hairdryer checklist are some fancy extras such as ion technology or ceramic heat to protect your hair from heat damage and static.

3. Multi-Tasking Rules

Most hairdressers Manchester will tell you that you need to let your hair dry for at least 15 minutes before blow-drying. But these 15 minutes doesn’t need to be wasted time. The key to saving time here is multi-tasking!

Just wrap your hair in a cosy towel turban, then have your breakfast, start your make-up or pick out your outfit. Once the 15 minutes are up, pat and squeeze your hair to make sure you remove as much water as you can. Less water means less drying time.

4. Start At The Root

Just as they do in the hair salon, the key to a great (and quick) blow-dry is to start at the roots. Smoothing cuticle hair layers and creating shinier, healthier looking hair – not only does this technique make your hair look great, it will also help your style last longer.

Hairdressers tip: To create a style that will last from day to night, always make sure that your roots are 100% dry.

5. The Need For Speed

Higher heat doesn’t mean a faster blow-dry; instead it’s just a one-way ticket to heat damaged hair (and a very hot head). If you’re looking to get sleek style fast, up your air-flow speed instead.

6. Steal The Hairdressers Brushes

No, we don’t mean literally, but when it comes to achieving a speedy blow-dry, it’s time to ditch the paddle and opt for the brushes the hairdressers use - barrel brushes. Just remember, the longer your hair, the larger the barrel of the brush will need to be. If you want to achieve a super-speedy blow-dry, you could also upgrade your brushes. Go for a ceramic round barrelled brush which will conduct heat and has less bristles which improves airflow.

7. Pick The Right Products

Applying the right product before you start blow-drying your hair can help you achieve a smoother style and will help your hair dry faster. We use Unite products in our hair salon because they’re designed by hairdressers for hairdressers and will get you great results.

Get in touch to find out what products we’d recommend!

Want to Learn from the Experts?

Why not treat yourself to a blow-dry at our hair salon? As well as a relaxing head massage and a fabulous new style, we can give you some hints and tips on how to create beautiful blow-dried styles at home. If you haven’t visited us before, contact the team for an initial consultation or book online.

Learn the Lingo: Hairdressing Terms Explained

There’s no doubt about it, hairdressing lingo is most definitely a barrier to feeling totally relaxed when you visit your Hair Design Manchester, as well as getting the fabulous new hairstyle you’ve been dreaming of.

We’re making it our mission to help you learn the hairdressing lingo and give you the vocab to help you know your babylights from your piecey cut. We’re starting with the most-mentioned word in hair salons across the country this season: balayage.

But what exactly is balayage?

Where Does Balayage Come From?

Despite its recent popularity with celebs and A-listers, it might surprise you to learn that balayage has actually been around since the 1970’s. Derived from a French word which means ‘to sweep’ or ‘to paint’ – once you know this you really do have the key to understanding what balayage is all about.

How Do Hairdressers Achieve the Balayage Look?

The perfect style to go for if you want to achieve a look that is less uniform than typical highlights, the balayage technique creates a sun-kissed, beach-ready hair colour by painting the dye onto the hair rather than using foils or a colouring cap.

Your hairdresser will literally paint the colour onto your hair, creating a smooth, blended stroke of colour, and will often emphasise the sense of light and dark in your hair by combining a number of different tones.

Unlike traditional colouring techniques or the very similar ombre style, the colour doesn’t often reach the tips of the hair which can help to make the style look more natural.

Will Balayage Suit Me?

Balayage can look great on all hair types and can be applied to even the shortest pixie cuts, although it looks better on hair, especially if it is beneath your shoulders. We would always advise that you find an experienced Hairdresser Northern Quarter who has Balayage Mastery. Also, ask to see plenty of examples of their work to check that you are happy with the results that they can achieve.

You should also plan on having a consultation with your hairdresser prior to having your colour applied, so that they can explain what the style will look like on you and select the tones that will complement your complexion perfectly.

How Do I Maintain My Balayage Style?

A great choice for those of you who don’t like making lots of trips to the hair salon; because of the way the Balayage Manchester colour is applied, it’s possible to leave a longer period between colourings and still have a fabulous looking style.

By looking after your hair really well at home, you can help to prolong your hair colour and make your new style look like one of the A-list for longer. You should also think about going easy on the swimming and try to avoid washing your hair too frequently.

It’s really important to keep your hair well moisturised, so pampering yourself with luxurious replenishing treatments and natural oils is a great idea as well as being a perfect excuse for indulging yourself. 

Hair Care Tips for Balayage and Ombre Styles

Balayage Manchester and Ombre styles are all the rage. Colouring hair is as popular as perms were in the 80s, and just as damaging if not done by a talented colourist!

If you want your hair coloured in the Balayage or Ombre style, we can help, but after treatment, hair care is extremely important. Of course, it is only natural that you want luscious, shiny hair. Unfortunately, people who opt for Balayage or Ombre sometimes end up with damaged, brittle and tangled hair that no amount of deep conditioning treatments will fix. If you are considering a Balayage or Ombre treatment, read on for some hair care tips.

Take Care of Your Hair Prior to Balayage and Ombre

Hair needs to be 100% healthy before you apply colour. Dry damaged hair will only get worse when chemical dyes are applied. Give the colour a miss if your hair is already showing signs of poor health. Treat it with nourishing hair masks and deep conditioning protein treatments to restore its gloss and shine. Once your hair is back to good health, then you are ready to book a session with our experienced colourists.

Be Gentle

Be gentle with your hair. Invest in a natural bristle brush – they are kinder to hair. Use smooth, gentle strokes to tease out tangles and be very careful when brushing wet hair, as this is when most breakage occurs.

Don’t Wash Your Hair Too Often

Shampoo strips natural moisture from hair, which we then try to replace with conditioners. It isn’t necessary – or healthy – to wash hair every day. Try to leave your hair for a few days between washes. If it gets greasy at the roots, use a natural bristle brush to gently redistribute the oil down the hair. You can use dry shampoo as a quick fix option, but do this sparingly.

Always use products designed for coloured and treated hair. Avoid products that contain sulphates and silicon.

Use Deep Conditioning Treatments

Don’t skip the deep conditioning treatments once your hair has been coloured. Look for products that contain protein. It’s okay to use store cupboard basics such as olive oil and coconut oil to condition your hair from time to time, but it’s best to stick with professional hair care products in the long-term.

If you need any more advice about caring for your Ombre Manchester or Balayage hair, or what products to use, have a chat with one of our stylists.

5 Ways to Prepare and Repair Winter Hair

Top Hairdressers Manchester

Plummeting temperatures, icy cold wind and dry air from central heating can all wreak havoc on your hair; turning your tresses brittle, dry and frizzy for a really bad hair day! Luckily there are some things you can do to prepare your hair for winter and help repair any damage that’s already been caused by the cold weather.

Follow our tips for cold-weather gorgeousness and prepare for soft, shiny hair all year round!

#1. Schedule A Trim

Hairdressers Manchester

They say prevention is better than cure and trimming your hair regularly (every 2 months is recommended, but you may need a trim more often depending how fast your hair grows) can help eliminate those pesky split ends.

Dry winter air is responsible for causing even more split ends which can leave hair looking stringy. A quick trip to one of the Best Hairdresser Manchester for a chop will strengthen your hair and leave it ready to face the winter weather.

#2. Treat Your Tresses

Best Hair Salons Manchester

Treating your hair with an oil helps retain moistures and protects against the cold snap. Choose the right oil for your hair type and you won’t end up looking like you haven’t washed your locks in a month! Nourishing yet light avocado oil is ideal for fine hair, wile for thicker hair, coconut oil penetrates easily to leave your hair soft and shiny. Consider jojoba or Argan oil too if you’re prone to oily hair but want to protect and treat your ends.

To apply, section your hair and warm a drop of oil between your palms before applying to the section. Always stop at least a few inches from your scalp as you don’t want to replace the scalp’s natural oils. If you don’t want to add oil direct to your hair, why not try adding a couple of drops to your usual shampoo?

#3. Cover Up

Best Hairdresser Manchester

If you live in an especially cold, windy climate, covering your hair when you’re outside will go a long way to helping it stay soft and shiny. There are plenty of stylish options to choose from, from a silk scarf tied around your head to a super cosy knitted headband, hat or snood.

#4. Have a Scalp Massage at a Top-Rated Hair Salon in Manchester

Melissa Salons

There’s nothing quite like a soothing scalp massage to help boost your scalp’s circulation, which can slow down over the winter. A gentle massage helps maintain your scalp’s natural oil production, hydrating and moisturising your hair throughout winter – it can even help boost hair growth! You can massage your scalp at home but for the ultimate pampering session why not book a Hair Styling Manchester appointment for a relaxing massage before your cut or colour?

#5. Step Away from the Straighteners

We know that hot styling tools like straighteners and curling wands are bad news for our hair at the best of times, but did you know that dry winter hair is more prone to damage? As winter approaches, it’s a great time of year to cut back on your use of styling tools. Try decreasing the temperature by 25% and then slowly reduce this as winter sets in. Your hair is more brittle in winter, so it won’t need as much heat for styling. If you regularly blow dry your hair, try leaving it to air dry 80% then finish off with the blow dryer. Always use a heat protecting product – you can pick up the best ones at a top-rated hair salon in Manchester.

We hope these tips help keep your tresses in tip-top shape all winter long but don’t forget to get in touch with us to book your regular trims and deep conditioning treatments!

Finding the Right Conditioner

Not all conditioners will work for your hair. You are probably already aware of this. Perhaps you’ve used a conditioner that left your hair lank and heavy? Maybe you’ve used a conditioner that was unable to tame your frizz. That’s because there are so many different hair types and formulas to choose from.

With so many options, the Best Hairdresser Manchester has put together a few tips to help you find the right conditioner for your hair!

Smoothing or Volumising?

If you have flat hair, it’s important to avoid smoothing conditioners. Smoothing conditioners are very heavy, perfect for those with thick and bouncy hair that can be difficult to manage. Flat hair requires a much lighter treatment to avoid looking and feeling lank and greasy. Volumising conditioner is light, it can help add texture to the hair (depending on the cut) and lengthen the time between washes.

Wavy Hair Saviours

Smoothing conditioners might sound appealing if you have wavy hair, but it’s not necessarily a good choice to make. Wavy hair benefits from lightweight formulas, perfectly designed to deal with frizz, especially in very humid weather.

Wavy hair isn’t the same as curly hair, it’s often not as dry, but it can still be weighed down by heavy conditioners, like flat hair. Choose a light conditioner designed to benefit waves and avoid ones designed for tighter curls or perms.

Conditioners for Curly and Thick Hair

Most thick and curly hair types will adore a deep, thick and intense conditioner. Treat this hair type to deep conditioning treatments that are designed to hydrate intensely. Between regular deep conditioning, choose a conditioner that will hydrate the hair. Don’t be afraid of ‘leave in’ conditioners either, these hair types are perfect for the leave in product.

Shampoo the hair, rinse and apply the conditioner and style as usual. Leave in conditioner can even be used on dry hair, perfect for those times when your hair is feeling dry or frizzy between washes.

Colour-Friendly Conditioners

Hair that has been bleached or dyed will need a colour friendly conditioner. There are plenty available, some with tones that can help to deal with brassiness or colour problems. Using colour friendly conditioners will help to protect the hair and colour, making it last longer.

Help from the Best Hairdresser Manchester Offers!

Conditioner gives your hair a moisture boost, perfect for using after shampooing, which strips the hair of natural oils and moisture. Ask the best Hairdresser Northern Quarter has to offer for help, especially if you’re still unsure about the best type of conditioner to use for your hair.

Things to Remember Before Changing Your Hairstyle

Changing your hairstyle can be a frightening commitment when you’ve gotten used to wearing your hair a certain way. Understandably, there’s always the concern that you might not like your new look. Luckily, most of our clients don’t have this problem because we maintain a very high rate of satisfaction due to our salon’s extensive industry experience.

We will always give you the look that you ask for, but ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what kind of hairstyle would suit you best. That being said, here are some things you’ll want to remember before changing your hairstyle!

Every Hair Salon is NOT the Same

First, it’s important to understand that asking for the same cut at two different salons will not always give you similar results. On any given day you can walk into our salon and find the Top Hairdressers Manchester has to offer. When you’re aiming for a new look that won’t disappoint, it makes sense to only deal with a highly reputable salon that’s known for producing quality work!

Choose a Style that Matches Your Face Shape

Some hairstyles simply don’t look good with certain face shapes and bone structures. Thus, there’s definitely a factor of compatibility that needs to be considered when you’re selecting a new hairstyle. We can help you browse through our exhaustive catalogue of styles to find one that will match and accentuate your facial features perfectly.

You May Need New Products and a New Routine

Of course, you’ll have to be prepared for extra steps or new products that may be needed to maintain your new look. If such maintenance is needed, our Manchester based Top Hairdresser Manchester will go over the routine with you before you leave the salon and recommend any products that can help you stay looking your best!

You Might Want to Consider a Makeup Change

Your new hairstyle might not immediately look its best with your existing makeup style, so be prepared to do some experimenting to find the tones and shades that set off your look.

We’ll Make Sure You’re Happy with the Finished Result

Our goal is to be the best hair salon Manchester has ever seen, and we strive towards that goal by making sure our clients are happy at every stage of the process. Towards the end of the haircut, we’ll check with you to make sure you like where the look is going, and if not, our creative specialists can always come up with something to save the day.  Make an appointment to visit the best Hair Design Manchester – you won’t be disappointed!

3 Short Hairstyle Trends in 2018

Feeling like a change? Summer is a wonderful time for a dramatic chop, encouraging healthy hair regrowth and helping you to keep cool throughout the heat waves. Short hair is trending right now, but which are the cuts that are the most desired in 2018?  Before heading to your Hairdresser Northern Quarter look through these trends and see if there’s anything that appeals to you.

The Pixie Cut – A Hair Stylist Manchester Favourite

Pixie cuts are a fantastic short hairstyle trend that’s often considered a safe option by many hairstylists in Manchester. Add plenty of choppy layers to give the hair lots of texture, helping to encourage great styles even on days when you can’t be bothered to do more than brush it out.  The pixie cut is fantastic for the summer, it’s also easy to maintain, a highly recommended style for 2018. Scarlett Johansson gives new life to the pixie cut thanks to the shorn sides. Katy Perry also opts for the shaved sides to give the pixie a more modern look.

Cropped Hair Don’t Care

If you have fine hair the cropped hairstyle will be an excellent choice. Fine hair is given volume and bounce when cut short, but not everyone wants to go above the jawline. A cropped cut with lots of layers will give the illusion of volume in an instant. Combine the bob with a heavy-set fringe and you’ll be feeling fabulous.  Emma Stone carries off this hairstyle to perfection. Don’t forget to add even more thickness with some gentle waves. Add extra depth to the short hairstyle with the use of dark and light tones throughout.

Classic Bob from the Best Hair Salon Manchester

Another excellent choice for fine hair, that also works beautifully with thicker hair is the classic bob. Cut the bob to just below the jawline and curl under using a round brush and a hairdryer. The timeless look is quite easy to maintain but can also be transformed into a more blunt or edgy cut with some styling and the use of hair products such as sea salt or gum. This short hairstyle can work with or without bangs, ask your Hair salon Northern Quarter for the best option based on your hair and face shape.

The pixie, cropped and classic bob are all trending this year. Collect a few images of your favourite sort hairstyles and book an appointment with your hairdresser in Manchester.

Keeping Your Hair Hydrated

Weather, diet and lifestyle all have an impact on your hair. One common issue experienced by both men and women concerns hydration. Keeping hair hydrated can be difficult, but a few changes in care and habits can transform even the driest of tresses. Here are a few hair hydration tips from your top Hairdresser Manchester!

Increase Your Intake of Water

Drink the recommended amount of water and you will see improvements in your hair as well as other parts of your body and wellbeing. Many of us forget to drink enough throughout the day. Work hard to increase your water intake, carry a reusable water bottle around with you at all times and monitor the amount you are drinking. There are some great apps that will help you to keep a track on your daily progress.

Trim the Ends

Keep on top of your hair by trimming away dry ends regularly. Trimming the hair helps to prevent split ends and therefore reduces damage to the hair shaft. Visit your hairdresser in Manchester and request micro trims between longer hair appointments to help maintain hydrated hair and reduce the risk of damage from dry hair.

Find the Right Conditioner for Your Hair

Ask your Hair stylistManchester for advice on choosing the right conditioner for your hair type. Not all conditioners are equal. Some will weigh down your hair while others may not be strong enough to make much of a difference. On top of regular conditioning with your shampoo, hairdressers in Manchester recommend deep conditioning. Leave a conditioning mask or your usual conditioner on your hair for longer, covering your hair with a cap to avoid transfer as you continue your daily routine at home.

Serums and Protective Treatments

Some hair types will benefit from serums. Ask your Hair salon Manchester City Centre for suggestions and recommendations. Additionally, all hair types should be protected during styling and heat treatments by heat protection products. There are many to choose from and some can be costly, avoid wasting your money by consulting with your hairdresser in Manchester before you purchase.

Consider Your Diet

Make a few changes in your diet by introducing more hair friendly foods such as leafy greens, nuts, oily fish and whole grains. Ask for assistance from your doctor or nutritionist if you have difficulties with these foods in your diet; a fish oil supplement might be suggested if suitable for you.

Find out more about how to keep your hair hydrated by booking an appointment with a top hair stylist in Manchester. Give us a call on 0161 834 5945, or book online. 

4 Long Hairstyle Trends for Men in 2018

There are few things in the world that are quite ordinary, yet divisive, as the subject of long hair on men. Does it work? Is it ever a good idea? Some people would say no. We, however, find that long hair on a man can look great if it is given the right care and attention from a professional stylist.

Of course, it can also look awful. Unfortunately, some men just aren't cut out for long hair (pardon the pun). If uncared for it can look straggly and rough. That said, you don't know until you try! The following hairstyle trends for men with long hair will give curious readers an idea of where to start on settling on a style for themselves.

We have worked as one of the leading hairdresser Manchester companies for a number of years, in that time we’ve seen every style you could imagine come and go!

Man Bun

Since arriving on the scene a few years ago (roughly around the time that avocado on toast became a thing) the man bun has proven to be a very divisive hairstyle. It is one of those hairstyles which just looks so right on some people. We highly recommend that you try and preview how this will look before you commit.

Top Knot

Much like the man bun, the top knot is a hairstyle that has proven particularly popular amongst the hipster demographic. The top knot is the perfect way to top off any ensemble that just demands to be seen. If you like your fashion big and bold, the top knot will certainly have heads turning your way.

Ponytail

Another controversial classic among long-haired men. The ponytail is common for women but is less frequently seen on men. Many people, men and women, initially experiment with the ponytail for its practical benefits, namely keeping one’s hair out of their face. The ponytail is also a useful tool when your hair is going through that awkward stage where it is growing, but it is not yet long enough to style. Ask Hairdresser Manchester City Centre for more!

Natural Curls

Sometimes the most effective hairstyles are those which take the most hands-off approach. If you are fortunate enough to have naturally attractive hair, take advantage of it! Curls can be a real pain, some of us would give anything to trade them away! However, some people have some truly amazing natural curls. If you have it then flaunt it!

Be Confident with Your Hair Stylist Manchester

Many men are put off growing their hair out long simply because they don’t know what to do with it. Some men are lucky enough to have hair that will look good at any length. For most of us, however, we will need to intervene along the way. The above hairstyles are just a small selection of the many that are out there.

Contact us as we are Hair salon Manchester City Centre today to book an appointment with one of our hair stylists Manchester and we can discuss what would be best for your individual hair.

Tips for Colouring Your Hair at Home

We know that our clients don’t always have the time to enjoy a luxurious makeover, in a professional salon, on a regular basis. Although it’s best to visit a salon if you’re planning a major hair colour overhaul, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to dye your hair at home if you’re strapped for time.

It’s important to be aware that home hair colouring can cause a lot of damage if you don’t get it right. Visiting Hairdresser Manchester or Hair stylist Manchester is a smart decision! Here are our tips for using a home hair dye kit, so you end up with hair that looks like you walked straight out of the salon! Well…almost!

Tip #1. Use a Recommended Dye

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when looking at the hair dyes available in supermarkets and beauty stores today. Which brand is best? What colour do you go for? Should you opt for permanent or semi-permanent dye? The best person to answer all these questions is your Hairdresser Manchester City Centre.

If you’re planning to colour your hair at home, they can advise you on the best brand and colour of dye. Semi-permanent dye is always advisable since it’s much easier to get out if you make a mistake.

Tip #2. Always Take a Patch Test

Even if you’ve used the same brand of hair dye in the past, it’s important to do a patch test at least 24-hours prior to dying your hair, so you know how your skin is going to react. People have been known to become allergic to hair dye out of the blue after years of colouring their hair. So it’s always better to be safe than sorry! The hair dye that you use will contain specific instructions for conducting the patch test.

Tip #3. Just Dye Your Roots

Root touch-ups are done at home most often since it’s a quick and easy job to cover up your regrowth. If you’ve got regrowth and want to colour your hair to cover it, then bear in mind that there’s no need to re-dye all of your hair. This is, unfortunately, one of the biggest mistakes that we’ve helped our clients fix at our Hair Design Manchester City Centre. Only put the dye on areas that need a refresh! You can invest in a tint brush to make it easier or get a friend to help you.

Get in touch for more advice on colouring your hair – we are always happy to help if a home-dye experience goes wrong!