Getting Your Hair to Look the Way You Want

If you’re anything like me, your hair will be a constant source of disappointment to you. I see so many pictures of celebrities with gorgeous hair but no matter how many magazine tutorials and advice columns I read, I can never achieve the look I want. I know celebs have an army of hairdressers and beauticians to help achieve their look, but I don’t think it’s too much to ask for to have a hairstyle I like from time to time!

So, I’ve been doing a bit of research and some experimenting to come up with a few ways that allow you to get the look you want, but from the comfort of your own home – and without spending a fortune.

Hair dye

Millions of people dye their hair and these days it seems rare to find someone who actually likes their natural colour. Hair dye can sometimes be a case of trial and error because it’s hard to tell how it will come out when you’re trying to compare colours on the packet.

If you’ve got really dry or damaged hair it’s best to go to a hairdresser. Similarly, don’t try anything too dramatic yourself and if you want to go two or three shades lighter or darker, get it done professionally. Make sure you look at the diagrams on the top of the boxes instead of the model on the front to see how your hair is likely to turn out.

A problem I sometimes have when I’m dying my hair is that the colour doesn’t look even. Ask a friend to help you and divide your hair into four sections before you start dying. This makes it easier to get the dye right down to your roots and will ensure you cover your whole head.

You also need to look after your hair when you’ve finished dying it if you want your gorgeous new colour to stay. Use shampoos specially designed for coloured hair and invest in a good quality, intense moisturising conditioners to help retain that just-dyed shine that always looks so nice.

Getting the right texture

Everyone has different hair and while some of you will have soft, wispy strands, others will have much thicker hair that is prone to curling. One of the most obvious things you need to do if you want your hair to look the way you like is to use a shampoo specially formulated for your locks.

If you use a hair dryer or straighten your hair on a regular basis, it’s important to use protective sprays. Not only will these help to smooth out your hair and give it a lovely shine, but they’ll help to stop the ends from becoming dry and frizzy – the last thing you want. These products don’t have to cost a fortune and are well worth the investment.

Avoid clamping your straighteners on the ends of your hair for too long, as this will burn them and lead to lots of frizz. You could also try using rollers to create soft, natural curls as these are much kinder to your hair than heated tongs. Use some that you can wear as you sleep to save time.

Similarly, intensive conditioning treatments should be applied once a week to give your hair the moisture drench it desperately needs after all the wear and tear it goes through every day. These can give your locks a real boost and an instant shine.

Your hair is your crowning glory, so make sure you look after it and follow these simple tips to get the texture and colour you really want.

Francis Lawson is a freelance writer specialising in beauty tips, particularly hair care such as salon services for hairdressers and the latest fashions such as bob hairstyles.