This Christmas, give yourself the gift of glossy, beautiful hair. Hair plays a significant role in how others perceive us. Well-looked-after hair improves our appearance, reflects our attention to detail, and overall serves as a tool in shaping the impressions others have of us. This is the time to start your programme to achieve hair that dazzles in time for all the Christmas celebrations.
The experts at Jo Hansford in London recommend starting by getting rid of excess minerals such as calcium and magnesium and unwanted metals such as iron and copper accumulated on and in our hair, product build-up and even limescale. Metals are increasingly present in water (even when water softeners are used). They can damage the structure of our hair and make it fade faster. L’Oréal Professional Paris launched a global study and investigated the levels of metal in hair across the globe. The level of metal in hair varies, depending on the water quality where we live and on hair porosity. In the UK, it was 64 per cent.
There are many products that help detoxify our hair and scalp. Jo Hansford recommends the L’Oreal metal detox range, which includes Glicoamine, the only molecule small enough to penetrate and neutralise metal inside the hair fibre, or Kerastase Premiere treatment. Both include pre-shampoo treatments that work within the hair cuticle to remove any build-up of metals or limescale resulting in the final finish feeling brighter, healthier and glossier. Serene Scalp Recovery by Avant is an exfoliating treatment for the scalp that removes dead skin cells and grime to keep your scalp and hair follicles clear.
Left: Kerastase Première Anti-Breakage Repairing Filler Mask. Right: Avant Serene Scalp Recovery.
Once our hair is clean and free of pollutants, it is time for intensive treatment, which the experts at Jo Hansford suggest doing once a week with a product such as Kerastase Fusio Dose at their salons. At home, use Jo Hansford Intensive Masque to lock in moisture, prevent breakage and control frizz or Avant Protecting & Restoring Keratin-Infused hair therapy, which smooths, thickens and moisturises.
For everyday care, we like Irene Forte’s prickly pear shampoo and almond conditioner. Both are completely organic and cruelty-free. Professionals also recommend letting hair dry naturally when possible and not overusing styling tools.
Avant Protecting & Restoring Keratin-infused hair therapy, Irene Forte Prickly Pear shampoo, and Almond conditioner.
It is now time for a good trim to remove any split or dry ends, restyle, and bring our colour up to date. A good haircut and the right shade for each complexion enhance skin, and facial features and can take years off your appearance. Aftercare at home is crucial though. Avoid sulphates and parabens. They strip the colour off, damage hair and in many cases, also the scalp, which can lead to hair loss. Products like those in the Aveda Colour Care range don’t contain either of these chemicals and help keep the colour fresh and radiant for up to eight weeks.
Last, Joanna Hansford suggests considering hair extensions. “With Christmas parties coming up everyone wants to look and feel their best and we see an increasing demand for women wanting thicker and more voluminous looking hair rather than more length,” she comments. “Extensions can also add colour and dimension for those who are nervous about fully progressing to hair colour and this can be done by using tapes as well as bonds. A few coloured hair extensions can give you more definition and a different dimension to your standard look.”
To book your appointment at Jo Hansford Mayfair, phone 020 7495 7774 and for Knightsbridge (Harvey Nichols), phone 020 7112 1493.
More information about Jo Hansford’s services and recommended products, HERE.
Author: Julia Pasarón
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