Are you missing the salon? Because we are certainly missing you! Social distancing probably means you’ve already stopped wearing makeup and you’ve cut ties with your hairdresser and got yourself a new stylish slightly wonky fringe. Stuck at home has given us the opportunity to give yourself a bit more time for self-care and do those hair and beauty chores that we never get around too.

Hopefully will become a habit that we will continue when we are allowed back in the big wide world.

Make time for your hair and scalp

So normally bathing and showering is a quick 5 minutes in the morning before work, and now we’ve made it enjoyable ritual, where you can apply a hair treatment, read a book and enjoy a glass of wine.

This is one habit I will not be giving up after lockdown.

We have a range of ‘take home’ treatments in the salon to really make your hair and scalp feel amazing.

Scalp health is key to healthy hair growth. Choose one of Philip Kingsley three bespoke scalp masks, depending on your specific scalp concerns: Stimulating, Exfoliating and Soothing.

Then follow up with a great mask we love “Philip Kingsley Elasticiser and Montibello Repair Mask.”
Particularly if you can sit in the bath and let the steam from the water really get everything working.

If you don’t have access to your favourite hair mask you can always use avocado and coconut oil from the kitchen cupboards. Most of all its about creating a nice ritual whilst benefiting your hair and scalp at the same time. 

Perfect your home pedicure

It's official that the last pedicure we had has come to the end of life and the next appointment cancelled for the foreseeable.

Well this is actually the perfect time to get you at home foot maintenance routine down to an art. 

If you don’t have a foot spa a washing up bowl will do. Fill with warm soapy water and some essential oils if you have them, soak your feet for about 10 min, towel dry and rub some exfoliator on your feet concentrating on the dry areas like your heals, if you don’t have any exfoliator you can mix some granulated sugar with a bit of oil any oil will do and create a paste.

If you have really hard skin, you may need a foot file again if you don’t have this a soft sandpaper will do the trick. For pedi-perfect results, follow up with a base coat, couple of coats of your favourite polish and a topcoat on your toes.  Once varnish is dry apply a thick moisturiser to your feet and put socks on to let it really soak in.

Embrace dry body brushing

Dry body brushing is one of those things you know you should be doing, but rarely actually do. In fact, you probably have a brush already, at the back of a drawer somewhere, go and find it. Lockdown is the perfect time in which to make it a habit. “Body brushing is one of the cheapest and simplest favours you can do for yourself, and brings great returns on little effort Here is some of the benefits to Body brushing:

It can help reduce the appearance of cellulite
Eliminates Dead Skin
Enhances Blood Circulation and Cleansing of The Lymphatic System
Promotes Even Fat Distribution
Enhances Nutrients Absorption by The Skin
Rejuvenates the Nervous System
Enhances Digestion and Kidney Functionality
Smooths and Tightens Skin
Relieves Stress
Promotes Happiness
 
All you need to do is flick the brush over your skin, upwards towards your heart – feet to thighs and hands to shoulders for 2-3 minutes. Do it in the bathroom, before, during or after your shower or bath, or after a workout. 
​
Think of body brushing as a way to jolt your body back to life.

Get to grips with retinol

There has never been a better time to bite the bullet and get onboard with a great retinol. Despite it being an anti-ageing powerhouse capable of boosting collagen production, improving texture and evening out skin tone, retinol’s reputation for requiring “downtime” means many of us have put off making it a part of our routines. It can take a little time for your skin to build a tolerance to retinol, that’s why a lockdown is a good time to start.

We love Dermalogica overnight retinol repair:
Concentrated customizable nighttime Retinol treatment cream accelerates skin renewal and reduces the appearance of skin aging. Active 0.5% microencapsulated pure Retinol helps increase cell turnover. 

Begin by using it just a couple of evenings a week, before building up to more regular use. Remember even if you feel like you are never leave your sofa at moment, follow up with a good SPF every morning, since retinol makes skin more sensitive to sun damage.

Finally start washing your hair and make-up brushes

Washing your brushes is a bit of a chore, we know, but the benefits far outweigh the cost. 
First let start with your hairbrushes as these are easy, remove any excess hair and gentle wash them with you shampoo, leave to dry naturally.

Now lets concentrate on your make up brushes. 

Aside from the fact that good hygiene feels especially pressing right now, washing your brushes makes them last longer and helps you to apply make-up more effectively, too.

When it comes to my makeup brushes, give them a wipe over once a week with make up brush cleanser spray. 
​ 
We love to give them a good deep cleanse with a shampoo twice a month. We recommend putting a little shampoo into your palm, swirling your wet brushes around in it until they lather, then rinsing and repeating until the water runs clear. Afterwards, smooth the brush hairs back into shape, and place on a towel with the bristles hanging over the side of a table, so not to lose their shape and air dry quicker.

Behind the Mask was launched in July 2019. It offers U.K. hair and beauty professional’s free online training to help them spot the signs that someone may be experiencing domestic abuse how they could respond in the best way.

LK Hair and LK Beauty are delighted to be one of a growing number of hair and beauty salons to take this special training.

Domestic Abuse may take one or more forms that could be physical, psychological, sexual, harassing, coercive or controlling. Given that domestic abuse includes a wide range of behaviours, it can be hard to spot and injuries may be masked by clothing or makeup.

Around 1 in 4 women will experience abuse in their lifetime. On average, 2 women are killed each week. For many reasons, some may not tell no one what’s going on. With some insight, a therapist’s unique relationship with their clients may reveal what’s hidden behind their ‘mask’.

Many women use the services of a hairdresser and beauty therapist and tell them things that they wouldn’t say to anyone else. We may notice injuries or the consequence of them. With regular clients, they may recognise behavioural changes. Our salons and treatment areas may be seen as a safe and relaxing spaces to our clients and it may be one of the few opportunities they have to reach out for help or be open to it. It’s not about intervening or interfering, it’s simply suggesting the services of those who are specially trained to help in a way that’s informed and meaningful. Our listening ear along with a kind word may change or save a life.

During 2018, beauty therapist Julie Knight asked UK hair and beauty professionals for their views on the necessity of such a programme and how to make it really accessible. 100% of over 200 respondents said it was necessary. 98% said that a short online training programme would make it easier to use. With their help, the name was chosen. Julie consulted a number of interested parties to help inform the training programme along with her personal insight and professional knowledge given her past career in policing that spans nearly 30 years.

Behind the Mask is available free of charge and the content will be reviewed annually. Participant of the programme will be invited to revisit the training to refresh their knowledge every 2 years.

Some of our colleagues are Behind the Mask Champions and help to raise the awareness of it in any way they can. In addition, many hair and beauty academies have agreed to incorporate the training into their courses so the next generation of hairdressers and beauty therapists are aware of the signs of domestic abuse and how they can truly help.
 
Organisations who may offer help

National Domestic Violence 24 hour Helpline
0808 2000 247 www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk
Run by Women’s Aid and Refuge. For women experiencing domestic abuse, their family, friends and callers on their behalf

Live Fear Free Helpline (Wales)
0808 80 10 800 www.gov.wales/live-fear-free
24 hour helpline. For those experiencing domestic abuse, their family, friends, colleagues and professionals

Scotland Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline
0800 027 1234 www.sdafmh.org.uk
24 hour helpline. For women experiencing domestic abuse, their family, friends, colleagues and professionals

Northern Ireland 24 Hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline
0808 802 1414 www.dsahelpline.org
For support, help, signposting and referrals for victims, family, friends and professionals

Broken Rainbow National Helpline
0300 999 5428 / 0800 999 5428 www.brokenrainbow.org.uk
Domestic Violence helpline for all LGBT communities, their family, friends, and agencies supporting them

National Stalking Helpline
0808 802 0300
Run by Suzy Lamplugh Trust. Offers guidance and information about stalking

Karma Nirvana
0800 5999 247 www.karmanirvana.org.uk
For those experiencing honour-based abuse and forced marriage

Revenge Porn Helpline
0345 6000 459 www.revengepornhelpline.org.uk
Supporting adults (over 18) whose intimate images and videos have been shared without their consent, or under threat.

Victim Support
0808 16 89 111 www.victimsupport.org.uk
Offers a support service for victims of crime

Men’s Advice Line
0808 801 0327 www.mensadviceline.org.uk
Offers advice and support for men experiencing domestic abuse

ManKind Initiative
01823 334244 www.mankind.org.uk
Offers advice and support for men experiencing domestic abuse

Respect Phone line
0808 802 4040 www.respectphoneline.org.uk
Offers advice & support to those who want to stop being violent & abusive towards their partner

Note: Calls to some of these helplines do not show up on the bill but they will appear in the phone’s history
 
Local services in our area
Domestic abuse helpline (Oxfordshire and West Berkshire):
0800 731 0055 
10am - 7pm, weekdays
 
Berkshire Women Aid
 
BWA Helpline: 0118 950 4003
 
http://www.berkshirewomensaid.org.uk/
 
 
Useful resources
Bright Sky app
www.hestia.org/brightsky
Designed to look like a weather app to make it discrete, it provides information to those experiencing domestic abuse or those who know someone who may be. Offers a UK-wide directory of specialist support services with contact details. Download the free app on your smart phone.
​
Hollie Guard
www.hollieguard.com
Hollie Guard personal safety app is activated when your smart phone is shaken or tapped so it automatically sends your location and audio/video evidence to your designated contacts. Download the free app on your smart phone. Add emergency contacts and set up your personal alerts to get started
 
Thank You for your support
Thank you for proudly being part of this campaign and doing something that’s truly amazing. Together, we can change or save a life. Thank you.

There is one thing that pro supermarket brand clients probably don’t do, and that’s making a complete switch to professional brands.
 
For example:
If you are using box colour, blow-drying/straightening without products to protect the hair etc, the professional shampoo will not work miracles for you! That’s what most people don’t understand…
If you want to really test it out to see if there’s a difference you need to pick a line and use the shampoo, conditioner, and styling product together.

Products:
A girls best friend! We love them! We’re addicted and love to collect them! Is it worth it if they’re not the best? I’m always hearing people talk about how expensive salon products are compared to supermarket brands. The difference is how often you have to buy the products and the quality you get for your money. If you are paying less you are probably buying more often. I buy shampoo every few months (keep in mind I have a lot of hair and I wash my hair most days!). I may be paying more, but it is lasting much longer than a bottle of Pantene would last.
 
Ingredients:
What Matters?
Unless you have allergy issues you probably don’t check out the ingredients very often. Over the last few years or so everyone has been going crazy about sulphates’ I hear is oh does it have sulphates, and “I can’t use shampoo with sulphates!”.
 
I’m willing to bet that at least 95% of these ingredient crazies don’t even know what sulphates are.
 
It’s a good idea to know what’s in your products and why you need it or don’t. If you’re nuts about organics then that’s another subject, but for most of my clients all natural is the last thing on their minds.
 
Always remember…
 
When reading product ingredients on ANY label  the first ingredient is the strongest and the last ingredient is the weakest in the product!
 
Ingredients to pay attention to:
 
1. Water
Is H20 the first ingredient listed on your shampoo bottle? If so, that only means that it is more diluted than others. You may be paying less than salon brands, but you are also getting less product.

For example: is a salon product that is highly concentrated. It has much less water than other brands, giving you much higher quality for what you pay. It is to be used in small amounts because when combined with water(in your hair) it is activated and will lather beyond belief. When a product is made cheaply with high amounts of water you probably have to use more to get the same effect.
 
2. Alcohol
We all know what alcohol does! Talk about a one way ticket to dry and more strands! Alcohol is found in a lot of products and is necessary for the make-up of some of them. BUT, when found in high amounts it’s not doing anything good for your hair. I find that a lot of styling products sold in grocery and drugstores are high in alcohol content.
 
The product may be making your hair feel smooth, but it’s not getting the moisture and protein it needs to stay strong and healthy.


3. Sulphates
Sulphates are a salt of sulfuric acid. There are several different types of sulphates so don’t get it confused with those used to make batteries or producing plaster! Sulphates play a huge part in making products get sudsy and later well… but they do have a tendency to dry out hair and strip out colour. If you are using products without sulphates you may think your hair doesn’t feel as clean or it may take a little more work to get that lathering effect. In my opinion, if you use sulphate free shampoo, use a good clarifying shampoo about once a month to really get your hair clean. I have several clients that do a clarifying treatment before a colour, it gives a more clean strand to help your new colour last!
 
Not all Sulphates are bad!
 
Colour Care
 
Why ruin a beautiful colour that you paid good money for with cheap products?
 
If you use a box colour, go ahead buy the Pantene. The way I look at it if the colour is crap who cares if the shampoo is!
Your hair isn’t going to feel great anyways with those Supermarket boxed chemicals, so why pay more for shampoo when you’re okay with cheap colour?
 
If you go to the salon for colour, definitely get the good shampoo! If what your stylist recommends is too expensive just ask if there’s a cheaper alternative. A few things to remember if you colour your hair:
Colour treated hair is more sensitive to heat from styling tools because it is not as naturally healthy as hair that isn’t coloured. Your colour will not last as long as you want it to if you’re not using colour protecting products. It can be easily stripped if you use a shampoo that’s too strong.

Damage can come in many forms, chemical processing is only one of them. So if you take the necessary precautions you can have healthy coloured hair!

Conclusion: I’d like to remind everyone that what works best for one person may not be perfect for the other.
 
I used non-professional products through school and when I started hairdressing that completely changed! Just like generic pie & mash you will get used to what you use on a regular basis and like it.
I am not “dissing” anything that my clients may use, but giving you the pros and cons to help you find what works.
 
At lk hair we guarantee all the products we recommend you so if you don’t like it we will swap it for something else or give you a no quibble refund.

2019 has been a pretty incredible year for us. We gained some amazing members of staff, met some lovely new clients, had more appointments with existing clients, supported charities that we hold very close to our hearts, refurbished the salon, won Most Wanted Salon of the Year at The English Hair and Beauty Awards and we found out that we are through to the finals of next year’s awards too!
 
We have loved every single appointment with every single client, and we can’t wait to see what we will achieve together next year!
 
From the bold colours and the blonde bombshells to the rich brunettes and fiery reds. From the short hair and long hair to the straight hair and the curly. We kickstart the new year by taking a look back on our favourite looks from 2019. 

This one just had to make the cut (see what we did there?) This was Jordan's first set of highlights back in February, stunning then and even better now. We have absolutely loved seeing her grow over the last year and can't wait to see everything she creates next year.

Ok, not quite a hair picture but one of our proudest moments from 2019. Winning Most Wanted Salon Of The Year and The English Hair and Beauty Awards. We're so excited for the 2020 awards - hopefully we will be back on the stage collecting another incredible award!

A beautiful blonde bombshell created by Sophie just after she joined the team. We love this look almost as much as we love her. 

Playing around with toners will never, ever get boring. 2019 has been full of new toners from amazing suppliers. This look featured the Lakme toners but we've also enjoyed using Montibello Metallics.

We started June in the best way - with this beautiful bright do. Half pink and half orange to go into the summer. We had so much fun creating this look and can't wait to see what funky colours and creations we can come up with together next year!  

With July comes wedding season and there's nothing we love more that creating up dos for your special occasions - just like this pretty hair up.

Tis always the season to go blonde but during the summer, we see lots of people coming in for platinum locks. We love this Smoky Quartz hair. Created with a scalp bleach and Montibello Metallics toner. 

It seems 2019 was full of blonde bombshells and this one is no exception. This little beauty braved a big chop and we are still obsessed with the result. 

Heading into spooky season, this deep red was bang on trend. Brunettes, coppers and reds are the perfect shades for autumn. 

It's so inspiring to help our lovely clients donate their hair to The Princess Trust. We loved helping this little lady donate to an amazing cause and we think she looks pretty special with short hair. 

December calls for a golden brown balayage with curls - the perfect look to get you through silly season and last well into the New Year.

We have loved creating all of these styles and many, many more and we can't wait to see all the hair transformations to come in 2020. If you already have a change in mind, book online and we will see you in the New Year! 

Thinking about changing up your hair colour but not sure where to start? With terms like highlights, balayage and ombre being thrown around, it can all get a little confusing. Here’s a few things you should consider, what colour will suit your skin tone, the overall look you want to achieve and your personality type. It’s important that you get the look you want with the level of maintenance you’d be happy to keep up with. We’re here to help!
 
Highlights
 
What are highlights?
Highlights refers to the process of using bleach to lighten sections of your hair. The most common method is foil highlighting which involves using a brush to apply the bleach to small sections of your hair and then using foils to separate those sections from the rest of your hair. You can customise how light you want your highlights to be and the number of highlights you have – the more you go for, the lighter your hair will appear. Unlike other techniques, highlights go right from the root to the ends of your hair.
 
Should you get highlights?
If you want to add dimension, add colour to the root of your hair, make you hair appear thicker, or disguise those pesky greys, highlights might be for you.
 
Highlights give a neat, uniformed look but bear in mind that because they start at the root, you’ll need to visit the salon more regularly for root touch ups.
 
Balayage
 
What is balayage?
Balayage is a French word meaning to sweep or to paint. It's a freehand hair lightening technique that gives a blended look with no harsh or obvious regrowth lines. It gives a more natural, lived in look than highlights do. The beauty of balayage is that you can choose to have a close root balayage that sits closer to your scalp or start lower down. Again, you can customise how light you want to go and how subtle or bold you want the balayage.
 
Should you get balayage?
Just like highlights, balayage can work for anyone, it just depends on the look you want to go for. If you are after something slightly more effortless with less maintenance, balayage might be perfect for you. Since the technique is more natural, regrowth is less noticeable, so you won’t need to visit the salon as often for root touch ups.
 
Ombre
 
What is ombre?
Often confused with balayage, ombre involves a similar technique but produces a bolder finish. Ombre hair is darker at the roots and lighter at the ends but with a less natural and more sudden change in colour.
 
Should you get ombre?
Ombre is balayage’s more edgy sister, so if this is the look you want, it’s a good bet with low maintenance. It also takes less time to grow out as colour tends to be concentrated to the bottom of your hair, so if you fancy something temporary, this would be ideal. If you get bored, you can simply cut your hair.
 
If you’re still unsure, gather up some pictures of looks that you love and bring them to salon! We can help you chose a technique and colour that will suit you and your lifestyle. Book an appointment online. 

Dry, static, frizzy hair? If you can relate, you’ll know that the winter months are here and ready to wreak havoc with your lovely locks. Smooth, shiny hair from the summer is well and truly behind us.
 
Exposure to the harsh weather that autumn and winter brings can strip hair of moisture leading to dull hair that is more susceptible to damage. And when you add to this the constant temperature changes as you go from hot houses to the cold outdoors, you’ve got a recipe for a hair disaster.
 
But don’t despair, there are ways to revive your dry locks to make them luscious once again. We’ve put together our fave winter hair care tips, so you don’t have to suffer this season!
 
Moisturise
 
Just like your skin, your hair needs moisturising too. During the colder months, heating tends to zap moisture out of your hair, sometimes leaving you with a dry, flaky scalp. Adding a leave-in conditioner or a hair oil to your routine will help to combat this dryness and add much needed moisture back into your locks! If you suffer with a flaky scalp, leave the treatment in for longer and then wash your hair as normal to get rid of the oil.
 
We love Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence Leave-In Conditioner which is a lightweight conditioning spray that helps to detangle, hydrate and improve the elasticity of your hair and Montibello Smart Touch Instant Hair Conditioner which repairs, nourishes, offers frizz control and provides heat defence.
 
If you’re after a hair oil, anything with argan, Moroccan or jojoba oil is perfect for leaving hair feeling soft and shiny.
 
Avoid frequent hair washes
 
We’ve said it before, and we will say it again - avoid washing your hair every day. Over-washing your hair strips it of natural oils that you need to keep your locks moisturised and protected, and during the winter months, this is even more vital. Try to take an extra day between your hair washes if you feel it is becoming dry. It’s also important to invest in a quality shampoo and conditioner that works well with your hair type. If you’re unsure, pop into the salon and we can advise.
 
To get you through the extra days, try a dry shampoo like Philip Kingsley One More Day. The lightweight formula refreshes and soothes the scalp whilst getting rid of dirt, oil and odour and also adds volume and texture.
 
After you’ve washed your hair, we recommend using a moisturising spray like Montibello Smart Touch 12 in 1 Treatment Spray which does just about everything from softening and moisturising to heat protection and colour protection.
 
Get regular trims
 
Trimming your hair every four to eight weeks is a good way to maintain hair health and keep your locks looking fresh. Take a half inch off the bottom to reduce the chances of developing dry, split ends.
 
Avoid heat styling
 
We know it’s nice to have styled hair but it’s no secret that it’s a major culprit for damaged locks. If your strands already feel dry, try to lay off heat styling where possible. When you are styling your hair, make sure to use a quality heat defence spray to protect it. The products we have previously mentioned will help to protect against the damage that styling causes.
 
Dry your hair before going out
 
This might be a regular habit for you anyway, but it’s important to make sure you’re not leaving the house with wet hair. Cold hair expands the hair shaft, making it more prone to breakage. Allow extra time in the winter to air dry your locks before going out.
 
We love Montibello Daily Defence All-Weather Lotion to protect your hair from the elements. It combats the harmful effects of the sun, cold and wind. It’s perfect all year round but will go the extra mile to protect your hair during the winter season.
 
A weekly deep conditioning hair mask
 
A weekly deep conditioning treatment can make the world of difference to repair dry and damaged hair, and also to prevent future damage. If you use a face mask, you should be treating your hair the same way.
 
We always recommend Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Deep-Conditioning Treatment to clients looking for a deep conditioner. The award-winning formula is a super conditioning pre-shampoo treatment that delivers elasticity, manageability, bounce and shine to all hair textures. With frequent use, your hair will be left stronger and healthier with less breakage. We often use this in the salon on clients and it really does work wonders.
 
Be careful with accessories
 
We all loved to get wrapped up in hats and scarfs so that we feel cosy when we’re out in the elements, but our beloved accessories are actually known for causing breakage and static hair. Cotton and wool may well be soft to touch, but the fabric grips and tugs at your hair which causes damage. Try other materials like silk, which stimulates hydration, and then layer up over the top to stay warm.
 
Stay hydrated
 
Hydration starts from within so make sure you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day. This will encourage hair growth, stimulate a healthier scalp, and prevent split ends and brittle hair.
 
We hope our tips help you fight off bad hair this winter!
 
If the weather is playing havoc with your hair, pop into the salon to purchase any of the products mentioned and book a trim and a deep conditioning treatment while you’re here, your locks will thank you for it!

Now that summer is officially over and Autumn is here to stay, we take a look back at our favourite styles from the summer.
 
It was a tricky choice because we put our heart and soul into every hair cut, colour and style, but here’s a handful of our favourite looks – and ones we remembered to take photos of! 

​Back in June we created this bright and beautiful colour and we are still totally obsessed with it. We love it when clients show off their big personalities through their hair colour! 

​This lovely lady proves that balayage definitely isn’t just for long hair! Whatever length hair you have, you can definitely rock a balayage.

​Summer is all about proms and weddings and this lovely lass came in to get her hair done for her prom. We love this hair up with flowers – the perfect look for summer. 

Twas the season - another hair up in June. We had lots of customers looking for a hair do for a special occasion. With weddings, proms and races, we loved getting stuck into hair ups. We adore this beautifully simple look. 

These soft caramel highlights had us dreaming of Autumn in the middle of July. Such a beautiful way to add definition to hair. 

This is what summer is all about – blonde bombshells! We added a gorgeous Smoky Quartz toner from Montibello’s Metallics range after a full scalp bleach. 

There are few things we love more than clients braving the chop, and one of those things is a perfect blonde. 

To finish off we have a soft balayage to bring some blonde into this brunette’s life. 

Feeling inspired? If you'd like to transform your hair, book an appointment online. 

We all want hair that Rapunzel would be envious of, and thanks to hair extensions, fabulous hair really can happen overnight (well, during our opening hours!). But one thing that isn’t always clear is what hair extensions you should go for and what the differences are – well read on lovelies because we’re about to explain all!
 
Why get hair extensions?
 
There are many reasons people opt to get hair extensions. They can be used to add colour, thickness, volume, and the most obvious, to add length.
 
What type of hair do you use? 
 
We only use the best quality hair extensions. Trust us, we have sampled from many, many suppliers to find only the best for our clients. We use 100% human hair all cuticle correct from India, Brazil, Europe and Russia/Mongolia.
 
How do I prepare my hair for extensions?
 
Before your appointment make sure your hair is washed, preferably with a clarifying shampoo, to ensure all residue is removed. Any oil or dirt in your hair can affect the adhesive we use to fit extensions and you should also void using conditioner as this may cause the extensions to slip slightly - we don’t want anything to ruin your end result!
 
Try to leave your hair as natural as possible and do not apply any styling products, please have your hair in its usual parting and straightened if possible, this will make it easier to see where the bonds are going to be applied.
 
How long does it take to fit extensions?

Depending on what type of hair extension you go for, will depend on how long it takes. Here’s a rough idea of how long you will need to be in the salon:

LA WEAVE® 1 – 2 hours
Tapes 1-2 hours
I tip 2-3 hours
Racoon bonded 2-4 hours

How do I look after my extensions?
 
After hours in the chair, and money spent on beautiful, long locks, you want them to look as good as possible, for as long as possible. We’ll provide you with an aftercare leaflet when you leave the salon and extensive advice throughout your appointment. If you have any questions when you leave, we are just a phone call away!
 
Are there any specific products I should use on my extensions?
 
We would recommend you purchasing an aftercare kit as specific products are designed for specific extensions. It’ll mean your new do will look sleek and silky for longer.
 
The most important thing to remember is to use sulphate free shampoo and conditioner and a brush designed to go over bonds to avoid matting.

How long will they last?

As long as a piece of string really. Climate, water, products used, care for the hair, brushing, heat appliances, swimming, sunbeds, rolling around in your sleep or how often you wash your hair can impact how long your extensions will last. They can last for many months or be easily ruined if not cared for and maintained properly. Sorry to be vague ladies!
 
How do I remove them when I no longer want them?
 
Removal is safe and easy but MUST be done by a hair extension technician so pop in and we will remove them.
 
So, what are the different types of extensions we offer…
 
We specialise in LA WEAVE®, Easilocks® and Racoon Hair extensions® and also offer Racoon Hair in Recovery Program for clients that have suffered medical hair loss. Offering non-damaging methods such as luxe bonds, itip, tape and braidless weave extensions, you know your hair is safe in our hands.
 
LA WEAVE®

This is fab for thick, glam hair. Tiny micro rings are applied to your hair in 2-5 rows then a weft is cut to size and sewn to the micro rings. This method doesn't involve any glue, heat, chemicals or braids and there is no maintenance needed. You need to get them removed at 8-10 weeks and they can be refitted for further use.
 
Half head from £180
Full head from £270
 
Tape

These are thin tape wefts that lay extremely flat to the head so you can barely feel them. They are taped in a sandwich like effect throughout your hair using a type of medical adhesive. As they are an inch in length, they are applied to the hair very quickly and you can have a full head of glamorous hair in around an hour - great for clients that don't like spending hours in the chair! Again, no maintenance is required. You’ll need to get them removed at 6-8 weeks and they can be re-taped and refitted.
 
Half head from £180
Full head from £270
 
LA WEAVE® and tape clients

Your extensions will need to be taken out and refitted every 8-10 weeks.
 
I Tip

I Tip hair extensions involves the placement of individual hair extension strands secured by a tiny copper lock. They are clamped to your hair to hold them in place. If you go for this type of extension, maintenance is recommended at 4-6 weeks. Removal should be around 3 months and can be refitted. ​
 
Half head from £210
Full head from £290
 
Racoon bonds

These extensions have a luxe bond at the top of each strand which is hand rolled to your natural hair. The bond is formed by rolling the bonding agent between the thumb and finger. Maintenance is advised at 4-6 weeks and removal should be at 3 months. They can be refitted.

Racoon hair in recovery will need to have a more detailed consultation. This can be done when the salon is closed as we know it can be very ​personal talking about hair loss.
 
Half head from £300
Full head from £460
 
I tip and racoon bonded clients
 
It’s important that you attend maintenance appointments every 4-6 weeks. You lose approximately 100 strands of hair a day, over 6 weeks that’s about 4000 hairs that need to shed. It is normal to lose around 1-5 bonds per week with this method and these can be put back in on maintenance appointments.
 
Maintenance will include:
• Lost strands replaced
• Any matting removed (micro rings are great as there is minimal matting compared to glued in)
• Areas of micro rings moved up around your hairline and ears
 
Before you get extensions, just remember that they are not for everyone. They require extra time and TLC but they look fabulous and our clients come back time and time again for refits.
 
Still not sure or want some more advice? Pop in for a free consultation to discuss your new look or book online if you know exactly what you want to go for!

Aura is the first biotechnological, vegan hair treatment that straightens and softens the hair fibre and eliminates frizz.
 
✓ Dermatologically tested
✓ Formaldehyde free
✓ Extraordinary treatment results: highly texturised, shiny, silky and soft hair
✓ More manageable hair, faster and easier drying
✓ The results last for 4 to 6 months

​How long does it take?
 
In general, about 2 to 3 hours, but hair length, type, thickness and texture need to be taken into consideration.
 
What maintenance shampoo do we recommend after this service?
 
We recommend using Lakmé’s sulfate-free shampoos: Gentle Balance, Color Stay or BioArgan. You can buy these in the salon.
 
Can the hyaluroplasty treatment be applied on colour treated hair?
 
This treatment is compatible with colour treated hair.
 
Does hyaluroplasty contain formaldehyde or ammonia?
 
No. It is 100% free of ammonia and formaldehyde. The product neither contains nor releases any of these chemical products during application.
 
Can you wash your hair on the same day that the hyaluroplasty treatment is applied?
 
Yes, you can wash the hair on the day of treatment.
 
What benefits does AURA offer in comparison with other treatments on the market?
 
Aura not only straightens, but also softens hair fibre and eliminates frizz in extreme humidity. It enhances natural shine and achieves an optimal state of beauty and health for your hair.