Hair Care: your questions answered
How do I work out my hair type?
Look at your natural texture when it dries without styling: straight, wavy, curly or coily. Then consider thickness, from fine to coarse, and how your scalp behaves, whether oily or dry. Fine hair often suits lightweight, volumising formulas, while curly and coily hair usually prefers creamier, richer products, such as those from SheaMoisture and Carol's Daughter. Products labelled for your texture are a good starting point.
How often should I wash my hair?
There's no single rule. Fine or straight hair that gets oily quickly may need washing daily or every other day, while curly, coily and thicker hair often looks better washed once or twice a week. For most people, a gentle shampoo and using conditioner every time works well. A dry shampoo or a co-wash, a cleansing conditioner, can stretch the time between washes.
Can I use US hair tools in the UK?
Check the listing and the tool itself before plugging in. Many US styling tools are made for 110 to 120 volts, whereas the UK supply is around 230 volts. A plug adaptor only changes the shape of the plug, not the voltage. Dual-voltage tools can be used with a suitable adaptor; single-voltage tools need a proper voltage converter. If in doubt, contact us before you buy.
What's the difference between leave-in and rinse-out conditioner?
Rinse-out conditioner is applied after shampooing, left for a minute or two and rinsed away, softening hair and making it easier to comb. Leave-in conditioner is lighter and stays in the hair after washing, adding extra softness, slip for detangling and frizz control through the day. Many curly routines use both. Apply leave-in to damp hair from the mid-lengths to the ends and comb through.
