After care for coloured/highlighted hair

I often get asked about the best way to look after coloured hair - here are my top tips:

• Don't go swimming for 48hrs or use excessive heat from hair dryers and other heated tools.

• Don't sit in direct sunlight, it can cause colour lift and exposure. Instead cover your hair with a hat, even when just walking to the shops of hanging out washing.

• Moisturise well for the first few washes, as this is when the hair is most open. Take care to avoid stretching or pulling your hair though as it is still quite fragile.

• Use a hair mask once a week.

Applying a leave-in conditioner

Have you noticed one thing hairdressers always do after they shampoo and conditioner your hair? They apply a leave-in conditioner.

These come in creams, sprays or serums - all with different benefits. Thicker, more textured hair types prefer heavier serums/creams, whereas finer hair is best suited to lighter sprays and gels. Using the treatment best suited to your hair type will prevent it from getting too oily.

Leave-in conditioners are especially a must for curly hair to keep out humidity and provide heat/sun protection. They help lock in nutrients and protect the hair from stretching while it's wet and at its weakest.

If you are finding your hair difficult to comb through, harder to manage now the humidity has left us or it's feeling dehydrated, try adding a leave-in conditioner to your routine. I'm always happy to give advice on the best product for your hair type.