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Hair trends: What’s hot for spring

23/4/2023

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It looks like 2023 is the year of the big chop with short hair trends hitting the headlines and the runways. And we can’t think of a better way to kick off spring than a fresh haircut.

The sassy shag

Rock this undone look for natural texture and movement in your hair and cool-girl rebel vibes. The shag is the very opposite of a precision haircut – the more texture, the more sexy and edgy the cut becomes. There are many options, including the Pixie Shag and, probably the most popular of all, the Wolf Cut. There are no styling rules with the shag. It’s really versatile letting you play around with looks: sleek and smooth, super-textured, or somewhere in the middle. Experiment with styling products to find your perfect look or create varied looks for different occasions. Do consider your lifestyle when deciding the length of your shag and intensity of colour. 


Ooze confidence with ‘the Bob’

Has the classic cult bob ever gone out of fashion? Absolutely not! Haley Bieber  has embraced the trend, switching up her look to a choppy bob. While Lily Allen recent precision-cut bob conveys serious style and confidence with her sharp, one-colour ‘do’ complementing her simplistic clothes styling. Bobs look their best when kept a straightforward colour such as a deep chocolate mocha, a fiery red or an icy cool blonde. Pair with your favourite lippy like Lily for maximum impact. Toying with a bob? Your face shape is key to this style and for those with square or round faces, this cut might not be for you.

Let’s have a chat. Get Lily’s look Reach for your straighteners and heat protection spray. To achieve that super-sleek look, wrap sections around the width of your finger then do one smooth and steady run-through of the straighteners from roots to ends. This reduces static and leads to sharper styling results rather than repeatedly using your straighteners quickly on the same section.  

Ask your stylist for their tips and product recommendations – we love to help. Inspired to go for the chop this spring or maybe a seasonal colour reset? Book a consultation at Octopus and lets talk haircuts!

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Say goodbye to split ends with our top tips

26/3/2023

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Trying to grow your hair but bothered by split ends? The ends of our hair are the oldest part of the hair shaft, so understandably they get weaker over time, fray and split.
But what causes split ends and what can be done about them? Find out below in our latest blog post.
What are split ends? Split ends make our hair look dull, dry and frizzy,
When the outer layer of the hair shaft (the cuticle) is damaged the hair can split and fray, usually at the end (that’s why we talk about ‘split ends’). However, although damage at the end of hair is most common, split ends can also occur all along the hair shaft.
What causes split ends?All of these can cause split ends:
  • Brushing or combing your hair too roughly.
  • Over-use of hairdryers and heated styling tools – this can seriously dry out your hair.
  • Drying your hair too roughly after shampooing.
  • Too much sun – your hair can actually burn making split ends much more likely.
  • Using rubber bands to style your hair.
  • Over colouring.
  • Harsh shampoos or chemical treatments.
Can split ends be repaired?Unfortunately, the answer is no. 

They can be temporarily disguised with treatments which temporarily ‘glues’ together frayed ends so they look silky smooth from root to tip, but this isn’t a permanent solution.
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If you’re going somewhere special and smooth, glossy strands are a must-have come in for a consultation and we’ll ensure you’re good to go.
What can be done about split ends?Sorry – you knew this was coming. The only way to get rid of split ends is to cut them off. It may be that you just need a really good trim, or you could take the opportunity to go for a completely new look. Exciting!
How to prevent split endsYou will never eliminate split ends altogether, but there is plenty you can do to keep them to prevent hair from splitting in the first place and to stop the fraying climbing further up the hair shaft.
Regular trims
It’s important to have regular trims even if you’re growing your hair. Once your hair is back in shape and looking healthy again, aim for a trim every six weeks or so.
Gentle washing and drying 
Wet hair is very easy to damage so avoid rubbing it roughly with a towel. Instead, use your towel to carefully squeeze excess water out of your hair.
Be gentle when detangling too and use a wide-toothed comb or a detangling brush.
Now allow your hair to air dry for as long as you can before turning on your dryer.
The heat is on
Go easy with the hairdryer and heated styling tools and always use heat-protective sprays to minimise those pesky split ends. 
And don’t forget the hot sun damages hair and leads to split ends. Use a sunscreen spray in sunny weather.
A healthy diet for healthy hair 
And finally, poor diet will always affect the condition of your hair. Make it split-end resistant by eating plenty of fresh fruit and veg and staying hydrated.
Book a haircare consultationAre you bothered by split ends? Do you need some expert advice about treatment and prevention? Book a consultation today: 01604756685
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Why colour allergy alert tests are so important

5/2/2023

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We want to colour you safe as well as beautiful, and that’s why we’re so hot on ensuring all our hair colour clients have regular allergy alert tests.

Are allergy alert tests really necessary?

The answer to that is a great big yes. Allergic reactions to hair colour can range from mildly irritating to life-threatening and everything in-between. You just don’t want to go there, so always, always ensure you have regular allergy alert tests if you colour your hair. This still applies even if you have been using the same product for years with no problems. Allergies can develop over time so it’s vital to remain vigilant. This is why regular allergy alert testing is essential.

What causes allergies to hair colour?

Allergies occur when our immune systems react to substances that are normally harmless. The effects are usually mild but can be extremely serious. A few people are allergic to the ingredients found in hair colour, particularly PPD (paraphenylenediamine).
ays do an allergy alert test if you’re new to our salon – even if you’ve recently had a test at another salon. We’ll also need to do a test if: You have recently had any type of permanent or temporary skin tattoo (see more on temporary black henna tattoos below). You’ve had a reaction to any products you’ve used since your last visit. We’re using a different hair product or brand on you. Otherwise, we’ll keep tabs so you don’t have to worry and will let you know when your next test needs to be done. Allergy alert tests normally have to be done 48 hours before your appointment.

Black henna tattoos and hair colour

When you come to the salon for a hair colour, it’s crucial you let us know if you’ve had a black henna tattoo since your last visit to us. This is because black henna can contain very high levels of PPD and may make you allergic to hair colour – even if you have never had a reaction before.

Using hair colour products at home

It’s not just when you visit the salon that you need to test. If you use home box dyes it’s vital to follow the instructions on the hair colour products. You MUST carry out the allergy alert test as directed on the packet before applying the colour to your hair. Don’t assume you’ll be OK because you ‘never’ have an allergic reaction to anything. There’s always a first time and it’s just not worth risking your health.

Book a colour consultation

Thinking of having a fresh new look or refreshing your colour? We can advise on the best colour treatments for your hair and do a free allergy alert test while you’re here (it’s really quick and simple) so you’re ready for your colour service appointment. Book a consultation on 01604 756685. And of course, if you have any questions or concerns please do call or pop in and we’ll put your mind at rest.

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A balanced diet for healthy hair

22/1/2023

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Is clean eating and ditching those processed foods part of your new year resolutions? We look at the vitamins and foods that are essential for healthy hair.
A balanced diet should provide all the vitamins and protein you need. But which are the most important ones for healthy hair and how should we make sure we are getting enough?
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that is vital for our health generally as well as healthy hair.
Because our bodies cannot store it, we must make sure we have it on a daily basis. Eat a variety of different coloured fresh fruit and vegetables every day to ensure you’re getting enough vitamin C. Freshness is important because vitamin C is easily lost from food through overcooking and storage.”
Iron
Vitamin C is also important for hair health because it enables us to absorb iron. A lack of iron (anaemia) can cause hair loss, dry and brittle hair and slow growth. Red meat, spinach and lentils are good sources of iron.
Loss of blood, illness and pregnancy can be causes of anaemia. If you notice thinning hair or it isn’t growing at the rate it used to ask your doctor to test your iron levels as these can be symptoms of anaemia. Always see your GP if you think you may have an iron deficiency and before taking supplements.
B vitamins
Complex B vitamins play a role in hair growth especially vitamin B7 (biotin) and B12 are important to strengthen and condition the hair.
B vitamins can be found in 100% whole grains, meat, fish, whole eggs, nuts and avocados.
Protein
Your hair also needs protein to maintain its strength, elasticity and ability to grow.This is because hair is mainly made of a protein called keratin, so a lack of protein will make your hair brittle and more likely to fall out before it’s reached its full growing length.
Eggs and other ‘primary proteins’ such as fish, lean red meat and poultry are all good sources of easily absorbed protein to help give your hair a boost.
Vegetarians and vegans can go for plant proteins such as beans, lentils, nuts, pulses and tofu – however, they are not as easily absorbed as primary proteins and don’t contain the same level of vital amino acids.
Zinc
Zinc is only needed by the body in small amounts, But low levels have been associated with hair loss and poor wound healing so eat plenty of zinc-rich foods including meat, beans, nuts and seeds.
As always do get medical advice if you are worried about hair loss, for example, if your hair is coming out in clumps or your scalp is inflamed.

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January 01st, 2023

1/1/2023

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Conditioners vs Masks

1/1/2023

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Conditioners and masks have an important role to play when it comes to keeping your hair in tip-top condition, says Dana. But what’s the difference between the two? And why do we need both?
“Put simply, a conditioner should be used every time you wash your hair while a hair mask is used just once or twice a week,” explains Dana.
Hair conditioners…Treat the hair surface, smoothing down cuticles that are raised by shampooing to make hair shinier and less tangled. They are rinsed out very quickly after being applied. Conditioner should be used every time you wash your hair.
Hair masks…These are much richer and more nutritious. They are designed to penetrate and deep treat the hair and are left on for longer than conditioners. Because the hair absorbs the concentrated goodness in the mask, the results last longer. They will strengthen and nourish your hair, treat damage and make it softer, shinier and bouncier.

There are different types of hair mask so it can be a bit confusing if you’re trying to choose the best one for you so I do suggest you chat with your stylist and ask for their recommendation says Dana.
Hair that is frequently coloured, bleached or styled with heated tools is more likely to need one of the richer masks like 'wow Money treatment'.This also goes for coarser hair, curly hair and coily hair that are more likely to become dehydrated.

On the other hand, fine hair, or hair that isn’t coloured or heat styled very often would benefit from a lighter mask treatment. I often suggest my clients try K18.
But do ask your stylist for their recommendation at your next appointment or pop into the salon for some professional advice.
Getting the best from hair masks“Hair masks do take longer to work properly than conditioners, so plan to use one when you’re going to have a soak in the bath or watch your favourite TV programme. Make it a special treat – this is definitely not one for your pre-work early morning shower, says Dana.
Always check the directions for use on each product as they do vary:
  1. Generally, apply non-oil-based masks to wet or damp hair which is porous meaning it absorbs the nutrients better. But don’t apply the mask to soaking wet hair as too much water will dilute it. Pat the excess water off with a towel then apply the mask. However, masks with oil in are best applied to dry hair (this is because water repels oil).
  2. Check if your mask should be applied before shampooing or afterwards. Then make sure you evenly coat your hair and apply enough product.
  3. Don’t guess how long to leave it on for – follow the instructions. Too short and the mask won’t work to its full potential. While too long can lead to hair that looks oily and limp.
  4. Rinse off with lukewarm water (unless the instructions say otherwise).
“A hair mask is an intensive treatment so there is no need to use one every time you wash your hair. Weekly or less frequently might be good for you,” explains Dana.
We’ve a wide range of conditioners and hair masks for every hair type so pop in for a consultation and we can advise on which ones will suit your hair and your lifestyle and how often to use them.


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Hair loss and the menopause

30/10/2022

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We’re here to help you get your mojo back if the menopause is causing havoc with your hair, says Dana. From styling tips to product advice, find out how to carry on looking and feeling fabulous.
But first:
What’s happening to your hair?“The menopause affects women in different ways, and that includes their hair. Some women experience no hair problems at all, while others will experience hair loss,” explains Dana . “This is because the menopause reduces your oestrogen levels and oestrogen is a hair-friendly hormone.”
 She adds “You may also find your hair becomes very dry and brittle, breaking easily. This is because the new hair strands that your follicles produce become finer and finer hair is more fragile and likely to break.”
Styles for thinning hairOne key way to disguise thinning hair is to go for a restyle. Book in for a free consultation on 01604 756685 and we can chat through the best options for you.
It may sound counter-intuitive, but when hair starts to get thinner, a really good cut can make a big difference. This will add volume and texture, giving the appearance of thicker hair.
Now is also the time to make the most of those naturally curly locks if you’re lucky enough to have them – curls and waves are a great disguiser of thinning hair. Tousled layers, choppy bobs or a curtain fringe are also options to dramatically change the appearance of thinning hair.
In addition, colour can make a big difference to how thick and healthy your hair looks. Ask us about subtle highlights and lowlights that add the appearance of depth and volume.
Dana’s top tips:
We can show you how to:
  1. Tease hair out to give the appearance of more volume.
  2. Experiment with parting your hair in a different place, or doing away with a parting altogether, if your usual parting is starting to show more scalp than you’d like.
  3. Use a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer to add natural volume.
  4. Blow-dry upside-down to make the most of gravity to add lift and volume.
  5. Use volumising mousses or sprays to give your hair more body. Now is probably a good time to review your shampoo and conditioner too. We have a wide choice of products and will be happy to advise.
  6. Massage your scalp when washing your hair to stimulate blood flow and healthy hair growth.
Do’s and don’ts for thinning menopausal hairThese self-care tips will also help says Dana
Do:
  • Eat well, stay hydrated and exercise regularly – a healthy diet can help to ensure your hair gets the balanced diet it needs.
  • Try to keep your stress levels in check to prevent a hormonal imbalance, for example by doing yoga or breathing exercises to help you relax.
  • Protect your hair with a hat when out and about in the sun or windy weather.
Don’t:
  • Over-use heat tools such as straighteners as these can further weaken your hair.
  • Pull your hair back in buns, ponytails or tight braids as this may contribute to hair loss.
  • Go on crash diets – both of which your hair will hate.
When to check with your GPAlways see your GP if you are at all worried about the condition of your hair or scalp says Dana. For example, if you have sudden hair loss or your scalp has sore patches, is very itchy, or has reddish scaly patches. If you have any doubts, get it checked out.
She adds “If you are considering taking HRT, always tell your GP if you are worried about hair thinning as this may affect which HRT they prescribe.”
Book your free consultation todayDon’t feel alone or suffer in silence. If you’d like some help with your hair book in for a confidential consultation. Our haircare experts will talk you through all the best styling and product solutions for you
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Grey Glamour

1/10/2022

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Making haircare child’s play

1/9/2022

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It’s good advice to get children used to haircare from a young age – and to avoid making it a dreaded chore for both you and your child, says Dana.But first, let’s take a quick look at hair and scalp care for babies.

Baby talk Washing baby’s hair will usually be done as part of their bathing routine. Remember that you should use only plain warm water on new-borns, says Dana. After about four to six weeks, you can start to use unperfumed baby bath products, but use them very sparingly to avoid damaging baby’s skin. If your baby has lots of hair (some grow their hair much later than others, so don’t worry if none has appeared yet) you can use a small drop of very mild shampoo, “Never rub your baby’s head with a towel or use a hairdryer as the skin is very delicate.
Their hair is very fine and will dry quickly if left.”

Coping with cradle cap Your baby may have ‘cradle cap’. Don’t worry, it’s a harmless and very common condition in babies. Look out for white or yellow scales on the scalp that may be greasy. On darker-coloured skin the scalp may look pink with white or grey scales. You can: Gently rub baby oil into the scalp to loosen the scales, then rinse it off with warm water and pat dry. Use a soft brush to gently brush your baby’s scalp and then wash it with baby shampoo. Hair may come away with the scales, but don’t panic as it will soon grow back. However, says Dana, if your baby’s scalp looks red or might be infected or the cradle cap spreads to the face or body always speak to your doctor or other healthcare professional.

Child haircare at home: getting the basics right Tangled hair and eye-stinging shampoo are two of the main reasons why children don’t like having their hair washed. But there are ways to prevent hair washing from becoming a dreaded chore. Here are a few of Danas tried and tested top tips:

Make hair washing a fun one-to-one time with your child. Ensure pain-free detangling is a priority. Before washing, use a wide-toothed comb starting at the bottom of the hair and gradually working up towards the roots to get rid of any tangles. For seriously knotty hair, try some detangling or conditioning spray such as miracle creator. Use baby shampoo for children aged up to three. Apply a small amount to wet hair and gently massage into the scalp, working from the forehead to the back of the neck. Don’t pile longer hair on top of the head as this can cause tangles again. Use a little conditioner on the ends of longer hair. I like miracle creator for this too says Dana. Squeeze the hair with a towel after rinsing – but don’t rub as this can break the hair and cause those dreaded tangles. Comb out the hair starting at the tips and working towards the roots. A comb is gentler than a brush for children’s hair. Leave it to dry naturally (young skin is sensitive to heat, so avoid hairdryers).

Soothing first-time salon nerves “There are no hard and fast rules about when your child should have their first salon appointment” explains Dana. “Children’s hair grows at very different speeds.” However, she suggests you can start getting them used to the salon environment by bringing them in for a visit before their first appointment and introducing them to the stylist who will be cutting their hair. You could also arrange to be there at the same time as another child is having their hair cut so they can see there is nothing to fear.
Also: Find a fun story book about a child having their hair cut for the first time. Avoid the word ‘cut’ – instead, say ‘a trim’ or ‘a new hairstyle’. Take your child’s favourite toy with you on the day. Arrange a special post-haircut treat so your child associates appointments with a nice day out. Do ask us about children’s haircuts, the best products to use and how to make your child’s first appointment as stress-free as possible. We’re here to help make haircare a pleasurable experience for both you and your child.

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Black henna tattoos: a word of caution...

31/7/2022

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Having a black henna tattoo may seem like harmless fun, says our Dana, but they can be dangerous – especially if you’re planning to colour your hair.

What are black henna tattoos? You may have got a black henna tattoo while on holiday abroad or at a fair or festival in this country. Black henna kits can also be bought online. So what’s the problem? “Black henna (sometimes called ‘neutral henna’) may contain high levels of the chemical PPD (paraphenylenediamine),” explains Dana “A certain amount of this ingredient is legal in hair colouring products – but black henna can contain way too much PPD making it toxic.” This means a black henna tattoo may cause: Chemical burns and scarring. An allergic reaction – either straightaway or later (sometimes years later) when using products such as hair colour.

 What the NHS says The NHS advises against having black henna tattoos either in this country or abroad. Keeping you safe Our number one priority when you see us for hair colour is to keep you safe says Dana. “That’s why it’s vital to tell us if you have had a black henna tattoo since your last colour appointment.” The tattoo may have had no bad effects at the time – but it may have made you more sensitive to hair colour dyes that contain a legal amount of PPD. Even if you have never had an allergic reaction to hair colour products before, a black henna tattoo may make you allergic – and this allergy can become worse over time. The importance of allergy alert tests Allergic reactions to hair colour products can be highly dangerous, so if you’ve had a black henna tattoo since your last tint or allergy test you must have an allergy alert test before we can colour your hair. The test only takes a couple of minutes and, of course, is free. It needs to be done at least 48 hours before your visit.

 Using hair colouring products at home? Dana adds “If you’re colouring your hair at home always follow the instructions for carrying out an allergy alert test before using the product. If you have a reaction to the allergy alert test do not use the product. There are serious health risks and it’s just not worth it.” Book a complimentary colour consultation Thinking about colouring your hair for the first time? Or perhaps you usually colour your hair at home but would love some professional creative colour for a change? We’ll be happy to carry out a free consultation and make recommendations. Call 01604756685 to book your complimentary colour consultation. And, of course, we’ll also make sure you’re safe with a free allergy alert test.

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  • WHY CHOOSE OCTOPUS?
  • BOOK ONLINE HERE
  • OUR TEAM
  • BLOGS
  • WEDDINGS
  • SAY HELLO TO US
  • OUR PRICES
  • KERASTRAIGHT
  • HAIR EXTENSIONS
  • OUR POLICIES
  • COVID-19