Q.

What hairstyle will best suit my face shape?

A.

The following are some typical guidelines for styles that suit different face shapes.

Round Face: Side partings flatter a round face whilst middle partings make your face look rounder. Half fringe or no fringe gives the appearance of a longer face (a full fringe shortens a round face).

Height on top, hair going back takes away roundness (flat hair shortens the face) Hair feathered around will give your face a longer look.

Long hair is more flattering than short. (A short bob will round out your face more) If your hair is short, try and leave some softness at the back and height on top. This will make your face look longer.

Long Face: Bobs are the best way of adding width to a long face. Volume at the sides not on top. Height on top will make your face look longer). Shorter hair rather than long tends to be more flattering.

Full fringes are best (half fringes add length to the face). Middle partings add more width (side partings will make your face look longer.). Hair brushed back at sides and roundness lifted out will give you more width to a long face. Don't brush hair feathered on to face as this will make your face look longer.

Square Face: Lots of soft layers longer than jaw line onto face will disguise square jaws. Don't have severe brushed back styles.

Length will soften. Short crops do not flatter this face shape. Long bobs are OK. (Keep away from jaw length bobs as they accentuate square ness)

Oval Face: If you have an oval face shape then you are lucky as you can wear most styles.

Q.

I have got very thick hair, and sometimes find it difficult to handle. What can I do to help me style my hair and stop it looking too heavy?

A.

Because thick hair can be difficult to style yourself, it is important to try and maintain the shape before it gets out of hand. In order to do this make sure you have your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks. Prevent thick hair from becoming course and dry by applying an intensive treatment now and again. This will feed the hair and help to weigh it down stopping it from being too 'big'. When looking for a shampoo and conditioner, the key word is 'Moisture.' This again will feed the hair and stop it from becoming out of hand.

Q.

I have naturally curly hair, but I find that it is sometimes difficult to control and tends to look frizzy a lot of the time. What can I do to help me control it?

A.

Curly hair is naturally dry in texture, it is therefore important to keep it in good condition. Invest in a good intensive treatment, and treat yourself at least once a week. Moisturising will help to weigh the hair down and help to keep it under control. You will be surprise at how a little trim can give your hair a boost. Serums or finishing creams are essential for defining and separating the curls. It is worth finding one that can be used on both wet and dry hair. A trick to stopping your hair from going frizzy is to only dry it 95% dry, and to leave the last 5% to dry naturally. You don't have to wash your hair every day. Simply revive the curls by spritzing them with water or a leave-in conditioner and then run a little wax through to define the curls.

Q.

What is the best way to deal with thinning hair?

A.

When your hair begins to fall out don't get despondent - make a small investment which will be more than worthwhile. If you have thick hair and are balding at the crown, keep your style short and sharp at the sides with a strong, contemporary look.

Colouring the hair slightly darker will make it look thicker. Start with a vegetable colour that will last for 2 - 3 washes before progressing to permanent colour once you are sure.

One way to avoid the obvious colour change is to dye your hair before going on holiday. By the time you return the colour change will be much less apparent to people who know you. The chemical process involved in permanently colouring hair also makes it swell making your hair feel thicker too.

Q.

I have very long hair and would like to know how best to care for it?

A.

It is important that you avoid getting the hair wet every time you shower or swim as this causes frizziness at the ends of the hair and causes it to become brittle.

Ensure you have regular treatments and get the ends of the hair trimmed at least every 6-8 weeks.