Hairdressers all over the UK are hanging up their scissors after Boris ordered them to shut, amid the coronavirus outbreak. No hairdressers, no nail salons, no lashes…. I look an absolute state, and we’re only on Day 4!
How can one keep on top of hair maintenance if there is no access to salons? And should one attempt to cut one’s own hair?
It’s so tempting to cut and colour your hair at home during this period of isolation, with so much time to play with. However, it’s not recommended if you can help it. Whilst we are all locked-in, it might be good to give one’s hair a break from colouring and heated styling tools.
Instead you could try applying a hair mask or conditioning treatment to nourish and condition any split ends, instead of trimming them. That’s what I’m doing. I’m also letting my roots come through. I’m only with my family and they don’t care what I look like (within reason).
However, if you are determined to go DIY on your locks, here is some professional advice that I discovered online.
Part hair down the centre and push the lengths equally over each both shoulders. Then pull the length of the hair on one side straight between two fingers with good tension. Keep your head straight, then do the other side and check they match.
Apparently, it’s best to cut your hair when it is wet.
Alternatively, comb all the hair forward so that it sits above the chest, tightly flatten the hair between your middle and index finger stop at your desired length and cut in a straight line, then apply the same method to the other side to achieve a one-length haircut.
How to cut your fringe at home.
If your fringe is growing too long DON’T thoughtlessly grab the scissors, work carefully with it. Maybe part it through the middle for a grown-out 70s look or move the parting and wear it as more of a side fringe. Think Bridget Bardot and Mossy.
Kitchen scissors, nail scissors or a dull blade can really damage your hair by causing split frayed ends, a lopsided look, ending up leaving your hair frustrated with a blunt cut. Order some semi-decent scissors on Amazon. I did, and they were less than a fiver.
If you need to take a bit of weight out of a fringe, use a point cutting technique. This is where you hold the scissors vertically and carefully snip into the ends.
Dyeing your hair at home.
During this uncertain time, it is more important than ever that we take care of our wellbeing and mental health, as well as our physical health. For many of us, a big part of wellbeing is that if our hair doesn’t look or feel at its best, and it can have an impact on our self-esteem.
Really, one should steer clear of supermarket dyes, but if you have to, I recommend using high end- designer hair colour systems if this is something you want to try.
Well known, slightly pricier brands tend to be more trustworthy and the products are of a high enough quality.
Otherwise, be like me and let it grow, grow, grow.
