Mind Magic. Georgina Fowler

      End papers for perms.

      Sponges for applications of colour or neutralizer.

      Foils for colouring.

      Cotton wool for removing excess colour or for protection from perming.

      Hair bands or elastics.

      Hair nets for put-ups.

      Clingfilm which can be used to wrap the head with and retain heat for colouring.

      trade secrets and tips

       TO IMPROVE YOUR HAIRDRESSING

      • Don’t overdry. When you blow-dry, make sure that the hair is almost, but not completely, dry. Leave some moisture in to prevent static.

      • When blow-drying curly hair straight, use a small, round brush at the roots. A big, flat brush or large, round brush will not get right into the roots with the heat of the dryer, which prevents it from straightening properly.

      • When shampooing oily hair use tepid water and do not scrub, which most people want to do as they feel it cleans their hair better. It actually stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Tepid water helps to stop stimulation, whereas hot water will add to the problem.

      • If the hair always lies flat due to a crown or double crown, using the correct styling tools and drying the problem area in the opposite direction (to redirect the hair and give it more lift) will help. Don’t dry the hair flat to the head, as it magnifies the flatness in the crown area. Instead, use a brush to lift the hair off the scalp. If the hair is sticking up in the crown area and you have short hair, try growing the hair longer. You should find that the weight of the hair will cover and disguise the crown.

      • To help straighten out a cowlick (a swirl of unruly hair that won’t comb down properly), dry the hair from wet, forward over the forehead with a round brush or small paddle brush and use a product of some sort. This will weigh down the cowlick, making it easier to put into style.

      • To limit drying out or damaging the hair when using heated styling equipment such as straighteners, tongs or heated rollers, use a thermal protective product. This will not make the hair sticky or solid like a setting spray, but will protect the hair from the excessive heat.

      • Leave-in conditioners are perfect for the beach, as they generally contain sunscreens to protect hair from sun damage.

      • When using hot rollers, spray dry hair first with a fine hairspray. Take your first section and comb it smooth, spray with hairspray and then twist the section before wrapping it on the roller. This will give a spiral look to the curls. After the rollers have cooled, take them out and spray with a fixing hairspray. Finally turn the head upside down and run your fingers through the hair.

      • To get super straight hair without frizzing, always use the nozzle on your hairdryer and aim it downwards. Hold the hair straight as you are blowing it dry, and use cool air to finish. This will set the shape.