Hair

Hair. It is one of the most visible, memorable and defining aspects of our appearance. At Charlie Taylor's we have developed a Five Star method of caring for hair that will ensure your locks are always in top condition. We thought we'd ask Charlie to share some of her trade secrets with you so that you too can always look your best. So where did she say we should start? With the cut, of course!

Cut
Absolutely crucial to being able to create and maintain a great hairstyle, cut is fundamental regardless of your length of hair. A good cut will help emphasise your best features but there are no hard and fast rules to what is considered a "good cut". Some of us will suit the latest fashion trends, others will suit a more traditional style. The key is talking with your stylist and getting something that works for you, your lifestyle and your face shape.

Condition
Once you have a great cut, the condition of your hair is the next most important element in keeping your hair looking fantastic. Split ends, dry and dull hair will all detract from a great haircut.

Nowadays there are so many ways to keep your hair in tip top condition that none of us have any excuse. Make sure your daily routine nourishes your hair and keeps it protected. A great shampoo and conditioner suitable for your hair type, will make all the difference. Your stylist will be able to advise you on the best shampoo and conditioner combination - remember, what works for your friend may not always work for you. The Wella range of System Professional products is a good place to start for a wide choice in hair care products that are tailored to your hair's needs.

With a good daily routine in place, depending on the overall condition of your hair and whether it is permed or coloured frequently, you should add in a deep conditioning treatment at least once per week. Now, for those of you who think you don't have time for this, consider Schwarzkopf's Seah range of conditioning products which includes "Beauty Sleep", a deep conditioning treatment that can be applied to dry hair and left in overnight. The product works while you sleep - you can't get a better time-saver than that!

Colour
A fabulous cut on lustrous locks is one thing but, for a truly defining look why not add a touch of colour? The range of permanent and semi-permanent colours available to stylists now is very extensive. You don't need to go the whole hog, why not add ask your stylist to add some flashes of colour which will add definition and style to your cut.

Care It may seem blindingly obvious, but once you have a great style and colour, don't leave it alone! Make sure you take care of it. Regular styling, particularly with heated styling tongs or straighteners can damage the condition of your hair. Be sure to protect with the appropriate heat barrier such as GHD's Iron Oil. Finally, the only thing that gets in the way of a great haircut looking continually fabulous is, quite literally, six week's growth! Maintain your look, ensuring your hair is always in top condition and that you consistently look your best. Plan a visit to the salon every 6 weeks to maintain your look and you really can't wrong. Curl Perming may seem like an old fashioned approach, particularly when so many of today's fashionable styles focus on straight hair. However, a perm can be used to create more than curls - this season's key look, voluminous, can be enhanced by a body perm giving your style height and character. Or, if you fancy a change of look entirely, why not pop in for a full head of curls.

The Cygnature Wave Services is the latest perm to be introduced, producing beautifully soft, long-lasting curls and waves. The perm uses an exceptionally gentle new formulation to give you natural looking waves and curls that last so, whether you are looking for intense curls, soft waves or shiny and sleek hair, Cygnature will give you the shape and the style you've been looking for.