It may be a surprise to learn that hair is dead as soon as it breaks through the scalp. Although it is made up of the same protein as skin, unlike skin, hair cannot repair itself when it is damaged. It is the cuticle: the outer coating of the hair shaft, which can be made healthier.
A good diet containing vitamins A,B,C,D,E, plus
zinc and iron and choosing the right shampoo and conditioner for your
hair type will help the cuticles (which are rather like the bark of a
tree), to lay flat and over-lay each other making it shine as it
reflects the light.
Apart from poor diet, your hair can be damaged by everyday pollution; your lifestyle; chemical damage caused by perming and permanent colouring; misusing heated products and cutting the hair with blunt scissors!
The average person has 100,000 to 140,000 hairs on their head and loses about 100 per day.
As hairs grow at different rates we need to re-visit our hairdresser every six to eight weeks in order to maintain the style. Its no wonder once we find the perfect hairdresser, we stick with them.
If you are looking for a stylist who can give you a new or better image for your wedding, start searching as soon as possible. Book a consultation first or a wash and blow-dry to determine if you can trust letting him or her loose on cutting or re-styling your hair. When you find one with whom you can build a rapport, give them some idea of what you want, maybe take along a picture. When you are happy with your style, dont be afraid to ask your stylist to explain to you exactly how they achieved the final result so you can do the same for yourself.
Once you find the right hairdresser you wont want to lose them. Never miss  appointments without giving as much notice as possible. Always turn up on time. Dont rush them. Be willing to listen to advice on new styles and products.
Hair extensions, using monofibre or real hair, are a good way to change your image and add volume and length. Both need replacing every three months. Many salons now offer this service, but once again, choose your stylist carefully. If not done properly, extensions can be uncomfortable and damage your hair.
If you are considering highlights for the first time, it is wise to have them put in by a skilled professional, or at least, seek their advice. Home tints can be stronger than salon ones and the colours are limited. If you decide to colour your hair yourself, try a semi- permanent colour first. They contain no peroxide or ammonia so cannot lighten hair but they are milder and will eventually wash out.
- Lather the shampoo first by rubbing between your hands
- Do not rub the hair. Instead, using the fingertips, gently massage the whole head with small circular movements and then run the lather through the hair
- Avoid clogging pores by putting conditioner on the roots, instead gently comb through to the ends
- Rinse thoroughly after shampooing
- Always condition to replace essential moisture. (If your hair tends to go greasy reduce the amount of time you leave the conditioner on.)
- Never rub your hair with the towel. Squeeze the excess water out and then wrap the towel around the hair for a few minutes to blot up the water
- Never use a brush on wet hair
Invest in a hair dryer used by the professionals. For a sleek style choose one with a nozzle attachment and one with a diffuser for a textured look. To add volume or spike short hair, hold your head down and blow the roots up. Use your fingertips to produce lift and movement. To prevent heat damage, hold at least 15cm (6 inches) away from your hair.
- Always read the instructions on hair products
- Washing hair with beer, or a beer product, adds volume when blow drying
- Rubbing your hair with a silk scarf or adding lavender, honey or vinegar to your conditioner will make your hair shine
- Use a clarifying shampoo once a month to strip your hair of excess products
- Reduce split ends by using a pure bristle hairbrush
- To avoid dandruff, add olive oil to your conditioner and wash your comb in vinegar
- Sit straight when youre having your hair cut - even crossing your legs will tilt your shoulders
- Use a tomato sauce rinse to take the green out of dyed blonde hair
- A good cut will save you a fortune on fancy products
- Choose a stylist who is experienced in Brides hair
- Secure your wedding day booking as soon as possible
- Have a trial run 10 days beforehand. (Dont schedule it too far in advance, your stylist will want to remember what he/she has done.) Note how long it takes and allow time in your wedding day diary
- Take along your veil, tiara and any other hair accessories to experiment with before the Big Day plus, a picture or sketch of your dress and a swatch of material
- When you are done, take a photo
- Tell your stylist about the style of your wedding, any themes for your day and any special events, arriving at the reception in a hot air balloon will need to be considered!
- If wearing a veil, let your stylist know if you intend taking it off during the day so that he/she can pin
 your hair without too much fuss removing it
- On the Big Day, best not to have your veil secured at the salon just in case of mishaps. Ask for guidance in instructing someone else in how to put it on and take it off
- If you want your regular stylist to come to your home remember that the salon will need to be compensated for time out. Think first about the space available, the lighting and the mirrors before booking a home appointment
- Schedule times with plenty of flexibility, especially if members of your bridal party are included in your appointment
- If wearing flowers in your hair ensure these will be delivered before your hairdressing appointment
- Dont plan to look too different - your Groom will want to recognise you
- Wear something that buttons at the front so not to spoil your hair when you change
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