Category: Hair

Identifying your curl shape and pattern is a vital component to learning how to look after your hair.

Did you know that there are four predominant curl types? The hair categories are 1, 2, 3 and 4, which are the curl patterns. 1 is straight, 2 is wavy, 3 is a curl and 4 is a coil patterned curl. There are then letters A, B, C which relate to the amount of frizz, A being the least frizzy and C the most. So, someone with straight but frizzy hair would be a 1C. It’s important to know that the frizzier the hair the less it absorbs moisture which is what will help determine the products you need to use for your hair type.

Identifying your hair type correctly will ensure you provide it with the adequate nourishment.

In this instance, curly hair requires different care to straighter hair types as it is more prone and sensitive to breakage. Due to the pattern that curly hair has it requires more hydration and nourishment as the natural oils stay predominantly on the top of the head. Natural oils are there to protect both scalp and hair but with curly hair, the oils struggle to reach mid lengths and ends, which is why we always advise people with curly hair to have regular in salon treatments to ensure hair stays healthy.

Coily hair types tend to be drier than a regular curl, which can then result in the hair being tangled more easily, which is why it’s important to detangle and elongate that type of hair.

So how to treat your hair according to your curl type?

3A - is a curl which is not very frizzy, generally easy to manage and needs hydration. Can be straightened with a round brush and will generally stay straight without humidity or water exposure. This type of hair is not overly susceptible to heat damage. The best style for this hair is to wear it in its natural form when the curls are defined with a serum, well-conditioned and also heat protected when heat is applied.

3B - 3B is not dissimilar to 3A - the curls are the same but there is a little more frizz, and might need more product to keep the hair hydrated such as Keracare thermal wonder collection to keep the hair straight and hydrated. This type of curl suits both defined curls and straighter styles using a round brush. I would finish off the style with a straightener to seal the moisture and keep the hair straight for longer.

3D - this hair can be styled straight and curly equally. It might need a pre -conditioner to hydrate the hair so that it is ready for thermal styling when wearing straight. ( such as Keracare thermal wonder collection). When worn curly - the hair might need support by wearing it in a twist (twisting the hair when damp (and applying define & curl by Keracare, and a leave in conditioner to hydrate and set the curl pattern), and then letting it out when dry) - this would help support the hair.

* for type 3 hair, we would suggest straightening with a round brush followed by a straightener to seal the cuticle straight.

4A - This is a zigzag hair pattern with minimal additional frizz; however, because the hair has high shrinkage, you would also want to apply moisture when elongating and styling the hair. Ideally one would wear this type of hair in its natural state - deep conditioning is always important - keeping the hair PH balance at a nice medium, rotating it between a hydrating and a protein treatment to keep the strength and moisture levels up.

4B - this hair is zig zag and coil patterned; but slightly more resistant (meaning it doesn’t absorb moisture as well). The easiest way to wear this hair is in its natural state, keeping it as hydrated as possible and this hair is in its best condition when minimising thermal styling.

4C - This hair type is zig zag and coil patterned; and frizzy. We want to retain moisture and the best way to do so it is by wearing it in a twisted form to lock in moisture. We recommend little thermal styling and bantu knots.

*for type 4 hair we would use a fork rake to straighten followed by a straightener.

Tips and tricks to help care for your curly hair

• Wearing a silk Turban can help protect your hair from daily aggressors such as humidity, bad weather, and heat. Wearing your turban can also prevent frizzy hair.
• Sleep on a Silk or bamboo pillowcase to reduce friction during the night. Excessive friction can create knots and damage to the hair in addition to unwanted frizz.
• Wear a Silk scrunchie over any other kind as it is kinder to the hair and will not cause any breakage or damage to the hair cuticle.
• Brush your hair before you wash it to detangle it as this will prevent breakage as brushing your hair in the shower actually damages it.
• When in the shower wash your hair using a curly hair shampoo and a curl enhancing conditioner. We recommend combing the hair with a wide tooth comb whilst the conditioner is on. Make sure to rinse abundantly to ensure no product is left which could cause greasy hair.
• I always recommend my clients use Redken one united multi-benefit treatment that delivers 25 benefits to improve manageability, protection and beauty. The spray works to reduce dryness and enhance the properties of other products for a nourished result.

Do you often feel confused with the huge variety of colouring options available at the salon? Rest assured you are not alone. We turned to colour Director Seniz Alkan to help debunk the Neville Hair and Beauty colour techniques on offer for ease ahead of your next appointment.

Highlights

Old school, but still the most in demand highlights are a colouring technique applied by stylists using a weaving technique. Placed directly from the root, then folded into foils the highlights are then go under the heat to lift the hair to its desired potential. Depending on your hair type and texture, the colourist will then choose the width of the highlights. This will be determined by leaving sections of natural hair between each highlighted section.

Balayage

Balayage means “to sweep” in French. Accordingly, carefully placed colour is swept onto the hair for a natural, sun-kissed finish.

Palm Painting

Palm Painting™ is an innovative technique to achieve free flowing and multi-dimensional hair colour. Ditching all the usual paraphernalia that comes with colouring, Palm Painting™ is achieved by using hands and eye for colour placement! Cutting colour application time by at least 40 minutes and giving you a total hand on approach to colour, this will be the moment you evolve the full metal foil head for something utterly refreshing. By picking out the lighter areas, we work on enhancing and lifting. Thus, delivering a soft, uncontrived effect. Similarly, Palm Painting™ produces a gentle, more unaffected appearance, avoiding harsh, angular foil lines.

Ombre

Ombré means “shadow” in French and this technique achieves a dark roots/light ends effect unique to you.

Shatush

Similar to balayage, Shatush is extremely soft and the results subtle. It’s the perfect colour service for those wishing to add dimension to their hair. Exclusive to Neville Hair & Beauty, Shatush is created using his finger tips and a cone only. The cone is used to achieve a gradient effect. The hair closer to the cone is darker and more blended, whereas the external hair which surround the face is brighter and lighter in colour. By using the cone, he can achieve a similar effect to balayage. By using his hands on the cone, he has more versatility and can create colour without using foils, which is ultimately better for the condition of the hair and does it protect it from the heat. This technique is better suited to someone who is really looking for a natural effect, less fuss, less regrowth. The results of the hybrid colour with the cone are more natural and unlike standard balayage, the hybrid colour technique is extremely visual and unlike any other colour technique seen to this day. By using his fingertips and hands to apply the colour, this enables him to delicately place colour whereas a brush stroke can have a more pronounced effect. Domenico likes working with his hands as he is more in control with the sensitivity of the hair.

Henna

Henna by Philip Martin’s is a natural colour service that tones, purifies, moisturizes, volumizes and offers the best re-pigmentation to faded and brittle hair. The treatment, created with dyeing herbs based on Lawsonia Inermis (in nature Intense Copper) and other herbal blends, allows the creation of a wide range of reflections. Henna masks and reflects white hair and is ideal for those who do not use oxidation colouring or who want to give to the colour a new lease of life.

Neville Hair and Beauty ever the salon with a vision on trestle trends have created the Sloane Shag celebrating the era when the likes of Jane Birkin and Bianca Jagger, the original shag queens wafted down the King Rd in the 70s when the Kings Rd was a mecca to the coolest creative crowd.

The Sloane Shag which can only to be found at Neville Hair and Beauty is the 70s-meets-modern shag haircut which oozes a touch of Belgravia edge.

The layers, the disconnected pieces framing the face, the subtly tapered ends and fuller crown, the long curtain bangs or sometimes even full fringe — without losing significant length, it promises a refreshing, simultaneously soft yet edgy change for hair that's gone a bit shapeless.

It’s rebellious and channels your inner rockstar. But is your hair Sloane Shag worthy?!

Domenico Casella, Neville’s Top Stylist comments the Sloane Shag is a great option for so many hair types especially curly. "If you find that your best texture is hidden beneath a blanket of surface wavy layers, it might be time to shorten them up." He explains that layering that connects throughout a shag cut can free up the texture by removing weight in varying sections of your hair and release the tension that contributes to straighter or flatter areas.

Whilst the Sloane Shag is best on curly hair, Domenico has created a suitable shag for all lengths and types of hair.

• On short hair, it will give you more of a choppy look and work best on thin or fine hair.
• For medium-length hair, it’s perfect for women with rounder faces.
• For long hair, adding lots of layers works great for women with thick hair and can go for a more feathered look.
• For naturally curly hair, it’s a nice way to freshen up your locks and loose the frizz.

If you are looking for a Shag but don’t want to follow the crowd, the Sloane Shag is just what you need.

All hair types are made from the same protein rich material, irrespective of thickness, yet all have their independent set of needs to keep them looking their best and that applies to Afro hair too.

Just like you would with skin, hair requires maintenance and like with everything, effort and dedication pay off. Providing you follow the right tips you can get your hair looking great on the outside but also boasting health on the inside.

One of the key things to note, is that not all curls are the same. We tend to categorise hair as either straight or curly, but there’s so much more to it. For example, curls could be defined as soft waves, corkscrew ringlets or even tight Afro hair. And that’s why we love them, because they encompass such a large variety different types of curls. It is important when looking after your curls, to understand what your specific curl types needs and loves. Once you do, you’ll be able with the help of a specialist, pick the professional treatments and homecare you need to get your hair looking its best.

Interestingly enough, curls and particularly Afro curls look dense and thick, but are most likely fine and porous. What does this mean? That your hair is prone to damage and breakage, more so than straighter hair types. That’s why if you have curly hair you might think that your hair grows slower than your friends with straighter hair. Truth is, it isn’t! Your growth rate is probably exactly the same, but breakage will prevent your hair from reaching its growth potential.

Another reason you may find your curly hair is not reaching its optimum length is its zig zag shape. Afro hair grows close the scalp, curling in towards itself rather than down your back and can prevent your scalps natural oils from spreading evenly. Natural oils are paramount to ensuring healthy hair that shine because without them your hair can become dry and brittle and result in breakage.

So, what’s the first step to embracing curly, textured or afro hair?

We recommend speaking to a specialist and having a proper consultation, if you are looking to embrace your curls. It’s important to find someone who really understands your hair type and someone you can trust.

Textured hair will require a multitude of treatments to help retain the strength and moisture in the hair. This will apply even if you have looser curls, as oils have a harder time spreading evenly on curly hair. Extra TLC is required to avoid it getting dry.

At Neville we offer the following moisturising and protein treatments in the salon to help kickstart your healthy hair journey.

• The Kerastraight Moisture Mask which repairs, renews and hydrates the hair as it is packed with lightweight moisture capturing ingredients Palmeira Tucuma and Carob Bean Extract. This nutrient-rich mask repairs & re-hydrates dry and damaged hair, leaving it feeling sumptuously soft and renewed with sensational shine.
• The Kerastraight Protein Mask which repairs, renews and reconstructs the hair thanks to its advanced blend of hydrolysed wheat proteins, designed to repair and reconstruct your hair. It forms a protein net which transforms fine, weak and damaged hair, leaving behind hair that shines, is significantly stronger and incredibly soft to touch.
• Curl Therapy, a treatment designed to return the shape to curly and wavy hair, speeding up the capillary transition process. Curl Therapy helps control volume, curls and increases definition of hair strands. After the treatment your hair will be left hydrated, repaired internally and with perfect definition.

In addition to regular in salon treatments, it is vital to follow adopt a simple homecare plan.

If on the other hand you are looking to achieve straighter or smoother hair, there are a number of chemical free alternatives. At Neville we refuse to use anything that could endanger you or those around you, such as keratins than contain formaldehyde. Instead, we recommend one of the following treatments:

• Avlon texture release enhances manageability while providing radiant shine. Its combination of ingredients helps hold the hair in the desired shape, protecting it from thermal damage.
• The Kerastraight Ultimate Treatment is an evolution in straightening and repair. This semi-permanent treatment has been designed to transform even the most difficult hair into stronger, straighter, repaired hair that’s easy to maintain and gorgeous to the touch.

Whatever you heart desires, whether its curl queen or sleek goddess, at Neville we will ensure we always put the health of your hair first.

Creative Director and session stylist Jack Merrick-Thirlway has a weapon of mass protection. Behold, the Thermal Scissors System, a revolution in hairdressing and hair cutting.

The state-of-the-art Thermal Scissor System is the go-to hair hero. By cleverly warming the blades, the natural qualities of the hair are preserved by sealing the ends.

Permed, bleached and treated hair can all have a slice of this new scissor action and will be totally transformed into healthy hair.

This innovative cutting tool provides a two-pronged attack. You receive a superb Neville Hair & Beauty cut with the knowledge your hair is being treated to a new type of cut, that will heal your hair for good.

As Jack cuts hair, the ends of the hair are sealed, and the hair is largely transformed into its original state. This means important bodily moisture and care substances are preserved. The hair is effectively protected from environmental pressures.

• Fine hair will be given more volume
• Split hair will become healthy and more resistant
• Permed hair will be given more elasticity
• Dull, brittle hair will be regenerated
• Every type of hair will be easier to style

The temperature of the Thermal hot scissors can be adjusted from 110°C / 230°F for fine hair to 170°C / 338°F for thick with additional split ends therapy. However, the stylist and clients are protected from the heat of the warm scissors by exceptional insulation.

The action of the Thermal Scissors seals the ends and hair is given a closed cutting surface and can no longer become fibrous. If applied regularly, split ends will simply disappear.

Now there is every excuse to get hot headed about this revolutionary hair hero.

Time to upgrade your colour? Now all blondes and brunettes wanting something extra-ordinary whilst caring for their hair in equal measure can lavish their locks in Luxury Brunette. Ever the advocate for strong healthy hair, Colour Director Seniz Alkan is proud of her Luxury Brunette exclusive to Neville Hair and Beauty. “Luxury Brunette” is a culmination of many details says Alkan.

This is a colour that cannot be achieved through at home box colour due to the multitude of deep luscious layers that are placed throughout the hair. This hair shimmers and glimmers in natural light, the end result is multi-dimensional with depth. Luxury locks.

Seniz explains, "We’re moving away from the flat one tone all over, which can be achieved by anyone and instead focusing on multiple shades to achieve dimension by intermixing different tones and creating custom blends that will best suit your facial features and skin tone."

After an in-depth consultation during which Alkan will ask you what are the deepest and lightest shades you would like to see in your hair, Seniz will use her expert know how to place the shades in a way that will enhance your hairstyle . The finishing touch is a gloss treatment which is an essential component of the Luxury Brunette. Unlike standard colour, the Luxury Brunette is high shine and the finish must reflect the light to give it that expensive touch.

Neville Hair and Beauty’s belief that it is their responsibility to give their clients something you cannot achieve at home - making this colour more desirable and luxe. It’s a very detailed method but low maintenance in the long run, this aspect makes it even more appealing.

Luxury Brunette is the answer to shedding the old colour and treating yourself and your hair to something special.

Luxury Brunette is a favourite of Lisa Snowdon.