Tricky hair problems solved

Help! Greasy hair

I never used to suffer from greasy hair, but lately I've found I have to wash it every day. Is there anything I can do?

Sandra Elliott, by email

‘The main cause of oily hair is over-active sebaceous glands that produce too much sebum, which floods onto the scalp and along the hair shaft,' explains Jane Barnett, Kérastase scalp and hair expert. ‘This problem is usually made worse by using hot water, vigorous massage and strong products, which all stimulate the scalp. Use tepid water, and products with ingredients that will help reduce the production of sebum, and gently massage with the flats of the hands. Kérastase Specifique Bain Divalent (£13.70 for 250ml, 0800 316 4400; www.kerastase.co.uk) is tailored for oily roots and dry ends.'

Help! Thin fine hair

Is there any way I can treat my thinning hair? I've no idea what's causing it, but I'd love to do something about it!

Ann Jones, by email

‘There is always a reason for thinning hair,' says world renowned trichologist Philip Kingsley. ‘The important thing is to determine the causes so it's possible to treat them. One common reason is lack of diet proteins at breakfast and lunch,' says Philip. ‘Another is low iron levels or questionable thyroid readings or hormones. It's possible to have all these tested through your doctor or a qualified hair expert. Meanwhile, the use of a good scalp mask twice a week would also help.'

My fine hair needs extra body, so I have regular perms. I also have my hair set regularly, but the next day I'm back to square one. Is there anything I can do to make a set last longer?

Mary Anderson, by email

‘Suggest that your stylist uses a brick-lay perm - a setting pattern that mimics the lay of bricks for an even wave pattern,' says celebrity stylist Andrew Barton. ‘Use a brick-lay pattern when you have it set, too, and add mousse. You could try my Andrew Barton I Love Volume Mousse (£3.89 for 200ml, from Asda) or Redken Body Full Volume Amplifier (£13.90 for 150ml, 0800 085 4956; www.redken.co.uk), a thickening spray for fine hair. Using volumising shampoo and conditioner will help, too.'

Help! Split ends

Can serums really seal split ends as they claim? I'm doubtful.

Louise Gunning, by email

‘Serums can do two things,' says Dr Frauke Neuser, principle scientist for Pantene Pro-V and Clairol. ‘They intensely protect weak and vulnerable ends from further damage and splitting. Some serums also temporarily glue split ends back together to prevent the split or breakage travelling further up the hair.'

Help! Dry and frizzy hair

I have shoulder-length hair and I really struggle to control the frizz. Even when I straighten it, it just pings back. What's the solution?

Sara Phelps, by email

Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy (from £200 from Richard Ward, 020 7730 1222, or call 020 8906 2814 for salons nationwide), leaves hair frizz-free for up to four months - and it now comes in a budget version. The Keratin Complex Infusion Therapy, from £40, lasts up to two weeks, but as well as being much cheaper than the original, treatment time is under an hour compared with two to three hours. There are also products for home use to maintain effects. Keratin Complex Infusion, £24 for 100ml, is a multi-purpose leave-in conditioner designed to seal your style, protect against heat appliances and give a smooth finish. Using the Keratin Complex Care Shampoo (£14.95 for 400ml) and Conditioner, (£17.85 for 400ml) will help, too.' Visit the Keratin website at www.keratincomplex.co.uk .

I swim a lot and my hair is dry. How can I protect it?

Jane Brown, by email

‘If you don't want to wear a cap during your dips, protect your hair by smoothing a little Philip Kinglsey Swimcap (£17 for 150ml, www.philipkingsley.com) through your locks before taking the plunge,' advises Trish Lesslie. ‘Created for the USA Olympic Synchronized Swimming team 25 years ago, it protects hair from the damaging effects of chlorine. To get frazzled locks in mint condition, try my all-time favourite hair product, Philip Kingsley Elastizer (from £3.20 for 20ml). It's a miracle worker. But if you're looking for a bargain, the new VO5 Frizz Relief Elixir, £2.99 for 200ml (available nationwide; www.vo5.co.uk) has five vital oils to hydrate.'

I have afro-Caribbean hair that's naturally dry. But lately it's become so brittle the ends are snapping off and my scalp is really flaky. I've been using the mildest shampoos I can find, but nothing seems to help and my hair is getting shorter by the day.

Marjorie Farquharson, London

‘A friend with exactly the same problem found using Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment (£38 for 150ml, from John Lewis and www.qvcuk.com) as an overnight treatment gave immediate improvement,' says Trish Lesslie. ‘Her hair was softer and more manageable, and she says her scalp was transformed. For the next month she used it pretty much daily as a 20-minute treatment and overnight once a week. She's now cut back to a monthly maintenance treatment, but is pleased to report her scalp looks healthy and hair is softer and less brittle. So give it a try!'

Help! Changing hair styles

I'm growing my hair out. How can I get through that ‘inbetween' stage?

Marilyn O'Dowd, by email

‘My biggest tip for growing out hair is to make sure it never feels like an inbetween stage, by having it regularly cut into shape,' says styling guru Beverly C. ‘There's no reason why you should feel the need to tie it up while you achieve the desired length. You could also try the Colormatch Clip-in Hair Extension by Goldwell (£25, 01323 432100; www.lookfantastic.com/godwell), quality DIY human hair extensions that clip in to add length, volume or colour and come in 18 shades.'

Have you got any anti-ageing hair tips? My grey hair is making me look older than my years!

Sue Dobson, Oxford

‘Look after your hair as well as you look after your skin by applying a conditioner after each wash and using an intensive treatment weekly,' says Frauke Neuser. ‘Covering grey can take years off your look, too. Clairol Nice 'n' Easy Perfect 10 (£6.99 from Boots; www.clairol.co.uk) contains AminoGlycine which improves condition, meaning you can wave goodbye to coarse grey hair.'

I want to update my hair with layers but when I've had this done in the past my hair looked bushy. Shall I leave it as it is?

C Herrington, by email

‘Your previous layers may have been texturised, which can cause frizziness,' says styling guru Beverly C. ‘There's no reason why you can't have a layered cut - just avoid texturising, for a sleeker finish. You'll also need the right products to keep it frizz free - try leave-in conditioner and a volumising mousse. I'd also recommend the KMS Flatout Straightening Creme (£17.03 for 200ml, 01323 413200; www.lookfantastic.com).'

Help! Straightening hair

I straighten my hair daily, but I'm worried about the damage. Are there any straighteners that will be kinder to my hair?

Anne Cunningham, Wakefield, West Yorkshire

‘Titanium is a better conductor of heat than ceramic, so delivers an even temperature across the plate,' says Jennifer Watt of Corioliss (www.corioliss.com). ‘Unlike the orange peel texture of ceramic, titanium technology is mirror-smooth, so there's no snagging. That means you only have to pass through the hair once, minimising heat exposure.'

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