In a bid to keep the coronavirus outbreak from spiraling out of control, PM Boris Johnson has ordered all “non-essential” shops all over the UK to close down.
Unfortunately, hairdressers are included in the shutdown order.
So how are you supposed to maintain your hair if all the salons are closed?
Krysia West, Aveda Cutting Professional and Colour Ambassador explained: “It will most definitely be tempting to cut/color your hair at home during this period of isolation however I would not recommend this if you can help it.
“Whilst we are in this isolation time, it could be good to give your hair a break from coloring as well as heated styling tools.
“Instead you could try applying a hair mask to nourish and condition any split ends, instead of trimming them.”
But if you just have to go DIY on your locks, here’s what the professionals are saying.
Celebrity hairdresser Jamie Steven shared how he gets rid of split ends, saying: “Part hair down the center and push the lengths equally over each both shoulders, then pull the length of the hair on one side straight between two fingers with good tension (but don’t pull it at an angle) and snip with the point of the scissors into the ends.”
He added that you need to keep your head straight and do the other side to make sure they match.
Ana Gomes, a hairstylist at Blush and Blow London, if you’re going to cut your hair, do it while the hair is wet.
Part your hair starting from the hairline to the nape of your neck.
Ana advised: “Comb all the hair forward so it sits above the chest, tightly flatten the hair between your middle and index finger stop at your desired length and cut in a straight line.”
Perform the same method on the other side for a one-length haircut.
And if you’re going for the fringes, James Alfie Parr, Celebrity Session Stylist and Manager of Brotherhood, advised: “If your fringe is growing too long DON’T grab the scissors, work with it may be part it through the middle for more of a grown-out 70’s look or move the parting and wear it as more of a side fringe.
“Kitchen scissors, nail scissors or a dull blade can really damage your hair by causing split frayed ends, a lopsided sided look, and in the long run end up leaving you frustrated with a blunt cut.”
But if you’re still desperate, he said: “If you need to take a bit of weight out of a fringe, use a point cutting technique, this is where you hold the scissors vertically and snip into the ends.”
Avoid cutting across the fringe and avoid styles that require blunt lines.
As for dyeing your hair at home, Jack Baxter, Session Stylist, and Influential Colourist had this to say: “During this uncertain time, it is more important than ever that we take care of our wellbeing and mental health as well as our physical health.
“In my opinion, our hair is a big part of our wellbeing and if our hair doesn’t look or feel it’s best it can have an impact on your overall self-esteem and wellbeing.”
Cautioning against using supermarket dyes, Jack continued: “I recommend using the Josh Wood at-home hair color system if this is something you want to try.
“The reason I recommend this brand is because I know and trust that the products are of a high enough quality.”
Replaced!