1. If you're looking for a new hairdresser, look for someone whose hair-cut you like and whose hair type is similar to yours and ask them where they go, don't be shy, everyone loves a compliment!

2. Always ask for a consultation or book in for a blow dry first, this gives you the chance to talk about what you'd like and for the stylist to suggest things.

3. Don't be embarrassed about taking in a picture or two if your ideas are hard to describe.

4. Do listen to your hairdresser if they are clear that the style is not suitable for your hair type. Let them suggest alternatives until you feel happy with what you've agreed.

5. Be honest with yourself too - scrape your hair off your face and look at your face shape and your hair type. Ask your hairdresser to explain your hair to you if you're unsure.

6. Don't be nervous about trying different stylists within a salon either, they really won't mind.

7. Let us know if something isn't right, it's the best way for us to know that you're not happy with something and we can then put it right.

8. When you find a stylist you like and who does your hair the way you like it, build an ongoing relationship. The more a hairdresser knows about your hair and your lifestyle, the easier it is for them to suggest changes and ways to look after your hair at home.

9. Always ask what products they're using on your hair and why - and ask them to show you how much to apply and the best way of doing it. It may just be a tiny amount on the ends for definition or something to comb through and smooth your hair.

10. Remember, like all relationships the one you have with your hairdresser will benefit from open and honest communication and that works both ways

As far as having a change of hairstyle, It’s good to go to your hairdresser with an idea of what you want, take a picture even, but when your stylist gives you a consultation be flexible in your thinking and open to comments they may have. Take the image you have chosen as a flavour and an inspiration and then make sure you leave the salon with a look that really fits with who you are - your lifestyle, personality and sense of fashion and style. And always ask your hairdresser for advice on how to recreate your style and look at home, at Haringtons we're always happy to recommend the best products and techniques for you to use.

As previous winners of the L’Oreal Colour Trophy and current winners of the L’Oreal Men’s Image Award for colour, we're very excited about colour at the moment at Haringtons. The use of colour we’re seeing on the catwalk is a great way to really make your mark, a real signature statement. The creative colouring techniques we offer, give amazing versatility and mean that your individuality can really shine through rather than everyone leaving the salon looking the same. Make sure that you really talk to your technician about the effect you want so that they can interpret the catwalk look and make it work for you - be clear about whether you want something subtle, or more bold and in your face!

As your boyfriend often uses wax it will gradually build up on his hair over time, leaving it looking dull and feeling greasy. But there is something he can do, there are products that help to remove product build up - they are called detox shampoos. He could also visit a Haringtons salon and ask for our Detox and Purify Ritual. It's a 5 minute Kerastase purifying massage, that gently exfoliates the scalp and deep cleanses the hair, removing any product build up. Apart from being thoroughly relaxing and enjoyable, it leaves the hair feeling smooth and the scalp feeling fresh and cleansed. In the future, make sure that any wax he uses is water soluble and tell him to only use a small amount, about the size of a 5 pence piece - men generally use far too much product! Tell him, less can be more sometimes!

1. After washing, start by applying a volume gel like Clean Lift from Redken to damp hair. This helps to smooth the cuticle without weighing hair down or leaving a residue.

2. Next, start to blow-dry your hair but don't dry it completely. Pull your fingers from the roots to the ends, making sure the air is sealing the cuticles as it travels down the hair shaft.

3. Section your hair off and finish blow-drying using a medium radial brush. Continue following the hair from root to tip - try not to wrap the hair all around the brush, keeping it as straight and flat as possible.

4. Use a large round brush and, making sure there are no kinks, take your fringe (if you have one) through and out of the brush. If you want a softer look, pull the fringe through and under slightly.

5. To finish use a defrizzing product such as Redken's Outshine Anti-frizz Polishing Milk, smooth it through the mid-lengths and ends to calm any flyaway hairs and create definition. Finally spritz your tresses with Quick Dry Shaping Mist from Redken for a medium hold.

It is really important which size and type of brush you use to create the right look. All our salons have a selection of quality brushes for use at home to help you achieve that ‘professional’ look when you blow dry your hair

There are several things that he can try. Stress and tension, as well as having a negative effect on our health also have an impact on our hair, as a tight, tense scalp obviously has an impact on healthy hair follicles. Therefore a daily scalp massage is going to have an immediate benefit and will also help you to relax (you can easily do it to yourself while watching tv for example).

There is also a collection of Kerastase in-salon treatments and homecare programmes available at Haringtons called Aminexil designed to maintain the density of thinning hair. Figures show that approximately 22% of the UK population experience thinning hair, with men and women both affected. Clinical studies have proven that using Aminexil for a 6-week programme twice a year will improve hair density.

The hair thinning process mostly occurs over season changes (between Winter and Spring and between Summer and Autumn), ideally you should follow the programme at these times. The programme includes a frequent-use shampoo and the Aminexil to be applied after shampooing is packaged in individual doses. It's really important to gently massage, massage, massage with these products.

If you have any questions whatsoever, call in to see a Kerastase Ambassador at Haringtons and ask for a personal consultation. As with every hair problem a really good haircut can also hide thinning hair and make you feel better.

Having won Southern Hairdresser of the Year for the 3 times, Robert Smith of Haringtons knows a thing or two about hair and what we should all be doing to look after our most important fashion accessory.

After the hectic Christmas party season has taken its toll on your hair with constant blow-drying, straightening and curling, not to mention central heating, make sure you recondition your hair with a weekly intensive treatment to maintain shine, gloss and manageability. Just like your skin, your hair and scalp require nurturing and conditioning. What you need varies depending on the time of year or the time of your life.

At Haringtons, our Kerastase Ambassadors will prescribe your perfect hair beauty regime from a range of in-salon rituals that use gentle massage techniques, while you relax and let the stresses of Christmas fade away.

The New Year is the ideal time to visit your hairdresser and have a trim or restyle, an in-salon deep conditioning treatment and those extra highlights, flying colours or semi-permanent colour you may need to add gloss and shine.

Because, let's face it, if your hair looks good, you feel great and that's the way to start 2007. And if you're not sure what you need, simply call in to one of our salons for a free consultation.

It's one of the basic beauty routines and one that has lots of old wives tales surrounding it. Here is a step by step guide on how to wash your hair!

1. Thoroughly wet your hair with warm, but not too hot water. If the water's too hot, it stimulates the glands and can make your hair greasy.

2. Place some shampoo - about the size of a 10p piece - in the palm of your hand and divide that between the front and back of your head.

3. Massage the shampoo in, using the pads of your fingers in a gentle, circular motion starting at the front and moving towards the back. Again, don't use too much pressure as this can also stimulate the sebaceous glands and create greasiness.

4. If you wash your hair every day just carry out one shampoo, if you wash your hair less often, carry out two shampoos.

5. Rinse your hair thoroughly with tepid water, making sure there are no traces of shampoo left anywhere.

6. Always use a conditioner and apply it in the same way as the shampoo and comb it through with a large toothed comb, then leave it on for a few minutes to achieve the full benefits if you have time.

7. If you find that the conditioner is leaving your hair lifeless, then you are using the wrong one for your hair/scalp type and you need to seek professional advice from your Haringtons salon. For example, Kerastase have a dual action conditioner for greasy roots and dry ends which solves two problems in one.

Rinse off as before and leave to dry or style as usual.

Choosing the right hairstyle for you is not just determined by the texture of your hair, your lifestyle and how much time you want to spend styling each day. The right cut should also enhance the shape of your face. To find out what your face shape is, pull your hair back into a tight ponytail. Look at the outline of your face, check the size and shape of your forehead in proportion to your cheeks and chin. Can you see what shape face you have?

If you have a round face choose feathery cuts and soft fringes, a mid-length style will also make your jaw line appear longer. Whereas wearing your hair too short will simply emphasise the roundness of your face.

Short layered styles or bobs look great on long faces and a heavy fringe tends to work as they can help to shorten the face. Geometric cuts are also flattering, wear your hair below jaw length or just above the shoulders, as really long hair styles have a tendency to make your face appear longer.

Square faces suit styles with gentle movement and texture as they are very softening. Short, elegantly choppy, messy hair looks great. Avoid geometric cuts and hard lines as they will only draw attention to the squareness of the face. Fringes are ideal for hiding a square forehead. Always ask your hairdresser to recommend one that will enhance your hairstyle as well as the shape of your face.

The heart shaped face has a narrow pointed chin and round forehead. Curls and waves will add volume where needed. A heart shape face can carry nearly any hairstyle.

If you have an oval face, count yourself lucky as this shape is considered the perfect shape. Your forehead and jaw are about the same width, while the crown and chin finish in subtle points. You may need a touch of volume at ear level to make a large nose appear smaller, otherwise you can choose any style you like!

We’ve decided to look at which hairbrush is the best for your hair style.

A paddle brush is ideal for smoothing and straightening a long bob and keeping it under control so that your hair moves in the same direction and cuts down on flyaways. It’s also great for long, one-length hair, although for grooming between shampoos use a Mason and Pearson type brush. The one to look for has natural bristles and nylon quills. The quills lift your hair enabling the natural bristles to smooth down individual hairs.

A cropped style doesn’t really need a brush for styling, but if you have fine hair which can easily flop, you may want to keep a vent brush handy to put movement back in when out an about!

Long layers help to give height and lift, to maximise this, it’s best to use a medium size heat retainer brush to give root lift and add kick to the lengths and ends. For the best result, cool the hair on the brush with the dryer on a cold setting afterwards and brush fingers through to give a sexy, tousled look.

For a medium length choppy style, choose a traditional Denman, this will smooth and bend your hair, giving a sleek finish with lots of volume.

If you’re bored with your hair and want to ring the changes, you can easily update your style by adding a fringe instead of having a drastic new style. Fringes are still a major trend and are an easy way to create a sexy look, but going away from bold, blunt fringes to softer more feminine ones.

If you fancy a more tailored look then go for a blunt cut. You need a strong forehead for this look and plenty of attitude to carry this style successfully. A short, Joan of Arc fringe is a sure way to add glamour to a crop. and a soft and light feathery fringe will open up your face and draw attention to your eyes.

Basically there is a fringe to suit all face shapes and hair types so always ask your hairdresser for advice and tips on drying and styling. At Haringtons you can always pop in for a free consultation just to chat about fringes and remember that we offer free fringe trims to our regular clients– so don’t be tempted to get the scissors out and do it yourself .