“Why doesn’t my hair grow longer?”
“Why doesn’t my hair grow longer?”
It’s a question we often hear says Eden. Typically, our hair grows at around 1cm (0.5 inch) each month, though this varies because of factors like age, genetics and health.
Each ‘hair’ is made up of two main structures – the follicle and the shaft. The follicle is a small pocket beneath the skin where hair growth begins, while the shaft is the visible part of the hair.
A hair stays on our scalp for up to seven years, going through four different phases before it says its final goodbye.
Talking of phrases let’s break them down, says Eden:
Your hair growth cycle
Phase One: Growth
Known by trichologists as the Anagen phase, it’s the longest phase, lasting anywhere between 3-7 years. During this time, your hair is active and grows.
Phase Two: Transition
Lasting about 10 days, the Catagen phase sees the hair follicle shrinking and cutting from the blood supply. At any given time about 3% of all your hair is in this phase.
Phase Three: Resting
For approximately three months, the hair rests while a new hair begins to grow beneath it. This is known as the Telogen phase.
Phase Four: Shedding
This is when the old hair sheds from the follicle, making room for the new growth and the cycle starts again.
What affects hair growth and length?
There are a few things that can interrupt or reduce hair growth says Eden:
#1. Genetics
As you’ve probably guessed, your genes play a big role in determining your hair growth rate and thickness.
#2. Age
Unfortunately, as we get older our hair growth tends to slow down as the hair follicles gradually weaken or even stop producing new hair completely.
#3. Hormonal changes
Hormonal fluctuations, such as those during pregnancy or menopause, can also adversely affect hair growth explains Eden.
#4. Harsh treatments
Watch out for straightening, perms, bleach, braiding and weaves which can leave our hair more fragile and prone to breakage.
#5. Diet and nutrition
A balanced diet that’s packed with vitamins and minerals is key for healthy hair growth. If you’re on a restrictive diet, you might notice slow growth or even hair loss a few months later.
#6. Stress
High stress levels can lead to hair loss or stunted growth.
#7. Medications
Certain health conditions and medications can also impact hair growth.
Eden‘s top tips for longer hair
Ready for some top tips on how to get that hair growing longer and stronger?
TOP TIP: Professional help
Regular trims are your friend. They help prevent split ends, which can make your hair appear shorter and less healthy.
TOP TIP: Scalp massage and treatments
Give your scalp some love with regular massages boost blood flow to your scalp and keep those follicles heathy.
And don’t forget about deep repairing treatments like Olaplex no.3 and Davines Nourishing Vegetarian Miracle Mask to reduce breakages.
TOP TIP: Gently, gently
Be gentle with your hair. Avoid hair-tugging elastic bands and super tight styles. A soft bristle brush is your best bet.
Need some expert advice?
And of course, if you’d like some expert advice on your hair and the right products for you, just ask. We love to help.
Hair loss in new mums...
If you’re reading this, you may have had a new baby recently, so massive congratulations!
However, there’s also a good chance that you’re now experiencing hair loss – a not so welcome result of giving birth.
Coping with hair loss after giving birth
Many new mums find that they quickly lose a lot of hair after giving birth. The good news is that this is normal and, in most cases, it’s temporary and doesn’t mean there is anything wrong.
But what causes postpartum hair loss?
Pregnant women often find that their hair gets thicker and greasier. This is probably related to oestrogen which changes the usual cycle of hair growth and loss, so the scalp holds onto hair for longer. You may also notice thicker eyebrows and eyelashes.
So after birth, all that extra hair is lost when your oestrogen levels fall. You may feel as if you are shedding frightening amounts of hair, but it’s probably just going back to how it was before you became pregnant. You may have to be patient for a few months before your hormone levels to return to normal.
New mums can also lose their hair if they experienced a stressful birth. This type of hair loss causes thinning of the hair and is called ‘telogen effluvium’ – it can happen about three months after the stressful event that triggers it. Again, this is usually a temporary condition, and your hair will regrow.
Help for post-baby hair
While you’re waiting for your hair and hormones to settle down, we suggest taking these positive confidence-boosting steps to ensure you stay looking and feeling good:
Try a head massage: to help dial down the stress while stimulating blood flow across your scalp to encourage healthy hair regrowth.
Change your hairbrush: avoid harsh bristles and metal combs and opt for softer, natural bristles to help massage your scalp and protect your hair from breakage. Ask us if you’d like some advice or help.
Use thickening shampoos, conditioners, mousses and hairsprays: we can help you decide which products are best for your hair. We can also recommend thickening treatments such as serums and leave-in sprays.
Eat your veg! In other words eat a healthy diet to give your hair the best chance of recovering quickly. Dark green vegetables, fruit such as blueberries and raspberries, eggs and food rich in protein such as lean meat, fish, seafood, and dairy products should all help.
Thinning hair styling tips for mums
Pop in for a consultation and be inspired! There are different things you can try to help disguise your temporary hair loss and bring back some of that pre-pregnancy pizzazz:
Move your parting: hair thinning can show up more along your usual parting. So try moving it – a simple solution that may make a big difference.
Go shorter or more layered: ask us about which styles will make the most of your post-baby hair.
Try a new hair colour: we can take you through some options that will help to give the impression of thicker and fuller hair such as highlights or balayage. Spoil yourself!
Rock a colour spray: this will help to disguise areas where your hair hasn’t yet grown back, making for a fuller more voluminous look.
Accessorise: hats, scarves, hairbands, clips – add some fun and sparkle to take the attention away from your temporarily thinner locks.
Experiment with extensions: they are not just for adding length. Let’s chat about using extensions to temporarily increase the volume of your hair.
When to see your GP
Our clients’ health and safety always comes first. It’s best to get advice from your GP if:
Your hair loss persists.
Clumps of hair are falling out.
You have bald patches.
Your scalp is painful or feels it is burning.
Book a consultation today
Would you like some expert advice on how to cope with your post-baby hair? Call now to book a consultation or to ask about our Davines retail products: [0131 5544553].
Cut your Colour Confusion
Cut the confusion when it comes to hair colour
Are you confused about the different types of hair colour available? Not sure about the difference between demi and semi? Or what permanent and temporary actually mean when it comes to your hair?
Say goodbye to colour confusion by reading our simple guide below, says our colour expert [add your stylist’s name].
There are four main types of hair colour: temporary, semi, demi and permanent. Let’s start with temporary colour.
Temporary transformations
Temporary or ‘wash out’ hair colour is ideal if you want to experiment with some exciting colours for a special night out or one-off occasion.
So whether you plan to rock a purple haze, be pretty in pink or go multi-coloured, temporary colour is the perfect solution. It colours your hair instantly and can also be used to cover roots or create designs in the hair.
Temporary hair colour doesn’t penetrate the hair shaft and can be washed out with one shampoo, so it’s a really fun and versatile option.
Semi-permanent colour
Semi-permanent colours last for between four and 12 shampoos. They are gentle to use and simply coat the hair without penetrating it.
They work really well for adding colour over blonde or lightened hair, blending greys, adding shine or refreshing faded hair colour.
Demi-permanent – to enhance and refresh
Demi-permanent colour takes longer to wash out – up to 24 shampoos – because it penetrates the hair instead of just coating the top of it.
Dee suggests, “If you’re colouring your hair for the first time a demi colour means no long-time commitment so chat it through with your stylist – we’re always delighted to advise and help you.”
Demi-permanents work well if you want to avoid obvious root regrowth while having a longer-lasting colour. They are great for blending greys or highlights, darkening the hair and adding shine.
Permanent pizazz
Permanent is a good choice if you’re happy with your chosen hair colour. Permanent colour penetrates deep into the hair, permanently changing its colour which means it won’t wash out. It’s great for grey coverage and can also be used to lighten, darken or tone your hair.
You’ll have to deal with new hair growth, of course, but we can advise on the best way to touch up those roots when they start to show.
Even the most gentle, professional permanent colours can affect the condition of your hair says Dee. She continues, “I always recommend my clients add a Davines NouNou Mask to their colour service. This strengthens and protects hair during the technical service leaving it looking glossy and healthy.”
Thinking about a change? Why not try a fresh new colour to brighten up the winter months? Call 01315544553 book online or DM us to book your [complimentary] colour consultation [and allergy alert test (it only takes a minute)].
Book a colour consultation today!
Fabulous hair for the festive season
The festive holidays are fast approaching and we’re aiming to spread a little extra magic and sparkle this year.
It’s time to spoil yourself, especially after the year we’ve just been through. So bring on the glitter and glam and make sure your hair is looking fabulously festive and ready for anything – from late-night partying and mistletoe moments to coffee with friends and that all-important Christmas lunch with the family.
Here are my top hair tips for a truly beautiful Christmas:
Step into Christmas…
We love an up-do and Christmas is the perfect time to really rock this look. While in the chair, ask your stylist to show you a couple of easy party options – from ballerina buns to classy chignons and baby braids to a twisted tie-back.
Add some Christmas colour
Go for it! But don’t forget you’ll need to plan ahead a little. Depending on the look you’re after, you may need more than one colour appointment, so it’s best to book early as Christmas is our busiest time.
Amanda suggests keeping an eye on our salon social for some creative colour inspo – from pretty pastels to festive reds and brilliant blondes to sultry brunettes – you’ll find tons of ideas to inspire your next salon visit.
To keep your colour salon-fresh into the new year Amanda recommends:
Use a sulphate-free shampoo like Davines Minu Illuminating Colour range
Rinse with cold water as hot water opens the hair cuticle and washes colour away.
Use heat protectant when drying and styling as heat will cause faster fading.
Extending the party season
Do you want long, tumbling locks to die for this Christmas? If so, glam up with some swishy hair extensions for instant natural looking volume, length and colour.
Extensions can transform the way you look and give you a huge confidence boost and our new stylist, John is an extension specialist. Again – we recommend you book early for a consultation as hair extensions are so popular at this time of year. We can also advise on the best products for home care too.
Pump up the (festive) volume
And, of course, big is back. The glossy and voluminous blowout vibe that was so popular in the 90s is back with a bang – book now so you can go large at that special Christmas party. The bigger the bounce the better!
‘Tis the season to be gorgeous
Want your hair to look its best-ever for the holiday party circuit? Then give yourself an early Christmas pressie and book today online or DM us on our socials!
Switch up your Autumn haircare
Switch up your autumn haircare
It’s time to turn over a new leaf when it comes to your haircare routine. For awesome autumn hair see our top tips below.
Weather it out…
As summer turns to autumn, the colder, rainier weather outside and centrally heated temperatures indoors will combine to create a perfect storm, drying out your hair and scalp. Your hair may also have been left brittle and damaged by the summer sun, chlorine and salt.
It’s a good idea to wash your hair less often in the autumn/winter months and a dry shampoo like Davines Hair Refresher is a must-have.
Switch to hydrating shampoos and conditioners to strengthen and protect your hair while preventing further damage. Your stylist can recommend the right ones for your hair, so do ask.
Smooth operators…
You can’t avoid the autumn weather, but if you hate the frizz you can fend it off. Try blotting your hair dry after washing it, rather than rubbing it with a towel as this can ruffle the cuticles making hair more prone to frizz. Also, smooth the cuticles by combing through your conditioner with a wide-toothed comb.
Scott says, ‘A brilliant oil treatment to keep frizz under control when you’re out is Davines Oi Oil (or Davines Oil Non Oil, water based moisturiser if you find oil products too heavy) as it fits into your handbag or gym bag for quick fixes’.
If all else fails, practise the art of updos – ring the changes with a twisted up braid or rock a messy bun. If you’re not sure how to create an updo that suits you, ask us next time you’re in the salon.
Top up the TLC…
A little extra TLC as winter approaches will make a real difference to the look and feel of your hair, so amp up your regular haircare habits for autumn:
[1] Have a regular trim to keep split ends at bay. Damaged hair doesn’t reflect light very well, making it look dull.
[2] Avoid using bristle brushes or those with metal prongs – vented brushes with rounded prongs are best. Ask in the salon for more advice on the best brushes for your hair.
[3] Use a weekly mask treatment to help your hair lock in moisture, reduce frizzing and boost the shine.
We are recommending Olaplex 4in1 Moisture mask to our clients at the moment to soothe and protect your hair from the autumn onslaught.
[4] Hot water can strip hair of essential oils, leaving it dry and dull. Tempting as standing under a hot shower is on a chilly morning wash your hair in lukewarm water instead.
[5] Don’t neglect your scalp, which can become dry and itchy as winter approaches. Try scalp toners or an exfoliating scalp mask like Davines Purity Circle.
Book a consultation today
Thinking of a change for autumn? A stunning new cut or colour to take you into the winter months? Need some haircare advice?
Book a complimentary consultation with one of our experts and we’ll give you our thoughts and recommendations. Call 01315544553 or DM us!
Tools - What are the best brushes to use for smoothing?
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Hello again. We have decided the time has come to help with a question that gets asked time and time again in the salon, 'What is the best brush to use to smooth out my hair?'.There are many options out there to choose from but there are a couple of things worth discussing first: The bristles and the body of the brush.Firstly, the bristles. The more the better. The only kind worth considering are natural boar bristle brushes. This may sound a little grotesque at first - especially if you are vegan or vegetarian - but we can assure you, NOTHING can smooth the hair out like these bristles can. The tension that boar bristle gets on the hair helps to create unbelievable shine. The density of bristle is important too so, of course the more expensive the brush when it comes to boar bristle, the better.Secondly, the body of the brush. A single piece of wood is the best. A plastic body with ceramic plated shaft is all well and good but different materials mean joins in the body and that means your hair will get lodged in these joins when you are using the brush. Ouch. Metal plated brushes can super heat and damage the hair beyond repair. So wood is the way to go.There is only one drawback - it takes time to master. Due to the density of the bristles, the hair can easily become tangled in the brush especially if you have particularly tuggy hair. It really is worth persevering and figuring out a technique that works. Essentially, a great smoothing product (like Redken All Soft Argan-6 which it just so happens we supply), a tail comb, some section clips and a bit of time. Brush through the hair thoroughly after washing, then work section by section smoothing the hair before applying the heat.What brands do we recommend? Well there are four main brands:Firstly Kent make beautiful brushes and are pretty reasonable.Next up is the great value Denman.Mason Pearson have been making brushes pretty much since the beginning of time.Lastly, by far and away the best brushes on the market are YS ParkYS Park make very high quality professional tools but these come with a hefty price. The brushes in this range go from around £35 to £65. This can seem like a huge sum but these brushes should last a lifetime if looked after.We hope this helps make your life a little easier.
UNDERCUT
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Hello there. We would like to show you a look that we love in order to give you a few ideas about how it can work. The undercut has been around for a long time but was made famous in hairdressing circles via the uber-awesome Christiaan Houtenbos in this iconic image: As you can see, this image is AWESOME.The undercut is a versatile technique and look that can be used purely to help the function of the chosen style (remove a load of weight and reduce styling time)Or to be a main feature of the style. Obviously, it takes some balls to go for something as wild as this:Obviously, this is not for everyone.Undercuts can work on anyone we think and if you are feeling a little unsure you can always try a faux-undercut like Jessica Alba..Here are a few more ideas we love to give you inspiration the next time we see you...
Balayage Vs Ombre: Spot the difference...
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Hello you beautiful people. So you have been thinking about a change of colour? You may have heard about Balayage or seen an Ombre and wondered about the difference? Well, your friends at Muse are here to make your life a bit easier. We do quite a lot of both in the salon and this is how we would define each one:Ombre - Generally this effect is a more obvious blend of dark at the root to light on the ends of the hair. This can be tailored to each person depending on how wild or subtle you would like to go. The great thing about this technique is that it will last; you start with a root. Depending on how much blonde you want to see on the ends of your hair, once the procedure is complete, you don't need to 're-blonde' the ends until they grow out. Also, when the ends are blonde you can apply all kinds of awesome temporary tones to make it more wild or soft. The root area will need a touch-up every 6-10 weeks depending on how many shades darker it is from your natural colour.Balayage - The French term 'To sweep' is a softer more sun-kissed look. The colourist will tend to use a softer more sweeping effect with the brush focusing mostly on the face and the surface of the hair to highlight and enhance the areas which would naturally lighten in the sun. This is a super-duper low maintenance style which means cost-effectiveness too!These looks are not for everyone and were considered a passing trend but it would seem that they are here to stay with many celebs still sporting them today. Both effects look much softer on loose curls more than straight so this will require some effort for those of us who do not have naturally tumbling locks. If you are considering either you should ask yourself a few questions:How do I feel about permanently darker roots?Can I style my hair every day (or at least manage having lots of texture?)?Can my hair cope with the maintenance of bleached ends?If you can deal with all three of these and are feeling sassy, then Ombre is the look for you. If you feel like you like the idea but would prefer something softer, Balayage is totally the way to go for you.We hope this has helped you to make your decision.
The Hard Part...
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Hello people of the internet. In this edition of our blog, we are going to introduce the hard part. This style has been making the rounds for a year or so on the catwalks but has really started to take hold for the man about town in the last few months. We love how smart, classic and modern these styles can be. These looks are definitely not for everyone as a sometimes dizzying amount of styling and products can be required to make the finished result as sharp as it was in the salon. Recommended products are mousse when the style is wet (it just so happens the Label.M volume mousse is easy to use and has a directional spray) and depending on yr preference a medium wet look finishing paste (Label.M again - Power Paste is awesome). Be super prepared and have a hairdryer and brush to smooth the style into place and give volume.
Short and Sassy
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Here at Muse, we think that nothing is sassier than a woman who can pull off short, fun, boyish hair. It screams SEXY. Would you ever be brave enough to go for the chop, or are you already the queen of the pixie crop?If you're tempted to go for the chop, check out these styles below for some inspiration. New year, new hair? See you soon!
We heart bows
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Not being the type to shy away from girly hair accessories, we are LOVING bows this winter. What better way to dress your hair for party, or to add a bit of feminimity to your daytime look?However, to avoid looking like a Christmas decoration, go for a tousled, relaxed style with bold, luxurious fabrics for your hair accessories.Enjoy!
Smooth lovin'
Sometimes a girl just wants to feel all prim and polished. Tousled and casual is great for an every day look, but every now and again we like to go full-on sleek and sexy for that special ocassion (yes, that includes Ryan Gosling dvd viewings...)The first step to sleek and sexy is a good daily conditioner. For added frizz relief, a weekly deep conditioning treatment should do the job and make your locks shiny and smooth. Regular trims (every six weeks) and products that protect against heat damage will also get you on your way to being a sleek, shiny goddess!Our favourite wonder-product to achieve this look is Redken's Smooth Lock deep conditioning treatment that contains butter silk for long lasting smoothness. We can do in-salon treatments, or you can take it home for a full on pampering session.Here's some smooth inspiration...
Cool, cool winter
Is it just us, or is there a sudden nip in the air this week? We're all staying nice and warm in our lovely salon, but the cool air is definitely making us come up with some cool inspiration. We love all the pale blonde, icy tones that are around for this winter. Come in to see us and we'll have you looking like beautiful ice maidens just in time for a festive glass of egg nog this winter.Stay snuggled up and check out these pale, glossy locks...
Head scarfs
Here ar Muse, we're big fans of hair accessories and one of our favourite ways to see hair dressed is with a cute, summery headscarf. No longer only associated with women of pension-collecting age, head scarfs can be a chic accessory for daytime, or even add a bit of retro glamour in the evening.We believe the more colourful, the better. What do you think?
I do, I do, I do!
Here at Muse we can't wait for the wedding season to kick off. We've already got quite a few gorgeous brides booked in to be pampered over the coming weeks. Whether it's up or down, tousled or polished, we love working with our brides to achieve their desired look. Here are a few of our favourite styles for the big day.
And remember, pampering isn't just for brides, if you're lucky enough to be attending a tying-of-the-knot some time soon, come pay us a visit and we'll make your hair beautiful and above all, dance-proof! x
Whose Hair?
Muse recently stumbled across a book by London based illustrator Christina Christoforou called Whose Hair?. It's a genius idea and lots of fun trying to spot the celebrity barnets amongst her intricate drawings. Have a look and see if you can take a guess...
Swim with style
Ah, the Muse team had almost forgotten what it was like to feel the sun on our skin! All this blue sky and sunshine is putting us in the holiday mood. Who doesn't love a splash about in the sea or nearest pool (or the Water of Leith...). But remember, you must look after your locks this summer. We have a few favourites that we recommend if you want to protect your hair from UV Rays and chlorine and also some to get that beachy, tousled look. Just ask one of our team. However, if you really want to protect your hair and scalp while having a splash, take a tip from these retro beauties...
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Texture
We know, we know.... You spend half your time fighting the frizz, straightening and smoothing, but sometimes it can be nice to give yourself a break and embrace your hair's natural texture. Messy can be chic, laid back and beautiful. Whether your hair is loosely tousled, or big and prone to frizz, with the right products and a few tricks, you can have laid back hair full of texture in no time.Here re some of our favourite textured do's.
Love is in the hair
This week we're feeling all loved up at Muse. In the lead up to Valentines Day, we're thinking about hair and love. We are lucky enough to have lots of clients who are couples and it's interesting to see how similar their styles can be and sometimes how very different! Are your locks wild, whilst your partner's are ultra tame? How much say does your other half have in how you style your hair? Was their hair the first thing that attracted them to you, or was it a big turn off?!?! We'd love to know...Here are some stylish couples who's hair we love.
If you've got a romantic date lined up for V-Day, come and see us and we'll have your hair looking extra glossy and pretty. See you soon x
Back to basics
What with all the excesses of December and New Year, we wouldn't blame you for feeling a wee bit run down and bedraggled. With all the partying and preening over the last few weeks, we think January should be spent recuperating and looking after yourself and that goes for your locks too! Now is the perfect time to get into a healthy routine of deep conditioning treatments, relaxing head massages and regular trims. If you start now, come Spring/Summer, you'll have a head of shiny, healthy and natural hair. Who could ask for more?We'd love to see you soon to help you get started.Here's some hair motivation... We love these natural, no nonsense looks. 
