Ask TheHairStyler

Hi! so my hair takes FOREVER to grow and right now I have really really short hair and I would like to have past the shoulder length hair by September. Any suggestions on how to make it grow quicker? Thanks!

Hi, on average, hair grows at a rate of one-half of an inch per month and unfortunately there is not a lot that can be done to speed this process up. Making sure you have a healthy diet and that you look after your hair can help as healthy locks are less likely to break. Even when growing your hair you still need to get it trimmed regularly to ensure that when you get to the length you want, your hair is strong and looks good. See your stylist once every 2 months for a trim on your ends. For more advice, check out this article: http://www.thehairstyler.com/features/articles/hair-care/growing-your-hair. If you really can't wait for your hair to grow then hair extensions can be a good option. Kind regards, Serah Schuster - THS Hair Consultant.

Question from: sarah // Added: 08th November 2010

Hi, another person confused about face shape. I have assumed round, but my high hairline is throwing me off a bit. Thanks!

Hi, if you're confused about your face shape then I recommend taking our easy face shape quiz at this link: http://www.thehairstyler.com/features/articles/hairstyles/face-shape-quiz. It will ask the questions about your face that only you can answer to help work out what is the correct shape. Kind regards, Serah Schuster - THS Hair Consultant.

Question from: Erin // Added: 24th September 2011

Hi, can someone please help me determine what shape my face is. I believe it to be oval but it may be oblong. I want to get a hairstyle consultation but it says to make sure I choose the right shape. Thanks so much.

Hi, after looking at your photo I would recommend choosing the oblong face shape when completing our hair consultation. Kind regards, Serah Schuster - THS Hair Consultant.

Question from: Tracy // Added: 11th March 2011

Hi, how do I download a picture of me?

Hi, to upload your photo please use the following instructions. To see these instructions with step-by-step images, please visit this link: http://www.thehairstyler.com/website-faq-virtual-hairstyler-photo-upload: 1) Log into your account and visit the Virtual Hairstyler from the menu that runs along any page. 2) Click the Add Photo icon on the left hand side of the Virtual Hairstyler. 3) Use the link in step 1 to check our photo specifications. 4) Complete step 2 by adding your photo from your computer or off the Internet via a web address. 5) Complete step 3 and tick the check box to agree to the photo upload policy. 6) Press the Add Photo button. Kind regards, Katie Summers - THS Customer Support.

Question from: jaymi broden // Added: 23th March 2011

Hi, I am a member here. I want virtual hairstyle for men but could not find any. Please help me. Thank you.

Hi, to view our range of men’s hairstyles, please visit our FAQ page which has instructions with step-by-step images: http://www.thehairstyler.com/website-faq-view-mens-hairstyles. Thank you. Kind regards, Katie Summers - THS Customer Support.

Question from: Janine // Added: 06th October 2011

Hi! I am having trouble figuring out what my skin undertone is: cool, warm, or ruddy? I always thought that since I have freckles and my natural hair color is reddish, I must be warm. But, the veins on my wrist are blue and I noticed on the test here that you can also be ruddy which is cool undertones with freckles! I am so confused! I posted a gallery on my profile page with several pics of me with my natural hair color and a few others. Can someone please tell me what my coloring is. Also, I (and my hubby) want to try going very blond. I don't know if that is suitable for my coloring though and if so, which shade and how bright can I go? As a child, I was a "tow-head", I had very blond hair. It changed darker as I grew older. Thank you so much! Sherrie1984

Hi Sherrie, judging by your photos and the description you've given, I'd say that your skin tone most resembles ruddy. If you have freckles, pink undertones (which are obvious in your photos) and blue veins then a cool, ruddy complexion seems most likely. Seeing a hair colorist in person can of course confirm this and also give you a definite answer. As for wanting to try a blonde hair color, having a cool complexion means that light blonde hair colors such as platinum and light ash blonde will suit you. Ask the colorist when you see them what they would recommend is a good color against your skin tone. Seeing a professional, especially when going blonde, means that you can also have the color tailored to suit you. Kind regards, Serah Schuster - THS Hair Consultant.

Question from: Sherrie // Added: 21th March 2010

Hi! So my hair is a naturally ashy brownish blond color, I have been using box dye for about a year because of budget cuts. I want an exciting change, my hair is currently a dark brown, but as the color fades my hair takes to red very well, so it fades to an almost coppery chestnut color. I have a diamond shape face, and my complexion... I have freckles, but I am not fair skinned, more of yellow undertones than pink and I have light eyes that are blue green. I have always been tempted to do a red color (such as Kate Walsh's red), but have always been sketchy. What would the best hair color be for my skin type and what would be a fun way to spice it up from the usual brown so that I have a new kick to start the new year?! Thank you! Kelli

Hi Kelli, it sounds like you have a cool complexion (olive, slightly beige with yellow undertones) so any hair color that has a cool overtone will suit you. Examples of cool hair colors for you are ash browns and blondes, copper reds, light blondes (think platinum and strawberry blonde) or anything from a dark to a light violet if you're after something different. If you really want to know what will suit you then I recommended visiting a professional colorist who can confirm your skin tone in person and discuss with you the types of colors that will suit you. Good luck! Kind regards, Serah Schuster - THS Hair Consultant.

Question from: Kelli // Added: 06th January 2010

Hi, I am unsure of what my skin tone is and what colours will best suit me. I like having dark hair but I also like having it lighter aswell. What would suit me best, all over colour or highlights? I also want to try going red but am unsure of what shade to go.

Hi, I would recommend taking a look at the following article which can help you decide on your skin tone - http://www.thehairstyler.com/features/articles/hair-color/choosing-your-skin-tone-and-enhancing-your-hair-color. Once you've decided then our hair consultation will allow you to choose your skin tone and then recommend colors which will suit. http://www.thehairstyler.com/hair-consultation. Kind regards, Serah Schuster - THS Hair Consultant.

Question from: Nicole // Added: 16th April 2011

Hi, could you please tell me my face shape, I don't know what hairstyle suits me, plus got high forhead. My hair is growing out from blonde and my hair is light brown (dull with few grays). I would like to change my hair colour to a nice red or a mixture, have medium brown eyes and light complexion. It's jaw length and I don't want to go short (I am 57). Help please.

Hi, if you're not sure about your face shape then I recommend taking our easy face shape quiz at this link: http://www.thehairstyler.com/features/articles/hairstyles/face-shape-quiz For hair colors and other hair ideas, our hair consultation will allow you to choose your age and other characteristics and suggest styles that will suit you. You can try it at this link: http://www.thehairstyler.com/hair-consultation. Kind regards, Serah Schuster - THS Hair Consultant.

Question from: nikki // Added: 19th September 2011

Hi, I am a 30 year old male with short length hair (usually keep it at 2-3 inches). I am probably about 75% white and my natural color is medium brown. Now here is my problem. For many years I have been crew cutting my hair and dying it black. Since growing it a bit (the last 5 months) I have colored the white regrowth a mixture of natural medium brown with a dash of dark ash blonde (was told the ash would prevent any golden/red tones). My hair was still black. Then I increased the dark ash blonde to a 75/25 ration. Still black. Tried just the medium brown. Still black. I am now onto light brown with a dash of dark ash blonde (all the above has been the suggestion of the salon colorist) and it seems like it is still too dark. What's wrong? I develop the color properly as per the instruction, leave it on for longer than the 30 minutes to 100% cover the grey and it is coloring over white hair. I'm at a loss really. I've read everywhere that for my hair to look natural I should not go too dark but I can't seem to go lighter. Cheers.

Hi, if your hair was black from root to tip (artificial black) to begin with, you will not be able to achieve a lighter result by coloring over it as artificial color will NOT lighten another artificial color. That may be why that no matter what mixture you use, it always remains black. You would have to either grow out the black and cut it off or have a chemical processes done to remove it. You may also find that, after going over your hair with so many colors and mixtures, you are creating a build up of artificial color therefore always ending up with a dark/black result. The filler you will need to use (e.g the dash of dark blonde you have been using), will depend on the medium brown you are trying to achieve. In this case, I think the best way to get the color you want is to have your color done in a salon. That way a professional can assess your hair's condition and color and provide the right color and technique to achieve the medium brown that you want. Kind regards, Serah Schuster - THS Hair Consultant.

Question from: Andrew // Added: 30th January 2012

I had blonde hair and my roots grew out so I went to my stylist for a touch up and she used a color to try to lighten my roots, and although it went light, it also went real brassy/orange looking. She tried a beige toner and a violet toner, but it didn't work, so a few days later I came back in and she foiled in some bleach to break up the brassiness, which did work, however it was still too orange for me so a friend suggested using Shimmer Lights shampoo. I did and it left some purple/gray in the lighter parts of my hair. How do I get rid of this? Norma

Hi Norma, when you use color shampoo to tone your hair there is always a chance things may not go your way and it sounds to me like the purple tones in your hair may have been caused by too much toning from the Shimmer Lights shampoo. This can sometimes happen and can easily be fixed with a few washes from a different shampoo. If this doesn't fix your color, I would suggest going back to your hairstylist so that she can take a look at the current tone, texture and elasticity of your hair in person and advise you on the right products to get the best results. I hope I have helped. Kind regards, Paola Fioramonte - THS Hair Consultant.

Question from: norma // Added: 03th August 2009

I have thick, coarse, black hair which is naturally wavy/curly. Due to the texture of my hair it has a lot of cuts which result in short hairs that stick up at the top of my head. Do you have a suggestion for a product that I could use that could either prevent my hair from sticking up or remedy the situation? Thanks.

Hi, the short hair that you have described sounds like broken strands of hair and can be tamed by spraying a very small amount of hairspray through your top section to smooth your hair down. Remember to use only a small amount to stop your hair from ending up with a crisp finish. Because your hair is curly, I would recommend combing your hair only when it's wet and never using a brush as this will cause your hair to break further and give you frizzy ends. To keep the breakage from re-occurring, I would recommend that you do a regular moisturizing treatment because curly hair is naturally very dry and needs more moisture than other types such as straight hair. The better condition your hair is in, the less breakage you will get. Kind regards, Sarah Koessler - THS Hair Consultant.

Question from: Jose // Added: 04th August 2009

I have very thin hair and never can get it to do what I want. No matter what I try to do, it always parts in the middle. I can never seem to get the side bang thing going on. Is there any advice that you can give me?

Hi, I would suggest trying shorter layers through the top to take weight off. That way you'll be able to sweep off that middle part. You can also try blow-drying your hair into place and spraying with hairspray to hold. Another option is to attempt a very soft perm which will not create any curl but more volume. You can do this by having the perm rollers placed on the side where you want your hair to part. Side bangs will only sit well depending on the how the hairline naturally grows, for example, if you have a widows peak or cowlicks through that front hairline area then it will be very difficult to achieve side bangs. I hope I have helped. Kind regards, Serah Schuster - THS Hair Consultant.

Question from: Jose // Added: 04th August 2009

If I wanted to make a hairstyle and keep it for the duration of a day, what kind of products can I use if I have medium to long length hair (8cm long)?

Hi, any strong hold products such as hairspray, mousse or gel will keep a medium to long hair length style in place all day. The product that you need to use all depends on the specific type of hairstyle you are trying to create and keep. If the style that you want is a hairstyle from our site, then we provide product and styling information with each look. Just click on the "How to Style" icon provided. Kind regards, Serah Schuster - THS Hair Consultant.

Question from: din // Added: 22th January 2012

Hey! I'm 17, I have long and wavy hair and I would love to cut it short (a little above the shoulders) but since my hair is so thin I don't know if it would look good. Should I cut it?

Hi, if you're not sure about how you'd look with a shorter haircut then I recommend adding your photo (if you haven't already) to our Virtual Hairstyler and trying on some of the shorter styles in our wavy category. As for knowing if a shorter cut will work with your hair type, I'd advise seeing a hairstylist in person so that they can look at the texture and the thickness of your hair in person and offer the right advice. Kind regards, Serah Schuster - THS Hair Consultant.

Question from: cata // Added: 29th December 2009

Hi - I am 58 and I used to have fine hair but full looking, but now it is getting finer and thinner as I age. What cut is best for this type of hair. I have a square face and right now my hair is chin length but needs to be cut shorter because it looks thin and stringy. What kind of cut do I need to make it fuller? I used to get my hair textured a little to make it fuller but it is so fine now I don't think that kind of cut would be right. Am I correct in saying this? Also, I have a side bang not full across.

Hi, with a square face shape, any haircut that you get will still need to be one the softens around the sides of the face so not to enhance the "squareness". A short to medium hairstyle with layers will help give the illusion of thicker hair but this will depend on how the hair is styled. Keep the side bangs or a side part as this will help compliment your face. Blow-waving the hair to add volume or using hot rollers will boost fine hair, just remember when styling to use light products (e.g hairspray) so that you don't weigh your hair down. Kind regards, Serah Schuster - THS Hair Consultant.

Question from: Valerie // Added: 15th November 2011

Hi there! I have long, fine, straight hair and not a lot of it, and every time I go to the hairdresser they insist on layering it so that it has more volume and bounce! The only trouble is that my hair is naturally sleek and straight so the bounce goes right out of my hair the minute I walk out of the salon. What I would like to know is this: would it be better to cut my hair straight across without layering it? Or do layers serve a greater purpose other than to add volume? I've resigned myself to the fact that my hair will never have volume, so I'd like to go for the straight, sleek look. Thank you!

Hi, having layers does not mean your hair will sit perfectly with shape and volume when you wake up in the morning. With your hair being fine and sleek, you have to be willing to work with your hair and spend time styling to have it sit the way you want it to. Applying volumizing products and blow-drying the hair will help achieve body. Using hot rollers or velcro rollers will also create the bounce and body you seek. So if you have the time to dress you locks, keep your layers and have fun with them. If not, then a blunt cut with no layers will give you a straight, sleek look. I hope I have helped. Kind regards, Serah Schuster - THS Hair Consultant.

Question from: Jess // Added: 25th November 2009

Hi! My mom has some white hair and she wants to color them with dark brown. How should she color it?

Hi, there are lots of hair coloring products on the market designed to cover grays that can give you good results. If in doubt, have your Mom visit a hairstylist who can personally take a look at the level of gray hairs and advise the best course of action. Kind regards, Serah Schuster - THS Hair Consultant.

Question from: ghazaleh // Added: 01th January 2010

Hi, I have long, black, curly hair. I would like to makeover my hair. I have a heart shaped face. My skin color is brown. I would like to have straight hair but I'm not sure it would suit my image. Any help?

Hi, if you're not sure where to start with a new look then I would recommend using our hair consultation. It will allow you to choose all of your personal attributes (such as your face shape, skin color, hair color, hair length, hair texture etc) and then see styles that will suit those attributes. You can then try those recommended styles on your photo to see if it will suit you. The hair consultation can be found in the makeover menu at the top of this page. Kind regards, Serah Schuster - THS Hair Consultant.

Question from: simran-kaur // Added: 05th January 2010

Hello, I'd like to know how can I make my hair like this: http://www.vna2z.com/data/media/13/Dan%20Truong%2001.jpg. http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm50/nminhlaidt/2006/IMG_2576.jpg. I am willing to pay too.

Hi, the hairstyle that you want to achieve is known as a wedge cut, where the back is cut short and tapered up to just below the ears. Then it becomes almost all one length from the top. The sides are cut short just above the ears (almost under cut) and then left all one length too. If you were to comb it forward and down you could say it was like a bowl-cut, but with shape and graduated layers. I recommend taking this picture to your hairstylist, and also trying it on using your photo http://www.thehairstyler.com/celebrity-hairstyles/hugh-grant. His hair is wavy, but straight hair will sit the way you want. Also, you will need to have long layers on top to achieve this look. Kind regards, Roy Caccamo - THS Hair Consultant.

Question from: duydaniel // Added: 25th August 2009

Hello. I have relaxed hair and I am in the process of transitioning to my natural African hair (it's not that coarse). At this point, I am loosing my front hair line so that's why I am going back to natural, then I want to interlock them to grow locks. Is it a good idea for me? Is there a product you can recommend for my front hair and to make my hair thicker? Please help. Thanks.

Hi Andrea, firstly are you loosing your front hairline because of the hair straightening? If the answer is yes, then this breakage should stop once your stop applying the harsh straightening chemicals to your hair. Breakage can occur for lots of reasons such as incorrect, harsh, or straightening products that are too strong for your hair type, and for other reasons such as bad application or processing. Whatever the reason, you should definitely stop using chemicals and let your hair grow back naturally. Now a good balanced Shampoo and Conditioner should be used to keep your hair in optimum condition, along with lots of massaging on your scalp to keep the blood circulating to the hair follicle. Vitamins such as Fish Oil have also been known to work for thinning hair. Good Luck! Kind regards, Roy Caccamo - THS Hair Consultant.

Question from: Andrea // Added: 08th October 2009

Hello. I just want to know if it's a good idea to get a haircut and/or hairstyle like scene hair. I have curly hair, naturally. So I love how scene hair looks on my friends, that's why I wanna know if its a good idea.

Hello, well scene hair can be anything that's a little different, unusual, light and dark and emo looking. So this is more about a change in attitude from your end, how you feel about looking a little different and people seeing you that way. You are obviously not sure, so why not try uploading your photo and trying on our alternative wavy and curly looks for a visual reality check? Something else you could do is change how you style your hair. Make it messy, a little in your face and scene looking, by teasing and combing it out and using styling products like spray gel and wax. Then if you start to get into the "groove," you can consider color and hair cutting changes like eye-level bangs and unusual shapes that accentuate the look. I recommend leaving the cutting until last, because it's not reversible like simple styling changes. Have a go! It could be fun. Kind regards, Roy Caccamo - THS Hair Consultant.

Question from: kathy // Added: 19th August 2009

Hello. I suffer from really bad dandruff, it's only at the front of my head and if I itch my head it peels off and becomes noticeable. I use head and shoulders anti dandruff shampoo and conditioner but that doesn't seem to work, and I know I'm washing it out. HELP what else can I try to do to get it away?! Thank you.

Hi Bethan, you should see a professional hairstylist or a trichologist to have your scalp examined. This way, they will be able to recommend the right products for you to use to solve your problem. Kind regards, Serah Schuster - THS Hair Consultant.

Question from: bethan // Added: 27th January 2010

Hey, I was just wondering if you could help me with my face shape, and any clues on hairstyles to suit me? I think it's an oblong, but I have prominent cheekbones. I've already had a fringe with long sides and it's starting to bore me, so I'm looking for something a bit shorter as I get older. Thanks.

Hi, the majority of your features actually lean more towards an oval face shape, which means that you have the potential to suit a lot of great hairstyles. To find out more about an oval face shape, take a look at the following link: http://www.thehairstyler.com/features/articles/hairstyles/oval-face-shape-characteristics. To then find styles that will suit you, I recommend using our hair consultation: http://www.thehairstyler.com/hair-consultation. Kind regards, Serah Schuster - THS Hair Consultant.

Question from: Nathan // Added: 26th January 2012

Hi, could you tell me my face shape and what cut is good for me? Would anything below the shoulders and feathered be good? I need help.

Hi, if you're confused about your face shape then I recommend taking our easy face shape quiz at this link: http://www.thehairstyler.com/features/articles/hairstyles/face-shape-quiz. It will ask the questions about your face that only you can answer to help work out what is the correct shape. After you know what your face shape is, I recommend using our hair consultation at this link: http://www.thehairstyler.com/hair-consultation. Kind regards, Serah Schuster - THS Hair Consultant.

Question from: nevada // Added: 23th December 2011

Hi, I have curly hair about medium length and have a diamond face shape. I don't like having a lot of width on the sides of my face and would like to blow dry and use a curling iron or flat iron every other day. Would that damage my hair? Thank you. Paige

Hi Paige. Using heat protection products before and after styling your hair with a blow-dryer or curling iron should help reduce damage to your hair. However you should ask your hairstylist to take a look at your hair and offer you some specific advice as the condition of your hair will also affect the rate of damage caused by heat appliances. Kind regards, Roy Caccamo - THS Hair Consultant.

Question from: paigebrown // Added: 23th November 2009

Hi, I recently went from long hair to a very short cut and I have discovered that I have a crown that is both extremely willful as well as off center by 2-3". I can't get any of it to go toward that point for a radius of 3" from the center. I tried the 'glue' the stylist sold me and that just seems to make it worse. Is there anything I can do to try to tame my hair? I feel extremely self conscious and embarrassed about it. Should I just wear a hat until my hair grows out again?

Hi. Unfortunately a crown will always do what it wants to do. The best way to tame it is to style the hair in the direction it grows. The more you try and go against the growth of a crown, the messier and more unsettled your hairstyle will look. You also need to use products that are lightweight like hairspray. These will help prevent the crown sitting too flat- which can make it more obvious. Hope that helps :) Kind regards, Serah Schuster - THS Hair Consultant.

Question from: Janet // Added: 12th August 2009

Hi, I urgently need help please! My hairdresser straightened (chemically) my very curly hair about 2 years ago. A few months down the line I realized the mistake I had made and desperately wished for my curls to come back. I asked a different hairdresser to cut my long hair into a “Chinese” bob. The hair in my neck started curling again but for the rest of my hair it was still straight. My hair has grown again to shoulder length and is in a total mess because every second day I blow wave and sometimes hot iron my hair. Is it at all possible that my natural curl will return after a while? And what can I do in the meantime to get my hair in a better state? Can you please advise on a better shampoo and conditioner and something that I can use on my hair to repair all the damage I’ve caused?

Hi, your hair will take time to grow back into its natural state depending on how quickly it grows. Your best option is to have regular trims every 4-6 weeks, this way the hair that was chemically treated will be trimmed away allowing your natural hair to grow through. Use a deep fortifying treatment to maintain healthy hair as well as a shampoo and conditioner specifically for chemically treated hair. I recommend having your hair assessed in a salon by a hairstylist to find out what is best suited for you. Kind regards, Serah Schuster - THS Hair Consultant.

Question from: redridinghood // Added: 15th September 2009

Hi, I'm not sure exactly what shape my face is as a couple seem to fit. And I'm not too sure on colouring. I want to colour my hair but have no idea what hair colour or style will suit me. - Confused.

Hi, based on the two photos in your account, your face shape looks oval (due to the shape and length). Because your hair is not completely pulled off your face so that I can see your entire shape, however, this is just an estimate based on the outline and length of your face that I can see. I noticed you have filled in our hair consultation and recommend that you fill it again using oval as your face shape. This will give you hairstyles that will suit, and will also give you advice on what hair colors will suit your complexion. Kind regards, Serah Schuster - THS Hair Consultant.

Question from: she-devil // Added: 01th September 2011