The Hair Monster

Fix bad hair days with simple, quick solutions!

There are days when you wake up with the hair of a Goddess; it’s shiny, it’s silky, everything is perfect. Then there are ‘those’ days, when the hair monster has paid a visit to you in the middle of the night.  How else could your hair have got into such a hideous mess?

The most educated and empowered generation of women in history can still be rendered vulnerable by a bad hair day, according to a study released today.  The 10-country survey revealed that two-thirds of females aged 15 to 64 will disengage from normal activity if they feel badly about their looks.

So what should you do when these bad hair days occur? You need to take a look at the below hair conditions and decide which applies to you, then follow the hair care advice to beat the bad hair day blues.

Dry Hair

Dry hair lacks the oil and moisture to give it a sheen and softness. As a result, hair will often have a straw-like texture. This is caused by sun, salt, chlorinated water, harsh shampoos, and excessive use of heat and colouring your hair.

• To treat this condition, trim your hair every six weeks. Try to limit washing because shampooing also eliminates the hair's protective oils, and make sure it is a mild shampoo. You should follow every shampoo with a deep cream conditioner. Combat dryness with a weekly deep conditioning hair mask or hot-oil treatment.

• Let your hair dry naturally whenever possible so you can minimize use of hot styling tools and always apply a serum to shield the hair from the heat.

• Quick Fix: Hide dry frayed ends by pulling hair up into a bun.

Oily Hair

Oily hair sticks together, lies flat, separates and is difficult to style. This is caused by overactive sebaceous glands which produce too much sebum or oil.

• The best way to deal with oily hair is to shampoo every day with a mild clarifying shampoo. If you use a conditioner, only apply to the ends rather than the roots.

• Too much brushing of hair stimulates the oil glands that are already over-active.

• Quick Fix: Use hair powder or dry shampoo for a dry cleanse and a quick finish!

An easy-to-use formula that is perfect for frequent use to clean hair without water. Ideal for people in a hurry or those confined on their beds, who are unable to wash their hair.

Frizzy Hair

Frizzy hair usually affects those with naturally curly and/or coarse hair. When the hair becomes

dry and damaged, the curls frizz out and eventually become split-ends. Some people simply have naturally frizzy hair, but other causes can be a lack of moisture and protein, environmental elements, over-styling or colouring.

• To beat the frizz, don't shampoo every day. Your hair needs the natural oils from the scalp to reduce frizz. Try not to wash your hair more than twice a week, and use a smoothing curl enhancing shampoo with protein and panthenol. It is best to keep your hair well conditioned with a rich moisturizing product. Lastly, when blow-drying, use a diffuser.

• Quick Fix: Curl ends with an iron and be sure to use a silicone-based product on the tips.

If all else fails cover you bad hair day up with a funky hat or bandana, stick on some sunglasses and with plenty of attitude, walk out the door.  Your bad hair WILL NOT ruin your day – not if you don’t let it, that is!

Article Written By: Nicola McGeorge; Nicola was born in London, England and is a freelance writer and model. She covers a wide range of topics, and has been published worldwide.

Photos:  WireImage