Every time a new spot appears - uninvited may I add - on my face, I can guess with about 99.9% accuracy what caused it. That big, painful, under-the-skin one on my chin? Time of the month. The angry ones around my mouth? Maskne, ugh, 2020.  Diet is another big one (don’t worry, we’re not about to go all ‘you are what you eat’ on you). Eating too much red meat, refined sugar and saturated fats, or drinking too much alcohol are all classic culprits. Obviously, we’re not going to tell you to cut out chocolate or wine (we’re not…

We have a few go-to’s when it comes to beauty advice. Our stylists, obviously, that friend who’s always trying the newest miracle ingredients - and now, Reddit (yep, that’s the social media platform with forums on literally everything under the sun) and TikTok. They both have thriving communities of hair, beauty and skincare obsessives.  In this series, we'll be sharing the need-to-know tips and tricks we found from hours (and hours) of scrolling. Consider this your hair and beauty school cop-out (see what we did there?).  WRITTEN BY Beth Ludolf

Does anyone else feel like when the clocks went back the other day we ended up back in March? We’re going into lockdown, again. Salons are closing, again. And we’re sat here wondering how to get our lash extensions off without pulling out all of our eyelashes. Here’s a reminder of the DIY-guides that got us through the first lockdown. WRITTEN BY Beth Ludolf

Well, it’s fair to say Halloween ended up much spookier than we imagined. It was announced that England would be entering a second national lockdown and, yep, salons will have to close again *wipes away tears*. We’re pretty sad about it; we’re worried for our salon partners and for everyone’s mental wellbeing and - even though it’s not the most important thing - we’re already having flashbacks to our Lockdown 1 roots. If you’re lucky enough to have nabbed an appointment before salons shut on Thursday, these are our picks for lockdown-proofing your hair and beauty. By Beth Ludolf

That little bit of extra freedom was nice while it lasted but talks of a second lockdown are mounting. The country is already in tiers - and tears if hairdressers have to close their doors again. The first lockdown went from 0-to-100 reaaal quick, there was no time to squeeze in a last-minute haircut (what with all that hunting for toilet rolls). This time, we might not be certain it’s going to happen but that doesn’t mean we can’t prepare. With that in mind, here are our tips for lockdown-proofing your hair. By Beth Ludolf

Let’s get straight to the point: dandruff is annoying. I know first hand how much it impacts your self-confidence and how darn stubborn it can be. But, instead of attacking your scalp further (with harsh products and resentment), adopting a softer approach and giving it a little extra TLC is the way to go. Kill it with kindness. Healthy, shiny hair (that’s flake-free) relies on a balanced scalp so it’s important to detoxify the skin, eliminating impurities and restoring hydration and oxygenation. We’ll talk you through it. By Beth Ludolf

I mean, seriously, because I can’t remember. If I could sum up 2020 in three words it would be “WFH”, or maybe “house every weekend” (and I don't mean the song). Socialising has been replaced by social distancing. For me, that means greasy hair days are easier to hide (shout out “switch camera off” mode), and washing my hair is more of a treat than a necessity - which is actually good for your hair too, you know?  The sleek bun is one of the few hairstyles where the greasier the hair, the better the bun (in my expert opinion,…

What are the benefits? Facial acupuncture is a great non-surgical alternative for slowing down the ageing process. Vivienne, owner of Primo Herb, explains, “facial acupuncture increases circulation in the face and promotes collagen production” - two key factors in achieving youthful-looking skin. The micro-wounds left by the needles kickstart the regeneration process and increase blood flow and oxygen, keeping the skin from looking puffy or tired.    What actually happens in an acupuncture session?  It’s not just about sticking needles into your skin, willy-nilly, so don’t try it at home. Before your treatment starts, your therapist will discuss your skin’s…

Every year when September rolls around, I venture up into the attic to retrieve the suitcase that houses my winter clothes during the summer - unpacking them into my wardrobe and leaving my summer dresses in their place. This year I’ll be doing the same with my skincare. Not lugging them up to the attic, but making some switches that will help my skin weather the cold months ahead. And you should do the same - here’s why.  A sudden change in temperature damages our skin’s barrier which means we’re more susceptible to aggravators (like pollution). This can leave skin…

Remember back in 2010, when Rihanna released her new album, Loud, and inspired an entire generation to reach for the red box dye? I truly never thought I’d be lusting over red hair again after that - but here we are. After Kim Kardashian and Dua Lipa both debuted bright red hues, a comeback was inevitable.  So, what do you need to know before taking the plunge? Well, red hair isn’t exactly low maintenance. You’ll need regular colour top-ups and a little bit of extra TLC.  Glossing or semi-permanent colours are a good option if you’re not ready to commit.…

Look, I know what you’re thinking - in a year full of uncertainty, why oh why would I get a fringe? We get it, it’s a notoriously risky move - it's also one of autumn's biggest hair trends (we're thanking Marianne from Normal People). So, without further ado, we’ve lined up a fresh batch of inspiration. Give in to temptation, book the darn fringe.  Contrary to popular opinion, anyone can wear a fringe (and look great doing it), it’s just about finding the right style. A blunt-cut, all-one-length fringe can look a little harsh while keeping a little more length…

Maybe it’s because summer never really began or the fact that we’ve been wearing joggers pretty much exclusively for the last 6 months, but this year, we’re really darn excited for autumn. If you’re not feeling it, a scroll through these autumnal nails will probably help.  Summer was all about bold nails (the brighter the better) but this autumn’s trends are much softer. Autumn’s signature tones - mustards, burnt oranges and reds - are a no-brainer, every year. Mixing them with earthy pastels, warm nudes and rich jewel tones (AKA, a dream) keep them on-trend for 2020. Add a matte…

In the immortal words of Joni Mitchell, you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone. I mean, she was talking about building car parks and we’re talking about natural curls but the message is pretty much the same.  If you’ve got naturally curly hair, your hair care routine is probably extensive. Curly hair needs TLC or it can actually lose its curl pattern altogether. Getting it back isn’t easy, either. In fact, if your hair is badly damaged, that curl pattern probably ain’t ever coming back (not fully, at least).  So, what’s to blame? Well, damage, obviously - from…

What is a Face Mapping® skin analysis appointment? Basically, it’s an opportunity to get to know your skin, with a professional. “It’s a quick and easy way to identify and understand your skin type and the condition of your skin,” Hannah told us, “our skin experts can then prescribe you a personalised skincare regimen which will help you achieve your skin goals”.  What happens during a Face Mapping® skin analysis appointment? Well, firstly, your skin will be cleansed (to ensure safety). Your therapist will then discuss with you what you’re looking to achieve with your skin. “They will consider all…

‘Face masks’ used to mean skincare, nowadays it’s more about healthcare. A lot of us will have never worn a protective mask and are probably unaware of the effects it can have on the skin (ahh, ignorance really is bliss). Luckily, we’ve broken down how to protect and care for our skin while rolling with the new normal. By Beth Ludolf

I wholeheartedly believe that you don’t know true joy until you’ve felt how soft your feet are after a pedicure. And how darn good they look, ugh *chefs’ kiss*. If you haven’t tried a pedicure, grab a pair of flip-flops and hit the salon. You’ll never look back. If you have, this is for you - we spoke to nail pro, Parris Ashworth, Manager at Nails Inc, about maintaining your pedi at home.  By Beth Ludolf

I think we can all agree, once and for all, that we all deserve a spa break right now. Picture it; a weekend jaunt to the English countryside, sun shining (we can hope), fluffy robe covering your freshly-massaged body as you head for a dip in the outdoor pool. If you need a little more help visualising, look no further. We’ve lined up five of the best. By Beth Ludolf Find more spas with outdoor pools

They say never meet your heroes, but we’ve never heard them say ‘don’t ask your hair hero for advice’. So, with that in mind, we spoke to celebrity hairstylist and Creative Director at Headmasters, Andrew Barton, about the fundamental hair rules we should all be following. After all, he’s been in the industry for 30 years, been on the telly for years and worked with Eva Longoria - ‘expert’ doesn’t even cut it. By Beth Ludolf

What is the Dermalogica ProSkin Advanced treatment? It’s a facial - but, like, a really good one. According to Hannah, the most effective technology suited for your skin will be selected on the day, from hydradermabrasion to improve tone and texture to LED light therapy to brighten and boost collagen. Plus,  deep cleansing with active ingredients (the good stuff), and loads of relaxing stuff too - think facial massage, deep breathing and hot towels. Oh, and it’s 60-minutes long (the perfect time to decompress).    What happens during the treatment? One of the (many) good things about the ProSkin Advanced facial is that it’s fully…

The humble beard.  Whether it's on your face because you couldn't be bothered to get rid, or it's more of a well-crafted labour of love, it's hard to not to be fan. When it comes to sculpting, there are a number of styles to choose from (aside from 'letting it do its thing'), so here's five of them. The most popular, if you will, ready to present to the barber at your next grooming appointment. By Rachel Spedding

Hello, my name is Beth and I’m addicted to nail extensions. I’ve been getting acrylics and hard gel extensions non-stop for about two years so - as you can imagine - when I heard about Apres Gel-X extensions, the acrylic-alternative favoured by celebrities (dah-ling), I was itching to find out more. Luckily for you, I'm taking the liberty of passing it on - you're welcome. Looking to get in done? Colourriot Nails in London is your place. By Beth Ludolf

Cleanse and exfoliate First things first, always clean your face first. Use a face wash to remove any impurities and then go in with a light scrub. Skipping cleansing means dirt and dead skin cells can clog your razor and blunt the blade which is a definite shortcut to razor burn, nicks and cuts. The exfoliation helps with ingrown hairs too - it’s a win-win.    Prep the skin  The best time to shave is after a shower. The warmth of the steam hydrates the skin, opens the pores and softens the hairs - making them easier to cut and…

It’s happened to the best of us. In the chair, gown on, scissors ready - then the nerve goes and it’s all just “this, but shorter.”  Deciding on a new hairstyle is tough, but knowing how to ask for it is tougher. Don’t let your vocab hold you back. We’ve gathered up 7 popular styles right now and exactly what you need to ask to get them. By Liam Clifford