The Ultimate Hair Guide

Here at RMUK, we know everything there is to know about hair, that’s why we’ve put together an easy to read guide answering all your frequently asked questions. Whether you need to inject volume into lifeless hair, or want your curls to last all night long, we’ve got all the hints and tips you’ll need.

How to get thicker hair

How to get thicker hair


We’re used to seeing social media filled with images of hair that’s thick and voluminous, but, for many of us, that’s not always the reality. Styling, genetics and even postpartum hair loss can leave us with hair that’s less bouncy and fine in texture. Don’t worry there are many ways you can work towards thicker glossier looking hair. 

1/ Trim Ends

It’s important to book in for a haircut every 6 weeks to have your ends cut. Wear and tear makes the ends of our hair thinner, so having these ends trimmed can create an overall impression of thicker hair.

2/ Style the waves

Curls and waves naturally add more dimension and fullness to your hair. Whether you prefer to style with a curling wand, tong or even straighteners, don’t forget to protect your hair with a heat protection spray, such as Kerastase Genesis Defense Thermique Blow Dry Spray which offers heat protection up to 220°C, detangles and hydrates the fibre without weighing the hair down. If you’re looking for a heat-free solution, try leaving freshly shampooed hair in plaits.

3/ Alternate your parting

Side, or even zigzag partings can give the illusion of a fuller look.

4/ Short cuts

The longer your hair the thinner it can look. Sticking to shoulder length styles and above can provide a sense of thickness. Equally, layers can help some styles appear fuller.

5/ Highlights and lowlights

Adding some complementary tones through hair colouring can add a three-dimensional effect which gives your hair that thickening boost.

6/ Scalp care

Hair health goes hand in hand with thicker looking locks. Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp as it’s where our follicles function. Dry skin and hair products can build up preventing hair from growing healthy. Try adding a scalp scrub into your hair routine twice a month to rejuvenate and reduce the impact of product build up.

7/ Brush gently

While regular brushing helps prevent tangles, using a brush that’s too firm can cause breakage. Take time to brush out hair in sections using a wide toothed comb.

8/ Deep conditioning

Our hair can be prone to breaking and weakening over time, so be sure to take good care of it with deep-conditioning hair treatments or hair masks.


We recommend:

For fine hair: Kerastase Reflection Masque Chromatique 

For damaged hair: Serie Expert Absolut Repair Mask 

9/ Thickening products

There are a number of thickening products on the market designed to help hair appear thicker by adding volume. Dry shampoo is also great for volume, not just a saviour between washing days. Spray close to your roots then massage through for instant volume and thickness.


Try these:

Total Results High Amplify Volume Shampoo 

Total Results High Amplify Volume Conditioner 

Total Results High Amplify Wonder Boost Root Lifter

10/ Hair extensions

As well as caring for your natural hair, hair extensions can help transform your look. Our 100% Great Lengths natural human hair extensions will help you achieve long, glossy and natural looking locks without damaging your hair.

How to stop your hair from tangling


Tangling is a common problem we can all relate to, especially those who have longer, dry or brittle hair.


If this is one of your daily hair battles then we’ve got some techniques for you to try to keep your hair hydrated and manageable.

How to stop your hair from tangling

1/ Condition condition condition

Seems like an obvious one, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t condition their hair properly. Gently brush your conditioner through your hair lengths after shampooing and rinsing thoroughly. Be sure to apply a nourishing mask once a week too for a deeper hydration.


We love:

Serie Expert Absolut Repair Gold Conditioner

Kerastase Nutritive Masque Magistral Conditioner Hair Mask

2/ Turn down the temperature

When showering it’s beneficial to wash your hair in warm (not hot) water then rinse using cold water. This closes the cuticles and prevents tangles forming.

3/ Press not towel

After washing, press your hair gently to remove excess water instead of rubbing with a towel.

4/ Remove knots when hair is wet

Remove knots when your hair is wet, rather than during or after blow drying with a wide bristle brush. If necessary you may want to consider an untangling spray.


If you’ve got curly hair it’s best to untangle when fully wet.

5/ Sleeping beauty

Hair can easily tangle when we sleep, so it’s best to braid or tie in a topknot to prevent this.

How to make curls last longer


How to make curls last longer

1/ Wash your hair in advance

You need to wash your hair the day before, or 3-4 hours before if you want really high impact curls. If you wash your hair just before styling your hair your curls may not form properly. 


Take note: Use lightweight shampoo and conditioner that doesn’t weigh down your hair.

2/ Ensure your hair has been dried properly

Wet or damp hair will not cooperate with curling irons and is damaging for your hair. Your hair must be completely dry before you attempt to use any heated products. You could try using a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer for volumised curly hair.

3/ Use a thickening mousse and shaping spray

Before blow drying, use a generous amount of thickening mousse on damp hair by distributing from roots to ends. Mousse contains alcohol which removes moisture and replaces it with texture and hold. Then apply a shaping spray to give your hair the memory, grip and volume you need to create your best look.


Give these a go:

Total Results High Amplify Wonder Boost Root Lifter

Techni Art Pli Shaper

4/ Use the right curling tool

Fabulous curls come from great tools. Be sure to experiment with different types of irons to find out what works best for you.


  • A curling iron creates tighter curls and the clamp makes things a bit easier for you.
  • Curling wands differ in size and allow you to create varying curl sizes. 
  • Straighteners can also be used to create great curls, once you know how.

5/ Choose the right temperature

Whichever curling tool you choose, you need to select the right heat setting for your hair type.


Thin hair = 300F

Thick coarse hair = 350F

Hair extensions = 250F

6/ Hold it

It’s easy, especially when you’re in a rush, to not hold your curls for long enough. Holding your curls for 10-20 seconds will give them more definition.

7/ Wait to cool before brushing out

Again, patience is key. Don’t brush or rake through your curls until they have completely cooled down.

8/ Hair spray

Now you’ve got your well formed curls, make them last using a firm hold spray. Be sure to apply sparingly as you don’t want to make your hair feel crispy. You could even try misting on a hairbrush and brushing through. 


Hold it: Tecni Art Fix Design Spray

How to stop hair going frizzy


Humidity, heat, rain and wind are just a few elements that cause frizzy hair.  No matter your hair type, you’ve probably suffered from this problem, but we're here to help…

How to stop hair going frizzy

1/ Try a new approach

If you’re struggling with frizz then you know your current hair care routine isn’t working. You need to be open to trying new things - or you’ll never get away from it!

2/ Use a hair mask

Frizzy hair is likely lacking moisture. Hair masks are a great way to inject your hair with it’s missing moisture, it tames frizz, split ends and fly-aways for an overall sleek finish.


Your saving grace: Biolage Smoothproof Deep Treatment for Frizzy Hair

3/ Keratin treatment

Keratin treatment is used as a hair smoothing treatment which offers long lasting results.  If you don’t have time to maintain a daily anti-frizz routine, this is the best option for you.

4/ Leave in hair product

If your hair is prone to frizz it’s likely to be damaged in some shape or form. Smoothen and protect your hair with the Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Treatment, a best-selling leave-in treatment that provides 5-in-1 protection for damaged hair.

5/ Don’t wash too often

Over-washing your hair is a common culprit of frizz. Your hair doesn’t need daily washing.

6/ Use a deep conditioner

A deep conditioner is a convenient way to fight frizz. A Kerastase Conditioning Mask will leave you with a replenished, glossy look.

7/ Change your brushing routine

The way you brush your hair can play a big part in how frizzy your hair appears. Brushing can disrupt the outer layer of your hair cuticle which allows fizz to grow out as your hair will no longer lay flat. 


Natural bristle brushes are your best choice as they move the natural oils from your scalp to the ends of your strands.

8/ Anti-frizz heat protection

Using a frizz control hair styling product can safeguard your hair from the outside humidity. Spray Fluidissime is designed to smooth and restore the hair fiber’s homogeneity to provide manageability and anti-frizz protection for up to 72 hours. Thermal Protecting properties ensure a faster blow dry, for an instant softness and intense shine with a weightless touch. Hair is more fluid, supple and easy to style.

How to grow out current hair colour


How to grow out current hair colour

We’ve all been there, tired of our current hair colour but not sure how to turn back the clock. Let’s face it, ditching the dye is easier said than done. That’s why we’ve put together some advice to avoid the temptation of grabbing a box dye to deal with months of awkward roots.

If you’ve got highlights

If you’re ready to go a shade darker but have a head full of highlights we recommend gradually adding in some lowlights, while letting more of your natural colour show. 


Book your hair colouring appointment in Leeds today!

If you went lighter

If you’ve got platinum or a vibrant strawberry blonde, returning back to your original colour won’t be a one-step process. We recommend a base drop of your natural colour, this is applied in a single process but is pulled through strategically to break up the lines between two very contrasting shades. 


Book your hair colouring appointment in Leeds today!

If you went dark

Adding some soft highlights will cut through your dark hair and add dimension to your hair. 


Book your
hair colouring appointment in Leeds today!

If you went pastel

Pastel hues are great for experimenting, but they require major commitment and upkeep. Once the colour has faded, it’s not too difficult to return back to your original shade. Once faded you can apply a base drop or combination of highlights and lowlights to get back to your natural shade. 


Book your
hair colouring appointment in Leeds today!

Don’t forget

While you may be in the process of changing shades it’s important not to neglect your colour. Keep hair looking healthy and rejuvenated in your period of transition by using shampoo and conditioner for coloured hair.

How to make your hair colour last


How to make your hair colour last

1/ Don’t over wash your hair

Over washing your hair is one of the biggest causes of colour fading, especially if you wash it daily. Aim for every 48 hours at the most.

2/ Choose colour-friendly shampoo

Shampoo and conditioner for coloured hair will ensure your colour is preserved rather than stripped. 


We love:


For all colours

Total Results Keep Me Vivid Colour Protect Shampoo

Total Results Keep Me Vivid Colour Protect Conditioner


For blondes

Pureology Strength CureBlonde Shampoo

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Conditioner


To tone

Matrix Total Results So Silver Shampoo for Blonde Hair


For brunettes

Matrix Total Results Brass Off Blue Shampoo For Brunette Hair

Matrix Total Results Brass Off Blue Conditioner For Brunette Hair

3/ Deep condition your hair

Use a hair mask that maintains and restores colour-treated hair once a week for shiny, vibrant results. We’d pick the Biolage Colorlast Deep Treatment for Coloured Hair.

4/ Turn down the temperature

Showers and styling tools - turn them down a notch.


Lukewarm water is kinder to hair and will help preserve the colour for longer.

5/ Take care of your hair

Taking good care of your hair will ensure your colour lasts for as long as possible. Glossing treatments that seal in colour are fabulous for giving your hair a gorgeous glossy finished look.

How to deal with dry hair


When your hair feels dry to touch, it could be brittle and hard to style too. Sun exposure, heat styling and humidity can all account for dry hair. Here are a few tips for dealing with it…

How to deal with dry hair

1/ Get a trim

If your hair is extremely dry, it might be a good idea to reset with a good haircut. Even if your hair isn’t very long, split ends can make hair feel and look dry. 


While in the salon, ask your stylist for some tips regarding your hair type and length to prevent your hair becoming damaged again.

2/ Cut down on heat styling

While we all love to keep our hair styling on point, cutting down on heat appliances may give your hair a well deserved break.


Top tip: Keep your hair dryer at least 6 inches away from your hair and always use a heat protective spray for best results.

3/ Cold showers

The hot water from your shower could be scalding your hair. Rinse your hair in a cooler temperature to revitalise and refresh your scalp.

4/ Essential oils

Using a few drops of hair oil on the ends of your hair can give it a more finished and supple appearance. Biolage Exquisite Oil Protective Treatment is a transforming overnight treatment that replenishes hair with essential nutrients and offers exquisite shine and softness, while adding control and manageability. Made of a moringa oil blend, the oil-infused hair care treatment nourishes all hair types.

5/ Hydrating hair masks

A multi-use deep treatment hair mask that infuses extremely dry hair with moisture and nourishment can give your hair a new lease of life. Hair feels softer, more manageable and looks and feels healthier. Highly concentrated in plant-based emollients. Packed with aloe and spirulina, which are known for strengthening hair and giving it a glossy sheen.

6/ Wear a hat in the sun

Ultraviolet rays can be extremely damaging for your hair, just like they are to your skin. Limit your hair exposure by wearing a hat and avoid prolonged exposure.

How to create the ultimate bouncy blow dry


How to create the ultimate bouncy blow dry
  1. After washing your hair with shampoo and conditioner suited to your hair type, towel-dry hair by pressing, not rubbing.
  2. Apply Kérastase Resistance Ciment Thermique Blow-Dry Cream throughout your hair and comb it through.
  3. Section your hair using clips.
  4. Take each section of your hair and use a round brush of your choice. If you use a smaller barrel, make sure your sections are small for desired results. 
  5. Take a section of hair and pull the brush through starting at the scalp with your hair dryer blowing hair down. Repeat this until the section of hair is completely dry.
  6. As you release the brush, twist the piece of hair with your fingers.
  7. Repeat all over hair until dry.

Want that just stepped out of the salon look?
Book a bouncy blow dry in Leeds with RMUK today!

Hair damage prevention in the pool


Chlorine from pool water and salty sea water can be both damaging for your hair. So, we’ve put together 5 simple ways to protect your hair when swimming.

1/ Wear a swimming cap

We know they’re not for everyone but they offer great protection for your hair. 


Most caps are made of silicone or latex so will pull on your hair, so we would suggest wetting your hair beforehand - you will find it much easier to pull on.


You could try a Lycra cap too as they are much more gentle on the hair.


Don’t want to wear a cap? Read on for some more helpful hints...

2/ Soak your hair in fresh clean water beforehand

Saturating your hair in clean water makes it harder for harmful pool water to cling to your hair.

3/ Pre-condition your hair

Using a wide-toothed comb, run leave-in conditioner through your hair, such as Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Treatment, before getting in the pool or ocean. This creates a barrier to prevent damage.

4/ Rinse your hair as soon as possible

After you’ve stepped out the pool or sea it’s essential you rinse as soon as possible, as the longer chlorine or salt are in your hair, the more damage they can do.

5/ Aftercare

Treat your hair to a thorough shampoo then follow with a rich conditioner. Be sure to comb through your conditioner in the shower to ensure full distribution.

Off on holiday?

The Serie Expert Vitamino Haircare Bundle is a saviour for those with coloured hair!

Whether you require extra information regarding the topics covered, or want more advice regarding your hair be sure to visit our RMUK Hair Salon, Beauty Salon and Day Spa on Great George Street in Leeds. Our luxury salon and spa offers you four floors of sheer indulgence, featuring a private room, bar and terrace, so you can enjoy a relaxing experience while giving your hair the best possible treatment. Call us today: 0113 243 6842

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