MB Garden Room

“How often should I have my hair cut?” is something I get asked all the time.

There really isn't one answer for everyone. We all grow hair at slightly different rates, and it also depends on the haircut, your hair and how you like to wear it.

As a general guide:

Very short cuts: around 4–6 weeks
Short bobs: around 6–8 weeks
Longer styles: around 8–10 weeks — and sometimes 10–12 weeks

A well-cut shape should grow out well, so I'm not someone who thinks you need to come back every six weeks just for the sake of it.

Some clients like their haircut kept really sharp, while others are happy to let it grow for a little longer.

It's about finding what works for your hair, your haircut and your lifestyle.

And if you're not sure, just ask me when you're in and we can work it out together.

If you’re spending ages every morning trying to get your hair to sit the way you want it to, it might be worth looking at the haircut itself.

A good cut should work with your hair — its natural movement, texture and growth patterns — as well as how you actually like to wear it day to day.

For some clients that means a quick blow-dry. For others, it’s about being able to wash their hair, add a little product and let it dry naturally.

That’s why we talk about how you manage your hair at home before I start cutting. The shape needs to work not just when you leave the salon, but when you’re doing it yourself.

Your haircut should make your hair easier to live with, not give you more work to do.

Growing your hair doesn’t necessarily mean avoiding a haircut for months on end.

Leaving it too long can mean the ends start to feel thinner and the shape becomes heavy or unbalanced as your hair gets longer.

That doesn’t mean taking lots of length off every time you visit. Sometimes a small tidy-up is all that’s needed to keep the ends looking strong and the shape working, while protecting the length you’ve worked hard to grow.

Everyone’s hair is different, so how often you need a cut will vary.

If you’re growing your hair, let me know at your appointment. We can work towards the length you want without losing the shape along the way.

If your hair feels a little different after your summer holiday, you're definitely not imagining it.

Sun, swimming, sea water, chlorine, extra washing and heat can all have an effect on how your hair feels and behaves.

You might notice that the ends feel drier, your hair tangles more easily, it has lost some of its shine, or the products you usually love just don't seem to be working in quite the same way.

The temptation is often to reach for the richest mask or add more oil – but more product isn't always what your hair needs.

Sometimes it's simply about adjusting your routine and choosing the right balance of moisture, conditioning and finishing products for how your hair feels now.

It's something I always take into consideration when I'm working with my clients. Hair changes throughout the year, and your home care doesn't necessarily need to stay exactly the same all year round.

A few small changes can make a big difference to getting your hair feeling soft, manageable and healthy again after summer.

If you're not sure what your hair needs, have a chat with me about your products at your next appointment. We can look at what you're using and whether it's still working for your hair.

If your hair feels heavy or coated after your holiday, adding more conditioner, masks or oils isn't always the answer.

Swimming, sunscreen, styling products, extra washing and even a change in water can all leave residue and build-up on the hair.

Sometimes, what your hair really needs is simply a really good cleanse.

In the salon, I have a deep-cleansing shampoo that I can use when I feel your hair needs it.

It helps to remove product and general build-up so we can start with a clean base before choosing the right care for your hair.

It isn't something every head of hair needs every time, and I don't believe in automatically reaching for a strong “detox” just because you've been on holiday.

As with everything I do in the salon, it's about looking at your hair, how it feels and what it's telling us.

So if you've come back from holiday and your hair feels heavy, coated or just not quite like itself, mention it at your next appointment.

We can have a look and decide what it actually needs.

For some people, sitting in a busy salon for a couple of hours making small talk is enjoyable. For others, it’s the complete opposite.

One of the things I love about working one-to-one at MB Garden Room is that your appointment can be whatever you need it to be.

We’ll always start with a proper consultation and talk through your hair, what’s working, what isn’t and what you’d like to achieve.

After that, if you fancy a chat, we can chat. If you want to catch up on emails, read, work or simply enjoy a bit of peace and quiet, that’s absolutely fine too.

There are no other clients, no busy salon floor and no pressure to make conversation.

For me, the experience you have while you’re here is just as important as how you feel about your hair when you leave.

It’s your appointment and your time.

Not every appointment needs to be about making a big change.

Sometimes it’s simply about keeping your hair healthy and maintaining the shape of your haircut.

Even if you’re growing your hair, regular trims are still important. As the hair grows, the shape changes, weight can start to build up and the ends can begin to feel dry — particularly after the summer months.

Sun, heat, swimming and generally being a little less careful with our hair on holiday can all take their toll.

A trim doesn’t have to mean losing lots of length. Sometimes it’s just about taking off what needs to come off, refreshing the ends and refining the shape so your hair falls beautifully again.

And if you are growing it, keeping those ends healthy along the way will make the whole process so much easier.

A little refresh can make a big difference without changing the overall look you love.

One of the questions I'm asked most often is, "Why has my toner faded so quickly?"

The good news is that it's completely normal. Toners are designed to gradually fade between appointments, but there are a few simple things you can do to help your colour stay fresher for longer.

✨ Wash your hair in lukewarm rather than very hot water. Hot water can cause your colour to fade more quickly.

✨ Try not to wash your hair every day if you can. Every wash gently fades your toner, so leaving an extra day between washes can really help.

✨ Use a professional colour-care shampoo and conditioner. The right products will help protect your colour and keep your hair looking and feeling its best.

One of the things I always talk about with my clients is that great colour doesn't stop when you leave the salon. Looking after your hair at home is just as important as the appointment itself, and a few small changes to your routine can make a real difference.

If you're unsure which products are best for your hair, just ask at your next appointment. I'm always happy to recommend a routine that's tailored to your hair and lifestyle.

Not every product makes it onto my shelves.

If I recommend something, it's because I've used it behind the chair, seen the results for myself and genuinely believe it will help you care for your hair at home.

That's why I only stock products from Only Curls and Carlo Oliveri. They consistently deliver the results I want for my clients and reflect the quality I expect from the brands I choose to work with.

One product I reach for time and time again is a good curl serum.

Curly and wavy hair naturally finds it harder to hold onto moisture, which is why it can often feel dry, frizzy or lose its definition between washes.

A lightweight serum helps to lock in moisture, smooth the cuticle and enhance your natural curl pattern without weighing the hair down. The result is softer, healthier-looking curls with more definition and less frizz.

It's one of those products that can make a real difference to your styling routine.

If you're unsure which products are right for your curls, just ask at your next appointment. I'll happily talk you through a routine that's tailored to your hair.

O N L Y C U R L S

Sometimes the most productive thing we can do is step away for a little while.

Running a business, looking after clients and educating other hairdressers is something I genuinely love, but it also asks a lot of me.

Every day requires focus, energy and being fully present for the person sitting in front of me.

That's why I value taking time to recharge.

Whether it's sitting quietly by the sea, reading a good book or simply slowing the pace of life for a few days, giving myself permission to switch off helps me come back feeling refreshed and ready for what's next.

I don't see it as taking time away from my work. I see it as taking care of the person who does the work.

After a little time to reset, I'm always excited to get back behind the chair with fresh energy for my clients and students.

How do you like to recharge when you get the chance?

🤍