They say it's always rewarding to do things spontaneously... So the other day, I spontaneously decided I needed a hair cut, I was so in need of one it was like insane. I was getting all caught up in my hair never co-operated with me in its natural state and I was always straightening it because that was the only time it would really be tamed and appealing.

And finally I was out the door and at a hair dresser. I have a usual franchise that I always go to but I decided to try another one this time. After walking around trying to find the usual franchise, and looking at others, that were either unable to do what I wanted or were overpriced for someone like me who's on a budget. I finally found one, Cuts and Colours, which is a franchise connected to two other franchises which depend on your price range as well as location which I actually really like. I think it's really smart to have three different brands in the one franchise that is suited for different people and have different services. Cuts and Colours specifically deals with the usual hair cutting and styling but also specialise in hair treatments, perms, colour services, extensions, consultations and products.

I hope I'm not alone in saying that I don't mind splashing cash on the full sha-bang of hair wash, blow dry and styling, I mean it's recommended that you visit a hairdresser every 3 months, in that time you'd have some money on the side for one day of pampering. If you're however getting your hair coloured and treated then obviously it'll cost more but if you're willing to pay the price then treat yo self.

I've always loved visiting the hairdresser and getting a hair cut, it's always an experience, whether it be relaxing or exciting or both. This particular experience was interesting. Upon arrival, I immediately noticed that the hairdresser was popular because so many people were waiting. The staff were friendly and welcoming which is one thing that really attracts my eye. The wait wasn't too long which I also like because I'm an impatient person. AND the best part about this hairdresser.. Throughout the time I was there, The 1975's album was echoing through the speakers, and I honestly felt like it was fate because the album started playing as I sat down and I immediately wanted to thank whoever put this album on and praise them for their taste in music, you have no idea how hard it was to contain myself.

As I sat in the reclinable chair getting my hair washed, I was tapping my hands on the arms of the chair and closing my eyes, I was in total bliss. Every now and then I'd get the occasional, "you're hair is so long", "your is so dead", "your hair so dry" and I didn't even care because it was the absolute truth, and I'd rather here the truth from a hairdresser than being told what I want to hear, or a straight out life. Hair is extremely important, and it's important you ask questions and tell them about how you feel about the experience throughout your time at the hairdresser. Ask them what shampoo and conditioner they're using, tell them something's wrong, tell them they're hurting you just make sure you speak up. It's always best to have good communication with your hairdresser.

While my hair was getting cut, I initially wanted a trim, but then I had an epiphany, go hard, or go home, and it was decided that I get a shorter hair cut. I always got the predictable, just below the shoulder cut, no layers and a layered, long fringe, but this time, I went for the above the shoulders blunt cut with an even longer fringe without too many layers. By the end of the hair cut, blow dry, straightening and style of my hair, I was elated. I looked different and felt different but it was good, it was a change, it was time for a change.

As I mentioned, my hair was dry and damaged before getting a hair cut, it may have been because of the fact that I hadn't trimmed or cut my hair in over 4 months but also due to stress, an unhealthy diet, lack of sleep or the hair products used. It really depends on the person, and your hairdresser can't tell you exactly what it is as they have no idea about what you do personally, unless you're extremely close with your hairdresser.

Here's some tips on fixing dry and damaged hair, remember that it won't happen overnight and that patience is needed. Also, try to take your mind off it.

1. Don't wash your hair every night. It's not necessary to wash your hair every single night, in fact it may be causing your hair to become unhealthy, damaged and dry. By applying shampoo and conditioner all the time to your hair, it's drying it out and strips the hair of its natural oils which is needed to promote healthy hair growth. If you're not a fan of not washing your hair then simply apply conditioner on the days you won't shampoo. Skip the daily shampoo routine and just shampoo your hair 2-3 days a week or apply it every second day, and be sure to condition after every shampoo.

2. Use an essential oil like argan, lavender or rosemary oils, it depends on your preference really. By applying an essential oil to your hair, it's promoting healthy hair growth, rehydrating your hair, and makes it smooth, soft and shiny. Simply use a little amount of the oil and then comb it through your hair, use a wide-toothed comb. Contrary to belief, the oil will not make your hair greasy, but it will actually help your hair absorb the moisture, providing the benefits mentioned.

3. If you're a victim of hair falling out and have a habit of brushing your hair, stop right now. Instead of using a brush to tame your hair or get rid of knots, your best bet is to use a comb. I use a wide-toothed comb all the time, every morning I wake up and slowly and gently comb my hair so that there's no breakage or hair falling out, and then I comb my hair after a shower when it's dry, never brush or comb your hair while it's wet, hair is more prone to breakage and falling out when wet.

4. I don't own any form of moose, hair spray or gel. These products are used to help with styling and have great benefits, but if your hair is dry, it's a matter of conditioning your hair rather than using these products. By applying moose, hair spray or gel, it further dries your hair out and you don't want that, so try and skip the product and apply either conditioner, a hair mask that enriches your hair, or use a cream of some sort, in 'Bad Hair Day', I mention the products I use for particular reasons. However, sometimes products weigh the hair down and cause further damage, so do your research on the products you want before buying them.

5. Specific vitamins are beneficial for healthy hair, promoting hair growth, repairing damaged hair and vitalising the roots by providing moisture.If you're not a fan of popping pills, there's sources of foods that contain vitamins. But if you're not a keen foodie, get a doctor to check whether your deficient in vitamins that promote healthy hair and the doctor will make the recommendations needed or provide you with a supplement(s) in vitamin form or something entirely different depending on your health. Try to avoid multi-vitamins because you may have high levels of particular vitamins but may be deficient in others.
- Fish oil is beneficial in a number of ways and is renowned for its health qualities. As fish oil contains omega-3 and fatty oils, it is important to include fish in your diet, try replacing your meat with fish once a week. This will promote healthy hair growth as the oil will moisturise the hair while will essentially prevent or correct dry, damaged hair.
- Vitamin A is important in supporting the protein, keratin, in hair. Sources of food with vitamin A include liver, eggs, sweet potatoes, kale, tomatoes, oranges and papaya.
- Biotin, or vitamin B-7, is essential for metabolism of foods, providing nutrients for healthy hair. Food sources comprise of corn, eggs, broccoli, cauliflower, soy, wheat bran, fish, legumes, mushrooms, yeast and my personal favourite, Vegemite.
- Vitamin E is another vitamin that may alleviate dry hair and encourage hair growth due to the fact that it improves blood flow to the scalp, and supports healthy hair. Vitamin E is high in antioxidants which is a known for its health benefits like neutralising toxins. Food sources include soybeans, wheat germ, nuts, seeds and vegetables.

6. The final point is the most obvious. Avoid chemical treatments and heat treatments. This one is the hardest to quit, especially for me as I have wavy hair, I use a straightener once or twice a week depending on what I'm doing. There are products out there that will help with thermo-damage to hair, but some I am sceptical of as occasionally they may increase the damage to your hair as your applying a product that might essentially prevent the hair's natural oils doing its thing by creating a barrier and that's not what you want. So maybe skip the chemical treatment for colouring hair and put that straightener, blow drier or curling wand down, if you can't, research the product that's best for your hair and make sure it's natural!

So that's it guys, hope you related to that post or decided to make some changes or just had a read an found it interesting. Don't forget to subscribe to my blog and follow me on social media, only takes you a few seconds to do.