It is important to prevent desalinated water and chlorine crystals from growing in the hair shaft causing it to break off. A lot of people do not realize that there is a shampoo specifically designed for desalinated water and chlorinated water which lathers well and prevents damage to the hair.

Proper shampooing technique is also important: Many people apply too much shampoo to the outer hair which can leave it dry whilst the scalp and hair close to the scalp is still greasy and contains product. The result of poor washing technique is that your hair will look dry and flat. It is actually easier to wash long hair using a hand held shower spray rather than washing hair while standing in the shower. It is very important to rinse all the shampoo out of your hair. Your final rinse should be in cold or cool water to close the cuticles. Rinse the hair for about one minute. Gently pat your hair with a towel to remove excess water. Leave the towel on your head for about 5 minutes to soak up excess water. Do not rub vigorously! This will tangle and damage your hair. If possible, let your hair dry naturally. Finally, hair does not necessarily need to be washed every day. Washing with shampoo too often can strip the hair of the oils it needs for good health.

After shampooing the hair twice use conditioner. If your hair is very dry ask your salon for a heat conditioning treatment. You can also do this yourself by applying conditioner and sitting in a sauna for 5 minutes or by combing conditioner through and wrapping your hair in a hot towel. The heat forces the conditioner into the hair and greatly improves the condition. Conditioner should always be applied to the ends first and then to the rest of the hair. You do not want too much conditioner on the hair close to the scalp as this can weigh your hair down and make it look flat when dry.  Always use a wide toothed comb to comb conditioner through.

Hair massage oil is an essential weekly treatment to protect and strengthen hair, and after a few weeks of regular massage you will notice a real difference to your hair in terms of stronger hair and increased growth. Weekly massages and leaving oil on overnight or for at least half an hour is a tried and tested traditional beauty secret that works for both men and women.

If you follow these simple directions you will notice your hair gradually improving. For a hair care fact sheet email me [email protected].

It is also important to think about how much styling and chemical treatment your hair can take. If your hair is fine try not to put ammonia or bleached highlights, as fine hair is very easily broken.  Artificially colored hair is always more fragile than natural hair so try to use coloring products that do not contain ammonia or are natural.

You do need to protect your hair from the chlorine in the water. Start by giving your hair and scalp a healthy massage with a protecting product and comb through. Whether you are swimming in the sea or the pool always wash your hair with a special shampoo to get rid of the chlorine crystals, minerals and salts which can damage your hair. If you do not have access to these products wear a swimming cap. For more tips on healthy living sign up to my monthly newsletter by emailing to [email protected].

I eat a chocolate bar every day after work. If I then go for an evening stroll will that cancel the calories of my chocolate bar?

Good thinking, but low intensity walking only burns 230 calories per hour so you can only have a small bar of chocolate.