Top Yorkshire hairdressers give New Year lockdown hair hacks to try at home until the salons reopen

But before you allow yourself or perhaps a family or household member to test those amateur hairdressing skills, pause one moment and then step away from the scissors, clippers and box dyes to consider what damage you might be doing, short and long-term, to your hair.

Marcello Moccia, owner of Room 97 Creative salons and training academy in Wakefield city centre and East Ardsley and Leeds, is the current North Western Hairdresser of the Year with business partner Karen Perry, the second time they have won this award.

He says that, while not being able to see your stylist can be stressful, there are simple hair hacks to get you through. “The most common issue people will have is roots coming through – but don’t panic. Everyone is in the same situation, none of us is going out to see anyone and it’s a great opportunity to get your hair into tip-top condition.”

Do not be tempted by a box dye, says Marcello. “You could ruin all the colour work you have paid for. Applied wrongly and you may get a colour band, it can damage your hair or you can have an allergic reaction. It can even cost you extra when salons reopen to rectify any mistakes made.”

Make a hair mask your new BFF, he suggests. “Cold, harsh winds outside and warm, heated rooms inside can play havoc with your hair. Take advantage of being at home more by applying a weekly hair mask. Add much-needed moisture and nourishment to keep hair looking and feeling great.”

Create that salon feeling at home. Marcello says: “A visit to the salon is great for your wellbeing, the feeling of being pampered and leaving feeling a million dollars. So while it’s tempting to scrape hair into a ponytail every day during lockdown, make sure at least once a week you spend styling your hair. Try a new product, a new technique or even a new style. Check out our social media during lockdown where we will be showcasing a style of the week every Monday for you to try at home.”

* Room 97 is at www.room97.com and Instagram: @room97creative

Robert Eaton, creative director of Russell Eaton, a 43-year-old Yorkshire family business with salons in Barnsley and Leeds, and last year’s British Hairdresser of the Year, says lockdown is a good time to experiment and try out the hair products you may have bought but never really had the time to use or try properly. “If you can create a great look with your natural movement and texture, then do it. Natural waves are a big trend at the moment.”

Keep in touch with your hair salon for colour advice. “Your colourist knows your hair and will be able to give you honest advice and guidance,” he says.

“Root touch-up cosmetic sprays, powder and mascara type brushes can be a great help. Products like Wella Colour Fresh can be great too as these are true semi-permanent colours that can match the in-salon shade. They can blend grey hair and soften the root until you get a chance to get back into the salon.”

* Russell Eaton salons are in Leeds and Barnsley. See www.russelleatonhair.com. For a personalised consultation call or virtual consultation see Instagram @Russelleatonhair @Robertjeaton and Facebook: Russell Eaton or email [email protected]

She says: “It’s always along the parting that a regrowth shows the worst – this might help. In front of a mirror comb the top of your hair forward from the crown and using the end of a comb draw a zig-zag loosely following the line of your parting, when you get to the forehead comb the hair to the sides – this should get rid of a harsh line and blend away some of the root.

“Use this down time to get your hair in the best condition, give it a break and leave your hair another day before you wash it, overtime this WILL make a difference.

“Be careful tying your hair up all the time as harsh bands will cause breakage, so use the softest of bands if you can, and scrunchies are good as are telephone wire types.

“Use your downtime to give yourself a deep treatment - Olaplex no 3 is the crème de la crème of treatments and the best way of rebuilding damaged hair."

* The full Olaplex family of hair treatments are available online at www.architecthairsalon.co.uk Architect Hair is in Headingley, Leeds. Tel: 113 275 5884; email: [email protected], visit www.architecthairsalon.co.uk Instagram: @architect_hair Facebook: ArchitectHair