We all want hair that looks and feels healthy, whether that means glossy waves, bouncy curls or sleek and smooth strands.
In an industry worth £5.8bn in the UK, there are endless products, trends and TikTok hacks flying around which makes it’s easy to lose sight of the basics.
The truth is, healthy hair isn’t about spending a fortune or following complicated routines, it’s about getting the simple stuff right.
Trichologists Eva Proudman from UK Hair Consultants and Tracey Walker from Hair and Scalp Clinic, bust four common myths about how to look after your hair.
1. Cold water doesn’t make your hair shinier
Getty Images
Ever shivered your way through an icy shower just for the sake of shinier hair?
Well luckily you can stop doing that and enjoy a warm and comfortable wash as Proudman says cold water doesn’t add any extra shine to your hair.
“There’s no need to wash your hair in freezing cold water as it does nothing,” she says. “What’s much more important is how you protect your hair from chemicals, heat and the environment you’re in.
She does add that you don’t want to wash you hair in too hot water though as it can dehydrate your hair and can scald the scalp in the same way hot water scalds our skin.
2. No product can repair damaged hair
Getty Images
If you’re someone who hopes to fix their split ends without a visit to the hairdressers, you’ll be disappointed to know a haircut is the only solution.
Proudman explains a split end is similar to a ladder in tights – there’s simply no way to mend it.
Walker says: “If you imagine a hair is fracturing and if you look at it under the microscope, it almost looks like there’s two or three more prongs to the hair.
“Products on the market act as a kind of glue which puts the hair back together again so it looks better.”
She says these are temporary fixes, and warns not to get lulled into spending a lot of money on products which promise a solution.
Proudman also says claims that cutting your hair can make it grow faster are untrue.
“It’s just not possible to make your hair grow quicker so any product claiming that is lying.”
Other stories you may enjoy
3. Your hair won’t self-clean
Getty Images
You may well have met someone who swears they’ve managed to train their hair to “self-clean” allowing them to wash it infrequently or not at all.
But Proudman says doing this is absolutely not good for your hair. “Your scalp has 180,000 oil glands and it collects dirt and debris if it’s not regularly washed.”
Walker agrees and likens it to the fact you can’t remove an oily or dirty mark from clothes with just water, you need detergent too.
Not washing your hair regularly can cause a smell as well as a worsening of scalp conditions such as dandruff, she says because “leaving the hair to become oilier can let yeast and bacteria build, making itchy scalp conditions worse”.
Proudman recommends washing your hair every other day if your hair is very oily or you use a lot of product in it.
Laura Waters, Professor of Pharmaceutical Analysis at University of Huddersfield, says while those with very oily hair might benefit from stronger cleansing, people with drier hair could consider a sulfate-free shampoo which is more expensive but won’t strip oil out of it.
4. Dry shampoo isn’t a substitute for washing
Getty Images
Finding time for a full wash, blow-dry and style isn’t always realistic so between work, workouts and social plans, many of us reach for dry shampoo as a quick fix to revive greasy roots and refresh our hair without hopping in the shower.
Proudman says dry shampoo is “absolutely fine”, but that it should be used only once between hair washes.
The problem arises when you use it for multiple days in a row without washing it out.
“The natural oil of the scalp sinks into the shampoo and the yeast will feed on the build up,” Proudman says.
“If you’re not careful you’ll get an itchy and flaky scalp.”
Ultimately her advice is to focus on looking after your scalp in the same way you look after your face – you wouldn’t keep piling makeup onto your skin without removing what’s underneath and washing it first.
Sign up here to receive our weekly newsletter highlighting uplifting stories and remarkable people from around the world.
EMINEM’S reclusive ex-wife Kim Mathers showcased a new look after dying her hair pink as she stepped out near her home in Michigan.
Kim, 50, who had long blonde locks in the past, is seen in The U.S Sun’s exclusive photos with a cropped ‘do.
Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter
Thank you!
Kim Mathers, the ex-wife of rapper Eminem, is seen outside her home in Chesterfield, Michigan, on October 14, 2025Credit: Matt Symons for The U.S. SunKim Mathers previously had blonde locks when she appeared in Macomb County Circuit Court in 2007 when she sued her famous exCredit: GettyEminem’s ex-wife, Kim Mathers, was seen wearing a Nirvana t-shirt as she met with a friend who arrived in a silver KiaCredit: Matt Symons for The U.S. Sun
The rap superstar’s former wife, who has four children, is now heavily tattooed with sleeve designs down both of her arms after adopting a rocker look in recent years.
Her elaborate inkings include the word Artemis down her right arm, referencing the Greek goddess of the hunt, wild animals, and wilderness scenes.
Kim also has other dark inkings on her left arm and on her neck, many of which have an Alice in Wonderland theme, as she previously revealed she is a fan of the Lewis Carroll story.
She appeared in good health after a previous addiction battle and was seen smiling while wearing a black t-shirt with a colorful Nirvana design emblazoned on the front.
Audio from a 911 call in July 2022 revealed one of Kim’s children found her “surrounded by blood and pills on her bathroom floor,” as she struggled to cope with her grief.
They broke the handle on the door and called for help, as desperate Kim begged them not to call the police after reportedly leaving notes for her family.
The mom-of-four was rushed to the hospital before being discharged, and later sought treatment for addiction at a center in Detroit, Michigan.
HEALTH BATTLE
A year later, she told The U.S. Sun: “It’s been hard, I lost my mom, my dad, and my sister [over the past 10 years].
“[But] I’m good. I’ve been clean since about October. I went to Jefferson House … for 45 days.”
Kim revealed she had previously been taking pills to try and sleep as she struggled with the loss, and her children had been “very supportive,” amid her mental health scare.
Despite her past drama with ex Eminem, real name Marshall Mathers, she added that he had also been checking in with her to make sure she was getting better.
Asked how often she sees the rapper, she joked: “Not often, but often enough.”
The two wed in 1999 but divorced in 2001.
Despite reconciling and marrying a second time in 2006, the union did not work out.
The pair have a daughter, Hailie Jade, 29, along with an adopted daughter, Alaina, 32, with Eminem.
Alaina’s mother, Dawn, who was Kim’s sister, died of a drug overdose in 2016 after years of addiction problems.
Kim is also mom to Stevie Laine, 22, who identifies as non-binary, and was also raised by the rapper, 52.
In recent years, she has been living with her rarely-seen son, Parker, who is believed to be in his teens.
Both Stevie and Parker are from different relationships since her divorce from the superstar.
BABY JOY
Following her health issues, Kim and Marshall reunited for Hailie’s wedding to her long-term partner, Evan McClintock.
Kim’s upbeat appearance this month comes as her adopted daughter, Alaina Scott, announced she is pregnant with her first child with her husband, Matt Moeller, whom shemarried in 2023.
Alaina shared the news on Instagram, as she attached a photograph of her surprising her spouse.
“THE BEST OF YOU + ME,” she wrote in October. “For months, I’ve carried a tiny heartbeat inside me, one that has already changed mine in every possible way.“
She continued, “There’s something indescribable about knowing there’s a little life growing, dreaming, and becoming, all while you go about your day, whispering prayers and hopes only they can hear.”
Alaina added, “I’ve never felt more grateful for this gift and to grow our family, something we’ve wanted for so long.
“Thank you God for this blessing. Baby M, we can’t wait to meet you, little one.”
Alaina shared a slew of photos of her surprising Matt with the news.
She can be seen leading him blindfolded into a room with gold balloons spelling out the words “BABY M”.
Matt then took the blindfold off and was presented with a shoebox with a pair of baby Nike sneakers inside and a positive pregnancy test.
Kim Mathers was seen in 2023 heading to a Sally’s Beauty near her home to get suppliesCredit: News Enterprises Inc.Eminem and his ex-wife, Kim Mathers, when they were younger before he was a superstarCredit: GettyKim and Eminem’s daughter, Alaina Scott, revealed she is pregnant this month after getting married to her longtime partnerCredit: Instagram / alainamariescott
AFTER transforming her thinning hair to an enviable mane, one beauty buff has shared her secret weapon.
Sofia, a hair loss researcher from the UK, previously confirmed that she used to suffer with bald patches and hair thinning – two common concerns for both men and women.
2
Sofia previously confirmed that she used to suffer with bald patches and hair thinningCredit: TikTok/@sofiahairhealth
2
She’s since reversed the damaged thanks to an array of products, including a shampoo you can find at Boots for a little under £10Credit: TikTok/@sofiahairhealth
Naturally, Sofia did some research into the best ways to stop breakage and shedding – and now, rocking thick and luscious locks, she shares her top finds on TikTok.
The trichologist recently took to her page where she revealed ”the best shampoo for hair growth” – and it’s currently on sale at Boots too.
Raving about the wallet-friendly Nizoral Anti Dandruff Shampoo, Sofia said: ”If you’re losing hair and you’re not using this shampoo, you are missing out.”
According to the beauty buff, this haircare product ”is one of the only proven shampoos to actually revere female pattern hair loss” as its formula ”blocks the hormone” that’s behind hair loss.
However, when using the shampoo, Sofia warned there are three things you should be aware of, including not using the weaker formula.
”Don’t waste your money on the 1% – get the pink bottle.”
Whilst you may be tempted to use this shampoo all the time, the whizz warned to not ”overdo it”.
”Nizoral is a very drying shampoo. Something that I actually recommend is combining it with something like a bond-building shampoo.”
Don’t want to fork out a fortune on the viral Olaplex range? The are several more affordable options on the high street, including Elvive Bond Repair range and Pantene Bond Repair line for a fraction of the price.
”Or even just a really hydrating shampoo to make suee your hair is getting damaged and to make sure you’re keeping it in a as good of a condition as possible.”
Stacey Solomon shares routine she swears by to make the most of her blow dry for more than a WEEK after getting it done
When shampooing, the TikToker also warned to not apply the product on your ends at all – or risk behind left with a ”really dry” mess.
If you can’t find the exact brand at your local store, Sofia said you can use any shampoo as long as it’s got ”ketoconazole” as an ingredient.
”Lastly, the most important thing I have to say about this is that even though this is a great shampoo to be using and it can definitely help with your results, if you’re not combining it with things like minoxidil and other treatments, you probably won’t see amazing results.”
Minoxidil is a medication that can be taken orally or topically.
Hair Loss 101
HAIR pro Samantha Cusick has revealed everything you need to know about hair loss.
Why Does Hair Loss Happen?
Hair loss can be influenced by so many factors, from genetics and hormone changes to lifestyle choices.
Stress, diet, and even hair care habits can all impact hair strength.
It’s perfectly normal to lose some hair each day, but sometimes the body can shed more than usual, responding to things like hormonal shifts or even life stressors.
Why It Happens More This Time of Year
Have you ever noticed your hair seems to shed more in autumn? That’s seasonal shedding!
During summer, we hold onto extra hair to protect our scalp from the sun.
As the weather cools, it’s like our body recalibrates and lets go of those extra strands.
Dry, cooler air can also make hair more brittle, making it easier to lose a little extra volume during these months.
Hacks and Affordable Buys to Treat Hair loss
The great news? You don’t need to spend a fortune on pricey treatments to support your hair.
Try daily scalp massages—they’re so simple but really help boost blood flow to the follicles.
Castor oil is another fantastic, budget-friendly option that’s rich in nutrients to strengthen your strands.
Adding a bit more protein to your diet and a biotin supplement can also work wonders for overall hair health.
Products to Avoid
Steer clear of products with high levels of alcohol, sulphates, and parabens – they can be drying and damage hair over time.
Heat styling and chemical treatments can also cause breakage, so try to use them sparingly.
Instead, look for gentle, hydrating formulas to support your scalp and keep hair healthier through the seasons.
It is an over-the-counter product that acts as a vasodilator, taking more blood flow to your scalp.
The treatment shouldn’t be stopped, as hair loss will occur again.
You can purchase topical minoxidil easily on the likes of Amazon where you can bag a bulk of the product to last you several months.
It should be applied to the scalp every single night and means the product cost just 30p per application.
Sofia went on: ”Because if you’re someone who’s dealing with hair loss, the more things that you throw at it, the better your results will be.
”This should be one thing out of a routine of, like, six to seven things if you really want to see results.”
Posted just five days ago, the informative clip has taken the internet by storm, winning the beauty buff more than 212k views and over 7,000 likes.
168 people flooded to comments to share their thoughts and struggles with hair and scalp health.
One person had great success, writing: ”I’ve been using Nizoral shampoo 2% twice a week with Minoxidil foam 5% every night and after 6 months my hair has grown back faster healthier and stronger.”
Another chimed in: ”it’s so expensive I only got 3 washes out of it.”
”Nizoral made my scalp greasier,” a person claimed.
STACEY Solomon has shared how she keeps her bouncy blow dry in place for more than a week after getting it done.
The mum-of-five retained her crown as the most relatable celeb in showbiz as she took to TikTok to post the exact routine she swears by.
4
Stacey Solomon took to TikTok to share how she makes the most of a bouncy blowdryCredit: TikTok/@staceysolomon
4
She sleeps in heatless curls, and then uses dry shampoo on the rootsCredit: TikTok/@staceysolomon
4
A quick run through her locks with her fingers and she’s doneCredit: TikTok/@staceysolomon
4
And her hair looks just the same as it does when it’s freshly blow driedCredit: Getty
In the video, she said she was doing her best to get ready “as quickly as possible” for work, so had done her make-up in seconds and prepped her locks the night before.
“I didn’t wash it, but I just dampened it down,” Stacey said in a video on her TikTok page.
“It was, I had like a really old blow dry, and I’ve been trying to keep it in for a week.
“So I’ve just been putting my heatless curler in, and then going to bed with it, taking it out.”
Once taking the heatless curling rod out, Stacey, 35, used some of the REHAB. Essential Dry Shampoo on her roots – to absorb the grease and give her hair some extra texture.
She then ran her fingers through her hair, and grinned as she showed how it looked as though she’d had a “fresh, bouncy blow dry”.
“I wonder how long I can like this blow dry for,” she laughed.
“Like we’re on week one, I wonder if I can bring it into week two with my heatless curler.
“They’re just so good, and it just means I only have to destroy my hair with heat once every couple of weeks, because I can keep all of the curls in place, and keep it looking fresh with my dry shampoo and heatless curler.”
She finished off her speedy makeover with a swipe of lip oil, and then was ready to go.
Stacey Solomon’s rarely seen ex and dad to eldest son Zach appears on show as she discusses teen pregnancy
“I want daily updates on the hair! BRING ON WEEK 2!” one person commented on the TikTok.
“You have such great hair,” another added.
“And it actually looks stunning!” a third praised.
“Go on girl!”
“I love the dry shampoo, it’s a life saver,” someone else said.
While others admitted they were more than a little jealous of Stacey’s finished look.
“I swear if I don’t wash my hair for two days on day three my curls look like rats’ tails!” one wrote.
“I have such hair envy! My hair doesn’t hold curl ever!” another added.
“OMG! You are so glamorous even when you’re not,” a third smiled.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth attends a meeting between President Donald Trump and Poland’s President Karol Nawrock in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington D.C., on September 3, 2025. On Monday, the Pentagon announced Hegseth has established a new grooming standard for U.S. service members that targets beards and facial hair. Photo by Aaron Schwartz/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 15 (UPI) — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is targeting beards and facial hair in the military to establish a new “grooming standard,” as the Pentagon announced Monday that leadership will be required to conduct a review of how service member grooming practices have changed over the past decade.
The “rapid force-wide review of military standards,” requested by Hegseth, according to a Pentagon statement issued Monday, includes “grooming standards for facial hair.”
“The grooming standard set by the U.S. military is to be clean shaven and neat in presentation for a proper military appearance,” Hegseth said, according to the statement by Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell.
“Commanders must apply consistent criteria and appropriately consider the department’s interests in safety and uniformity when authorizing individual exceptions,” Parnell added.
According to Hegseth, shaving waivers will be allowed under a written recommendation by military medical officers, as long as there is a treatment plan. Hegseth also said service members who require a shaving waiver after more than one year of medical treatment will be considered for “separation.”
“As I stated when directing the Rapid Force-Wide Review of Military Standards, the strength of the military is our unity and our shared purpose,” said Hegseth. “The department must remain vigilant in maintaining the grooming standards which underpin the warrior ethos.”
“Words matter. Restoring … the warrior ethos. Restoring victory and clarity as an instinct,” Hegseth said Sept. 5, as Trump signed the executive order. A permanent department name change will require Congress to act.
In addition to grooming, Hegseth’s new requirements extend to body composition and physical fitness.
“We must remain vigilant in maintaining the standards that enable the men and women of our military to protect the American people and our homeland as the world’s most lethal and effective fighting force,” Hegseth wrote. “Our adversaries are not growing weaker, and our tasks are not growing less challenging.”
AFTER a lifetime spent trying to keep her curly locks in check, Hilary Freeman, 53, from London, sees if the new Airwrap makes styling them fuss-free.
When I was 12 and puberty kicked in, my previously smooth curls turned, almost overnight, into an uncontrollable mop of frizz.
7
Hilary Freeman, 53, from London, sees if the new Airwrap makes styling curly locks them fuss-freeCredit: Lorna Roach
7
Hilary after using the £579 Dyson toolCredit: Lorna Roach
Ever since, I’ve spent thousands on styling products and tools, for a daily battle to tame my locks.
My hair is like candy floss: fine in texture, soft and big. Humidity and rain are its mortal enemies.
Yes, I am that woman you see with an umbrella in the slightest drizzle.
That’s because the merest hint of moisture turns me into Art Garfunkel. Or worse, Phil Spector.
Like them, I have what some affectionately call a “Jewfro”.
As a teen, I begged my mother to allow me to have my hair chemically straightened.
The foul-smelling treatment, in effect a reverse perm — this was well before the days of Brazilian blow dries — didn’t work, and just damaged my locks, making them even more frizzy.
In the Nineties, when poker-straight locks became almost compulsory, I bought hair straighteners.
But I didn’t have the patience or expertise to use them properly.
I ended up with a half-straight, half-curly do — and a second- degree burn on my neck.
Watch the moment woman leaves passengers stunned as she dyes her hair on the TRAIN, and insists she’s ‘not embarrassed’ about it either
Since then, I’ve avoided trying new gadgets, partly out of fear of damaging my hair and partly because, as a mum with a busy job as a writer, I simply don’t have the time.
Instead, I’ve resigned myself to wearing my hair long and curly.
I tend to half diffuse it and half air-dry it, depending on the time I have.
Over the years, hair dye to stem the ever-increasing tide of grey has conspired with my changing hormones to alter my curl pattern from tight curls to looser ones.
But the frizz has remained.
Bushy mess
Mousses and gels keep my hair defined for a day or so, but the curls quickly drop out and become lank and fluffy.
On a good day, it falls into ringlets; on a bad one, it’s a bushy mess.
Curly hair has a mind of its own, you see.
So, I was keen to test the brand new Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x.
The latest version of this heated styler, the Curly and Coily model (there’s also a Straight/Wavy one), promises effortless, long-lasting, sleek waves.
Like all Dyson products, it looks and feels a quality, luxury item.
But, at £579, I’ll admit, I am expecting some sort of miracle.
Could it work for me, or is it just a lot of hot air?
According to Dyson, the Co-anda 2x has twice as many attachments as its predecessor and can be used to dry, curl, wave, straighten, smooth and volumise your hair.
7
Like all Dyson products, it looks and feels a quality, luxury itemCredit: Dyson
These attachments, they say, are “intelligent” — I wonder if they can help with Wordle.
The Airwrap claims to provide “supercharged styling with a stronger Coanda airflow”.
It is 30 per cent more powerful than the previous model, has two times the air pressure and — most intriguingly — senses movement, automatically wrapping your hair and adapting heat, airflow and timings to your hair type, via the MyDyson app.
Faced with a box of attachments, I have no idea where to start.
Setting up the app is simple, after answering some questions on it my device is tailored to my hair type.
However, as a novice, I find navigating the app confusing.
Its video guides — I counted 37 ways to style your curly hair — are helpful but I can’t figure out how to watch tutorials while holding my switched-on Airwrap.
It doesn’t help that the Bluetooth keeps disconnecting.
The power cord is also surprisingly short, meaning I have to sit right next to the plug socket.
On the plus side, the motor is extremely powerful.
I’m impressed with how the barrel curl attachment intuitively collects the right amount of hair — as if slurping noodles.
‘Friends say I look glam’
And I’m reassured that once the Airwrap reaches a certain heat, it starts to cool, so it dries my hair but doesn’t burn it.
I also like the fact there’s a diffuser attachment among the options, so I can choose whether I want to dry my hair curly, wavy or straight with just one device.
But I do find the Airwrap heavier than my usual hairdryer.
Holding it in one position for any length of time made my arm ache.
But it’s much easier than holding both a brush and a dryer.
The results speak for themselves. My hair feels so smooth and light that I can’t help swishing it around. The colour also looks more refined and glossy.
While people usually compliment my hair, now they’re commenting on my overall look.
7
Hilary Freeman demonstrates the new Dyson Air WrapCredit: Lorna Roach
Everyone says I look “glamorous” and “airbrushed” — not words they’ve used before. I can see I appear more tidy and professional, and less boho. However, I do think my usual curly style makes me look more youthful.
The night after my trial, I barely sleep for worrying I’ll ruin my new do.
But I wake to find it almost as smooth as before.
By the end of the day, my hair is starting to frizz at the edges and some rogue curls are appearing.
I decide to wash it again, and try the diffuser option, so I can compare it with my own high street dryer.
When I link the Airwrap up to the app, it automatically sets it to the right heat and speed settings for the diffuser attachment.
It dries quickly and efficiently, creating nice curls and achieving better root volume than my own model. It’s a good diffuser.
But I can’t say the result is £600 better.
The Airwrap Co-anda 2x is not for novices. If I’m honest, I would probably only use the diffuser option unless I have a special event, and a day off.
It is a big investment and not a must-have.
But as an alternative to professional blowouts, it’s a great option.
CUTTING THE HAIR COSTS
LILY ENGLAND DELUXE HOT BRUSH, £32.99
7
The Lily England Heated Dryer is perfect for giving your hair a quick zhuzhCredit: supplied
WHILE it can’t dry and style simultaneously like the Airwrap, it is perfect for giving your hair a quick zhuzh, and its simple design is easy to get the hang of.
The large barrel is ideal for adding volume and lifting hair.
BELLISSIMA ITALIA AIR WONDER 8-IN-1 HAIR STYLER, £129.99
7
This budget styler curls, volumises and wavesCredit: supplied
WITH eight attachment heads, this budget styler curls, volumises and waves.
Hit its coolshot button after styling to lock in your look for longer.
Also doubles up as a traditional hairdryer.
REVLON ONE-STEP BLOW-DRY MULTI STYLER 3-IN-1 TOOL, £80
7
Revlon One-Step Blow-Dry Multi Styler takes hair from wet to perfectly styledCredit: supplied
HAILED as the ultimate Dyson dupe, this takes hair from wet to perfectly styled.
Has a curling wand, an oval brush for volumised locks and a concentrator head for drying your roots.
SUMMER is fully upon us, bringing with it holidays abroad, trips to the beach, dips in the pool – and, of course, bare legs.
I’ve grappled with various razors, at-home waxing kits and painful trips to the salon for years, which only leave me dreading the next time my leg hair is ripped from the root, before it grows back and I have to endure it all over again.
I tested out the Keskine IPL handset for six weeksCredit: Supplied
Keskine IPL Hair Removal Handset, £299 £159.20 with code THESUN20
That was until I decided to take the plunge, listen to my mates, and join the at-home IPL brigade.
Instead of spending hundreds (thousands in the long run) on salon hair removal, I opted to try an at-home hair removal solution that would last — a Keskine IPL Hair Removal Handset.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) uses a combination of targeted light and heat that is absorbed by the melanin found in hair follicles, essentially disabling and damaging them, which, in turn, stops the hair from growing back.
The highly rated Keskine handset boasts an impressive 4.9-star rating from almost 4,000 reviews, and one of its most notable features is the built-in ice-cooling technology, setting it apart from competitors.
This promises to soothe the skin and alleviate the biggest complaint people have about hair removal: pain.
So, I put the Keskine IPL Hair Removal Handset to the test for six weeks to see what results I could achieve while the sun is still shining.
Pros
Financially worth it in the long run
Portable
Effective
Works on a range of hair types and skin tones
Built-in cooling technology
Cons
It can feel like a big cash injection
Have to remain consistent with your sessions
Slightly noisy (although worth it for the cooling option)
Rating: 8/10
How I tested the Keskine IPL Hair Removal Handset
The Keskine is the latest beauty tool I’ve reviewed for Sun ShoppingCredit: Supplied
Keskine IPL Hair Removal Handset, £299 £159.20 with code THESUN20
Keskine promises visible results within one to four weeks, with optimal results appearing between six and twelve weeks.
I decided to track the effects on my hair over six weeks, assessing every week..
As part of the Sun Shopping team, I’ve tested a range of beauty tech, including the best LED face masks, the best Dyson dupes, and more, so I’m well-versed in what makes a product worth your pennies, even if it’s at the higher end of the price spectrum.
I used the product the recommended number of times: up to three times a week for the first month and then twice a week for weeks four to six.
For some context, I have naturally fair and soft hair on my head, but my leg and armpit hair is thick and stubborn after years of shaving abuse, so my main goal was to see if the IPL would thin the hairs out before removing them completely.
How much is the Keskine IPL? The product usually cashes in at £299, but it’s currently on sale on the Keskine site for just £199. Better yet, Keskine is running an exclusive deal which gives Sun readers 20% off with the code THESUN20, bringing the total down to just £159.
Who’s it best for? The device works best on fairer skin tones and darker hair types and is ideal for anyone looking to save money in the long run on hair removal.
What we loved: How easy it was to use, the cooling function and the five different settings available, which adjust to certain areas of the body.
What we didn’t: The device isn’t suitable for all skin colours and hair types, and the results can vary depending on personal factors.
Keskine IPL Hair Removal Handset review: The Nitty Gritty
First impressions
I won’t lie to you, I often find myself sceptical about any at-home treatment that imitates salon visits, such as laser hair removal or at-home LED facial treatments.
The device offers five modes (face, armpit, body, bikini and beauty) which adjust to the sensitivity of different areas of the bodyCredit: Supplied
Keskine IPL Hair Removal Handset, £299 £159.20 with code THESUN20
However, always open to having my opinion changed, I unboxed the Keskine to discover a very easy-to-use handheld IPL, which came with a razor and a pair of protective sunglasses.
The device itself is extremely lightweight and compact, with a lovely white and rose gold colour scheme.
Its small size means you can take it on holiday with you, ensuring you never have to miss a session.
Setting it up proved to be an easy task. All you need to do is clean your chosen treatment area and shave off any hair using the razor provided, before patting the area completely dry.
Once you’ve connected the power cord to the adapter and plugged it into a power outlet, all you need to do is turn it on and choose one of the five built-in smart modes.
Don’t be alarmed by the loud whirring noise that comes from the device; that’s just an indication that the cooling capabilities are working.
You can select which part of your body you will be targeting with the IPL — face, armpit, body, bikini or beauty.
The cooling effects get to work as soon as you turn on the device, offering a cool, icy feeling to counteract any potential painCredit: Supplied
Keskine IPL Hair Removal Handset, £299 £159.20 with code THESUN20
Although it’ll make you look like a member of the Blues Brothers every time you use it, you will need to wear the protective sunglasses provided to shield your eyes from the effects of the light.
Does it deliver?
My hair has definitely become much finer and completely disappeared in places since I started using the Keskine.
When speaking to friends who go for professional laser removal treatments in a salon, our results were very similar at the four-week and six-week mark.
I saw most results at six weeks, but noticed that even at the four-week mark, after using the device appropriately and consistently, there were areas where the hair had disappeared, and surrounding areas were extremely wispy where it once was coarse.
I will say that this product is best suited if you already have body hair on the finer side and definitely on the darker side.
As per the Keskine colour chart, the tool is ineffective on darker skin tones and lighter hair types.
1
The Keskine site gives guidance on the skin tones and hair colours the tool will be either unsafe or ineffective onCredit: Keskine
I found the best results were on intimate areas and my armpits, where I saw a massive improvement on darker, coarser hair.
The product is very simple to use, and the cooling sensation that Keskine offers is a standout feature, contributing to a pain-free experience.
The five adjustment levels are also a nice touch to reduce the pain in more sensitive areas.
How much is the Keskine IPL?
One thing that always used to put me off IPLs and at-home treatments was the hefty price tag that often accompanies them.
However, when you compare the cost of the Keskine – usually £299 but currently on sale for £199.99 (or just £159.20 with exclusive code THESUN20) — to just one session at a popular high street therapy clinic, it suddenly feels worthwhile, especially with very similar results on offer.
When compared to other IPLs, such as Braun or Philips, which offer the same level of settings and features, the Keskine IPL stands out financially, making it well worth the investment.
Where to buy the Keskine IPL?
The IPL can be purchased directly from the Keskine site, which often runs offers.
Additionally, Keskine have provided an exclusive 20% discount code for Sun readers, bringing the price down even further to £159.20; however, you may have to act fast as the code is only valid until July 31st at midnight!
There are also sign-up offers that allow 10% off across the site on your first order, as well as Clearpay being available as a payment plan, along with fast, free tracked shipping.
Keskine IPL alternatives
If you’re looking for the same level of quality as the Keskine IPL, with cooling technologies and adjustable power settings, here are some alternatives:
Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 PL5124 Corded IPL Hair Removal, £425 £300 – buy here
The Verdict: is the Keskine IPL Hair Removal Handset worth it?
The Keskine IPL has an overwhelming yes from me.
The long and short of it is that it’s sleek, compact and easy to use while packing a powerful punch in terms of getting rid of stubborn hairs.
If you’ve got a holiday planned next month or are going away for the August Bank Holiday, start now and consider yourself hair-free by the time it comes around.
Economically, they are great, they take away the need to visit a physical salon and they are extremely easy to use.
WRAPPED around the hoover, blocking the plughole and stuck on the shower wall – it feels like hair gets everywhere.
It’s normal to lose hair every day, but sometimes, the large clump in your hairbrush can feel worrying. But what is ‘normal’, and what could be causing your locks to fall out faster? We reveal the hidden health concerns, and how to fix them to stop the shed.
7
It’s normal to lose hair every day – but if you’re noticing more than usual, it could be the a sign of an underlying health problemCredit: Getty
7
Eva Proudman, founder of www.ukhairconsultants.com, consultant trichologist and Fellow of the Institute of Trichologists UKCredit: Supplied
Eva Proudman, founder of www.ukhairconsultants.com, consultant trichologist and Fellow of the Institute of Trichologists UK, tells Sun Health: “Everyone is going to see some hair coming out of the head daily; this is part of the normal growing and shedding cycle.
“Around 50-150 hairs can be shed daily.
“If you wash every day, you will see less than if you leave it for three or four days, as the shed hair is held within the hair by a natural static charge that is broken when the hair is washed.”
While some hair loss is a natural part of getting older – for example, women tend to see thinning due to menopause – and genetic predisposition can lead to gradual thinning over time, any sudden changes warrant concern.
Eva, who sees many distressed patients in her clinics, says: “If you are noticing more hair in the brush, shower, on your clothes, or being picked up by your hoover, seek advice from a professional to identify and understand the cause.”
Our hair is not only part of our identity, but is “often said to be a reflection of your general health,” adds Eva.
“In many cases, these symptoms are linked to an underlying medical issue.”
From hormonal issues to autoimmune diseases, here are the causes worth considering…
Telogen effluvium can be triggered by several factors, from stress to viruses and inflammation, which disrupt the hair growth cycle.
7
Being iron deficient could be disrupting your hair growth cycleCredit: Getty
NHS GP reveals how she boosted her hair growth
Eva says: “Being deficient in iron and vitamin B12 can also cause fatigue, brain fog, aches and pains, and a general state of feeling unwell.
“This is especially true if you eat a limited diet, whether vegetarian, vegan or you are on GLP-1 ‘weight loss’ jabs, and exclude core food groups such as red meat and animal proteins.”
Trichologists use a blood test to ascertain stored levels before advising on dietary or supplementary changes.
“The results take time to show,” Eva notes. “It’s usually a minimum of four to six months.
“However, the relief as the hair shedding reduces also brings a reduction in stress and anxiety, which is supportive to both hair and general health.”
SLUGGISH GLAND
BOTH types of thyroid disease (overactive and underactive) affect the hair, says Eva.
She adds: “In my clinics, I see clients with excessive hair shedding, thinning and breakage that also present with other recognised signs and symptoms of thyroid disease.
7
The thyroid is a gland located in the neckCredit: Alamy
“It has an impact on female pattern hair loss (FPHL), whether it is hypothyroidism (underactive) or hyperthyroidism (overactive).” FPHL tends to affect the crown of the head.
An underactive thyroid can also cause brittle and fragile hair, while overactive can cause excessive shedding.
For the former, look out for symptoms such as “severe tiredness, weight gain and feeling cold”, says Eva, and for the latter, “you may find there’s weight loss, a feeling of ‘running on overdrive’, and poor sleep”.
The thyroid is a gland in the neck that produces two hormones (TSH and T4) vital for all the cells in the body to work efficiently.
Both types of thyroid disease, which can occur at any age, are treated with medication for life.
HORMONES GOING HAYWIRE
ONE in ten women have PCOS, a hormonal condition that causes the male hormones to be more dominant.
“PCOS is a very common condition in my clinics, particularly in younger ladies who see me due to hair thinning and loss, as well as a feeling of being able to see more scalp, with slow growth,” explains Eva.
7
PCOS, a hormonal condition which impacts one in ten women, could be the cause of hair thinning and lossCredit: Getty Images
Other signs and symptoms can include heavy and/or irregular periods, facial hair, weight gain, oily skin and scalp, and acne.
Eva says: “Insulin resistance or pre-diabetes is often seen in my clinics.
“But this is also a common standalone condition in the UK, causing the body to have an ineffective response to insulin.
“The increase of insulin in the bloodstream can stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens, providing an environment that promotes thinning and shedding and an exacerbation of the FPHL.”
Eva adds: “This health condition should ideally be managed jointly between the trichologist and GP.
“Lifestyle changes definitely help; we work on diet and the uptake and storage of nutrients to give the correct levels for optimum hair health.”
Hair growth treatments, like Minoxidil, or Tricoactiv+, may also be used.
BODY’S BETRAYAL
IN the case of autoimmune conditions, the body attacks its own tissues, such as the hair follicles.
Frontal fibrosing alopecia is an autoimmune condition which sees the body attack the hair folliclesCredit: Getty
“This causes the hairline to recede with permanent loss, and so it’s important to get an early, accurate diagnosis as there are supportive treatments that can stabilise the condition to help to prevent further hair loss.”
FFA is a type of scarring autoimmune condition, meaning the hair will not grow back.
“It presents with a lack of follicular orifices, usually a smooth area of skin with a paler skin pigmentation,” says Eva.
Alopecia areata is a non-scarring autoimmune condition in which hair loss can come and go.
Eva says: “It causes patchy hair loss, usually in smooth circles. “In some cases, it develops into total hair loss on the scalp (alopecia totalis) or total hair loss all over the body (alopecia universalis).
“When the condition is active, you see clinical signs such as yellow dots on the scalp, black dots and exclamation hairs. When there are no signs like this, there can then be regrowth and recovery.
“Treatments for this type of condition range from scalp massage, stimulating oils, topical Minoxidil, topical steroids, steroid injections and JAK (Janus kinase) inhibitors.”
SHOCK TO THE SYSTEM
VIRUSES can cause hair and scalp issues, often a diffuse thinning, which is a uniform, widespread loss of density across the scalp.
This is a form of telogen effluvium – temporary hair loss that affects the hair growth cycle.
7
Covid could cause telogen effluvium – temporary hair lossCredit: Getty
Covid-19, for example, can potentially cause hair loss, though it might not appear until months later.
Eva says: “With a virus, it can feel like hair loss but may actually be a disruption to the growing and shedding cycle of the hair, called telogen effluvium.
“This condition can have multiple underlying causes and though alarming at first, it is generally short-lived in most circumstances.”
This type of hair loss tends to resolve on its own, but in more severe or prolonged cases, a doctor may recommend medications to support regrowth.
Eva says: “As with all hair-related problems, the sooner you seek professional advice and have an accurate diagnosis, the sooner you can start to treat and get the hair back to normal.
“Many of the products advertised online or across social media may not be relevant.
“Just because something says it works, doesn’t mean it does or will!
“The cost and stress of trying many different treatments can be avoided just by seeking the right advice.”
IF you use a hair dryer, or heated styling tools, you should also be using heat protectant to keep your hair healthy.
Without it, strands will become dry, brittle and harder to manage.
4
We test three heat protectants to keep your hair healthy
Try these three . . .
BUDGET
E45 Protection Lip Balm SPF30, £7.99 for 10ml, boots.com
4
You really can’t go wrong with the Arkive The Prologue hair primerCredit: Supplied
Arkive The Prologue hair primer, £14 for 200ml, boots.com
You really can’t go wrong with this product.
Not only does it protect hair from heat, it also de-tangles, adds shine, reduces frizz and smells delicious, thanks to the rhubarb, tomato leaf, honeysuckle and vetiver.
So it doubles up as a hair perfume.
It makes my hair feel like silk, and I really notice on the days I don’t use it, which is always the sign of a brilliant product.
It’s also nearly impossible to apply too much, as it doesn’t weigh hair down or leave it looking greasy.
MID-RANGE
Ghd Bodyguard heat protect spray, £23.95 for 120ml, boots.com
4
Ghd Bodyguard heat protect spray is the original heat-straightener brandCredit: Supplied
Ghd Bodyguard heat protect spray, £23.95 for 120ml, boots.com
As the original heat-straightener brand, it will come as no surprise that ghd knows how to protect hair from styling.
This spray isn’t at all sticky and does not leave a residue behind, despite conditioning ingredients such as castor oil and glycerin.
It also helps maintain my style for longer, so curls don’t drop out by the end of the day, which is usually the case.
Plus, it smells like a fancy hair salon, so every time I use it I feel like I have had a professional treatment.
The Inkey List has launched new tinted lip balms, and they have saved my dry lips this summer
LUXURY
Dyson Omega leave-in conditioning spray, £59.99 for 165ml, dyson.co.uk
4
Dyson Omega leave-in conditioning spray is the newest heat protectant in my arsenal
Dyson Omega leave-in conditioning spray, £59.99 for 165ml, dyson.co.uk
This is the newest heat protectant in my arsenal, and its almost milky formula is thicker than the others.
That is great for dull, brittle lengths or hair that gets dry between washes, as it immediately softens strands.
I have very fine hair, and if I apply too much to my roots it can make them feel dirty, so that’s something to be aware of.
But as long as I keep the spray away from my scalp, it’s not an issue.
This one feels super luxe, and is refillable, so better for the planet too.
PICK OF THE WEEK
THIS week, I had a Charlotte Tilbury makeover and afterwards, couldn’t stop looking at my skin in the mirror.
The redness across my cheeks and around my nose had disappeared, my pores were blurred and, best of all, I was glowy without looking greasy.
It was all down to the new Charlotte Tilbury airbrush flawless foundation, £39, which promises 24-hour wear.
Actually, he arrived at Flushing Meadows with no hairdo — as in no hair at all, aside from some teeny, tiny specks on his head that come to a widow’s peak.
The world’s No. 2-ranked player was asked about his shocking new look following his 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 victory over Opelka. Alcaraz told reporters that he had simply wanted a haircut before the tournament, but one of his brothers “misunderstood” how to use the clippers.
The resulting mess, he said, left him with no choice but to start over with a clean pate.
“The only way to fix it is just shave it off,” a casual Alcaraz said.
Alcaraz isn’t bothered by the situation. As he reminded the reporters, hair grows back.
“I’m not really into, you know, the hair at all,” Alcaraz said. “So I’m the guy who thinks like, OK, the hair grows, you know? And then [in] a few days it’s gonna be already OK, I guess.”
Alcaraz apparently is not kidding about the speed at which his hair grows. He mentioned it to reporters during the Australian Open, after arriving in toasty Melbourne with shorter locks than usual.
Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz serves during a practice session ahead of the Australian Open on Jan. 9 in Melbourne.
(Mark Baker / Associated Press)
“I discussed with my barber that when I get a haircut… three days later it’s grown out,” Alcaraz said in Melbourne. “So I have to go more often.”
Alcaraz unintentionally provided a demonstration during the French Open, where he first sported a rather bushy look during his first-round win over Giulio Zeppieri on May 26.
Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz celebrates after winning a point during his first-round French Open match against Italy’s Giulio Zeppieri on May 26 in Paris.
(Thibault Camus / Associated Press)
Two days later, however, Alcaraz returned to the court for his second-round match against Nuno Borges with a ‘do possibly (but probably not) inspired by Moe Howard from the “Three Stooges.” Alcaraz told befuddled reporters after the match that he “had to do something” about his hair and beard, so he flew in his personal barber.
Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz returns the ball to Portugal’s Nuno Borges during their second-round match of the French Open on May 28 in Paris.
Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz celebrates after defeating Italy’s Jannik Sinner in the French Open final June 8 in Paris.
(Lindsey Wasson / Associated Press)
So if Alcaraz happens to win the U.S. Open championship, like he did in 2022, he might have a lengthy mane while hoisting the trophy at Arthur Ashe Stadium at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
In the meantime, though, some people might continue to respond to his haircut the way U.S. player Frances Tiafoe did when asked about it by a reporter following his first-round victory over Yoshihito Nishioka.
“It’s definitely terrible,” Tiafoe said with a laugh. “He’s my guy, though. It’s funny. I looked at him and I was like, ‘I guess you’re aerodynamic’ … I don’t know who told him to do that, but it’s terrible. From a guy who gets haircuts week in, week out and prides myself on good haircuts, it’s horrendous.”
Alcaraz also laughed when he was asked about Tiafoe’s comment.
“I know he’s lying,” Alcaraz said. “He likes the haircut. He likes it, he told me.”
Others might react like Irish golfer Rory McIlroy, who expressed his full support for the radical change atop Alcaraz’s head while meeting with the Spaniard earlier Monday.
Overall, Alcaraz told reporters, reactions have been mixed — and he really doesn’t care either way.
“Some people like it. Some people don’t like it,” he said. “To be honest, I’m just laughing about the reaction of the people. It is what it is. So I can’t do anything else right now, so I’m just laughing about everything that they are talking about my haircut.”
CARLOS ALCARAZ has unveiled a radical new look for the US Open – he has shaved off all his HAIR.
The five-time Grand Slam champion rocked up at Flushing Meadows on day two.
4
Carlos Alcaraz had a full head of hair when he was at the US Open last weekCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
4
Alcaraz stunned fans with a dramatic new look on Tuesday afternoonCredit: X
4
Alcaraz was compared to David Beckham in the early 2000s by fansCredit: X
And fans were left shocked when they spotted him on the practice courts.
The Spaniard, 22, normally has thick, black hair and certainly did when he played in the Mixed Doubles Championship.
That was last Tuesday with Emma Raducanu on the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Yet ahead of his first-round encounter with lanky American Reilly Opelka on Tuesday evening, he turned up with a fresh skinhead.
It was a surprising look that was captured by US Open cameras and footage was posted on their Instagram channel.
The former US Open champion wore a white Nike Total 90 Dri-FIT soccer jersey, which was a sleeveless top.
It is perhaps a wise choice given the heat and humidity of playing in the Big Apple at this time of the year.
Nonetheless, the decision to chop off his locks was a recent one.
That was given that a video was posted on Monday of him attending St Patrick’s cathedral off Fifth Avenue.
The world-renowned tennis player was given a blessing from a Catholic priest – and in the footage, he has a full head of hair.
Petra Kvitova’s Tearful Farewell: The Emotional End of a Grand Slam Legend
Alcaraz is one of the biggest sportsmen on the planet and will be hoping for a deep run at the last Slam of the year.
In their last four tournaments together, Alcaraz and world No.1 Jannik Sinner have met in the final.
They battled it out in Rome, Paris, Wimbledon and Cincinnati.
Assuming he has not lost his magical powers like biblical hero Samson did following a hair cut, then there is a great chance Alcaraz and Sinner could meet again in the final on Sunday September 7.
How to watch the 2025 US Open
THE tennis world has descended upon New York City for the fourth and final slam of the year.
The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows will have the eyes of the sporting universe upon it.
The 2025 US Open takes place from Sunday 24 August to Sunday 7 September.
And there is a standalone mixed-double competition as well as qualifying taking place in the week beforehand.
ESPN is showing every moment live for fans in the United States, and you can sign up below.
*If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue
Maya Jama’s hair stylist has shared exactly how to recreate her sleek and glossy Love Island finale hair, including the £27 treatment that stopped frizzing in the humidity
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Maya’s hair was enviably sleek and shiny(Image: Maya Jama/Instagram)
Monday night’s Love Island finale may have finally revealed who would be crowned this season’s winner, but we still have some burning questions of our own. Namely, how did Maya Jama get her hair to stay so smooth and shiny in the Spanish heat?
With plenty of us jetting off on holiday this summer, we’ve all had our hair fall foul of the humidity, with the high temperatures and damp air leaving our hair frizzy, dry and dull looking. However Maya’s hair has never looked glossier, so we turned to her hair stylist Jay Birminghamfor answers.
Jay said: “For Maya’s Love Island finale hair, we wanted to create a dreamy, effortless look.” To make sure her hair stayed sleek and frizz-free throughout the finale, one of the first things he applied to Maya’s hair was the Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray(£27).
Jay shared that he applied it in sections before blow-drying Maya’s hair with the Dyson supersonic hairdryer, which helps to activate the treatment and creates that mirror-like shine that the Love Island host’s hair is famous for. The Color Wow spray also makes your hair waterproof, wards off humidity, protects from heat damage and seals in moisture, making it a saviour to bring in your suitcase.
Maya’s hair stayed looking glossy and shiny throughout the final(Image: Maya Jama/Instagram)
Once her hair was dried, Jay used a GHD styling ironto enhance the curl definition, with particular focus on the ends. The curls were then brushed out to turn them into softer and looser waves, rather than rigid curls, to give it a more fluid look without too much texture.
The shine was why we were all so fixated on Maya’s hair, and to double up on the gloss factor Jay also added the Split Seal Serumfrom his own haircare brand, Jay B Haircare. This smoothed the hair and gave it that extra glossy finish.
Finally, to make sure there wasn’t a strand out of place during the finale’s drama, Jay used Living Proof’s Style Lab Flex Hair Sprayto seal everything in place. He added that the hairspray is “one of my go-tos for creating effortless, flowing styles. It holds without stiffness and keeps the hair touchable and brushable throughout the night.”
And there you have it – one ultra-glossy, mirror-like shiny ‘do that Maya herself would be proud of. Now just don’t forget to pack them in your suitcase.
Catherine Tyldesley is set to reprise her role as blonde bombshell Eva Price on Coronation Street, and has gone back to her character’s signature colour in time for filming
15:46, 05 Aug 2025Updated 15:50, 05 Aug 2025
Catherine Tyldesley is said to be making a return to Coronation Street and has gone back to blonde ahead of filming(Image: ITV)
Catherine Tyldesley has dyed her hair in time for her return to Coronation Street. The actress, 41, is set to be make a major comeback onto the ITV soap as she returns to her signature role of Eva Price, seven years on from her initial exit.
During her initial stint on the cobbles, Eva sported platinum blonde locks but after she quit the soap, Catherine quickly went back to her natural brunette colour as she competed on Strictly Come Dancing. She kept the darker look as she took on roles in shows such as Scarborough and Viewpoint but an Instagram post on Tuesday revealed that she is a blonde once again.
The actress shared two snaps of herself posing with friends as she headed out for dinner, in Manchester and The Sun reports that the outing comes just days before she is supposed to making a return to the set at MediaCityUK to begin filming. Catherine, who was a brunette when she took on her first big role in the BBC drama Lilies prior to joining Coronation Street, previously explained that bosses just felt that it was right that barmaid Eva would have blonde hair. It comes after reports of all the celebrities rumoured to be joining BBC Strictly Come Dancing 2025.
Catherine showed off her freshly-dyed locks as she went out for dinner with friends close to where the ITV soap is filmed(Image: auntiecath17/instagram)
In 2019, she explained during an interview on Lorraine: “When I first started Corrie I’d done a sketch show and was blonde. They felt Eva was blonde and so did I. I keep walking past windows and mirror and think ‘Oh!’ and forget I’ve done it. A lady came up to me and said I think you should be blonde.”
Reports surrounding the return of Leanne Battersby’s sister emerged earlier this year, but then nothing was announced. Fresh reports just last week claimed the planned plot was now approaching.
A source told The Sun: “Corrie bosses were never going to take EastEnders shrewd decision to reinstate Kat and Alfie at the Vic lying down. So they took their time looking for the perfect actor to play her husband to Eva as she makes her return to Corrie as the new boss of the Rovers.”
Catherine is naturally brunette and went back to her original look shortly after she quit Coronation Street in 2018(Image: PA)
The insider added that Corrie bosses knew they had found the ‘perfect’ actor as soon as the Irish-born star walked into the room. They added of his character: “Aaron’s character is also someone not to be messed with, and the locals are going to be in for a shock if they think they can take advantage of his good nature and that cheeky Irish charm.
“It’s the start of an exciting new chapter in the pub’s history.” Aaron is also known for his role as Jamie Maguire in Shameless, whilst Catherine has starred in The Good Ship Murder and earlier this year appeared opposite Siobhan Finneran in an episode of the ITV drama Protection.
She was also set to star in a cancelled touring production of Bonnie and Clyde: The Musical last year and went viral over a social media scandal known as Cakegate in late 2023. The actress first appeared on Coronation Street in 2011 as the daughter of Stella Price (Michelle Collins), who had arrived to take over the pub herself and also reveal herself as the long-lost mother of Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson).
Over the course of seven years, Catherine saw her alter-ego through numerous relationships with the likes of Jason Grimshaw (Ryan Thomas), Rob Donovan (Marc Baylis) and Nick Tilsey (Ben Price). Her most notable relationship was with Aidan Connor (Shayne Ward), but that started to go awry when he began an affair with Maria Connor (Samia Longchambon).
Instead of confronting Aidan head-on about his infidelity, she took revenge by putting a bright pink Range Rover on his credit card and then decided to fake a pregnancy. Maria discovered Eva’s lies and exposed them all at the wedding but Eva later discovered that she was in fact pregnant with Aidan’s baby.
In order to go through with the birth in secret, she went off to a remote cottage and had planned to give baby Susie away to Toyah Battersby (Georgia Taylor). However, Aidan later took his own life and Eva began to grow close to her daughter, eventually opting to leave in the back of a taxi with her for good.
If Eva does return and take over the Rovers, she will be following in the footsteps of former characters such as Annie Walker (Doris Speed), Bet Lynch (Julie Goodyear) and Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard), all of whom have helmed the nation’s most famous pub over the course of the show’s history. One such landlady is Jenny Connor, who is confirmed to be leaving the ITV soap.
Get the latest drama from the Dales by joining our Emmerdale WhatsApp group
As drama continues to unfold in the Yorkshire Dales, the Mirror has launched its very own EmmerdaleWhatsApp community where you’ll get all the latest breaking news, secrets, and spoilers delivered straight to your phone.
Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select ‘Join Chat’ and you’re in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group.
We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8pm on ITV and ITVX. Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs onTikTok,Snapchat,Instagram,Twitter,Facebook,YouTubeandThreads.
SUMMER might be great for your tan but your hair – not so much.
As the heatwave rolls on, hair experts are warning that rising temperatures, sun exposure and sticky humidity could be silently wrecking your locks.
6
Sam Cinkir shared his expert advice
6
Your breakfast staples could be the key to preventing hair damage this summer
According to Sam Cinkir, CEO of top UK skin and hair clinic Este Medical Group, the summer months bring a cocktail of factors that can secretly sabotage your strands and lead to frizz, breakage and even bald spots.
Sam warns: “Warmer temperatures, increased exposure to the sun and higher levels of humidity can all combine to cause problems for our hair in summer.”
While we slather on SPF to protect our skin, our hair often gets forgotten and that’s when trouble starts.
The heat can dry out your strands, zap moisture from your scalp, and weaken hair follicles, making hair more prone to thinning and damage.
Humidity adds insult to injury, lifting the cuticle layer of the hair and letting in moisture, which causes swelling, frizz, and that all-too-familiar ‘triangle head’ situation.
“You might find your locks more susceptible to issues such as breakage, split ends, frizziness or even hair loss,” Sam told The Sun.
But it turns out, the real hair hero isn’t sitting on a salon shelf, it could already be in your kitchen.
Sam explains that a few simple dietary tweaks can play a big role in restoring shine, strength and scalp health during the hotter months.
He recommends focusing on foods rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and key nutrients like vitamins A, C and E, along with iron and zinc.
My hair’s so thin you can see my scalp but miracle £8 buy fixes it in seconds
These are all crucial for keeping the hair follicle strong, encouraging healthy growth, and locking in moisture.
And don’t forget hydration. A dry scalp is an unhappy scalp and not drinking enough water can leave both your hair and skin looking parched.
So what should you be eating?
Oily fish
6
Adding oily fish into your diet could prevent shedding
Sam highlights oily fish, like mackerel, herring and tuna, as one of the top summer saviours.
These fish are packed with omega-3s, which help nourish the scalp and improve blood flow to hair follicles, key for reducing inflammation and preventing shedding.
Leafy greens
6
Leafy greens are rich in Vitamin C
Leafy greens are another smart swap.
Spinach, kale and bok choy are rich in iron and vitamin C.
Vitamin C helps your body produce collagen, a protein that keeps your hair strong and structured.
Eggs
6
Eggs are a source of keratin
Sam also notes that eggs are a brilliant source of keratin.
Keratin is the main protein your hair is made of and plays a big part in preventing thinning.
So it’s important to add this breakfast staple into your diet if you want to combat thinning hair.
Greek yogurt
6
Greek yogurt is high in protein and B5Credit: Getty
For a tasty way to end the day, try a bowl of Greek yogurt.
Not only is it high in protein, but it also contains vitamin B5, which supports healthy hair texture and cell renewal. It even helps with dandruff by keeping the scalp nourished.
With tubs going for around £3.50 in most supermarkets, it’s a small price to pay for big results and certainly cheaper than an emergency trip to the salon.
You can also add nuts and seeds for added benefits.
Nuts and seeds, such as almonds, pumpkin seeds and flaxseeds, are packed with biotin and healthy fats that boost keratin production and encourage growth.
So, if your hair’s looking limp, frizzy or falling out more than usual, it might not be your shampoo to blame.
The answer could be on your plate and a few simple swaps could be all it takes to save your summer strands.
Hair re-growth FAQs
Anabel Kingsley, Consultant Trichologist and Brand President at Philip Kingsley spoke exclusively to Fabulous.
How long does it take for hair to grow back?
Hair grows, on average, half an inch a month. You cannot speed this up.
Do rosemary oil and scalp massages work?
Oils do not promote hair growth. In terms of rosemary oil, the current trend stems from one small study carried out on 50 men in 2015. No women were involved, and the study compared the effects of 2 per cent minoxidil to Rosemary oil. 2 per cent minoxidil doesn’t do much for male pattern hair loss anyway, so the results were not very impressive. Oils do serve a purpose in conditioning hair treatments though. They help add shine and smooth the hair cuticle to lock-in moisture and improve combability. Scalp massages alone won’t cure hair loss, but it can help relax you, aid in lymphatic drainage, exfoliate and help topicals penetrate.
Are there any products or foods/vitamins you recommend someone using oreating to help with hair regrowth?
To support healthy hair regrowth, if you are experiencing hair thinning we’d recommend our Density Preserving Scalp Drops clinically proven to help slow hair loss with continued daily use within three months.
Telogen effluvium (hair shedding) due to nutritional deficiencies can often be simply treated with changes to your diet, and nutritional supplements such as our specially formulated Density Healthy Hair Complex and Density Amino Acid Booster.
Iron and Ferritin (stored iron) in red meat, dried apricots and dark, leafy greens. Vitamin B12 in animal products and fortified plant-based foods. Protein from oily fish, lean meat, cottage cheese, tofu, nuts, chickpeas, and beans.
However, there may be an underlying cause for their hair loss and rather than this being masked by using an off-the-shelf product, they should be encouraged to seek the advice of a specialist such as a Trichologist.
He is said to have suffered complications while undergoing the hair transplant procedure.
His body was later taken to the Forensic Medicine Institute for an autopsy before being repatriated to the UK.
Police have launched a probe, treating the case as a possible “reckless homicide”.
Staff at the clinic — including the surgeon who performed the hair transplant, the anaesthesiologist and nurses — have already been quizzed by officers, it is understood.
An FCDO spokesperson told The Sun: “We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Turkey and are in contact with the local authorities.”
Tributes are now pouring in from friends and family for Mr Latchman, whose body has since been flown home.
Yashley Latchman posted a picture of keen athlete Mr Latchman on Facebook with the pair working out in a gym.
The caption read: “Rest in peace my brother. You will forever be my source of inspiration and motivation.
“Thanks for everything. We will miss you loads.”
Love Island’s Ben reveals hair transplant at just 22 years old with before and after video
Other family members turned their profiles black in a sign of mourning for Mr Latchman, who was originally from Bridgend but lived in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.
According to Dr Cinik Clinic’s website, it has treated “more than 50,000 patients” since setting up almost 20 years ago.
The website says the clinic has “cutting-edge technology” and is a “centre of excellence in this specialised field”.
It adds: “Every patient gets personalised care in English, plus access to cutting-edge techniques.
“The combination of surgical experience and patient support has made him the go-to specialist for people worldwide.”
5
Brit underwent a five-hour operation at the Dr Clinik’s clinic (pictured)
The tragedy comes amid a boom in “medical tourism” to Turkey, which now accounts for nearly 60 per cent of the global hair transplant market thanks to its cheaper, high-quality procedures.
Turkish Healthcare Travel Council says more than one million people travel to the country each year for hair restoration treatments.
According to Dr. Serkan Aygin Clinic, numbers are expected to climb to 1.1 million in 2025, the Daily Mail reports.
It follows the shocking death of 58-year-old British mum Anne Towlson, who passed away last year after a botched cosmetic surgery trip to Istanbul.
Mrs Towlson, from Leicestershire, had flown to Turkey in April 2024 for a pre-planned tummy tuck and liposuction at Green Park Hospital in Pendik.
When she arrived, doctors persuaded her to also undergo an arm tuck in a “last-minute decision”, her inquest heard.
Luke Horsfield, then 26, paid £1,250 for the surgery at the Clinic Centre — around half the cost of a UK procedure — but said the results were disastrous.
“I did everything they told me to do as aftercare once I had the operation. But after four months, I saw literally no growth,” the IT technician from Bradford said.
“I was left with scars and bald patches.”
Luke claimed the surgeons barely spoke English and had removed too many follicles from the back of his head, leaving him worse off than before.
Despite the clinic’s promise of “transplant after care”, he said he struggled to get hold of anyone once the operation was over.
After months of disappointment, the clinic eventually offered him a £400 refund — barely a third of what he had paid — and a second procedure at half price.
Luke later had the damage repaired at a Yorkshire clinic.
5
The tragedy comes amid a boom in ‘medical tourism’ to Turkey (file picture)Credit: Getty
Sunday Brunch host Tim Lovejoy is known for his clean-shaved look but the presenter once stunned viewers after revealing that wasn’t always the case.
Sunday Brunch host Tim Lovejoy once left viewers gobsmacked when he revealed that he used to sport a full head of dreadlocks, a far cry from his current clean-cut image.
The revelation came during an episode of the Channel 4 show in 2017, where Tim even shared a throwback photo showcasing his abundant dreadlocks.
Hair became the hot topic while Tim was conversing with that day’s guest, Louisa Johnson, who won the X Factor in 2015. It was then that Tim dropped the bombshell about his past hairdo.
“I did used to have dreadlocks,” he admitted. The confession drew a surprised response from fashion expert Gok Wan, who couldn’t contain his disbelief: “Did you really? Shut up!”
Despite Gok’s playful command for silence, Tim promised to dig out a photograph to prove his former look, as reported by the Mirror.
Tim Lovejoy used to sport a much different look (Image: Channel 4)
Gok was visibly taken aback and delighted when he saw the old picture of Tim’s dreadlocks on display.
He commented: “I love it! Honestly! I really like it. I love it. You’ve got a good bone structure for it. We need to get you a wig. We need to get you a weave!”
Tim jokingly agreed with Gok’s excitement, quipping: “When I have my showbiz hair transplant I’ll get it done again.”
The Channel 4 host used to have dreadlocks(Image: Channel 4)
Previously, Tim has been candid about his thinning hair and even went bald to support Macmillan’s Brave The Shave campaign, which encourages people to shave their heads to raise funds.
During a candid chat with Lloyd Griffith last year, Tim opened up about his attempts to make his hair appear fuller.
He admitted: “I saw someone use it in makeup one time, I started using that powder, the powder to just thicken it up a bit. But then it’s like ‘What am I doing?'”
Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer on Sunday Brunch(Image: Channel 4)
The presenter has been quite forthcoming about discussing his hair thinning over time.
A viewer once questioned on X: “Tim, when did you start losing your hair? My son is 21 and distraught as he is losing fast. Did you investigate any of the procedures available? I feel for him as it’s denting his confidence.”
To which Tim responded empathetically, “Whether we like it or not, it’s tough. The problem with procedures is that once you’re in, you have to keep going. This is why I didn’t go through with the transplant. The only real advice is to go short and own it. It took me a while.”
Twenty-five years ago on Sept. 11, 2000, UPN debuted a comedy called “Girlfriends” that followed the lives of four Black women living in Los Angeles.
The show’s creator, Mara Brock Akil, who’d gotten her start writing on shows like “South Central,” “Moesha” and “The Jamie Foxx Show,” was tired of seeing out-of-touch depictions of Black women on screen. She wanted to raise a mirror to Black women and showcase them in their fullness as fleshed out characters who are ambitious, creative, messy at times and most importantly nuanced.
The first season of “Girlfriends” on DVD.
(Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)
For eight seasons until the show was abruptly canceled in 2008, viewers tuned in to watch the tight-knit friend group that included Joan (Tracee Ellis Ross), Toni (Jill Marie Jones), Lynn (Persia White) and Maya (Golden Brooks) navigate relationships, sexism at work, beauty, classism, sexuality and everything in between. Today, “Girlfriends,” which was added to Netflix’s catalog in 2020, is widely considered one of the most influential TV shows to affect Black culture.
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of “Girlfriends,” DCDG & Co., an L.A.-based fine arts agency, has teamed up with the cast and Loren LaRosa of iHeartRadio’s “The Breakfast Club” to independently curate an art exhibition that pays homage to the groundbreaking series. The showcase, which explores the show’s core themes including sisterhood, ambition and self-discovery through photography, sculpture, paintings, an installation and more, will be on display from Friday through Sunday at the Line Hotel in Koreatown.
Each artwork featured in the all Black women exhibition was selected by the “Girlfriends” cast and LaRosa — all of whom are first time art curators. The three-day event will also feature an artist talk led by DCDG & Co. co-founder Delaney George on Saturday, which is open to the public.
A sculpture of a Black woman’s head titled “She” by Alé Reviere was selected for the exhibition.
(Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)
“[This] show deserves to be celebrated and if we in the culture don’t do it, then we’re just waiting for the powers that be or networks that are transitioning to a digital space,” says David Colbert Jr., co-founder of DCDG & Co. “These moments might get passed up on.”
“Girlfriends: A Visual Tribute” is part of DCDG & Co.’s ongoing curatorial series called Iconic Visions, which invites individuals in various creative spaces like TV, film, music, fashion and sports to step into the role of curator.
When Colbert brought the idea about doing the exhibit to his friend Brooks — whom he met at Frieze a couple of years ago — her response was an immediate yes.
“We are wearable art,” says Golden Brooks. “We are visual art in the space of a TV show.”
(Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)
“I always want to do something special for [these milestones] because it is a bookmark of everything that “Girlfriends” has done,” says Brooks. “We are still uplifting communities. We are still entertaining and empowering the daughters of the mothers who watch the show, so we’re kind of raising generations of young women.”
Brooks, who has been a longtime supporter of the L.A. arts community, says having an art exhibition to celebrate the anniversary was the perfect way to blend both of her passions.
“We are wearable art. We are visual art in the space of a TV show,” she says. “This also inspired artists to celebrate how they see us as women of color, as women in a space of unity and connection, and what better way to be the springboard and the catalyst to celebrate what sisterhood looks like?”
White, who’s been drawing and painting since she was a child, had a similar reaction to being a part of the exhibit. “When they sent me the links to the art, I literally got tears in my eyes,” she says. “I was just really touched by the women and [their] different experiences.”
“Girlfriends: A Visual Tribute” also features a solo exhibition put together by DCDG & Co. cultural curator Erika Conner, which is a collection of photos of iconic Black women including Rihanna, Lil Kim and Naomi Campbell, taken by renowned photographer Cheryl Fox.
While the main exhibition pays tribute to “Girlfriends,” there’s only one artwork — a mixed media piece by Jillian Thompson that uses acrylic, thread and collage — that displays the beloved friends group’s actual faces. All of the other artwork draws inspiration from the show’s aesthetic, style and themes.
McKayla Chandler, a multidisciplinary artist based in L.A., created an interactive installation for the exhibit called “Mama’s Hands Only.” The installation mimics a living room and features a couch, rug, an entertainment center with family photos sprinkled on top and an old school TV that displays episodes of “Girlfriends.” The focal point of the installation, which hangs on a wall above the couch, is a large portrait of Chandler’s mother braiding her hair as she’s done since she was a little girl.
A close-up of multidisciplinary artist McKayla Chandler’s installation titled “Mama’s Hands Only.”
(Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)
“To me it feels like connection. Any young, Black woman or Black kid in general can relate to sitting in their mom’s lap and getting their hair braided,” says Chandler. “[The show] is really about these friends going through life together, going through different relationships and even bickering with each other, [then] coming back together. It’s a very special bond that they have with each other, so [with] me thinking about showing my mom here and having this place for you to sit down, look through someone’s old photographs and watch ‘Girlfriends,’ it lends to the nostalgic feeling of it all.”
Although Tiffany “Just Rock” Brown, a photographer based in L.A., primarily takes photos of men, particularly male rappers, she decided to submit a few images for the “Girlfriends” exhibit because she grew up watching the show with her family. Her photo, titled “In This Light,” that was selected for the show depicts two Black women embracing while on the set of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” music video, which was shot in Nickerson Gardens.
A painting titled “Leona’s in the Upper Room” by Marie Jose is featured in the “Girlfriends: A Visual Tribute” exhibit.
(Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)
“These girls are the epitome of what you see when you come to these areas, but they’re also the inspiration for high fashion, for all those things that don’t get acknowleged,” she says. It reminded her of the void that “Girlfriends” filled when it debuted.
“I think there’s beautiful representation of what [Black people] have done and what we’ve accomplished, and “Girlfriends” is a true representation of that,” says Brown. “Women that were dressed flawlessly. They were beautiful. They were successful. They were just living life and trying to find love, just regular stories. It’s very much still a space that’s missing [in television], but I think it should definitely be celebrated.”
Like Brown, Brittany Byrd, a multidisciplinary artist from L.A., was also introduced to “Girlfriends” at a young age. “It was just always on in my house,” says Byrd. “I just remember seeing Tracee Ellis Ross and I was like, ‘Damn, she’s beautiful!’”
For the exhibit, Byrd created a piece titled “Episode 17,” which is inspired by an episode in Season 4 titled “Love, Peace and Hair Grease.”
“It’s mostly about Lynn and her exploring her hair through her identity as a Black woman, but whether you’re mixed or all Black, hair is something that is at the top of our minds,” says Byrd, who was still putting the final touches on her 6-foot painting. “Whether it’s done or if we’re polished, we’re always just kind of seeking those questions of validity through societal beauty standards when it’s like we’re as beautiful as we feel. So I want my piece to just evoke emotion.”
As she prepares for opening night of the exhibit, Brooks says she’s most excited to meet all of the artists and to see how all of the artwork comes together.
One of her favorite pieces in the exhibit is a massive, hyperrealism painting by Alé Reviere. Fittingly titled “See Through You,” it depicts a young woman’s face, staring intensely back at the viewer.
A painting titled “See Through You” by Alé Reviere is featured in the “Girlfriends” tribute exhibition.
(Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)
“All of her features were just so us,” says Brooks. “The texture of her hair and the expression on her face. There was a pain. There was a sadness, but there’s also sort of this freedom and unapologetic look in her eyes.”
DYSON has invented a mind-bendingly thin vacuum cleaner that’s as svelte as a broom.
DYSON has invented a mind-bendingly thin vacuum cleaner that’s as svelte as a broom.
8
Dyson says it has created the world’s thinnest vacuum cleanerCredit: Dyson
8
The ultra-slim Dyson PencilVac has a breakthrough motor and bin designCredit: Dyson
8
The gadget looks just like a broom – but far more hi-techCredit: Dyson
Branded the ‘PencilVac’, Dyson‘s new cleaning tool promises to be the “world’s slimmest vacuum”.
And it can even lay almost totally flat to the floor with an operating height of just under 10cm.
The vacuum cleaner ditches the giant bin normally featured on Dyson products for a new system that compacts the dust into the PencilVac’s slender body.
“I have long wanted to make a vacuum of only 38mm diameter,” said Sir James Dyson, the company boss.
He explained that the thickness is important – it’s the same as the Dyson’s Supersonic hair dryer handle.
Dyson continued: “But first we needed to develop our most powerful Hyperdymium motor at only 28mm diameter to achieve such a slender machine.”
HAIR WE GO!
It also uses a bizarre new Fluffycones system that uses four cones split across two brush bars.
This system works to eject long hair as you clean, so you don’t have to pull or cut it out.
“If long hairs get wrapped around the cone, the spinning motion along with the specific angle of the cone causes the hair to tighten,” said Dyson’s Sam Cole, Floorcare Design Manager, speaking to The Sun.
“Which results in the hair travelling down to the smaller end of the cone, before it is released as a small hairball.”
We tried Dyson’s new OnTrac headphones
There’s also a new two-stage dust separation system, which Dyson engineers say will capture 99.99% of particles (down to 0.3 microns).
That means cleaner air is pumped back into your home – and should mean suction stays strong.
The dust inside is compressed in real-time to get as much usage possible out of the small bin, and should mean you have to empty it less often.
According to gadget-maker Dyson, the bin holds five times more dust and debris than its 0.08-litre capacity.
8
The device can eject hair as you vacuum so it doesn’t get caught up in the systemCredit: Dyson
This works using a syringe “bin ejection” system that “plunges” the dirt deep into the bin – while also wiping the shroud clean at the same time.
MOTOR RUNNING
It’s all powered by a new motor that’s Dyson’s smallest to date – as well as its fastest, spinning at 140,000rpm.
This, Dyson says, makes it 35% more “power dense” than its predecessor, despite the shrunken size.
“Engineering our smallest and fastest vacuum motor is no simple feat. It was more than miniaturising every piece of technology,” said Dyson tech chief John Churchill.
8
You can easily clean hard-to-reach places with the slimmed-down design – and then dispense the contents of the bin in secondsCredit: Dyson
“It is a precise integration of motor design, electronics, software, and hardware, all working together seamlessly.”
IN CHARGE
Dyson says it’ll take about four hours to get a full charge.
8
The new design allows for lay-flat vacuuming, making it easy to get under the sofaCredit: Dyson
DYSON PENCILVAC – THE TECH SPECS
Here’s what you need to know…
Size: 38mm x 226mm x 1,160mm (W x L x H)
Weight: 1.8 kilos
Motor: Dyson Hyperdymium 140k motor
Motor RPM: 140,000
Filtration: Up to 99.99% (dow to 0.l3 microns)
Runtime: Up to 30 minutes
Charge time: Four hours
Cleaner Head: Fluffycones cleaner head (for detangling long hair and to-edge cleaning)
Accessories: Rotating combi-crevice tool / conical hair screw for mattresses and stairs / magnetic floor-charging dock
Picture Credit: Dyson
And it’ll run for 30 minutes – with a hot swappable battery pack to double that.
You’ll be able to see the remaining run-time on an LCD screen built into the device (as well as the power mode).
Sadly there’s no price yet, or an exact UK release date.
But Dyson did say Brits would be able to get the PencilVac in 2026.
8
There’s a built-in LCD display on the vacuum cleanerCredit: Dyson
8
It’s the thinnest vacuum cleaner that Dyson has made, and required a brand new motorCredit: Dyson