Mulan made cutting your own hair look so easy – and most people with straight hair have probably gone DIY at some point, with the kitchen scissors (and maybe the help of a friend). If you can afford it, however, a good hairdresser is really worth it; after all, they’re experts at what they do. Here’s why going to a proper hairdresser is important.

They have the right tools

The kitchen scissors don’t quite cut it, unfortunately – head to a hairdressing salon and you’ll see that they have a much wider range of tools available to trim your luscious locks with precision. Whether you’re after volume-boosting layers, soft feathering, or a perfect geometric fringe, your hair needs a proper hairdresser to do it justice – as L’Oreal said, you’re worth it. It’s not just the tools! If it’s a good hairdresser and a reputable chain you’ll get in touch with them much easier and they’ll have lots of different ways for you to book appointments.

It can be so hard to get contact numbers for companies these days. No matter the size of a company, from GiffGaff to your local garage – if you can get in touch with them easily. They already get bonus points.

Proper hairdressers have years of training

Hairdressers train for a long time. This means that they have a high level of skill – if you’re looking for a complex style, flattering layers, or an edgy new ‘do, you’re best leaving it to the professionals. A good hairdresser also has years of experience with different face shapes and hair types, meaning that they can help you find the styles that will work best for you.

I recently had my first Balayage at Rush in Nottingham at the hairdresser knew exactly what she was doing. From sitting down and talking to me about my style to choosing the colours. It’s not something you can learn overnight!

It keeps your hair healthy

Whilst regular trims are important to avoid split ends, lopping the tip of your hair off at home probably won’t help your overall hair health much. A proper hairdresser can give you a cut that will grow out well, and minimise split ends in the future, helping you keep your hair sleek and glossy for longer. They can also recommend treatments and products suited to you.

It promotes hair growth

While it might seem counter-intuitive, you need to cut hair (or at least the split ends) in order for it to grow. If you’re looking to grow your hair longer, you should be heading to the hairdresser every few weeks for a trim.

Colouring is simpler (and safer)

If you’re colouring your hair, you should hands-down go to a proper hairdresser – especially if you’re planning to switch to a lighter shade. Bleaching can really damage hair, so it’s important that any bleach is handled by an experienced professional who knows exactly what they’re doing (and who won’t miss any spots at the back of your head!) If you’ve coloured your hair before, it might react with later dyes – so to avoid any nasty surprises, see a hairdresser you trust.