Halloween is the perfect excuse to have a bit of fun with your look - Hair To Go with Margaret Doherty

As a hairdresser, I love seeing people get creative with their hair. It’s amazing what you can achieve with a bit of imagination, a few styling tools and plenty of hairspray! But while we all want to look the part for Halloween, there are a few things worth keeping in mind to make sure your hair doesn’t end up looking damaged.

First up, backcombing. If you’re going for that big, dramatic hairstyle with plenty of height, backcombing is often the first thing people reach for. It’s brilliant for creating volume, but be gentle. Repeatedly backcombing hair roughly, especially when it’s already tangled, can cause breakage and leave it feeling dry and damaged.

My advice is to work in small sections, use a suitable brush or comb, and avoid aggressively dragging it up and down the hair shaft. When the party is over, don’t just pull the brush through your hair and hope for the best! Take your time, gently loosen the backcombing from the ends upwards, and use conditioner or a detangling product if needed. Your hair will thank you for it.

Then we have wigs! Whether you’re transforming yourself into a wicked witch, a glamorous vampire or a completely unrecognisable character, wigs can be great and save you from having to colour or cut your own hair. However, securing them properly is essential. Make sure the wig fits comfortably and is firmly secured with plenty of suitable clips, grips or a wig cap. The aim is to balance the weight securely rather than having it pull on one small area of your natural hair. If a wig feels heavy, tight or uncomfortable, don’t ignore it. Fix it before heading out for the night.

There are so many other ways to create a Halloween hairstyle without putting your hair through the wars. Think crimped hair for a dramatic, retro look, tight curls for a mad scientist, sleek centre-parted styles for a vampire, or messy, textured waves for a spooky, just-escaped-from-the-grave look! Accessories, temporary colour sprays and hairpieces can also completely transform your look without committing to anything permanent.

One thing I would always say is to be careful with products you haven’t tried before. Follow the instructions on temporary colours and styling products, and avoid anything that irritates your scalp. Also, be mindful when using heated tools, particularly when you’re rushing to get ready.

At the end of the day, Halloween is all about having a laugh, dressing up and letting your imagination run wild. Your hair can be as big, bold or bonkers as you like!

Just remember, you want your hairstyle to be the talk of the party for all the right reasons, not the reason you’re booking an emergency salon appointment in November.

Have fun, get creative, and mind those locks!