Is there anything more frustrating than a bad hair day? Well, if our survey is anything to go by, the UK certainly thinks not!
From stubborn greys and scalp irritation to not having the time (or patience) to style it, we’ve delved a bit deeper into how Brits really feel about their hair and haircare routines.
Don’t worry though, it’s not all bad news; we’ve also provided some expert advice and time-saving hacks to help you love your routine again.
Do Brits actually like doing their hair?
Turns out, many of us are just not that into doing our hair. In fact, our survey revealed that a quarter of people admit they actively dislike or hate doing their hair.
For most of our respondents, it’s their hair itself that’s sapping the enjoyment out of their routine. Whether it’s tricky texture, uncooperative curls or a frustrating lack of volume, 47% say their hair makes styling a chore.
Time was also cited as a big barrier, with 37% of our respondents saying they don’t have the time to properly do their hair, while 34% said they lack confidence in their styling ability. What’s more, another 23% said their knowledge of styling is limited too, showing there’s demand for simple, accessible guidance on haircare!
We’ve provided a brief breakdown of the most common reasons why Brits don’t like doing their hair, below:
Who do Brits not like doing their hair? | |
Reason | Share of respondent |
My hair itself | 47% |
Time available to spend on my hair | 37% |
Confidence in my ability to my hair | 34% |
It is not a priority for me | 25% |
My knowledge of hair styling | 23% |
My hair tools | 5% |
The hair products I have | 4% |
Not sure / no reason in particular | 4% |
What is the UK’s biggest hair frustration?
Grey hairs came out on top as the UK’s number one hair-related gripe, with nearly 1 in 5 people admitting it’s their biggest frustration. Our respondents aged 55-64 were particularly annoyed by these visible signs of ageing – though this worry drops off in older age groups, possibly as people become more accustomed.
For younger adults, it’s a slightly different story. Among 18-24-year-olds, greasy hair is the biggest problem, with this age group struggling with hormonal changes or establishing a proper haircare routine.
Meanwhile, 25-34-year-olds were most likely to cite scalp issues, such as dandruff or itchiness. This could point to a growing awareness of scalp issues and sensitivity as this age group becomes more aware of hair loss and thinning.
For an overview of the UK’s biggest hair frustrations, see the table below:
Top 10 biggest hair frustrations in the UK | ||
Rank | Frustration | Share of respondents |
#1 | Grey hairs | 19% |
#2 | Thin hair | 16% |
#3 | Frizziness | 16% |
#4 | Hair doesn't hold styles | 13% |
#5 | Hair loss | 13% |
#6 | Flat and limp hair | 13% |
#7 | Scalp issues e.g. dandruff, dry, itchy | 12% |
#8 | Greasy and oily hair | 10% |
#9 | Thick hair | 9% |
#10 | Dry hair | 9% |
What influences our hairstyle choices?
When it comes to choosing the perfect hairstyle, it’s all about those quick and easy hair hacks.
According to our survey, more than one-third of Brits choose their hairstyle based on how low-maintenance it is to keep up. This aligns closely with our revelation that 25% of our respondents dislike doing their hair, while more than half spend 10 minutes or less on their hair each day .
Hair type and texture is also a big influence, with 31% of respondents choosing styles that work with, not against, their natural hair. Practicality (23%), face shape (21%), and budget (15%) round out the top five, showing that most Brits look beyond fleeting trends or celeb styles for their hair inspiration
For an overview of the top 10 biggest influences on hairstyles, see the table below:
Top 10 biggest influences on our hairstyles | ||
Rank | Influence | Share of respondents |
#1 | It being low maintenance | 35% |
#2 | My hair type and texture | 31% |
#3 | Level of practicality | 23% |
#4 | Face shape and features | 21% |
#5 | Money | 15% |
#6 | Hair health | 14% |
#7 | The colour | 11% |
#8 | The season/weather | 11% |
#9 | Upcoming occasions e.g. weddings | 10% |
#10 | Work | 6% |
What are the most popular haircare products?
Perhaps unsurprisingly, shampoos and conditioners are far and away the most commonly used products in the UK. What’s more, nearly one-third of our respondents regularly use styling products like gel, mousse, or hairspray in their daily routines.
However, only 16% of Brits said they use a heat protectant on their hair – even though 48% admit to using heat on their hair at least once a week. That’s a big gap, especially when you consider that regular heat styling without protection can lead to dryness, breakage, and long-term damage!
Hair masks (13%) and hair growth treatments (12%) are also quite low down on the list of popular products. With so many Brits struggling with their haircare routine, this could highlight that guidance on finding the right products could be the turning point that helps people feel good about their hair.
For an overview of the most popular haircare products used by Brits, see the table below:
Top 10 most popular haircare products | ||
Rank | Haircare product | Share of respondents |
#1 | Shampoo | 93% |
#2 | Conditioner | 67% |
#3 | Stylish products | 28% |
#4 | Hair oil or serum | 23% |
#5 | Heat protectant | 16% |
#6 | Leave-in conditioner | 26% |
#7 | Hair masks | 13% |
#8 | Hair growth treatment | 12% |
#9 | I don't use any haircare treatment | 2% |
#10 | Other | 1% |
How can I fall in love with my haircare routine?
Our survey certainly revealed a theme: Brits need a helping hand to fall in love with their haircare routine.
And that’s where Gtech’s haircare range comes into the picture!
Whether you’re short on time, low on confidence, or just want a simple solution to frizzy hair, our hair dryers and hair straighteners are designed to make your everyday routine that much easier. Our DryOnic Fast-Drying Hair Dryer, for example, is powered by advanced IONIC technology, meaning it dries hair much quicker than standard hair dryers.
What’s more, it’s compact, lightweight, and works with all different hair types – whether you’ve got thick curls or fine, flat locks. With less time spent under damaging heat, your hair also stays smoother, shinier, and easier to style. Pair it with your go-to products (yes, including heat protectant!) and you’ve got a fuss-free routine that actually works for you – not the other way around.
In short? You’ll save time, protect your hair, and feel more confident every day – no salon styling required!
From grey hair gripes to styling struggles, it’s clear many of us are in a complicated relationship with our hair. But with the right tools and a bit of expert insight, great hair days don’t have to be rare – they can be routine. Browse our haircare range to find the right product for your hair or head over to our blog for more advice and inspiration.