Advice and hairdresser for very fine/thin hair (London area)

[pearlkent]

My hair is really fine (well, thin really) and a lot of grey. I have been under the care of a dermatologist and using minoxidil for 2 years, which has helped to some extent. My hair is naturally medium brown, straight and has a lot of grey. I've been using semi-permanent colour for the past 2 years, to minimise damage, but I hate the way every shade of brown dye seems to turn gingery. I need help with colour (possibly to go lighter or even move towards embracing the grey), and also a good cut/style (low-maintenance) to help it look thicker. I haven't been to a hairdresser for over 2 years because I'm too embarrassed about my thin, grey hair, but I can't carry on like this. It's just long and lank now, and I'm sure I could look better and feel more confident if I had a good local hairdresser I could trust. I don't have much spare cash, but if it makes a difference to my confidence I would be prepared to spend.
I'm not really interested in any kind of extensions or hair pieces, as I don't think I could cope with the maintenance (I'm a low-maintenance, wash and go type).
Also, are any professional conditioning treatments worth it?

I'd really appreciate any advice.

As someone with thin-ish hair but who likes wearing it long, I would say the cut comes first. If you've not had your hair trimmed for two years it's not going to look great- whatever texture you have Hair grows unevenly and some of your hairs will have split. Have a good blunt cut. I wear mine all one lenght with a fringe (which is a bit short but my hair grows quickly) just past my shoulders; it's not a bob and it's not long enough to look stringy (which it can if I don't get it trimmed). Don't let a hairdresser put loads of layers through it - they do this because it means you need to get it cut more, a good trim every 8-12 weeks in a length that feels comfortable for you. Could you not go to a couple of hairdressers and get a consultation? Colour wise I would opt for a wash out toner - Nice and Easy 6 wash which just coats hair and fades rather than anything you need to mix - which will include chemicals that will damage your hair. Drink enough water and eat decent protein. Obviously you are on meds too - someone else will be along with better advice than me. Hopefully that's helped.

Lisa Hauck is great (I also have fine hair). Lisa cuts and colours my hair and she is fab.The salon is on Haverstock Hill near Chalk Farm tube.