While many of us now spend considerable time researching the products we apply on our skin, most are a little more care free when it comes to looking after our barnets. Gloriously healthy hair rarely happens au natural, but with the correct products and tools, we can all inject a lil extra swish and gloss into the tiredest of locks.
While I do love a professional blow dry and adore salon products, there are plenty of absolute gems available for home hair care. A weekly mask, nourishing oil and a shampoo /conditioner to meet your specific hair needs all go a long way. Gone are the days when we celebrated bringing one bottle instead of two into the shower!
Read on to discover my top tips for stressed out tresses.
PRODUCTS
Choosing the best shampoo and conditioner for your hair is the first place to start and in my experience, well worth the time and effort. So many formulas can strip hair of its natural oils and even have a detrimental effect on our skin as we rinse them off, so I don't recommend cutting corners. A good starting point is choosing a sulphate-free product, free of skin-drying harsh detergents, such as Pureology or Jason.
TOOLS
Wet hair = weak hair, so choose a brush or comb that won't cause breakage. The Wet Brush is genius as it glides through wet hair smoothly, protecting the hair when at its most vulnerable. Also excellent on dry hair and comes in smaller sizes for little ones' hands - mums and dads, take note!
Believe it or not, even the towel you use can make a difference. The Aquis Hair Turban is proven to cut drying time by up to 50%, reduces styling time and keeps hair securely tucked away while you potter about getting ready.
MASKS
Whether you want to restore the condition of your locks, revive colour or save your scalp, a weekly mask treatment will make a tangible difference. I prefer to apply these at least half an hour in advance of washing to let them really soak in and do their thaaanng.
Originally created for Audrey Hepburn, Philip Kingsley Elasticizer locks in moisture to leave hair intensely nourished and shiny and really is hard to beat (plus it smells lush!). Davines Oi Hair Butter is also gorgeous and intensely replenishing on ultra dry, weak hair. NB only apply these on mid lengths to ends to avoid greasy, overladen roots.
OILS
If your locks look dull or feel particularly parched, hair oil is your new BFF and a little goes a long way. Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil is nourishing enough to make a difference without weighing hair down. Massage a couple of drops into lengths for instant hydration and shine. The Moroccanoil range is also fabulous... if you're hesitant about using an oil, start with Glimmer Shine infused with argan oil, vitamins and antioxidants. This light mist adds luminous shine and helps protect hair from the sun and chlorine.
COLOUR
When colouring hair at home, choose formulas that will enrich your hair's condition and cause the least amount of damage. Maria Nila Colour Refresh is a gentle hair mask with non-permanent colour pigments to intensify or change up your colour while adding a glossy shine. Designed by the leading colour expert himself, Josh Wood Colour products are PPD, ammonia and cruelty free and range from colour renewing shampoos to root concealers and permanent colour.
