Haircare Heroes for Long, Thick Hair

I went for my annual haircut last week (as a former hairstylist I find I can keep on top of any split ends myself most of the time but, when it needs a thorough overhaul, I'll let someone else loose on it). Whilst I was in the chair it dawned on me that I haven't done a haircare post on this blog in a helluva long time. In truth, I consider my haircare regime to be pretty standard and boring, and it doesn't change much, however, I'm using some lovely products at the moment so I thought I'd share my haircare staples with you. My hair, while being quite soft and fine in texture, is very long and there is - literally - tons of it. It's thick and heavy and requires a firm hand... 

Washing

It's very easy for me, as a stylist and as a blogger, to get caught up in designer hair product hype. I've been guilty in the past of brand snobbery but, since I've been trying to remain as cruelty-free as I possibly can, I've woken up to the beauty (and quality) of some own-brand products. Superdrug's own brand to be precise; it's really rather good and has been popping up in my hair, skin and makeup routines of late. My current favourite shampoo/conditioner combo is their Pro-Vitamin Silky Smooth range, with argan oil. The formula is rich and smells lovely and fresh. I can also get a brush through my wet hair after using it, which I can't say for some of the higher-end brands (Moroccan Oil, I'm looking at you here). It's just a great budget haircare range, and also caters to coloured and fine hair. I'm also a fan of the Heat Defense version. I'll usually wash my hair 2 or 3 times a week, depending on the time of year and what I've got going on. 

Blow Drying 

As I mentioned before, getting a brush through my epic thick mane is no easy task, even when using a Tangle Teaser. I have to painstakingly brush it through in sections before drying. My hair also likes to wave and kink, and not in the good way. The best way I've found to handle it is a smoothing blowdry using my trusty ghd paddle brush*, which is not pictured in this post due to the fact that it is so well 'loved'. Perhaps time to replace that one, Lisa..

Before I blow-dry, I like to run a good 2/3 pumps of Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment through the mid-lengths and ends of my hair just to smooth things along and keep my hair soft and healthy. And can I just take a moment to emphasise how amazing this product smells...... Urgh. For anyone curious, I'm still using my DIVA Ultima 5000* hairdryer (seriously, this thing is indestructible). Given the ungodly amount of hair I seem to possess, it gets my hair dry relatively quickly and the adjustable heat and speed settings really come in handy. 

Finishing & Styling

Half the time I don't put much effort into finishing or styling my hair for everyday because it just takes so long. I'll just blow dry it and run my straighteners through it and then leave it to its own devices until the next wash. After a day or so it seems to find its own natural movement. I love my ghd Gold Max Styler for straightening. My hair is so long, and so thick, and so relentlessly wavy, that regular ghds don't quite cut it and I need a wider plate. With these it's a much quicker task. I always do a good squirt of Percy & Reed Heat Protect Styling Mist, beforehand. I prefer it because it's a very dry formula and doesn't give my hair that sticky, clogged feeling I get from some creams and wet sprays. 

To finish, if I'm going out or to an event, I'll then add either Neal & Wolf Glow shine spray (which doubles as perfume, it smells that good) to add extra shine and tame any flyaways, or Tigi Catwalk Transforming Dry Shampoo when I want a more textured finish. I've mentioned the dry shampoo before on this blog and it's an old favourite. I have a love/hate relationship with dry shampoos but this one is definite love. It's also the only product I've ever found that can give my heavy mop some root lift. The texture it gives has a really matte finish and it's the sort of look I'd wear with eyeliner and a bold, red lip (I'm a rock star at heart.)

I guess I'm somewhat stuck in my ways when it comes to my hair but, if you're looking for solutions to thick, long hair-related issues, I'd recommend giving any of these products a try. My hair is currently more manageable than it has been in a long time. Just don't follow my example regarding the annual haircuts. Regular trims are your friend.

What are your essential haircare products?

*Post contains affiliate links

TLC's Stars of 2013: Haircare

I am soooooo late with these Favourites posts!! No joke, I have spent the entire last 10 days buried under university essays and there has been zero time for anything else. There were days where I actually forgot to EAT! Thankfully I've now found a couple of days respite so I'm going to be working hard to get the rest of my 2013 Favourites out as well as a January Sales haul and a few new product reviews. This haircare favourites post is going to be a little brief compared to the previous skincare one. 2013 wasn't the best year for my hair by any means and I didn't seem to stick religiously to any specific products. However, here are a handful that I have really appreciated over the last year...

Wella SP Luxe Oil* - BeautyBay

Obviously, I'm am a fan of hair oils. I've tried a fair few in my time (hello... former hairstylist over here). It is because of all the oils that I've tried in the past that I appreciate this one from Wella all the more. It doesn't rely entirely on Argan Oil, also incorperating Almond and Jojoba oils. This makes is super lightweight and it's the only oil I've ever felt l like I can use freely on dry hair. It absorbs completely and does not weigh my hair down or make it greasy. My favourite thing about it, however, is the smell. OH EM GEE this stuff smells like heaven. Better even than Moroccan Oil!

TIGI Catwalk Session Series Transforming Dry Shampoo - FeelUnique 

I'm not a fan of dry shampoos by any means. I find them chalky and even the best selling drugstore brands haven't made a massive impact on me. I was introduced to this product in the Spring of 2013 and am now on my third can! This stuff is MAGIC. I have very heavy hair and struggle to get texture and volume that lasts any length of time but a spray of this all over after straightening and a bit of ruffling completely transforms my hair. It's not sticky but gives a lovely matte texture. The smell is gorgeous and really clean. I'd recommend this as a texturising product for any hair type. 

Twisted Sista Curl Activator - Beauty@Creightons

I find it so refreshing when a budget beauty product makes it into my 'essentials' category. You can buy Twisted Sista products in Poundland and other discount stores as well as via Creightons (check out their site by the way, they have some real gems). This Curl Activator has become a handbag staple for me as the weather has got colder. Wind and rain are not a friend to my hair but this product rescues me every time. I just scrunch it through and it turns the 'drowned rat' look into naturally tousled and hydrated. Worth every penny and then some! 

I'm kind of disappointed that I didn't love that many hair products last year. This year I am already on a mission to find more perfect products and, of course, I will let you know any special finds I make. 

What were your haircare essentials in 2013?? 

Stuff I'm Loving Lately #1

When is a favourites post NOT a favourites post?...... When it's one of mine, that's when. 

I always feel like a bit of a fraud doing monthly favourites posts. Mainly because my favourite products do not change on a monthly basis and I'd just be posting different stuff for the sake of it, but also because I find the term inaccurate. I'm always suspicious of different favourites posts for every month of the year. I'm always like "Hang on, how is that you're favourite, you've only had it 3 days??" or "That HG foundation isn't the same as last month's??". Don't get me wrong though, I'm all for discovering and embracing new products and I'll never stop looking. I just like to mull it over for more than a couple of weeks before declaring it my FAVOURITE. And I'd be a pretty lame. boring blogger if I blogged the same favourites 2 or 3 months on the jog, wouldn't I? I tend to grow attached to products that really work for me. Therefore, I vow NOT to ever do a favourites post ever again and, instead, highlight a few products every so often that I've been using the most or have been particularly enjoying lately.

And with that I'll crack on.....

Bourjois Healthy Mix: Radiance Reveal Foundation - 53 (Light Beige)*

There has been soooooo much damn BOURJOIS on this blog recently!! The main reason being I'M LOVING IT!! This foundation completely rocks my world. I love the consistency, the coverage, the finish, the scent..... just everything about it makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. I'm currently alternating between this and my NARS Sheer Glow (which i like to keep for more special occasions) and I really don't find them that different from each other. Both give a lovely glowy finish to my skin, and last really well. 

BeneFit Fakeup Hydrating Concealer: Medium*

I've worn this product every day since I got it. It's so handy to carry around, applies like a dream and keeps my dark circles at bay for a reeeeeeally long time. It's a light formula that feels really hydrating and does not crease. Of course, as it's Benefit, I also love the packaging. Very sleek and compact. It's a winner!! Read my post about the recent launch of Fakeup Here

Stila 'Garden Bliss' Shadow and Blush Palette

This little beaut has been a godsend for travelling up and down to University every week. It incorperates 4 shades that can be easily used for day or night time looks, as well as a really pretty pink blush. It's gorgeous and spot on for Spring! The shadows are really pigmented too. I don't own much Stila, but this palette is definitely one of my most used items of late. 

Garnier Summer Body - Deep

I haven't used a gradual tanner in aaaaaages. However, I recently went in search of one as I was getting a bit 'blah' about my weekly tan (not that I went off it, I just felt like changing it up a bit). Johnsons Holiday Skin put me well and truly off graduals as it smells like utter MUCK, but luckily this one has the loveliest Apricot scent and gives an amazing colour even after the first application. 

Bourjois 1Second Nail Polish Remover*

Yeeeees, I know.... MORE Bourjois. I'm beginning to sound like a stuck record. I'm so late to the party on this product it's not even funny, but it's just so easy to use and handy for carrying around or if, like me, you tend to bodge ONE nail. This allows for quick removal of any smudged nail polish whilst leaving the others untouched. No wonder it's a blogger favourite across the board! 

DHC Liquid Eyeliner pen - Black*

This is by far my HG eyeliner product. I've been sticking to gel liners applied with a brush for quite a long time now, but since receiving this one, have not given them a second glance. This is the easiest eyeliner to apply that I have ever found. I struggle to get a thin enough line a lot of time. I don't know what it is about this one. It's a brush, but a very rigid, sturdy brush that doesn't slide around or bend too easily and you get a LOT of product so no need to dip between eyes. The shaft of the brush is also nice and long and easily controlled. I'd highly recommend!! 

TIGI Catwalk Session Series: Transforming Dry Shampoo*

I was introduced to this during London Fashion Week and it's completely changed my viewpoint when it comes to dry shampoos. This is more of a texturising product, although it does absorb excess oil like you would expect of a dry shampoo. It's volumising and mattifying and I find an all-over spray of this followed by much ruffling of roots adds a touch of disheveled chic to my everyday look. It's virtually transparent as well so no hint of talcum powder hair. I find that my hair has a really silky texture and struggles to hold style so this is perfect for adding some 'grip'. I will be repurchasing the hell out of this.

Blue Nail Polish

I've been going MENTAL for blue on my nails recently!! I've no idea why... It started with the Barry M Blueberry Gelly polish and kind of escalated from there!! I've got quite a diverse range of tones as well and no two are the same (even though they may be SIMILAR). There's always room for another blue nail polish in my collection of late. 

My shades are....

(As below, L-R)

Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint - Blueberry

H&M Nail Polish - Blue My Mind

Nails Inc Neon - Kensington Park Road

Bourjois So Laque Glossy - Adora-Bleu

Barry M Nail Paint - Denim

GOSH Special Edition Nail Polish - Tilted Blue

So those are a few things I've been going mental for in recent weeks/months/no particular timeframe and I have no intention of stopping using them just because I have to do a different favourites post in another month's time. So I ain't gonna do one haha. I'll just update you if I uncover any new gems that make it into my 'can't function without recently' pile. How about that?? 

Do you find products you LOVE and stick with them?? Or do you constantly search for something different/better??

Summer Hair Favourites..... So far

Hi guys! 

So i decided that, as a hairdresser, I haven't been doing enough hair related posts. And following a few tutorial requests from my Tweeps I have decided to get my bottom in gear and start talking HAIR as well as MAKE UP. 

I'm very set in  my ways when it comes to my hair. Although i did have my long, thick wavy hair cut off quite recently as i felt it was getting tatty and too much to handle on my limited energy/attention span, my hair regime still hasn't altered that much. But what products i do use, i LOVE and I thought I'd tell you about them.

So in the interest of being logical and methodical i will start at the beginning with Shampoo and Conditioner. I have been in LOVE with Tigi Catwalk Headshot since the first time it touched my hair. The sweet mint scent is lovely and It's just so intensely moisturising. When my hair was long it made it so manageable that i never even had to put a smoothing product on my hair and it gave the most AMAZING shine.

Well here's the catch.... they've only gone and bloody DISCONTINUED it haven't they. They seem to do this with EVERYTHING i like. They always replace it though, and in the case of Headshot the product they have brought out would be the Urban Antidotes Recovery Shampoo and conditioner, which you can buy from Feel Unique without having to go into a salon. 

However, once i am done with this last Headshot Tween i think i will be returning to Aussie Miracle Moist, as that was my favourite BEFORE Tigi. I love the Aussie products for their quality as well as affordability. And they're currently 2 for £6 in Boots so GET IN THERE! 

The other shampoo i have been trying out lately is Head n Shoulders new Colour Care shampoo. Usually if anyone had had a hair colour that they didn't like or was too dark i would automatically tell them to wash like mad with Head n Shoulders OR Pantene as, as far as I'm concerned they are non chemical hair STRIPPERS, not shampoos.  I think both brands have now taken heed of the hairdressers advice as both have now brought out Colour Care ranges. I still have no interest in putting Pantene anywhere near my hair but, as i am prone to dry scalp i really wanted to give the Head n Shoulders a chance. And i LIKE it! It hasn't touched my colour, smells lovely and fresh and my scalp feels a LOT better. I don't use it every wash but it's worth trying if you have coloured hair AND dry scalp.

So post-wash the go-to product for ME has got to be Moroccan Oil. I don't use it after EVERY wash any more, as since I've had my hair shorter my ends are nowhere near as dry (although after i had the bleach bath on my hair to get rid of the red i used it quite intensively for a few washes just to help it recover). This product is so WORTH the hype and, although it's expensive (around £30 for 100ml) it will last you FOREVER! Superior conditioning and shine and it definitely makes your hair healthier. There are other, more affordable Argan oil products out there. I think VO5 or Lee Stafford would be the ones i have heard the best reviews of from other bloggers so perhaps i will give those a try once i have done with this bottle of M.O. 

For Colour Care, I have leaned AGAIN towards Tigi and Aussie. I use the Aussie 'Dual Personality' coloured hair protection Serum on wet hair on those days where i don't use Moroccan Oil. But i always use it on dry hair after blow drying, and before straightening. You don't need to use a lot as it's quite runny for a serum but i find it really does smooth my hair and protects it from straighteners etc. And it smells LUSH as well. 

The other Colour Care product i use is the Tigi S Factor Colour Balancer... although i'm not 100% sure what it actually DOES to balance colour. I only use this if i've JUST had my colour done just in case it helps it to last longer. But I'm really not sure. I've not had retail experience with S Factor products like i have with the other Tigi ranges so i don't know the patter. But i was given one as a sample and it made my hair feel nice so i went with it haha. 

Styling-wise I don't usually do a lot. Once it's dry, moisturised and straightened, a spritz of Tigi Catwalk 'Your Highness' weightless Shine Spray and a little mist of Hairspray is all i need. However, in the new year i was lucky enough to receive a set of BigSexyHair products through the Hairdressers Journal monthy subscription prize draw (Thanks HJi!!) so i embraced them wholeheartedly!

These products aren't something you'd automatically think would benefit someone like me (THICK hair), but with thick hair comes WEIGHT and the weight of my hair does tend to drag it down and i do like a bit of height, expecially in my layers and around my crown. 

The products i was sent were BigSexyHair 'What a Tease' (Backcomb in a bottle), 'Root Pump' Spray Mousse and 'Spray and Play' Hairspray and i have to say that i AM really enjoying using them. I really prefer spray mousses as i hate that sticky feeling a normal mousse gives my hands, and i like the fact that i can direct it straight to where i want it on my roots without clogging up my midlengths and ends. When i use this i spritz it through the areas i want, then blast my hair upside down with the dryer before finishing off by blowdrying around a round bristle-brush. I prefer to have my hair straight at the sides and around my face but this really gives my layers a boost! The Tigi equivalent of this product would probably be the Superstar 'Queen for a Day' Thickening Spray. 

Rachael's BigSexyHair

'What a Tease' has only really been used when i go out (which isn't often due to my illness) BUT, if you can get over the texture of the product (it sets HARD and almost feels a little chewing gum-ish in the hair) the holding power is FAR superior and saves hours spent with the teasing brush. I tend to just use a little around my crown area or pile it on to make a MASSIVE quiff. And it really does stay put. I used it on my model, Rachael for the Hair Show i competed in in April and the style stayed put all day with minimal retouching required. 

The Hairspray is what you'd expect from a GOOD hairspray. No complaints at all. It's not sticky and brushes out easily and it's not too heavy. The scent is lovely and fresh as well. 

So those are my FAVE products of the moment. I will very shortly be compiling my Summer Hair Must-Haves. I will be posting my haircare wishlist in the next couple of days and reviewing them as i go to let you know which to grab and which to avoid. So can't wait to share that with you. 

What Hair Products are you Curious about?? What styling issues are you having lately?? I'd love to hear from you. I might even be able to HELP....

A Very Moroccan Love Affair

Okay sooooo.... The honour of first product I'm going to review on this blog EVER has GOT to go to Moroccan Oil. 

I discovered this stuff last year from my cousin who worked for Aston and Fincher at the time and she gave me a lovely 200ml stylist-EXCLUSIVE bottle for a VERY good price (Moroccan Oil normally retails at around £30 for 100ml - The BEST deals are usually Online). She informed me that Victoria Beckham and other celebs were going WILD over it and that i should try it on my (at the time) very long, thick wavy hair. 

Well I tried it and OMG was it love at first use!! It smells LUSCIOUS  and I only needed the teeniest bit even on my abundant mop! 

What it says on the Tin/Bottle/Tube...

'Moroccanoil' has unique quality of instant absorption into hair, creating an instant shine and long term conditioning without leaving residue.'

Directions for use....

For healthy looking, smooth and striking shiny hair, apply a small amount throughout damp hair, style as usual.

The way i like to use it is to apply it straight into my wet hair after washing. Some people apply it BEFORE washing as a treatment but i like it to stay on my hair as it really does nourish even whilst blowdrying and gives an AMAZING shine. I, personally do not apply any other products before blowdrying but you could use it WITH a root boost or other styling product. The key is to concentrate it on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair and apply MINIMALLY near the roots/hairline to avoid looking like a grease-monkey until your next wash (it is VERY powerful stuff).

I think you'll agree that the end result is shine-TASTIC and, believe me, my hair is left feeling sooooo soft and lovely.  (Excuse my roots.... LOL)

Obviously my hair isn't long any more but I still apply Moroccan Oil after EVERY wash. Here i simply applied the oil, blow dried with a round bristle brush and finished with a little spritz of Tigi Catwalk 'Your Highness' Shine Spray before straightening (I don't IRON my hair like some though - rather just run them through to smooth it all out and shape a little). 

So I'd HIGHLY recommend you give it a try if you can... it's well worth the money and you'll not need to replace it anytime soon. (Just make sure you keep it away from your pet ferret as one of mine decided to knock my bottle FLYING on one occasion - Mumma was unimpressed)