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

The Perfect Long Hair Blowdry with ghd

 Morning all!

Today i want to switch back over to the world of hairstyling. Much to my delight, my hair has done a LOT of growing over the past 6mths and it's finally got to that length that i can start to consider using a lovely big hair brush again for my blow dry. As a hairstylist myself, I really really rate a good paddle brush for giving amazing control over long hair whilst drying while giving a super smooth, sleek finish. And they don't make em better than ghd....

ghd Paddle Brush*

When i was asked if i would like to review this product i jumped at the opportunity as it has reunited me with an old friend. See, i swore by this very brush for a long time before i foolishly lopped off most of my long, thick barnet (then bitterly regretted it). The design of my previous brush was slightly different, but it was still the same brush. It used to have a ribbed rubber handle which, consequently, got chomped to death by my two ferrets (crazy lil rubber fetishists - i have no idea why they go so mad for it), which meant that i had to say goodbye to it. Now it's BACK, and it's had a new, sleek makeover!!

This brush is just perfect for smoothing, controlling and detangling the hair whilst you dry. It's designed to control large sections of the hair, whilst providing perfect tension for creating smooth, sleek looks. I also use it for wrap-drying (where you dry the hair by wrapping sections around your head for extra control and root volume without having to separate the hair with clips). The padded base is flexible and hugs the head without being harsh on the scalp and the bristles separate and control the hair like a dream. 

I'm in love with the stylish, modern shape of the new version of this brush and it really is a pleasure to use. I'd totally recommend it for anyone with medium to long hair as it saves drying time and gives a fantastic finish! It's a little on the pricier side for a hair brush at £20 but i firmly believe that ghd is a name you can rely on and it's worth parting with that little bit extra for a great quality product that will last a long time (especially now that it's ferret-proof) and deliver consistently good results. I couldn't be without this brush now and will enjoy using it as my hair continues to grow back to it's former glory!

You can buy this brush direct from ghdhair.com for £20. You can also find it on ASOS (Link) and Feel Unique (Link)

What are your must-have long hair tools?? Do you rate ghd for hair styling tools?? What products can't you live without??

Trains and Tantrums at Salon International

So here is the OTHER half of my escapades during my visit to London last weekend...

As soon as i learnt that TOWIB was going to be held on the same weekend as Salon International i was STRAIGHT on the phone to book tickets! I haven't been in a couple of years and there are so many brands who i chatter with on Twitter that i wanted to see in person, as well as browsing the latest trends and equipment!! As well as some cheeky make-up brands popping up!

The sheer amount of TRAINS i went on that day really blew me away!! Underground, Overground (Wombling freeeeee). Where i live, anywhere you need to go is just around the next corner. I forget that, in London, you go everywhere by tube. I actually got quite used to it by the end and managed to navigate myself home from the show thanks to the expert directions from Natalie!!

Everyone was swarming around the Sleek stands. They had a MASSIVE display of their make up as well as a separate counter where you could get your skin tone matched. There were also some AMAZING bargains to be had. They had goodie bags containing FIVE separate products including an i-divine palette, a brush kit and eyelashes for a FABULOUS £10. I will show you exactly what i bagged later in the post!

There were some amazing exhibitors including Balmain (who i did my hair extension training with earlier this year) and, of course, GHD who were showing off their NEW Hairdryer (which looked soooo sleek and amazing). 

I just HAD to stop by the Diva exhibit because i WANTED their HeatWave waving irons which i got for an absolute BARGAIN (more on those later in the week). Got to chat to the lovely girls that i chat with on Twitter and it was fantastic to meet them in the flesh. They were all so friendly and chatty. We talked a little about their new Rebel Collection which features funky designs and cutting edge technology. 

As always Hairdresser's Journal International were there to showcase the latest techniques. I really wish i could have afforded to sit in  on some of the seminars, but I happen to be a student and the purse strings are TIGHT (even more so after this weekend).

Had a bit of a dreamy moment walking past the Sassoon Academy stand (one can only dream). I'm happy enough that i will be visiting Wella in Manchester in November, but wouldn't it be AMAZING to train with Sassoon??!

I had the lovely Natalie with me (from BlushBlendBeauty) who was on the hunt for the PERFECT hair extensions. Fingers crossed she found them. Can't wait to see the photos babes!! 

My Sleek haul!! All that for a TENNER!! Bargain. So glad i finally replaced my Storm palette. The old one was KNACKERED!! Here's what i got...

Storm iDivine palette

Glo - Face & Body Highlighting Kit

Pout Polish in Chocolate Kiss

False Lashes

Mini 5-piece Brush Kit

My Diva Heatwave. Sooooo excited to play with this!!

Once again i didn't have too much opportunity to take good photos as it was RAMMED!! People kept walking into my shots (HATE that) and was hard to get close to the REALLY good stuff. We kept missing the GHD catwalks or just couldn't see! Got rather frustrated on a couple of occasions!!

Did anyone else get to Salon International this year?? Who managed to catch the seminars??

Katy Perry Joins GHD :D

How excited was I when GHD announced that Katy Perry was going to be fronting their brand! And the David LaChapelle images for the ad campaign didn't disappoint either. Katy looks FABULOUS and the styling is TO DIE FOR! 

Paul Stoneham, Chief Executive Officer for GHD had this to say....

”Katy is the epitome of modern fashion and styling. Her unique, ever changing looks are the envy of style devotees around the world. Katy completely embodies ghd’s spirit of female transformation and empowerment, as she is recognised as a cutting edge style icon unafraid to push fashion and beauty boundaries. Sassy, stylish and sexy, Katy is the perfect partner for ghd,”

Get the total scoop here....

Here are the final images for the ad campaign.

Hair: Peter Savic for ghd

Make-Up: Jake Bailey

Photographic: David LaChapelle

Creative Team: Steve Williams and Adrian Lim

View GHD's 'New Wave' Step-by-Step Video Guide here....

View GHD's 'Glamour' Step-by-Step Video Guide here....

View GHD's 'Boho Chic' Step-by-Step Video guide here..

So those of you who thought that your ghds were purely for ironing purposes can think again!

Go forth and experiment to find your favourite Katy-inspired look! I think you'll agree she looks 




           STUNNING!

(I do not own the photo content in this post. All rights to the photos are the property of GHD and the photographers)