I’ve been trying to focus a lot more on my hair recently, so thought I would start a series to document the many different products I’ve been using – welcome to the first edition of ‘The Hair Diaries’.
To fill you in on the history of my hair… I used to dye my hair between ages 15-18 and even bleached it myself at one point to create a ‘dip-dye’ effect (BIG mistake!). This completely killed my hair, and my hair from shoulder length down was literally like straw. Broken, limp, dry and just down right disgusting. I knew I had to chop it off, but I loved the length, so it was sad to see it go when I finally did cut it to just below shoulder length. Ever since then, I’ve been working with my hairdresser to get it back to a long length but keeping it healthy and full of life. Nearly 3 years later and I’ve pretty much got the length back to where it was, but it is so much healthier! It does still get a little dry, and I do still get split ends, but it is so much healthier than it used to be.
So, in my ongoing mission to keep my hair healthy whilst still allowing it to grow (I would ideally like it a little longer than it is now), I’ve been testing out a lot of different products.
My first hair staple is definitely my Tangle Teezer. They are definitely worth the extra few pennies. I don’t know how they detangle your hair so well and without as many breakages as a normal brush but they just do! If you haven’t tried a Tangle Teezer yet then just please, do your hair a favour and head over to Boots and buy one. You won’t regret it!
Another product I’ve used and loved for many years is Batiste Dry Shampoo. Dry shampoo is completely revolutionary! Washing your hair strips your hair of it’s natural oils and can also dry out your hair, so I’ve always been conscious not to wash my hair every day, and try to wash it every 2-3 days. However, dry shampoo gives my hair a little pick me up midweek and also is an absolute life saver if I get all hot and sweaty! It picks up all of the grease and instantly refreshes it. (Tip: if you run out of dry shampoo, talcum powder works just as well – just be sparing if you’re a brunette!).
Whilst my hair is naturally wavy-straight, I have always had a bit of a problem with frizz. One way Ive been combatting this, is by using Maya*. Maya is a blend of 12 natural oils and extracts which help repair hair and provide soft, strong, healthy hair. I use it when my hair has been towel dried – I rub a small amount into my fingertips and fingercomb it through my hair to distibute it evenly. As it is a styling creme, this helps hold whatever style I then blow dry it into, as well as reducing frizz. You can also use this to enhance your curls if you have curly hair. It is quite an odd texture – almost putty/jelly like. As you use such a small amount each time, this small pot is actually going to last me ages, so there is a great amount of product in each pot! (TIP: Pop a little bit on an old toothbrush and comb back flyaways from your forehead! You can thank me later!)
Another product I use to help tame frizz is the Percy and Reed Quite Frankly Flawless Finishing Polish. I smooth a pea sized amount of product over the ends of my hair – this instantly smooths any frizz and flyaways and also helps keep my hair straight after it has been straightened. This is perfect to pop in my handbag if I’m out and about for the day, as I know it will work beautifully on dry hair without looking greasy or adding too much shine.
I was recently introduced to Redken products at a Rush Hair Event I was lucky enough to attend. I’d never used any Redken products before, but having now tried a selection of their range I have completely fallen in love! My favourite product has been the One United All-in-one Multi-benefit Hair Treatment*, which boasts having 25 benefits including conditioning, detangling, heat protecting and helping to control the look of frizz! I’ve never heard of a product being able to offer so many results in one bottle. I’ve been absolutely loving using it – I spritz it all over my hair after towel drying it, before brushing my hair through. It works absolute wonders as a detangler and leave-in conditioner.
I’ve used oils on my hair for a few years now, as back in my straw-like hair days, they were my only saviour! Redken Diamond Oil* is a blow dry hair oil which gives your hair instant shine and also helps with manageability. I find that this oil helps smooth any frizz, but that the shine it adds make my hair look silky and smooth – even if it isn’t! It just makes my hair look healthier, which is exactly what I need.
I hope you liked reading about my current favourite hair care items! What are your go-to hair saviours? Let me know in the comments below!
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