Phytolisse Perfect Smoothing Shampoo, £10, by Phyto, 020 7620 1771
Let us begin with the cleansing of the hair. Getting the right shampoo is vital as it sets up the foundation for all other styling products. This beautifully metal packaged shampoo has been created to eradicate frizz and smooth damaged hair. It contains pine pulp, which accounts for it smelling like a freshly rained upon forest. This main ingredient is responsible for softening the locks, controlling frizz, protecting against the harsh wintery elements and balancing the hair (making it ideal for those of us with Rapunzel hair). It also smoothes with extract of hibiscus blossom while calendula flower combined with pro-vitamin B5 hydrates, resulting in less breakage. After the first wash hair feels softer, easier to style and less prone to reacting to frizz inducing weather, definitely a good thing.
Frizz Smoothing Intensive Conditioner, £5.49, by Charles Worthington Results, www.charlesworthington.co.uk
After the shampoo must come the conditioner. This offering from Charles Worthington works well as a daily conditioner (leave on towel dried hair for 2 minutes then rinse) or as a deeper treatment when left on for longer. Locks smell fresh and look sleek and glossy after use, mainly due to the formulation being rich in rice proteins which deeply penetrate and moisturise the hair shaft and smooth the hair cuticles. Protection comes in the form of anti-oxidant rich white tea while frizz is kept at bay with a humidity resistant conditioning agent. And with a bargain price this product is a must have.
Stylist Series Silk Groom Serum, £16, by Kiehl’s, www.kiehls.co.uk
When on a fashion photo shoot at least one product from Kiehl’s Stylist Series can be found in the hair stylist’s kit bag. And not without good reason. There are 4 different ranges in the series; holding, sculpting, volumizing and this one, straightening. Where other serums fail on the grease test, this one is light enough to be used on the finest hair without leaving it looking like it’s had a fight with a plate of chips. A few pumps of product are best applied before styling, while the hair is damp. The formulation contains a blend of natural oils including sunflower oil to strengthen, protect and condition, sesame oil to soften and help hair hold its style by acting as a water barrier and soy bean extract which is believed to improve hair growth. As a keen fan of hair straightening I found that this product reduced the amount of time I had to spend with the straightening irons, while leaving hair glossy and less prone to frizzing up when caught in an irritating rainy downpour.
Weatherproof Hairspray, £14, by Philip Kingsley, www.philipkingsley.com
Philip Kingsley is a god of hairdressing with over 45 years of trichological experience. His knowledge has been transferred into this great hairspray which is a saviour come sleet or sunshine, but with the dampness and gusty winds of the winter months it becomes a must have. It has a push pump dispenser rather than a hold down one that makes it a little more difficult to apply evenly. It provides a strong hold, but doesn’t leave hair rigid or crispy and is easily brushed out without leaving behind little specks of hairspray remnants. The formulation contains UV protection to guard against the winter sunrays and extend the life of colour treated hair.
Overnight Repair Miracle Mask, by La Coupe, £11.50, www.qvcuk.com 0800 504 030
This super luxurious product is a weekly treat for hair and will repair the damage caused by the harshest winter conditions. Like a restorative night cream that works its magic as you sleep, this product is best applied to dry hair before your head reaches a pillow and is washed out in the morning to reveal refreshed tresses. And don’t worry it won’t stain your 300 count Egyptian cotton pillowcases. It contains a potent blend of botanical extracts including antioxidant rich papaya, jojoba to condition, boost suppleness and reduce moisture loss, fragrant rosemary extract to stimulate and cleanse, nutrient rich sea kelp, sugar cane to soften hair and revitalising lemon fruit extract. After only one night with this product the hair looks and feels glossier, healthier and stronger. |
