To start off the week I thought I'd share what products I like to use to give me happy hair.
First up we have shampoo! For years I was one of those people that picked up anything on Buy One Get One Free or special offer but after scalp problems from an over chemically Herbal Essence shampoo I decided to go Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS/SLES) free (a harsh ingredient found in most shampoos).
Since then my scalp... and hair haven't been happier, within months I noticed how much stronger my hair was and how it was growing a lot faster. It isn't an instant process, you do have to persevere but this is definitely my no.1 tip for happy healthy hair!
Since then my scalp... and hair haven't been happier, within months I noticed how much stronger my hair was and how it was growing a lot faster. It isn't an instant process, you do have to persevere but this is definitely my no.1 tip for happy healthy hair!
As mentioned above I only use sodium lauryl sulfate/sulphate free shampoo so all my recommendations are without this ingredient. However after lots of testing of SLS-free shampoos these are my favourites that perform like a regular shampoo and give great results to the hair.
Favourite low priced shampoos
My ultimate shampoo has to be L'Oreal Ever Riche Nourishing & Taming Shampoo (250ml/£5.99 - Boots here). This wonderful shampoo lathers up to a rich feeling foam that is unique and moisturising to the hair and scalp, the scent is also quite luxurious with a perfume-y scent of vanilla and coconut. As the shampoo states, a great nourishing shampoo for damaged or dry hair. Another great one for dry hair is The Body Shop Rainforest Moisture Shampoo (250ml/£4.50 - here) that has an amazing tropical scent and foams well. Both great sls-free high street options.
Favourite high-end shampoos
Tigi Bed Head is the brand I have been using the longest since going SLS-free over 3 years ago now. I love both the Styleshots Epic Volume shampoo (use to be known as 'Superstar') and Foxy Curls shampoos. Both offer a thick lather and great scent. These also do what they state so if you are lacking volume then the Styleshots shampoo could just be for you. My other favourite more pricey shampoo is the Macadamia Rejuvenating Shampoo (300ml/£8.95 - Amazon here), this is just sooo good for frizzy hair that needs taming and re-hydrating.
Favourite low priced conditioners
The first conditioner that instantly springs to mind is the Aussie 3 minute Miracle Reconstructor (£4.99 - Boots here) ahhhhh just the smell... it's a beautiful thing. Aside from the glorious scent the conditioner leaves the hair shiny and tangle free - just a great conditioner. For a slightly more intense conditioner I love Herbal Essence Hello Hydration (200ml/£3.99 - Superdrug/Boots) which I apply to the mid length and ends of my hair to make split ends sit more straight and to reduce dryness... this also smells amazing (like coconut suncream!). Another favourite that is super cheap is Osmo Intensive Deep Repair Mask (250ml/£5.05 - Feel Unique here) which although isn't that intensive is lovely to use and keeps hair manageable and shiny.
Favourite high-end conditioners
For salon looking hair you need to start with a good deep conditioner and that conditioner for me is Macadamia Deep Repair Mask (100ml/£8.26 - Look Fantastic here). This conditioner just wow'd me on first use and continues to with each use. After shampooing my hair I squeeze out the excess water and smother my hair in this, keeping it on as long as I can until the end of my shower. Once rinsed out and I'm drying my hair I notice the difference - so soft, manageable and frizz free... just perfect! Although not a high end brand I also really like L'Oreal Mythic Oil Conditoner (190ml/£12.20 - Feel Unique here) for giving a salon look to my hair, especially when using in conjuction with the L'Oreal Ever Riche shampoo.
Favourite low priced styling products
When it comes to styling products one high end oil (mentioned below) has my heart, so I don't tend to stray from that. However when using heat on my hair other than a hair dryer I like to use Argan Oil Heat Defence Leave-in Spray (150ml/£2.99 - eBay here or discount stores such as Savers/Primark/Poundworld). This not only leaves my hair soft but hopefully protects my hair from high heat - for the price this is definitely worth trying out. I also had to mention trusty Batiste Dry Shampoo (200ml/£2.99 - Superdrug here) great for turning bad hair days around whether your hair is in need of a perk up or you want to create a bit of volume at the roots, you just can't go wrong with dry shampoo. I was also going to mention the Fish High Gloss Serum however it is no longer available.
Favourite high-end styling products
As mentioned above Moroccan Oil Treatment (25ml/£13.45 - Feel Unique here) is my ultimate holy grail hair product for keeping my hair looking frizz-free and shiny. The smallest amount applied to wet hair makes a difference, firstly soaking up excess water which cuts down on drying time and therefore heat and also by instantly taming frizz and split ends. This really is one product that is worth having a little splurge on.
Also couldn't write a hair post without mentioning my love of the Tangle Teezer (£10.00 - ASOS here) and Supersoft Kids Detangling Spray (£3.25 - eBay here) - both amazing if you have long (or processed) hair.
Fee xo.
