Nanogen 7-IN-1 Shampoo for Women

Looking after my hair is as important to me as it is to look after my skin and over the past six months or so, I have been working my way through a few brands and their products to see how they affect my hair. I have shoulder-length naturally wavy dark blonde hair and whilst my hair is fine, there is a lot of it, I also have what is best described as being 'combination' hair which means I have greasy roots and very dry ends.  So finding a shampoo that can deal with both of those issues is sometimes testing.

From Nanogen, I was kindly gifted the 7-in-1 Shampoo, Thickening Conditioner for Women and the Root Boost Hair Thickening Spray. All the products I had seen on my social media and a brand I had yet to try.

The Nanogen 7-IN-1 Shampoo for Women Thickening Hair Treatment is described as being a powerful formula which provides a multitargeted approach to hair thickening. 

The 7-in-1 formula gives the following benefits:

• Cleanses - This formula contains hard-working surfactants that grab onto oil and dirt particles and pull them away from the hair to deeply cleanse the scalp.
• Moisturises - With hydrating powerhouses glycerin and panthenol, this product gives amazing hydration without weighing hair down.
• Thickens - Formulated with Nanogen's own unique Hair Growth Factors, it works to rejuvenate hair follicles, support natural hair growth and maintain hair anchoring.
• Strengthens -The use of keratin within this 7-IN-1 formula helps to strengthen the hair by penetrating the cuticle and supporting the hair’s natural keratin from the inside out.
• Rebalances - Formulated with prebiotic beta-glucan, which nourishes and rebalances the scalp’s natural microbiome. Not only that, but salicylic acid actively exfoliates the scalp to help prevent itchiness and flakes, as well as breaking down sebum and dirt which can clog the pores.
• Fights pollution - Using green tea extract as a powerful antioxidant to neutralise free radicals, therefore minimising damage to the hair and scalp. Green Tea also helps to soothe an irritated scalp.
• Optimises for fibres - Nanogen 7-IN-1 contains surface resin polymers that work to create an optimised canvas for the Keratin Hair Fibres. These polymers make the hair strands strongly positively charged, therefore strengthening the bond with our dipolar charged fibres.

Alongside all of this, also included within the formula is Chamomile and Aloe which possess natural anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe and calm the scalp.

What I like about 7-in-1 is the texture of the shampoo, it isn't thick or too runny, and once applied to your hair, the advice is to leave it for around a minute before rinsing out and my hair after using feels incredibly clean, it is soft without static and flyaways plus, my scalp doesn't itch and is not irritated after using.  This product can be found in Boots and it costs just £9.95.

Alongside the 7-in-1, I was also gifted the Nanogen Conditioner for Women Thickening Hair Treatment. This conditioner is described as being scientifically formulated with hyaluronic acid which intensely hydrates the hair and scalp, leaving you with weightless, shiny, volumised hair. 

This treatment is incredibly lightweight, so it doesn't weigh your hair down after using. I often find that because I have fine hair, many conditioners leave my hair feeling lank and many are just too heavy to use.  Once on the hair, the advice is to leave this conditioner on for around 4 minutes before rinsing out. This product can be found in Boots and it costs just £8.95.

The final product within my trio is the Nanogen Root Boost Hair Thickening Spray. Described as being a weightless, fast-absorbing hair thickening spray that lifts each root and thickens every strand. If you have dull, flat and lifeless hair, then this might be the product you need to have within your stash.

This easy to use non-greasy hair thickening spray contains a cocktail of ingredients to care for your hair and scalp while providing instant volume and lift to each strand in just a few sprays. Those key ingredients include:

• Niacinamide and green tea help soothe the scalp and protects from free radical damage caused by our environment.
• Provitamin B5 attracts water molecules for intense hydration in the hair follicle. Hair is moisturised, shiny and with less static and flyaways.

When using, Nanogen advises that to get the maximum results, blow-dry to activate more thickening proteins and to use it every time you wash your hair.  I have used the spray a few times and what I like is that less is definitely more and rather than my roots sit flat against my head if I straighten it, there is a slight lift at the roots. This product can be found in Boots and it costs just £9.95.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Kevin Murphy full.body hair collection

A brand of haircare that is new to me is Kevin Murphy, I have used one or two products but recently the full.body collection is one I have been reaching for. Described as being skincare for your hair, Kevin Murphy haircare range is described as being one of the very highest natural quality.

The first product within this full.body collection is the Plumping.Wash Shampoo which is described as being a re-densifying shampoo formulated for fine and thinning hair types. Using a strengthening blend of ginger root and nettle extract to nourish each hair follicle whilst at the same time stimulating circulation to help to promote hair growth and gently exfoliate. They work alongside aloe vera leaf extract, rice protein, amino acids, bamboo extract and acai berry extract which gives the hair volume without weighing it down.

What I really like about this shampoo is that once I have used it, is my hair feels clean, it doesn't feel weighed down or lank and it definitely looks shiny and healthy. Having combination hair, I often find that some shampoos make my greasy roots look worse after shampooing than they did before.

Following on from Plumping.Wash we have Plumping.Rinse and this conditioner is described as being a re-densifying and thickening product which has been formulated for fine and thinning hair.  It used an ingredient called hemsleya root, something I haven't come across before and it is rich in oleanolic acid which helps to protect against damage and prevent hair loss to promote fuller, healthier and stronger hair.

I only ever use a conditioner once, maybe twice a week at most, I often find they are too heavy for my hair and I, therefore, tend to use a hair mask instead. With this conditioner, because it is lightweight in texture, it doesn't weigh the hair down or leave it feeling in need of another wash and it smells absolutely lovely too.

As well as Shampoo and Conditioner, Kevin Murphy has a whole range of products and I recently featured the Young.Again Dry Conditioner, which is a great product. The two other products within my stash are the Anti Gravity Spray and First Crush.

As the name implies, Anti.Gravity Spray is an oil-free volumiser and texturizer spray and its job is to help control those pesky fly-away's but with an oil-free shine. For bigger, thicker hair it is advised that you apply the product to wet hair and dry in. For me, depending on what I am doing with my hair, I usually apply to towel-dried hair and then blow-dry to get the finish I want.

I mentioned earlier within this review that Kevin Murphy likes to source and use key ingredients for each product and within this spray, there is the use of Lavender flower water which is said to be beneficial for all hair types as it helps with balancing and regulating the production of oil, then we have honey extract to help seal in moisture and soften, grapefruit extract to promote hair growth and cell regeneration and ho leaf oil which is described as being rich in anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

The final product I have is First.Crush and if you like a hair perfume, then this is one you really need to try. Described as having a sweet, sensual and luxurious scent and this is owing to the inclusion of bergamot, mandarin, patchouli and ylang-ylang.

We all know by now that using our regular perfumes and fragrances is not a good idea for use on our hair, not only can they be quite damaging, but also really drying. So Kevin Murphy has formulated an ultra moisturising mist which not only reduces static and leaves your hair looking glossy but the scent is like Spring in a bottle and it is divine. To use, the advice is to spray liberally over the hair to finish a style, or to just give your hair a boost. First.Crush can also be used to help smooth flyaways, promote shine and eliminate odours. This product is suitable for all hair types.

You can find more information on Kevin Murphy and the entire haircare range from the brand website.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Lee Stafford Shampoo Massage Brush and Smooth & Polish Paddle Brush

Lee Stafford is a haircare brand I’ve been a fan of since they first launched Lee Stafford Poker Straight hair protection spray, a product I have used over and over again for many years and there is something about the scent that I just happen to adore, not forgetting just how good at protecting your hair from any form of heat it is.  When it comes to hairbrushes, I have a comb from Lee Stafford that has seen me through quite a few years now and just recently, the brand has relaunched their hairbrush collection with the aim of ensuring that it contains every brush or comb that you will ever need.  With nine different tools to choose from, all of which are available from Boots, you will without question find one that you really need.

I was kindly sent two products from the range, the first is the Lee Stafford Shampoo Massage Brush and the second one is the Lee Stafford Smooth and Polish Paddle Brush.

The Massage Brush is the one I was particularly looking forward to trying because the one I had from another brand has managed to disappear and I have become quite a fan of them.

Priced at £5.99 it is amazing value for money and it is described as being perfect for cleansing and exfoliating, helping to maintain a healthy scalp and fabulous looking hair. Pair it with your favourite Lee Stafford shampoo for that extra foaminess! With an ergonomically designed handle making it easy to grip when wet, massage with the soft silicone tips to lift away dead skin and stimulate your scalp!

This massage brush is absolutely brilliant to use.  For someone like me who suffers from scalp irritations, usually linked to stress, I need something that not only helps to massage my head and exfoliate my scalp but also something that helps aid that exfoliation process when I use particular products to help exfoliate my scalp.  I also use this massage brush when I have applied a hair mask to my hair, it helps to ensure I get as even a coverage as I can.  The brush is also a great size for sitting in the palm of your hand and because the tips are made from silicone, they are not too rigid that they hurt the scalp, instead they do give quite the relaxing massage.

The second brush, the Smooth and Polish Paddle Brush is again reasonably priced at £10.99 and it is described as being a must-have for making the most of your hair, every day. Whether you want silky soft hair or to just detangle and combat frizz this paddle brush with soft-touch grip is the perfect go-to tool. With flexible nylon pins that can be used on wet or dry hair, the soft cushion adapts to the shape of your head to ensure a comfortable styling experience!

Most of the brushes that I use on my hair are paddle brushes.  I have shoulder length hair which has a fine texture, but I have a lot of hair, so anything I can do to prevent tangles and knots.  This brush features an easy-grip handle which has a rubberised coating to it and what I love is how large the brush head is.  Again, with silicone bristles, this brush doesn't drag its way through your hair, it glides without pulling and scraping against your head.  A delight to use and one of my most used brushes.

Do you have a favourite brush or brush brand that you couldn't be without?

You can find these brushes and the entire Lee Stafford hairbrush collection at Boots.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

ghd Platinum+ Black Professional Styler

I remember getting my first pair of ghd hair straighteners when I was at University and it was like a revelation, how on earth had I managed without them.  I was then given a pair of ghd Rare Straighteners as a gift after my first pair got lost during a house move and they have been with me ever since, some 10+ years!  New to my collection is the ghd Platinum+ Black Professional Styler which I have been kindly gifted and my gosh how things have changed. 

I have a really busy day job, so gone are the days when I can spend a good few hours getting ready to go anywhere and at the weekend, I am more likely to be found in my tracksuit than my LBD, but that doesn't mean I don't want my hair to look half decent. I have a lot of hair, it's thin but there is a lot, that is the phrase any hairstylist I've gone too uses, so styling my hair does take time, more so because it is naturally wavy, so I either work with those waves or I don't, depending on my mood.

The ghd Platinum+ Styler comes with the tagline "ghd’s SMART styler that predicts your hair’s needs" and are described as being a SMART styler with ground-breaking innovative technology that predicts your hair's needs.  Featuring breakthrough ultra-zone predictive technology, the ghd platinum+ styler recognises each section of hair and then adapts the temperature to ensure the optimum temperature of 185ºC is consistent across the two plates allowing for consistent results in one stroke. The heat is also monitored 250 times per second and through its predictive technology, so this means that not only does the styler recognises the thickness of your hair and speed at which you are styling it also adjusts accordingly so you get unbeatable results that are personalised to you.

The ghd Platinum+ styler features a unique wishbone hinge which ensures the precision milled plates stay aligned allowing for snag-free styling.  One issue I have had with other branded stylers is that the plates are quite rough and they do then snag the hair, so with this styler because the plates have a high gloss finish, they glide through the hair with no effort.  

They also come with universal voltage, so no matter where you are in the world, they work just as well there as they do at home.  They also come with the automatic sleep mode after 30 minutes of non-use, I am constantly worrying as to whether or not I switched off my straighteners and this is useful to have for those times.  There is also a 2.7m swivel cord as well, for me a must-have so I am not constantly tripping over a wire as I wander around styling my hair.  One of the most useful additions to the ghd styler for me is the heat resistant protective plate guard which protects the plates from being scratched, so you can take your style and your styler wherever you want

I have found the ghd Platinum+ Black Professional Styler an absolute breeze to use, I love that they are easy to use, I only need to run them through each section of my hair once to get the desired straightness that I need, whereas with my ghd Rare straighteners, which do still work they just don't get very warm, so I would spend a long time constantly running the plates over the same section of hair.  I love the new function of the on/off button which lights up and makes a beeping noise to let you know it’s on and then another jingle when it’s ready to use. I was surprised that they heat up within seconds and are ready to use.

Overall, I absolutely love how much easier these ghd Platinum+ straighteners make styling my hair, instead of taking more than half an hour, I can be done and ready in less than 10-minutes and because of their more rounded shape, I can work with the waves in my hair to make my natural curls more manageable too. 

Price and Availability

If you are asking Father Christmas for some new hair stylers/straighteners then without a shadow of a doubt,  I would highly recommend these. They literally are the most incredible straighteners that I have used since my ghd Rare and they are priced at £189 and with it comes with a 3-year warranty. These ghd Platinum+ Stylers are available in black, white and a limited edition pink design but there is also the option to upgrade your package and add other products to it.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

INNOluxe Foam Treatment at Not Another Salon

Whenever you go to the hair salon for a bit of a pamper, long overdue trim, a hair cut, hair colour or even just for someone else to wash your hair, we all get asked “do you want a treatment” and I am sure like me, many of you all say yes, never really knowing what that treatment is or what it is supposed to do, but you go with the flow because, well it is some well deserved pampering and you might as well take advantage right?

A few weeks ago I went down to Brick Lane in London for the first time in around 15 years to a rather funky looking salon which goes by the name of Not another salon. The reason for my visit was to try out the INNOLuxe treatment.

“INNOluxe uses amazingly advanced protein technology to create superstrong sulphur bonds, repairing and rebuilding your hair and leaving it soft, strong, healthy and shiny”

Ideal to be used if you have colour treated hair but INNOluxe can also be used a treatment if you don’t. I don’t currently have any colour, highlight or balayage left in my hair, it is 100% my natural dark blonde colour, so I was looking forward to seeing how my hair would feel afterwards.

If I ever won the lottery, I’d be paying for someone to wash my hair... such a relaxing experience having someone else do it for you! 

At the salon, my hair my washed using Pureology shampoo and then INNOluxe Foam, the latest release from the brand was the first step of my treatment. Described as being a pre-diluted version of ReBond V2, which is part of their stand-alone rebonding treatment. The foam delivers unbelievable strength, repair and Instagrammable shine for every hair type, but the treatment is applied at your hair station rather than keeping you languishing over the basin. So it is much more comfortable, you don’t get neck ache and you can see exactly what is going on to your hair, how it is used and ask a million and a one questions about said product.

Once it was applied to my hair, I was left to doze in my incredibly comfortable chair for around ten minutes before the foam was washed out and the second stage of the treatment INNOluxe Balance Plus. Again this is used to recreate the correct pH balance for hair following a treatment or chemical process. The protein rich formula contains hydrolysed rice and vegetable proteins as well as amino acids. Balance Plus V2 is designed to;

• Rebuild elasticity
• Repair cuticle damage
• Penetrate the cortex to lock in colour
• Protect from heat, without build-up
• Create shiny/glossy hair
• Increase fullness
• To improve the hairs natural bounce and shine

Once it had been applied to my hair, again I was to let the treatment work it’s magic for around ten minutes before I could see the final results.

I have combination hair, so I have greasy roots and dry ends and it is always much worse in the Summer than it is in the Winter. As soon as my clingfilm and towel had been removed from my hair, I could already feel a difference, my hair felt much lighter than it did before the treatment and I could see a sleekness rather than a frizzy mess! As my hair was being blow-dried, again the shine was really noticeable and it is one of those views that perhaps you notice more than anyone else. Once my hair had been styled, the immediate comment I have was that my hair feels the same as it does when I have had a trim, almost weightless and light yet o haven’t had a trim, just a treatment.

Fast forward a week later and I’ve washed my hair twice in that time when usually it would have been 3-4 times and still, that shine and sleekness is noticeable, a friend asked me if I had used something new or coloured my hair because it looks different.

This treatment is priced between £30 and £35 depending on the length of your hair and it is one I would definitely have again because I’ve seen the difference it is made to my hair.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Maria Nila Haircare

I was first introduced to Maria Nila haircare when the Vegan Edition of Glossybox in 2018 when a full-size version of the Head & Heal Hair Masque was included within the box. If you have never come across the brand before, Maria Nila is a 100% Vegan and cruelty hair care brand which features shampoos, conditioners, masks and styling products but also has them specifically designed for everyday problems, so if you have colour treated hair there will be something for you, if you have blonde hair then there is the Silver Collection for you and so on.

I have for some time now been working my way through two different collections and what I love is that depending on your hair and its condition, there are plenty of options available as to what would work best for your hair.

True Soft is based on Argan oil, which works to remoisturise and revitalise hair that is dry and brittle, as well as helping to reduce frizz and fight static electricity. The True Soft-series has a fruity scent with a unique flowery aroma of lily, jasmine, and rose.

Free from Sulphates and parabens, True Soft Shampoo and Conditioner are lightweight in texture and it is surprising how very little you need of both to make a change to how your hair looks and feels.  I often find that if I don't use my Aquis Towel to dry my hair, then the frizz and static really set in, more so if I am in a hurry and dry my hair too quickly.  With True Soft, I have noticed a difference in how static and frizzy my hair is when using them.

I am a huge fan of hair masques and having already tried one from the range, I was keen to try another. True Soft has its own Masque which smells just divine, slightly more potent than the shampoo and conditioner but not so much so that it is too much.  Texture wise, this masque has a fairly thick texture, so it is a case of less is more.   Designed to be applied to freshly washed hair, you only need to leave it on for 5-10 minutes before washing out.  I was always told that I should be trying to use a hair mask at least once if not twice a week because living and working in London takes its toll on your hair and scalp and you need to give it some TLC.  So I find my hair reacts better to a masque once a week.

The True Soft range includes a shampoo, a conditioner, nourishing hair oil and hair masque is suitable for daily use.

The Head & Hair Heal collection is a range which treats and prevents dandruff and other scalp problems, prevents hair loss and stimulates hair growth.  I have what can best be described as combination hair - greasy roots and dry ends, so I need a shampoo and any haircare that doesn't irritate my scalp, something I am prone too.  This collection Includes active ingredients such as Aloe Vera and Vitamin E. 

The series is formulated with an allergen-free perfume, developed for extra sensitive skin, and has a unique flowery scent of white jasmine, galbanum and linden blossom. The Shampoo within this collection is described as being a soothing hair growth stimulating shampoo. It uses Piroctone Olamine and natural Aloe Vera extract to both treat and prevent dandruff and scalp problems. Vitamin E, Apigenin and peptides stimulate hair follicles for increased hair growth. Oleanolic Acid prevents hair loss.

I adore the masque from this range and it is one I have repurchased recently because I had run out if completely. Again, as with the True Soft range, both of these products are lightweight in texture and you only need one small squeeze of the bottle to cover your hair. 

Maria Nila haircare is available from the website.  

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Pomegranate & Cassis

One of the hair care products I hear the most about is the iconic Philip Kingsley Elasticizer, the one everyone has used, tried and loved.   Now with a slight spin on things, I was kindly sent the Philip Kingsley Elasticizer in Pomegranate & Cassis (£34 for 150ml) to try.  

My hair has grown a lot since I have had it trimmed almost a year ago (oops) and to be honest, it is need of a makeover to sort out the differing lengths and overall condition because nothing I am using currently is helping to do anything with it.  So in the meantime, I thought I would give this a try.

Described as being a luxurious pre-shampoo conditioning treatment, the original Elasticizer was in fact formulated for none other than Audrey Hepburn, which is quite the claim to fame and how it became a cult icon.  It is designed to boost elasticity, manageability, bounce and shine as it deeply conditions the hair, all without weighing the hair down.  The first thing I noticed about this cream is how wonderfully fruity the scent was and that is due to the use of Pomegranate and Cassis which just smell divine and it is a scent that lingers on the hair.

As this is a pre-shampoo treatment, using it is much easier than I had expected it to be and depending on much TLC you feel your hair needs, there are two ways of using it.  The first is before shampooing upon which you apply to damp hair and the easiest way to do this is to section your hair and apply it to mid-lengths and end only, ensuring you give as much coverage as possible.  Then cover your head with a shower cap or a towel, depending on your preference and allow the heat this creates to allow the nutrients to sink in and work their magic and at this point, you need to leave it on the hair for between 10-20 minutes and then rinse your hair thoroughly and shampoo and condition as normally. I always shampoo twice to ensure I have no residue left behind.  The second way to use this Elasticizer is to apply it to your hair as previously mentioned and then leave it on overnight as a mask and wash it out the following morning. 

The end result for my hair is that my hair feels just incredible, it is soft, it is smooth, it is shiny, it looks healthy, it is feels nourished without being greasy but most importantly for me is that I can style my hair, using my 10-year-old Straighteners which get warm rather than hot and not have to constantly glide them through my hair to do their job. 

Are you a fan of Philip Kingsley Elasticizer?

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Alterna Haircare Caviar Anti-Ageing Bond Repair

Alterna Haircare is a range of products that friends of mine rave about being just amazing. When I was kindly sent this Bond Repair Duo Kit with a Trail Kit to boot, I was quite intrigued to see what all the fuss was about. With the tagline Pure, Proven, Professional, the range was born in 1997, Alterna Haircare is a premium hair products free of additives or harsh ingredients. Using exquisite formulas with clinically proven results made with pure, sustainable ingredients like caviar, sea silk, bamboo, and kendi oil - you might have seen the most is the Bamboo collection.

The new Bond Repair range is described as being a reparative duo that has enforcing technology which gently cleanses and strengthens damaged hair. Comprising of a shampoo and conditioner, the bright pastel blue coloured packaging really stands out.

• Firstly the Bond Repair Shampoo (250ml) - Described as being a restorative formula specially developed to help strengthen damaged hair and rebuild strands, it infuses the hair with the finest most effective ingredients such as Caviar extract (a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids) to help restore moisture, elasticity and shine, plus Caviar Bond Enforcing Technology to seal hair cuticles that have been damaged through chemical processes or physical stress. Putting this together you have a strengthening shampoo that not only cleanses away dirt and impurities but one that leaves your hair feel hydrated and full of natural shine. What I really like about this shampoo is that you can see the difference with how your hair looks and feels. No straw like after feel, no itchy scalp and hair that is manageable to deal with, no knots and no tangles.
• The Bond Repair Conditioner (250ml) is described as being a strengthening formula that helps to recreate, rebuild and reconnect broken bonds in the hair. Deeply nourishing and fortifying, the conditioner, again like the shampoo, utilises Caviar extract (rich in omega-3 fatty acids) to replenish moisture, elasticity and shine as well as Caviar Bond Enforcing Technology to seal hair cuticles that have been damaged through chemical processes or physical stress. What I like about this conditioner is that it isn't really thick in texture, it doesn't leave my hair feeling greasy and instead what it does is leave my hair feeling salon washed and dried.

I love how well both the shampoo and conditioner compliment one another. I don't use a conditioner more than once a week, but when I do use this one, I can see the difference in how my hair looks.

If you are not sure whether splashing out £30 for a shampoo is for you, Alterna has an amazing Caviar Bond Repair Stocking Filler Gift Set (£24 here) which is described as being a regenerating haircare kit that combines four high-performance products to restore softness, moisture and shine from root to tip.

The set contains four products which give you a real insight into the brand and this particular range. Inside the box you will find:

• Caviar Anti-Aging Restructuring Bond Repair Shampoo (40ml) - As shown above, this shampoo is described as being a restorative formula specially developed to help strengthen damaged hair and rebuild strands, it infuses the hair with the finest most effective ingredients such as Caviar extract (a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids) to help restore moisture, elasticity and shine, plus Caviar Bond Enforcing Technology to seal hair cuticles that have been damaged through chemical processes or physical stress.
• Caviar Anti-Aging Restructuring Bond Repair Conditioner (40ml) - described as being a strengthening formula that helps to recreate, rebuild and reconnect broken bonds in the hair.
• Caviar Anti-Aging Restructuring Bond Repair Leave-In Heat Protection Spray (25ml) - This spray is a lightweight formula which has been developed for damaged hair and it uses the same Caviar extract listed within both the shampoo and conditioner within this range. As a Spray it provides thermal protection to defend against heat styling up to 450°F. Hair looks healthy, strong and youthful from root to tip.
• Caviar Anti-Aging Restructuring Bond Repair 3-in-1 Sealing Serum (7ml) - Described as being a triple-action hair serum that expertly repairs, protects and seals damaged hair in one easy step. Helping to smoothen the look of split ends and reduce overall breakage, the hair serum utilises Caviar Bond Enforcing Technology to seal cuticles that have been damaged by chemical processes or physical stress, and a proprietary Age-Control Complex for nourishment and antioxidant protection. Again, Caviar Extract, which is one of nature's richest sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids is used and it works to restore moisture, elasticity and shine back into damaged hair.

I think this is a great little set which gives you a real insight as to the products you are buying for your hair, but before paying out a lot of money for something that might not work.

Have you tried anything from Alterna before?

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Ouai Haircare Kits

Without question, Ouai haircare has really made its mark in 2018.  If you have never come across the brand before it is the brainchild of Jen Atkin the lady who is very much responsible for maintaining the manes of the Kardashian clan, Gigi Hadid and Gwen Stefani to name just a few, a range of products has been developed and if it is good enough for them, well it is good enough for me. With shampoos, conditioners which are sulphate-free, they use a smart keratin to repair and improve hair strength. Even the styling products are designed to nourish hair and bring out its natural beauty.  This year I have really got to know the brand and the three products I am obsessed with are the Ouai Scrub (featured here)  the Rose Oil (featured here) and Memory Mist (featured here).

Pronounced 'Way' which is French for 'Yes' there is a lot to treat yourself, your friends and absolutely anything with this Christmas.

The first Christmas Gift Set is called Three Ouai Kit (£25) and it is described as follows: 

No one product can satisfy your every need that's why there's the Three OUAI. Get texture, volume and waves with this perfect travel trio, containing all your favourites.  This is a great little travel kit and because the products are travel sized, if you have never tried anything from Ouai, then this is a great way to give them a try.

The first product within the kit is the Wave Spray - This is a weightless mist, which again, once spritzed feels as though there is nothing on your hair. Its designed for that effortlessly chic, undone hair look and it is packed full of amazing ingredients. Infused with rice protein to add hold and memory for that "just got out of the ocean and my hair dried perfectly" look. I love how easy it is to use this spray and if like me you have naturally wavy hair that never really seems to hold its curl, this spray makes a lot of difference in how long the curls hold, especially the following morning.

The second product within this trio is the Dry Texture Foam - Gone are the days of using a foam in your hair and it going crunchy, this one from Ouai has an amazing texture. Using wheat proteins, it is lightweight and invisible and is perfect for creating and holding that undone, lived in look.  I have used this foam when I have allowed my hairs natural curls to remain unstraightened and it holds the look incredibly well.

The third product is called Volume Spray - If like me you want volume to your hair but don't want to spend ages back-combing it to then curse when you have to de-tangle, this is the answer.  Again, it is weightless when sprayed but it really does lift the hair to create long-lasting volume and it is the perfect addition to your 'do for this coming party season.

For a little extra, Ouai have included some wave clips and they are perfect for creating lazy curls and they are incredibly easy to use.

The second of the two sets is called Swing Both Ouais (£40) and it is described as being 'Our limited edition XL Hair Oil and best selling Texturizing Hair Spray let you decide which direction you’re taking your hair today.' Inside there is

A Limited Edition XL Hair Oil - This is an award-winning, multitasking oil which not only smoothes frizz and seals split ends, it also gives the hair that high-gloss, super-smooth finish. What I love about this oil is that once it is on my hair, it doesn't feel like an oil. I have combination hair which means I have dry ends and greasy roots, so I am always careful as to which products I use on my hair as my scalp can turn into a nightmare within a matter of hours. This oil is packed full of amazing ingredients which include African Galanga, Ama and Asian Borage oils and they work to keep colour from fading as well as protecting hair from heat damage.

The second product is the Texturising Hair Spray - When I use a hairspray, which admittedly is not something I use a lot of. I don't want to be taken back to my school day of having crispy hair from too much spray. This spray is so lightweight it hardly feels as though there is anything on your hair, but it does manage to keep everything in place, especially those pesky flyaways plus it also helps to create volume.  As mentioned, I have an oily scalp and the bonus about using this product for me is that it contains Volcanic minerals which work to absorb oil and refresh hair.

So from Ouai we have two handy hair kits which contain some amazing products and they are perfect for anyone who is already a fan of the brand, for someone wanting to get to know the brand or for anyone who just loves styling their hair.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

T3 Cura IonAir Hairdryer

I adore my beauty gadgets and I love finding new and exciting products which make my life much easier, especially when it comes to hair care. T3 is a brand I am quite fond of and the travel hairdryer (reviewed here) is something that has been with me on holidays in the UK and around Europe for a good few years now and now there is a big sister to use at home in the T3 Cura IonAir Hairdryer and having seen it at the launch party and having it as part of my life for a good few months, it is fair to say that drying my hair has become less of a chore and much more of a joy.

The biggest draw for me when I heard all about this hairdryer was its promise to 'Fight the Frizz' and give your hair that frizz free finish.  I have a lot of hair, or so I am told and the one thing about blow drying my hair at home which really annoys me is the amount of frizz and static it creates, now yes my hairdryer is around 10 years old and I probably should have bought a newer one, but the old saying 'If it ain't broke' springs to mind.  Anyway, having been given a demonstration with the T3 Cura on my hair at the launch event, not only was I sold, I wanted the hairdryer there and then.

What I love about this hairdryer, science aside is how light it is.  One thing about blow drying your hair is that you don't want arm ache a couple of minutes into the task and if your old hairdryer is anything like mine, you need to hands to pick it up and use it anyway and it only has two heat settings - scalp burn or barely warm.  This hairdryer has so much more:

• Wide airflow dries hair 75% faster
• Negative ions smooth hair
• 2 speeds and 3 heat settings
• Fights frizz and delivers shiny, beautiful results
• 1875W, nine-foot cord and quiet operation

With having IonAir technology and innovative digitally-controlled heat this hairdryer is a delight to use. It has an ergonomically designed handle which makes it easy to hold, the one downside for me, however, is that the buttons are little too touch responsive and it took me a while to get my hands into a position where I wasn't constantly pressing the wrong button.  There are two speeds which you can use between three settings - Low, Medium and High plus the option of a cool shot.  Now it is incredibly quiet, I am used to a hairdryer which sounds like a Eurofighter Typhoon preparing for take-off, with this, there is barely any sound and I can now dry my air without waking everyone else!

Whenever I dry my hair, I apply my lotions and potions, section it with clips and grab my paddle brush and begin the laborious task of drying my hair as best I can. It comes with two different concentrating nozzles, the Drying Concentrator quickly drys hair evenly with minimal effort and heat damage, whilst the Styling Concentrator easily smooths hair in sections. So depending on how much time you have when it comes to drying your hair, depends on which nozzle you use (I am used to having one and I don't even know where that is).  As for frizz free, well yes it does an incredible job and had I not been shown first hand and then had a go myself, I would have been rolling my eyes, but it does.  The Negative Ions from a powerful built-in generator smooth the hair cuticle and it is this action which gives your hair the soft, frizz-free results and I am absolutely delighted with it.

It costs £195 (here) and having looked around online I think it is an absolute bargain and I am absolutely chuffed with it.


*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here