When I picked up my latest shampoo mainly because it was on offer and had a maple leaf on the front I didn't envisage dedicating a blog post to it.
But on first use, I felt like autumn had come early in my shower and instantly thought "people need to know about this!"... so here I am telling you about it!
Come winter time even the healthiest of hair can become dry and lacklustre. I know this more than anyone as last year in the coldest months I skipped hair treatments and products all together which resulted in my colour processed hair looking and feeling beyond dry.
However this year I've got it together and already have a foolproof winter haircare routine down.
As you will see below I have two routines - my 3 times a week hair drying rountine in which I use the right tools i.e my trusty Tangle Teezer brushes that ensure I don't damage my hair whilst it's still wet and a once a week treatment where I use a deep conditioning mask either in shower or over night. If you are looking for products and tools that will looks after and nourish your hair throughout the colder months then look no further!
My no-snag hair drying routine
After washing my hair with a SLS-free shampoo and finishing with a good quality conditioner I towel dry my hair. As my routine is about avoiding damage to my hair I make sure to never rub it with a towel but to tightly squeeze it allowing the towel to soak up the excess water. Then in the same respect because wet hair is when it's most elastic and likely to snap off I use my original Tangle Teezer Detangling Brush to tease through the knots. I've used Tangle Teezer brushes for years now and wouldn't use any other brush on wet hair as the flexible teeth never pull on the hair and without a doubt minimise breakages.
Once my hair is combed through and knot-free I apply my favourite Moroccanoil treatment to the ends of my hair which truly nourishes my dry ends and tames any split ends. Again this is such an essential winter step for me.
Next I blow dry my hair on the mid-setting of my Nicky Clarke SuperShine Hair Dryer with the Tangle Teezer Blow-Styling Smoothing Tool. Unlike traditional metal round barrels blow-drying brushes this brush offers a gentle blow-style that doesn't pull on the roots of the hair and thanks to the wider teeth leads to a quicker drying time which means less heat damage! My hair once dry is left shiny and generally not in need of any extra heat styling tools as I like to limit this to once a week.
Both of the brushes above can now be purchased together in the Tangle Teezer Two Steps To Yeah Hair Gift Set for £25.00. This is just the perfect pairing of brushes that will look after your hair and is an investment in my opinino as they will last you a very long time and only benefit the hair.
Side note - Though this gift set is new to me I've been using both brushes in my hair drying routine for well over a year now. I truly recommend them!
My once-a-week deep conditioning routine
Once a week throughout the colder winter months I give my hair a good deep conditioning! This is another essential for achieving nourished glossy looking hair. Depending on time I either give my hair an overnight ultra deep condition or at least an entire evening or an in-shower deep condition which takes 10 minutes. Both give amazing results and I fully recommend trying them out to see how soft your hair looks and feels afterwards.
For my quick deep condition my go-to product is Macadamia Deep Repair Masque which requires to be combed into wet hair and left for 7+ minutes. To do this I work the mask through the mid lengths and ends of my hair then use the Tangle Teezer Detangling Brush for Thick & Curly hair to comb it though. Now I have neither thick or curly hair but the longer flexible teeth of the comb mean the hair can be easily brushed through as well as working the product into the hair. I imagine the detangling brush would work amazingly well on dense curly or afro hair for that very reason. Once the time if up I thorough rinse my hair and instantly I can noticed the difference even in the shower due to zero knots and the silky smooth texture.
If I have more time I like to use Vita Coco Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (you can find it in most supermarkets) as a leave on hair mask for a few hours or even over night. Coconut Oil is an amazing multi-purpose ingredient and makes an incredible deep conditioning hair treatment. As it's a solid I gradually heat up the coconut oil in a ramekin dish and once lukewarm apply it from root to tip to give both my scalp and hair a pamper. I again brush through my hair with the Tangle Teezer Detangling Brush to work in all the oil and because I find hair treatments work best on knot-free, combed hair. As an overnight treatment I will them put my hair up into a bun or if it's just an express treatment I will wrap my hair in a towel as the extra heat gets the oil working I find.
These two routines keep my hair is optimum condition now and all the products mentioned really are my winter hair care essentials!
Fee xo.
This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Tangle Teezer. However all views are 100% my own!
With an ever expanding array of hair tools and styling products today I thought I'd share with you a few of my most affordable ones that I highly rate!
Gone are the days that cheaper hair tools mean tugging at your hair and causing more heat damage than is necessary and the same goes for budget styling products, look in the right places and they will be as good quality as high end hair brands. Here are my own picks that I really have been pleased with.
THX Total Hair Experts Pastel Yellow Hair Straighteners
On Offer £12.00 (normally £18.00) - Tesco Direct here
When it comes to hair straighteners I love my Cloud 9 irons but as a budget option and for travelling with I cannot rate these THX Hair Straighteners enough! Not only do they look great, they come in three pastel shades, but they actually glide though the hair with easy (no snagging here) and straighten with a high temperature to keep the hair sleek all day. I also love how lightweight the straighteners are making them ideal for travelling with, they will be coming on my hols in a few weeks time in fact! If you are on a budget really don't be put off by hair straighteners under £20 because trust me they work just as well!
As you may have spotted, these are on offer at Tesco for £12.00 but if you want even more of a bargain you can find a limited edition summer blue pair here for only £9.00!
Alberto Balsam Smooth & Sleek Nourishing Oil
£3.99 - Asda or Sainsbury in store
For me a hair oil is a must, I can't remember the last time I went without one when drying/styling my hair in fact. But they really don't have to cost a lot to do the job of smoothing and de-frizzing. For me this Alberto Balsam Nourishing Oil is a great budget one as it contains Argan Oil which I find so nourishing and to smell amazing in all hair products. It's also a nice medium thickness oil, neither too thick or too runny, making it suitable for all hair types. Before drying my hair I will run a single pump of the oil through the lengths and then another pump more to the ends once I've finished straightening my hair to smooth split ends which really adds a sleek finish. If you don't already use a hair oil in your hair routine then this is a must try!
Nicky Clarke Diamond Shine Pro Salon Styling Wand
On to a really good curling wand now with the Nicky Clarke Diamond Shine Styling Wand. What I love about this wand is the size and width of the barrel and the high temperature it can reach ( max. 210 degrees). Gone are the days I want tapered curlers, now it's all about effortless chunky waves and this wand certainly gives that effect. Both the design and quality for the price are really impressive and the high heat it reaches helps curls last all day and removes frizz. I couldn't be more happy with this curling wand!
Tresemme Making Waves Creation Hairspray
For extra hold to curls I've recently been using this unique hairspray. Unlike other hairsprays it's less crispy and with less of a hold but still enough to keep curls locked in throughout the day. I simply spray this over each section of hair as I curl it and then once brushed though another light spray over the length of my hair. I ditched using hairspray years ago but this is a great alternative and something I will keep on using everytime I curl my hair. Plus it smells great!
Tigi Bed Head Mini Small Talk 125ml
£4.99 - ASOS here
Another hair styling product I absolutely love is this bargain Tigi Bed Head mini. Perfect on normal hair to add a little thickness and volume whilst also taming before blow drying. But I will admit I love this really for the amazing scent, just so so yummy, like sweets! If you are wanting a great hair brand name then I'd certainly suggest looking at the Tigi minis. Also great for travelling with.
Hair Styling Clips
£1.00 - Poundland in-store
Lastly I had to include these inexpensive hair clips that have revolutionised how I style my hair. These are perfect for pinning up sections of hair whilst you straighten or curl it or even for keeping hair away from your face as you apply your makeup. These of course don't dent the hair in any way and are such an essential for me, especially when I'm using a curling wand.
Hair products really don't need to be expensive! Let me know your own budget hair favourites in the comments.
Fee xo.
Today I wanted to talk about my new favourite hair tool that creates perfect curls on medium to long hair! With a love of bouncy soft curls I own many a curling wand (5 in fact, oops) but this recent addition to my slightly unneeded collection really is perfection.
The ghd Curve Classic Wave Wand (find this along with the full curling tool range here) is unlike other wands as it's a unique oval shape with it's own trademark tri-zone technology that allows heats to be evenly distributed to create even, long lasting curls. For me long lasting curls are certainly what I'm after along with shine and bounce. Below is why I love this curling tool so very much, plus how I like to use it with a few of my favourite hair styling products.
A few features I've been really enjoying
A very quick heat up time - I'm talking literally seconds here... I feel I should have counted but trust me it's seconds! This of course saves times waiting for the appliance to heat up (it heats to 185oC FYI) and you get a nice little tune when you turn the wave wand on and once it's heated up. The power button also illuminates whilst it's on which is a nice touch and handy for remembering to turn it off... though they do automatically turn off after 30 minutes if not used as a safety measure!
Ultra smooth barrel - Ahhh the barrel of the curling tool is just so streamline and with zero areas where the hair can be snagged on. This makes wrapping the hair around the wand and holding at the cool tip so easy and with the least damage to the hair. I also love the built-in stand at the base of the barrel that is pretty unnoticeable but means the heated part never makes contact with the surface it's placed down on or can roll/move around.
How simple and quick it is - I feel with all the features and the design of the wave wand it really has been made for ease. It's as simple as sectioning off your hair and spending 5-8 seconds on each section simply wrapping the hair around the barrel and then moving on to the next section. This takes me around 10 minutes in total and in fact I've been finding it easier than straightening my hair.
A very quick heat up time - I'm talking literally seconds here... I feel I should have counted but trust me it's seconds! This of course saves times waiting for the appliance to heat up (it heats to 185oC FYI) and you get a nice little tune when you turn the wave wand on and once it's heated up. The power button also illuminates whilst it's on which is a nice touch and handy for remembering to turn it off... though they do automatically turn off after 30 minutes if not used as a safety measure!
Ultra smooth barrel - Ahhh the barrel of the curling tool is just so streamline and with zero areas where the hair can be snagged on. This makes wrapping the hair around the wand and holding at the cool tip so easy and with the least damage to the hair. I also love the built-in stand at the base of the barrel that is pretty unnoticeable but means the heated part never makes contact with the surface it's placed down on or can roll/move around.
How simple and quick it is - I feel with all the features and the design of the wave wand it really has been made for ease. It's as simple as sectioning off your hair and spending 5-8 seconds on each section simply wrapping the hair around the barrel and then moving on to the next section. This takes me around 10 minutes in total and in fact I've been finding it easier than straightening my hair.
I also received the wave wand with carry case that has an attached heat proof mat that can detach from the case (you can see how the mat rolls out below). For me this really is a nice extra and one of really great quality. I've actually been using the heat mat for my hair straighteners as well. Compared to other mats I've tried this doesn't attract stray hairs and is super compact as the mat magnetically wraps around the case. You can find the carry case with heat proof mat here for £19.95.
How I like to use the Curve Classic Wave Wand
As you can see above from my hair picture the Wave Wand creates both large bouncy waves as well as more tightly formed curls. This is simply achieved by the size of the section of hair you wrap around the barrel. I personally love to create mainly large bouncy soft waves so I take large sections, wrapping them around the wand for around 8 seconds at the most. This literally takes me 5 minutes to do and then to the front I like to take smaller sections, wrapping them around the wand for 5 seconds to create a little more definition. I find my curls last all day without dropping out or turning to frizz!
For products that I use on my hair whilst using the wand I like to keep it minimal for that effortless bouncy look. First I like to use ghd Style Heat Protect Spray (£9.95 ghd here) all over my hair, this can be used on both wet and dry hair which is great and simply protects the hair from the heat of the hair tool. It also smells pretty nice!
Then once I've finished curling my hair I like to spritz in a little of the OGX Kukui Oil (£7.35 - Boots here) over the length of my hair which is an interesting anti-frizz hydrating oil. This I find adds a wonderful extra shine whilst also ensuring the curls don't become frizzy throughout the day. I love all OGX hair products actually.
Lastly after I've run my fingers through my hair to loosen all the curls I like to add a little of The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Miracle Solid Oil For Body & Hair (£8.00 - The Body Shop here), this not only smells incredible (I love the smell of argan oil) but it's also a god send for the dry tips of my hair to smooth split ends and to hydrate. I also find this doesn't weigh the hair down at all.
All in all the ghd Curve Classic Wave Wand is my best curling wand to date! It's easy and quick to use and the results are long lasting and just perfect!
Currently over the entire curling tool range on the ghd website there's a great saving of £20 plus free delivery!
Fee xo.
*This post was kindly sponsored by ghd
Currently over the entire curling tool range on the ghd website there's a great saving of £20 plus free delivery!
Fee xo.
*This post was kindly sponsored by ghd
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.
With a bizillion different conditioners and hair masks in my shower (I'm literally talking 8+ here) I thought I would create a little series of review posts, reviewing three at a time.
Here are a few budget conditioners for under £5...
Osmo Intensive Deep Repair Mask
£4.99/250ml - eBay here
£3.24/100ml - eBay here
This is my current favourite conditioner/hair mask. I bought this on a whim from Fragrance Direct as I liked the look of the iridescent tube... such a good reason to buy I know, and because it was cheap. But this is seriously some good stuff! Firstly the consistency and the scent are just amazing, like a creamy butter that just glides over the hair that is slightly scented with a sugary vanilla. Making it feel like a treat to use... other than the Macadamia Hair Masque I've never felt like that with any other conditioner!
As for the effects I actually squeeze all the excess water from my hair and apply the mask to the length and ends of my hair, leaving it for 5 minutes. But for a real treat I grab a towel and towel dry my hair then apply the mask for at least 10 minutes (I use a body scrub, use my Clarisonic and shave my legs in that time) this really is worth it and once I've dried and styled my hair I can really see and feel how much softer and hydrated it is. If you can't afford a pricey hair mask/don't want to, then this is the best cheaper alternative I have found so far!
This is my current favourite conditioner/hair mask. I bought this on a whim from Fragrance Direct as I liked the look of the iridescent tube... such a good reason to buy I know, and because it was cheap. But this is seriously some good stuff! Firstly the consistency and the scent are just amazing, like a creamy butter that just glides over the hair that is slightly scented with a sugary vanilla. Making it feel like a treat to use... other than the Macadamia Hair Masque I've never felt like that with any other conditioner!
As for the effects I actually squeeze all the excess water from my hair and apply the mask to the length and ends of my hair, leaving it for 5 minutes. But for a real treat I grab a towel and towel dry my hair then apply the mask for at least 10 minutes (I use a body scrub, use my Clarisonic and shave my legs in that time) this really is worth it and once I've dried and styled my hair I can really see and feel how much softer and hydrated it is. If you can't afford a pricey hair mask/don't want to, then this is the best cheaper alternative I have found so far!
Dove Intensive Repair Conditioner
£3.99/180ml - Boots here
In the past few years I've been really impressed with Dove haircare products, they really seem to have upped their game and now offer some great products. This specific conditioner is one I like to use when I need to conditioner my hair well but haven't got enough time to be keeping it on as this only need to be on the hair for a single minute!
I can't say I love the scent of this... a lot of Dove hair products have this scent and to me it's just a bit too synthetic smelling but it is far from awful. But I do like the smooth consistency and how quickly it gets to work detangling my hair and leaving it quite frizz free.
In the past few years I've been really impressed with Dove haircare products, they really seem to have upped their game and now offer some great products. This specific conditioner is one I like to use when I need to conditioner my hair well but haven't got enough time to be keeping it on as this only need to be on the hair for a single minute!
I can't say I love the scent of this... a lot of Dove hair products have this scent and to me it's just a bit too synthetic smelling but it is far from awful. But I do like the smooth consistency and how quickly it gets to work detangling my hair and leaving it quite frizz free.
Timotei Brilliant Repair Conditioner for Dry/Damaged Hair
£1.99/200ml or £2.99/400ml - Asda, Tesco etc
This is the newest addition to my shower and also the cheapest! I've always used Timotei conditioners as the scents always appeal to me (I'm sure there use to be a strawberry yogurt one) and because they are so darn cheap.
Another super quick one that doesn't actually require to be left on the hair at all! So I now use this before I am using a hair mask to de-tangle my hair quickly as I feel hair masks work so much better on smooth hair for some reason. I've also been using this when I literally want a 5 minute shower as I just can't skip conditioner and this leaves my hair tangle-free and shiny. As for consistency and scent, it is quick a thin conditioner however this makes it apply over the hair well and quickly, the scent is fruity and creamy but I can't put my finger on the exact smell. Also the 400ml bottle of this is huge and so low cost!
For my next conditioner reviews I will be picking a few high end ones and then on to some organic/natural ones.
Fee xo.
Please read my updated post that covers so much more! The Ultimate Guide to SLS-Free Shampoo (including SLS-free shampoo reviews).
As most of you will know I avoid products that contain SLES/SLS (Soduim Lauryl Sulphates) and have done for the past
So I thought I would give a few quick reviews on some of the SLS-free shampoos that are in my shower. You may want to try a SLS-free shampoo like I initially did due to an irritated scalp/skin condition, you may want to improve the quality of your hair or you could just want to cut down on this ingredient due to it being an irritant and known for it's carcinogenic links.
I personally find true organic shampoos to be generally expensive and also quite thin and lacking on the foam front (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate is what creates the lather in products) so after lots of shampoo trialing I have found I am most happy using more well known brands that sometimes do contain weaker derivatives of SLS. So it you are very strict with the ingredients you use you may want to check the ingredients label before buying any of these shampoos I recommend.
Also if you are new to washing your hair with a SLS-free shampoo it does take time, so make sure you persevere (don't switch up using a normal shampoo then a SLS-free one) and make sure you rinse your hair thoroughly. Plus don't judge the amount of foam (or size of it) by how well it will cleanse your hair!
The Body Shop Rainforest Moisture Shampoo 200ml
£4.50 - The Body Shop here
This is my new accessible and cheap to buy shampoo. When pouring this on to the hand the consistancy feels a bit like a sticky gel but foams up pretty well (if you have never used a SLS-free shampoo before you may not think so but normally shampoos overly foam up but for no real reason). The trick to not use too much shampoo is to make sure the hair and scalp are thoroughly wet before applying the shampoo and working it in. This really is a great one to use is summer as it has a glorious tropical scent that has a banana scent to it.... great for morning showers. If you are new to sulfate free shampoos then I would give this a try as it can also be purchased in a smaller 60ml size for £2.00.
Full list of ingredients - here
L'Oreal Ever Riche Nourishing & Taming Shampoo 250ml
£5.99 - Boots here
Unlike any other shampoo I have tried this actually comes out as a creamy white shampoo that looks more like a conditioner. This also doesn't smell like any other shampoo I have used before as it's quite a perfumed scent of cocunut and vanilla which I really like a lot, in fact it remind me of an Estee Lauder fragrance I own and also Harajuku Lovers G. As for how this foams, again it is quite unique in that it creates what I would describe as micro bubbles of foam so it is quite a rich feeling lather, which again impressed me when I used it for the first time.
The one thing I would say is that this really is a hydrating shampoo for dry hair so if you do have more greasy hair or it can go greasy quite quickly then this isn't for you as you will need to wash your hair again the next day. An excellent shampoo if you do have dry/damaged hair and want to restore it back to how it once was (along with a good conditioner of course). I don't use this every time I wash my hair as it does make my hair go greasy more quickly but I will be re-purchasing this as it is really nourishing and I love how it smells and foams.
Full list of ingredients - Couldn't be found online
Tigi Bedhead Foxy Curls Shampoo 250ml
£6.50 - Fragrance Direct here
Before turning SLS-free I use to spend £1-2 on shampoo so I see this shampoo as quite a treat but a treat I can't live without now. I continuously have this in my shower and re-purchase it when it looks like it's running low. The consistency of this is the thickest of the three shampoos in this post and almost like a gel when you squeeze it out but you only need a normal amount of it and it lathers up really well. I don't have curly hair but I find that this shampoo is quite hydrating and frizz fighting because it is for curly hair. The main thing I love about this shampoo along with it working well for me, is the smell! This to me smells like sweets - jelly babies or just general pick and mix and I love that. I really am hooked on this product now. How I came to use this shampoo was trying out a mini 75ml size of it on Fragrance Direct which you can still find for only 99p here.
Full list of ingredients - here
Hopefully this will help if you are on a quest to find more affordable SLS-free shampoos. I think I may do a similar post on SLS-free shower gels soon.
Fee xo.
Today I thought I would do an overview of the shampoos I am currently using because if you do use Sulfate-free shampoo you will know that reviews can be important as they can be hit and miss some of the time, unlike standard shampoos.
I won't go in to why I avoid using sodium lauryl sulfate in shampoos too much (I also avoid using shower gels and facial washes with this ingredient in). But basically SLS is an inexpensive foaming agent found it pretty much all products that foam, even toothpaste... unless of course the product states it is SLS-free. However I personally think it is a cheap and harsh chemical that shouldn't be used in personal care products. If you suffer from any type of scalp/skin problems (e.g eczema, psoriasis) anything containing SLS isn't what you want to be using AT all.
I decided to make the change to use only SLS-free products when I had a bad reaction to a shampoo which resulted in quite a sore feeling to my scalp. However using shampoos that were SLS-free helped my scalp recover but also I saw the other benefits - reduced hair loss in the shower, better hair growth, more shine, less frizz and also hair dye fade less... basically my scalp & hair health improved greatly and I have now been using only SLS-free shampoos for over 2 years.
As I use so many different shampoos I can't really specifically say if they are giving me the results they suggest in these mini reviews. For example the Jason shampoo below, which is supposed to fortify weakened, hard-to-grow hair for maximum length without breakage. I am around half way through using this and my hair is in good condition but I can't say if it is specifically down to this product, plus also I think one of the main benefits when opting for sls-free/natural shampoos is they do make your hair stronger so less likely to break or fall out.
So just to note for these reviews I can only really comment on - how much each shampoo foams and cleans my hair, the scent and the after results when my hair is dry.
Jason Jojoba Shampoo
473ml/£5.95 - Big Green Smile
For me this is an average foaming SLS-free shampoo, it does take a little more shampoo than I normally would use but if I use that little extra it does foam up nicely. The scent for being a 'pure natural' shampoo is quite heady than I expected, however I think that is the strong grapefruit scent that I'm just not use to, however when washing the hair is it a lot less than just sniffing it from the bottle. The shampoo leaves my hair cleaner than normal, but not stripped or knotty, so I think this would be good for anyone that is prone to more greasy hair.
For the amount you get in the huge bottle it is a great price (you always have to pay more for SLS-free products) and I will 100% be re-purchasing this in a different scent as my new general day-to-day shampoo.
Naked Care Mild Shampoo
250ml/£3.98 - Naked online or Boots
This is a shampoo I always re-purchase as I always like to have something that I know is mild on my scalp if I have been using a lot of products in my hair. So this is a super mild shampoo that is free from sulphates and doesn't cost a lot.
Naked shampoos are generally a bit thinner in consistency than 'normal' shampoos so you do need to use more or wash your hair twice, though I never have needed to do this. But from using pretty much the whole Naked shampoo range I can say the Mild shampoo containing Neroli & Oatmeal and the Hydrating shampoo with Honey & Mallow do lather up the best.
SLS-free shampoos are always going to cost more but this is one of the cheapest priced range and actually the one SLS shampoo range that you can find in Boots and Sainsbury stores.
Fushi Total Repair Herbal Shampoo
250ml/£13.75 - Feel Unique
When I want my hair to look really nice I tend to use this shampoo along the Macadamia Deep Repair Masque (250ml/£13.45 - Cheapsmells) as both products really hydrate my hair leaving it smooth, shiny and frizz-free.
Now I am normally put off by anything that mentions the word 'herbal' as I don't tend to love that certain smell that natural herbal products can have. But this smells quite citrus-y and almost a like lemonade. For me this is one of the only SLS - free shampoos that leaves my hair knot-free after using it, which I find pretty amazing. With a shampoo like this I really feel it is doing more than just cleaning my hair but actually adding strength and benefiting my scalp.
Tigi Foxy Curls Mini Shampoo
75ml/99p - Fragrance Direct
I won't go in to why I avoid using sodium lauryl sulfate in shampoos too much (I also avoid using shower gels and facial washes with this ingredient in). But basically SLS is an inexpensive foaming agent found it pretty much all products that foam, even toothpaste... unless of course the product states it is SLS-free. However I personally think it is a cheap and harsh chemical that shouldn't be used in personal care products. If you suffer from any type of scalp/skin problems (e.g eczema, psoriasis) anything containing SLS isn't what you want to be using AT all.
I decided to make the change to use only SLS-free products when I had a bad reaction to a shampoo which resulted in quite a sore feeling to my scalp. However using shampoos that were SLS-free helped my scalp recover but also I saw the other benefits - reduced hair loss in the shower, better hair growth, more shine, less frizz and also hair dye fade less... basically my scalp & hair health improved greatly and I have now been using only SLS-free shampoos for over 2 years.
As I use so many different shampoos I can't really specifically say if they are giving me the results they suggest in these mini reviews. For example the Jason shampoo below, which is supposed to fortify weakened, hard-to-grow hair for maximum length without breakage. I am around half way through using this and my hair is in good condition but I can't say if it is specifically down to this product, plus also I think one of the main benefits when opting for sls-free/natural shampoos is they do make your hair stronger so less likely to break or fall out.
So just to note for these reviews I can only really comment on - how much each shampoo foams and cleans my hair, the scent and the after results when my hair is dry.
Jason Jojoba Shampoo
473ml/£5.95 - Big Green Smile
For me this is an average foaming SLS-free shampoo, it does take a little more shampoo than I normally would use but if I use that little extra it does foam up nicely. The scent for being a 'pure natural' shampoo is quite heady than I expected, however I think that is the strong grapefruit scent that I'm just not use to, however when washing the hair is it a lot less than just sniffing it from the bottle. The shampoo leaves my hair cleaner than normal, but not stripped or knotty, so I think this would be good for anyone that is prone to more greasy hair.
For the amount you get in the huge bottle it is a great price (you always have to pay more for SLS-free products) and I will 100% be re-purchasing this in a different scent as my new general day-to-day shampoo.
Naked Care Mild Shampoo
250ml/£3.98 - Naked online or Boots
This is a shampoo I always re-purchase as I always like to have something that I know is mild on my scalp if I have been using a lot of products in my hair. So this is a super mild shampoo that is free from sulphates and doesn't cost a lot.
Naked shampoos are generally a bit thinner in consistency than 'normal' shampoos so you do need to use more or wash your hair twice, though I never have needed to do this. But from using pretty much the whole Naked shampoo range I can say the Mild shampoo containing Neroli & Oatmeal and the Hydrating shampoo with Honey & Mallow do lather up the best.
SLS-free shampoos are always going to cost more but this is one of the cheapest priced range and actually the one SLS shampoo range that you can find in Boots and Sainsbury stores.
Fushi Total Repair Herbal Shampoo
250ml/£13.75 - Feel Unique
When I want my hair to look really nice I tend to use this shampoo along the Macadamia Deep Repair Masque (250ml/£13.45 - Cheapsmells) as both products really hydrate my hair leaving it smooth, shiny and frizz-free.
Now I am normally put off by anything that mentions the word 'herbal' as I don't tend to love that certain smell that natural herbal products can have. But this smells quite citrus-y and almost a like lemonade. For me this is one of the only SLS - free shampoos that leaves my hair knot-free after using it, which I find pretty amazing. With a shampoo like this I really feel it is doing more than just cleaning my hair but actually adding strength and benefiting my scalp.
Tigi Foxy Curls Mini Shampoo
75ml/99p - Fragrance Direct
When it comes to SLS-free shampoos my all time favourite is Tigi Superstar shampoo as it lathers up so well, is gentle but cleansing on my hair and it smells of strawberry milkshake.
However as I'm going on holiday next month I thought I would take the Tigi Foxy Curls Minis with me, so I bought a few, with one to try before I went. Much like the Superstar shampoo this is a thick feeling shampoo that lathers up so well and also as it is for curls it really does help with frizz. I actually think I like it just as much as my Tigi Superstar shampoo. Also this actually smells like a bag of Jelly Babies, so yummy!
If you already do use SLS-free shampoos then I hope these mini reviews are helpful.
But if you are someone that is considering trying out SLS-free shampoo then my main advice would be to try it and stick with it! No using 'normal' shampoo sometimes, or you just won't get use to the consistency of SLS-free shampoo and more importantly you won't see any results.
Fee xo.
I have long hair. Long but non-tangly hair really. However after I wash my hair I normally like to put it up in a towel and leave it there while I either do my makeup or just do nothing really. Then when I take my hair out of the towel it is normally semi dry and full of tangles!
I do have a tangle teezer which 100% helps and gets through all the tangles but I have found it takes no time at all if I use a de-tangling spray as well.
I currently use two detangling sprays and like them equally on most points. But as I like my products to be free from nasties I'm now opting for the Naked Untangle Me Spray. Though these two do work is quite similar ways.
I currently use two detangling sprays and like them equally on most points. But as I like my products to be free from nasties I'm now opting for the Naked Untangle Me Spray. Though these two do work is quite similar ways.
Supersoft Kids Tropical Fruit Scent Spray - 150ml/£2.20 - Tesco, Sainbury's
Naked for Kids Orange Lollies Untangle Me Spray 200ml/£2.99 - Naked online here, Boots
Supersoft also have a Strawberry and Milk scent which I'm dying to try because it sounds yummy. Just need to use up the last on my tropical scented spray.
Both products work in exactly the same way. You just spray the product all over wet/damp hair and then brush through. They don't leave any texture or residue in the hair however much you use and if you have a really knotty area you can spray a bit more closer up and it sorts it out perfectly.
Scent wise I do prefer the tropical scent the most as it's so summery smelling but it is on the synthetic side mind. Were are the Naked orange lollies scent does smell like oranges but isn't synthetic-y but oranges aren't really my thing.
I feel that detangle sprays are something that most of us would over look at they do all seem to be aimed at children, but if you do get tangly hair then getting a spray like one of these will just sort out the problem and I'm sure it must cut down of the amount of split ends as well!
Fee xo.
A quick review for you this hopefully sunny Sunday morning. I'm sat here writing this on a Saturday night.. deary me! But I thought no time like the present as I have just got out of the shower after using the Naked Repairing Hair Treatment.
I have been a lover of Naked for a long time now, they were the first SLS-free shampoo I ever tried and I love all of their hair styling products - I really can't get enough of their Extra Shiny Finishing Serum, the smell and how it makes my hair look... amazing!
But I also love their sachets of hair treatments. Now I am pretty sure they did more hair treatments than this, I loved one that contained Buttermilk I'm sure... that is one of the things I dislike about Naked (though I love them for the most part) is that they seem to discontinue products quite often. I may never fully forgive them for discontinuing my beloved face wash that smelt of cookies! I digress... so anyway, this now seems to be their only hair treatment, which I don't mind as it is for frizzy/damaged hair - something I feel my hair could be described as if I don't tame it/use products on it (it's all the years of abuse through heat and hair dye).
How I use it!
Basically this is the hair treatment I have been using when I want to let my hair dry naturally without it being one massive frizz ball (one sachet is enough for even long hair). I apply this to ringed out hair after shampooing and comb it through with my Denman Be-Bop shower brush or Tangle Teezer, then I leave it on for the rest of the shower - so 10 minutes ish. Afterwards my hair is left feeling soft but not actually amazingly soft. But as it dries it is frizz-free nearly and the ends of my hair always look less tired and without split-ends! Just overall tamed and shiny.
The one thing that Naked could improve on is the scent... I'm thinking it is the 'Meadowfoam' which has quite a herbal scent that reminds me of starflower. It would just be nice for it to smell of something sweet or yummy.
The hair treatment can be purchased as a 20ml sachet for £1.29 (Naked online - here, KMI club - here or from Boots). Or in a big 400ml tub for £7.99 (Naked online - here, KMI club - here and also from Boots)
Fee xo.
Over time I have become a hair product junkie! I have now tried endless amounts of products and even have a whole box full of styling, heat, conditioning products for my hair. But more than anything I love my styling products that just finish off the hair making it look glossy, smooth and healthy.
So here are my current most used products that I like to style my hair with.
Naked Style More Volume Body Building Mousse £3.99/150ml (here) - I did use to be a mousse user many many years ago and used the classic Vo5 mousse but over time I felt that it stop working for me and nine times out of ten when hair felt like it had product in it by feeling a bit crispy or weighed down so I gave it up. But for the past few months when I have been wearing my hair down just blow dried to being fairly straight I have been using the Naked Body Building Mousse and I have been really enjoying it. Firstly I think this is the first time I have thought that a hair mousse has smelt super nice... a bit like bubblegum actually! Also it's the been refreshing to use a mousse that gives good root volume without that crispy feeling and with it being silicone free I don't feel that build up anymore. If you are into using mousses (I know you either are or you aren't) then this is just a more natural, fun and updated one to use!
Awapuhi Wild Ginger Styling Treatment Oil £7.50/25ml (here)- This beauty came with the February Glossy Box (review of box - here) and I am just in love! I have been using it on both wet hair all over and on dry hair just at the tips and it's just been great. The oil does come out as quite thick but once rubbed between the palm and through the hair the oil feels so light weight. I use this when I want really sleek straight looking hair with no fly aways and it definitely does the job. I am also so in love with the scent.. I didn't think I liked ginger that much but this is a sweet ginger that is just divine and makes the hair smell so good. I actually want this scent as a room spray!
Sleek Fish High Gloss Serum £4.99/50ml (here) - This product has made my hair the most shiniest hair it has ever ever been! I apply this to the length/ends of dry hair and it's just amazing.. I can't even describe it, so I'm not even going to try, but if you love having super gloss hair that shines amazing amounts then this is sooooo the product to go for. It is that good that I strangely have started to use it down the fronts of my legs to add shine when I am wearing a dress as it's non-sticky and the shine really does highlight the fronts of my legs (I found this out because the product always makes my palms shiny after using it). I really am very impressed with this product and may even do a full review with actual before and after hair pictures as I love it that much.Oh, and it smells slightly like playdoh!
Percy & Reed Finishing Polish 100ml (free gift) - With using so many oils it is sometimes nice to go back to using a cream product and this Percy & Reed product that I got free with Glamour magazine a bit ago is what I like to use. This doesn't do amazing things but it does smooth and groom unruly hair and it keeps the hair that way for most of the day. But it is just a nice product to use being a cream and smells a bit minty and yummy.
KMS Free Shape Hot Flex Spray £2.50/30ml (here) - This doesn't feel as light or as natural as all the other products I have mentioned but I felt it deserved to be mentioned as it has a lot of strength to it and can hold the style that you do to your hair really well, until the next wash even. I normally only use this when I want to use my Babyliss conical wand or Babyliss Wavy Envy and I apply it to towel dried hair. This just keeps the shape of my style really well and I know my hair isn't going to drop during the day (well unless it gets rained on). It does smell chemically and probably doesn't contain the best ingredients but it definitely does the job and I find it works much better than using hairspray after styling the hair with heat.
Would love to know what your favourite hair styling product is but you can only pick one!
Fee xo.
As some of you may know I received a sachet of the Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque in the February Joliebox (review of the box here) and absolutely loved it! I think it may actually be the best hair product I have ever tried in fact!
However at £19.50 for a 250ml pot it would of been a bit of a splurge for me. So I decided to hang fire and look around to see if I could find it any cheaper. The cheapest I could find it was from Cheap Smells at £16.60 with free delivery but I was still a bit hesitant to buy it.
But then the lovely and very helpful @Saraisbeauty (she also has a blog - Beauty Nook) tweeted me that the Macadamia Deep Repair Masque had been reduced to only £9.99 at Cheap Smells (here). Within 5 minutes I have bought the hair mask as I knew I wouldn't be getting it that cheap anywhere else!
As you can see this is a thick pearlized hair mask with a little going a long way. The masque is just so perfect for over processed, dry or damaged hair and will tame the wildest of frizz. I kid you not, this made my hair look like I had just got back from the hairdressers... so smooth and shiny and for once no split ends sticking up! I was amazed at the results.
As this is so thick and luxurious it is only suggests that you use it twice a week but for me once a week is enough so hopefully the 250ml pot will last me quite some time.
If you are looking for an amazing deep conditioner I really do urge you to try the sachet of this which is now £3.00 for 30ml from Beauty Bay (here) as gives you around 2-3 applications on medium length hair.
Or of course if you are already a lover of the hair masque then you can get it for the bargainous price of £9.99 for 250ml from Cheap Smells (here)!
Fee xo.
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