My Current Hair Care Routine

I’ve recently had my hair cut.  Hurrah!  Honestly though, it’s one of those things that fills me with dread.  Mainly because I never come away happy.

This time however I do actually like the cut and in celebration of that I thought I would do a post on my present hair care routine.

Shampoo and Conditioner.

For the most part I am using Lee Stafford’s Breaking Hair Shampoo £8.99 and Lee Stafford’s Breaking Hair Conditioner £8.99.  I picked these up at the Clothes Show in December after being sweet talked by one of the people on the stand.  It was four products for £12 which considering it would have cost me £18 for two ordinarily,  is pretty good. 

I must say though these are not my favourite products I have ever used and I am in no way in love with them.  I cannot really say anything too negative as they do what any other shampoo and conditioner do, but that is the problem.  I feel they are very average and would never pay full price for them (nor would I repurchase).  My hair continues to break whilst using them and also doesn’t look any smoother as a result of using them so I am just using these up until I have been paid and can justify purchasing some more products – such as Redken or Wella.

For those days when I would like my hair to feel a bit more conditioned (and I have time) I use Neal & Wolf’s Intensive Care Treatment which is £12.95*.  I like the smell of this product and it is nice and thick so my hair definitely feels conditioned when I use it and smoother.  This is something I would recommend although probably something I would not purchase – simply because I rarely use conditioning masks on my hair (I know – very naughty).

Styling.

When it comes to styling I have a vast array of products.  Many of which are only used from time to time.  So I have focused on those that I use regularly (for the most part) and I like.

First up is Redken’s Extreme Anti Snap £13.50 – 16.50.  This is something I have been using on and off for around 4 years now and definitely something I recommend and repurchase.  I must say, it works best on hair that starts off in good condition – so I find it is better when my hair has had all the dead ends cut off, as a preventative measure (rather than a cure when it has split and needs a cut!).  I apply it when my hair is just towel dried and prior to blow drying.  One thing I would say is that this usually results in it taking longer to blow dry for me as it locks in some of the moisture.  A definite must have though if your hair is prone to splitting.

Another regular favourite of mine is the John Frieda Frizz-Ease Extra Strength Hair Serum £6.29.  If I am not using the Anti Snap I put this on prior to blow drying.  If I have used Anti Snap, I apply a teeny tiny (less than 5p sized) amount and apply to the  ends and layers before straightening.  I know you are not supposed to actually do this, but it really does make a big difference between frizzy and non frizzy so I am going to continue!  I could not live without this product so much so that I have 5 spares in case they ever discontinue it and my parents always buy it me for birthdays and Christmas!

Also, depending on my mood and whether I think my hair needs it, I use Neal & Wolf’s Heat Protection Spray £10.95*.  This is just one of those sprays to apply either before blow drying and straightening.  I fluctuate between both.  In all honesty, I don’t feel like my hair feels any different as a result but that probably isn’t a bad thing as the product is nice and lightweight and if it is protecting my hair then that’s a good thing.  I wouldn’t purchase though as I need to see or feel results in order to use a product again after running out.

Once blow dried and straightened I like to use Batiste’s XXL Volume Dry Shampoo £3.99.  This is great for creating volume when you have just washed your hair or for the between washes days when your hair needs a bit of a lift.  I just apply it to the roots rub in and then brush.  It works well although you have to be careful not to apply too much or (if you are brunette like me) you will end up with a very powdery finish – not a good look.  I would definitely recommend this though as it is great for freshening up hair, but it really does create volume.  I couldn’t be without this either (although I don’t have 5 of these stashed away as they are too big!).

Finally, this is a product I haven’t used much so far but know I will.  It’s the Label.M Sea Salt Spray £9.80.  Yes, the spray that everyone who has amazing tousled hair seems to use.  I am aiming for that look.  It seems to work pretty well so far and is great for creating a bit of texture in your hair where the layers are.   I spritz a bit on whilst blow drying roughly and it gives my hair a bit more of a rougher and choppy feel.  Gone are the days where I want super sleek hair so this is perfect for me.  It also works if my hair has got a bit damp from the (rubbish) English weather and is a bit kinky.  A spritz of this and a quick scrunch means the kinks look intentional! Result!

Here's my YouTube video if you fancy a watch xx