We all have parts of our bodies that we aren’t happy with which we occasionally have to make huge efforts with just to look “normal” and for some its hair. It can start when you’re a toddler with thick, extremely curly, blonde curls that have to be brushed into submission by an overzealous mother every night and plaited; if she can get you to stand still for long enough. Eventually, she’ll say she’s had enough and have said curls lopped off into a haircut akin to Julie Andrews in Sound of Music including the too short fringe. Trouble is, those curls will still want to stick out. Growing up, we’ll go through various styles from a feather cut, a bob, a purdey cut, a lob and through it all will continue the battle with our unruly hair.
Thank goodness that due to the hard work of the hairdressing industry and some of the many brands of shampoos treatments and colours, on the whole as adults we look pretty acceptable and would even go as far as saying that on occasion our hair is our best feature. Now, there will be those among us who will be saying wow I wish my problem was too thick hair or too curly hair as yours may be limp, fine or dead straight but it works both ways – we always want what we don’t have!
We are never satisfied with what we’re given, are we? We’ve all spent many hours trawling through shops and hairdressing salons as well as online to find products or advice that we think are worth the time and money to use. So here’s a list of some of the best buys out there with a couple of great sites for hair tips and some that people with other ”hairy” problems have used with good results.
The Perils of Bleach
Having a dry scalp is a nightmare especially if it’s prone to little psoriasis (just to add to the hair problems) so it’s important to learn early on that the harsher the products e.g. perming, the worse the effect on your scalp. Often people with dark hair want to lighten it and the hair will resist most efforts and where people have continued, they have ended up with hair like straw and a red blistered scalp! There are ways, of course, to add bright colors to the hair without bleach, though you need to take into account that usually the effects are not as bold or dramatic.
All Time Favourite
One of the most popular companies, now in the world, has to be Lush, for the sheer range of products tackling all manner of problems not to mention their ethics. Hair doesn’t always behave in the same way so needs different products at different times. Don’t believe that old rumor that your hair gets used to your shampoo or conditioner – so what you think it suddenly decides “Nope not gonna let you have a good effect on me now you’ve stocked up?!” There are so many factors that can affect the condition of your locks, leaving them anything but luscious. One of the worst can be humidity. Hair may start out the day like a smooth pedigree coat but by teatime, it’s looking like the local rough coated mutt with a halo of frizz around the face.
Sometimes, especially in cold and windy weather, scalps also begin feeling itchy and sore and occasionally if it’s that time of the month too (thanks, hormones!) Some people’s hair is even affected by their health going from fry dry, coarse hair to lank, greasy ”hair strings” when ill and then the hair feels like it needs a really deep cleanse (as does the body!). So many problems though are covered by Lush, plus you can even colour your hair and treat it to a shine treatment using their wonderful blocks of henna – although be careful when you do and get the colour otherwise you’ll need to bleach clean the bathroom afterward!
Splurge on a Treat
If you fancy giving your hair a real treat, if it’s been coloured, flattened, soaked in the sea and generally been neglected, a great go to product is Damage Remedy conditioner from Aveda. A real treat, this miracle worker can be used once a week to maintain soft and sleek hair. Some can honestly see and feel a difference after the very first use. (Do make sure you give it a while to soak in and do its magic). Aveda is, of course, another company that has a fab range of products for your every follicular challenge.
Supermarket Bargains
You know some months the pennies won’t stretch to an indulgent conditioner or treatment but there are some pretty good brands out there in your local supermarket or chemist that student friends swear by. A popular brand is OGX who have a big range of shampoos and conditioners that won’t break the bank especially if you get a 3 for 2 or a BOGOF deal. You could actually cover most of your “Hair Moods” with their range that uses ingredients from Argan oil to Eucalyptus and Mint.
Go Organic
If you want to be as natural as possible without the chemical nasties that some products contain then you can’t beat Daniel Field for quality and choice. There is even a great pamphlet you can download giving you advice on what colour you should choose and loads of videos for tips and demonstrations. Organic colours are sometimes of particular interest to ladies that are undergoing treatment for cancer such as chemotherapy too as they don’t contain any nasties!
Well, there you have it, a few suggestions of great brands that can help you all the way to luscious locks. The best tip around is to be sure to match your product with the mood of your hair then you’ll always get the look you’re after!
