Sultry summer hair can be something of a minefield for the untrained amateur. Everyone has their gripe - though my hair is wonderfully long and currently a delicious shade of blonde (thanks to Mahogany London – stay tuned for a future review…) the bane of my life is that it is poker straight. I mean poker poker. I permanently look like the ‘after’ girl in the GHD adverts. In a quest to liven it up for the season I’ve trialed some goodies to find the best of the best…
Best for Cheryl-esque Volume Easier said than done, volume is my holy grail of hair lust. Though it takes some time to get the perfect blowdry, it is achievable. Start with good product: OSMO’s Blowdry potion is not only jammed full with pro-vitamin B5 to help prevent split ends and smooth the hair cuticles, giving dramatic red carpet shine, but the unique formulation helps to reduce drying time. (£7.75 from www.osmo.uk.com). For luxurious volume at the roots, you can’t beat Serge Norman Meta Lush Volumizer, a root volumising wonder-spray providing superior flexibility and elasticity without stiffness of flaking for ultimate styling. With a gorgeous scent reminiscent of The Body Shop’s classic White Musk, it leaves hair with a subtle va-va-voom (£22 from www.spacenk.co.uk). A brilliant budget option is Aussie’s Aussome Volume & Conditioning Mousse, the delicious-smelling concoction will leave hair full of volume without being crispy (£4.69, available nationwide). For a secret weapon against flat hair, the Babyliss Root Boost is a godsend; the micro-crimp plates add volumising texture at the root to give your style instant lift and fullness that lasts. Miracle. (£25 from Boots and Argos)
Best for Beach Babe Surfer Hair You can’t beat a classic – Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Spray is the original and the best. A salt derivative adds texture while algae and kelp extracts help to retain moisture – this cult product mimics the ocean’s ability to give hair a salty, sexy, sun-dried, wind-styled feel, great if you’re in stuck in the city with no beach in sight! (£19) Use together with Bumble and Bumble’s Texture Crème for an elusive, undone-yet-done quality with a hint of grit, extra lift and a tousled, shine-free finish... a scuffed, second-day style in seconds. (£21 both available from www.spacenk.co.uk).
Best for Blondes It’s all well and good forking out for fabulous highlights, but maintenance is key if you want to keep your colour. The best I’ve tried is the L’Oréal Professionel Shine Blonde range, available in L’Oréal salons. Specifically formulated for blonde hair to bring back colour clarity, illuminate, refresh and revive blonde shades, the range contains Ceraflash, a unique triple action technological association (along with violet micro-pigments) which neutralises unwanted yellow tones, Shine Blonde gives long lasting colour protection and adds brilliant shine. Anti- hard water ingredients offer lasting colour protection, while Ceramides strengthen and repair the hair therefore prolonging the life of your colour . (Shine Blonde Repairing and Brightening Shampoo £10.10, Shine Blonde Repairing and Brightening Conditioner £11.25)
Best for Frazzled Locks Sun, sea and sand (or city air…) can take their toll on already dry hair, so good nourishment is key. Gielly Green’s Argan Resue is a potent oil that works wonders on frizzy, thick and difficult hair. Just a few drops of othespecially formulated serum can revive, smooth and soften even the most weak and tired locks. The oil is non-greasy and rapidly absorbed and gives your hair a boost of Vitamin E – leaving it looking shiny and well nourished. For a serious injection of softness, smother your hair, tie up overnight (remember to sleep with a towel over your pillow!) and rinse out in the morning. (£19.50 from http://shop.giellygreen.com). If you’re budget won’t stretch that far, Aussie’s 3 Minute Miracle is a firm favourite. The unique formula with Safflower Seed Oil helps mend split ends and roughened cuticles, helping transform dry, damaged hair in just 3 minutes. Smells good enough to eat too! (£4.69, available nationwide).
Best for Everyday Dr Organic’s Organic Virgin Olive Oil Shampoo & Conditioner (£4.99 each, available in Holland & Barratt and at www.drorganic.co.uk) contains rich virgin olive oil antioxidants to penetrate deep into the hair shaft and intensely nourish the hair from the inside out, strong enough to fight the frizz but light enough for everyday us. As a favourite brand of celebs including Penelope Cruz and Emily Blunt it’s definitely one to get your hands on.
Best for the Festivals And finally, as if I needed to say it, every girl’s go-to product for summer of camping has to be Batiste’s brilliant Dry Shampoo (from £2.35, available nationwide). The perfect solution when a hairwash isn’t available, the range has now expanded to include tinted versions for blondes and brunettes so you won’t be left with that dusty look. I tend to spray it in before bed before French plaiting my hair for that boho look in the morning – who said festival hair can’t still be stylish eh?
Love Laurel x
