Another empties edition, this time featuring solely hair care products.
Starting with the most basic — washing — let me introduce a scalp saviour that I discovered last summer:
Redken Scalp Relief Soothing Balance Shampoo. The Scalp Relief range offers different solutions for specific scalp concerns, like
excess oil production,
dandruff or
sensitivity. The latter was a condition I had to deal with
ASAP.
Often during summer months, my skin (including scalp) becomes more sensitive. So, I carefully choose delicate formulas to wash and condition, avoiding strong fragrances. This gentle shampoo cleanses effectively, while soothing and relaxing the scalp. The creamy blend of eucalyptus and liquorice extracts has a soft and relaxing scent.
I haven't used
TIGI S-Factor Smoothing Conditioner for a while, and forgot how great it was. The texture is incredibly creamy and thick. In fact, it is
so thick that if you have the regular 250ml pumpless bottle, you know how hard it is to push the product out near the end.
What I really appreciate in the S-Factor range, compared to Bed Head, is the use of more grown-up and delicate fragrances. They're not subtle by any means, just more refined. In this case, it's supposed to have an asian pear and papaya aroma, but it reminds me of strawberry sweets, for some reason. The result is instantly conditioned and smoothed down locks, with increased shine levels. It's very effective in calming frizzy hair, like mine, and helps to reduce fly-aways. The formula with avocado and jojoba oils nourishes hair and provides manageability.
Again from TIGI S-Factor, I used up these
Health Factor Extreme Moisture Therapy 10ml bottles. I believe this product is discontinued now, but I managed to find it
here and
here. It was a gift with purchase with another S-Factor item, so I didn't know what to expect.
Haven't used it long enough to notice long term benefits, though I
did notice that it helped increasing hydration levels, making it a good primer for other conditioning products.
The quantity applied depends on the texture, density and length of hair. I used half a bootle at a time, on towel-dried hair, and combed it through. This leave-in spray treatment repairs and nourishes damaged hair, while improving it's elasticity and protecting hair from future damage.
Obviously, I finished another bottle of hair oil. I believe this was the second bottle of
L'Oréal Professionnel Mythic Oil I've used up. A lightweight formula that absorbs quickly and it's suited for all hair types, making it ideal to use on dry hair.
I apply a few pumps starting from the ends — where I want the most product — and work it through the lengths as well. This formula with avocado and grape seed oils provides a shiny and softer result, adding a healthy look. Depending on your hair type and density, you can apply a few pumps before and after blow-drying and whenever your locks are feeling a bit lackluster.
Finally, a product that you can't neglect, especially if you're addicted to heat styling. If you are, welcome to the club. We have tea on Thursdays.
Last December, when I purchased my first
ghd straighteners, I thought I'd give
ghd Heat Protect Spray a go. And I'm really glad I did.
The packaging is sleek and beautiful — I can't hide the fact that I do fall for packaging — and it sprays such a fine, light mist that feels like you have absolutely nothing on your hair. Doesn't weigh down or leave any sort of residue or build-up.
Perfect. Smells really good, too. Not a strong, lingering scent, which is ideal in my eyes, since at that stage in my routine I already applied a cocktail of different products with distinct fragrances.
This spray protects against the heat from dryers, curling wands and straighteners and can be used in damp or dry hair. Do comb it through afterwards, to distribute the product evenly. I miss having this spray, but I really need to finish two other thermal protectors before repurchasing this. I'm really trying to resist...
