Saturday, February 18, 2012

Your Capsule Wardrobe

At London Fashion Week it's not just the new season's clothes on show, the hairstyles that complement the designer looks are an essential part of the finished result.  


How many half-used products have you got stashed in your cupboard, like for your clothes you need only a capsule wardrobe for your hair to stay looking good for great value.


Hair Essentials products to keep your hair in style.


Shampoo: for your hair-type. It's tempting to go for a cheap high street product, but these can be packed with salt which dries hair out. Or with silicone type chemicals that coat the hair making it feel smooth and shiny, but ultimately will weigh your hair down and leave it feeling limp and looking dull.  The natural reaction is that you feel that you need to wash your hair more often and the cycle continues.  


The best solution is to opt for a professional shampoo recommended by your hairdresser.  Professional shampoos can be as little as £6/£7 and can last 3-6 months so are very cost effective. 


Conditioner: professional brands design shampoo and conditioners to work together (yes really) for maximum benefit.  Also you may mix and match if your hairdresser recommends this.


Wet Styling product:  Use this after shampooing and conditioning, designed to be left in the hair. This product should provide solutions specific to what your hair needs eg, volume, smoothing etc and if you blowdry your hair, heat protection.


Heat protector: After drying (whether naturally or by blowdrying) your hair needs to be protected before you apply any heating tools, eg straighteners, curling wands, heated rollers. Some products like TIGI Headrush combine heat protection and shine for a lovely finish.


Accesserise Your Hairstyle


Dry Styling Edgy: Long or short hair that has layers will benefit from a finishing product that will accentuate the style of the cut for a choppy or edgy look.


Dry Styling Smooth:  Sleeking products are great for defrizzing curls, adding shine or simply smoothing down those little flyaways where new hair is growing around the hairline or parting


Leave-In conditioner:  These are great to keep added moisture in hair and hair that is prone to tangles and difficult to brush.  Some can be great 'next day re-stylers'.


Hair Mask: Its always nice to treat your hair to an intensive conditioner treatment, to add brilliance, shine and super condition. one to two time a month should be enough.