Christophe Robin Hair Essentials Discovery Kit Review: Transform Your Hair with Luxury Mini Heroes

Hair care and scalp care is hugely important, with both not being discussed enough in my view. If you’re on the hunt for luxury hair care that really works, the Christophe Robin Hair Essentials Discovery Kit is your new best friend. 

Packed with six travel-sized products, this kit is designed to cleanse, nourish, and revitalize all hair types — whether you’re looking for shine, volume, hydration, or scalp detox.

What’s Inside the Christophe Robin Hair Essentials Discovery Kit?

This discovery set brings together six of Christophe Robin’s most-loved products, each formulated to tackle a different hair care need:

Regenerating Shampoo with Prickly Pear Oil (75ml)

A nourishing, gel-textured shampoo that gently cleanses while revitalizing and strengthening hair. Perfect for soft, glossy, refreshed strands.

Regenerating Mask with Prickly Pear Oil (40ml)

Ultra-nourishing and deeply conditioning, this mask repairs and smooths hair for a luxurious, glossy finish.

Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt (40ml)

Detoxify and rebalance your scalp with this exfoliating scrub. It soothes, refreshes, and promotes healthy-looking hair.

Instant Volumising Leave-In Mist with Rose Water (50ml)

Lift your roots and add body with this lightweight, volumising mist. Hair feels thicker, fuller, and more manageable.

Hydrating Leave-In Cream with Aloe Vera (20ml)

Tame frizz and hydrate dehydrated strands with this lightweight cream that delivers daily moisture without weighing hair down.

Night Recovery Cream with White Lotus Flower (20ml)

Overnight nourishment that restores and strengthens fine to medium damaged hair while you sleep.

Why I Love It

• The Christophe Robin Hair Essentials Discovery Kit is perfect for:
• Trying out the brand: Want to explore Christophe Robin without committing to full-size products? This kit lets you sample the essentials.
• Traveling: The mini sizes are ideal for trips.
• Hair transformations: From hydration to volume, scalp detox, and repair, this kit covers all the bases.
• Plus, using high-quality, luxurious ingredients like Prickly Pear Oil, Aloe Vera, Sea Salt, Rose Water, and White Lotus Flower, it elevates your hair care routine while delivering visible results.

How to Use the Kit

• Shampoo: Use the regenerating shampoo 2-3 times per week or as needed.
• Mask: Apply 1-2 times per week after shampooing, leave for 5-10 minutes, then rinse.
• Scalp Scrub: Use 1-2 times per week to detoxify and refresh.
• Leave-In Mist & Cream: Apply to damp hair before styling.
• Night Recovery Cream: Apply to dry or damp hair at night for overnight nourishment.

Final Thoughts

Whether you want to boost shine, volume, or hydration, or simply treat yourself to a luxury hair care experience, the Christophe Robin Hair Essentials Discovery Kit has it all. Small in size but big on results, it’s a must-try for anyone serious about healthy, beautiful hair.

Where to Buy: Lookfantastic – Christophe Robin Hair Essentials Discovery Kit

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Cantu Weightless Collection – Lightweight Curls, Heavyweight Results

You know I don’t do subtle when it comes to my hair—it either behaves or it doesn’t. So when Cantu dropped their new Weightless collection, promising moisture without the heaviness, I was intrigued. We’re talking curls, coils and waves from type 2 through to type 4—and this entire range is vegan, silicone-free, and packed with ingredients your hair will actually thank you for. Think: blue agave, squalane, meadowfoam and macadamia.

Kindly sent to be was the entire haircare range with a shampoo, conditioner, leave-in treatment, Curl Cream and a hold Gel.

Cantu Weightless Smoothing Shampoo – £8.50

Let’s start with the shampoo, because that’s where I usually dread the drama—either it’s squeaky-clean and leaves my scalp tight, or it’s so moisturising it feels like I’ve still got product left in. Thankfully, this one sits in the sweet spot. It gives a thorough cleanse (yes, it foams), but it doesn’t strip. In fact, my curls felt softer than usual even before conditioner. It’s silicone- and sulphate-free, vegan, and infused with blue agave and shea butter, but doesn’t weigh hair down.

Perfect for: curlies who want clean hair without the crisp ends.

Cantu Weightless Smoothing Conditioner – £8.50

Conditioners can make or break a wash day—and this one gets it bang on. It’s light enough to rinse cleanly, but still coats the hair just enough to detangle without effort. Squalane is the star here, and you can feel the difference—my mid-lengths felt noticeably smoother, and there was zero frizz after diffusing.

The bonus? No heavy coating or build-up. You get slip, softness, and bounce without compromising volume.

Perfect for: anyone who needs moisture and detangling but hates that ‘coated’ feel.

Cantu Weightless Smooth + Curl Cream – £9

Right, this is the standout for me. I’ve tried enough curl creams to know that most of them go one of two ways—either they’re thick and suffocating or so light they do nothing. This one? Goldilocks levels of just right. It defines without stiffness and gives soft, bouncy curls that last for days. No crunch, no flaking, no stickiness.

The texture is lovely—smooth and creamy without feeling greasy. If you’re new to styling your curls, this is a brilliant one to start with. Bonus points for being lightweight enough to refresh with too.

Perfect for: soft definition, moisture and bounce—especially on wavy to curly hair.

Cantu Weightless Smooth + Hold Gel – £8

Gels are a gamble—but this one is the low-risk, high-reward kind. It’s light, offers a lovely medium hold, and doesn’t flake. I’ve worn it in everything from drizzly mornings to sweaty commutes and still come home with curls intact. You get that soft cast that can be scrunched out easily, and it never goes sticky or crispy.

If you’ve been put off gels because they feel like glue, this might be the one to change your mind.

Perfect for: frizz-prone hair that needs definition without stiffness.

Cantu Weightless Daily Leave-In – £9

This one might just be the most versatile product in the lot. First off, it’s heat-protective up to 250°C—rare for a leave-in. Second, it’s truly featherlight. The cream melts in with no residue, and it makes a huge difference to hydration levels, especially on second- or third-day hair. It claims 15 benefits, and for once, that’s not marketing fluff—my hair felt softer, stronger, and genuinely less frizzy.

It works beautifully for refresh days, under stylers, or even used alone for low-maintenance curls.

Perfect for: daily moisture, heat protection, and style refreshing—especially in humid conditions.

Final Verdict

This is not your standard “for curls” line that leaves type 3 and 4 hair begging for real moisture. Cantu’s Weightless collection delivers proper hydration without the weight. No flakes. No greasy roots. No drama.

If you’re looking for lightweight styling that still brings the hold, definition, and frizz control—this range is it. And the price point? You can get the whole line for under £45. Bargain.

Available now at Boots, Superdrug, and online at cantubeauty.co.uk

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day High‑Shine Gloss

When it comes to hair products, I’m usually sceptical of anything that promises "mirror-like shine" and salon results at home. After years of trialling various oils, serums, and shine sprays—many of which leave hair either too heavy, greasy, or worse, sticky—I’ve learned to be cautious. So when Living Proof launched their Perfect Hair Day High-Shine Gloss, it caught my attention for two reasons. First, it's a rinse-out in-shower gloss treatment rather than something that sits on the hair post-styling. Second, it’s silicone-free, something that isn’t easy to find in a product that aims to add shine and polish. With Living Proof’s solid reputation for high-performance haircare backed by science, I put it to the test over the course of several months.

What It Is

Living Proof’s Perfect Hair Day High-Shine Gloss is described as a clear, in-shower glossing treatment designed to deliver brilliant shine, softness, and a vibrant finish. The brand claims that results are visible after just one use and can last up to three washes. It’s safe for colour-treated and chemically processed hair, is free from silicones, parabens, sulphates and phthalates, and is cruelty-free.

The product comes in a 200ml soft metallic tube that feels both functional and premium. The consistency is similar to a thick conditioner, so it doesn’t drip or slide off your hand while you're trying to work it through the hair. It has Living Proof’s signature clean, slightly citrusy fragrance—not overpowering, but pleasant and salon-like.

Key Ingredients

One of the more appealing aspects of this product is its ingredients list, which is surprisingly minimal and well thought out:

• Glycerin – A humectant that draws moisture into the hair and helps maintain hydration.

• Jojoba Esters – Naturally derived, these esters help soften and condition the hair without leaving a greasy residue.

• Sodium Hyaluronate – The salt form of hyaluronic acid, which helps bind moisture to the hair fibre, improving softness and manageability.

• Light Enhancing Technology – While the brand doesn't specify the exact mechanism, this proprietary tech is said to amplify light reflection without using heavy silicones or film-formers.

There are no silicones, and no heavy waxes—something that can be especially important for finer hair types that are easily weighed down. However, it does contain fragrance, including linalool and citronellol, which could potentially irritate those with very sensitive scalps.

How to Use

This product is designed to be used in the shower, after shampoo and conditioner. Here's how I used it:

1. Wash and condition your hair as usual.

2. Squeeze out excess water and towel-dry briefly so that the product doesn’t slide off.

3. Apply a generous amount to mid-lengths and ends (avoiding roots), combing through for even distribution.

4. Leave it on for five minutes.

5. Rinse thoroughly.

I found it easy to apply and distribute through the hair. It doesn't feel sticky or overly rich, and rinses out cleanly without leaving a residue.

Results

Immediately after use, my hair felt smoother and detangled effortlessly. Once blow-dried, the shine was noticeable—less high-gloss lacquer, more a natural healthy sheen, which I personally prefer. It added softness and movement without sacrificing volume or bounce, which is a major win.

On thicker or coarse hair, this would work beautifully as a shine enhancer and softener. However, on fine hair, you do need to be more cautious with the amount you use. The first time, I applied a generous amount, and while the shine was there, I did notice that my hair felt a bit heavy at the roots the next day. On the second use, I halved the quantity and focused only on the lengths and ends, which worked much better—leaving hair glossy, swishy and clean-feeling.

After three washes, some of that initial glow does fade, but the underlying softness and manageability hang around a bit longer. It’s not a repairing treatment—it won’t fix split ends or reduce breakage—but it does make your hair look and feel healthier.

The Pros

• Noticeable shine after first use

• Softens hair without the heaviness of oils or silicones

• Lightweight texture and easy to rinse out

• Suitable for coloured and chemically treated hair

• Cruelty-free and free from sulphates, silicones and parabens

• Smells fresh and clean without being overpowering

The Cons

• Can weigh down fine or oily-prone hair if too much is applied

• Shine fades after a few washes, so requires reapplication to maintain results

• Not a deep treatment—more cosmetic than restorative

• Contains fragrance allergens that may not suit very sensitive skin

Final Verdict

If you're looking for a non-greasy, silicone-free shine booster that works quickly and smells great, Living Proof’s Perfect Hair Day High-Shine Gloss delivers exactly that. It won’t repair damaged strands, but it will make your hair look significantly healthier, glossier and better groomed—especially if your hair tends to look flat or dull. It fits neatly into a busy routine because it only needs five minutes and rinses out clean, leaving no product build-up. I wouldn’t call it a necessity, but for those occasional dull hair days—or when you want a little extra polish without visiting the salon—it’s well worth having on hand.

Would I repurchase? Yes—though I’d use it more as a special occasion gloss rather than a weekly treatment.  Priced at £30.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Can a £4 Viral Shampoo Really Deliver?

Can a £4 Viral Shampoo Really Deliver? I Put the M&S Nourishing Range to the Test

When I hear the word “viral,” I’m instantly curious. Like many beauty lovers, I’ve been lured in by the buzz around budget-friendly finds that promise high-end results. So when I spotted the M&S Beauty Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner, both priced at just £4, I had to give them a try.

These products have been making quiet waves online for their ingredient list and performance — and for good reason. The Nourishing range is infused with micro algae extract, which helps rebalance the scalp, and a blend of bergamot water and coconut oil to deliver much-needed moisture. But what really caught my eye? They're silicone- and sulphate-free — a rare find at this price point, and a big plus for anyone with fine hair or an oily scalp like mine.

Sustainable, Sensible & Scented Just Right

On the sustainability front, the shampoo and conditioner are vegan and packaged in fully recyclable bottles. The scent? Think refreshing sea salt meets green bergamot — clean, subtle, and ideal for a morning mood boost. My only quibble was the bottle design: no pump means it’s a bit tricky to handle mid-shower, especially with wet hands.

Performance That Surprised Me

Application-wise, the shampoo felt incredibly lightweight and easy to lather. Two washes later, my scalp felt clean but not stripped — a rare balance for a budget shampoo. The conditioner was where the magic really happened. Unlike many affordable conditioners that leave a film or fake shine, this one delivered real softness without buildup.

I applied it from roots to ends, let it sit for about five minutes, and rinsed. While the shine was a touch subtler than with some pricier products, there was no dryness or heaviness — just healthy, bouncy hair that felt freshly cut.

Final Thoughts

The beachy scent lingered for a solid two days (yes, I got compliments!), and my hair held up beautifully for three days before the roots got greasy again — standard for me. For £4 each, the M&S Nourishing range seriously overdelivers, the only thing missing is a pump for each bottle.

If you’re looking for an affordable, clean, and effective shampoo and conditioner duo that ticks the boxes for sensitive scalps, sustainable ingredients, and real results, this might be your next favourite.

* this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

What is PRP hair treatment?

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What is PRP hair treatment?

If you are living with thinning hair or even hair loss, it can really affect your confidence.

Whether you are male or female, PRP hair treatment could be the solution for you.

But what is PRP and how does it improve the amount or thickness of your hair?

PRP hair treatment – everything you need to know

PRP hair treatment is a safe, non-surgical option for those looking to stimulate hair growth.

Instead of relying on ineffective and complicated chemicals or proteins found in hair oils and shampoos or complex cosmetic surgeries, PRP hair treatment uses your own blood products to rejuvenate your hair.

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is extracted from a small blood donation and is injected back into the target area to introduce more growth factors. These growth factors can be used on injuries or more cosmetic concerns like hair loss, to stimulate the body’s natural healing process and improve results.

In the case of PRP for hair growth, if patients come in for treatment for the recommended three sessions, you can expect results such as:

• Thicker hair growth
• Reduced levels of hair loss – it should be noted that there will still be a normal level of hair loss, at a maximum of 150 hairs per day
• Increased hair thickness
• Reinvigorated hair growth in balding or thinning areas
• Boosted self-esteem

What is the PRP hair treatment success rate?

You should be aware that results can differ depending on a range of factors, including the severity of your hair loss before treatment, the treatment protocol you undertake (how many sessions and how regularly you have them), and individual patient differences.

However, our experienced practitioners see patients who undergo PRP hair treatment with results lasting 12-24 months, with a small number benefitting from a top-up treatment every 6-12 months. This is expected if you have all three sessions.

Similar results have been found in research and clinical trials, with most patients experiencing success rates of 60-80%. Results included noticeable hair growth and improved hair density, even in those with androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness).

For this reason, as well as enjoying and styling your new luscious locks, your self-esteem could absolutely skyrocket – influencing all aspects of your life, including your professional, social, and romantic life.

Can PRP be used as part of a combined treatment schedule?

Depending on your unique circumstances, some patients with more drastic hereditary hair loss can be advised to use PRP hair treatment alongside other interventions, like Minoxidil.

Once used to treat high blood pressure, Minoxidil is now used as a topical solution that prevents further hair loss and encourages hair regrowth by increasing blood supply to the hair follicle.

If your GP or pharmacist has prescribed you Minoxidil, be sure to ask if you are eligible for PRP hair treatment – they will be able to advise you if there is a reason you should avoid it.

Choose PRP hair treatment for boosted hair growth

While it might sound a bit space-age and futuristic, PRP has actually been safely used in medicine since the 1970s.

As such, the crossover into cosmetic treatments and hair regrowth strategies is trustworthy and has proven efficacy, so as long as you choose a reputable provider, you should be good to grow!

You’ll have long and lovely locks in no time!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Nanogen 7-IN-1 Shampoo for Women

Looking after my hair is as important to me as it is to look after my skin and over the past six months or so, I have been working my way through a few brands and their products to see how they affect my hair. I have shoulder-length naturally wavy dark blonde hair and whilst my hair is fine, there is a lot of it, I also have what is best described as being 'combination' hair which means I have greasy roots and very dry ends.  So finding a shampoo that can deal with both of those issues is sometimes testing.

From Nanogen, I was kindly gifted the 7-in-1 Shampoo, Thickening Conditioner for Women and the Root Boost Hair Thickening Spray. All the products I had seen on my social media and a brand I had yet to try.

The Nanogen 7-IN-1 Shampoo for Women Thickening Hair Treatment is described as being a powerful formula which provides a multitargeted approach to hair thickening. 

The 7-in-1 formula gives the following benefits:

• Cleanses - This formula contains hard-working surfactants that grab onto oil and dirt particles and pull them away from the hair to deeply cleanse the scalp.
• Moisturises - With hydrating powerhouses glycerin and panthenol, this product gives amazing hydration without weighing hair down.
• Thickens - Formulated with Nanogen's own unique Hair Growth Factors, it works to rejuvenate hair follicles, support natural hair growth and maintain hair anchoring.
• Strengthens -The use of keratin within this 7-IN-1 formula helps to strengthen the hair by penetrating the cuticle and supporting the hair’s natural keratin from the inside out.
• Rebalances - Formulated with prebiotic beta-glucan, which nourishes and rebalances the scalp’s natural microbiome. Not only that, but salicylic acid actively exfoliates the scalp to help prevent itchiness and flakes, as well as breaking down sebum and dirt which can clog the pores.
• Fights pollution - Using green tea extract as a powerful antioxidant to neutralise free radicals, therefore minimising damage to the hair and scalp. Green Tea also helps to soothe an irritated scalp.
• Optimises for fibres - Nanogen 7-IN-1 contains surface resin polymers that work to create an optimised canvas for the Keratin Hair Fibres. These polymers make the hair strands strongly positively charged, therefore strengthening the bond with our dipolar charged fibres.

Alongside all of this, also included within the formula is Chamomile and Aloe which possess natural anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe and calm the scalp.

What I like about 7-in-1 is the texture of the shampoo, it isn't thick or too runny, and once applied to your hair, the advice is to leave it for around a minute before rinsing out and my hair after using feels incredibly clean, it is soft without static and flyaways plus, my scalp doesn't itch and is not irritated after using.  This product can be found in Boots and it costs just £9.95.

Alongside the 7-in-1, I was also gifted the Nanogen Conditioner for Women Thickening Hair Treatment. This conditioner is described as being scientifically formulated with hyaluronic acid which intensely hydrates the hair and scalp, leaving you with weightless, shiny, volumised hair. 

This treatment is incredibly lightweight, so it doesn't weigh your hair down after using. I often find that because I have fine hair, many conditioners leave my hair feeling lank and many are just too heavy to use.  Once on the hair, the advice is to leave this conditioner on for around 4 minutes before rinsing out. This product can be found in Boots and it costs just £8.95.

The final product within my trio is the Nanogen Root Boost Hair Thickening Spray. Described as being a weightless, fast-absorbing hair thickening spray that lifts each root and thickens every strand. If you have dull, flat and lifeless hair, then this might be the product you need to have within your stash.

This easy to use non-greasy hair thickening spray contains a cocktail of ingredients to care for your hair and scalp while providing instant volume and lift to each strand in just a few sprays. Those key ingredients include:

• Niacinamide and green tea help soothe the scalp and protects from free radical damage caused by our environment.
• Provitamin B5 attracts water molecules for intense hydration in the hair follicle. Hair is moisturised, shiny and with less static and flyaways.

When using, Nanogen advises that to get the maximum results, blow-dry to activate more thickening proteins and to use it every time you wash your hair.  I have used the spray a few times and what I like is that less is definitely more and rather than my roots sit flat against my head if I straighten it, there is a slight lift at the roots. This product can be found in Boots and it costs just £9.95.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Kevin Murphy full.body hair collection

A brand of haircare that is new to me is Kevin Murphy, I have used one or two products but recently the full.body collection is one I have been reaching for. Described as being skincare for your hair, Kevin Murphy haircare range is described as being one of the very highest natural quality.

The first product within this full.body collection is the Plumping.Wash Shampoo which is described as being a re-densifying shampoo formulated for fine and thinning hair types. Using a strengthening blend of ginger root and nettle extract to nourish each hair follicle whilst at the same time stimulating circulation to help to promote hair growth and gently exfoliate. They work alongside aloe vera leaf extract, rice protein, amino acids, bamboo extract and acai berry extract which gives the hair volume without weighing it down.

What I really like about this shampoo is that once I have used it, is my hair feels clean, it doesn't feel weighed down or lank and it definitely looks shiny and healthy. Having combination hair, I often find that some shampoos make my greasy roots look worse after shampooing than they did before.

Following on from Plumping.Wash we have Plumping.Rinse and this conditioner is described as being a re-densifying and thickening product which has been formulated for fine and thinning hair.  It used an ingredient called hemsleya root, something I haven't come across before and it is rich in oleanolic acid which helps to protect against damage and prevent hair loss to promote fuller, healthier and stronger hair.

I only ever use a conditioner once, maybe twice a week at most, I often find they are too heavy for my hair and I, therefore, tend to use a hair mask instead. With this conditioner, because it is lightweight in texture, it doesn't weigh the hair down or leave it feeling in need of another wash and it smells absolutely lovely too.

As well as Shampoo and Conditioner, Kevin Murphy has a whole range of products and I recently featured the Young.Again Dry Conditioner, which is a great product. The two other products within my stash are the Anti Gravity Spray and First Crush.

As the name implies, Anti.Gravity Spray is an oil-free volumiser and texturizer spray and its job is to help control those pesky fly-away's but with an oil-free shine. For bigger, thicker hair it is advised that you apply the product to wet hair and dry in. For me, depending on what I am doing with my hair, I usually apply to towel-dried hair and then blow-dry to get the finish I want.

I mentioned earlier within this review that Kevin Murphy likes to source and use key ingredients for each product and within this spray, there is the use of Lavender flower water which is said to be beneficial for all hair types as it helps with balancing and regulating the production of oil, then we have honey extract to help seal in moisture and soften, grapefruit extract to promote hair growth and cell regeneration and ho leaf oil which is described as being rich in anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

The final product I have is First.Crush and if you like a hair perfume, then this is one you really need to try. Described as having a sweet, sensual and luxurious scent and this is owing to the inclusion of bergamot, mandarin, patchouli and ylang-ylang.

We all know by now that using our regular perfumes and fragrances is not a good idea for use on our hair, not only can they be quite damaging, but also really drying. So Kevin Murphy has formulated an ultra moisturising mist which not only reduces static and leaves your hair looking glossy but the scent is like Spring in a bottle and it is divine. To use, the advice is to spray liberally over the hair to finish a style, or to just give your hair a boost. First.Crush can also be used to help smooth flyaways, promote shine and eliminate odours. This product is suitable for all hair types.

You can find more information on Kevin Murphy and the entire haircare range from the brand website.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Lee Stafford Shampoo Massage Brush and Smooth & Polish Paddle Brush

Lee Stafford is a haircare brand I’ve been a fan of since they first launched Lee Stafford Poker Straight hair protection spray, a product I have used over and over again for many years and there is something about the scent that I just happen to adore, not forgetting just how good at protecting your hair from any form of heat it is.  When it comes to hairbrushes, I have a comb from Lee Stafford that has seen me through quite a few years now and just recently, the brand has relaunched their hairbrush collection with the aim of ensuring that it contains every brush or comb that you will ever need.  With nine different tools to choose from, all of which are available from Boots, you will without question find one that you really need.

I was kindly sent two products from the range, the first is the Lee Stafford Shampoo Massage Brush and the second one is the Lee Stafford Smooth and Polish Paddle Brush.

The Massage Brush is the one I was particularly looking forward to trying because the one I had from another brand has managed to disappear and I have become quite a fan of them.

Priced at £5.99 it is amazing value for money and it is described as being perfect for cleansing and exfoliating, helping to maintain a healthy scalp and fabulous looking hair. Pair it with your favourite Lee Stafford shampoo for that extra foaminess! With an ergonomically designed handle making it easy to grip when wet, massage with the soft silicone tips to lift away dead skin and stimulate your scalp!

This massage brush is absolutely brilliant to use.  For someone like me who suffers from scalp irritations, usually linked to stress, I need something that not only helps to massage my head and exfoliate my scalp but also something that helps aid that exfoliation process when I use particular products to help exfoliate my scalp.  I also use this massage brush when I have applied a hair mask to my hair, it helps to ensure I get as even a coverage as I can.  The brush is also a great size for sitting in the palm of your hand and because the tips are made from silicone, they are not too rigid that they hurt the scalp, instead they do give quite the relaxing massage.

The second brush, the Smooth and Polish Paddle Brush is again reasonably priced at £10.99 and it is described as being a must-have for making the most of your hair, every day. Whether you want silky soft hair or to just detangle and combat frizz this paddle brush with soft-touch grip is the perfect go-to tool. With flexible nylon pins that can be used on wet or dry hair, the soft cushion adapts to the shape of your head to ensure a comfortable styling experience!

Most of the brushes that I use on my hair are paddle brushes.  I have shoulder length hair which has a fine texture, but I have a lot of hair, so anything I can do to prevent tangles and knots.  This brush features an easy-grip handle which has a rubberised coating to it and what I love is how large the brush head is.  Again, with silicone bristles, this brush doesn't drag its way through your hair, it glides without pulling and scraping against your head.  A delight to use and one of my most used brushes.

Do you have a favourite brush or brush brand that you couldn't be without?

You can find these brushes and the entire Lee Stafford hairbrush collection at Boots.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

ghd Platinum+ Black Professional Styler

I remember getting my first pair of ghd hair straighteners when I was at University and it was like a revelation, how on earth had I managed without them.  I was then given a pair of ghd Rare Straighteners as a gift after my first pair got lost during a house move and they have been with me ever since, some 10+ years!  New to my collection is the ghd Platinum+ Black Professional Styler which I have been kindly gifted and my gosh how things have changed. 

I have a really busy day job, so gone are the days when I can spend a good few hours getting ready to go anywhere and at the weekend, I am more likely to be found in my tracksuit than my LBD, but that doesn't mean I don't want my hair to look half decent. I have a lot of hair, it's thin but there is a lot, that is the phrase any hairstylist I've gone too uses, so styling my hair does take time, more so because it is naturally wavy, so I either work with those waves or I don't, depending on my mood.

The ghd Platinum+ Styler comes with the tagline "ghd’s SMART styler that predicts your hair’s needs" and are described as being a SMART styler with ground-breaking innovative technology that predicts your hair's needs.  Featuring breakthrough ultra-zone predictive technology, the ghd platinum+ styler recognises each section of hair and then adapts the temperature to ensure the optimum temperature of 185ºC is consistent across the two plates allowing for consistent results in one stroke. The heat is also monitored 250 times per second and through its predictive technology, so this means that not only does the styler recognises the thickness of your hair and speed at which you are styling it also adjusts accordingly so you get unbeatable results that are personalised to you.

The ghd Platinum+ styler features a unique wishbone hinge which ensures the precision milled plates stay aligned allowing for snag-free styling.  One issue I have had with other branded stylers is that the plates are quite rough and they do then snag the hair, so with this styler because the plates have a high gloss finish, they glide through the hair with no effort.  

They also come with universal voltage, so no matter where you are in the world, they work just as well there as they do at home.  They also come with the automatic sleep mode after 30 minutes of non-use, I am constantly worrying as to whether or not I switched off my straighteners and this is useful to have for those times.  There is also a 2.7m swivel cord as well, for me a must-have so I am not constantly tripping over a wire as I wander around styling my hair.  One of the most useful additions to the ghd styler for me is the heat resistant protective plate guard which protects the plates from being scratched, so you can take your style and your styler wherever you want

I have found the ghd Platinum+ Black Professional Styler an absolute breeze to use, I love that they are easy to use, I only need to run them through each section of my hair once to get the desired straightness that I need, whereas with my ghd Rare straighteners, which do still work they just don't get very warm, so I would spend a long time constantly running the plates over the same section of hair.  I love the new function of the on/off button which lights up and makes a beeping noise to let you know it’s on and then another jingle when it’s ready to use. I was surprised that they heat up within seconds and are ready to use.

Overall, I absolutely love how much easier these ghd Platinum+ straighteners make styling my hair, instead of taking more than half an hour, I can be done and ready in less than 10-minutes and because of their more rounded shape, I can work with the waves in my hair to make my natural curls more manageable too. 

Price and Availability

If you are asking Father Christmas for some new hair stylers/straighteners then without a shadow of a doubt,  I would highly recommend these. They literally are the most incredible straighteners that I have used since my ghd Rare and they are priced at £189 and with it comes with a 3-year warranty. These ghd Platinum+ Stylers are available in black, white and a limited edition pink design but there is also the option to upgrade your package and add other products to it.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

INNOluxe Foam Treatment at Not Another Salon

Whenever you go to the hair salon for a bit of a pamper, long overdue trim, a hair cut, hair colour or even just for someone else to wash your hair, we all get asked “do you want a treatment” and I am sure like me, many of you all say yes, never really knowing what that treatment is or what it is supposed to do, but you go with the flow because, well it is some well deserved pampering and you might as well take advantage right?

A few weeks ago I went down to Brick Lane in London for the first time in around 15 years to a rather funky looking salon which goes by the name of Not another salon. The reason for my visit was to try out the INNOLuxe treatment.

“INNOluxe uses amazingly advanced protein technology to create superstrong sulphur bonds, repairing and rebuilding your hair and leaving it soft, strong, healthy and shiny”

Ideal to be used if you have colour treated hair but INNOluxe can also be used a treatment if you don’t. I don’t currently have any colour, highlight or balayage left in my hair, it is 100% my natural dark blonde colour, so I was looking forward to seeing how my hair would feel afterwards.

If I ever won the lottery, I’d be paying for someone to wash my hair... such a relaxing experience having someone else do it for you! 

At the salon, my hair my washed using Pureology shampoo and then INNOluxe Foam, the latest release from the brand was the first step of my treatment. Described as being a pre-diluted version of ReBond V2, which is part of their stand-alone rebonding treatment. The foam delivers unbelievable strength, repair and Instagrammable shine for every hair type, but the treatment is applied at your hair station rather than keeping you languishing over the basin. So it is much more comfortable, you don’t get neck ache and you can see exactly what is going on to your hair, how it is used and ask a million and a one questions about said product.

Once it was applied to my hair, I was left to doze in my incredibly comfortable chair for around ten minutes before the foam was washed out and the second stage of the treatment INNOluxe Balance Plus. Again this is used to recreate the correct pH balance for hair following a treatment or chemical process. The protein rich formula contains hydrolysed rice and vegetable proteins as well as amino acids. Balance Plus V2 is designed to;

• Rebuild elasticity
• Repair cuticle damage
• Penetrate the cortex to lock in colour
• Protect from heat, without build-up
• Create shiny/glossy hair
• Increase fullness
• To improve the hairs natural bounce and shine

Once it had been applied to my hair, again I was to let the treatment work it’s magic for around ten minutes before I could see the final results.

I have combination hair, so I have greasy roots and dry ends and it is always much worse in the Summer than it is in the Winter. As soon as my clingfilm and towel had been removed from my hair, I could already feel a difference, my hair felt much lighter than it did before the treatment and I could see a sleekness rather than a frizzy mess! As my hair was being blow-dried, again the shine was really noticeable and it is one of those views that perhaps you notice more than anyone else. Once my hair had been styled, the immediate comment I have was that my hair feels the same as it does when I have had a trim, almost weightless and light yet o haven’t had a trim, just a treatment.

Fast forward a week later and I’ve washed my hair twice in that time when usually it would have been 3-4 times and still, that shine and sleekness is noticeable, a friend asked me if I had used something new or coloured my hair because it looks different.

This treatment is priced between £30 and £35 depending on the length of your hair and it is one I would definitely have again because I’ve seen the difference it is made to my hair.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Maria Nila Haircare

I was first introduced to Maria Nila haircare when the Vegan Edition of Glossybox in 2018 when a full-size version of the Head & Heal Hair Masque was included within the box. If you have never come across the brand before, Maria Nila is a 100% Vegan and cruelty hair care brand which features shampoos, conditioners, masks and styling products but also has them specifically designed for everyday problems, so if you have colour treated hair there will be something for you, if you have blonde hair then there is the Silver Collection for you and so on.

I have for some time now been working my way through two different collections and what I love is that depending on your hair and its condition, there are plenty of options available as to what would work best for your hair.

True Soft is based on Argan oil, which works to remoisturise and revitalise hair that is dry and brittle, as well as helping to reduce frizz and fight static electricity. The True Soft-series has a fruity scent with a unique flowery aroma of lily, jasmine, and rose.

Free from Sulphates and parabens, True Soft Shampoo and Conditioner are lightweight in texture and it is surprising how very little you need of both to make a change to how your hair looks and feels.  I often find that if I don't use my Aquis Towel to dry my hair, then the frizz and static really set in, more so if I am in a hurry and dry my hair too quickly.  With True Soft, I have noticed a difference in how static and frizzy my hair is when using them.

I am a huge fan of hair masques and having already tried one from the range, I was keen to try another. True Soft has its own Masque which smells just divine, slightly more potent than the shampoo and conditioner but not so much so that it is too much.  Texture wise, this masque has a fairly thick texture, so it is a case of less is more.   Designed to be applied to freshly washed hair, you only need to leave it on for 5-10 minutes before washing out.  I was always told that I should be trying to use a hair mask at least once if not twice a week because living and working in London takes its toll on your hair and scalp and you need to give it some TLC.  So I find my hair reacts better to a masque once a week.

The True Soft range includes a shampoo, a conditioner, nourishing hair oil and hair masque is suitable for daily use.

The Head & Hair Heal collection is a range which treats and prevents dandruff and other scalp problems, prevents hair loss and stimulates hair growth.  I have what can best be described as combination hair - greasy roots and dry ends, so I need a shampoo and any haircare that doesn't irritate my scalp, something I am prone too.  This collection Includes active ingredients such as Aloe Vera and Vitamin E. 

The series is formulated with an allergen-free perfume, developed for extra sensitive skin, and has a unique flowery scent of white jasmine, galbanum and linden blossom. The Shampoo within this collection is described as being a soothing hair growth stimulating shampoo. It uses Piroctone Olamine and natural Aloe Vera extract to both treat and prevent dandruff and scalp problems. Vitamin E, Apigenin and peptides stimulate hair follicles for increased hair growth. Oleanolic Acid prevents hair loss.

I adore the masque from this range and it is one I have repurchased recently because I had run out if completely. Again, as with the True Soft range, both of these products are lightweight in texture and you only need one small squeeze of the bottle to cover your hair. 

Maria Nila haircare is available from the website.  

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.