Top Tips

Nails are important. The right shade of polish can really make or break an outfit. If my nails are well shaped, have a bit of length and my varnish is chip free, it’s one of those moments where I really feel like I’ve got my s**t together you know? Of course you know. Trouble is, I, like many of you, have nails that just don’t want to play the game. Unless I cover them in shiny gel armour, they split and break and snag constantly and look, how do I put it? A mess, frankly. I’m fighting back though and have sought the help of one of our resident in-salon manicure queens to discover the fixes to all my nail woes. And, because I’m a giver, I thought I’d share her secrets with you.

Dry and Ragged Cuticles

Apparently this is inevitable for all of us (oh joy) and is mostly a result of ageing. Fear not though, there are things you can do to help combat the problem. A cuticle oil massaged into the nails overnight will go a long way. It has the added bonus of boosting blood flow to help encourage nail growth (win win). I’ve been using Nailtiques Cuticle Care Oil 10ml.

Flaking/Splitting Nails

As before, cuticle oil treatments will help to prevent flaking over time. If you find yourself in a job that calls for your hands to be in water constantly like me, that’s your culprit right there. Rubber gloves are your friend here. It’s also advisable to avoid acetone based polishes for obvious reasons. That said, acetone based removers are preferable as they are more efficient at removing polish and prevent the endless rubbing associated with their non-acetone counterparts. Oh, and NEVER, ever buff your nails if your nails are weak. Nope, not ever.

Nails that snap

Overly dry, brittle nails will simply break. Again, oil treatments help (in case you’re not getting it…oil is good for nails. Check) Here, it’s recommended to use nail strengtheners, or protein formulas. I love Nailtiques Formula 3. Apply this clear varnish daily for 7 days, then remove and repeat until strength is restored.

Ridges

This is the most common nail ailment apparently, so fear not, you’re not alone. Length-ways ridges usually respond to very gentle buffing. Make sure your nails are varnish free and buff lengthways, but never to the point where you create any heat. Then apply Nailtiques Nail Moisturiser 28g. And, of course, oil obviously.

Nutrition

Just like with your skin, your diet has a huge bearing on the health of your nails. Try to consume oily fish (such as sardines or mackerel) two or three times a week for the Omega 3. Alternatively, if you’re not a fish lover, try a supplement with fish oils. Also ensure you get enough protein for the iron content. You know Popeye had good nails right?!

xoxo

It’s fair to say we all know the differences between a shampoo, conditioner and masque, but there are so many products out there these days that it can be hard to keep up. To be honest, with so many ‘revolutionary’ products being released it can be confusing to know which ones are right for you and how you should be using them. Ever wondered what exactly dry shampoo is and how it works? I’m sure you’ve pondered the difference between pomade and hair oil?

Your hair products are the first and most important step to achieving a desired look or hairstyle. Without the correct hair care products, you can kiss that beachy wave look goodbye. So let’s go back to basics and run down the basic hair products every girl should have and know how best to use them. That’s healthy hair guaranteed right there.

1. Shampoo

We all know what shampoo is - simply put, it cleanses the hair. But here's where it gets tricky: there are so many different types of shampoos out there. From clarifying shampoo to volumising shampoo, smoothing, sulphate-free, and shampoos for colour treated hair, it's important to choose the type of shampoo that is best suited to your hair.

CLARIFYING SHAMPOO

Clarifying shampoo roughens up the hair cuticle and gets the roots extra squeaky clean. This can be used when you feel that there is too much product build-up in your hair or before getting your colour done. Try Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo.

VOLUMISING SHAMPOO

This baby is designed to open up the hair cuticle and make it thicker. In order to get the root lift you desire, try to pick a shampoo with a lightweight conditioning ingredient that rinses off well and doesn't weigh the hair down.  I love Kérastase Resistance Volumifique Bain 250ml

SHAMPOO FOR COLOURED HAIR

If your hair is coloured, I would always recommend to go for a shampoo specifically designed for colour treated hair. It really is the secret to avoid colour fade. Remember – you’ve spend ££s on getting your hair the right shade, it would be a real shame to waste that by using the wrong shampoo. Great hair products for coloured hair will also include ingredients like oils or algae, in order to lock in colour. Give Redken Colour Extend Magnetics Shampoo a try.

SULPHATE-FREE SHAMPOO

Sulphate-free shampoos fit into the same category as those for colour treated hair, but are more specific than that. They are perfect for those with delicate colours, like reds or pastel tones and will help avoid that sinking feeling when you see all your colour being washed down the drain as you shower. I always recommend Kérastase Discipline Bain Fluidealiste Sulphate Free to my clients.

Whichever shampoo you choose, be sure that it's right for the texture of your hair. If you choose a shampoo that's too clarifying, you could strip the hair of its natural oils, and lead to additional oil being produced. If you choose a shampoo that's too moisturising, you could end up with product build-up at the scalp. If you're not sure what type of hair you have, you can always consult your hair stylist for a recommendation.

Also, be sure to choose two "go-to" shampoos that both have different ingredients and benefits to rotate between, to maintain balance in your hair. Switch your shampoo every 4 to 5 washes to remove product build-up and restore cleanliness to your hair.

2. Conditioner

Conditioner is designed to smooth your hair cuticle and restore moisture.

RINSE-OUT CONDITIONER

Rinse-out conditioners are the most common type of conditioner, worked through the ends of your hair, left in for a few minutes, and rinsed out. Avoid applying conditioner to the roots of your hair, as this could result in greasy looking roots and weigh your hair down. Try Bed Head Urban Antidotes Recovery Conditioner.

LEAVE IN CONDITIONER

Leave in conditioners are great for smoothing and de-tangling. These conditioners are light-weight, and can be used as a styling product to get your tresses silky and glossy.

HAIR MASKS

Hair masks or deep conditioners are perfect for repairing dry and damaged hair. Hair masks contain ingredients like waxes, oils and emulsifiers to get down to the root and repair the hair from its source. Most masks should be applied from root to tip and left in for at least 30 minutes before rinsing out thoroughly. I love Kérastase Nutritive Masque Magistral

Just be sure to avoid the common mistake of only rinsing out half your conditioner We all love that glorious, silky, smooth feeling conditioners leave, however, this means you haven't rinsed out all the product from your hair and you're actually weighing your hair down.

3. Hair oils and serums

From argan to avocado oil, hair oil is a must for those with 'problematic' hair. They tame frizz, add shine, promote growth, and give your hair a high shine look. For best results, use hair oil on dry or almost dry hair. Top tip: if you have dry ends, use some oil on the mid-lengths and ends BEFORE washing your hair. This will stop you drying out your ends even more when shampooing.

4. Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo comes in either a powder or spray form, and is designed to absorb excess oil at the roots of the hair. Don't have time to wash your hair? No problem. Not only does dry shampoo get rid of excess oil, it also provides lift at the roots. Beware though, this is not a replacement for washing your hair so try to only use dry shampoo for a maximum of two days before giving your hair a good wash. Try Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo.

So there you have it…the basics to healthy and great looking hair. What are your hair product must haves?

We all think we know what it means to have sensitive skin. You notice your skin feels tight, red, stinging, itchy, flushed or hot. Classic signs of sensitive skin right? Wrong. Sensitive skin is inherited. Sensitised skin is acquired. The behaviours of the two conditions are often similar, and treatments may be similar as well, but here’s the crucial difference: if you have truly genetically-inherited sensitive skin, then the sensitivity cannot be fully erased but it can be treated. But here’s the good news! Sensitisation is a response to an external factor and is generally triggered by lifestyle choices…so with a few changes and key product choices, it is possible to kiss goodbye to sensitisation.

So, how will you know it’s sensitisation? The primary signs of sensitisation tend to be; dehydration on the cheek and forehead area, excessive dryness, uneven texture, tightness after washing and stinging on product application, broken capillaries across cheeks and nose, blushing and itching, burning sensations and small, rash-like bumps or breakouts. Sounds brutal I know, but it doesn’t have to be forever.

So, why you? The simplest answer is always “stress”. It never ceases to amaze me how a mental issue can cause havoc with our skin. Sheer physical stress can have an impact too as it’s caused by fatigue, dehydration or malnutrition and or recovery from illness. Its important to be aware too of environmental and lifestyle factors that can contribute greatly to sensitisation, such as; extremes of climate and smoking (which dehydrates the skin by depleting barrier lipids). Sometimes it can even be a result of an overzealous skincare regime. Excessive exfoliation can lead to over-processed skin, excessive washing, especially with alkaline products like conventional soap (just no people), and especially showering/bathing in too-hot water. Remember, your skin prefers gently warm/tepid versus steaming-hot. Over indulging in alcohol and caffeine can also have an impact on your skin in a bad way (grieves for morning Starbucks…)

So where do you even begin to combat all that?  The first step in breaking the cycle of sensitisation is removing as many triggers as possible. Lifestyle choices which are under your control are an obvious place to start, such as smoking, alcohol and caffeine consumption. Likewise, stress may be managed to some degree through other lifestyle choices, such as the decision to exercise (rich I know coming from a girl whose gym membership card is gathering dust)

Cleansing the skin properly is the best way to keep sensitization at bay. Look for an extremely gentle, sulfate-free, nonstripping gel or cream cleanser which will fortify the protective barrier function without leaving a residue. Try Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser. Make sure you remove your cleanser with a damp cotton or a soft cloth. A spritz of calming spray is a recommended next step. Look for a soothing, hydrating mist to immediately relieve irritation, such as Dermalogica Ultracalming Mist or Thalgo Reviving Marine Mist. Serums can help speed the healing process at times of severe inflammation and ease the discomfort of long-term sensitisation too. I love Thalgo’s Multi-Soothing Concentrate. Your moisturiser is essential to managing sensitisation, since dehydration, excess heat and free radical damage are often triggers. A rich, medium-to-heavy weight product works best, to form a substantial layer of lipid barrier protections. I reach for Dermalogica’s Barrier Repair.

Taking care of sensitisation is a marathon, not a sprint. You’ll notice significant differences by using the right products, but it really demands a lifestyle change and regular professional treatments to really beat and keep sensitisation at bay. There is hope!