Roll Up, Roll Up!

Happy Sunny Sunday Girls, 

Today's short and sweet post is about another one of my Amazon research buys, the Babyliss Hot Rollers. After using them on a few clients this week, and myself a few weeks ago, I had to share how great they are with you all.

It seems rollers have become a bit of a trend, especially following on from celebs from reality tv shows using them. After seeing so many posts on social media it seemed nothing really could give more bounce and natural looking volume than rollers, so I wanted to do lots of research before investing in any. 

Although the 'sleep in' rollers were tempting for my lazy self, after watching countless Youtube videos, reading Amazon reviews, and googling like crazy, I decided to give Babyliss Thermo Ceramic Rollers a try. They were an absolute bargain (£30 on Amazon), what did I have to lose?!

I plug in the roller heater for about fifteen minutes before I use them, although I think the warm up time is actually only a few minutes. I section parts of hair into the rollers and leave them in for 20 minutes at a minimum, usually I can leave them in whilst doing my make-up in the meantime. The results are bouncy and effortless hair that looks like quite an expensive blow-dry. 

What's not to love? 

End result when used on blow-dried
hair

The set comes with all the necessary equipment including the rollers, heater and clips to hold the rollers in place. The different sized barrels are useful, and I tend to use the larger rollers on the top section of my hair, and use the smaller ones on the bottom layer for the best effect. For added styling I sometimes go over my curls with my Bombay Hair 25mm (from the 5 in 1 range) wand. 

Taking into consideration a blow dry can cost £30 if going to a hairdresser, this is a great at home alternative and also a great addition to any hair stylists kit. It is simple and easy to use and also effective for such a small price. 

I may do a video tutorial on how I use these tools if readers find it useful, so let me know if that's what you would like to see and I will give it a go. 

Do you have a go to styling tip that give you the celeb factor? 

K xx

Please feel free to post any skin care tips, products or comments you may have which could benefit others. 

Grow Baby Grow!

Hey All, 

Its been a while since my last blog post, as I browsed Amazon this morning I was reminded to write a post about my newest miracle routine. Some of you may have read the post some time ago about my hair growth journey. Since Spring especially I have noticed a huge difference, and I wanted to share my progress. 

July 2014

January 2014

It has taken some commitment but my routine now consists of: 

• Not straighening my hair for work
• Limiting the use of hair tools on weekends unless necessary
• Massaging Hair Stimulant Oil (from Amazon) in my hair once a week
• Massaging Coconut Oil in my hair once a week
• Washing my hair with Mane and Tail Shampoo and a deep 1 minute conditioner twice a week

I have followed this routine RELIGIOUSLY, and I have to say the rate at which my hair is growing is beyond amazing. I have always relied on my hair extensions for both volume and length, and my hair is now the same length as them... bye bye extensions! The fullness of my hair is also unbelievable, it looks so full and healthy after years of my hair falling out and being so limp. 

I have only had two trims between May 2014 and this year, and sorry but I personally don’t believe in the “trim every 6 weeks” rule, I have followed it for years and my hair has never changed in its length or form. I believe if you keep damage to a limitation it is possible to get away with not having a trim, and to be fair I am not one of those who is bothered by a few split ends. 

So lets look into the details behind some of my “miracle” products. 

Hair Stimulant Oil 

I first purchased this in April, it smells great and I have used many oils in my time but I really felt this one has worked the best. It is reasonably priced (around £5 on amazon) and a little goes a long way. I used this once a week and massage it into my scalp especially, and also the ends of my hair. I leave it in overnight (or longer if I am not out on a weekend) and wash it out the next day. It also washes out really easily which I have found not all oils do. I wash my hair twice a week, so I alternate this oil with Coconut once a week. 

Mane and Tail Shampoo and Conditioner

I have read SO many reviews on this stuff that I felt like I HAD to try it at least. I will never look back. As weird as it is that this product can be used on horses, this is the holy grail solution to healthy hair growth. I could not believe how thick and long my hair has become since I began to use this. My hair feels and looks healthier, even without using any further styling products after. The shampoo is a slightly odd texture, but neither the shampoo or conditioner smell bad- which is fine. It is worth it once hair is dry, I also like to follow up with my new favourite deep conditioner... 

Garnier Ultimate Blends 1 Minute Conditioner

In the past I mentioned the L’oreal 1 minute conditioner, I saw this one on offer and thought it was worth a try. It contains coconut oil and is great for damaged hair. I put this in and rinse out with cold water, and even when my hair is wet the tangles are minimal. I love this conditioner and it really tames my hair from any frizz when I allow it to dry naturally or with a hair dryer. 

So now I don’t straighten my hair for work, how do I make myself look socially acceptable and not homeless with my untamed hair?

These Umberto Giannini curling products work WONDERS...

I use the Flirty Curls Scrunching Jelly the day I have washed my hair in the morning. I am lucky enough to have a 30 minute drive to work, so by the time I get in, my hair is nice and dry. For those of you who aren't as fortunate, I suggest washing your hair the night before and using this, however allowing it to dry naturally is the trick for me. Only a small amount (the size of a 2p is sufficient) is needed otherwise hair feels a little on the crunchy side. The next day my curls are usually still tamed, but at times I use the Natural Curls Styling Spray which can be used on dry hair. 

This allows me to look a little presentable at least, and try and keep the damage in my hair through heated tools at a minimum. 

So there it is guys, after about 4 years of looking for a miracle, I feel like I have found the solution for me... have a try and let me know how you get along. 

K xx

Please feel free to post any skin care tips, products or comments you may have which could benefit others.