Hair Talk

I'm in a bit of a rut when it comes to my hair - since having it relaxed (chemically straightened) I've only alternated between a bob and a shoulder length cut. For my next trip to the hairdressers, I've been thinking about getting a pixie crop like Jessica Chastain, putting box braids in like Beyonce on that trip to Cuba or simply growing it out to see if I can get to bra-strap length. I can't decide for a full 5 minutes, so I thought I'd let you in on the products I use on a regular basis.

My hair is quite thick and can get unruly past shoulder length- I remember wash days when I used to get tangles as large as my fist! Now I take care to use nourishing products with less silicones and more natural products, which is why I use the Ojon Damage Reverse range. I first prep the hair before washing with the Restorative Hair Treatment (£16). This comes in a solid paste that you have to warm in your hands to get a nourishing thick oil. The chocolatey tobacco scent isn't to everybody's taste but I do love it and it comes out after shampooing anyway. There is an alternative with a more vanilla smell for those that can't handle weird smells that you can now get as a gift with purchase on the website, but I feel that the original one imparts more moisture onto the hair. It tells you to leave for 20 minutes but as my hair can get really dry I do stretch the waiting time by at least an hour.

Next, I wash my hair with the Ojon Damage Reverse Restorative Shampoo. No other shampoo has left my hair so soft and shiny and the inclusion of castor seed oil amongst many others allows it to fully nourish the hair. Since taking this photo, I have purchased the full size and have not been this happy with a shampoo for a very long time. The range may be pricey, but I have found that ordering from the Ojon website allows you to trial new products and they often give generous samples with your purchase. Other options incluse purchasing mini tester bottles, which can be found in the bigger branches of Boots or on the Ojon website.

For conditioner, however the Ojon Damage Reverse one is just ok, I just had better results using the TIGI Catwalk Oatmeal & Honey Conditioner - which you can get from TK Maxx from £5.99. As this is a salon quaity product it leaves the hair baby soft and makes detangling a breeze. This is also formulated for damaged hair and the Oatmeal and Honey range has quickly become a family favourite (never leave your expensive products in the family bathroom!) Another budget conditioner that does the trick without weighing down the hair is the Aussie Miracle Moist Conditioner. Although I wouldn't recommend the shampoo, this range is great for hydration, especially for afro and  chemically damaged hair.

As there is an emphasis on oils in my haircare routine, I'll let you in on the other products I use in a later post. Hint -  they are much cheaper and easier to use!

TK Maxx Bargains

This is a well overdue post! Most of these purchases have been made in the months of October and November, but some items will require a fair bit of rummaging through all sorts of faff. My favourite branches are at High St Kensington and the quieter suburban ones as they are less likely to be completely ransacked through.

Strivectin SD Range

As mentioned previously, I have started developing fine lines under my eyes and had heard many fine things about the Strivectin range, including the £49 price tag. Fear not, there's another way....

Yup, you read right. £18 for a set containing the Strivectin SD Instant Retexturising Scrub, Eye Concentrate for Wrinkles and Intensive Concentrate for Stretchmarks and Wrinkles. On the packaging, it claims to be an 8 week supply but frankly, this could stretch for a lot longer than just 2 months! I am waiting to finish some other skincare tidbits before I pounce on these goodies, but I am tempted to break into the Intensive Concentrate to try and help fade my stretchmarks. I have also seen sets with an antiaging serum for £24, and have heard of others finding the full size Eye Concentrate on the shelves. If you see it in your local TK Maxx, grab it while you can as this set only holds 7ml if you're in it just for the eye cream.  

TIGI Catwalk

I am known to be a bit picky when it comes to hair products. My hair is very dry and brittle, yet very thick, so most moisturising shampoos won't cut it. Some products catered to afro hair have caused problems in the past in terms of leaving residue behind or just not leaving my hair nourished enough. TIGI is a salon quality brand and I never paid much attention until I saw the reviews for the Oatmeal and Honey Conditioner. Unfortunately, this seems to be discontinued, so either online sites or TK Maxx is the way to go.

The tagline "Comfort Food For Damaged Hair" rings true as the formula is really moisturising without weighing the hair down or leaving any residue behind. Pictured above are the smaller bottles for the shampoo and conditioner. In my opinion, £7.99 and £5.99 respectively for a salon brand ain't too shabby. The massive 750ml bottles are usually £11 and last an age, so this is another moneysaving option. Instore, there were many ranges available such as the Bedhead, Foxy Curls and a few SLS free options.

Nails Inc.    

Often I come across nail polish sets but some may leave you feeling cheated , such as Essie's packaged sets of the same polish, or OPI polishes that your poor nana wouldn't be caught dead in. But the offerings from Nails Inc. have been consistently good and TK Maxx is mostly responsible for me owning 10 polishes from there. Individually, the starting price for polishes are usually £10, but I get sets of 3 for £11.99. Yes, most of the time I won't really need a new nail polish, but with prices like these it's hard not to justify it!

L-R: Hampstead Heath, Old Bond Street, Paddington 

Hampstead Heath is a classic pillar-box red, Old Bond Street is a striking bronze with microglitter, whereas Paddington is a dull grey and has wheedled into my rotation this A/W season. As a set the colours are so versatile and I honestly think if any girl woke up to this on Christmas morning, they woud not be disappointed.

L-R: Montpelier Square, Edinburgh Gate, Clifford Street

 Montpelier Square is a metallic silver, Edinburgh Gate is a chunky glitter polish with green red and silver particles, and Clifford Street is a dark purple shade with a mixture of purple and grey microglitter. I have already raved about Edinburgh Gate on here, but Montpelier Square makes an equally loud statement. You'll see swatches of these when I do my Nails inc Collection, which is otherwise comprised of magazine freebies and the odd department store purchase.

The ones that got away

I didn't buy these but other sets I have laid eyes on are from Vera Wang, Lierac and This Works (coincidentally the one Lisa Eldridge mentioned in her gift ideas video.. only it was £15)

I hope this has been somewhat helpful, take care for now xx