Credit: Courtesy of brands
Hair
“I’m a beauty writer with colour-treated and damaged hair – this is the haircare routine I swear by”
3 months ago
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5 min read
After years of having bad hair days, I finally uncovered the secret to a winning haircare formula for my damaged, wavy hair. Here are the products I swear by for healthier hair.
Up until recently, no one ever complimented me on my hair, and I don’t blame them. It looked scorched to within an inch of its life thanks to overusing heated hair tools, and I couldn’t make my ends look thirst-quenched no matter how much oil I drenched them in.
In addition to maintaining my hair’s health, I added colour by dyeing it a trendy copper shade, which makes the upkeep all the more labour-intensive and complicated (looking after dyed hair is a whole other level of high maintenance).
However, I finally think I’ve cracked the code and my hair is now in a good place. A place where I now get oohs and aahs when I’m sitting in my hairdresser’s chair rather than being scolded for not taking care of my strands properly.
Whether you’ve got wavy, colour-treated and damaged hair like me (yes, it’s quite the triple threat) or are finding your current haircare routine just isn’t cutting it anymore, these are the hair products that have been game-changers in my routine.
From my go-to hair growth serum to the brush that’s helped me eliminate breakage, these are the tried and tested products that have transformed my mane.
The haircare routine I swear by for damaged, colour-treated hair
Kérastase Genesis Homme Daily Anti-Hair Fall Fortifying Serum
I won’t lie: I used to think hair growth serums were a fad until I tried this one. It features anti-inflammatory ginger root and 1.5% aminexil, an ingredient recognised for improving blood flow and stimulating regrowth.
Obviously, this won’t have much of an impact if you’re experiencing severe hair loss but it worked a treat for filling out my hairline after I’d experienced heavy breakage due to straightening my baby hairs to smithereens.
I’ve gone through bottles of this stuff and have recommended it to friends who’ve overdone it on the bleach – they all agree this is a game-changer. I apply the non-greasy serum after I’ve washed my hair and massage it into my scalp. It’s become a step I never skip.
L’Oréal Paris Elvive Bond Repair Pre-Shampoo Treatment
Not only does it coat my hair in an amazing scent, but it also makes it so much easier to brush through afterwards, leaving it with noticeably more shine.
L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Absolut Repair Molecular Shampoo
The formula plumps the hair fibre with hydration to help prevent breakages and promote sleekness while leaving the scalp feeling refreshed.
Shop L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Absolut Repair Molecular Shampoo at LookFantastic, £37
K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask
You can read my full rundown on the world of K18 haircare here, but for a quick overview: if I’m short on time, I grab this leave-in conditioner. After the shampoo stage, I scrunch as much water as I can from my ends and apply two or three pumps of this.
There’s no need to wash it out afterwards, and you don’t need to apply conditioner as this does it all for you. The K18 peptide leaves my hair looking stronger and feeling softer without any added weight.
Shop K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask at Cult Beauty, £30
Gisou Honey Infused Hair Mask
If I have the time to indulge in a hair mask while reading a book in the bath, this honey-infused pot is my go-to. Honey just so happens to be a natural humectant, so your ends will be lapping up moisture, while the blend of amino acids leaves your strands looking plush. My hair is as soft as a feather after using this stuff.
Living Proof Triple Bond Complex
There are a lot of bond-building products on the market but none have transformed my hair quite like this serum. I apply once my hair has dried slightly and work through the ends.
The science-backed formula nourishes lacklustre strands to leave them looking fuller and silkier, while the blend of peptides further conditions the hair. It’s transformed my ends from frazzled to flawless, which is no easy feat. FYI, you do have to blast it with a hairdryer as it’s heat-activated.
Act+Acre Microfibre Hair Towel
My hair takes forever to dry, but I’ve found switching to a microfibre towel has saved me a lot of waiting around. It not only speeds things along but also helps minimise friction and breakages, which helps improve hair health and limits flyaways.
WetBrush Original Detangler Brush
The flexible bristles help prevent any tugging at knots to help minimise damage. My hair has broken a number of hair brushes in its time, and I’m pleased to report these haven’t buckled under the pressure.
Fable & Mane HoliRoots Pre-Wash Strengthening Treatment Hair Oil
Once my hair is dry, I help lock in moisture with this blend of castor oil and strengthening ashwagandha. It’s the perfect finishing touch to leave my hair as glossy as possible and helps smooth any flyaways. Plus, the jasmine floral scent makes my hair smell delicious.
Shop Fable & Mane HoliRoots Pre-Wash Strengthening Treatment Hair Oil at Sephora UK, £46
Images: Charlotte Bitmead; courtesy of brands
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