Let’s talk hair care. Truth is, I’ve been through so many ups and downs when it comes to my hair over the years. From trying different hair regenerating at-home masks with natural ingredients found in my cupboard to testing cult-favourites in hopes of luscious and voluminous locks. It’s been a journey, that’s for sure.
One of my most-watched videos on YouTube is all about hair regeneration (video at the end of this post). So, that’s definitely an indication that many of us struggle with this issue. I’ll do a separate post on here soon all about regenerating your hair if that’s of interest – let me know in the comments.
As an avid beauty lover, I adore trying and testing new products, finding little gems in the industry and discovering the potions that actually work.
But first, here is some guidance on my hair type…
Type: Fine, more on the wavy side
Tendency: Easily gets oily (ugh) and I’ve also dealt with hair-loss due to breakage
Here are the products I’ve been using lately that help keep my hair hydrated, shiny and voluminous.
Hair masks
Christophe Robin
If you’re ever in need of a hydration boost, add the Regenerating mask with prickly pear seed oil by Christophe Robin, £53 for 250ml, to your cart. Its prickly pear seed oil has regenerative benefits (yay!) and along with the plant ceramides, it helps strengthen the hair and adds shine, too. It’s great for preventing hair breakage, as well as avoid split ends.
Did you know inula flower protects pigments in natural and coloured hair – as well as protects dry scalps and hair? Wow. I just love those natural miracle workers.
Amika
The Soulfood nourishing mask, £20 from Amika, is enriched with jojoba seed oil, so it has fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins A and E, and sea buckthorn, which is known for its omega-7. Amazing for deeply hydrating and strengthening hair, it also helps smooth and soften all hair types, AND promotes elasticity.
Plus, it smells divine! I either apply it as a hair treatment for a couple hours, or simply to quickly condition my hair after shampooing.
Gisou
Got dry and unruly hair? The cult-favourite Honey infused hair mask from Gisou, £45 for 250ml, is filled with vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants, and free from paraben, sulfate and phthalate.
Honey from the Mirsalehi bee garden is the main ingredient, which protects, repairs and hydrates hair. So, if you’re looking for a good mask that promotes healthy and glossy locks, this could be for you.
Styling goodies
If you love all things hair, you’ll love these products…
Kerastase
I never ever blow dry my hair without spritzing some Defense Thermique spray from Kerastase, £20.80. It’s from the hair regenerating range Genesis, which I’ve also tried and tested – I’ll talk about the serum, mask and shampoo soon so, keep your eyes peeled.
This anti hair-fall fortifying blow-dry fluid is infused with Aquaxyl (optimises hydration), Edelweiss native cells (strengthens hair follicles) and ginger root (stimulates hair follicles and helps prevent hair-loss), so has lots of beneficial ingredients.
I’ve noticed that my hair is also easily detangled after applying this.
Grow Gorgeous
Another amazing potion for hair – the Defence anti-pollution leave-in spray from Grow Gorgeous. And OMG! how good it smells.
Made with green tea extract, this spray restores shine as well as stimulates the scalp. Then, it also has Polysaccharide Matrix to protect hair from atmospheric pollution as much as possible, organic sunflower sprout extract to combat urban pollution, and provitamin B5 to keep hair moisturised.
I’ve got the small bottle and still have quite a bit to get through, 60ml priced £9 on their website, so definitely worth a try if you’re tempted.
Philip Kingsley
Now, from Philip Kingsley, I’ve got two products lined up. Thanks to Look Fantastic (I have a monthly subscription box, as well as caved and got the Advent calendar this year, too), I’ve discovered the Elasti-styler 5-in-1 treatment, £35 for 150ml, which is said to work for all hair types.
It helps tame frizz, strengthens your locks, hydrates, adds shine, and prevents breakage. What more could you want, right?
The ingredient list has babassu oil to nourish, olive oil for shine, and vitamin E to protect hair against pollution. I apply a pea size amount to towel-dried hair, only on lengths, and proceed to blow drying.
And another great find – the Polishing serum, £22.50 for 75ml. This clear balm has Propylene Glycol to moisturise hair, with ProVitamin B5 and vitamin A for protection.
It leaves hair so silky soft and glossy.
Gisou
And lastly, the step I never skip when styling my hair. The ultimate hair oil and one that I’ve had on my wishlist for a long time – the Honey-infused hair oil from Gisou, £35 for 50ml, instantly gives my hair shine. I apply it after blow drying and styling my hair, or even in the morning before dashing out the door for a hydration boost.
Trust me when I say that for the longest time I couldn’t find an oil that would work on my hair type. It would weigh it down so much and instead of making it look lush, it would end up making it look greasy.
This Mirsalehi-honey-infused oil works wonders. I also love mixing it with hair masks for extra moisture. Yum! Oh, and a little goes a looong way.
So this concludes the list of the hair care products I’ve tried, tested and loved recently. I hope something caught your eye and you found it helpful. And if you’ve recently found a little gem in the beauty industry, please do share. Let me know in the comments or over on IG (@irinaiacob).
See you soon here on blog,
Irina x
Hair regenerating video (in Romanian & with English subtitles)…
Irina Iacob 
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