Spotlight on SheaMoisture Argan Oil & Almond Milk Smooth & Tame

This is not a paid post. Products are press samples.

I have fine, fluffy hair prone to frizz. So when a press release lands on my desk about a product range promising to “smooth and manage hair”, I have to try it. There is always that possibility that it could just be the one that banishes the dreaded fuzz forever.

Secretly, I know that this is my hair type and no product will ever change that. However, some help more than others. Price is not a governing factor.

The SheaMoisture Argan Oil & Almond Milk Smooth & Tame range comprises three products: shampoo, conditioner and blow-out crème (£10.99 each from Boots).

This is a great range if you want one that is gentle and formulated with organic ingredients and does not contain parabens and phthalates. 

I found the argan-oil based shampoo was moisturising and the conditioner, loaded with shea butter and glycerine, was rich enough to keep the hair hydrated without weighing it down. The scent is pleasant and not overpowering.

Arguably, the star of the trio is the blow-out crème. It protects and conditions without leaving a greasy residue and leaves hair smooth and shiny. 

This is a well-price range that delivers.

By Daralyn Danns

Spotlight on Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Sparkle Stick

This is not a paid post. Products are press samples.

It is not often that I like sparkly eye make-up but these new Long-Wear Sparkle Sticks in nine shades (£23) from Bobbi Brown do not fade and seem to stay put on the lids for hours on end.

Laced with pearl, the colours are pretty and glisten in the light without being over the top. They are easy to apply and go on smoothly. A quick swipe and you are ready to go. My favourite is the Tanzanite, a lovely, sultry mauve.

By Daralyn Danns

The mane trends for spring/summer 2018

This is not a paid post.

Most of us these days wear our hair the way we want, or, at least, in a style that works with the texture we have. Keeping abreast of the trends and making a tweak here or there makes you look contemporary. 

For this coming season get ready to turn the clock back. We saw a lot of ends rolled under last season and this looks set to continue. If you have hair, like mine, that continually wants to kick out, you will be pleased to know that flicks are in.

Blunt cuts feature strongly. For those with fine hair, this is a blessing as you should find it easier to manage. 

“Hair is very soft for spring and summer with the odd kink and wave appearing here and there,” says hair guru Michael Charalambous. (His salon Nyumba by Michael Charalambous is the place to go for the best haircut you can get.)

“Fringes will also be heavier this season. You will also see them with a slight bend,” he adds.

Michael points out as glasses get bigger and sleeves wider, hair is not overtly groomed. “Don’t worry if your hair kinks, you are on trend,” he points out.

As for length this season, Michael advocates mid-length, just above your shoulder.

If your hair is prone to frizz, Michael cautions against using oil. “It can actually worsen the condition as it may make the disulphide bonds in the hair stronger which means that it will revert back to its natural state of being curly,” he says. He advises using creams.

While hair should not be styled with too much product, here are a couple that should be your go-to ones. Kérastase Nectar Thermique (£22.90), is one of my favourite products that helps to protect the hair from heat damage as well as nourishing it and giving it a lovely shine. 

For those with damaged, brittle locks, Kérastase Ciment Thermique Resurfacing strengthening blow dry milk (£22.90), helps protect and strengthen as well as promoting shine. It is ideal for coloured hair. You only need a little. Michael’s tip is the shorter and finer the hair the less product you should be using.

For bad hair days, I for one, am happy to see the scrunchie is still around this season. Velvet or silk, it is a chic way to tie hair back.

By Daralyn Danns

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