Spotlight on Alterna Moisture Intensive Ceramide Shots

 

 

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

 

My fine and fluffy curly hair was in need of a helping hand. I was keen to try the ALTERNA Moisture Intensive Ceramide Shots (£52.10) as I have found Alterna’s products to be good.

What are they?

“A potent dose of nourishing ceramides within a single-dose biodegradable capsule,” says Alterna. 

As well as providing a boost of hydration, the company also claims these shots reduce frizz and breakage.

(Ingredients list and instructions on how to use the product can be found on its website. Click on the link above.) 

 

 

 

Positives

Lightweight, not oily.

Made my hair smoother and helped to tame frizz.

Versatile. You can use this serum on dry or damp hair or mix it in with your conditioner or hair mask. I tried all three ways. I also used the Caviar Replenishing Moisture Leave-In Conditioning Milk (£35) before applying the serum. Subtle scent.

Convenient for travelling.

Helps to protect hair from heat.

 

 

Not so positive

Expensive. The jar contains 25 capsules. You may need to use two if you have long hair. However, using one weekly makes it affordable.

The products contain silicones. However, they do help smooth the hair. If you are concerned about build-up, you can limit your use.

 

 

By Daralyn Danns

Fixing dry, brittle grey hair

 

My dry, brittle grey hair has become softer and smoother. I am delighted!

Michael Charalambous, my brilliant hairdresser, advised me to air-dry my locks over the summer. The over-use of heated appliances can cause hair to lose moisture making it drier and frizzier.

Giving up silicones and sulphates has definitely made a difference.  My latest discovery is Johnson’s Kids Curl Defining Conditioner Spray, which I recently picked up at Boots. At £2.50 (on offer), it was worth trying. I was pleased with the results. It left my hair soft and silky. Most styling products and leave-in conditioners tend to leave it crunchy. 

As you age, your hair becomes drier and thinner. Having a healthy, balanced diet is imperative if you want good hair. I eat plenty of oily fish such as salmon or sardines. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that the body does not produce itself and are, reportedly, beneficial for your hair.  Drinking plenty of water, apparently, helps as well.

I was delighted when Michael noticed the change in my hair. Gone were the frizzy curls. Now I had soft waves with hardly any fluffiness.

“Since Covid, hairdressing has changed,” says Michael. “Clients got used to doing their own hair and now want relaxed styles which are easier for them to manage. Waves are the most requested look.” 

 

 

I was pleased to hear that my hair is on-trend. I was also relieved to hear that we did not need to go as short this time, as Michael said the condition of my hair was better.

As always, Michael likes to do a little tweak. This time, instead of curtain bangs, he added a soft, feathery fringe.

I loved the look, my favourite since I adopted my natural hair colour. I felt a spring in my step when I left the salon.

I got plenty of compliments from friends with the new look. What really made me rather chuffed was when a couple of complete strangers stopped me while I was shopping to say what lovely hair. An endorsement indeed!

 

By Daralyn Danns

 

 

For inspiration visit nyumbasalon.com or follow on instagram.com/nyumbasalon 

 

 

Is a bob right for you?

 

The bob has always been my favourite hairstyle. Over the years I have countless versions. While trends come and go, this classic never seems to go out of fashion. In 2024, it is still one of the most popular cuts.

However, according to acclaimed hairdresser, Michael Charalambous, the bob is not right for everybody. “Some people do not suit short hair”, he says.

He goes on to say that choosing the right style, no matter your age, depends on your hair texture, face shape, height, personal style and, most importantly, maintenance. Will you be able to manage it yourself?

If you are considering a choppy bob, you have to take into account whether your hair is suited to layers. Not everybody’s is.

He cites me has a good example. I have a lot of fine hair with plenty of baby hairs. So I have natural layers. Adding more would result in uncontrollable frizz.

I remember a certain “celebrity” hairdresser convincing me to add layers to the bottom of my long hair to bring out the curl. Working with my natural texture would make it easier to manage, he told me. Famous last words.

It looked fine when I left the salon. The next day the hair at the back of my head resembled a bird’s nest. I had to go to another stylist and get it cut into a bob.

 

 

Classic and timeless

 

 

What works for one person might not work for another. Remember trends come and go. Opting for a look that is classic and timeless is the safest bet.

With Michael’s version of the French bob, I can wear it smooth or with movement. When I style it myself, I prefer to work with the natural kink and wave in my hair. It is much softer against my face.

Michael advises to let hair dry naturally in the summer so it gets a rest from heated appliances. To prevent curly hair expanding, Michael suggests when your hair is slightly damp to put on a wide hairband. This will help to keep it flatter and closer to your head.

When I want my hair smoother, I use a hairdryer. I tip my head forward to get volume. When it is almost dry, I push the hair back and shape it with my fingers. This brings out the natural movement. I use the round brush when I am going out.

I am so glad that I listened to Michael and embraced my natural colour and texture. The condition is so much better and it is shiny. Something I never achieved when I dyed my hair. Lighter hair is much more flattering as you get older. This style makes me feel sassy and edgy. 

 

By Daralyn Danns

 

 

For inspiration visit nyumbasalon.com or follow on instagram.com/nyumbasalon 

 

 

 

 

Hair care

 

Is your hair not in great condition? Are you using too much heat? Are you spending a fortune on products which do not seem to help?

According to renowned hair stylist, Michael Charalambous, the less you do to your hair, the healthier it will be.

He adds he is seeing more clients opting for styles that work with their lifestyle and hair texture rather than following fashion. This cuts down on heat-styling and use of products.

However, he points out fringes are having a moment and are very popular with his clients. Fringes have benefits such as softening the face and hiding fine lines. Before you go ahead with a new look, discuss with your hairdresser what maintenance will be needed.

Hair care starts with your shampoo and conditioner. If you have grey, coloured, or curly hair, you may find using products without sulphates and silicones improve your crowning glory.

Apply shampoo to the scalp and let it run through the lengths. As my hair is dry, I use a pre-shampoo treatment (a mask or conditioner) and apply shampoo that does not contain sulphates on top and rinse out.

After years of testing so many potions that promise the earth, I found few that really made a difference. Have I found one that gets rid of frizz? The answer is no. However, a good moisturising concoction can help. The expensive ones are not always the best. New is not always better, but it does sell!

The best advice is to use products that are formulated for your hair type. It is a matter of trial and error to find the best for you.  I tend to use as few products as possible. Your hair will change over the years. As you age it becomes finer and drier. When you find that your current regime no longer works, it is time for a change.

 

 

Hair in good condition

 

 

I found that it makes little difference whether you use microfiber or cotton towels to dry your hair.  (For that matter, I have never found a difference between sleeping on silk, satin or cotton pillowcases.) However, rubbing your hair does cause damage. Wrap your wet hair up in a towel for about 10 minutes to soak up excess water. Pat your locks dry, never rub. Alternatively, air dry them.

Brushing wet hair can harm it. Try using your fingers to get rid of any tangles. When using a hair dryer, start with your dryer on high heat and reduce it as your locks begin to dry. The lower the speed setting, the more control you will have when styling.

 

 

The people who have the healthiest hair, do the least to it

 

 

Keep the nozzle at least 15 centimetres (six inches) away from your hair. Correct use of the hairdryer should not cause harm. However, if you carry on using heated tools once it is dry, you run the risk of unhealthy hair.

If you cannot give up your straighteners or curling tongs, try to use them occasionally. Remember, heat protectants are generally formulated with silicones and polymers.

For some people, like myself, with curly hair, silicones seem to make the hair dry and brittle. I tend to stay clear of high-heat appliances so use a primer without silicon. However, leave-in products that contain silicones can help guard against heat damage. Read the label to see if it contains heat protection.

To revive my hair the next day I tilt my head forwards and give it a blast of cold air. It seems to get the body back into my strands and helps to tame those pesky flyways. I use my hands to put it into place. Still using cold air, I go over any sections that need a little extra help, always pointing the nozzle of the hairdryer downwards.

Colouring can also damage fragile hair so try to have these processes done as infrequently as possible. Grey hair may not tolerate highlights as it once did. Speak to your colourist about alternatives.

I was relieved that Michael said my hair was in good condition. It had gone through a bad stage. Giving my hair plenty of moisture, foregoing silicones and sulphates, using heat as little as possible and only using a round brush to smooth out when needed, has paid off. In short, as Michael says: “the people who have the healthiest hair do the least to it.”

 

By Daralyn Danns

 

 

 

 

 

 

For inspiration visit nyumbasalon.com or follow on instagram.com/nyumbasalon