I’m all about the volume. Big hair makes just about anyone look more youthful, healthier and downright sexier. This isn’t just a case of my personal preference for tresses, it’s a scientific fact that the diameter of the hair shaft diminishes as we age. The same goes for health – many illnesses and treatments cause hair thinning or loss resulting in a lanker, more brittle mane. The question is, how can we get Cheryl-esque locks without maintenance-heavy extensions?
I wrote an earlier post on Lush Big Shampoo, which I really like for its all natural ingredient list and boosting formula. L’Oreal’s Fibrology range is the scientifically researched, aggressively advertised, glossy big brother of the Lush version – with a whole mega-range of L’Oreal sibling products to use alongside.
To quote good old Jennifer Aniston – here comes the science bit. The products contain an ingredient called Filloxane which penetrates wet hair and widens each strand by up to 60%. Pretty impressive findings. What’s more, the thickness increases with each wash and stays put.
I purchased the shampoo, conditioner and booster (to be sandwiched in post-shampoo and pre-conditioner). The booster is an odd product. The texture is watery and difficult to apply. Instructions to use a similar quantity to conditioner (annoying when the tube is only 30mls and nearly twice as expensive) had scores of reviewers on Boots.com reeling.
After showering, my hair definitely felt different. Much like the Lush product, it made the strands feel coarse – a dream if you need your style to have staying power. Not an option however, for ladies fond of silky, stroke-able tresses or shine devotees. I’ll be honest; I didn’t notice a difference in terms of bulk, at least not at the beginning. However after a few weeks, I was getting compliments at every turn. Colleagues were saying my hair looked “amazing”, had “so much body” and even seemed (laughably given my penchant for blow drying and straightening the life out of it) “healthy”.
Encouraged in my quest for volume, I persevered with the products. And continued getting compliments. Friends who have tried the range have reported nothing short of hair miracles.
L’Oreal may have cracked the code on this one. A cheap and cheerful answer for girls who crave a boost without nasty extensions. I predict a host of copycat products in the coming months...
Saturday 15 March 2014
Tuesday 21 January 2014
Soprano XL Laser Hair Removal at Courthouse Clinics
For years, my friends and I have discussed the idea of getting laser hair removal. The dreamy look of every woman when contemplating a beautiful world in which she would never have to shave, Veet or wax again cannot be underestimated. I had gone so far as to buy a few of the coupon site deals screaming promises of money off – only to find laser sessions could only be redeemed in Barnet, and only on a Thursday at 11am. Anyone unable to commit to shaving their own legs due to inconvenience was never going to travel the length of London on a work day to have that problem sorted out for them.
The thing that really propelled me towards laser is the impending reality that one day, far in the future; I may have to live with a boy. How I will get around my weekly full body tan whilst retaining some semblance of mysterious allure is difficult enough, but add in the expectation of eternally hairless limbs and I’m screwed. Or dumped. Now forget all this feminist chat, I’m as pro-equal pay and opportunities as the next girl but I do like to be well-maintained – and if that means I’m more attractive to the opposite sex, well that’s great too. I don’t just de-fuzz because there is a boy on the scene.
I asked around my beauty journo friends for the best laser place in town and was swiftly given the number for Courthouse Clinics. They use a Soprano XL laser there – which they reckon is more effective than the standard IPL. It works on all skin tones – a new development in the world of laser where previously only pale skin and dark hair could be treated. I bought a course of treatments and although it doesn’t come cheap, the hassle it will get rid of is priceless. The first area I wanted to de-fuzz was “down below” – a fairly daunting prospect although I was assured the Soprano XL was practically pain free. After a skin test session, I started my treatments. Typically, sessions will last between 15 minutes and half an hour – I was amazed by how fast it was over with. Cool gel is applied to the area before the laser gun is placed on the skin. The therapist then rubs the gun over the skin repeatedly. This warms the skin up – on a few occasions I felt it became a little too hot and “prickly”, in which case they are happy to turn it down a few notches. You’ll be placed in all the same hideously embarrassing poses you have to pull at the waxists, so be prepared – it is invasive. Hair takes up to two weeks to fall out after the sessions so don’t be expecting instant miracle results!
I completed my second session a few weeks ago, and my results are amazing so far. I was sceptical about how quickly hair growth would slow down or stop but even after my first session there was noticeably less regrowth. Following my second, there is practically nothing left. My only gripe is the fact that after such a quick outcome, I have paid for an 8 session course!
I’ll keep you updated when my course is finished – but until then, I urge you, get lasering!
The thing that really propelled me towards laser is the impending reality that one day, far in the future; I may have to live with a boy. How I will get around my weekly full body tan whilst retaining some semblance of mysterious allure is difficult enough, but add in the expectation of eternally hairless limbs and I’m screwed. Or dumped. Now forget all this feminist chat, I’m as pro-equal pay and opportunities as the next girl but I do like to be well-maintained – and if that means I’m more attractive to the opposite sex, well that’s great too. I don’t just de-fuzz because there is a boy on the scene.
I asked around my beauty journo friends for the best laser place in town and was swiftly given the number for Courthouse Clinics. They use a Soprano XL laser there – which they reckon is more effective than the standard IPL. It works on all skin tones – a new development in the world of laser where previously only pale skin and dark hair could be treated. I bought a course of treatments and although it doesn’t come cheap, the hassle it will get rid of is priceless. The first area I wanted to de-fuzz was “down below” – a fairly daunting prospect although I was assured the Soprano XL was practically pain free. After a skin test session, I started my treatments. Typically, sessions will last between 15 minutes and half an hour – I was amazed by how fast it was over with. Cool gel is applied to the area before the laser gun is placed on the skin. The therapist then rubs the gun over the skin repeatedly. This warms the skin up – on a few occasions I felt it became a little too hot and “prickly”, in which case they are happy to turn it down a few notches. You’ll be placed in all the same hideously embarrassing poses you have to pull at the waxists, so be prepared – it is invasive. Hair takes up to two weeks to fall out after the sessions so don’t be expecting instant miracle results!
I completed my second session a few weeks ago, and my results are amazing so far. I was sceptical about how quickly hair growth would slow down or stop but even after my first session there was noticeably less regrowth. Following my second, there is practically nothing left. My only gripe is the fact that after such a quick outcome, I have paid for an 8 session course!
I’ll keep you updated when my course is finished – but until then, I urge you, get lasering!
Saturday 4 January 2014
New Year, New Nails!
I read about the Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover on a beauty website – the author called it life changing – a tad overzealous but I decided to give it a go. It comes in a pink pot filled with a nail polish remover soaked sponge. Dip your finger in the hole in the centre, twist a couple of times (the blurb says 1 second – it doesn’t quite do the job in that time, but almost) and remove. Every trace of varnish, even black and deep staining shades, is gone! If you are wearing a glitter polish you may have to go in for a few dips to make sure there are no remnants. The scent left on your nails is fruity and added almond oil nourishes the nail bed – although I always recommend washing your hands after using any chemical containing protect. This beauty must-have is a steal at £4.99 – although even the most dexterous of us would face a challenge manoeuvring our toes into the pot – I suggest you tackle the pedicure with an old-fashioned cotton wool and liquid formula!
This cold weather has left my nails very dry and flaky, meaning even when I do go for a coloured polish; bits chip off within a day or two. I read that having a layer of polish on protects nails from the environment and seals in that all-important moisture so I have been experimenting with clear polishes. The first I tried was Alessandro Pro White at £7.85 which leaves a subtle shine. This pigment in this counteracts the yellow tone on nails and makes tips look whiter. In strong daylight, the pink part of the nail has a lilac hue which creates an overall manicure effect – although the purple tint can be so strong there is a tendency to look slightly hypothermic! I also gave the Ultraviolet Top Coat by Guerlain (£18) a go. The formula itself has translucent purple tint and the boudoir style bottle is irresistible. This created a stronger manicure effect, making my nails glossy and the tips stark white against the nail bed. If you happen to be in a dark club you are also in for a treat – the UV pigment means you will glow! I’m a sucker for a nice bottle, so the Guerlain wins over the medical looking Pro White for me – although the actual outcome of both on the nails was much the same.
Happy polishing!
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