It seems appropriate to start a new year with a look back of some of the products that have really stood out for me over the last twelve months. It's easy for me to rave about a product and call it the next big thing, only to cast it aside a few weeks later for something marginally better - the real test is whether or not a product stays within my repertoire and continues to offer the results I love over a longer period of time. 2014 was a great year for hair styling products, with brands really pushing the boundaries and innovating like never before; in the years previously there had been a lot of repackaging and passing off old technology as new, making us all stand up and take notice when a product really did offer something unique. These six products are the ones I've kept hold of since the very first day, relying on them to help me manage my tresses and ensure the hair I've always wanted. Here's why I'll continue to love them in 2015...
1. L'Oreal Elvive Fibrology Thickness Creation Double Serum (£6.99)
One of the first big launches of 2014, this range caused quite the stir in the beauty world. I spotted the whole collection on-shelf two weeks before it's official launch and hurriedly filled a basket before rushing to the till. The entire range is really quite fabulous, providing a real difference in volume with absolutely no effort required (the technology penetrates each individual hair to expand its diameter, rather than encouraging hair to stand away from the scalp to give the illusion of volume,) but this Double Serum is the hero product. When applied to wet hair the serum helps to not only expand each individual hair for a thicker result, but smooths the surface of strands for volume without frizz. This really does make a big difference to my hair and I've continued to reach for it whenever I need a touch of volume.
2. VO5 Plump It Up Dry Backcombing Spray (£3.79)
Dry shampoos have long been used to provide texture and volume at the root, as well as reducing that greasy feeling. VO5 have taken that concept one step further and created this Dry Backcombing Spray which helps to provide lift and volume with no residue or chalkiness. It works equally well on freshly washed hair as it does on second or third day hair, helping to create a subtle backcombed look for when you need to look party ready in no time. Over the festive season this has continued to be an essential product on my dressing table and I've no doubt I'll be repurchasing it throughout 2015.
3. Dove Refresh + Care Dry Shampoo (£4.59)
If you've been sick and tired of dry shampoos that leave horrendous white residue and a chalky feeling on hair, then 2014 was the year it all changed. A huge number of dry shampoos were launched to offer the same function with an invisible finish, but Dove's Refresh + Care Dry Shampoo continues to be one of the best. It refreshes hair without leaving any heaviness, offering a completely transparent result that's practically undetectable when touched. I'm so over Batiste and Dove's reincarnation has surprisingly offered the helping hand I need - especially after having hair extensions that are too much of a faff to wash daily.
4. Aveda Smooth Infusion Naturally Straight (£21.50)
This revolutionary styling cream progressively straightens hair with every use; after five consecutive applications, hair will stay straight for up to three washes without further product required. If you struggle with curly, wavy or frizzy hair, then a small amount of this applied to wet hair and styled with a paddle brush can offer great smoothness without hair becoming flat. It's a great base product to help minimise those unwanted waves without stripping hair of any volume or movement; I use this in conjunction with a serum and styling products and it really does help to smooth out hair while aiding styling. Although it's pricey, I'm only half way through my tube after six months - a great investment for the forthcoming year.
5. L'Oreal Professionnel Mythic Oil Oil-in-Creme (£13.59)
You may not expect this styling product to also provide heat protection, but it does. This luxurious cream, enriched with black cumin oil, coats the hair in a nourishing and protective veil for heat protection up to 230°C. Simultaneously, the oil helps to smooth hair and provide a frizz-free finish that's styled to perfection. I'm awful at remembering to add a heat protection product, but this cream offers two benefits in one while providing peace of mind that I'm not going to fry my ends. It's lightweight and also has a cumulative effect - so if you forget to apply it when you're rushed of a morning, your hair will still benefit from a degree of protection.
6. Show Beauty Pure Treatment Oil (£50.00)
Although this is pure indulgence and the ultimate in decadence, Show certainly know how to make a good hair product. This hair oil treatment looks more like a perfume, held within an extravagant and elegant glass bottle with a dropper applicator. Formulated with Argan oil, this elixir penetrates the cuticle to enhance elasticity while offering smoothness and shine without weighing hair down. It's great when used as a finishing serum or styling product, rather than being applied to wet hair, and can help control flyaways or smooth curls. Although it's incredibly pricey, it's a product I treasure - plus it looks great on display in my bedroom!
Have you tried any of my favourite hair products?
Which are your top picks of the last twelve months? Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.![]()
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Clik here to view.
1. L'Oreal Elvive Fibrology Thickness Creation Double Serum (£6.99)
One of the first big launches of 2014, this range caused quite the stir in the beauty world. I spotted the whole collection on-shelf two weeks before it's official launch and hurriedly filled a basket before rushing to the till. The entire range is really quite fabulous, providing a real difference in volume with absolutely no effort required (the technology penetrates each individual hair to expand its diameter, rather than encouraging hair to stand away from the scalp to give the illusion of volume,) but this Double Serum is the hero product. When applied to wet hair the serum helps to not only expand each individual hair for a thicker result, but smooths the surface of strands for volume without frizz. This really does make a big difference to my hair and I've continued to reach for it whenever I need a touch of volume.
2. VO5 Plump It Up Dry Backcombing Spray (£3.79)
Dry shampoos have long been used to provide texture and volume at the root, as well as reducing that greasy feeling. VO5 have taken that concept one step further and created this Dry Backcombing Spray which helps to provide lift and volume with no residue or chalkiness. It works equally well on freshly washed hair as it does on second or third day hair, helping to create a subtle backcombed look for when you need to look party ready in no time. Over the festive season this has continued to be an essential product on my dressing table and I've no doubt I'll be repurchasing it throughout 2015.
3. Dove Refresh + Care Dry Shampoo (£4.59)
If you've been sick and tired of dry shampoos that leave horrendous white residue and a chalky feeling on hair, then 2014 was the year it all changed. A huge number of dry shampoos were launched to offer the same function with an invisible finish, but Dove's Refresh + Care Dry Shampoo continues to be one of the best. It refreshes hair without leaving any heaviness, offering a completely transparent result that's practically undetectable when touched. I'm so over Batiste and Dove's reincarnation has surprisingly offered the helping hand I need - especially after having hair extensions that are too much of a faff to wash daily.
4. Aveda Smooth Infusion Naturally Straight (£21.50)
This revolutionary styling cream progressively straightens hair with every use; after five consecutive applications, hair will stay straight for up to three washes without further product required. If you struggle with curly, wavy or frizzy hair, then a small amount of this applied to wet hair and styled with a paddle brush can offer great smoothness without hair becoming flat. It's a great base product to help minimise those unwanted waves without stripping hair of any volume or movement; I use this in conjunction with a serum and styling products and it really does help to smooth out hair while aiding styling. Although it's pricey, I'm only half way through my tube after six months - a great investment for the forthcoming year.
5. L'Oreal Professionnel Mythic Oil Oil-in-Creme (£13.59)
You may not expect this styling product to also provide heat protection, but it does. This luxurious cream, enriched with black cumin oil, coats the hair in a nourishing and protective veil for heat protection up to 230°C. Simultaneously, the oil helps to smooth hair and provide a frizz-free finish that's styled to perfection. I'm awful at remembering to add a heat protection product, but this cream offers two benefits in one while providing peace of mind that I'm not going to fry my ends. It's lightweight and also has a cumulative effect - so if you forget to apply it when you're rushed of a morning, your hair will still benefit from a degree of protection.
6. Show Beauty Pure Treatment Oil (£50.00)
Although this is pure indulgence and the ultimate in decadence, Show certainly know how to make a good hair product. This hair oil treatment looks more like a perfume, held within an extravagant and elegant glass bottle with a dropper applicator. Formulated with Argan oil, this elixir penetrates the cuticle to enhance elasticity while offering smoothness and shine without weighing hair down. It's great when used as a finishing serum or styling product, rather than being applied to wet hair, and can help control flyaways or smooth curls. Although it's incredibly pricey, it's a product I treasure - plus it looks great on display in my bedroom!
Have you tried any of my favourite hair products?
Which are your top picks of the last twelve months? Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.