Chop Chop

Apologies for being off the radar lately! The past few weeks have involved finishing my summer placement, doing some exams at university, and jetting off for a VERY last minute (but much needed) holiday in Turkey.

As you can imagine, I didn't really have much time to organise any scheduled or guest posts so sorry about that. I will say though, that the recent change from two uploads a week to once (usually on a Sunday) is probably going to be more of a regular thing, as I'm starting my final year of my MEng Electronic Engineering degree and will be prioritising my time to work on that.

Anyway, today I'm sharing a bit of a makeover I had just before I went on holiday: chopping half my hair off. Previously, my hair reached my belly button, and now it's kind of a long bob sitting just below my collar bone. I also had some dark lowlights put back through, as my roots were getting ridiculous and the maintenance of blonde hair was just too much effort for me.

The story doesn't end there though. Oh no. There's a reason I went for such a dramatic haircut (and not just because Turkey was insanely hot). I've been growing my hair for the last three years with the intention of donating to www.littleprincesses.org.uk which is a charity providing wigs for children with cancer, alopecia, and other conditions leading to hair loss. 

The minimum donation is 7 inches, but we cut off 10 inches (plaited, so it should more when un-plaited!) and there are certain 'rules' about what hair is suitable - more details on the website if you wanted to do this yourself!

This is also why I've had a bit of a 'hair bootcamp' this summer, with weekly hair masks and treatments, just so it could be in the best condition possible to be turned into a wig.

I was definitely nervous before doing this, and the idea of someone else having my hair is a little weird; but I know that that person needs it more and I've definitely discovered that there is such a thing as too long hair!

Review: Curlformers

Hey! Today I've got a review for you, on a product that's not widely talked about, but one that I love!

The Curlformers are a set of silicon-y spirals, which are hollow, and using the tool which comes with the set, you pull sections of hair through the spirals. (There are picture instructions in the lid which explain this much better than me). They come in a variety of widths to create tight or loose curls, and a variety of lengths for different hair lengths - all types shown here.

I have the Long Barrel Curls version (although I could probably do with the Extra Long version now), and as with all varieties; you can put these in either wet or dry hair. The quickest method I find is to apply them in dry hair then just give a quick blast of heat with a hairdryer, and leave to cool in the curlformers. Once removed (just pull them out) you are left with lovely romantic curls/waves. For a longer lasting look, apply to damp hair before bed, and sleep with them in as your hair dries (not the comfiest, but definitely possible) then in the morning, take out for bouncy beachy curls.

I personally think these are great, because I for the life of me cannot get on with rollers - sleep-in or otherwise. These are a great alternative and a heat(ish) free way of curling your hair! It's also much less time-consuming, and less of an arm-strain if like me, you have long hair.

 I thought I'd spare you a picture of me looking like Medusa with them all in, but here is just one.

And the finished look, after leaving in a set overnight.

You can buy Curlformers directly from their website, or on Amazon.co.uk

Ever heard of these before? Would you give them a go?

xxx

Everyday Haircare

Hey! Today I want to talk about hair. It's something I have quite a lot of, being both long and thick, and it takes a far bit of looking after to keep in good condition.

After having ombré hair for about 10 months, the ends of my hair were very dead, dry and damaged so I decided to return to my natural colour (albeit with a few cheeky highlights) and have a few inches chopped off, to improve the health and appearance of my hair.

Since then, I have made sure to regularly use conditioning and strengthening products on my hair to maintain it in its refreshed, healthy condition. The following are the products I like to use pretty much all the time!

After I've washed my hair (usually every 2-3 days), I like to apply a couple of serums to the ends of my hair - preventing them from splitting and/or looking thin. The combination I have been using regularly for a good few months now, which I've found works for me is the Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum and Argan Gold Hair Vitality Oil (full review here). These are really good at nourishing the ends of my hair, without weighing them down too much as you only need a really small amount of product each time.

The next product I like to use when my hair is still damp, is the TIGI S-Factor Body Booster Plumping Spray. This adds a bit of volume to my roots even when I don't blow-dry my hair (although it works better when I do), and also smells incredible; like strawberries and cream - I'd like to try other products in this range just for that reason alone!

The Paul Mitchell Super Strong Liquid Treatment has helped keep my hair in a healthy, non-damaged condition and helps my hair dry a little faster too, as I apply it all through my hair. Unlike other strengthening sprays I've used, this one doesn't leave a sticky residue either. I also find it helps to prevent breakage when I'm brushing my hair.

Something else which does this, is quite frankly my new miracle hair brush. The Elite Models Professional Detangling Hair Brush (at least I think that's what its called, I can't find it online!) has very thin, flexible bristles which glide through the hair without pulling. I picked it up in TK Maxx the other week for an absolute steal at £3! Hair-brushing is now a pain-free experience for me - this brush has even brushed out my back-combed hair without too much hassle! I've previously had the Tangle Teezer, but after using it I always felt like my hair still needed a proper brush through (if that makes sense?) with something like a regular paddle brush. The Elite Detangling Brush leaves me feeling like my hair has been properly brushed.

The final product I like to use as a fortnightly treat for my hair, is the Philip Kingsley Elasticizer. This is a pre-shampoo treatment which at first I found a bit strange, but actually makes it an easier part of the routine. Every time I use this, my hair is left feeling super soft, silky and has a lovely shine to it. I got this 40ml size free with a magazine a couple of months ago and only now has it almost run out so it gets a thumbs-up for lasting!

Quite a few of these products are fairly high-end (almost all of them in fact), so I'd love to know if you have any high street recommendations!

How do you keep your hair in good condition?

xxx