Thursday 25 April 2013

Happy, Healthy Hair: What I Use


Who doesn't want long, full and flowing beautifully luxurious hair? We all do, right? Long, thick hair seems to be a little bit of an obsession for most girls, myself included, and growing my hair seems to be all that I've ever wanted to do. I've never been fussed with extensions because I change my hair colour pretty frequently and it's often multi-coloured a lot of the time too, so I would struggle to find a shade that matches up perfectly, and in the past all the clip ins I've tried have been uncomfortable and hard to work with.

Instead I want my very own mane of super long hair (preferably belly button length), with soft natural waves, rich brown in colour, and thick and healthy with no frizz to be seen ..but it seems hair like that only exists in films! I'll do all that I can get to get as close to that dream as possible though, so as well as banning hairdryers and straighteners from my life for the past 6 months here is what's been working for me recently in terms of products...

(This concoction of products has strictly been limited to washing and treatments, just to keep things simple).


Lee Stafford Hair Growth Shampoo*
As a long time lover of the accompanying Hair Growth treatment mask from Mr.Stafford, it's surprised me that I hadn't yet branched out and bought the full set from this range. My hair obviously hasn't grown 5 inches in a week, but this range makes hair stronger at the root and stimulates follicles to encourage more growth. 
*(c/o North Meet Up Goodie Bag - post)
Lee Stafford Argan Oil Conditioner
As mortified as I am that I walked into Boots and then walked back out again with a bottle of conditioner and a purse £12 lighter, I do really love this conditioner and think that it is the perfect companion to the Hair Growth Shampoo. 

It seemed to make more sense to me to mix and match this pair together and choose a stimulating shampoo to encourage root growth, and then a conditioner from their most nourishing range to be able to heal any damage and restore any well needed moisture to those ends. I love Lee Stafford's honesty in the aims of his products, stating that the shampoo will help hair to 'reach its maximum potential length', and the conditioner will 'restore hair to its optimal condition' - no unrealistic promises there.



Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment Mask
Lee Stafford Argan Oil Treatment Mask
I have chosen a mask from each of two above ranges to help my hair out and alternate between the two of them; focusing the Hair Growth on the roots around once a fortnight and the Argan Oil mask on the mid-lengths and ends every weekend. Both of these masks work really well at giving the hair a nourishment boost and bring it back to being silky soft, smooth and manageable. You can see my full review of the Hair Growth mask and read more on what I think of it here.



Moroccanoil Oil Treatment
Ooh so one you'll never have heard of then?! Haha the world famous Moroccan Oil. Now a firm favourite in my life and a definite repurchase until then end of time, I am a huge fan of this hair oil and would recommend it to anybody. It is basically my hair's best friend to keeps it calm, soft, nourished and free from frizz. It can be used on wet or dry hair / before and after styling so it can be thrown into any stage of my routine. You can see my full review on if it you click here.

Redken Color Extend Radiant-10 Multi Benefit Treatment Spray
Again, a product that I have talked about before and you'll be able to see my full review on it here; I use this Redken spray as a leave-in conditioner and as a detangler. Straight after washing my hair, before I do anything, I spray this all over to make sure that I can get a wide tooth comb through it without any snagging, pulling or breaking of the hair (a Tangle Teezer has been welcomed to my life in the past few days that will now replace the comb), and it makes my life a heck of a lot easier. It also adds extra condition to the hair in a super light weight formula too.

Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Leave In Treatment
Umm, okay so I owe this 'Anti-Snap' a little apology after the very blunt and negative review that I gave to it back in October (here), and said that it had made my hair a lot drier and a lot more brittle, leading to increased breakage.. it seemed to be a pro-snap, not an anti-snap!! That's my own fault for not using the product correctly and I've learnt from videos by Tanya Burr and EleventhGorgeous (if you click their names it will take you to the videos where they talk about this topic) that yes, protein/keratin is the the best thing that you can use on your hair, but there is also such as thing as 'too much of a good thing' when it comes to overloading your hair with keratin.. and using too much too often will dry out your hair and make it more brittle. So that was my problem with the Anti-Snap, that I was too keen and was using it too often. Now that I use it in moderation I've found it to be a wonder product and makes my hair feel so much stronger.

One more point: This is supposed to 'seal' the hair cuticles, so if you are using this product in your routine make sure that you're using it last, because otherwise it will block out all other products and they won't be able to penetrate into the hair shaft, so especially if you're also using an oil - make sure that you apply the oil first and then the Anti-Snap to be able to 'lock it in'!




So, that's what has been keeping my little head of hair happy and healthy recently.


It's currently the longest that it's ever been (finally gone past 'boobie length'! yay!), it's in the best condition that it's ever been and is the most 'tameable' I've ever had it. A while back I'd never be able to wear my hair in it's natural style, but it seems I've got things under control now and heat styling is well and truly a thing of the past for me. If you'd like to see a snap of my hair then you can click here to see a recent Instagram picture and I'm afraid that's the best I've got for you!

Do you have any hair care recommendations for me that I might like to try?

19 comments:

  1. I think you love lee Stafford just as much as me hahah. Lovely post :) xx

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  2. Great post :) I love seeing what other people use for their hair and getting tips. I love that you mix and match shampoo and conditioner-so many people stick to the same brand. The oil sounds amazing!!

    www.ngofficial.blogspot.co.uk

    <3

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  3. yeyyyy lee stafford! I love the hair growth treatment, i really think thats whats been making my hair grow so long! Danny actually stole my hairdryer AND straightners from me so im also going no heat, it defo makes a difference doesnt it! xxxx

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  4. I really want to try Lee Stafford, I am just still contemplating the price tag :) xxx
    http://handpickedbeauty.blogspot.co.uk

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  5. I'm currently using the hair growth mask and enjoying it, can't wait to use a few more things from Lee Stafford x

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  6. I love the hair growth mask, I'm on my fourth tub now! I'm not sure if It does actually 'grow your hair' but I like to think it does but it amazingly conditions my hair!
    chloeopinions.blogspot.com
    xx

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  7. I found the anti-snap to dry my hair and i must have been using it incorrectly too so thank you for the tip x

    http://pamperedpout.blogspot.co.uk

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  8. i am definitely going to be trying these out!!
    cheers
    http://fatzee.blogspot.com

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  9. Hiiii. Do you know if Lee Stafford is available in America?

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  10. The Redken treatment spray sounds great, I'm always on the hunt for a good detangler xx

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  11. Aren't you the lee stafford lover :) hehe can't say I blame you! xxx

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  12. I use loads of lee stafford too, amazing products! :)

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  13. Love Lee Stafford products, especially the Argan Oil range :)

    abrunettesbeautyblog.blogspot.com

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  14. great review! I have lee stafford hair growth but will be buying the other range of his. yey! plus maybe the oil if my purse can stretch that far. really helpful post hun xx

    http://kimiandme.blogspot.co.uk/

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  15. What do you think about Lee Stafford growth mask?

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  16. I really enjoy understanding your blog. I establish this as an educational and motivating blog, so i believe it is incredibly practical and well-informed.

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