Confessions ... of a Shampoo Princess

Confessions…

Of a Shampoo Princess addicted to REDKEN

I can't express the importance of finding the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair. 

Think about it like this. If you're using incorrect skin products you skin can become dry, irritated, oily and even break out. Most of us will turn to the makeup bag and try to cover up the problem.  We will then look to find an alternative skin product that doesn't cause the issue. Now I'm not saying that the wrong skin care causes all problems. Medication, hormones, stress, diet, weather, pollution and many, many more things cause skin changes. But certainly what you put directly onto it can make a big difference. 

It's exactly the same with your hair and up until recently I didn't think so much about how the first thing I put on my hair could influence how the rest of the products worked and the final condition of my hair. 

I wore extensions for years. Various types and lengths. And due to over use its caused some breakage...understatement - ok my hair is cream crackered.  However I've curbed my addiction and haven't worn them for what seems like a full year. 

Since then I feel like I have tried every restoring serum, every Argon/Moroccan oil. I have stopped heat styling my hair. I've worn different clips and bobbles to prevent further damage. I've even stopped colouring my hair! Like seriously, I don't even have layers just a one length trim. But I still found my hair more brillo pad and less silky smooth as I believe I deserved. I even tried salon treatments such as keratin treatments and hair masks. After having said treatments my hair feels good for a period of time and then goes back to the rough wiry mess I'm used to. 

The other day I was walking through my local shopping centre and I saw a salon. I noticed shelves full of hair care systems from Redken, Paul Mitchell, Bed head and many more. Luckily within a few minutes a stylist asked if she could help. In sheer desperation I exhaled and explained the situation. She asked me to take my hair down and she looked at my hair. Most importantly this lady listened. She also has fine hair herself . However, hers was in lovely condition and looked healthy and shiny. She talked me through a system which she tailored to my needs. She predominantly chose Redken products. I was prescribed a shampoo, a conditioner, a hair mask, a conditioning spray and an oil. 

The shampoo : Redken all soft shampoo for dry brittle hair. You can purchase from £9-£14 for  300ml. I use a very small amount of this shampoo. I only use it once and I do not repeat. I try to wash my hair no more than 3 times/week. 

The conditioner : Redken all soft conditioner 250ml from £9-£14. I use this twice a week after shampooing my hair. The other time I wash my hair I use a treatment mask. I only use a very small amount and instantly my hair is smooth in the shower. Usually my hair is like wire after shampoo and the conditioner makes it a little less matted. But after shampoo my hair feels clean and soft, once the conditioners on the texture of my hair is like nothing I can remember. 

The hair mask : Redken Frizz Dismiss mask 250 ml £22. Intensive mask which you use once to twice a week after shampoo. I was told to leave on my scalp for as long as I can put up with it. I leave it on from 20 mins up to 2 hours depending on my schedule. I do this at least once a week. 

The spray: Redken Frizz Dismiss F20 light weight smoothing lotion £16.50. Use on towel dried hair and then style as usual. I use this every time I wash my hair. It is very light weight. Having extremely fine hair anything too heavy weighs it down and makes it look flat and lifeless. This product is great for all hair types. 

The oil : Wella professionals oil reflections antioxidant smoothing oil 100ml £15.

I use this after the spray when my hair is wet before I leave to dry or blow-dry. I also use it on the hair once dry as a smoothing oil. I will say my hair does need a good cut. If I didn’t need a trim I may not use the oil before I blow-dry, just afterwards. 

The stylist explained that what I first put on my hair is the foundation for the rest of the products. It turns out I was using way too much product and a shampoo that was too harsh and drying. When I thought about it it made sense. If I stripped the life out of my locks then of course everything else after was having to work extra hard. 

I used the products and voila, as if by magic my hair was how it was 10 years ago prior to colour and extension damage

I am finally able to wear my hair down without feeling conscious. I even wore my hair straight which is something I haven't been able to do because it highlighted it's poor condition. 

Like a lot of women I've got hair goals: 

1 Condition 

2 Length 

3 Thickness 

4 Colour 

100% in that order. My hair needs to be in good condition so that it looks good with length. Also, the better condition it's in the thicker it will look ( No scraggy ends!) 

Once I've achieved that I can think about colouring it again. 

I read that on average hair grows 6 inches a year.  

I've decided to give my hair a very small trim - no layers or bangs and then wait till Christmas to cut it again. 

In the mean time I will follow my prescription from the stylist. 

Keep heat styling to Max 3 times per month and avoid colouring. 

I'm hoping in a years time to have the hair I used to have. I also hope I've learnt my lesson by then on abusing my hair and the unhealthy addiction of extensions. Truth is everything can be done in moderation. Hair extensions, heat styling and colouring are all possible if you look after your hair and don't go cray cray. 

I advise anyone struggling with their hair to find a stylist and get them to help you find the right products. 

We've all been there stood in a shop like boots picking up brightly packaged bottles promising silky, sexy, shiny hair. Thing is there are so many to choose from and no one to help. Yes you can go online and read reviews but how do they relate to you and your hair? 

Its free to talk to someone and the guys and girls will be happy to sell you the right products. 

Im not saying that we all need to spend a fortune on hair products but its good to remember that foundations are everything. Nor should everyone should go out and buy what I use either. Just go and get your hair assessed and take advice from a trusted professional. Go on... GET THE RIGHT SHAMPOO!

Oh and a side note - Shampoo princess is what my boyfriend calls his little poodle when she comes back from the groomers all fluffy and cute. 

Finally I feel as pretty as she looks.