Category Archives: Hair

K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo Review

 
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K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo Review

There has been a big buzz around the K18 haircare brand since it launched. It’s all about science-backed solutions for your hair and they seem to be shaking up the haircare industry. So naturally, when I got my hands on the new K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo, I couldn’t wait to see if it lives up to the hype. Here’s what you need to know.

What is K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo?

What is K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo?
What is K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo?

K18’s AirWash is not your average dry shampoo because first off, it’s not dry! This is a liquid formula that’s designed to refresh hair and scalp without buildup.

The formula uses K18’s patented peptide technology to keep hair healthier while delivering that just-washed feel:

  • Aerosol-free dry shampoo formula
  • Comes in an eco-friendly pump bottle
  • Nozzle dispenses a fine, lightweight powder
  • Works to clean and revive hair
  • Uses newly patented odorBIND smart-release biotechnology
  • Clinically eliminates odours
  • Reduces oil
  • Supports a healthy scalp and balances sebum
  • Leaves hair feeling and looking clean
  • Claims to keep working for up to 3 days
  • Highly concentrated so you can go longer in between washes

Key Ingredients & Benefits

Translucent, porous microbeads – absorbs excessive oil without buildup, or visible residue for up to 3 days

odorBIND™ smart-release biotechnology – actually recognises and captures odour-causing sweat and oil molecules and eliminates them. It then replaces the odour with a subtle, fragrance.

Biotech-derived mediterranean microalgae – to balance scalp and control excess oil production over time.

How To Use It

This dry shampoo is pretty easy to use. All you have to do is shake it up really well, and then spritz it into the roots from about 10 to 15cm away. Next, massage it in and brush through. Done!

I use about three pumps per section because I have thick hair. If you have fine hair, I think one pump would be ample.

My Review

K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo Review
K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo Review

I have been giving the K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo formula a go for about a month, and I have to say, it is pretty impressive. The fact that it’s a liquid formulation of a dry shampoo is very interesting. It does initially make the hair feel slightly damp, but it is never wet enough to mess up the style, and it dries down super fast, almost as if it was never there.

I really like it because it makes my hair feel much cleaner, without adding any texture, and its effects are pretty long lasting. It is really effective at absorbing oil and it doesn’t leave a white cast in the hair, even though if you spray it on skin, it does dry to a white powder.

It’s easy to run my fingers through my hair after it’s applied, especially if I don’t use too much, and it feels like there’s nothing in my hair at all. If it does have a texture, it’s because I’ve used too much. As I said in the How to Use section above, I use about three sprays per section as I have thick hair. One spray per section will suffice if you have fine hair.

K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo provides subtle volume but is definitely more of a cleansing product than a styling one. So if you’re looking for something to add shape and movement, you probably want a dry shampoo that’s more of a texture spray, like the Oribe Dry Shampoo*.

Having been using this for about a month, I think that this bottle will probably last longer than an aerosol dry shampoo, which is good to know, because at £48 a bottle, it’s really expensive!

Packaging and Application

K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo packaging
K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo packaging

The matte white bottle with minimalist black branding feels modern and kind of clinically luxurious. It has a pump spray and I find that the nozzle can get a little build up, so it best to try and keep that clear to ensure the finest of mists.

Application is nice and precise and it’s easy to target the roots without spraying product everywhere. When I applied it, the powder felt incredibly fine – almost weightless. You can easily massage it into the scalp without any chalky residue or white cast. If you have dark roots like mine, you know how crucial this is!

How Does It Perform?

The first thing I noticed after using the AirWash was how clean my hair felt. Not just less oily, but genuinely refreshed. It’s not often you can say that about a dry shampoo. The product absorbed oil beautifully while leaving my hair soft and touchable – no stiff or gritty texture in sight. As I said above, not over-applying is key for a weightless feel.

I like how this feels on my scalp. It actually feels like pretty much nothing on my scalp and doesn’t feel chalky or gritty.

Who is K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo For?

If you’re someone who stretches time between washes, this product should work really well for you. It’s perfect for those days when your hair feels a bit lackluster but doesn’t necessarily need a full wash. And because it’s so lightweight, it’s a great option for all hair types – even finer strands that tend to get weighed down easily.

K18 Airwash Dry Shampoo Before & After Video

Here’s quick before and after demo on unwashed and flat hat hair!

Will it cause buildup or white cast?

AirWash is designed to not leave buildup or white cast behind and it uses translucent microbeads to absorb oil. That said, less is more, so go slowly and only add more if you need it.

Will K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo clog scalp pores?

K18 have formulated this product without scalp-clogging ingredients to minimise excess buildup.

Does is double as a styling product?

I’d say this is purely a dry shampoo. It will add subtle volume but it’s not a styling product.

If K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo is damp when it is applied, will it ruin my style?

I have found that although this is a liquid formula, it only feels damp for a short time and it doesn’t interfere with how my hair is styled.

Final Thoughts

The K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo is going to be great if your hair gets greasy really easily, especially if you have fine hair. While it does come at a much higher price point than most alternatives, I think the benefits for a serious dry shampoo user could make it worth the money. I truly think it will be down to the individual.

Where to buy it

The K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo is £48 and available now via the links below:

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Best Boxing Day Beauty Sales 2024

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*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog

As always, at this time of year, there are quite a few bargains to be had, so I thought I’d put together a quick roundup of the best deals and websites to have a look at. Here are my Best Boxing Day Beauty Sales & New Year Bargains! Happy shopping! I’ll be updating this post as new offers appear.

Best Boxing Day Beauty Sales 2024 Preview & Highlights

These are my top picks of the Best Boxing Day Beauty Sales this year year:

Some of the below deals are already live, so it’s worth checking the links early.

  • Space NK – will have 50% off loads of gorgeous products live from 25th December. Shop HERE*.
  • Harrods – up to 50% off selected purchases online HERE* from 26th December.
  • LOOKFANTASTIC – Save up to 60% and get free gifts in the Winter Sale HERE*
  • Medik8 – Save up to 25% Off Selected Products HERE*
  • Dyson – savings on Supersonic and Airwrap – shop HERE*
  • Elemis have 25% off all their value saving Christmas Gift sets HERE*.
  • Shiseido – Get 30% off selected items and 30% off a range of products including the Shiseido 2024 Holiday Collection HERE*
  • Clarins – up to 40% off gifts sets and best sellers HERE*
  • NARS – 30% off Holiday collection and 40% off last chance products. Shop HERE*.
  • Cowshed – up to 30% off HERE*
  • La Mer – gift with purchases and complimentary products with minimum spends. Use Code: INDULGE at checkout to redeem. Shop HERE*.
  • REESON Beauty – FREE SHIPPING on orders over £50 until 31st December HERE*
  • Boots – Up To 50% in Boots’ Biggest Ever Sale HERE* (Over a thousand products to be discounted!)
  • Bobbi Brown – Enjoy 33% off Christmas Collection and other makeup and skincare at Bobbi Brown HERE* (From the 23rd December until 6th Jan)
  • Glossier – save up to 40% on limited products before they disappear – shop HERE*
  • Selfridges – top brands are available at amazing prices HERE*. Advent Calendars are slashed in price.
  • Harvey Nichols – Shop up to 30% off Beauty HERE*.
  • Sephora UK – big savings including 50% off updated frequently, shop HERE*
  • Cult Beauty – up to 50% off sale items HERE*, Offer: Take 15% off + Extra 5% Off Selected Products with Code: CBAFF15
  • Molton Brown – Up to 30% Off in the Winter sale HERE* now
  • The White Company – up to 50% off HERE*
  • Clinique – discounts on beauty sets HERE*
  • Penhaligon’s – Up to 50% off in the Winter Sale + GWP when you spend £120 with code GIFTSET HERE*
  • Armani Beauty – offering 20% off all makeup, fragrance and gift sets HERE*
  • Hearst Magazines – January sale has launched early – up to 72% off HERE*.
  • NET-A-PORTER – they have an amazing 30% off a brilliant selection of beauty products now! Shop HERE.*
  • Face the Future – Up to 40%, running now HERE*
  • Jo Malone London – Shop online HERE* and get a free 9ml fragrance with orders over £90.
  • Charlotte Tilbury – Up to 30% off select products. Limited time only! Automatically applied at basket, shop HERE.*
  • Fenwick – Up to 50%* off selected lines, dates HERE*
  • MAC – Up to 50% Off now. Offers available HERE*
  • Kiehl’s – 30% off Selected Products HERE*.
  • YSL Beauty – 30% Off Gifts HERE*
  • L’Occitane – up to 50% HERE*
  • Benefit – 50% off HERE*
  • Liberty – tonnes of niche brand bargains HERE* over the Christmas period
  • Escentual – Up to 60% off Gift Sets and 22% off RRP on all products HERE*.
  • ESPA – Up to 50% off everything PLUS an extra 5% off with Code: ESPAX5 HERE*
  • Aveda – Enjoy an extra 33% off all gift sets, plus sitewide discounts HERE*
  • GHD – up to 20% off tools HERE*

Happy shopping!! I hope this helps you find the Best Boxing Day Beauty Sales & New Year Bargains, and let me know if you have any questions!

Make sure you give me a follow on Instagram for all the latest updates and stay tuned to the homepage for all the new launches.

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Dyson Chitosan Styling Range UK Review – 4 Day Test

 
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Dyson Chitosan Styling Range UK Review

Dyson have just launched styling products, and although it wasn’t what I was expecting as their latest launch, it actually makes perfect sense! I have been testing the Dyson Chitosan Pre-Style Cream and the Post-Style Serum. Here’s what you need to know.

What are the Dyson Chitosan Styling Products?

Dyson Chitosan Pre-Style Cream & Post-Style Serum UK Review
Dyson Chitosan Pre-Style Cream & Post-Style Serum UK Review

There are five products within the new Dyson styling collection which are split across different variations of a pre-style cream, and a universal post-style serum.

The hero ingredient that works across all the formulas is Chitosan which is a molecule found in the walls of oyster mushrooms and the element of the mushroom that gives it its shape,

The collection includes:

  • Pre-Style Cream Straight to Wavy, Light Conditioning
  • Pre-Style Cream Straight to Wavy, Rich Conditioning
  • Pre-Style Cream Curly to Coily, Light Conditioning
  • Pre-Style Cream Curly to Coily, Rich Conditioning
  • Post-Style Serum

Dyson Triodetic Technology

This new Dyson technology has been developed as a solution to the challenges of traditional styling products which use simple polymers that can sometimes leave hair feeling a bit stiff or crunchy.

Triodectic technology enables each strand to be flexibly locked into place with a lightweight structure of bonds. This means that each strand of hair is able to “move, flex, and recall its style, in unison with the rest, resulting in hair that feels conditioned, without the crunch”.

Dyson Chitosan Pre-Style Cream

Dyson Chitosan Pre-Style Cream & Post-Style Serum Packaging
Dyson Chitosan Pre-Style Cream & Post-Style Serum Packaging

The Pre-Style cream has been developed to give a two times longer hold on styles, is weightless and non-crunchy, and allows natural movement and shine. It promises to give hair completely flexible hold and also protect against frizz, even in high humidity.

It is designed to be used on damp, towel-dried hair to prime the strands for styling.

Which Dyson Chitosan Pre-Style Cream to choose for your hair type – Light or Rich Conditioning?

I think you will probably know whether you are straight to wavy, or curly to coily, however, in case you need a bit more clarity on the differences between Light and Rich conditioning variants, here’s a bit more detail:

  • Light conditioning formula – this is a lightweight blend of conditioning agents. Dyson recommend this for those with thinner hair strands that are easily weighed down by product
  • Rich conditioning formula – his is a richer blend of conditioning agents and Dyson recommend this for those with thicker hair that needs more intense nourishment

Pre-Style Cream Key Ingredients

Chitosan – derived from oyster mushrooms and tested to find the optimum grade and percentage for all-day, flexible hold, with natural movement and shine

Argan oil – for smoothness and shine, used in the formulations as a nanoemulsion, with smaller chain lengths, to smooth the cuticle more effectively – with less

Castor seed oil – protects against frizz, nourishes the hair cuticle and keeps airborne moisture at bay

Dyson Chitosan Post-Styling Serum

Dyson Chitosan Pre-Style Cream & Post-Style Serum Packaging
Dyson Chitosan Pre-Style Cream & Post-Style Serum Packaging

The Post-Style Serum is designed to give flexible hold to your already styled hair whilst also adding hydration, shine and definition. It promises two times longer hold and protection from frizz, even in high humidity.

This is designed for use on dry, styled hair to smooth, define and enhance the style.

Post-Style Serum Key Ingredients

Chitosan – derived from oyster mushrooms and tested to find the optimum grade and percentage for all-day, flexible hold, with natural movement and shine

Hyaluronic acid – hydrates with 2 different molecular weights

Amino acid blend – to help repair signs of damage to the hair cuticle

My Review of the Dyson Chitosan range

Dyson Chitosan Pre-Style Cream & Post-Style Serum After Photo
Dyson Chitosan Pre-Style Cream & Post-Style Serum After Photo

I was very excited to try out these new styling products from Dyson, mainly because I have a low-key obsession with anything Dyson. But this excitement was greater because I am well aware that there is a knack to getting Airwrap waves to last, and if you could manage this effortlessly, it would be like some kind of hair eutopia!

I love my Airwrap a lot (you can check out my review here), however, I do get a lot of messages from people saying that they wished the waves would last longer. This new launch should mean that this problem is completely solved.

I literally could not wait to try it – I even brought hair wash day forward!

I absolutely love the packaging. It has that Dyson magnetic snap of the lids which I feel is synonymous with the Supersonic attachments. It is very satisfying. As is the delivery system of both products. You place the bottom of the product into your hand and pump down, and it delivers the most precise dose of product.

Chitosan Pre-Style Cream

I was sent the Pre-Style Cream for Straight to Wavy hair in the Light Conditioning formula. According to my actual hair type, I probably really should have had the Rich Conditioning variety, but I didn’t let that put me off!

I actually went for four pumps on to completely naked (no other product at all, apart from a scalp serum from Head & Shoulders* I am loving). I smoothed it through the lengths of the hair and it brushed through effortlessly.

Next I rough dried the hair with Dyson Supersonic Nural hairdryer* and then finished off the style with my Airwrap. As I was working through the sections I could feel that it was giving my hair a lovely bounce and it was helping to make quite voluminous waves.

Chitosan Post-Style Serum

Once I’d finish styling, the hair did feel like it was going to hold better. After my hair was cool, I used 2 pumps of Chitosan Post-Style Serum to start with and gently put it through the lengths. Then I felt I needed to add a bit more, so did this again.

The finished look was really impressive (see photo above), and so much bouncier and voluminous than it is when I have used my Airwrap before. It also made my hair feel really soft.

Here’s how it lasted over the following few days:

Dyson Chitosan Pre-Style Cream & Post-Style Serum After Photo - End of Day
End of Day 1 – quite late!!
Dyson Chitosan Pre-Style Cream & Post-Style Serum After Photo - Day 2
Day 2
Dyson Chitosan Pre-Style Cream & Post-Style Serum After Photo - Day 3
Day 3
Dyson Chitosan Pre-Style Cream & Post-Style Serum After Photo - Day 4
Day 4

Does Dyson Chitosan make your style last longer?

For me, I’d say absolutely yes. The style held extremely well for the first day and still looked good the next morning. It survived 2 Peloton workouts very well. There was still a soft wave by day 3 and still a nice shape by day 4.

Does Dyson Chitosan hold Airwrap curls?

Yes these products definitely made a difference to my Airwrap waves. They stayed much more defined and bouncy for much longer. I slept on them and exercised with them, and there was still a wave by the end of day 3. I tried not to wash my hair for as long as possible.

Does Dyson Chitosan weigh the hair down?

I have the Light Conditioning formula in the pre-styler. Both the Pre-Style Cream and the Post-Style Serum feel completely weightless in my hair.

Is Dyson Chitosan worth the money?

I have to say, at £49 each, I think that the price is a bit of a sticking point. However, these are made for Dyson customers who have already invested rather heavily in the tools, love the styles they create, but just want them to hold longer.

If you love your Airwrap like I do, and you find that these work for you as well as they work for me, then I’d say that they are worth the investment.

Dyson Chitosan 4 Day Test Video

I think what I need to find out next is whether the Dyson Chitosan products work independently. But I have loved how they both work together so it might be a while before I get round to testing them separately.

Where to buy Dyson Chitosan in the UK

The Pre-Style Cream and Post-Style Serum are £49 each and available now via the link below:

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Moroccanoil Purple Treatment Review

 
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Moroccanoil Purple Treatment

I am always looking for products that keep my blonde hair colour true without stripping moisture. I think I have hit on a brilliant addition to my haircare routine with the new Moroccanoil Purple Treatment. Here’s what you need to know.

What is Moroccanoil Purple Treatment?

Moroccanoil Purple Treatment
Moroccanoil Purple Treatment

This is the Moroccanoil Treatment, but with purple pigments to colour correct blonde, highlighted and grey hair:

  • Lightweight formula
  • Designed to effectively remove brassiness and yellow and orange hues
  • Helps to make coloured hair salon-fresh
  • Smooths, detangles, nourishes and brightens
  • Speeds up drying time
  • Helps protect against thermal damage
  • Enriched with argan oil and fatty acid-rich linseed extract

Key Ingredients

  • Argan Oil –  antioxidant-rich plant oil that hydrates and nourishes
  • Linsee – ingredient packed full of nourishing fatty acids, including Omega-3

How to use it

You can use this 2-3 times per week or as needed. Apply a small amount onto damp or dry hair and brush through. It protects against thermal heat from a hair dryer. If you are using a heat tool, use an extra heat protection product.

My Review of Moroccanoil Purple Treatment

Moroccanoil Purple Treatment colour and texture
Moroccanoil Purple Treatment colour and texture

I first had a demo of this on dry hair in Selfridges in London when it launched, and absolutely loved it. Here’s a little video showing you that:

I have since used it a couple of times at home on damp hair after washing and really love the results.

It has a beautiful light texture, yet I only need a couple of pumps. If you have fine hair, you will most probably need less. The oil itself is bright purple, but it doesn’t stain the skin and the consistency sinks in really well and leaves the hair feeling moisturised yet light.

Moroccanoil Purple Treatment colour and texture
Moroccanoil Purple Treatment colour and texture

I have been using this as the first step on clean damp hair and find it so easy to use. I smooth it through the lengths and ends, then gently brush it through and then continue with whatever other styling products I wish to use.

The Moroccanoil Purple Treatment is incredibly effective at neutralising any brassy tones in my hair and it really leaves the blonde looking clean and bright, which is just how I love it.

Moroccanoil Purple Treatment Review
Moroccanoil Purple Treatment Review

The big bonus is that it really adds suppleness and shine to the hair. I have tried quite a few different purple products for blonde hair over the years, but while many of them help to remove brassiness, they don’t leave my hair feeling quite as soft and conditioned as this. I absolutely love this, and as you only need a small amount, I think that £15.45 for the 25ml bottle is very reasonable.

If you want even more enhanced results, you could pair this with a purple shampoo and conditioner, but I find it actually works really well on it own on my hair. It also smells amazing. Great!

If you are looking for a good detox shampoo, check out Living proof Clarifying Detox Shampoo Review.

Where to buy Moroccanoil Purple Treatment

It is £15.45 for 25ml and available via the link below:

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5 Steps to Growing Long and Luscious Hair

 
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Hair growth is a great indicator of overall health. Poor nutrition, stress, and hormonal imbalance can all contribute to hair loss. Hair growth is also often affected by heredity or other health issues, such as thyroid disorders or iron deficiency. Below are some of the most common ways to encourage hair growth and help prevent further hair loss.

5 Steps to Growing Long and Luscious Hair

Step 1. Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet to help with hair growth

A diet with a healthy amount of nutrients can make hair grow faster and stronger. A diet that contains the right levels of protein, vitamins, and minerals is necessary for hair to grow. Hair also needs protein in order to stay strong. A balanced diet also helps improve scalp health, which helps the hair follicles stay healthier and produce new hair strands more quickly.

The body needs vitamins A, C, D, E, B-complex vitamins (especially B-6), calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc to produce collagen for healthy skin and hair. These nutrients are found in different foods such as vegetables, fruits and beans.

Step 2. Get Enough Sleep to help with hair growth

Adequate sleep is vital for a healthy life, and it is especially important to make sure that we are getting enough sleep to help with hair growth. The most common reasons for hair loss are: low iron, nutrient deficiencies, stress, aging, hormonal imbalances like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and medical conditions such as lupus or thyroid disease.

The most effective solution to stop hair loss is to get more sleep. New research has found that people who slept nine hours a night had significantly less hair fall than those who slept between six and seven hours a night.

5 Steps to Growing Long and Luscious Hair

Step 3. Shampoo Less Often to make your hair grow

We should shampoo our hair less often because we are getting more and more damaged every time we do it. Shampooing can also cause dryness, which leads to breakage.

Step 4. Avoid Products with Sulfates and Alcohols to encourage hair growth

Sulfates are chemicals typically found in shampoo, detergent, and dishwasher. Alcohols are alcohol-based ingredients that evaporate quickly. Both of these chemicals can cause hair to dry out.

As a result, the hair becomes brittle and weak and doesn’t grow as well. It is important to avoid using products with sulfates and alcohols so that your hair can do its best to grow long (and healthy), and there’s a lot of sulfate-free haircare to choose from.

5 Steps to Growing Long and Luscious Hair

Step 5. Drink Lots of Water to help with hair growth

Drinking water has many benefits. It can help with digestion, hydration, skin complexion and hair growth. It can help your locks look better than ever by boosting your body’s natural health and beauty defense systems.

We all know, drinking plenty of H2O is good for you in more ways than just quenching thirst! But did you know that there is some evidence to suggest that drinking enough water may contribute to healthy-looking hair?