Keeping my long hair in great shape can be a constant battle. I abuse it with more straightening, curling and backcombing than I care to admit, but I still want it to look healthy and shiny (don't we all!). Because my hair is almost waist-length and takes in a whole load of damage from heated styling tools, one of the biggest challenges is keeping my strands looking glossy and hydrated. Although I've experimented with the odd set of highlights, my hair is almost always deep brown. Here are my top tried and tested products to keep my long locks in fabulous shape.
Mark Hill Extreme Styling Straightening Spray
My Hair is long, thick and heavy so straightening can be an absolute chore. Mark Hill's Give it to me Straight, Extreme Styling Spray is a heat protector spray that not only protects hair from the damage caused by styling tools, but actually helps to straighten it, too. If you struggle to keep your hair straight, try using the spray alongside the straightening shampoo and conditioner from the same range. Spray the product on damp hair before blow-drying and on dry hair before straightening. Out of all of the heat protection sprays I've tried this is one of my favourites.
Lee Stafford Blinding Brunette Shampoo & Conditioner
I'm constantly trying out new shampoos, but when my hair is feeling dull and lifeless I tend to switch to a product specially formulated for brunettes. Lee Stafford's Blinding Brunette Shampoo may look a little scary when it comes out of the bottle (it's a deep brown-red shade) but my hair looks super glossy and rich after using it. It can be used on natural or dyed brunette hair and adds warmth and depth to your colour. If you get past the messy looking colour of the shampoo, you'll definitely reap the rewards. I follow with the Blinding Brunette Conditioner and I adore its thick and creamy consistency. I don't know if it's the shampoo, conditioner or combination of the two but my hair feels much healthier and the colour looks more vibrant post-washing.
Paul Mitchell Colour Protect Locking Spray
I'm a big fan of Paul Mitchell products and I often use the volumising spray from the range when I want huge hair to rival Cheryl Cole's. I don't like my deep hue to lighten in the sun so Paul Mitchell's Colour Protect Locking Spray is great way to protect my strands from damage and fading on spring and summer days. It's perfect to spray on your hair when you want to freshen it up (it has a slightly fruity scent) and add a touch of shine. This is a summer and holiday staple.
WEN Hair Re-Moist Intensive Treatment
Anyone with long hair (or a love of heated tools) knows that a decent deep conditioning treatment is an absolute must if you don't want straw-like locks. I've tried so many different deep conditioners but WEN's Hair Re-Moist Intensive Treatment is one of my newest favourites. If you've not heard of WEN it's a US brand formulated by celebrity hairdresser Chaz Dean. The sweet almond mint smells delicious, fresh and zingy and the results are really noticeable. A little goes a long way, even on long hair as the product feels rich and luxe. After leaving the treatment to get to work for 45 minutes (as recommended on the label) my hair has a brand new lease of life.
Berber Oil Hair Treatment with Argan Oil
Berber oil is a hair treatment that hydrates and nourishes hair. I'm relatively new to using hair oil but after recently applying it to my damp hair in place of my leave-in conditioner spray, I'm hooked! It smells devine and makes my hair feel soft and bouncy. One of its key ingredients, Argan Oil, has created quite a buzz in the hair care industry thanks to its ability to repair split ends, tame frizz, detangle and give added glossiness. The oil can help cut blow-drying time too which is perfect for us ladies with longer locks.