7 Ways To Fight Frizzy Hair

There are plenty of ways to fight frizzy hair. All hair is different, so finding what works best for you might take some experimenting (and alot of time). However, you can usually tackle frizz and fly aways with a few styling and care tips.

1. DONT WASH EVERYDAY

 

One of the first ways to fight frizzy hair is to look at how often you wash it. Washing your hair every day can strip it of its natural oils, causing it to frizz up. Wash your hair sparingly, allowing a few days in between washes, and if hair starts to feel too oily or greasy then use a dry shampoo to soak up any excess oils. I often wash my hair twice with shampoo in the shower to make sure all residue has been removed and then apply a small amount of conditioner to the bottom. I never apply conditioner above my ears as I find my hair is more greasy if I do. (This is a great tip if you have greasy/oily hair or curly hair)

2. DRY WITH CARE

The drying process can make all the difference when it comes to frizzy hair. Heavy-handed towel drying can roughen up hair cuticles, causing it to look frizzy. To prevent this from happening, don’t twist or rub your hair with a towel as this can lead to breakage and fly aways. Instead, blot and press your hair with a towel. Experts recommend using a super absorbent microfiber towel as it produces less friction. I usually throw a towel on my hair straight after a shower, no squeezing or rubbing.

3. PICK YOUR PRODUCTS

When you’re washing your hair, the type of products you use can play a big part in fighting frizz. Use styling products that contain silicone as it can help tame frizzy hair. The thicker and coarser your hair, the more silicone a product will need. Also be sure to choose products that don’t contain alcohol (most hair sprays and mousses do), as they can cause hair cuticles to absorb moisture, leading to frizz. Try using a hair oil at the ends or a serum as this helps a lot especially when out in the elements.

4. MAKE IT IONIC

The tools you use can also play a big part in tackling frizzy hair. Take your blow dryer, If you haven’t upgraded your blow-dryer in a while then maybe it’s time to do so. To help you in your fight against frizz, opt for an ionic blow-dryer. Ionic blow-dryers compress hair cuticles and lock out moisture, helping to prevent frizz. choose a good quality hair straightener or curler and try not to overuse them as it does more damage to your hair.

5. PROTECT AGAINST HEAT

Heat styling can damage hair, resulting in frizzy and frayed hair. To make sure that you protect your hair from excessive heat, apply a heat protecting serum or spray before you blow-dry or use heat styling tools on your hair. i cant stress how important this is. if your hair is stressed and feeling weak then it will show immediately.

6. STYLE IT RIGHT

There are plenty of styling products and tips and trick to help you in your fight against frizz. Sometimes it can be as simple as smoothing hair down with a frizz control serum or oil. The kind of hairdo you wear can also affect the frizz factor. For example, you’re less likely to experience fly aways when wrapping your hair into a low bun as opposed to a tight ponytail. Do try and let your hair dry naturally as much as you can. I know it may not look or feel great but on days when you use tools and products they take to the hair much easier.

7.WEEKLY TREATMENT

 

Treat your hair once a week with a deep conditioning or oil treatment to help your hair stay looking at its best. Those with medium to thick hair should try a deep conditioning treatment. Those with finer hair are better off using hot oil treatments as these won’t weigh down your hair. 

I also like putting a conditioner in my hair and putting it in a clip while I finish my shower. I then rinse it out before I get out of the shower. The difference an extra few minutes can make can sometimes be unbelievable.

8 Myths About Acne

Myth 1: Acne Is for Teenagers

 
Truth: You can develop acne anytime. In fact, most patients treated for acne are between the ages of 20 and 52. When you think of acne you do think of teenagers but while their skin usually clears up, some adults may suffer from acne for many years.

Myth 2: It's Just a Phase -- Acne Goes Away Eventually

Truth: Acne can last for years, if not a lifetime. If left alone, without even topical treatments, it can worsen and scar. Acne is treatable and usually begins with mild, over-the-counter topical treatments. If that doesn't work, your dermatologist may prescribe oral and topical medicine. Control it well and breakouts will become scarce and hopefully you wont leave yourself with scars to deal with due to popping and over scrubbing. (I'm guilty of this)

Myth 3: Acne Is Caused By Dirt

Truth: Acne is a complex skin condition that has nothing to do with dirt -- bacteria is the culprit. A type of bacteria called Propionibacteria acnes gets into the pores, causing inflammation that results in pimples. Blackheads are caused by a buildup of sebum -- your skin's natural oil -- in your pores. Often washing to much can be more damaging (See number 4)

Myth 4: You'll Have Less Acne if You Wash Your Face More

Truth: Since acne isn't caused by dirt, it can't simply be washed away. Facial cleaners with ingredients such a benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and sulfur compounds can help treat acne, but an abrasive soap won't help clear up acne any better (or faster). Harsh scrubs and cleaners can actually irritate your face by stripping skin of its natural moisture, often causing "rebound" oiliness as your skin tries to balance the dryness. So don't over wash or scrub. cleansing twice a day is enough.

Myth 5: Popping Pimples Is a Good Way to Get Rid of Acne

Truth: Popping pimples damages the top layer of the skin and can result in scarring which can sometimes be permanent. Instead of picking at the area, wash your face with a gentle cleanser, gently towel dry and then spot treat with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. You can add at-home masks, but restrict toners to the summer. Also moisturise if needed. Often acne treatments can lead to dry skin so if you feel your skin in a little dry apply an extra bit of moisture to your skin. it will pay off in the long run.

Myth 6: You Can't Wear Make Up If You Have Acne

Truth: While it’s true that some types of cosmetics can make acne worse, those labelled noncomedogenic generally won't. There are some concealers that contain benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol or salicylic acid, and there are also tinted acne treatment products. to be safe, do some research before you buy any makeup and pay attention to your own skin. If you are particularly oily go for oil free and if you are a little dry go for something moisturising.

Myth 7: Steam Helps Get Rid of Acne

Truth: Several studies -- including an Indian study in which patients said their acne was worse in the summer -- have suggested that heat and sweating make acne worse. Stay out of the sauna and keep your skin cool. i am particularly guilty of this. even having a bath can have a terrible affect on my skin. as i said pay attention to your own skin. its telling you more then your aware.

Myth 8: Tanning Clears Up Acne

Truth: While some light therapies can help treat acne, they don't work for the majority of acne sufferers. And the ultraviolet light from the sun (or tanning beds) is even worse – besides raising the risk of skin cancer it dries out skin and can lead to premature ageing while worsening acne. Your best bet is a chemical peel that focuses on the blocked pores without damaging your skin. be kind to your skin and it will calm down and look much better.

Wilkinson Sword Intuition

Ill try anything once. If a beauty product offers me the moon and stars I lap it up thinking "of course it will do what it promises to do, why wouldn't it?

...in comes the Wilkinson sword intuition razor.

It promises to shave you nice and smooth, while providing a layer of Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to protect the skin. So no need for the usual shaving cream or anything else really as the razor is all you need.

Comes with a fitted head an a suction cup so it fits nicely onto the tiles of the shower. so convenient and easy to get your hands on mid shower.

The razor head pops off with ease to replace it when you have finished with the old one

So how did I get on? well the shaving itself was a breeze. The razor glided over my legs and removed hair as good as any other razor. The layer of Aloe Vera and Vitamin E was consistent and thick and in my opinion smelt wonderful. So all in all, it was great experience in the shower. 

HOWEVER, my skin was not happy afterwards. I had very sore and very big red marks left on my skin. Almost like burns. This is something I would expect if I had a dry shave (which I didn't). The box stated this razor was suitable for sensitive skin: I THINK NOT. I certainly don't see my skin as sensitive, dry: yes, sensitive: no. 

Perhaps my skin just doesn't get on with the ingredients but one thing is for certain, I wont be using it again and will not be repurchasing. A week late and my legs are still sore in the shower and even after applying HEAVY moisturiser twice daily still look blotchy and almost like I was burnt.

Its unfortunate though as the shave the razor provided was perfect. 

Maybe you will get on better with it then I did.

May Empties

I love that feeling you get when you finish up a product, regardless whether your feelings about it were good, bad or indifferent. Just knowing you used every last drop and got your money's worth is enough.

(I only decided to set up this blog about a week ago so very little empties this month) 

Unfortunately all of my empties this month are bath and body products so hopefully there will be a wider variety come next month. So here goes.......

VO5 Gloss Me Smoothly Shampoo

Personally I loved this shampoo. I loved the smell, it was so lightly fragranced and yet you could still smell it off my hair hours later. It lathered up great in the shower only a small amount was needed and it left my greasy roots and dry ends feeling clean without it feeling dry. I tend to wash my hair twice with shampoo in the shower as my hair is so greasy and the second wash gave the same results as the first, great smelling hair that was moisturised and clean. Brilliant

REPURCHASE: Yes, already have.

Johnson's Shower Gel Be Fresh &Awaken

Well what can I said about this shower gel. Nothing positive really. Smelt ok, although very hard to tell it had any smell at all. Came out of the bottle in a goopy lump and basically ran down the drain before it made it to my body. I would reckon I wasted at least half of the bottle. When I did eventually put it on my skin I used twice as much as I normally would with any other shower gel (cheap or expensive). It didn't upset my skin however which is really the only positive thing I can say. Luckily it was cheap (I got it for €1 on special offer, I will not be purchasing these again regardless of how cheap they are).

REPURCHASE: Definitely not.

Soap & Glory Glad Hair Day Thick Conditioner 

I love soap and glory. Pretty much every product in their range smells divine and this is no exception. I used this conditioner as a leave in treatment rather then just a conditioner and I must say it performed quite well. I left it on for about 10 minutes and my hair felt silky smooth, soft and smelled wonderful afterwards.

REPURCHASE: Yes.

Radox Moisture Boost Shower Cream

Another shower gel, although this one I actually liked. Smelled beautiful, worked up a great lather, left my body feeling clean and it didn't irritate my skin. What more could you want for a basic shower gel. 

REPURCHASE: Maybe, if it was on offer but i wouldn't specifically go out and purchase this again.

Nivea Pure and Natural Hand cream (For dry hands)

I have terribly dry skin so  I go through a lot of hand cream. I've tried many creams some more expensive then others. I really did like this cream even though its a relatively cheap buy. Surprisingly it smells really nice and is quite thick so very little is needed so you really do get your monies worth. I don't think its ideal for exceptionally dry skin, however those with normal skin would be very happy with this product as its light, relatively non greasy, smells really nice and moisturises well.

REPURCHASE: Yes, more them likely as it smells nice and sinks in well.

Garnier 7 Days Daily Body Lotion (for Dry and Rough Skin)

Flaky skin on your legs is never attractive so I moisturise and moisturise (and then I moisturise some more). As this is designed for dry and rough skin I taught I'd give it a try and see is it just another moisturiser which promises to give me perfect skin but realistically is just a basic body lotion or does it actually achieve what is says it will. I've come to the conclusion that its neither. I wouldn't class it as just another basic body lotion it does moisturise well, very well if fact. However it certainly does not provide moisture for 7 days after using it for a week. Although realistically I didn't expect it to. It smells lovely and not to greasy. Some drier parts required more than one application during the day but as my skin is so dry I don't blame the cream for this.

REPURCHASE: Yes, absolutely as it smells beautiful.

Johnson's Shower Gel Be Fresh & Revive

As I said above, I wasn't really happy with these shower gels. I used them just to simply get rid of them. Thank heavens there all gone because I really didn't enjoy my shower using these.

REPURCHASE: Absolutely not.

Pharmacy Brand Epsom Salts

I must say I really do enjoy using Epsom salts. I throw a handful in the bath to reduce and bloating or swelling or if I'm using the foot spa I throw a few in to soothe my feet and reduce swelling especially if I have been wearing heels and my feet are unhappy as a result. This tub has lasted me quite a while and a tub is very cheap to buy. I used the last of it while giving my feet a pedicure at home (trying to get my feet ready for sandal season) and I must say my feet look at feel all the better for it. A staple in my bathroom. 

REPURCHASE: Yes, in fact I already have.

Johnson's Dreamy Skin Relaxing Body Cream

I saw this on offer in Tesco for €1 and had to buy it. When I think of body cream I would never think of Johnson's. This is my first time trying a Johnson's body lotion and I must say I'm not disappointed. It promises to relax your body and help you to sleep peacefully, neither of which it does. It does however smell lovely. It has a very light fragrance which sits on your body, its thick and yet not as thick as a standard body butter. It moisturises like a body butter yet sinks into the skin like a lotion. Ideal  for when your in a hurry and need to get dressed. I was very impressed with this product.

REPURCHASE: Yes, if I ever find it again (haven't been able to find it anywhere).

Lancôme Hypnôse

Oh! I love perfume. A few sprays and you feel great. The only unfortunate thing is that perfume doesnt really like me. 

Some are so strong or sweet that they literally will give me a headache (which is not great for someone who suffers with severe migranes).

So shopping for a new fragrance can be a nightmare (as if it isnt hard enough to find a fragrance which you really like).

I recieved this beautiful fragrance as a christmas gift. I adore it. I have received many compliments when I wear this fragrance, from both men and woman.

The fragrance smells woodsy and oriental    and contains passion flower and vanilla. It really is a beautiful smell which I never get tired of.

I have MANY MANY other fragrances but never seem to finish any of them. This is the first fragrance that I have finished and I must say I'm feeling a bit sad to see it go. This is probably my favourite fragrance EVER and it will take something spectacular to change that. 

I LOVE it.

JML Ped Egg

Summer is upon us. Meaning its sandal season, which if your like me you dread. Not the actual wearing of the sandals obviously, it's preparing my feet so as to show them off and not be embarrassed. 

I tend to forget (ignore) my feet in the winter months. (Sure who bothers with their feet when there all warm and snug in your lovely boots or furry slippers?) 

My summer savior is my ped egg. After a shower I grab it while my feet are still wet and just glid the bladed end over my feet paying particular attention to my heels. 

The excess skin simply falls into the back of the egg which is then easy to open and throw the skin in the bin. Clean and simple.

The blade looks blunt but is suprisingly sharp (although not to sharp that you run the risk of losing a foot). Quite a lot of skin can come off after one use which is great if you need a quick fix or a cheap alternative to an expensive pedicure. 

I love it and probably use it once a week followed by some foot cream and some bed socks and your feet are left smooth, soft and ready to bare when the sun comes out. 

A must have for me, I simply couldn't live without it.

Veet Face Easy Grip Ready-to-Use Wax Strips

Ah the joys of being a woman. As if it wasn't bad enough without the addition of unwanted facial hair, and how do you deal with it? Well it usually involves PAIN! As I said the joys of being a woman! i always opt for the pain-free (or at the very least a very small amount of pain) when attempting to remove any unwanted hair

The box contains 20 reusable wax strips & 4 perfect finish wipes.

Where they can up with a 20:4 ratio I really do not know. 20 strips (which are meant to be reusable) and yet only 4 wipes which are definitely not reuse as one use has them worthy of the bin (although it doesn't claim that you can reuse them) but why only four? Have I somehow got so much facial hair that I need a minimum of 5 strips (if i don't reuse them) to rid me of my big hairy face? I think not...

you simply rub a strip between your hands for a few moments to heat up the wax, pull the strips apart and place on the area. I only used these above my lip for a very small amount of hair. i left the strip on for no more than 20 seconds and pulled it off. my facial hair is very fair and very short. one strip done the job well, whipped the hair right off.

realistically the product accomplished what it said it would. i was happy overall with the results, the only thing i was unhappy about was the lack of finish strips which to me seem unrealistic to think that only 4 would be needed when the box provides 20 reusable strips.

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Fast Absorbing Hand Cream

I cannot live without hand cream. My hands are extremely dry and at times itchy (which isn't great when my dry skin flakes off whenever i scratch). That's all before I go near water or heat.

Over the years I have made my way through so many different hand creams and never really found one that I was willing to repurchase again. I HATE my hands feeling greasy after using hand cream and yet that's how a majority of hand creams leave your hands, which leaves you unable to do pretty much EVERYTHING for quite some time. Any cream I tried was either too greasy but moisturising or non greasy but really did nothing to moisturise my parched skin.

I bought "Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Fast Absorbing Hand Cream" on a whim one day while in a local chemist. I only noticed it as it was well advertised as being on sale, otherwise i think i would have by passed it once again. I bought it not expecting much and I must say i was pleasantly surprised by how great it was.

It states on the back that "the convenient pump format is ideal for home or work with an appropriate amount of hand cream for each use". One pump gives out quite a bit of product to cover both hands. my hands feel soft, moisturised and NOT greasy. The bottle, which is 150ml, has lasted quite a long time and the pump is so handy so as to not use to much and waste the product.

Overall, I am very happy with this hand cream and have already repurchased two more bottles, one with a pump for my desk at home and the other a small travel size for my bag. I am very happy with this hand cream and so are my very soft, moisturised hands.

Argania Organic Moroccan Argan Hair Oil

Recently, hair oil has become the must have hair care product. they promise to nourish and smooth hair, banish frizz, create brilliant shine, detangle and condition and protect for heat styling. When I first heard of the benefits of using hair oil I shook my head in disbelief. When I seen the average price per bottle, I shook my head some more.

However, I still wanted to try these "miracle" oils but the price always put me off. Then I found this little beauty sitting on the shelf in Boots at a fraction of the price (€20/£15 for 100ml) so decided to give it a try.

The benefits of Argania Organic Moroccan Argan Hair Oil are as follows:

• Antioxidant rich protection for all hair types.
• Eliminates frizz between washes.
• Gives hair instant lustre and body without leaving an oily residue.
• Protects and assists in extending the life of hair colour.
• Restores and rejuvenates damaged hair.
• Great for detangling wet hair when combing.
• Soothing and conditioning for the scalp.
• Provides heat protection during styling and reduces blow drying time. 

Sounds wonderful but does it live up to the hype and more importantly does it give the more expensive oils a run for its money?

I tried the product after a shower on wet hair, I put a small amount in the ends of my hair and proceeded to blow dry my hair as usual. I have naturally curly hair but tend to blow dry it straight as I get fed up with how frizzy it can get. 

After I blow dried my hair I noticed my hair was very smooth and soft with a wonderful healthy shine with no frizz. I was utterly amazed as I had convinced myself there was no way any product could promise so much and actually do all that it promised (especially after one use) but it did. 

I would advise anyone using such oils in their hair to take a "less is more" approach as to much can leave your hair heavy and dead looking and at times quite greasy, and whatever you do DO NOT use near your roots or you will be re-washing your hair. 

Overall, I love it. This has fast become my new favourite hair product. Personally I think it is well worth the money as a little goes a long way. I have this bottle about 3 months and there is still half a bottle to get through. 

Next time your in boots make the investment...your hair will thank you for it.

Clinique 3-Step Skin Care

I began using Clinique when i was about 18 years old (my mother ruined me with expensive products at an early age) I suffered with acne at the time but also with terribly dry skin. Most products on the market for acne prone skin are designed for oily or combination skin which made my skin even more dry.

So on a visit to a Clinique counter and a quick skin analysis I was directed to the 3 step skin care regime.

STEP 1: Liquid Facial Soap (Mild)

I loved using this cleanser. It glides onto the face and lathers up well. It never irritated my eyes which alot of cleansers are prone to do as I often get them into my eyes. It has no smell what so ever which is a plus for me as I really don't like facial products to have any sort of smell of them (strange, I know). It also lasted a long time as one pump was more than enough to cover the whole face to feel like my face was adequately cleansed.

STEP 2: Clarifying Lotion 2

The controversial toner. Loved by many and hated by many. Some find it a great product with great benefits and others find it terrible for their skin due to the amount of alcohol in it. At the time I started using this product I had no idea it even had alcohol in it so I proceeded to use it blind as they say. Initially, I loved it my skin felt soft, smooth, glowing and looked very healthy. However I still had acne. When I say acne I mean REALLY REALLY bad acne. Not just on the skin but also under the skin. I took a visit to a dermatologist recently who told me that someone with acne should NEVER use products with alcohol in them. So i stopped using this product and just used the other two and I must say my skin has improved. I don't have nearly as many spots (although i do still have some). If you don't not suffer with acne or any skin complaints which are irritated by alcohol, I strongly recommend this toner as it really does do what it promises.

STEP 3: Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion

The last in the 3 step routine is the moisturiser. I really enjoy using this product. It is so light and non greasy and yet it leaves my skin very soft and moisturised with a slight glow. The product lasted a long time as very little is need to get the job done. As I mentioned above I have very dry skin but I never felt like I could do with more moisture while using this product. I must say I love this moisturiser, its no surprise it has won so many awards over the years.

These three products do work extremely well together. When I stopped using the toner and just used the cleanser and moisturiser my face didn't feel as good. The moisturiser took a bit longer to sink into the skin. If you have no problems with alcohol products I really do recommend these products. I have since passed the toner on to my mother who has since purchased all three and LOVES using them on her face. These products really do what they say they will do so you get what you pay for in my opinion. If i didn't have such bad acne I would definitely still be using all three products.