Latest news with #hairCare
Fox News
05-07-2025
- Health
- Fox News
The gross reason experts say you should never go to bed with wet hair
Sleeping with wet hair could lead to unexpected problems. Skin and hair experts agree that going to bed before drying your hair can lead to troublesome scalp issues — and even hidden bacteria in your bedsheets. Briana Delvecchio, a hairstylist at Ashley Lauren Beauty Lounge in New York, shared in an interview with Fox News Digital that she always advises her clients against sleeping with wet hair for several reasons. When hair is wet, the hydrogen bonds in the strands are temporarily broken, making it more elastic, fragile and prone to breakage, she cautioned. "Combine that with friction from your pillowcase, and it's a recipe for split ends, tangles and long-term damage," Delvecchio said. The scalp "also takes a hit," she added, as a damp scalp trapped against a pillow overnight creates a warm, humid environment that's ideal for fungal growth and bacterial buildup. "This can trigger scalp irritation or dandruff, or even make your roots feel greasy by morning," the hairstylist warned. Sleeping with wet hair can also impact facial skin. "That moisture transfers to your pillowcase, which can harbor bacteria and oil that contribute to breakouts or flare-ups in sensitive skin," Delvecchio noted. Dr. Noah Gratch, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York, told Fox News Digital in a separate interview that he also recommends against sleeping with wet hair. "While it's not dangerous, there are dermatologic and hair health concerns associated with the habit," he said. Friction against the pillow can exacerbate damage of fragile wet hair, leading to breakage and shedding over time, the dermatologist warned. The damp environment can also contribute to scalp and skin issues, he agreed. "A constantly damp scalp creates a warm, moist environment that can promote the overgrowth of Malassezia, a yeast that naturally lives on the scalp but can proliferate under these conditions," Gratch said. "This may contribute to scalp conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis (a chronic inflammatory skin condition) or dandruff." Sleeping with wet hair also increases the risk of developing folliculitis – a skin condition that causes irritation, inflammation and bumps – or fungal infections in people with "already compromised skin barriers or oily scalps," Gratch said. The dermatologist reiterated that moisture trapped on the pillowcase can harbor bacteria, fungi and dust mites. "Prolonged skin contact with this moisture may contribute to acne flare-ups, particularly fungal acne, or exacerbate existing skin conditions like eczema," he warned. For more Health articles, visit To avoid these complications, Delvecchio recommends towel-drying the hair and using a leave-in conditioner to protect the strands before bed, in addition to blow-drying on low heat or loosely braiding the hair once it's mostly dry. "A simple routine swap goes a long way toward keeping your hair, scalp and skin healthy," she added.
CNN
24-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- CNN
17 best anti-frizz hair care products to add to your routine this summer, according to hair stylists
Anti-frizz hair products quick picks Anti-frizz hair oil: Kérastase Elixir Ultime Original Hair Oil Anti-frizz hair spray: Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray Anti-frizz hair serum: Moroccanoil Intense Smoothing Serum Anti-frizz shampoo and conditioner: Luseta Manuka Honey Shampoo and Conditioner Anti-frizz hair cream: Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Defining Cream The best anti-frizz products can spell the difference between a sleek updo and one that looks like you just rolled out of bed, especially during the summer when humidity is high. According to Kathryn DiGioia, a professional hairstylist and the owner of Salon Gioia, anti-frizz hair care products help smooth, protect and rehydrate the hair, all while adding shine and making your locks easier to manage and style. To help you find the best anti-frizz hair products to adopt into your hair care routines, we consulted several professional hairstylists for their insights on what to look for in anti-frizz hair products — including the ingredients to keep an eye out for — and their recommendations. We also tapped our team of editors for their favorite picks. Davines Oi All-in-One Milk DiGioia recommends this lightweight conditioning spray, which softens, hydrates and adds shine to hair while reducing frizz. Formulated to be used on clean, towel-dried hair, the spray also offers heat protection up to 446 degrees Fahrenheit. 'It's an ideal choice for managing moderate frizz, especially in fine to medium hair types, leaving strands smooth and manageable,' DiGioia said. Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray DiGioia's top pick for frizz control, Color Wow's Dream Coat Supernatural Spray, is also loved by Clyde Haygood, a celebrity hairstylist and Pura D'or partner. 'Activated by heat, it creates a humidity-resistant shield that smooths the hair and delivers a glossy, long-lasting finish,' DiGioia said. 'It's especially effective in humid climates, acting like a waterproof coat to keep hair frizz-free all day.' The editor-loved spray is also available in an extra-strength version for more hydration and humidity defense, as well as a curly hair-friendly formula. Moroccanoil Intense Smoothing Serum Haygood recommends this smoothing serum from Moroccanoil. 'This is great to seal hair for a protective barrier against humidity and frizz,' Haygood said. Bonus: Moroccanoil products pretty much double as hair perfume because they smell so good. K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Molecular Repair Hair Oil To keep frizz at bay, CNN Underscored editorial director Chelsea Stone relies on this hair oil from K18, which is formulated with avocado oil and squalane. 'I rub just a drop or two between my palms and then run my hands over my hair, and my flyaways are history,' Stone said. 'The mini size will actually last you a long time, since a little goes a long way.' Mane Ivy Total Package 'This blend of natural oils is designed to moisturize and smooth dry, frizz-prone ends,' DiGioia said. 'It works especially well on dry hair and is a favorite for refreshing styles between washes. Just one pump massaged into the ends and brushed through leaves hair softer, shinier and more polished, without feeling greasy.' Key ingredients in this hair serum include aloe to hydrate the hair, meadowfoam to smooth hair and protect it from UV rays, and hibiscus flower extract to condition and add volume. Kérastase Elixir Ultime Original Hair Oil Another one of DiGioia's recommendations is the Kérastase Elixir Ultime Original Hair Oil. '[Its] all-in-one formula delivers shine, frizz control, heat protection and smoothing benefits,' DiGioia said. 'Suitable for all hair types and textures, the drops help create a sleek, polished look.' This fragrant multipurpose oil is formulated with ingredients like wild camellia flower, which has a high concentration of antioxidants to support hair and scalp health. Luseta Manuka Honey Shampoo and Conditioner If you're looking for a shampoo and conditioner that can help with frizz, Haygood recommends this duo from Luseta. 'These are both formulated with manuka honey, which restores hydration to hair as well as smooths frizz, enhances shine and leaves hair feeling soft and silky,' Haygood said. Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Leave-In Conditioner I love the look of boho braids, but if you've ever gotten them before, you know just how frizzy they can get. I've recently started using Ouidad's leave-in conditioner, which is formulated with hyaluronic acid and shea butter, to style my hair. I love that it helps define the curly pieces in my braids while combatting any frizz. Arove Aerious Shampoo and Conditioner Hairstylist Clay Nielsen singles out this water-activated powder shampoo and conditioner duo from Arove, which helps repair hair strands while taming frizz. The products feature ingredients like carrot seed oil to hydrate the hair and marula oil to lock in moisture and reduce frizz. We love that the bottles come with enough product to last approximately 60 to 85 wash days. Eva NYC Frizz Fixer Smoothing Wash Duo 'Eva NYC Frizz Fixer Smoothing Wash Duo helps to control and prevent frizz on straighter hair textures by coating the strands for humidity resistance,' said Darrius Peace, a master barber, natural hair care expert and owner of Hayah Beauty. Featuring smoothing ingredients like argan oil, this shampoo and conditioner set is suitable for those with medium to thick hair. For best results when using the conditioner, be sure to leave it on for at least three minutes before rinsing. Luseta Apple Cider Vinegar Leave-In Conditioner For those looking for a hydrating leave-in conditioner to tame frizz, Haygood recommends the Apple Cider Vinegar Leave-In Conditioner from Luseta. 'This lightweight, multi-tasking anti-frizz spray absorbs quickly and instantly to detangle and nourish strands while increasing vibrancy for brighter, healthier and frizz-free hair,' Haygood said. Fenty Beauty The Protective Type Frizz-Smoothing Heat Protectant Styling Cream CNN Underscored social coordinator Gabriella Triolo is a fan of this multitasking product from Rihanna's beauty brand, Fenty Beauty. 'Having a solid heat protectant can make or break your blowout,' she said. 'This cream from Fenty will not only protect your hair from any damaging heat but also leave you completely frizz-free. It has quickly become one of my most-used hairstyling products.' Living Proof Frizz Smooth Styling Cream Peace recommends this styling cream from Living Proof, which is formulated to block humidity, condition strands and protect the hair from heat damage. The product should be applied to the full lengths of your clean, damp hair before combing and blow-drying. Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Defining Cream If you're looking for an anti-frizz cream that will work for loose curl types, Peace calls out this curl-defining cream from Not Your Mother's. It's formulated with a blend of rice, keratin amino acids, and enzymes, which help condition and protect the hair while taming frizz. Pattern Palo Santo Styling Cream '[The] Pattern Palo Santo Styling Cream coats curly strands to offer definition and shine, resulting in fewer flyaway strands and a polished look,' Peace said. Formulated without parabens and phthalates, this anti-frizz product features rosemary leaf extract, sunflower seed oil and shea butter. It can be applied to wet or dry hair, and it's suitable for use on protective hairstyles like Bantu knots or to define curls. Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel 'In extreme humidity situations (we're talking tropical, folks), there's nothing more effective at battling frizz for [curly hair] as the Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel,' Stone said. 'It's definitely a stronger hold than I typically go for day-to-day, but when nothing else works, this is a reliable frizz fighter I've been using for years.' To use this gel, simply rake a bit of the product through damp hair sections, shake your hair to create curls, then diffuse or let air-dry. Aunt Jackie's Don't Shrink Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel Another one of Peace's anti-frizz recommendations is this curling gel from Aunt Jackie, which he said coats the strands to help them resist humidity. 'Although it is a gel product, this gel is not as alcohol-heavy as many others,' he said. 'This makes it oilier, which helps block strand swelling resulting from the moisture.' Consider your hair texture 'Hair texture should always be taken into consideration when shopping for an anti-frizz product,' Peace said. 'Straight hair anti-frizz products help reduce flyaway strands, creating a smooth finish, while curly hair anti-frizz products help create polish and definition.' DiGioia recommends those with fine hair look for lightweight products that won't weigh the strands down, while those with curly or coily hair opt for products with richer textures, like creams and oils, to hydrate strands and control frizz. Use the right ingredients According to Haywood, there are certain ingredients you'll want to keep an eye out for when you're shopping for anti-frizz hair products, like coconut oil and aloe vera. 'Hair products with an aloe vera base provide intense moisture and nourishment, which will help combat frizz,' Haywood said. 'They provide genuine hydration while also cleansing away an abundance of oil in the hair.' Haywood also recommends using deep-conditioning treatments that use virgin oils to help protect the hair from moisture evaporation and shield it from environmental pollutants. 'This will help nourish and hydrate dry and frizzy hair,' he said. 'I recommend doing this at least once a week based on your hair type.' Know your hair porosity Hair porosity is another factor worth considering. 'High porosity hair, which soaks up moisture quickly but loses it just as fast, needs sealing ingredients like natural oils or silicones to lock in hydration,' DiGioia said. 'Low porosity hair, which resists moisture, does better with lightweight, moisture-rich products that don't sit on the surface.' The following FAQs have been answered by hairstylists Clay Nielsen, Clyde Haygood and Kathryn DiGioia. What causes frizzy hair? What causes frizzy hair? 'Frizzy hair usually happens when the outer layer of your hair — the cuticle — lifts up, letting moisture in and disturbing the hair's natural shape,' DiGioia said. 'It can also be a sign that your hair's thirsty and needs more moisture.' According to the hairstylist, humidity, heat styling, chemical treatments, dryness and overwashing the hair are all factors that contribute to frizz. Curly and coily hair types are also more prone to frizz than looser hair types, DiGioia said. What makes frizzy hair worse? What makes frizzy hair worse? According to Nielsen, factors like humidity, chemical- or heat-related hair damage, overwashing and a lack of conditioning can exacerbate frizz. What type of anti-frizz product should you use? What type of anti-frizz product should you use? According to DiGioia there are several types of anti-frizz hair products, including shampoos, creams and sprays, that can help manage frizz. 'Choosing the right one(s) depends on your hair type, texture and styling routine,' she said. For shampoos and conditioners, which are the foundation of any hair care routine, she recommends looking for hydrating, sulfate-free formulas that won't strip the hair of its natural oils. Those with dry or textured hair will benefit from products, like leave-in conditioners, which help moisturize, soften and detangle the hair and oils (though DiGioia advises using them sparingly), while serums work particularly well for those with straight or wavy hair. Richer formulas like creams and lotions work well for curly or coily hair types as they help define curls while moisturizing them. DiGioia also said sprays are lightweight and versatile, so they can be used for fine hair or for midday touch-ups. What ingredients should I look for when treating frizzy hair? What ingredients should I look for when treating frizzy hair? When looking to tame frizz, the key ingredients to look for include natural oils (like coconut or argan), silicones, keratin, amino acids and humectants such as glycerin, Nielsen said. Is serum or oil better for frizzy hair? Is serum or oil better for frizzy hair? According to Nielsen, whether you should opt for a serum or oil depends on your hair texture and the weight of your hair. While serums are better suited for fine or straight hair, oils tend to be heavier, making them better suited for thicker or coarser hair. Should anti-frizz hair products be applied to wet or dry hair? Should anti-frizz hair products be applied to wet or dry hair? 'It's best to start your frizz protection with wet hair,' Haygood said. He likes to use the Pura D'or Argan Oil Heat Shield on his celebrity clients since it 'acts as a detangler and moisturizer to combat frizz and flyaways while protecting hair from heat damage and adding shine for all-day control.' Do anti-frizz hair products need to be reapplied throughout the day? Do anti-frizz hair products need to be reapplied throughout the day? In short, no. 'If hair is cared for properly with the right routine (specific to your hair type) and the proper ingredients for moisturizing and sealing hair, frizz should be under control and last throughout the day,' Haygood said. For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights. Kathryn DiGioia, hairstylist and owner of Salon Gioia in New York Clyde Haygood, celebrity hairstylist and Pura D'or partner Clay Nielsen, hairstylist with the Tracey Mattingly Agency Darrius Peace, master barber, natural hair care expert and owner of Hayah Beauty in Birmingham, Alabama CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, associate lifestyle editor Rachel Dennis interviewed professional hairstylists who shared their tips on shopping for anti-frizz products.
The Sun
16-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
I hate my flat hair & always hide it in a bun – I tested out 5 volumising products to see which buy would give me oomph
BLEACHING, heat tools and harsh medicine to help my arthritis that ultimately caused a big chunk of my hair to fall out - my tresses have been through it all. As I'm fast-approaching the big 3-0 next year, my thin mane is a far cry from the real-life Rapunzel locks it once was. 7 Like for millions of beauty buffs, the thinning hair has shattered my confidence - and so, I've resorted to sporting the on-trend slick back bun most days. But while the hairstyle, loved by Molly-Mae and model Bella Hadid, is a godsend at the gym, it also causes traction alopecia. The condition is a form of hair loss caused by strain on the follicles - like when you scrape back your tresses. It can make your precious locks fall out in large chunks, causing bald patches. Of course, one solution is to jet off to Turkey for a hair transplant - which, at around £2,300, would be a huge blow to my already dire bank balance. However, the high street is also jam-packed with hundreds of products that promise to give your hair that oomph - but do any of them actually work? Desperate to give my thinning and patchy hairline a breather from the tight bun, I decided to put five volumising products to test. From shampoos to a mousse, here are the ones that gave me a salon-worthy blowout - and the ones that left me with a sticky mane. got2b Hair Volume Styling Powder, £5.65 7 When it comes to giving your hair that oomph, many tend to assume it starts with a shampoo - but there are plenty of other buys I've heard rave reviews about, such as this got2b Hair Volume Styling Powder. Online, the product has bold claims of providing ''instant volume and root boost'' - something my poor tresses need desperately. The wallet-friendly buy, to be used after drying your locks, is also vegan - which is a win for me. But despite being lightweight, I somehow felt my freshly-washed hair felt sticky - and ultimately, was so weighed down, I resorted to using a claw clip to hide the pretty flat and lacklustre hairdo. Oomph rating: 1/5 Wella Shockwaves Volumising Hair Mousse, £3 7 UV protection, humidity resistance and protection from heat? Wella Shockwaves Volumising Hair Mousse certainly claims to do it all. With an impressive 4.5-star rating and dozens of rave reviews online, it's safe to say I had high hopes for this little number that's going for just £3 at Boots. And while I was hesitant the white mousse would make my hair feel sticky, there was no need to worry - however, a little does go a long way. The formula is super lightweight when applied and made my hair look the fullest it ever has - as if I was ready to walk down the Victoria Secret runway with Gigi Hadid and Adriana Lima. Although the curls did look a bit dry, they were voluminous and overall gorgeous - I've never heard this many compliments in my life. Oomph rating: 5/5 Pantene Miracles Lift & Volume Shampoo, £3 7 As I'm about to fork out a mini mortgage to rent a studio, keeping my expenses as low as possible is a must - and this Pantene Miracles Lift & Volume Shampoo is perfect to stay on top of my budget. Currently slashed to just £3 at Boots, the mega 400ml shampoo is enriched with biotin and antioxidants, while the gentle formula also helped my flat hair appear visibly thicker and fuller in just one use. What's more, the shampoo is also perfect for everyday use - which may sound like a crime to many but is a must for a gym bunny like me. While it didn't give me the same volume as the mousse, the cheap buy is one of the best smelling haircare finds in this lot. Oomph rating: 4/5 4 reasons your hair is thinning From fixing it to faking it, your guide to healthier, thicker hair from Trichologist Anabel Kingsley. 'Hair thins naturally as we get older because like our skin and muscles, the hair ages and changes,' Anabel Kingsley, trichologist at Philip Kinglsey explains. It can also be because of genetics, made worse by other health factors like menopause or thyroid disorders. 'Hair follicles very gradually shrink and produce finer and shorter strands with each passing hair growth cycle,' she adds. But while we can't help things like genetics or the ageing process, we can do something about some of the other causes of hair thinning. Here are four, fixable ones you need to know about. 1. Your hormones are raging 'Leading up to and during your period, the scalp may become oilier, which may trigger flaking and itching if you are predisposed to dandruff - and leaving an irritated scalp untreated can lead to hair loss,' says Anabel. Loss of hair post-pregnancy is very common too; 'After giving birth or stopping breast-feeding, oestrogen levels drop and return to normal,' Anabel explains. 'This can cause all the hairs retained during pregnancy to shed at once (usually six-12 weeks later), known as postpartum hair loss.' Don't panic, this is only temporary, but experts recommend you start taking daily hair supplements to support the hair's growth. 2. Your hair can't take the heat 'Heat drains moisture from within the hair shaft and because our hair's elasticity and strength is largely reliant on its water content, hair can become dry, brittle and prone to breakage,' Anabel explains. To prevent damage in the future, Anabel advises using a low setting on your heat styler, straightening only once a week and switching off your blow-dryer when your hair is just dry, as 'using heat on completely dry hair will evaporate water from the hair shaft'. 3. You're stressed 'Hair is non-essential to physical survival so it will always be the first part of you to suffer when something is off-kilter,' Anabel says. Stress affects the scalp which can have a negative impact on the eventual health and growth of the hair. 'Stress spikes cortisol levels which in turn increases oil production,' adds Anabel. 'Cortisol, a stress hormone, disrupts the skin's barrier function and triggers skin irritation which is why your scalp gets itchy and flaky when you are going through a stressful period.' 4. You're eating the wrong food 'Diet is incredibly important to hair health,' says Anabel. 'Being a non-essential tissue, hair is the last part of us to benefit from nutrients we ingest and the first to be withheld from them.' Avoid mercury-rich fish like tuna and also full-fat dairy like cheese if you suffer from dandruff. 'This can trigger flaking and itching which can then lead to hair thinning,' she says. MONDAY Haircare Volume Shampoo, £5 7 It's priced at £5 and comes in a lovely peach bottle - it's easy to see why MONDAY Haircare VOLUME Shampoo has become a major hit amongst shoppers. The VOLUME range was also named ''Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Fine Hair'' in the 2021 Cosmo Holy Grail Beauty Awards. After popping in for the shower, I was pleasantly surprised by how cleansed my short tresses felt using the vegan-friendly shampoo. With a focus on natural ingredients, this affordable buy also contains stimulating Ginger Root Extract, and Vitamin E to support a healthy scalp and hair growth - which I'm yet to give my verdict on as I haven't used it frequently enough. There was plenty of volume - which lasted not just for a whole day of working and sweating on the tube but also a cheeky date night. Oomph rating: 5/5 Q+A Volumising Shampoo, £8.95 7 Good hair days just got a whole lot better thanks to Q+A. After over three years in the making, Q+A recently launched its first-ever haircare range - and it dropped earlier this month at Holland & Barrett and The epic collection boasts buys for clarifying your tresses, defining your curls, strengthening the locks, as well as helping flat hair appear fuller - and I was one of the first ones to test it out. Designed to help hair look fuller, thicker, and boost body and bounce, the shampoo worked miracles for my limp hair. While this range is definitely the most expensive in the lot, it's also the one I enjoyed the most - especially as I wasn't walking around with wild frizz.
Daily Mail
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Meghan Markle interviews founder of eco-friendly hair care and beauty accessories firm in latest podcast episode
Meghan Markle has used her latest podcast episode to interview the founder of a global brand creating eco-friendly hair care and beauty accessories for women. The Duchess of Sussex had a chat with Kitch founder Cassandra Thurswell in episode seven of her eight-part series Confessions of a Female Founder. The episode, which came out this morning, is the penultimate part of the Lemonada Media podcast which has been releasing a new part each Tuesday since April 8. This has included interviews with Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd; Girls Who Code founder Reshma Saujani; and Highbrow Hippie co-founder Kadi Lee. Others were IT Cosmetics co-founder Jamie Kern Lima; Clevr Blends co-founder Hannah Mendoza; and Heather Hasson, co-founder of medical scrubs brand Figs. In episode six last Tuesday with Hasson, Meghan spoke about 'getting your hands dirty' as a company founder and how she 'doesn't have time to cook every day'. The podcast comes after the Duchess's Netflix lifestyle series With Love, Meghan was released in March and her new brand As Ever was launched last month. Yesterday, Meghan thanked those 'who have loved and supported us throughout our love story', as she and Prince Harry celebrated their seventh wedding anniversary. The Duchess posted an image on Instagram of a notice board featuring a collection of snapshots of the couple from their private photo album, with the message: 'Seven years of marriage. A lifetime of stories. 'Thanks to all of you (whether by our side, or from afar) who have loved and supported us throughout our love story – we appreciate you.' She added: 'Happy anniversary!' followed by a red heart emoji. Among the images were numerous pictures of Meghan and Harry embracing, and one of the duke tenderly cradling the head of one of their children as a swaddled newborn. There was also a baby scan labelled Archie, a photo of Archie kissing Lilibet on the forehead, as well as a number of notes including a central one in Meghan's handwriting reading 'Our love story'. The accompanying music was The Proclaimers' hit track I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles). Harry wed former Suits actress Meghan at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle on May 19 2018. But the pair stepped away from the working monarchy less than two years later for a new life in the US. Harry has faced a lengthy rift with his brother Prince William and an estrangement from his father the King, telling the BBC this month that Charles will not speak to him.
Daily Mail
08-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
This £2.66 hair product is my secret to a perfect slicked-back ponytail
I wear my hair in a slicked-back ponytail approximately six days a week. Why? Well, it gives total Hailey Bieber-clean girl vibes and yet hides a multitude of sins. Locks all crushed and tangled? Simply slick them back, grab a matcha, and you're pretty much an Instagram influencer. Until recently, however, I had an issue with nailing the slicked-back look: my fluffy baby hairs. I have thick curls, and trying to scrape them back without bumps or kinks is already a challenge, made even more annoying when by lunchtime, despite all my hard work, my hairspray has stopped holding them in place and I look as if I've rubbed a balloon on my head. But as they say, inspiration comes from the strangest places. In my case, it was a video posted by North West (yes, Kim Kardashian 's pre-teen daughter) demonstrating how she perfects her slicked-back bun. In the clip, North styled her slightly damp hair and slicked her baby hairs down with Eco Style's £2.66 Olive Oil Styling Gel. Given that it's rare to see the billion dollar heiress using anything you can pick up in Boots, I decided to give it a go – and honestly, whether your hair is straight or curly, it's an absolute godsend. Infused with natural olive oil, the real allure of this gel is that it's so lightweight. Other products I've used to slick back my hair leave me looking a) like I've swum through an oil slick or b) feeling like I've lathered thick syrup on my hair. Eco's gel has the perfect balance: enough hold to keep my flyaways in place but an uber-light finish, so you can let your hair down at the end of the day without fearing it's going to be frozen in place. I apply it using a toothbrush to fully slick my curls back, using around a teaspoon of the product every day (so the 250ml tub also lasts forever).
