Weekend Wonders: Stunning Strands

I'm getting my hair cut next week and I've decided that along with my fresh cut, I'm going to refresh my hair care cupboard - kind of like a 'new hair resolution'! While I usually do take care of my cut, I've decided to really bring it into tip top shape in 2013, which includes taking the time to apply a weekly hair mask (like we all know we should!) and making sure it survives the upcoming chilly winter weather. My picks for a rockin' haircare routine are below.

Step one: Cleanse and condition

Great hair starts with the basics - shampoo and conditioner. But there are so many out there, sometimes it's hard to decide which ones are right for you! Have a think about your hair and what it's crying out for - is it dry and in need of moisture? Try Terax Miele Hydrating Shampoo. Is it damaged from too much colouring? Try Royal Moroccan Hair Repair Conditioner. Is it lacking shine and lustre? Try Aurora Spa Rose Otto & Nettle Clarifying Shampoo. Have a think about your hair requirements and pick a shampoo and conditioner duo to match - and try not to pick solely based on the bottle colour (because it will match your bathroom colour scheme) or the scent (yes, I've been guilty of these two!)

Step two: Treat

While your regular conditioner does its job after every shampoo, sometimes you need an extra intensive moisturising treatment - enter the weekly hair mask! Gone are the days where you need to apply these for half an hour and sit in your towel, getting cold while the mask drips from your head... These days, masks are designed to be used in place of your regular conditioner once a week - simply apply for 5 minutes while you complete your showering routine, then rinse off to reveal hair that loves you for taking extra special care of it! Your hair will reward you with shine, strength, improved manageability and softness. Try the U Little Beauty Natural Repair Hair Masque (currently 50% off in the bb store!) or Royal Moroccan's Hair Mask Treatment.

Step three: Style

Once you've towel dried your hair, you can hit the hairdryer straight away (eek!) or once again, you can add an easy step in between to ensure your hair is protected from the heat and additional shine is imparted - a styling product. Uspa's Beehold is a medium hold styling gel perfect for all hair types which not only provides shaping, style-retention, shine and body to hair but it also provides thermal protection against heat styling. Apply a small amount to towel dried hair and gently work through to the ends then follow up with your heat styling routine or let your hair dry naturally. Another fave of mine with a divine scent to boot (oops, I told myself I wasn't going to get sucked in by that anymore! Lucky this product delivers fab results too!) is the Serum Treatment by Royal Moroccan. The argan oil nourishes and moisturises to give you healthy looking hair that is soft to the touch and shines all throughout the day. You want in on this dream? Simply apply a small amount to damp hair work through with a comb from middle of hair to ends then style as usual. It's as easy as that!

The result of following this one-two-three of haircare? Stunning strands that be the envy of everyone you meet! Plus, you'll feel good in the knowledge that taking that little bit extra time to care for your hair will mean you'll emerge from winter with soft smooth strands and not the dry, frizzy depleted locks that could have been your destiny! What a hair-raising thought!!!