Healthy hair for me has never been about using everything, it’s about using the right things at the right time. With Lunar New Year here, and the tradition in many cultures of avoiding washing your hair on the first day to protect good fortune, it feels especially relevant. It’s a reminder that constant washing isn’t the answer; thoughtful product choice is. Over the years, I’ve refined my routine down to a handful of formulas I genuinely rely on to keep my hair strong, glossy and camera-ready. These are the products I return to time and time again.
Repair and Elasticity
One product I often talk about regularly is the Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Extreme. It is a pre shampoo treatment designed to improve elasticity and prevent breakage and it truly does what it promises. I used to use this weekly, but now I use it when I feel my hair needs that extra strength boost. It also comes in a regular version for those with finer hair types.
On hydration weeks I will alternate it with the Lazou Nutrition Hair Mask, which is incredible for moisture, softness and shine. One of the main reasons I love this mask is because it smells incredible and the scent lingers even after styling. It leaves my hair feeling fuller, nourished without ever weighing it down, glossy but still full of movement. I always get compliments on how shiny my hair is when Ive used this.
The Double Cleanse
Double cleansing isn’t just for your face, I am a big believer in clarifying before hydrating. Ive noticed a huge difference in my hair vs when I skipped this step. If my scalp is not properly cleansed I do feel my masks or treatments don’t get a chance to perform at their best. As someone who suffers with psoriasis flare ups, Ive found this to be an important step in my routine. Most importantly, neither of these products strip my hair colour or leave my scalp feeling dry.
My go to clarifying shampoos are the K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo and the Ouai Detox Shampoo.
The K18 formula uses activated charcoal and salicylic acid to unclog follicles and remove build up, without stripping the hair. It leaves my scalp feeling refreshingly clean but balanced, which makes it ideal for weekly use.
Ouai Detox Shampoo uses apple cider vinegar in a sulphate free formula that is safe for keratin treated, colour treated and chemically processed hair. It gives that satisfying clean feeling while still leaving the hair soft and shiny.
Frizz Free Hair
For frizz free shine I reach for Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray. I have sworn by this product for years. It is a heat activated anti humidity spray that creates a lightweight invisible waterproof cloak around the hair. The shine is unreal and it lasts for up to three or four washes, so theres no need to use it every time you wash your hair. It also contains heat protection and comes in different strength formulas depending on your hair type and needs. The key to getting great results with this is to spray more than what you think you need.
For added luminosity I finish with Kérastase Elixir Ultime. It is luxurious, lightweight and incredibly versatile. I use it on both wet and dry hair to soften, smooth and add intense shine, it also protects up to 230 degrees, which I love if im using it on freshly washed hair. If you love a high shine finishing oil, this is the one. Ive even go a mini I like to keep in the car.
Finishing Touches
When it comes to styling, Color Wow Style on Steroids Texturizing Spray is a non negotiable. I use it to set curls or lock in a bouncy blow out. It has memory technology that keeps hair in place all day, but most importantly it never leaves hair dry, hard or crunchy. The volume you can achieve with this product is incredible and your hair remains soft and touchable, its also colour safe!
I cannot finish my routine without a hair perfume, If I had to choose just one it would be the Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud Satin Mood Hair Mist. It is luxurious and warm, and the kind of scent that quite literally turns heads. Perfect as an added extra even if it’s just for a night out.
These are the products I often rely on to keep my hair looking its best, a long with a little consistency on my end. I always say that healthy hair is a marathon, not a sprint.
