Maya Angelou said that a woman’s hair is her glory, but I certainly don’t think that applies to me when I stumble from the shower on a cold winter morning. The sight that greets me in the mirror is far from glorious: a shambling fuzzy mass that seems to drink moisture from the air even as it dries. It is that particularly Irish hair – neither straight nor curly, violently reactive to the weather, and murderously tough to tame.
This time of year is particularly unkind to our hair, so it’s the best time to arm yourself with some particularly effective weapons in the annual battle between the weather and your long-suffering head.
Kérastase Beautifying Oil-in-Conditioner
(€27, from February) This rich conditioner has an unctuous fondant texture and a divine scent. Leave in the hair for two minutes during your shower and feel the difference immediately – tangles and rough texture instantly disappear.
Pantene Repair & Protect Shampoo and Conditioner
(both €4.09, from February) Used together, Pantene claim these visibly erase the damage of 100 blow dries in one use. Whatever about that, they certainly calm frazzled hair and richly moisturise hair for under €10.
Aussie Three Minute Miracle Winter DeepTreatment
(€6.89): When you want to combine economics and effectiveness, an Aussie mask is the best option. Whack a generous dollop into lengths, leave for three minutes, and enjoy soft and malleable hair
Shu Uemura Art of Hair Straightforward Time-Saving Blow-Dry Oil
(€27, from February)Taking the time to blow dry a generous head of hair in the morning can be stressful and irritating. This handy spray uses the non-oily emollient isododecane to help evaporate water from the hair’s surface faster, while giving a soft and shiny finish.
Chanel Chance Eau Vive Hair Mist
(€41): If there’s room for some luxury in your January, you can infuse yourcrowning glory with the gloriously crisp and sunny fragrance of Chanel Chance Eau Vive. It won’t dry your hair, and whispers fragrantly throughout the day
Color Wow Root Cover Up
(€38.50): Colouring is expensive and time-consuming, and I’ll generally wait until roots are in a bad way before heading to a salon. Brush this over exposed roots to conceal them and buy yourself an extra couple of weeks before colouring
Aveda Brilliant Spray-On Shine (
€12.50) This tames frizz and flyaways, and casts an expensive sheen over the hair. It’s a great quick fix or style finisher. Joico Hair Shake Liquid-to-Powder Finishing Texturizer (€25): I’m all for making an effort, but some days (due to lack of time, or bizarre sleeping positions), hair just cannot be tamed. On those days, I spray this into dry hair, and it suddenly looks like accidentally chaotic hair is tousled and beachy. Magical
Product of the week: Catrice Blush Artist Shading Palette (€4.95) This sweet little palette is a taste of spring. Soft, rich pinks give cheeks a deliciously fresh glow. All three shades are useful and practical, and work beautifully on a variety of skin tones. The perfect guilt-free new year
