CAROL'S COLUMN
Views & tips from your side of the counter........

Views & tips from your side of the counter........

MERRY CHRISTMAS?

I always find it hard to choose which was my favourite Christmas gift, but this year there was no contest! A very thoughtful niece, knowing my daily and indeed lifelong struggle with what I loosely pass off as a hairstyle, very kindly sent me the whole collection of the Charles Worthington Take - Away range! This clever chap has come up with quality products in handy sized bottles - designed primarily, as the name suggests, for travel. I usually find travel-sized bottles very small indeed but these are a really useful size. I've also found them more convenient in the shower, where space is at a premium - not too tall for those wire shower baskets. The slim shape and size also allows you to fit all your products into one toilet bag.

I'm using the products designed for normal hair at the moment and even these are gentle enough for my wild, curly locks. They also have the most wonderfully feminine, lingering fragrance.

My absolute favourite is the leave-in conditioner. I've never been a fan of these in the past as they can leave a build-up and often cause itching but after using this one I'm truly converted! Just leave the conditioner on the hair for a short time until touch-dry before gentle blow-drying. Even better wrap hair in a towel or cling-film (yes, cling film!) after applying and the heat will allow the conditioner to really penetrate. I found my hair stayed really soft and manageable for days with no trace of stickiness.

The products are available at Boots priced around £1.50 each - if you're lucky you may still find them at promotion prices.

So, many thanks to my niece for her much appreciated present - I can leave the paper bag at home now!

FED UP WITH FRIZZ? TIRED OF TOUSLED TRESSES?
YOU NEED'NT BE!.......

If like me, you've spent the best part of your life looking like an aged Shirley Temple, you'll know how difficult it is to tame naturally curly hair. If damp weather threatens to turn you into something resembling a Muppet or even the sight of a high power hairdryer fills you with thoughts of steel wool, read on!
With all the latest hair serums on the market finding one to suit your particular needs should be possible.

Products like John Frieda's Frizz- Ease serum will smooth & define your curls & tame the frizz especially when allowed to dry naturally, but also allows you to blow-dry, using a bristle brush, into sleek, straight styles. (A bristle brush holds the hair around the brush rather than penetrating the strands and creates a smooth effect).

Serum works best on wet hair by coating each strand, sealing in moisture and slowing down the drying process. As all us frizzies know, drying hair too quickly, almost always leads to that electric shock look which is difficult to rectify.

It's best where possible to allow plenty of drying time for curly hair. Ideally, shampoo in the morning, apply serum and allow to dry on the hair for several hours - not always possible, I know, but the results are better. Once the serum is almost dry to the touch finish off with the dryer on the lowest, coolest setting (without the nozzle attachment) keeping the dryer on the move. You may find a diffuser attachment suits you better. Try not to disturb the curls too much whilst drying just tease the roots very gently to add lift.

Having tried mousses, gels & sprays of all descriptions during a lifelong battle with curls I find the serums definitely give a softer effect. After all, I want the Aphrodite look without the set in stone feel that mousses give. Serums define each curl and ringlet without giving that 'sculptured' look.

Serums are more expensive than gels & mousses but the conditioning effect more than compensates for the extra expense. You'll probably find that your curls behave better for longer anyway meaning fewer washes. Overwashing curly hair will usually contribute to the dry, frizzy look so a product that helps to keep down washing frequency will help with the overall condition of the hair. All in all I really do recommend these serums, my own personal favourites being John Friedas Frizz-Ease and Charles Worthington's Taming Hair Serum from the Take-Away range.

But remember no amount of serum can help if the shampoo you are using is too harsh? Curly hair is often, by its nature, quite fragile and usually needs a conditioning crθme shampoo (Try L'Oreal's Elvive range, kind & gentle with a wonderful fragrance) and always follow up with a good conditioner even if you are going to use a serum

You too, can look like a Greek Goddess! Honestly!

P.S. If, like mine, your children have inherited your curls, L'Oreal now do a range of children's taming products - try them, your kids will love you!