Easy Simple Haircare Routine for Mums With Long Hair

Before having Archie I was very much a beauty kind of girl and as you know this little space of mine online was all everything beauty and that was the only kind of content I produced. Then my little bubble came along and everything changed because he became my whole world and focus. Now Archie is three and the whirlwind of having a baby and adjusting to life as a mum settles down, I feel like I'm finally finding my feet again. Whilst I'll always be a mum first, I've also remembered what it feels to be that beauty girl again and slowly but surely I've started taking better care of myself. Being a mum is hard work and it's so easy to pop on those mum leggings, leave the house without makeup and have your hair permanently in a mum bun. Well, mum's I'm here to tell you that it there will come a time where you will be able to put some focus back on yourself again and its all about starting with the little things. For me if my hair is looking rubbish, then it can instantly flatten my mood and make me feel sluggish, especially when I look in the mirror. So many have you have been so sweet over social media and constantly message me asking how I get my hair looking good - FYI I don't think its anything amazing, it certainly doesn't feel it, but having it down in a certain style always makes me feel so much better about myself. So I thought I would give you all the lowdown on my simple haircare routine, because it is SIMPLE and let you know what works for me. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will inspire you to get out of your mum comfort zone and do something so easy that will make you feel a hundred times better about yourself.

Five Products From Style Freedom You Need To Try

It's been a long time since I typed up a haircare post on my blog, that's because I'm guilty; Over the last few months I've seriously neglected my hair, worn it in basic styles such as messy buns or sorted it with the hair straighteners. Needless to say, my hair has been feeling pretty poor and not in the best condition so I decided that enough was enough and introduced some new haircare and styling products into my routine. I don't know about anyone else but really struggle with knowing what haircare brands to choose from, especially when they don't have the cheapest of price tags, I feel like you have to take a bit of a gamble and hope that whichever product you choose works its magic for you. Since having Archie, I find that a lot of my spare money goes on him and so not wanting to spend too much on haircare I chose the brand Style Freedom which is exclusively sold at Superdrug and I've been so impressed. Not only are the products I've tried amazing, but they won't break the bank with the most expensive item costing only £7.99. I thought I'd give you a little run down of all the Style Freedom products I've been trying as I think it will be helpful for any of you who are like me and wanting to give your hair a little more TLC.

PROVOKE Touch Of Silver Shampoo & Conditioner | Keeping My Blonde Hair Blonde

Rewind to this time last year, I made the decision to ditch my dark brown hair and return to my natural mousey blonde hair. It had been a long time since I had seen my natural hair colour, I mean years. I had never been a fan of my natural hair colour so decided to lighten it up a bit and go for a dip dye ombre look as I thought it would be a lot easier to maintain; Roots are not so much of a big deal when you're not dying your hair all over. Going back to blonde was all good in hindsight, but I had forgotten just how much upkeep blonde hair needs. It wasn't long before my blonde started turning a horrible brassy shade of ginger and orange and for the best part of a year I struggled with trying to keep my blonde locks looking good.

My New Handbag Essential | The Denman Strawberry Daiquiri Cocktail Brush

Fuller and Thicker Hair With OGX Biotin & Collagen Range

KEEPING MY HAIR HEALTHY AND THICK WITH MATRIX BIOLAGE ADVANCED

The Best Shampoo & Conditioner For Thicker Hair || L'Oreal Fibrology

When it comes to shampoo and conditioner I have to say I'm not really that adventurous, I tend to stick with my favourites and trust the products that I know will give my hair the best results. I usually stick to Aussie haircare, but recently I decided to try something to mix things up a little. Out of all the shampoo and conditioners sat there on the shelves I was really drawn to the new L'Oreal Elvive Fibrology Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner (what a mouthful I know). Some of you may know now that whilst my hair maybe long, its incredibly thin and if there is a product that claims to thicken my hair then it instantly grabs my attention.

I'm not really sure the know all behind the technology of this shampoo and conditioner, but I'd like to get it out there right now that this stuff actually works. From the first time using it I really noticed a difference to the way my hair felt, it definitely had a lot more life and omph to it which is so amazing. Thin haired girls will understand my struggle of having hair that literally just hangs there and does nothing no matter what you do to it. 

When it comes to my hair usually I'll add products to it to create some body and texture, but I really wanted to see what this thickening shampoo and conditioner could really do, so for the past two weeks apart from my obsessive use for hair oils, I've left my hair product free. I have to say the difference is hugely noticeable. It's really hard to explain in words how this makes my hair feel, but it just feels as though each stand is a little thicker than what it once was before. Don't get me wrong, my hair is still thin and these products didn't give me new set of hair overnight. But the fact that my hair just feels and looks a lot thicker is just amazing.

I honestly don't think there are enough shampoos and conditioners on the market that thicken your hair that actually work! This one also passes the smell test, I just love the way this shampoo and conditioner smells; It has that professional salon smell to it which makes it feel luxurious and a lot more expensive that it's £4.00 (each) price tag.

As always I'm a sucker for packaging and turquoise and pink are two of my favourite colours so these bottles get a big thumbs up from me. L'Oreal really have changed the way my hair feels and looks with this thickening set and I will definitely be making a repurchase once I'm finished with these. If you have thin hair like me, I honestly can't recommend these enough.

Lots of Love

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Invisibobble | The Only Hair Bobble You'll Ever Need!

If you had a little look at my most recently blog post (a Boots haul... here) you will have seen that I picked up a pack of Invisibobbles. In all my time blogging I never thought I would be blogging about hair bobbles, but these are seriously so amazing that I simply had to share with you all. Invisibobbles are my latest obsession and since buying this pack of three I've had one either permanently in my hair or around my wrist. 

Incase your wondering what the fuss is over these hair plastic spiral hair ties, these bobbles sit so comfortably in your hair and when your ready to take your hair down you're left with no nasty kink or  marks in your hair where the hair bobble has been. Now I have no idea how this works, but these bobbles are magic I'm sure of it because they actually work.

Most evenings I will go to bed with my hair tied up. My hair is so thin and because of this I'm always left with a horrible mark left in my hair the next morning. This always means that I pretty much have to do some sort of updo that day just to disguise the kink that will be there until I next wash my hair. Even when I need my hair up for a short while, regular elastic rubber bands leave behind that dreaded which is so  annoying.

I picked up the Invisibobbles purely to sort my kink troubles out and I've been amazed at how well they work. It's such a great feeling being able to sleep with my hair tied up and leave it down the next morning. What I also love about these bobbles is they actually feel very secure in my hair and although the hair bobble does stretch after use, it always manages to shrink back down to the size of my wrist for its next use. 

Again another problem that I some times get with regular hair bobbles is that they can sometimes cause me to get a headache, especially when I'm wearing my hair up all day at work. Now I've not had these bobbles long enough to say they've left me headache free, but so far so good. They really do sit very comfortably in your hair.

I honestly can't see myself using regular hair bobbles again, with so much hype surrounding these bobbles I was a bit sceptical at first, but after trying them I can see what all the fuss is about. To say they have changed my life is a bit extreme, but my mood can easily be changed on the state of my hair and the Invisibobble so far has given me some great hair days - So yes these have changed my life and I love them. 

As you can see I'm in love with the Invisibobble and can't recommend them enough! I would love to know what your thoughts are on these hair bobbles? Do you agree with me that their life changing? Let me know in the comments below.

Lots of Love

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Mini Boots Beauty Haul - Makeup and Haircare Essentials

It's that time of the month again when my bank balance is feeling a little more healthy after being paid, and what do I do come every payday... Pop into Boots of course. Although having said that I bought everything you see in this post today last week so maybe my bank is not as healthy as it was, especially as I've just booked my holiday, which I can't wait for. On most my most  recent trips to Boots I've just picked up the essentials which haven't really been worthy of a haul post, but as Boots had the 3 for 2 offers on pretty much everything I picked up some new beauty bits and thought I'd share them with you all. 

First of all when did Boots start stocking Sleek? I've always been a huge fan of Sleek products, especially their blushes but I'm not really a fan of Superdrug so I never really pick up anything from the brand. I spotted the little Sleek section in my Boots and actually did a little jump for joy and it was inevitable that some of the products were going to make its way into my basket. Around this time last year I picked up the Sleek Blush by 3 Lace palette which is the most beautiful and perfect blush palette for spring. Sadly I dropped mine and the cracked blush went everywhere so I just had to pick up a new one. If you would like to see the full review of that palette and swatches you can find that post here.

Another Sleek purchase is one that has been so hyped about in the beauty blogging world and that is the Contouring and Blush palette. Now I'm going to hold my hands up high here and say I love a good contour and recently I've become a little bit obsessed with trying out new products that will give me those Kim K cheek bones. I bought the palette in the shade medium which works perfectly for my skin this time of year. What I really love about this palette is that it has three beautiful shades that really work amazingly at contouring and highlighting your face. The contour shade is this deep matte bronzer that blends beautifully and really adds definition and depth to your cheeks. The highlight compliments the bronzer perfectly and isn't too shimmery either which I love. Expect to see this palette in a full review soon.

A product that I had really been wanting to trying and another one which has been massively hyped up on beauty blogs are the Invisibobble's, I spotted them in Boots and just had to pick up a pack. I went for the black ones as I though they would work perfectly in my dark hair. What really appeals to me about these funny looking hair bobbles is that they are supposed to leave your hair kink free. My hair is very fine so whenever I pop a hair bobble in I'm always left with a dodgy kink, especially if my hair has been left in a pony tail over night. I've been wearing this in my hair around my wrist everyday since picking the Invisibobbles up and I can see what all the hype is about, they're amazing. You get three in one pack and they're so weightless and comfortable in your hair and most importantly don't leave behind any nasty kinks, amazing!

The next two items to be popped into my Boots basket were repurchases. I am in love with Charles Worthington haircare products, especially the Volume and Bounce Texturising Spray and Body Booster Mousse. Like I said earlier my hair is really thin and really lacks volume and bounce, so I'm forever using products that will help uplift it at the roots and enhance the thickness of my hair. These two products work perfectly in my hair and have become essentials in my morning hair routine, I'd highly recommend them. Also how pretty is it pink vibrant packaging?

So there you have it, my mini Boots Haul. I would love to know what makeup and haircare bits you've been picking up recently and what your thoughts are on the bits I picked up. Are they favourites of yours?

Lots of Love

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Faith In Nature Grapefruit & Orange Shampoo and Conditioner || Review

Faith In Nature Grapefruit & Orange Shampoo and Conditioner* £5.50 (each

One of the exciting things about being a blogger is getting the chance to try and test out new and different products. One of my favourite beauty items to try out has to be shampoos and conditioners; I don’t know why but I just like seeing the results of what using a different shampoo and conditioner can make. I think you can tell instantly if you’re going to like a new duo for your locks instantly and then seeing if it has works wonders on your hair is always satisfying (that’s if all’s gone well at the washing stage).

Recently I've gotten my beauty mitts on a shampoo and conditioner from Faith In Nature, a brand that has created its products with natural ingredients which helps care for your hair and of course the environment. I have to say I was pretty excited to try out this duo just because I've never used any natural products to wash my hair with before and I was pretty interested to see if it had made any difference. I've been washing my locks with the Faith In Nature Shampoo and Conditioner in the Grapefruit and Orange scent for the past two weeks and I’m pleased to report back that my hair and I have fallen a little bit in love with these products.

Firstly the scent is absolutely amazing and I've never smelt a shampoo or conditioner that has smelled to zesty. This duo has the most gorgeous and uplifting citrus scent, and both grapefruit and orange smells really come though. What I love most about the scent is that it’s not too overpowering, yet it really does transfer onto your hair and every time your hair has a big swish throughout the day you get a whiff of grapefruit and orange, it’s so lovely.

I've noticed that my hair seams a loft smoother and softer after washing it too. I have thin hair which means I get those awful frizzy flyaways, but these products really seem to keep most of those loose stands under some control which is fantastic. My hair also feels really clean once I've used these products and although it’s not a clarifying product, I do feel as though it washes out some product build up in my hair just because my hair is so soft once I've finished using it.

For me the only downside to this shampoo and conditioner has to be its lack of frothy soapy suds when I’m actually washing my hair and I can only put this down to it being made from natural ingredients. Because I have long hair, I like there to be a lot of lather up when I wash my hair and I feel as though I have to use quite a bit of product to make it feel as though I've got enough product in my hair in order for it to be clean. However my hair always looks clean and smells fantastic once I’m out the shower and I can only put this down to me not being used to this kind of shampoo and conditioner. Other than that I can’t fault it.

Faith In Nature have so many different shampoos and conditioners with different scents and for different hair types, if they all smell and work as good as the ‘grapefruit and orange’ range then I can definitely see myself trying out some more once I've used these two up, they even have a chocolate scented range – How amazing does that sound? If you would like to take a look at the range you can take a look at their website using the link here.

I would love to know if you've tried any products from Faith In Nature or if you've tried any hair products which are more on the natural side, have you noticed any difference? Let me know in the comments below. 

Lots of Love

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Argan Dew Hair Oil & Replenishing Hair Mask || Review

Argan Dew Hair Oil & Replenishing Hair Mask* (Samples)

If anyone asks me my top tips on getting lovely healthy hair and how I manage to get long locks, I always tell them that I swear by a good hair mask and most importantly hair oil - I honestly couldn't live without it. Since I started blogging I've tried and tested out my fair share of oils and lotions for my hair and recently I've come across the brand 'Argan Dew' who are new to the UK and offer an amazing hair oil and hair mask. I've been lucky enough to try out and test the samples that you see in the pictures and I have to say I've been so impressed and I feel as though I'm pampering my hair every time I've used them.

Starting with the replenishing hair mask, this creamy thick deep conditioner that has a pretty pearlesque look to it and oh my gosh guys it smells incredible, as soon as I opened this I was taken back at just how gorgeous this treatment it. I can't quite pinpoint the smell, but it has a kind of professional salon kind of smell to it. Not only does this treatment smell lovely on its own, but I found that it transferred onto my hair really well. 

As for the actual treatment itself, my hair feels so amazing once I've used this. I found that it was great at detangelling my hair (which is always my biggest nightmare whenever washing my hair) and it made my hair feel so silky smooth, it was amazing. I honestly just had the kind of hair that needed to be swished when I used this. I think that the reason this hair mask works so well is because it contains Argan oil which really is your hairs best friend. Not only did I get a really good hair treatment with this mask, but it left my locks feeling very soft and shiny too. I cannot wait to get my beauty mitts on a full sized bottle of this stuff, its amazing.

The next set of samples is that one hair care product that is a holy grail item for me which of course is hair oil. Argan Dew honestly have such an amazing hair oil, its so good that I feel like popping it right up there with my beloved Moroccan Oil! I know that these are only sample sizes, but I also managed to get my mitts on a full sized bottle and I've honestly been using it non stop. This rich non greasy hair oil works wonders on my hair. I use it every time I was my hair without fair and as soon as I work it though the ends of my hair, I feel my hair become a lot more manageable and softer. This oil takes away any nasty frizz in your hair and smells incredible, it's so lovely to use I can't recommend it enough.

Overall I am so impressed and I cannot wait to get my hands on the full sized product of the hair mask, I need to use this in my weekly hair routine. If you want to know a little bit more about the hair oil, I do have a post coming up very soon which will be dedicated to it, its just so good. In the meantime be sure to check out the Argan Dew website for more information and details on their products 

I would love to know what your favourite hair oil and treatment is and if you've managed to try anything from Argan Dew? Let me know in the comments below.

Lots of Love

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My Haircare Routine

Throughout my two and a bit years of blogging, I'm sure your all aware and have guessed by now that I love hair products, especially trying and testing out new ones - And of course I love to review them all for you here on my blog. But I've never managed to get a 'My Haircare Routine' post up for you all and it has to be one of my most requested posts. Since I've been blogging I've had a lot of ups and downs with my hair! I'm one of these girls that love having long hair, however for a start getting it to grow has been a nightmare in itself and then there is the task of maintaining your long locks. For the longest of time my hair wouldn't grow past that 'boob length' stage, but with the right products and with the help of some fellow beauty bloggers my hair seams to be growing at quite a good pace. Not only does my hair seam to be growing a little bit more than what it used too, I also think its in the best condition that its ever been. So I thought it was about time I shared with you all my current haircare routine and what products I love to use on my hair. 

Shampoo & Conditioner 

For the longest time I only used shampoo and conditioner from Aussie, as much as I adore this brand I found that my hair was getting used to the same shampoo and conditioner. During the summer I thought it was about time I mixed things up a little with my haircare routine and branched out and tried other shampoo and conditioners. I always go back to Aussie from time to time, but right now I'm loving a few products when it comes to washing my hair. I've found though, for best results I'll never use the same shampoo and conditioner more than twice in a row. So if I use Aussie on one wash, the next time I'll use a different shampoo and conditioner. I'm also a big fan of TIGI and Bed Head Shampoo and conditioner, unfortunately I don't have any to hand right now as they are a little on the expensive side - But if you are willing to pay out a little more then the oatmeal and honey range is amazing!

Tresemme Platinum Strength Shampoo & Conditioner

I have absolutely been loving the shampoo and conditioner from Tresemme's Platinum Strength range. Since introducing it into my haircare routine a little while ago I've seen such a dramatic change in the way that my hair looks and feels. My hair feels noticeably different - its smoother and silkier to the touch and it generally feels a lot stronger. My hair used to be prone to snapping and breaking at the ends, but since using this duo I've found that I have a lot less breakage with my hair. If you would like to see my full review of these products you can read it here.

Hask Hair Argan Oil Repairing Shampoo & Conditioner*  

I've always been a fan of hair oils, they do nothing but amazing things for you hair so if you can find a shampoo and conditioner that contains any kind of hair oil, your going to see amazing benefits. Recently I've been loving this shampoo and conditioner from Hask Hair that has been infused with Argan Oil from Morocco. Not only does the shampoo and conditioner make my hair smell amazing with its gorgeous chocolate and orange scent, it also makes my hair super silky soft. I would definitely recommend adding a shampoo and conditioner with either Moroccan or macadamia oil into your weekly hair wash, even if you only use it once a week - it really does make such a fantastic difference to your hair and helps to restore and strengthen your locks. Not to mention your hair will be so shiny and glossy.

Leave-In Conditioners & Hair Masks 

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle

When it comes to using a deep treatment leave in conditioner Aussie's 3 Minute Miracle has been a holy grail product of mine. I love using this in my hair as it just makes my hair really manageable  soft and shiny and it smells just incredible. Aussie have quite a for of the 3MM in their range for different hair types etc - I've tried them all and if you have long hair or are wanting to grow your hair then the 3MM from the Luscious Long range is fabulous and will do your locks the world of good. 

Hask Hair Argan Oil & Keratin Protein Deep Conditioners 

In order to have healthy hair in tip top condition, its really important to show it some love and treat it to a deep conditioning treatment once in a while. I try to do one every week or two weeks depending on how my hair feels. There are loads of great hair masks available but what you really want to look out for is ones that contain either Moroccan oil or keratin. Any hair mask that contains these products are going to be amazing for your hair and really help strengthen and hydrate your hair. Moroccan oil absorbs really quickly into your hair and will really help smooth out any damaged hair you may have. Whilst keratin is a protein which is naturally found in your own hair, so any hair product containing keratin is going to help repair and prevent damage to your hair. I absolutely love these deep conditioning masks from Hask hair as they really have made such a difference to my barnet and there not going to break the bank either - I highly recommend them.

Aussie Miracle Insurance Leave In Conditioner

No matter what hair products I use in the shower, I always find that my hair has a way of getting its self in a right tangled mess, especially right behind the back of my neck. Unfortunately I've found that the longer my hair gets, the more uncontrollable that these knots become. However Aussie's leave in conditioners are amazing for detangling your hair. Not only do they hydrate and protect your hair, but they make combing though wet or dry hair a dream. I'll always spay a little bit of this before my hair comes anywhere near a brush and I find that its great at detangling. For those of you wanting to get your hair long, I've found that brushing my hair the wrong way and full of knots have caused so much breakage and damage, so important to make the task of brushing your hair as gentle and as easy as possible.

Hair Oils

Moroccan Oil

Hair oils really have to be the best thing that I could recommend to use in your hair - the difference that they make really is incredible and simply amazing. My favourite hair oil has to be the infamous Moroccan Oil as its by far the best and seams to have the best results  Not only does it make your hair shiny and smell delightful but it has done a fantastic job at strengthening my hair. I honestly believe that my hair has grown quite considerably since using this. I know its a bit on the expensive side, but the amazing results from using this hair oil completely justifies its price tag.

 Hask Hair Argan Oil & Keratin Protein Oil

For those of you who don't want to fork out a lot for a hair oil or have never tried one - I really recommend trying out the Argan Oil or Keratin Protein Oil from Hask as they are super affordable and they are great products. Every time I've used these my hair feels ever so soft, manageable and in great condition. If you would like to see my review on the Hask Argan Oil you can find my review here.

Heat Protection Sprays

GHD Style Heat Protect Spray*

The great thing about hair has to be the many different ways in which it can be styled. But style often means adding intense heat to our hair and its so important to use a good heat protecting spray before using any styling tools. The GHD Style Protect Spray definitely has to be the best one I've tried and does a fantastic job at protecting your hair from the heat. I love the smell of this one, it has that classic salon smell to it. I also love how lightweight it is and how it distributes so evenly into your hair.

Toni & Guy Heat Protection Mist

As the GHD Style spray is a little more on the expensive side, I love to have a great alternative that I can use and the Heat Protection Mist from Toni & Guy is also a favourite of mine. It does a great job at protecting your hair from any heat and I love the way you dispense the product from the bottle. It coats all of your hair in a matter of sprays and as its a mist its not too heavy on your hair and doesn't have that horrible sticky feeling that other heat protecting sprays can have.

So that's all the products that I use in my current haircare routine ladies. As you can probably tell I like to alternate the products I use on a weekly basis as I find that my hair becomes to used to products too quickly and I stop seeing the benefits. Switching products up is a great way for you to start seeing results in your hair and you start getting more if an idea on which products work best in your hair.

Right now my hair is currently in the best condition its ever been and seams be growing pretty quickly. About a year ago I decided that I wanted to grow my hair out and get it really long, however when I decided this it was in awful condition. I had the worst split ends and if you could see the frizz and damage to my hair you would have been shocked. Reluctantly I decided to get a few inches taken off my locks this summer and really focused and concentrated on looking after my hair. As a result my hairs grown so quickly and because I've been looking it, my hair has stayed in pretty good condition considering its length. If you are wanting to see massive changes think about what condition your hair is in now, if its in a bad way try getting a trim then concentrate on really looking after it - I promise you that you will see amazing results.

Another tip for keeping your locks in great condition is to not over-do it when it comes to styling your hair with any heated tools. Where possible I try to let my hair dry naturally and only use styling tools when needed. I always try to avoid heat on second or third day hair and the best way to do this is by popping your hair in a top knot or cute little fishtail braid. I know it can be really difficult to stay away from the straightners, but it can be done and if your looking for a little inspiration you can check out the 'no heat in my hair challenge' post here.

I would love to know that your haircare routine is ladies and if you have any great tips on keeping your hair healthy I would love it if you could share your secrets in the comments below.

Lot's of Love