Autumn hair expresses all of our inner dissatisfaction with the weather by growing in girth rather than length and blocking the light, like a wayward hedge. Moisture, central heating and cold temperatures are a styling nightmare and a recipe for frizz. Adjust your product repertoire to work with your hair’s better inclinations and tackle the worst side effects of autumn.
Aveda Texture Spray (€24.50)
Epsom salt and cane sugar give tousled texture without crispness. For days when you can’t be bothered with styling, and are aiming for that chicly ‘undone’ look.
Korres Liquorice and Urtica Shampoo for Oily Hair (€8.45 from lookfantastic.com)
Shampoos for greasy hair which leave the scalp feeling fresh but not stripped (stimulating even more sebum production) are hard to find. This one leaves hair feeling light but not fuzzy.
Pomp & Co. Pomade (€8.94- €17.07 from pomp.ie)
Irish men’s brand Pomp & Co. is one of the best. Their classic pomade has great hold without looking heavy. Ideal for men (or women with very short hair) who like a crisp, precise look.
Eboot Clear Elastic Hair Bands (£4.99 for 1000 from amazon.co.uk)
If you’re anything like me with any hair accessory, you’ll have lost nine hundred of these within a few weeks. Braiding is an ideal option to control and avoid heat-treating hair. These bands are good for one or two uses, invisible, and very cheap. You can buy smaller quantities, but I buy in bulk to justify the P&P.
Pantene Pro-V Micellar Cleanse and Nourish Shampoo, Foam Conditioner (€3.79 and €4.99)
The clear, affordable shampoo cleanses greasy hair thoroughly while the foam conditioner softens ends and ensures you’ll get more than one day out of hair that tends to get visibly greasy within 24 hours of washing.
Aveda Wooden Hair Paddle Brush (€27)
A wooden brush always feels nicer to use than a plastic one, and this one from Aveda is lightweight. I’ve been using mine for more than four years now, and find it convenient for blow drying hair (without skill) to a smooth finish.
Rahua Color Full Mask (€70 from Net-A-Porter)
This mask is unusually thick but leaves hair brightened and lustrously soft. For those with the budget for it, it is a beautifully luxuriant buy and does wonders if you have the patience to apply it to dry hair and leave it overnight.
Charlotte Mensah Manketti Oil Shampoo and Conditioner (£22 each from charlottemensah.co.uk)
Charlotte Mensah Manketti products are designed specifically for dehydrated, undernourished and damaged hair afro or very curly hair. When I passed the range’s Manketti Hair Oil (£42) on to a delighted tester based in the UK, she was sufficiently impressed to instantly make an appointment at Mensah’s famed London salon. The shampoo and conditioner are similarly revelatory.
Bumble and Bumble Strong Finish Firm Hold Hairspray (€30 from Boots)
This is serious business. Overuse it and you will get filmy crispiness. However, mist lightly and you will get hold which can survive all reasonable levels of activity and abuse.
