HAIR | Dove Radiance Challenge Week 3 Overview

Here are my five photos from week 3 of the Dove Radiance Challenge. My colour has only really started fading the last few days and I think it's only really noticeable to me. The lighter bits at the ends are definitely not as subtle now, but I quite like it. They are still less harsh than they were to began with.

My scalp is starting to take a dislike to the shampoo, this is common for me and to be honest I'm surprised it's taken so long to show a reaction! I'm really pleased with the condition my hair is in and how well the colour has lasted. On to the final week now!

Love Lilla xx

HAIR | The Dove Colour Radiance Live Challenge Picture #1

OK, I know, I really need to start applying make up before I take these photos! Here is my first photo for the Dove Colour Radiance Challenge. Last night was my first time using the Colour Radiance Range*. Not only is the whole range made as colour revitalisers but they also have a UV filter, to help protect your hair from the sun.

 I was a bit skeptical about using the shampoo as I usually use a sulphate free shampoo.So I was very pleased to see that the Colour Radiance Shampoo was low sulphate. The shampoo not only smells great but felt really good to use on my hair, and instantly de-tangled any knots.

My hair was feeling a bit dry after my colour so I decided to use the Colour Radiance Express Treatment Conditioner instead of the regular conditioner in the range. The instructions said to leave it on for 1-3 minutes which I did. Once that was washed out, I applied the Colour Radiance Live Leave In & Care spray - which again smells amazing and is incredibly light to use. As I knew I was going to need to wash my hair this afternoon because I'm working out, I decided not to use heat on my hair ( I learnt a lot from 30DaysNoHeat) so whacked them in Curlformers overnight!

To be honest I'm a bit disappointed because my hair still feels quite dry and straw like despite using both the Colour Radiance Express Treatment Conditioner and the Colour Radiance Leave- in Conditioner. It is more than likely that my hair just needs a bit longer to recover from the colour.

Love Lilla xx

BEAUTY | Argan Oil - Whats the deal?

Argan oil, also known as Moroccan oil is an organic oil pressed from the seeds of fruit from Morrocco's Argan tree. Traditionally used as a cooking oil, in recent years it has been exported as a treatment for skin and hair problems such as acne, dry skin and damaged hair.

When I was doing #30daysnoheat, Argan oil seemed to be hailed as a magic cure for my damaged locks. Since completing the challenge and making a few changes (using a natural bristle brush, detergent free shampoo, heat protection spray, condition mask and using my straighteners less) my hair is in incredible condition. I don't have the problem, where my scalp would be dry, roots greasy and ends dry and frayed.
Taking all of this in to consideration, I thought it was about time I saw what all the fuss was about.

I tried two types of oil one for my hair and one for my skin (Argan oil is high in vitamin E, so I am hoping it will help improve the appearance of a scar i have on my forehead.).

The first one I tried was Rodin olio lusso Rodin by Recine Luxury Hair Oil. My main concern was that the oil would make my hair greasy so I applied a few drops to damp hair and then styled it. My hair was definitely softer and shinier. I also found that putting a few drops on to the ends of dry hair seems to bring it back to life! But be careful about how much you use, I rub it into my palms and then through my hair.

You can buy the Rodin by Recine Luxury Hair Oil on their website for $65.

For my skin I tested the Kahina-Giving Beauty's 100% Organic Kahina Argan Oil, which is described as being rich in Vitamin E and antioxidants. Again when using the oil on my skin I was worried about my skin appearing really greasy as a result, but the oil is absorbs very quickly and left my skin feeling smooth and soft. Not only did I notice my skin was more even than before, but I noticed that the spots that I sometimes get near my hairline have more or less vanished.

This product can also be used for your hair, but I found it was a tad heavy for my thin locks, my OH on the other hand found that it absorbed perfectly into his thicker mop.

This oil can be purchased from the above website and ranges in price from $36-$82 for 30ml-100ml or from Beauty Works West for £74.

The oil may seem expensive but it is well worth the investment and when you consider how little you will use each time the product will last for ages!

HAIR | #30daysnoheat and beyond....

I finished my #30daysnoheat challenge on the 10th October. I know it is now the 17th but I have a lot to tell you! I was so used to not using heat on my hair that I actually carried on until the 13th without realising! Then the day after I washed my hair and as I was working from home just sprayed some leave-in condition in it and left it to dry (usually I load it with various products and give it a scrunch to help with the waves) and it was relatively straight and frizz free!


So what have I learnt from #30daysnoheat?

I actually prefer using Curlformers to curling irons.
Yes curling irons are more convenient in some situations, but I find the results aren't as good or long lasting. Where Curlformers curls will last me the whole night and are shiny bouncy curls, curling iron curls last a few hours and are a bit too loose, also the amount of hair spray I have to use to keep my curls for these few hours make the curls look dull and lifeless. I can also use Curlformers with my hair extensions without damaging them which means they last longer!
Also if you put them in the night before you go out or before you do you make up and spend 30 minutes trying on various outfits (during which I usually give my boyfriend a mini fashion show whilst he plays COD or what ever video game and pretends that he is interested) then they aren't that time consuming. Alternatively as I can now use heat I might try using a hood attachment to my blow dryer like Tanya Burr.

I don't need heat.
Yes that is right! Although I can use heat now, and I will, I don't not feel like I need to do it to all the time. I think I am going to be using my hair straighteners a lot less, I personally find that they make my hair a lot flatter than blow drying and I like the look of a good blow out!

A well suited hair cut is essential.
My hair is quite thin and frizzy, by giving myself some time dealing with my natural hair I have realised that the longer my hair is the more manageable it is I.E. straighter and frizz free. Therefore I am on a mission to grow out my layers!

Shampoo and condition properly.
When I first started this challenge, one of my major hair issues was that my roots would be greasy and my ends straw like, this has now changed! Not just because I haven't been sucking all the moisture out of my hair, but also because I have changed how I wash my hair! Firstly I now use a clarifying shampoo which has helped quite a lot (I am also going to try a sulphate free shampoo soon), I also only massage it into my scalp and just let the water take it through my tips, this means the shampoo doesn't strip away all the moisture from my hair. I only apply conditioner to my ends leaving it for a few minutes also once a week I apply a hair mask.


No Heat Survival Essentials Count Down

5. A Natural Bristle Brush

Made my hair a lot shinier and the ends less dry! Also a lot softer on my hair with tangles!





4. Gliss Liquid Silk Express Repair Leave-In Conditioner

This product is amazing, my hair is shiny and soft and you can apply to damp or dry hair so if my ends are looking a bit nasty I just give them a spray and brush (i have even caught my O/H using it too!)

3. Argan Oil For Face Body Hair Nails

Argon Oil is great for adding extra health to your hair! If you are using heat apply a little to the ends of damp hair before blow drying it or to dry hair if you are straightening it.

2.Elvive Hair Mask
Since Regan at Ruby Hair Designs recommended this product I have become obsessed. If I'm really treating my hair I will apply and then wrap my hair/head with cling-film and leave it for half an hour (you can leave it over night) before I wash it out. The cling film holds in the heat released from your head, this will help your hair take in more of the goodness!

1. Curlformers Long and Extra Wide
These have been my life saver! I have used them for every party I've needed to go to, or if I was going out with my friends. People even commented on how shiny and soft my hair looked. Some even said, I didn't know your hair was naturally like that! These have been fantastic. I also have the Long and Wide ones, but my little sister has kidnapped them and refuses to give them back because she 'neeeeeeds them' (imagine irritating child voice with sad eyes).

So there you have it! I never realised I was going to learn so much about my hair by doing this! I also thought it would be a lot harder to go without heat for 30 days and thought that by the end of it I would be gagging for my GHDs!

HAIR | #30DaysNoHeat #Hair under the Microscope!

As you probably know I'm trying to take better care of myself recently and after 26 years of abuse my hair is crying out for help. In my teens my hair was every colour of the rainbow and more, which, when you have dark hair like me means a lot of bleach. Evidentially the end of my hair feel like straw while the roots get really greasy really quickly and as a result I wash my hair daily/every other day which resulted in me blow drying my hair and then straightening it after.

In a conscious effort to try and restore my hair to some degree of health I changed to a clarifying shampoo, started using a moisture conditioner, oils and a natural brush. I have seen a vast improvement in just under a month!

This is something I read on The Beauty Department and thought I had to share...

A. Healthy Hair

The cuticle (the outer layer) lay smooth. All of it’s “scales” are lined up and flat, one on top of the other. Flat cuticles mean more light reflection and SHINE!


B. Slightly Raised Cuticles

This is a slightly raised cuticle.This is an average person’s hair looks like if they use a blow dryer. This can also be attributed to towel drying. It is important not to rough it up. Work your way down the hair patting it dry. Alternatively scrunch it if you’re going for waves. Using a T-shirt to dry your hair can be more beneficial to your hair and can cause less frizz.


C. Extremely raised cuticle.

Main causes are bleaching, colouring, obsessive heat styling, using too many alcohol based products , shampooing and not conditioning, etc… This is bad news. Thisa will leave your hair looking dull and lifeless. This surface can't reflect light so no shine. Hair Bootcamp is a must for this hair. If you don’t change your routine, you’ll be looking at breakage very soon.

D. This hair WILL eventually break off.  

This is caused by harsh detangling. Never brush through a knot. Take your time and comb it out slowly. I also get knots out with a brush instead of a comb. Sometimes the single row of teeth on a comb can actually tighten the knot. Another major cause of this is yanking out your ponytail. Stop yourself and work the tangle around the ponytail holder out slowly. Sadly, once you have caused this damage to the middle of your hair there is no way to repair it. This will cause hair breakage leading to fly-aways and split-end. Seeing what split ends look like under the microscope has helped me understand how they get stuck to each other causing tangles. Tangled ends cause even further damage. It’s important to get them cut off regularly.

 F. This is knotted hair.

If not properly and carefully brushed out, a knot will lead to “example d.” Just brush it out slowly and gently with a brush. 

G. Shattered hair shaft. 

This can be caused by a bad application or rough removal of extensions. Another cause could be a bad perms - i know your thinking "Who on earth still gets perms?" Well some people do! If you are, please be sure to visit someone who specializes in that. If you have extensions, make sure the person doing them is gentle, takes their time and isn’t too aggressive with your delicate hair!