haircare - Beauty Spot

How To: Get The Most From Your Conditioner

admin — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 04:36:00 GMT

Even the best conditioners and hair masks in the world need a bit of help, just blobbing it on and rinsing is pretty useless, so how can you get the most from your conditioner?

- Choose the right conditioner: Sounds obvious but choose your conditioner on what you want to get out of it; do you want your hair to look more vibrant? Prevent colour fade? Treat damaged hair? Be light and non-greasy? These are all factor’s to take into account when choosing, by starting with the right basics you’ll be happier with the outcome.
- Heat up your conditioner: Please be safe when you are doing this, don’t just put the plastic bottle in a microwave and walk away. Get a small bowl, boil some water, pour in the bowl, wait for the water to cool slightly, then take your conditioner bottle, and place in the bowl for around 5 minutes. By heating the conditioner, you are starting to activate it, meaning it will penetrate the hair quicker.
- Use a cleansing shampoo: Hairsprays, serums, grease and general dirt can build up in your hair, and if your hair is already clogged with dirt, it will no longer absorb no product. Before you apply your conditioner, make sure your hair is fresh and clean by using a cleansing or stripping shampoo, which are specifically designed to remove build up. However, if you have coloured hair, it’s best to stay away from cleansing shampoos as they can strip the colour from your hair, use a normal or coloured shampoo instead.

- Apply your conditioner to specific areas: Greasy roots, but dry ends? Then only apply your conditioner from mid-lengths to ends, and leave your roots product free.
- Leave on for at least 3 minutes: I realise that we’re all busy, and just want to wash and go, but your conditioner needs time to get to work on the hair, you’ll notice the difference.
- Leave on for as long as possible: I’m not suggesting you walk around for days with your conditioner on, but even leaving it on for 20 minutes while soaking in the bath is great, if you can leave your conditioner on overnight, then even better, don’t forget to leave an old towel on your pillow though.
- Use Clingfilm: Apply your conditioner then wrap your hair in Clingfilm, your head heat will stay trapped, penetrating the conditioner, and creating your own hot treatment. If you really want to up the heat, leave a towel on the radiator beforehand, then wrap over your Clingfilm.
- Use Tinfoil: Again, please be careful. If you have a bleached blonde streak, or a coloured fringe flash that looks frazzled, apply the conditioner solely to that section, fold into tinfoil then carefully run over the foil with your straighteners, meaning you really penetrate the hair with a hot treatment.
- Holiday Hair: Hair frazzled by the sun, sea and pool? Apply your conditioner all over your hair, apply it to dry hair, then grab a good book, head to beach, or pool, and just sit back and soak up the rays while your conditioner treats and protects your hair.
- Always rinse with cold water: Sounds easier said than done, especially when you live in freezing Scotland like me. Rinsing with cold water not only adds shine, it also closes the pores, meaning your hair will get less oily throughout the week.
- Rinse thoroughly: We’ve all been there, in a rush, and not completely got rid of all the conditioner when washing. Excess conditioner can leave your hair greasy looking, dull, and sticky feeling, so be sure to rinse thoroughly until all residue is gone.

My favourite conditioner has to be Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor Deep Conditioner, it’s enriched with Safflower Seed Oil, and helps transform dry, damaged hair into manageable, shiny locks.
What’s your conditioner of choice?
Max
x

11 Million Women ask for the ‘Rachel from Friends’ Look

admin — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 08:00:00 GMT

A recent poll commissioned by hair company Goody, has found that the most popular women’s hairstyle of all time, is the iconic look sported by Jennifer Aniston in the legendary 90’s sitcom ‘Friends’. Over the course of the shows 10 series, ‘Rachel’ had a number of different looks and all were coveted and copied across the world. But the one in particular which won this award is known in hairstylist circles as the ‘shag’, and is layered and curves inwards under her chin. Anyone who watched T.V. in 1994 will no doubt have seen it. Goody’s poll found that almost 11 million women have at some point sat in a salon and asked for the ‘Rachel’.

Hair is one of the most important accessories for any women, so when one look is so admired it is worth sitting up and taking notice. While Jennifer Aniston employed famous stylist Chris McMillan to chop her locks (and for a healthy fee you would imagine!) the same look is achievable by any women with the length and the hair straighteners. Aussie hair products or Fudge hair products will no doubt install that body and sheen while any good stylist can give you the layers, and hey presto: the ‘Rachel’. The thing about this hair style is that it works on almost any shape of face and flatters necklines, jaw lines and other strong facial features.

The runners up in the competition were two bobs. Meg Ryan’s Sleepless in Seattle chopped up bob and that smooth bob Danni Minogue has been wearing while judging X Factor.

Meg Ryan has been through so many looks in her public life time, going from collie scruff to rough tough business chic. Her hair has been through many ups and downs but her iconic look from her most famous film role will always be a favourite amongst salon visitors. There is something about the length she wore it which is smart but with a wild edge.

Danni Minogue’s X Factor bob meanwhile has come out of nowhere to jump into the number 3 slot. Beating the likes of Victoria Beckham’s ‘pob’, Farrah Fawcett’s feathered look and even Princess Diana’s famous do.

Semichem has an extensive range of women’s designer hair products which when coupled with the right initial cut can keep you looking like your desired icon as long as possible. What’s more, special offers on ‘Riemann P20 Sunfilter’ and ‘Piz Buin 1 Day Long Lotion’ can keep your skin looking red carpet ready and Hollywood hot, just like Rachel.

All You Need For A Great Easter Break

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:00:00 GMT

It's getting closer to Easter and for many of us that means getting away for a week or a long weekend to a sunny foreign getaway. Christmas is way behind us and with many of you looking forward to visiting foreign shores it's easy to get carried away and forget to pack the important little things. But don't worry, Semichem has got that covered with a great array of designer cosmetics, hair products and fragrances to ensure you're looking good and feeling great while away.

Fake Tan

It might seem somewhat ironic, but a lot of people like to build up a bit of a tan before they get to their hot spring escape. The fact of the matter is that nobody want to be the palest person on the beach, so come prepared!! There's literally thousands of fake tan products on the market all claiming to give you "the perfect natural looking, beach bronzed tan" so finding the right one for you can be a long and frustrating task. At Semichem we've seen loads of fads and secret formulas come and go and in all our years of experience some of the best fake tan products we've come across are Ambre Solaire No Streaks Bronzer and the Tantastic fake tan range. With these products you'll be looking great even before you get on the plane.

Fragrances

When the temperature begins to pick up and the sun begins to shine it's great to have a fresh summer fragrance to match the improved weather. In the same way that flowers are in full bloom its ideal to either have a perfume filled with fresh floral tones or a clean, crisp aftershave that invigorates the senses so with a light spray you'll feel and smell fresh and perfectly in season.

Hair Care

A bit of humidity can play havoc with your hair, so don't give it the chance by bringing along some of the best hair care products available such as Aussie conditioner or conditioning hold hair spray. With these to help you out you'll never be caught in a jam and can ensure your hair looks great at all times. For anyone into styling your hair before going out, why not pick up some fudge hair varnish to give you a sleek, finished look as this light definition wax gives your hair a light hold while also protecting your hair with a UVA and UVB filter.

Toiletries

Of course once you've got everything else taken care of the one thing you don't want to forget is those essential toiletries. You don't want to be away for a long weekend, realise you've forgotten a few essentials and then have to spend part of your afternoon finding a shop to pick up whatever you've forgotten. Fortunately, you can get all that you need from Semichem with our range of toiletries in-store and online so you'll never be caught short. A great tip is to check all your toiletries the week before you fly to see what's about to run out, make a list of what's running low and then shop online to replenish your supplies. That way you can get everything you need without leaving the house and can be sure you've not missed anything out.

With the huge range of products on Semichem.co.uk you can get everything you need in one place before jetting off on your winter break. Remember though there are restrictions on the amount of fluids you can take on a plane so if you are travelling by air make sure none of your products have a capacity of bigger than 100ml.

Happy Holidays

Claire xx