Discovering Leonor Greyl

One of the best things about blogging can be discovering new products that if I wasn't quite as obsessed with beauty I would be far less likely to stumbled across. One of my most recent discoveries is the hair care loveliness of Leonor Greyl.

Leonor Greyl is not a new range, it's been around in France since the late 60's but it isn't something that's easily available in salons across the UK. It is however, the product of choice for amazing hair stylist and lovely guy, Johnnie Sapong (quite possibly the most chilled out hair stylist I've ever met) in his Studio. I had the pleasure of visiting The Studio at the end of last year and it was quite an experience - and I wasn't even there for a hair session! I enjoyed a wonderful meal (with dishes inspired by the ingredients in the Leonor Greyl products) surrounded by some amazing and surreal artworks...(by Banksy, amongst others) whilst being introduced to Johnnie and his team and the Leonor Greyl range and what it can do for hair.

Having now had a chance to give the products a try I can share some of my thoughts. First up, I don't love it all - a couple of the products are scented with Jasmine which is loved by some, but not a fragrance I love. But two of the products are a real standouts for me.

The oil solidifies when above a certain temp.
But is easy to liquify again, I usually just run hot water over the bottle for a while.

Firstly, the Hair Oil or 'Huile De Palme', is an amazing oil for a pre wash treatment. I've taken to applying a few drops to the end of my hair and leaving it over night to absorb before washing in the morning. This product is one my boyfriend loves actually - every time I apply it he comments on how good it smells. Which is rare... the majority of things used overnight seems to smell pretty potent. But this is lovely.

I  have also been using the oil to massage into my scalp as an overnight treatment too. This isn't necessarily one of the uses that was demonstrated to me, but I've been finding it quite soothing for my sensitive scalp (which has been acting on the crazy side recently) so this is a bonus.

Leonor Greyl Shampooing Reviviscence

Secondly, I have really enjoyed using the shampoo. Again, like the oil it smells really good and not overly 'Jasmine' for my tastes. The 'Shampooing Revivisence' is designed specifically for dry and brittle hair. Like the oil, I've found it works well for my sensitive scalp - not as a perfect cure, but it doesn't seem to irritate it further and my hair feels really clean after washing which I like. Plus it feels light, which is rare shampoo designed for dry hair - usually these feel quite heavy.

Third up is the deep conditioner, which I like in terms of how it makes my hair feel but as I mentioned before - the scent isn't to my taste. The big tub comes with a spatula to dispense, despite this I'm more of a  scoop with my hand kinda girl... This is another one that leaves my hair feeling really good. Conditioned, soft but not weighed down. If it smelt as good as the oil I'd be in deep-conditioner-heaven.

Overall, I've really enjoyed discovering something new - as someone who has a tendency to try thing that I see in adverts (yes, I'm a sucker for advertising) or from brands I know, it's been really good to try something that's a bit more 'off the beaten path' for me.

Is Leonor Greyl a brand you have heard of before?


PR samples.

Best of 2011: Haircare Product

I first discovered the Philip Kingsley Scalp Mask back in January of this year and it's been an absolute life saviour for me - definitely deserves best haircare (or scalp...) product of 2011 in my eyes. If you have a sensitive, dry or flaky scalp then I really can't recommend this product enough. It's like a refreshing exfoliating face mask, for your scalp.

I love how refreshed both my scalp and hair feel after using this - just so un-irritated and clean! Very happy with the results and will continue to stock up on this in 2012 and beyond! My only tiny request is that Philip releases larger tube sizes, this would be good for repeat users like me rather than buying lots (I always buy them 4 or so at a time) of the single-use tubes - a large would be much easier!

Sunday hair saviours...

I try to get myself into a bit of a beauty routine as much as I can, and as part of that I have been keeping a bit of a Sunday hair routine to give my hair a bit of extra TLC once a week.

The products I've been using and loving for my Sunday hair pamper are...

Ojon Full Detox Shampoo* - for a deep cleanse, getting rid of any styling product built up. I love how this shampoo smells - it's delicious. It lathers up so it's really thick and creamy but rinses clean easily.

Wen Sweet Almond Mint Hair Treatment* - I like this mask because it's thick and smells yummy and minty. But herbal minty rather than menthol-minty. Despite being really thick it rinses out easily and doesn't leave my hair weighed down.

Philip Kingsley Scalp Mask and Philip Kingsley Scalp Toner* - I've mentioned having an annoying scalp before and I've mentioned how much I love the Philip Kingsley Scalp Mask. I really do, the mask is my number one hair must-have that I just can't be without. I would love for the mask to be released in a larger tube of this so it's a bit easier to stock up and then use as much as I feel I need. This combination of mask and toner is keeping my scalp feeling happy and even managed to deal with a bad reaction to a new shampoo/conditioner I had been trying - in one treatment really turned my scalp around. I can't rave about these products enough - I love them (and have re-stocked on the scalp mask so much I've lost count).


Do you have a Sunday hair routine?


Products with a * are PR samples. Others bought by me.

Last min bikini body prep...

In my usual style, I've left holiday preparation to the last min...I'm hoping these bits might make me look less like a beached whale...



Wilkinson Sword Quattro razor/trimmer* & Veet Spray on Hair Removal Cream* - essentials for defuzzing.
Philip Kingsley Scalp Mask* & Elasticizer - so my hair & scalp are in the best possible state before the abuse of sun, sea and chlorine.
Soap & Glory Flake Away - so I'm smooth and lovely (& prepped pre fake tan)
St Tropez Self Tan Mousse - I'm probably the only person who normally comes back from holiday paler than when I left (fake tan washes off) so this is for a top up of the lovely spray tan I had at The Chelsea Day Spa pre hols.
I don't feel quite beach ready yet, so wish me luck!
Products marked with * are PR samples. Others bought by me.

Currently loving: Haircare

I thought that rather than writing review after review of each of these products it would actually be more interesting to talk about them all in a single post. Afterall, I like all of these in combination - so it makes sense to talk about them together.

Pantene Colour Protect & Volume Shampoo & Conditioner*


I love that they have finally combined colour protection and volume, when normally I would have to pick between the two. This does leave my hair soft and nicely conditioned but I am a little cautious of using it on a daily basis in case of silicone build up that can happen. So I alternate it with...


VO5 Give Me Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner


I picked these up because I liked the look of the new bottles and they were half price (about £1.60 each, mega cheap) and really like them. They smell good and keep my dry hair moisturised. Nope, not expensive, high end shampoo/conditioner choices but they clean my hair and leave it feeling good so I don't feel the need to spend more.


Pantene Colour Protect Concentrate*


I've used this on alternate days after having my highlights re-done recently to give it a boost. As I have blonde hair naturally and the highlights are just brighten - but it does mean some pretty hardcore bleach. This can leave my hair pretty frazzled, so this has helped look after it.


Philip Kingsley Scalp Mask* 


I've raved about this one before, it's now an absolute essential in my haircare 'routine'. I've stocked up on these more times than I can count, since trying it for the first time when I was given it in a goody bag. I'll definitely continue to do so. You can read my original review if you click on the product name. I really can't recommend this enough if you ever suffer from a itchy/irritated scalp.


This can now be bought direct from the website.


The Body Shop Guarana Berry Volumising Mousse


This is one of the products I mentioned in my Body Shop Bargains post, where I picked up a few bits with my £30 Groupon voucher. On first impressions this left my hair feeling a bit on the crispy/dry side but that's because I had applied far too much. The texture is actually a foam rather than a mousse, so vanishes into hair faster than mousse textures so first couple of uses it was easy to think I needed to apply more, but this actually only needs a small amount (about half of a palm full) to deliver good volume that lasts. The best thing about this is definitely the smell though - it smells good enough to eat! 


Batiste XXL Volumising Dry Shampoo*


I've been trying to break my daily hair-washing habit and this has really helped. My number one problem with not washing my hair is not that it gets greasy, but that it's really flat and lifeless. This really does deliver though, if you want volume (and I mean MASSIVE volume) then this is your product. It doesn't leave hair feeling clean and fresh, but it definitely leaves it big.


Sebastian Professional Potion 9 Lite Treatment Styler*


This is described as a 'wearable treatment styler' with 'active-oil botanicals that restore hair's natural condition, leaving hair with renewed shine.' For me, this is my heat protector, any time I am going to use my hair dryer or straighteners then I spritz this on beforehand. You can also apply to dry hair for 'texture and definition' but I don't really like how my hair feels when I do this, so I stick to using it as a styling protector.


The next two products basically do the same thing, but one is my 'lazy' version...


Pantene 24 Hour Frizz Fighter* & Chi Silk Infusion


Both of these products offer sleek/frizz free results. I like them both but find the Pantene one easier to use as it doesn't require a hand wash after use to remove the serum/oil coating from hands like the Chi Silk Infusion does. I picked up the Chi product when I was in America recently, but only bought a small one as I couldn't carry it back (luggage was overflowing already...) I do like the Chi a lot, it definitely leaves my hair feeling amazingly soft and silky, but it can be quite easy to go overboard and look a bit greasy rather than silky. 


I would say that I use the Chi if I'm using hair straighteners and the Pantene on a day to day basis to keep frizz at bay.


The Tangle Teezer


Another one I have already raved about, love this! You can read the original review by clicking on the name above for more info - but it really does get rid of knots, smooth hair and gives the scalp a lovely massage all at the same time.


The only thing that I think is missing is a deep conditioning treatment - would love to hear suggestions! What are you loving in your hair care routine at the moment? 


Products marked with a * provided for PR. All others bought by me. 

Head and Shoulders Sensitive Scalp Care: Review

I feel a little silly for how I feel about the Head & Shoulders products - having reviewed a couple of high end products recently (Shan Rahimkhan and Unite) it feels a bit odd that I'm about to rave about products that you can find in the supermarket for a few quid.

But that's just how I roll when it comes to blogging, I like what I like.

I've mentioned that I have a sensitive scalp, that can be a bit fussy - even when I use products are sulphate free, organic and all of other supposedly scalp-friendly claims I have found they still irritate my scalp.  But these don't, and that's why I love them. Simple as that.

Using these in combination leaves my scalp happy and my hair clean and soft - it feels surprisingly sleek and silky after use. I say this because I've used H&S products before that have left my hair feeling stripped/dry - but these definitely don't. 

I do however tend to alternate the conditioner at times to keep my hair extra pampered and use ones that are a bit lighter to add some volume.

So there we have it, it might not be the most glamorous of Shampoo/Conditioners - but it does the job of keeping my hair soft whilst stopping my scalp from being angry. So I'm happy and will continue to keep these as a staple in my hair care routine. If you have a grumpy scalp like me, then recommend giving these a go.

PR sample.

Philip Kingsley Scalp Mask: Review

As mentioned in my HQhair.com review post I recently stocked up on these wonderful little tubes of scalp-goodness. If you have a bit of a problem scalp, like me then I highly recommend these. They are a once-a-week exfoliating treatment designed especially for the scalp. According to the blurb on the Philip Kingsley website the mask... 


"Contains exfoliating and anti inflammatory agents to sooth and help control flaking and itching. Stimulating your scalp to improve hair texture. Fragrance free and suitable for all hair types."

I've now used two tubes of this (one that was given to me as a PR sample and a second that I bought myself) and can confidently say the product will be a consistent feature in my hair care routine. 


After one use my scalp felt far healthier than it has in a long time, particularly around my hairline where it often looks dry - any evidence of dry/flakiness was gone. All over my scalp felt clean and refreshed, which also made my hair feel really healthy too - like it had also had a deep clean.


The mask itself is quite a thick cream, that you apply to your scalp and leave for 20mins (ideally with a plastic shower cap on over the hair) before washing out. The instructions say to apply to wet hair/scalp which I have tried, but I also liked it when applied to my scalp when it was dry. I felt that using a whole tube was probably a bit too much, but would perhaps suggest that a whole tube is best for first use but then for further weekly treatments you could use half (helps to stretch out the cost..!) but this will mostly come down to personal preference.


No, this mask isn't a permanent cure for difficult scalps but it is a good way to manage it. I've also been trying out the Philip Kingsley Scalp Tonic, which can help manage the condition of the scalp and it certainly does help but I'm just rubbish at remembering to apply it every day after washing my hair. So much prefer the weekly mask approach.


Of course, one of the best ways to keep your scalp healthy is to find hair care products that don't irritate it and keep it consistent but life as a beauty junkie makes that difficult - I can't help but want to change products constantly!


The Philip Kingsley Scalp Mask costs around £3.95 a tube (one tube per treatment) and is available in various online beauty stores (salon skincare and feel unique are two that I found, feel unique is also offering free delivery)


**The Small Print**
I recieved one of these masks as a PR sample and have since purchased 4x myself.

HQhair.com: review

**UPDATE**
HQHair.com have unfortunately gone into administration since I wrote this post. They have apparently been bought by The Hut Group in an attempt to save the brand. I sincerely hope that they do as I am not hooked on the Philip Kingsley scalp masks.


I recently made my first order from HQhair.com after testing out a scalp mask from Philip Kingsley which I loved (full review to come soon) so I decided to stock up & bought 4.





Whilst I was shopping there was a discount offer of 30% off. So I also picked up a Mario Badescu Super Collagen Mask, as I've never tried anything from the Mario Badescu range and was on the hunt for a mask that was more moisturising than deep cleansing.

Delivery was £3.50 and took about a week to arrive. Not the speediest, but not ridiculously slow.

The products were nicely packaged, wrapped securely in bubble wrap and there was a sample of Philip Kingsley elasticizer as I had bought two other products from the range.

All in all, a simple and straight forward online shopping experience that is good for a bargain but if you want your order quickly then I recommend you pay the extra for express delivery.

**the small print**
All products mentioned bought by me.

Scalp treatment: Neville Salon, Belgravia

I have tweeted and blogged about the fact that I have a sensitive scalp in the past, but this season when it suddenly seemed to turn cold it really did go mad. It's something I have had issues with since I was much younger and have tried many solutions but never really found the answer. Recently I have tried out three different ways to solve/manage it (with varied price points) and with varying results.

When I was tweeting about my frustrations of having an angry scalp (meaning, itchy, flaky, sensitive, generally uncomfortable - nice) one of the twitter people I know contacted me about the salon she looks after the PR for to see if I wanted to try out one of their specialty scalp treatments. To be honest I have never considered trying a salon for a scalp treatment - at most I would think of adding it as a service when getting my hair cut, but it never crossed my mind to book in especially for the specific concern. Of course that now makes me feel a bit silly as it kinda makes sense that hair experts would be able to provide a solution....

So I booked in at the posh Neville salon in Belgravia for the 'Damage Control' treatment, described as 'The Damage Control treatment is a relaxing hour-long session to leave your hair incredibly soft and shiny as well as pampering the scalp to feel soothed and hydrated.' (eagle eyed readers may recognise the salon as I went there for a facial about six or so months ago)

The treatment involves the application of Neem Oil to the scalp, that is brushed on at the roots (concentrating on problem areas) and then left to absorb for around half an hour with a dry steam machine over the head. The hair and scalp are then washed with a natural peppermint shampoo and treated to the Kerastase Elixir Ultime as an intense conditioning treatment before being blow dried and styled.

The oil smells nice, although quite unusual and feels almost menthol/cooling when applied - which I believe is because it contains peppermint and chili. It was very relaxing having it applied and massaged into the scalp a little before the steam machine was attached (strange sack-like thing that inflates around your head when the steam is on). This felt lovely and warming whilst I chilled out with a magazine.

I was then taken to have my hair washed (and scalp massaged - heaven) with a gorgeous smelling shampoo that felt quite tingly after having the warm steam on my head for a while. The Kerastase Elixir Ultime was then applied - another rather tasty smelling concoction before I was led upstairs to have my hair blow dried.

So that was the treatment, what about the results? Well, before I went in I had a good feel around my scalp and had a particular problem area on the right just above my ear where the skin was particularly itchy and flaky (I know, not nice - hence why I'm not going as far as showing pictures) on leaving the salon the first thing I did was run my fingers across my scalp and felt very happy to find that this area felt much better - although not totally cured.

On talking to my stylist, Paolo - he explained that it is likely that my scalp condition is due to eczema rather than just being sensitive as it does tend to flare up with stress levels as well as with products and changing seasons. He suggested I visit a doctor to get it checked out - something I have done in the past (when I was in my late teens) but nothing was ever resolved and the treatment for scalp eczema was pretty unpleasant.

Anyway, overall I was really impressed with the treatment and the results. Plus the fact that my hair felt full and gloss for a good two days afterwards (without washing again). I think this sort of salon treatment is a really good idea for anyone with a mild to seriously sensitive/dry scalp and dry/damaged hair. It's a great way of fixing the problem quickly, albeit not cheaply as the treatment costs £150.

Now, four days after the treatment my scalp remains 95% (my guess, not a scientific stat) better than it was pre-treatment and for a problem I've battled with since I was younger to be that much better after just one treatment that is undeniably a good thing.

Neville Salon is located http://www.nevillehairandbeauty.net/ 0207 235 3654, 5 Pont Street, London SW1X 9EJ

**The Small Print**

Treatment arranged by PR for review purposes.