WIFELIFE: hair care

Don’t forget to sign into your ebates account if you’re planning to make any purchases - don’t miss out on that cash back! (you can join here if you haven’t already, most major retailers are on there)

Aaaaand heres how i get my straight hair!

Prep:

Uma hair oil massaged into the scalp the night before - http://bit.ly/21h0QGU

Pacifica Kale Shampoo, finished with a cold rinse - http://bit.ly/1TuTWfD

Pacifica Kale Conditioner - http://bit.ly/1TuUhig

Wrap hair up in my aquis towel - http://bit.ly/1WGGTul

Styling:

Pacifica ginger root sprayed into roots - http://bit.ly/1qz0NZO

Giovanni avocado spray in ends - http://bit.ly/1qz192o

Brush with eco tools brush - http://bit.ly/1TuVg1W

Dry bar hair dryer - http://bit.ly/1qz0XjO

Drybar round brush - http://bit.ly/1TuVdmS

Drybar clips - http://bit.ly/1qz1dzm

Drybar curling iron 1” - http://bit.ly/1TuUMZS

Giovanni Serum - http://bit.ly/1Wu0SMs

My aquis review - http://www.wifelife.co/2016/05/aquis-hair-towel.html

My drybar review - http://www.wifelife.co/2016/02/drybar-hair-tools.html

Let me know your favorite hair products below!

Note: This post contains affiliate links meaning i receive a small % of sales made via them.
Choosing to shop via these links helps support my blog <3

Many of you have probably seen me mention this towel on my Instagram but after completing their #3HAB challenge, i figured it was time for an update!

You've probably all heard of hair-specific towels that promise to dry your hair faster, i for one have had several over the years but until i tried Aquis, i guess i'd never truly noticed any difference between hair towels and regular towels besides their weight.

After my first time throwing my hair up in the Aquis towel straight out the shower, i noticed that the roots of my hair were just as dry as the ends when i let my hair down. Generally i've found other hair towels might dry the ends faster but they never really got to the roots of my hair and that area remained very damp. Each time i used it i really noticed that my hair was just a little damp throughout and was very evenly dried.

Another wonderful thing i've noticed after using the Aquis towel is that its MUCH easier for me to achieve volume. I just round brush the top few pieces (see which hair tools i use here) and the offshoot from the hairdryer has dried the rest in the process. Again, this isn't something i've experienced with other hair towels and the fact that i have the hair of a baby usually means any volume i can achieve is gone very quickly.
This makes it easier to achieve, last longer and for some reason i've found i'm able to go 1 day longer between washes (my theory is the added volume means my hair can't get slicked to my scalp so easily).

Now i've covered the functionality of it, can we take a moment to appreciate that its not hideous? I've had hair towels before that just do not look nice hanging on your towel rail where as these are beautifully simple and sleek. The packaging also comes with an orange loop through it which is.... a hair tie! Genius.

Like i said, i do have the hair of a baby so those of you with lusciously thick locks are probably wondering if it would work for you. While the towel i use is aimed at "normal" hair, they also have a Waffle Luxe towel especially for those of you with thicker hair since its increased surface area provides even more moisture-wicking absorption!

Now i've totally fallen in love with the product i plan on picking up their fancy spa-esque headband and a couple of their Waffle Luxe body towels which look perfect for the beach or drying off after a hot tub!

I love that i can wrap my wet hair up in this straight out of the shower, grab some breakfast and do my makeup and by the time i take my hair down, i just need about 5-10 min with a round brush and i'm good to go and have volume that lasts... I think you'll love it too.

(this post contains affiliate links)

Want to know which cruelty free and vegan products i've used up? No? Well... thats all i have for today!

Zeal - http://bit.ly/23Wp5PO

Desert Essence Mouthwash - http://bit.ly/1pz33Q4

Pacifica One Step - http://bit.ly/1MTKem5

Derma E Microderm Scrub - http://bit.ly/1Ttj9FD

Beurre Shea Body Butter - http://bit.ly/1TtjisA

OLO Body Serum - http://bit.ly/1T9Nw13

Osea Body Balm - http://bit.ly/24g43s7

Lush Eau Roma Water - http://bit.ly/1VUdcoI

Giovanni Shampoo & Conditioners - http://bit.ly/24g4jr3 (50:50 & tea tree, respectively)

Hurraw Moon Balm - http://bit.ly/1NudVub

Charlotte Tilbury Mascara - http://bit.ly/1OvH5r3

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation - http://bit.ly/1So6vJc

Too Faced Loose Powder - http://bit.ly/20Q1oob

Zeal mentions - http://bit.ly/24g4QJD

Pacifica hair review - https://youtu.be/e7NsBxpmPuk

Born This Way demos - http://bit.ly/1YQF8rq

If you've seen my previous posts involving the magical oils from Uma, then you'll probably notice something different about them... they have brand new packaging and its GORGEOUS!

The Deeply Clarifying Oil is just the same as ever (incredible), you can see me talk about it more here and i was really excited to try out their brand new Intensely Nourishing Hair Oil.

What is boasts: This deeply restorative, yet lightweight, oil delivers essential moisture deep into the hair follicle – for a frizz-free mane that shines brilliantly and is silky smooth to the touch!

Whats in it:

Clarifying extracts of grapefruit and lemon remove impurities from pores as they stimulate the hair’s natural growth process, enhancing elasticity and strengthening hair from root to end.
Potent botanicals such as hibiscus and yerba de tago rejuvenate hair that has been stripped by over-processing and environmental pollutants, while Indian gooseberry and cypriol stimulate the roots for lustrous growth and to preserve hair pigment and prevent premature greying.
Grape seed oil regulates naturally occurring oils in the scalp, to manage excess production and ensure hair is healthy and strong – never greasy.
A healthy balance of jojoba and moringa add strength and deep nutrition for hair that shines with health!

I've tried the hair oil a few times now and used it both in the lengths of my hair as well as my scalp and really love it for both. The scent is very woodsy and botanical but its growing on me more and more.

So far i've especially liked using it as an over night treatment when i'm washing my hair the following morning. I run 4-6 drops through the lengths and concentrate on the ends and then whatever is left on my hands i massage into areas of my scalp where the hair is finer.

Although it is suitable for all hair types, if you have very fine hair that needs nourishment without weight, i think you'd especially enjoy this!

I'll be sure to keep you guys update on this and i am due for a new hair care video so be sure to keep an eye out for that if you're interested.

(posts contain affiliate links meaning i receive a small % of sales generated through them)

Pacifica are always incredibly generous but this is probably one of the best giveaways i've ever done.
They are offering one lucky winner their entire hair range.

Just check my Instagram for info on how to enter.

Good luck babes.

My video review of the line is here.

Warning: This post does not contain hair growth pills or bogus products.

My hair appears to have finally grown and a lot of you have been asking what i've changed/used/taken.

The answer is that i've just been using common sense, honestly.

I have very fine hair thats been lightened at the ends so breakage is an issue for me, i notice this the most whenever i sleep on my hair or leave it down in the wind then attempt to brush it.

Here are some of my top tips on preventing breakage in fine, crap hair like mine.

1) Throw away any hair ties that have silicone/sticky stuff running through them "for grip". These are breaking your hair. Even people with the strongest hair, using those sticky hair ties will eventually break some hair off.
Instead, i recommend using ribbon ties. These are the ones i use and they've lasted me almost two years now... i've definitely misplaced a couple but the ones still in my possession are still awesome.
Sure, they may not hold your hair in a ponytail for 72hours straight but i'd rather retain some integrity in my hair than have a great pony for longer.

2) Always tie your hair up at night. Especially if, like me you hair wavy/curly fine hair that turns into dreadlocks if you sleep on it and get too hot at night.
I use either a ribbon tie or.... *drum roll*... a scrunchie to put my hair up in the tiniest bun known to thin-haired mankind. This way i avoid any breakage or matted hair in the morning.
Plus, you look sexy.

3) Put some oil in your hair the night before you're going to wash it. It doesn't have to be any special kind, there are loads on the market, just make sure its as natural as possible and isn't straight silicone.
I like to run some argan or coconut oil through the ends and lengths of my hair the night before i wash it and tie it up, giving it a chance to sink in.
I've found this gives my hair a nice overnight treatment as well as preventing my hair from becoming too stripped the following morning when i wash it.

4) Rinse your hair with cold water when you're done. I'd recommend doing this with your hand shower if you have one to avoid the biggest shock of your warm little life.
I wash and condition my hair as normal then tip my hair upside down and rinse on COLD a final time.
This will help to close up the cuticle and just seems to make my fine frizzy hair a lot smoother. Washing with cold water will help retain color, also.

5) Brush it like a grown up. Gather your hair into a low pony with one hand and begin brushing the very tips out with the other, once those tangles are out, move up a little higher each time until you're tangle free.
Doing it this way will help prevent excess breakage and using excess force on your poor hair.
Whatever you do, though... DO NOT COMB YOUR HAIR WHEN WET. Use your fingers or a very wide tooth brush/comb if you need to.

Those are the basic hair rules i live by. Share your hair favorites below!

For this episode of "eye on..." i thought i'd cover Pura D'or. I've been using their products for a while and hadn't noticed the difference it had made in my hair until one of you pointed it out.

Nail Therapy

Light, lemony smell and really easily absorbed.
Nourishing and replenishing for dry/ stripped nails.
Not mad about the container, as i mentioned, but not really a big concern.

Rosehip Seed Oil

Great for distressed or problematic skin.
Great for clearing up scarring or the remnants of zits.
I only need one pump of this for my entire face, neck and décolletage.

Anti Hair Loss Shampoo

Contains DHT blockers to block the excess hormones linked to hair loss.
I use between 4 and 6 pumps and it lathers nicely but doesn't leave my hair feeling stripped.
Great light scent.

Argan Conditioner

Again, 4 to 6 pumps of this leaves hair feeling coated while wet but not super slippery.
My hair dries very smooth which is rare for my fine, wavy mop.
Yummy, light scent.

Organic Argan Oil

I use 1 to 2 drops of this on damp hair and 1 drop on dry hair.
Its super easily absorbed and doesn't leave any residue, my hair laps it up.
Great for use on the body and just as easily absorbed.
Would be a great travel product as you can use it on face, hair and body.

New customers can get 20% off with code START20 and they also offer 40% off a conditioner when purchased with a shampoo- www.purador.com

FTC: These products were sent to me.

This isn't a sponsored video.

All opinions are 100% honest and my own.

This haul has a little bit of everything and is fairly lengthy so grab a cuppa and join me!

Products mentioned:

Me Undies Socks
Unscented Baby Dr Bronners Soap
Jack Black Glycolic Facial Cleanser
Vita Liberata Powder Self Tanner/ Bronzer
Pacifica Dreamlight Under Eye Brighteners in Bare & Dreamlight
Pacifica Transcendent Concentrated Correcting Concealer
Pacifica Island Vanilla Body Butter
Madam Glam BB Cream in Light
Madam Glam Omega 3 Face Serum
Ulta Brow/Lash Comb
It Cosmetics Travel Brush Set
Colour Pop Lippie Stix in Lady, Frida, Cookie and Cupid
Colour Pop Blushes in Holiday, Aphrodisiac and Between The Sheets
Too Faced Tinted BB in Nude Glow
Too Faced Primed And Poreless Powder (loose and pressed)
ELF Jumbo Eyeshadow Stick in Midnight Rendezvous
Giovanni Face Wipes
Crystal Mens Deodorant
Pura D'Or Nail Therapy
Pura D'Or Pure Rose Hips Oil
Pura D'Or Argan Oil
Pura D'Or Anti-Hairloss Shampoo
Pura D'Or Lavender Vanilla Argan Oil Conditioner
Harvey Prince Scents in Petaly Noir, Hello and Temptress
Olivine Perfume Oils in Gigi and Amongst The Waves
Helmut Lang Handcuff Bracelet
Alexis Bittar Panther Bracelet
Cover FX Illuminating Primer
Cover FX Custom Cover Drops in G30
Cover FX Cream Concealer in G Light
Cover FX Pressed Mineral Foundation in G30

You can get 20% off your first Me Undies order by following this link.
(ftc- this is an affiliate link so if you don't wish to use it, you can find their website via google)

My spring makeup tutorial featuring some of these products is below!

Earth's Nectar Hair Gloss
DermOrganic Fast Dry Shaping Spray
Jouer Cream Highlighter in Tiare
Eyeko Lengthening Mascara
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Luminous Flush
OCC Stained Gloss in Concubine
Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes in Sultry, Shy and Flirty
House of Lashes in Temptress Wispy
Alexis Bittar at Sephora Mirror and Brush
Philips Sonicare Toothbrush
F21 Quilted Bag
Beautylish.com
Burt's Buzz
Bridgend (trigger warning: suicide-related)
Tiny

And here are some helpful numbers to call, like i mentioned in the video, if you're feeling suicidal you should ALWAYS ask for help.

http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Whether you are personally in crisis or you are concerned about someone who is, you can ALWAYS call 1-800-273-TALK and get a listening ear, resources, and support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This hotline does not close on the weekend, holidays, or during bad weather.

http://www.thetrevorproject.org/

The Trevor Project - 1-866-4-U-TREVOR

This is also a free, confidential 24-hour hotline. It focuses on crises and suicide prevention among gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth.

Find pt 1 here!

Caring for your extensions:

Always check the company's recommendations for styling and extension care.
Try and keep heat styling and hair product to a minimum and store extensions on a clippy hanger to preserve the style.
Use a very gentle shampoo and conditioner, squeeze excess water out in a towel and hang to dry.
Take extensions to a professional to dye as some extensions have a sealant that affects how dye takes.

Styling your extensions:

I install my extensions then style once they're in, this helps your hair and the extension hair blend flawlessly.
Hold the curl/straightener over the ends of your hair for a little longer than the rest to further blend your hair and the extensions.
If your hair still doesn't blend, mist hairspray over the ends of your hair and comb into the extensions.

Clip ins vs other methods:

As far as i've found, clip ins produce the least amount of damage and look natural for longer.

Rapunzel Rapunzel hair runs from around $50 to $80 and after wearing these extensions a handful of times i'm still really impressed with the quality and i've had no tangling even after dancing the night away in them.

Get 5% off at RapunzelRapunzel.co.uk using my name at the checkout "rhianhy".

A lot of you ask me about where i get my clip in extensions from and most of them are too old for me to remember, but these bad boys i can share with you!

Rapunzelrapunzel.co.uk approached me to see if they could send me some of their clip in extensions to try, which came at the perfect time because i had been looking into getting some longer ones to match my newly blonder hair.

Packaging & arrival-

My hair arrived within a few days in a precisely hair extension shaped box from the UK.
The hair is rolled up safely and attached to a card backing.
The box has basic care instructions on it.

Hair quality-

I received remi hair which is processed keeping the strands running root-to-tip like your own hair, meaning the hair cuticles face the same direction, reducing tangling and matting.
The hair felt soft and thick but beautifully thinned out on the ends, creating a more natural look.
My hair was the lightest blonde (#60) yet felt in perfect condition.
The hair looked healthy and shiny but didn't have that overly processed sheen to it like some do.
Each weft is laid once in each piece meaning they weren't bulky at the root but still provided a believably thick extension.

Installation-

The clips on the extensions are silicone lined, providing good grip and a cushion for your hair to be held in.
There are 6 pieces: 2X 1 clip pieces, 2X 2 clip pieces, 1X 3 clip piece and 1X 4 clip piece.
Each piece is cut to a good size so it was easy to fit on my head. Some extension pieces are cut very wide which would cause issues for all the little heads out there (not mine).
Once installed the hair blended in with mine so well, you couldn't tell i was wearing them.

Wear-

I wore the extensions for a full day, had no tangling and was able to easily run my fingers through to keep them in good shape.
The clips held well and i had no slipping, even after brushing and styling them.
Overly thick extensions can sometimes pull on the hair too much and create soreness but these are the perfect mix of thick yet light to wear.
When i removed them i just brushed them through to store them and had no tangles at all.

Styling/care-

The extensions took a curl/wave well but i did have to use fairly small pieces because the hair is so thick.
There was no apparent damage from curling them (i've had extensions before that started to look crispy after the FIRST heat style).
I didn't need any hairspray at all because they held the wave beautifully.
I did trim the 2X 2 clip pieces of extensions to frame my face and they were very easy to work with.
When i removed them i just brushed them through and hung them on a clippy hanger. The waves remained the next time i wore them.
The company do suggest keeping heat styling to a minimum, not using serums or oils and washing them just with warm water.

Overall-

These extensions are beautiful quality for the price (around $80 depending on exchange rate) and provide a natural looking full head of hair.

They're best suited for people who want their extensions to look like naturally long, healthy hair and not like thick, bluntly cut extensions.

After wearing them a handful of times now i'm really impressed with how they don't tangle and i had no matting in the back of neck like i have before. They lay beautifully and remain looking like natural hair.

I came across Olivine's Love & Salt Beach Spray online which boasted rave reviews and after i discovered it was vegan, well i had to try it... right? (evidentally i also had to have their lotion and pencils too, but we'll get to that later)

I'm a big fan of the creation of the sea salt spray but i must admit, some tend to make my fine, colored hair seem a little sticky and frazzled. So when i read that not only does the Olivine spray contain "good" hydrating salts like Himalayan pink salt; but also coconut oil, i got quite excited and was not let down.

Firstly the spray smells delicious, a light coconut scent with a hint of the ocean. The spray nozzle dispenses the product evenly which might seem an odd thing to note but i've had my fair share of crappy nozzles in my time. It gave my hair texture, body and movement and even looked better after sleeping with my hair in a bun after using it the night before.

I'm definitely a fan, now onto the other items!

I got the Amongst The Waves lotion which is probably my new summer scent as i smelled delicious and felt hydrated right up until bed time and beyond. The scent is very similar to the beach spray but with an extra tropical hint i can't quite put my finger on.

I know it seems cliche but the gorgeous, self-affirmation-encouraging packaging really did it for me and reading up on the creator's ritual belief in body lotion appealed to my inner (and sometimes outer) self-affirming princess,

"I find that putting on body lotion is one of the ultimate steps in

taking care of your body and spirit...And ultimately your level of

self love.

When I miss putting on lotion for a couple days in a row it's the

same thing to me as not exercising or eating right...

I am simply not taking proper care of myself.

And the ULTIMATE way to apply your body lotion?

Slowly and deliberately, all the while telling your body,

"YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL".

Try it for a week and tell me if it makes a difference!"

Continuing on from the self-affirming theme (hey, its important and there ain't no shame in it), i also purchased these truly adorable pencils which almost made me wish i was back in school so someone could ask to borrow one. How could you use these and not smile?

Over all i think Olivine is a great, cruelty free, vegan company with relatively well priced items for yourself or as adorable gifts.

Their products have organic ingredients and their packaging is so gorgeous you'll want to display it all on your vanity.

ShopOlivine.com

After walking past the enormous Liz Earle stand in Boots a few times i felt strangely drawn to have a little look today and not only are her products Humane Cosmetics Standard certified but contain no animal ingredients.

It seems companies in the UK aren't usually quite so forthcoming with useful information like this on their packaging so this made a nice change.

Some of her items do contain beeswax or manuka honey (some might argue those are, in fact, animal ingredients) but you can read more about their principles here.

Here are a few of her products that don't contain honey or beeswax (i don't think there should be any other ingredients of concern for vegans but comment if you know otherwise).

(click to enlarge)

uk.lizearle.com