Amika... more than just about looking cool*

You can’t help but notice Amika. They stand out. Their packaging is probably one of my favourites out there. So fun, so unique. They just make you smile!

But they are more than just about looking cool. They are the definition of cool. Going against industry standards of what they believe ‘perfection’ to look like, they encourage individuality. Understanding that beauty comes in all forms. They describe their products to be like a good friend - straightforward, dependable and fun to be with. This is exactly what I want in hair care and in life, to be honest!

Amika sent me a very special package which included 4 of their products to try. I wasted no time getting to know them. Free from the things I like to avoid in haircare, sulfates, and silicones, I was looking forward to seeing if they would change my hair game for the better. Post-pregnancy hormones have well and truly messed up my hair. It’s falling out left right and centre, I’m shedding like a dog. I was praying for a miracle.

Normcore Signature Shampoo and Conditioner

These are their antioxidant and vitamin-infused signature duo to normalise and balance hair. Hydrated, soft and shiny locks will be yours. I hoped...

Despite the lack of sulfates the shampoo lathers brilliantly thanks to coconut acid. The smell is insane, musky and luxurious.

From the first use I knew they were going to leave my hair soft and manageable. These give a real moisture hit to my bleached mane and work amazingly on frizz.

These are easily one of the best sulfate and silicone-free formulations out there, I would recommend these to people whose hair is in need of a bit of everything. Moisture, frizz management, colour protection, itchy scalp, damage repair. This covers so many bases.

I’ve loved incorporating these into my routine but if by some miracle I’m washing my hair more than twice a week then I don’t use these every time. I find that they can sometimes make my hair feel a little too heavy because they are very nourishing. I have fine hair but lots of it so it is easily weighed down. It’s not a massive complaint if a complaint at all but it’s the reason these don't work amazingly for me.

Next I am looking to try their Vault range which is specifically for coloured hair. The Velveteen Smoothing range also speaks to me...

Soulfood Nourishing Mask

Soulfood indeed...like the Normcore duo this gives hair a heavy moisture hit along with that beautiful musky scent. It leaves hair so silky and soft, dry hair would crave this and my coloured hair is more vibrant when I use this for sure.

The thick pudding-like texture is a joy to smooth into hair and it takes minutes to get to work. I often use a small amount as my regular conditioner and it’s just so effective.

When I get the time I love nothing more than leaving this on for a good while to let my hair marinate in the goodness. It easily washes out leaving that lingering scent making you want to smell your hair every few minutes!

This will definitely be purchased and is easily one of my favourite hair masks I’ve tried.

Perk Up Dry Shampoo

What did we do before dry shampoo?! I know I’m not alone in admitting that my hair mainly survives on it. By day 3 I’m misting this all over my hair like my life depends on it. Rub it into my roots, give my hair a little poof up and I’m good to go! This adds volume and genuinely does ‘perk up’ my hair.

This is one of the best, if not the best formulation of dry shampoo I’ve tried. Completely undetectable it’s talc-free and truly mops up any oil. Not crispy or sticky and definitely not powdery. I recommend this to anyone who will listen!

The standouts in this collection are definitely Soulfood and Perk Up. They will both be purchased for sure. As for the shampoo and conditioner, I really enjoy using them but they aren’t ‘the ones’ for me. I’m still very much on the hunt for a staple shampoo and conditioner that works for my hair in all aspects. I have a feeling they probably lie within one of the Amika ranges, I just need to decide on which!

You can purchase Amika here at BeautyBay. They offer travel sizes as well which is such a great way to try them before buying the full sizes.

*PR/Gifted but all opinions my own.

Have you tried Amika? If so what are your favourites?

Thank you for reading xx

Air-Drying Essentials...

Is it just me or does anyone else feel like as soon as summer comes around they want to put down the hair dryer? Actually, this is me most of the year. I just can’t be bothered to be honest plus it saves time, money and energy! Therefore, I am always on the hunt for products/tools that leave my hair with a bit of shape and texture without using heat. These have been my most favourite finds so far…

Parlor by Jeff Chastain Detangling Leave in Conditioner - £17.00 buy here

I love a good leave in conditioner to ensure my hair is soft and manageable out of the shower. To me this is an essential step when it comes to air drying and one I couldn’t be without. I have tried so many it’s unreal but not sure if I have ever finished a full bottle (unbelievably)! Most of the time they get passed on my mum if they don’t pass the test! I first tried this one when a decent sized sample came in the monthly beauty subscription Birchbox. From there it was love and I knew I had to buy the full size.

This has a lightweight texture which instantly detangles as the name would suggest and it doesn’t leave any residue or sticky feeling which is a common issue with many leave in’s I’ve tried. It manages to leave my hair looking healthy and soft whilst also providing thermal protection should you wish to use heat tools. The formula decreases frizz but gives my hair a bit of texture rather than it being left silky smooth to the point you can’t ‘rough it up’ if you know what I mean. The main ingredients are Sweet Almond extract, Vitamin B5 and Nettle, these combined keep the hair and scalp moisturised while protecting hair fibre and adding shine. I’m not sure how but together the fragrance is so unique. Like fresh peaches and cut grass! Such a bizarre scent but it really works! All products by Jeff are without sulfates, parabens and are cruelty free which is of course an added bonus. Another issue I have is a lot of products irritate my scalp but this doesn’t. An absolute repurchase for me but I do still like to try others. Let me know if you have any recommendations?

Rahua Voluminous Spray - £25.50 buy here

This was an off-chance purchase due to seeing it on sale through Naturismo. I haven’t tried any other products from the brand but since buying this I’ve heard lots of good things so looking forward to investing in the shampoo and conditioner soon!

This spray is designed to provide light hold giving hair shape and texture whilst keeping it fresher for longer by breaking down excess oil. A true multitasker! The formula is 100% natural organic and I feel it really stands out because of this. To create volume in the hair without tons of chemicals is no mean feat and Rahua have nailed it using organic citrus juices (lemon and lemongrass) blended with lavender, corn silk, linseed, sugarcane and eucalyptus. I love applying a few sprays of this to my roots once towel dried, and then leaving it to do its thing. My hair is left bouncy and soft but not sticky. It leaves hair looking naturally full and fresh. Other ways I use this is in between washes, it has shape memory which means that you can easily mess it up and then recreate style. A few sprays around the roots and crown gives hair oomph and gets rid of any oil build up leaving it looking refreshed. This has become an absolute haircare essential for me and I think it would suit most hair types that are wanting to create volume without stiffness and are wanting a versatile product without harsh chemicals.

Classic Wetbrush £11.99 buy here

This is a complete saviour for detangling hair without ripping and breaking strands! As the name suggests this is to be used when hair is damp. I like to lightly towel dry and then get to work. This runs through the hair easily and gets out any knots. This type of brush is a saviour in my routine and I much prefer it to other’s I’ve tried like the tangle teezer which seemed to constantly fly out of my hands because it didn’t have a non-slip handle like this one! I will continue to repurchase always as it has literally changed my hair styling life, as dramatic as that sounds. It works for all hair types so I urge you to go get your hands on one immediately!

Aquis Microfibre Towel £30.00 buy here

This towel is perfect for prepping an air-dried style and is the best way I’ve found to prevent frizz and knots. As soon as I get out the shower I squeeze out excess water with my hands and then lightly use an old cotton t-shirt to squeeze out the rest of the moisture. I then wrap my hair into a turban using this. My hair dries so much faster and leaves my hair soft and doesn’t damage the hair shaft which is essential if you are wanting to create an effortless air dried style without creating a bushy dishevelled mess! You are left with hair that has a piece-y texture meaning natural waves can be yours! Keep a look out for these in TK Maxx as they usually sell them for a lot cheaper, that’s where I picked mine up.  

OGX Moroccan Surf Paste £6.99 buy here

As a finishing touch, I like to add this product to create further texture. Going nowhere near the roots I warm a tiny bit of this in my fingers and apply by scrunching into the ends of my hair gently. This leaves hair soft and with a matte finish which gives the beachy style I am always looking for. Usually I would hate any form of wax, paste or gel but a small amount of this really gives hair a relaxed vibe without feeling sticky or leaving any residue. It contains argan oil to moisturise, sea kelp to condition and sea salt to give texture and separate out strands. Perfect for summer waves! 

Do you have any tips for air-drying your hair? 

Thanks for reading xx