Hair maintenance while on holidays, comparing two cult hair products, and a client testimonial!

Hello!

Hi everyone, and happy May! Hope you’ve had a great month so far. This month, I’ve got lots to share with you, including a deep-dive comparison into the similarities and differences between Olaplex and K18, some hair maintenance tips for when you’re soaking up the sunshine and living out of a suitcase, and finally a testimonial from one of my lovely balayage clients Zennat, who is simply the best!


Olaplex and K18 comparison - which one should I go for?

The Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector has been a smash hit and cult classic for years now, thanks to Olaplex’s patented Olaplex Bond Building Technology™. However, in 2020, K18 launched in the US, and its Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask became known as Olaplex’s top contender.


Similarities:

● Quality: both are salon-grade products designed for at-home use.

● Hair types: both products are suitable for all hair types, working to hydrate, visibly smoothen and reduce signs of damage, and strengthen hair.


Differences:

● Price: Olaplex products, usually around £28/100ml, come in a lot cheaper than K18 products, which go for £20.90/15ml.

● Duration of treatment: Olaplex No. 3 is designed to be left in for ten minutes or more, while K18’s leave-in mask only needs four minutes before you can style your hair.

● Application: Olaplex is a pre-shampoo or after shampoo treatment that needs to be rinsed out, whereas K18 is a leave-in formula meant to be applied to freshly shampooed and towel-dried hair. Many reviews say the K18 formulation means a little goes a long way, so you only need a small amount to cover short- to medium-length hair.

All in all, it’s really a matter of personal preference and budget. Some prefer the luxurious feeling of a pre-shampoo treatment, but others opt for the efficiency of a leave-in product that gets them out the door quicker. Have you tried these products? Which did you prefer?

Hair maintenance while on holidays - my favourite tips

If you’re going away soon and want to keep your hair looking its best, here are my favourite ways to keep hair silky smooth and healthy even while you’re in and out of the water all day.

● Do a pre-holiday intensive treatment. While prepping for holidays, why not add a haircare pamper evening to your list? Explore leave-in serums, hydrating sprays and overnight treatments to get your hair nice and nourished before your flight.

● Pack your samples and minis. If you’re short on space for packing, why not raid your beauty drawer and bring along some of the freebies and sample products you’ve collected from old online beauty orders and put them to good use? There’s no better time to make use of travel minis than when you’re on the go. Who knows - you may even find a favourite new product that you’ll invest in the full-sized version of!

● A clarifying shampoo is your best friend after a day in the pool. Chlorine can make your hair brittle, so make sure you are taking care of your locks with a clarifying and moisturizing shampoo.

● Use a specially formulated after sun hair mask when you get home. Spending lots of time in the elements means hydration needs to be restored to your hair. Try this one from L’Oreal that’s due to hit LookFantastic soon.

 
Testimonial from balayage client

“I have been going to Lorena at Live True London Vauxhall for a few years and wanted to start my balayage journey with her specifically after recommendations from friends and seeing her work on social media. It is safe to say Lorena’s ‘magic hands’ do not disappoint! Lorena understands the clients’ wants and needs as hair trends come and go and she always delivers. Her consultative approach, colour and styling knowledge, coupled with her attention to detail, brings my hair vision to life at every appointment.

Lorena’s versatility and infectious energy are the reason for her extensive list of repeat clientele. After every hair appointment with Lorena, I always feel renewed, light, and beautiful — but the endless compliments from friends, family and strangers help too! From my blonde to brunette phases, I am always asked who does my hair and I cannot sing enough praises about Lorena. I highly recommend Lorena for colour treatments and hair styling needs. I don’t go to anyone else!”


— Zennat

That’s all from me this month: chat to you in June!

Lorena Castro

 
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How to maintain your hair and balayage this summer

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Coachella hair + fashion inspo, and updated hair product heroes