The products our stylists actually use, and why

There is no shortage of hair products promising the world. In the salon, though, our team keeps coming back to a small, dependable handful. Here is what we actually reach for, and the job each one really does.

A sulphate-free shampoo

The foundation of everything. A gentle cleanser lifts away product and oil without stripping colour or moisture, which means the tone and condition we build in the chair stay put for longer.

A weekly treatment mask

Coloured and heat-styled hair needs rebuilding, not just softening. A proper mask, used once a week, restores strength and elasticity so hair holds a style and reflects light the way healthy hair should.

If we could only send you home with one thing, it would be a good weekly mask.

A leave-in and heat protectant

Most everyday damage is heat damage. A leave-in that doubles as heat protection is the simplest way to keep ends healthy between cuts, and it makes styling quicker too.

One finishing product

Whether it is a light oil for shine or a flexible paste for texture, a single finishing product is usually all a style needs. The trick is using a little and building up, rather than reaching for a lot at once.

• Shampoo for a clean, colour-safe base.
• A weekly mask for strength and shine.
• A leave-in to protect against heat.
• One finishing product, used sparingly.

That is genuinely it. Good hair at home is less about owning more and more about using the right few things well. If you would like a routine built around your hair specifically, just ask at your next appointment.