While getting to the hairdresser every week for a fresh blow-dry isn't exactly realistic, an at-home hair styling kit can help you feel prim and proper all year-round. More than that, if you're anything like us you'll have swapped loungewear hair for a bit of at-home hair styling experimentation every now and then. If you've been devoting more time to haircare recently you might be interested in using the best curling tongs, or a pair of straighteners to give yourself a pamper.
Still using the same curl cream you started buying ten years ago? Is there a bottle of Fructis Hair Mousse festering at the back of your bathroom cupboard? Yes to all of the above? It's time give your at-home hair styling kit a revamp and we've got just the Grazia approved products for the job - plus some expert recommendations from Gorka Arraras and Hanna Karlsson at G&H Hair London.
It's likely you're missing out on a few hair styling staples too, for example do you regularly style your hair with your favourite curling tong without picking up a heat protect spray beforehand? Tut tut! Read on to find out what you should adding to your online basket and shop the best in the business below:
Shop: The Best Hair Styling Products In The Business
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'This is my to go-to texturising hairspray,' says Karlsson. 'It holds your waves in place without that sticky feeling in your hair, plus it smells divine! I always use it on clients who don't like the feeling of too much product.
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'I always recommend that my clients invest in a great post wash leave in treatment spray,' says Arraras. 'Infused with ceramides this one strengthens strands without weighing the hair down.'
'As a blonde expert it's so important that I ensure my clients hair remains healthy and strong - breakage is never a good look,' says Karlsson. 'For this reason I'll always recommend investing in a bond strengthening pre-shampoo treatment. Use this at home for instant softness with a visible healthier hair appearance. '
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'For a weightless leave in conditioner in a soft mousse consistency, this is what I'd recommend,' says Arraras. 'This leaves the hair protected and nourished with the feeling of not having any product on the hair.'
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'My number one hair oil,' says Karlsson. 'It's tricky to find one that works on finer hair types, but this one absorbs beautifully, nourishing the hair without leaving residue. I use it everyday and a little goes a long way!'
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'If you want a beautiful hold that keeps movement in your hair, the L'Oreal Professionnel Infinium Soft Hairspray is the one to go for,' says Arraras. 'It's a classic timeless hairspray for a reason and a must have for any occasion ; to sleekback ponytails, add texture, and to keep my salon blow-dries in place!'
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The general consensus is that when it comes to curly hair you can't go wrong with the brand Boucleme and this curl-defining gel is no exception. A moisturising formula that controls frizz whilst adding body and bounce. This product is an instant hit with most who try it out.
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You can't go wrong with this heat protect spray. It conditions as it works. The heat spray coats each strand of hair and promotes a smoother finish too. A heat protectant spray is a must if you're a regular heat styler.
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Yep, the love for Boucleme is real. If you're more of a curl cream than a curl gel person, give this one a shot. A lightweight, deeply moisturising formula that nourishes curly hair. Packed with coconut fruit extract and castor oil the curl cream protects, softens and conditions curly hair a treat.
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When it comes to adding texture to a do, you can't go far wrong with this buy. This sulphate-free and vegan formula is lightweight and boosts shine too. Yes it's on the expensive side, but the formula also contains a unique protein that helps to reduce breakage and split ends.
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If knotty hair is a bugbear of yours invest in a leave-in conditioner like this one. Enriched with vitamin E, this conditioner nourishes as it detangles. It protects against heat styling, too and smells pretty incredible.
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Larry King tends to the locks of the A-list, and his A Social Life For Your Hair is the perfect finishing cream. Boost definition, up shine and control frizz with this finishing cream. Suitable for all hair types, this cream is a must-have in anyone's at-home hair kit. Tame flyaways, sleeken up a ponytail, the possibilities are endless.
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George Northwood is the king of the 'undone' look. He's Alexa Chung's and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's go-to hair stylist and on speed dial for a bunch of other A-listers too. What better range to buy a wave-holding spray from? The spray prolongs a blow-dry and keeps loose waves in place for longer. Low price, big results. What's not to love?
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A curl-defining formula that replenishes moisture and tames frizz. The serum contains coconut and cacao to intensely nourish curls too. The formula is pretty much humidity-proof, too, so your look will remain polished no matter the weather.
Do Heat Protect Sprays Really Work And Do I Need One?
In a word, yes. Yes heat protect sprays really work. Heat protect sprays may sound like an add-on buy that's simply not worth the spend but that's because it's hard to isolate those visible results. A good hairspray gives you measurable hold, a crazy good curl cream doses your hair up on tangible condition but a heat protect spray? Those results are long term, less obvious but still very much there. In short of you always finish off your hair styling session with a curling tong or hair straighteners a heat protect spray is a must for you.
What Is The Best Hair Serum To Use For My Hair?
Hair serums can offer a world of benefits. It's useful, however, to note the difference between a hair oil and a hair serum. Hair oils are often heavier and have more nourishing properties, whereas hair serums are used for styling (whether you're using hair wavers, straighteners or curling tongs). They can do anything from condition, smooth, protect and fix hair in place. The trick is knowing which one is right for you. If you have fine hair and want to use a hair serum to help tame frizz, you need to look for 'lightweight' and 'light formula' buzzwords on the label. A serum that is too heavy will weigh your fine hair down. You also need to be sparing when it comes to application. If you're after smoothness look for a serum that you apply to hair whilst it's wet, before you dry. Use a pea-sized amount of a lightweight hair serum and run it through your ends to mid-lengths with your fingers (no higher) before combing through. Leave to dry or style as normal. If your hair is coarse, textured or curly, you can afford to try a heavier serum. Those with curly hair should be looking for serums especially formulated for curls. Brands like Imbue will even specify curl types on the label. These serums have the potential to add condition and definition to curls.