Neglected skin and bad hair days - is it time to get your beauty routine back on track?

My hair has never been so neglected or so poorly cared for as it has over the past 18 months or so. Pre-pandemic, I was a salon faithful and would be in for a cut and colour every six or eight weeks. I followed strict hair care rules religiously and my locks were always in tip top condition as a result. My hair was my best feature – my crowning glory, if you like. Right now, not so much.

Last year’s lockdowns aside (that’s a whole other hair disaster story), during the winter months, my hair and skin care isn’t quite as robust and by the time it gets to this time of year, I feel as though my hair and my complexion are not exactly picture perfect. Spring is just around the corner and I want to be camera ready, don't you?

With hair and beauty outlets being closed during the pandemic, some of us may have let our standards slip. I know I did.

Apart from the usual heat damage that my hair has suffered due to over-reliance on appliances (where would we be without our ghds, right?), I got into a bad habit of tinting my own hair and while it looks okay, nothing beats the expertise of a professional hairdresser.

That said, there are some amazing hair products on the market these days to help us keep our locks in great condition in between trips to the salon.

My hair is problematic in that its thick, coarse and naturally curly and frizzy – what a combination. However, I have discovered some effective products that actually do what they say on the tin and they really help me keep on top of my wild and unruly barnet.

I swear by Catwalk by Tigi’s Oatmeal and Honey shampoo and conditioner. Both of these feel like they really penetrate the harsh brittleness of my dry and colour damaged hair, and they also smell divine. I know it’s more about what the product does on technical merit, but if it smells good too, it’s a bonus.

Another one I can vouch for is Dream Lengths Super Blow-dry Cream by L’Oréal Elvive – a leave-in styling aid that is applied to damp hair before blow-drying and offers heat protection. I’m also partial to Catwalk by Tigi Haute Iron spray – those hairdryers can do a bit of damage. Additionally, a good cut is always a great way to restore your style and get your hair into better shape.

If, like me, your locks need a bit of TLC, there’s no time like the present to push the reset button.

Until recently, I was still apprehensive about spending a couple of hours in a salon to get my colour done. I know the salon owners are doing everything to maintain high levels of hygiene and are following the Covid guidance, and as long you are wearing a mask, it should be fine. I know some people are still a little wary... Personally, I think it’s time to get some normality (and much needed glamour) back into my life. A good hairdo, a facial and anything else that needs done will be getting addressed.

I’m making an appointment as soon as I have a free day because my tresses haven’t seen scissors since September last year. I’m also certain my hairdresser won’t be happy when she sees the mess I’ve made of my hair with umpteen boxes of DIY home colour. Fifty shades of dark brown (and grey!)

The same applies to our skin. Is your complexion looking lacklustre these days? I’m usually quite disciplined in that department – probably because I’m getting a little older. In a bid to combat wrinkles and visible signs of ageing I switched products a few years back. The stuff I used in my 20s is not going to cut it these days and I’ve discovered a secret weapon to add to my beauty tool kit. ESPA skin products have proved to be my wonder stuff when it comes to having great looking skin despite turning 50 recently. They do a gorgeous range of products – for men and women.

After way too much time indoors, lack of sunshine, and the effects of the central heating, our complexions are likely to be dry and dull. My winter skin saviour has been the Optimal Skin Pro-Moisturiser and matching serum from ESPA. These products seem to have done the heavy lifting over the winter.

Our hair and skin can take a pounding in winter if we’re not maintaining them but summer brings other problems like sun damage and humidity can wreak havoc with even the sleekest of locks. Getting into a better hair and skincare routine is the way forward and to look our best, we need to meet the demands of both summer and winter.

Go on; treat yourself to some pampering. You’re worth it.