When I say I have frizzy hair, I mean the most severe levels of frizz you can imagine—even during dry weather. So when drizzle comes into play and there’s even an ounce of humidity in the air, I typically accept defeat and keep my hair tied up at all times. But this year I’ve made it my mission to find reliable and genuinely effective anti-frizz products that can handle UK rain so I can style my hair in any way my heart desires, and I’ve finally cracked the code on what my wavy hair needs—whether I’m wearing it natural or heat-styled.

Perfecting my wavy hair routine has helped with frizz, but rainy conditions often require a few extra weather-proofing steps. Not to mention, summer frizz can behave very differently to autumn and winter frizz, and wet conditions need varying products for maximum efficiency. If there’s one thing I’ve learnt, it’s that serious frizz demands a holistic hair care routine with hydrating and taming products at each step.

Even though this might sound like a lot of effort, it’s easy to implement once you know what to shop for. So without further ado, these are the anti-frizz products I swear by and exactly how I use them in my routine for maximum efficacy every time.

How We Test

The Marie Claire UK team takes product testing seriously, with a commitment to delivering accurate, honest and genuinely helpful reviews for our readers. For this piece, I've rounded up the anti-frizz products I use daily and have had in rotation for months. When testing, I looked at factors like ease of use, packaging, and the difference made to my frizz after each use.

The Best Anti-Frizz Products For UK Rain

• Best overall: Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray, £20.30 at Lookfantastic
• Best for dry hair: Amika Forget Frizz Anti-Frizz Conditioner, £28 at Sephora
• Best for Afro hair types: Cécred Heat Activated Silk Glaze, £32 at Cécred
• Best for flyaways: John Frieda Frizz Ease the Controller Extra Strength Serum, £9.99 at Boots
• Best for wavy hair: JVN Complete Air Dry Cream, £45 at Lookfantastic
• Best for curly hair: Umberto Giannini Curl Whip Curl Activating Mousse, £8.95 at Lookfantastic
• Best for tangle-prone hair: Gisou Honey Milk Active Repair Leave-In Conditioner Mist, £30 at Space NK
• Best for damaged hair: Sam McKnight Stronger Love Bond Repair Spray, £32 at Sam McKnight

Best anti-frizz product overall: Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray

If you battle with frizz, I highly doubt you haven’t heard of the Color Wow Dream Coat spray. Whenever the rain sets in, this is the first thing I reach for to keep my hair styled and frizz-free for multiple days—even when humidity is rife. You spray it all over towel-dried hair before heat styling and it works to waterproof the hair whilst enhancing shine and keeping frizz at bay. It also has built-in heat protection, so it’s an easy one-step fix for UK rain. The only downside is that it requires heat to work, so it can’t be used on air-dried hair. However, it truly keeps my blow dried or straightened hair looking fresh, with zero frizz, for days.

Best anti-frizz product for dry hair: Amika Forget Frizz Anti-Frizz Conditioner

I swear by both the Amika anti-frizz shampoo and conditioner as the first step in my hair care routine. The conditioner in particular works wonders to hydrate dry hair and provide smoothing properties to prep for frizz. It works for all hair types and textures, and it offers moisture without weighing the hair down. When I use this in the shower and then follow up with my post-wash styling products, I notice a big difference in my frizz levels compared to when I use a regular conditioner. Although it’s on the pricier side, even my long and thick hair doesn’t need a lot of product to feel fully smoothed.

Best anti-frizz product for Afro hair types: Cécred Heat Activated Silk Glaz

The Cécred Heat Activated Silk Glaze can be used on all hair types, but it’s particularly beneficial for Afro hair, as well as human hair wigs, weaves, and chemically-treated hair that might require extra heat protection. However, I love it for straightening my wavy hair when I want the style to look salon-fresh. The formula is a light gel-serum hybrid that is applied to towel-dried hair to form a protective barrier that is specifically engineered to control frizz and keep straight styles sleek and soft with less heat needed. It’s another one that activates with heat (and contains heat protection) and it works best with blow dry tension. The result is weather-protected silky strands that last beautifully. It also washes out easily, so you can go back to your natural texture easily with no leftover residue. If you love a straight blow dry with zero frizz, this will work wonders.

Best anti-frizz product for taming flyaways: John Frieda Frizz Ease The Controller Extra Strength Serum

I swear by the entire John Frieda Frizz Ease range for smoothing hair without spending a fortune, but the serum is my particular highlight. I use it on repeat on dry hair to refresh my ends and tame any frizz that has developed, and it functions as a great barrier before leaving the house to lock in moisture and smooth the hair down. It can also be used on freshly washed hair before styling or air drying thanks to the built-in heat protection, so it’s a true all-rounder. It is best suited for thicker hair types because the formula is fairly heavy duty, so start with one pump and work up as needed to avoid weighing the hair down.

Best anti-frizz product for wavy hair: JVN Complete Air Dry Cream

The first time I used the JVN cream, my hair honestly felt transformed. Before I discovered it a few years ago, I absolutely never left the house with my natural hair texture—mainly because my waves never had any definition and were always obscured by frizz. This formula works to define, hydrate, soften, and smooth flyaways with a creamy texture and gel-like hold for air drying. A 50p coin-sized amount is enough for my whole head, and my waves dry looking perfectly formed and moisturised without flyaways. It can even be used for slicking back hair when needed. When I don’t want to heat style but need a frizz-taming product, I reach for this every time.

Best anti-frizz product for curly hair: Umberto Giannini Curl Whip Curl Activating Mousse

Designed for curly hair, this mousse nourishes curls and fights frizz with moisture for big, bouncy, and defined texture. My curly-haired friends swear by it, and I also use it on my wavy hair when I want more bounce. Although gels can work wonders, I don’t always like the crunchy cast they can leave, and this mousse offers plenty of the same texture-holding benefits with a lightweight feel. It’s seriously budget-friendly, and a little goes a long way. I like to use it after a leave-in conditioner and before an air dry cream for extra frizz protection without weighing the hair down.

Best anti-frizz product for tangle-prone hair: Gisou Honey Milk Active Repair Leave-In Conditioner Mist

If you have frizz, I’m willing to bet that you also suffer with tangles and knots as a result. My hair seems to knot itself almost instantly in humidity, so anything to prevent that—and keep a bird’s nest situation at bay—is essential. This spray conditioner by Gisou instantly detangles and softens my hair, leaving long-lasting moisture that not only smooths frizz but prevents humidity from puffing my hair up. I like to spray it on towel-dried hair before styling, but it’s also brilliant for a day two refresh when needed. Without it, I notice how much less controlled my hair and frizz looks both immediately after styling and after being out in the rain.

Best anti-frizz product for damaged hair: Sam McKnight Stronger Love Bond Repair Spray

This new launch from Sam McKnight has quickly become a mainstay in my anti-frizz routine. It’s a leave-in rejuvenating bond repair spray with heat protection, and it can be applied to wet or dry hair to detangle, strengthen, and protect against UV and humidity. I love that it instantly softens and detangles for a defined style, with the addition of Triple Bond Repair that can help with breakage too. Damaged hair is much more prone to frizz, so a product that can hydrate and repair in one is a shortcut to frizz-free styles. It’s also suitable for air drying or blow drying, so it can be added to your routine no matter how you style your hair.

There are few people who can claim to have fundamentally shifted the way we see, understand and celebrate hair. Charlotte Mensah is one of them. Throughout her four-decade career, the award-winning hairstylist, entrepreneur, and author has helped move Afro, curly, and textured hair from the margins of the British beauty conversation to its rightful place within it. Along the way, she has built her Hair Lounge salon into a Notting Hill institution, launched an award-winning haircare line and become the first Black woman inducted into the British Hairdressing Awards Hall of Fame.

Now, her extraordinary career is being put into cultural context. Charlotte Mensah: Community Matters, a landmark retrospective at London’s Ladbroke Hall from 8th – 13th September, brings together photography, film, personal artefacts, archival material, soundscapes and interactive installations to trace Mensah’s journey from childhood in Ghana to 1980s North West London and, ultimately, the upper echelons of global hairdressing.

By placing Afro hair at the centre of conversations about identity, heritage, creativity and belonging, the exhibition makes the case for hair as cultural history—and for Mensah’s 40-year career as an important part of British beauty history.

Here, Mensah shares the memories, lessons and people behind that legacy, and reflects on how far the industry has come—and where it still has work to do.

“I’ve Really Lived—and None of It Happened Alone”

Going through thousands of photographs for the exhibition made me realise just how much life has actually been lived. A photograph can unlock a memory in extraordinary detail—I can look at an image from February 1997 and suddenly remember who was there, where we were and what we were talking about. More than anything, it has made me realise that I’ve really lived. There have been ups and downs, smiles and frowns, but I persevered—and none of it happened alone. It takes a community, and this exhibition is really a celebration of them.

“I Spent My Last Money on a Pair of Tongs That Still Work Today”

The most emotional object in the exhibition is probably my tongs. In 1988, when I had just turned 18, I saved my salon tips and wages from the Youth Training Scheme to buy a pair like the ones we used at Splinters. I was living alone in a hostel and beginning to dream big after losing my mum five years earlier. Buying those tongs was the first real sign of intent about this vocation. Looking at them now, I can see that 18-year-old Charlotte in the mirror, completely unaware of the path ahead.

“Success Is Whether You Can Look at Yourself When Nobody Else Is Looking and Be at Peace”

Life moves so quickly that sometimes you have to make yourself stop. I’m always thinking about what’s next, but you can’t properly plan your future if you never take an honest look at your past. We live in an age of constant comparison, with a 24-hour window into everybody else’s achievements and perfect moments. But success, to me, is whether you can look at yourself when nobody else is looking and be at peace with what you’ve actually done.

“Somebody With Textured Hair Should Be Able to Walk Into Any Salon and Feel Understood”

We need to talk much more about education. Hairdressing is an art, but underneath that artistry has to be knowledge. I’m not necessarily saying every hairdresser needs a licence, but we need clearer standards that demonstrate what somebody has actually been trained to do. My idea of real inclusion is simple: somebody with Afro or textured hair should be able to walk into a salon anywhere in this country and feel confident that somebody there understands their hair.

“Heritage Isn’t About Looking Backwards—It’s About Understanding What You’re Carrying Forward”

Everybody comes from somewhere. What becomes interesting is deciding what that inheritance means to you, rather than allowing somebody else to decide it for you. Accra and London have always existed side by side in my world because both places gave me different parts of myself. Heritage isn’t about looking backwards for the sake of nostalgia; it’s about understanding what you’re carrying forward.

“Don’t Confuse Visibility With Stability”

Loving what you do doesn’t make running a business easy. You can be brilliant at your craft and still have to learn about people, money, negotiation, stock, rent, mistakes and a hundred other things nobody puts on Instagram. One of my biggest lessons has been not to confuse visibility with stability. Awards and press are lovely, but you still have to build something that works when nobody is talking about you. Forty years teaches you there are no shortcuts.

“I Want Respect, Care and Dignity to Be So Normal We No Longer Need to Call Them Progress”

By 2046, I hope somebody with Afro, curly or textured hair can walk into any salon in the UK and have their hair done properly, and into any retailer and find products that work for them without searching for the tiny section somebody has decided belongs to them. Ultimately, it comes down to respect, care and dignity. I want those things to be so normal that we no longer need to call them progress.

Growing up, my family had very specific hair categories. One of my older sisters had 'long hair'—the kind that cascaded past her shoulders and invited endless questioning about her diet and my mother's choice in products. The eldest sister had the 'thick hair', a dense, enviable crown that, as we grew older, seemed impermeable to damage from dyes and 'unique' styling. And then there was me, the youngest of three, with hair that, despite all the same genetics and environment, never quite got the memo about growing past my shoulders. So, whenever wash day came around, I became used to my mother uttering the same gentle assurance, "Oh, but Ata has the 'softest' hair."

The older I got, the more I realised that this use of diplomatic euphemism was her way of sidestepping the conversation that many Black women have faced when their hair doesn't possess the length or curl pattern traditionally coveted. However, it inadvertently taught me early on that my tight, 4C coils were something to be carefully reframed or corrected. Since then, for as long as I can remember, society has insisted that a Black woman’s relationship with her hair must fit into one of two sweeping arcs.

In camp one, there is the tragedy narrative: a story filled with chemical burns from relaxers, self-loathing, and a lifelong reliance on wigs and weaves used strictly as a disguise to conform to Eurocentric ideals. Then, for some Black women, there is the triumphant redemption arc—the emotional "natural hair journey" sparked by a big chop. It is a cinematic moment where you throw away the heat tools, embrace your afro in all its shrinkage-heavy glory, and declare that every kink on your head is a sacred act of political defiance and radical self-love.

For years, I believed I sat comfortably outside both narratives. The last time I saw a box of relaxer—and felt that familiar, sharp burn at the base of my scalp—was when I was 16 and for me, stepping away from chemical straighteners wasn't a radical choice. There was no solemn ceremony in front of a bathroom mirror. Instead, weaning my hair off the ‘creamy crack’ was due to a combination of living in a Black hair shop desert, not wanting to make the 40-minute bus journey to buy the necessary products, and teenage stubbornness (read: laziness) when the baton of haircare was officially passed to me.

Since then, I've gone through a multitude of hairstyles and kept wash days adaptable to my lifestyle; I rarely think or talk about my hair in a negative way. However, looking back, my hair transition has served as a point of questioning in my career as a beauty journalist. My relationship with my hair has never fit firmly into either of these camps, but when Black hair remains such a politicised topic in beauty, can I ever truly be neutral about mine?

It’s a delicate tension that exploded back into the public square early this year, led by TikTok creator @sshoz, whose viral video asking black women, “When’s the last time you left the house wearing your natural hair?” sparked a renewed discussion about the effects of a culture that on wigs, weaves, and protective styles may be harming both Black women’s relationships with their natural texture and outsiders’ perceptions of it. renewed conversations surrounding the natural hair movement by highlighting a crucial flaw within the Black hair space.

In some ways, both positive reactions have reached a critical juncture in this "third wave" of the natural hair movement—one that exposes how much of our socialisation around Afro hair has produced harmful messaging on both sides of the spectrum. It reveals how broader socialisation continues to shape the ways in which even Black spaces discuss racialised beauty.

Paradoxically, the current natural hair movement often, even if inadvertently, mirrors much of the harshness found in the negative or non-inclusive language that has historically surrounded Afro hair in the West. Hair is still frequently described as "stubborn," "difficult," or "unruly." It is the same language passed down by our mothers and grandmothers—a residual byproduct of survival and assimilation that taught us our natural hair was something to be conquered rather than accommodated. Today, even well-meaning natural hair spaces end up recycling that same punitive vocabulary, demanding perfection under the guise of care. So, with this in mind, is it ever possible to opt out completely?

To put it plainly, according to current research, the answer is no. To exist as a Black woman with 4C hair is to navigate this landscape of hyper-visibility and relentless institutional scrutiny. A recent report by The Guardian highlighted how discriminatory grooming policies persist globally—from classrooms in Jamaica and the UK to corporate boardrooms—enforcing colonial-era ideals of "respectability" and neatness. Even where regulatory progress occurs, the shift is painfully slow. Michelle De Leon, founder of World Afro Day, noted that while progress has been made in some countries—pointing to guidance from the UK’s equality watchdog on school uniforms designed to help prevent hair discrimination—the overall global picture remains strikingly uneven.

Meanwhile, research published by the University of Reading and community organisation TRIYBE explored the profound mental health toll of this hypervigilance, highlighting how Black women carry a constant burden of identity suppression in spaces that police their natural crowns.

Having reported extensively on Black hair politics over the years, I've tracked how we have historically been forced to carve out our own digital spaces to reclaim power—building online communities that paved the way for actionable change by recentering our textures, even in environments that refuse to make room for them. Writer and advocate Zeynab Mohamed captures this tension perfectly when reflecting on the intersecting pressures of visibility, race, and identity. "I think the idea that we can ever feel truly neutral about our appearance is almost utopian, particularly when it comes to hair," Mohamed explains. "Black women and Muslim women often have a complicated relationship with theirs. It can feel as though our hair doesn't fully belong to us; it's constantly being scrutinised, politicised or treated as public property."

Mohamed’s insight hits directly at the quiet dissonance I’ve felt for years. "For a long time, I thought I had a neutral relationship with my hair and my hijab, partly because I wanted to separate myself from all the external commentary," she admits. "But I've realised, it’s not as easy as that. Until we loosen—and ultimately break—the societal expectations placed on women's hair, neutrality will remain out of reach for many Black women and for women who wear the hijab."

Yet, what the current online discourse routinely misses is that for many Black women, protective styling and exaggerated hair aesthetics have evolved far beyond simple tools of assimilation. Many of the styles Black women now wear have expanded into a distinct expressive category, functioning much like the hyper-performative aesthetics embraced by other marginalised groups—such as drag queens—who construct an amplified, stylised version of femininity to protect themselves against misogynoir and societal hostility. In this context, hair becomes an art form, a shield, and a creative declaration of space rather than a quiet retreat into Eurocentric blending.

Still, claiming neutrality while carrying a personal history of quiet adjustments leaves me constantly interrogating my own motives: Is this genuine neutrality, or is it internalised racism at play? Is my choice to step back from the politics of my hair simply a subtle, subconscious effort to render myself "other" or invisible—a protective crouch to avoid the discrimination that comes with being fully seen?

Recognising that pure neutrality might be an ideal rather than an immediate reality doesn't mean giving up on peace. Decoupling my self-worth from my hair texture requires recognising that neutrality isn't a state of complete detachment that you magically wake up with; it is an active choice to unlearn those old, bedroom-fashioned rules and resist the harsh language on both ends of the ideological spectrum. This constant pressure to perform hair care as either a political statement, a cultural armour, or an act of emotional healing is exhausting. We are rarely given permission for our hair to just be hair—dead cells, protein, a canvas, or simply a non-event.

I don't hate my "soft" 4C hair. I appreciate its versatility, its gravity-defying ability to change shape, and the complex history it carries. But I also refuse to spend four hours every Sunday wrestling with detangling brushes and a deep sense of moral duty just to prove a point to the world. Some days, I wear my natural hair because it’s easy. Other days, I wear extensions or a wig because I want a different look without analysing what it means for my soul.

Moving away from the binary of trauma versus triumph doesn't mean erasing the past or diminishing the cultural importance of Black hair. It simply means claiming the right to exist without constant self-analysis. My hair is part of me, but it is not the entirety of my story. It doesn't need to be a political manifesto, a shield, a secret compromise, or an object of worship. Sometimes, it’s just hair—and striving toward that plain, simple fact is the most peaceful journey of all.

The Beauty Digest is my Beauty Director’s edit of what’s actually worth your attention. Each week, I’ll be sharing the new launches I’m using and loving, the viral treatments I’m putting to the test (and what I really think of the results), plus my take on the industry conversations everyone’s talking about.

3 New Launches on My Radar

The Treatment Trial: A Love Letter to the Classic Massage

In true beauty journalist fashion, access to a spa is something of a holiday prerequisite for me. There's just something about booking in for a classic full-body massage on the first day that signals the start of the holiday and switches me firmly into relaxation mode. This week, while on a family holiday at Los Jardines de Abama Suites in Tenerife, I ventured to Sandára Wellness & Spa for its deep-tissue offering. It was 60 minutes of pure, unadulterated bliss, made all the better by the breathtaking views of the Atlantic from the hydrotherapy pools afterwards. Because while I love trying the latest high-tech treatment and buzz-worthy tweakment, sometimes nothing beats a really great massage.

Beauty Buzz: Max Mara Reveals First Perfume

A Max Mara 101801 coat is a permanent fixture on my winter wardrobe wish list. So classic, so elegant, and so discreetly expensive-looking, it’s one of those pieces that instantly make your entire wardrobe look more sophisticated. And now, Max Mara has bottled that exact effect with the launch of its first-ever fragrance, Le Parfum.

Unsurprisingly, the 101801 was the starting point. Designed to be worn almost like an olfactory cashmere coat, Le Parfum wraps sandalwood and cedarwood in creamy tuberose, warm vanilla and benzoin for a soft, musky scent that sits close to the skin. Even the bottle riffs on the house icon, with camel tones, gold accents and a lacquered ‘belt’ cinching its architectural glass silhouette. Consider this the significantly more attainable way to get some 101801 into your wardrobe.

As we turn our back on yet another heatwave, I've started to equate something with them: more strands in my hair brush, and increased shedding in the shower too. Of course, the latter is something that you can expect towards the end of the summer; there is a recognised pattern of seasonal shedding, where strands tend to fall a little more. However, this extreme heat may also contribute to increased hair fall.

First, we have to understand how the hair cycle works. "At any given time, most of your hair, around 85 to 90 per cent, is in the growing phase, while the remaining 10 to 15 per cent is in a resting phase called telogen that ends with the hair being shed," explains Dr Aamna Adel, Consultant Dermatologist and founder of haircare brand, rhute. "A study of more than 800 women found that the proportion of hairs in this resting phase peaks over the summer, and because that phase lasts roughly three months, those hairs are then released a few months later, which is what leads to the shed in late summer and autumn."

This is due to several factors. It's thought to be driven by seasonal cues, like summer UV, changing daylight, and their effect on hormones like melatonin, the dermatologist notes. And of course, a few months of sun, heat, seawater, and chlorine can leave hair more fragile, so natural shedding can feel more substantial than it actually is.

How Do Heatwaves Affect Hair?

So, how do the many heatwaves we've experienced this summer factor in? Well, rather than making the hair fall from the root in the way a big physical stressor does, extreme heat can damage the hair fibre and put the scalp under strain. This adds breakage and can make the overall loss look and feel worse.

"UV degrades keratin, which is the main structural protein in hair, and that leaves the fibre weaker, drier, and more prone to breakage and split ends, while also breaking down the pigment so colour fades faster," says Dr Adel. "The scalp is skin, so it can burn and become dry, irritated, or inflamed, none of which makes for a happy environment for the follicles. Chemically treated or bleached hair is affected the most, because the cuticle is already compromised and less able to protect the inner part of the hair."

TLDR? " A summer of heatwaves tends to leave hair in poorer condition going into the natural autumn shed, which makes it more of an aggravating factor layered on top rather than the root cause."

How Much Shedding Is Normal During the Summer?

If you've noticed more shedding during this time, the expert advises not to panic. If it is seasonal, remember it's temporary and tends to settle on its own as the follicles move back into their growth phase. "You can't really switch it off, as those hairs committed to shedding months earlier, but you can make sure your scalp is in good shape for the regrowth that follows, and avoid piling other triggers on top."

Losing somewhere between 50 and 100 hairs a day is completely normal, so don't fret if you see more hair in your brush or drain—it's just part of the cycle.

"What I'd pay attention to is a real, sustained change from your own baseline, so noticeably more hair than usual over weeks and months, more scalp showing through, or a ponytail that feels distinctly thinner," Dr Adel explains. "Seasonal shedding should be a modest, temporary increase that settles. The things that suggest it's more, and worth seeing someone about, are hair coming out in patches, shedding that carries on past three or four months, hair that isn't growing back, or shedding alongside other symptoms like fatigue or changes in your periods. Those can point to something like iron deficiency or a thyroid issue."

How to Look After Your Hair in Summer, Going Forward

This is where supporting your scalp environment helps, says the derm, so use ingredients that encourage the hair to stay in its growth phase for longer. She recommends rhute's Density + Repair Scalp Serum, enriched with peptides to support the follicle and help reduce shedding.

"But, it's also important to be honest with yourself about whether something else might be contributing," she adds. "Stress, a recent illness, rapid weight loss, or a low-protein or restrictive diet can all cause shedding through the same pathway and mimic the timing of a seasonal shed."

Prepping for next year is key too, as hair shedding and scalp health are never a quick fix. When it's warm out, ensure you're protecting your hair by wearing a cap and using SPF on the scalp and lengths. Otherwise, opt for a daily serum to look after the barrier, and on the lengths, prioritise gentle hydrating shampoos and conditioner that have volume-boosting effects, as well as a bond-repair treatment. Per the derm, this can help undo some of the sun and chlorine damage, if you have it.

"I'd also look at the basics from the inside, particularly your protein intake and your iron and vitamin D levels, as these often sit behind shedding, and vitamin D in particular tends to dip as the daylight fades into autumn," she concludes. And again, if the shedding is heavy or persistent, you should see a professional. The right treatment always depends on determining the actual cause behind it all.

Marie Claire Approved Hair Products

As someone who's been bleaching my hair for over 15 years, I know a thing or two about damage and dryness—particularly after a season spent in the sun and sea when my blonde becomes almost instantly parched. But with the right hair repair masks in my arsenal, my blonde stays looking healthy no matter what it's been exposed to.

After a particularly disastrous home-bleaching incident in my early twenties, intensive hair repair masks were the only thing to pull my ends back from the brink. Since then, I've used one at least once a week to treat hair damage, and I always pack one in my suitcase when travelling to combat the dryness that's left behind from salt, chlorine, and UV rays. Although the best conditioners can do some heavy lifting, nothing quite compares to the results of a mask after a dry summer.

From moisturising hair masks to leave-in bond repair treatments, these are the hair repair masks I swear by for strengthening, increasing shine, taming frizz, and keeping my hair healthy following the warmer months when it's most prone to damage.

How We Test

The Marie Claire UK team takes product testing seriously, with a commitment to delivering accurate, honest and genuinely helpful reviews for our readers. For this piece, I've rounded up hair masks that I have used on my hair for several months—and years in some cases. I assessed things like texture, packaging, ease of use, detangling abilities, and the all-important results after drying my hair. Only the ones that made a noticeable difference in terms of strength, softness, and shine made it into this piece.

The Best Hair Repair Masks

• Best overall: K18, £70 at Space NK
• Best for rebuilding: L'Oréal, £29.77 at Lookfantastic
• Best for toning: Virtue, £69 at Space NK
• Best for moisture: Living Proof, £36 at Lookfantastic
• Best multi-use: Hershesons, £23.99 at Amazon
• Best for volumising: Sam McKnight, £48 at Space NK
• Best for severe damage: Olaplex, £39 at Lookfantastic

Best Overall Hair Repair Mask: K18 Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask

You've almost certainly heard about the K18 Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask, and I can confirm it's worth all the hype it's got over the years. Yes, it's a pricey investment, but the results speak for themselves—and the ease of use alone sold me. This leave-in treatment repairs damage from chemicals, bleach, colour, and heat in just four minutes, with no need to wash it out, so you don't have a tedious wait in the shower. Skip conditioner in your hair wash routine, apply a few pumps to towel-dried hair, wait at least four minutes, then continue styling as usual. It's made a noticeable difference to the softness, bounce, strength, and colour of my hair, and it's always the product I pack on holiday for maximum results.

Best for Rebuilding: L'Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Molecular Strengthening Mask

If chlorine and UV rays have damaged your hair this season, you need to focus on strengthening your strands. This L'Oréal Professionnel mask is suitable for all types of damaged hair including colour-treated, lightened, and natural, and it works to rebuild the molecular structure of your hair without adding weight. It has a smooth, creamy texture that applies like conditioner and only takes a couple of minutes to work post-shampooing. Improving strength, elasticity, movement, and smoothness, it's the ultimate antidote for summer-worn hair that needs a total revamp.

Best for Moisture: Living Proof Moisture Rescue Mask

My hair is easily the knottiest it's ever been due to chlorine, and even getting a brush through it is a workout. I have been using the Living Proof Moisture Rescue Mask on repeat over the last month to get some moisture back into my bleached ends, and it's worked a treat. You only have to leave this in for five minutes in the shower, and I use that time to brush through my hair and get it thoroughly detangled. When it comes time to dry and style, my hair feels totally revitalised and glossy thanks to this mask. The Smart Barrier HairTech also makes flyaways more manageable, so it provides lasting results.

Best for toning

All blondes know the importance of a good toner, but traditional purple shampoos can sometimes be too drying for regular use—particularly when your hair has already gone through the wringer. Virtue's Colourkick mask is designed for all colour-treated hair, and it works to tone and intensely hydrate in one. Formulated with Alpha Keratin 60ku, it targets colour, heat, and sun damage to boost shine and softness. When my hair is on the brassier side or lacking oomph after sun exposure, this in-shower three minute mask is the first one I turn to for a brightening and nourishing effect.

Best for volumising

This is a true do-it-all mask that strengthens the hair, repairs split ends, and boosts volume and thickness in one. So as well as bringing dry summer hair back to health, it offers lift and makes the hair look denser too—a perfect recipe for a salon-fresh look from home. Leave on for five minutes after shampooing and style as usual out of the shower, with added softness, shine, and volume. I love how glossy and manageable this formula leaves my hair, as well as the boost it provides for heat styling to give my blow dry a more polished finish.

Best for severe damage

If you've ever dealt with damaged hair, you probably know how transformative Olaplex products can be. I swear by them for keeping my bleached hair healthy, and the leave-in products are some of my most used during summer when I want to prevent any breakage. This particular mask is applied for a few minutes after shampooing to smooth rough texture, reduce flyaways, and hydrate and soften dry and coarse hair types. It's one of the best for preventing breakage and reducing frizz, penetrating each hair strand to restore its health and leave your ends glossy and full.

Best multi-use

I'm definitely guilty of being lazy with my haircare routine during summer, and this product means I can afford to be. The Almost Everything Cream can be used for styling, conditioning, boosting shine, defining curls, and even as a leave-in mask to repair the hair. It can be used on wet or dry hair, but I like to apply it out of the shower, focusing on mid-lengths and ends, before drying to get the nourishing effects. It deeply nourishes, repairs split ends over time, deeply moisturises, controls frizz, and adds shine in one—and it also works wonders to define my natural waves. If you're traveling, this is one product you can pack for every single hair need.

The Beauty Digest is my Beauty Director’s edit of what’s actually worth your attention. Each week, I’ll be sharing the new launches I’m using and loving, the viral treatments I’m putting to the test (and what I really think of the results), plus my take on the industry conversations everyone’s talking about.

Three New Launches on My Radar

The Treatment Trial: Head Spas

Scalp care is really having its moment in the beauty spotlight, and it would be remiss of me not to trial one of the latest treatments sweeping the salon scene: the head spa. Originating in Japan, head spas combine deep-cleansing, stimulating and relaxing techniques designed to leave the scalp thoroughly cleansed and the mind suitably refreshed.

This particular treatment was at Cloud Twelve, a luxury wellness and lifestyle club in Notting Hill, and involved a 21-step ritual that began with a dermascope and follicular analysis (essentially, looking at my scalp under a microscope to pinpoint any potential issues). From there, the treatment covered everything from a detoxifying clay mask and growth-stimulating scalp massage to a neck and décolletage massage, waterfall hair rinse, LED scalp therapy and more.

While it wouldn't be my first choice of treatment (my back will always take precedence when it comes to spa massages), it was a heavenly experience that left my scalp feeling supremely clean, my hair noticeably bouncier and shinier, and my mind remarkably clear.

Beauty Buzz: No, Gel Nails Aren’t Being Banned

Everyone remain calm. Yes, the TPO ban has arrived in the UK—the ingredient was already banned in cosmetics across the EU—but that doesn't mean gel manicures are finished. Far from it. TPO is just one of many photoinitiators used to help certain gel polishes cure under UV or LED light, and brands have been busy reformulating without it.

So, what can you expect? In reality, probably very little difference at your next manicure. From 15th August, salons and retailers in Great Britain can no longer sell or supply cosmetic products containing TPO, so affected formulas should already have been replaced with TPO-free alternatives.

And will your manicure still be as good? In short, yes. Well, probably. TPO is only one of the ingredients that can be used to cure gel polish, and brands have reformulated with alternative photoinitiators designed to deliver the same glossy finish and long-lasting wear. Whether any of those alternatives will face similar scrutiny further down the line remains to be seen. But if the TPO ban has shown us anything, it's that the industry is more than capable of adapting.

As a beauty journalist, I see trends come and go. But rarely have I seen one prevail quite as unwaveringly as the bob. At one point, every new day seemed to bring a new iteration: the French bob, the boyfriend bob, the old-money bob, the Scandi bob—you get the idea. Whatever the prefix, the bob has had a near-total chokehold on hair trends for the best part of a decade.

“I think the bob became so popular because it’s one of those haircuts that gives you a really noticeable change without being completely terrifying,” says Luke Hersheson, celebrity hairstylist and CEO of Hershesons. “You can cut quite a lot of hair off and instantly feel different, but it’s still incredibly wearable.”

The pandemic only accelerated its appeal. “Everyone came out of that period wanting change,” says Hersheson. “People had spent months looking at themselves on Zoom, growing their hair out, not going to salons. There was this real appetite to do something. The bob became almost shorthand for that reset.”

No one understands that desire for control and reinvention better than me. I've had two bobs in my life, each following a major life event—a break-up, a new job and having a baby. Each time, it's been a spur-of-the-moment decision: an impulsive exercise in autonomy and, ultimately, an attempt to find my identity again.

My most recent bob came shortly after having my son. But unlike my previous bobs, I've spent the subsequent two years growing it out, resisting the temptation to cut it all off again and becoming increasingly invested in getting my hair longer and healthier. And recently, I've noticed I'm not the only one.

After years of watching the bob reign supreme, something finally seems to be shifting. Lengths are creeping ever downwards and, everywhere I look, from the red carpet to people-watching on the tube, more people have long hair. Hersheson has noticed it in the salon, too. “I’m definitely seeing more women wanting to grow their hair again,” he says. “For quite a long time, cutting your hair off felt like the modern, cool thing to do. Now I think there’s something about longer hair that suddenly feels fresher again.”

So, after almost a decade of going shorter, are we finally entering the long-hair era? And if so, why now?

Entering the Post-Bob Era

It's easy to assume we're all growing our hair because of the financial climate. A bob is notoriously high-maintenance, requiring regular trims to keep its shape, whereas growing your hair means fewer cuts and, theoretically, fewer expensive salon appointments. It's a fair assumption, but I'm not convinced.

The reason we're beginning to see the back of the bob is far more multifaceted. First, the bob has ultimately become a victim of its own success. Like any trend that reaches saturation point, its ubiquity eventually becomes the very thing that makes it feel less desirable.

“There have been so many versions of the bob that we’ve almost exhausted the language around it,” agrees Hersheson. “Every few months there’s supposedly a ‘new bob’, but ultimately it’s still a bob.”

And while he stresses that the bob isn't going anywhere—“it’s a classic haircut and always will be”—fashion inevitably moves on. “When something has dominated for that long, the thing that suddenly feels new is usually the opposite.”

At the same time, what we aspire to when it comes to our hair has changed. Scalp oils, growth serums, supplements, head spas, LED helmets—the beauty industry's attention has shifted from just styling our hair to optimising its health. The new goal isn't necessarily an elaborate cut or colour, but hair that looks intrinsically good: thick, glossy, strong and, increasingly, long.

It's a shift Anabel Kingsley, Brand President and Consultant Trichologist at Philip Kingsley, has noticed too. “I think it’s now widely understood that your best head of hair is a healthy head of hair,” she says, pointing to a growing understanding of the importance of “looking after the hair fibre, minimising heat, using protective products and supporting new growth by looking after the scalp.”

Crucially, we're also getting better at understanding how to actually retain the length we grow. Kingsley believes some people who previously struggled to grow their hair because of breakage and lifestyle factors are beginning to realise longer hair can be achievable by taking a more holistic approach. “Embracing natural hair—waves, curls and coils—has also helped,” she says. “The less you manipulate your hair with heat and straighteners, the better it is for it and the less breakage you’ll experience, which in turn translates to length retention.”

But there is something bigger happening here, too. Hersheson sees our pursuit of healthier hair as part of a much wider shift in beauty. “Beauty generally has moved away from this idea of constantly transforming yourself and more towards making what you already have look really good,” he says. “With hair, the aspiration now is increasingly: how good can my hair actually be? Can it be thicker, shinier, healthier, stronger, in better condition?”

Long Hair as a Status Symbol

The wellnessification of hair makes sense when you look at what's happening across beauty as a whole. The 2010s were defined by transformation and quick fixes; the current landscape increasingly focuses on optimisation, longevity and enhancement. In aesthetics, the trend for obvious augmentation has waned in favour of regenerative treatments and skin boosters; in skincare, prevention and long-term skin health have become the ultimate goals. Long, lustrous hair feels like the follicular extension of the same concept: less about transforming what you have and more about seeing just how good you can make it.

But there's another reason I think long hair feels particularly aspirational right now: you can't buy it overnight. It belongs to a new breed of beauty status symbol. Glass skin, immaculate natural nails, thick waist-skimming hair: on the surface, there's something conspicuously understated about all of them. But achieving them can require months, if not years, of consistent investment. The luxury isn't necessarily what appears on the surface; it's having the time, money and resources to achieve it.

My decision to get a bob took approximately three seconds and by squeezing in a last-minute salon appointment on my way home, I achieved the transformation that same day. Growing it back has taken two years—and counting. It has required patience, maintenance and, crucially, time. And even with all the growth serums, scalp treatments and supplements money can buy, there's only so much you can do to speed the process up.

And perhaps that's what makes long hair feel so aspirational right now. “Really beautiful, thick, healthy long hair is actually quite difficult to fake,” says Hersheson. “It takes time and commitment, which almost makes it feel more luxurious.”

Lottie's Hair Growth Edit

We're all familiar with the benefits that targeted shampoos, hair masks, and heat protectants can do, but not many of us are maximising our haircare routine with pre-shampoo treatments. However, they are often the one step that your hair and scalp are desperately in need of.

If you've ever felt like your hair is still lacking something even after trying countless post-wash products, it's likely that you need to think more about what you're doing before shampooing—and how you're treating your scalp as well as your ends. Whether you're dealing with oiliness, dullness, frizz, or weak hair that needs strengthening, a pre-shampoo product could be for you.

Pre-shampoo treatments are anything you add to your hair before washing, rather than after, and can include hair growth serums, hair oils, spray conditioners, or even bond builders. Wet hair is much stretchier and more prone to breakage than dry hair, so applying products pre-wash helps protect and repair your hair in its strongest state.

As someone on a hair health journey and looking to get as much length as possible, these are the pre-shampoo treatments I swear by for noticeable results.

How We Test

The Marie Claire UK team takes product testing seriously, committed to delivering accurate, honest, and genuinely helpful reviews for our readers. For this piece, I've rounded up pre-shampoo products that I have used on my hair several times and have seen results from. I assessed texture, packaging, ease of use, how it feels on the scalp, and the all-important results after shampooing.

Best Pre-Shampoo Treatments

• Best for growth: Nature Spell, £9.99 at Amazon
• Best for repair: Olaplex No.3, £30.24 at Lookfantastic
• Best for strength: Rhute, £35 at Rhute
• Best for shine: Gisou, £22 at Sephora
• Best for scalp health: Olaplex No.0.5, £41 at Lookfantastic
• Best for oil reduction: Sam McKnight, £36 at Lookfantastic
• Best overnight treatment: Hair Syrup, £14.50 at Boots
• Best for blondes: She's Thick, £30 at She's Thick

Best for Growth: Nature Spell Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth With Root Comb Applicator

Nature Spell's rosemary oil is my most used pre-shampoo treatment, and it has almost certainly made a difference to my hair growth judging by the amount of friends that have marvelled at how long my hair has become recently. I apply mine using the handy dropper bottle anywhere from 20 minutes to the night before washing my hair, and despite the oil formula, it washes out easily with regular shampoo. As well as nourishing the scalp, my hair always looks and feels much silkier after washing with much less frizz to contend with.

Best for Repair: Olaplex No.3 Plus Complete Repair Treatment

Olaplex's hero product, No. 3, is the single haircare product I have never stopped using—I apply it once a week without fail, and you can tell how well-loved my pre-launch sample bottle is. The newly reformulated bond technology repairs damaged hair in just a few minutes when applied to wet, but not yet shampooed, hair. It replenishes moisture for increased softness, smoothness, and manageability, and reduces breakage and split ends to strengthen hair over time. If you have particularly damaged hair that needs more than just a heavy-duty conditioner, this pre-shampoo treatment will make the world of difference.

Best for Strength: Rhute Triple Density Complex

Unlike many scalp oils, this Rhute formula is applied from roots to ends to target hair density, shedding, breakage, overall strength. It's also much more lightweight than traditional hair oils, so it even works for fine hair that without leaving a residue. I love that this hybrid treatment offers both scalp care and strand nourishment in one, so you don't need to turn to different products for your scalp and ends. I'm also a huge fan of the subtly sweet scent that makes me look forward to applying it a few times a week. After several uses, my hair not only appears to be shedding less (a huge plus for me), but it's also softer and shinier.

Best for Shine: Gisou Honey Gloss Collagen Drops Hair Oil

I've been using these Gisou drops for months to tame dry hair, but I recently discovered that they can be used as a pre-shampoo treatment too. This works particularly well if you have dull but fine hair that doesn't agree with overly oily formulas, as this product is much more watery in nature and easy to wash out. Apply as many drops as your hair needs to your ends and leave for at least 30 minutes before washing out, and the hair looks much glossier and feels softer too.

Best for Scalp Health: Olaplex No. 0.5 Scalp Longevity Treatment

Poor scalp health can lead to increased hair shedding, dryness, and a wealth of other issues—so a scalp treatment can make the world of difference. I've been using the Olaplex Scalp Longevity Treatment for a while and I love that it's totally non-greasy, easy to apply, and its instant soothing powers that nourish the scalp's barrier. If you have a particularly dry or flaky scalp, this is for you. Although it can be applied post-shampoo too, I find that it works best applied the night before washing so it can really sink in and get to work. It isn't heavy or oily, so it's more than comfortable to sleep in. Plus, it means that my hair and scalp feel extra clean and nourished after shampooing.

Best for Oil Reduction: Hair by Sam McKnight Pure Genius 98% Natural Scalp Restoring Oil

It may sound counterintuitive to use an oil to combat greasiness, but that's exactly what this Sam McKnight pre-wash treatment does. It helps to refresh your scalp so your hair feels cleaner, softer, and more hydrated post-shampoo. Apply to dirty hair, massage into the scalp, and leave for a minimum of ten minutes whilst it gets to work. The formula helps to lift build-up on your roots so your hair feels cleaner, but it also locks in moisture so your scalp won't produce excess oil to rehydrate after washing.

Best Overnight Treatment: Hair Syrup Pre-Wash Hair Oil Rapunzel

If you're after a heavy-duty treatment you can leave to sink in overnight, Hair Syrup gets my vote. It's designed for dull and stubborn hair that struggles to grow, saturating it with nourishing ingredients to moisturise from root to end. It does have a heavier feel due to the oil formula, but it still washes out easily with shampoo. I apply it all over my dry hair the night before washing, and it not only makes my hair much easier to manage the next day, but it makes it significantly softer and glossier too.

Best for Blondes: She's Thick Hair Growth & Repair Oil for Blondes

If you bleach your hair, you know just how brittle and dull it can get. This pre-wash treatment is designed with blondes in mind, strengthening and conditioning whilst protecting colour—and making hair feel thicker and look shinier. It has a lovely minty scent that revitalises the scalp, and it has a moisturising oily texture that isn't too heavy. It's another one that washes out easily in the shower, and it can be used from roots to ends on dry hair and left on for as long as you like.

What does it take for a beauty product to survive a marathon, a three-set tennis match or several hours competing beneath stadium lights?

The least interesting thing about the world’s most talented female athletes is what sits inside their make-up bags. Their strength, skill and extraordinary careers are, quite obviously, the story. Still, in the name of rigorous beauty journalism, we do need to know which setting spray they are using.

Because while most of us judge a long-wear product by whether it survives a crowded commute or an overheated office, elite athletes subject theirs to an altogether more convincing stress test. Their skincare, make-up and hair products need to withstand sweat, rain, humidity, sun exposure, international travel and long days of training and competition - without stinging their eyes, clogging their skin or requiring constant touch-ups.

So, I asked world-renowned athletes across a range of sports to share the formulas they genuinely rely on. From mascaras that stay put through perspiration and SPF that will not run into the eyes, to recovery skincare, slicked-back hair essentials and the beauty hacks picked up over years of competing, these are the products that have earned their place in some of sport’s hardest-working kit bags.

Keep reading to find out which athlete-approved beauty tricks are worth borrowing, whether you are heading towards a finish line or simply trying to make your make-up last through a hot day.

Ahead, the world's elite female athletes' tried-and-tested beauty products...

This article is part of our 2026 Women in Sport special. For the full cover interview with Lioness Chloe Kelly, click here.

Morgan Lake - Team GB high jumper

Three-time Olympian Morgan Lake has spent more than a decade competing at the highest level of international athletics. The British high-jump record-holder became the first British woman since 1992 to reach an Olympic high-jump final at Rio 2016, before representing Team GB again at Tokyo and Paris. With outdoor competitions often involving hours of sun exposure, repeated warm-ups and the pressure of staying focused between jumps, Lake relies on lightweight products that protect her skin without feeling heavy or restrictive.

Makeup: Lake’s competition essentials include Glossier Futuredew for a luminous base, L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Mascara, REFY Brow Sculpt and REFY Cream Blush.

Skincare: “When I’m training or competing outside in the sun for hours, a good SPF is a must,” she says.. After training, she uses Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel, followed by Dr.Jart+ toner and moisturiser.

Hair: Lake’s training staple is Umberto Giannini Slick Back Styling Gel, which she uses for her signature bun or ponytail. Enriched with rosemary and castor oil, it is “the first slick-back gel I’ve found that protects my hair” without leaving it overly stiff. After wearing braids, she removes product build-up with Cécred Clarifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub, followed by an Aveda conditioner.

Best beauty hack: "Spraying makeup fixing spray on my slick back hair helps it stay in for longer."

Holly Aitchinson - England Rugby Union Player

England fly-half Holly Aitchison is a key playmaker for the Red Roses, known for her composure, precision and versatility across the backline. With long training days, high-intensity matches and unpredictable weather conditions, Aitchison relies on a beauty routine that works as hard as she does.

Makeup: Her full game-day base includes Clarins Double Serum Foundation, Kosas Concealer and Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream. She layers Rhode Pocket Blush beneath YSL Make Me Blush for extra staying power, while REFY Lip Sculpt in Rosewood and ILIA Lip Sketch Hydrating Crayon in Overglaze add colour. For brows, she uses Maybelline Brow Ultra Slim Defining Pencil followed by L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24H Brow Lamination Gel. Waterproof Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara completes the look, before Urban Decay All Nighter Vitamin C Setting Spray - “This is the key,” she says.

Skincare: Hydration is essential for Aitchison, who always prepares her skin with Neutrogena Hydro Boost moisturiser. After a match, she reaches for The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser to remove “dirt, mud, sweat” and every trace of make-up, before reapplying Hydro Boost. “It is instant,” she says. “I adore it.”

Hair: On match mornings, Aitchison creates a slicked-back bubble ponytail using got2b hairspray and a slick stick. She even coordinates the hair ties with her kit, or, when she is less fond of the colour, with her boots instead.

Best beauty hack: Take it from Aitchison, Fenty Beauty Soft'Lit Naturally Luminous Longwear Foundation "does not move”. As for makeup, she says: :If you want it to stay, the base is as important, so for me as a super dry girlie, I’m layering the moisturiser and the vitamin C in my setting spray is key for me. If I want it to last, I top with a powder, but with a light hand."

Eilish McColgan, Team GB long-distance runner

Four-time Olympian Eilish McColgan is accustomed to training and competing in conditions that place both her body and beauty routine under considerable pressure. From altitude camps in France to long runs in Dubai’s heat, the Commonwealth 10,000m champion needs products that remain effective through hours outdoors without adding unnecessary fuss to an already demanding schedule.

Make-up: On race day, McColgan relies on e.l.f. Power Grip Primer and e.l.f. Brown Laminating Gel, followed by Rimmel London Scandal’Eyes Exaggerate Liquid Eyeliner and Sephora Cream Lip Stain. “None of them seems to budge, no matter how hot or sweaty things get,” she says. She finishes with Carex SPF lip balm, adding that protecting her skin is “just as important as looking after the rest of my body”.

Skincare: Pelotan SPF30 is her outdoor-training non-negotiable. “It has never let me down, even during long runs in extreme heat,” she says, while the brand’s aftersun helps soothe her skin afterwards. For post-race recovery, she uses Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask before bed and Neom Perfect Night’s Sleep Mist to unwind. McColgan, who is a Revive Active ambassador, also incorporates its Joint Complex supplement into her broader recovery routine to support her joints and muscles after the repetitive impact of running.

Hair: Because she trains daily—and sometimes twice a day—Batiste Dry Shampoo helps McColgan avoid washing her hair after every session.

Best beauty hack: "I love wearing Mylee Gel Nail Wraps on race day. I collaborated with them to create my own tartan design - I love having a bit of home with me wherever I am in the world."

Chantelle Cameron - Professional Boxer

Professional boxer Chantelle Cameron is one of Britain’s most accomplished fighters, having made history as the undisputed super-lightweight world champion and successfully defending her titles on the global stage. A demanding training schedule means her beauty routine has to work just as hard as she does. So, what's in her kit?

Makeup: Cameron uses Maybelline Grippy Serum primer beneath Max Factor Facefinity foundation. “It keeps my make-up in place even through long days and plenty of movement,” she says, adding that she prefers a natural finish that “lasts all day without feeling heavy” or clogging her pores.

Skincare: Her biggest non-negotiable is Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV Over Makeup Mist SPF50+. “Whether I’m training outdoors or travelling for fights, SPF is non-negotiable,” she says. She particularly rates the lightweight texture and the fact it “doesn’t sting my eyes when I sweat”.

Hair: Cameron uses Batiste dry shampoo to refresh her roots between training sessions.

Best beauty hack: "One of the biggest lessons I've learnt is that great skin starts with preparation, not covering things up. If your skin is well hydrated and you've applied your skincare in thin, well-absorbed layers, before using primer, your make-up will hold up much better under heat and sweat than if you pile on extra products."

Lucy Procter, Elite HYROX competitor

Red Bull athlete Lucy Procter recently secured silver alongside Sinéad Bent at the HYROX Elite Doubles World Championships in Stockholm, less than 24 hours after competing in the Elite 15 Singles final. Her competition-day beauty routine is deliberately light, but still leaves room for plenty of sparkle.

Make-up: Procter begins with bareMinerals tinted moisturiser and Clinique powder, avoiding anything heavy that might feel uncomfortable while racing. Her “absolute holy grail” is Benefit BADgal BANG! Waterproof Mascara. “I’ve been using it for years and it does not budge,” she says. Benefit High Beam adds a bright, luminous finish, while a touch of hair glitter helps her “smile and sparkle” on the competition floor.

Skincare: After racing, she reaches for Garnier Micellar Water with Oil to remove make-up and sweat “quickly and easily”. She follows it with Malin + Goetz shower gel and its Peppermint Shampoo to leave her hair and skin feeling fresh.

Hair: got2b Glued Hairspray keeps Procter’s favourite race-day hairstyle firmly in place. She says the hold can last for two or even three consecutive competition days when needed.

Best beauty tip: "Invest in a genuinely waterproof mascara," she says. Procter is frequently asked how hers stays intact throughout competition, and her answer is always Benefit BADgal BANG!: “It absolutely doesn’t move.”

Molly Caudery, Team GB pole vaulter

Team GB pole vaulter and Red Bull athlete Molly Caudery is used to competitions lasting more than four hours. The two-time world indoor champion and British record-holder treats her full competition-day make-up as part of her preparation, subscribing firmly to the idea that when she looks good, she feels good.

Make-up: Caudery’s trusted trio is Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder and Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray. “I can be wearing my make-up for 12-plus hours, sweating all day, and still feel like it looks just as good at the end of the night,” she says. She applies the setting spray both before and after her make-up, and subtly coordinates her eyeshadow and hairbands with her competition kit.

Skincare: SPF50 is her everyday non-negotiable and always sits beneath her make-up. Afterwards, Caudery double-cleanses with CeraVe Foaming Cleanser to remove every trace of make-up, sweat and sunscreen, before applying a Dermalogica moisturiser morning and night.

Hair: Her signature pigtails are quick, secure and have become part of her recognisable competition look. Once home, she immediately washes out the hairspray and styling product with either Olaplex or Kérastase haircare.

Best beauty hack: Caudery layers setting spray between stages of her make-up rather than reserving it for the end. She also recommends blending foundation for far longer than feels necessary: “Even when you think it’s fully blended, keep blending.”

Jazmin Sawyers - Team GB long jumper

Two-time Olympian Jazmin Sawyers is one of Britain’s most accomplished long jumpers. She won European Championship silver in 2016 before claiming her first major senior title at the 2023 European Indoor Championships, where she produced a British-record seven-metre jump to take gold. For an athlete whose competition days involve speed, sweat, and sunshine, getting ready is more than cosmetic. Sawyers calls it “the warm-up for the warm-up”, a carefully timed ritual involving music, make-up and a pre-competition double espresso.

Make-up: “It doesn’t matter how much sand or sweat my face gets covered in, my brows still look good,” she says of REFY Brow Sculpt. On competition days, she wears Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Foundation, Fenty Skin Hydrating + Strengthening Lip Oil and The Body Shop Sheer Touch Lip and Cheek Tint, often adding colourful mascara or Kaleidos eyeliner to match her kit.

Skincare: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen is her active-day SPF of choice because of its weightless texture, while Olay Regenerist Whip and Pat McGrath Divine Skin: Rose 001 The Essence prep her complexion. After training, she double-cleanses with CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser and Hydrating Cleanser, before applying La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume when her skin needs extra support.

Hair: Sawyers uses KeraCare Styling Wax Stick to smooth ponytails, buns and edges. After years of colouring and restyling her curls, she now relies on Fenty Hair The Comeback Kid Bond Builder, which she credits with helping her retain length and achieve healthier curls.

Best beauty hack: "The Pat McGrath Divine Skin Rose 001 Essense is my unexpected champion. With or without makeup, you only need a few drops, so it lasts for an eternity, but it somehow always keeps me on the right side of the glowy vs sweaty line, and even at full exertion my skin looks great when I’m wearing this!"

Sadia Kabeya MBE - England Rugby Union Player

England flanker Sadia Kabeya MBE has established herself as one of the leading players in women’s rugby. Still only in her early twenties, she has already won four Six Nations titles, represented England at two World Cups and played an important role in the Red Roses’ victorious 2025 campaign. On match day, her beauty routine is similarly performance-focused.

Make-up: Kabeya pairs MAC Studio Radiance Moisturizing + Illuminating Silky Primer with ONE/SIZE On ’Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray to create “a base and finish that keep my make-up on through games and training”. She completes her long-wear routine with the Fyne Strokes Brow Pen, which keeps her eyebrows “slick all day”.

Skincare: After training, Kabeya reaches for Clinique All About Clean 2-in-1 Cleansing + Exfoliating Jelly.

Hair: Before a game, Kabeya lays her edges with Kaniz Wonder Edge Citrus, followed by Cantu Shea Butter Wave Whip Curling Mousse. She sets everything beneath a headscarf to achieve a freshly styled finish that lasts.

Best beauty hack: "The best beauty hack I’ve learnt as a girl with curly hair is to wear my satin lined scrum cap by Gilbert, to keep my hair protected, neat and moisturised during a rugby game. Saves me and hassle later!"

The Athlete-Approved Rules of Long-Wear Beauty Products We're Taking Note Of

1. SPF is the most important

It is no surprise that SPF emerged as a non-negotiable for so many of the athletes. When training outdoors for hours, sun protection matters, but so does finding a formula that remains comfortable once heat and sweat enter the equation.

“Daily SPF is non-negotiable, but texture matters,” says MUA Chaliya. “Lightweight mineral or hybrid formulas often sit beautifully under make-up because they absorb excess shine and are less likely to feel heavy in hot weather.”

Dr Memee Ahmad of SkinCouture Clinic also emphasises the importance of choosing the right products. She recommends layering lightweight hydration underneath SPF, explaining that “heat and sweat increase water loss through the day”, and that keeping skin balanced can help sunscreen sit more comfortably and perform better during exercise. Noted.

2. A setting spray is non-negotiable

Setting spray emerged as another competition-day essential, with several athletes relying on it to keep makeup intact through heat, sweat and long hours. “A good setting spray isn’t just for weddings or special occasions,” says Chaliya. “If you’re commuting, travelling or spending time outdoors, it can significantly extend the wear of your makeup.” Rather than simply sealing everything beneath a rigid layer, she explains, it helps “all the layers work together”.

Application still matters, however: Chaliya recommends a hydrated base and thin layers, as “lighter layers almost always outperform heavy coverage” when temperatures rise.

3. Waterproof and tubing formulas last longer

It makes sense that waterproof mascara, eyeliner and strong-hold brow products appeared repeatedly in the athletes’ competition kits. These formulas are designed to cope with the moisture that causes traditional make-up to smudge, flake or run. “Waterproof mascara and eyeliner are always worth choosing, as they’ll withstand heat, humidity and perspiration far better than regular formulas,” adds MUA and Waldor Clinic manager Hedi Rad.

Tubing mascara works slightly differently, but still worth adding to your makeup kit if you're particularly active. “Tubing mascaras wrap each lash in tiny water-resistant polymers rather than relying on waxes alone,” explains MUA artist Chaliya, helping them resist sweat and watery eyes while still removing easily with warm water.

The scalp was once regarded as a niche, unsexy corner of the haircare discussion—but in 2026, it is the conversation. As we know, each strand comes from a living follicle on the scalp, meaning that its condition can affect everything from growth, shedding and lustre. So, in tandem with the “skinitification” trend of hair, a booming market around scalp health has emerged. There have never been so many products addressing everything from thinning to density—two key issues that take root at the scalp.

But one area that is crucially neglected is the sun, the effect it has on our scalps, and hence everything that grows from it. “People often forget that the scalp is skin, and because it's covered by hair it's very much ‘out of sight, out of mind’,” Dr Sharon Wong, consultant dermatologist and hair specialist, explains. “However, the scalp is one of the most sun-exposed areas of the body and often doesn't receive the same attention as the face when it comes to sun protection.”

How Sun Exposure Affects the Hair

When exposed to the sun, UV radiation breaks down the proteins and lips that give hair its strength and structure, making it weaker, drier, more brittle and prone to breakage, the expert states. It also affects hair pigment, meaning natural hair can become lighter over the summer, while coloured or dyed hair tends to fade more quickly. In short, while we have collectively improved at applying facial sunscreen, it’s important to remember that our scalps are exposed to the same exact environmental stressors.

In fact, it’s critical, Dr Simon Jackson, Scientific Ambassador of Davines, comments. “Unlike skin, hair cannot repair itself once it has been damaged. Sun exposure also generates free radicals that contribute to oxidative stress, and this all compounds when you factor in salt water, chlorine and prolonged heat.”

Can the Sun Accelerate Scalp Ageing?

We have to factor in age here, too. As we get older, our scalps start to change: there’s collagen and elastin loss, reduced blood supply, increased inflammation, altered cell signalling, and declining stem cell activity, meaning that our follicles don’t function as well as they used to. This contributes to reduced and poorer hair growth.

“The scalp actually shows signs of ageing faster than many other areas of the body,” adds Dr Aamna Adel, consultant dermatologist and the founder of rhute. “Unlike facial skin, the scalp has relatively little subcutaneous fat, is constantly exposed to environmental stressors and receives cumulative UV damage over decades.” So, as the hair thins, and is more exposed in areas like the parting, the scalp becomes even more vulnerable.

The Skin Cancer Risk

Indeed, per Dr Wong, the head and neck are the most common sites for UV-related skin cancers. And while scalp melanomas, or cancerous moles, account for only six to seven per cent of all melanomas, they are associated with significantly poorer survival rates than others elsewhere on the body. This is in part because they’re detected later, as they are often hidden by hair.

“Repeated sunburn isn't just uncomfortable; it increases the risk of actinic damage and skin cancers over time," adds Dr Adel. "Over many years, that cumulative UV exposure increases the risk of developing precancerous changes such as actinic keratoses, which can progress to squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated." She notes that this can be worse amongst those who have thinning hair or age-related hair loss.

How to Protect Your Hair in the Sun

All experts conclude that the most effective way to protect your scalp is by seeking both physical and topical protection. But first things first: “A wide-brimmed hat or tightly woven cap provides far more reliable UV protection than relying on your hair alone,” states Dr Adel, “Particularly if you have a visible parting, finer hair or areas of thinning. Hair offers some protection, but it shouldn't be considered a substitute for sun protection.”

If your scalp is exposed, or wearing a hat isn’t practical, apply sunscreen along the parting, hairline and any areas where the scalp is visible. And as with any sunscreen, it needs to be reapplied if you’re spending prolonged periods outside, especially when sweating or swimming.

Dr Jackson helped develop Davines’ new SU range with this in mind; to care for the hair before, during and after sun exposure. “At the heart of the range is Bitter Orange (Citrus aurantium) Peel Extract. Naturally rich in antioxidant flavonoids, the extract helps protect the hair fibre against UV-induced oxidative stress while supporting softness and shine,” he says.

When it comes to the hair itself, Dr Adel adds that UV protective leave-in sprays or conditioners can help reduce related damage and colour fade. “If you're swimming, wetting the hair with fresh water beforehand and applying a leave-in conditioner or a nourishing pre-wash treatment, such as the rhute’s Triple Density Complex Pre-Wash Hair Oil, can help reduce how much chlorinated or salt water the hair absorbs, before you rinse thoroughly afterwards.” As ever, looking after both the scalp and the hair fibre gives the best long-term results.

Few haircuts have achieved first-name status.‘The Rachel’ arrived in the early seasons of Friends, when Rachel Green’s shoulder-skimming explosion of layers became almost as famous as the character herself—and launched a thousand salon appointments in the process. Even today, the millennial style continues to inspire fresh interpretations—the latest being Gigi Hadid’s glossy, swishy reinterpretation. Her longer layers, sweeping face-framing sections, and softly curved ends retain the bounce that made the original so appealing, minus the ’90s cosplay. As her hairstylist, Dimitris Giannetos put it on his Instagram post, “I wanted to create the updated version of the C-cut, giving Gigi some Love Layers (aka heart shape layers)!” So how can we recreate this new take on a classic? I asked leading hairdressers Samantha Cusick and Jay Birmingham to explain how to wear the style now.

The 'Modern Rachel'

While the original relied on short, visible layers and a bouncy, rounded blow-dry, the new interpretation is altogether subtler. “The modern Rachel is all about softer glamour,” explains celebrity hairdresser Jay Birmingham. “The original was built around short, choppy layers and lots of volume, whereas today’s version is sleeker, longer and much more wearable. The layers are more blended, the movement is softer, and the finish is glossy rather than fluffy.”

That distinction is what makes the revival feel fresh. Rather than reproducing Jennifer Aniston’s haircut section by section, the aim is to capture its buoyant, face-framing effect. “It’s less about recreating a ’90s hairstyle and more about capturing that effortless bounce and healthy-looking shine,” says Birmingham.

Cusick believes the resurgence also reflects our renewed appetite for ’90s beauty, along with a broader shift towards haircuts that create movement. “We’re obsessed with volume, with movement, with that lived-in layered quality that looks effortless but is actually really considered,” she says. “The original Rachel had all of those things; it was just styled in a more structured, high-maintenance way for the time.”

What to Ask for at the Salon

The words ‘The Rachel’ may conjure a very specific image, so arriving armed with a reference to the longer, contemporary version is sensible. The most important point to communicate is that you want movement while preserving weight and fullness through the ends. “I’d ask for long, seamless layers that create movement without taking away too much weight,” advises Birmingham. “Soft face-framing pieces around the cheekbones or jawline will open up the face while keeping the overall look elegant and modern.” The layering should blend into the haircut rather than create obvious steps. “The beauty of this cut is that it should move naturally, so the layering needs to feel invisible rather than obvious,” he adds.

“The OG version was very much built for thicker, straighter hair, where you could get that signature volume and flick”, explains Cusick. “The 2026 version works with so many more hair types because the layering technique has evolved significantly.” That’s why the modern Rachel can be adapted to a much broader range of hair types than its predecessor. Layers remove bulk and encourage movement in thick hair, while naturally wavy textures lend themselves particularly well to the softer, undone finish.

Fine hair requires a more restrained approach. Too many layers can leave the ends looking sparse, so maintaining density is more important than chasing dramatic volume. This also makes the cut a compelling option for midlife hair that has become finer, drier or less dense.

“This style is actually brilliant for midlife hair because it creates the illusion of movement and fullness without relying on lots of short layers,” says Birmingham. “I’d recommend keeping the layers longer and softer to maintain density through the ends, while using styling techniques to build lift around the crown.”

Cusick agrees that precision matters: “On finer hair, you do need a skilled hand because you want to add layers that create movement without removing too much weight, but when it’s done right, it’s incredible.” Very curly hair can also carry the shape, although its layers must be positioned with shrinkage in mind. A stylist experienced in cutting curls will be best placed to tailor the look.

How to Create The Modern Rachel

The secret to Gigi’s finish lies in balancing root lift with smooth, glossy lengths. Begin with heat protectant (my go-to is always Moroccanoil Perfect Defence, £28, then work in small sections, directing the hair away from the face. Allowing each section to cool before touching it helps the shape last longer. “My biggest tip is to style the hair away from the face, then let each section cool before brushing it through gently with your fingers,” says Birmingham. “That gives you soft movement rather than overly defined curls.”

A blow-dry brush or air styler will create the initial lift, but a straightener can be used to refine the shape, bend the face-framing sections and smooth the ends. I used the new ghd Sculpt Styler, £369, which promotes shine and discourages frizz thanks to its fancy Heat-adapt technology. I have layers but usually they just blend in, this allowed me to add intentional cool-girl kinks through the front sections and mid-lengths. “That face-framing quality that made the original so iconic is still completely there, but it's softer, more undone, as Cusick says, “more like your hair just fell that way rather than something you carefully constructed. You’re not trying to recreate that very polished ’90s flick; you’re taking the spirit of it and making it feel like 2026,” she explains. I’ve recently discovered Cécred's Heat Activated Silk Glaze, £32, and it's a game-changer for creating a glass-like finish and almost locking in the style you’ve created. I’ve been using JVN Hair Perfect FlexHold Strengthening Flexible Hairspray, £27, to give hair extra gravitas and keep tufty flyaways in check. If the ends of my hair are starting to look a little worse for wear, Virtue’s Healing Oil, £44, is a godsend at keeping flicks looking the chef’s kiss.

The main pitfalls are over-layering, excessive teasing and ends that have been curled too deliberately. As Birmingham puts it: “Today’s version is all about healthy-looking hair with effortless bounce and natural movement.”

Since writing this article, I have found myself wearing this new version of The Rachel more and more. With its flattering face-framing pieces, fullness-enhancing layers and glossy finish, it simply looks like very good hair. It doesn’t feel like a retro haircut enjoying a brief revival; it feels current, wearable and actually, really easy to achieve, and suitable for everyone.

Your Modern Rachel Essentials

When the temperature rises, so does our hair. Ponytails, slicked-back buns and polished knots are summer’s chicest form of heat management—keeping lengths off sticky necks while making even the most thrown-together outfit look intentional. Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Ariana Grande love a slicked-back ‘do, and Kate Middleton opted for a sporty ponytail at this year’s Wimbledon.

The only catch? Wearing your hair pulled back on repeat, particularly when it’s secured too tightly, can put stress on both strands and scalp, causing that all-too-familiar dull, tight-band headache creeping in by mid-afternoon. From tension headaches and split ends to tension-related hair loss, your sleek summer updo may be doing more damage than you realise. Here, the experts reveal the mistakes worth avoiding—and how to keep your hair up without the pounding head that comes with it.

So, can a tight ponytail really cause a headache?

First, the reassuring news: wearing a slicked-back ponytail or bun occasionally is unlikely to leave you with more than mild, short-lived discomfort. The tension is real, though—when hair is pulled tightly at the root, it can trigger what's sometimes called a "ponytail headache," a dull, tight sensation caused by strain on the scalp's nerve endings. When this tension is happening for prolonged periods, a slicked-back ponytail is your everyday go-to style, and it can cause more lasting damage.

The keywords here are repeated and prolonged. According to Cos Sakkas, global creative director at TONI&GUY, regularly pulling hair into a tight ponytail or top knot places pressure on the roots and can, over time, create tension—particularly around the temples, where that headache-like sensation is often felt. "The real issue isn't the occasional sleek style," agrees Proctor. "It's wearing your hair tightly in the same position every day without giving your scalp a break."

Jade Proctor, co-owner, senior director and colour specialist at Scullion & Scot, agrees: "Traction alopecia is a medically recognised form of hair loss caused by repeated, prolonged tension on the hair follicles over months or years—not by wearing a sleek ponytail for a special occasion or now and then."

In other words, there's no need to retire the slicked-back bun entirely. The way you wear it—and how often—is what matters.

Know when your hair is asking for a break

A snatched ponytail might look immaculate, but it shouldn’t feel uncomfortable. Itching, tenderness or redness around the hairline can all indicate that a style is placing too much strain on the follicles. Look closely at the temples, too: short, snapped strands can easily be mistaken for new growth.

“If your ponytail is giving you a headache at the end of the day, it’s a sign it’s too tight,” says Proctor. Sakkas agrees that a hairstyle should never make the hairline hurt or visibly pull at the skin. That familiar soreness when you finally take your hair down? It’s often a sign that the weight has been concentrated in one place for too long. If you notice discomfort, don’t try to push through it in the name of a cleaner finish. Take the style down, loosen it or wear your hair loose for a few days. Sleek should feel secure, not punishing.

Switch up your style—and spread the load

Wearing your ponytail at exactly the same height each day repeatedly pulls on the same areas, so a little variation can make a meaningful difference. Alternate a high ponytail with a low one at the nape, swap a sculpted bun for a softer knot and build loose or textured styles into the rotation. For thick or heavy hair, Sakkas recommends dividing the ponytail into two sections—one above the other—to distribute its weight more evenly. The technique can help alleviate pressure at the base while creating a fuller, more dimensional-looking tail.

And resist the urge to pull your hair tighter each time a flyaway appears. “Sleek doesn’t have to mean the tightest,” says Proctor. “The best-looking styles always come from healthy, conditioned hair and using the right tools and styling products.” A smoothing cream or leave-in treatment can create polish before the hair is secured, while hairspray and shine mist will deal with flyaways and add that expensive, glassy finish. Unless you deliberately want a hard, fixed effect, Sakkas suggests stepping away from heavy gel and letting a smoothing formula do the work instead.

Be smarter about brushes, bobbles and bedtime

The smallest details can make the biggest difference in breakage. Worn-out bobbles create friction and uneven tension, so replace them once they become stretched, rough or damaged. Avoid ordinary rubber bands entirely; soft, snag-free elastics, satin scrunchies and hook elastics are gentler alternatives.

Your brush matters, too. Proctor recommends choosing a good-quality brush that glides through the hair without catching, while Sakkas advises using a comb rather than a brush on wet hair. Hair is more vulnerable when wet, making it easier for bristles to snag, stretch and snap the strands.

Finally, however flawless your bun still looks at bedtime, take it down. “Always give your hair and scalp a chance to relax overnight,” says Proctor. Sleeping in a tight style adds pillow friction to an already stressed hairline. If you need to tie your hair back at night, Sakkas recommends a loose satin scrunchie and a silk or satin pillowcase.

The happy updo shopping list

There’s one question I’m asked more than almost any other: Why does my hair never look as good as it does when I leave the salon? The answer isn’t because your hairdresser has a magic pair of hands. It’s because we’re thinking about the process, not just the finished result. A great blow-dry begins long before you pick up a hairdryer.

The truth is, whether I’m in the salon, backstage at Fashion Week, or styling someone for a red-carpet event, my priority is always the same: healthy hair. Hair that is well cared for has better elasticity, more movement and responds far better to styling. One of the biggest misconceptions I hear daily is that styling products damage hair. On the contrary, when used correctly, they actually protect the hair, improve longevity and allow you to use less heat.

With that in mind, here's how to recreate a salon blow-dry at home, every time.

Start with the scalp

The best blow-dries begin with a really clean scalp. Many people focus on washing the lengths but neglect the roots. Product buildup, excess oil, and pollution all affect how hair behaves. A clean scalp creates lift from the root, meaning your blow-dry lasts longer before falling flat.

I also encourage introducing a regular scalp scrub into your routine to remove buildup and create the perfect foundation for styling. Healthy hair always starts with a healthy scalp.

Preparation is everything

The salon difference is rarely what happens at the end—it’s what happens at the beginning. Always remove as much moisture as possible before you even think about styling. Hair should be around 80% dry before introducing a brush.

Next comes product layering. You don’t need lots of products—you simply need the right ones. I always think in four stages: protection, performance, polish and preservation. I love K18 HeatBounce because it protects the hair from heat without weighing it down. For volume and grip, L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Pli has been a staple in my kit for years. If your hair needs softness, hydration or frizz control, ARKIVE The Good Calmer Moisture Cream creates beautiful movement while keeping the hair touchable. Once the blow-dry is complete, finish with ARKIVE The Good Habit Hybrid Oil to smooth the cuticle, add shine and help protect against humidity.

The importance of patience

One of the biggest differences between salon and home styling is patience. Hairdressers work in clean, manageable sections. Trying to dry too much hair at once simply moves moisture around the head rather than removing it. Smaller sections create smoother cuticles, better control and a blow-dry that lasts significantly longer.

Heat isn't the (only) answer

One of the biggest myths in hairdressing is that hotter always means better. In reality, excessive heat can compromise the hair's condition, roughening the cuticle and making it harder for your style to hold over time. Instead, opt for a medium heat setting paired with consistent tension as you dry. It's far kinder to the hair, delivers a smoother finish with more shine, and helps your blow-dry maintain its shape for much longer.

Never skip the cooling stage

This is probably the biggest salon secret of all. Hair doesn't hold its shape because it was heated—it holds its shape because it cooled in position. Whether you're using a round brush, a hot brush or rollers, resist the temptation to touch your hair too soon and let each section cool completely before moving on. That cooling process is what locks in the shape, giving you longer-lasting volume, bounce and movement.

I absolutely love Unity Rollers because they're a modern take on a timeless classic. They're incredibly easy to use and create soft movement, body and lift that lasts for days rather than just a few hours, making them one of the simplest ways to extend the life of your blow-dry.

Hot weather doesn't have to ruin your blow dry

Humidity isn’t your enemy—poor preparation is. Before leaving the house, make sure the hair is completely dry. Any remaining moisture allows humidity to enter the hair shaft, creating frizz and reducing longevity.

Avoid constantly touching your hair throughout the day, too. Hands transfer moisture and natural oils much faster than most people realise. A lightweight finishing oil and a quick refresh with a brush are often all you need.

The tools I swear by

Great styling starts with great tools. My essentials are the Diva Pro Styling Atmos Dryer for fast, controlled drying and beautiful shine; a quality round or vent brush suited to your hair length; sectioning clips; a medium-tooth comb for even product distribution; and Unity Rollers to lock in volume and movement while the hair cools.

Professional tools don’t do the work for you—but they certainly make achieving salon-quality results much easier.

Luke Hersheson is undoubtedly one of the most esteemed names in British hairdressing. As CEO of Hershesons—the salon group that has shaped the way we think about hair for the better part of three decades—he has spent his career at the intersection of editorial, celebrity, and culture, with a client list most hairdressers could only dream of and an eye for the next it-girl haircut that has proved, time and again, to be about six months ahead of the curve.

The first salon he worked in, however, wasn't his own. It was his father Daniel's, on the King's Road in the 1980s—a place he was taken to every Saturday as a child, but rather than bored, he was inspired. "I was surrounded by loads of punks and mods," he says. "There were all these different kinds of tribes and looks that were like fascinating to me."

His father, far from grooming him for the industry, actively put obstacles in his way. He wanted to make sure Luke came to it for the right reasons—and it worked. When Luke eventually found his way to hairdressing, it was on his own terms, armed with a cultural curiosity that's never left him. Decades later, he has a client list that includes Victoria Beckham, Kylie Minogue, Keira Knightley, and Dua Lipa, and a salon empire that has rewritten the rules of what a hair appointment can look like. Here, he reflects on the cuts, the clients, and everything in between.

The shoot that changed everything

Luke had been working steadily—Sunday papers, a few pages for The Face, some i-D—when a booking came in that would change the shape of his career entirely. A shoot with renowned photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, featuring supermodel Gisele Bündchen and a then-unknown Charlotte Tilbury on makeup. "That was my first break," he says simply. "It catapulted me to really understand what great models and great photographers were, and how it made everything look better."

He's candid about how insecure he felt on set. "I had huge imposter syndrome. I got thrown into it at a very young age." The experience functioned less like a launch and more like an apprenticeship—a crash course in high-level creative collaboration. "I was just trying to be a sponge and soak up as much as possible. All their references, all their ideas. If I had the confidence then that I have now, it would have been amazing. But that's what time gives you."

Soon after, Luke booked his first shoot with photographer David Sims, which required him to cut a model's hair off—a model who didn't particularly want it to be cut. "It was kind of emotional," he says. "There was a huge responsibility. But the resulting images were extraordinary."

What the experience really taught him was about the importance of composure. "It was all about confidence. You need a bit of swagger, a bit of arrogance—but you also need to know your stuff." And when it comes to creative direction, he's developed a philosophy he still stands by today: never say no. "The worst that can happen is it doesn't work. But if you show willing, people want to collaborate with you. They want you on set."

The Body Language era

Kylie Minogue's Body Language era—i.e. latex bodysuits and caramel waves—remains one of the most referenced aesthetic moments of the early 2000s. Luke worked closely with her stylist William Baker to design the look from scratch. "We designed it around Bardot hair," he says, "and I suppose that was before that thing even became what it became—really before that hair look became synonymous with the next couple of decades."

For Luke, the lesson wasn't just about iconography. It was about the gap between editorial trend cycles and how change actually moves. "When you look at macro trends in the salon or on the street, they evolve much slower than you think—over a few years, not every season."

The bob that broke the internet

In 2015, Luke cut Victoria Beckham's hair into what became one of the most copied haircuts of the decade. "Bobs were just coming in," he says. "We were coming out of this moment of long hair." He'd cut Sienna Miller's bob not long before, and Alexa Chung had been rocking hers for years. But when Beckham went for the chop, something really resonated.

"It was a moment of minimalism and effortlessness—you can have a great haircut and look like you don't need to style it." The collaboration itself was very much two-way. "I think I came up with the 'why don't we chop it off?' And she was up for it, strangely. One of those magic moments." He's equally clear about what makes Beckham such a singular client: "She has a very strong sensibility of what she likes and what she doesn't like. That's what makes her brilliant."

Long-term relationships, he says, are where the best work happens. "There's a trust that's magical. The fear of trying things out doesn't exist. I think that's when you do your best work."

The blow-dry bar boom

The early-to-mid 2000s congestion charge hit London's salons hard. Footfall dropped, and appointments slowly declined. And out of that pressure came something that would redefine the salon experience for the next generation. Daniel Hersheson came up with the concept of a blow-dry bar inside Topshop; Luke designed the menu—and together, they spotted the gap nobody else had seen. "Going for a blow dry in most salons meant a round brush blow dry, and everyone looked the same. Whereas we knew people wanted a beach wave, or a great messy updo, or a braid."

It was an immediate hit. "Everyone was like, 'Oh my god, why didn't we think of that?'" The ripple effect across the industry was tangible—hair menus became standard, and salons were suddenly expected to offer a variety of finishes and styles. "People demanded more from a hairdresser. It wasn't just a bouncy blow-dry anymore."

Dua, YSL, and the wig no one knew was a wig

More recently, Luke worked on a global YSL campaign with Dua Lipa—an experience that proved to be a different creative context entirely—more of a collaborative machine than a single person's vision. "There are so many ad agencies and creative directors involved," Luke says. "You're really just taking direction at that point." But there's a detail he's happy to reveal: the iconic bob in that campaign wasn't Dua's hair. "It was a wig. She'd grown her hair much longer and they wanted the bob back. You'd never know."

Lessons on great hair

While Hershesons has grown into an empire of three salons and a namesake brand of hair tools and products, Luke's ethos hasn't shifted since the King's Road days. "I hate that some people think they have to get a blow dry to make their hair look good," he says. "Put some Almost Everything Cream on, spritz it with Air Dry Spray, tuck it behind your ears. Work with your natural texture and don't labour over it—it should look like part of you. I think that's what's timeless."

Come summer, I become obsessed with growing out my hair. There's no better accompaniment to sunny days than ultra-long, mermaid-esque locks, right? Keeping them healthy and free of split ends, though, is another matter.

The longer your hair, the more likely it is to be damaged and of lesser quality. It makes sense, the hair at the bottom is often a lot older than your roots, of course. And when you add in colouring, bleaching and heat styling, it becomes a lot more difficult to keep it looking and feeling healthy.

I've always supplemented with oils and leave-in conditioners but in recent years I've steered clear of nourishing shampoos and conditioners. It may sound counter-intuitive but I found that these rich, moisturising products would leave my hair flat and incapable of holding volume. Well, that was until I discovered my holy-grail haircare range: Davines' MOMO line, which I've now been testing for six months.

I've long been a fan of Davines' Essential Haircare formulas, which were relaunched earlier this year. Now, they feature on average 93 per cent natural origin ingredients, as well as high-performance bio-polymers to elevate results while maintaining a lighter environmental footprint. MOMO is one of nine families, and addresses dry or dehydrated hair (the others target everything from curls and volume to highly processed or damaged strands).

The MOMO range is comprised of a shampoo, shampoo bar, conditioner and serum. Infused with regenerative apricot extract, vitamin A, and polysaccharides to deliver up to 11 times more hydrated hair, the shampoo gently cleanses to enhance hydration, leaving hair feeling soft, manageable and shiny.

But what really sets it and the conditioner apart is how lightweight they are—they do not weigh my hair down in the slightest nor leave it limp and greasy-feeling. Instead, there's plenty of bounce and movement, but my hair also feels supremely nourished, even after just one wash.

Then I seal in all the goodness with the accompanying serum. I often find leave-in conditioners can weigh my hair down, but not this one. It smooths frizz, softens beautifully, and makes my hair so much easier to style, without any heaviness.

In fact, I haven't had a trim in a year, and I really do credit this range for that. My split ends look sealed and healthy, which definitely wasn't the case before. It's real holy-grail status.

Imagine waking up one day and noticing your hairline had receded by an inch. Sounds unbelievable, but that’s what happened to me a few years ago. I was on autopilot with my morning skincare routine when I noticed the scar on my scalp—which has been hidden by my hair since I got it at age five—was suddenly very visible. I was shocked, worried and rather confused. There weren’t hundreds of hairs on my pillow, so obviously, I hadn’t lost all of that hair overnight, but how had I not noticed until that morning that I’d been losing my hair? I rushed to my phone to look back at pictures of myself, and I realised my hairline had been thinning consistently over the course of a decade. And now I had been left with areas completely devoid of hair, and patches with very little hair left at all.

I hotfooted it to see a dermatologist who explained I likely had traction alopecia. “It’s a form of hair loss caused by chronic tension or pulling on the hair follicle, usually caused by tight hairstyles like ponytails, weaves, braids, or even tight head coverings,” explains consultant dermatologist Dr Sharon Belmo. Turns out that the hairline is particularly vulnerable to this traction-related damage, as “the hair follicles are finer, more delicate and exposed to the greatest amount of tension in many hairstyles. These hairs also tend to have a shorter growth cycle than other hairs on the scalp,” adds Belmo.

My biggest question was whether I’d be able to grow my hair back or whether I’d left it too late, but I was reassured that regrowth is often possible, especially in the early stages. However, “prolonged trauma from tension causes inflammation around the hair follicle. So, if styling practices remain the same, this chronic inflammation can lead to the destruction of the hair follicle, also known as scarring. At this point, the hair follicle will no longer be able to produce hair, and the hair loss becomes irreversible,” reveals Belmo.

Armed with lots of advice, I set off on a mission to restore my hairline, and these are the seven hairline-saving hacks that worked for me.

Embrace your natural texture

Entering a new era of styling my hair sounded easy enough, but after years of blow-drying it straight, I found it really hard to embrace my natural texture. So much of our identity gets tied up in our hair that I didn’t feel like me when sporting my curls. I also had no idea how to define them, and hated how short my hair was when it wasn’t straight. I persevered because, according to Belmo, “the more the hair is unnaturally forced into styles that require tension to maintain sleekness or straightness, the higher the risk of stress on follicles.” This leads to breakage and hair loss, while sticking with your natural texture reduces dependence on heat or chemical straightening and requires less manipulation when styling, which should essentially save your strands.

Loose, low-tension styles are best when rehabbing your hair post-traction alopecia, so I mastered my wash-day routine to sport defined curls for at least three days at a time. Currently, I use the Typebea Intense Bond Repair Leave-in Treatment, £43, which strengthens hair by up to 52 per cent and reduces breakage by 80 per cent after just one use. Next, I section my hair and apply Innersense I Create Volume Lotion, £26, to each section, as it helps define my curls and lock them into place for days. I finish by adding a drop of the Cécred Oil Ritual, £44, which is packed with 21 nourishing oils that keep my hair well moisturised and help weigh my curls down so that I don’t lose as much length when they’re dry.

Invest in a water filter

Ever noticed how the look and feel of your hair can totally change when you’re on holiday? Well, it’s the water, or more specifically, it’s what's in the water that can make such a major difference. Just over 60 per cent of UK households have hard water flowing out of their taps and according to Trichologist Ricardo Vila Nova that’s far from ideal when it comes to our hair.

“Hard water is determined by the presence of minerals or metals, as well as limescale or chlorine. Some minerals can build up superficially on the hair, while others can actually reach the cortex—the middle layer of the hair—causing more severe changes to the hair structure,” shares Vila Nova. And if that doesn’t sound scary enough, hard water can also “stop the active ingredients in your products from being properly absorbed by your hair. It also affects the scalp by disrupting its natural pH balance and reducing hydration levels, which may compromise both scalp health and hair fibre elasticity. This imbalance can contribute to scalp dryness, irritation, and increased sensitivity. And for those with traction alopecia, these effects can potentially increase hair fragility, breakage, and add additional stress to existing hair fibres,” he adds.

The fix? A water filter. Which is why I swapped my shower head for the Hello Klean Shower Head+, £120, which features advanced three-stage filtration to reduce heavy metals, minerals, and chlorine buildup on your hair. Not only that, it also tracks how much water you use and alerts you through an app when it’s time to replace your filter—genius!

Add a dandruff shampoo

I don’t have dandruff, but I do use anti-dandruff shampoos (it makes sense I promise). “Repeated pulling causes inflammation around the follicle, often seen on the scalp as tenderness, bumps, redness or irritation along the hairline. This is why anti-inflammatory scalp treatments can be helpful, particularly when the condition is still active and potentially reversible,” explains Consultant Dermatologist and Head of Medical at Hair+Me, Dr Jason Thomson.

Hair experts often recommend once-weekly use of an anti-dandruff shampoo containing selenium sulfide or ketoconazole, even for people like me without obvious dandruff, as these ingredients can help reduce inflammatory activity, excess buildup, and microbial imbalance on the scalp. I switch between the Vichy Dercos Antidandruff Shampoo, £11.62, which contains selenium sulfide, and the Nizoral Dandruff Treatment 2 % w/w Shampoo, £14.99, which is packed with ketoconazole.

Consider a scalp injectable

Patience isn’t one of my strong suits, but when you’re dealing with traction alopecia, it can often take up to a year to see an improvement in hair growth and density. So, in a bid to speed things up, and get the best results, I decided to try some needle based in-clinic treatments. I started with platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections. This is where growth factor-packed plasma is taken from your own blood. "When injected into the scalp these growth factors stimulate the hair follicles to kick start growth and prevent further hair loss," explains Belmo. And after three sessions, spaced four weeks apart I noticed a lot more new hairs sprouting from my hairline.

Next, I tried polynucleotides, the purified fish sperm DNA, a popular facial aesthetic treatment, but it can be injected into the scalp to boost hair growth. It works by stimulating dormant follicles back into the growth phase, calming the inflammation and micro-trauma caused by traction, improving blood flow to the follicles, and boosting collagen and elastin production in the scalp. Like PRP, three to six monthly injections are recommended, and while by this point I was well into my hair growth journey, I am convinced it helped thicken up my strands and boost growth.

Most recently I’ve been testing out MCT exosome therapy. "Exosomes are nanosized extracellular vesicles naturally released by cells to transport biological information between tissues. They contain highly active signalling molecules including growth factors, proteins, lipids, mRNA, and microRNA that regulate inflammation, tissue repair, blood flow, and stem cell communication," explains Viviana Botoaca, Geneviv Clinic founder. For traction alopecia specifically, they "help support recovery by calming the inflammation around the follicle, sending signals that encourage the tissue to repair itself, and keeping hair follicles alive and functioning before permanent damage sets in,” adds Botoaca.

What makes MCT exosomes different is that they're made from your own plasma, rather than from plant, marine or bovine sources. Like with PRP your blood is taken, the plasma is extracted, and then it’s fed through the MCT device, where it is heated to increase the concentration of growth factors and trigger the release of your own exosomes. That supercharged plasma is then reinjected into the scalp. For me, this has been the most exciting treatment because I thought I’d reached the peak amount of regrowth and density possible, and somehow a course of three treatments coaxed more hairs out of my hairline and improved overall density.

Address your diet

When it comes to hair health, what you eat plays a role. “Food is the easiest way to absorb vital nutrients and vitamins of which the body may be deprived, and it is also necessary for hair to grow and remain healthy. Foods high in nutrients like biotin, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and protein are all known to promote hair health. This will not only help the hairline but also the overall health of your hair,” shares Trichologist Hannah Gaboardi. I asked my GP for some blood tests to see if I had any deficiencies I needed to address, and it turned out I was vitamin D deficient and had low ferritin levels too.

“Vitamin D influences the hair growth cycle and supports the proper functioning of hair follicles. Ferritin (stored iron) plays a vital role in hair growth as it helps regulate the release of iron, a crucial mineral for optimal hair health,” explains Gaboardi.

Interestingly, when it comes to hair health and deficiencies, you don’t want to just be in the normal range. According to Gaboardi, levels need to be in the mid-high range to help your hair grow, as the body prioritises the function of your vital organs over your hair, skin and nails.

I optimised my diet by upping my protein as it’s the building block for hair, and its deficiency can lead to hair thinning and loss. And I added some supplements to my diet.

“With Traction Alopecia, supplements should focus on reducing inflammation, supporting follicular repair, improving circulation, and strengthening weakened strands while the follicles recover from tension. It’s best to prioritise nutrients involved in tissue repair and hair strength such as protein, iron, zinc, omega-3s, biotin, amino acids, collagen support, and anti-inflammatory support,” shares Gaboardi. I take the Vida Glow Hairology Capsules, £45 at Vida Glow which contain AnaGain, an extract derived from organic pea sprouts that’s proven to boost growth, reduce hair loss and strengthen tresses too. It also contains iodine-rich bladderwrack seaweed, zinc, selenium and biotin to deeply nourish fragile strands from the inside out. I also take the Vida Glow Pro Collagen+, £55, the marine collagen tripeptides are fast acting and are more easily absorbed by the body thanks to how teeny tiny they are in comparison to typical hydrolysed collagen used in other supplements. The Artah Advanced Multi-Nutrient, £60, rounds out my daily dose of oral haircare to target everything your hair (and body) needs for healthy growth.

Try at-home growth support

Every other week, there’s a new ingredient, product or hack that claims to work wonders when it comes to hair growth. Rice water, no shampoo, and every oil imaginable have been touted as a panacea for hair loss. “The most common myth is that rosemary oil can grow your hair, when in fact it can do the opposite by blocking the follicle and delaying hair growth,” warns Gaboardi.

And I’ve discovered through my research that many growth serums don’t actually contain actives that are clinically proven to boost growth directly. But they do contain “ingredients such as niacinamide, panthenol and glycerin that can improve scalp comfort, reduce dryness and support the skin barrier,” says Thomson. And this can create a scalp environment that’s conducive to growth.

I use a mixture of proven hair growth boosters and scalp care to ensure I’m covering all my bases. The Current Body LED Hair Growth Helmet, £649.99, is by no means cheap, but it is clinically proven to extend the growth phase of our hair, increase density and reduce scalp inflammation too. While my current scalp serum of choice is the Rhute Density + Repair Scalp Serum, £55, developed by a dermatologist and powered by caffeine, peptides, stem cell extracts and niacinamide.

Opt for a hair transplant

About two years into my regrowth journey, it became obvious that I had areas of scarring alopecia, which is when, as Belmo explained, the hair follicle has been completely destroyed and can no longer produce hair, aka irreversible hair loss. I couldn’t grow back a single strand around my scar, and my temples were very sparse, too. Luckily, “when it comes to hair transplant surgery, the most compatible forms of hair loss are androgenetic alopecia (a genetic disorder), and irreversible traction alopecia,” explains my hair transplant surgeon, Dr Christopher D’Souza.

Hair transplant surgery involves removing follicles from one part of the scalp and placing them in areas where hair loss has occurred. It’s a commitment in terms of aftercare, and a waiting game when it comes to results. The implanted hairs need to be treated with kid gloves for the first 10 days while the follicles embed in the scalp. The hairs (but not the follicles) typically fall out around day 14 and then, “new hair will start to appear from these follicles at three to four months post op with noticeable results at the six-month mark,” explains D’Souza.

I had two in total and I’m considering a third, as “density with a single hair transplant can never match the existing density of the rest of the hair on the head,” shares D’Souza. And as someone who is very much a more is more kinda gal, I really want to fill out my hairline as much as possible. With that said, hair transplant surgery was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made when it comes to treating my traction alopecia. There was no way I was getting that hair back, and my confidence levels really plummeted having to walk around with bald patches and a higher hairline.

In 2026, there is no dearth of innovation in the haircare industry. From next-gen mousses and featherweight oils to technologically enhanced heat protectors, you will be able to find the solution to any hair-related woe you can think of.

Indeed, this year our expert panel of judges were spoilt for choice when it came to the best "style architects" on the market... Read on for the winner list.

How are the products tested and judged?

The Marie Claire UK Hair Awards judging panel is made up of industry experts, from esteemed hairstylists including Sam McKnight, Samantha Cusick, Luke Hersheson and Adam Reed, to journalists, content creators and hair specialists, ensuring every product is thoroughly put through its paces.

WINNER: BEST STYLING MOUSSE

WINNER: BEST HAIR SPRAY

WINNER: BEST HAIR GEL

WINNER: BEST TEXTURISER

WINNER: BEST SMOOTHING PRODUCT

WINNER: BEST VOLUMISER

WINNER: BEST BLOW DRY PRODUCT

WINNER: BEST HEAT PROTECTOR

WINNER: BEST SHINE PRODUCT

WINNER: BEST DRY SHAMPOO

WINNER: BEST FLYAWAY PRODUCT

WINNER: BEST WAX STICK

WINNER: BEST CURL ENHANCER

WINNER: BEST STYLING PRODUCT FOR NATURAL/TEXTURED HAIR

WINNER: BEST MULTI-TASKER FOR CURLS

For nine years, Marie Claire UK has championed the finest formulations and innovations in haircare—from the tools that have genuinely changed the way we style at home to the treatments that have revolutionised our routines. The products, as ever, matter enormously.

But this year, we wanted to turn the spotlight on the people behind the hair. The colourists, clinicians, creatives and cultural figures who set the agenda, raise the bar and whose contribution to this industry extends far beyond the salon chair.

These are the winners of our inaugural Hair Industry Icons category.

WINNER: BEST NEW SALON

There are new salons, and then there are salons that make you reconsider what a salon visit can feel like entirely. AEVUM is the latter. From the moment you walk in, it's clear that every detail has been considered—not just the cut, but the experience around it, ranging from DNA Trichotesting to alternative wellness therapies. A deserving winner of our Best New Salon award, and one to watch.

WINNER: RISING STAR

Some colourists take years to find their signature. Harriet Muldoon arrived knowing exactly what hers was—and has built her reputation as Blonde Specialist at Larry King Salon with the kind of instinct, skill and creative confidence that marks her out as one of the most exciting names working in British hair right now.

WINNER: THE TRENDSETTERS

Their philosophy is disarmingly simple: a great haircut should look just as good on a rushed Tuesday morning as it does the moment you leave the salon. In championing the cut over the blow-dry and the natural look over polished perfection, The Hair Bros have shifted the conversation around what good hair actually means—and captured an entirely new generation at the same time.

WINNER: HAIR HEALTH HERO

The conversation around hair health has take centre stage over the past decade and Dr Aamna Adel has made it her life's work to ensure it's properly informed. As the founder of Rhute, she has brought clinical rigour to a space that thrives on expertise, making science-backed knowledge accessible to the women who need it most. Our Hair Health Hero award recognises not just what she knows, but how so generously she shares it.

WINNER: LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

There are careers, and then there is Sam McKnight's career. Spanning decades, continents and some of the most iconic images in fashion history, his work has defined eras and shaped the way the world sees hair. To say he is deserving of our Lifetime Achievement award feels like an understatement. It is, simply, an honour.

As any beauty aficionado will tell you, it’s not the packaging (or the claims) that matter—it’s the formula inside that counts, and this is especially true when it comes to hair. With so many different textures, types, and concerns to address, there's rarely a one-size-fits-all solution, which is exactly why Formula Pioneers is our most extensive category in the 2026 Marie Claire Hair Awards.

Across the categories that follow, the brands rewriting the rules aren't just launching new products—they're rethinking what haircare can be: more personalised, more sustainable, more attuned to the full spectrum of hair types and needs. From liquid collagen and natural ingredient formulas to specialist colour care and kids' ranges, our experts tried the full gamut of products on the market to find the ones that really work. Whether you're navigating a curly hair routine, protecting a fresh colour, or simply searching for a shampoo that actually delivers, consider this your definitive guide to what's worth your shelf space right now.

How are the products tested and judged?

The Marie Claire UK Hair Awards judging panel is made up of industry experts, from esteemed hairstylists including Sam McKnight, Samantha Cusick, Luke Hersheson and Adam Reed, to journalists, content creators and hair specialists, ensuring every product is thoroughly put through its paces.

WINNER: BEST NEW HAIR BRAND

Our judges were impressed by new-to-market Saudi Arabian hair brand CLARA. Created by regional experts who understand the nuances of Middle Eastern hair, the range is designed to cater to straight, frizzy and thick hair types while protecting against humidity. All formulas are vegan, as well as paraben- and sulfate-free.

WINNER: BEST NEW HAIR PRODUCT

WINNER: BEST PERSONALISED HAIRCARE

WINNER: BEST ORGANIC BRAND

This range is made with hazelnuts grown on renowned hairstylist Adem Oygur’s family farm in Divaniturk, just east of Istanbul, and its organic credentials truly stand out in a saturated market. The brand’s formulas are 100% natural, cruelty-free, and sans parabens, sulfates and SLS/SLES. Its hero ingredient also shines: naturally rich in fibre, protein and around a third of your daily folate intake, this superfood also contain vitamins A, B, D and E.

WINNER: BEST SUSTAINABLE BRAND

Small Wonder managed to do what many though was impossible: removing water from haircare. For over 12 years, the brand's cosmetic chemists worked on dehydrating high performance nutrients, without degrading them. The result is actually sustainable haircare, which doesn't compromise on efficacy. But they didn't stop there: the next step was engineering a patented bottle to keep their protective antioxidants, nourishing oils and precision peptides sealed until activation.

WINNER: BEST NATURAL FORMULA

TROPIC has made waves in the industry thanks to its unwavering commitment to wholly natural, sustainable solutions to everyday beauty concerns. While the brand began in skincare and makeup, its haircare offering is just as considered. The sulfate-free formulas are designed to work in harmony with both scalp and strands, helping to support a healthy pH balance while gently cleansing and hydrating without harsh foaming agents or silicones; suitable for every hair type, from straight to kinky, coily and processed.

WINNER: BEST NATURAL INGREDIENT SHAMPOO

WINNER: BEST NATURAL INGREDIENT CONDITIONER

WINNER: BEST HAIR SUPPLEMENT

WINNER: BEST LIQUID COLLAGEN

WINNER: BEST HAIR SUN PROTECTION

WINNER: BEST MULTI-TASKER FOR TEXTURED HAIR

WINNER: BEST GROOMING BALM/BEARD PRODUCT

WINNER: BEST LASH CARE PRODUCT

WINNER: BEST BROW CARE PRODUCT

WINNER: BEST COLOUR CARE FOR REDHEADS

WINNER: BEST TONING CONDITIONER

WINNER: BEST TONING SHAMPOO

WINNER: BEST SHAMPOO FOR CURLY HAIR

WINNER: BEST HAIRCARE RANGE FOR KIDS

WINNER: BEST VOLUMISING SHAMPOO

WINNER: BEST NEW SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER

WINNER: BEST AT-HOME COLOUR

WINNER: BEST AT-HOME GLAZE

WINNER: BEST COLOUR SHAMPOO

Repair is central to any good hair routine—from heat styling damage to colour-processed hair, there are myriad ways we can impact the quality of our strands. But recent innovations have seen a slew of bond-repair products and nourishing masks come to market, all designed to treat and strengthen hair from the inside out.

Read on for the best "Repair Ritualists" of 2026, as voted for by our expert panel of judges.

How are the products tested and judged?

The Marie Claire UK Hair Awards judging panel is made up of industry experts, from esteemed hairstylists including Sam McKnight, Samantha Cusick, Luke Hersheson and Adam Reed, to journalists, content creators and hair specialists, ensuring every product is thoroughly put through its paces.

WINNER: BEST STRENGTHENING TREATMENT

WINNER: BEST BOND TREATMENT

WINNER: BEST BOND REPAIR PRODUCT

WINNER: BEST INTENSIVE HAIR MASK

WINNER: BEST PRE-SHAMPOO TREATMENT

WINNER: BEST NIGHT TREATMENT

WINNER: BEST SHAMPOO FOR DAMAGED HAIR

WINNER: BEST CONDITIONER FOR DAMAGED HAIR

WINNER: BEST LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

WINNER: BEST MOISTURISING CREAM

WINNER: BEST HAIR OIL

WINNER: BEST DETANGLER

WINNER: BEST DETANGLING SPRAY FOR KIDS

WINNER: BEST HYDRATING SHAMPOO

WINNER: BEST HYDRATING CONDITIONER

WINNER: BEST TREATMENT MIST

WINNER: BEST SHINE-BOOSTING SHAMPOO

WINNER: BEST SHINE-BOOSTING CONDITIONER

Hair tools are big business in beauty. Gone are the days of clunky hairdryers and straighteners that take forever to heat up—in their place are curlers, hot brushes and styling tools powered by the latest technology that get the job done, fast.

From Dyson’s latest breakthrough to ghd's speediest offering yet, this was a category packed with innovation and ease of use. Our judges’ picks, ahead.

How are the products tested and judged?

The Marie Claire UK Hair Awards judging panel is made up of industry experts, from esteemed hairstylists including Sam McKnight, Samantha Cusick, Luke Hersheson and Adam Reed, to journalists, content creators and hair specialists, ensuring every product is thoroughly put through its paces.

WINNER: BEST HAIRDRYER

WINNER: BEST HAIR ROLLERS

WINNER: BEST HAIRBRUSH

WINNER: BEST DETANGLER BRUSH

WINNER: BEST MULTI-STYLER

WINNER: BEST CURLING TONG

WINNER: BEST STRAIGHTENER

WINNER: BEST HOT BRUSH

WINNER: BEST FILTERED SHOWERHEAD

WINNER: BEST HAIR EXTENSIONS

WINNER: BEST IN-SALON HAIR EXTENSIONS

WINNER: BEST HAIR CLIP

WINNER: BEST HAIR SCRUNCHIE

WINNER: BEST PROTECTIVE HAIR ACCESSORY

WINNER: BEST HAIR REMOVAL TOOL

Trends come and go, but this year we really realised the value of scalp care when it comes to hair health. It is the foundation: home to follicles and the nutrients needed for strong, shiny and nourished hair.

However, many people don’t know where to start. Luckily, the judges of the Marie Claire UK Hair Awards 2026 have long championed the benefits of looking after your scalp—ahead are their top picks

How are the products tested and judged?

The Marie Claire UK Hair Awards judging panel is made up of industry experts, from esteemed hairstylists including Sam McKnight, Samantha Cusick, Luke Hersheson and Adam Reed, to journalists, content creators and hair specialists, ensuring every product is thoroughly put through its paces.

WINNER: BEST SCALP SERUM

WINNER: BEST SCALP TREATMENT

WINNER: BEST HAIR GROWTH OIL

WINNER: BEST HAIRLINE TREATMENT

WINNER: BEST DANDRUFF SOLUTION

WINNER: BEST ANTI-DANDRUFF SHAMPOO

WINNER: BEST CLARIFYING SHAMPOO

WINNER: BEST SHAMPOO FOR THINNING/HAIR LOSS

WINNER: BEST CONDITIONER FOR THINNING/HAIR LOSS

WINNER: BEST TREATMENT FOR THINNING/HAIR LOSS

WINNER: BEST ROOT TOUCH UP

I'll be the first to admit that I spend a significant amount of time caring for the skin on my face, but this doesn't often extend to other parts of my body in quite the same way—including my scalp. That was, until I discovered Hydrafacial's Keravive treatment, which is essentially a heavy-duty facial for your scalp.

If you're pining for enviably full and healthy hair, scalp care is an unmissable step in your routine. And although scalp oils and specialist shampoos can go a long way, it's scalp treatments that will provide the best instant and lasting results.

You might be familiar with the much-raved-about Hydrafacial treatment for the skin, which is famed for the enviable glow and smoothness it provides, but you can now deliver the same results to your scalp, too. Designed to smooth skin, reduce itching and irritation, reduce hair loss and thinning, and make hair look and feel thicker and fuller, there are some big promises. Following my visit to Hydrafacial's flagship location, I can attest to how effective this treatment really is.

What is the Hydrafacial Keravive Treatment?

"Keravive by Hydrafacial is a scalp peptide treatment clinically proven to help reduce hair thinning and stimulate the hair’s natural ability to grow hair," as the clinic explains. It uses the same machine and technology as the original Hydrafacial, which involves a small handheld suction-like device that exfoliates, cleanses, and hydrates in one.

It removes buildup and impurities from the scalp's surface, whilst also delivering niacinamide to protect against environmental stressors, vitamin B5 and arginine to replenish moisture and rejuvenate the scalp and hair, and the signature Keravive Peptide Complex—a blend of nourishing peptides and growth factors to support fuller, healthier-looking hair.

Best of all, it's completely non-invasive and feels like a relaxing head massage.

What happens during the Hydrafacial Keravive Treatment?

For my session at Hydrafacial's London flagship, I went straight into the treatment room where I lay down under a blanket for the practitioner to get to work. Already, this was enough to relax me.

The full treatment consists of a round of exfoliation and removing dead skin cells and build-up from the surface of the scalp, followed by the Keravive peptide blend which is then massaged in, finished off with a red light treatment to promote hair growth and increase circulation.

It felt like a targeted head massage, with the tool worked over various parts of my hair for a full scalp treatment. Not one part of it was even remotely uncomfortable—in fact, I nearly nodded off several times.

Afterwards, you can see exactly what has come off your scalp (as shown below). If you're anything like me, you'll find this part particularly satisfying. You also get a Keravive spray to take home and use daily, which further enhances the treatment's results.

You can choose to stack your treatment with a facial or other body options, or you can go just for Keravive. The treatment will last approximately 30-60 minutes depending on your needs and concerns.

Who is it suitable for?

The Hydrafacial Keravive Treatment is suitable for all scalp and hair types, including braids, extensions, locs, and bleached or dyed hair. Your practitioner will ask you about your scalp concerns and tailor it to you, so if you have any problem areas or places you'd like them to avoid, that won't be a problem.

How should I prepare?

There is absolutely no prep involved for this treatment—just walk into the salon. However, my practitioner told me that it's best to come with freshly washed hair if possible. This is so the treatment can reach the scalp effectively and so you can leave it on your scalp for a day or two before your next hair wash.

That being said, I arrived with day-two hair that definitely needed a wash, but it didn't affect the treatment at all. The results were just as effective, and the process didn't change.

What results can you expect?

For best results, it's recommended that you have three treatments roughly a month apart. Then, simply continue using your take-home spray and enjoy the results. Further follow-up treatments aren't essential, but you can book back in whenever you think your scalp might need them.

I noticed a huge difference in the feel of my scalp, itchiness levels, and the appearance of my hair after just one session. I left the treatment on for 24 hours before washing, and my hair felt much cleaner than usual afterwards. Typically, I double-cleanse with a detox shampoo to get everything off my scalp, but I only needed one regular shampoo to feel squeaky clean.

My hair also already feels and appears fuller, particularly around my parting and hairline. I'm only expecting this to increase with continued use of the Keravive spray.

One of my favourite things about the Keravive treatment is that you can walk straight out of the salon and carry on with your day. Your hair isn't wet or greasy from the process, and it looks almost exactly the same as when you went in. That means you can have it done whenever suits you, with no hair styling necessary afterwards.

Most of all, it's one of the most relaxing treatments I've had in a while. Even without the increased benefits over time, I'd enjoy going back just for the massage-esque feeling.

Sessions typically range from £300-£500 for a single session, and you can find your nearest provider via the Hydrafacial website.

Summertime has myriad reasons to rejoice: the sun's out, BBQs are back, and you can finally get your toes out and into those cute sandals you bought during last year's sale season. But if your hair always seems to go haywire the moment you land somewhere hot, there are actually a number of specific reasons for it.

Travelling to warmer climes for holiday season can often mean pool and sea water aplenty (i.e. chlorine and salt), elevated temperatures and harmful UV rays, and increased humidity. And guess what? None of these tend to be a friend to hair. In fact, they can cause dryness and frizz in abundance.

Another key culprit which is common abroad? Softer water than we're used to in the UK, which changes the way hair behaves entirely. Without the minerals found in hard water weighing strands down, hair can become prone to flyaways and frizz—and your usual products may not work the same way either. I've seen this first-hand since moving to Australia from the UK, and trichologist Anabel Kingsley of Philip Kingsley confirms it's more common than you'd think.

"High humidity definitely adds to frizz," she says—but so can different water. "It's true that hard water [which many of us have in the UK] has many pitfalls—it can leave hair feeling coated and looking dull. Soft water leaves less of a residue on hair, often making it feel softer and look shinier. However, as you have that loss of added texture and weight from the minerals found in hard water, hair may be more prone to fly-aways," she explains, adding: "Another thing to consider is that your usual products may work differently when used with soft water, so you might need to rethink your products."

For this reason, it may be time to restock your haircare shelves for the summer season, as I have recently. Below, some of the most respected beauty editors in the industry share their favourite hydrating, shine-boosting, anti-frizz formulas worth a try if you struggle around this time of year.

9 anti-frizz, anti-humidity essentials recommended by beauty editors

Known as 'the salmon sperm facial,' Polynucleotides have undeniably been one of the most popular aesthetic treatments in recent years. Beloved for their ability to refresh skin by boosting collagen and elastin levels, deeply hydrate and reduce inflammation, this regenerative treatment is a sign of the times: we no longer want obvious injectables, but subtle changes that prioritise longevity.

And with this surge in aesthetics came PDRN, a topical 'alternative' also made from salmon sperm and hailing from South Korea. Popularised by skincare formulas like Anua's PDRN Hyaluronic Acid, this ingredient became the ideal complementary step to polynucleotide appointments.

So, perhaps we shouldn't be surprised that it started to pop up in other categories across beauty: namely, bodycare (think, the Heveblue Salmon Fruity Centella Body Cream) and now, haircare. So what can PDRN actually do for the hair, and how can you buy into the trend from the UK? Here's what you need to know.

What does PDRN do?

PDRN, which stands for Polydeoxyribonucleotide, has been dubbed the topical 'alternative' to polynucleotide applications. It's worth pointing out from the off that few-to-no skincare ingredients are able to offer the same kind of results as injectables – but PDRN (also derived from salmon sperm fragments) might be a strong contender, and does have some impressive benefits.

For one, it deeply hydrates the skin and aids in damaged skin barriers. PDRN works to boost elastin and collagen production and reduces inflammation. The result is usually fresher-looking, healthier skin all around.

But how does this translate to hair? The idea is that the ingredient is so brilliant for the face, it works wonders on the scalp, which, simply put, is also just skin. The healthier our scalp is, the better we experience growth and stronger strands generally, meaning an ingredient that can repair broken barriers, target inflammation and hydrate deeply is bound to have benefits when applied here too. In short, it's thought that scalps which may feel dry, itchy or irritated could benefit from a little PDRN.

Then there's the 'glass hair' claim. PDRN skincare formulas like Anua's are celebrated for their ability to promote the desirable 'glass skin' aesthetic, so the thinking is that this will also apply to hair. After all, hair that's deeply hydrated and grows from a healthy scalp is more likely to be super shiny and 'swishy'!

Is PDRN haircare effective?

The most notable recent foray into PDRN haircare is Medicube's Rosemary PDRN range, which includes a shampoo, conditioner, and scalp serum. When used alongside 19 amino acids and rosemary (an ingredient thought to aid in hair growth), PDRN works in these formulas to cleanse, hydrate, strengthen and create 'fuller-looking' hair.

VT Cosmetics – the brand best known for its 'Reedle' skincare products (made with tiny microneedles)—also offers a PDRN 'hair shot' designed to clean and strengthen the scalp.

Aesthetic Doctor at Taktouk Clinic and K-beauty expert Dr Christine Hall comments that she's noticed an influx of PDRN haircare, such as the aforementioned formulas by Medicube and VT. She says their popularity has grown as mainstream knowledge has increased that "the scalp is an extension of our skin." These days, we prioritise anything that can support our scalp health (and, by extension, our hair health/appearance). "PDRN, like in the skin, is about barrier repair, anti-inflammation and restoration," she explains, noting that "inflammatory conditions and scalp conditions often lead to hair loss," hence why we're trying out these products.

However, the results aren't yet really proven. According to Anabel Kingsley, Consultant Trichologist and Brand President at Philip Kingsley, instead of jumping head-first into the PDRN haircare trend, now may be the time to "watch and wait."

"To my knowledge, there have been very few studies on the benefits of injecting PDRN into the scalp for hair growth [such as this one, which featured PDRN injections] – and none regarding purely topical application," she explains. "PDRN has only been tested on pattern hair loss and not on other types of hair loss, such as telogen effluvium (excessive daily hair shedding)."

For this reason (and because "female pattern hair loss is progressive"), she says if you're going to try a PDRN hair serum specifically for growth, "use it alongside a more established and well-studied treatment, like minoxidil." She also advises being careful with products that use spicules like VT's, as "the data on them is limited, and they have the potential to cause irritation and disrupt the scalp barrier."

That said, using something like the Medicube range can't hurt, and may even help you achieve the glass-like locks of your dreams!

How can you buy PDRN hair products?

Kingsley's advice to "watch and wait" may be your only option right now; the UK is still waiting to gain access to products like Medicube's and VT Cosmetics.

That said, given how quickly things move in beauty, there's little doubt this will change any day now. So if you've got your heart set on trying PDRN for hair, you hopefully won't have to wait long! And in the meantime, why not give these trending K-beauty bodycare buys a go?

If you're on the never-ending quest for smooth, supple, "glass-like" skin, then it's time to get acquainted with Japanese beauty.

While it has a similar ethos to the innovations coming out of South Korea—so, a focus on gentle, hydrating and barrier-building ingredients—there are key differences. While K-beauty is focused on trends and rapid production, J-beauty formulas are often decades in the making, and centred around specific ingredients, like ferments, green tea, rice and seaweed, as well as precise application techniques.

In fact, it has been a favourite amongst industry insiders for decades, well before it became easily accessible in the UK. So, without further ado, the very best of the sector across make-up, skincare, haircare and fragrance, as selected by those in the know.

Best J-Beauty Products to Shop Now

I hadn’t heard the term follicle fitness until very recently. I was at a haircare brand presentation when it was dropped into conversation so casually, as if it were everyday beauty lingo. I had no clue what it meant, but no one else seemed to bat an eyelid. I assumed it was another gimmick: a workout for the scalp, perhaps. And while my follicles could probably benefit from a high-intensity workout, I wasn’t in the market for yet another step in an already jam-packed routine.

As it turns out, I’d got it wrong.

What Follicle Fitness Actually Means

“‘Follicle fitness’ is used to describe how healthy your hair follicles are and how well they’re functioning,” explains trichologist Akta Bavalia. Take away the trendy phrasing and it’s a measure of hair health at the root. Not a product, not a treatment, but think of it as a tool. “When follicles are considered ‘fit,’ it means the hair growth cycle is operating as it should and the environment surrounding each follicle is well supported.”

When it comes to follicle fitness, environment is everything. Each follicle sits within a complex micro-ecosystem, impacted by blood supply, hormone signalling, nutrient availability and the condition of the scalp itself—all of which influence how our hair grows. Hair growth happens in cycles—anagen (growth), catagen (transition) and telogen (rest)—and when that rhythm is disrupted, the visible effects can range from thinning and shedding to weaker, more brittle strands. “A steady supply of nutrients and oxygen via good blood flow, balanced hormones, and a well-maintained scalp environment” all contribute to follicles that are “strong and resilient, capable of producing hair that grows consistently (according to individual growth cycle) but also better quality hair.”

Looking at follicle fitness offers a useful shift in perspective, particularly now, when haircare feels more complicated than ever. Gone are the days of a routine built around shampoo and conditioner alone. Now we’re navigating exfoliating scalp acids, bond-building treatments that promise to repair hair structure, and glosses designed to mimic salon shine. And it’s not just products; we’re inundated with so much information. The result is a routine that can feel excessive and, at times, so far from what our hair actually needs.

When you consider follicle fitness, you can cut through that noise and refocus on the foundations. “‘Follicle Fitness’ isn't a medical or scientific term. You won't find it in any dermatology textbooks,” says Dr Amy Vowler, NHS GP and hair restoration doctor at Hair GP. “However, it’s a consumer-friendly way of describing the hair follicle and its surrounding environment. It’s a bit like ‘gut health’ which is marketing friendly but also has real underlying science.” The language may be new, but the goal has always been the same.

Where Follicle Fitness Fits Into Your Routine

So what can we actually do to improve our follicle fitness? According to Dr Vowler, it starts with the scalp. “There are a few things that actually matter for follicle health. First up is scalp inflammation; if you have chronic low-grade microinflammation around the follicle, it can drive hair miniaturisation and hair thinning.” This can also show up as itchiness, flaking or sensitivity—all signs that the scalp barrier is compromised. Addressing this doesn’t mean adding more products, but choosing the right ones: gentle cleansers, targeted treatments and, in some cases, medicated solutions.

Circulation is another important factor. “Blood supply… delivers oxygen and nutrients hair needs in the growth phase. This is partly how minoxidil works as it’s a vasodilator.” While not everyone needs clinical treatment, it’s worth remembering that follicles are highly active structures and require consistent nourishment—in fact, they are “one of the most metabolically active structures in the body”, as Dr Vowler notes. Even simple habits, from regular scalp massage to avoiding overly tight hairstyles that restrict blood flow, can support healthier follicles over time.

And we can’t ignore nutrition. It plays a vital role. “Ferritin, vitamin D and zinc” are key, says Dr Vowler. “You can have the best scalp routine in the world, but if your ferritin is 20, your follicles will struggle.” Hair is often one of the first areas to reflect low levels of vitamins and minerals. Low iron stores, restrictive diets, or underlying health conditions can manifest as shedding or thinning, which is just further evidence that haircare goes far beyond the products we apply.

Lifestyle plays its part too—often more than we’d like to admit. High stress, disrupted sleep or illness can push hair prematurely into its shedding phase. “Chronic stress is another factor; it can disrupt the natural hair cycle,” says Bavalia. “Supporting your overall well-being can make a real difference in maintaining more consistent growth.”

Clever Marketing or Clinically Valid?

Which brings us to the inevitable question: is follicle fitness just clever marketing? “Partly yes… the term is designed to sell scalp serums and treatments,” Dr Vowler shares. “Which means ‘follicle fitness’ claims may have limited clinical evidence behind them.” But she adds, “The principle of looking after the follicle environment is clinically valid.” The nuance lies in how you approach it. “A topical serum alone cannot address internal drivers like low iron, hormonal changes or thyroid dysfunction. The most effective approach is an inside-out and outside-in.”

If you’re serious about improving your follicle fitness, it’s about looking at everything. Rather than searching for a single hero product, it encourages a broader strategy—one that considers what we eat, how we live, and how we care for our scalp. This is not to dismiss product innovation; products can have significant effects on the health of our hair. Katherine Frizoni, Unilever Beauty and Wellbeing R&D Lead, explains: “Our technology… helps improve follicle fitness by supporting the scalp environment and strengthening hair at the root. Better root anchorage means hair is held more securely in the scalp, supporting stronger-looking, denser hair over time.”

I guess this is why follicle fitness is worth paying attention to. While the term itself may feel trend-led, the thinking behind it is anything is far from it. “The concept is rooted in established scalp health principles and fundamental to maintaining healthy hair. Worth considering as part of a long-term haircare approach,” says As certified trichologist Shannel Watson. Definitely time to pay attention to your follicle fitness.

The best products to boost your follicle fitness