Latest news with #FrizzEase
North Wales Live
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Kim Kardashian and Claudia Winkleman's hair stylists love this brand now on sale
As a beauty journalist, I sample more products than I can tally – but when it comes to haircare, one brand I consistently reach for is Color Wow. To mark the Bank Holiday, the brand adored by celebrity stylists is offering up to 30% off their cult-favourite hair products, making it the perfect time to give them a go, or replenish some hero products. Endorsed by the hairstylists of Claudia Winkleman and Kim Kardashian, the brand is renowned for their high performing hair care and styling formulas, from frizz-taming sprays to high-gloss serums. All are developed in-house under the guidance of founder Gail Federici who boasts an impressive 40 years in the industry, and even created the hair world's first anti-frizz product, Frizz Ease, during her tenure at John Frieda Hair Care. Starting yesterday (May 22) and continuing until Tuesday, May 27, the more shoppers spend, the larger the discount they can access. Customers who spend £50 or more can get 20% off with the code SAVE20, or unlock 25% off with the code SAVE25 when they spend £75. For those who wish to splurge, they can save 30% with the code SAVE30 when they spend over £100, reports the Mirror. However, they're not the only brand offering a sale. Amazon is also hosting its inaugural Everyday Essentials Week, providing seven days of deals on everyday essential items until 23.59pm on Tuesday, May 27. As part of this event, there's up to 40% off beauty products, including brands like NIVEA, KIKO and Neutrogena. In addition, Charlotte Tilbury is offering a 20% discount across their website with the code MAGICMAY. But which products should you be snapping up from the Color Wow event? Here are the Color Wow products I genuinely rate – and why they're worth adding to your basket. 1. Dream Coat Supernatural Spray - usually £27 This top-selling spray is Color Wow's ultimate anti-frizz treatment. It utilises innovative humidity-blocking technology to effectively waterproof your hair and keep frizz at bay for up to four washes. It also imparts a mirror-like, glassy shine to your hair and provides two levels of built-in heat protection. This lightweight yet highly effective product is a favourite among stylists for tackling summer frizz, even in extreme humidity. Claudia Winkleman's stylist, Amy Short, is a fan, using it to achieve the TV presenter's enviable shine. Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, known for working with Kim Kardashian, has also praised the product, saying: "The level of glossy shine is incredible. Nothing can create a mirror-like-finish like Dream Coat ...and keep the style humidity-proof for days,". 2. Pop and Lock High Gloss Finish - usually £22.50 A cross between a lightweight oil and a shine serum, this multitasking product smooths, hydrates, and adds significant gloss to hair. With three levels of heat protection, Pop and Lock safeguards against UV rays and colour fade. The sparkling high-gloss finish also locks down the cuticle and temporarily seals split ends. I love how this product gives my hair a freshly blow-dried look in seconds, leaving it glossy without feeling greasy, unlike some oils. A little goes a long way, and it's also available in a mini 12ml version for £9, perfect for on-the-go touch-ups. The product has an impressive 4.8-star rating from nearly 3,000 reviews. One customer raved: "This is great for controlling humidity and makes your hair shine!" One user raved about a hair product, saying: "For years I have tried to find a product that tames my frizzy hair and I have finally found the perfect product! My hair feels so silky and soft after using it as well and it lasts for days." Yet, some customers have encountered issues with the applicator. A customer commented: "The product is amazing! Looks as if it is going to be sticky but it's not. My menopausal hair is dry and frizzes easily. This is transforming my hair! I love it. However, I ordered the small applicator initially to try it and the hoke gets easily clogged up, difficult to use, it comes out thick and to get 1cm length even I have to pump it several times. If it wasn't such a good product I'd have given up and thrown it away. I also wish the black parts were clear plastic as it can't be recycled." 3. Color Security Shampoo, usually priced at £21.50 The Color Security Shampoo is particularly recommended for its effectiveness on coloured or treated hair, which many budget options fail to adequately protect. When I opted for a copper hair dye last year, this quickly became my preferred choice for maintaining my hair between salon appointments. The sulfate-free, residue-free shampoo cleanses gently yet thoroughly, without leaving any build-up that could weigh down the hair or irritate the scalp. In fact, every ingredient is designed to rinse off completely, leaving hair feeling squeaky clean which I find allows me to extend the time between washes. It's safe for all hair types and colour-treated strands, it's even touted as 'perfect' for extensions. 4. Money Mist Leave-In Conditioner - usually priced at £29.50 Given that my hair is quite fine, I don't really favour using thick heavy conditioners in the shower. Instead, I prefer a light, leave-in formula like the Money Mist from Color Wow. I stumbled upon this earlier this year and now I incorporate it into my regular wash routine, every time without fail. The weightless, glossy leave-in conditioner strengthens, detangles, and smooths, all while adding shine and providing heat/UV protection. No heat tools are required for activation. My favourite aspect is how it makes my hair feel so luxurious. That silky, swishy finish you get after a salon blowout? Money Mist delivers that without having to step out of the house. For a similar experience, I also quite fancy Lush Super Milk and Sol de Janeiro's Brazilian Joia Milky Leave-In Conditioner, both priced at £28. Moreover, if the discount wasn't enticing enough, any customer who spends over £60 on the Color Wow site will have the opportunity to select a complimentary travel-sized product at the checkout. I suggest securing a mini version of your preferred product and saving it for your next holiday, or choose a product you've been eager to try but were hesitant to purchase at full price.
Wales Online
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Haircare brand loved by Claudia Winkleman's stylist launches huge Bank Holiday sale
Haircare brand loved by Claudia Winkleman's stylist launches huge Bank Holiday sale The 'holy grail' anti-frizz spray was a game-changer for Claudia Winkleman's stylist, Amy Short, who uses it on The Traitors ' star to achieve her covetable shine - but the sale ends soon Claudia Winkleman's hair stylist used Color Wow on The Traitors for her iconic look (Image:) As a beauty journalist, I sample more products than I can tally – but when it comes to haircare, one brand I consistently reach for is Color Wow. To mark the Bank Holiday, the celebrity stylist-adored brand is offering up to 30% off their cult-favourite hair products, making it the perfect time to finally give them a go, or replenish some hero products. Endorsed by Claudia Winkleman's and Kim Kardashian's hair stylists, the brand is renowned for their high performing hair care and styling formulas, from frizz-taming sprays to high-gloss serums. They're all developed in-house and led by founder Gail Federici who boasts an impressive 40 years in the industry, and even created the hair world's first anti-frizz product, Frizz Ease, when she was at the helm of John Frieda Hair Care. Kicking off today (May 22) and running until Tuesday, May 27, the more money shoppers spend, the bigger the discount they can unlock. Customers who spend £50 or more can get 20% off with the code SAVE20 , or unlock 25% off with the code SAVE25 when they spend £75. READ MORE: Festival-ready tent is now £146 off and shoppers say it 'hasn't let them down yet' READ MORE: Nutrition expert says mushroom coffee offers an energy boost 'without the crash' For shoppers who fancy a splurge, they can save 30% with the code SAVE30 when they spend more than £100, reports the Mirror. However, they're not the only brand hosting a sale. Amazon is also offering its first Everyday Essentials Week, providing seven days of deals on everyday essential items until 23.59pm on Tuesday, May 27. As part of this event, there's up to 40% off beauty, including brands like NIVEA, KIKO and Neutrogena. Meanwhile, Charlotte Tilbury is offering 20% off sitewide with the code MAGICMAY. But when it comes to the Color Wow event, which products should you be snapping up? As someone who isn't a huge haircare lover, it takes a lot to win me over and these are the Color Wow products I genuinely rate – and why they're worth your basket space. Color Wow sale Various Color Wow Shop Here Product Description With the start of summer fast approaching, get your hair summer ready with up to 30% off Color Wow's must-have products. These summer essentials are designed to fight frizz, protect against UV, boost shine, and keep your locks looking flawless all season long. 1. Dream Coat Supernatural Spray - usually £27 This bestselling spray is Color Wow's holy grail anti-frizz treatment. It uses innovative humidity-blocking technology to literally waterproof your hair and keep frizz away for up to four washes. It also gives hair a mirror-like, glassy shine and provides two levels of built-in heat protection. COLOR WOW's Dream Coat Supernatural Spray is now on sale (Image: Amazon ) Breezily light yet remarkably effective, this product is a summer staple amongst stylists for effortlessly taming frizz, even in the most humid conditions. Fans include Amy Short, stylist to Claudia Winkleman, who swears by it to achieve The Traitors' star's signature glossy locks. Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, a long-time favourite of Kim Kardashian's, also sings its praises: "The level of glossy shine is incredible. Nothing can create a mirror-like-finish like Dream Coat ...and keep the style humidity-proof for days,". 2. Pop and Lock High Gloss Finish - usually £22.50 This ingenious hybrid of a lightweight oil and shine serum multitasks to smooth, hydrate and add a dazzling gloss. Boasting three levels of heat protection, Pop and Lock safeguards against UV rays and colour fade, whilst its show-stopping high-gloss finish seals the cuticle and temporarily mends split ends. You can get a mini version of the finishing serum from £9 - ideal for on the go I adore how this product gives my hair that salon-fresh look in mere seconds, imbuing it with a lustrous sheen that never looks or feels greasy. A little goes a long way, and it's even available in a compact 12ml version for £9 – perfect for popping in your bag for on-the-go touch-ups. With an impressive 4.8-star rating from nearly 3,000 reviews, shoppers are clearly smitten. One reviewer raved: "This is great for controlling humidity and makes your hair shine!" One satisfied customer beamed: "For years I have tried to find a product that tames my frizzy hair and I have finally found the perfect product! My hair feels so silky and soft after using it as well and it lasts for days." But not everyone had a smooth experience with the application; one user reported: "The product is amazing! Looks as if it is going to be sticky but it's not. My menopausal hair is dry and frizzes easily. This is transforming my hair! I love it. However, I ordered the small applicator initially to try it and the hoke gets easily clogged up, difficult to use, it comes out thick and to get 1cm length even I have to pump it several times. If it wasn't such a good product I'd have given up and thrown it away. I also wish the black parts were clear plastic as it can't be recycled." 3. Color Security Shampoo - usually £21.50 With the summer heat contributing to sweaty scalps and increased oil production that can irritate your scalp, clog follicles, or even lead to hair loss, having a reliable shampoo is paramount. Many budget formulas are simply not up to scratch, particularly when it comes to coloured or treated hair - which is where Color Wow's Color Security Shampoo steps in at £21.50. The Color Security Shampoo is great for banishing build up When I opted for a copper hair dye last year, this quickly became my favourite product for maintaining my hair between salon appointments. The shampoo, free from sulfates and residue, cleanses gently yet thoroughly without leaving any build-up that could weigh down the hair or irritate the scalp. In fact, every ingredient is designed to rinse off completely, leaving hair feeling squeaky clean which I find allows me to extend the time between washes. It's suitable for all hair types and colour-treated strands, it's even touted as 'perfect' for extensions. 4. Money Mist Leave-In Conditioner - usually priced at £29.50 Given that my hair is quite fine, I'm not particularly fond of using thick heavy conditioners in the shower. Instead, I favour a light, leave-in formula like the Money Mist from Color Wow. I stumbled upon this earlier this year and now it's an integral part of my regular wash routine, used every time without fail. Money Mist is a super light leave-in conditioning spray The weightless, glossy leave-in conditioner strengthens, detangles, and smooths, all while adding shine and providing heat/UV protection. No need for heat tools to activate it. My favourite aspect is how it makes my hair feel so luxurious. That silky, swishy finish you get after a salon blowout? Money Mist delivers that without having to step out of the house. For a similar experience, I also quite enjoy Lush Super Milk and Sol de Janeiro's Brazilian Joia Milky Leave-In Conditioner, both priced at £28. Article continues below Moreover, if the discount wasn't enticing enough, any customer who spends over £60 on the Color Wow site will have the opportunity to select a complimentary travel-sized product at the checkout. I suggest securing a mini version of your preferred product and keeping it for your upcoming holiday, or choose a product you've been keen to try but were hesitant to purchase at full price. Browse the complete Color Wow sale here.
Daily Mirror
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Celeb-loved haircare brand launches Bank Holiday sale - here's what to buy
Color Wow is offering up to 30% off their cult-favourite hair products this Bank Holiday weekend - here's what you should be adding to your basket As a beauty writer, I try more products than I can count – but when it comes to haircare, one brand I reach for time and again is Color Wow. And to celebrate the Bank Holiday, the celebrity stylist-loved brand is offering up to 30% off their cult-favourite hair products, making it the ideal time to finally try them out, or stock up on some hero products. Used by Claudia Winkleman's and Kim Kardashian's hair stylists, the brand is best known for their high performing hair care and styling formulas, from frizz-fighting sprays to high-shine serums. They're all developed in-house and led by founder Gail Federici who has a whopping 40 years in the industry, and even produced the hair world's first anti-frizz product, Frizz Ease, when she was at the helm of John Frieda Hair Care. Iconic. Kickstarting today (May 22) and running until Tuesday, May 27, the more money shoppers spend, the bigger the discount they can unlock. Customers who spend £50 or more can get 20% off with the code SAVE20, or unlock 25% off with the code SAVE25 when they spend £75. For shoppers who want to splurge, they can save 30% with the code SAVE30 when they spend more than £100. But they're not the only brand hosting a sale. Elsewhere, Amazon is hosting its first Everyday Essentials Week, offering seven days of deals on everyday essential items until 23.59pm on Tuesday, May 27. As part of the event, there is up to 40% off beauty, including brands like NIVEA, KIKO and Neutrogena. Meanwhile, Charlotte Tilbury is offering 20% off sitewide with the code MAGICMAY. But when it comes to the Color Wow event, which products should you be snapping up? As someone who isn't a huge haircare lover, it takes a lot to win me over and these are the Color Wow products I genuinely rate – and why they're worth your basket space. 1. Dream Coat Supernatural Spray - usually £27 This bestselling spray is Color Wow's holy grail anti-frizz treatment. It uses innovative humidity-blocking technology to literally waterproof your hair and keep frizz away for up to four washes. It also gives hair a mirror-like, glassy shine and provides two levels of built-in heat protection. Lightweight but super effective, it's beloved by stylists for taming summer frizz, even in the worst humidity. Among the fans is Claudia Winkleman's stylist, Amy Short, who revealed she uses it on The Traitors ' star to achieve her covetable shine. Chris Appleton, who is known as Kim Kardashian's go-to hairstylist, has also been vocal in his praise for the product, having previously said: 'The level of glossy shine is incredible. Nothing can create a mirror-like-finish like Dream keep the style humidity-proof for days,' 2. Pop & Lock High Gloss Finish - usually £22.50 A hybrid between a lightweight oil and a shine serum, this multitasking finisher smooths, hydrates, and adds serious gloss. With 3 levels of heat protection, Pop & Lock protects against UV rays and colour fade, plus, the sparkling high-gloss finish locks down the cuticle and temporarily seals split ends. I love how this product gives my hair that freshly blow-dried look in seconds, leaving it glossy without looking or feeling greasy like I've found with some oils. A little goes a long way and it even comes in a mini 12ml version for £9 which is ideal for throwing in your bag for on-the-go touch ups. The product has a near-perfect 4.8 star rating from shoppers, based on almost 3,000 reviews. One shopper wrote: 'This is great for controlling humidity and makes your hair shine!' Another added: 'For years I have tried to find a product that tames my frizzy hair and I have finally found the perfect product! My hair feels so silky and soft after using it as well and it lasts for days.' However, some have found the applicator to be a little challenging. One said: 'The product is amazing! Looks as if it is going to be sticky but it's not. My menopausal hair is dry and frizzes easily. This is transforming my hair! I love it. However, I ordered the small applicator initially to try it and the hoke gets easily clogged up, difficult to use, it comes out thick and to get 1cm length even I have to pump it several times. If it wasn't such a good product I'd have given up and thrown it away. I also wish the black parts were clear plastic as it can't be recycled.' 3. Color Security Shampoo - usually £21.50 Summer heat makes your scalp sweaty and ramps up oil production, which can cause irritation, clog follicles, even cause hair loss, so a good shampoo is a must. Many cheap formulas simply don't cut the mustard, especially on coloured or treated hair, which is where Color Wow's Color Security Shampoo comes in. When I dyed my hair copper last year, this fast became my go-to for maintaining my hair between salon visits. The sulfate-free, residue-free shampoo gently but thoroughly cleanses without leaving behind any build-up that could weigh hair down or irritate the scalp. In fact, every ingredient is designed to rinse off fully, leaving hair feeling squeaky clean which I find lets me go longer between washes, too. It's safe for all hair types and colour-treated strands, it's even said to be 'perfect' for extensions. 4. Money Mist Leave-In Conditioner - usually 29.50 Because my hair is quite fine, I don't really like to use thick heavy conditioners in the shower. Instead, I prefer a light, leave-in formula like the Money Mist from Color Wow. I discovered this earlier this year and now I use it as part of my regular wash routine, every time without fail. The weightless, glossy leave-in conditioner strengthens, detangles, and smooths, all while adding shine and heat/UV protection. No heat tools required to activate. My favourite part is how it makes my hair feel so expensive. That silky, swishy finish you get after a salon blowout? Money Mist gives me that without having to leave the house. For a similar experience, I also quite like Lush Super Milk and Sol de Janeiro's Brazilian Joia Milky Leave-In Conditioner, which are both £28. And, if the discount wasn't tempting enough, anyone who spends over £60 on the Color Wow site will be able to choose a free travel-sized product at the checkout. I recommend getting a mini version of your favourite product and stashing it away for your next holiday, or opt for a product you've been wanting to try for a while but didn't want to get at full price. Shop the full Color Wow sale here.
Buzz Feed
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
27 Top-Rated Products That Truly Deliver
A leave-in conditioning spray for curly hair to tame your little one's hair and get rid of any knots and tangles. Reviewers call it the best product ever for a reason! An itty-bitty toenail brace set that will correct the natural curve of your toenails and sort out any niggly pains that have come with it over the years. A Nuvo cabinet paint kit so you can give your home an HGTV-worthy makeover without having to actually learn all of the tricky, time-consuming things, like stripping and priming. A CeraVe salicylic acid body wash to get rid of any scabbing or flare-ups from keratosis pilaris (otherwise known as "chicken skin"). It gently smoothes and exfoliates skin without any harsh ingredients. John Frieda's Frizz Ease Leave-In Conditioner to protect your locks from heat and humidity while smoothing and detangling at the same time. Basically, you won't have to worry about looking like Monica during that one episode of Friends (IYKYK). Promising review: "I swear by this product. Helps with frizz, hair is shinier, and also helps condition to make brushing through my hair after a shower less painful." —Kathryn it from Amazon for $8.97. Or a bottle of Ouai wave spray if you still want the lived-in beachy look but don't fancy using any heat on your hair. I have a natural wave to my hair and I swear by this stuff for when I want to embrace the look without putting in much effort. Promising review: "I cannot go anywhere without this, it's my favorite wave spray I've ever used. Doesn't leave your hair crusty and keeps my waves all day even at work. It's a must for naturally wavy-haired girls. Even my brother uses it!!" —Elle it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in three sizes). A jar of Brazilian Bum Bum Cream that has become a cult-favorite body lotion. This sweet, sweet product is infused with caffeine, guarana extract, and coconut oil to help simultaneously tighten *and* smooth skin. It also smells like sunshine in a jar, which is reason enough for me to *add to cart.* A six-pack of jumbo Spacesaver vacuum storage bags because it's about time you actually store your off-season items in an orderly manner instead of shoving them all in a heap at the bottom of your closet. Promising review: "I've just downsized from a large home in the suburbs to condo living in downtown. Purging and getting rid of so much stuff that I've accumulated throughout the years was life-changing! I had quite a bit of really nice bedding that I wanted to keep but had very little storage space. I decided to order these jumbo bags for king down duvets, thick blankets, and king-sized pillows. I was amazed at how much these held, how easy they were to pack/vacuum, and how much I could fit in such a small space!" —Raquel MossGet it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in four sizes and a variety pack). A veggie chopper that will become the holy grail of your kitchen. This incredible invention chops, spiralizes, and slices vegetables in an instant, and the built-in container means there's gonna be absolutely zero mess. So long, chopping boards. An electric can opener so you can say goodbye to sharp can edges and bits of label in the food because you can't quite grasp using a manual tin opener. This bad boy will open your cans with a simple touch of a button. Promising review: "This is an amazing tool! It's about the same size as a manual can opener, but this is automatic. All you have to do is place it on the can and press the button and it turns on its own. Just press the button again once it reaches the starting point and it disengages and turns off. This doesn't leave sharp lid edges like regular openers. What a lifesaver!" —Rachel YoungGet it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in four colors). A paw-protecting balm to use year-round. It will guard against scorching hot sidewalks and sand in the summer, as well as ice and salt in the winter months. It'll keep paw pads really moisturized, too. Some reviewers even use it on their own tattoos to help them heal. Promising review: "I live in Florida, where the pavement gets very hot in the summer. I started to notice my dog's pads getting chapped and rough. Whenever I would touch them, he would recoil, which made me think they were bothering him. I ordered Mushers because I hate when my hands are dry, and I couldn't stand to think my baby might be uncomfortable or even in pain! It was actually difficult to apply at first because my dog's paws were so rough. After the first application, I noticed a difference in the texture of his paws. Not just immediately after application, but the following day as well. When I went to apply the next day, I noticed it was significantly easier to apply because my dog's paws were significantly softer. With every subsequent application, I noticed my dog's paws were softer and less rough. After five days of application, they feel like a baby's butt! Definitely recommend it and will be repurchasing. This has become part of my pup's routine." —Lexi BergerGet it from Amazon for $15.99. A 7-in-1 Instant Pot for making meal times a breeze. Whip up your favorite soup, batch cook rice for the week, or toss some meat and veggies into the pot before work and come home to a delicious slow-cooked stew. A hydrating eye cream with a 98% nature-derived formula that will magically restore under-eye skin for a brighter and smoother appearance. See ya later, eye bags! Promising review: "I am 59 and always getting accused of being in my mid-40s! I have used Andalou Naturals Luminous Eye Serum for at least three years. I would not be without it. My regular moisturizer works fine on the rest of my face, but if I try to use it only on my eyes, I can see the difference. All I need to do is gently tap on the Andalou Eye Serum and I can see the crepeyness disappear." —M. ReitcheckGet it from Amazon for $12.69. An affordable Essence mascara that'll give you sky-high lashes for a fraction of the cost of higher-end mascaras. Just one coat will give you the blackest, boldest, most dramatic lashes, and no one will ever guess that you paid less than five (!!) bucks for them. Promising review: "I have probably tried every mascara on the market, and this blows them all out of the park. Let me start by saying that I wear contact lenses, so it's important that nothing flakes off into my eyes during the day from my mascara, and after wearing this mascara countless times, I have never had an issue with it. It goes on easily; it builds, it thickens, and it separates. It makes you look like you're wearing false eyelashes. I can honestly say that I can go out with mascara and blush and feel made up without putting on eyeliner and eyeshadow. It doesn't flake into your eyes even if you accidentally rub your eyes, and it's easily removed with either makeup remover, or soap and water, or the Makeup Eraser pads. I sincerely hope they stay in business because I will be a fan for life, and there's not many things I can say that about." —HSL826Get it from Amazon for $4.99+ (available in a pack of one or three). A ~handy~ standing weed-pulling tool that takes the chore out of pulling the unwanted "flowers" out of your yard. No more bending down on your hands and knees. Promising review: "This weed puller is legit! I was telling my husband that I needed big pliers to pull the deep weeds because I needed some leverage, and I happened upon this on Amazon. I never really think these things work, but OH, IT WORKS! It's so easy to use, it really grabs the roots, and it's a really well-built tool. The only thing… make sure you carry a poker or something because mud and rocks and mulch get lodged in the crevices pretty easily. I want to go pull more weeds! Some roots were as thick and long as carrots, and this tool dominated them! It's a must-buy!" —CERGet it from Amazon for $44.99. A rechargeable mosquito repellent because nothing ruins a backyard BBQ or a patio happy hour like some unwanted guests. It might not look like it's working (there's no sound or smell), but reviewers say that it is certainly effective. Promising review: "The Thermacell Mosquito Repellent is a game-changer for my New England patio! Living in an area plagued by mosquitoes, I had tried numerous products with disappointing results. However, the moment I started using Thermacell, I was amazed. It created a protective barrier that kept mosquitoes away, allowing me to enjoy bug-free evenings outdoors. The odorless operation, long-lasting performance, and portability make this device a must-have for anyone seeking relief from mosquitoes. Thermacell has truly transformed my outdoor experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone dealing with mosquito problems." —Ray SalemiGet it from Amazon for $29.98+ (available in four colors). A set of cleaning K-Cups because yes, it's a pain cleaning your coffee machine, but these bbs are going to make it *so* much simpler. Promising review: "I bought this product because the needle in my Keurig 2.0 keeps clogging, causing inconsistent brew and taste. These cleaning cups fixed both of my issues, and I especially liked that it was really quick and easy to use. I put the cleaning pod in and ran one cycle, then took the pod out and ran a rinse cycle to clean out any leftover grinds. FAST, EASY, and GREAT results… VERY HAPPY!!" —Corey WestGet a six-pack from Amazon for $9.95. A bottle of stove top cleaner and handy tools so you can finally say goodbye to those stubborn burnt-on stains that have been there for months. Promising review: "I had baked-on stains from at least the past two years of almost daily use. Never could get the stovetop to look clean with other attempts. First pass with this and I'm super impressed!" —RachelGet it from Amazon for $12.98. Wet & Forget shower cleaner to give your shower some much-needed TLC without having to break a sweat. Douse your shower in this miracle solution and sit back and watch the dirt melt away. Medicated, waterproof bandages that will help to lift pesky warts from your skin in a simple and pain-free way. Reviewers saw some amazing results after just one use! Gross, but satisfying for sure. An old faithful carpet cleaner because if you live with kids or pets, you know the importance of having a great carpet cleaner. This will get rid of all of the stains, from pet messes to red wine. A grout pen so you can finally brighten between your tiles. It's such a simple thing, but restoring your grout to its original white color will instantly make your home look cleaner. Use this anywhere from your bathroom to your kitchen. A bottle of Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for easing any signs of a dry and flaky scalp. This INCREDIBLE shampoo gets to the ~root~ of the problem and some reviewers were virtually flake-free after just two washes. A bottle of Bio-Oil that's a cult classic beauty product for a reason. It helps to fade scars and blemishes and evens up skin tones. Don't believe me? Check out the 37,000+ 5-star ratings. The Pink Stuff all-purpose paste and spray for cleaning just about anything and everything. It's so good, it may just become the only cleaning product that you use going forward. A dermatologist-tested EcoTools makeup brush cleaner because this is your reminder to CLEAN YOUR MAKEUP BRUSHES! Fizzing toilet tablets that will take the hard work away from ridding your toilet of grime and rings. In fact, it's basically a bath bomb for your toilet. Ain't that fun?
The Guardian
19-03-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Too relaxed about the risks: the crisis in Black women's hair care
Hello and welcome to The Long Wave. This week I look into the emerging health hazards associated with styling Black hair, and how for generations Black women have been let down by legislation, social pressure and the forever shifting demands of the beauty industry. Hair products marketed to Black women span a wide range, everything from wash to styling day involves a product that promises to make one's hair smooth, shiny, and above all manageable. Whether hair is worn straightened, natural, or even tucked away in braids, there is an oil, cream or gel to improve the style. Your straightened hair can be glossier; the curls in your natural hair can be more defined and last longer. And goodness, yes, your hair is braided but your edges are unruly and need to be laid. On social media, I even saw a powder that can be sprinkled on straightened hair to give it more volume. So it seems hair products now run the gamut of solid and liquid states. But evidence is mounting that the Black hair care and styling industry is wildly unregulated and poses risks to Black women's health. Last month, analysis found that 80% of about 4,000 beauty products marketed at Black women 'contain at least one moderately hazardous ingredient – and most contain multiple', which is quite disturbing. Among those products were chemical products in hair-straightening formulas linked to health risks such as cancer and damage to the respiratory system, and toxic compounds added to hair conditioners. Such chemicals are linked to health risks that include cancer and damage to the respiratory system. The list of hazardous products is staggering (pdf), as much for its length as for its range. Among the list are several hair products that I either was familiar with or have used myself, and others that are targeted at children. My eternal search for the 'miracle' product My first exposure to the promise of a product was when I was in my early teens, when John Frieda hair care launched what was to become an iconic line specifically for curly hair called Frizz Ease (the elders will remember). I recall loading every product in the line on my head and then, crestfallen, comparing my very Frizz Uneased hair to the bouncy smooth curls on its advertising. But immediately, the takeaway was that it was simply not the right product for me. And so began a lifetime hunt for that magic combination of serums, mousses and conditioners that will finally give me 'good hair'. By the time I came of age to manage my own hair, older generations were already in the grip of hair straightening. The better off could afford chemical relaxers; the rest had to make do with iron tongs heated on the stove. I would have to go back to my grandmothers' cohort, born in the early 20th century, to find female relatives who never manipulated their hair or used chemicals, simply wearing it in cornrows. The timespan over which Black women have been using such products is now closing in on a century. The health implications of such extended use are only just becoming apparent, with large studies being commissioned primarily during the last decade. But it still feels like the tip of something much bigger, and seemingly gentle and harmless products are now being cast in a new, perilous light. Too relaxed about the risks Of all Black hair styling products, chemical relaxers pose the greatest health risk. The treatments alter the structure of the hair to straighten it. The effect cannot be reversed, only grown out, and so roots have to be continually retouched to maintain the style. A landmark study in 2022 found that women who have used hair relaxers regularly (defined as 'more than four times a year') are at an elevated risk of uterine cancer. More than 100 lawsuits have been filed in the United States, with further claims of increased risk of fibroids. The result is a drop in relaxer use, and a cultural pivoting, most clear on social media, where users chart their journeys 'growing out' their relaxers and accepting their natural hair. But elsewhere, relaxer use is actually rising sharply, particularly in Africa. Across the world, the market is expected to grow by almost 20%. There is no global regulatory body, and so even as health risks are exposed there is limited legal scope to enforce changes to product formulas and bans on hazardous products on an international scale. Even within individual countries regulation is a challenge, as the long path to legislation can be interrupted by changing governments. A US Food and Drug Administration move to ban formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, from hair-straightening products has become stuck under the new US administration, with the legislation caught in the spokes of political transition. There are no signs that it will be implemented soon, if at all, in the current term. Even braids aren't risk-free Sign up to The Long Wave Nesrine Malik and Jason Okundaye deliver your weekly dose of Black life and culture from around the world after newsletter promotion Braiding has long been seen as a safer styling alternative. The adoption of hair braiding comes with its own virtuous assumption that it was not harmful to the hair as the process involved no chemicals or heat. In fact, braiding has come to be described as 'protective style'. But earlier this month, a study found carcinogenic ingredients in 10 synthetic hair products that are weaved into many braiding styles, hair extensions and wigs. Lead was found in nine of the 10 samples analysed. This is a particularly grim revelation. Because I would wager that even the most highly informed consumer would not have assumed that simply running a few bundles of synthetic hair alongside your own could put you at risk of cancer. It is also a sad one. Low maintenance but highly diverse in terms of styling, braids have in many ways freed people from that odyssey of the perfect curl or frizz-free blow-dry. But even that, it appears, is not a safe harbour any more. Strong cultural pressure, poor regulation Sure, there is a wild west element to the Black hair industry, where poor regulation ensures that research into hazards does not interrupt the profits that can be made in a multibillion-dollar global market. But there is another dimension – that of the cultural, social and racial pressure placed on Black women to conform to a certain aesthetic. Straight (or more accurately, straightened) long hair still dominates in western popular culture depictions of 'beautiful' Black women. The result is an entire genre of poker-straight wigs and weaves adopted throughout the world, as western beauty standards infiltrate Black-majority countries. There are also bewildering mixed messages that make users feel as if all types of hair are possible and accessible. There is genuinely a case for a health warning on such ads to tell consumers, particularly younger and more impressionable girls, that models' hair is often enhanced, extended, or a wig. Then there is textural discrimination within Black communities, where even in natural form there is a preference for hair that is what I call 'layable' – that is, finessed away from sight into flat styles rather than bigger, more coiled afros. Even braid styles cleave to longer, fuller designs, such as boho braids, that in the very styles mimic hair and movement that is rarely found in natural form. Consumers fall at the intersection of complex commercial and social impulses. The marketing is relentless, as is the peer pressure. But as I was reading that study into the thousands of Black beauty products, one quote by a co-author of the study really stayed with me: 'Although we have seen some improvements,' Kristin Edwards said, 'it's still really, really important for consumers to be intentional users.' Easier said than done. It involves pausing, reading ingredient lists, and even researching before you buys a product. But intentionality also involves digging deeper into what notions of 'good hair' you have come to believe in. To receive the complete version of The Long Wave in your inbox every Wednesday, please subscribe here.
