And #TuesdayTwirl
Dear friends. Let's talk about going grey. I'm getting a bit fed up with the hours spent at the salon and am thinking about it, although it's not an easy decision when you're warm toned.
In today's post I'm also sharing my progress with products and treatments aimed at improving ageing skin. Plus there's a low-cost perfumed treat and a body oil that works marvels on crepey skin.
Everything was bought by me so you're getting honest reviews.
Thinking about Going Grey
Three factors have led to me pondering the future of my hair. It was a dark golden brown when I was young but for the last 10 years has been highlighted.
The process of root coverage and highlights is a long one, and I shudder at the time I've spent in the chair. Of course it's expensive too. The roots need retouching every six weeks, although I now stretch it to eight.
The highlights don't contain bleach, but obviously chemical processing of any kind isn't great for the hair.
I discovered that using products that claim to volumise and thicken hair were building up and making my hair more porous and dry. It felt terrible when it was wet, like horse hair. I now have a keratin treatment when I have my hair coloured, which helps, and I've discovered a smoothing cream by Ouai which is amazing. No flyaways or frizz with this, and only a small amount is needed.
I'm also using cleansing shampoos and conditioners, among them this duo from Aveda. My hair's condition has improved.
The decision to go grey is a big one for a warm toned woman. Most hairdressers use a blending technique to make the grey that's appearing less noticeable, but it's generally done with ashy - cool - tones.
Another way of going grey, which only a few very skilful colourists can do, is to turn your hair completely grey in one session. It's a very long process, and imagine if you absolutely hated it once it was done.
You could also let nature run its course. Grow out the roots and take no more action. My mum did this when she was 50. The permanent dye was damaging her scalp. She emerged with beautiful pure white hair but mine is still a mixture. The regrowth always looks pretty awful. This was my hair as seen from above, before the roots were retouched.
I mentioned my thoughts to Mr Mutton and was surprised when he said he likes my hair as it is, blonde. Like most men he seems to dislike make-up and artifice, so I thought he would prefer it grey. If I make up my mind to go ahead, I won't be influenced by him as it's my hair.
I saw the hairdresser last week for a root retouch (and just a handful of new highlights) and discussed my thoughts. The blending process is a long one, with the darker hair being lightened and the lighter hair slightly darkened. It takes several sessions in the chair. I don't think I'm ready - yet - to go grey.
How about you? Where are you in the journey?
RESULTS WITH CURRENTBODY DEVICES AND PROFHILO
Time now for an update on the two devices from UK brand CurrentBody that I started using in April last year. These are the Series 2 LED Red Light Therapy face mask and the "dec and neck" device (decolletage and neck). I paid for them myself.
The improvement since then is noticeable when you look at the photos. I've also had two Profhilo treatments and I think this contributed too. Profhilo is hyaluronic acid precisely injected into the area being treated (face and neck).
Unlike wrinkle reducing and dermal filler treatments, Profhilo stimulates collagen and elastin, attracting water in the deeper layers of the skin. You need 2 sessions about 5 weeks apart and it's said to carry on working for several months. The needles go quite deep and it's a little eyewatering. I also had a bruise the second time which was hard to disguise.
Treatments like Profhilo and injections of Polynucleotides are slowly taking over from fillers and botox because they stimulate your own skin to regenerate collagen.
I use the CurrentBody devices on alternate nights (one each night). It takes 10 mins and I listen to a podcast. I'm also using the dec and neck on my crepey upper arms.
To be brutally honest I don't look much different. Once you're in your 60s and everything has started to sag, this type of treatment can't achieve miracles. Surgery is needed. That's not a road I'd go down.
A Perfume Pick Me Up
This is the Femme Fatale discovery box, £18, from The Fragrance Society. It's a collection of samples of bold scents from Argentum, D’Otto Parfums, Soki London, Annick Goutal and The Merchant of Venice, among others. I find them perfect for travelling and also for when you want to experiment with new scents. (Bought myself).
MAGIC OIL BY BESQUE
It's not often I'm blown away by a product that really works. You may have seen ads for Besque Magic Oil on FB or IG. I'm on my 3rd bottle and wouldn't be without it. The skin on my arms and stomach is definitely better, less crepey and more supple.
There are a couple of other companies that provide a similar product. They're all quite pricey because of the various oils they contain. Dermatologists have acknowledged that normal body lotions have little effect on ageing skin, but these oils penetrative at a deeper level.
The bottles are quite pricey but you can make occasional savings, such as three bottles for the price of two. It's also cheaper to subscribe.
At the end of the day, if it makes you happier about baring your arms in summer, go for it. It doesn't have to be inevitable that we have to have bingo wings and crepey skin. Here are my tips for better arms.
Love to hear your thoughts in the comments on going grey, using devices to tone your skin, and living with ageing arms.
TIME FOR TUESDAY TWIRL
Tuesday Twirl is the weekly link-up putting fashion, style, books, fitness and beauty bloggers in the spotlight. Scroll down to below the thumbnails for the joining instructions. No favourites this week because I'm away, but I'll feature the most clicked next week.
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