For years, I never gave my hair much thought. Then came countless ocean swims, followed by my ongoing love affair with changing my hair colour. Cherry, highlights, brown, then back again.
Eventually, my once luscious locks had enough and staged a small rebellion.
So, I decided it was time to stop pretending another colour appointment would fix everything and actually focus on bringing my hair back to health.
I knew I needed a few hair health allies, some new tricks and a decent amount of patience. After trying and testing a range of products, these are the ones I keep coming back to.
Hydration Was the Missing Piece
Like many people with colour-treated hair, I assumed I needed intensive repair treatments packed with protein. While protein definitely has its place, it turned out my hair was not asking for another complicated treatment. It was simply thirsty.
Colouring can make it harder for hair to retain moisture, leaving it coarse, dull and more prone to breakage.
Once I shifted my focus towards hydration, everything started to change.
One of the biggest game changers for me has been the Klorane Hydration Range with Prickly Pear. The formulas feel lightweight but deeply nourishing, giving my hair the moisture it has been craving without weighing it down.
After several weeks, my hair felt softer, smoother and far shinier than it has in a long time. I also love that the shampoo contains 97 per cent natural-origin ingredients, so it feels gentle enough for regular use.
Healthy Hair Starts at the Scalp $44 At Adore Beauty
One thing I completely overlooked during my hair recovery journey was my scalp. I was so busy trying to rescue the ends that I forgot healthy hair actually starts at the roots.
When my scalp started feeling dry and irritated, I reached for the Kerasilk Scalp Serum Drops. They are lightweight, soothing and never leave my hair looking like I have skipped one too many wash days. After using this product consistently, my scalp feels calmer, healthier and far more comfortable.
The Hair Oil I Didn’t Know I Needed, Hinu Hair Oil $55 at Hinu
For years, I avoided hair oils because I was convinced they would leave my fine hair looking like I had deep-fried it.
Thankfully, Hinu Hair Oil proved me wrong. This absolutely gorgeous oil helps stimulate hair growth.
The formula contains argan, camellia and avocado oils to nourish and soften dry hair, while grape seed extract helps protect weakened strands from heat. Rosemary, peppermint and amla oils also help support a healthy scalp and stronger-looking hair. It also smells absolutely divine and feels very high quality.
It is now one of those products I reach for almost every day, especially after a morning swim or before styling.
Saying Goodbye to Flakes, $52
Let’s be honest, dandruff is not exactly the most glamorous beauty topic, but it is incredibly common.
Colouring, seasonal changes, product build-up and heat styling can all leave the scalp feeling out of balance. Mine occasionally decides to express its unhappiness through flakes, usually at the least convenient time.
Hinu is a great product and Kerasilk Anti-Dandruff drops has also become my reset button whenever this happens. Rather than feeling harsh or stripping, it gently cleanses my scalp while still leaving the lengths of my hair soft.
It helps my scalp feel fresh and comfortable without undoing all the hydration I have worked so hard to restore.
Winning the Battle Against Frizz, 150ml $33 at Oz hair and Beauty
Living by the coast has plenty of perks, but perfectly smooth hair is rarely one of them.
Between the humidity, sea breeze and my naturally wavy hair, frizz often seems to have its own plans.
The KMS Tame Frizz Smoothing Lotion has become my finishing touch. I work a small amount through damp hair before blow-drying and notice an immediate difference.
My hair feels smoother, looks glossier and stays under control for much longer without feeling sticky or heavy. Best of all, it still looks like my hair, just on a considerably better day.
Giving Damaged Hair Some Extra Love,
There are still days when my hair needs a little extra support, particularly after colouring or using heat styling tools.
That is where the KMS MoistRepair Collection comes in. It helps restore softness and manageability while making my hair feel stronger over time.
Instead of the dry, crunchy texture I had become far too familiar with, my hair feels silky, is easier to brush and looks noticeably healthier after each wash.
For anyone trying to recover damaged or colour-treated hair, it is the kind of range that quietly gets on with the job.
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The Takeaway
Looking back, I realised my hair did not need more punishment, harsher treatments or a miracle cure. It needed moisture, patience and a routine that cared for both my scalp and my strands.
The biggest lesson is that healthy hair comes from being consistent, paying attention to what your hair actually needs and occasionally giving the bleach a rest.
Months later, my hair feels softer, stronger and shinier than it has in years.
