Mairead Robinson ‘heads’ to the hairdresser as soon as they reopen and tries a new colour!
Due to Covid-19 restrictions being imposed twice since last March, there was just a short window where people could enjoy a professional cut and colour at their favourite hairdressers. One of the most common changes over the last nine months, was the number of people who started cutting and colouring their own hair. As soon as the salons reopened, many of us quickly booked an appointment to avail of a professional treatment. I was fortunate to enjoy just that before hairdressers had to close again. Now that they are once again open, I strongly recommend that you book yourself a proper treatment as soon as you can get an appointment. I have no doubt that there will be a long queue!
I went to The Hair Shop in Midleton, one of Cork’s top salons, and what a great treat that was! Proprietor Rosaleen O’Donnell has a fabulous team of eight stylists, all specialist colourists who cater for every shade and style to suit all ages and tastes. I was impressed with the social distancing and hygiene measures in place, the friendliness of all the staff, the detailed consultation process, and finally the great cut and fabulous colour I experienced at the hands of the lovely Lil.
One difficulty with colouring your own hair is managing the back of your head, and ensuring an even colour spread throughout your hair. To be able to colour and style your own hair is difficult enough, but to get the back of your head looking as good as the front, is almost impossible. I had a base colour done at the salon and three different high/low lights, and together with the salon quality products, the result was a real morale boost. You can see the photo of my hair from the back when Lil was finished, and the texture, colour and style is perfect. The salon uses Schwarzkopf conditioning colours for the best hair treatment so colouring does not have to be so hard on your hair, as is often the case with many ‘across the counter’ products. I will certainly return to The Hair Studio for future cutting and colouring, as it was one of the best salon experiences in recent years. You can contact The Hair Shop at 021-4632613
Gifts
When it comes to giving gifts this year, we are all being urged to support Irish companies as much as we can. So it is worth considering a voucher for a spa treatment or hair treatment that can be used at any time over the next twelve months. If however you want to give an Irish gift, a scented candle is always very acceptable. When we were children candles were only brought out when there was a power cut, nowadays they fill every home with delightful aromas of essential oils!
Luxe Irish candle brand Rossi & Rossi Candles is a range of delicately scented, beautifully handcrafted candles derived from pure plant ingredients that include soy wax and pure essential oils. The result is a natural, non-toxic, longer-lasting and clean burning sensory candle experience that does not overpower the room or irritate its occupants. They have just added a brand-new candle to its core range of six especially for Christmas called Winter. Other candles in the range include: Feuilles de Tabac, Patchouli & Rosehip, Rhubarb and Plum, Sleepy Lavender, Lime, Basil & Mandarin, and Thai Basil & Mango. The candles can be delivered anywhere in Ireland. Contact annerossi@mail.com or phone (01) 8337021
And back to beauty. If Santa has not bought you some beautiful skin care products, then perhaps it is time to treat yourself? Neostrata have a range of anti-ageing skin care products that really nourish and hydrate mature skin. These include their Skin Active Repair Cellular Restoration which helps to plump skin’s appearance and smooth the look of wrinkles. Another great product is their Tri-Therapy Lifting Serum which volumizes the look of slack skin with Aminofil amino acid derivative concentrated to target skin’s hydrating matrix for a more lifted appearance. There are many other products in this brand, and I intend to try some out in the New Year. So make a promise to yourself to ‘self gift’ some treats. As they say, you are worth it!