Great-looking winter hair is rooted in deep treatments

To sustain a magnificent mane simple conditioner isn’t enough

Sue Conley

IT’S NICE to be nice to your hair, especially in the winter when your scalp gets all dry.

I was not best pleased by the performance of most of the below, but I’ve saved the best for last.

PHYTO PARIS Phytopolleine Universal Elixir Scalp Stimulant, €20 * *

The teeny bottle led me to believe that I wouldn’t have to use much. Following the directions I dabbed this at the roots of my hair — I thought I would be collecting my pension before I managed to get to every root. I only got half the scalp done and I wasn’t impressed.

JO HANSFORD Colour Care Protect & Shine Leave in Conditioner, €18.50 * * *

This boasts an excellent scent of grapefruit. You will have to spray a fair amount on your wet hair, depending on how difficult it is to untangle. It leaves a better impression if you blow dry.

LUSH Snake Oil, €5 * *

The instructions say to warm up this bar of scalp treatment with one’s fingers. This doesn’t work. I had to put it in the microwave to soften it. I wasn’t impressed — it doesn’t smell nice, and I didn’t feel my scalp improved.

THE BODY SHOP Rainforest Moisture Hair Butter, €13.75 * * *

I loved the smell of this and the texture, but the pot is so small. I got a lot of mileage out of the small scoop I used, but it didn’t impart any deeper treatment than my usual conditioner.

PHILIP KINGSLEY Elasticizer, €22.67 * * * * *

There are directions to suit all types of hair, but I went the full welly, and left it on, under the cap, for 30 minutes. It’s worth looking like an eejit for half an hour: your hair will be a silky sensation!

KÉRASTASE Elixir Ultime, €34 * * * * *

You’ll feel a million euro when you use this — I got as close to salon-styled hair as I’ve ever done. The littlest bit makes you completely gorgeous! I use it as a deep treatment and as a styling aid.