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From new scalp serums to head spas, beauty expert HANNAH BETTS reveals how to join the glossy crowd

Harry November 4, 2024

Over forty hair meant hiding the gray at all costs. These days, we’re talking about condition rather than color.

We all aspire to be members of the brilliant group. And while we old folks might not try to shine in the mirror-like reflection of TikTok’s ‘glass hair’ trend, a strategic spot of sparkling can take years away from us.

Who better to be our authority on ageless shine than Adam Reed, whom I met when we were both in our shiny early thirties? ‘Why is brightness so desired?’ I asked him ‘why does middle age mean the loss of this?’ I ask.

He explains: ‘Brightness is essential to bring out the dimension of the color and add that beautiful shine.’

However, as hair ages, it tends to absorb light rather than reflect it. Adam says this change often occurs due to ‘misalignment’ of the cuticles. When hair turns grey, it becomes more transparent and has a harder time reflecting light.

To achieve a healthier look, you need to seal the cuticle and add shine, she says. ‘The best way to do this is to regularly care for both your scalp and your hair,’ he advises.

‘It’s important to keep your shape trimmed and avoid over-styling, as heat can open the cuticles further. ‘Then increase moisture levels to create a smoother finish, giving you the shine you’re looking for.’

Adam’s brand Arkive’s signature shine guarantor is Good Habit Hybrid Oil (£14, marksandspencer.com). Meanwhile, Adam’s Immaculate Hybrid Cleansing Fluid (£14, marksandspencer.com) helps care for the scalp, alongside the vibrant menthol Crown Scalp Scrub (£14) and the protein, antioxidant and moisture-rich Root-ine Scalp Serum (£14). . ).

Until recently, I was wary of scalp products due to the ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ school of thought. And yet, just as middle-aged scalps will benefit from stimulating cell renewal, middle-aged scalps will also benefit from some degree of stimulation.

The woman who changed my mind was Saori Amos-Yeo, who offers scalp treatments, weekly Japanese treatments, at Michael Van Clarke’s Marylebone salon.

Saori uses a trichoscope camera to carefully examine your scalp and create a free, personalized treatment. And what a revelation it is to see your forest of tree trunk style roots.

I then had a Japanese head spa (£95, vanclarke.com). Over the course of 90 minutes, my scalp was examined, analyzed, exfoliated with fruit acids, steamed with fine water molecules, kneaded over and over again, and then analyzed again.

I learned what I was good at, sun protection and crown cleansing, and what I was less good at, wildly stressed and stressed scalps.

To achieve a healthier look, Adam says you should seal the cuticle and add shine.

It also made my locks incredibly shiny. Talk about glass hair: mine was a disco ball. It looked as if we had applied a surprisingly bright color. Japanese head spas are now popping up across the country, so if you’re looking to join the brilliant group, I recommend looking for one near you.

Back home, I deep conditioned with Chris Appleton + Color Wow Money Masque (from £12.50, sephora.co.uk), which revitalizes dull, dehydrated and over-processed hair. Rich in kale, seaweed and plant protein, this is your five-minute shortcut to luxurious, ‘super’ glow.

I’m also determined to give the semi-permanent Glaze Super Color Treatment Glosses (£15.99, Superdrug) a try.

In the meantime, I’m committed to Necessaire’s new Rosemary Shampoo (£30, sephora.co.uk) and Conditioner (£30); These are so shiny they are already out of stock.

It lasts a short time. Pure rosemary oil, plant proteins and ceramides create an extraordinarily shiny menopausal mane.

COMPETE WITH YOU!

The latest addition to Avon’s fragrance range, Far Away Shine (currently £13 for 50ml, avon.uk.com), is creating a buzz for being budget-friendly yet smelling luxuriously expensive; Less than £16, never more than £13

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ICON OF THE WEEK: Kate Winslet

Actress admits she’s ‘pretty addicted’ to By Terry’s Baume de Rose Lip Treatment

The Titanic star just turned 49. Tracie Martyn trusts Amla Purifying Cleanser (£91.07, Amazon.com).

Then there’s the Lancome Advanced Genefique Sensitive Serum (£46) or the L’Oreal Age Perfect Cell Renewal Serum (£13.99).

The actress also admits she’s ‘quite addicted’ to By Terry’s Baume de Rose Lip Treatment (£33.60).

COSMETIC REQUEST

Last week my skin broke out: an allergic reaction left it tight, red, dry and flaky. It looked as painful as it felt.

Everything I tried made it more sensitive, down to the application of Athletia Phyto Sleeping Cream (£86, selfridges.com).

This cured him completely, so it’s no surprise that the product became a bestseller, even though it cost a fortune.

However, for a limited time, every purchase over £100 online or at Selfridges in London comes with a carrying case and five trial size products worth over £51, including the Phyto Sleeping Cream. I’ll definitely be stocking up – and I recommend you do the same.

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