PHYL CLARKE

THE RESTORER

Oh, how the young take their healthy, flowing locks for granted (along with peachy skin, bright eyes and perfect just-out-of-braces teeth). As we age, not only does colour fade, but hair also loses density, vibrancy and strength.

The name Shiseido may usually be linked with high-end skincare, but now the company has applied state-of-the-art Japanese technology to tackling problems associated with ageing hair.

Re:nu Age Defy is a collaboration with Joico haircare, and makes big promises. The key to the range is a serum that creates an optimal environment for new hair growth. Expect stronger, healthier hair in six weeks, it says, and fewer greys within four months. You’ll need an initial consultation to learn the application method, but after that, you can continue at home. The feedback so far has been positive. Joico’s Kevin Connaughton says: “Customers who persevere are thrilled with results and delighted with their new hair.”

Re:nu Age Defy costs €119 for a four-month supply; tel: 045-856 487 for your nearest salon

THE TREATMENT

Regular readers will know oils are very popular in my house. The nourishing, pampering effects on skin, hair and nails make oils both effective and a pleasure to use. The huile du jour is argan – the main ingredient in a new treatment called Moroccanoil. Utra-light and non-greasy, it suits all hair types and makes unmanageable hair behave. It’s also a great boon for over-processed hair and restores shine and softness, as well as building flexible strength. What’s not to like?

Exclusive to Zeba salons in Dublin and Maynooth. See zeba.ie

THE TREND

Karl Lagerfeld can start a trend quicker than you can say “fingerless leather driving gloves”. Here he channels a cute pair of Irish teenagers during Paris Fashion Week, adding a slick hairband and a mega-red lip. Go Jedward!

THE COLOUR

If any of you are saintly enough to regularly clean your oven, you’ll be familiar with the chemical strength of most oven sprays. Why, you may ask, do months of baked-on food simply dissolve? The fumes come from ammonia, a powerful chemical that you wouldn’t put near your skin (check out those warnings about wearing protective gloves), let alone your hair.

Well, if you are at the “permanent hair colour” stage, I hate to break the news that your colour probably contains ammonia, which is used to open up the hair shaft, allowing colour to penetrate. Ghastly fumes, protective gloves and a burning sensation on your scalp: check, check and check. Although modern colour has been around for 100 years, it has taken L’Oréal (the company which invented it) to come up with what must be the holy grail: one of the few ammonia-free alternatives that delivers true coverage.

Inoa (which stands for Innovation No Ammonia) uses an oil-based system to drive colour into the hair shaft without the need for ammonia. Eureka! Everything about the process is different: it feels more like having a conditioning treatment applied, is odourless and leaves hair brittle-free. I was impressed with the lasting coverage – no fading to reveal those hated red undertones, as happens with regular colour. The condition is great and my hair is well on the way to being ammonia-free. Are you getting the drift that I love it? If only there was a sideline in oven cleaners.

Available at selected L’Oreal salons nationwide, tel: 01-6045935 for your nearest.

THE SALON

In a climate in which it’s more usual to hear about closures, hats off to Dylan Bradshaw, who has not just moved premises, but now goes to work in the most stylish salon in the country. Extras include an outdoor heated decking area, client showers for freshening up between the office and a night out, and a private room for girlie get-togethers. The salon includes nails by Leighton Denny and make-up using cult brand Julie Hewett, specialising in natural textures and colours. Oh, and you can get your hair done, too. South William Street, Dublin 2.

See dylanbradshaw.com