Shu Uemura’s Hair Mask Brings Life to Damaged Locks

Achieving an effortless hair look can seem like a pipe dream—at least, in my experience. When I was younger, I watched countless commercials for hair products that featured women tossing their shining, flaxen locks into the camera. And I believed that beautiful hair could be very easily attained, using the right products. But reality hit hard when I grew up and realized those women had a team preparing, drying, and volumizing their hair behind the scenes (thank you, Finesse and Flex). That said, if your haircare routine involves color treatments, highlights, blowouts, and very hot styling tools, you know it takes a lot of work for your hair to look good. You also know how crucial it is to use top-quality hair products to maintain silky, soft, and, more importantly, healthy hair. I’ve always prioritized shiny and manageable hair, but a few years ago, I began noticing that my once silky mane felt as coarse as a kitchen broom. It was perplexing: I always used the best products, rich with protein—a component I thought was beneficial for my hair.  My colorist identified the issue: I was using too many protein-rich products. He recommended switching to more hydrating options and reducing the bond-builders that were once so popular.

He introduced me to two of Shu Uemura's hair masks. One was a hydrating mask for regular use, and the other was a weekly treatment called the Ultimate Reset Hair Mask. This product not only hydrates, it also repairs, thanks to its key ingredient: rice extract sourced from Japan. After the first application, my hair felt revitalized, like it had received an injection of hydration. I apply this mask once a week, leaving it on for just five minutes (though you can leave it longer for even better-looking locks). Despite the $73 price tag per jar—which may seem steep—is about the cost of a single blowout. Prioritizing healthy hair over frequent blowouts is a clear choice for me, and the Shu Uemura Ultimate Reset Hair Mask has become an essential part of my hair routine. Lastly, a personal tip: rotate your hair products every few months to prevent your strands from becoming too accustomed to one product.

The Best Brush For Your At-Home Blowout

Fabulous hair is paramount, right?

I firmly believe that even with the most stunning dress or flawless makeup, if your hair is not on point, your overall appearance suffers.  So, for those of you who blow your own hair out in between salon visits, you know that this at-home task requires several essential elements and tools. Naturally, every blow out aficionado knows that conditioners and heat protectants are crucial, as is the blow dryer itself. However, one often underestimated component is having a well-crafted boar bristle brush. I swear by the MB4 brush from Ibiza. It's a staple in salons worldwide and I see it everywhere from St. Tropez to San Moritz. Thanks to its superior grip—ideal for medium to long hair—and it is easy to grip cork handle, this brush is light and excellent at maneuvering, reaching all angles of the back of the hair too. Boar bristles are unmatched for hair control, and I personally feel from experience that, unless wielded by professionals, round metal brushes can sometimes risk singeing the hair. Lastly, don’t forget that tension is also instrumental to achieving smooth perfection and the grip is fab with this brush.

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Always Keep This Heat Protectant Spray on Hand for At-Home Blowouts

Oribe Gold Lust Dry Heat Protection Spray

“Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels,” Kate Moss once said. But I am convinced that she never experienced the joy of a smooth, sexy, long-lasting blowout—because that to me is just as satisfying as fitting into a tight LBD. Sleek and controlled hair is a confidence booster, in my opinion—and there's nothing quite like the feeling of a professional blowout by your favorite stylist, is there?

But for those of us who don’t have the luxury of making professional salon visits after every shampoo, we've learned to be savvy and invest in exceptional products and tools. Enter the new Oribe Gold Lust Dry Heat Protection Spray. Now, pay attention: I don't use this spray on my hair immediately after showering as a heat protectant. Instead, I reserve it for the next day, or even the day after, when my hair is dry and I'm ready to go over my blowout to keep it smooth and in place again. You can even use it with a flat iron if you want to go straighter on day two or three, as this product protects strands up to 450 degrees. The nourishing spray leaves no residue, smooths out your hair, and enhances the natural path of the original Day One blowout effortlessly, which I love. All it takes is a mere thirty seconds to two minutes to work with (along with an excellent brush and a powerful blow dryer) and voilà! You're left with a flawless finish.

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