Abused Hair HG's

Clearly it's been a while since I've been on here, but one thing hasn't changed - my continuous experimentation with balayage / ombre hair. I'm still rocking graduated bleached locks, but I have moved onto having it done by a professional (see post below for DIY tips). In all honesty, the salon trips have definitely left me with less brassy / orange tones, but I am still in search of someone who can blend the colours seemlessly (or at least more seemlessly than I do at home for like 1/20th of the cost, is that so much to ask?!).

Anyway, the point of this post is to share the products that I have fallen in love with for fixing my abused partner (my hair). The list is short and sweet and, if you take nothing else away from this, remember this:

Kerastase Elixir Ultime Cataplasme Masque is the absolute must-have holy grail product I have ever tried on my hair. Recommended by a friend with a similar penchant for all things dip-dye and bleach, but a totally different hair-type to me, I bought this with some reservation as to whether it would work quite as well on my incredibly porous, fine, coarse hair. I needn't have worried, this stuff literally fixed my dead hair. I was at the point where my split, dry ends were crying out for a trim (and as always, a haircut was at the bottom of my to do list). After a single wash with this mask, my hair was genuinely transformed. I think I ended up not needing that haircut for at least another two months after using this. It seemed to seal the ends of my hair and added softness and shine that I've never experienced with other masks. I've added a pic of the pre-cut, post-masque hair below for good measure. It ain't cheap, although at time of writing I see that Feel Unique have it on sale for £22.88 (http://www.feelunique.com/p/Kerestase-ELIXIR-ULTIME-Beautifying-Oil-Enriched-Masque-200ml) and it is 100% worth a shot if you have kind of crappy hair like mine. 

Another option is the Redken Extreme Strength Builder Plus Fortifying Mask. I've just recently started trying this one, after my most recent bleaching. I have to say, the result's don't feel as dramatic as the Kerastase Elixir Ultime, but it has definitely helped return some of the moisture and softness that bleach so remorselessly stripped away. It hasn't, however, given me any real shine yet. I did try applying it to dry hair, leaving it in overnight and washing out in the morning and this definitely worked better than the standard 5 minutes in the shower. 

Finally (for now), an honourable mention to KMS California Free Shape Hot Flex Spray. I actually got this on recommendation from my stylist and did something I never do, buying this from the salon itself for £16 (!). I was spurred on by the stylist telling me she uses this on her dyed bright red hair, which she also straightens on a daily basis, a.k.a she fries her dyed locks on the reg. The real selling point was her hair being in literally perfect condition. Not a split end in sight and I shamelessly inspected it. Anyway, it hasn't disappointed. I have been using it before blow drying or straightening for about three weeks and so far so good, It's a lightweight, non-sticky formula and it seems to d what it says on the tin without weighing me down with buildup. I will update after a few more months use to see whether is stands the test of time, but it is for sure the best heat protection spray I have ever tried. In the meantime, I've found it a little cheaper over at Look Fantastic (http://www.lookfantastic.com/kms-california-freeshape-hot-flex-spray-200ml/10563918.html).

Of course, the above is the tip of the iceberg for bleached haircare. I've experimented with so many shampoos and conditioners over the years and when I get a chance, I will do a more lengthy review on my go to / avoid at all costs finds. For now, I'd love to hear other people's experiences of the above, or any recommendations for must-haves!