Hair A&E: Repair and Protect

I've been trying everything, short of buying a wig, to achieve a seriously healthy-looking mane. Here's what made the grade when it came to intensive hair repair...

1. Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Pre-Shampoo Treatment, £26.25, available from PhilipKingsley.co.uk

It might be a bit of a splurge, but this product is an amazingly good thirst-quencher for hair. Apply to damp hair (concentrating on the length and the ends), and allow to absorb deeply for twenty minutes. A handy little shower cap comes with the product so you can tuck your hair up and out the way! Rinse off and shampoo/condition as normal. The treatment left my hair instantly replenished, and it felt REALLY silky smooth.

Top Tip: Ensure that you apply to damp hair as opposed to dripping wet, as excess water droplets will lessen the product penetration.

2. Charles Worthington Salon at Home Intense Rescue Melting Balm, £11.33, available from Boots

A quick and easy fix, this hard wax-like product should be worked into a rich oil by rubbing between your palms, and then applied to dry hair (concentrating on the length and the ends). Comb the product through hair, and leave for twenty minutes or so before washing hair as normal. It leaves hair feeling healthier, less frizzy when dried and smelling fabulous.

Top Tip: For really damaged hair, apply heat from a hair dryer for five mins after the product has been absorbing for twenty mins.

3. Tigi's Bed Head Ego Boost Split End Mender, 200ml, available from FeelUnique.com, £10.85 (delivery inclusive)

This product is genius. It works by bonding together the ends of your hair, preventing split ends. I use it every single time I wash my hair, and I have really seen the difference over the past six months. Apply a few squirts to damp hair after every wash and it will help your hair stay stronger for longer.

Top Tip: Start using Ego Boost after you've been for a trim, it'll lock down those naughty ends and stop them from straying.

4. Moroccanoil Oil Treatment for All Hair Types, £30.45 for 100ml, available from FeelUnique.com (delivery inclusive)

This product really does instantly soothe dry, straw-like hair. I've got heavily highlighted hair, so this intensive oil works a treat for an instant sleek revival. I apply a small pea-shaped amount (you DO NOT need a lot) spread across my palms, then work through the ends of my damp, clean hair. If your hair isn't that dry or damaged, then this product probably isn't for you. It's rather intensive, so can leave soft hair a bit weighed down. I'd recommend Catwalk by TIGI's Blow Out Balm for a lighter alternative.

Top Tip: Always apply to damp hair to avoid looking like an oil slick. Seriously, it's not a good look.

Shine On: How to Get Seriously Glossy Locks

Oohhh, ahhh, shiny.

Yes ladies and metrosexual gents, your eyes do not deceive you. There is a brand new Aussie range available! Aussie Miracle Shine Shampoo and Conditioner, £5.99 each, available from Boots is for 'dull, tired hair, begging to shine.' Seeing as though I've abused my hair over the years in every which way possible (I'm so much more caring now, your beauty-honour!) and I've got lashings of shine-minimising blonde tones, I knew this was definitely one for me to try.

As always, five out of five for the sumptuous smell. It lathered brilliantly and my hair felt thoroughly cleansed after washing.

Before blow drying, I used Catwalk by TIGI's Sleek Mystique Straight Collection Blow Out Balm, £10.60, available from FeelUnique.Com (delivery inclusive in price) which protects hair from heat and adds an extra glossy shine, without weighing down fine hair. You only need to apply a pea-shaped amount to damp hair, but remember to work it across the palms of your hands first to avoid a heavy build up in one area. Again, this product smells totally fabulous, dreamy wafts of honeysuckle and dragon fruit all day long.

After blow-drying, my hair really had visibly improved in terms of shine. It looked healthy and glossy. Very impressed! A cautionary note... designer sunglasses may be required if these products are over-used.