As we emerge from lockdown with overgrown hairstyles and far-too-visible roots, it’s time to take our hair back to its former glory – after all, people can see us now –there’s no more pretending your Facetime isn’t working. Some of us sprinted to the hairdressers the minute they reopened, for others, that’s still one step too far. Maybe we’re loving our new-found long hair and just need to improve its condition?
So what a perfect time to discover Olew, created by the lovely Elinor.
And what’s the secret of Olew? Well the clue’s in the name (if you happen to speak Welsh) – Olew is Welsh for oil and Elinor (a Welsh girl living in London) created her own recipes – simple but effective: 100% organic and ethically-sourced avocado, sweet almond, argan and other natural oils, fused with strengthening vitamins to encourage hair growth, elasticity and shine. They’re packed with antioxidants, but not with sulfates, parabens or silicones.
Olew products are specifically for naturally curly hair, like Elinor’s – that’s why she knows what works. So ditch the straighteners and flaunt your glorious curls.
I have to be honest – I don’t have naturally curly hair, but my lockdown-long, straight hair was desperate for some love, and the Olew products sounded so good, I was keen to road test them – albeit under false pretences.
So let me share my experience.
The package came with a personal note from Elinor herself, and a set of very useful instructions (below).
The Cleansing Shampoo and Clarifying Conditioner both had a delicate, natural perfume. I dabbed a little of each on the back of my hands. As I rubbed, they felt pleasantly oily, but were completely absorbed in seconds, leaving my skin wonderfully silky. Well if that was the effect on my hands, how would it be on my hair?
I was not disappointed. I used the shampoo and conditioner as directed by Elinor, then I massaged in a little Olew Original – an all natural nourishing and hydrating hair oil – you only need a small amount. Like the first two products, I could feel the oil but it was very light and I didn’t need to rinse it out.
Finally I gave the Curl Cream a whirl – yes I know I don’t actually have any curls to cream, but this special blend of jojoba, avocado and aloe apparently nourishes, moisturises, smooths and minimises frizz, so I wasn’t going to miss out.
And the results? My hair has been thanking me all morning. It feels and looks great, moisturised but light and fresh. I can’t stop flicking it from side to side, which the postman seemed to find a little disconcerting.
So whatever your hair type, these are really lovely products. However if you are blessed with a head of curls – they’ve been specially formulated just for you – so give them a try. And check out the Olew website to find some useful haircare tips too.
By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q
Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.