John Freida Luxurious Volume Collection

I know what you're thinking...'Someone must have hacked into her blog because she never posts!'. But shock, horror it's me!

I have so many good intentions with blogging. I write lists, take photos and get excited about sharing new products that I've discovered with you - but then life happens, trains become my new home and spending my free time looking at a computer is the last thing on my to-do list after a long week in the office. Excuses, excuses I know!

But when I was offered the chance to review the new and improved Luxurious Volume Collection from John Freida I thought it would give me the kick I need to blog again, and treat my limp, lifeless hair to a rare dose of much-needed oomfph!

I was kindly sent the Touchably Full Shampoo and Conditioner, as well as the Blow-Dry Lotion Root Booster. We all know my battle with injecting bounce and volume into my reluctant roots. As the girl with the world's most defiant hair (it doesn't back-comb, hold volume...basically do anything other than hang limp and lifelessly!) I'm willing to give any 'Volume' promising product my best shot!

The shampoo is a clear gel that lathers beautiful (minimal effort required!) and left my hair feeling thoroughly cleansed, soft and smelling delicious. The conditioner was also a treat to use and the thick, creamy texture felt luxurious on my ends. Both products are described for use on 'Fine hair'. Although I struggle to reshape my hair out of its poker-straight ways, I have quite thick hair and this (combined with my lack of styling skills) contributed to little noticable difference in the voluminous quality of my locks.

However spraying the Root Booster directly on my roots before blow-drying seemed to make more difference (I tried blow-drying using just the shampoo and conditioner, and then with using the root booster too). There was definitely more spring, bounce and movement, but volume? Hmmm not so much.

I've tried every 'Volume' haircare product going and I truly think my hair does not respond well to any of them...perhaps if a professional hairdresser was to work their magic, they could no doubt convert me to a volume-believer. As for now I will continue to use the John Freida Collection as it really does make my hair touchably soft, shiny and I love how a little amount goes a looooong way. But I think as far as Volume Shampoos and Conditioners go, I'm sadly an exception to the rule.

Bouncy, big, voluminous hair...a girl can dream *sigh*

Have you tried this new collection yet? Has your hair responded well to it?

Ombre-ing shorter hair??

Images sourced from weheartit
So after seeing Zoe, Louise and Lily ombre their hair to perfection, achieving a gorgeous natural fade from dark to light and creating a really pretty, interesting effect, I've decided....I want it too! I like the colour of my natural hair and therefore have never been tempted to dye it or highlight it, but I love the ombre look and feel it's a great way to have a change, trying something new that isn't too drastic.

However as amazing as it looks on the likes of those with long, luscious hair who compliment the dip-dye with pretty curls, my problem is my hair length. It is a few inches longer than shoulder-length - but is this long enough to pull of ombre??

I wouldn't want the straight-line effect but a blended look of perhaps a very light, honey brown opposed to blonde. But I'm worried that because my hair isn't as long as those who sport ombre so well, that it will look pants, I'll hate it, and either have to chop the ends off (which scares me more than spiders!?!), have an all-over colour, or wait for it to grow out. Needless to say I don't like any of those options.

Miley Cyrus managed it on short locks and looked stunning - not too sure about the new very short look huh girls?! - but I'm just not sure if it would work on me. Also, I have a full fringe so do you think this would look odd combined with ombre?

Hmmm I just can't make my mind up because once it's done, there's no going back.

Any thoughts?