From hair growth oils, nourishing masks and curl definers to sprays, serums and shampoos — the IMAGE staffers share their haircare essentials.
Dominique McMullan, Editorial Director
I’m always on the hunt for products that actually do what they say. For shiny, healthy-looking locks, I swear by K18, a leave-in molecular repair mask that’s basically magic in a bottle. I am dying to try their new dry shampoo. If, like me, you’ve dabbled in a bit too much bleach over the years, Pureology is my go-to brand for damage control; their Hydrate range is rich, restorative and smells divine. Since having kids I’ve been dotting Champo’s Pitta Growth Serum around my hairline and it’s been a game changer for growing back some of that postpartum hair loss. It’s gentle, Ayurvedic-inspired, and is the only thing that has actually worked.
Sarah Gill, Features Editor
My sister recently gave me a bottle of the Color Wow Dream Filter For Picture-Perfect Colour — and I can genuinely see the difference already. You just spritz it into your hair before you hop in the shower, leave it to soak in for a couple of minutes, and then work through your usual shower routine. It’s a mineral remover, so it works to extract all the nastiness from your locks, leaving you with detoxed tresses.
Before I use that, I squeeze in some drops of the JVN Complete Pre-Wash Scalp Oil. I massage it into my temples and drag it through the lengths of my hair to help ease my breakage — and it helps me get into the self-care mood! Also from JVN, I am very much enjoying the Complete Air Dry Cream to help eliminate frizziness. I never usually dry my hair unless I’m in an extreme rush, so I love having this to hand.
If I want to elicit compliments from people, I will enlist the assistance of my two main men: Mark Hill and Kevin Murphy. The Pick ‘n’ Mix range from Mark Hill caught my eye in Boots, and I love the detachable barrels so you can get exactly what you want from your hair, whether it’s mermaid waves or tighter ringlets. Then I lash in some Shimmer Me Blonde from Kevin Murphy (for shine and an incredible scent) and away I go!
Emily O’Neill, Marketing Account Executive
If Sea + Solu isn’t on your radar yet then you need to get familiar with them! Founded by the gorgeous Sinead Asple, Sea + Solu is an Irish haircare brand with some of the best products I have ever used on my hair. My love affair started in January 2024 when they first launched their Moisture Melt Hair Mask and accompanying Hair Boosters. I have used my fair share of hair masks over the years and nothing has come close to Sea + Solu. In my opinion it is the closest you will get to a salon treatment at home! I have frizzy, curly hair naturally and I am left with smooth, glossy hair afterwards. I alternate between adding the ‘Moisture’ and ‘Strength’ boosters to my mask depending on what hair is needing on the day.
The newest additions to the Moisture Melt range are the highly anticipated shampoo and conditioner. I have been using them for the past month and they are incredible! You can also add your boosters to them to create your own personalised routine meaning you don’t have to buy specific shampoos and conditioners for specific needs. The shampoo is sulphate free and the conditioner is packed full of rich nutrients to moisturise the hair. If you are looking to switch up your hair care routine then look no further!
Katie Brady, Marketing & Memberships Executive
This is my Roman Empire. I have naturally curly hair that I have been wrestling with since I was a child. It’s only now, in my late 20s, that I have finally learned to embrace it and find what works for me.
The most important thing is to find a haircut that compliments your hair. (Shoutout to the queen Kathy McLean for helping me fall back in love with my natural hair). I use MONDAY Smooth shampoo and conditioner, EVO Root Canal volumising spray (magic) and Liquid Rollers curl balm.
Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil prevents crunchy curls and leaves my hair feeling super soft. Along with a diffuser attachment for my hairdryer, the last piece of the puzzle is a good hair mask. I recently received the Sea+Solu Moisture Melt Hair Mask and it works wonders.
Joanne Kennedy, Senior Events Executive
L’Oreal Metal Detox shampoo and Color Wow Dream Filter Treatment. I’ve been using both products for years and my blonde (bleached) hair has never been in better condition. Both are a lifesaver for blonde hair and keep brassy tones at bay!
Megan Burns, Editor, IMAGE Interiors; Deputy Editor, IMAGE
My hair is both thick and wavy, so I’ve tried lots of products that help to smooth it and found two that I buy on repeat. Kiehl’s Creme With Silk Groom is great for simultaneously taming and protecting hair, and the tube seems to last a miraculously long time. I also love the Young Again oil from Kevin Murphy. It moisturises hair, leaving it softer than anything else I’ve tried, super shiny and also protected from heat.
Susan Vickers, Account Manager
I’ve been using HASK for years – it’s super affordable and has an amazing range of shampoos, conditioners, oils and treatments. Their leave-in masks are a firm favourite! I recently added a new brand into my routine after attending the launch of Innersense — a gorgeous, clean new brand that’s just landed in Ireland, and has quickly become a go-to. And last, but definitely not least, I absolutely adore the Moroccanoil — it smells amazing and I love how lightweight it feels on my hair.
Amber O’Shea, Social Media Manager
I have curly hair and absolutely love these two curl creams. They give me a nice shine, bounce and texture to my hair style. My first one I recommend is the Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream and then The BedHead Curls Rock Cream. I can’t live without my Sea + Solu hair mask, this has been a game changer in my hair routine. No joke, every time I use this everyone compliments my hair and my colleague Emily has placed me on to their shampoo and conditioner which is for sensitive scalps, hallelujah!
Meghan Killalea, Marketing Account Executive
I hate to say it but I jumped on the bandwagon of the Colour Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray and really didn’t want to love it considering the price. But WOW (pun intended), has it become a fast and hard staple in my hair care routine ever since purchasing. I notice a huge difference when I use it versus when I don’t, my hair is salon smooth and so much easier to style. The bottle lasts a lifetime as you only have to use it every three to four washes and it smells absolutely divine. I have dead straight hair, but I bought my friend the curly hair version for her birthday and she is also in love.
Shayna (Sappington) Healy, Branded Content Editor & Wedding Content Writer
Small but mighty, my hair loves John Frieda’s Repairing Tropical Oil. I simply apply it to the lower half of my locks when they’re damp, and they dry with significantly less frizz than usual. It’s especially great at taming wispy split ends. I would also be completely lost without my miraculous Belle Brush. I know it’s for hair extensions, but one brush through my chronic bedhead, and it smoothes all my flyaways. I even bought the mini version to carry around in my purse on windy days – it’s a lifesaver!
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