Some of you may have noticed that I’ve cut my hair recently. I’ve been planning this for a long time, but was not entirely sure about the style and length. Now it’s done and I’m pretty happy with the result. The stylist tried to warn me gently that this was going to be a big change, not aware that I’ve had jet black and bright red hair and a platinum pixie cut in the past. I’m not afraid of that kind of change.

What is an issue for me is that a cut like this requires more effort than long hair – you can always scrape that back into a bun. My hair has a natural wave to it that is more pronounced when it’s shorter, so if I don’t style it at all, I’ll look like a frizzy lamb. And if there is one area where I’m usually low maintenance, it’s hair care. For several years, I have only used shampoo, conditioner, Kerastase Elixir Ultime and a little Elnett hairspray on special occasions. I still highly recommend both products, but I have now added a few things to my arsenal. Here is what I use (not every day and not all together):

1. Davines OL All In One Milk. I use this instead of conditioner: it makes hair less frizzy, very easy to manage and just nicer than it would otherwise be. After roughly blow-drying it, my hair looks almost presentable as it is. I also love the packaging of the product and Davines is overall a lovely brand.

2. Living Proof prime Style Extender Spray. This is a product I would have never considered when I had longer hair, but now I need all the help I can get. My hair is soft and fine and even if I make an effort, tends to fall flat in an hour or two. This one helps to style the hair and keep it in place. I admit I haven’t tested it for long, but Sali Hughes has raved about a cream version of this, so I’m hopeful.

3. Bumble and Bumble Full Form Mousse. Quite incredibly, I have also purchased a mousse, upon the recommendation of the stylist who cut my hair. And she is right, it’s one of the easiest ways to add volume. I only add it at the roots and while it’s not a miracle product, it certainly helps. The Bumble and Bumble version is feels nicer than most mousses and works well for fine hair.

4. Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. I have been pining for this product for a long, long time (Space NK does not ship it to continental Europe, apparently women with well-styled hair are very dangerous) and any beauty blogger worth her Suqqu brushes has tried and praised this. For a reason. It just makes your hair look cooler: bigger, but in a messy way. It’s also extremely easy to use – just spray, style with your fingers and go.

5. Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray. Another classic, also deservedly so. This makes your hair cooler, too, but while Oribe gives it that urban sexy edge, B&B does the surfer girl thing. The result is a bit grittier and crunchier than with the texturizing spray, which you prefer depends on your taste and the vibe you are going for. I say Oribe for office, Bumble for weekend.

For the picture, I used Davines milk and Oribe spray.