These are the haircare products missing from your routine, according to a hair stylist

Becky with the good hair.

With New Year’s resolutions, it’s best to keep your goals achievable. Rather than something too ambitious, like less ‘new year, new me’, I’d suggest a resolution more along the lines of ‘new year, a few modifications.’ While you might not become fluent in French or save enough for a house deposit in 2025, you can start by taking better care of your hair.

Curating a haircare routine is about more than choosing the right shampoo and conditioner (though they’re an essential part of the process). Whether your hair is thin and straight or thick and curly, Hairhouse Salon Artistic and Education Manager Astin McKenna recommends starting with the Nouvelle range. 

We like nosy people. Don’t be shy, head to our Beauty section for more. 

Formulated in Italy, Nouvelle is 100% vegan and designed to target your specific hair concern. Plus, in the spirit of being more financially sensible this new year, the brand is also currently running a buy two, get one free offer until February 16 (no girl math needed). 

Get the essentials right

According to Astin, building out a good haircare routine starts by using the right base products to nourish your hair. Once you’ve nailed that, then you can go on to create the style you want. Or, in other words, without the right shampoo and conditioner, you might as well go home. 

“I have a lot of fine hair and it’s highlighted so ensuring my hair is hydrated, shiny and easy to style is my priority,” she tells me. “I use the Nouvelle Endless Hydration Light Shampoo followed by the Endless Hydration Shine Elixir and sealed with the Endless Hydration Conditioner.”

Hair type matters

Whether your hair is fine or coarse, or curly or pin-straight, your hair type should be your number-one concern when shopping for new haircare, Astin explains. “While there are some products which are fairly universal, it’s so easy to tailor your haircare to your hair type, so why not?” she says. “Your shampoo and conditioner should definitely be aligned with your hair type to ensure you aren’t weighing your hair down or missing out on vital nourishment.”

The weight of your styling products is also key. Many people wind up believing that serums and oils are too heavy for their fine hair, but Astin advises this isn’t necessarily the case. You just need the right product. One failsafe option she suggests is the Nouvelle Kera Sublime Perfection Care Oil. According to Astin, it suits all hair types and can be used on wet or dry hair.

If you use one thing…

Heat protectant is an absolute must, Astin tells me. “For me, this is as vital as protecting your skin from sun damage,” she says. “[The] majority of people apply some kind of heat to their hair at some point, [so it’s] important to protect your hair. Heat damage is irreversible but can so easily be avoided.”

Her favourite product is the Nouvelle Kera Sublime Thermo Protect Elixir. “It will moisturise and add shine to your hair while protecting it from heat styling,” Astin advises.

The mid-week reset

When dry shampoo was popularised around 10 years ago, it changed lives. However, Astin says it’s important not to forget about hydration. 

“The Nouvelle Endless Charme Oil Serum is my go-to for refreshing my ends between washes as it’s a bit lighter than a treatment-style serum but still gives the shine I’m looking for when my hair isn’t freshly washed,” she says. 

Curly hair must-haves

Having curly hair herself, Astin knows the struggle of finding the right product. It’s a Goldilocks equation, she explains. You need hydration and hold, but you want to avoid something that will weigh your curls down.

“The main things I look for with curl-friendly products [is] that they’re nourishing, offer control and definition but don’t feel crispy or too heavy after a couple of days,” she says. Her tried and tested essentials are the Nouvelle Curl Me Up Curl Evolve Shampoo and Conditioner or Mask, which enhances her natural curls, as well as a curl-friendly comb and the Make Soft and Smooth Serum. 

For finer hair

For those with finer hair, the balance lies in finding a product that’s nourishing and volumising. In this case, Astin recommends the Nouvelle Body Booster Shampoo and Conditioner. “[It] will offer volume, colour protection and shine without weighing the hair down,” she explains.

“It’s best that people with fine hair avoid over-brushing and touching their hair between washes as it stimulates the scalp and can spread oils through the hair faster. A great dry shampoo will be your best friend!”

Upgrade to professional haircare with Nouvelle. Buy two, get one free available for a limited time at Hairhouse here.