Lifestyle: I tried JVN Hair and here’s how it went.

this post is based on my own experience and with products I paid for on my own back.

Recently I’ve been struggling with my hair. I remember a friend saying to me in the naughties while we on our way out to a rave “it doesn't matter what you’re wearing as long as your hair look nice” and I’ve always lived by that - making sure I put effort into my hair every day. My straighteners are my best friend, when I’m travelling in the van I find the ability to use them is the thing I miss the most as I feel a bit self conscious when my hair isn’t ‘done’. This is when headscarves become my best friend.

I have quite fine hair but a lot of it therefore people think I have thick hair. Being a Leo, I’ve always joked my hair in my mane. But joking aside it is important to me so when I started to struggle with it a few years ago I struggled to get a grasp of it. As I’m in my mid 40’s I highly suspect it’s a menopause thing.

I have found an amazing hairdresser in Matlock, where I live and recently we have been working together to get my hair to a cut I am really happy with but I was struggling to get it to do what it used to do for me - look glossy and stay frizz free. It perhaps doesn't help that I’ve moved somewhere where there is a lot of moisture in the air.

As you know, cruelty free, non toxic products are very important to me and the packaging plays a big part in my choices too. I use Faith in Natures Shea and Argan shampoo and conditioner. I buy it in bulk and fill up from big containers in my bath side pump bottles. This is the shampoo and conditioner I used while trying these JVN products.

Of course, as it’s me, the products are all cruelty and toxin free and the glass bottles are recyclable.

I was lucky enough to find a discounted Bring the Heat set (which is discontinued now) so I got three full sized products at an absolute snip. Here’s how I used the products:

Instant Recovery Serum.

I applied Brazil nut sized amount through my mid length hair. It’s a cream and smells subtly divine - it feels really high end, especially because it’s in a glass pot. This serum protects hair up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and is formulated to repair the outer shaft of the hair and reduce split ends. It contains niacinamide, squalene and lemon protein. I had no idea lemons contain protein but there we go.. but its purpose is to defend against heat and make hair smooth and shiny. My hair felt instantly lush after applying it - my routine for any product like this is to apply to freshly washed and towel dried hair - I then use a wide toothed comb to comb through and then pop my towel back on for a few mins while I do my makeup.

In case like me you’re wondering why to add this product before another, JVN says about this serum that it nourishes the hair so it’s ready for a styling product making the latter work harder.

Complete blowout styling milk.

When I was ready to dry my hair I removed my towel and applied a grape sized amount of this, running it through the entire length of my hair and making sure I caught the underside too. This styling milk claims to maintain a long term style (thanks to a cassia bark polymer), smooth, reduce frizz and protect against heat and humidity. I wave my hair a lot and as I wave it I usually add hairspray to hold the waves once the straighteners have done their work. But I was struggling to find a decent hairspray that was cruelty free, free on toxins and friendly on the environment. This styling milk does the same job but without having to spray it in as you go. It hold the style beautifully and although I had walked Monty in damp weather later that day my waves stayed exactly how they were. The morning after, I did a sweaty spin class and was amazed when I took my hair down to find I didn't have to do anything to it - the waves had stayed in and it could be said they looked nicer than the day before as they were loose and natural. Absolute wonder stuff this!

Complete nourishing shine drops.

I’d applied some of this before I had washed my hair on buying this set and fell in love with the smell and what it did to my peri menopausal hair that hasn't quite got used to the Derbyshire Dales humidity. It instantly smoothed my hair out and made it look healthier. When it came to using it after using the above products on washing my hair I was careful to not apply too much having read some reviews about it being oily. I added a few drops to my palm and rubbed my hands together then ran through the mid length to ends of my hair and it gave an incredible finish, creating shiny, bouncy waves and leaving me with super healthy looking hair. It bought out the tones of my hair and it smells lush - a subtle, fruity and floral natural smell.

I’m frankly a bit obsessed with these products and felt like a bit of a superstar with my wavy hair. The style actually held for 3 days and I felt confident and well put together. It felt like that little bit of effort with these products paid off giving me a little bit of twinkle as I went about my days until my hair was ready for another wash.

As you can see, with the picture taken above 4 hours after drying and styling and committing to the studio in damp weather, my hair was looking sleek, healthy and styled. I’m excited to do a proper blow-dry for an occasion!