RUBY REVEALS | My Ultimate Haircare Heroes (and the Salon Secret That Gave Me My Bounce Back)

If there’s one thing I’ve learned after decades backstage, on shoots, and working with clients of every age and hair type, it’s that beautiful hair isn’t about perfection. It’s about care, consistency, and a few genuinely brilliant products that make life easier.

Just as I believe skincare begins with a great cleanse, healthy-looking hair starts with treating your hair and scalp with a little kindness. Whether you’re dealing with breakage, greys, tangles, dryness, or simply trying to keep your style looking fresh between appointments, the right tools and treatments can make all the difference.

I'll be honest - dealing with thinning hair over the years can really knock my confidence at times. It is frustrating when you feel like you’ve tried everything and nothing seems to give you that weightless bounce back.

Recently, I received an invitation to experience a specialised Gloss blow-dry using the new Hair by Sam McKnight products at the stunning Brooks & Brooks Hairdressing salon. They used the Cool Girl Body Plumping & Volumising Cream, and the results completely blew me away.

"Look at that bounce! I can honestly say I haven't had this much volume in years." 

The real magic, though? Day 2 and Day 3! Usually, my fine hair goes completely flat by the next morning, but two days later, the volume was still there... looking a little more lived-in and effortlessly chic. By day three, it was still going strong. It was a wonderful reminder of how the right formulations and technique can transform fine, thinning hair and bring back that instant spring in your step.

The Haircare Heroes I Swear By

Over the years, I’ve tried more hair products than I could possibly count. Alongside my new volumising staples, these are the tried-and-trusted heroes I recommend time and time again:

FOR EFFORTLESS DETANGLING

Tangle Teezer Fine & Fragile Detangler

If your hair is prone to breakage, shedding, or simply feels a little delicate, this clever brush is worth every penny. Designed specifically for fine and fragile hair, it glides through knots without pulling or causing unnecessary stress on the hair shaft.

It's wonderfully gentle, whether you're brushing through freshly washed hair or refreshing your style in the morning. I love Tangle Teezer so much, I even carry a mini version in my makeup bag for on-the-go.

Pro Tip: Always start detangling from the ends and work your way upwards. It may take a little longer, but your hair will thank you for it.

FOR SERIOUS REPAIR

K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

Every so often, a product comes along that genuinely changes the conversation around haircare. K18 is one of those products.

If your hair has been through the wringer, whether from colouring, heat styling, holidays or simply years of wear and tear, this leave-in treatment helps restore strength and elasticity in a way that feels genuinely impressive.

It's lightweight, effortless to use, and one of the few treatments I consistently recommend for damaged hair.

Pro Tip: Less is more. Emulsify a small amount between your palms before applying and focus on the mid-lengths and ends.

FOR BEAUTY SLEEP

Silk Pillowcase

Sometimes the best beauty products don't come in a bottle.

A silk pillowcase may seem like a luxury, but it's one of the easiest upgrades you can make if you're serious about caring for your hair. Silk creates far less friction than traditional cotton, helping to minimise tangles, breakage and frizz overnight.

As an added bonus, it feels wonderfully cool and indulgent at the end of a long day (especially in this current heat!)

Pro Tip: If you regularly style your hair or invest in colour treatments, a silk pillowcase can help preserve your blow-dry and keep hair looking smoother between washes.

FOR INSTANT CONFIDENCE

Color Wow Root Cover Up

Life doesn't always align perfectly with our salon appointments.

This little compact has rescued countless clients, friends and makeup artist kits over the years. Whether you're disguising regrowth, filling in sparse areas, or simply extending the life of your colour, it delivers impressively natural-looking coverage in seconds.

It's one of those products that quietly earns its place in your handbag and stays there.

Pro Tip: Use a light hand and build coverage gradually. The result looks far more natural and seamlessly blends into the hair.

FOR DEEP NOURISHMENT

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer

If your hair is feeling dry, dull or lacking its usual bounce, this iconic treatment is one I return to regularly.

Created by trichology experts, it delivers intense moisture without weighing the hair down, helping to restore softness, shine and flexibility. Think of it as a weekly reset button for tired hair.

It's particularly brilliant after summer holidays, frequent heat styling, or periods when your hair simply needs a little extra love.

Pro Tip: Apply before shampooing and leave it on for as long as you can. Even twenty minutes makes a difference, but an hour feels wonderfully luxurious.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS

The best haircare routine isn't necessarily the most expensive or complicated one. More often than not, it's about finding a handful of products that genuinely work for your hair type and using them consistently. A nourishing treatment, a gentle brush, a volume-boosting prep cream, and a few clever shortcuts for busy days can go a very long way.

Beautiful hair doesn't happen overnight, but small habits repeated consistently have a remarkable impact over time. As I always say, beauty isn't about chasing perfection, it's about looking after what you've got and helping it be the very best version of itself.

*Some links are affiliate links, but as always, all thoughts and recommendations are entirely my own.