DIY DEVICES PROTECTIVE HAIRCARE

At-home pamper technology has come a long way since foot spas, with function now rooted in substance over style. ‘Lockdown and the forced evolution of the at-home salon has changed people’s perception of beauty treatment devices,’ says Alexia Inge, co-founder of Cult Beauty. Get in on the beauty tech action with our edit of splurge-worthy products.

THE ACUPRESSURE MAT

The Bed Of Nails Acupressure Mat [9], £70, is now commonplace. The pressure of the mat’s rounded ‘nails’ against your skin helps your body release endorphins – the happy hormone – and oxytocin, which makes you feel calm and relaxed.

AT-HOME MASSAGE

The brainchild of chiropractor Dr Jason Wersland, the Theragun Mini [10], £175, is a streamlined version of the original massage device that uses percussive therapy to ease out muscular discomfort and pains.

THE INFRARED SAUNA

BLANKET

Infrared saunas generate waves of heat and light that can penetrate deeper into the body than a regular sauna. The Higherdose Infrared Sauna Blanket V3 [11], £469, takes just 10 minutes to heat up and set a detoxifying sweat in motion.

THE LED FACE MASK

A favourite of celebrities from Victoria Beckham to Gal Gadot and Kim K, LED face masks are worth the hype. The Light Salon Boost LED Mask [12], £395, is lightweight, flexible and made with medical-grade silicone to deliver near-infrared waves that have been clinically proven to plump, hydrate and calm skin.

THE WEIGHTED BLANKET

The Mela Weighted Blanket Double [13], £140, harnesses the powers of DTP (deep touch pressure therapy), which involves pressure being applied equally across the body and has been proven to have a calming effect on the nervous system, as well as aid the production of melatonin – the hormone that helps us sleep.

THE FACE TOOL

Foreo’s Luna Play Smart 2 cleansing brush [14], £79, uses 24-carat gold-plated sensors and a Bluetooth-powered app to measure your skin type and moisture levels, before tailoring its cleansing time and sonic pulsation intensity to you.

Curly, coily and Afro hair types reap the benefits of protective haircare at home. Whether you’re looking after natural or chemically treated hair, or you’re in-between protective styles, show your curls some love with these expert-approved tips.

GET SERIOUS ABOUT

YOUR SCALP

‘Cleansing and massaging your scalp regularly is vital for stimulating hair growth,’ says Betse Coker, founder of The Washday Co. Use a silicone brush with a tapered bristle, such as Chāmpo’s Shampoo Brush [18], £14.50, while shampooing to gently increase blood flow to your scalp.

DEEP CONDITION LIKE

A PRO

‘Heated treatments are great for natural hair,’ says Rose Madagwa, founder of Lava Cap. ‘Hair cuticles are closed so firmly shut that moisture often isn’t able to penetrate deep into hair strands unless heat is applied, which opens the cuticles and lets nourishment in.’ Use the thermal Lava Cap [19], £34.99, together with your favourite deep conditioner for maximum hydration.

BREAK UP WITH BREAKAGE

Friction puts undue strain on delicate curly hair and causes breakage. ‘Sleep with your hair covered in a silk cap,’ advises hair guru Vernon François. Wrapping your hair in a silk turban or bonnet while you sleep reduces breakage, tangling and can often help keep curls defined as you sleep. It looks pretty glamorous, too. Try Silke London’s Hair Wrap [20], £50.