Innehållsförteckning för December 2024 från Top Sante

I can’t believe we’re on the December issue! Only one more to go (Christmas, as we have 13 issues a year) and then it’ll be 2025 when we’ll be bringing you a bumper issue packed with even more content to help you take lots of small steps toward better health, all in a gentle and manageable way – echoing the words of our manifesto on page 4. But back to this issue… I love the article by Caroline Strawson (page 38) on helping women resolve and reduce the effects of trauma, which gets locked in the body unless processed properly. Caroline’s work is powerful – definitely a shining light in the field of mental wellbeing. We’re also shining a spotlight on immunity, what with it being the season for colds…

Science Of Yoga: Understand The Anatomy And Physiology To Perfect Your Practice, by Ann Swanson (£18.99, DK). Did you know yoga can help lower your blood pressure, decrease inflammation and prevent age-related brain changes? Explore the physiology of 30 key yoga poses, with annotated artworks to show how your blood flow and respiration are affected, the key muscle and joint actions working below the surface of each pose, safe alignment and much more. This new, updated edition of the yoga classic book includes 24 pages of new content, including a series of therapeutic sequences of yoga poses to help relieve medical issues, plus detailed explanations of breathwork techniques. Out December 19.…

SLOW COOKER SEASON Nothing quite beats being welcomed home by a ready-to serve dinner. Slow cookers are energy-efficient and perfect for whipping up an array of winter warmers, from hearty soups and casseroles to seasonal desserts and mulled wine. We love the Salter 3.5L Chalkboard Slow Cooker (£32.99, salter.com), which offers everything you need in a slow cooker – from three heat settings, cool touch handles, and a removeable ceramic pot for easy cleaning – along with a fun chalkboard design, where you can jot down ingredients, recipes, and fun messages or instructions for the family. Be a greener cleaner Give your cleaning cupboard an eco-friendly makeover with the Seep Eco House Cleaning Kit (£45, theseepcompany.com). Designed to make every corner of your home gleam – without harming the environment…

There are several reasons deficiencies are so prevalent, both in the UK and across the world. These include: 1 POOR DIETARY CHOICES Diets high in processed foods and low in fruits and vegetables and wholegrains can lead to insufficient intake of vitamins and minerals. 2 SOIL DEPLETION Intensive farming practices have depleted soils of essential nutrients, reducing the nutrient content of fresh produce. 3 LIFESTYLE FACTORS Busy lifestyle and prevalence of convenience, fast foods and ultra processed foods contributes to poor dietary intake. Additionally, alcohol and smoking deplete the body of vital nutrients. 4 RESTRICTED DIETS Vegan and vegetarian diets can often lack nutrients including omega 3, B12, iron, iodine, and calcium, if not carefully planned. 5 BUSY LIVES Chronic activation of the nervous system due to stress not only…

Inflammation and high blood sugar can also affect your eyes. ‘High blood sugar levels can cause the small retinal blood vessels in the eye to become leaky, which leads to reduced perfusion of the retina,’ says leading oculoplastic and ophthalmic surgeon, Dr. Elizabeth Hawkes (cadoganclinic.com). ‘Areas of reduced perfusion lack oxygen and nutrients, which stimulates the growth of new vessels, called neo-vascularisation. Whilst this sounds like a good thing, it’s not as these vessels are fragile and prone to bleeding, which is one of the causes of reduced vision in diabetics.’ Another cause of reduced vision from diabetes is macular oedema. The macula is the part of the retina associated with central vision; leaky vessels cause an accumulation of fluid in the macula. This is called diabetic macula oedema, and…

LOVE YOUR SKIN Treat your skin to a brilliant burst of hydration with absolutely no hint of greasiness, thanks to UpCircle Peptide Serum (£24.99, upcirclebeauty.com). It contains a rejuvenating blend of peptides, niacinamide and a gentle AHA for even skin tone and boosted collagen production. Great for sensitive skin. Magic mask To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask (£33, cultbeauty.co.uk) has a limited-edition version with warm vanilla, notes of cocoa, jasmine and musk for an uplifting sensory treat while strengthening and repairing dry and damaged hair with plant proteins. RELAX TO THE MAX Chill out with a fragrant handful of Inlight Bath Soak (£29, inlightbeauty.co.uk) mixed into your bath. The divine scent of rose buds, calendula petals and soporific lavender, plus mineral-rich Himalayan salt soothes…

NOVEMBER 2024 COVER STORY Cherry Healey INSIDE Midlife health hacks, high-protein recipes and five steps to declutter OCTOBER 2024 COVER STORY Tessa Sanderson CBE INSIDE The Olympian on inspiring women, plus a brain health special SEPTEMBER 2024 COVER STORY Dianne Buswell INSIDE Feel great forever with our gut health special, plus healthy recipes AUGUST 2024 COVER STORY Kelly Holmes INSIDE Tips for mental wellness, moves to tone up, and brain-boosting foods JULY 2024 COVER STORY Jenni Falconer INSIDE Midlife diet tips, ways to beat burnout, and the 2024 skincare awards JUNE 2024 COVER STORY Cat Deeley INSIDE Summer skincare, slimming tips and expert ways to beat joint pain MAY 2024 COVER STORY Gabby Logan INSIDE 20 pages of gut health ideas to keep you happy inside and out APRIL 2024…

Winner BondiBoost HG Conditioner (£23, bondiboost.co.uk) Lightweight but seriously nourishing, this conditioner has been developed for thinning and weak hair. It contains a blend of rosemary oil, saw palmetto and nettle leaf, quinoa, Queensland nut oil and aloe vera for stronger, healthier, well-conditioned hair. ‘Wow what a game changer! I love this product as it’s super easy to use with one hand, thanks to the pump. No tangles after towel drying either, which is a huge plus. It has a wonderful fragrance making my hair feel totally alive. This is a must-have product!’ Karen, 54 Highly commended Attitude Super Leaves™ Volume & Shine Conditioner (£10.80, amazon.co.uk) Dermatologically tested, this conditioner is formulated with 98.6 per cent naturally sourced ingredients, including soy protein to boost softness and suppleness, cranberry extract to…

Winner Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Shampoo (£39.90, alternadirect.co.uk) This protects and defends against daily aggressors including environmental, physical, heat and chemical damage. Formulated with caviar extract and “sea silk”, it’s proven to provide moisture, smoothness and manageability while reducing breakage by more than 99 per cent, plus giving heat protection for your hair up to 230°C. ‘This shampoo smells and feels really luxurious. It creates a lot of lather from just a small amount, and it also feels like it’s giving a deep clean while still feeling gentle. It leaves my hair looking and feeling soft and shiny.’ Becky, 40 Highly commended Alfaparf Milano Benvoleo Glossy Micellar Shampoo (£19, amazon.co.uk) This is made in Italy using locally sourced ingredients, embracing the world of green beauty and being good for…

Winner Silvina London Everyday Grey Hair Shampoo (£28, silvinalondon.com) Meticulously crafted, Silvina London Grey Hair Shampoo enhances and cares for grey hair. The unique formula combines cutting-edge science with the finest naturally derived ingredients, including coconut oil, hemp seed oil, and aloe vera, to ensure your hair stays hydrated and vibrant. The naturally derived pigments in this shampoo combat brassiness and maintain natural silver shades without turning the hair blue. Suitable for every wash, Silvina London Shampoo offers the perfect balance of nourishment and shine, making it an essential part of your grey hair care routine. ‘This shampoo is creamy and thick so feels nourishing to use. It leaves a gently brightening effect on my white hair without laying down an obvious purple pigment, which some purple shampoos can do.…

Winner Monpure London Follicle Boost Hair Density Serum (£83, monpure.com) This award-winning serum helps prevent hair thinning and cultivates thicker, fuller, healthier locks. It’s powered by concentrated active ingredients, including retinol to speed up cell turnover and decongest follicles, as well as improve the absorption of pumpkin seed extract, which reduces thinning. ‘I have follicle damage and thinning hair just above my temples from wearing my hair tied back too tight. I have been using this product for just under a month and I can see an improvement, as can my hairdresser. Initially I had thought I would only use it at night as I was concerned the product would be oily or leave an obvious residue. However, once the serum has dried, you can’t see it, so I use…

Winner Percy & Reed Royal Blossom Volumising Dry Shampoo (£10, percyandreed.com) Created in collaboration with Historic Royal Palaces, this dry shampoo is infused with a new, aromatic scent inspired by the romance and rich history of London’s Kensington Palace. The multi-tasking product weightlessly refreshes and revives hair between washes. ‘I love the beautiful apothecary-style packaging of this dry shampoo – it deserves centre stage on the bathroom shelf. It sprays on beautifully and easily disguises late nights by absorbing oil, plus it blends in easily leaving no white patches.’ Charlotte, 50 Highly commended Batiste Original Dry Shampoo (£3.25, boots.com) Removes excess oils so your hair looks clean and smells great, leaving you feeling confident every day. This dry shampoo sells over two cans every second globally, helping to banish oily…

• Healthy watercress recipes perfect for the festive season• The truth about supplements and what you need to know• How to boost your mood this winter• The low-down on long Covid• Your hormone questions answered by Dr Roked• Festive health retreats and spa stays …Plus lots more! DON’T MISS IT! The Christmas issue – on sale Nov 22. LOOKING FOR A COPY OF TOP SANTÉ? Head to frontline-group.co.uk/store-finder and select Top Santé Health & Beauty from the drop-down menu. Next, input your postcode to find your nearest stockist. Why not ask your local retailer to reserve you a copy? They’d be happy to do so. Hurry now, before stock runs out! Or, you can subscribe so you never miss an issue – with great savings too! See page 72 for…

In our family, there’s no normal Christmas. It changes year on year and I suppose that’s the downside of families splitting up. Each Christmas the girls [Claudia 28, Amelia 30, and Lily 32, the daughters of Anthea’s ex-husband Grant Bovey] and I always make sure we get together and we have a great relationship, for which I’m very grateful. The girls also have fabulous mother-in-laws and I’m really pleased for them. Many years ago, on Russ Lindsay’s 40th birthday, his wife Caron Keating said, ‘My children are a credit to everybody who’s had a hand in bringing them up’. I always thought that was a great and very generous line from a mother because she had been ill with her cancer and was, at the time, in remission and living…

There is a well-documented correlation between the gut microbiome and weight loss, particularly through the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Here are some of the ways they work: • APPETITE SUPPRESSANT SCFAs influence the production of hormones involved in appetite control, such as GLP-1 and PYY. These hormones promote satiety and reduce food intake, helping with weight loss. Butyrate, in particular, has been shown to enhance the release of these appetite-suppressing hormones. • REDUCED FAT STORAGE SCFAs have been linked to the regulation of fat storage. For example, propionate has been found to inhibit the synthesis of new fatty acids and reduce fat accumulation in the liver, while butyrate has anti-inflammatory effects that improve insulin sensitivity, promoting better fat metabolism. • IMPROVED GUT BARRIER SCFAs, especially butyrate, improve the…

1 GROUND YOURSELF IN THE PRESENT When you become stuck in a trauma response, your body has gone back to the feelings of a previous experience. Grounding techniques can bring your focus to the present, reducing feelings of anxiety, anger and dissociation. Ground yourself by engaging all your senses. For example, feel the texture of an object or focus on what you can hear and see while firmly pressing your feet into the ground. These all help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes calmness and reduces stress. 2 BLOW A VOO BREATH This is a technique used in somatic experiencing to calm your nervous system. Sit comfortably, take a deep breath in, and as you exhale, make a deep, resonant "voo" sound. Like a foghorn. This sound sends vibrations…

1 When buying garlic, choose firm, plump bulbs that still have their paper-like skin intact. There should be no signs of sprouting, soft spots or other blemishes. Fresh garlic is readily available year-round. 2 Store fresh garlic in a cool, dark, dry place at 18°C with moderate humidity that is well ventilated. It can be stored for four to six months. Storing in a paper bag or mesh tubing works well. 3 Avoid storing garlic in the fridge, as it tends to become somewhat tasteless. However, if garlic has been chopped, minced or prepared in any way, it should be refrigerated and will last for up to seven days. Be sure to store the garlic in an airtight container to prevent the odour from affecting other foods in the fridge.…

…SELENIUM Selenium is a mineral important for many basic functions of the body. ‘Find it in Brazil nuts, eggs, organ meat, chicken, sunflower seeds, milk, yoghurt, cottage cheese, spinach, mushrooms, and bananas,’ says Tina. • Supplement boost: Equi London Beauty Formula (£70) contains 55mcg of selenium as well as a host of other vitamins, minerals and nutrients to support a glowing complexion, and optimal health and wellbeing. …OMEGA 3 ‘Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for supporting the structure of every cell in the body, in particular the brain,’ says Tina. ‘Fish oil, fatty fish, flaxseed oil and walnuts are good sources, as are flaxseeds, soya beans and chia.’ • Supplement boost: Bare Biology Life & Soul Pure Omega-3 Liquid (£49.95) contains over 1300mgs of Omega 3 per two capsules, with…

• If you like to start the day with breakfast cereal, swap a high-sugar one for Lizi’s Granola Low Sugar Nuts & Seeds (£6.35, lizis.co.uk), which is packed with toasted oats, creamy cashews, nutty hazelnuts and walnuts all rolled in black treacle for a fibre-filled crunch with less than four per cent sugar. • Did you know that standard Heinz Ketchup contains a whopping 22.8g sugar per 100g, and its 50% Less Salt and Sugar Ketchup still includes 11g sugar per 100g? Swapping to Real Good Ketchup (£2.40, ocado.com) will reduce your sugar intake as it contains just 5.7g of natural sugar per 100g. • Chocolate can be a downfall during the festivities, but you can indulge and not feel deprived with Nomosu sugar-free bars. They’re sweetened with top-quality stevia…

Winner Hairstory New Wash Rich (£46, uk.hairstory.com) New Wash Rich is an ultra-hydrating version of the signature cleansing cream‚ a first-of-its kind, custom formula that cleans and conditions hair and scalp without harsh foams and damaging detergents found in traditional shampoos. The result is healthy, happy hair. ‘I absolutely love this product! It’s in easy-to-open packaging, has a gorgeous lemony scent and a rich texture. My hair feels clean, soft and healthy – and there’s no need for conditioner! It’s an eco, curly girl-friendly cleanser that will transform your hair routine.’ Katie, 52 Highly commended Only Curls All Curl Cleanser (£18, onlycurls.com) This sulfate-free, gentle foaming shampoo is a kind-to-curls formula – cleansing without stripping hair of its natural oils thanks to avocado oil and kukui nut oil. It cleans,…

Winner Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Conditioner (£39.90, alternadirect.co.uk) Get softer, smoother, shinier hair thanks to Alterna’s signature formula that targets physical and environmental aggressors, which can cause hair to become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Helps reduce breakage and also gives thermal protection up to 450°F. ‘This is a lovely looking bottle with a great twist top that means you can control the amount of product coming out. It gets a bit harder to squeeze as the bottle gets emptier, but the smell is amazing and it’s really improved the condition of my hair.’ Claire, 45 Highly commended Alfaparf Milano Professional Semi di Lino Moisture Nutritive Mask (from £17.70, thehairlounge.london) This lightweight, leave-in conditioner nourishes dry hair, replenishing with vital nutrients including omegas and fatty acids, derived from…

Winner Hairstory New Wash Rich (£46, uk.hairstory.com) New Wash Rich is an ultra-hydrating version of the signature cleansing cream‚ a first-of-its kind, custom formula that cleans and conditions without harsh foams and damaging detergents found in traditional shampoos. Simplify your routine and replace both your shampoo and conditioner. ‘The first thing I like about this product is the packaging. It feels good in my hair and seems to help in detangling. My hair feels softer too. The product is perfect for travelling too – no more heavy bottles – plus it’s eco-friendly!’ Clara, 57…

Winner Silvina London Smoothing & Hydrating Grey Hair Conditioner (£28, silvinalondon.com) This conditioner is 92 per cent naturally derived and formulated to tackle the dryness and stiffness that often comes with grey hair. Infused with coconut, hemp seed and rosehip oils, along with aloe vera, it restores moisture and softness to even the driest hair. ‘This conditioner is a subtle product for grey or white hair. It works well and leaves my white hair soft, bright and shiny. The product has a rich texture that feels creamy and hydrating to use and it has a pleasant but not overpowering scent.’ Yvonne, 58 Highly commended Provoke Brighten & Protect Purple Leave-in Conditioner (£4.99, superdrug.com) Banish brassiness with this leave-in conditioner that brightens, detangles and protects against heat damage. It neutralises brassy…

Winner Monpure London Clarifying Scalp Scrub (£48, monpure.com) Gently exfoliate and buff away scalp build-up, flakes and oil with this award-winning scalp scrub. Designed to support scalp health and help alleviate the symptoms of dandruff and psoriasis, it’s packed with concentrated active ingredients, including stearic acid, shea butter and biodegradable jojoba beads to rejuvenate scalp skin and prime for healthier hair growth. ‘This product is absolute perfection. It contains argan oil, which works well for my hair, and it has a delicate zesty scent. It’s easy to use and washes out well as the texture is light, with small grains that don’t irritate my incredibly sensitive scalp. Using this twice a week has soothed my poor scalp and I will use it again.’ Sarah, 48…

Winner Alfaparf Milano Benvoleo Nutri Care Oil (£29.90, alfaparfmilanopro.com/gb-en) Formulated with eco-silicones, this oil adds nutrition and shine to all hair types. Eco-silicones belong to the silicone family but are synthesised without the use of fossil-derived ingredients. As a leave-in before blow-drying or as a finishing touch, the oil adds softness and radiance. ‘This has an incredible fresh and sweet citrus smell that makes me look forward to using it after every hair wash. The glass bottle is beautiful and generously sized. The product is so light that it manages to smooth without any greasiness at all – a new staple in my routine!’ Nelly, 41 Highly commended Hairstory Hair Oil (£37, uk.hairstory.com) Soften hair, add shine, reduce frizz and repair damage with this light-weight oil. A few drops will…

SUPER IMMUNITY Ever wondered why you always seem to catch a cold while your friends often seem to escape the germs? A new immunity study from Imperial College London is helping uncover why some people avoid getting sick. Researchers found people who are able to fend off the Covid-19 virus have unique immune responses which help them avoid infection. A localised immune response in the lining of the nose enables some people to identify the virus and stop it from gaining a grip. The research analysed samples from before and immediately after exposure to the virus to study their immune responses in great detail. Professor Christopher Chiu of Imperial College London said: ‘The research provides unique insights into how the immune system protects us from infection… and should be generalisable…

Enjoy your morning cup of coffee safe in the knowledge that moderate caffeine consumption is associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and stroke. Compared with non-consumers or consumers of less than 100mg caffeine per day, moderate coffee drinkers (three cups per day) or caffeine takers (200-300 mg per day) had a 48.1 per cent or 40.7 per cent reduced risk for new-onset cardiometabolic diseases, according to research published in the Endocrine Society’s The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Put the kettle on!…

‘Give the gift of health and wellbeing this Christmas with a subscription to TopSanté. We’ve got a fantastic offer for new subscribers, and giving the gift of a subscription to friends and family means they can enjoy Top Santé all year! I hope you’ll join us and prioritise your health, and theirs, for 2025. Santé!’ @thehealtheditor A MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION IS A GREAT GIFT! • Personal and thoughtful – match their interest• Fuel their passion, help them stay inspired and informed• Provide enjoyment all year round, delivered monthly• Perfect for people who are difficult to buy for• Saves you money on the shop price So, buy for someone special, or treat yourself! SAVE OVER £65* EASY WAYS TO BUY YOUR GIFT SUBSCRIPTION ORDER ONLINE at SHOP.KELSEY.CO.UK/XMAS24TS CALL NOW ON 01959 543…

Hormones have a huge impact on your health and wellbeing, affecting mood, energy, memory, weight, sleep and more. In her column for TopSanté, Dr. Sohère Roked reveals the hormone hacks to help you feel better. If you have a hormone-related question, email her at sohere@drsohereroked.co.uk. Q I'm feeling very down all of a sudden and think it must be linked to menopause as I have no other major stress at the moment. How can I feel better? A Low mood is a common symptom of menopause or perimenopause, due to fluctuating hormone levels but in particular testosterone and progesterone. Progesterone in particular is key for mood, and low levels are often the reason why women can get PMS or low mood before their period. Testosterone is also very important in…

• Gut Booster (from £32.50 for 300g). Suitable for sensitive stomachs, this vegan, low FODMAP blend of five natural prebiotic fibres is designed to restore balance in your gut. Clinically proven to relieve tricky digestive symptoms such as bloating, cramps, wind and irregularity. One pouch is one month’s supply. • Immunity Booster (from £32.50 for 300g). Clinically proven to fight inflammation and improve mental wellbeing, this vegan, gluten-free blend of prebiotic fibres is formulated to produce butyrate, which lowers inflammation and is essential for your long-term physical and mental health. One pouch is one month’s supply. • Metabolic Booster (from £32.50 for 300g). This gluten-free blend of eight prebiotic fibres supports digestion, plus heart and brain health. Say goodbye to mid-afternoon energy slumps, cravings, and lack of focus too as you’ll reduce blood…

A FEW MONTHS AGO, A SLEEP study popped into my inbox that had me punching the air with jubilation. Instead of the usual terrifying statistics, forecasting an early grave or dementia for anyone not getting the requisite eight hours of shut-eye in a single, unbroken sweep, this study revealed something dramatically different. According to its author, participants who woke in the night and couldn’t return to sleep were 40 per cent less likely to get dementia than their through-sleeping counterparts. After my initial jubilation, I realised this must surely be a mistake. So, I got in touch with assistant professor Roger Wong of New York’s SUNY Upstate Medical University, who carried out the research, and asked if the 40 per cent fall in dementia was a mistake? Dr Wong confirmed that…

‘Subscribing to Top Santé is a great way to receive regular reminders to make healthy changes. Every four weeks the magazine will be delivered directly to you, packed with health, fitness, nutrition, skin care, hair care and mental wellbeing advice from experts, helping you stay on the path of health and longevity.’ @thehealtheditor FANTASTIC REASONS TO SUBSCRIBE: Subscribe to TopSanté and start feeling amazing from the inside out! Plus, you can enjoy the following subscriber benefits: • Pay just £28.99 for your first 6 months, saving over £21 on the full price• FREE MONUPLUS Brightening Boost Serum worth £42• Enjoy convenient home delivery of each issue• Receive our regular newsletter providing you with ideas, advice, competitions and exclusive offers WORTH £42! Suitable for all skin types, the Brightening Boost Serum…

CONTAINS RETINAL Murad Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment (£105, murad.co.uk). Retinal is encapsulated in a delivery system adapted from technology used in pharmaceutical applications. Proven to be two and a half times more effective than “free retinal” (i.e. not encapsulated) it improves jawline skin and smooths deep-set wrinkles in two weeks, and increases overall elasticity after a month. Has a matching Eye Lift Treatment (£92). Kate Somerville Mega-A Skin Transforming Serum (£72, katesomerville.co.uk). This powerhouse serum blends skin-enhancing retinal with hyaluronic acid and squalene to increase hydration and elasticity while smoothing the look of fine or deep lines. Perfect for all skin types and those new to retinoids. Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 (£49, facethefuture.co.uk). A good entry point for those who are new to vitamin A or have tried mild retinol formulas,…

Winner RevitaLash Cosmetics Thickening Shampoo (£37, revitalash.co.uk) This clean, phyto-infused formula, rich in therapeutic ingredients, supports optimum scalp health, fortifies the hair cuticle and works to improve hair shaft thickness. Hair transforms to feel fuller, look thicker and perform better. ‘This minty formula has a tingly sensation on my scalp that feels as though it’s shaking awake my sluggish hair follicles! It lathers well so I only need a small amount, meaning the bottle will last ages. My hair feels squeaky clean, noticeably thicker and in great condition.’ Angela, 45 Highly commended Tricotain Hair Retaining Shampoo (£32.99, tricoextra.com) Clinically developed and backed by the latest scientific research, this shampoo is a complex mixture of powerful antioxidants, and free-radical scavengers formulated to neutralise and prevent the oxidative stress and destructive action…

Winner R+Co Cassette Curl Defining Masque (£35, facethefuture.co.uk) This masque revives curls leaving them lush and bouncy. It instantly transforms from a rich cream texture into a liquid butter to deeply penetrate strands and prevent split ends. Good for those who want hydrated, defined, healthy-looking curls. ‘A deeply nourishing hair mask that’s great for dry, brittle hair and split ends. Helps create hydrated, bouncy, defined curls. I used it as a mask and as a leave-in conditioner when I was on holiday, and it kept my hair hydrated and in excellent condition.’ Sarah, 49 Highly commended Hairstory Hair Balm (£39, uk.hairstory.com) A biodegradable and silicone-free formula that delivers moisture deep into the hair. This leave-in conditioner/hair balm hybrid adds moisture, volume, waves, and curls, all without feeling over-gelled. Revive dry or over-processed…

Winner Fudge Professional Clean Blonde Damage Rewind Violet Toning Shampoo (£14.99, superdrug.com) This dual-force purple shampoo contains Opti-Plex™ technology to penetrate the hair’s core, reconstructing bonds that are chemically damaged. It removes unwanted copper tones from blonde hair, and makes it stronger, smoother and softer. The scent also lasts 24 hours. ‘It feels lovely washing my hair with this shampoo as it gives good coverage. My hair also feels softer after use and the brassy yellow tones have disappeared, leaving a subtle, creamy blonde colour. Hair was also easy to blow-dry.’ Lisa, 52 Highly commended Attitude Super Leaves™ Colorlast Shampoo (£10.80, amazon.co.uk) This contains pomegranate extract to reinvigorate the scalp and provide longer-lasting colour protection, as well as avocado oil to restore suppleness. EWG Verified™ and dermatologically tested, this new…

Winner R+Co On a Cloud Baobab Oil Repair Masque (£40, cultbeauty.co.uk) This protein-rich, creamy masque renews damaged hair by delivering nourishment, strength and elasticity. The protein-rich, creamy formula renews hair fibres with baobab oil to help rebuild bonds and offers 85 per cent less breakage. The ideal reset for dry, textured hair. ‘This has an amazing smell – not too strong. The masque does exactly what it says it will do and my hair feels in great condition. I particularly like the amount of slip it has, which makes it good for detangling. Plus, it’s in easy-to-use packaging, which is handy in the shower.’ Thelma, 52…

Winner K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask (from £30, k18hair.co.uk) This leave-in, peptide-rich treatment mask reverses hair damage in just four minutes. Bleached, coloured and heat-treated hair is given strength, softness, smoothness and bounce. Core strength and elasticity are renewed and the formula gives ongoing reparative benefits. ‘My hair is normally frizz prone and dry after years of straightening, but after using this for four weeks I no longer need to apply my usual calming treatments or use my straighteners. This leaves my hair tangle free, smoother and stronger and is a godsend!’ Julia, 43…

Winner BondiBoost Thickening Therapy Spray (£28, bondiboost.co.uk) Breathe life into fine, flat hair with this lightweight styling spray that lifts at the roots while expanding and plumping each strand. Hyaluronic acid increases the density of each strand, while vegan collagen, ginseng and sea kelp strengthen and replenish strands. ‘This sprays on like water with no sticky or heavy residue – impressive! It has a lovely light scent, a bit like bubblegum, and adds subtle volume to my hair, which is buildable from the roots. What’s more, the added volume stays put even after two days.’ Angela, 45 Highly commended Fudge Professional Xpander Foam Mousse (£14.99, superdrug.com) This lightweight, non-sticky whip formula absorbs fast and contains thermal protection. It locks hair in hold but leaves you with a natural, bouncy blow-dry…

Winner Cloud Nine 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro (£299, cloudninehair.com) This two-in-one straightener and curler has curved plates to make curling and straightening easier. Once on, the temperature is pre-set to 150°C and plates vibrate at maximum frequency to feed hair between them with minimum friction to keep hair healthier. ‘My hair is naturally curly so I have to straighten my fringe to prevent it looking like a crazy frizzy mess, and the curved plates on this tool are perfect for adding a gentle curve with slight volume. They also help create ringlets over the rest of my long, fine hair.’ Katy, 45 Highly commended Revlon One-Step™ Air Straight (£69.99, boots.com) This two-in-one dryer and straightener has air vents that distribute 90°C concentrated airflow without extreme heat for even drying and…

DID YOU SEE THE BBC’s Panorama: The Menopause Industry Uncovered, on Sepon Sep 30? It’s put the cat among the pigeons for sure, sparking heavy debate on social media. Menopause heavyweight Davina McCall spoke out in terms of both her respect for presenter Kirsty Wark but also her disappointment at how she felt the show was a setback in terms of menopause care. I was away at the at the time but watched the controversy play out, out, even wading in with my own comments on Davina’s post. But whatever my view point, one one thing was for sure: the show was a witch hunt against Dr Louise Newson. The reporting centred around how doctors at her clinic prescribed doses of oestrogen often 2-3 times greater than what is considered…