Philip B Oud Royal Forever Shine

It's not every day that you bump into hair guru Philip B himself at an appointment. But then, it's not every day that a launch so exciting lands in our laps.

The new Philip B Oud Royal Forever Shine range is (despite an absolute mouthful) simply a heaven-sent line up of shampoo, £60, conditioner, £70, gel £20 and shaping fibre, £21. 

It contains time-released botanical hydrators, which are basically miny-molecules that're tiny enough to pass through the fibre of your hair, moisturising each strand from the inside out. What does that mean? Quite simple, a single use leaves hair stronger, more manageable (and I really mean that. Philip used a comb on me - a comb!), and - quite unfathomably - longer. And the effect lasts a good week, even if you wash with off-brand products in-between. 

The miracle about this new range is that while it pumps hair with hydration, volume and mega-watt shine, the clever ingredients (such as the pleasingly named Mongogo Oil) revive parched strands without adding drab-making weight. Oh and it's colour safe. 

LA-based Philip is an a-lister's best friend (we hear Gwyneth has him on speed dial, and a certain other a-lister sends him periodic gushy emails of thanks).

Try it - visit Philip B

Trevor Sorbie launches Booster Menu

Hair-dressing was robbed of a defining man last month when it was announced that industry grandfather Vidal Sassoon had died. Described by Vogue (aka our Bible) as “a byword for excellence in hair," Sassoon is credited for transforming hair-dressing not only in his sixties hey-day, but forever after – spot the difference between Mia Farrow and Emma Watson’s pixie cuts. We spy a trend.

London’s best have paid homage, and all eyes are turning to those who worked closely with the pioneer, as they embark upon the task of continuing a legacy of hairdressing excellence.

No small feat.

But out of the haze has stepped none other than hairdresser du jour Trevor Sorbie, who worked under Sassoon as Artistic Director in 1973.  So Lady C was delighted to be invited to test-drive Sorbie’s latest venture: the Booster Menu.

The boosters (shine, colour or volume – take your pick) are a genius idea, designed to tide your hair’s condition and appearance over until your next salon appointment. The speedy service takes an hour from the moment you step in the salon to your perfectly coiffed exit. The perfect lunchtime excursion.

Our over-served locks were quite a handful – “goodness, darling. I think we’ll be needing two” – so we tried out both the shine and colour boosters.

We left the Covent Garden salon with hair that felt refreshed and ready to face the music til we can next make it into the salon. Highlights it is not – but it is a serious time saver and a must for hair that’s in the spotlight.

Because, after-all: would you wear a faded, lackluster hat?