Could These Five Products Transform Your Hair?

Super stylist Tom Smith chooses his five desert island products for healthy hair – and we want them all…

The Five Best Products To Have If You Want Healthy Hair

Let’s face it, we’re prone to complicate things, so when I went to see Tom Smith at his gorgeous hair salon Billie Currie on Chiltern Street, I grilled him about his must-have products. No more, no less than five.  These aren’t just any hair products; they’re the ones he would ‘die on a rock for’, so whether you’re looking to strengthen, hydrate, or protect your locks, these essentials promise to elevate your routine. And – he’s keen to point out – if you have to make a choice, your budget should go to the pre-wash treatments, as that’s where the magic happens. 

1. Olaplex No. 3 – The Ultimate Hair Strengthener

Tom’s first pick is Olaplex No. 3, a cult-favourite for a reason. ‘Olaplex is the most major hair innovation that I can think of in the last ten years…. it does something nothing else does, and it’s the strongest reparative treatment that exists to use at home,’ he explains. Unlike traditional conditioners or treatments, Olaplex No. 3 repairs disulfide bonds in the hair, making it stronger and more resilient. 

How to Use: Use once a week or fortnight. Before you wash your hair, wet it down slightly, and depending on hair length use a squeeze or two and layer over the midlengths and ends and leave it for a minimum of 10 minutes. You can do it longer if you want (pop it on overnight for example). Or if there’s a workout class you do once a week, put it on before you go work out and shower it out afterwards.  £28, uk.olaplex.com

2. Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Extreme – The Hydration Hero

For those with dry, brittle and over-bleached hair, Philip Kingsley’s Elasticizer Extreme is a game-changer. ‘It’s all about moisture, flexibility, and softness,’ says Tom. Unlike Olaplex, which focuses on strength, this product infuses hydration and elasticity into the hair, preventing breakage and dullness, leaving it supple, soft and full of lustre and silkiness.  

How to Use: Apply to wet hair before you shampoo and leave for at least 10 minutes, then rinse and follow with your usual routine. Tom suggests alternating weekly between Olaplex and Elasticizer. £21, philipkingsley.co.uk

3. Evo The Therapist Shampoo – A Luxe Yet Practical Cleanser

When it comes to shampoo, Tom is clear: ‘Shampoo is not where the majority of your budget should go, but it’s important to choose one that cleans effectively without stripping the hair.’ His pick? He likes French pharmacy brands which he recommends for their simplicity.  He also recommends Evo The Therapist Shampoo, a hydrating yet lightweight formula that works for all hair types.

How to Use: Lather into wet hair, focusing on the scalp, then rinse thoroughly. If using dry shampoo frequently, double shampoo to remove buildup. £21, evohairstore.com

4. Redken All Soft Conditioner – The Perfect Everyday Hydration

Tom believes in conditioning every time you wash your hair. ‘Shampoo is going to clean,’ he explains, ‘and conditioner is going to make your hair easy to manage, so it’s going to give you that detangling benefit. ‘ He loves Redken All Soft Conditioner, an industry-favourite that leaves hair silky, soft, and weightlessly nourished.

How to Use: Avoid the scalp to prevent excess oiliness and use on the bottom two-thirds of your hair. Leave for a couple of minutes before rinsing. £24.70, boots.com

5. Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner – The Leave-In Hero

To protect hair post-wash, Tom swears by Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner. ‘It’s a great multitasker – it gives you moisture, protects against heat, smooths frizz, and even seals split ends.’ It’s particularly useful for those who style their hair frequently.

How to Use: Apply a small amount to damp or dry hair, focusing on the ends, before styling or air-drying. £28, uk.olaplex.com

THE FINAL WORD

So there you have it, five of the best products to keep your hair as silky and healthy as you can, but as Tom says, ‘Haircare should be about consistency rather than complexity. It’s better to do something imperfectly than not at all.’ A motto not just for hair, but for life. 

tomsmithhd.com | billicurrie.com