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A year of growth, innovation, and community wins at Formula Botanica

Organic Beauty

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February 1, 2026

A year of growth, innovation, and community wins at Formula Botanica

2026 is shaping up to be yet another great year for Formula Botanica with brand-new content, major events, and plenty of exciting projects on the horizon.

But before we look ahead, we wanted to take a moment to pause and reflect on 2025 and what made it so special – not to look back for nostalgia’s sake, but to show you what’s possible when you enrol in our award-winning courses and are supported by a global community that genuinely wants you to succeed.

Here’s a look back at some of the 2025 Formula Botanica highlights, alongside a few of the incredible community wins that inspired us along the way. And who knows? You might be featured next!

Formula Botanica in numbers – 2025 highlights

Celebrating 2025: A year of growth, innovation, and community wins at Formula Botanica

2025 has been an incredible year for Formula Botanica, the world’s leading online organic cosmetic formulation school.

Our mission is to teach the world how to formulate, and in 2025, we took another meaningful step towards that goal by continuing to share free, practical education for formulators at every stage. Last year, we:

Improving our free content & educational materials

But that’s not all! In 2025, we also continued to invest in how we teach and how we support our students throughout their learning journey.

Last year, we hosted over 50 student support sessions, practical workshops, and webinars to help our students throughout their studies and beyond. We also created 11 new Mini Labs for our CPD membership platform, The Lab at Formula Botanica, covering timely industry topics such as acids, AI, and biotech.

One major highlight was teaching pet skincare formulation for the very first time – a long-requested topic from our community.

In 2025, the Formula Botanica team also attended key industry events and cosmetic trade shows to help our students stay ahead of emerging industry trends and keep providing the best and most up-to-date education possible.

Revamping our award-winning formulation courses

One of our proudest achievements of the past year was definitely the revamp of our award-winning Advanced Diploma in Organic Cosmetic Science, which followed the update of our foundation Diploma in Organic Skincare Formulation two years ago.

Regularly reviewing and updating our courses is part of our commitment to delivering the highest standard of education for formulators and beauty entrepreneurs worldwide, and we hope you can take part in them too!

Another major achievement happened in November 2025, as we hosted our first-ever Global Meetup Week.

For the first time ever, Formula Botanica students, graduates, and our team met face-to-face at events happening all around the world. It was an extraordinary week and a memory we’ll always treasure.

We loved seeing our community connect face-to-face, form new friendships, and share their passion for formulation and indie beauty. This just goes to show what an amazing community you can be part of once you enrol in our award-winning courses.

You can read the full recap of this week here:

Global Meetup Week 2025: Celebrating Formula Botanica’s first-ever global meetup!

Talking about our students, we wanted to shine a light on our amazing community.

For many of our students, 2025 was a year of big milestones – completing courses, submitting final projects, graduating, and stepping confidently into the next phase of their formulation or entrepreneurial journey.

One of the most exciting community achievements was our graduates’ winning over 96 awards at the Beauty Shortlist Awards across different categories, including sustainability, innovation, and formulation excellence. You can read more about this amazing accomplishment here:

Beauty Shortlist Awards 2025 – Formula Botanica graduates win an incredible 96 awards

When you join our courses, you automatically become part of this supportive, award-winning community. And who knows? In the future, your formulations could be celebrated on the global stage too!

Formula Botanica student & graduate wins in 2025

Here’s just a glimpse of what our students and graduates achieved last year – proof of how inspiring and transformative our courses can be:

Graduation & milestones

Photo courtesy of Courtney Ellington

Blanca Parra Gonzalez completed the Diploma in Organic Skincare Formulation and gained the confidence to create safe, effective skincare for her sensitive skin.
Kirsten L. Randolph graduated with distinction and launched her neurocosmetic-inspired brand, Sensorella Naturale Body Care®.
Astrid Van Embden just submitted her final project and is preparing to launch her brand, Earth & Aether, in 2026.

And so much more!

Celebrating 2025: A year of growth, innovation, and community wins at Formula Botanica

Photo courtesy of Greta Tepshi

“Completing my course with Formula Botanica has given me the confidence and necessary knowledge to make plans for the future – not just for my business but also for myself.”— Blanca Parra Gonzalez, Formula Botanica Graduate

Brand launches & personal milestones

Celebrating 2025: A year of growth, innovation, and community wins at Formula Botanica

Photo courtesy of Annjulie Hébert

For many graduates, 2025 was also the year they turned their ideas into action, whether through launching their first product or product range, or taking meaningful steps towards growth:

Sunčica Petrićević launched her first facial oil serum and built a loyal customer base before partnering with a contract manufacturer.
Francesca Trenta launched her brand inspired by Mediterranean herbs, with prickly pear at the heart of her formulations.
Tanya Kadiyska started her entrepreneurial journey with Casa Botanya and a signature face balm.
Josephine Eneje launched Dame Jo!, describing it as a deeply transformative experience.
Dr Hajo Morralana launched Hafro Natural Skin Care and self-published a book about her entrepreneurial journey (see image below).
Annjulie Hébert fulfilled a ten-year dream with the launch of her natural haircare brand, Bloum.
Lana Suranova launched multiple products for her brand BIOYOND Natural Skincare.

Photo courtesy oaf of Dr Hajo Mursana

“Seeing my own skin transform using products I created myself has been profoundly meaningful. The most rewarding part has been hearing customers describe my work as ‘magic.’” — Lana Suranova, Formula Botanica Graduate

If you’d like to find out more about our inspiring graduates and their brands, check out our amazing Graduate Gallery.

Awards & industry recognition

Celebrating 2025: A year of growth, innovation, and community wins at Formula Botanica

Image courtesy of Pooja Bhimra

In 2025, our graduates also won multiple awards and gained recognition from the beauty industry:

Pooja Bhimra received a commendation at the Beauty Shortlist Awards and an invitation to the inaugural Vogue India Beauty Awards.
Chioma Clara Adagbusi launched a three-product Glow Reset System and was shortlisted for the Flourish Africa Grant for Female Entrepreneurs.
Rebecca Martin won both the Janey Lee Grace Platinum Awards and the Free From Skincare Awards.
Suzanne Soto Davies had her brand named Best Eco-Friendly Haircare Brand 2025 – Canada by the Global Excellence Awards.

“Receiving this award means so much to me — not just for my brand, but because it reflects my commitment to creating products that truly make a difference.” — Suzanne Soto Davies, Formula Botanica Graduate and Student Mentor

This shows how transformative our award-winning courses can be –not only for you, but also for the people around you. By learning to formulate and eventually launching your own brand, you’re not just changing your life: you’re inspiring others along the way, and making a real difference in the world.

And who knows? You could be next on the global stage, receiving awards for your beauty products.

What’s next + where you fit in

We hope you enjoyed this 2025 retrospective! Last year was an amazing year for Formula Botanica, both as a school and a community.

2026 is already shaping up to be another exciting year, full of new content, events, and opportunities to learn, grow, and connect – and we want you to be part of it.

If you’ve ever dreamed of making your own natural skincare or haircare products, or even running your own business, you’ve come to the right place. Our award-winning courses are designed to guide you every step of the way, from making your first formulation to launching the beauty brand of your dreams.

Take the first step today: join our free training and discover just how empowering – and life-changing – formulation can be.

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FREE TRAINING

How to become an
Organic Skincare Entrepreneur

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FREE TRAINING

How to become an
Organic Skincare Entrepreneur

Join over 100,000 other Formulators

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Ariane is Formula Botanica’s Content Creator and an active member of the student community. She has worked as a professional journalist, blogger, copywriter and editor before joining Formula Botanica full-time in 2024.

Iles Formula Hair Talk: Lauren Patterson from UTAH

Hair Care

Admin

February 1, 2026

Iles Formula Hair Talk: Lauren Patterson from UTAH

Lauren Patterson: “With 10 years in the beauty industry, I specialize in beaded row extensions and custom color with a strong focus on maintaining the health and integrity of your natural hair. I love the artistic and creative side of what I do, but what I value most are the genuine connections built in my chair. Helping someone feel seen, special, and like the best version of themselves is why I truly love this work.

I am passionate about overall wellness and how the products we use can impact our hormone health. That is why using clean, high-performing products like ILES is so important to me. I want my clients to not only look beautiful, but to feel confident, supported, and cared for in every part of their experience”.

What would you term as your specialty within your trade?

Hair extensions and color.

What’s the most enjoyable part of your job?

The transformations and making others feel and look beautiful.

Why did you choose the path of hairdressing and was it easy to fall into this work?

Doing hair came very natural to me and it became a huge passion of mine!

If you had not made the decision to be a hairdresser what would you have been?

Growing up I always wanted to be a vet until I found out how sad it can be. I also love photography as well as health and fitness.

What is your greatest strength?

Listening skills paired with thorough consultations is the answer.

Your favorite hairdressing tools?

Bio ionic extra long curling iron, YS park combs, framar foils.

Tell us about your relationship with Iles Formula. How you discovered us and which formula is your favorite?

We met Ali at our salon and he introduced ILES FORMULA to us. After transfering so many of my beauty products to be less toxic, ILES is now my go to line!

What was the most challenging job you ever made?

I’ve done many color corrections that seemed impossible but we pulled it off all while blending with hair extensions!

What was your worst hair moment and why, privately or on set/stage or in the salon?

When a client wouldn’t let me cut/blend her hair extensions. She grabbed the curling iron and started curling it herself.

If you could style anyone’s hair, who would it be and why?

Ballerina Farm (Hannah Neeleman) she’s not a super famous celebrity but is a ballerina & has won Mrs. America. She’s super hard working and humble. A lot of our interests align as far as homesteading so it would be so fun to talk to her!

Where do you pull hair inspiration from?

Pinterest, Instagram, designers, fashion

Your advice to young hairdressers starting out?

Consistency is everything. Stay patient, keep practicing, and understand that growth takes time. One bad experience or difficult client does not define your career. Stay true to your style, trust your progression, and remember that not every client is meant for you. The right clients will stay because of your heart and your craft

Best Facials | What to Book for Real Results

Organic Beauty

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February 1, 2026
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The phrase best facials is everywhere, but most people are really asking a different question: what facial will actually change my skin? Not just for a day. Not just in soft lighting. Real results you notice when you wash your face, put on makeup, or look in the mirror the next week.

The truth is, the best facials are not one-size-fits-all. The “best” facial depends on your skin goal right now: glow, clear pores, smoother texture, firmer skin, or calm recovery. When you book based on the goal, you stop wasting money on facials that feel nice but do nothing.

1. What makes a facial worth it?

The best facials have three things in common:

They’re targeted: the treatment is chosen for your concern, not your horoscope.

They’re balanced: they improve the skin without wrecking the barrier.

They’re consistent: you can repeat them without ending up irritated.

If a facial leaves you raw, stingy, or peeling for days, it may look “intense,” but it’s not always giving you better skin. A good facial should improve texture and tone while keeping your skin calm enough to heal.

2. Best facials for glow and smoother texture

If your skin looks dull, rough, or tired, the best facials focus on light resurfacing plus hydration. This is the category that makes your skin look brighter fast and helps makeup sit better.

Look for:

gentle exfoliation (not aggressive scrubbing)

a hydrating finish that makes skin look plump

calming steps so you leave looking fresh, not red

Best for: dullness, rough texture, pre-event glow, dry patches.

3. Best facials for clogged pores and breakouts

If congestion and blackheads are your problem, the best facials are purifying and rebalancing. The goal is to clear buildup and calm inflammation, not strip your face until it feels squeaky.

Look for:

deep cleansing and pore-focused work

extractions only if your skin tolerates them

soothing steps afterward to reduce redness

Best for: blackheads, clogged pores, breakouts, bumpy texture.

Pro tip: If you break out easily, avoid the temptation to book the strongest peel on the menu. Over-exfoliation often makes acne and post-acne marks last longer.

4. Best facials for uneven tone and lingering marks

If your skin looks uneven even when it’s calm, you need controlled renewal. This is where the best facials for tone and texture come in, especially if you’re dealing with post-acne marks or stubborn dullness.

Look for:

resurfacing that is controlled and appropriate for your skin type

hydration and calming steps afterward

an emphasis on consistency, not “one and done” intensity

Best for: uneven tone, post-acne marks, stubborn dullness, rough texture.

Important: if you want marks to fade, sunscreen is non-negotiable. Facials help, but UV exposure keeps discoloration active.

5. Best facials for firming and lift

If you want a more sculpted look, the best facials use firming-focused protocols and, often, technology. Massage can be amazing, but when the goal is lift, you usually need something more than “hydration and rub.”

Look for:

microcurrent or radio frequency-based firming options

facials designed specifically for tone and firmness

a plan that includes maintenance, not just one session

Best for: early signs of aging, loss of definition, tired-looking skin.

6. Best facials for sensitive or stressed skin

Sometimes the best facial is the one that makes your skin behave again. If you’re red, reactive, or your skin stings from products, you need calm-first treatments that support the barrier.

Look for:

soothing protocols with minimal irritation

hydration that feels comfortable, not heavy

LED or cooling steps that reduce inflammation

Best for: redness, sensitivity, post-stress flare-ups, barrier repair.

7. How often should you book the best facials?

How often you book depends on your goal and skin type, but a realistic range is:

Every 4 weeks: a great rhythm for glow, congestion, and maintenance.

Every 6 to 8 weeks: a solid option if you’re balancing budget and results.

In a short series: helpful for firming goals or more stubborn texture issues.

If your skin is sensitive, fewer sessions with smarter aftercare usually beats frequent aggressive treatments.

8. The aftercare that keeps results looking good

The best facials can be wasted by doing too much afterward. Keep it simple for 48 hours:

gentle cleanse

moisturizer

sunscreen every morning

Skip strong acids, harsh retinol, and scrubs right after a facial unless your provider specifically tells you otherwise.

Final thoughts

The best facials are the ones that match your skin goal and improve your skin without starting an irritation cycle. Book for glow when you’re dull, purify when you’re congested, renew when tone is uneven, firm when you want lift, and calm when your barrier needs recovery. That’s how you get real results, not just a “nice facial day.”

17 Date Ideas You’ll Actually Want To Do This Valentine’s Day 2026

Beauty

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February 1, 2026
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76 best chick flicks to binge this Valentine’s Day

By Jabeen Waheed and Charley Ross

Take a painting class

Strolling around a gallery is the perfect romantic date for art-lovers, but make sure to check out your local gallery’s website – many throw classes and workshops to mark the special day.

Go to a gig

If you and your other half bonded over a love of music, then what better way to celebrate your ❤ than with a gig? Head to ticketmaster.co.uk, where you can select “music” and browse all concerts across the country for specific dates.

Visit an arcade

Add some old-school charm to your date and head to one of the UK’s quirky, charming arcades. Have your coppers ready and tie it in with a visit to the seaside (the weather might hold out – maybe) at destinations such as Brighton Pier and Adventure Island, Southend-on-Sea.

Go to a comedy show

Couples that laugh together stay together, so ditch the Valentine’s Day clichés and head to a side-splitting stand-up show. If you’re near the capital, the Top Secret Comedy Club often does shows for a bargain price.

Try a gin tasting session

You know what we said earlier about booze? Yeah, we really meant that. Which is why an evening of gin-tasting is just as perfect as a date spent sipping different wines (just pick your poison, as they say). From Gloucestershire to Cumbria, there’s a gin event for you and your gin-loving lover.

Go camping

Why not combine your love of your SO/ best pal with your love of the outdoors? Check out all the tent, yurt and glamping options at coolcamping.com and campsites.co.uk, or head to airbnb.co.uk where you can filter homes by ‘property type’, including ‘tipi’, ‘yurt’, ‘treehouse’, ‘tent’ ‘camper/ RV’ and even ‘cave’ (who doesn’t want to stay in cave on Valentine’s Day?)

Have an indoor picnic

The weather outside may be endlessly grey and cold, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring some summery vibes inside. Set up a cute indoor picnic as a surprise for your partner or bestie. Lay dow a blanket, pack a hamper, pop open some Prosecco and enjoy.

Enjoy a spa day

Either treat your SO to a luxurious spa day for two in your area, or, re-create the experience in your own home — think hot bubble bath with lots of salts, a body scrub, a massage and so on. Light some candles, play a zen playlist and dim the lights. And voila, your very own makeshift spa.

Create a scavenger hunt around the house or in your neighbourhood

Get a little playful and a little cute with your date idea and create a personalised scavenger hunt for your other half. Create a trail of clues that lead them to all of your favourite spots, possibly ending with an extra special date in the final location. So cute, so fun.

Have a games night

Another wholesome, no-fuss idea? A games night. Grab your favourite board games, puzzles and quizzes and get ready to enjoy some laughs and some kind-spirited competition with your SO.

Tranexamic Acid – Esthetician Approved Ingredient

Skin Care

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February 1, 2026
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Why Estheticians Love This Ingredient For Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is one of the most frustrating skin concerns I see in my treatment room. It’s stubborn, unpredictable, and often made worse by (well-intentioned) skincare mistakes.

When it comes to treating hyperpigmentation, no single topical ingredient does it all. You need many ingredients in your hyperpigmentation toolkit, and I’m especially excited about new advancements such as tranexamic acid (also known as TXA).

What makes it special isn’t just that it helps fade dark spots. It’s how it works. To understand why estheticians are excited about tranexamic acid, you first need to understand how pigmentation actually forms on the skin.

Hyperpigmentation 101

Hyperpigmentation is an overproduction of melanin that shows up as brown, red, purple, or grayish spots and patches on the skin. While it may look similar on the surface, pigmentation doesn’t all form the same way underneath.

There are two main triggers:

1. Inflammation-based pigmentation

When the skin experiences inflammation, such as breakouts, over-exfoliation, bug bites, eczema, psoriasis, or a compromised skin barrier, a chemical called arachidonic acid is produced. This leads to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, often referred to as PIH.

This type of discoloration usually starts red, fades to purple, and eventually settles into a brownish tone.

2. UV-induced pigmentation

UV exposure activates melanogenesis, a process driven by an enzyme called tyrosinase, which tells the skin to produce more pigment. This results in brown or grayish spots, including melasma, freckles, and sun-induced discoloration.

And yes, UV exposure includes sunlight coming through windows.

Here’s where things get interesting. Most brightening ingredients only work on one of these pathways. That’s a big limitation.

Why Tranexamic Acid Is Different

Tranexamic acid works by blocking the plasminogen pathway, which sits at the top of both pigmentation triggers.

By interrupting this pathway, tranexamic acid helps prevent:

The formation of arachidonic acid (inflammation-based pigmentation)

The activation of tyrosinase (UV-induced pigmentation)

In other words, it helps put the fire out before pigment is fully formed.

This dual-pathway approach is what makes tranexamic acid so effective for all types of hyperpigmentation, not just one specific kind.

Where You’ll Find Tranexamic Acid in Your Action Plan

One of my favorite ways to deliver tranexamic acid to the skin is through a toner. After cleansing, skin is bare and slightly damp, which is when penetration is most effective. Water acts as a carrier, helping ingredients absorb more efficiently.

This is exactly why I chose tranexamic acid for HyperFix Fading Toner. It was formulated to target stubborn discoloration at the source while respecting the skin barrier. By combining tranexamic acid with other skin-supporting ingredients, HyperFix helps calm inflammation-driven pigmentation while also addressing UV-induced discoloration, all without irritation.

Because it’s gentle and non-exfoliating, HyperFix Fading Toner can be used daily and layered easily with other brightening ingredients like niacinamide, making it an ideal option for skin that’s reactive, sensitive, or prone to post-inflammatory marks. Despite its chemical structure being an acid, it does not have a low pH and therefore is not considered an exfoliating acid.

Real Results You Can Feel

Amanda (Skin Type 1) used HyperFix Fading Toner consistently morning and night for 12 weeks, and the results speak for themselves. Her skin looks smoother, brighter, and more even-toned. Stunning before, stunning after.

How Tranexamic Acid Compares to Common Brightening Ingredients

There’s no shortage of pigmentation treatments on the market, but not all are created equal.

Hydroquinone is effective but highly regulated due to toxicity concerns and is banned in some countries. If it’s avoidable, I prefer not to go there.

Kojic acid and arbutin can be unstable and irritating.

Azelaic acid is primarily for rosacea and works very slowly for pigmentation.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids are very effective, however they can increase sun sensitivity and inflammation, especially when having a professional peel that uses them.

Retinoids are effective but often irritating, especially for reactive skin.

Vitamin C is very effective however, not all Vitamin C formulas are created equal, some are stable without causing irritation, so choose your vitamin C carefully.,

Tranexamic acid stands out because it’s targeted, gentle, and addresses both pigment pathways without adding inflammation to the skin.

How to Use Tranexamic Acid in Your Routine

For best results, tranexamic acid should be applied when skin is freshly cleansed and slightly damp. This is why a toner-based delivery, like HyperFix Fading Toner, can be especially effective for improving absorption and consistency of use.

And of course, consistent daily sunscreen use is non-negotiable. Brightening treatments can only do so much if new pigment is constantly being triggered by UV exposure. That’s why I always recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen, as well as using exfoliants regularly. (Take the Skin Type Quiz to get personalized recommendations.)

The Bottom Line on Brightening

Hyperpigmentation isn’t a one-pathway problem, so it shouldn’t be treated with one-pathway solutions.

Tranexamic acid is one of the few ingredients that addresses both inflammation-based and UV-induced pigmentation at the source. It’s gentle, effective, and especially valuable for skin that’s prone to sensitivity or post-inflammatory marks. Plus, it makes a great addition to the hyperpigmentation toolkit.

This is why estheticians love it. Not because it’s trendy, but because it works intelligently with the skin. And it delivers real results.

Watch video: How to Fade Hyperpigmentation.

Reference List:

5% TXA cream vs 3% Hydroquinone significantly improved appearance of freckles on darker Fitzpatrick skin types over 12 weeks and prevented new ones from forming

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31057273/

5% TXA serum reduced post-inflammatory redness of acne lesions https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31589950/

2% TXA cream significantly reduces appearance of melasma over 12-week period https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27135282/

2% TXA + 2% Niacinamide reduces facial hyperpigmentation over 8 weeks https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24033822/

Celebrity Esthetician & Skincare Expert
As an esthetician trained in cosmetic chemistry, Renée Rouleau has spent 35 years researching skin, educating her audience, and building an award-winning line of products. Her hands-on experience as an esthetician and trusted skin care expert has created a real-world solution — products that are formulated for nine different types of skin so your face will get exactly what it needs to look and feel its best. Trusted by celebrities, editors, bloggers, and skincare obsessives around the globe, her vast real-world knowledge and constant research are why Marie Claire calls her “the most passionate skin practitioner we know.”

Street Talk 2026: Hair Care – Episode Four: Hair Type – Dry

Cosmetics

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February 1, 2026
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Featuring: Sandra

Summary

Sandra shares how her hair has become increasingly dry with age, shaping how often she washes it, the products she avoids, and what she wants brands to do better. With fine hair but high density, she highlights a clear gap in the market: a shampoo that cleans effectively without drying, weighing down or stripping the hair—no conditioner require

Meet Sandra: Fine Hair, High Density and Increasing Dryness

Sandra describes her hair as naturally on the dry sideexplaining that dryness has become more noticeable over time.

Her hair is very finebut she has a lot of itwhich affects how products feel and perform. She cuts her hair approximately every six weeks and colours it regularly.

Pull quote: “It’s very fine, but I have a lot of hair.”

Washing Less as Hair Gets Drier

Sandra says she now washes her hair less frequently than she used to.

Where she once washed it daily, she now washes it every three to four daysexplaining that with age her hair feels drier and more fragile.

One key point stands out: she does not use conditioner.

She explains that conditioners feel too heavy, leave residue, and make her hair feel dirty and oily very quickly—even when rinsed thoroughly.

Pull quote: “I don’t like conditioners… it leaves the hair very weighty.”

Styling Habits: Practical, Minimal and Occasion-Led

Sandra usually blow-dries her hairadjusting her routine depending on the occasion:

Quick blow-dry for everyday wear

Proper blow-dry for special occasions

She doesn’t typically use styling products, except during summer months—when sun exposure and swimming increase dryness.

At that time of year, she turns to professional hairdresser-recommended productsincluding:

A spray designed to protect and lightly moisturise

A balm applied after washing to restore moisture

These products come from a professional brand that now also offers ranges for consumers.

Ingredients, Colour and a Preference for Natural Results

Sandra says she hasn’t historically paid close attention to ingredient lists, but that’s starting to change—particularly as she becomes more conscious of skin and hair needs with age.

Hair colouring is another challenge. While she was naturally fair as a child and adult, she now has white hair—mainly at the front—and finds it difficult to achieve colour that looks:

Natural

Soft

Not artificial or over-processed

This preference for natural-looking results extends across both colour and care.

Pull quote: “I like things quite natural.”

What She Wants Brands to Do Better

Sandra’s ideal product centres on the wash step.

She’s looking for a shampoo that cleans without strippingleaving hair:

Easier to comb

Soft but not coated

Nourished without heaviness

Because she dislikes conditioner, she wants a shampoo that does more of the work—without leaving hair dry, tangled or brittle.

She also values scentemphasising the importance of:

Gentle, refined fragrances

Pleasant sensory experience

Avoiding harsh, abrasive formulations

Sandra is particularly critical of mass-market supermarket shampoos, which she feels behave more like detergentsstripping hair of its natural goodness.

Pull quote: “They take out too much of the goodness of the hair.”

Key Takeaways for Brands

Dry hair concerns increase with age, changing wash frequency and tolerance.

Fine hair with high density requires lightweight but nourishing cleansing.

There is demand for “conditioner-free” shampoo solutions that improve combability and softness.

Scent and sensorial experience remain key value drivers.

Consumers are wary of mass-market shampoos perceived as overly harsh or detergent-like.

Couture Hair Trends to Know Now – Iles Formula

Hair Care

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January 31, 2026
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Paris Haute Couture Week Spring/Summer 2026 is in full swing — and the hair is every bit as visionary as the couture on the runway. This season, hair moves fluidly between sculptural precision and emotional softnessproving once again that couture hair is not about excess, but about intent, integrity and refinement.

From sleek, balmed silhouettes to airy, touchable textures and poetic accessories, these are the couture hair directions defining 2026 — and why they matter beyond the runway.

Couture Hair Isn’t Just for Couture

Paris Haute Couture 2026 confirms a powerful truth: even the most artistic runway hair has real-world relevance. The season blends sleek elegance, controlled texture and thoughtful detailoffering inspiration that translates seamlessly from couture to salon, red carpet and everyday luxury.

This is where hair health becomes visible luxury — hair that moves, reflects light, and holds shape because it is nourishednot because it is over-styled.

Christian Dior Haute Couture — Romantic Sleek & Sculptural Statements

Designer: @dior
Hair Designer: Guido Palau
Accessories: Stephen Jones

At Dior, couture bloomed — literally. Models walked with ultra-sleek, slicked-back hair adorned with cyclamen flower headpieceswhile others wore half-wigs dyed in soft pink huesfalling like veils from crown to face. The hair echoed the floral romance of the couture while remaining strikingly modern.

Trend:

Balmed, slicked-back foundations

Pointed chignons with aerodynamic precision

Bold floral and colour-matched accessories

Sculptural shapes softened by romance

Professional POV:
This look demands absolute control without heaviness. A nourishing balm or serum is essential — not to freeze the hair, but to create supple structure and reflective shine. A formula like Iles Formula Finishing Serumwith its silk-thread texture, allows hair to be slicked close to the head while remaining touchable and fluid.

Consumer Takeaway:
Romantic yet refined, this sleek direction is perfect for weddings, red carpets and special occasions. Start with deeply conditioned hair, then use a lightweight balm or serum to smooth and polish without stiffness. The result: hair that looks glossy, elegant and effortlessly expensive.

Schiaparelli Haute Couture — Textured Up dos & Playful Couture Shapes

Designer: @schiaparelli
Hair Designer: Guido Palau
Makeup: @patmcgrathreal

Schiaparelli delivered couture hair with personality: polished up dos punctuated by playful details. Double hair bows, textured buns and sculptural chignons balanced precision with whimsy — dramatic yet surprisingly wearable.

Trend:

Sleek, perfected foundations

Textured buns and soft chignons

Controlled imperfection with couture balance

Professional POV:
The key here is contrast — sleek roots paired with softly broken texture through the bun or chignon. This kind of finish relies on hair being exceptionally well-prepped. Using a strengthening, reparative base (such as the Iles Formula Finishing Serum ensures the hair can be manipulated, reshaped and detailed without frizz or fatigue.

Consumer Takeaway:
Whether worn polished or slightly undone, these up dos feel modern and expressive. Healthy, well-conditioned hair allows you to play with texture while keeping the look refined — ideal for bridal styling, evening events or elevated everyday glamour.

Chanel Haute Couture — Quiet Luxury & Emotional Elegance

Hair: James Pecis

At Chanel, hair entered a world of quiet luxury. The looks were timeless, Parisian and emotionally light — never competing with the couture, always enhancing it. Hair whispered rather than shouted, perfectly aligned with the house’s softer, tactile vision.

Hair Direction:

Softly brushed hair, prepped into silky, thread-like texture

Hair gently tucked behind the ears

Low, imperfect chignons and subtle bends

Air-dried finishes elevated to couture level

Professional POV:
This hair only works when condition is exceptional. The look depends on integrity, softness and movementnot styling tricks. Lightweight hydration and strength are key — think hair that has been quietly repaired, rather than masked on the day. Iles Formula Signature Collection is the key here

Consumer Takeaway:
This is hair that feels like you — but elevated. Hair that’s been nourished, strengthened and respected naturally falls into place. A minimalist routine focused on repair and hydration — rather than layering products — delivers this effortless Chanel effect.

What This Means Now — The Couture Hair Shift

Across Paris Haute Couture Week 2026, one message is clear:

Hair health is the new luxury

Over-styling is out

Precision cutting + beautiful texture = modern couture hair

Products should enhance, not dominate

Couture hair today is emotional, intelligent and restrained — a philosophy that mirrors Iles Formula’s commitment to hair integrity, performance and sensorial elegance.

Because when hair is truly healthy, it doesn’t need fixing.
It simply belongs.

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