This Is Probably The Most Versatile Hair Product We’ve Tried
Brittany Stewart is a beauty journalist and podcaster with an extensive collection of red lipsticks that look the same but definitely aren’t. When she’s not hosting beauty podcast, Beauty Island, you’ll find her searching for the best frizz-fighting, curly hair products and the face mask that will solve (all) her problems.
As someone with naturally curly hair, I never really know what I’m going to get after each wash. Will it be Princess Diaries bush (pre-makeover scene)? Monica in Barbados? Or the rare perfect cascading curls?
Whatever your type, no doubt you have your equivalent hair guessing game. Which is why having the right pre-styling hair products is essential for good hair days (and good moods, too.)
And this may just be the most versatile hair product we’ve ever tried.
So, What Is It & What Does It Do?
If you’ve ever used Mr. Smith hair products before, you’ll instantly recognise the minimalist and stylish packaging - which, by the way, complements any shower shelfie. But what’s inside is even better. While it's hard to pick favourites, I'd have to say my pick of the bunch is Mr. Smith The Foundation.
Hang on, hold up. A foundation for your hair? Yep, you read that right.
“It’s a styling base for all hair types, my absolute go-to product and the basis from which to build the rest of your haircare regimen,” explains Mr. Smith Creative Director, Freda Rossidis.
“It can be used on its own to create flexible hold and natural movement, but is also the perfect base product to be layered on top of.”
At its simplest, it’s a pre-styling crème that helps hydrate, thicken and protect hair. It’s packed full of nourishing ingredients, and also offers hair the all-important heat and UV protection.
It can be used on wet or dry hair, short, long, curly, thin, by women or men. The results will vary but the finish is the same; healthy, shiny hair worth showing off.
Ok, So What Will It Do For MY Hair?
I really wasn't exaggerating when I said it works on every single hair type.
For fine hair: “The Foundation is my favourite product for fine hair that needs substance and fullness, making it really gutsy,” says Freda. Apply a small amount to wet or dry hair to make it feel thicker, stronger, and most importantly, add volume.
For thick hair: Prepare for the best home blowdry of your life. Apply evenly on damp hair for a smooth, glossy and shiny blow out.
For curly hair: Apply a small amount into damp (towel-dried) hair to define and enhance your natural curls. Run it through the length, twisting to define curls. Take care to let hair dry with the product in - no touching your curls until it’s dry and set! Then shakeout for bouncy waves. It’s also great for taming frizz before a blowdry.
For long hair: The search for ultimate styling products for slick hair ends with The Foundation. Freda advises applying a small amount evenly from roots to ends then styling hair in a slick ponytail or putting in a chic and stylish up-do.
For short hair: Apply on damp hair and either slick back or blast dry in your chosen style.
Now Let's Get Into The Ingredients:
Let’s take a closer look into what actually makes it so special. The answer? Lots of Australian native ingredients - a bonus from a vegan, PETA-certified, Australian-made and -owned brand.
- Quandong Extract: An Australian native, Quandong is high in essential fatty acids and Vitamin C. Helps to refresh, moisturise and nourish your hair.
- Lemon Aspen: Another native bushfood. A pale, lemon-coloured fruit high in fruit acids and B vitamins. Helps to provide nourishment, protect and de-stress your hair.
- Desert Lime: An excellent antioxidant, this Aussie native also boasts a high concentration of Vitamin C. Helps to add some life back to hair whilst also soothing, rebalancing, refreshing and revitalising.
Sounds good, smells even better. The Foundation is artificial fragrance free so you can enjoy the natural fresh and citrus-y scent.
Where Does It Fit In Your Styling Regimen?
As Freda says, it really is the foundation of your hair styling routine.
For pre-styling, apply The Foundation to damp hair after shampoo, conditioner and a quick towel dry for a glossy and shiny finish if you’re blowdrying. If you’re using it as a styling product for that slick look, then you can use on damp or even dry hair.
You can also combine with other products, like Mr. Smith Serum or Mr. Smith Leave In for a 2-in-1 boost. And while you can’t currently go to your hairdressers for your blowdry, Mr. Smith The Foundation will help you get one step closer to a professional finish at home.
“Apply a small amount of The Foundation on freshly washed hair and prior to blow drying for a longer lasting blow out and added shine,” says Freda.
It’s official. We’re hooked.
