Curl power: Umberto Giannini's miracle worker.

When my hair is overdue a visit to the hairdresser (most of the time) and it's been through the wars (ie unwashed and unloved – a maximum of eight days once, but let's not go there), there are some super shampoos that bring back the bounce and convincingly hoodwink everyone, including myself, that I've "just stepped out of a salon". Fekkai Luscious Curls Shampoo (20, spacenk.com) gives curls a viper boost and leaves them smelling of oranges and honey, reminding me of Greek holidays back when the poor country still had the drachma. Umberto Giannini's Calm Curls Shampoo (4.99, boots.com) zaps frizz and gives a pleasingly high-shine finish. And you get a lot of bang for your buck, which is handy in these austere times.

Alternatively

Davines Love Shampoo 13.10, 020 3301 5449
Philip Kingsley Moisture Extreme Shampoo 14.75, philipkingsley.com
Aesop Nurturing Shampoo 17, aesop.com
Bumble and Bumble Curl Conscious Smoothing Shampoo 17.50, bumbleandbumble.co.uk
Aveda Be Curly Shampoo 15.50, aveda.co.uk

Philip (left): Sweatshirt, 190, and trousers, 160, both byChristopher Shannon, from Oki-ni. T-shirt, 65, byNike
Paul: Sweatshirt, 150, byChristopher Shannon, from Oki-ni. T-shirt,65, by Nike. Shorts, 90,by Acne, from Matches. Necklace, 275, by Maison Martin MargielaPhotograph: Paul Gore

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

;

Fashion

• Men's fashion

Life and style

Travel

• Berlin

More galleries

;

Seeing red: go for broke in a violent shade of vermillion. Photograph: Observer

I've been looking for the brightest red varnish. One reminiscent of a honeymoon sunset, or the floor of A&E on New Year's Eve. One that blinds you with its very redness. I want a red with attitude, not a sultry red, or a mysterious red, but a red that stomps before you and screams about glamour. I want one that draws attention away from all the nonsense I'm spouting up there, taking the eye down here to where my hands are fluttering elegantly. Tom Ford's Scarlet Chinois (25, harrods.com) is a red turned up to 11. A single coat will do. Similarly, Revlon's Red Bikini (6.49, boots.com) is so bright you can almost hear it, and Dior's Red Royalty (18, 020 7216 0216) is rich yet eye-catching. You should see how nice my hands look. Man.

Alternatively

Rimmel in Ready Aim Paint! 3.69, rimmellondon.com Barry M Lady in Red 2.99, barrym.com Mavala in London 4.30, johnlewis.com Butter London in Come to Bed Red 12, butterlondon.com Diego Dalla Palma #18 10, tesco.com