Category: hair

Viviscal Report #3

 

I just finished up my second month of my three month trial of Viviscal. Just to let you know how dedicated I am, I have resisted cutting my hair so we can get a true and accurate measurement. Looking forward to evening up the ends and adding some layers now that I have this great length!

Average hair growth is about 6 inches per year or 1/2 inch per month. During the first month, my hair grew an amazing 1.5 inches. This month, I have logged another inch! My hair now is a little under 15 inches. Compared to 14 inches on August 30th and 12.5 inches on July 30th). Amazing.

My lashes and brows are fuller and longer. My hair seems healthier despite and increase in heat styling lately. And my scalp health is even improved.

I’ll check back in after month at the end of the trial for a final length tally! For more details on Viviscal, check out my first post here and second post here.

Aveda Pure Abundance Style Prep at Richard Chai Love NYFW Spring 2013

I have a slight infatuation with the perfect ponytail. The object of my affection is the slicked ponies seen at Richard Chai Love Spring 2013 runway show last month. I am always trying to achieve a sleek, parted pony that looks a little playful and a lot polished.

Usually, my hair frizzes and I relent into a top knot. But after discovering Aveda Pure Abundance Style Prep, my pony has hope. It gave my fine hair just enough volume and grit to achieve style. And it stayed put all day long. It also works as a refresher on day old hair. In true Aveda fashion, it smells fabulous.

The sporty collection was a great match for the athletic hair style. But Kevin Ryan, Aveda Stylist, adds that Richard “plays with proportion – nothing is exactly as you’d have imagined it. We’re slicking the hair back into a low ponytail with asymmetrical partings on top of the head. At first glance it looks like a regular pony, but look again and you notice something’s a little off.” And I am always game for an artistic interpretation of a classic.

Here’s a how-to from Kevin that helped me tremendously.

  1. Prep damp hair from roots to ends with Aveda Pure Abundance Style Prep; blowdry straight with a Mason Pearson brush.
  2. Flat iron hair, working from nape to crown.
  3. Create a square section of the head by parting hair along the parietal ridge. Secure on top of head with an elastic. (I just do a deep side part instead)
  4. Smooth out bottom section with a fine-toothed comb and mist with Aveda Air Control Hair Spray to control flyaways.
  5. Secure bottom section into a low pony at the base of the head; flat iron loose ends to completely smooth out the pony. Hold in place with Air Control Hair Spray.
  6. Release the top section of hair and flat iron to remove any kinks. Brush toward the right ear, making a clean parting on the left.
  7. Emulsify a dime-sized dollop of Flax Seed Aloe Gel and smooth it over the top of the hair for shine and hold.
  8. Starting at the point where the left parting meets the forehead, make another part diagonal across the head, creating two asymmetrical sections on top of the head.
  9. Pull each section back and secure into the pony at the nape, maintaing clearly defined partings.
  10. Flatten flyaways with a fine- toothed comb or soft brush and Air Control Hair Spray.
  11. Finish with a generous coating of Brilliant Spray-On Shine for a gloss.

Photography by Imaxtree, Style.com and Aveda Corp.

Molton Brown Plum-kadu Shampoo and Conditioner

I already was sold on Molton Brown (I adore their Vitalizing ABC Shower Gel), but I had yet to try any of their hair care products. And after a summer spent outside by the pool and a week in polluted New York City, I was definitely in need of some added shine and gloss to my hair. But the first thing I notice about the Molton Brown Plum-kadu Shampoo and Molton Brown Plum-kadu Conditioner is how it is one of the best smelling products I have ever used (seriously). Add in the way it added glossiness to my dull looking hair and you have a winner.

Plum-kadu from Australia detoxifies first to remove buildup. Moringa seed go after the urban pollutants that can cause dullness. Amino acids add in healthy shine. And the real highlight is the cardamom, waterfruits and sandalwood that added a fresh, clean smell to my hair.

I highly recommending taking a peek at these next time you are at Neiman Marcus or shop using the widget below.

Viviscal Report #2

Average hair growth is about 6 inches per year or 1/2 inch per month. When I measured my strands for this second Viviscal update, I couldn’t believe my eyes. I had to remeasure and remeasure. Until, I finally realized: yes, my hair did grow an inch and a half. 1.5 inches. In a month. When I (repeatedly) measured at the cowlick, my hair is 14 inches long (compared to 12.5 inches on July 30th).

This drug-free formula sped up my hair growth approximately three-fold. I assume some parts of the year, hair grows faster. But even adjusting for seasonality, this is impressive results.

My hair is slightly more oily, a somewhat expected side effect. There is a component of fish oil in the supplements. But this is something I am happy to exchange for fuller, healthier locks. Actually, the change in moisture actually tamed frizz – that and my new favorite hair oil.

I’ve also heard that users find their body hair grows faster. I cannot attest to this as I am a huge fan of laser hair removal. But I could swear my lashes and brows are fuller and longer.

I’ll check back in after month two of my trial! For more details on Viviscal, check out my first post here.

Shu Uemura Volume Maker Invisible Texturizing Powder

I’ve got a mess of fine long hair. This means two things: it takes forever to style and I am lacking in volume. So when I find a product that acts as a voluminizer AND dry shampoo, I pounce. Shu Uemura Volume Maker Invisible Texturizing Powder works great to “fluff” a blowout in its second or third day. It can make a pony just a little more posh with some volume at the crown. And it can lift lifeless hair.

This powder is absolutely invisible on my dark brown hair. I love the pen-like packaging (a breeze to throw in your purse). And it is fragrance-free. Seperate the strands where you want volume. Then use a very small amount of product – essentially one click – and brush on the roots of the hair. Massage with your fingers to distribute and voila! I found this tutorial super helpful when learning how to use the Volume Maker.

Shu Uemura Volume Maker Invisible Texturizing Powder is available at Shuuemuraartofhair-usa.com.

Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil

When I say I am enthusiastic about a product, I really mean it. And this time I REALLY mean it. After trying the Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil a couple of times, I can report my hair routine is transformed. I don’t ever dry my hair, and lately, it is always in a bun. The ends can get a little frizzy and dry – and, as a result, I don’t wear it down much. The new routine changed all that.

I start with a very little bit of the dry oil in my palms. After rubbing my palms together, I get the majority of the product on my ends. The oil isn’t greasy and doesn’t have an overwhelming scent. I take the remaining bit of product (very little) and work it through the whole length of my hair, especially in the back where frizz tends to occur. The result is smooth, healthy, shiny, air-dried hair. WOW.

The key to this oil is that is it supremely lightweight. The blend of six oils and two extracts can improve texture over time as well. Those who color their hair will applaud the UVA/UVB filters. And if you do dry your hair, it also offers heat protection. This formula detangles hair and helps strengthen hair against breakage. And lastly, it is clear so those of you with platnium or silver hair are safe!

This is truly a holy grail item. I purchased the Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil myself at Sephora for $38.