Category: hair

Aveda invati Collection for Hair Loss and Scalp Health

While it isn’t the sexiest beauty topic, thinning hair and unhealthy scalp are a reality for many of us. I admit, I am seeing the effects of years of buns and pony tails. The hair around my face is thiner and sparser. I still get compliments on my thick, long hair but it is something I notice and I will do what I can to keep my hair heathy for as long as possible. Another not so lovely reality for me is psoriasis. I have found that lowering stress, sun exposure and injected steriods do help. But also using the right shampoo can minimize the unsavory side effects (aghem… flakes).

Aveda Invati Collection hits the sweet spot for me. It addresses:

  • Thinning
  • Loss of volume
  • Loss of density
  • Tighter or drier scalp

The primary ingredient is densiplex, containing turmeric and ginseng to help rehabiliate and energize the scalp. Tumeric is a traditional ingredient used for aging hair and scalp health and I have found that pill form of the herb improves psoriasis. Essential oils such as lavender, rosemary, ylang ylang, myrtle and ambrette give the collection the classic Aveda scent, but it isn’t too overpowering. My hair smells like it has just visited an authentic Ayurvedic spa in a subtle way.

The shampoo is actually exfoliates using wintergreen-derived salicylic acid to unclog pores. This process removes the build-up of sebum and product residue that can clog pores and affect healthy hair. Millet seed and milk thistle help restore balance to dry scalps.

The conditioner strengthens and fortifies using arginine derived from sugar beets and soy protein. Guar, palm and rapeseed-derived ingredients help thicken while organic kukui nut oil helps add natural shine.

 

Bumble and Bumble Pin Tin

I am a bobby pin novice. In fact, before the pin tin, I had only used Goody Spin Pins.  I love the spin pins for the simplicity, but their construction limits you to pretty basic styles. I decided to broaden my horizons with the Bumble and Bumble Pin Tin, an adorable set of 50 custom-designed hair pins in winter white.

You can tell these are quality pins. After quite a bit of abuse, mine have retained their shape and strength. The silver tin comes with an assortment of pins, all designed for different functionality.

  • 5 3″ hair pins for heavier updos (these are my favorite, probably due to my long hair)
  • 10 2″ hair pins for tacking down chignons and twists (these work well for my tighter buns)
  • 25 2.5″ bobby pins for a wavy side up or down for a neat hold
  • 20 2″ bobby pins used for finishing

What’s the difference between the hair pin and bobby pin? So glad you asked. Hair pins have roots in China, Japan and Korea but the “bobby pin” came into wide use in the 1920’s with the new bobbed hair styles. A bobby pin is a double-pronged hair pin that slides into hair with the prongs open and then the flexible prongs close over the hair to hold it in place. A trademark on the term “bobby pin” was held for some decades by Bob Lépine Corporation but eventually became part of the common hairstyle vernacular.  It wasn’t until the late 1990’s that it became fashionable for this pins to actually be a visible part of the hairstyle.

There are some tutorials on a slip of paper included in the pin tin. Frankly, I haven’t paid much attention to them. The key to exploring these new tools is some surf spray and a couple minutes playing in front of the mirror. I was surprised by how well the simple pins hold up my hair. My favorite so far is a haphazard pony pinned up into a messy bun. But the smaller hair pins are my go-to for a simple and neat low bun during a workout when I want to avoid that “pony-tail bend” effect.

 

KeratinEarth

A safe and healthy hair straightener you can do at home? And it is only $99?  This is definitely what I want for my Blog Birthday!  This formula is Formaldehyde-free and can keep wavy hair straight for three months.  (The wavier your hair, the less time the treatment will last).  While I am loving my Beach Waves, this treatment would also allow for a sleek look.

The real selling point of this treatment are the safer active ingredients. Urea and sulfite break bonds to straighten hair while wheat and vegetable proteins conditions and softens hair.  The chemicals that KeratinEarth use actually help restore the cuticle, rather than destroy it.  Hair looks and feels softer and healthier. Words is this leads to only a slight odor – which is fabulous.  And you don’t have to wait 48 hours to wash your hair!

KeratinEarth won Allure’s Best of Beauty Breakthrough 2011.

Beach Waves

It was a struggle, but I finally am out of my “stick straight hair” routine.  This summer, I have embraced Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray and what I like to call, “fuzzy hair”.  I admit, it is much easier to achieve and I get so many compliments.

My favorite trick is to wash my hair at night.  While hair is semi damp, I do a semi-loose fish braid.  I found that a tighter or regular braid makes my hair look like it was crimped a la 1989.

I can’t wait to try Charlotte Ronson x Sephora’s A Perfect Mess – so far, I have heard great things.  Gives shine, hold and with a perfect summer beach day scent.

photo: www.refinery29.com

What’s Your Take? Curly or Straight? – Sierra

Having had naturally curly hair since the day I was born, I learned to embrace my curls but never knew quite how to tame them. The secret to my happy and curly hair now? A Hollywood actress example is Kate Hudson, who does a wonderful job at creating a beach like wave and it is very similar to the curls that Moroccanoil Intense Curl Cream produces. It is a very natural and feminine look and reduces frizz.

Straight hair has never been easier to create due to the infamous CHI Flat Iron. I remember when Taylor Swift showed up at the AMAs with a gorgeous straight hair style. She transformed her curly tresses into a chic look for the event and stole the attention of the crowd.

I love having my hair either curly or straight so often times it is impossible to choose. With today’s beauty technology you honestly can’t go wrong with both styles and Sally Beauty Supply coupons certainly help with beauty product expenses.

Bio: Sierra is a featured fashion blogger for JoeShopping.com, a social shopping site dedicated to saving you money through coupons and more. Sierra can also be found on her Ocean Dreams blog.

Moltobene Clay Esthe Reshtive Shampoo and Treatment

I was mildly scolded by my hair stylist when I complained about frizz and reported I was using drugstore shampoo and conditioner.  I never really bought into the salon hair treatment, and always opted to save some cash and buy at CVS.  Well, I was wrong.  Not dead wrong, but wrong.  If you are willing to spend (a little) extra dough, you will be handsomely rewarded.  I have been using the Moltobene Clay Esthe Reshtive products for a week and the difference in my hair is night and day.  I don’t even have to dry my hair and it is insanely soft – I mean insanely soft.  It have great bounce and my layers just have that skooch of a wave at the bottom.  I wear my hair in a top knot when I sleep and in the AM I have to make minimal effort.  The upgrade was incredibly worth it.