Tag: hair

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.

Viviscal Report #1

I just cut a couple inches off my hair to clean up some dead ends. And I was a total brat about it. I’ve been growing out my hair for about four years and it pained me to part with even two measly inches. Crazy, I know. I’ve always wanted to rock incredibly long hair and have finally made a commitment to get there one way or another. In the past, I’ve hastily chopped off five or six inches. This time, I vow to grow mine long enough to finally experience ultra-long locks. And have enough hair to cut to donate AND have a long bob to spare.

To speed things along, I am starting on a three month trial of Viviscal. This supplement, adored by models (like Karlie Kloss) and actresses (like Reese Witherspoon), promotes hair growth and nourishes thinning hair. 100% natural ingredients and drug-free, the formula works for men and women, all ages and all ethnicities. Fish proteins, horsetail extract and Vitamin C help ramp up production of keratin (which might also help my scalp and nails!).

I measured the length of my hair right at my cowlick – 12.5 inches from scalp to end. I’ll report back in a month with an update. Wish me luck!

Summer Hair Staples

1. Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray – Okay, I know most of you have heard of this stuff already. It is basically cult status. But if not, pick up some for this summer. It is the only thing I can find that gives effortless beach waves. I spray this on the ends of day-old hair for body and a slight wave. It also works great on wet hair at night. After applying, braid and sleep. Wake with big, bouncy waves. Sure, you can make your own salt water to give volume and texture. But Bumble and Bumble have added in seaweed and kelp that keeps my hair much more hydrated than ocean water.

2. Kanebo Sensai Collection Sensai Intensive Hair Mask – Because I am addicted to buns and braids (especially in the hot summer), my hair is super long these days. I don’t have a problem keeping it free of split ends, but I have noticed a little dryness. This mask is technically recommended for severely damaged hair, but it also gives my relatively healthy hair a boost. The mask contains ten oriental herbal extracts to smooth and shine. It has a very subtle but pleasant floral fragrance. I apply to the bottom third of my strands after shampooing. I throw my hair in a bun in the shower and rinse out after about five minutes. I love that it doesn’t make my hair greasy, but bouncy and nourished.

3. Goody QUIK STYLE Paddle Brush – Did you know that towel drying hair can break strands and cause frizz? I skip towel drying and use the strangest looking brush you have ever seen to get out that initial moisture. It has super-absorbent microfiber bristles that soak up water as you brush your hair. I use a wide-tooth comb at the end of my shower to make sure there are no tangles. Generally, it isn’t good to brush wet hair, but this brush has widely placed bristles that glide through my strands. While it doesn’t get my long hair super dry, it seriously cuts down on dry time. And I’ve noticed my hair looks smoother since I gave up the towel. After use, the brush dries in a way that prevents any mildew or mold from forming on the micro-fiber.

4. Sedu Revolution Pro 6000i Hairdryer – The worst: making a huge effort drying your hair in the summer. And then proceeding outside, where your hair turns into a humid, sweaty mess. So my goal is to invest as little time as possible getting my hair presentable. That usually means a low bun or topknot (occasionally a braid). But some days you must have dry hair. The Sedu Revolution Pro 6000i Dryer has a high-performance motor that increases speed and air volume for faster, more efficient drying time. Their IONIC generator helps limit frizz. Literally, my hair drying time has been cut in half.

Mason Pearson Hairbrush

The investment in a Mason Pearson brush is a big one. But it is highly possible you could have this brush the rest of your life. I haven’t regretted the purchase one bit. My hair is healthier, with fewer flakes and less breakage. There are loads of options and it can be confusing to select the right one. Here are some guidelines:

  • Pure Bristle brushes (All Boar): For fine to normal hair, fine long hair
  • Bristle & Nylon Mixture brushes: For normal and short thick hair
  • All Nylon brushes: For very thick hair

Then you have to decide on size. If you have very long hair, go bigger (if your pocketbook allows). I have a fairly small brush for my long hair, and it works just fine. Largest to smallest:

  • Popular 9 inches
  • Junior 8 7/8 inches
  • Handy 8 1/2 inches
  • Pocket 6 3/4 inches

They also offer sensitive models are for very fine or thinning hair.

Don’t use this brush for styling. The heat will damage the bristles. I keep mine by my bed to a nightly brushing. Using it frequently helps distribute the oils and keeps hair and scalp healthy!

Nexxus ProMend Styling & Frizz Defy

Talk about a breakthrough. I have never seen something work so well against the dreaded frizz. Nexxus just launched two collections: Pro Mend and Frizz Defy. Frankly, I love all the products but there was definitely a standout. The Nexxus Frizz Defy Frizz Protection Conditioner leaves my hair smooth, hydrated, healed and without one bit of unwanted fluffiness. In fact, I didn’t even dry my hair – just threw it up in a bun. When I took my hair down, it was full of smooth bouncy waves. I even earned a compliment or two. This stuff is going is going to be a lifesaver during the humid summer months.

The other collection, Pro Mend, comes in handy when you are a week or two overdue for a hair cut (or months as was my recent situation). While it doesn’t “repair” split ends, it does bind them together using molecular technology for a quick fix. My favorite products from the collection are the  Nexxus ProMend Split End Binding Smoothing Shine Serum and  Nexxus ProMend Split End Binding Straightening Lotion. They definitely give the illusion of shiny, healthy hair.

The whole product line from both collections:

ProMend

  • Nexxus ProMend Split End Binding Bodifying Mousse
  • Nexxus ProMend Split End Binding Curl Defining Crème Gel
  • Nexxus ProMend Split End Binding Smoothing Shine Serum
  • Nexxus ProMend Split End Binding Straightening Lotion

Frizz Defy

  • Nexxus Frizz Defy Frizz Protection Shampoo
  • Nexxus Frizz Defy Frizz Protection Conditioner
  • Nexxus Frizz Defy Frizz Protection Styling Crème
  • Nexxus Frizz Defy Frizz Protection Leave-in Oil Shine Treatment
  • Nexxus Frizz Defy Frizz Protection Hair Spray
You can find these products at drugstore.com, where this product qualifies for free shipping and it is on sale. Yay!

 

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.