Love: Dry Shampoo

I had been wanting to try a dry shampoo for a long time. My hair is fine, and I have to wash it everyday so it doesn't look like ass. But I realize that washing it everyday isn't all that healthy.

I waited a long time to actually purchase one. I agonized over which one to try, reading reviews, researching ingredients, etc.

I'm fairly confident this dry shampoo by Sexy Hair Concepts is the best on the market for the price.

Good things:

1. Spray it on. Wait 2 minutes. Brush it out. Hair is refreshed with tremendous volume, and has a matte texture.
2. Removes product buildup.
3. I find my hair is much more styleable and awesome on the days I use this. I've heard that if you curl your hair, it will retain the curl longer using this.
4. It doesn't leave a powdery residue like some dry shampoos do.
5. The smell is decent. Kind of cucumber-melony.
6. Way more affordable than most dry shampoos on the market.

Bad things:

1. If you get serious bed-head, you may have to rinse and dry your hair before using this. It isn't going to get rid of that crazy look.

Giovanni Nutrafix

I rarely use the same products in the shower day to day. Even when I love something, I need variety. I need to switch it up every few days. That's how I know I'm in love with this Giovanni Nutrafix Deep Conditioner. Because I've had it for a few weeks and I've used it every single day since I got it. *cue lovebird music*

:: Giovanni Nutrafix Hair Reconstructor ::

Good things:

1. This is marketed as a deep conditioner. I don't use deep conditioners, though. If I do, it weighs my fine hair way too much and I end up looking like Olive Oyl. This conditions *so* well, but it doesn't weigh your hair down at. all. Even when used everyday.
2. Adds protein-y ingredients to reconstruct your hair shaft. Kind of a line of bologna in general, but this does seem to repair damaged hair better than any higher-priced conditioner I've ever used.
3. Has amazing slip without using silicones (which are bad for your hair) like most conditioners do.
4. Leave it on for 10 minutes, which is a long time, but it kind of forces you to hang out in the shower and pamper yourself.
5. Easily rinses clean without feeling greasy.
6. Giovanni is a natural, organic line of hair care. Good for the polar bears!
   

Bad things:

1. I can't think of a single one.

I found this in the organic section of my local Wegmans.

So Sexy

:: Victoria's Secret So Sexy Hair Care Products ::

I am sooooOOoo in love with the "So Sexy" line of hair care products (shampoo, conditioner, styling products) from Victoria's Secret. There is something really intoxicating about the scent. The formulations on these products are reasonably good too. I could extoll to you their virtues, but the scent is really what I'm raving about here, and I don't want to waste time talking about the ingredient list. Just run and get these. They are on sale currently, 3 products for $21. If all of my friends' hair starts smelling this good, I may end up sniffing hair all damn day long.

While you're at it, pick up a few of the Beauty Rush lip glosses. I own a lot of balms/glosses, so trust me when I say the Beauty Rush formula is really stellar. The color is subtle but rocks, and they moisturize so well I find myself feeling like my lips are marinated. I know that's a weird analogy but it's how I feel, so deal with it.

Triple Treat

I've had this set in my shower for a couple of months, but already I feel like it will be a staple of mine for years to come. 

:: Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo and Conditioner ::

This was recommended to me and I kept passing it over because I wasn't a huge fan of the smell from the bottle. But when a handful of people are telling you to give it a try, eventually you succumb to their wishes.

Good things:

1. The Giovanni Tea Tree line is great if you have that unfortunate problem of having oily roots and dry ends. It cleans hair really well and treats the scalp, without drying out the shaft.
   
2. It's a natural/organic product line (I found it at the organic section in Wegman's.) which isn't in and of itself a reason to buy something, but it does feel good to know you're not coating your hair with unnatural chemicals.
   
3. This is supposed to be good for itchy/flakey scalp. I can't attest to that as I don't have that problem, but I've read a lot of reviews from women who say it helps.
   
4. Sulfate-free shampoo. Won't lather as much, but it's better for your hair in the end.
   

Bad things:

1. I wouldn't use this everyday. Maybe once or twice a week.
   
2. This does contain some irritants (peppermint and eucalyptus). Gives you that tingly feeling you crave but for some people it may cause problems. It didn't for me.
   
3. The smell isn't very nice, but it doesn't linger long.
   

Natural Snatch, er Match.

First off, I want to confess that I originally bought this for one reason: Penelope Cruz has a crazy sexy voice and when I see her in a commercial saying something to me, I believe it because I want her desperately.

Now, moving on... my natural hair color is a medium auburn. Most of the time I love my real color. But, I am a creature that loves variety, so I often color my hair as a means of dealing with crisis, or injecting drama into a boring period, etc. etc.

Lately I am addicted to chocolate brown hair. The problem with at-home coloring is that my hair always ends up either dark, reddish brown, or black. Not *chocolate* brown. The red always wants to come out and going darker just makes it look flat and black.

L'Oreal Natural Match in shade 4C (Dark Ash Brown) is the first hair color I've had success with at home. I've used this twice now and have been extremely happy both times. The Natural Match line gives you the option of going cool (eliminating red or brassy tones), warm, neutral, or red.

:: L'Oreal Natural Match Hair Color ::

Good Things:

1. The colors are true to life. They look like your hair, but better. The 4C for me is a deep, rich, velvety chocolate brown.
2. It makes my hair shiny. I have naturally shiny hair but coloring usually dries it out. My hair looks better after using this.
3. Smells good.
4. At less than $10, very affordable.

Bad Things:

1. The first few days it seems darker than it should, but after a few washings it tames down to the luscious color you're expecting.
2. The whole idea of this hair color is that you don't stray too far from your natural color. Not recommended if you're looking for drastic change.
3. Penelope Cruz was not in my box.

*All hair responds to color differently. Please do not blame me if you use this product and don't like it.

Voluptuous Volume

I have been lax in my blogging. I know. It's not easy to keep this up, people. And I'm starting to feel like I'm alone in an empty room writing shit that nobody reads (save for 3 people who I *make* read this blog).

That's not the point. Today I'm back on it, bringing you a rock star product that you've GOT to try if you have fine/limp hair. Usually styling products give you a trade-off: either something adds volume but makes your hair sticky or crunchy, or it makes your hair sleek and shiny but flat. This one gives you the best of all worlds.

:: Got 2 Be 2 Sexy Voluptuous Volume Mousse ::

Good things:

1. For a cheap drugstore mousse, this product kicks the ASS of all the salon "volumizing" products I've tried! It totally gives you volume and lift without being sticky or greasy at. all. Believe me when I say I've tried *everything* under the sun to give my fine hair a boost, and nothing ever delivers. This is one exceptional exception.
   
2. Lasts throughout the day, doesn't start failing at lunchtime like my caffeine buzz does.
3. You can still run your fingers through your hair. Doesn't feel "coated" at all.
4. A small, liquidy amount on your palm rises to become a massive mountain of mousse, but it sinks in the hair nicely and gives it volume and shine.
5. Tones down frizz when applied to wet hair.
   
6. Smells goooood.

Bad things:

1. The name. Okay, nobody wants to have a bottle of "Got 2 Be 2 Sexy" sitting around in plain view. I hate when companies think they can name their products with IM abbreviations like "2" or "ur". It's insulting. But I still love this product.

Til it Shines Like the Top of the Chrysler Building!!!

I was moseying around the CVS this weekend waiting for my mom to print her digital pictures, which is an hours-long endeavor. Like a badger, I am easily distracted by shiny new things. In the hair-care aisle, this bubble-gum pink bottle had me at hello.

:: L'Oreal Vive Pro Nutri Gloss Shampoo/Conditioner ::

Good things:

1. Claims to leave hair ultra shiny and bouncy, and I must say it mostly delivers on that promise. It contains a fair amount of protein and *does* leave hair with a nice sheen and ample bounce. I don't think you're going to look like Monica Gellar (Courtney Cox) with mirror-shiny hair, but it's sort of akin to using a regular shampoo followed by a nice shine mist.
2. The conditioner is great! Rinses clean and left my hair so soft and manageable, but with lots of volume.
3. Best thing of all...the smell! It's the same scent as the discontinued Fresh Vive. It's great when you can sit on the couch at the end of the day and catch a whiff of your still-delicious hair.

Bad things:

1. Probably causes buildup over time. I always use a clarifying shampoo at least once a week to remedy this.

Apparently this is so new that they don't even have it up on their web site yet. I cannot find a picture of the bottle anywhere. So I am posting a German version that I found. Those damn Europeans get all the good stuff first.

Since this is so new, it may be difficult to find. Make sure you do not confuse this with the "style infusing" Vive Pro which SUCKS ASS and makes your hair flat and greasy looking. The Nutri Gloss has a bright pink bottle and the "ass infuser" has a darker pink bottle.

Red Red Wine You Make My Feet Smell Fine

I loooooooove this shampoo/conditioner combo. I found it at the GreenStar Market in Ithaca, NY.

:: Desert Essence Italian Red Grape Shampoo/Conditioner ::

Good things:

1. Sulfate-free shampoo. WoO! Won't strip hair.
2. Silicone-free conditioner. WoO! Won't coat hair.
   
3. Smells like grape soda and/or wine. Very devine.
4. Unlike most "natural" shampoos, doesn't leave hair feeling greasy or tangly.
   

Bad things:

1. A bit hard to find; check organic sections or health food stores or search online.
2. A tad pricey compared to most drugstore brands, but worth it for the quality ingredients.

Coconut Milk Hair Soak

Since today is pretty crazy and I am gearing up for the holiday break, I leave you with a tip from a member at one of my favorite beauty boards, MakeupAlley. I personally have not tried this tip yet, but I intend to when I am bored out of my skull next week.

I will not be posting again til January. Merry Holidays everyone!

:: Coconut Milk Hair Soak ::

Get a carton of unflavored/unsweetened coconut milk from your local supermarket. (Coconut CREAM is fine but it will be a lot thicker. I do prefer CREAM as it is not as watery.) Rub it into your dry, unwashed hair gently and carefully as the coconut milk will drip. (You can wrap your neck/shoulders with a towel to catch the access.) Cover the hair with a shower cap. Blow the hair through the cap with as much heat as you can tolerate or leave it alone for an hour or two. Wash the hair with shampoo and follow with conditioner if you use it. When doing the coconut milk hair soak regularly, you will have super soft and shiny hair. And you will not need any expensive shampoo or conditioner!

Courtesy of Jojoba from MakeupAlley

Moooooooooist

HOLY GRAIL SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER!!!

Sorry for shouting but this one really is great. And lots of other ladies out there agree. Best moisturizing drugstore shampoo is.....*drumroll*

:: Aussie Moist Shampoo and Conditioner ::

I use this stuff in the winter mainly because the dry air makes my hair frizzy and static-y.

Good things:
Very moisturizing without weighing hair down.
Hair feels buttery soft and satiny smooth, and bouncy.
I love the smell (some people hate it).
The name. I like seeing the word "moist" in the morning.
Cheap! You can get a bigfattypumpbottle for next to nothing.

Bad things:
As mentioned above, some people are not as turned on by the smell, and it's not for everyone. If you have very dry hair you might need something more intense.

Smell my hair.

I'll be honest about today's product: it's not the best shampoo in the world. I was really excited when Dove announced they would be coming out with a hair care line. They really had an opportunity to raise the standards for drugstore shampoos because they have an established brand and a history of great research and development. Thus far, I've been underwhelmed with their offerings. There's nothing being put out there that isn't already available. Come on, Dove! Give us what we need!

:: Dove Advanced Care Sheer Moisture ::

Okay so why am I on here promoting some Dove 'poos? Because I like the fricking smell. It's that simple. I don't use this stuff everyday cause it does cause some buildup, but used intermittently with a clarifying shampoo like Suave Daily Clarifying, it's a pretty nice -albeit average- poo/conditioner set. I use the whole set including the leave-in mist.

I like saying poo.

Good things:
The smell. Love the classic Dove scent. Makes me swoon over myself when I flip my hair around.
Moisture without weight. Nice for fine-haired girls like myself.
Affordable.
Leaves hair clean, manageable, soft.

Bad things:
Sulfates in the shampoo.
Ingredient list is mediocre at best. There are way better formulas out there.
Shouldn't be used every day without clarifying at least once a week.

Dyeing Hair

I've colored my hair countless times, with countless hair colors, and my holy grail at-home kit is the Garnier Nutrisse line. Nothing comes close to it.

:: Garnier Nutrisse Permanent Creme Hair Color ::

Good things:
Colors are wonderful: they look natural but also vibrant
Gives subtle tones throughout, not flat color.
Hair stays healthy: soft, shiny, silky.
I love the grape seed/avocado oil packet.
The conditioner that comes with it is fantastic.
I'm not the only one who loves this, people rave about this product all over beauty forums.

Bad things:
I've never used this hair color and been unhappy. That being said, all hair color damages your hair in some way, and all hair color fades, which is why I usually stick to something close to my natural shade.

Tips:
Do not choose your color by looking at the lady on the front of the box. She is an illusion. Use the photos on the side that show results for different hair colors to predict the results.
Have someone else apply it if you can. The application will be more even.
Rinse for longer than you think you should. Rinse, and rinse some more.
Your hair will be a little darker than expected the first few days. This is normal.
Continue to use a good conditioner daily. Your hair will be more dry than usual.

Sulfates Suck

I usually have at least 3 sets of shampoo/conditioner in my shower, and rarely use the same one day to day. My current fave comes from Ken Pavés, Jessica Simpson's man-bitch slash hairstylist.

:: Ken Pavés Flawless No Sulfates Allowed Repairing Shine Shampoo ::

I use this with the Pavés Undamaged Goods Deep Conditioning Repair Cream. They work well together. The shampoo can feel a bit drying when you rinse, but once you put the conditioner in and rinse it, your hair feels healthy and soft without feely greasy. It's really hard to find sulfate-free shampoos in a drugstore, so I love that this is out there at such a great price.

Good things:
No harsh detergents (sulfates) to strip your hair = less lather but also less damage to your hair.
Keeps buildup and oil away.
Very high-end ingredients.
Drugstore price. (I found it at my local Weis for 75% off. I bought 6 bottles.)

Bad things:
A little hard to find.
I'm not a big fan of the scent.
I'm not a big fan of supporting any friend of Jessica Simpson's, but I'm making a rare exception here.

Wet to Straight

I hate doing my hair in the morning. I have very fine, poker straight hair. For it to look presentable, I have to blow-dry completely and run a flat-iron through my hair so it lays right. Most days, I leave the house with half-wet hair because I just cannot stand the time it takes to do all that.

ENTER: The Remington Wet to Straight Flat Iron

The idea of this product is that it drys your hair and straightens it at the same time, eliminating the need for a blow-dryer. I bought this from drugstore.com because I had a credit to use, it was on sale for $20 with free shipping, and I hoped that it would make my morning routine easier.

Verdict: Mornings are a whole lot lovelier now!

Good things:
Truly does what it says it will do.
Like all flat-irons, gives you that silky, shiny look.
Gets HOT as HELL (30 heat settings).
Beeps audibly when it's ready.
Has a wide plate (also available in a slim version).
You only need one tool in the morning--LOVE THAT!
Has a lock feature to close it for travel.
Safer and healthier for hair.
Makes your hair feel so good you want to rub your head all over yourself.

Bad things:
Takes several passes to dry hair completely, and you have to go slowly down your hair.
If you have really curly hair, not sure how this will work. I already have straight hair.
Steam burns if your hand gets in the way.