Haircare Haul & Routine Update

I have extremely curly hair which in turn mean I am constantly battling frizzy, dry hair. There are only so many times you can just go o-natural before you have to break out the hot tools and hair products. Am I right ladies?!

I've put together a haircare haul with some products that I have picked up over the past couple of weeks to help combat dryness and help repair for the colder months ahead- as well shared my current routine! Visit my beauty channel to find out what products I am talking about!!

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Rave Review: Dove Invigorating Dry Shampoo

I know there has been so much talk lately about dry shampoos and it seems that every haircare company has 'attempted' to conquer the perfect formula. Many end up with huge fails leaving a trail of frustrated every-other-day-washers. I will admit at first I wasn't going to buy into this fad, but the buzz left it inevitable. I recently did a review on a dry shampoo  {TIGI Rockaholic Dry Shampoo} that I completely fell in love with, but I recently discovered a big fail and it was back to square one. The problem being, the nozzle works when it wants to and so it inconsistently is there for me. Which can't happen when you are two days unwashed and your greasy hair needs a fix.

I recently discovered the Dove Invigorating Dry Shampoo and after a week and a half of use it IS the best dry shampoo to date. Let me tell you why I love this drugstore gem.

First of all it works all the time. There is no nozzle failure, which might not seem like a big deal, but it is when that is the only way to get this type of product out of its container. The spray itself is quite alot of product so I suggest spritzing vs holding the nozzle. Which is great because it means a little goes a long way.

I also love the scent of this product, which is another huge factor when you are spraying it on your unwashed hair. You want to not only look like you are freshly washed, but you need to smell like you are too. This has the most amazing fresh scent. Bonus!

The flip side being that it needs to preform which is the most important I will admit. I wasn't disappointed at ALL. It is quick to absorb the oil and gives my hair that extra lift and bounce just as I had freshly washed it and it lasts throughout the day. Some products I find hold up for half the day or even a few hours before the hair begins looking oily and flat again. No worries with this product.

I also haven't noticed any product build up from this product, so it's safe to say that it washes away without any problems. Something I like to watch for when trying a new product. I also like to watch for any signs of extra dehydration. Something else to watch for when trying a new product that has alot of alcohol content in the ingredients.

It's always great when a drugstore product can replace a professional haircare product, because this means you will immediately save money which I am ALWAYS ok with. The Rockoholic Dry Shampoo is around the $20 a bottle mark whereas the Dove comes in at a brilliant $4 a bottle!! Great, right!!?

Downfalls? The only 'downfall' if you can call it that is the fact that the Dove is a 5oz bottle and the Rockaholic is a 6.3oz bottle, but for the price point I can overlook a slightly smaller product amount.

All in all I do recommend trying this dry shampoo. It is a diamond in the rough and really holds up against the professional brands!
 

What is your go-to dry shampoo? Would you try the Dove Dry Shampoo?

ROCKAHOLIC Review

Today I want to discuss a product that has literally changed my life....ok well that might be a bit extreme, but it has changed the life that which my hair leads! I had never really bought into the whole dry shampoo epidemic that swept the plains of beauty land until now!!

Yes I am talking about Rockaholic Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo from TIGI. I remember wayyyy back in the day when TIGI first launched and their products were everywhere, you couldn't walk into a salon without seeing the colorful, sometimes controversial bottles! (I am talking about After Party!) I will admit that I was obsessed with this line when it first launched and they had alot of really great products, but after time like any major brand they had their moment with me and then I was on to the next. Since then I haven't really paid attention to what was going on within the line. That was until I was shopping one day and in the isle I noticed this dry shampoo and thought why not? The curiosity overtook the reluctant ex-cosmetologist in me.

I am soooo glad that I decided to give this type of product a try and with this brand in particular. I think TIGI does a really great job with these type of fad products. I have heard so many beauty gurus talk about all the dry shampoo they are trying and so many of them are more misses then hits. 

First of all props to TIGI for the packaging. I am a sucker for packaging, as I have said before I think it really adds an extra element to the product inside. Looking past the bad-a** packaging, it's what's inside that really matters with this one. It smells amazing and really does an amazing job of absorbing day old hair oils. It doesn't leave any weight on the hair, which is what I was concerned about with this type of product. Another bonus is that it doesn't leave any residue, which I have heard many of these dry shampoos doing. 

Another plus point to mention about this product is the mist. It's very fine and the product itself isn't wet once disbursed, which is a good thing if you are using it to absorb.

In theory this is a great product, because it cuts down on washing your hair too much which can in turn dry your hair out more, since most shampoos contain sulphates. 

This product comes in at a higher price point then most, but I think it's worth spending the money rather then trying to thumb through the many that sit on drugstore shelving. I highly recommend this product if you are someone looking for a good dry shampoo and haven't had any luck or maybe you are thinking about trying one and didn't know where to start!

Well that's all for now! I hope you enjoyed my little review and please let me know what dry shampoos you have tried and what's working for you!!

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My Shower Haircare Routine

Toady I want to share with you my haircare routine in the shower. I think it's really important to make sure you have the right haircare products in the shower, it can make a world of difference. Having come from the beauty industry and more specifically haircare I have tried my fair share of products. I am a firm believer of regularly switching up the products you use to wash and condition.

I really like to pay attention to my hair and then get really specific with the products I use. That is why it is important to switch your products. Your hair never stays in exactly the same condition. It changes with season, environmental damage (heat tools, sun, cold), etc. Certain products target certain problems and when using the right products provides a solution. Using the wrong products can cause more of a problem. For example if you are over conditioning your hair when it's not necessary it can actually be weighing it down. Causing frustration when styling.

My haircare shower routine might look simple, but I like it like that. The fewer products the better, but I want to make sure I am using the products as a solution to my problem. So here are the products I use on a day to day or week to week basis.

To start, as a daily shampoo I use one from the Nioxin line. Now you might be thinking, but that is for thinning hair and while I can assure you my hair is not thinning, it is an amazing line for targeting the condition of the scalp and the hair follicles. Nurturing the scalp can make all the difference in the overall health of the hair. So I use it for that reason alone. I use #6, which is for medium/coarse hair that is chemically treated. Nioxin's website has an amazing online survey to help you choose the product that is right for your hair type.

That being said I use the corresponding conditioner. This conditioner is so amazing. It keeps my hair hydrated and smooth. My hair is so much more manageable when using this duo. Plus the conditioner has this amazing minty tingle that leaves my scalp feeling refreshed.

The next product in my shower is Garnier's Fortifying Shampoo Pure Clean. I use this product once a week (usually on Sundays!). It helps to remove any build up on my hair whether it be from product or from day to day environment. This shampoo leaves my hair feeling squeaky clean and ready for the week ahead. I notice that after using this my hair is more lightweight and has more bounce to it. I am really happy with this product and it's something that can be found at the drugstore that won't break the bank.

Finally, my world has not been the same since I started using the Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Mask. This has officially been put onto my holy grail products list. It is a game changer. My hair literally drinks this mask up and then the magic happens. First I am tangle free when I step out of the shower after using this. Combing has never been easier! My hair feels stronger, looks shiner, and is 100 times softer. I am in love! I highly recommend this product to anyone who chemically treats there hair, uses heat tools, heck anyone really! You won't be disappointed. I use this product 2 times a week right now, because my hair is a bit dry right now and I want to give it that extra hydration! I am going to do a full review coming soon!!

So that sums up my show haircare routine. I hope you enjoyed!! Let me know what products you are loving in the shower right now for your hair!!

Winter Hair Trends 2012-13

I have to say that I am really excited about this seasons hair trends! There are alot of really cute styles and color techniques happening right now and I wanted to share a few that I am loving!

Color dipped ends this season are huge! All the biggest celebrities have been spotted with dipped ends! Christina Aguilera, Demi Lovato to name a couple!  I think that this dramatic look would be so much fun for a night out!

The next trend that caught my eye was something not as dramatic as color dipped, but just as fun. Great for everyday! Ombre color is big this season and can be as bold or soft as you like!

Styles that I am loving right now, especially with the holiday season approaching are romantic braids and soft curls. I love them because you can wear both styles as a day to day look, but are pretty enough to dress up your going out look. Have a look at a few that I found and love!

What are your favorite hairstyles this season?

Winter Hair Care

Now that we are moving into the winter season it's time to start thinking about the products that we are using on our hair, skin, etc. Especially with our climate, the colder it gets the drier it gets and that care cause havoc on our bodies, more importantly our hair.

That being said, with the right products and know how you can offer relief to your hair this winter. I have found some products that I have been using over the past month of two and will continue to use throughout winter. They have really been a savior when it comes to the nourishment of my hair.

I have thick, curly, color treated hair, the perfect combination for the biggest hair disaster in history if I am not careful. Winter time really adds environmental stress to my hair on top of the other factors I am dealing with.

Like I said I have found a few products and hair care essentials that have helped immensely and I wanted to share them with you!

One of the products I have been using and that I would recommend for any hair type was brought to my attention by my stylist. It has been a major player in my hair care revival. It's the Joico Restorative Styling Oil, basically Joico's version of an Argan Oil Treatment. I have been a huge fan of Joico for years and love so many of their products, but this one by far is the best.

True to the Joico brand it is infused with Keratin protein, which is the primary protein your hair is made up of. This oil can be used in the hair wet or dry and personally I use it both ways. I use a pump before I blow dry and a pump after and what a difference this product has made. My hair is softer and feels stronger. I recommend this product for any hair type this winter, especially those that are subjected to a drier colder winter. This product is amazing for those who have curly hair, it has made my curls less frizzy when I do choose to wear it curly. I will say a little goes a long way!

Another product that I am using and have been for the past year and a half and have repurchased twice now is the John Frieda Heat Defeat. I have blogged about this product before but it really does make a difference in protecting the hair from heat tool damage. Heat tools combined with dry weather can really cause stress on the hair, using a heat defense product can make all the difference. This product is tried, tested, and true. It really helps to soften the hair and fight the frizz as well.

I spray this in my hair before I blow dry usually concentrating on the bottom half of my hair strands, finishing off by combing through the hair.

I usually switch up my shampoo and conditioner twice a year, my hair responds best when doing this. Right now I am using, you guessed it, Joico! I am using the K-Pak Shampoo and Conditioner and then twice a week I use the Joico Deep Penetrating Reconstructor. This product acts as my deep conditioner and does an amazing job! Something to remember when using your deep conditioner is to use no more than the size of a quarter if you have shoulder length hair or shorter and a bit more than that for longer hair. Hair will only absorb so much for so long, so you only need to leave your deep conditioner in for the recommended time, anything longer will not be doing any good for your hair. A good analogy is to think of your hair as cooked spaghetti, it can only absorb so much water before it reaches maximum size!

Using products that work to help protect your hair from environmental damage is important this time of year, but there are a few other things you can do to ensure healthy hair for the season!

1. Get regular trims. Especially if you color your hair or have any other chemical service done to your hair this includes, perming, straightening, etc. Chemicals cause stress on the hair and will dry the hair out, with the weather being drier as well, the hair can become even more brittle causing breakage on the ends of the hair.

2. Use a wide tooth comb. You can get these from your stylist or from the drugstore. It's important to use a wide tooth comb to brush wet hair. So much breakage on the hair is from tugging at it when it's wet. Using a comb like this helps detangle without snapping hair mid shaft.

3. Take your vitamins. Now I am not claiming to be a nutritionist and you should always check with your health care provider when taking new vitamins, etc. I have been taking a vitamin called Biotin. I started taking it a couple of months ago and it is supposed to promote healthier skin, nails and hair. I do believe it to be working. My hair and nails have been on a growth spurt. I can't comment on my skin, because my skincare routine takes care of that, but I do think it is having some effect on my hair and nails. 

So there you have my hair care product recommendations and a few healthy hair care tips! Remember try to limit the heat stress and be a little extra gentle this time of year and your hair will thank you!!

GLAM GAB: Healthy Hair Habits

One of the ultimate goals of a woman is to have unbelievable hair. Whether you are trying for trendy, sleek & straight, carefree & curly, we all desire one thing, healthy. With all of our colors, treatments, hot tools, products and well, just the environment around us, our hair can become an enemy that we fight with every day in front of the mirror.

There are some Healthy Hair Habits that you can get into that will combat the everyday abuse our hair takes. 

1. Regular Trims

There is this underlying fear in women that they will go for a trim and come out less 4 inches of hair. We have all visited a new hair stylist that is "scissor happy". So, this fear often prevents women from their regular trims. This is one of the most important Healthy Hair Habits, you need to remove the split, broken, or weak ends of the hair in order for the hair to continue growing strong. You should be going for trims every 4-6 weeks, depending on the condition of your hair. Usually your stylist will give a recommendation as to when you should return for the next one. The best way to get what you want from your trim, is to communicate with your stylist. Make sure that they are listening and have a conversation about what you want. After all you are the customer!

2. Smart Shampoo

There are many different versions of advice when it comes to shampooing. The big questions is, do I do it everyday or not? The reason you are told not to do it everyday is because most shampoo contains sulfates, which actually dry out your hair, causing it to weaken and break. It is best to avoid heavy shampoos everyday, because of this ingredient. On the other hand you don't want to walk around with oily hair, so my rule of thumb is to alternate your light shampoo and a vigorous shampoo. This way you aren't drying out your hair, but can keep it manageable. 


             3. Deep Condition


It is important to use a good deep conditioner. When I was in the industry I used to tell my clients that if they are to splurge on one professional product, it would be the deep conditioner. It is so important to have a deep conditioner that does what it says it will. In our dry climate I would say everyone should deep condition once a week, if you have very dry or damaged hair then 2-3 times a week. It really does make a big difference in the overall condition of the hair. I recommend Joico's K-Pak, the whole line has been around for a long time, but it truly does work.

 4. Use A Heat Protectant


This is another BIG one. With all of the heat tools we use on our hair, day to day, it is very important to protect against the heat. I use a blow dryer and either a straight iron or curling on my hair everyday, which can cause stress on the hair. Therefore, I like to double up my heat protectors. Before I blow dry I use a spray. My favorite is the John Frieda Heat Protectant Spray. It is an amazing product for a great price. I can tell it works, plus I love the way it makes my hair feel. It actually softens my hair as I blow dry. Another spray I use daily is a Thermal Iron Spray. If I am straightening, I spray each section before I iron it. I love the Schwarzkopf- Got2B Flat Iron Spray, again can be found at a local drugstore and works so great for a great price. These 2 products have left me so impressed with their quality.  

5. Proper Elastics


You would be surprised how much hair breakage comes from the wear and tear of hair elastics. So much, that often times you can see a line of breakage in the hair. I saw it all too often! The best way to avoid the unwanted breakage is by using "ouchless elastics". They are your basic elastic band without the metal connector. The metal connector is what causes the breakage, hair getting caught in it and then when you remove the elastic you rip out or break the hair off. Trust me, it's worth it to use the proper elastic bands, especially if you wear your hair up alot. 


These Healthy Hair Habits can be incorporated into your haircare routine and will help keep your hair healthy and free from breakage. Remember it's all about protecting from heat, trimming off the bad ends, alternating shampoos, and re-hydrating with a good deep conditioner!

 

GLAM GAB: TRENDY FALL HAIR COLOR

Along with trendy Fall hairstyles(see my blog post) come trendy Fall hair colors. I wanted to share a few of my favorite color trends.

1. HONEY BLONDE

Honey Blondes are rich and a bright touch to the Fall season. Medium/Dark skin tones can pull off a Honey Blonde effortlessly. If you have a light or fair skin tone and would like to try a Honey Blonde color for this season, try breaking up the color with some cool blonde highlights.

2. BLACKEST BLACK

If you are feeling brave this season and really need a change, jet black is back. Fair skin tones should realize that this look can be pulled off, but it can wash you out, especially this time a year, when the last of summer tans wear off. If you appear too stark you may want to get the bronzer and self tanner out.  Black hair is very flattering on medium/dark skin tones, try and avoid a blue tinted black if you have medium skin tone. Remember that root maintenance is crucial when going black, so make sure it is a commitment you are willing to make. 





3.GROWN OUT BLONDE

 It's a look that you can try and pull off naturally or ask your stylist for some help. The Grown Out Blonde can be a look you can gradually work into while working out of your summer blonde shade. It can also be achieved by a technique your stylist can help you with. The perfect look to sport for the Fall if you are planning on transitioning from blonde to a darker shade, just in time for Winter.

4. RAVISHING RICH RED


One of the bolder moves for this season, but the right one. Red says "look at me" with a whole lot of confidence. You might want to avoid this Fall color choice if you have a lot of pink undertones in your skin, it will bring those out even more. The ravishing rich reds are gorgeous on fair skin tones, giving a classic Hollywood starlet appearance. Red is another commitment, just like black. You will have to work in steps to move to a different hair.
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What is your favorite hair color trend for the Fall? Are you up for a dramatic change?

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IN A PINCH: DIY Salt Spray

One of my favorite summer hairstyles are the tousled beach waves. It is a simple style that always looks great. Just because the season has changed, doesn't mean  we can't take some of the beach days with us!

A great product that makes these beachy waves easy to achieve- Salt Spray! Just about all hair care product lines carry some type of salt spray, but you can easily make your own that will keep the cash in your pockets! It's quick and I will even show you a secret ingredient that will help repair your hair and add extra shine!

What you need:

1. Spray Bottle


2. Water (distilled works best)


3. Epsom Salt


4. Organic Coconut Oil