L'Oreal Paris Root Rescue

I really needed a quick root fix and didn't feel like dealing with the hassle of coloring all of my hair. I normally get Clairol's Root Touch Up but this was on sale. Even though I had a nagging feeling I'd tried it before and didn't like the smell, my frugality won out. If there was a problem with the scent before, they have fixed it. It smelled like hair color. It comes with a bottle of developer, an applicator tip, and a small bottle of color. You just pour in the color, replace the cap, shake it up and switch the cap with the applicator brush. You then squeeze the bottle and use the brush to apply the color to your roots. I found it very easy to apply the color and it wasn't very messy (one of my biggest problems when coloring my own hair). I had enough product to cover my roots but not much left over. I left it on for probably close to 20 minutes. It rinsed out easily in the shower and, my favorite part, it instructs you to wash and condition your hair. After, when I finished drying my hair, all my greys were gone! After a week there was still no sign. After two weeks, they started to show through a little here and there. By the third week I could tell they were beginning to organize again and try to take over and now, almost after 4 weeks, I need to consider coloring again.

I am very impressed with this product and glad my faulty memory allowed me to give it another try.

http://www.lorealparisusa.com/en/Products/Hair/Hair-Color/Root-Touch-Ups/Root-Rescue.aspx?shade=4-Dark-Brown

Vidal Sassoon Salonist™ 3/662 Darkest Intense Violet

This is the story of my life:

 It's hard to make any color changes because my hair is coffee brown (looks black except in bright light) and I don't want the damage of bleaching it. My only options are reddish brown or true black. That doesn't stop me from constantly searching for ways to make a more drastic change. In the end, after reading reviews and thinking about the mess I usually make, I don't bother.

Me (in my dreams)

Recently I got on a kick for eggplant colored hair (thanks Pinterest!) like the one at right. Although the color looks dark in most of the pictures, the reviews I read for OTC colors still said it works best on lighter hair. I did a lot of research and came up with a few options I could buy at the drugstore. Armed with my list I hit the CVS. Of course I couldn't find any on my list! But, I did come across one by Vidal Sassoon that said "violet" instead of "burgundy" or "cherry." Being my only option I bought it and brought it home.

First, it was very nice to see it came with a brush and a little mixing dish. If I learned one thing from eSalon, it's that applying with a brush is much better. It's less messy and applies the color better. The directions on this one were a little different. It said to mix two the color and developer and, using 3/4 of the mix, apply to the roots first with the brush. After finishing that there was a third bottle of "Sassoon serum" which you add to the leftover mix. Then you scoop that out and apply it to the rest of your hair. Sounds messy, right? Amazingly enough, it wasn't. I got less hair color on myself and all over my bathroom than any other product I've used. Then I waited 30 minutes. A little side note, the gloves were nice and thick latex but were almost impossible to get off! I tore them up and turned them inside out so I wasn't able to use them for rinsing. I've said it before, if you often color your hair at home, it's worth it to buy a box of latex gloves from the drugstore. It took almost all the mixture for my mid-back length hair.

After 30 minutes I rinsed and rinsed and rinsed (this stuff was DARK!). Then washed with a color-safe shampoo and used their conditioner which was really nice. When I took the towel off I didn't notice much of a difference except a bit of a reddish-purple glow. When I dried it, the color was dark but vibrant. I know that doesn't seem to make sense but I'm not sure how else to explain it. All my greys were completely covered. It's been almost four weeks since I've colored it and I'm just starting to notice a few greys poking through. Some color does come out every time I cowash it (I only shampoo once every few weeks now but that's for another post) but the color is still holding in my hair. It looks a little more on the red side but not like the black cherry colors I've always hated. Keep in mind the pics below are four weeks in. If I use this color again, I will update with fresher pictures. I tried but I wasn't able to get any good ones (I couldn't use any filters that would change the color lol).


I really liked using this product and the way it performed. It was definitely worth the price and the relatively short time it took to do it. It was enough of a difference to quell my restlessness for a bit. I highly recommend trying this if you like to color at home.




 http://vidalsassoon.com/en-us/products/hair-color/vidal-sassoon-salonist-3_662-darkest-intense-violet

The Wet Brush

Forgive me readers, it's been over 5 months since my last post. This brush claims to be the best, de-tangling brush. I usually start with a wide tooth comb but sometimes still get snags. When I first saw it in the store, I felt the bristles and they were so flexible I thought, "this will never work in my thick hair." Ultimately my curiosity (and the low price) won out. And? It works! Glides through my hair like butter. I also like to use it when I first start blow drying my hair before switching to a brush with half boar's hair bristles and it seems to stand up to the heat. (They have an option with boar's hair which I may try.) It also works on dry hair although doesn't quite go completely through my hair but that's not its claim. So, low price and does what it says? A no-brainer in my book.

http://www.thewetbrush.com/index.php/detangle/the-wet-brush/the-wet-brush-purple.html

L'Oreal Mousse Absolue reusable hair color

What?  Reusable hair color?  Yes, it's true.  L'Oreal came up with a little miracle.  Thanks to the new grey-detecting lights in new office, I had to color my hair immediately.  I don't usually like to color all my hair, just the roots.  I honestly don't mind if there are a few greys, it looks more natural to me.  So, I figured I would get some Root Touch Up again.  While browsing, I came across this.  The word "reusable" caught my eye so I shelled out the $14.99 and went home excited to try it.

It comes with two tubes of color and developer held together by plastic wrapping with a protective cap on top, an applicator top, 2 sets of black gloves, and conditioner.  I was not impressed with the gloves and highly suggest that, if you often color at home, you buy a box of latex gloves.  You can use them when applying the color and use the ones in the box for rinsing your hair.  The biggest thing they stress in the directions is to shake it, shake it, shake it like a Polaroid picture.  You shake it with the protective cap on and then, with it pointed away from you, attach the applicator cap, making sure it clicks into place.  I didn't really hear the clicks but made sure it was on.  Then you just apply it to your hair where needed.  You have to shake it often and not tilt it too much or the color won't mix properly.  It came out pretty light and I was worried that I wasn't getting enough color until I spilled some on my new toilet seat.  Trust me, there was plenty of color.  Leave it on for 30 minutes, rinse in the shower (or wherever you care to do that sort of thing), add conditioner, rinse that and voila!  Now, I like to wash my hair before adding the conditioner, making sure I use a color-friendly shampoo.  I don't know if it makes it less effective but they do it in the salon and the instructions from eSalon tell you to wash it.

So, is it worth it?  I believe it is.  It didn't completely cover my grey but, as I said, that's not really my point.  It turned some of it a lighter brown, which is what I guess it's supposed to do.  I know that when I look in the mirror at work I'm not shocked and horrified.  And I have enough left for one or two more applications.  All in all I think this is a huge advancement in hair color and I think L'Oreal stepped up to the plate and hit it out of the park.




http://www.lorealparisusa.com/en/brands/hair-color/mousse-absolue.aspx

Garnier FructisTriple Nutrition Miracle Dry Oil

Well it's a good thing my New Year's resolution wasn't to post more!  I had all these plans to do a 2012 year-end wrap up and I've got a bunch of new products to review.  However, the holidays, laziness, and a trip to Puerto Rico got in the way.  But enough about my shortcomings, let's turn to the shortcomings of this product.

Back in October 2012 I reviewed two dry oil sprays from Organix and Alterna.  Although I slightly prefer the Alterna because of the scent, I am addicted to the Organix because of the price.  I get nervous when a bottle starts getting low.  I wanted to take a fresh bottle to PR (although, as a side note, the humidity there was almost non-existent) but was unable to find it in Walmart, Target or CVS.  Apparently I am not the only one who has discovered this miracle product.  Out of frustration and my impending departure, I picked up this Garnier Triple Nutrition Miracle Dry Oil.  The key word, as in the others I reviewed, being "dry."  The triple part comes from the combination of avacado, olive, and shea oils.

The first thing I noticed when I sprayed it on (two days before I left for my trip luckily) was that it didn't diffuse as well as the others.  It was more like a stream that just hit a small area of your hair.  I took an empty bottle of Organix and poured it in there.  I then continued to spray it like normal.  Normal for me is very liberally.  I immediately noticed this was much heavier than the Organix or Alterna sprays.  It's hard to explain how I could tell on wet hair but I could.  I stopped spraying and combed it through.  After letting my hair air dry for an hour, I went to blow dry it the rest of the way.  I kept drying and drying but my hair still was wet.  Eventually it dried most of the way but was so oily it still looked wet.  When I ran my hands through my hair, you could see the oil on them.  I had to wear my hair in a ponytail to work the next day and wash it again the next night.  Total disaster.

Now, you might think that a product you have to use less of would be better then one you have to use more.  In most cases I would agree.  However, with the Organix, you don't have to use more but you are able to if you want.  You can tailor it to your needs.  And don't forget, if you use this out of the original bottle you will probably end up with greasy looking spots on your head.  The only thing I can think that this might be good for is a pre-shampooing treatment.  You can spray it in your dry hair, leave it for a few hours and then shampoo it out.  At least it's a way to finish the bottle.  I've tried it once and it was fine but I think I'll stick to my regular routine and my liquid gold.

Clairol Root Touch-Up

Do you ever look in the mirror and have an "ack!" moment where you realize your greys have taken over your whole head?  That's what happened to me last week.  (For the record, it also often happens to me with my eyebrows.  I don't notice for weeks and then all of a sudden realize I look like Bert.)  I couldn't wait to order color from eSalon and I had a package of Clairol's Root Touch-Up at home.  I decided it would have to do to cover up the worst spots.

It comes with the color and developer, plastic gloves, a small tray, and a small application brush.  You use the brush to mix the color and developer in the tray and then apply it with the brush.  I mentioned in my eSalon review that I love applying color with a brush now and this is no exception.  It goes on easily and I feel like the brush really gets it through your hair.  You leave it on for 15-20 and then rinse.  No need to wash your hair.  I however had a huge need to wash my hair at the time so I did with color friendly shampoo. 

It did a good job of covering my greys and the color did match my hair/previous color.  I would say within 5-7 days many greys were starting to show through again.  I suppose this could be because I washed it after but I don't really think so since it looked good at first.  And of course, this product is not meant to be a long term solution.  I think it is a good product if, say, you have a special occasion and just need a quick touch up.  You can get it on sale for a decent price and I plan to keep a box around for just such occasions in the future.

http://www.clairol.com/en-US/products/nice-n-easy/root-touch-up

Ojon damage reverse™ instant restorative hair serum

Hair oils made from exotic nuts are all the rage these days.  So how do you know which one is best?  By reading my blog, of course! 

I am a huge fan of this trend.  All of the oils I've tried so far have been great.  This particular one comes from the nut of the Ojon tree found in the rainforests of Central America.  According to their website, the oil is extracted in an eco-friendly manner so we're not destroying the rainforest just for better hair.  I put this on my wet hair and let it air dry.  I couldn't believe how soft my hair was!  It didn't make it frizz free with that method but it was easy to comb or brush through and with a little extra help from the Organix healing oil, my hair looked great.  How much you use will really depend on your hair type.  The great thing is that it is sold in three different sizes - something I think more companies should do.  It is moderately priced and has a lovely scent.  I still prefer a spray oil for dry hair because I think it diffuses better but I plan to use this pre-drying at least until this bottle is finished.

http://www.ojon.com/product/4726/18463/Shop-by-Product/Shop-by-Product-Type/Treatment/damage-reverse-Instant-Restorative-Hair-Serum/index.tmpl

Goody QuikStyle Paddle brush

I consider this post more of a warning than a review.  When I saw this, I thought it was a great idea and went and purchased it at CVS the same day for $12.99.  I don't know that it cuts down drying time significantly (the microfiber "bristles" can only hold so much water) but, IT DAMAGED MY HAIR.  After two uses, I have a lot of breakage at the top of my head that wasn't there before and it made it frizzy during blow drying anyway.  I would stay as far away from this as you can (which shouldn't be tough...lol).  It's going to take months to repair the damage this did.

http://www.goody.com/Products/Styling%20Tools/QUIK%20STYLE%20Paddle%20Brush?gclid=CKTgioG09LMCFUWo4AodR1cAdw&utm_expid=65472210-0&utm_referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Faclk%3Fsa%3Dl%26ai%3DC60uHlnO3UIKaHO_L6QH_04CwBsOG-cwC-6H8kznzlr2MlQEIABACKAJQo87R6fr_____AWDJhqOH1KOAEKABnaXu3APIAQGqBCJP0DMDUVbhNFL_F6x6nDykaHDDrRyzyqln3GgjnI8piyMx%26sig%3DAOD64_1zUtIR7gD2ya9ra5bS_kf-nKR5dA%26ved%3D0CDUQ0Qw%26adurl%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.goody.com%2FProducts%2FStyling%252520Tools%2FQUIK%252520STYLE%252520Paddle%252520Brush%26rct%3Dj%26frm%3D1%26q%3Dgoody%2Bquik%2Bstyle%2Bbrush

Phytospecific Phytorelaxer

I promised this review awhile ago but held off because I was unsure.  Unfortunately, time has not made things much clearer.  This comes in two "indexes," 1, for delicate, fine hair and 2, for normal, thick or resistant hair.  I used number 2.  The biggest downside of this product is the 60 dollar price tag.  I was able to justify it by the reviews I read which said you could get two treatments out of it and the fact that it would cost more to go to a salon.  This product is used in salons though.  It even has halfway marks on the bottles to help you out.

In the box are a pre-care balm, straightening cream, index inductor, neutralizing and cleansing emulsion, and milky restructurer.  I am a bad person who never does a strand test but I decided to do one in this case because you can straighten the rest of your hair right after you do it.  It's a good thing I did because the inductor and cleansing emulsion look very similar and I didn't read the bottles.  Also I was lucky because I only used half.  It turned the product a bright pink which I thought was pretty cool.  I put it on my strand and followed the instructions as best as I could.  The second downside is that the instructions are a little strange.  It says to apply the solution with the back of a comb and then to also use that during straightening.  It was only when I went to use the cleansing emulsion I realized my mistake.  I did not however re-do the strand test.  I mixed it all up and applied it to my hair the way I thought I should.  Unlike other straighteners, this has a very thick texture, almost clay-like and you don't comb through it while it's in your hair.  I left it on the required time and proceeded to the neutralizing, cleansing emulsion.  It is nice that you get to wash your hair after.  Then I used the restructurer, of which I still have a lot left after thoroughly coating my hair.

After blow-drying, my hair looked amazing.  Super straight and shiny.  And it lasted several days.  It still looked great after washing it again with my regular shampoo and conditioner.  So, why would I still be unsure.  Well, I still have to blow it dry or it frizzes.  I know that doesn't seem like much but, if you've read some of my other post you know that I want perfect hair with no effort.  The other reason is that it was great for a couple of weeks but then I started waking up with my old hair "bumps" again so it didn't last as long as it should have at that price.

My recommendation, if you want a chemical-free straightener, would be to find a salon that uses this or to work something out with your stylist where you can bring this in and have them use it (although unless they are familiar with the product, they may have a hard time with the directions as well).  I did send an email to Phyto to ask for clarification but never received a response.  I will update if I ever find out.  If I do get clarification, I may actually try this product again on my own.  Otherwise I will just keep looking!

http://www.sephora.com/phytospecific-phytorelaxer-index-2-normal-thick-resistant-hair-P6120?skuId=365700

http://phytospecific.com/phyto_usa.html

Phytodefrisant botanical hair relaxing balm

I was very surprised to find out that this company, started by French hairstylist Patrick Ales, has been around since the mid 50s.  I had occasionally seen the products and liked the clinical looking packaging but had never tried them.  In my quest to tame my frizz and get rid of a few stubborn "bumps" in my hair, I got this from Sephora based on the very high reviews.  Although it is not a permanent solution, and you have to use it with a blow dryer or straightener, it says it will gradually make your hair straighter with use (at least that's what I thought it said).  I usually blow dry my hair anyway and thought that maybe I could get away with letting it air dry once in awhile.  As I've mentioned, all I really want is wash and go hair that looks like I just stepped out of a shampoo commercial.  Never give up the dream, right?

This product mostly does what it says it will do.  It helps reduce frizz and helps keep hair straighter between washings (mine would often get messed up while I slept).  However, I think calling it a relaxing balm is going a bit far.  There is a big difference between straightening and smoothing.  I would call this a smoothing product.  In the instructions it said it will make your hair "smoother with use" which was my mistake.  My hair didn't get any straighter or easier to blow dry after using this for several weeks.  I felt like it made my hair feel a little stiff but it wasn't really bad and if you normally use products in your hair it probably wouldn't bother you.

In the end, I would recommend trying this product if you already spend time styling your hair and are just looking for a better product.  Like I said, it works the way it says it will, it just doesn't work the way I wanted it to.  I went a different route and used their permanent (but still botanical) hair relaxer and that review will be coming up soon!

http://www.phyto-usa.com/Products/ProductDetails.aspx?PID=27

Organix Moraccan Oil Weightless Healing Oil and Alterna Bamboo Kendi Oil Dry Mist

In August of 2011 I wrote about Argan oil (also called Moroccan oil) for the first time.  Then back in June, I wrote about Moroccan Oil's Frizz Control.  I really liked the product and although I sometimes used it as a treatment by spraying it in dry hair, it made it look greasy so it had to be shampooed out.  It helped my hair more than any other product I'd tried but it still wasn't enough to conquer the humidity of a DC summer.  I really liked the spray because I felt like it was more evenly distributed through my hair.  So I began looking into products I can use on dry hair.  On Sephora, I discovered Alterna Bamboo Kendi Oil Dry Mist.  My first post ever was about my Alterna conditioner so I ordered it immediately even though I hadn't heard of Kendi oil.  It turns out to be another nut oil, this one from Indonesia.  I started using the spray in two ways.  First, I would spray it on towel dried hair.  Just like the Moroccan Oil Frizz Control, if I got to a bad tangle, I'd just give it an extra pump and my comb would glide right through.  Second, I would use it right after drying my hair and whenever it got a little unruly.  It seemed like I couldn't use too much in between washings (every 2-3 days).  However, when I realized how quickly I was going through it, I realized this was going to be pretty pricey to sustain and so I went searching again.  This time for a cheaper alternative.

I found the Organix Moroccan Oil Dry Healing Oil online and purchased it at Rite Aid where they were (luckily) having a 2 for 1 sale.  I use it in the same was as the Alterna and it works just as good.  I love this stuff!  It is like liquid gold.  Normally I wouldn't advocate a product that you use a lot of but in this case, I think how much you use depends on your hair.  I keep a bottle at home and a bottle at work.  I often just spray a little bit on my ends when they are looking frazzled.  The smell is a little stronger than the Alterna which had a very nice, mellow smell, but it isn't bad and it is milder than the Moroccan Oil brand.  I just can't say enough good things about this product.  If your hair needs moisture or frizz control, I suggest you go out and get some right away!  You can thank me later.

Liquid Gold

http://www.organixhair.com/product/weightless-healing-oil
http://www.alternahaircare.com/bamboo/smooth/kendi-dry-oil-mist/

Hairspray!

I don't use a lot of hairspray, usually just a little on my bangs.  Lately I've been using Alterna Caviar Anti-aging Working hairspray in a trial size I got with a sampling of their products.  Before that I was using Redken Quick Dry 18 which I discovered while in a friend's wedding.  I really liked that one but I found the big can constantly got stopped up.  I HATE THAT!  So, I've been using the Alterna and not thinking much about it.  But then I ran out.  Thinking hairspray is hairspray, I picked up a trial size of Nexxus.  I don't remember what kind but it was in a gold can with a black top.  The first time I used it was shocking.  It came out in almost a stream.  If I held my arm as far away as I could while still pointing the product at my head, it was almost ok.  But it also has a really strong scent.  I mean, you can smell it all day long.  It had to go.  Next up is an anti-humidity hairspray from Garnier.  It comes out fine and the scent is subtle and pleasant.  Unfortunately, it doesn't really work.  It doesn't hold my hair in place and I mostly can't even tell I have it on.  I mean, I'm not looking for crunchy 80s hair but I can usually feel a difference.

The point of all this is that, like most products, there are good and bad hairsprays.  If you thought they were all the same and aren't really happy with your current spray, I would give something else a try.  As for me, I will be ordering more Alterna stat!

Conair MiniPro 1/2" Ceramic Straightener

No matter how much product or time I put into my hair in the morning, if it is rainy or humid out, I come in to work looking like I've been possessed by Zuul.

Once here, my options for fixing it were limited...until now.  I discovered this mini straightener after trying to Amika.  I loved the idea of it but it way too hot.  I could barely even hold it and I was afraid I was going to burn myself.  So, I returned it and tried this.  Unfortunately, one of the things you lose when going so small is the option for different heat settings.  This one also gets very hot but there are ridges on the handle before the plates and, if you stay behind them, it's fine.  One of the benefits of it getting hot is that you can also use it to curl your hair.  Now, this isn't going to straighten (or curl) like a full size iron.  The plates are only 1/2" thick.  But it does a great job for touch ups on my thick hair and to do my bangs.  I actually find it easier to work with than my full size straightener although I'm not ready to give that up entirely!

If you have weather-challenged hair, I highly recommend this product.  It heats up very quickly and it comes with a cute, heat resistant pouch so it's great even when you don't have time to let it cool all the way down.

(It's hard to see the ruler but it is about 6 inches long [about the size a checkbook])

http://www.conair.com/minipro-ceramic-straightener-p-647.html

eSalon Customized Hair Color - Updated

I have never been able to bring myself to pay 50+ to have my hair colored at a Salon.  Especially since I only do single color.  Instead, I've always used hair color from the drugstore and it has mostly worked out fine.  The bad parts are, I usually make a huge mess (hair color all over my bathroom and me), sometimes I can miss spots and, because I use dark brown, my hair often looks black and kind of phony until I wash it a couple of times.  I found myself not coloring on a regular basis.  I'd just wait until the grays were too much to handle.  Then, I read about eSalon.  It is customizable, salon quality, hair color you do at home and, while it is a little more expensive than drugstore brands, it is way cheaper than going to the salon.  Of course, you still have the same issues doing it at home as you had before but, and I will explain, it isn't as bad.

The first step is to go to their website (https://www.esalon.com/) and fill out a profile.  They ask you about your current hair, what you want, how your hair reacts to color, etc.  You will also be given the opportunity to upload photos and I suggest you do to get the best results.  They have such confidence in their product that the first order only costs $4.95 for S&H.  It took 7 days for mine to ship (it says 2-3 days on their website although I hadn't seen it then) and arrived 2 days after it shipped.  In the first shipment you get: 2 bottles of customized hair color, 2 bottles of developer, 2 pairs of gloves (very nice!), a packet of stain guard, a stain remover towelette, a packet of conditioner, an application brush, and personalized instructions.

I sectioned my hair into 4 parts per the instructions (something I don't always do) and applied the stain guard around my hairline and neck.  I chose to use the brush to apply it since I've never done it that way before.  Well, I am a convert!  I will never again go back to applying hair color directly from the developer bottle.  It takes more time but it is much neater and I felt like I really got all the hair covered, especially the greys.  I left it on for the recommended time and then followed their instructions for finishing - you mix the leftover hair color with water and massage it into your hair for 2 minutes before rinsing and then applying the conditioner.  The hair color turned out beautiful.  It was very rich and deep but natural looking and all my greys were covered.  It looked great for a couple of weeks and then I noticed all my greys were showing again.  Not just at the roots but like the hair color had washed off.  Since I am only covering greys, I couldn't tell if it was my whole head or just the greys.  In my feedback email, I mentioned this.  They replied and said the would take it into consideration for my next shipment.  (You are put on auto-ship and you chose the frequency but it is also very easy to turn off.)

My 2nd shipment came in July and only contained one bottle of hair color and developer because at this point you are touching up I guess.  It also did not have the brush but I had saved it from before.  Otherwise, it had all the other stuff. 

My instructions this time called for it to be on longer and I believe they slightly changed the formula.  It has been more than two weeks and the hair color still looks great and my greys are still not showing (yay!).  I will continue to get shipments and I may even move up the date since I am only on every 12 weeks.  I should mention that the options for hair color are limited by your natural or dyed color - basically, the darker your hair, the less options but you knew that, right?  For $4.95, I really can't see why you wouldn't try this. 

Update:  After more than a month, my color looks great and the only grey I see is new growth.  I think I'll move up my shipment date!

L'Oreal EverPure and EverCreme Shampoo - Updated

For the most part, I believe that conditioner is more important than shampoo.  I have been lucky to find one that, even though expensive, works great on my hair.  And I love the coordinating shampoo but the price for the two of them is kind of ridiculous so I am always searching for a less expensive one.  In the past couple years, I go back to L'Oreal's EverPure moisturizing formula.  It is a creamy shampoo that gives a good lather (not necessary, of course, but nice) with a Rosemary Juniper scent that is refreshing and not overpowering.  After shampooing, my hair feels clean and it is very easy to comb my conditioner through.  I even gave some to a male friend with longer curly hair and he is hooked.  He says it makes his hair nicer than it has ever been.

It was only out of curiosity that I tried the new EverCreme.  Texturally it is even creamier than the EverPure.  The scent is called Camelina which is a flowering plant that produces oil.  It doesn't smell as good as the EverPure but it isn't bad.

The good thing about both these shampoos is that they are sulfate-free so they are good for color-treated hair and keratin treatments.  I'm not sure if I will go back to the EverPure after I finish the new one (I just saw the EverCreme has an "intense nourishing formula!) but both are excellent products are drugstore prices and availability.

Update:  After using the EverCreme for over a month, I've decided it doesn't seem to easily spread through my hair.  I always feel like I am missing spots.  I will finish this bottle and then buy more EverPure.

Pureology Super Smooth Shampoo

Note to self: do not ask for a shampoo recommendation from a new stylist.  They will just push on you whatever the salon is hawking that month.  That's how I discovered Pureology Super Smooth Shampoo.  I told her I was looking for a less expensive alternative to Alterna (Alterna alternative...hehe).  She recommended this for my hair type and I didn't ask about the price because I told her how much the Alterna costs ($32).  When they rang it up, it was $27!  I guess I should have been more specific that I was looking for a more significant reduction in cost. 

So, to the chase.  It is an ok shampoo although my hair did not seem any smoother.  The smell is a little strong for me and sort of smells like flowers only fake.  The worst part is that it made me break out terribly on my shoulders and back.  I have to be careful because I have issues with that but as long as I keep my hair off my back and shoulders until it is dry, I am usually ok.  Not so in this case.  I had all these painful bumps not to mention how bad it looked.  No one wants that but it is especially bad in the summer time.  I really wouldn't recommend this shampoo.  You can get something better in a drugstore for a quarter of the price.  I don't think I'd try any of their other products either.  Aside from this bad experience, their packaging is boring and doesn't catch the eye.  And sadly, it is that that usually gets me!

http://www.pureology.com/systems/super-smooth/shampoo

Moroccan Oil Frizz Control

Just when I thought I was done with frizz control products (because they never live up to their promises), a co-worker gave me a bottle of this to try.  I knew of the Moroccan Oil brand from a friend who uses it but, knowing that Moroccan Oil and argan oil are the same thing, I figured I would forgo the pretty packaging and just use pure argan oil.  Well, I am so glad fate stepped in.  Whatever they use in addition to the argan oil must help.  This product does amazing things for my hair.  I feel like it does a much better job than any of the keratin treatments or products I have used.  It says to spray 3-5 pumps on damp hair but that isn't enough for me.  I use as much as I need.  If I am combining through my hair and encounter a big tangle, I just spritz a little more in the spot and the comb glides through.  Even letting my hair air dry, the frizz is significantly minimized.  I've also used it as a treatment by spraying it in dry hair and leaving for several hours to overnight before shampooing.  Keep in mind that I have a lot of hair and most people will probably not need to use as much although, except when using it on dry hair, I have never gotten an oily feeling.  I will definitely be trying some of their other products.

http://www.moroccanoil.com/en_US/products/Frizz-Control

Alterna Sparkling Champagne Spray

I am always trying to do something different with my hair but, when your color is coffee brown, it's hard to do anything that doesn't involve bleach.  Although I've used it to put a couple streaks in my hair, I am not prepared to do that kind of damage.  I was looking for temporary highlights that would show in my hair when I came across this product.  It's in my favorite caviar line so I had to try it.  It is supposed to give a subtle, sparkling look to all hair colors.  They are right about the subtle part but it does show.  You have to hold it as far from your head as possible or it ends up looking a little wet/greasy.  It does give you all over shimmer but I did have to point it out to people when I was out.  However, I still like it.  It has a nice scent and, even if I'm the only one who knows it's there, it makes me feel like a sparkly princess and, really, isn't that what we all want?

http://www.alternahaircare.com/stylist-champagne-spray/

My Love Affair With Keratin

Keratin treatment aka Brazilian Blowout aka Keratin Express aka BKT.  There are many different names but it all boils down to one key ingredient - keratin.  Keratin is the main protein in your hair, nails and skin.  This process was introduced in the US as an alternative to the more permanent (and some say harsher) Japanese Termal Straightening.  However, it soon came to light that the real secret ingredient that made it work was formaldehyde.  So much for a natural treatment.  So they started marketing formaldehyde-free formulas.  But, the tricky little buggers used chemicals very similar to or, in some cases just renamed, formaldehyde.  Brazilian Blowout was one of the worst offenders.  Now, call me crazy but I tend not to worry too much about chemicals in products.  First of all, I smoke.  I'm pretty sure there is nothing worse I can do.  Second, I think the FDA does a pretty good job of regulating these things.  Already, companies are changing their formulas to comply with consumers wishes. 

From what I can tell, the formaldehyde is what makes it last.  Formulas with lower amounts don't last as long.  That's why Express Treatments were introduced.  It's also why the new over-the-counter products only last about 30 days.  That is about as far as my research on Keratin Treatments has gotten me.  Now, on to the actual products!

Back in June, I tried the otc Organix Brazilian Treatment.  I thought it worked pretty well but, in the end, I couldn't stand the sickeningly sweet smell for the two days I couldn't wash it. 

Luckily I spottted a Living Social deal.  $122 at Salon DB in Arlington.  I bought it and called as soon as the voucher came through.  They were able to see me the Saturday of the same week.  I need to give a quick shout out to the salon.  They were great before I even walked in the door.  The owner called and asked me about my hair and told me about the treatment.  They use La Brasiliana which comes as a spray.  He let me know it was for 2 ounces and there would be an extra charge ($50) for each ounce over that.  I am used to this because my hair is long and thick but really appreciated hearing about it upfront.  When I got there, they washed my hair several times and put me under the dryer for what was supposed to be 20 minutes.  There's no way my hair will dry that quickly so it ended up being the longest step in the process.  She then sprayed the solution on my dry hair and blew it dry with a paddle brush.  Then she straight ironed it.  The result was beautiful.  The smell wasn't bad at all.  It did make my eyes burn and water some while she was putting it on but I just kept my eyes closed until it was dry.  I did not buy their complementary shampoo and conditioner but was told to use ones without sodium chloride.  I continued using my Alterna products.  However, after a couple of weeks, it seemed like my hair wasn't as smooth any more.  Especially if I let it air dry.  I read the ingredients and saw that it had other kinds of sodium so I stopped using it (I still haven't gotten a clear answer on whether it's only sodium chloride or any kind of salt that is a problem).  I switched to the Organix shampoo and various conditioners that met the parameters.

As I felt the treatment going away, I saw a deal on Groupon.  $149 at Gilda's Salon.  I bought it but I wasn't able to get in for a month.  So, I turned to the internet to see if there was something that could help.  In my research on BKT, I came across a few well-known brands, including Coppola's Keratin Complex.  Although you can't legally buy the treatment online, you can buy the supplementary products.  I chose the Vanilla Bean Deep Conditioner (because...hello?  Yum) and the Intense RX Repair Therapy because it got great reviews.  I only used the conditioner twice and it was very nice and the smell was incredible but then decided to save it until after my next treatment.  But I used the RX serum right away and I was not disappointed.  Even though it only works until the next shampoo, it works really well.  You just apply it to wet hair and blow it dry.  You can always use a flat iron to make it even smoother but, the whole point for me is to lessen the time it takes to do my hair.

So last Saturday, I went to Gilda's and got my treatment.  I was the only customer and that was nice.  They use the Anevolve system.  I always do a little research ahead of time and was excited about this.  They claim it is 100% formaledehyde-free (and indicate that includes all forms of it).  She washed my hair several times but this one was applied to wet hair.  She went through each section and applied it with a brush.  I was not charged any extra for my hair length.  After, she blew it dry with a paddle brush and then straight irnoned each section.  The result was even better than before.  It was amazing.  My hair was so shiny and smooth.  I'd never seen it like that before.  And it didn't feel like it had as much on it as it did after the first treatment.  I decided to go all in and get their shampoo and conditioner.  I washed it after 2 days and let it air dry.  I wasn't crazy about the shampoo.  They say it is a low-sudsing formula but it was more like no-sudsing.  And a lot of hair came out during the first wash.  After 2 washes, my hair was smooth but looked a little greasy.  I decided to go back to the Organix shampoo with the Anevolve conditioner.  This was Saturday night.  I let it air dry and then straightened it.  Although it stayed pretty smooth even though it was raining, it was not quite as good as I had hoped it would be.  And then this morning, as I was drying it I noticed breakage at the top!  What??  This is not good.  I don't wear my hair in ponytails and I didn't notice it before the treatment.  I am going to stop using their shampoo and conditioner because I feel like it doesn't do enough.  I want to be able to run my fingers through my hair without getting snagged.  Although they told me that they would honor the Groupon price for a 2nd treatment, I am leery of going back there now.  I will wait and see how it goes over the next month.

In general, I think the treatments work.  Be advised though, this is not really a straightening treatment.  It is a smoothing treatment.  Which is great if that's what you want.  What I want is silky, straight, wash-and-go hair.  Is that too much to ask?  For now it seems like it is but I'm getting closer.

John Frieda Precision Foam Hair Colour

Because I am a menace with hair color, every now and then I decide I don't need to color my hair.  After all, greys are a natural part of life, right?  Then I catch a glimpse of myself in certain lighting and, after the shock has worn off, I run out and buy some home hair color right away.  I am very interested in the new foam colors because I make such a mess.  I usually end up with it all over my bathroom, my ears, the back of my neck and my forearms.  But my last try with foam hair color did not go so well and although I never reviewed it, I tried the L'Oreal Sublime Mousse first.  The foam was thick but it didn't cover my greys at all.  Being the optimist that I am, I decided to try another brand.

The John Frieda is the only other one that is sold widely in drugstores.  I got mine at CVS and it was a little more expensive than L'Oreal or Clairol but I bet you could find it on sale for a better price.  You should always read the instructions and perform an allergy test (I don't but you should!).  The biggest difference in this is that you don't shake the developer and color to mix them.  You just gently tilt it from side to side.  The gloves that came with it were professional grade and went up an inch or two farther than the ones you usually get which was really nice.  However, the fact that they are black kind of made me feel like the Russian scientist getting ready to torture information out of a captured spy.  The foam was pretty thick and went on easily enough.  At first I felt like it wasn't saturating my hair but I was probably not applying it properly.  The directions on this step were very vague.  In the end it did cover all my hair although it didn't look as "foamy" as the picture in the instructions.  The smell was neutral.  I left it on for 30 minutes.  It rinsed out very quickly in the shower and I applied conditioner from the generous tube included.

The final result:  the color is very natural looking (sometimes with dark brown it looks black for the first few washings), it covered most of my greys (I've got some resistant little buggers right in front of my ears), and the smell of the conditioner is lovely.  I don't think it helped condition my hair but it didn't damage it either.  All in all, a nice (and except for one blob on my toilet seat), mess-free experience.  I will definitely use it again.

http://www.johnfrieda.com/en-US/homecolour/precision-foam-colour/