Respect the Kingsley

Real talk: In the winter, not only does my skin get ridiculously dry, but so does my scalp.

'Dems is 'da breaks with a die-hard devotion to scalding hot showers and a ever so sensitive epidermis!

Thankfully though, I have found a magical elixir that remedies this seasonal sitch: Philip Kingsley Scalp Toner.

It's a "rehydrating toner and scalp energizer" that stimulates blood supply to the scalp, absorbs excess oil and protects against flaking. All you do is apply toner directly to the scalp, comb through and style as usual.

Application is super easy with the toner's pointed nozzle and the liquid comes out evenly.  I found it worked best to make a few parts, squeeze along each, rub in and then comb through. It also felt really nice and cooling, and did not change the appearance of my natural hair state at all once dry.

Now, Philip Kingsley Elasticizer on the other hand was not for me. This "cult" hair care essential boasts that it will dramatically improve the condition of your hair after just one use. In my case, it dramatically hindered the condition of my fine tresses, leaving them limp and oily. I even made sure to shampoo and rinse an extra two times to de-coat, all to no avail. My wonderful pro-hairdresser pal thankfully came to my rescue with some clarifying shampoo though and all ended happily!

The takeaway: Philip Kingsley Elasticizer is a thick, potent conditioning treatment that is best left to thicker locks. Philip Kingsley Scalp Toner is my pick for anyone who suffers from seasonal scalp syndrome (or the dreaded Triple S as I'm now going to call it).

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer retails for $45 (150ml) or $25 (75ml). 

Philip Kingsley Scalp Toner retails for $29 (75ml). 

Both products are available at philipkingsley.com

Philip Kingsley -Take Comfort

I started working out this year, and ever since joining the gym, have noticed that the back of my head itches. Repeatedly assured by my mom/resident RN that I do not have cooties, I consulted my hair stylist. She was personally familiar with my little ailment, and said it was due to the sanitizer we use to wipe down the weight machines. The germa-phobe in me is stronger than my hair pride/vanity, so easing up on sanitizer is not gonna happen.
Take Comfort is a 3-piece kit consisting of Flaky and Itchy Scalp Shampoo, Moisture Balancing Conditioner, and Flaky and Itchy Scalp Tonic. I used them all over one weekend. My scalp itched a little less, but my hair was first greasy and limp, and then limp and too soft. I have a stylized bob and hair that has a natural wave, which I fight back with a flat iron. There is such a thing as too soft. The itch was diminished, but this time, hair pride won out. I'm back to good hair and itchy scalp. Thank Goodness - no dandruff.

Philip Kingsley - Straight Hair

From Nicole:

Philip Kingsley
Straight Hair

Ok, so this is the second hair straightening product I was able to test. Philip Kingsley is known around the world as the "hair doctor" and is recognized as the leading authority on hair health. After reading more about his products I was definitely interested in testing this product. Again, I tried it last week before work. Straight Hair is gel in a thin pump tube. I had a little bit of trouble getting the gel out of the tube, but soon figured out the trick. The smell is a strong botanical odor. The first time I used it, I think I used a little too much. My hair was straight all right, but kind of limp and flat. I decided to try it again the next morning, and this time I used less. My hair was straight and soft. I have no doubts that it would stay straight in humid conditions, but I fear that summer may never come. My recommendation is that you do not use conditioner in the shower if you are planning to use this product. I felt as if it made my hair way too limp and flat. Without conditioner and with a small amount of Straight Hair, my hair appeared smooth and straight, just like the tube stated. Again, I will wait until summer to retest this product. Check back at a later date!