Feeling Frieda

For too many years to count I have sadly been involved in BHB- Bad Hair Behavior. 

That's right. I straightened. I colored. I curled. I even crimped. Not to mention using the blow dryer on high in order to speed up the primping process. And I did all this without any sort of hair protector. The damage is currently evident in my split ends and daily frizz. Even with a great hair cut, if I don't change my ways, this damaging cycle will continue. Which is why I am so excited to have found the John Frieda Frizz-Ease Original Formula Hair Serum. 

Frizz-Ease is beloved across the beauty industry board and was even voted Allure Magazine's 2011 Reader's Choice Award. The accolades are well deserved. Dispensing one pump of this fine concoction throughout the lower ends of my battered soaking wet tresses truly brought it back to life. My hair felt soft, looked shiny and those wretched split ends weren't so noticeable. I can only imagine the wonders it shall do once I get a necessary upcoming trim! 

Commitment-Free Hair

Ever wondered about bangs? Like the look of ombre but not digging the bleach?
Get the looks without the effort & upkeep!

Check out the ombre news:
Hairdo by HairUWear Ombre Clip-In Extensions ($49) are a multi-level, 16” clip-in that not only gives you dazzling length, but delivers the graduated effect seen on glam, trend-setting starlets everywhere.

For a semi-permanent approach, try Great Lengths 3D Strand FX Collection. Using only superior quality human hair with a patented bond attachment that is safe and gentle on one’s real hair, they are a trusted favorite among celebrities and their stylists. 3D Strand FX Collection uses an innovative process that combines ombre coloration with your base tone, creating a three-dimensional color effect in the hair. With the new ombre three-dimensional color extensions, you get the look in a more sophisticated, subtle way.
They also have extensions with Swarovski Crystal Strands. For a wedding? Shut up!

I have been fringeless since 9th grade (not an unsubstantial amount of time), and the new bangs have made me consider getting chopped... Hairdo by Ken Paves Clip-In Bangs let me try the look first!
My three-point outcome:
1. They are riduculously easy to use.
2. They don't feel weird on, just kind of forgot they were on.
3. I look ridiculous with bangs! Thank goodness I found out the easy way! Still, these are a great way to go incognito ;)

How to Shampoo and Condition Naturally Curly Hair

New York, NY– “Fifty percent of North American women have natural wave or curl to their hair. For these women, texture is not a trend that comes and goes, it’s a lifestyle - and they’re looking for guidance on how to embrace it,” says Sam Villa, top Redken stylist.
Naturally curly hair is fragile, prone to frizz, lacks shine, is dry and unpredictable, so shampooing and conditioning wavy, curly, springy, spiral and kinky hair takes skill and finesse, and should only be done 2-3 times a week. Villa suggests the following:
· Saturate hair with water - curly hair tends to repel water, so wet from underneath all the way down to the scalp. Run fingers through hair to determine if there is resistance, if there is, apply conditioner first before shampooing. Redken Curvaceous Curl Drive nourishing mask for dry intense curls can be applied with hands from ends to scalp by raking fingers through to evenly distribute and detangle. This step is normally needed if you are working with kinky curly and very tight curls.
· Apply shampoo from ends to scalp raking fingers through hair. Curvaceous Cream Shampoo is sulfate-free so it does not lather very much which is beneficial when cleansing curly hair. Foaming a traditional shampoo by agitating hair in circular or back and forth motions creates friction and tangles. To cleanse the scalp of oils and product buildup, use a gentle massaging motion with fingertips to manipulate shampoo down to the scalp. From the scalp, go back to the nape area, from underneath, run fingers through the hair, then to the sides and back up to the crown area to rake through the entire head to loosen tangles. Rinse shampoo.

· Apply a conditioner like Redken Curvaceous Conditioner - springy/curly or kinky/curly needs moisture put back into the hair. To apply, begin at the ends and work towards the scalp, raking fingers through hair. Manipulate the conditioner back down the hair shaft all the way through the hair from scalp to ends. Curvaceous Conditioner is a very concentrated product - a little goes a long way. Depending on hair type (tends to frizz) and weather (especially in high humidity) some conditioner can be left in the hair. When working on fine textured hair or hair that does not have a tendency to frizz, rinse the conditioner out. Once condition is rinsed out, fingers should glide through hair effortlessly!

· Wring excess water from hair and squeeze sections with a t-shirt to rid hair of excess water. Using a t-shirt is much more gentle than the coarse fabric of a towel which roughs up the cuticle and causes frizz.

Maintaining Your Hair Color on a Budget

There is no denying that fall is finally in full swing! For many of us, the change in weather and temperature isn’t the only thing that changes. From cuts to extensions to coloring, the hottest hair trends can change as often as the seasons do and it’s no secret that looking good doesn’t always come cheap...or can it?

Andrea Pomerantz Lustig, author of How to Look Expensive, gives us some great tips on getting that perfect hair color on a budget and how to keep your new fall do in tip-top shape all season long!

HOW TO GET EXPENSIVE-LOOKING HAIR COLOR FOR CHEAP

BE A HAIR SPY. Investigate women’s hair on the bus, in yoga class, or at the office. See a color you like? Ask who did it. Or walk into a chic salon you came across and check out the hair color on the employees. Ask who did it. It’s usually another employee. This can be a great way to discover up-and-coming colorists whose prices have yet to skyrocket. Chances are, they have apprenticed with the star colorist in their salon and will give you a great color at half the cost!

ASK YOUR STYLIST TO DO A FINER HIGHLIGHT AT THE ROOT, GETTING THICKER AND CHUNKIER DOWN THE LENGTH.This process will avoid a severe root line and making it okay to grow out a little without having to spend the extra cash on the constant up-keep.

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR HAIR COLOR INVESTMENT

Once you’ve got your color where you want it, how do you keep it this way? Try these tips:

WAIT 48 HOURS AFTER FRESH COLOR BEFORE WASHING IT. Although there are no studies to prove this works, it’s something that many colorists have suggested, so it definitely can’t hurt. Give your color some time to settle into your roots and hair.

KEEP IT DIRTY. Not REALLY dirty, of course, but avoid washing it every day. The less often you wash, the less your color will fade. Use dry shampoo to sop up greasy roots between shampoos. A great low cost option would be the newAmika Perk-Up Dry Shampoo. It’s available at professional salons and folica.com for only $21 andleaves your hair looking clean, shiny, and beautiful!

USE HIGH TECH ANTI-COLOR FADERS. It’s not a marketing hype. Products designed to maintain the color in color-treated hair can help prevent fading, keep color true, and put back needed hydration.

INVEST IN A WATER FILTER FOR YOUR SHOWERHEAD. This filter will remove water minerals like chlorine from the water, which can fade or distort your color (turning it green or brassy). You can pick one up for only $20!

Philip B.'s 4 Bad Hair Habits

Hollywood's preeminent hair treatment expert, Philip B. gives us his four most unthinkable BAD HAIR HABITS and his advice on how to break them. I know I am guilty of two (1 & 4--feast or famine)...:

1. Brushing wet hair - Your hair is weaker and more elastic when wet, so brushing it can lead to breakage and split ends. Make sure to follow this styling commandment: Comb hair when it's wet and brush when it's dry.

2. Overdrying - If you have color- or chemically-treated hair and flatiron it often, beware! Heat styling tools and chemical treatments burn precious moisture out of your hair. Unless you replace that moisture with frequent botanical oil treatments (2-4 times per week), eventually it will start breaking off. To keep hair healthy, turn down the heat as much as you can and treat your hair to frequent oil treatments. I love my Rejuvenating Oil for this, but plain olive oil can work in a pinch.

3. Not protecting bleached hair - While it was tempting to dive in the pool during the hot summer, I’m sure it left your bleached strands looking a lot like greenish straw. Bleach is drying and makes your hair more porous, and chlorinated water also strips moisture from your hair – plus, it contains metals that can seep into your hair and leave a greenish tint. Now that summer is officially over, treat your hair by soaking it in a vinegar-and-water bath to help eliminate some of the remaining chlorine molecules. After that, an oil treatment is key to restoring moisture and shine.

4. Neglecting to brush - A good brushing is an exfoliation treatment for your scalp. It stimulates cell turnover to make your hair stronger and healthier, drags the natural conditioning oils from your scalp to your ends to keep them shiny and moisturized and also buffs the hair cuticle to boost overall glossiness. But forget the old wives’ tale about brushing your hair 100 times each night – it's excessive and might be damaging. Instead, aim for 10-20 strokes, depending on the thickness of your hair. Tip: Use a pure boar bristle brush if you have fine, wispy hair; if your hair is normal to thick, look for a brush that contains a mix of natural boar's hair and nylon bristles. I use my own Philip B. brushes. You can also find good boar's hair brushes in fine department stores or salons.

Going Dark To Light

Have naturally dark hair and want to go blonde?  It’s a big step, but with professional guidance, it can be done and look great. Patrick McIvor, Matrix Artistic Director, says it takes lot of time and money.
“Dark brown to blonde is a big change, and since hair grows a half inch a month, you need to visit a stylist every 4 weeks to keep the blonde looking good.  And, because of the transition, it takes time to process,” explains McIvor.

McIvor says there are many types of blondes – platinum, light blonde, dark blonde, multi-colored, highlighted, so pick the one that fits the time and money allotted for the job. The lighter the blonde, the more time and money it will take to maintain.  For instance, platinum hair like Michelle Williams requires touchups every 2-4 weeks and for multi-colored blonde like Shakira, hair needs to be lightened in two steps - either all over or with lots of highlights and then a glaze (every 4 weeks).  For hair the color of Beyoncé, products like MATRIX Wonder.Browns can be used to lighten hair all in one step (every 4 weeks). There are many ways of approaching going blonde, ask professional for guidance.

“Many women with naturally dark hair, especially those who have only used a demi permanent color, are surprised at how the texture of their hair changes when they go blonde.  Whenever hair is lightened, it changes the protein bonds in hair, so caring for newly colored blonde hair requires more attention and products,” explains McIvor.

McIvor recommends using a color care regimen such as Matrix Biolage colorcarethérapie Delicate Care Shampoo and Conditioner that has no sulfates which helps color last longer.  In addition, he suggests using a treatment at least once a week like Delicate Care Masque to replenish moisture.  For ultra-polished blonde, use Delicate Care Organic Certified Oil – formulated with organic olive oil and Argan oil from Morocco to restore sheen for optimal shine and smoothness, and long lasting luminous color.

Patrick McIvor is Artistic Director for Matrix, a leading professional haircare and haircolor company in the United States and part of the L’Oreal USA Professional Products Division. As one of the most respected colorists in the industry, the former Color Director for Nick Arrojo and Rodney Culter in NYC, is a cultural junkie inspired by international cosmopolitan influences from fashion, global trends, technology and social networking.  McIvor is featured in the book “50 Hairstylists.”
Website: www.patrickmcivorcolorstudio.com , YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/patrickmcivor

Best Ad Campaign!

The new güd collection (from the Burt's Bees people!) includes hair care, body care and hand care in four unique fragrances.

They have created a genius ad campaign with full Smell-O-Vision!
Click to watch the scratch and sniff ad, and to experience it with smells, check your issue of Lucky or Allure-- or let gud know & they will mail you a scratch and sniff card!

If the güd collection is half as good as its ads, we are all going to be addicted!

Avon ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Damage Repair 3D Rescue Leave-In Treatment

This leave-in conditioner from Avon make a lot of promises.
It does detangle like no body's business, but it seems to be made for fine haired folk who don't want to compromise volume.
On my super thick hair with a tendency to frizz, it is just okay.
Better if I use in combination with a standard conditioner.
Passing along to a follicularly challenged pal, will update post with results.

Pureology goes to Zero!

Beginning February 1, Pureology’s NEW Zero Waste Shampoo and Hair Conditioner Packaging (with the same great concentrated formulas) will be available in Pureology salons nationwide!

NEW Zero Waste Packaging:
-         Highly concentrated ZeroSulfate® 250mL shampoos offer 70+ shampoos per bottle.

-         Made with 50% post-consumer recycled High-density polyethylene (HDPE) materials for unparalleled safety and environmental sustainability (double the amount of PCR used before).

-         For secondary packaging, Pureology decreased the amount of cardboard and uses Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified cardboard boxes made from 100% recycled fibers.  Pureology also added educational messages to these boxes, reminding purchasers to recycle the box and providing tips on how they can conserve water.

-         Don’t forget, the new 250 ml shampoo and condition bottles are 100% recyclable, so be sure to recycle once the formulas is done!

Since Pureology was founded in 2001 the brand has been the leader in superior colour care products made with 100 percent vegan and organic botanical ingredients, while upholding its promise to care for the well-being of the environment.  As a brand with a sustainable vision, Pureology continually works to reduce its environmental impacts through efficient production and manufacturing processes and by incorporating more environmentally preferred materials.  This year, Pureology announces that recent improvements to its Shampoo and Hair Conditioner packaging are helping reduce its environmental impacts.

“Pureology’s new Zero Waste Shampoo and Hair Conditioner Packaging allows consumers and stylists to use every last drop of product and the new ergonomic design featuring inverted condition bottles ensures ease-of-use,” states Shae Kalyani, Vice President of US Marketing for Pureology. “Throughout the packaging renovation, our formulas have not changed – we offer the same luxurious, concentrated formulas color-coded systems for each regimen.”


To quantify the success of these and other improvements, Pureology commissioned Five Winds International, a sustainability management consulting firm, to conduct a life cycle assessment (LCA) of Pureology’s Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner, products that are representative of Pureology’s entire line and are the brand’s best-sellers.  The process assessed the impact these changes have on reducing the environmental impacts associated with Pureology’s Shampoo and Hair Conditioner bottles by examining multiple phases of the product life cycle, including the sourcing of raw materials used for the products and packaging; the production and manufacturing of the products and packaging; transportation and distribution of finished products; and the end-of-life disposal of the packaging.  While the impacts associated with customer use and disposal of the formula were examined, these findings were not included in the final LCA results. The LCA specifically examined how these changes impact energy and water use, two areas that have been the primary focus of Pureology’s sustainability efforts.


Overall, the LCA demonstrated that the improvements Pureology made to its Hydrate Shampoo and Hair Conditioner packaging are resulting in less energy and water use:
- Energy Use:
o  33% decrease in energy use during the packaging production and transportation life cycle phases for Hydrate Shampoo

o  42% decrease in energy use for Hydrate Conditioner over the same life cycle phases

-Water Use:
o  37% reduction in water use during the packaging production and transportation life cycle phases for Hydrate Shampoo

o  38% decrease in water use for the Hydrate Conditioner during the same life cycle phases.

“From our LCA, we discovered that the greatest environmental impact involves the volume of water used by consumers during showering, assuming they are shampooing and conditioning their hair in the shower, and the energy used to heat the water – 99% of the water used during the lifetime of a bottle of Hydrate Shampoo or Conditioner occurs during the use phase,” adds Kalyani.  “While we are working to reduce our own water usage, we will continue to actively work with Global Green USA to educate consumers about water use and conservation.”

-         Limit your time in the shower

-         Run only full loads in washing machines and choose an energy efficient model

-         Fix leaky faucets and toilets immediately.  A small leak from a faucet can waste 50 gallons of water a day; a leaky toilet 260 gallons a day.

-         Install high efficiency faucets and toilets. Fitting low-flow attachments to faucets can save a massive 70% of water when washing hair!


To learn more about Pureology products, sustainability efforts, or to locate a salon, please visit Pureology.com.

European Blowout Explained

New York, NY: Frank Barbosa, co-owner of Frank Antonio Hair and Makeup (Newport, RI) and top theatre and film stylist (Ragtime, Mamma Mia, Lion King, Bride Wars, Sex and the City) is bringing back the European Blowout – and his clients can’t get enough!

“They’ve been doing this type of blowout in Greece and Germany for years, it’s a fast and easy way to achieve smooth bouncy volume quickly, so it’s great on set, as well as for salon clients,” explains Barbosa.

European Blowout
·       Apply a gel or lotion to towel dried hair to reduce frizz and add hold (try Rene Furterer Vegetal Styling Straightening Gel or Redken pure force 16 non-aerosol fixing spray)
·       Section hair  - the more sections, the more brushes needed. The average European Blowout uses around 12 brushes. 
·       Brush each section up and over direct it with a Sam Villa Signature Series Round or Oval Brush. Wrap each section around the brush rolling away from the face, leaving the brush in (securing like a Velcro roller set).
·       Continue around head until each section is wrapped in a brush.
·       Blow dry until dry
·       Let cool
·       Take brushes out and style as usual

NOTE: If pressed for time, stretch-dry each section ¾ of the way and leave the brush in.  Continue around the head until each section is wrapped and complete the drying process with a Sam Vila E-T.C. Light Blow Dryer or under a head dryer. Let cool, take brushes out and style as usual.

“I have two sets of Sam Villa bamboo brushes - since they’re made of bamboo, they’re perfect for European Blowouts because they are so light.  It takes confidence to leave 12 brushes in a client’s head, you want to make sure they are comfortable and a lighter brush makes a big difference,” adds Barbosa.

Sam Villa Signature Series Brushes are made of bamboo for added strength, durability and ecology. Bamboo is strong, light, sustainable, chemical free and biodegradable. Sam Villa Signature Series products are available at The Redken Gallerie.  Learn more about Sam Villa by visiting www.samvilla.com .

Little Green Conditioning Hair Detangler

Okay, so this is made for kids, hence Little Green Kids (baby products as well).
But it's made with great stuff & is hypoallergenic & works like crazy.
A couple of sprays, and I was good to comb my thick mess of hair without pain.
I even skipped conditioner & used this instead.
My cousin uses it on her toddler & 12-year-old with equal success.
Total score for the whole family!

Pureology helps treated hair and treatment for cancer

Great hair care, great cause!
Pureology is proud to announce its’ support in the fight against breast cancer with a limited edition promotion which includes Pureology PureVolume Shampoo, Hair Condition and Blow Dry Amplifier. It retails for $39 and is currently available in participating salons nationwide! In conjunction with this limited edition promotion, Pureology will make a $20,000 donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® in support of their mission to end breast cancer forever.

Ecru Hair Care

There is nothing like the experience of a great hair salon. I love the stunning sights, the soothing smells, the relaxation found from having my locks treated well, and that one of a kind, pampered feeling at the end of it all.  I find that very few hair products give me an authentic just-left-the-salon feeling. Ecru is one of those few. I sampled a few items recently and would boast them as must-haves for the salon treatment lover!!


*Ecru Luxe Treatment Shampoo: This cleanse provides one of the richest lathers I have ever experienced.
*Protective Silk Conditioner: This particular conditioner could not have a more fitting name, as my hair instantly feels both strong as smooth, upon application.
*Volumizing Silk Mist: This spritz serves as a detangler and strengthener, adding just another layer of protection and texture. 

Sam Villa Paddle Brush

Go to Samvilla.com and buy this brush!

Loving the comfortable handle, rounded-tip bristles, and that it gets through my hair without any major snags or injuries!

Firm, but not harsh. Sturdy, yet elegant.

Plus, looks fantastic-- no plastic mess.

Sam Villa SLEEKR Thermo Tool

Thermal Tool is fancy-speak for "gets hot."

The SLEEKR flat iron from Sam Villa is, in a word, AWESOME!!!

I love, love, love it!!!

Ceramic plates, light, comfortable, three heat levels. incredible smoothing power.

The narrow plates and beveled edges even let me turn my hair under! This could be the thing that pushes me full-on into being a high-maintenance-type girl, except that it is super easy to use. The 1st time I used it, I straightened my whole mass of hair in about 10 minutes. It even smooths the hair in the back of my head, which has a tendency to stick straight out.

Thank you, Sam Villa. I think you are a genius.

Paul Mitchell® Pro Tools™-- Express Ion Dry® v.2

http://www.paulmitchell.com/Products/PaulMichell_ProTools/Pages/ExpressIonDryv2.aspxThe King is here!

Okay, I am not much of a hair person. I rarely muss, mostly just comb when wet... I'm lazy, what can I say?

I have tried hair dryers--they take too long, my arms get tired, & my head gets too hot.

Going in with this, I did not have high hopes for the Express Ion Dry v. 2.

But then, HOLY WOW!!!

Lightweight, fast, and with a cold shot-- this dryer blew me away (pun intended).

My hair wasn't fried or frizzy, and I had no water dripping down my back.

I still am not a daily dryer (I'd have to wake up even earlier--not a pretty thought), but I recommend it to all the daily dryers!!! I use it when I am going out or doing something important.

I think I might be further converted by the EID v.2;)

It is the only hair dryer I have ever loved.

Blow

Mane Tame Soft Pomade

This finishing creme purpose in life eludes me. I was hoping it would add shine and a bit of light control. What I got was an undesirable increase in the waviness and a halo of soft frizz. I have medium hair with a big natural wave, that I tame daily with a flat iron. This product defeated all of those efforts. I also found it to be a tad greasy.

Beach Blow

If you are looking to re-create Darryl Hannah's 'do in Splash, this product will get you there! On my hair, it brought out relaxed waves and gave it a beachy, saltwater crunchiness. If my hair were just a bit longer, I'd put down the flat iron, spritz on Beach Blow, and embrace the Carrie Bradshaw Hampton's look.

Redken contest for BLONDES!

This may be that one time that Blondes do have more fun...

Redken has a NEW Hair Files how-to video:

The Ultimate Blonde starring David Stanko and Rodney Cutler

David explains how to treat and maintain color-treated blonde hair, and recommends at-home maintenance with the Blonde Glam collection while Rodney teaches consumers who to create a shiny, wavy look using a curling iron.

CONTEST:

Comment with your favorite Blonde-tip and you could win the following REDKEN products:

· Blonde Glam haircare line

· Extreme Iron Repair

· spray starch 15 versatile ironing spray

· outshine 01 anti-frizz polishing milk

· quick dry 18 instant finishing spray

The winner has been picked! Thanks!

Sebastian Trilliant

Trilliant is brilliant!

Keeps hair from frizzing out--a BIG deal in Michigan summers--and adds shine and dimension.

There's mica in it!

I love it & recommend it highly.

Just mist a little into your hands & work through your (damp) hair.

If you are a pro-sprayer, you could spritz directly onto your hair, but I am not that advanced.

Light, beachy scent.

Hey Curly! Work those spirals & win!

Go to Ouidad, enter the ‘If these Curls could Talk’ contest and they could win a trip to NYC and a makeover with Ouidad herself!