3.30.2010
Coconut Uses for Hair
I love coconut oil for my hair. When I first started my quest to obtaining healthy looking hair coconut oil was one of the first oils I came across and it hasn't been failed me yet. I know a lot of people don't exactly share my love for coconut oil but that's okay it's still number 1 in my heart.
Here are my top 3 ways I use coconut oil in my hair:
1. Alone as a shine booster.
2. Mixed into a deep conditioner for an extra added boost of moisture and shine
3. Alone as a pre-shampoo treatment, usually with a little added steam.
3.29.2010
Elasta QP Deep Penetrating Remoisturizing Conditioner
Within my goodie package from Elasta QP was Elasta QP DPR-11+. My favorite type of hair product is conditioners, the deeper the better, so when I was reading the product description of Elasta QP DPR-11+ I just knew it was going to be fantastic.
Product Description: Vitamin-rich, DPR-11+ is a deep penetrating remoisturizing conditioner with 11+ plant extracts, organic oils and vitamins. Moisturizing conditioners renew hair strength and elasticity leaving hair feeling like silk. Contains 11 conditioning botanicals including Peach Blossom oil and Vitamin E, Penetrates inner hair fibers to surge nutrients to moisture depleted hair, Perfect hair repair treatment when combined with Elasta QP Protein Supplement.
AHS Thoughts: I had such high hopes for this conditioner and yet it didn't do much for my hair. The consistancy is super thick and coats extremely well. I've had regular conditioners (not labeled deep) moisturize my hair more than this conditioner. From what I've read this conditioner has been reformulated and now contains Petrolatum as the second ingredient. The scent is a light peachy smell that doesn't actual linger.
Availability: Elasta QP DPR-11 is only $6.00 on Elastaqp.com
3.27.2010
Beauty Break: Pretty Woman Perfume
All my female readers say this with me: "I'm a Pretty Woman!" All my male readers, read the rest of this carefully because you should buy it for the Pretty Woman in your life. I recently sniffed a scent called Pretty Woman and it blew my mind. Pretty Woman is my new signature scent and I've been receiving compliments left and right because of it.
Product Description: Like the notes of a song, the notes of Pretty Woman Perfume open to reveal a complex melody of florals, spices and woods. Its crisp, luminous bergamot top note evolves to reveal a full, vivacious middle note accord of stargazer lily, red rose and carnation. The fragrance’s base note accord of fresh amber, patchouli, vanilla, atlas cedar and sacred incense combine with a lingering everlasting warmth and harmony.
My Thoughts: One sniff and I was hooked even for $80.00 for just 1.7oz ... yup guys it's that serious! The scent is so unique and different, it's the best scent I've sniffed in a super long time. It's light enough to avoid that "I just stepped out of my perfume bottle" smell but strong enough to be caught in the wind by someone within arms reach.
Availability: PrettyWomanPerfume.com
3.26.2010
Profectiv Mega Growth Conditioner
I use chemicals in my hair and I use heat in my hair, so I'm always using deep conditioners. Deep conditioning is a staple part of my weekly hair care regimen. It's a step that I never ever skip, I might cut down the amount of time I deep condition for but I never ever skip it. I also hardly ever use the same deep conditioner back to back, that's not to say I don't have my favorite because I certainly do but how would I ever keep you guys updated on all the different deep conditioners available if I didn't test different varieties like it's my J-O-B? The newest deep conditioner to soak into my strands? Strength Of Nature - Profectiv Mega Growth - Deep Strengthening Growth Conditioner.
Product Description: Protects, restores, repairs & rebuilds fragile, damaged hair for healthier hair growth. Fortified with Pro-Growth Complex - a deep penetrating blend of natural minerals, oils, and proteins. MegaGrowth strengthens hair from the inside out to promote stronger, longer, healthier hair. Excellent for deep repair of damage caused from chemical overprocessing, heat styling, over-styling stress and dryness. Stops breakage. Promotes Healthy Growth. Boosts Hi-Shine
AHS Thoughts: I'm fond of conditioners that are thick and lush and this conditioner is just that. Once applied to my hair, it felt soft and conditioned immediately but of course I slapped on my plastic cap and went to sit under my hooded dryer for a while. The scent is not worth noting but it's nothing terrible. The ingredients leave much to be desired, or should I say much to be undesired like mineral oil, petrolatum, parabens, and cones. If the ingredient list were better I would highly recommend this conditioner because it actually does condition your hair and really aids with detangling. Plus, my hair felt like it already had a leave-in applied after only towel drying a little.
Keep Reading for the entire ingredient list
Product Description: Protects, restores, repairs & rebuilds fragile, damaged hair for healthier hair growth. Fortified with Pro-Growth Complex - a deep penetrating blend of natural minerals, oils, and proteins. MegaGrowth strengthens hair from the inside out to promote stronger, longer, healthier hair. Excellent for deep repair of damage caused from chemical overprocessing, heat styling, over-styling stress and dryness. Stops breakage. Promotes Healthy Growth. Boosts Hi-Shine
AHS Thoughts: I'm fond of conditioners that are thick and lush and this conditioner is just that. Once applied to my hair, it felt soft and conditioned immediately but of course I slapped on my plastic cap and went to sit under my hooded dryer for a while. The scent is not worth noting but it's nothing terrible. The ingredients leave much to be desired, or should I say much to be undesired like mineral oil, petrolatum, parabens, and cones. If the ingredient list were better I would highly recommend this conditioner because it actually does condition your hair and really aids with detangling. Plus, my hair felt like it already had a leave-in applied after only towel drying a little.
Keep Reading for the entire ingredient list
3.25.2010
Sulfate, Paraben, SLS, Silicon Free Shampoo Wanted!
Some of us Anti Hair Slaves are always eyeing up ingredients and looking for the most natural products available. I have to say since I've embarked on this quest to achieving healthy hair I've noticed how my hair reacts to certain products and one that my hair and scalp doesn't like is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, an ingredient commonly found in shampoos.
Other ingredients that people seem to avoid include parabens, phthalates, artificial colors, petroleum, and silicones. Guess what ladies?!? I've found a shampoo that has none of those ingredients, in fact it's 100% vegan, wheat and gluten free plus it can be found at your local drugstores and supermarkets.
Keep reading to find out what shampoo it is!
Other ingredients that people seem to avoid include parabens, phthalates, artificial colors, petroleum, and silicones. Guess what ladies?!? I've found a shampoo that has none of those ingredients, in fact it's 100% vegan, wheat and gluten free plus it can be found at your local drugstores and supermarkets.
Keep reading to find out what shampoo it is!
3.24.2010
Bun Mini Challenge
I'm opting to start damp bunning to protect my ends and keep my hair better moisturized. So for two weeks straight, I'll be rocking a bun. I'm co-washing every other to every three days, allowing my hair to dry about 50% then I'll slick it all back into a bun. I'll be using a variety of different leave-in sprays on my ends to keep them moist but the front runner will be Oyin Juices & Berries.
The hardest part for me is to keep my edges slick and in place, but I think I've found a solution!
The hardest part for me is to keep my edges slick and in place, but I think I've found a solution!
It's a mixture (you know I love my mixes) of AG Hair Cosmetics Fast Food leave in conditioner and Elasta QP Glaze
conditioning shining gel. I mix it up real good in my hands and then apply it to my edges to moisturize that area, slick it down, and hold it in place.
Products I'll be using and where you can find them cheaply:
Oyin Juices & Berries, $11.00 OyinHandMade.com (FYI buy straight from the source for the cheapest price)
AG Hair Cosmetics Fast Food Leave In, $14.45 Amazon.com
Elasta QP Glaze, $4.29 Amazon.com
3.23.2010
Redken Extreme Deep Fuel
Product Description: Durable strengthening treatment helps restore very distressed hair back to its natural, healthy state. After 5 single treatments, hair is up to 3 times stronger compared to an ordinary shampoo alone in lab brushing tests. Provides long-term conditioning and repair that lasts up to eight shampoos.
My Thoughts: I absolutely love this product, it's perfect for use after any chemical service whether it's a relax or color. But don't think it's just for chemically treated hair, it'll work wonders for any type of hair that could use a little extra TLC. No real noticable scent, but you can feel the difference after you leave this on for about 30 minutes and rinse, my hair feels softer and seems stronger. This is my favorite protein treatment for my hair.
Deal Spotter: Amazon.com
3.22.2010
Giveaway: Give Split Ends the Boot
I'll be the very first to say, split ends cannot be saved or "repaired" but I am also a firm believer that they can very well be avoided. One of my favorite serums to use on my ends is AG Hair Cosmetics Split End Spa Repair and now I'll be giving away a bottle to two lucky reader!
Product Description: Rejuvenate tired strands and delight damaged locks with this sweet treat. AG Split End Spa Repair Serum is the secret to soft hair, ease-free blow drying and long lasting style, loaded with a potent blend of herbal extracts, meadowfoam, sunflower seed extract and AG’s color and radiance enhancing complex. Show hair some love and reward it with a spa treatment it will never forget with AG Split End Spa Repair Serum.
Product Tip: Cut off all split ends and then start using this serum to keep them healthy!
For product ingredients keep on reading, ladies!
Product Description: Rejuvenate tired strands and delight damaged locks with this sweet treat. AG Split End Spa Repair Serum is the secret to soft hair, ease-free blow drying and long lasting style, loaded with a potent blend of herbal extracts, meadowfoam, sunflower seed extract and AG’s color and radiance enhancing complex. Show hair some love and reward it with a spa treatment it will never forget with AG Split End Spa Repair Serum.
Product Tip: Cut off all split ends and then start using this serum to keep them healthy!
For product ingredients keep on reading, ladies!
Rock the Look: Michelle Williams
Love it or Hate it - Michelle Williams has a funky new 'do that is attraction a ton of attention. Kimmi Hendrix created a strong statement style to separate her from the Michelle of the yester years Destiny's Child.
Get The Look:
1. Shampoo hair with White Sands Vegan Moisturizing Shampoo to infuse vital moisture back into each strand.
2. Follow up with White Sands Vegan Moisturizing Conditioner and leave on for 5-10 minutes. As a medium bodifier, this light weight formula will maintain an incredible moisture balance, body, and shine, while conditioning.
3. Rinse thoroughly and air dry for maximum fullness. Need a quick styling fix? Ruff drying using your hands to direct hair and create volume is the perfect alternative.
4. Apply a cocktail of your favorite leave in thermal protectant and styling agents massaging throughout hair from roots to ends.
5. Lightly mist entire head of hair with a soft to medium hold hairspray like IT&LY Hairfashion's Purity Design Pure Hair Eco with Vitamin B5 tocreate a smooth shine.
6. Use the H2pro 1² Presto Flat Iron to straighten small subsections in direction needed.
7. Finish with IT&LY Hairfashion's Purity Design Pure Definition Paste to define ends and provide a flexible, shiny hold.
3.21.2010
Beauty Break: Steam the Face
Ever since getting my hair steamer I've been enjoying the many benefits of steam. Up next? Steam for the face, nothing too crazy and it's completely free. All I do is use the power of the steam from my regular showers to amp up my facial cleanser. What cleanser, you ask? Biore Steam Activated Cleanser.
Product Description: Enliven your daily cleansing cleansing with the energizing effects of Biore Steam Activated Clearnser, a revitalizing formula that transforms a ho-hum shower into an invigorating, multi-sensory experience. The gel facial cleanser harnesses the power of steam in your shower to deliver a pore-clearing deep clean, recharging your average morning routine while detoxifying your skin.
AHS Thoughts: I'm on a bit of a strict skin care regimen from my dermatologist, but I've added in this new Biore product because it's soap-free, paraben-free and non-pore clogging. I use this cleanser after my shift at the hospital to totally deep clean my skin, I want every trace of the hospital gone from my skin before I hit my pillow. This cleanser is looks like a gel, but turns into a thick and lush foam that thorough cleanses my face without stripping it and drying me out. I'm not totally sure the steam from the shower actually amps up the cleansing but my skin loves it!
Availability: Drugstores and supermarkets around your way for about $8
Product Description: Enliven your daily cleansing cleansing with the energizing effects of Biore Steam Activated Clearnser, a revitalizing formula that transforms a ho-hum shower into an invigorating, multi-sensory experience. The gel facial cleanser harnesses the power of steam in your shower to deliver a pore-clearing deep clean, recharging your average morning routine while detoxifying your skin.
AHS Thoughts: I'm on a bit of a strict skin care regimen from my dermatologist, but I've added in this new Biore product because it's soap-free, paraben-free and non-pore clogging. I use this cleanser after my shift at the hospital to totally deep clean my skin, I want every trace of the hospital gone from my skin before I hit my pillow. This cleanser is looks like a gel, but turns into a thick and lush foam that thorough cleanses my face without stripping it and drying me out. I'm not totally sure the steam from the shower actually amps up the cleansing but my skin loves it!
Availability: Drugstores and supermarkets around your way for about $8
3.19.2010
What is Damp Bunning
What is Damp Bunning? Damp bunning is when you put your damp hair in a bun! Simple as that.
Why Damp Bun? Damp bunning is a process that is done to help keep the ends of your hair moist. Keeping moisture in type 3-4 hair is super important because it's when hair is lacking moisture that it begins to break.
How to Damp Bun? After washing, conditioning, and deep conditioning allow your hair to dry partially and then put your damp hair in a bun. Another way you could damp bun is to spritz your ends with moisturizer and add some conditioner to the ends and then just throw it up in a bun.
Why Damp Bun? Damp bunning is a process that is done to help keep the ends of your hair moist. Keeping moisture in type 3-4 hair is super important because it's when hair is lacking moisture that it begins to break.
How to Damp Bun? After washing, conditioning, and deep conditioning allow your hair to dry partially and then put your damp hair in a bun. Another way you could damp bun is to spritz your ends with moisturizer and add some conditioner to the ends and then just throw it up in a bun.
3.18.2010
What is a Pre-Poo
What is a Pre-Poo? Pre-Poo is a shortened term for Pre-Shampoo. Very simply put, pre-pooing is the process of treating your hair before you shampoo. A Pre-poo is not to be confused with deep conditioning which is normally done after shampooing, pre-poo is a completely separate thing and just because you pre-poo doesn't mean you should skip the deep conditioner.
Why Pre-Poo? The benefits of pre-pooing include increase shine, easier detangling, increased moisturizing and strength. Also, if you use a drying shampoo (something full of sulfates) a pre-poo can sort of prep your hair and help it stand up the shampoo, which means it will be less likely to feel squeaky clean and stripped of all it's moisture.
What should I use? I like to use coconut oil and steam or my favorite conditioner plus steam. You can basically use whatever you want.
Why Pre-Poo? The benefits of pre-pooing include increase shine, easier detangling, increased moisturizing and strength. Also, if you use a drying shampoo (something full of sulfates) a pre-poo can sort of prep your hair and help it stand up the shampoo, which means it will be less likely to feel squeaky clean and stripped of all it's moisture.
What should I use? I like to use coconut oil and steam or my favorite conditioner plus steam. You can basically use whatever you want.
3.17.2010
Shu Uemura Art of Hair’s Essence Absolue
The newest mainstream thing seems to be to call a serum an oil. For my readers, you would know the difference between an oil and serum instantly, the feel on your fingers, the way it feels in your hair, etc. Shu Uemura Art of Hair's Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil is called an oil but I'm sticking it into the serum category. Even still Essence Absolue is awesome! The scent is heavenly due to the fragrance of camellia petal and it adds amazing amounts of shine to my hair. Perfect for use during blow-drying to add shine and hold down some flyaways.
Now I'll skip to the downside, it's super pricey at $65.00 if you have to money then why not, but if not there are other products out there for less money that will give you comparable results.
Availability: ShuUemuraArtofHair.com
Now I'll skip to the downside, it's super pricey at $65.00 if you have to money then why not, but if not there are other products out there for less money that will give you comparable results.
Availability: ShuUemuraArtofHair.com
3.16.2010
Food & Hair Connection: Tomatoes
Expert nutritionist, Paula Simpson says antioxidant compounds found in tomatoes and similar fruits and veggies fight damage caused by free radicals which makes the skin look younger and more radiant. With that being said eat up some tomatoes!
Or you can try your hand a tomato laden beauty products!
Davines Conditioner, NouNou Illluminating with Tomato Extract for Colour Treated Hair - Davines NOUNOU Illuminating Cream Conditioner from Italy is for treated and colored hair. This conditioner gives exceptional moisturizing and revitalizing action that, thanks to the exceptional moisturizing power of its components, acts selectively in response to the specific needs of moisturizing. The addition of Tomato Extract protects hair from free radicals as it works synergistically with Rhizobian Gum to maintain hair color’s vibrancy by selectively releasing moisturizers according to your hair’s needs. Davines Nounou Conditioner will illuminate your color treated hair leaving it rich, vibrant and full of life and body.
Deal Spotter: Folica.com for $19.99
Yes to Tomatoes Tremendous Tomato Daily Volumizing Conditioner - Your hair and scalp need hydration as much as the rest of your body! Our Tremendous Tomato Daily Volumizing Conditioner is enriched with Dead Sea Minerals and Lycopene (from organic tomatoes) to revitalize your hair. This delicious conditioner will enhance your hair’s natural body and shine.
Deal Spotter: DrugStore.com for $8.99
Or you can try your hand a tomato laden beauty products!
Davines Conditioner, NouNou Illluminating with Tomato Extract for Colour Treated Hair - Davines NOUNOU Illuminating Cream Conditioner from Italy is for treated and colored hair. This conditioner gives exceptional moisturizing and revitalizing action that, thanks to the exceptional moisturizing power of its components, acts selectively in response to the specific needs of moisturizing. The addition of Tomato Extract protects hair from free radicals as it works synergistically with Rhizobian Gum to maintain hair color’s vibrancy by selectively releasing moisturizers according to your hair’s needs. Davines Nounou Conditioner will illuminate your color treated hair leaving it rich, vibrant and full of life and body.
Deal Spotter: Folica.com for $19.99
Yes to Tomatoes Tremendous Tomato Daily Volumizing Conditioner - Your hair and scalp need hydration as much as the rest of your body! Our Tremendous Tomato Daily Volumizing Conditioner is enriched with Dead Sea Minerals and Lycopene (from organic tomatoes) to revitalize your hair. This delicious conditioner will enhance your hair’s natural body and shine.
Deal Spotter: DrugStore.com for $8.99
3.15.2010
Rapid Repair for Rapid Relief
Throughout the month of March, Alterna will donate $2.00 from every bottle of Caviar Anti-Aging Rapid Repair and Hemp with Organics Spray Shine to the American Red Cross for Haiti Relief.
Working exclusively with online retail partners Beauty.com, Dermstore.com, SkinStore.com and Glow.com, Alterna will offer limited edition bottles of these two hero products that are 30% larger (and filled with more product) at the regular retail price to provide even more incentive to purchase these amazing products and help repair Haiti.
While supplies last, Alterna will make a donation of $2.00 for every bottle of Caviar Anti-Aging Rapid Repair and Hemp with Organics Spray Shine sold during the month of March through these partnering websites. Alterna Haircare products are specifically formulated to revive damaged hair, and now through the purchase of its Rapid Repair and Spray Shine, Alterna can help repair a country in need as well.
Alterna Caviar Rapid Repair Spray retails for $28.00 and Hemp with Organics Spray Shine is available for $20.00. For more information visit Beauty.com, Dermstore.com, Skinstore.com, and Glow.com, or please call 1-888-4-ALTERNA or visit www.alternahaircare.com.
Working exclusively with online retail partners Beauty.com, Dermstore.com, SkinStore.com and Glow.com, Alterna will offer limited edition bottles of these two hero products that are 30% larger (and filled with more product) at the regular retail price to provide even more incentive to purchase these amazing products and help repair Haiti.
While supplies last, Alterna will make a donation of $2.00 for every bottle of Caviar Anti-Aging Rapid Repair and Hemp with Organics Spray Shine sold during the month of March through these partnering websites. Alterna Haircare products are specifically formulated to revive damaged hair, and now through the purchase of its Rapid Repair and Spray Shine, Alterna can help repair a country in need as well.
Alterna Caviar Rapid Repair Spray retails for $28.00 and Hemp with Organics Spray Shine is available for $20.00. For more information visit Beauty.com, Dermstore.com, Skinstore.com, and Glow.com, or please call 1-888-4-ALTERNA or visit www.alternahaircare.com.
3.11.2010
Mizani Butter Blend Relaxer Review
(Mizani Butter Blends Relaxer, $14.90 Amazon.com
)
My most recent relaxer was on Feb. 22nd. I decided to self relax because I did not feel like my scalp being abused after my relaxer with a blowdryer. I followed my normal relaxer prep (click the link to see how to do it) and proceeded to relax my hair. I alloted myself the whole entire afternoon and I had nothing to do in the evening either, so basically I devoted the entire day to pampering my hair. The Mizani Butter Blend relaxer
I experienced no burning, no irritation, and no adverse effects. In fact, the most I've ever sustained as the result of a relaxer is sore area with no actual open skin and that's part of the reason why I still relax my hair to this day. Moving right along, after my relaxer I used a neutralizing shampoo I had left over from another relaxer kit (I save them and they always tend to come in handy) because even though this relaxer is pricer it doesn't come with anything, just the relaxer itself. After I thoroughly shampooed my hair with the neutralizing shampoo, I moved right along to my Aphogee shampoo for damaged hair
Those looking for pics expect length updates in April.
3.10.2010
Beauty Break: GoSmile Sale
I'm a huge fan on GoSmile Touch Ups and now they are on sale at Hautelook.com! I just scored GO SMiLE Mint Touch Up Compact at 52% off at a price of $14.00
HauteLook.com is an invite only sample sale site, click the link above for your own invite to order!
HauteLook.com is an invite only sample sale site, click the link above for your own invite to order!
Little Girls - Grown Hairstyles
Elasta QP Soy Oyl Conditioner
Not to long ago I talked about some of the benefits of soy in both your diet and your beauty regimen. Thanks to the great folks over at Elasta QP I was able to try another product containing soy, Elasta QP Soy OYL Anti-Breakage Moisture Rich Deep Conditioner. Lately, I've been totally bad, after I relaxed my hair using Mizani Butter Blends I've been loving the sleekness of my hair so much that I've wore my hair heat styled for 2 weeks in a row! So when I received the Elasta QP goodie package with the new conditioner in it, I just had to try it out.
Product Description: ElastaQP presents Soy Oyl Protein + Vitamins! The SUPERIOR Organic Oil - Richer in protein, vitamins and Omega 3 & 6, Organic Soy Oyl infuses natural moisturizers and conditioners deep into hair to help restore strength, manageability and shine. UltraHydrating Soy contains 5 times more Omega 3 & 6 than Olive Oil for healthy hair growth and superior anti-dryness protection. Vitamin-rich Soy Protein penetrates faster and deeper into hair for the maximum protection against breakage, split-ends and dryness.
AHS Thoughts: The package is super big which I love because I use tons and tons of conditioner. I really like to scoop it out and glop it on real good, no dime sized amounts here. The consistancy reminds me of a mix between jello and mousse and the slip was almost instant, the scent is okay not fantastic but hardly even noticable. I conditioned for only 15 minutes under traditional heat and got amazing results. My hair felt totally conditioned, very soft, and it was super easy to detangle and comb through the entire length of my hair with my jilbere shower comb. Although, the label says organic oil please note that the second ingredient is mineral oil (insert the sound of teeth sucking). But regardless of whether the conditioner has mineral oil or not, I still really liked the end results.
Availability: Although I haven't seen this in my local BSS yet, it might be in yours or at the very least coming soon for about $7 to $9 dollars for the big one (32oz.) Check Elastaqp.com for more info
Ingredient Junkies: Keep Reading for the goods.
Product Description: ElastaQP presents Soy Oyl Protein + Vitamins! The SUPERIOR Organic Oil - Richer in protein, vitamins and Omega 3 & 6, Organic Soy Oyl infuses natural moisturizers and conditioners deep into hair to help restore strength, manageability and shine. UltraHydrating Soy contains 5 times more Omega 3 & 6 than Olive Oil for healthy hair growth and superior anti-dryness protection. Vitamin-rich Soy Protein penetrates faster and deeper into hair for the maximum protection against breakage, split-ends and dryness.
AHS Thoughts: The package is super big which I love because I use tons and tons of conditioner. I really like to scoop it out and glop it on real good, no dime sized amounts here. The consistancy reminds me of a mix between jello and mousse and the slip was almost instant, the scent is okay not fantastic but hardly even noticable. I conditioned for only 15 minutes under traditional heat and got amazing results. My hair felt totally conditioned, very soft, and it was super easy to detangle and comb through the entire length of my hair with my jilbere shower comb. Although, the label says organic oil please note that the second ingredient is mineral oil (insert the sound of teeth sucking). But regardless of whether the conditioner has mineral oil or not, I still really liked the end results.
Availability: Although I haven't seen this in my local BSS yet, it might be in yours or at the very least coming soon for about $7 to $9 dollars for the big one (32oz.) Check Elastaqp.com for more info
Ingredient Junkies: Keep Reading for the goods.
3.09.2010
Monster Heat Tool
I'm always on the hunt for new hair toys and I came across the H2pro Presto Flat Iron. The amount of heat this uses scares me. It features a turbo trigger to "cut styling time and simultaneously seal in moisture" by get this - reaching "450°F in a matter of seconds as the turbo trigger releases a burst of extra heat, ideal for stubborn, coarse, and thick hair in need of enhanced styling power." I wouldn't even use this type of heat to iron a shirt let alone let it get anywhere near my hair, can you even imagine? My hair would burn and break off! Plus, it's ideal for "subborn, coarse, thick" hair how can that be, when that hair type is generally more vulnerable to damage?
Messy Updos as seen at the Oscars
Zoe Saldana rocked the red carpet at the Oscars with a awesome messy updo that I will actually be trying to recreate sooner than later so I decided to share the how-to.
Step 1: To create this look, the base is critical. Let 70% of the hair air dry and apply Oscar Blandi Volumizing Spray ($18) from roots to end. Flip the hair upside-down and blow-dry on low mild heat.
Step 2: Secure all the hair at the nape of the neck with an elastic, using your fingers as a comb to separate the hair for a natural pulled back effect. Wrap individual hair sections around the ponytail and secure with hair pins for a undone chignon. Step 3: Lightly pull out hair around the hairline to create a tussled loose frame around the face.
Step 4: Finish with Oscar Blandi Lacca Hairspray ($23) for shine and a flexible hold.
Other stars had similar 'do that can be recreated by following these same steps. Check them out and let me know who's your favorite!
Jennifer Lopez

Faith Hill
Sarah Jessica Parker
Penelope Cruz
Wedding 'Do Idea: Kate Bosworth @ the Oscars
I totally wasn't even planning on overing the Oscar's hairstyles this time around, I'm not quite sure you guys (my readers) love it. But when I saw Kate Bosworth's 'do in pictures I couldn't help but think it would make an awesome hairdo for a wedding whether you're in it or attending.
Create her look from home with these easy to follow, DIY tips from Laini Reeves, owner and creative director of Essensuals London:
Step 1: Begin with damp hair. Laini used Shu Uemura Art of Hair Essence Absolue on Kate's hair before blowdrying, a weightless formula that helps to smooth the hair and give amazing shine.
Step 2: Part the hair to one side and blowdry hair in the opposite direction to the way it sits naturally. Once dry, push the hair back to the other side to make a lifted, sweeping part.
Step 3: Pull all the the hair to the back of the head and secure in a side pony tail at the nape of the neck. Make sure the pony tail is loose and baggy to ensure a soft, modern look.
Step 4: Take the end of the pony tail and roll upwards and under itself. Secure the the ends under the band with pins.
Step 5: Finish with a light holding spray such as Shu Uemura Art of Hair Sheer Lacquer.
3.08.2010
Creme of Nature Pro Treatment - Hair Closet Review
In the world of black hair care products, Creme of Nature is royalty. Those white and green bottles were iconic and when the company switched everything up people were seriously shocked, then rushed out to get as many of the bottles that they could find. All the hysteria was pre-mature because the newly formulated products are just as great. One of my favorites from the Creme of Nature line is the conditioner.
Creme of Nature Professional Nourishing & Strengthening Treatment - This conditioner is enriched with jojoba, olive, and coconut oils plus shea and cocoa butters. As soon as you apply this conditioner your hair feels super smooth and soft. I apply it to my hair and leave it on for about 20 minutes to ensure it's coated and sunk into all my hair strands, the end results? Soft, strong, healthy hair.
Available on Amazon.com
3.05.2010
Spring 2010 Hair Trends: Romantic Updo
Diego Binetti’s Spring 2010 Collection screams romance. To develop the imperfectly perfect Grecian-inspired updo, Sebastian Professional lead stylist Thomas Dunkin adds a touch of disarray to structured braids for a modern twist. The asymmetrical pattern and haphazard positioning of the braids represents unique individualism and carefree youth.
Rock The Look:
• Apply Sebastian Professional Thickefy Foam to damp hair; blend evenly throughout.
• Blow hair out straight with a medium to large-sized round brush, spray hair with flexible hairspray for added texture; section hair, and set with large velcro rollers.
• Take out pins, apply Microweb Fiber to hair, focusing most of the distribution towards the top of the head for lift and malleable texture. Clip top half of hair aside.
• French braid bottom half of hair starting behind left ear. Pull down top half of hair and pin pieces into french braid updo for playful positioning. Finish look with Shine Define for shiny finish and lasting hold.
3.04.2010
Spring 2010 Hair Trends: 40's Inspired Faux Bob
Costello Tagliapietra’s Spring 2010 beauty look is a seamless combination of elegance, youthfulness, natural beauty and romance. The hair, both feminine and fresh, is loosely inspired by the traditional roll style from the ’40s with soft curls that sit just above the shoulder.
To put a modern twist on a ’40s staple, Sebastian Professional lead stylist Thomas Dunkin recommends a method of building texture and shape with techniques that keep the hair looking soft, romantic and not too “done.” Finish with an elastic touchable texturizer or flexible shine spray to create a look that’s elegant yet playful.
Rock the Look:
• Apply Sebastian Professional Texturizer
to damp hair; distribute evenly throughout.
• Blow hair out straight with a medium to large-sized round brush
.
• Spray hair with a flexible hairspray for added texture, section hair, curl it with a medium-sized barrel curling iron and set.
• Take out pins, gently brush out the curls and then roll hair under, section by section, fastening it under at the neck with bobby pins.
• Apply Microweb Fiber
to hands and gently work through the front of the hair to create an imperfect, lived-in effect. Finish by misting with a strong-hold hairspray.
To put a modern twist on a ’40s staple, Sebastian Professional lead stylist Thomas Dunkin recommends a method of building texture and shape with techniques that keep the hair looking soft, romantic and not too “done.” Finish with an elastic touchable texturizer or flexible shine spray to create a look that’s elegant yet playful.
Rock the Look:
• Apply Sebastian Professional Texturizer
• Blow hair out straight with a medium to large-sized round brush
• Spray hair with a flexible hairspray for added texture, section hair, curl it with a medium-sized barrel curling iron and set.
• Take out pins, gently brush out the curls and then roll hair under, section by section, fastening it under at the neck with bobby pins.
• Apply Microweb Fiber
3.03.2010
Spring 2010 Hair Trends: Victoria's Secret Hair - Soft Waves
The look of a soft bouncy blowout will never go out of style, whenever I see this hair I can't help but think Victoria's Secret model. It's something about this hair style that just says sexy without being over the top. The models at the Carlos Miele Spring 2010 show wore a look that was very natural.
“The clothes were so exquisite that I wanted the hair to be very natural,” says Rodney Cutler, the lead stylist for the show. “We created slight movement on the ends of the hair, so it bounced as the models sashayed down the runway.”
Rock the Look:
1. Apply a small amount of Cutler Straightening Cream to damp hair and blow dry
2. Once dry, use a large barrel curling iron, wrapping the hair around the curling iron, starting at the ends and rolling the barrel up to the roots
3. Finish the look by applying Cutler Definition Cream and brush the hair loosely with a flat paddle brush
4. Set the hair with Redken Workforce 09 hairspray for a natural-looking hold
3.02.2010
Spring 2010 Hair Trends: Natural Effortless Curls
The Spring 2010 runway presentation for Luca Luca displayed unique, bright color combinations and tight silhouettes for Spring 2010 and natural effortless curls perfectly accentuated this look. Teddy Charles of Cutler/Redken, lead stylist for the show explains, “To celebrate the ‘springy movement’ I gave the models natural, bouncy curls.”
Don't have luscious natural curls? Here's how you can Rock the Look:
1. Apply Cutler Volumizing Spray
2. Once hair is dry, set with a small curling iron
3. Release the curls and tease with a rattail comb, starting at the ends and working up towards the roots. Make sure to leave some curl at the ends of the hair
4. Set the hair with Redken Workforce 09
Already got the curls? Here are a few great products to keep it looking flawless.






































