Bumble and bumble Straight

Straight is  one of the biggest things in haircare , right ?  Brands are now trying to bring you easier ways to go straight at home and Bumble and bumble has a new 3 part line to do just that.

It's no secret I love Bb products, their new  Let it Shine line has me addicted. But I wanted try Straight as, while I don't have frizzies, I do have ends the want to curl up even when I flat iron them. I was hoping this would  you know, straighten them out.

I use all 3 products, shampoo, conditioner and the Blow Dry Balm on the ends. What you need to  know about the shampoo is that you only need a little. It  lathers like wild( but is sulfate free)  and cleans well. The conditioner is a medium one that would get all but super dry hair nicely conditioned.

I like the way my hair looks after using Straight and it has helped keep those unruly ends  behaving  more. Volume is good, shine is good. The  heat activated Blow Dry Balm is light on hair and adds a little moisture. 

According to Bb all products use Concen-straight Technology™ (patent-pending), "which maintains hair’s natural integrity, as an answer to unruly hair. Pearl, Tourmaline, Brazilian Green Malachite and Sapphire Powders – plus heat – energize to loosen the inner s-bonds that give hair its natural curve. Polylysine, an amino acid, refines bonds into smoother shapes"

If you have the frizzies or flat iron a lot, this might definitely be worth a try for you. It's hard to wrong with Bumble and bumble.

Shampoo 8.5 oz. $29.00
Conditioner 8.5 oz. $32.00
Blow Dry 5 oz. $28.00
 
http://www.bumbleandbumble.com/

Phyto - Phytokératine for Weak and Damaged Hair

Do you have super damaged hair? Phyto comes to the rescue with their new Keratine line.

When the chance came to try this I was thrilled, not for me for The Mom. She has thin. fine, porous, damaged, double processed platinum blonde hair. She is ever on the search for products to make it thicker , not simply volumize and she has an arsenal she uses.  Despite  the damage etc, her hair always looks good becuase she takes a lot of time and a lot of products to whip it into shape( that's her hair with the InStyler in the picture from last year.) Many she tries work great , plenty fall ,ahem, flat.

Suffice it to say the new Phyto Keratine I think may have made her year. She's already a huge Phyto fan   especially  the Phyto Volume Mousse . The new Keratine line definitely helped thickify  and  reduce breakage which she has major issues with.   Hair was really full and soft but not limp. The shampoo is a thick formula which she always says is key to it really working well. No thin , runny ones have ever gotten the job done.

Ingredients  in the   Phytokeratine line include botanical keratin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and pomegranate extract .

Mom made use mainly of the shampoo and conditioner but there is also a repairing serum.

More info at http://www.phyto-usa.com/ . Buy at Sephora , Sephora.com

and Beauty.com

Phytokératine Shampoo $ 24.00
Phytokératine Conditioning Treatment $ 32.00

Empire Beauty School's Cuts For a Cause October 15th

Empire Beauty Scholls are supporting National Domestic Violence Month by offering services at a steep discount, this Saturday, Oct. 15th.

The details:

Get a haircut or manicure, support a local shelter and victims in need.

One in every four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. This staggering statistic is the reason why Empire Beauty Schools will once again host its annual National Day of Beauty, a system-wide fundraising initiative to support the victims of domestic abuse on a local, and very much needed, level.

On Saturday, October 15th each of Empire’s 102 school locations in 21 states will open its doors to women, men and children of all ages for haircuts, coloring, nail services and more. 100% of the proceeds from these beauty services will benefit local domestic violence shelters in each school’s community. Empire students are selling $5 service cards to customers to be redeemed the day of the event, which means that clients will receive services at a fraction of the already discounted student salon prices. Walk-ins are also welcome. To date, Empire Gives Back and the National Day of Beauty program has raised more than $250,000 to support local shelters, and aid in the fight against domestic violence.


To find an Empire Beauty School hosting the National Day of Beauty visit: http://www.empire.edu/locator.html  


For more information on the Empire Gives Back program visit: http://www.empiregivesback.com/

Backstage Hair at Zero Maria Cornejo w/ Phyto

One of the neatest styles seen backstage I thought was this look cooked up by Phyto for Zero Maria Cornejo. It's origami looking , which I thought before reading the hairstylist say the same thing, and I wish I could recreate it on my own hair.

 If you want to give it shot , here are all the details ( naturally they make it seem all so simple ).

PS- Makeup is by Dick Page for Shiseido

Key Hairstylist: Martin Cullen for Phyto


Inspiration: Maria shares, “I love the feeling of an urban summer; fabrics that feel like the beach but toughened up somehow.” The hair reflects that feeling with a graphic, structural up-do with a twist.

Step by step:

1. Spray Phytovolume Actif throughout hair to give it texture.

2. Create a side part and make 2 small twists on the left side of the head, secure it with threaded elastic.

3. Spray twists with Phytolaque soie light hold hair spray.

4. Pull hair back and fold it flat against the head, almost origami like. Secure hair with bobby pins.

5. Finish with Phyto Professional Workable Holding Spray.

Conair Infiniti Pro Spin Air Brush

I can't simply say  I love this and no more, but I do , love it that is.  I am sure many of you, like me, had been looking at this and thinking , do I need it ? Will it work ?  Need, well , need is a relative term, but I can say it works fabulously.

It's a brush obviously, and one that spins but... it doesn't have to spin. You can spin backwards and forwards or simply blow hot air through the bristles to dry. I use the spin  after partly drying my hair. My hair is thick so it needs drying first ( with my beloved Conair Infiniti Pro dryer). Then I finish with  the Spin Air Brush. It gives loads of volume like a pro blowout, straightens ends and lifts roots . It's very all in one and we like that. It's also super easy to use.

The heat is good there are 3 settings but not flat iron intense , and the bristles are easy on the hair. The spin is fast and it grabs hair but I  haven't had any tangling.

As you can  hopefully see from the top picture this is big. It weighs more than I expected and is far larger. The body is over 12 inches long and the brush is 2 inches. It comes with a cover for the bristles  for storing as well.

So if you've been thinking about trying this, go for it. I don't think you'll be disappointed .

 Visit www.conairspinair.com  for more info.  

Philip B debuts on HSN

Philip B , the luxury hair brand is making it's  HSN debut this week on Aug . 25th and 26th.  Not only will there be a large range of the line available,  HSN will offer the exclusive world launch of the Philip B Russian Amber Imperial Dry Shampoo. I don't know about you, but I need that dry shampoo. Philip B makes some great products and isn't the easiest to find, so this is a great way for everyone to get a look.

The Russian Amber Imperial Dry Shampoo will be $ 28.00

Alyson Hannigan for Head and Shoulders & The Good Girlfriend Guide

Alyson Hannigan of How I Met Your Mother fame is  Head and Shoulders newest and first  female ambassador. She is teaming with the brand to create the e-guide The Good Girlfriend. This is fun and naturally there's a contest part as well as a spot on the page to grab a free sample.


Per Head and Shoulders:

To rally consumers behind their mission, Alyson is urging women across the country to visit the Head & Shoulders for Women Facebook Page   where they can offer up their own advice on a series of topics ranging from parenting to fashion. Fifty consumers will have their advice published in The Good Girlfriend Guide and five lucky women will be chosen to attend an exclusive, all access VIP e-book launch with Alyson in Los Angeles this November.

***My own Good Girlfriend advice: Always be a good listener and  remember them with a card ( a real one in the mail) or  nice email not just at  birthdays ( but especially then)  and on the holidays and sometimes just because. Hallmark and I are tight.

Bumble and bumble Shine Collection

Bumble and bumble has done it again with their new Shine collection, a trio of perfect hair  products that I am loving and loving.

The sun started to dull my hair a bit and  I had never used much in the way of shine products before. When I saw that Bb. had a new Shine line,  I was ready to give it a test run . I haven't stopped using it since.

The Let It Shine  shampoo lathers a lot and really cleans. As in you can go twice as long between shampoos with this than any other shampoo I've ever used. Hair is full, soft and light .  The  Let It Shine conditioner is a medium one.  Both shampoo and conditioner use sunflower oil for moisture. If you have really dry hair then you might want to stick with Bumble's Super Rich conditioner, which is  dry hair's friend. Those with normal hair can use Shine just fine.

After using both shampoo and conditioner my hair looks great. Is it  way shinier? Well no. But it is shinier than it was. And it's helping keep it that way .

The Shine On  Spray is also light and a few quick sprays are a nice pick me up for hair. It's  lightweight silicone formula. Product can get  greasy on me fast and this never does. You can't even tell it's in there. It's just a  mist that boosts brilliance and smoothes hair down a bit.

Bb. Shine  is available now at http://www.bumbleandbumble.com/ and anywhere Bb is sold.

Phyto Friends and Family Sale

Last Day for the Phyto Friends and Family, including Phyto Plage for summer.

http://sale.phyto-usa.com/

Blondes, Chlorine and Green Hair- The Truth

I've already read in several major magazines about Blondes and Chlorine turning their hair green. I've also been telling people otherwise for as long as I can remember. Chlorine doesn't turn blondes green , it's metals in the pool water. Copper especially, but any high metal content can do it. Have the owner add metal or stain remover from their pool dealer and it will go away and the hair will be fine.

How do I know this? My family has been in swimming pool business since I was a kid. Mom is a platinum blonde and one of our dogs was blonde also ( and yes occasionally she  got green tinted). We always knew when we saw the green tint, that  there was copper in the water. I also advised customers   to do the same for years and it worked.

One  thing that can help your hair ahead of swimming is to run conditioner or a protectant spray through it before diving in . I know there are some shampoos on the market for after swimming  discoloration but I can't attest to how well they work as I've never used them. The discoloration will go away with regular shampooing but it will take two or three washes.

Harry Josh for John Frieda Live Webcast June 8th

Harry Josh is truly the stylist to the stars. I  just read an  interview with him in WWD.  He counts Gisele ( yes that Gisele) as not only a client but a very close friend and was one of the few attendees at her wedding and he did Gwyneth's super flat ironed locks for the Oscars this year.

Harry is also the brand ambassador for John Frieda haircare . He  says he has a  300 person wait list at the salon as he is rarely there but  but you can have him online and live in your very own home thanks to a webcast. If you sign up ahead and ask a question, you get one free full size product. That's a win win.

The details:


John Frieda International Creative Consultant Harry Josh will be hosting a live 30-minute interactive Webcast this Wednesday (June 8th) at 6pm EST.


During the Damage Control: Live Webcast, Harry will reveal how to practice safe styling with the John Frieda Full Repair Collection by not only reversing the look and feel of overworked hair, but also shielding hair from the effects of overstyling.

Simply sign up for the webcast via the Facebook link below or through the John Frieda website, and submit a question that you would like to see Harry answer during the webcast. By doing this, you will automatically receive one full-size product from the collection.

Additionally, Harry will provide a special code during the webcast that participants can use to enter to win the grand prize – a trip to New York and a haircut/style with Harry!


http://www.facebook.com/johnfriedaus or

http://www.johnfrieda.com/en-US/fullrepair/Webcast.aspx

Paul Mitchell Web/Facebook Contest

“Like It, Win It." Now through April 15th,  you  have the chance to win an entire year’s supply of your favorite Paul Mitchell or Tea Tree product by “liking” that product on Facebook.

On any qualifying product page on http://www.paulmitchell.com/, just click the “like” button, sign in with your Facebook account, and fill out the entry form for a shot at winning. It’s easy and  free. Good luck.

Phyto Phytomist Instant Hair Conditioner

Phyto 7 leave- in conditioner is one of my beauty  must products. I had no idea how much I needed it until I started using it. Now I get antsy when the tube gets to half full.

In a holiday gift set  there was a different kind of leave -in conditioner , a  spray called Phytomist.  One day when my hair was looking drier at the ends than normal  I  grabbed this and gave it a try. Much like Phyto 7 ( but not quite) I had a wow moment.

Again like the Phyto 7 this leaves hair softer, looking less dry and more conditioned but  you can't detect it in your hair. There's no heaviness, no tacky feeling, no weight, no grease.  The convenience is awesone. You can carry this right in your bag  and condition whenever  needed.  For those with parched hair, this is an especially great idea and  it also helps protect hair color in color treated hair.

If you need a great leave in try either of these. Phyto knows their stuff. Trust .

$ 26.00 for 5 oz

Contests from Conair and Scunci

The brands  behind Conair and Scunci both have Facebook contests currently going.

Conair “Sneak Peek” Sweepstakes

 During the month of March, Conair is offering a “Sneak Peek” giveaway for a chance to win a choice of three new Conair hair styling tools. One winner each Friday! Give your hair some love with Conair and “LIKE” the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/conairhair ) for more details.

scünci "Bendini Blitz" Daily Giveaway  

Just “Bend and Snap!” Starting March 7 - March 25, 2011, each day, one lucky Facebook fan will have the chance to win scünci’s newest hair accessory -- the Bendini Clip!  Show your hair some love and “LIKE” the scünci Facebook page (www.facebook.com/scuncihair ) for more details.

Redken Nature's Rescue

Redken has been a staple in my house for almost as long as I can remember . The Mom has been a Redken user since I was a kid. While many great brands are in the rotation here now, years ago when salon brands weren't as easy to come by Redken was the main one she used and eventually so did I.  Some of the hairsprays ( for me) and the Extreme line ( for her) are still part of our beauty closet staples.

Last month a new line hit the shelves, Nature's Rescue.  Meant to be super cleansing for your hair and to remove all the impurities that can build up,  it's paraben, sulfate and silicone free.

Whats in it are aloe vera, sea algae and soy proteins. 

 The  Refreshing Detox Shampoo and  Cooling Deep Conditioner both have a cooling feel, especially the conditioner, hence the name, as well as a light ocean breeze scent.

After using , my hair  does feel very clean with plenty of body. The shampoo is low lather but works fine without it. The conditioner is a lighter one , good for normal to oily hair but very dry may need something heavier. I have to say, when I use this, I can't help think of summer. It reminds me of pools and blue skys.

In addition to the  shampoo and conditioner, the line also includes a hair polish, which is a scrub for your hair, and really helps remove any build up,  and a Sea Spray for texture.

Full line:

Nature's Rescue  Refreshing Detox Shampoo $ 16.00
Nature's Rescue Refining Sea  Polish $ 19.00
Nature's Rescue Cooling Deep Conditioner $ 17.00
Nature's Rescue Radiant Sea Spray $ 17.00

Phyto Hair Volumizing Line

Winter brings hat hair. We have  full hair, then we need a hat and soon it gets a bit smushed. I like wearing hats and  have some many nice ones. Don't like hat hair.  This winter I decided to fight hat hair  by adding some volume products to my routine.  And  I  gave the  volumizing line  by one of my favorite  brands, Phyto a try.  They make amazing haircare and their Phyto 7 Daily  Leave In Hydrating  Creme is a staple  and one of the best I've used.

 Phyto's Volumizing line consists  of  Phytovolume volumizer shampoo,Phyto Intense Volume Mousse, Phytovolume Actif volumizer spray and Phytodensium mask.

I didn't try the mask yet, but all the other products do a  bang up job , and you don't have to use them all. Just using the Volimizer spray at the roots will make a huge difference, but adding in the shampoo/conditioner combo is even better.

One thing that sets the Phyto shampoo apart from many other volumizing types, is that it has ingredients like yarrow to thicken hair. There is a difference between  volume and thickness. My  very fine haired  mom will tell you this as she's been though all the volume giving shampoos out there. ( She loves the Phyto and in fact , happily made off with my stash ).

The volume here lasts long which is another bonus and your hair feels conditioned and soft, but not weighed down. I love ,too, that there's a mousse. Mousse was big for years then disappeared. Mousse generally works so I'm happy to see it  making a comeback.

I am intrigued by , but as I said , didn't try the mask. It's said to regenerate hair with grapeseed and black currant seed oils. And has botanical proteins to thicken hair. I think that's far more moisture than my hair needs, but for fine hair,  worth trying.

You can see more at http://www.phyto-usa.com/
 ( the volume line is under "lifeless" hair and "styling").  Phyto is also available at Ulta stores.

Win Lady Gaga Tickets From Remington

Remington haircare wants to send you to see Lady Gaga in concert. All you need to do is  simply “like” the new Remington Red Chair Ready beauty community on Facebook.  **Note: TODAY is the last day to enter**

Two randomly drawn winners will receive a VIP trip for two to NYC valued at $4000, including tickets to see Lady Gaga live from a luxury suite at the world’s most famous arena – Madison Square Garden!


Good Luck if you decide to enter.

Phyto Free Botanical Blowout Days at ULTA Stores Nationwide

Phyto has got a promotion going that all of us, not just those in big cities can take advantage of and it's free. To promote the upcoming release of their new Phytolisse perfect smoothing collection , the company has teamed with Ulta salons nationwide  to offer free blowouts featuring their products. Now if you've used Phtyo before, you know it's one of the best brands out there. If you haven't, then this is a chance to try it for yourself.

All the details:

"To celebrate the launch of the new Phytolisse perfect smoothing collection, Phyto is offering complimentary blowouts using the new shampoo and mask with Phyto’s cult anti-frizz products. The new Phytolisse Shampoo and Mask work in conjunction with award-winning Phytodéfrisant Botanical Straightening Balm, and Phytolisse Smoothing Serum. Phyto’s perfect smoothing collection is a unique 4-step system that expedites blowdrying while shielding hair against humidity and frizz for up to 72 hours.

 In addition to complimentary blowouts, consumers will be treated to a travel-sized gift of Phytodéfrisant and Phytolisse serum minis with the purchase of two Phyto products. (one per customer, while supplies last.) "


February 16, 2011 from 3-8pm


February 17, 2011 from 1-4pm

Make an appointment today by calling an ULTA store near you.

Receive a travel-sized gift of Phytodéfrisant and Phytolisse serum minis with the purchase of two Phyto products on these 2 days.

Find more at : http://www.phyto-usa.com/
 
 

Infiniti Pro by Conair 1875-Watt Salon-Performance AC Motor Styling Tool

As I recently said to someone, my hair dryer is older than dirt. About 3 years I think.  I have pretty easy hair so I've never devoted much money to hair dryer purchases. They needed to be inexpensive but  still strong with 1875 watts. My old one is  a basic 1875W Conair that has served me well.  So I have never experimented with Ionic dryers, T3s etc.  So when the chance to try a new dryer , also by Conair-the Infiniti Pro by Conair 1875-Watt Salon-Performance AC Motor Styling Tool- I  was excited . New territory to explore.

And hello, now I know what I've been missing. This dryer is super fast and powerful. Like blow your hair back  powerful.  Confession- I hate drying my hair . It doesn't take me long  but this cut  more than 5 minutes off the drying time, possibly close to 10.  That alone sold me.

It also doesn't get too hot on the hottest setting, has removable lint trap as well as ionic technology. Combined with the fast drying time, it's win. 

So what makes this dryer special?  It has a AC motor instead of DC. Now I didn't know my AC ( alternating current ) from my DC but not only does Conair explain it some, but I did  the best thing- I asked  the Dad. He agrees it's a much  better way to  go but that's all of the explanation I currently remember.

 From Conair:

"The Infiniti Pro utilizes an AC (alternating current) motor, which is the high-performance motor typically designed for hair stylists and salon use." 

"In addition to the AC motor benefits the Infiniti Pro dryer also generates neutralizing ions to seal the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and enhancing shine. It also features 3 heat/2 speed rocker switches for heat and airflow control along with 2 concentrator attachments to achieve a variety of styles. A removable filter prevents damaging lint buildup and further extends the motor life. "

What’s the significance of an AC motor? Here’s why “AC” = “A+”

- Quiet, yet powerful air velocity to dry hair faster and lessen heat exposure/damage

- A true blast of cold air when “Cold Shot” button is engaged, to better set your style or provide lift at the roots

- Up to a 3x longer life span as compared to typical (DC motor) hair dryers

The Conair-the Infiniti Pro by Conair 1875-Watt Salon-Performance is available at most mass market outlets like Target for approx. $ 38.99.

If you want to know more or connect with Conair check them out at www.conairdryer.com , www.facebook.com/conairhair or follow them at www.twitter.com/conair_hair

Full by Living Proof Haircare

Full hair  is  something most people want. No one wants flat , limp hair do they ? It can also be one of the hardest to get . More products are coming along and the  MIT people behind Living Proof and No Frizz now have Full. No Frizz has been a miracle worker for many . Now Full does  a great  job for those looking for a little oomph to their locks.

 The Thickening Cream weighed hair down a bit ( this might work better on dry hair)  so skipped that, but using the  Shampoo, Conditioner and Root Lift as  well as  the new Thickening Mousse makes for solid ,lifted volume that lasts long.

There are several products in the line besides the shampoo and conditioner, so you can make your own combo. I highly recommend the  Root Lift for flat hair as it gets right to the root area and provides  a lot of lift.

The company says the Root Lifting spray has a  "blend of resins, never before used in a root lifting spray, to meet both of these characteristics: strong enough to provide long lasting lift, yet flexible enough so the lift wouldn’t collapse
when exposed to one’s daily activities."

"The scientists also discovered that adding PolyfluoroEster helps to protect hair’s volume. This is because PolyfluoroEster reduces surface tension for an even deposition of the resin film and helps to block humidity."

The bottom line, as I said earlier- it works.


You can find the whole Full line at QVC, Sephora and http://www.livingproof.com/