Garnier Fructis Fortifying Shampoo - NOPE!

The label looked great - "Triple Nutrition - 3 Nutritive Fruit Oils: Olive, Avocado, and Shea." Sounded like natures cure to dry or damaged hair. Unfortunately, when I put the shampoo in my hand and rubbed my palms together, the shampoo was a runny, gelatin mess, seeping through my fingers and running down my drain. YUCK! But, determined to try it, I continued to lather my hair, rinse, and repeat. I couldn't grab my conditioner fast enough! After rinsing my hair of the shampoo, my hair felt dry and weird. Bummer.

So, when I finished my shower, I decided to investigate the ingredients. Number one on the label? Water. Now, of course, even expensive brands have water in the ingredients but I think the difference is the amount. Though this shampoo's ingredients consisted of many good things, it was obvious to me the moment I put it in my hands that it had an enormous amount of water, glycerin, and alcohol. In order to keep cost down, they add the good ingredients and then dilute the formula with water to make a little go a long way. Because of this, the good stuff doesn't have a chance to actually penetrate your strands and mostly gets a quick slide down the outer layer of your hair. The end result? Dry locks.

How can you test your shampoo? When you put a nickel size dollup in your palm, you should be able to rub your hands together, containing all the shampoo in your palms. It should form into a "shaving cream" consistency and then you should apply to your hair. If you put your hands together and start to break down the shampoo and it's dripping through your fingers and running down your drain, most likely it's not providing your hair with any lasting love.

On to the next one!

Julee

To Wal-Mart I go.....

In case anyone wants to film it, I will be roaming the beauty aisles of Wal-Mart tomorrow morning. I am anxious to put these products to the test! I appreciate all of the suggestions I have received and hope to be able to try them all! More updates to come! ;)

Redken Time Reset - A splurge for distressed hair

Okay, it's a little splurge, but if your hair meets the criteria, it's worth it to save your mane. Redken's new Time Reset is delicious. I had a client with a very strange chunk of hair that was literally shriveling at the ends. It was a combination of chemically and mechanically stressed hair and was not pretty! I got her started on this regimen and it has repaired her funky chunk! YAY!

This line has 5 essential ingredients to fight the signs of damage and age on your strands. They are:

1. Intra-cylane - Evens porosity and plumps fine hair while repairing damage on cuticle layer.
2. Peptides & ceramide - Strengthens fibers and provides repair to fragile areas.
3. Green Tea - Neutralizes free radicals with anti-oxidant support.
4. Camellia oil - rebalances moisture, softens wiry strands, and adds shine.
5. Cationic UV filler - provides protection from UV rays and environmental damage.

With all that being said, how can you tell if you have distressed hair? Distressed hair is weakened hair that has been physically changed in some way. There are 4 key types. They are:

1. Mechanical distress : Causes- brushing, teasing, and heat styling. Effects- Fragility, breakage, dullness.
2. Environmental distress : Causes- exposure to sun and pollutants. Effects- Increased porosity, residue build up, color fading.
3. Chemical distress : Causes- over use of chemical services such as coloring, lightening, perming, and straightening. Effects- swollen cortex, stretched, weakened cuticle layers, porous and limp hair.
4. Hormonal distress : Causes- physiological changes, medications. Effects- slowed scalp activity, hair loss, thinning, and loss of melanin.

Understandably, most people will have some level of distress. This product is meant for those of us that have been a little demanding of our hair. It can only take so much, you know! ;) If you think your hair may be suffering a bit, I HIGHLY recommend using this line to whip it back into shape!

Tresemme Dry Shampoo

Want second day hair that looks fresh and gorgeous? TRY THIS PRODUCT! I have fine hair and second day hair did not use to be an option. Since finding this product (cheap!) I am able to save myself time in the mornings and an extra squirt of shampoo! YES!

For best results, start by brushing hair til smooth. Then, part off in several places and spray with the product all along the partings. Be sure to shake the product well and hold 6-8 inches away from scalp. Then, flip head upside down and mist evenly all over. Let dry at LEAST 2 minutes, brush again, and style as usual.

Good luck!

Let the hair care adventure begin!

Hi friends!

How many of you go to the salon, get your service, and then sneak out hoping your stylist doesn't hound you to buy some over-priced hair product? Or, have you ever gone, had your service, bought the product, blew your budget by a LOT, and then weren't even happy with your purchase? I'm sure these are common issues and that's why I'm starting this blog. My name is Julee and I have been a stylist for 9 years. While I believe in quality hair care and treating your tresses with love..... I don't believe in maxing out your credit card or using your grocery budget to pay for it! So, my plan is to start purchasing drug store hair products, use them, and review them for you! I welcome any suggestions on products you currently use and love. Enjoy!

~ Julee