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Thursday, January 3, 2008

HAIR FEEN!

"It be calling me man," in the words of our beloved Pookie on New Jack City, that's exactly how I feel when I walk amongst hair care retail. I love hair! Well, let me take that back. I love "healthy" hair! And if you know me, you know that I'm a hair product junkie! I'm the daughter of a 2nd generation cosmetologist and I'm also a beauty school dropout! (The artist in me just wanted to learn how to color and cut, all that other stuff was just boring. I actually dreamed of becoming a much sought after colorist and weave specialist!) Believe me, I'm not missing those modulars and mannequin heads with unrealistic hair. But I was always somewhat of a self-proclaimed hair chemist in beauty school. I'd always concoct my own hair treatments. I'd mix a little with this and a little with that and...Walla! I've got silky hair and unbelievable bounce. My mother always told me that a good hairstylist can make your hair look good, but can also take care of your hair. It's one thing to go to a dynamic hairstylist, but if every time you visit, you notice more of your hair in the bowl and the styling comb, you should without hesitation, question your hairstylist's knowledge of good hair care. If he or she thinks a good hair treatment resides in only a bottle labeled "deep conditioner" and a plastic cap, that stylist is sadly mistaken.

Lucky for you, that's why I'm here ladies and gents. To inform my general audience on wonderful hair care products that work and do a damn good job of maintaining healthy hair. But first let me say this, protein is good for your hair (and nails). Your hair strand has a fiber called Keratin and it's very happy when you're not breaking it down. Keratin is like the Embassy Suites to protein. It's where it loves to reside, but when you kick it out with lots of chemical breakdowns and negligent hair care, it's giving you the "peace" sign and packing its bags. Keratin helps your hair stay strong and it also promotes hair growth. That's why it's always best to buy products that appear to be a proponent of Keratin. You'll also find, that if you're a fan of Dominican hairstyling, they use products with protein (same thing). And anything that says Humectant, that's a good advocate for keeping your Keratin fibers happy-go-lucky.

Kerastase is an awesome line. I used to work in the spa industry and was the retail manager at a high-end spa. I heard about Kerastase from a hairstylist that used me as a model for a haircutting modular. She swore by it and this girl was a helluva stylist, she was a master stylist for the spa & a hairstyle educator for their training program. Plus she had platinum blonde hair, but it was always shiny and super healthy! So I ordered a bottle without a second thought. Because I always keep my hair colored and I have a relaxer, I opted for the Bain Miroir & Chroma lines. The Bain Miroir & Chroma lines are specifically for color-treated hair. But that's okay, even if you don't have color, but you get your hair relaxed, your hair needs that extra protein boost. I ordered directly from their website, $32 for the shampoo and they also give you 2 complimentary samples with every purchase. (Kerastase is a Parisian line and I wasn't sure where you could find it around here.) It is absolutely hair delicious! I love it.

Next up, Phyto! (It's pronounced fee-to) My favorite hair care line. (Listen to me, I talk about hair products like they have their own fashion week!) Anyway, I love the Phyto line. It's another French product. It's a phenomenal line, that's formulated from plant extracts. So there's no harsh chemical stripping your sensitive hair shaft. They have different sub-lines that are color coded and specified for a certain type of hair or the achievable result. I use their PhytoCitrus line, which is catered to...you guessed it, color/chemical-treated hair. I use their Vital Radiance Mask ($26 at Nordstroms) and their PhytoSpecific relaxer (while $60 at Sephora) is a weapon of mass destruction! The PhytoSpecific is especially great for African American hair.

Lastly, please stay away from products that leave your hair feeling like sandpaper. Using hard products is like taking a bath, putting lotion on, and then going outside and rolling on the grass naked. I mean what was the point of the conditioner and treatment!
There is one product that I didn't rave about yet. It's a relaxer that I love, but only your cosmetologist can purchase it and that's Affirm. I love it. I use the one for sensitive scalp and it makes my hair feel great!

Great Styling Aids:
KeraCare Foaming Wrap-Set Lotion
Biosilk Silk Therapy (only use a dab after styling hair, for extra shine and that silk feeilng!)


Relaxer Systems:
PhytoSpecific & Affirm


Hair Mask:
Match Repair & Renew Mask ($14 only @ Red Door Spas)
PhytoCitrus Vidal Radiance Mask ($38 in the tub, $26 in the tube)
I know what you're saying, what happened to Mizani and Motions? Well, if you come down my way, and make a right on Highway 58, there's a landfill that you can go to and probably dig 5 years of trash away to find! I can't stand that stuff! When I see a hairstylist with that stuff on their stand, or better yet, giving testimony that it's the bomb, I shake my head and turn 180 degrees and exit the building. I know you're saying, geez...these hair products are expensive! But how much do you spend on frivolous things that you out grow or goes out of style. At least with your hair, they can always say, damn it looks good! Everytime they see you, no matter the season.

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