"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 cu
t, 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.
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.
alk 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. 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!
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.
