I am always a little fearful of “smoothing” when it comes to hair products as I often find my fine hair limp and lifeless. But my fine hair also has the lovely quality of being slightly frizzy, so I do like the idea of some control. Agave Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner happened to walk that line for those of you who share my hair type.
I don’t use a ton of product on my longer hair, but I do get some build-up now that I am waiting a good 2-3 days between washes and loving the dry shampoo. This formula washes away debris but without leaving my hair stripped. While I am not militant about it, I do think sulfate-free shampoos are kinder to my hair (and help preserve my new demi-permanent, grey-covering hair color).
Both the shampoo and conditioner are infused with agave plant sugars to also help preserve color. The ingredient helps smooth with emollients. I was able to snag travel size (available at Sephora) and they certainly will be coming along with me on an upcoming trip.
PS – you can also find this brand at birchbox.com.
AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.
I had to gather the troops to get today’s post to you. In the interest of reviewing for a range of needs, sometimes I enlist “Team Belle Belle” to give products a whirl. While I have fine hair that is easily weighed-down, I knew my buddy M would have the perfect hair to try this trio out.
Kerastase’s Discipline Collection is designed to help manage unruly hair without the interference of harmful chemicals. The formula works by creating a hair fiber that is smooth but still swingy. M reports that her hair is “sooooo soft” and left her mane full of movement. One attribute that I can definitely corroborate is that the shampoo, conditioner and spray all smell wonderful. The best part: it was just as great or better on day 2. I’ll conclude with M’s finally takeaway: “it is a new favorite!”
AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.
I admit I still haven’t mastered my hair. It is fine and wavy but somewhat confused. The front is bone straight. And while the texture is fine, there is loads of it. And the back just keeps getting wavier and wavier but not in a controlable way. It is more “ugly frizz” than “beachy waves.”
But while I haven’t “mastered” my hair, I have managed to find a couple products that allow me to rough dry my hair and look mildly presentable and not like 100% crazy person during the work week. While these products are luxury, I find I am washing my hair less often these days. So I am willing to splurge a bit to keep my routine at its shortest possible.
First up, shampoo and conditioner. I absolutely adore Oribe – there is something so polished and luxe about the line. Stylist Oribe Canales has been around since the 1970s but his hair care line is going stronger than ever. He uses technology and amazing fragrances (powered by French perfumes) to balance looks, scent and performance.
The Gold Lust line is ideal to strengthen my weakened strands – I wear my hair up a lot! The formula is powered with healing cypress, argan and maracuja oils and the bio-restorative complex works on strands and scalp. Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo has that satisfying lather but still leaves hair luscious. This also would be ideal for someone who colors or styles their hair to the point of damage. Color safe, formulated without parabens, sulfates or sodium chloride and vegan & cruelty/gluten-free.
The Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Conditioner leaves skin insanely shiny. Also using oils, the formula works on damage. It provides moisture without leaving hair heavy. Also color safe and free of parabens, sulfates or sodium chloride. I cannot find if this one is specifically vegan & cruelty/gluten-free (if you know… please feel free to let me know via twitter or in the comments).
I try to let my hair air dry for a while before styling. But if truth be told, I love the snooze button and I am usually in a massive rush. So I’ll rough dry (I like this brand) and finish with Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Perfect Texture Finishing Spray. It gives texture and volume without taking away movement. I can’t stand stiff hair. Plus it smells amazing! The spray action that Alterna uses is perfected so you get a continuous, even stream from 8 inches away from the head. I like to use both on my roots and ends.
Shop the post:
Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program. I consult for Neiman Marcus which is affiliated with the Neiman Marcus Group, but as always, opinions are my own.
A couple of weeks ago, I posted a giveaway in honor of the launch of Herbal Essences Naked Collection Volume Kit – BTW congrats Ann! Now that I have had a chance to use and enjoy the collection, I am hear to report back on my thoughts. First, a little about the collection:
I know you guys have been through this. You try and try to grow out your hair. And then, at some point, the realization sinks in that you’ve got a significant amount of dead and split ends. Then comes the inevitable “trim” when you have to suck it up while a couple inches are loped off your locks. After about four years of growing out my hair, I had some great length. But I knew it was time to clean things up. So at the beginning of this month, I cut about four inches (check out this post for details).
After that experience, I vowed to take better care of my hair, nourishing it and avoiding heat styling when I could. I jumped at the chance to try out Dove’s Intensive Repair Shampoo and Conditioner. Hopefully their formulas could help heal and halt any further damage, especially since I’ve started coloring my hair.
Thicker masks that promise to repair my hair often weigh down my fine strands. Dove Intensive Repair delivers moisture without making my hair limp. Keratin Repair Actives helps absorb already present keratin and repairs at the cellular level. Even after blow drying, my hair was ultra-soft and shiny. I loved the fruity, yet sophisticated scent. And the drugstore price point can’t be beat. I’m keeping Intensive Repair in the rotation to ensure my (shorter) hair stays healthy. Maybe one day I’ve finally have ultra-long hair with perfectly healthy ends!
Dove understands that having beautiful, healthy-looking hair gives you the confidence to feel your best. Whether your hair is dry or damaged, Dove has a tailor-made solution for your hair care needs. After just one wash hair is shiny, healthy-looking and full of life. Thanks to Dove, you can look and feel beautiful from the inside out.
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Dove via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Dove.
I have beach on the brain lately. I’m headed to the Caribbean in two short weeks to celebrate a friend’s birthday. And to get my locks in tip top shape, I’ve been drinking up the Alterna Bamboo Beach line. It is specially designed to provide UV protection, help combat the damaging effects of the sun, pool and saltwater/ Not to mention, it has one of the best smelling scents perfect for the summer – Brazilian Mango & Coconut Milk.
The favorite of the bunch (although hard to pick) has been the Bamboo Beach Summer Sun Recovery Spray, a leave-in conditioner. I throw this in my pool bag to treat hair while in the sun. I spray it on dry hair and throw it up in a bun. Not only do I get UV protection, but my hair is soft, tangle free and hydrated. And the scent is perfect for pool time.
Before styling, I have been spraying on Bamboo Beach Summer Ocean Waves. While I don’t use this as a traditional sea salt, applying to damp hair and then rough drying, I’ve found it makes a great texturizer. I apply to damp hair and then style with my round brush as usual. I get just the perfect amount of volume. And I’ve found my hair styles last even longer! This product isn’t as strong in the fragrance department, but still totally pleasant.
Just this very morning, I was aching to get a blow out just one more day. Bamboo Beach Mango Coconut Refreshing Dry Shampoo did the trick! I got revitalized volume and my hair looked totally refreshed. Even though the powder is white, it absorbed quickly and didn’t look ashy on my dark brown hair. Major bonus on the fragrance.
AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.
