Best Argan Oil: Derm Organics

After trying a LOT of Argan Oil Leave in treatments, from the High End ($$$) to the generics, I finally found the best Argan Oil Leave in Treatment: DermOrganics.

I had never heard of the brand before, but my hairstylist used it on me when I went to see her. Normally, I go into "tune out" mode when stylists are trying to pitch their commission driven products to  me.

But this time I listened.

I don't know if it was because she had really, really great hair herself, or because the product felt soooo good. I ended up buying a tiny sample for $2 to try it out and immediately fell in love with it.

This product is like a shine serum, heat protectant, anti-frizz, glorious hair, miracle potion. *And* it smells good.

I have been using it religiously for a few months now, and I think it has actually improved the condition of my hair. One of its best features, is that it minimizes hair drying time (whether you heat style or air dry, we can all use less time looking like a wet mop)


I have very thick, processed hair, and this product works wonders. I gave some to a friend to try (fine hair, prone to frizz) and it worked beautifully on her too. Not too heavy.

Best of all, as of with nearly everything in the world, DermOrganics is cheaper on Amazon :P

DermOrganic Leave-In Treatment (4 oz) (See all Conditioners)

Save Damaged Hair Series III: After Beach Recovery

One of the most damaging things for the hair is pretty much a constant: the sun. I was lucky enough to spend a few days at the beach recently and I was scared on what it would do to my newly double processed hair. I considered making a trip to the mall and shelling some big bucks on Kerastase.

Then I remembered about the super duper leave in Salerm 21. I use this product as a leave in only, but it can be used as a mask as well.

So I thought, Why not use Salerm 21 as a mask while I enjoy the sun? While vacationing, I put copious amounts of Salerm 21 on my hair and enjoyed the sun with reckless abandon.

Every afternoon I shampooed my hair and was delighted to feel no dryness or damaged. Even one day when I forgot to shampoo after the beach, my hair was still soft and manageable.

And it wasn't just the umbrella drinks talking, now that I am back to work I am now I have to pretty much dismiss all claims until I prove them to be true.... Salerm's claims have been proven true!

This hard to find gem is worth it's weight in gold!!!
Available at Latin hair salons and online at Amazon.com

ShiKai Color Reflect

I got a sample kit of the ShiKai Color Reflect line at Wholefoods the other day:

• Gold Shampoo: brings out golden tones in light hair

• Warm Shampoo: brings out red and auburn tones in brunette and red hair.
• Deep Shampoo: brings out rich dark tones in brunette and red hair.

and

• Daily Moisture Conditioner: use daily for weightless body and shine and natural color protection. For all hair types and colors.

I love all things Whole Foods. I wish I could buy absolutely everything at the store. So, naturally I am always looking for effective, environmentally conscious alternatives to my old standbys.

My plan was to use the Warm shampoo first, review. Then use the Deep enhancer and review.
I used the Warm Shampoo and I knew something was up when my hair started feeling kind of plasticky. I then used the matching conditioner and hoped for the best.

After my hair dried I could definitely see warmer tones, but: Holy frizzyness, Batman!
This line totally dried out my hair. I should have known better.

First of all I tend not to believe in "One for All" beauty products like "for all skin types" moisturizers, and in this case, "for all hair types" conditioner.
Well, although I really wanted to love this line, it was a big NO for me. I suppose it would have been OK had I not had dry, color treated hair. Like I said, I should have known better.

(Needless to say I never got to try the Deep shampoo, huh?)

Will expensive shampoo solve your hair's woes?

As I contemplate buying an insanely priced bottle of Kerastase shampoo, I can't help but wonder whether $$$ shampoo is really the answer to healthy hair.

Image via Wikipedia

In an informal survey I've conducted of those sporting beautiful, long healthy manes; it seems like the answer is no.
These chickies usually buy d/s shampoo and spend their cash in conditioning treatments, great heat protectants and top of the line styling tools.

I was thinking that shampoo doesn't really stay on your hair long enough to really do anything, does it?
I mean, the primary purpose of shampoo is to cleanse, and if you use silicone base products, to gently remove this ingredient so the hair doesn't get coated.
In that case, buying a gentle yet effective silicone removing formula should be enough, right?

I am one those that believes that facial cleanser should only do what the name implies: cleanse.
I have found that if I intend for my cleanser to: clean pores, refine texture, treat acne, act as anti-aging treatment etc... I am usually disappointed (and my skin inevitably gets irritated)
Then why should I expect something different from shampoo?
After all, facial cleanser is to face what shampoo is to hair, right?
Maybe if expect a $40 shampoo to be worth $40, I will just be setting my self for disappointment.

Now, I am not talking to abandon my beloved L'Oreal Professional Intense Repair shampoo for Pantene or Dawn dish washing liquid. I'm just thinking that maybe my money would be better spent on other things....

What do you think?

What a diffrence weather makes on hair, huh?
I'm typing this from the cool comfort of a sleepy New England town. Quite a difference from my scorching hot, dripping humid tropical home base.

Image via Wikipedia

This morning I washed my hair with Suave shampoo and conditioner. Normally I would be a frizzy, matted mess but, to my disbelief, my hair is super soft and manegeable. I could only attribute this to the fact that the weather here is pure perfection. Daytime highs of 60 and very low humidity. This makes for a great hair day! My skin is also behaving. A lot less maintenance required and no constant make up touch ups, no mascara running down my face at 10:00 a.m.
This would be an ideal place to live, if it wasn't for the little torrential snow falls during Winter. ***sigh***
I'm going to have to become a snow bird. For the sake of beauty, of course.

Pass the Aquanet

From a hair show in Budapest. I can appreciate the artistry behind hair and make up shows. They definitely walk on the fantastic side of artistic expression, rather than showing practical season Do's. This is one in particular made me stop and gasp. Not in awe of talent, but because my reaction was too think the poor woman got her long tresses tangled while playing the violin...
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Este look es de un show internacional de cortes y estilos de cabello en Budapest. Parece que la pobre señora quedo enredada cuando estaba tocando el violin. ¡Cuidado!

Summer Hair: Touchable Hairspray

If you've noticed any hair trend this Summer, you must have seen all the tricks and tutorials and how to achieve the perfect "beach waves" And one thing is to get your hair to the point where it seems to fall carelessly but How do you get it to stay?

Most hairsprays repel me. I hate the sticky, crunchy, flake, build up laden film they leave. I though I would never be able to find something that truly offered flexible hold until I tried Nexxus Comb Thru Hairspray. This hairspray provides the most touchable hold imaginable. And while it will not give hold the teased tresses of an 80's rock band, this will be you just enough hold and volume to preserve your look until the end of the day. Nexxus is now available in drugstores, and at $10 this is a little stiff for a d/s item(lame pun intended) But it's a top quality product only comparable to the much pricier Frederic Fekkai Sheer hold hairspray.

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Me imagino que tu estas al tanto de los peinados de moda este verano. Los rizos suaves y naturales al estilo playero. Y me imagino que sabras como sacar las ondas perectas en tu cabellera. Ahora dejame contarte de el fijado perfecto para tu peinado: Nexxus Comb Thru Hairspray. La laca normal es demasiada tesa para fijar las ondas. En cambio Nexxus Comb Thru fija el cabello y lo deja suave y con cuerpo.
Cuesta casi $10 (medio caro) pero el unico producto similar a este es la laca de Frederic Fekkai "Sheer Hold" la cual es aún más cara.
Los productos Nexxus los venden en farmacias Walgreens.

Goldwell Dual Senses Rich Repair ~

(photo www.goldwell.com)


If you have dry, damaged yet fine hair, you have probably had a difficult time treating your tresses. That's because the majority of hair products geared toward damaged hair are usually heavy and laden with smoothing chemicals that can flatten volume.

Until now:

Goldwell Dual Senses Rich Repair is a line that is perfectly suitable for the finest of strands.

I have tried the Dual Senses Rich Repair Shampoo, Conditioner and 60 Sec Treatment.
This ultra light collection repairs the hair with Pashima Silk in just 60 seconds. The best part is: Goldwell Dual Senses Rich Repair is light enough to be used on fine hair.


My hair is definitely not fine. I usually look for the heaviest of shampoos and conditioners. I bought this untested and was a little disappointed by Rich Repair's thin consistency. However, I surprisingly nice results with this: For my coarse, thick hair I prefer to use these products separately. Pairing them with richer counterparts from other lines. I am partial to the 60 Sec Treatment. Most masks require 10-20 minutes of my time. This mask is perfect to use even on my rushed weekday mornings.

Do you Need a Super Heavy Duty Leave In? ~ Save Damaged Hair Series

Salerm 21 is a product that doesn't get much press. As the matter of fact, I hadn't heard about it at all until a couple of weeks ago. This is a Spanish product that protects and smooths the hair with a heavy duty combo of Vitamin B5, Keratin and Silk Protein. Did I mention that it also imparts beautiful shine?

If you have thick, coarse, dry/damaged hair, this is for you.

Apparently the "21" part of the name stands for 2 in 1. Because it can be used as a leave in, as well as a 5 minutes rinse of mask.

Salerm 21 protects the hair from the harmful effects of sunlight, chlorine, heat and saltwater.

The only cons: it can be too thick for those with very fine hair, and it has a really strong fragrance (but it dissipates rather quickly)

It can be found at Amazon.com or in Hair Salons that carry Latin hair products.

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Salerm 21 es un producto que no recibe mucha publicidad. Yo ni sabia de el hasta hace poco. Es un producto Espanol que protege, hydrata y evita roturas del cabello por enredos con su combinacion de Pro Vitamina B5, Queratina y Proteinas de Seda. Y tambien le da al cabello un brillo super.

Si tienes el cabello reseco, y maltratado, tienes que conseguirte este producto.

Al parecer, el 21 quiere decir 2 en 1. Ya que este producto se puede usar como acondicionador sin enjuage y como "mask"

Ademas, Salerm 21 protege el cabello del cloro, el sol, y el agua de mar.

Lo unico malo es que puede ser demasiado pesado para el cabello muy fino y tiene una fragrancia muy fuerte (pero por lo menos el perfume desaparece a los pocos minutos de aplicacion)

Puedes conseguir Salerm 21 Leave In en Amazon.com, o en salones de belleza que venden productos Latinos.

Avanti Silicone Mix

What a weird name to give a hair product: Silicone Mix. But don't let it fool you, this Dominican Beauty is a hidden gem of hair care.

I had come upon Silicon Mix as it was mentioned in many sites during my "hair research expeditions" But, regardless of the all the positives reviews, I was reluctant to look into it further solely because of it's lack luster name.

I only wish I had gotten over it sooner.

I was talking to a group at work about good hair products and I asked a Dominican co-worker about another product. She said she could me that product at her salon, but what I really had to try was Avanti Silicon Mix.

She got me a bottle of this leave in treatment and told me to use it on towel dried hair. I did as instructed and proceeded to air dry my hair.

I was left with great shine and softness. And, suprisingly, not an ounce of greasiness.

The scent reminds me of Nivea Cream. Not bad. But the results are phenomenal.

If you have access to Dominican hair care products, I highly recommend a bottle of this shine enhancing leave in.

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Silicon Mix me parece un nombre rarísimo para un producto para el cuidado del cabello. Pero en verdad es un milagro para tu cabellera.

Yo había leído bastantes artículos sobre Silicon Mix. Pero la verdad es que perdí interés al verle el nombre. Me pareció un poco ordinario (para ser un producto bueno)

El otro día estaba hablando con unas compañeras de trabajo acerca de productos para el cabello y yo le pregunte a una dominicana si me podría hacer el favor de comprarme otro producto. Ella me dijo que sí. Pero me sugirió Silicon Mix sobre el que yo quería.

Me lo trajo y me dijo que me lo pusiera en el cabello húmedo. Así lo hice y me seque el cabello al aire (sin secadora) Les cuento que quede impresionada con los brillante y sedoso que me quedo el cabello. Silicon Mix es un acondicionador para dejar en el cabello que contiene (además del obvio silicón) Queratina y proteínas de seda. Protege el cabello y lo deja suave y sedoso.

Si tienes acceso a productos Dominicanos: ¡te lo recomiendo!

Need a luscious clarifying shampoo? Try This:

If like me, you would have never thought of associating the word luscious with a clarifying shampoo, you are in for treat: Redken Cleansing Cream Shampoo is the most luxurious clarifyer I've ever tried. I must preface by saying that before I found this gem, I dreaded the thought of using a clarifying shampoo. In the past all have left my hair stripped and plasticky, tangled and dry.

So I've been putting off clarifying, even though I was long overdue. I have been doing a lot of research and Redken's Cleansing Cream had great reviews. I can't rave enough about this product. It has a fresh grapefruit scent and lathers like no other. I left on for about 5 minutes and rinsed (then deep conditioned) As soon as I got out of the shower, I knew this had transformed my hair: it looked less frizzy (huge shock for me), AND felt super smooth. Once it dried, I can honestly say this left my hair shinier than it has been in years!

Clarifying treatments aid in removing product build up, mineral deposits and even chlorine. And so they deep clean the hair shaft, allowing for better penetration of conditioning treatments.

The name: Hair Cleansing Cream serves it right, this is a cream: luscious, indulgent and ready to give you the best hair you've had in a while.

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Si al igual que yo, tu tambien destestas usar los champus purificadores; te alegrara saber que encontre uno increible: El Champu Redken Cleansing Cream es el purificador mas lujoso que he probado. Todos los chmpus purificadores que habia probado me dejeban el cabello reseco, maltratado, y enredado.

Asi que tenia tiempisimo de no usar un champu de estos ya que me daba miedo maltratar mi cabello. Investigue muchisimo y todos los articulos que se referian a este producto solo contaban maravillas. Asi que lo compre. Huele a toronja y super espumante.

Me humedeci el cabello y me deje el champu puesto por unos cinco minutos. Luego me puse un tratamiento acondicionardor intensivo y enjuague. Al salir del bano, me di cuenta que no se me vei el cabello porosa, y en cuanto se me seco lo note super brillante!

Los champus purificante sirven para quitar los residuos de productos fijadores, minerales y cloro. Tambien ayudan a que los acondicionadores penetren mas profundamente.

El producto se llama Hair Cleansing Cream porque en verdad es un producto super cremoso. Me ha dejado el cabellobrillantisimo y suave.

Save Damaged Hair ~ Part II

Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea Restructurizer. RESTRUCTURIZER.

This product gives me hope that my damage ends might be healthy again.

As you know, numerous chemical treatments strip the hair of its natural proteins by breaking down bonds that hold the hair shaft intact. So no matter how many styling products you use, you hair remain weak.-- Unless you do something about it.

Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea Restructurizer infuses the hair with keratin and proteins at the proper pH. With regular uses, this product helps prevent breakage, smooths damaged ends and helps protect the hair prior to chemical treatments.

I use this after shampoo and conditioner, on towel dried hair. Then I spray some more on my split ends before heat styling.

I still apply moisturizing leave in treatments, this just helps protect abused strands.

If your hair is very damaged, you will see the most results from this product. It doesn't weigh hair down and it's slightly peculiar scent thankfully disappears shortly after application.

At $5.99 this is a true bargain!

Available at Sally Beauty Supply

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Aphogee queratina y Té Verde Restructurizer.

Tengo esperanzas de que con este producto yo podre “sanar” un poco mi cabello maltratado.

Los tratamientos químico, le roban al cabello su proteína natural. A menos que hagas algo al respecto.

Aphogee Reestructurador de Queratina y Té Verde infunde el cabello con queratina y proteínas (con un pH adecuado) Con uso frecuente, este producto ayuda a prevenir las horquillas, suaviza y protege el cabello antes de los tratamientos químicos.

Lávate el cabello con champú y acondicionador y aplícate bastante Aphogee Reestructurador de Queratina y Té Verde. Luego rocía un poco más antes de moldear el cabello con secadora o planchas calientes.

Continue usando productos humectantes en el cabello, ya que este producto no acondiciona.

Si tu cabello está super dañado, veras una diferencia enorme al secarte. Aphogee Reestructurador de Queratina y Té Verde no es sumamente pesado y su olor: un poco “peculiar”, afortunadamente desaparece poco después de la aplicación.

Save Damaged Hair ~ Part I

Aphogee Keratin Two Minute Reconstructor ~ Wait less, Without the Mess!

I tried this product the other day, and I must admit I was a little reluctant.
I had tried the heavy duty Aphogee treatment and while I got good results, I seriously doubted that some "in between" treatment could deliver as well.

As you know, the regular Aphogee is a stinky, messy, yucky treatment that is high maintenance and low glamour.

Now meet it's Gorgeous sister: Aphogee Keratin Two Minute Reconstructor

This looks like a regular conditioner: it's creamy and it smells good too. The best part, you don't have to sit around for an eternity with goop on your hair ~ This baby works wonders in two minutes.

I bought this in what it looked like a single application packet at Sally's, but it was clearly labeled as TWO applications!!! Yay!

The instructions say to squeeze half an ounce of product onto shampooed hair. Although each pre-measured application is just .35 Oz. Why the discrepancy?

Regardless, I squeezed the amount on my hair. Waited two minutes and rinsed.

Normally, I struggle to detangle my hair with a wide tooth comb, but after using this I was able to run my fingers through my hair easily.

I blow dried and: SHINE!, softness!, Manageability!

My split ends seem tame and my hair seems *gasp* healthy again?

I plan to use this once a week, or once every two weeks.

If you want a low maintenance intensive treatment for your damaged hair: look no further than this inexpensive gem!

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Aphogee Keratin Two Minute Reconstructor ~Despues de haber probado el otro producto de Aphoogee (el que huele mal) No creia que el tratamiento menos fuerte, que es este, me hubiese podido dar un resultado tan espectacular!

Este producto parece una ancondicionador comun y corriente: huele bien y es cremoso. Y lo mejor de todo es que solo se tiene que dejar puesto por 2 minutos.

Lo venden en botella, pero tambien en unos paqueticos que parecen ser individuales, pero en verdad contienen 2 aplicaciones.

las instrucciones dicen que se debe aplicar media onza de producto en el cabello. Pero la cosa rara es que cada procion pre-empacada solo contiene .35 ~ no se.

De todas formas me aplique la cantidad incluida, espere dos minutos, enjuague y me seque el cabello con secadora: Que belleza! Que Brillo! Que suavidad! (Aunque lo diga yo misma)

La verdad es que quede super sorprendida de lo bueno que resulto este tratamiento.

Lo voy a usar una o dos veces al mes.

Disponibles en las tiendas Sally Beauty Supply.

Not your run of the Mill L'Oreal hair product

I'll admit it: I am a hair care snob. In my search for a Holy Grail of products I have come to find out that my hair tends to respond best to the "creme de la creme" of hair brands (read $$$$$) and I was releuctant to try L'Oreal products since they are most known for their drugstor line (which haven't worked out for me in the past)

However:

L'oreal Professionnel ~ Intense Shampoo: How do I love thee?

Having chemically abused, very long hair have left my strands damaged and in need of some serious TLC.

I find that most shampoos are too abrassive and leave my hair feeling stripped and tangled.

L'Oreal Professionnel is an exemption. This shampoo nourishes my hair and leaves it feeling clean yet soft.

I bought the most enormous bottle I could find...

Voy a admitirlo: soy un "snob" cuando se trata del cuidado de mi cabello.

En mi búsqueda del los mejores productos he caido en cuenta de que mi cabello tiende a responder mejor a la "creme y nata" de las marcas (digamos $$$$$) Por eso no queria probar los productos L'Oreal.

Sin embargo:

L'oreal Professionnel ~ intenso Champú: Me Fascina!

Tengo el cabello reventado, reseco y danado por cantidad de procesos quimicos y demas.

Para mi, mayoría de los champús son demasiado fuertes y dejan mi cabello enredado y reseco.

L'Oreal Professionnel es una excepción. Este champú nutre el pelo y lo deja limpio y suave. Compré la mayoría de botella enorme que pude encontre