Haircare Products

Tried & True: super cheap DRY SHAMPOO!

/ BethonBeauty / 4 Comments

While visiting NYC this weekend, I realized this tried & true post is a long time coming. I’ll set the stage…I washed, blow dried, and curled my hair on Wednesday morning…it was kind of a stretch to expect it to hold up until Friday night – but it did. It was almost unheard of to allow it to go another day – but alas, I had no choice. We rolled out of bed Saturday AM, went shopping, and suddenly it was 4pm and we had to cab it back to where we were staying, change, freshen up, and then make it to dinner across town by 6pm. I had no choice but to employ the use of DRY SHAMPOO for the 3rd day in a row. I had my doubts…but again, this amazing product helped me pull through sans greasy hair. And I danced the night away with a nice do’ all-Saturday-night-long.

And this is when I realized I must share this product with EVERYONE (who cares).

I’ve tried quite a few brands – some that are $20 a bottle…after much testing, the absolute BEST is by SAUVE. Believe it or not, whether it’s the texture or how it sprays on your hair, this brand works the best. I like that Sauve doesn’t flatten my hair/weigh it down. And it’s <$3 a bottle at most stores (I’ve seen it at Target, CVS, Walgreens, Wal-Mart etc.)!!! For more info on Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo Spray  <—click on the link

Sauve Dry Shampoo - the bomb

Sauve Dry Shampoo – the bomb

Direction on how to apply dry shampoo – well, at least how I do it:

When you can use:

  • You’re heading out after work and your hair is flat/potentially greasy from the day – dry shampoo moment
  • You just woke up and don’t have time to wash/dry your hair before work – dry shampoo moment
  • It’s Sunday, you’re too tired to shower, the mall closes at 6pm and you want to go shopping but not look greasy – dry shampoo moment
  • You want to create an up-do and just-washed hair is too soft for your hair to stay up – well, leave it for a day and just use the dry shampoo to freshen your locks before styling

How to apply:

  • You really don’t need to brush your hair first, but you can – especially if it’s knotted. I usually don’t brush too hard because I don’t want to spread any oils throughout my hair
  • Get your bottle of spray shampoo – and I hold a couple inches away from my head and spray along the hair line (i.e. around forehead, side-burn area, and usually all around to the back of my neck). I also spray on the very top of my head / along the part line
  • Now, tousle your hair – mix it in…sometimes I use a tissue if I feel like I need to pick up any dry shampoo residue
  • brush lightly, style, and GOOOOO!

Do you use dry shampoo? what kind? hate it or love it?

Can you dig — The Twistband?

/ BethonBeauty / 4 Comments

This simple little accessory appeared less than a week ago in my second Birchbox (see link below for details on the second Birchbox/what that is).

At first I thought to myself…THIS is a HAIR ELASTIC? See pic:

The black 'Twistband' hair elastic I received in my second Birchbox

It’s called The TWISTBAND. It looks like a tied piece of material. But that’s the beauty in it – it’s so simple. Yet so cute! Since I got it – it’s been the only hair elastic I’ve been using. Weird!

Why I like:

  • The soft/stretchy elastic doesn’t pull at my hair
  • It passed the gym test! I wore my hair in a pony tail and it DIDN’T fall out. It didn’t even loosen up! Which usually happens to me during a more fast paced workout
  • And it looks so cute on my wrist! Seriously, maybe it’s the lil knot…maybe I’m crazy. But it’s different

I decided to read more about The Twistband- the back story drew me in because I’m a sucker, I guess. 😉

The company was started by Jessica Frandson. At the time of ‘invention’ she was a new mom…she was getting used to her hair being pulled by the baby…and starting to realize her go-to hairdo needed to be the pony tail. Traditional hair bands hurt her head and her wrist, so Jessica twisted a soft piece of elastic trim to hold her hair back – “thus creating the first Twistband.”

The company officially launched in 2009…she sells the brand at retail stores nationwide (looks like specialty boutiques).

Twistbands are also sold off the website – and come in some cute/funky colors – link to the website below

Twistbands are sold in packs of 6 for $10 through the Twistband website

Twistband has received a lot of press – featured on The Today Show, in Lucky Magazine, Real Simple Magazine, Shape magazine…just to name a few!

I’ll admit it – I went on the website and ordered a pack of Twistbands. 1 hair elastic is not enough for me! And I want some funky colors…

What do you think of this? Would you pay ~$1.60 per hair elastic if it was more comfortable, kept your hair up better, and looked cute on your wrist (vs. a traditional hair elastic)? Or, is this bonkers?

Birchbox #2 blog post: http://wp.me/p1kq6s-b7

Are you sulfate-free?

/ BethonBeauty / 1 Comment
 Sulfate free shampoo…Why do we care? What does this even mean?

First, there are a couple types of sulfates – these are also in order of least irritating (1) to most irritating (4):

  1. Sodium Myreth Sulfate
  2. TEA Laureth Sulfate
  3. Sodium Laureth Sulfate
  4. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
  5. Ammonia Laureth Sulfate

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is most commonly used in all kinds of soap products from shampoo, to facial cleaners – so, let’s focus on that – what is it?:

    • SLS is a powerful, grease cutting detergent, aids in the foaming nature of soap
    • To put it simply, SLS is used to make soap ‘soapy’
    • It cuts and removes oil effectively

So…why is it in shampoo?

  • To help suds it up! We have been ‘trained’ that, we need that lather to get a good clean
  • This ingredient helps cut/remove oil…and we don’t want oily hair!
  • It’s cheap to produce (more of a reason for manufacturers to use it)

What’s the problem then?

  • Even in diluted quantities, SLS is irritating to the skin and scalp
    • Have ecezema? (like me!) – SLS can irritate this already irritating condition
  • We’ve all gotten shampoo in our eyes at one time or another…it burns! SLS is likely the culprit
    • Tear-free baby shampoo? Well, it’s ‘tear free’ because it’s sulfate free
  • It’s also been known to be damaging to the hair follicle (can lead to weakened hair structure)
  • SLS can strip colour from your hair – hello, that’s not a good thing for us girls who spend good money on highlights/professional coloring!
  • The SLS found in our soaps is the same as you would find in a car wash or even a garage, where it is used to degrease car engines – ewww!!

BUT – to date, SLS has not been banned from shampoos and cosmetic agents by the FDA as unhealthy or a cancer causing shampoo ingredient.

What is sulfate free shampoo?

  • HELLO – shampoo without the sulfates. Manufacturers use alternative ingredients to get a similiar effect

Why try sulfate free shampoo? – to…

  • Avoid harsh sulfates!
  • Avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils, and your scalp too (which can lead to them drying out faster than normal)
  • Help maintain color treated hair longer…SLS stripping my nice color?! No, thank you!
  • Help avoid further irritation if you have sensitive skin

According to some critics there are a couple trade offs:

  • Sulfates do a good job cleaning…
  • Sulfate free shampoos won’t strip hair/scalp as much but will need washing again sooner
  • Some sulfate shampoos don’t lather up as well, which is the result of removing the SLS, the foaming agent. This can cause people to use more product to get the foam they’re use to

My take – I’ve been using a sulfate free shampoo, and it foams very well without needing more product (see reco below)

The main reason I initially tried this product – was to avoid sulfates to help maintain my color longer. If I can get a couple additional weeks out of my color, that’s money saved at the salon. I went with L’Oreal – because it was at CVS, and it’s cheaper. I purchased the shampoo specifically for color treated hair. Name: L’Oreal EverPure Moisture Shampoo, Rosemary Juniper

Why I like it:

L'Oreal EverPure Moisture Shampoo (sulfate free)

  • It smells amazing
  • It suds up just fine! I don’t have to use more than usual to get a good lather going
  • It makes my hair feel clean, and soft (in combination with my conditioner)
  • It’s less expensive than salon brands
  • I like the tube container- it’s lighter, and easier to carry in my gym bag
  • I can’t say that it has made my color last longer – but my highlights didn’t get brassy last time around…

More info from L’Oreal on this –

Sulfate-Free Color Care System:

  • Anti-Fade System
  • 100% Sulfate-Free
  • No Harsh Salts
  • Natural Botanicals
  • 100% Vegan
  • Not tested on animals, no animal byproducts

Color-preserving formula there are no harsh sulfates and salts that can strip and dull your color.  The EverPure Sulfate-Free Color Care System* protects and conditions hair for long-lasting color purity.

EverPure shampoos create a luxurious and rich lathering experience, while natural aromatic properties from rosemary and juniper help energize and invigorate the senses.

EverPure Moisture Shampoo gently cleanses, deeply nourishes and revitalizes dry, damaged hair.  Its rich moisturizing formula reveals your hair’s natural softness and shine, helping your color shine through.

Other sulfate free shampoos:

  • Kiss My Face – Miss Treated Shampoo
  • L’Oreal – Everstrong Reconstructing Shampoo
  • RedKen – Nature’s Rescue Detox Shampoo
  • Moroccan Oil Shampoos

Do you use sulfate-free shampoo? Is it great…or all hype?

Sources: About, BeautyTopTips, NaturalHealthInformationCentre, Drugstore

It’s rainy in Boston…

/ BethonBeauty / Leave a comment

For a frizz stopper – see my post on Moroccan Oil: http://wp.me/p1kq6s-2f

 

Oh and, I started using the Moroccan Oil Moisture Repair Conditioner – I was skeptical at first, but my hair has been so soft, and less frizzy. Paraben-free, to boot! The bottle lasts awhile. I use a quarter size amount, but I have a lot of long hair.

Find it at G2O Salon (my fave) on Newbury St., Boston – or, many other salons and it’s sold online:

http://www.amazon.com/Moroccanoil-Moisture-Repair-Conditioner-8-5-Ounce/dp/B002N5MKM6

 

 

Photo courtesy of: Realsimple.com

itchy scalp issues

/ BethonBeauty / 1 Comment

I was teased the other day (I won’t name names) for mentioning that I have an itchy scalp sometimes. So itchy that my manicures don’t usually last more than 3 days (unless I get the gel mani!) Whatever, we all have our problems.

It’s annoying issue…if you have an itching scalp, or dry skin problem on your head…the best shampoo I have found is Head & Shoulders Dandruff Shampoo. I know, it doesn’t sound cool at all, but it works and it’s cheap. It can’t just be any version of H&S, it has to have the Pyrithione zinc (that’s what my dermatoligist recommended).

I usually get this condition around allergy season…I keep this on hand. It completely relieves the problem. Thankfully, I don’t have to use it everyday. But there are seasons when I have to use it regularly. I use my regular conditioner with it, and my hair looks/feels great. It doesn’t make my hair weird or frizzy.

Guys love this stuff…so when people see it in my shower, I just tell them it’s Nick. He does use it too! It’s about $8, and you can find it at most drugstores, I usually get mine at Target. Or here: http://www.drugstore.com/head-and-shoulders-ocean-lift-dandruff-shampoo-ocean-lift/qxp345554?fromsrch=head+and+shoulders