Peter Lamas Avocado & Olive Shampoo and Conditioner Review

It's summertime and the frizz has been high. A pair of bottles in my closet must have heard the hoarse cry of my dry hair shaft.   Peter Lamas Avocado and Olive Ultra Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner has stepped forward to help tame the mane I affectionately refer to as "the beast". Has it been successful? Absolutely! This tag team leaves my tresses Ultra soft, Ultra detangled, and Ultra moisturized. Dare I say that their "Ultra" claim is the truth?  Yes I can!  If  I may be honest, when I read  "to condition and tame curly, frizzy, hard-to-manage hair", I thought "Yeah, I heard this all before. Tame? LOL This beast?! *glances up* Ok! Let me see what you can do."  The moment of truth was instantaneous. I shampooed my hair and was pleased because: 1. My hair color didn't fade and 2. My hair wasn't a rat's nest. Oh My! So far the shampoo held up to it's claim. I could run my fingers through the small kinks (tangles) and the hair would separate. Ok, Alright...The beast was calm but was it tamed?  I had to get this conditioner in to see if it too were as good as its claims.  It's important to mention that the soft scent of lime brought me pure enjoyment. *swoons*  I love lime scented hair and body products. When a brand can give that invigorating scent  and the benefits I'm looking for, it's all a win.  Now back to the conditioner, which claims: "a natural moisturizer and soother"..."to leave hair smooth and ultra-shiny"... and "nourish scalp to give you a lusciously soft, manageable locks."   Surely, this reparative conditioner (just as the shampoo) which is rich in protein and vitamins came to not only contend but to restore and win.  My hair felt so good (and looked good too!). The beast, as you can see from the picture below was tamed and remains tamed during these hot summer days.  Typically I would have had to give myself a few deep treatments to repair and restore from sun damage but that's not been the case after using the Peter Lamas Avocado and Olive Shampoo and Conditioner.  The beast is happy and so am I. Now, if only someone would come massage my arms after all of this. So goes the life of a girl with big hair. lol

My hair is about 60% dry in this picture. I left a little bit of conditioner in my hair. 

Think you would give this a try?  How do you remedy your summertime frizz?

*product sent by brand rep for review consideration

Queen Helene Royal Curl Review

At some point in time in our lives most of us have been introduced to Queen Helene. Whether it was the cool Mint Julep mask your mom would walk around the house in or the pink gel shared in the girl's bathroom to "slick down those edges", Queen Helene has long ruled the beauty cabinets.  Continuing in their commitment to remain a leader in health and beauty, Queen Helene Royal Curl enters the court. An all natural royal treatment rolled out in four great products.  Amino Acids, Vitamins and antioxidants are just some of the power packed nutrients that round out this royal formula which is sure to nourish and tame your curls.  

Stay Clean Shampoo - a mild lather detangling formula which cleans unbelievably well.  My hair felt moisturized and had a wonderful sheen.  Did I say it DETANGLES?

Moisture Rich Conditioner-  this conditioner can be rinsed out or left in depending on the density of your hair type.  This light formula will soften, add shine and work out any tangles that the shampoo missed.  If you're looking for a daily maintenance moisturizer to protect those ends.  This is a product to consider because it does it's job without any residue.

Curl Shaping Creme- although it's called a creme it is more like a gel in texture. The holding power is AMAZING! I didn't put anything in my hair other than water (mist) for four days.  Now, it's important to follow the directions "a dime size per section"  my hair is thick so I did more like a quarter and it dried a tad bit crunchy (lol)  Still, even with that mishap I didn't have any flaking or residue on my hair or scalp

Smoothing Oil - i'm not a huge fan of oil products because I tend to get breakouts on my face (around the hairline) when I use them. This product was no different on ME.  Although I like the light formula, scent and its humectant factor.  I will only use it as a hot oil treatment.  

All in all my hair and I are well pleased with our Royal experience(take a look at the pics below)  So if you're looking for an all natural product ("No harsh, or drying chemicals like alcohol, sulfates, petrolatum, parabens or phthalates")  that delivers on it's claims, smells good, and has a modest price point of $8.99 this is for you. The product hasnt hit the shelves yet but you can get it on the site, click here

(shampoo, conditioned & gel) 

 (diffused, no stretching)

 (Day2 ~ just a tiny bit of smoothing oil to wake up curl)

(Day3~ no product added just mist w/ water for twist out)

*product samples courtesy of BeautySat

Queen Helene

Soul Purpose ~ Salon Red Hair Care

 Soul Purpose in collaboration with renowned Hairstylist and Educator Arthur Harris presents Salon Red, a multicultural natural haircare line fortified with Argan oil and silk amino acids.  This high quality botanical base line is successfully formulated to meet the needs of all hair types and textures.  So if your looking to quench the thirst of your dry tresses, simply maintain your healthy hair or treat yourself to an at home spa experience, Salon Red's quality formulation can provide just that and more for you AND your family (yes! it's child friendly)

 Hydrating Shampoo, 12oz $22:  is fortified with antioxidants, green tea extract, Acai Berry, Sugar Cane, Argan oil and silk amino acids. It provides defense to color-treated hair, filters harmful UV rays and is rich in antioxidants to protect hair. All natural, sulfate and paraben free. Adds moisture to dry chemically treated hair. Helps minimize breakage, detangles, enriches hair and evens porosity.

Moisturizing Conditioner, 12oz, $24:  is fortified with antioxidants, Argan oil, tea tree oil, green tea and silk amino acids.

Detangles hair, repairs surface porosity, hydrates hair helping to prevent dry brittleness and breaking of hair. Eliminates static charge and protects hair from harmful UV rays.

Nutri-Shine Hair Gloss, .5oz, $15: Promotes a healthy shine and prevents frizzy, dry and fly away hair. It's enriched with nutrient rich oils, butters, vitamin E., olive oil, shea butter & avocado butter. Promotes a healthy scalp and hair. A beautiful, healthy gloss for all hair types.

Shop Salon Red! click here 

Pantene Pro-V Curly Hair Series:Curls to Straight Review

Wintertime is when I opt to wear my hair straight more often then in any of the curly styles.  I have never had a problem with the structure of my curl pattern changing due to the continuous heat application needed to straighten my hair.  I attribute it to both having a stylist (my hubby) that doesn't put a lot of tension (excessive pulling on the hairshaft while hair is wet) on my hair during the blow drying process and of course good products.  I have experienced using a product that weighs down the hairshaft with a coating and so I am in need of a chelating shampoo in order to get the product totally off of my hair.  When that happens my curls are more wavy and just plain ol' disobedient to my style option.  Now, here is where I make a little confession: When I get a new product I like to try it on my sister first.  I do this because it allows me to see and manipulate the product better than I can do on myself.  She is very willing and trusting, as you can see from the pics below, I haven't let her down.

Recently we had the pleasure of trying Pantene Pro-V Curly Hair Series  which is "designed to deliver options for damage protection and long lasting curl definition with frizz control"  

(after the shampoo and conditioner)

Curls To Straight Shampoo - gave a good cleanse without any stripped squeaky feeling. Sometimes my sister has natural oil build up that weighs her hair down so occasionally a chelating shampoo is needed before a regular moisturizing shampoo. We didn't need to do that this time; her hair and scalp was thoroughly cleaned. There was a decrease in her frizz and the curl was just a bit more loose.

Curls to Straight Conditioner - softened and detangled upon contact.  Her hair was very manageable with just my fingers. The hair shaft was very smooth and soft so the comb pretty much glided through it.  We both kept acknowledging the immediate change we could see and feel  in the hair just after using these two products. You can see the curl definition in the pic above.

(after the creme and spray: blow dry w/ brush)

Anti-Frizz Straightening Creme - is a really light cream that binds onto the hair like water.  There was absolutely no trace of the product once it transferred from my hand to the hair.  

Heat protection & Shine Spray- is that string of pearls you put on to complete your classic look. I mean you can choose not to wear them and you will still look good but for some reason that one little string of pearls just makes everything POP!  

This line is certified Gorgeous! It delivers on all of its claims, of " addressing the unique need of  the curly hair structure...utilizing ingredients that work to control the movement of moisture in and out of the hair shaft and lubricating hair to minimize damage caused by fiber interaction "  If you aren't looking to straighten your tresses no worries, there is  Dry To Moisturized to keep your curls thoroughly nourished. Also, this extensive line offers six stylers and four treatments so there is something to meet the needs of all curly haircare and/or concerns.  You can find Pantene at most mass retailers and the price tag ranges from $3.99-$7.99.   

Check out the finished look below:

 Thank you to my sister who always trusts me to keep her hair looking it's best. Love you lots!!

* products supplied by a Company Rep for review consideration

pantene curls

Phytospecific Vital Force Review

Well, here I go again on my quest to find a product that will replenish moisture and hydrate my hair.  I tried a mystery product a few weeks ago that had me looking like side show Bob before the days end.  I'm unable to tell you what the name of the product is because I don't even know myself (it was a trial for product development)  Anyhoo, my frizz factor was on high and my hair needed some serious TLC.  My sister's hair has been transitioning very well with her using the Phyto products (read the review)  So, I was more than happy to give the Phytospecific Vital Force Shampoo and Cream Bath  the chance to romance my tresses. 

Side Show Bob hair pulled up in a ponytail (FRIZZY!)

Phytospecific Vital Force Shampoo - is a pearlescent  rich emulsion that spreads on easy, gives a good lather & gently cleans the hair.  My hair was clean, soft and I could visibly see that my hair shaft was smoother. This shampoo delivered on hydration immediately thanks to ingredients such as Illipe butter, Mallow Extract, and Panthenol. I'm not a usually a fan of floral scents but the scent of this shampoo was very light and quite uplifting

after the Phytospecific Vita Force Shampoo ( a lot less frizz)

Phytospecific Vital Force Creme Bath - this is an ultra thick and rich cream that instantly softens and detangles the hair when applied.  The creams feels a bit slippery in the jar (not in an oily way, more like jelly) but once you get a scoop of it out, it is very easy to maneuver and not at all messy.  The ingredient content is highly concentrated in this formula which is why you can instantly see and feel the infusion process of the oils(Jojoba, seame & Shea butter) on the hair. So, whether you leave it on for the suggested 10 minute or opt for the 30 minute intensive treatment, your hair will be fortified , revitalized and nourished.  

after the Phytospecific Vita Force Creme Bath  (where's the frizz?)

I was so impressed with the results I decided to forgo any styling aids so I gave myself a quick braid out before I left home for an event.   Now, I only did this to see how the seal on the hair shaft would hold up, the next day I did apply a product that would give me some hold. It was a damp evening and my hair still didn't frizz up on me.  It remained soft, bouncy and shiny.   My curls have been very happy as I am moving into week 2 of using the products.   Oh and I can't forget, for my ingredient conscious ladies, the added bonus to these fab products: NO PARABENS, TRICLOSAN, SULFATES, SYNTHETIC DYES OR FRAGRANCES, PHTHALATES, GMO'S or PETROCHEMICAL.  

a slightly damp braid out( no styling products)

you can check out more of the Phyto products at Sephora.com
Phtyospecific Vital Force Shampoo, $24
Phytospecific Vital Force Creme Bath, $36





*product was given by PR for review consideration

phyto hair

Shea Moisture Review

Well I gave the Shea Moisture products a go and I have to say they just didn't do it for me.  Let me back up a bit and break it down product by product. I want to be fair and not generalize the results.
Brilliant Curl Shampoo: has a great coconut scent that is not too strong. the texture is smooth and spreads really well.  There isn't a lot of lather to the product but that's ok because my hair was gently cleaned and felt soft. I know with some people lots of lather means clean.  As my hubby says " I need to see some suds"  I assure you that the product does it's job of cleaning despite the minimal lather.

Curl Enhancing Smoothie: So this is the product I really had high hopes for. This is a thick cream that per the directions should be applied to damp hair. I tried it on both wet and damp hair.  The product just didn't work for me. It left a film on my hair and suprisingly wasn't as water soluble as I had hoped.  Usually if a product doesnt work for me I just rinse it out, the water breaks it down and it runs right off the hair. That was not the case with the smoothie; I had to shampoo my hair to completely remove the product.  On the positive side, it does smell good and it spreads well.

Deep Treatment Masque: A nice lightly scented cream full a good combination of ingredients that will help get sickly hair back on the road to recovery. I wasn't blown over by the results but I would use it again. I am even more interested to see the results on relaxed hair. 

The end result was that my hair wasn't AS dry as is was before I used the product. There wasn't a great hold so a bit of frizz did kick in after a few hours and again I had a film on my hair. 

Now, I couldn't just let this be the end so I passed the product over to my sister-in-love and here is what she said:  "I like the product a alot. My hair is soft, my curl is more defined and my hair feels more moisturized"   hmm! look at that.  It didn't work for me but it sure did work for her. 

                                                                  my gorgeous sister

shea moisture hair Target

Oh Woe Is Me, My Hair Is Dry!

My hair has been so dry due to the summer heat and a few visits to the pool.  A good deep treatment is in order.  Last week I had a conversation with my cousin about Shea Moisture, an all natural and organic haircare line. She raved about a deep treatment that is her favorite to date. Oh, I just had to find it, MY HAIR IS SO DRY! *its coughs*  My poor tresses, the daily moisture I apply is like giving a man in the desert one drop of water at a time. *he drinks quickly and hoarsely yells more! more!!*  

I took a trip to Target to grab the Deep Treatment Masque but also decided to try the products for thick, curly hair.  I will be trying them out this week and I will be back to tell you all about them and the amazing list of ingredients.  Until then, i will say this each product smells divine and check this out: NO Parabens, NO paraffin, NO gluten, NO Mineral oil, No sulfates and the list goes on and on. A full list when I do the review.

            I had to show you my dry hair *insert sad face*

shea moisture hair Target

Phyto à Porter Frequent Use Collection Review

Several months ago while out and about I decided to browse the hair products at Sephora.  I came across the cutest little travel sets by Phyto.   The mini haircare collection kits are exclusive to Sephora and you have your choice of three categories: Dry hair, Color, or Frequent Use.  I chose the Frequent Use Collection to try on my sister who is transitioning from relaxed hair.  Oh, I can't go on without letting you know that I have heard amazing things about the PhytoSpecific Phytorelaxer,  a non chemical,egg and soya based relaxer that is good for all hair types (a review by Felicia on ThisThatBeauty)   Now, let me get back to the mini collection that delivered maximum results.  I"m going to list what was in the kit and how i felt about each one individually

Phytoprogenium Shampoo- is lightly scented clear with a serum texture. It spreads evenly and gives a good lather. The hair was thoroughly clean after 2 shampoos and there was no "squeaking".  I was impressed with the definition of my sisters's curl. The was minimal frizz and the shine was just grand. The first ingredient in this shampoo is marshmallow root (althaea officinalis) which is very well known for it's soothing and healing properties. This along with sweet almond oil (emollient) and olive leaf extract( astringent) ensured that my sister's hair was  both clean and softened. These factors were essential to my sister who tends to have a very dry scalp and oily hair.

Pytobaume- is a light cream that detangles wonderfully and does not leave a heavy film. It has an ingredient in it that will ensure "no static"  I used about a size of a quarter on her entire head. I do hope that they will reformulate and get the parabens out of this great product. Oh, I can't forget the mallow extract, which is an emollient that also protects.

Phyto7-  my favorite product of the collection.  I used just a tad bit bigger than pea size of the product before I blow dried the hair.  I have to say, as you can see from the pictures below, the shine on the hair was consistent from the start.  The hydrating cream just sealed the deal.  The product gave a good slip without leaving a film.  The hair was soft  and again the sheen was amazing. The power pack formulation of plant extracts ensure that the hair is softened, hydrated, and protected.

                                                                       (Phyto in action)

 These products will definitely be a staple in my sister's hair regimen.  I myself, have started using the Phyto7 and I picked up a bottle of the PhytoCurl Shampoo. I will be giving it a try very soon. As for the mini collection, it's definitely gorgeous approved.  I really adore the packaging also, the resealable case fits right in your hand which makes it easy for packing and travel.  A great product in a small package for an amazing value, $12!!                                   

          

Phyto à Porter, $12 @ Sephora

phyto

Herbal Essences has got me Totally Twisted

For years I was on the hunt for the product that worked best on my hair. I never found anything that gave me a good defined curl along with proper moisturizing and hydrating. Then, about 10yrs ago I happened upon a professional product that made my hair sing. I was devastated to find out that unbeknownst to me the company had decided to end our relationship. I would have to scour numerous salons or websites to find any trace of my sweet love. In my state of rebound, while cruising through Walmart I was drawn by a display of bright vivid colored bottles with catchy phrases. I immediately went back into my old mode of picking products for moisture & hydration but then it caught my eye, Totally Twisted Curl &Waves shampoo and conditioner. hhhhhm, I had been hearing about this line. I recently tried a brand that i was not happy with and this product was under $3. a major deal from my usual purchases ($10+ a bottle) So in the cart and home came these products. This product delivered on everything it said it would. CLEAN, SPRINGY, HYDRATED, SMOOTH, & DEFINED!! Hair knows when it's treated right..lol My curls not only sang but they danced! The french lavender and jade extracts were so uplifting to both my mood and my curls. I have a new favorite shampoo & conditioner!!

herbal essence totally twisted