Help for My Damaged Hair: Madam CJ Walker Wonderful Pre-Wash Protein Treatment

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Oh my poor hair! I am combatting some really bad damage and breakage. Trust me, I baby my hair. I wash ever/other day, use good products, air dry as much as I can, and do weekly or bi-weekly deep conditioning and protein treatments. However, a recent bad color/highlighting experience has left my hair with chemical damage. Luckily, I am with a new colorist and am working towards getting my hair back into shape. My hair has been overprocessed and has breakage near the crown. Plus, the texture is "funny" when its wet. I suspect cuticle and possibly even some cortex damage in spots. I recently cut off about 7 inches and that certainly helps. However, much of my damage is near the roots and in the top layers of my hair. I am just going to have to grow out most of the damage. 

The good news is that there are products that can help! One of my favorites that I mention frequently and have reviewed here, is the Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment which I do before and after chemical services at the salon. I also use shampoos and conditioners formulated for damaged hair. On a weekly basis, I do conditioning and strengthening treatments. I tend to rotate these with my weekly Olaplex treatments. 

When you face damage from highlighting and chemical services, one of the most important things you can do for your hair is to add protein! Hair is approximately 91% keratin protein, and with daily styling and frequent exposure to chemicals, this can break up and weaken hair structure, ultimately causing fragile, unhealthy strands. This is certainly the current situation with my hair. 

The great news is that there are so many good protein treatments on the market! One of my recent favorites is the Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture’s Dream Come True Wonderful Pre-Wash Protein Treatment. As a powerful, protein-packed reconstructer, Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture’s Dream Come True Wonderful Pre-Wash Protein Treatment ($32) is a rich cream to help strengthen your hair's keratin. It nourishes the scalp and strands before you shampoo, helping to fortify hair and prevent breakage. 

The ultra-nourishing Dream Come True Wonderful Pre-Wash Protein Treatment deeply penetrates to support the building blocks of hair. It restores dry, brittle strands damaged by chemical treatments, heat styling, and environmental aggressors. 

To Use:

Simply apply the Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture’s Dream Come True Wonderful Pre-Wash Protein Treatment from scalp to ends on damp hair before shampooing. I pay extra attention to areas of damage. The you leave it on for 15 minutes. I like to just do this at the start of my shower. I wet my hair immediately and wring it out at the start of my shower and apply the Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture’s Dream Come True Wonderful Pre-Wash Protein Treatment. Then I proceed to wash and shave, etc. Then I rinse out the hair treatment and proceed with hair washing. 

I find that using the Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture’s Dream Come True Wonderful Pre-Wash Protein Treatment on a every/other week basis adds luster, shine, and softness to my hair, while helping to prevent split ends and repair damage. 

Key Ingredients:

• Shea Butter: Deeply moisturizes while conditioning hair and scalp. 
• Panthenol (Provitamin B5): Blocks moisture and keeps hair shiny. 
• Coconut Oil: Adds luster, shine, and softness to the hair; helps prevent hair breakage and split ends. 

Price: $32.00 exclusively at Sephora and Sephora.com

If you are looking for a great treatment for damaged hair, be sure to check out Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture’s Dream Come True Wonderful Pre-Wash Protein Treatment! Your hair will thank you! ;)

As always, thanks so much for reading!

XOXO!!!

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Give Your Hair a Shine Boost with a Boost of Protection: White Sands Porosity The Fix

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I seem to be in the constant search for that "Holy Grail" hair serum that will leave my hair looking super shiny and fabulous. 

My hair is long and is dry and somewhat damaged from highlights. I put a lot of work into my hair as far as salon visits, general maintenance (washing, conditioning, drying, etc), and special treatments (protein treatments, mositure treatments, leave-ins, etc). However, even with all of my extra "work", sometimes my hair still looks lacklustre. The shine factor seems to be the thing that is missing. 

Yes, I have a few fabulous shine products on hand that I do swear by to give me that shine boost. However, I am constantly worrying about those products being discontinued or that they might become hard to find. I must have back ups. So, I frequently search for other products that might work well. As a beauty blogger, I do try out a lot of hair serums and leave-ins. However, only a few work well enough for me to devote time to review them! Enter White Sands Porosity The Fix!

White Sands | Porosity The Fix:

I am just adoring this multipurpose leave-in! From the pretty purple-ness of the liquid to the cuteness of the bottle, I just had to try it! Plus, as all of you with processed blonde or highlighted hair know, processed blonde hair is extremely porous. Finding products that work, like Porosity The Fix by White Sands, is the key to filling in the gaps that leave blonde hair overly porous and weak. White Sands Porosity The Fix helps to combat the issues caused by porosity and equalize your hair while also leaving it shiny and protected.

A little bit goes a long way with this product. I just spray it lightly on my hand and then distribute it throughout my hair. You can also spray directly onto your hair. However, I feel like I have a little more control when I spray into my hands and work it in this way. 

How I use: 

When my hair is freshly washed and towel dried, I spray a little on my hands and work it through my hair right after applying my styling products. This product acts as a heat protectant as well as a shine boosting serum. I probably use about 2-3 sprays in my hands for my below shoulder-length hair. Then I blow dry with a round brush as usual. When I am all done drying my hair. I spray about 2 more sprays worth onto my hands and then run that over the top layers of my hair for a shine boost. I love the results! It gives shine while also protecting my hair against heat damage. Also, I love the light feel of this product. It does not weigh my hair down at all nor leave it looking greasy. I think the trick is to use a very very small amount. With that said, this bottle is a great deal! It will take me ages to use it up with only using about 4-5 sprays per styling session. 

You can find White Sands Porosity The Fix here. I am loving it! I am honestly using it every day now and am totally obsessed with my results! This stuff gives me "good hair days" every time I use it! This is honestly one of the best products I have ever used for smoothness and shine. Love, love, love it!!!

How do you get an extra boost of shine in your hair? I am always looking for new products! :) Thanks so much for reading!

XOXO!

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The Extraordinary Oil Collection from L'Oreal Paris: Extraordinary Transformation for Dry Hair!

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NEW L’Oréal Paris Advanced Haircare Extraordinary Oil Collection:

An Extraordinary Transformation for Dry Hair!

Have you ever explored L'Oreal's Advanced Hair Care line? It is an entire collection of products specifically formulated for specific hair concerns. I am super excited about this brand new line expansion: Introducing the NEW L’Oréal Paris Advanced Haircare Extraordinary Oil Collection! 

Oils are certainly a hot ingredient right now in the world of skincare and hair care...for good reason. Nothing nourishes better and packs more of a concentrated moisturizing punch than an oil. This NEW NEW L’Oréal Paris Advanced Haircare Extraordinary Oil Collection is formulated with a powerful blend of 6 essential oils. This line can transform your dry hair and leave it feeling moisturized and shiny. 

For those with dry, unhealthy looking hair, the Extraordinary Oil Collection is specially formulated with an oil-complex comprised of Amla, Coconut, Soja, Sunflower, Argan, and Chamomile oils to nourish hair every day. Amla Oil repairs coarse hair from root to end; Coconut Oil strengthens hair, and helps it regrow; Soja Oil, derived from Soybeans, helps provide natural moisture balance; Sunflower Oil is rich in vitamins and antioxidants; antioxidant-packed Argan and Chamomile Oils help rebuild the hair fiber and leave it shiny and soft.

I got to try out a few items from this NEW L’Oréal Paris Advanced Haircare Extraordinary Oil Collection: the Extraordinary Oil Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner and the Extraordinary Oil Lustrous Oil Serum. To find out more details about each of these products and to hear how I liked them, please click "read more" below!

Fighting Late Summer Heat with Drugstore Products: Aussie, Secret, and Herbal Essences!

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The heat is in full swing here in GA. It has been upwards of 95 degrees this past week! There is no question that extreme heat can create a challenge for staying fresh and clean! I need to combat the heat with products to keep me smelling fresh and keep my hair frizz-free. The good news is that there are a ton of drugstore products to achieve this goal! As much as I love my high end products, nothing beats a great drugstore find! For this post, I am going to talk with ya'll about some of my recent drugstore favorites for hair, body, and last...but not least...your underarms!

For Hair: Aussie:
It is so fun for me to re-visit Aussie products! This is a line that I have literally loved since middle school. Not only do the products smell absolutely amazing, but also they are incredibly good for your hair (while also being so affordable!).

Aussie Hair Insurance Leave-In Conditioner: 
This lightweight spray conditions your hair while detangling, hydrating, and smoothing. I like that I can liberally spray this in without it feeling greasy. I just squirt in after towel drying my hair and before adding hair serums and other styling products. I absolutely adore the scent! This is certainly not the most moisturizing nor most repairing leave-in that I have ever used. However, it works great as a detangler and does offer some lightweight conditioning benefits.

Aussie Moist 3-Minute Miracle Deeeeep Treatment:
I have been using versions of this deep conditioner since high school! This deep conditioner is so inexpensive; yet, it works so well (and smells amazing!). The Three Minute Miracle Collection now has five customized formulas specific to what your hair needs. I am currently using the Moist formula for hydration and softness. I love the results! My hair is beautifully detangled, shiny, managable, and soft after each use. I am almost guaranteed a "good hair day" when I use this. I must try all of these formulas! Aussie lovers: what is your favorite 3-Minute Miracle treatment?

image source: Herbal Essences

For Body: Herbal Essences:

Have you seen the body washes from Herbal Essences? I have long been obsessed with the scents of Herbal Essences products. I think I first fell in love with the scents of their hair products all the way back in High School! Well, now you can get those fabulous scents in body washes! The best thing about Herbal Essences scents and Body Washes is that the scent really lingers! My body wash assortment from Herbal Essences includes Hello Hydration (a fresh and tropical coconut), Body Burst (a refreshing citrus), and Honey I Smell Good (honey and apricot). Honestly, I don't know which I like best because they are all amazing. I am so obsessed with these scents! I guess if I had to pick a favorite, I would choose The Hello Hydration scent because I use the Hello Hydration shampoo on my daughter. So the scent reminds me of her! :) By-the-way, the Hello Hydration Shampoo and Conditioner work great for keeping her hair super shiny, manageable, and smelling great all day!

For Underarms: Secret:
In the late-summer Georgia heat, I need to use the strongest underarm protection that I can find! I have used and trusted Secret deodorant/anti-antiperspirants for years! Secret was literally the first deodorant that I ever tried and I rarely stray. What can I say? I just don't want to smell and their deodorant/anti-antiperspirants really work for me. Their Clinical Strength line is amazing! They have a new Clinical Strength formula with Adapts & Responds technology. This means that the product can change and adapt to your sweat vitals. Your body goes through ups and downs all day. This means that your sweat and odor protection needs are constantly changing. It works by fighting odor causing bacteria, reducing sweat, and releasing fragrance. It is available in a Clear Gel, Invisible Solid, and Smooth Solid form.

So these are the products from Herbal Essences, Aussie, and Secret that are helping me to stay fresh, smell great, and fight frizz this Summer. What drugstore products are you loving to combat the heat of late Summer? 

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Makeup Wars: Brand Feature with Keune!

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It is time for another Makeup Wars! This time the Makeup Wars team is bringing you a brand feature with Keune. Each Makeup Wars blogger got the opportunity to use an assortment of Keune products for their hair type. This way, as you scroll through our posts, you can hear about the entire brand from the perspective of a variety of women with differing hair type and hair needs. How did these products work for the Makeup Wars group of bloggers? You will just have to keep reading through to find out! 

My Hair:

Before diving in to the product descriptions and my reviews, lets talk about my hair type. My hair is very long, thick, and heavily highlighted. I am naturally a dark blonde and I highlight my hair to a light blonde shade. While my hair is thick, it is fine in texture but also somewhat coarse as well. I generally find that shampoos geared towards coarse damaged hair are what resonates with my hair. Rarely can a shampoo or conditioner be "too thick" or "too rich" for me. It is actually the contrary, I struggle to find shampoos and conditioners that are smoothing and moisturizing enough for me. My other issue: tangles. My hair tangles so easily and it is so long that it really can be a pain! My hair is certainly in the dry and damaged range. With that said, my hair can be transformed into touchably soft and beautiful hair with the right combination of products!

About Keune:

This is a natural product line with environmentally friendly products. Keune wants to give you healthy and shiny hair with products enhanced with plant extracts and other natural ingredients. 

I tried out the So Pure Natural Balance Color Care line. To find out more about these products and how they worked for my hair, please click "read more" below! :)

Transform your Dry/Damaged Hair: The Purelogy® Strength Cure™ Line

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I really try to pride myself with taking good care of my hair. Through the use of good products, I am able to grow my hair very long while also getting highlights. Even with my best efforts, sometimes I end up with some damage after getting highlights. Recently, I went much brighter and heavier with my blonde highlights for the Spring/Summer season (annually, I tend to go much brighter in the Spring/Summer). The result? Beautiful highlights...and some damage. As much as I loved the color of my hair, the texture felt rough and dry. I want my hair to be silky and soft. Sigh!

So, the timing was perfect as I had just received Pureology's New Strength Cure line! It sounded like just what I needed for my highlight-damaged hair.

About the Strength Cure line (from Pureology):

Pureology knows that 74% of women who visit a salon cite damage as one of their key complaintsi. Colour treated hair not only endures mechanical damage, but also micro-scarred damage resulting from the penetration of colour pigments during processing. To combat damaged/microscarred colour-treated hair, Pureology is excited to introduce Strength Cure, the first comprehensive reparative haircare system that can be customized to ensure the perfect balance of internal strength and velvety softness. In fact, 97% saw improved hair strength after only one use! 

The Strength Cure system uses Asta-Repair™ to heal, strengthen, and protect from colour oxidation. Asta-Repair™ features, Astaxanthin, the ultimate nature-derived antioxidant, coupled with our unique AntiFade Complex***iii, which helps to ensure colour preservation, even in the weakest hair fibers. Astaxanthin is one of the most powerful carotenoids, with up to 500x the antioxidant action of Vitamin E, and 10x more powerful than beta carotene. Keravis, Ceramide and Arginine, also found in the Asta- Repair™ system, help replace the depleted cysteine content inside the cortex, while also helping to heal the micro-scarred cuticle to restore a velvet touch. The fully customizable system includes products that will help cover all needs from gently detangling to fortifying mid-lengths and mending split ends.

To find out more details about each of these products and how they transformed my hair, please click "read more" below! :)

My Hair Loves: Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Oil and Kerastase Masquintense

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With my very-long, ultra dry, and somewhat damaged highlighted hair, I am always on the lookout for great hair products that promise moisture and shine. So, I was super excited to try out these two cult favorite hair care products: Shu Uemura's Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil and Kerastase's Masquintense. Both of these products have quite the following! 

Shu Uemura's Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil:

I was first introduced to this product through a deluxe sample in one of my Birchboxes. I was love at first try for me. So, I was super excited to finally try out the full size product for a complete review.

What is it?

Shu Uemura's Essence Absolue is a Multi-use elixir that moisturizes and protects with intense nutrition. Rapidly absorbed into hair fiber, it rebalances the moisture level of dry hair. The soft-sleek velvety oil creates a supple touch with high shine and provides UV protection. Formulated for daily use. Safe on color-treated hair.

This gel-like oil has almost a slippery serum texture. The scent is absolutely to-die-for! It is soft and somewhat floral and feminine scent (I mean, I would seriously wear this scent as a perfume if I could!). It just makes your hair smell great! 

How I Use:

Essence Absolue can be used either as a pre-shampoo treatment or a leave-in. I like using it as a leave-in. I add about 1 pumps worth to my hair after towel drying and combing. I concentrate it on the ends and work it up through the lengths of my hair as well. After blow-drying/styling my hair, I add one more pump to the ends as a finishing serum/oil for a boost of shine.

I love how silky and shiny this leaves my hair! Not only is this product making my hair look immediately more nourished and healthy, but also continued use is improving the overall condition of my hair. It works wonders to add moisturize and shine as well as to protect your hair from heat styling. My hair seems more manageable when I use this. It is easier to comb out and it has less frizz and more shine. Plus, I do not find that it leaves me greasy nor weighed down. I think that the trick is finding out just the "right amount" of this product needed to tame your hair. Once you do, you will be hooked on this! I just adore this oil! Yes, it is super duper pricey at $69.00 for 5 fl oz. However, using 1-2 pumps per use, this bottle will last a very long time.

Kerastase Nutritive Masquintense Thick:

I am a hair mask junkie. With my dry/damaged/highlighted hair, I often opt for a hair mask rather than using a regular conditioner for just day-to-day conditioning. So, I have tried a ton of masks and must say that this one by Kerastase is now one of my top 5 favorites! Basically, if you just want to guarantee yourself a "good hair day"...use this! It is very luxurious and moisturizing.

The Scoop:

• Complete and intense nutrition for dry hair
• Deeply penetrates the fiber with nourishment from mid-lengths to ends
• Weightless nutrition for hair suppleness
• Long-lasting defense against the return of dryness

This mask was formulated for dry and sensitized thick hair. My hair is extremely thick and coarse. So, this mask is just perfect for me. Rarely is a product "too rich" or "too thick" for my hair. Quite the contrary actually, it is hard for me to find products "rich enough" for my hair. My hair just seems to drink in hair products and this super rich mask is just what my hair needs!!! 

How I Use:

The directions suggest using a quarter size amount and applying to your hair. I actually use much more. I pretty much slather this product all over my hair and cover it completely. Then I comb it through and leave it on my hair for about 10 minutes while I finish my shower. Then I rinse out. Note: this rich product will leave your shower very slippery...so, be careful! ;) 

Whenever I use Kerastase Masquintense, my hair is left super shiny and silky with decreased frizz and better overall managability. Using this once a week has made such an overall improvement in my hairs condition. This mask transforms my hair from being super dry, dull, and somewhat frizzy into being super shiny and soft. Really, the best word that I can think of to describe the overall result is "transformative". It gives me "new" hair! I am absolutely in love with this mask. At $62.50, this is one of the most expensive hair masks that I have ever used...but, also, there is no question that it is one of the very best available for my hair type.

So, are these high-end luxury products worth the price and they hype? In a word, yes! Granted, not everyone wants to spend this much on hair care. However, if you do, these products are well worth the price for the amazing results! These products do just what they claim to do. They both transform my hair from dry and damaged to smooth, shiny, and manageable.  The results really are impressive!

Back to the Basics: Hair Helpers: Top 9 Recent Additions to My Hair Routine!

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It is time for another "Back to the Basics" post! This time the focus is on "Hair Helpers". Hair Helpers are my everyday basic hair products that streamline my routine, give my hair a boost, and basically make my hair routine easier. Hair products are the quintessential "basic"! A girl has got to have a good hair day, right?!?!

With my long (and often unruly) hair, I am pretty obsessed with trying out hair products. Good hair products not only make my hair softer, shinier, or smoother, but also streamline my routine! I love any product that produces good hair results while making my hair easier to style. This "Hair Helpers" post is the roundup of the best of the newest additions to my hair care routine! I try a lot of new hair products every month. This post contains only the best products that I have added over the past 2+ months. :)

My Hair Type:
It always helps me to know a blogger's hair type when reading hair reviews. So, here is mine: My hair is long, relatively straight, highlighted, and dry/damaged. Here is what I mean by relatively straight: I was born with straight hair and have had straight hair almost my whole life. However, with my first pregnancy, the hormonal change brought out these crazy kinky patches in my hair. So, my hair is primarily straight with some random kinky/curly spots. Has this happened to anyone else? It makes my hair much harder to manage and really mixes up the texture.

With my dry/damaged hair and very thick and somewhat coarse hair type, I can really use a lot of products in my hair. My hair literally just seems to "soak in" product. Rarely is a product ever "too thick" or "too rich" for me. So, if your hair sounds similar, then these products might work for you, too! :)

Back to the Basics: Hair Helpers! with Joico, Maijan, LUSH

To find out more about what made the list and hear product details, please click "read more" below!

The Beauty Spotlight Team: 15 Minute Beauty Fanatic shares 9 Intensive Treatments for Damaged Hair

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Last year, Christine went crazy with her curling iron and FRIED her hair. Like, really and truly fried it. She's now very well acquainted with the intensive hair masks out there, but most of them were not good enough to make it to the blog. Here's her list of favorites!

 

 

Repair your Hair Overnight! Pantene's NEW ProV Overnight Miracle Repair Serum

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As ya'll may know, I am always on the lookout for products to repair and revive my long, dry, highlighted, and somewhat damaged hair. I do what I can to keep my hair in top condition. I go 2-3 days in-between hair washing, I use gentle shampoos, I deep condition, I do protein treatments, and I try to limit heat styling (as much as I can). Even with all of those steps, sometimes I just need "more". So, when I heard about Pantene's new Overnight Miracle Repair Serum, I was more than intrigued! A hair product designed to work overnight? Yes, please! 

Actually, back when I had platinum blond hair (oh those college days!), I frequently would apply a rich conditioner to my hair before bed and let it penetrate all night. Has anyone else done this? While this seemed to work pretty well, it was messy. So, I had to sleep in a shower cap. So, I wonder, will this new Pantene product work in a similar way?

To find out more about this product and how it worked for me, please click "read more" below. 

Help for my Highlighted/Damaged Hair! Pureology's NEW Perfect 4 Platinum Line

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The Pureology Perfect 4 Platinum line is one of the very best lines that I have ever tried on my highlighted (and damaged) hair!!! It is specifically designed for color-treated hair that has 4 or more levels of "lift". While I am not sure if my hair specifically has 4 levels of lift, it is *heavily* highlighted, long, dry, and damaged. Most shampoos and conditioners are simply not moisturizing nor protective enough for my hair. Often, my hair becomes a tangled mess after washing if I do not use the correct products.

About Pureology:
Pureology is a brand concerned with integrity and the environment. They practice sustainability, support water conservation, and promote social responsibility with Global Green. They are a sister company of my favorite brand Redken and their products are amazing!

Over the years and even in recent months, I have found some really great products to help with my specific hair needs: my beloved Redken All Soft line (a favorite of mine for years), the Pureology Precious Oil line, and DermOrganic (another new fav) just to name a few. Well, this Pureology Perfect 4 Platnium line might just blow them all away! The results in my hair are hands-down amazing. I am so thrilled!!!

To find out more about this amazing line, keep reading!

Dry Damaged Color-Treated Hair? Try Pureology's NEW Precious Oil Line!

My color-treated hair needs so much help! My product testing of this new Precious Oil line by Pureology was perfect timing!

My Recent Hair Disaster: 
A couple weeks ago I switched colorists. My previous girl was amazing and I had been with her for years; but, she is expensive. In an effort to save a bit of money (as a Stay-at-Home Mom with a single income family...we need to make some cut backs), I tried a new girl that worked in the "training" side of the salon. What a mistake! Sure, I saved about 50% of the usual cost but my hair got ruined! The new girl had the same formula that my previous colorist used. However, she must have left me in the foils for too long under the heat. The result? My hair is extremely dry, coarse, and has absolutely no shine. It tangles instantly when it is wet and it is just about impossible to comb out. The texture feels like straw. What a mess!!! The salon gave me a complementary protein treatment; but, I wonder...should I have even paid for this service? I did; but I wonder...should I have? There really is no way to "fix" this damage. It needs to be grown out. The damage goes root to tip. So, a simple trim will not help. The salon protein treatment did not do much to help the situation. My home treatment with Aphogee helped a bit; but, sadly, this damage really does need to be grown out. Needless to say, I am going back to my old colorist next time and will likely never stray again! She may be expensive but now I see that she is totally worth it!

So, with all of that said, I am now testing out hair products with very damaged hair. I need products that are very nourishing, strengthening, and moisturizing. This is a tall order! Well, this new Precious Oil line by Pureology rose to the challenge and performed beautifully in my dry/damaged color treated hair!

The Precious Oil line promises 10x softer hair after just one use. The line contains a blend of Precious Oils ("Caring oil" and "Shamp'Oil") which are free of parabens, sulfates, and silicones. These oils penetrate deeply into the hair to replenish it and smooth it down. Other oils included are Sunflower Seed Oil (for softness), Coconut Oil (for elasticity), Olive Oil (for shine), and Jojoba Seed Oil (for moisture). This sounds like quite a lot of oil, right? Well, the blend works. These products are incredibly moisturizing. Yet, despite the high amount of oils, these products magically do not feel oily nor leave your hair looking oily!

A bit about Pureology: An Eco-Conscious Brand
Have you heard of Pureology? Pureology is a "sister brand" to my all-time favorite brand Redken. So, I am excited to explore this line! Pureology's eco-concious focus reminds me a lot of another favorite of mine, Aveda. Pureology's business practices support a sustainable vision and the Green Seal standard. They strive for minimal environmental impact, keep products free from silicone and parabens, products are biodegradable, packaging is from recycled materials, and use100% vegan ingredients (no ingredients of animal origin).

To find out more about the Precious Oil line by Pureology, keep reading!

Help for Dry/Damaged Hair: Marc Anthony "Oil of Morocco" Argan Oil Line

My exploration of the Marc Anthony hair care brand continues with the new Oil of Morocco Argan Oil line of products. If you missed my Marc Anthony "Bye Bye Frizz Keratin Smoothing" line review, be sure to check that out!

My Poor "Tortured" Hair: My hair type
I really try to baby my hair. It is super-duper long and highlighted. So, I need to be gentle when washing and styling it. Heavy highlights can really dry out and damage your hair. So, I try to combat the damage with products containing protein and moisture. Also, my hair is extremely thick. It is also fine in texture and very straight. So, I need products that moisturize and repair without weighing my hair down. My hair really seems to "soak" in product. I can be quite heavy handed when applying leave-in conditioners and other leave-in products. Rarely is a shampoo or conditioner "too moisturizing" for me. Usually, they are not hydrating enough.

Weak, dull, dry hair is often the byproduct of a damaged cuticle resulting from regular styling, processing and environmental stress over time. A damaged cuticle exhibits 1) a roughened surface with less light reflection and thus less shine; 2) a frayed texture causing frizz and tangles; 3) a failure to stay closed, allowing moisture to escape; and 4) an inability to lie flat resulting in a weak structure and diminished elasticity.

I need products to combat this type of damage!  Marc Anthony's Oil of Morocco Argan Oil line targets dry/damaged hair.

Marc Anthony has spoiled me with some great products lately! Ya'll know me...I am a sucker for great packaging! Look at this *adorable* package they sent!

For my review of the Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Argan Oil line, please keep reading! Reviews for Oil of Morocco: Shampoo, Conditioner, and Argan Oil Treatment!

New from Redken: Smooth Lock "Thermal Care for Dry/Unruly Hair"

A line specifically designed for unruly, dry, and frizzy hair? Sounds like just what I need! I am so excited about the newly launched (July 1st!) Smooth Lock line from Redken!

Redken has for a long time been my favorite brand of hair products. Actually, I consider Redken's All Soft Line (Shampoo, Conditioner, and Heavy Cream) to be my Holy Grail hair care products! So, when I heard about this new Smooth Lock line by Redken, I knew that I just had to try it! It sounds like exactly what I need!

My Hair:
My hair is very long and heavily highlighted. Also, it is super-duper dry from highlighting and heat styling. I try to be as gentle with it as I can by letting it partially air dry and using deep conditioners and protein treatments. Most shampoos and conditioners are not moisturizing enough for my hair. While my hair is realtively fine, it is very thick. It can absorb a lot of product without being weighed down. Also, my hair is straight, yet my hair is prone to frizz (the worst combo in my opinion!).

All of the products in the Smooth Lock line by Redken have a brand-new heat-activated formula, which infuses nourishment deep into the cortex while evening the cuticle layer for a long-lasting, flawlessly polished finish.

I am just in love with this new line! To hear more about the products and my fabulous results, please keep reading!

I *heart* Redken! All-Soft Review

Redken All Soft Line: Review and *total rave*!

Hello readers! Have you tried Redken? It is my absolute fav line of haircare products. This is my first post in a series of articles dedicated to my love of all things Redken!!! I have tried many products by Redken in a variety of their hair-care ranges. So, I will start off with my personal favorite line by Redken: The All Soft line.

FYI: I have long straight thick hair that is fine in texture. It is naturally a dark blond, but I get it highlighted to a light blond color. My hair is dry from the highlights. I always look for shampoos/conditioners/treatment products that are moisturizing, strengthening, detangling, and smoothing. My big "splurge" on myself is going to the salon every 8-10 weeks for highlights. So, I figure, if I am going to fork out the $$ for great highlights...I must take good care of my hair!

The All Soft Line by Redken is ideal for dry, damaged or color treated/highlighted hair. It is my go-to shampoo/conditioner/treatment for moisture. I have repurchased these products over and over again so many times...I can't even count. Total HG status!!! If I want a good hair day...I wash with this hair care line (I do alternate shampoos as I do like trying new things...and sometimes I wash with a protein shampoo. I tend to rotate washing with protein shampoos-either Aphogee or Joico-and a moisturizing one...and occasionally a color correcting one).

Tip: "Evaluate" your hair before you wash it. If it is dry: wash with a moisturizing shampoo (like All Soft). If your hair has had a lot of breakage: either do a protein treatment or wash with a protein shampoo. If your hair has some brassiness: wash with a purple color corrector or do a color correction treatment (please stay tuned for upcoming reviews on various color correction options!!!).

All Soft Shampoo:

• LOVE the scent...has a sweet honey-type scent. So yummy! 
• Thick, rich, and concentrated shampoo.
• Lathers well and leaves hair relatively detangled (if you need to comb out your hair for a protein treatment in between washing and conditioning...this is a great shampoo to use as you can comb out your hair pretty well without conditioner).
• Cleanses hair without over drying. 

All Soft Conditioner:

• Thick rich conditioner with the same great scent as the shampoo. 
• Rinses "clean" no greasy residue...just great moisturized hair. 
• I apply this from the roots down about to the middle of my hair (I apply the deep conditioner (All Soft Heavy Cream) on the ends: see below)

All Soft Heavy Cream:

• Deep conditioning hair mask with the same awesome scent as the rest of the All Soft Line.
• Super thick formula...it really coats your hair.
• My hair is dry enough to use this more than once a week. I use this every time I wash with All Soft: I apply to the bottom 1/3 of my hair (the ends and just above). I use the regular All Soft Conditioner on the top 2/3 of my hair and just concentrate the Heavy Cream on the ends). 
• About 1x per week or 1x every 2 weeks: I use this on my whole head. 
• This product amazes me as it is sooooooo moisturizing and thick...yet it doesn't weigh my hair down! Granted...I do have very thick dry hair...but, still, I have not noticed it weighing my hair down at all. 

I love how my hair styles after washing/conditioning/deep treating with the All Soft Line. My hair is left shiny, detangled, and bouncy. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this!!!

Another great thing about Redken...the price! Yes, this is a salon brand, but one of the most affordable brands. With Redken, you get high quality products at a great price. Typically, I buy when Ulta is doing the "Buy 2 get one free" sales...and I always by the Shampoo in a Liter bottle and add a big pump. Ulta has Liter sales periodically where the whole liter is, I believe? $19.99 (and it lasts me forever).

I couldn't recommend this brand any higher!!! Thank you Redken for these great products!!!
Hope you all enjoyed reading. Any other Redken fans out there? What products do you like?

Have a fantastic weekend!!!

XOXO!
Pammy

Coming Soon:
-Redken Blonde Glam review
-Redken Extreme Review
-Mario Badescu Sample review