Hair Mask

After a long, hot Summer, platinum blonde highlights often turn to dishwater blonde highlights. This hair treatment includes lemon extract to clarify and brighten, honey and wheat germ to nourish, and oil to moisturize dry hair.

For the recipe and instructions read more

My buddy Nancita has the prettiest chestnut-brown hair, all tumbling waves and shine. And now that I've found the secret to its beauty, I've asked her to share it with all of you. Take it away, Nancita:

"The longer my hair gets, the more I need deep conditioners. I used to think of these products as an unnecessary expense, but I've since learned that conditioning treatments really keep my hair looking healthy, rather than ratty, between haircuts. (Like most long-haired gals, I tend to go a while between trims.) My new obsession is NelsonJ Brazilian Hair Masque ($18-54), a subtly fruity and satiny conditioner that works wonders in just five minutes.

The first time I used this stuff, I was astounded: It smooths my split ends and makes my naturally wavy hair dry just the way it's supposed to. I thought maybe I was imagining the too-good-to-be-true results, until my friend said, post-conditioning, "Wow, your hair looks great today! So curly!" For the rest of my raves, read more

When Aveda launches a new concept, the company tends to do it in bulk. Such was the case with its Outer Peace acne-treatment regimen (and the subsequent men's hair-care line), and the same rings true with the just launched Dry Remedy. There's the requisite shampoo and conditioner, plus a hair mask (and a free comb if you buy the three as a set).

The system also follows the company's tradition of using plant and flower essences in its products. It does this, primarily, with its use of buriti oil and pomegranate, which Aveda claims help penetrate the hair with moisture; and, secondarily, with meadowfoam, soybean, and sunflower seed oils, used to help seal in the moisture.

I haven't tried this particular line, but I'm glad to see Aveda moving in this direction since I've found some of their shampoos, specifically Brilliant and Shampure, to be very drying, especially with daily use. Have you had a similar issue with Aveda shampoo, and, if so, will you try Dry Remedy?

Unfortunately, I have to give Biolage Fortetherapie Cera-Repair ($13.49) a double thumbs-down for being a colossal waste of time. It's not often that a hair product can disappoint me this much, but after spending fifteen minutes in the shower, I was left waterlogged with knots in my hair. I actually had to step back into the shower and re-condition just to get a comb through it.

And not only that, but I was upset to have spent my allotted weekly hair mask ritual time on something completely unsatisfactory. Also, the key ingredients are lemongrass and mango and I don't think the product had any kind of scent whatsoever.

The claim from Matrix is that with continued use, these ceramide-rich conditioners help strengthen, repair and reduce breakage in your hair. The box comes with five treatments, and while I understand that you are supposed to complete them all over the course of five weeks to see the full effects, one experience was enough for me.

With the season changing at warp speed, hair is at serious risk of moisture loss. This can lead to dull strands and brittle split ends. Now is a good time to start giving yourself a hair treatment anywhere from once to twice a week, depending on the condition of your hair. If you are looking for a new product to try, Alterna has just come out with a Caviar Anti-Aging Hair Masque ($40).

This color-safe treatment is made with seasilk, a patented group of marine botanicals. Together, they promise to prevent breakage and combat dryness by delivering moisture to your hair and scalp. I've used it once already, but I want to give it one more whirl before sharing my review. So stay tuned, because I'll have plenty to say about it soon!

If you want to attain heavenly hair that is flowy and soft, for him to run his fingers through, then the PHYTOJOBA Intense Hydrating Mask, $36, is what you are looking for. It is designed to gently and instantly restore elasticity, shine and thickness to dry, damaged or normal hair.

The jojoba plant was selected because the oil that this plant produces is characteristic of the natural oils in your own hair. The mask has a creamy texture and delicious scent heightened by sweet orange. Angelica seeds and roots detangle, protect and revitalize both your hair and scalp.

It even has a special UV filter in it to protect your hair from the damaging rays of the sun.

Apply a quarter sized amount (don't be shy) to wet hair and comb it through. Pay special attention to the ends of your hair and add extra if those aren't completely saturated. Leave it on anywhere from two to five minutes and rinse.