BellaSugar

DIY Spa Treatment: Honey Lemon Hair Mask

BellaSugar — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 08:00:36 -0700

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.

Here's what you need. (This will make plenty. If you have short hair, you can halve this recipe.)

1/2 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons lemon extract

Juice and pulp of half a lemon

2 tablespoons wheat germ

Mix all ingredients together well. Put the mixture in the sink and pull it through dirty hair, making sure to get the roots and ends. Pull hair back and wait 20 to 30 minutes. Take a hot shower, combing the mixture through your hair. Since this is a treatment and not a conditioner, you'll want to shampoo and condition to remove it all (especially the wheat germ).

Source

Reader Review: NelsonJ Brazilian Hair Masque

BellaSugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:00:06 -0700

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.

This conditioner was concocted by Beverly Hills hairstylist Nelson Chan using oil from the very trendy açai berry. I have no idea if the antioxidant powers translate to conditioner, but the rainforest fruit does give this creamy potion a clean, tropical scent. I also love that this deep condition works in the time it takes to shave my legs. You can also use it as a leave-in mask to protect hair from chlorine and salt water, though I have yet to try that.

But as a twice-a-week treatment, I can't imagine anything better suited to my hair. One day I'll think "I really need a haircut," and then I'll use this stuff and my hair will look and feel smooth and nourished again. Plus, nothing else allows my hair to air dry into such perfectly polished curls. My only complaint is that it doesn't disperse that well, so I probably end up using more than I should. But even if I plow through a jar a month, it's probably worth it."

New Product Alert: Aveda Dry Remedy System

BellaSugar — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:00:00 -0700

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?

Product Review: Biolage Fortetherapie Cera-Repair Hair Treatment

BellaSugar — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 09:00:22 -0800

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.

New Product Alert: Caviar Anti-Aging Hair Masque

BellaSugar — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 08:00:37 -0800

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!

Heavenly Soft Hair

BellaSugar — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 07:24:33 -0800

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.

Doing Drugstore: Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask

BellaSugar — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 07:30:00 -0700

After reading all of the good things the Beauty Product Junkies had to say about this deep conditioner, I decided to pick up my own jar of Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask ($6.99). I've been using this therapeutic tress treatment once a week for a few weeks now, and so far, I've been really impressed.

I'm new to deep conditioners, so I figured I'd start with Neutrogena's version, mainly because it's a major bargain compared to some of the other products out there. Though I don't really have "extra dry or over-processed hair," which is what the conditioner is designed to tackle, it does tend to look ratty between haircuts, and this conditioner really made a difference, so read more

Made with olive, meadowfoam seed, and almond extract, this sweet-smelling cream conditioner definitely made my hair look shinier and healthier after just one use. It smoothed my frizzies and split ends and got rid of that dull appearance that hair gets over time.

Better yet, a little really goes a long way, so you only need a small finger-full to coat all of your strands. I also love that it doesn't add any time to my beauty routine: You just leave it on for just a few minutes while you're in the shower.

Dynamite Deep Conditioners

BellaSugar — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 11:29:14 -0800

Just as our skin feels the effects of our harsh environment, our hair does too. Not only does it face similar issues of dryness, dehydration and lifelessness, but because we tend to use heated tools for styling, our hair risks severe and irreparable damage from over-processing.

Once in a while, it's nice to give your hair a healthy glass of water to recharge and revitalize limp locks. These dynamite deep conditioners will help your dreary and dry hair undergo a dramatic change. Here are a few of my favorite products:

Kerastase Nutritive Masquintense Intense Enriching Treatment is often a professional's hair masque of choice. Jennifer Aniston's hairdresser Chris McMillan uses this on her fine hair frequently to add shine and luster. The rest of us are recommended to do this treatment twice a week.

I think that you'll love it. I've been hooked for months now. The smell is great and the jar lasts for a long time because all you really need is a few fingertips full. Leave it on for five-to-ten minutes and then rinse. Buy it here for $44.99 (This is the best price I've seen yet!)

Propoline Hair Mask For Dry, Colored Hair is a great product for travel since it comes in these nifty individually sealed packages. This conditioner is a pretty intense hair masque formulated to condition and moisturize. It contains natural and effective ingredients such as: olives, sunflowers and panthenol. It is also intended to prevent split ends and should help to restore elasticity and shine. Buy it here for $18.

To see the last one read more

Redken All Soft Heavy Cream is very rich, it smells delicious and you only have to use it once a week. However, there are two steps involved. First, apply it to your hair while it's still damp, then add heat to your hair anywhere from 5-15 minutes to activate the chemicals. Then rinse it off with cool water. It's made from avocado oil, amino acids and proteins to help with frizz and managability. Buy it here for $14.

Coming Soon: Bumble and Bumble Creme de Coco Masque

BellaSugar — Wed, 14 May 2008 10:00:46 -0700

The last launch from Bumble and Bumble was the malleable Spray de Mode Hairspray, and now they're getting ready to release a deep-conditioning treatment called Creme de Coco Masque. The mask was created as an extension to the popular Creme de Coco shampoo and conditioner, which is designed for dull, dry and color-treated hair. It's extremely thick and rich with a powerful coconut scent.

I've tried it once and found that the sweet blend of coconut oil, mango, shea butter, murumuru butter, avocado oil and plant extracts made the extra seven minutes in the shower feel like heaven (that's the recommended amount of time to let it set before rinsing). Afterwards, my hair felt softer and smoother (I definitely had less fly-aways and frizz), but I think I used too much, so it also left my hair more limp than I like.

I recommend this product to anyone with thick, coarse and/or curly hair who is looking to boost shine and re-hydrate. It's a terrific way to beef up your hair before the summer sun takes its toll. Tip: For extra conditioning, put on a plastic shower cap and apply heat. Your hair will be left smoother than ever.

Bella Brand: Nature Girl

BellaSugar — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 09:05:21 -0700

I think - or at least, I hope - that the organic-beauty trend will soon be as big as organic food, and brands like Nature Girl are expertly leading the way. I could have easily fallen in love with this line based on the packaging alone; I love the simple bottles and the colorful, bubbly script. But when I started reading more about these bath oils, shampoos, facial cleansers, and moisturizers, I was really smitten.

Sold at Anthropologie and online, Nature Girl uses all-natural and organic ingredients grown on family-run farms. Not surprisingly, the products are also free of synthetic fragrances and dyes, and Nature Girl shuns animal testing. The brand also donates a portion of its profits to women's and environmental causes. These products are a little pricey, but I'm willing to pay more to support the organic cause. To see the products I'm most excited to try, read more

Petal Power Organic Golden Jojoba Bath Oil ($38) comes in six "synergies" to treat different wellness-related concerns, such as relaxation, sleep, and post-exercise soreness.

I Am Green Cinnamon Bark Extract Face Mask ($45) sounds yummy and versatile: It's designed to nurture and clean normal and combination skin.

Groovy Locks Plant Shampoo ($35) is a sulfate-free formula that contains corn and coconut oils; it comes in three different scents for three different hair types.