BellaSugar

5 Things I Learned From GOOP Today

BellaSugar — Thu, 13 May 2010 13:00:00 PDT

You might know that Gwyneth Paltrow's GOOP newsletters, while sometimes mocked by bloggers, actually do contain lots of great content straight from industry insiders. And whether you're a fan or not, you have to give the longtime actress credit for her efforts in trying to bring insider tidbits to the masses. Today's edition is one after my own heart, offering up some pretty cool hairstyle tips and tricks from her pals in the hair biz. See five of my favorites when you read more.

DIY Spa Treatment: Honey Lemon Hair Mask

BellaSugar — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 08:00:36 PDT

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

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 PDT

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,

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 PDT

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 PST

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 PST

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 PST

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.

How to Spray Perfume in Your Hair (Yes, There Are Rules)

Jessica Cruel — Tue, 15 May 2012 05:02:00 PDT

So, you've been spritzing your favorite fragrance on your hair to get a scent that wafts through the air with every hair flip. And while perfume can mask smoke and other unwanted odors, the question remains: Is it safe for your strands? It turns out, there are a couple things you should ask yourself before you turn your body spray into a hair mist.

What's in this? Eau de parfums usually contain a high alcohol content in order to make the scent last - even up to 20 percent. Although alcohol is a necessary evil, when you're searching for a type to spray in strands, look for a brand with lower levels (10 percent or less), recommends celebrity stylist Serge Normant. Also, consider if the perfume contains ingredients that can be good for your hair. Normant, for instance, is set to launch a low-alcohol fragrance for hair and body, Avah, on June 1, and the juice is formulated with hair-nourishing vitamin E, jojoba oil, and aloe vera.

How should I apply it? If you decide to spritz your hair with a fragrance, don't get it too close because it will rewet your hair and saturate it with alcohol. Normant recommends spraying the product in the air instead, and then walking through to get a light mist. Ahh.

Source: Flickr User AMELIA SPEED formerly foxandfeathers

Treat Dry Hair With This Easy DIY Mask

BellaSugar — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 06:54:46 PDT

Spring is definitely here, but our hair is still feeling the aftereffects of dry Winter weather. If your hair is feeling parched and in need of TLC, hit the pantry. Our DIY "recipe" for a simple, homemade remedy soothes itchy scalp and creates soft, touchable hair. Best part? You only need three ingredients.

Beauty Must Reads From the BellaSugar Community

Jessica Cruel — Sat, 05 May 2012 05:13:00 PDT

This DIY face mask is berry cool - Beautiful Basics
Five things you should know about your hair - Beauty Starlet
A summery-fun look featuring swimming pool-colored nails - the make-up blogette
Beauty faceoff: two green metallic polishes by Chanel and OPI compared - Beautopia
Donate your hair to Locks of Love (and get a bob to boot) - Beauty and the Blog