BellaSugar

In Which Bella Sizzles Her Hair

BellaSugar — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 08:00:44 -0700

We all make mistakes, right? That's what I keep telling myself. Unfortunately, I have unruly strands of hair around my hairline and ears that sometimes require a little flat ironing to settle them down. I also have farsighted vision. Recently, I inadvertently turned the flat iron heat intensity dial to the highest of the settings, instead of the intended lowest number. My fine-textured strands couldn't take the heat, and crispy ends ensued. Yikes!

Have you ever experienced a similar incident? Since I've been patiently letting my hair grow for almost a year, panic set in. I immediately emailed my former stylist, Veronica Rubio of Salon V in Chicago, for advice. "Does this mean I have to cut it all off?" I worried. Find out what she said about treating frizzled locks after the jump.

Reader Review of the Day: Redken Extreme Antisnap Leave-In Treatment

BellaSugar — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:00:07 -0700

The season is just under way, but your locks don't have to look abused by heat, chlorine, and/or windy days. Reader Jjasinsk gave Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Leave-In Treatment ($18) a whirl after experiencing some damage to her hair, and here's what she thought:

I've never had much faith in products that claim to repair damaged hair, but this product has really performed. After compulsively using Sun-In on my hair for a year, the front sections were broken, matted, and elastic. This product didn't fix my hair immediately, but after a week of use I can definitely see an improvement. My damaged hair no longer tangles and the actual texture seems to be improving. Worth the extra money!

Do you love certain products during these warm-weather months? Tell us all about it on our Product Reviews section and perhaps you'll be the next featured reviewer.

Get Out of the Shower With Deep Conditioner On

BellaSugar — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 12:00:13 -0800

If you go to the salon for special conditioning treatments, chances are it will include some time under the dryer. I know it's easy to do this when you're already being pampered, but this is actually a step you can take at home.

Why do it? Deep conditioners help minimize and treat styling damage by penetrating, not just coating the top layer of your hair. Although they pack stronger ingredients than regular versions (that's why we use them less frequently), heat actually helps the products work better because it opens up the hair shaft even more.

Get at-home tips when you read more.

After applying deep conditioner in the shower, pile your hair on top of your head and wrap it in plastic wrap or use a thin, free hotel cap to seal in body heat. (It's more enjoyable if you put on a cozy robe and, if you're feeling extra ambitious, add a dryer-warmed towel atop your head.) Since the results improve when you also generate heat, speed up the process by blasting a hair dryer on medium over the plastic cap. Oh, and if you can handle it once back in the shower, don't forget to seal off the cuticle with a cold water rinse to leave you with shiny tresses . . .or is that just asking for too much?

Source

BellaSugar's Top Five Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment Picks

BellaSugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 10:00:33 -0700

I use a blow-dryer every time I wash my hair, and unfortunately that sets me on the fast track to Split Ends city. So I try to apply a hot oil treatment, a mask or a deep conditioner on my hair at least once a week to help restore moisture and shine.

My absolute favorite hair mask is a light product from Kerastase called Masquintense ($49.99). It leaves my hair looking shiny, bright and never ever weighed down. Because it's so expensive, I also like to alternate this with the beloved Alberto VO5 Hot Oil Treatment ($3.99). I've said before that I'm a big fan of their products and this is definitely a hair care item that I can't live without. Below are more of my favorite hair treatment picks; what are some of your favorites?

Leonor Greyl Masque Fleurs de Jasmin ($53) smells like a garden full of fresh cut flowers. It has a light texture that makes hair feel soft and smooth, and it doesn't leave behind any slimy, grimy residue.
Matrix Logics DNA Color Vitalizing Treatment Masque ($24.99) is so rich that all you need is a little bit on the ends for instantaneous results. It has a fresh, light scent that I love.
Philip Kingsley Elasticizer ($42-$125) is a great way to add moisture to your hair and help beat out some of the frazzled, frizzy ends. It penetrates deeply since it comes with a plastic cap that you use under heat to activate the ingredients. The result is smooth, energized and sun-protected hair - and it contains SPF, too.

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.

Definition: Bull Sperm

BellaSugar — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:00:57 -0700

Believe it or not, bull sperm (yes, bull semen) is becoming a cult hair treatment at a swank UK salon. The solution combines Angus bull semen and a plant root called katera. Both ingredients are protein packed and help penetrate and condition the hair shaft. Supposedly it's deeply nourishing and revitalizing as it has earned a nickname "Viagra for the hair."

A treatment costs just over $100 and takes about 45 minutes. Hair is shampooed, the treatment is applied, and then you are put under a steamer. And from what I hear, the semen is kept in a refrigerator so it stays cold and fresh. There certainly are great measures people have taken for shiny, healthy hair, but bull semen is a little much for me. Would you try something like this if it makes its way across the pond?

Source

Product Review: Philip Kingsley Elasticizer

BellaSugar — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 10:00:31 -0700

My hair is pretty thin, slightly dry, and definitely looking lackluster lately, so I've taken up to reading reviews on different strengthening and reparative deep conditioners. My best friend is a bleach blonde, and she's been raving about the Philip Kingsley Elasticizer for a few months now, so I borrowed hers so that we could compare notes.

There are a few things that make this conditioner different from others. It comes with a plastic cap so that the heat from the shower can work to activate the ingredients. Since it's highly concentrated, it spreads easily through your hair and leaves behind a lingering light, clean scent. Also, it contains SPF and is recommended for use once to twice a week (depending on the level of dryness of your hair).

It's easy to use. Just apply a generous amount to the roots and lengths of your hair, concentrating especially on your ends. Clip hair up and cover with the shower cap for ten minutes. Then rinse your hair thoroughly and shampoo and condition as usual.

I was really excited by the results. My hair felt softer, looked shinier, and was smoother - it looked like it chugged a can of Red Bull! My friend loves the way it brightens up her hair and takes away all of the yellow brassiness and even some of the frizz. The only downside is that unfortunately, the shower cap isn't re-usable. It got pretty gooey and even after I rinsed it out, it felt like there was a slimy film left over. Still, it delivered results, and at $5.50 for one treatment, I got my money's worth.

Beauty Product Junkies Picks: Very Deep Conditioners

BellaSugar — Thu, 17 May 2007 10:48:23 -0700

In addition to my weekly Beauty Mark It challenges - including this week's about SPF lip gloss - the Beauty Product Junkies group on TeamSugar hosts its own weekly Beauty Marking challenges.

Most recently, the Junkies went hunting for something I've been coveting: a good deep conditioners. For the first time since high school, I'm wearing my hair long and slowly remembering all of the special needs that long locks require. Thankfully, the Junkies have found some great options for me. You can see the highlights here, and I've chosen my favorites from the conditioner challenge below.

Beauty Mark #1: Frederic Fekkai Overnight Hair Repair ($195), found by Audreystar.

Beauty Mark #2: Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask ($6.99), found by Jennifer76, Ms Gemini, and TNGirl.

Two more, so read more

Beauty Mark #3: Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil, found by Baltimoregal.

Beauty Mark #4: Pantene Pro-V Restoratives Time Renewal Replenishing Mask ($6.29), found by SFKitkat.

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.

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.