Tag Archives: shampoo

Beauty Test Drive: A 2-In-1 Product That Actually Works?

Julie GersteinMarch 28, 2011 //

I’m always a little skeptical of 2-in-1 products; shampoos that are also conditioners rarely do either thing well — and leave hair feeling oily and tangled — so I didn’t have high hopes for Philip B’s lavender hair and body shampoo. But it turns out that even though it’s sodium lauryl sulfate- (SLS) free, the shampoo really lathers up nicely as both a body wash and a gentle shampoo. Why should you care if there’s SLS in your shampoos and body washes? SLS has been found to be an irritant to skin and has been known to cause problems for people with skin sensitivity, so it’s good to avoid it if you can. Plus, buying one product instead of two cuts down on environmental waste, and the pleasant and calming lavender scent doesn’t hurt, either. I might just have to learn to love the 2-in-1 thing a little more. [Philip B, $30] Keep reading »

Beauty Test Drive: LiQWD Hair Products

Annika HarrisJanuary 7, 2011 //

My hair has become quite dry since I’ve switched to an extra-strength dandruff shampoo, so I’ve been on the hunt for hair products that would restore my hair’s moisture after I used the dandruff shampoo. Since my locs are more “three-dimensional,” if you will, than the average non-kinky or fine hair, I’ve found that most hydrating shampoos and conditioners don’t work because they only coat my hair. So I tried the LiQWD Hydrating Shampoo, LiQWDITY Intensive Hair Repair, and LiQWD Professional Smoothing Catalyst expecting it to have the same results as other hair products I’ve tried. Keep reading »

Shampoo You’ll Love To Lather

Julie GersteinJanuary 7, 2011 //

We’re such suckers for a good shampoo–and Davine’s LOVE Smoothing Shampoo fits the bill exactly. Released just in time for Valentine’s Day (a totally crap holiday), LOVE Smoothing Shampoo is fortified with prickly pear extract to help smooth and moisturize your desperately dry hair follicles. Plus, it smells really great, so even if V-Day blows, LOVE shampoo does not.

[$16.95 Davines.com]

Are Fancy Shampoos A Waste?

Leonora EpsteinSeptember 13, 2010 //

We’ve often purchased shampoos claiming to be “nutrient-rich” and promising healthier hair, only to find that the results are unimpressive and the products act just like normal shampoos. Some suggest that labels advertising nutrient benefits are gobbling your dollars because, in fact, it’s very difficult for the hair shaft to absorb them, and thus benefit from them. How Life Works explains that putting cleansing products with active ingredients on your hair is akin to putting fertilizer on the leaves of a plant instead of the root. When you lather up, “the shampoo molecules [shampoos] contain are too large to penetrate the cells of hair and more importantly the tiny hair follicles where our hair actually grows. They sit atop the follicle until we wash them away.” Interesting. Do you go for the ultra-basic in shampoos? Or are you a loyal fan of certain brands with bells and whistles? [How Life Works] Keep reading »

Quick Tip Of The Day: Change Your Shampoos

Leonora EpsteinJanuary 22, 2010 //

This hair tip might not be anything too innovative, but it’s something so basic that it’s easily forgotten. If your hair has been looking dull and colorless lately, switch your shampoo! This applies especially to people with dyed hair or highlights, as buildup from your old shampoo will darken your locks and make you feel sad about the state of your roots. Changing shampoos helps to remove this buildup and can magically make your hair seem a shade lighter. Added advice: during times when your roots are growing out, avoid straightening serums or other greasy products that will encourage dark, oily residue.
Keep reading »

Beauty Test Drive: Aveda Dry Remedy For Winter Hair

Lily QJanuary 5, 2010 //

If your hair is at all dry or lackluster, you need to check out Aveda’s Dry Remedy shampoo, conditioner and hair mask. Now. It is, I kid you not, the best haircare combo I’ve ever experienced in my life. (And given that part of my job involves testing out beauty products, this is no small statement.) The line is a replacement for Aveda’s now-discontinued Sap Moss set, which certainly hydrated hair, but was actually thick and creamy to the point of feeling a little oily. With Dry Remedy, they’ve worked out those kinks and the result is a rich, all-natural line that leaves no heavy icky residue to deal with later. I did balk a bit at the high price initially — about $80 for all three bottles — but I can honestly say that my hair was noticeably softer, shinier and more lovely-smelling after a single use. If you’re looking to switch up your shampoo, this is it. [shampoo: $24; conditioner: $24; hair mask: $26, Aveda] Keep reading »

How Often Do You Wash Your Hair?

Erin FlahertySeptember 28, 2009 //

This weekend a friend told me that she washes her hair almost every single day, and I was kind of stunned. I started making the calculations: If you wash and condition everyday, that’s around 10 extra minutes per day spent in the shower. Plus, if you blow it dry, let’s tack another 30 minutes on to that and we’re talking almost five hours per week spent on fussing with your hair. (This is a frugal estimate too, since I’m not really factoring in the kind of days where you bust out a complicated hairstyle that involves braids, a perfectly polished blowout or a fancy updo.) Of course, if you have thick monster hair like me, maybe you can get away with less shampooing — and most stylists warn that overwashing is ultimately bad for your scalp and hair since you need to let those natural oils do their job. Then again, if you have fine or thin hair like my friend does, the grease factor can get really unattractive really fast. I prescribed her a regimen of cutting down to four times a week bolstered by Bumble and Bumble hair powder, a talc-like starch you can work into greasy roots to absorb some of the oil. Will keep you posted on how that works out. But now I’m curious: How often are you washing your hair? Do you resent the time it takes or is it just a way of life? Keep reading »

Crave: Aveeno Nourish+ Hair Care Collection (Win It!)

Catherine StrawnMay 15, 2009 //

For the last couple months, we’ve been in a hair rut. Our hair wasn’t working no matter what goop we added or how we styled it. In fact, it was being downright uncooperative. Then we started using Aveeno’s new Nourish+ Hair Care Collection. It may sound unbelievable, but now our ‘do does exactly what we want it to do. Seriously, after our first shower with the stuff, we had tamed the beast into bouncy, shiny submission. [$6.99, Drugstore.com]

We’re giving away products from Aveeno’s Nourish+ Hair Care line, but you have to work if you want your hair to look good. The five best commenters for this coming week — from today, Friday, May 15 through Thursday, May 21 — will be awarded with a shampoo and conditioner set. So be as clever, smart, and original as you can! Click HERE to read the official rules. Keep reading »

The Hairwash Photo Project

Catherine StrawnJune 9, 2008 //

Making use of shampoo can really change you. Not only does it make you look so fresh and so clean, but it also makes you feel better (especially if you went to the beach and didn’t wash your hair all weekend). This site, which I cannot read because it’s in Russian, shows pics of people “before shower” and “after shower.” Most people just look wet, but others went through some big changes. Soap and a razor can change everything. [Hairwash Project via Notcot.org] Keep reading »

Crave: Moisturize Your Horse Hair

Amelia McDonell-ParryMarch 28, 2008 //

Last night I was watching Blades of Glory and a big joke in the movie was that Will Ferrell’s ice-skating character, who is obsessed with his hair, uses Mane & Tail horse shampoo. It’s actually not funny. Fashion and beauty editors have lauded the powerful conditioning skills of the brand — Lucky has included it in the magazine several times. So maybe people should stop knocking Chazz Michael Michaels and go out and buy some Mane & Tail themselves. I’m going to. [Medicice] Keep reading »