Go to Hair Heaven with Muk Spa Argan Oil Haircare

It's not often I get excited about hair care products - particularly shampoo and conditioners. However, when I was recently introduced to this range - let me tell you it was pure hair romance and love at first wash. And the adoration just continues every time I use it.

So what is this amazing range? Well it's none other than the latest Argan Oil Repair range from MUK.

For those not quiet acquainted to the brand, MUK is actually started by 3 passionate entreprenurs 6 years ago in Melbourne with the philosophy of creating great market leading hair styling products with attitude. They have since gone from strength to strength, branching out from the original "Hard Muk" hair styling product to now include haircare and hair styling tools as well as expanding into international markets in the UK, Western Europe. USA, and Taiwan.

Their latest additional to the current 23 haircare product line is the Muk Spa range.

with the core ingredient being the now ubiquitous Morroacan Argan oil we see in almost all hair care products, Muk's philosophy and point of difference is to only use ingredients that are actively beneficial to the health of hair. That means that the range is free from sulphates, parabens, phosphates, mineral oils and are full of nutrient giving and conditioning ingredients that nuture hair back to full health. Not only work on all hair types, its also colour safe so your pretty hair colour doesn't fade due to its use. Ok - that's enough talk, lets get straight into the range shall we?

Argan Oil Repair Shampoo 300ml - RRP A$26.95

 This has got to be my favourite shampoo to-date. It is gentle on use yet, smells divine with is warm sandalwood and aromatherapy based scent and gives hair and scalp a good clean. Not the stripped-of-all-oil but the nice-but-still-have-a-bit-of-moisture clean.

My hair doesn't feel stringy and even during the rinse, it is already smooth and untangled. I don't know how one can describe freshly washed and dried hair can be fluffy and soft, healthy, full of vitality without frizz or fly-aways, but that is exactly what this shampoo (together with the conditioner) does to my hair. I feel like I've created volume from the roots and the unruliness that my thick wavy hair is well renowned for is tamed.

That is definitely saying a lot without the aid of any styling products or tools. It's almost like magic really and hair feels light without being weighed down by residues or silicones (yes, you can tell I'm very much enamoured by this shampoo.)

Argan Oil Repair Conditioner 300ml - RRP A$26.95

Thick, and nourishing, this conditioner has the same aromatherapy scent as the shampoo but is richer and just adds moisture back into hair, effectively treating the dry ends that we're all prone to with all the hair styling and hair dying that hair is subjected to these days. It conditions, smooths and add shine back into hair - the perfect pair with the shampoo as is almost as effective as a hair treatment.

Argan Oil Repair Repair Mask 250ml - RRP A$26.95

I use this luxuriously rich masque once a week in place of conditioner to help add extra moisture back into hair, reducing dry ends and helps to improve brittle damaged hair. Make sure to leave this for 5 minutes or more so that the conditioning agents can penetrate into hair. Results are tangle free, smooth straight glossy hair every time after blow drying.

Argan Oil Repair Shine Spray 100ml - RRP A$34.95

A range cannot be complete without some post-washing hair care product and this has got to be one of my favourite products in the current market. It spray a fine mist to just lightly coat hair for a lustrous shine and reduces hair hair drying time when sprayed onto hair that is 40% dried. It also helps to keep any stubborn fly aways at bay and doesn't add weight to hair. I love how this shine spray also conditions and nourish hair to imrpove its health with the argan oil rather providing a temporary shine solution with heavy silicone based products.

Argan Oil Repair Treatment 100ml - RRP A$34.95

This is a viscous gel serum that is good on damp hair as it is on dry. The dropper dispenser makes it easy to dispense the right amount onto hands to use every time. On damp hair, it helps to tame and provide straighter hair once blow dried. On dry hair, it acts as a shine serum to add shine, and protect against heat damage, making it an ideal heat protectant product (I wouldn't advise to rely solely on this for heat protection as it would require too much product to provide the protection and be too heavy on hair).

I can honesty say I love washing my hair these days thanks to the MUK Spa Argan Oil range. I am already scouting for a local MUK salon so I can refill when I finish my shampoo and conditioner (I've been using them for 4 weeks and so am only halfway through them).

MUK haircare products are available at MUK stocklists. Call 1300 768 264 for stocklist info. International stocklists can be found at Muk Online.

These featured products were provided for editorial consideration.

Win: Soft Silky Hair with Silky Colouration

Having colour treated and chemically treated hair, I always have to battle dullness, dryness breakages and the dreaded split-ends on a daily basis.

Thankfully, the hair care and styling products have come a long way to make my daily grooming so much easier, allowing me to have hair that looks healthy, is full of lustre, and shine, I looked like I have just gotten a blow wave from a salon.

Two of my favourite hair care products I've been using on a regular basis the last 2 months are from Silky Colouration.

Silky Colouration is an Italian professional hair care brand that is relatively new to the Australian market and already going to make waves with its amazing products.

Silky Hydrating conditioner – This leave in conditioner can be used on wet or dry hair and I spritz itin between washes on dry hair before styling/brushing to re-hydrate hair, give it softness, and shine. It’s a two phase solution with silk amino acids and hydrolysed proteins to help strengthen hair – something that I need given the damage on my hair and abuse I put it through.

Hydrating Conditioner ingredients

Silky Crystal Serum – this finishing product is not just another hair serum. It gives maximum shine without weighing hair down at all. In fact, this light watery fluid is more effective than Morrocan Oil at taming my fly aways, and giving me gorgeous mane with a mirror shine. I definitely am looking at repurchasing on this bottle when I’m finished with it.

Crystal serum ingredients

Silky Colouration products are available at great hair salons. Visit here for stocklist details.

Win A Luscious Silky Colouration Pack

Do you want to have soft and silky hair and a chance to try out Silky Colouration products? Then you’re in luck as I have 2 great Silky Colourations haircare packages values at A$98 each to give away.

The prize pack consists of

• Silky Nutrix shampoo
• Hydro herb Mask
• Nouvelle Double shot
• Silky Nutrix serum
• Silky Zero crystal serum

 All you need to do is like the Silky Colouration Australian&NZ Facebook page using the Rafflecopter widget below. 

You can get extra entries by liking the Things I Love Facebook page and by tweeting about this giveaway.

And for those of you who don't do Facebook or Twitter, then subscribe to this blog via email and comment in this post that you want to win this great Silky Colouration prize and include your subscribing email address in the comments for validation.

Good luck everyone!

P.S - this give away is  open to Australian and New Zealand residents only as per the promoter's request.

Healthy Hair: Joico Bio-Advanced Restorative Treatment & Clinicare Split End Fuser

I’ve been trying to grow my hair for the last 6 months so it’s been a while since I had my last trim so now it's definitely starting to show the everyday stress I put it through via all the blow-drying and heat styling from the curling iron.

There are 2 products I’ve been using recently that is helping to keep my hair and ends looking healthy and helping me pro-long my visit to the stylist for a snipping session.

Joico K-PAK Revitaluxe -150ml 
Desciption:
The ulitmate luxury treatment for dry damaged hair. Actively repairs, restores, protects and hydrates hair, correcting years worth of damage while preventing future damage. With each applicaiton, hair instantly becomes stronger, softer, more moisturised, with improved elasticity.  

This Bio-advanced restorative treatment is used in place of a conditioner after shampooing. I alternate between using a colour protecting shampoo (Wella Brilliance) or a moisture replenishing Shampoo (KMS) and then use this for treatment.

It’s light weight with a beautiful light floral fresh fragrance and doesn’t’ leave any residue on hair.
In fact it is so lightweight, after towel drying and a blow dry, I really didn’t feel much of a difference and I was slightly disappointed. I did notice less frizziness and slightly softer, smoother hair but I was expecting salon-results! It was only the next morning where my ends are normally looking dry and hay-like that I saw its benefits.

There was none of the straw-like ends looking business – only straight hair that looked quite healthy. It seems my moisture parched hair finally got a drenching that lasts after a blow dry and onto the next couple of days. After a few more uses and my hair is healthier, smoother and glossier than ever. For something I initially doubted, I can’t believe the impressive results it is having in rehydrating hair from the inside. This is definitely a keeper for my super dry, damaged hair.

RRP A$28.95 at selected salons.

Pantene Pro-V Clinicare Split End Fusion Leave-on Treatment - 5ml x 10*  
"a leave-in treatment that has been designed for severely dry, damaged, chemically stressed, and ageing hair. "

Given I’m growing my hair and not trimming it as often as I need to, split ends are inevitable features of my tresses. It’s gotten quite bad lately and I’ve even resorted to taking a pair of scissors on weekends and snipping the broken and split ends off my hair.

Used after towel drying, I find the 5ml leave-in treatment ampoule enough to cover my thick past-shoulder length hair. I start with working the product into the lengths and then massaging well into the ends of hair.

Again this light fruity-floral treatment is quickly absorbed by hair and leaves only a light residue. As for fusing split ends, they are not magically gone they do appear more refreshed and slightly less frayed looking. They are also less brittle and fragile. After a couple more uses, hair is stronger and less prone to breakages, especially during brushing.

Split End fuser is definitely highly recommended to prevent and strengthen ends but unfortunately nothing will fix those split ends of mine other than a good snip.

RRP A$19.99 at selected supermarkets, Priceline and selected pharmacies.
Products marked * were provided for consideration. 

Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Collection

If you are after a sulfate-free hair care product and want the renowned nourishment from argan oil then you shouldn’t miss the latest range from award winning salon inspired Organix.

The Moroccan argan oil collection is made up of shampoo, conditioner, treatment, and penetrating oil designed for use together and promises to give you beautiful salon results without breaking the bank.

You may have read how beneficial argan oil is to hair and skin as it is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E, but Organix has made sure the oils they use in each of their products are even better by using only fair trade argan oil, which helps local women in Rural Morocco.

So with all these benefits, how does it translate to results on hair?

Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil  Shampoo - 385ml RRP A$19.99

The thick gel shampoo being sulfate free is very gentle on the scalp but still manages a good lather and leaves hair clean without feeling stripped of moisture and natural oil from scalp as the argan oil adds back nutrients to hydrate. As it also doesn’t contain phosphates, and parabens, so is safe for coloured hair. The lifting properties of this shampoo is great and hair from the roots well lifted, adding back volume to hair.

Ingredients:

Water (Aqua), Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Dimethicone Copolyol, Cocamide DEA, Glycol Distearate, Argania Spinoza Oil (Argan), Cacao Extract (Cocoa Butter), Parfum, Theobroma Cocos Nucifera Oil (Coconut), Persea Gratissima Oil (Avocado), Aloe Barbadensis Extract (Aloe Leaf), Panthenol, Polyquaternium-11, DMDM Hydantoin, Cetyl Alcohol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, PEG-23M, Red 40, Yellow 5

Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil  Conditioner- 385ml RRP A$19.99

The conditioner is thick creamy and luscious smelling like the shampoo and does a good job of leaving my parched and chemically damaged hair slightly softer and smoother.

However, given the sad state of my hair, I didn’t find the conditioner moisturising enough. I need a super dose and that’s where the treatment mask comes in hand.

Ingredients

Dl Water, Behentrimonium Chloride, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycol Stearate, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Parfum, Argania Spinoza (Argan) Oil, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa Butter) Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado), Aloe Barbadensis Extract (Aloe Leaf), Panthenol, Polyquaternium-11, DMDM Hydantoin, Cetyl Alcohol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, PEG-23M, Red 40, Yellow 5

Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil  Intense Moisturising Treatment - 237ml RRP A$19.99

Used in place of the conditioner I work it into the ends and leave it on hair for the same amount of time and I get silkier smoother locks afterwards.

My hair is also glossier and it’s definitely something I’d used all the time in place of the regular conditioner to keep my hair healthy.

Ingredients:

Water Behentrimonium chloride Cetyl alcohol , Cetearal alcohol, Dimethecone, Glycerin, Glycol stearate, Ceteareth-20 , Cyclomethicone, Polyquaternium-11, Dimethiconol Fragrance , Lanolin oil Jojoba Oil, Argania Spinosa Oil, Panthenol ,DMDM hydantoin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone solution, red 40, yellow 5

Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Penetrating Oil - 385ml RRP A$24.99

Another star product of the range is the penetrating oil. This oil  is non-greasy and can be used as brow drying product on towel dried hair for smoother softer hair that is easier to style as it lessens friction in hair. Used on dry hair, it acts as a finishing product that tames frizzes and flyaways and adds a beautiful shine. Tip, dispense a small amount and rub with palms of hands to heat up the product before applying to hair to activate the oil and evenly distribute so there are no greasy spots.

Ingredients

Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Argania Spinoza Oil (Argan), Linum Usitatissimum Extract (Linseed), Parfum, Yellow 11, Red 17

Organix renewing Moroccan argan oil range work well to give soft, glossy and smooth hair annd is great for dry damaged hair of fine to thick hair types. The price is in the mid-higher end of similar products in its line and for that I'd expect it to work harder for me but it does contain many natural and fair trade ingredients so its also for a good cause.

Organix hair products are available from Coles, Chemist Warehouse, My Chemist and selected pharmacies.
The productd featured have been provided for consideration.

Gaga over KMS California's FreeShape range & the Real Project Competition

Top hair-care and styling brand KMS California decided to celebrate its 30th anniversary with a makeover!

Not only have the packaging been updated to bright bold block colours on its existing product lines, but it has also introduced 12 new products and brought out the latest hair technology called technology nature by fusing natural ingredients in advance formulas.

This now brings KMS products lines to a whopping 52 products across 9 ranges in the growing collection to cater for any individual style and hair condition.

The most exciting news of this newest additions for me was the Freeshape range - this heat activated styling and protectant line is something I need daily as I subject my hand to the constant abuse of blow drying, curling, colouring and chemical straightening.

So it was a good thing I was lucky enough to try first hand some of these items in the latest range and let me tell you, my hair would be humming happy tunes all day long if it could sing!

1. FreeShape Quick Blow Dry - 200ml RRP A$39.95
I have very thick hair - I get it thinned out every time I get a cut but there is still alot hair left on my head. So when this stuff promised to cut drying time by half, I wanted to be all over it.

And guess what? It really does work! My blow dry time is reduced by 40-50% depending on the humidity of the day, a saviour on cold nights when I dread washing my hair. This 2-phase product needs to be shaken to mix the solution before being sprayed onto damped towel dried hair and not only will it speed up the drying time, it will also provides anti-static properties to reduce friction between hair and gives it extra conditioning properties to leave hair more manageable and fly-aways tamed without any added weight.

2. FreeShape Hot Flex Creme - 150ml RRP A$39.95
I wouldn't ever go near a curling tong/ wand or straightening tong without this product on hand any more. This must-have light-weight creme gives hair a layer of production, especially ends which normally gets fried during extreme heat styling sessions.

Smoothed over from the mid lengths down to the end of damp or dry hair before using your heat tools for lustrous protected strands. Results are non-product overloaded glossy hair with plenty of natural movement.

3. FreeShape Hot Flex Spray - 200ml RRP A$39.95
If you are after some hold in your heat protectant to give your style some shape, then you can't go past this heat protectant. Natural curls are easy-peasy to achieve with the help of this spray. Just sprtiz on the section of dried hair you are working on for shine, medium hold and protection. The end results are beautiful bouncy curls that still moves naturally as it's not weighed down by heavy products which also means your shape holds for longer - score!

I'm gaga over these three heat-protecting styling products; they will be staples on my hair care regime and I can't wait to try the other FreeShape products in the lineup. If you haven't fallen in love with KMS California yet, I guarantee you will when you try the latest FreeShape range.



KMS The Real Project Competition

KMS California is kickstarting its latest product relaunch with a competition called The Real project to celebrate self-expression and individuality - the core philosophy of the brand.

Just submit a 15 second video of who you are and what makes you unique and you could be in the running to win awesome KMS prizes and become a TV stars.

The 15 most popular videos as voted by social media will be used in KMS' next tv campaign. And if you need any further encouragement, the first 100 entrants will receive a KMS California Gift Packs worth over $100, plus there are 20 Sony Bloggiecamerasto be WON!

Get involved in this great competition now before it closes on 10th November!


Products featured have been provided for consideration.

Privé: Reparative Shampoo & Conditioner for ZOMG Hair

Hair stylist extraordinaire Laurent Dufourg has been been working his styling magic on Hollywood celebrities since he was 16, and with over 45 years experience knows a thing or two about hair and hair products with the creation of a range of cleansing, conditioning, intensive treatment and styling formulas known as Privé.

With his list of loyal followers reading like Hollywood's latest blockbuster hit, you know it's gotta be a great product to get the ringing endorsement from the likes of Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Uma Thurman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Selma Hayak and Debra Messing.

So it's exciting times when his cult haircare brand Privé launched into the Austral market in June this year along with its latest eco-friendly line Concept Vert.

Laurent Dufourg with Tea Leoni

Privé products nobly aims to minimise the impact on the environment by reducing the need to use large amounts of the products in each application through making concentrate products that contains no sulphates, gluten, phthalates, DEA, TEA, mineral orils, paraffin, PABA, parabens, and artificial colours so it does less harm to our skin and our waterways.

With such high praises my expectation on Privé was raised up to the stratosphere. Did it measure up? Lets take a look.

Privé Reparative Shampoo & Conditioner 250ml

• Colour safe formulas means no fear of premature fading of my new hair colour, sure enough when I rinse, the water is clear so there wasn't no leaking of colour during the wash. 
• Has an OMG to die for herbal scent. It's a very refreshing natural fragrance, unlike many 'natural' scents in other hair products, it really liven up my senses in the shower. 
• Love the rich lather the shampoo gives, it is very rich and luxurious feeling, and a little does indeed go a long way and I didn't have to double shampoo as I usually do with other products. 
• The shampoo is very moisturising with orchid extract to rejuvenate dry damaged hair and aloe and glycerin to revitalise and close the cuticle of the hair shaft to encourage hydration throughout the day. 
• The conditioner contains the same beautiful soft herbal scent and is richly conditioning with rose hip oil to protect from UV rays and ginseng extract to improve hairs elasticity and appearance. It works as well as a treatment mask to hydrate and control minor hair damages. 
• Hair feels silky and de-tangled and soft and feels smooth afterwards. It's also easier to manage and style as my stubborn ends that normal like to stick out in all directions are very well behaved.
• Also noticed a slight increase in volume and body and hair does have that extra bounce.

The Privé Reparative range is heavenly to use and unfortunately comes with an eye watering price tag to boot. So is it reallhy worth the extra costs?

I'd say yes for an indulgent treat before a big event or if you want to feel like a Hollywood star, as you'll surely be on your way to having beautiful and glamorously healthy hair. It will be part of my daily hair care routine only if I make the kind of money that Brad Pitt makes in a movie or manage to win tomorrow's lotto.

Would you pay top dollar for your shampoo and conditioner if it delivers? 

Ingredient listing

Shampoo RRP A$37.95 | Conditioner RRP A$49.95 at selected salons and in David Jones stores. For stocklists call 02 9695 7878. 

More information on Privé can be found on its website here. 

This product was provided for consideration.

Goldwell DualSenses Extra Rich 60 Second Treatment

If you regularly colour your hair, you will know it undergoes a fair amount of stress that can lead to dullness, brittleness and split ends if you don't give it some intensive care.

That is why you need extra rich and nourishing hair care products for demanding coloured hair and you want to make sure the hair care also helps increase shine, retain the hair colour and resist fading as well.

But if you only can spare 60 seconds in the shower for it, then you need to get yourself a tub of this just like I have with my recent re-colouring of my hair to a rich caramel brown.

Goldwell Dualsenses Color Extra Rich 60sec Treatment 200ml

• A thick berry scented cream that is like chocolate for hair. Its light pink colour reminds me of yoghurt and it really looks and smell good enough to eat (please don't - your hair needs it more than your diet does). 
• Contains a specially developed Brilliance System with antioxidant pomegranate extract and UV filters to restructure hair and protect if colour investment from UV fading. 
• The Microfluid technology is fast acting and after shampooing, just distribute through hair, go scrub the rest of your body and you before you know it, you're ready for the rinse out for soft and silky with a shine that will ensure you give everyone around you hair envy. 

We all need a quick pick me up at times and so does our hair. For ultra-fast and effective results on your colour-treated hair, you can't go past this ultra-quick working treatment.

Ingredients listing

RRP A$20.95 at PriceAttack and selected hair salons.
This product was sent for consideration.

Pantene Nature Fusion Shampoo & Conditioner

Over the years, the Pantene formula have been refined and re-developed and these days with improvements in technology findings, it is constantly evolving and advancing its hair care products.

Pantene’s latest line of products is the Nature Fusion in which contains the newest buzz ingredient in hair care - cassia flower extract,  proven to promote the health of hair and have previously used in Ayurvedic medicine and haircare for centuries before.

Pantene Nature Fusion Shampoo and Conditioner 

• Contains 2 varieties of cassia seed extract (cassia obtusifolia and cassia tora) to maximize the healthy hair benefits. Also contains naturally derived ingredients such as avocado oil, grapeseed extract and bamboo extract to penetrate into hair and strengthen it from within. 
• Coupled this with the high-tech Pro-V formula and a soft fruity, you have a winning creamy formula that spreads easily to leave each strand of hair more conditioned and stronger than before after continued use. 
• My hair is soft, lightweight and full of body and shine after use of the shampoo and conditoner. The most impressive thing for me is the difficult to manage ends that seem to flick in all directions are well behaved and easier to style. It definitely is my favourite range from Pantene to date and the conditioner is officially my new love!
• I also notice few hair breakages after 3 weeks of use of this latest range –testament that my hair is getting healthier and stronger. 

I’ve always enjoyed using Pantene hair products and appreciate their affordability (especially when they are on sale). In fact, I first tried them out some 15 years ago on my thick, wavy and somewhat coarse hair and they always managed to tame them and give me good-looking locks. 

I know some people don’t like Pantene shampoos and conditioners and it often gets a bad rap but I think that’s because they are a big brand and an easy target to pick on because frankly the claim of it being filled with silicones (hello – so does 100+ other brand’s shampoos) and it will make your hair fall out (bah – I wish, because I wouldn’t mind thinning out my thick mane) are baseless and bias.

Of course, I also use a clarifying shampoo on a weekly basis to remove residue and any silicone build-up from the various hair care products I use throughout the week. I think this is something most of us need to look into if our hair feels weighed down and coated with too many products and think its the regular shampoo causing the problem.

There's every chance that Pantene may not work for you depending on your hair type (I find that it works best for fuller thicker hair types rather than fine-haired people), but you can only try and find out for yourself whether the product is suitable for you.

At least it is cheap enough that if it doesn’t agree with your hair, you didn’t spend a fortune to find out. For me, it is an affordable everyday shampoo and conditioner that works well while I leave the more pricy salon speciality ones for weekly use.

Ingredients listings:

Shampoo

Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Xylenesulfonate, Cocamide MEA, Sodium Citrate, Fragrance, Citric Acid, Dimethiconol, Cassia Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Disodium EDTA, Panthenol, Panthenyl Ethyl Ether, Avocado Oil – Persea Gratissima, Bambusa Vulgaris Shoot Extract, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Grape Seed Extract – Vitis Vinifera, Yellow 10, Red 33, Blue 1

Conditioner, 

Water, Stearyl Alcohol, Behenamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Cetyl Alcohol, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Fragrance, Benzyl Alcohol Dicetyldimonium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, Cassia Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride (Cassia Tora Seeds), Panthenol, Panthenyl Ethyl Ether, Avocado Oil – Persea Gratissima, Bambusa Vulgaris Shoot Extract, Yellow 10, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Blue 1, Vitis Vinifera (Grape Seed) Extract, Acid Red 33

200ml RRP $4.89 at major supermarkets, Priceline and various pharmacies.

A sample of the above product was provided for consideration.

Supermarket Haircare Offerings that Actually Works

Hair Care has taken a serious turn in supermarket aisles this year with brands making more accessible professional quality products and updating their formulas to be better than ever to help us have glossy and luscious manageable locks every day.

With so much out in the market, it can be quite daunting to try and find a new shampoo and conditioner for your hair.

Let me try and demystify these latest range for you so you go to the beauty aisle armed and informed when you next visit you local store.

Pantene Daily Moisture Renewal* - 350ml RRP A$7.99

• New recharging Pro-V formula, the Pantene Daily Moisture Renewal shampoo and conditioner works more effectively to restore damaged hair back to healthy, shiny looking locks. 
• The new light-weight formula leaves hair feeling supple and shiny but doesn’t put extra weight and there’s less of that slippery dimethicone feeling when compared with its predecessor. 

Wella Pro Series Shampoo & Conditioner*  - 750ml RRP A$10.99

• This new Pro Series puts professional product normally found in salons into homes and includes a comprehensive hair care and styling line. The range features fruity, floral scent with whiffs of Egyptian pear, peach, roses, jasmine petals and chamomile, mixed with cashmere, sandalwood musk and coconut milk. 
• The haircare range comes in Shine, Volume, Colour and Repair Series to meet different types of hair concerns 
• The styling range (RRP A$7.99 each) comes in Volume, Strong Hold and Max Hold to meet the demands of any style you dream to create. 

Pantene Clinicare Ritual 1 week Trial kit* – RRP A$10.99 

• A joint effort from Pantene’s scientist and Wella Professional experts, this range is created to revitalised chemically stressed hair. 
• Contains Pro-Vitamins, three amino acids and Vitamin E to add moisture, radiance and shine whilst strengthening hair with regular use. 
• Range includes Fullness Charge for fine hair, Hydro-Surge for dehydrated hair, and Miro-Repair Revitalising for chemically damaged hair. 
• The trial kit includes a shampoo 40ml, conditioner 40ml and two 15ml rinse off treatment for an extra dose of restorative on a weekly basis. 
• The full size items costs A$14.99 for 250ml and A$19.99 for 5 ampoles of the rinse off treatment. 

I had the big task of putting all these hair care items to the test and finally, the results are in:

If you have normal-dry hair

• Pantene’s Daily Moisture Renewal is your best bet. It really does leave hair soft, silky whilst adding shine and still leave hair light and full of volume without any added weight. 
• This is my new go-to shampoo and conditioner from Pantene and whilst I was a fan of the original formula, the lightweight feel I get after using this is a welcoming change. 
• I’ve also known a few people who were previously not so keen on Pantene’s normal formula really enjoying the use of this latest range. 

If you have very chemically processed that needs intense treatment

• With my 1 week trial kit, I found the shampoo and conditioner do a fair job of hydrating my hair and keeping it adding shine back to my hair. 
• The stand out for me though is Clinicare’s rinse off treatment ampoles which are amazing for the all round hair rejuvenation that probably needs to happen once every week if you have dyed your hair to oblivion. 
• I can’t say that I’ve ever had a $80 treatment to validate whether this range beats that as the product claims, but I personally prefer the salon treatment for the extra pampering experience (I’ve only had A$40 treatments that leaves leave looking uh-mazing but if you are after value, then this at home kit would work for you). 

If you have fine hair and are after everyday hair maintenance 

• The volume range from Wella Pro would be your best bet. You can’t go past the value for money that Well Pro provides in its Shine, Volume, Colour and Repair series – there is bound to be a range here that meets your most discerning needs. 
• My personal pick is the Repair haircare series as I have brittle damaged hair - I especially love the conditioner from this range - it silkens my hair like nobody's business, leaves hair full of volume without any added weight. 

So there you have it, depending on your hair needs, you really can go any way with these latest haircare offerings. Be sure to check them out next time you pause down the beauty aisle of your supermarket.

What is your favourite supermarket haircare range?

Pantene, Clinicare and Wella Pro are available at supermarkets and selected chemists now. 

Product marked * were sent for consideration.

Goldwell for S.O.S haircare

For the past 2 weeks, I’ve notice that my hair has gone super brittle and the ends are snapping off during brushing. It could only be due to the recent heat styling I’ve been subjecting my hair to – the VS Sassoon magic wand’s curls were too alluring for me and now I’m paying the price.

Other than applying copious amounts of hair masks and staying away from the curling wand, I've grabbed a couple of hair treatments to try fix the problem.

Goldwell Dualsenses Rich Repair Leave-in Fluid - RRP A$20.95

• This wonder cream does all the heavy duty repair work. It can be applied to dry or towel-dried hair, it becomes my instant repair cream whenever I see hair looking frail and fried.
• A sensual earthy fragrance of sandalwood, this light fluid is a gel consistency make it very easy to distribute through hair, and with silk proteins, the instant microfluid technology means it starts working on hair immediately.
• I love working this into the ends to give it back some life and look soft and silky again. 
• Doesn't add weight or stickiness to hair, I find it also has some frizz taming properties and protects stressed hair from further damage.
• Leaves hair smooth, soft and hydrated and deeply nourished.

For a lustrous shine, I finish off with Goldwell Kerasilk Instant silk fluid - RRP A$23.95

• This is more of a thicker and more smoothing fluid than the rich repair leave in cream. It has a very slippery feeling from the dimethicone in the formula to coat and smooth down hair.  
• Seals in moisture and gives an anti-frizz effect and has hydrolysed silk nourish and replenish hair and is suitable for all hair types.  
• Applied onto semi-dry or dried hair, I use this more as a finishing and touch up serum to maintain shine and gloss.

If you have damaged hair, I highly reccommend the Dualsensse Rich Repair leave-in cream fluid to nurture your hair back to health.

Goldwell products is available at selected salons across the country. Call 1800-506-060 for your nearest stocklist.

These products were sent for consideration.

Review: Goldwell Rich Repair 60 Seconds Treatment

My hair has hasn't been as healthy as it's been for the last 3 weeks and I can only attribribute it to the great hair masks I've been using.

One of the ones on my usage rotation is the previously reviewed Wella Professional Hydrate Mask, but I have also added another miracle hair mask into the routine so I get repairing properties into my hair as well.

Goldwell Dualsenses Rich Repair 60 Seconds treatment

• Love the fact that I don't' have to let this sit in my hair for a great length of time for it to work. Handy for short showers during the week when I don't' have time. 
• Like the other Dualsenses rich repair range, it has a sensual sandalwood scent with instant microfluid technology for quick delivery of the active ingredients.  
• Intensively nourishes my dry and stressed hair to bring back the gloss and shine. It has also reduced the number of split ends I'm experiencing. 
• Leaves hair soft, silky and so much more manageable and easier to style.

If your hair is lackluster and needing some intensive care, nothing fixes it as well or quick as hair masks and this Goldwell Dualsenses rich repair 60 sec treatment is a saviour to my locks and ends.

How you use hair masks? Which have your tried and loved?

RRP A$20.95 at selected hair salons.
This product was sent for consideration.

Review: Goldwell DualSenses Rich Repair Shampoo & Conditioner

In my previous post, I mentioned how using a colour protecting shampoo like the Wella SP colour save has helped my hair colour last longer since the last hair colour, but I found that my hair was still not hydrated enough – it was slightly dry, brittle and the ends were looking more fried than lush. I needed more intense hydration.

So it was lucky that I had another shampoo and conditioner on hand to try and treat these concerns.

Goldwell Dual Senses Rich Repair Shampoo & Conditioner

• Rich Repair is one of 6 in Goldwell's dualsenses range - a salon quality take home range that delivers maximum care with minimum effort required for the busy lifestyles today. 
• This range contains Instant Microfluid Technology, which delivers active ingredients more quickly and evenly throughout hair to achieve maximum results. 
• Delivers intensive care for dull, dry and damaged hair and suited for seriously stressed hair from everyday styling and heating of all hair types. 
• Infused with with pashmina silk proteins, hydrolysed keratin to smooth and replenish lost moisture increase shine. The conditioner does have dimethicone in its ingredients listing for those who don't like their silicones but the shampoo is light and contains none. 

My experience:

• I love the indulgent sensuous sandalwood scent the shampoo and conditioner - so heavenly!
• Gives a light lather that washes out easily. I can feel a difference immediately after using the shampoo - it is very satisfying to able to run my finger through the wet hair without snagging or having it feel stringy.
• Used with of the conditioner, my hair just feels very smooth and silky. After blow drying there is a visible increased in the amount of shine in hair, it is easier to style with less flyaways. 

After 3 weeks use, my hair is much healthier and there is a noticeable reduction in the split ends experienced though the use of hair masks (review up next) is a big contribution to that. I must admit I prefer a repair range to a colour save range, purely because I gives me healthier shinier hair and is great for any hair type that needs extra attention to look its best.

RRP A$20.95 for 300ml  at selected hair salons.

What are your biggest hair concerns.

These products were sent for consideration.

Wella SP Hair Care: Color Save Shampoo and Conditioner & Hydrate Mask

You probably already know that coloured hair needs a lot more TLC than normal hair. And with my recent hair colouring as well as permanent straightening back in January, my hair is just crying out for lots of TLC.

To address this I've enlisted the help of some products from the Wella System Professional range to incorporate into my hair care regime.

Wella SP Color Save Shampoo - RRP A$32 

• This stuff smells amazing! Honestly, one of the best fruity/floral fragranced hair products I’ve used lately. 
• This is very gentle and gives a soft lather to ensure it isn't stripping too much colour from your hair. My colour is still looking fresh 4 weeks on. 
• Has colour saving ingredients like polyquaternium, d-panthenol, beeswax, UV filters and olive leaf extract to protect and enhance shine. 
• On its own, I felt it left my severely dehydrated thick hair under conditioned. My over processed hair was feeling very straw-like so this may not be suitable for those with very fine hair. An extra dose of the Color Save conditioner or better yet a hydrating masque massaged into hair left it feeling soft and silky again. 

Color Save Conditioner -RRP A$32 

• What more can I say other than thank goodness this stuff turns my straw-like hair into lush silky manes. 
• Has the same awesome scent as the shampoo and helps to maintain and protect hair colour with UV filters, olive extract and d-pantenol. 
• Smoother hair is noticeable as a result of use of the conditioner. I use this after every wash and followed by a hair mask once a week. 
• Hair feels light, clean and regains its volume after use of the shampoo and conditioner 

Hydrate Mask – RRP A$34 

• A must have for anyone with dry, overstyled or colour processed hair. 
• Hair masks are a dry hair’s best friend and this is no exception - it provides intense nourishment to parched hair like mine.
• Contains glycerine, d-panthenol, glucose and fructose to lock in moisture and prevent further split ends and damages to hair. 
• Pleasant smelling (like a fragranced soap), this thick cream doesn't add weight to hair so it won't kill off hair's natural volume (very important to me since my hair is now stick straight). 
• I use this on top of the conditioner for added silkiness and moisture but if you are time poor, you can forgo the conditioner and leave this into hair for 5 minutes before rinsing. 

My only lament is that I can’t find an all-in-one colour saving and hydrating range shampoo and conditioner, so I have to alternate between washes of the color save range and a rich repair range (review to come later) to keep my hair in top condition.

Wella SP products are available at selected hair salons across the country. 

What is your favourite shampoo and conditioner to protect against colour fading?
The above products were sent for consideration.

Review: Pantene All Day Smooth Light Weight Creme

With the recent rainy weather, my hair's been acting up and it's been looking like a frizz ball rather than its tame 'normal' self (disclosure: I have permanently straightened my hair 7 months ago with Shisiedo's straightening system. My natural hair is wavy, thick, has a life of its own and is impossible to manage most days).

So on top of tackling breakage, I now need to tackle frizz. I decided to go with a new product from an old trusted line.

Pantene All Day Smooth

• Leave-on cream that can be used on damp towel dried or dry hair.
• Can be used daily without adding weight to hair.
• Softens hair and helps to untangle them during brushing, preventing hair breakages.
• Protects hair from external stresses like UV, air conditioning

Ingredients listings

How it performed

• Light semi-fluid in texture, and despite having cyclomethicone and dimethicone (2 different types of silicones), it was not too slippery and didn't leave hair feeling it was covered by silicone.
• Lightly scented so not too overwhelming on hair.
• In terms of keeping hair smooth and frizz free, I felt it had limited success. Hair was less frizzy but it only controlled it for a few hours before things got a bit crazy again.
• After repeated uses over a few days, although smoothed, hair started to feel more greasier than normal and started to feel silicone like.
• Needed more shampoo to wash and clean hair of this styling product.

Overall Thoughts
This smoothing creme is handy to have in the handbag to fix fly-aways when out and about with its convenient size. It's something that provides a temporary fix to frizz and tangled hair but I wouldn't use it daily as hair starts to feel greasy repeated use.

Rating: 6/10. RRP A$6.99 for 90ml at leading supermarkets and pharmacies.

I requested and received this product from Proctor & Gamble as part of a recent nationwide promotion.

Review: Pantene 3 Minute Miracle Treatment

Being a skeptical consumer, I tune out to alot of the marketing hype when dramatisation and words of puffery are thrown around in product promotions, as is often the case. But there's always a tiny part in me that hopes that the product does live up to its claims.

So when a product name contains the word 'miracle', of course I do a double take and had to check it out myself.

Pantene 3 Minute Miracle Treatment 

Pantene 3 Minute Miracle Treatment Ingredients

• Designed to be incorporated into your regular hair care regime, this weekly product is a cream treatment for use after shampoo and conditioner 
• Comes in 15ml tubes with twist off cap. If you have shorter hair, a tube will easily last 2 treatments. Longer or thicker hair will probably use it all up in one go. 
• Promises to repairs breakages & damages with amino pro-vitamins and vitamin E and prevent further damage. 
• Penetrates hair and hydrates it from the inside. 
• Smooth down hair culticle with ingredients that mimics natural hair cuticle to smooth it down 

As previously mentioned, I have very brittle hair and is prone to split ends and breakages from even gentle hair brushing. I used 1/2 a tube after my normal washing and conditioning routine and concentrated at massaging the product into the ends of my hair.


How it Performed

• After 1 use, hair was smoother and silkier to touch. Fly-aways were tamed and hair felt lightweight but full of body. 
• After a week of use, there were much less hair breakages/fallout when brushing hair (about 60% reduction using my non-scientific judgement). 
• No addition to new split ends.
• Everyday feels like a good hair day and hair was more managable and not prone to frizz. 
• Increased shine and health in hair. 

So while I don't think this is a miracle product, it certainly is fantastic at turning around my brittle damaged hair and preventing new damage to it. The fact that I don't need to use any additional styling products to keep it looking healthy and frizz free is an added bonus for me. I will continue to use this until something miraclulous comes along to cure my mane issues in just 1 treatment (that truly will be a miracle).

Rating: 9.5/10. Inexpensive and readily available, this should be added as a weekly treatment if you hair feels slightly stressed and is prone to breakage. RRP A$7.99 for 3 x15ml at leading supermarkets and pharmacies.

I requested and received this product from Proctor & Gamble as part of a recent nationwide promotion.

Review: Klorane Extra Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk

I don't know about you, but one of the beauty routines I hate most during winter is hair washing. I hate the dripping wet feeling when coming out of the shower in freezing temperature in mornings or at night and the need to endure the naked stand in the bathroom while I use the hair dryer to blast my hair dry for a good 10 to 15 minutes. Sure, a good hair dryer helps speed this process up, but I still have to stand there to towel dry my hair, followed by blow drying and a styling attempt afterward.

Being the lazy and enterprising person I am, I thought it was time to look at dry shampoos as a means of refreshing my hair in between my twice weekly washing days while I wait for the warmer weather to arrive for more pleasant hair washing experiences.

Klorane extra gentle dry shampoo with oat milk 

• for frequent use
• cleanse hair without water
• contains aluminium starch and fine oat milk powder to soften and add volume back to limp greasy hair
• aerosol spray can action to deposit powder onto hair to absorb the grease before being brushed off
• fresh clean scent that reminds me of freshly washed linen

How it performed

• used on 3 day old head of hair, it did mop up some of the grease on my head and gave some volume back to roots.
• contains alcohol which is used as the propellant and quickly evaporates when sprayed - I found it slightly drying on hair with daily use.
• being a white powder, it took alot of effort and much brushing to remove the dry shampoo out of my thick and dark coloured hair. 
• can aggravate head with all the extra brushing if you are dandruff prone. Sometimes it was hard to work out whether I was brushing off oat meal or dandruff flakes.
• as I have thick hair, a 150ml can lasted just over 3 uses, making it quite cost ineffective for frequent use.

Dry shampoo powder

Overall thoughts
After trying out dry shampoos, I think they are a poor man's substitute for hair washing and not all that much more convenient than the real deal unless you are chair or bed bound and have little other choice. I did not find that the dry shampoo powder gave me back enough lift and volume back to my hair, nor did it cleaned hair very properly. Even in this inconvenient cold weather, I rather bring in the portable heater into my non-heated bathroom to wash my hair the proper way.

Rating: 5/10. RRP A$14.95

Review: Earth & Body henna hair wax treatment

Even though I don't heat style my hair often, with the exception of the hair dryer used 2 to 3 times a week, my locks are unruly, dry and very prone to breakage and split ends.
Whatever the reason (vitamin deficiency, being too rough when brushing - who knows), I am always looking for the miracle product to prevent and fix my mane issues.

I chanced upon this fabulous product after scouring online forums for some directions and want to share with you this fab and cheap product that silkens my lack-luster locks.

Introducing Earth & Body Henna Treatment Wax:

click to enlarge and see full ingredients

This treatment wax packs a great punch. It contains hydrolysed proteins, lanolin and henna leaf extract which are known to nourish and lock moisture back into hair, smooth and add shine. Used after shampooing in place of your regular conditioner, its rich and thick texture goes on hair like a mask. I leave it in my hair for 3 minutes before rinsing and voila, I have semi-decent manes that is soft, silky, less frizzy and easier to style.

I also find that I have fewer breakages with regular use of this treatment. The split ends also did not worsen, which was great but nothing other than a chop and snip will get rid of those completely.

Seriously, this stuff is almost as good as the pricier L'oreal Asolut Repair masque (review of that coming soon) and it is 10% of the price for the same amount - how can you say no and not give this a try?

Rating: 10/10 RRP A$5.95 for a massive 500g tub at Priceline

Tackling dandruff

I never had any dandruff at all as a teen but in the past few years, those pesky flakes have been plaguing my head and causing me endless grief. The tell tale flakes are a constant annoyance and an embarrassing feature on my favourite black tops.

I've tried different anti-dandruff shampoos and conditioners - Head and Shoulders, Garnier anti-dandruff, T-Gel and Selsun Blue. All of these products reduced the dandruff but after a few weeks, they seem to stop working and I am left with dry brittle hair still mingled with large snow flakes. Maybe my scalp got used to the active ingredients, maybe I was producing more dandruff but I wanted to find something that treated and provided a semi permanent relief rather than temporary band-aid solutions.

And finally I found my saviour. Something that is so good, I'm almost willing to call it a cure too all my flakey situation - and all this using natural ingredients that is not harsh on hair at all.

Presenting...

Apple cider vinegar, or the humble AVC for short. That's right folks, no need for a cupboard full of medicated shampoos; vinegar is all you need and your flakes will be gone within a few good washes.

How I use it:  apply small amounts of AVC onto dry hair and massage into scalp. Do this to all areas where dandruff is active. Leave in hair for 5 minutes. If you have wounds or sores on your head, this will sting, so best not to do this if you have any cuts in your head.

Mix 1/3 cup of AVC with my usual shampoo (Clairols Herbal Essence with rosehip and jojoba) and use that to wash you hair as normal. I sometimes have to do extra rinses to remove the sour smell from my hair/head. Condition with my favourite conditioner.

AVC is also fabulous as a final rinse to add shine and softness to hair. You will need to do extra rinsing to remove the smell though.

Cons:
I found the smell of AVC difficult to deal with. I needed an extra round of shampoo on its own and an extra rinse  to removes the last traces of the sour scent.


Other Info: 
When treating flakes, I wash my hair every 2nd day (it is harder to do during winter) and by the end of the week, my flakes are usually non-existent. I then do a maintenance shampoo with AVC once a week after my flakes are under control. My hair is silkier, softer and flake free since I've been following this regime.

I've been told that AVC may strip colour from hair so may not be suitable for those with colour treated hair. I haven't dyed my hair in years so haven't had any problem personally but do be mindful of this when testing it out yourself.

I've also tried this with normal vinegar. The results are the same but the sour scent is much stronger than AVC and takes more effort to wash out.

If you have any dandruff problems that you find hard to control, give this a go. I'm sure most of us already have AVC handy in our kitchen cupboard.

So will you be giving this a try? Let me know how you go if you do.