Back in June, I had reviewed two of celebrity stylist Chaz Dean’s WEN cleansing conditioners. Though I enjoyed the Tea Tree and Sweet Almond Mint varieties, I gotta tell you: I’m even more impressed with the Cucumber Aloe!

As you may recall, these cleansers are different from conventional shampoos–they do not foam or produce any lather. That’s because they do not contain any of the standard sulfate detergents that induce suds; those pearly bubbles are known to strip colored hair of both tint and moisture. (So much for that whole “squeaky clean” concept.)

But I digress–you probably want to know why I’ve chosen a BFF for my hair. My rationale is quite simple: I love that I can have a dye-job that lasts and clean, healthy tresses! WEN’s Cucumber Aloe formula has been designed to be simultaneously moisturizing and clarifying, both of which suit fine hair or oily scalps (with dry ends). I’ve been using this product for a couple months now; a thorough rinse ensures no leftover residue.

Key ingredients:

• cucumber fruit extract
• organic aloe vera leaf juice
• extracts of rosemary, chamomile and marigold
• menthol
• witch hazel
• avocado

I guess I’m not the only one who’s in love with WEN! Check out the testimonials: if it’s good enough for Julianna Margulies….

As are the rest of the cleansers, Cucumber Aloe is indeed cruelty-free–it’s Chaz-tested by the stylist himself. And while certainly not cheap, this product delivers a consistent performance. The current QVC sale helps to mitigate some of the cost; don’t miss out!

Jen#2

Product info and images courtesy of Chaz Dean and QVC.

Celebrity still courtesy of IMDb. Photo by David M. Russell–copyright 2010 by CBS Broadcasting Inc. All rights reserved.

Victoria’s happens to be located in a charming old two-story house, and despite its location in the heart of downtown Key West (right across the street from the boisterous-but very much beloved-Bull and Whistle Bar), it was easy for me to relax and enjoy being pampered–and how!  The amazing Aveda stylist didn’t seem to mind to taking a long time to lather/massage my hair and head; as delightful as that felt, what had pleased me the most was the styling that followed.  I can honestly say I don’t think my hair has ever been as sleek and shiny  as it had been on that humid October day: to look at it, one would never have guessed how long  I’d been outside in the rain….

While I can only speak of my own lavish  hair-care experience at Victoria’s (there wasn’t enough time to indulge myself in anything else), Aveda would also like to remind you of the myriad of other benefits available at their signature salons and spas: some of which are even free. How cool is that?!

And since I think so highly of Aveda ,overall (read the laudable [no]animal-testing promise here), I also decided to stalk the company on Facebook. I’m glad I did, because that’s where I noticed their version of a stimulus package.

Not sure about anyone else, but since yours truly didn’t get to venture any further than the slushy, slippery streets of upstate NY this weekend, I could definitely stand a little pick-me-up!

Jen #2

The ammonia- and peroxide-free semi-permanent color temporarily stains the hair without causing damage. But that’s not all, it’s also just been nominated for a Peta2 Libby Award for Best Cruelty-Free Hair Product and was endorsed by Peta as one of the best cruelty-free hair colors you can use.

Not sure if you can pull off bright colors? You’d be surprised. Vibrant hair color isn’t only for the emo/punk crowd. In fact, it can even look professional (with a taste of rocker, of course). Just look at Jeannie Mai, the cute host of the Style Network’s How Do I Look? The blue streaks mixed in with her dark brown hair add some fun without going over the top.

For those of you who want to attempt these bright colors, I do have a few tips and tricks:

1. Unless your hair is blonde, white, or light red, these colors are not going to show up and you will need to bleach your hair first.

2. This stuff stains everything. So, wear an old t-shirt, have plenty of old towels on hand, and wear gloves. Apply a barrier cream around your hairline (like petroleum jelly) to prevent the dye from staining your skin. Do not drip on counters or floors. But if you do (because you probably will), wipe immediately with a wet rag, and then whip out a scrubber brush to remove the stain.

3. I’ve read some people saying the longer you leave it on, the more permanent it will become. This is not true. Follow the instructions. The color usually only lasts 3 weeks at best. If you want it to last longer, then wash your hair less often. However, please remember that this color, though temporary, never fades completely out. It will always leave a slight hue of whatever color you used, which will eventually have to grow out or will need to be colored over.

Good luck and Happy Coloring!

So, I thought I’d share some hair care tips on my favorite cruelty-free hair products from Paul Mitchell. For those of you who think of Paul Mitchell as an “old-lady” brand. Think again. This line has reinvented itself over the past few years with a variety of products for every hair type and hair style.

Today I’ll focus on their best styling products for creating popular party-hair looks.

Paul Mitchell Hot Off the Press
A styling spray for protecting the hair from hot tools like the curling iron and flat iron. It also provides great flexible hold for great party styles like big loose waves like Jessica Alba is famous for, or a sleek and smooth look like Drew Barrymore loves to rock.

Paul Mitchell Spray Wax
This was the first spray wax I tried years ago when they first came on the market, and I fell in love instantly. It easily adds texture without making the hair greasy or weighing it down. It’s perfect for big hair and messy buns found on the runways this year.

Paul Mitchell Super Clean Extra Hairspray
This firm-hold hairspray locks your style into place and keeps it there for hours, which is exactly what you need as you dance your way to midnight. This one is perfect for creating structured hairstyles, like sculpted updos for fancy black-tie parties. One of my favorite looks this year is the tight french braid updos like Anne Hathaway showed off and the massive chignons like the one Beyonce wore.

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Credit: flickr user animalvegetable

You guys know I’ve raved about powder sunscreen before, especially those from Colorescience and Jane Iredale. Well, today I found yet another use for it — Dry Shampoo! That’s right, it’s time to wipe that grease right out of your hair.

Today I was having quite the oily hair day. I thought I could go more than a day without washing, but because my roots are showing (meaning healthy, undamaged, oily hair), by mid-afternoon I was looking pretty “slick.” Not having a dry shampoo with me, I decided to pull out the only other option in my purse, my Colorescience SunCanny Powder.

Colorescience’s unique brush applicator made it easy to apply to the roots. I just started brushing and it instantly started to absorb the oil. Another bonus? It also camouflaged my dark roots.

The great part about using a powder sunscreen is that it also protected my scalp (especially along my part) from burning when I was outside.

But, you can use any loose powder you have as a dry shampoo. Simply apply to a brush and gently swipe along the roots of your hair. Make sure you take your hair in sections to really get in there. Then, when finished, used your hands to rub it in a bit and fluff up your hair. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.

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