New Design and Formulas from JᾹSÖN. By Abi Mogge, Staff Writer.

For those morning showers where you condition your hair 3 times because you’re blind as a bat without your contacts… now there’s hope for those who can’t tell the difference between their identical bottles of hair care products!

JᾹSÖN has been creating natural, healthy products since 1959, using all natural ingredients of the highest quality that are free from any kind of animal testing. Now they have introduced a new ‘inverted’ design for their bottles, with an upside down conditioner bottle to help differentiate between the two.  When I told my mother (who wears glasses) about this innovation, she practically wept with joy. Plus, the bottles use at least 50% post-consumer resin plastic, that otherwise would have ended up in a landfill.

In addition to the new, user friendly design, Jason is introducing new formulas to their natural hair care line. I tried ‘Super Shine Apricot’, which has a really gorgeous, yummy scent and uses shine-enhancing apricot oil to smooth cuticles, as well as wheat protein and aloe vera to moisturize. The result? Shiny, bouncy, healthy hair.

My hair is fine, but this duo gave me the body that I would expect from a volumizing shampoo with a noticeable increase in shine and smoothness. JᾹSÖN’s hair care products are made without harmful sulfates and phthalates, which are both listed as carcinogens by the World Health Organization. They are available at natural food stores, Whole Foods, ULTA Beauty and on the JASON website.

Abi

Friends don’t let friends use shampoo.

Wen Cleansing Conditioners

No need to be alarmed by the caption above, ladies and gents!

Don’t worry, I haven’t entirely lost my mind (yet). I still bathe and wash my hair on a regular basis–I’ve just been using a different type of cleanser.  Perhaps you’ve even heard of it: if so, say Wen!  If not, let me fill you in…

I’m sure it’s no secret how much I love coloring my hair, and because I spend a pretty penny on having it done by a talented pro (thanks, Frank–you always do such a fantastic job), naturally I want the shade to last.  It’s also a well-known fact that regular shampoos and conditioners–even “color-treated” formulas–often contain harsh surfactants. These tend to strip processed hair of its color, or make it appear dull or faded. I was definitely intrigued by WEN’s cleansing conditioners; when I learned they were sulfate-free, I quickly volunteered my services as a tester.

The first one I sampled was the Sweet Almond Mint.  This is the brand’s universal cleanser: a perfect balance of nourishing herbs and natural ingredients, including water, aloe vera gel, chamomile and cherry bark extracts–all of which smell great when mixed together! Suitable for all hair types and textures, if you’re new to WEN, you’d probably want to try this one first.

I also got to try the Tea Tree formula. Created especially for sensitive, dry or flaky scalps, the anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties of tea tree oil help unclog congested hair follicles (and here I thought I only had to worry about clogged pores on my face!) and nurture healthy growth. After all, when we permit our hair’s own natural oils to function as a built-in moisturizer, we help alleviate daily wear-and-tear damage. Perhaps it’s no wonder, then, how well my complexion responds to cleansers and toners which also feature this miraculous little ingredient?!

Each formula consists of a viscous, creamy texture–similar to other conditioners–but just so you’re aware: there are no detergents or “lathering agents”.  Don’t expect these otherwise hard-working cleansers to foam or produce any bubbles.  Fear not, dear readers; this is exactly what’s supposed to happen (or not); I’ll let the FAQs elaborate further.

In case you were wondering: these cleansers did seem to care for, and complement, my token dye-job! I must say, my own long–and sometimes high-maintenance–locks have never taken so well to the wide-tooth comb! Usually I encounter at least one unruly knot after the standard rinse-lather-repeat routine; however, after using both cleansing conditioners, I was able to run my comb painlessly through my entire head. Take that, Tenacious-Ks!

Want more good news about these formulas?  They’re cruelty-free, of course! For additional information about the brand, or to learn which WEN formula suits your own hair’s needs best, visit chazdean.com. (The 3 Labs pictured below are the renowned creator-stylist’s beloved companions.)

Spencer-Hunter-Ella

Jen#2

Press samples provided for review; opinions expressed are the author’s own.

Product image and details courtesy of chazdean.com, and many thanks to cosmeticsinfo.org for the ingredient definitions.

So, I used these products a few times and was very happy with the results. My hair was full, smooth, shiny and smelled clean. It did not feel dry and brittle at all. I also like to take every other day off from washing/conditioning my hair and this product looked just as good on the second day! I can’t say that about many products. It has a light perfume, which I really liked and lasted for the two days as well! Smelled more clean than flowery.

This product is all-natural and does not have alcohol – big plus! The ingredients only consist of natural herbs and plants like jojoba, rice bran, seaweed and ginseng. I felt great nourishing my hair with these wonderful natural ingredients. You will be pleased with these products and know that you are doing something good for your hair and the environment. I recommend highly.

Blog post by the lovely Lara, natural product junkie and Los Angeles-based writer.

Lara

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The Look:
The hair look for John Patrick Organic is a modern, playful take on Bohemian-chic.  Hair is smooth and shiny on top with soft, free-flowing curls below the cheekbone and volume at the front—pulled back into a barrette, adding a girly touch.

Get the Look/Step-by-Step:

Step 1: Prep hair with Aveda Phomollient™ Styling Foam to add body, volume, and shine.

Step 2: Brush hair through and create a deep side part.

Step 3: Divide hair into three sections: bottom, sides/top and middle, and secure in place with hair clips. Spray each section generously with Aveda Air Control™ Hair Spray for shine and hold.

Step 4: Starting with the nape of the neck, curl small sections of hair using a 1 inch barrel curling iron.  Once curled, roll each piece into a loop using your index finger, and hold in place with a single-pronged hair clip. Continue curling hair, working around the sides toward the top of the head, leaving a one inch piece of hair untouched.  Spray each curl with Aveda Air Control™ Hair Spray for added hold.

Step 5: Curl the one inch piece of hair forward and secure with a single-pronged hair clip to allow the hair to cool.

Step 6: With the exception of the front curl, remove all hair clips and brush curls through to create soft, full waves.

Step 7: Rub Aveda Light Elements™ Shaping Wax between palms and smooth over the top of hair to reduce flyaways and add shine.  Hair is now smooth from crown to cheekbones becoming full, loose curls.

Step 8: Remove clip from top curl and twist slightly to create volume and lift in front. Secure hair in place with two small hair pins, and then pull back with a larger barrette that matches hair color. Spray Aveda Air Control™ Hair Spray directly on the lifted section of hair to add volume and hold.

Step 9: Finish the look with a final misting of Aveda Air Control™ Hair Spray.

Aveda Products Used:
Aveda Phomollient™ Styling Foam
Aveda Air Control™ Hair Spray
Aveda Light Elements™ Shaping Wax

Odile Gilbert, Lead Hair Stylist, Aveda

What was your inspiration for this look? How did you collaborate with the designer to create the look?

“I call this chic-bohemian look ‘the wave.’  Patrick was inspired by a photograph taken in the Krazy Kat Club in the 1920’s, where the girls embodied a “wholesome Bohemia” full of enthusiasm and creative spirit.  We worked together to translate this inspiration into a look for the seductive, modern girl who attends private speakeasies.  She is distinctive, intellectual, and very pretty—yet fun-loving and young.”