Recently in Shampoo/conditioner Category

Janet Waddell is one of the world's leading hairstylists (she was the creative director at Vidal Sasson before branching out on her own), so it's only fitting that she come-out with her very own line of products. The three-product line that she has developed includes a shampoo, conditioner, and a styling balm all of which have been formulated with Emu oil (this is a first for a retail hair line). I had never heard of Emu oil before using this line, but apparently it has been used by Australian Aboriginal for over 2,000 years for its moisturizing benefits and it's been proven to stimulate hair growth/thickness. What I love about this line however is that it's not a soapy, detergent-like mess! The line is all-natural, paraben-free, moisturizing (didn't need to use a leave-in), and the shampoo only contains 10% water (as opposed to 80-90% in most! Clearly most hair products are way over-priced...). The shampoo and conditioner ($24 each), have a ginger/lime fragrance that's subtle enough to work for both men and women. As for the Styling Balm ($28), I've been using it on the crown of my head for its anti-frizz properties (it's lightweight so it's a good option for summertime styling). If you're in the NYC-area and don't want to order online, you can head to Janet Waddell's salon and check them out in person!

I just got my hair done at the Neil George salon so of course I want to preserve the immaculate style. So what do I do? I had Neil throw in this Refresh Dry Shampoo. Two days later, things were looking a bit matted so I gave it a try. This is not like the T3 or Bumble and Bumble that sprays a colored powder to cover up the greasy hair. This actually blows some sort of super power mist that dries the hair. It does have ingredients that are blown on the hair as well that helps to absorb oil from your hair and scalp but it does not coat the hair and make it sticky. The texture of course is not like freshly washed hair but as far as dry shampoos go, this one does leave the hair much more "natural". It also smells divine with a blend of Jaborandi, Cherimoya and Gotu Kola which also stimulates circulation and strengthens the roots. Great to bring on trips, but make sure you check it though, you will not be able to carry this on! At Drugstore.com for $18.

To start off the New Year right I thought it would be great to highlight some of the most exciting new brands and product launches that we've come across these past 12 months. Can't wait to see what's in store from these brands for 2010! Check back this week to see more for makeup, skincare, and fragrances.

HerCut -- the first line to tackle hair based on hairstyle, HerCut products were created based on the five basic cuts (bob, shag, pixie, blunt, long layers), thus taking into consideration the way hair moves when treating it. All of their styling products use cut-specific polymers, while their shampoos target hair type (oily, dry...) and their conditioners go from light to deep. 


Living Proof -- Simply put when it comes to beating frizz there is no topping this line. Not only does it get the job done like no other, the products smell delicious. Living Proof also just launched a line of shampoos and conditioners.


Redken Real Control Mineral Elixir and Bumble&Bumble Shine Spray -- Besides adding shine, both products are non-sticky, smooth-out hair (they work great in combo with heat-styling tools), and smell light and refreshing (the Redken spray actually smells like Donna Karan Cashmere Mist!). Jump for More!

I received a sample of this new Desert Essence Organics Coconut Shampoo and Conditioner a couple of weeks ago and used it religiously every other day. The coconut shampoo and conditioner is made to nourish and brings back shine and health to over-processed, damaged hair. Infused with organic coconut oil to provide intense moisture, smooth frizzies and restore hair's natural luster. With continued use, hair looks revived, strong and healthy. When I opened the bottle the wonderful aroma of the coconut spilled out and left a subtle hint of fragrance on my hair throughout the day, which I got a couple of compliments on. Now I usually don't condition my hair every time I shampoo because my scalp tends to get oily, but my hair is a little dry so I decided to just do both steps each time I cleansed my hair. My hair did frizz a little less, but there still were a couple of fly aways after styling, and it didn't seems to weigh my hair down too much. But towards the end of my trial my hair did seem to get oily quicker then usual, so I think that I'll have switch back to my old shampoos and use this just when I need a nice hydration.

Jump for more...

I received a sample of Oribe's new Signature Moisture Masque to review and it could not have arrived at a better time. My hair is feeling fried lately from traveling and the many events I attend (and the water in LA is really harsh for some reason!). The scent reminded me of a luxurious skin cream, I almost wanted to slather it on my face! This super rich treatment is made for daily or weekly use, depending on your needs. I am a twice a week deep conditioning girl but have not been so diligent lately (hence the crackling hair).

I used this last night before the Louis Vuitton party and left it on my hair for 5 minutes while I showered (you can shave or exfoliate while you wait like I do!).  Surprisingly, it didn't leave a residue on my skin as some of my other hair masks do and can I say again how much I love the way it smells!  I think it's the watermelon extract and wild mango butter that smells so good but not like food where you'd be scared your kid will want to eat it.  There is Kaempferia Galanga root extract that is said to provide UV protection and sunflower seed extract that makes hair shiny.  My hair was really smooth after using it and almost too soft and shiny so I don't recommend using this right before an event like I did last night if you plan any kind of teased up do.  Shiny and pretty can be difficult to tease and curl!  5.9oz for $59 at Oribe.com here.

My hair seemed to be getting oilier and oilier to where I almost felt like I had to wash it morning and night. I know, that's a horrible thing to do to my hair, but what my hair is doing to skin is horrible! I started looking around to find a shampoo to help with my oily scalp but it seems that the majority of shampoos cater to dry scalps. So I had to do some deep searching before I found the one right for me.

When functioning normally, the sebaceous glands of the scalp lubricate hair with sebum. However, excessive sebum can make the hair weighed down and difficult to manage, a phenomenon that can worsen if the right shampoo is not used. The best prevention is to use a shampoo that is specially formulate to restore the balance of natural secretion of the scalp.

This is what PHYTO has discovered and has brought the most potent active ingredients from the botanical world to your hair through Phytotherathrie, the science of haircare through plants. They have made the PHYTO Phytocedrat Sebo-regulating Shampoo specially for these oily scalps. After using this about two months I noticed I could go every other day without having to shampoo my hair. The only thing that you have to remember to do is shampoo first at the scalp and then again at the tips because it takes the second time to really get it to lather up. Also it is very watery so I put it in a sprayer to apply so that I don't waste any of the product and have it just fall straight down the drain. You can get it at Beauty.com for $24.

Pretty much every Sephora in NYC has a big stand with Living Proof products smack dab in the middle when you first walk in. Clearly there's something to this line. First off the packaging is smooth and compact (the outside is coated with something that feels like rubber). Then there's the smell which is light, refreshing, and completely unobtrusive and lastly, there's the fact that the line actually works! I've been using a mix of MoroccanOil for my hair tips and Living Proof Straight Making No Frizz Styling Spray for Fine to Medium Hair for my root and mid-hair sections post showering when my hair is damp and my frizz has been, for the most part, under control even amidst the nasty sticky weather. Now things have gotten even easier because Living Proof has launched a shampoo and conditioners. Each product has been developed to address the dryness and damage often associated with hair prone to frizz. More after the jump!

I was sent a bottle of Davines Momo moisturizing shampoo and a jar of the Momo revitalizing conditioner two months ago from a PR firm (at my request). I have not posted my review until today because I finally finished the products last week (as you can see!). To be honest I really didn't start using this until 4 weeks ago when the weather got warm and I started swimming with my son (almost daily). My hair became the texture of dried noodles and it lost its lustre (I do not dye my hair though am considering it as I have several gray hairs now-- yikes!). I also felt like I was losing hair though my stylist assures me swimming does not cause baldness. After 4 weeks of using Davines Momo exclusively, however, my hair is soft and shiny no matter how many hours I spend in the pool holding a 4 year old up so he can pretend he is superman. Will I buy more? Heck yeah!  I just ordered more from Beauty.com-- Momo Shampoo $20 and Momo conditioner $20 here.

I highly recommend this to everyone who spends time in the pool/sun/beach this summer, even if you have oily scalp!  I know you will love it as much as Madonna (had to throw that in there) and I do!

Beauty snob note to PR firms: *(Please contact us before sending unsolicited items to save your clients time, money and to guarantee a review!)

Last week we announced Part I of our fabulous Esencia by Samy giveaway and here comes the second part! In honor of Earth Day we will be giving away another four sets of three of Esencia by Samy's latest products! We will pick the winners of both giveaways via random drawing on Earth Day, April 22!

Four winners will be picked by telling us, in the comments, whose celebrity hair is pictured above. US residents only please!

The Esencia by Samy line is 100% vegan, natural and organic and each set we are giving away will include their White Lotus Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner - both formulated with Barley and Nettle - and their Vanilla Styling Crème which is formulated with Macadamia and Sunflower. The products are free of sulfates, parabens and phthalates - that can strip hair's natural protective layers and fade color - resulting in shiny, healthy hair! Plus how fab is the packaging with the ball-shaped cap (the caps are actually pop up caps as well - the pop button blends in with the cap)!!?

A big thank you to our lovely sponsor Esencia by Samy!