GEMs of Beauty:
10 Hair Helpers You Will LOVE!
Once upon a time—well, back in the Middle Ages when I was young—I had amazingly thick, wavy-ish long, long auburn hair. (Sometimes, people who only know me of late have seen photos of me as a teen and asked who that person is….gee, thanks!) I took it for granted. I started dyeing it blue-black, which looked great with my then-punky haircut. I got bored with black and went Bordeaux red before Sharon Osborne made it trendy. Then when my roots became unmentionable, I went blonde. The color is great (thanks L’Oreal Technical Center!) but my hair needs all the help it can get. It’s dry and thin and blah. Unless I use one of these fab products to give it back that teenage volume and oomph. Hope they’ll do the same for you!
1. Phyto 7 Hydrating Day Cream With 7 Plants
Think of this cream as a moisturizer for your hair. You always hydrate your face, right? Well, your hair needs hydration, too, particularly when heat-frazzled. A pea-sized amount is all you need to use, once a day.
Buy it for $26.60 at beautystoredepot.com
2. Bosley Healthy Hair Strengthening Masque
When your hair is in dire need of repair, this is my go-to masque. Just slather it on wet hair for at least 5 minutes and your hair will be deep conditioned, soft, and shiny. And it smells yummy, a bit like licorice.
Buy it for $27.79 at sleekhair.com
3. Unwash Hydrating Masque
Another mask that smells divine, this time more fruity, is this one from the sensational new Unwash line. It’s ultra-hydrating and nourishing, and leaves your hair full of body and shine. And the shampoo and conditioner are super-gentle and remove residue without stripping natural oils from your hair.
Buy it for $34 at unwash.com
4. Wet Brush-Pro Detangle
What a wonderful idea—this brush is specifically designed to be used on wet hair, which as you know is much more prone to breakage. The bristles are strong and flexible, and the brush is extremely lightweight, so it’s perfect to throw in your bag for use at the beach or pool.
Buy it for $8.99-$13.99 at www.thewetbrush.com
5. Dessange Replenishing Oil
This new oil, infused with orange, gardenia, and sandalwood, smells so divine I’d use it even if I didn’t need it. Just a few drops smoothes flyaways and nourishes your hair.
Buy it for $11.99 at target.com
6. ColorProof RuleBreaker Firm Flexible Wax
When you need strong hold for your hairstyle but don’t want to bombard your hair will lots of sprays and potions, this wax will do the trick. It gives your hair structure while providing heat and color protection, too.
Buy it for $17.99 at sleekhair.com
7. Alterna Caviar Repair Multi-Vitamin
Heat Protection Spray
Blow-drying your hair is a daily chore for many women, but heat + hair = dry and damaged. Using this vitamin-enriched spray before drying will not only protect your hair but make it shinier and stronger.
Buy it for $30 at sephora.com
8. WEN SIXTHIRTEEN Ultra Nourishing
Cleansing Treatment
Wen is a great innovator for hair care, and this new product is a terrific multi-tasker. You can add a few pumps to your regular conditioner; add one pump to wet hair as a leave-in conditioner; or leave a nice amount on for up to 30 minutes as a mask. Your hair will thank you.
Buy it for $36 at ChazDean.com
9. Bonus Item For Fun-Lovers Everywhere:
MANIC PANIC DYE HARD
I first met Tish and Snooky when they had a tiny shop on then-grungy St. Marks Place in Manhattan’s East Village a seeming lifetime ago—it was the first punk boutique. They were pioneers of hair color in bright, vibrant shades that became beloved not just for punks but for fashionistas everywhere. So go for it—use one of their zinging Dye Hard shades that wash right out when you’ve got the summertime blues. It’ll perk you right up.
Buy it for $9.99 at www.manicpanic.com
10. Bonus Item For Blondes:
L’OREAL EverPure Blonde Shade Reviving Treatment
One of the big problems for anyone dyeing their hair blonde is that the color can be a bit unstable—turning brassy and blah with repeated shampooing and exposure to the sun. This once-weekly treatment is a mask you leave on for 3-5 minutes, and it’ll not only neutralize the brass but revitalize your color, too. (Use it with their EverPure Blonde Brass Banisher Shampoo and Conditioner for even better results.)
Buy it for $6.99 at walgreens.com
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Remember: Hair needs help. If you’re going to be in the sun or at the beach, it needs extra help. Don’t ignore it or use any old shampoo you find on sale, because they often can be harsh and drying. Good products can work wonders, and you’ll be amazed at the transformation.
