I’m one of the few people that has never tried dry shampoo. Maybe it because in my younger years I was told to use baby powder as an alternative to washing my hair and I was left with a big mess and white roots. Not a very pretty picture! However recently my curiosity was peaked when I began noticing dry shampoo in Sephora. So being the daring diva that I am I decided to see if this product was something that could make my beauty routine easier.

Klorane has created a dry shampoo that is not only eco-friendly but also gentle to your hair. Some of the key ingredients are:

• Oat extract – to soothe and calm the scalp
• Corn and rice starch – for powerful cleansing
• Cylcodextrins – natural absorbent microspheres to rid hair of excess dirt.

The product is very simple to use: simple squeeze the bottle (see below) and a gentle, airy mist flows out. I applied the spray to my roots (as directed), waited a few minutes and brushed it out.

I was a bit worried about removing the product but thankfully Klorane is very easy to brush out with minimal effort. I must admit that I was quite surprised on how well it worked, my hair smelled better, my scalp was less oily and my hair looked fluffier. Success! This is the perfect solution for people that do not want to wash their hair and heat style it (blow dry, curling iron, flat iron etc).

One thing that I did notice was that when shaking the bottle the product leaks out. I accidentally dropped the bottle and I noticed that some of the powder came out, I picked it up and shook it and a lot more powder came out. I would be concerned about traveling with this product and getting it on my clothes – so I would be sure to place it in a baggie for travel. Otherwise the product works well and is a godsend to those that have time constraints, are bed ridden or for those simply looking for an alternative to washing and drying their hair.

Klorane is available at Sephora and Beauty.com for $18

Disclosure: The product mentioned in this post was provided by a PR firm for editorial consideration.

In a previous post I discussed how Pantene has changed their look and their formula to create customized solutions for various hair care needs. I’d always liked Pantene because it smelled great and it left my hair clean, soft and smooth. I wasn’t sure how they could improve on the scent but they did, the new formula smells even better! My hair happens to fit the Medium-thick and color treated models so I have used products from those lines. For someone like me who happens to have dry, thick and color treated hair I need to use a rich conditioner as well as a deep conditioner on my hair on a weekly basis. After a recent trip to the gym I decided to give their Medium-thick Damage Repair Ampoules a shot and see what they could do for my hair. I used the ampoule not only as my deep conditioner but as the only conditioner that I was going to apply to my hair that day.

This damage repair formula comes in a 5 pack of single use ampoules. After washing your hair simply apply one ampoule, work it in thoroughly to the ends of your hair (I used a wide tooth comb), and leave it in for five minutes. The ampoule (pictured above) is a pretty small container (.34 oz) so I had hoped that it was enough to condition my hair and it was (if your hair is longer than your shoulders you may need 2 ampoules). I let my hair air dry and gave it a touch and it was silky smooth, much less frizzy. I would recommend this conditioner because I have extremely dry hair and after using the damage repair formula (without applying any other conditioner) there was a noticeable difference in the appearance of my hair; it was much softer, shinier and less frizzy.

Disclosure: The product mentioned in this post was provided by a PR firm for editorial consideration.

Over the years I have gone through so many changes with my hair. I’ve cut it, dyed it, gone natural, gone back to straight and everything in between so my hair has been through quite a bit. With my hectic schedule sometimes I take short cuts especially when I’m tired from the day to day grind of my career, going to the gym, taking care of my family and all the other little things that life throws my way. Don’t get me wrong I love my life but it can get a bit messy at times. Some mornings I can pull it together and some mornings I wake up like this:

On mornings like this (see above) I blow dry and/or curl my hair with heat appliances. Yes of course this is very bad and yes it can dry out your hair but sometimes it’s just one of those mornings. With that being said I have to make sure that I deep condition my hair weekly and moisturize my hair on a daily basis. Most recently I have been using Moroccan Oil but I’m always willing to try a new product because hey you never know if something better is out there.

I tried Dr. Miracles Follicle Healing Hydrating Oil, this is a part of the new Follicle Healer line. If you haven’t heard, this new line promises a more pleasant scent and more nourishing ingredients. Out of the 4 new products in this line, I would say that this one is my favorite. The ends of my hair can get dry from the heat appliances that I use so I need to use a daily moisturizer to keep them soft and most of all tamed!  When I first tried the hydrating oil I noticed that there was an improved scent, it’s definitely less medicinal than before. I liked that the product contains tea tree oil, shea butter, soy protein and jojoba, these ingredients are great for softening hair. The instructions read that the oil should be used daily and massaged into the scalp for 30-60 seconds. It’s believed that regular massage of the scalp helps improve circulation and stimulate hair growth so this is good practice. I used the oil for about a week, massaging my scalp (yes the tingling sensation is still there!) and applying the oil to my ends. My ends are looking much better, they’re not as frizzy and they do not look or feel dry. The best part about the product is that it costs $4.99 for a 2oz bottle with a dropper applicator. This is a very good fit if you’re a budgetnista looking for a moisturizing oil for your hair.

In an earlier post I was able to interview celebrity hairstylist Wendy Isle and ask her professional opinion on hair care. Well now the Tasmanian born hairstylist would like to share some styling tips for when you’re short on time. Here are her tips:

10 HOT SHORTCUTS FOR STYLING ON THE RUN by couture hairstylist WENDY ILES

1) It’s the end of the day and you need to give “pick up” to your added volume mousse or styling aid. Squirt a little mist of water and use your fingers (not a brush) to gently work the moisture into the hairstyle. Turn hair upside-down and give a blast of warm air with a blow-dryer, kneading the hair with fingers while doing so. Throw hair back into position and comb into place with a large tooth comb. So quick and easy — no more than 3 to 4 minutes.

2) How to get that “Kate Moss relaxed hair look” on the first day after shampooing. Often after a fresh blow-dry, tongs, hot rollers or whatever else we do, our hair can look too set and bouffy. A great trick to get it looking more modern is to pull long hair back as if placing in a ponytail. Twist the hair in a long sausage shape right to the very ends and turn it around in a small chignon attach with a pin. Let it sit for about 10 minutes then release it and shake. The result is brilliant. Roots still have their bounce but the ends are decontracted which is the key to this appealing” Kate” look.

3) Improve second day hair bangs. Wet the roots and dry by pulling down with fingers, aiming the blow-dryer straight down on the roots. If you have a cowlick blow the hair against the grain to help iron out the uplifted area that creates a wonky fringe line. This can be done in 2 to 3 minutes.

4) Give hair more volume and bounce. Blow-dry hair upside down haphazardly. Spray a small mist of light hair spray or setting lotion. A blow dryer with strong wind jet will give better root lift. Then throw the hair into position. With a large tooth comb take 5 or 6 large sections and roll hair as if winding around a large roller. Clip it well so as the section sits high on top of it base. Allow the hair to cool about 5 to 10 minutes then release the clips and comb into place with large tooth comb or fingers.

5) Tame down the fluffys or plump up the flatness on freshly washed and blow-dryed hair. When long hair is first washed and blow-dryed it is often a bit round and fluffy or lank and straight. A good trick is to wash and dry in the morning, pull hair back into a ponytail then on the second turn don’t pull all the hair through, but only half way then twist the rest of the ends around the elastic band holding ponytail in place. It appears like a chignon. Attach with one pin. Wear this chignon to work. After about 2 or 3 hours drop the hair and it will settle perfectly into place with a soft wave effect. Comb with large tooth comb or fingers. A good trick is to wear hair like this to the office during the day and then drop down for a gorgeous evening do later on.

6) Add some “stomach” to fine limp hair. Nothing beats dry shampoo. The best ones are the spray-on types. Blast the roots lightly with dry shampoo. Massage through the roots with fingers working it through to ends of hair. Then brush or comb into desired style. Dry shampoo is also excellent support for hairdos requiring back combing/teasing. The dry texture it gives also makes the hair very modern. Klorane dry shampoo in spray form is my favorite.

7) Getting that modern “out of bed “or “beach” hair texture. Next time you’re at the beach, remember to bottle up some sea water in a spray bottle. Spray the sea water on dry hair and allow it to dry naturally. This gives a great modern natural texture to the hair. Don’t brush the hair, always use fingers. If you can not get to the ocean, bottle it up at home by boiling 1 cup of water with 8 tablespoons of rough sea salt. Allow to cool then pour into a spray bottle and apply.

Take the frizz out of curly hair. Oh that dreaded frizz! We curly hair wearers are harassed with frizz in the summer from the heat and frizz in the winter through damp humidity. The best solution I found is to shampoo and condition comb the curls through, then add a small amount of hair mask (the type of mask that has the consistency of whipped cream), place about 2 dimes worth and rub between the hands and smooth over the outer and inner surfaces of the hair. Don’t touch it again; allow it to dry in naturally. It’s a great controller for frizz. Doesn’t go crunchy or greasy, it just gives great controlled curl. Products that work best include Khiels Argan Hair Pak Mask, L’Oreal Kerastace (although very expensive), and Wella System Professional Power Mask (although for very fine curly hair this mask may be too heavy — replace with lighter texture conditioners. The best I’ve found for fine curly hair are Khiels Aragan Conditioner in a tube and Ojon Ultra Hydrating Conditioner in a bottle that will work better on fine hair as they are less heavy. Apply the same way as we do the mask).

9) Turn your beach day into a hair care day. Place a good conditioning hair mask all over wet hair. Comb through into a high slick ponytail. Be sure to place plenty of mask all over, especially the ends of the hair. Turn the ends around tail creating a chignon tucking ends well underneath away from sun and secure in place. The mask will activate well with the heat of the sun and keep the hair in place all day from harsh wind and harmful sunlight. For short hair do the same, brushing all hair away from the face, as if wearing a wet look. The mask will keep the hair in place and protect at the same time.

10) Tired of that hot-tonged curl look? Here’s how to get a more natural looking wave.

For a more natural wave, try curling hair with a straightening iron. I like to use the GHD iron. It has a very small 2-inch ceramic plate that is ideal for creating a soft natural wave. Place sections of hair in the iron then run the iron through the section turning the wrist as you do so to create an “S” spiral movement. The result is a lovely, soft wave. It may take a little practice to get the “S” rhythm going but a few errors are also okay, as natural wavy hair is never perfectly uniform. It’s the little accidents in the curl that creates the realness. The effect is wonderful.

WENDY ILES BIO

Wendy Iles is in demand all over the world, where she styles hair for ad campaigns for Dior, Cacharel, Hermes, and major hair brands like L’Oreal,Wella, Schwarzkopft and more. Additionally she has contributed to editorial spreads for fashion magazines including Vogue, Bazaar, Elle, Glamour and many others. Wendy has styled hair for top celebrities and stylemakers including Penelope Cruz, Chloe Sevigny, Marion Cotillard, Eva Longoria, Frieda Pinto and others. Born in Australia and based in Paris, Wendy now spends much of her time in New York. She recently published ARCHIVE: A Book About Hair, a fine art book dedicated to the details of her styles and of her success with European works of fashion images, famous couturiers, photographers and models (for a preview of the book and to find out more about Wendy please visit www.wendyiles.com).

Wendy Iles is an iconic figure in the world of hair artistry, she has been featured in publications such as Vogue, Elle and Marie Claire. Wendy has worked with hollywood A-listers such as Dita Von Teese, Chloe Sevigny, Hilary Swank, Eva Longoria and Penelope Cruz. Iles is one of the most sought after hairstylists and has worked on editorial campaigns for Dior, Cacharel, Hermes, and major hair brands like L’Oreal, Wella, Schwarzkopft and more. I was fortunate enough to be able to interview Iles and she shared some of her favorite tips and trends with me.

Dita Von Teese for Vogue | Hair Stylist: Wendy Iles

1. What are your favorite fall hair trends?

I love the easiness of the hair this fall season. Ponytails worn lower on the nape of neck, hair flowing naturally allowing any natural movement like curl to be free.

2. What individual products and brands you’re “addicted” to at the moment and you use on a daily basis?

I discovered a shampoo and conditioner by accident called Number 4 L’eau de mer. Its totally PH balanced neutral and leaves the feeling like spun silk. Its expensive but worth it. I also like all Khiels products.

3. What are some of the most basic but effective hair care tips that you have, that are really important?

a) Always use a conditioner after shampooing. In today’s climate we all need to condition because of pollution in the air, chemicals in our water, etc. Even oily scalps there are conditioners that are adaptable to oily hair.
b) Keep ends of hair (especially when growing long) cut or trimmed every six weeks. It prevents split ends, keeps hair in maximum health and aids in getting long healthy hair faster.

4. What are the biggest hair care dont’s?

Don’t use too much hairspray. One looses the suppleness and control in the hair if its over sprayed. Be sure to use a non-detergent shampoo. Often a good test is the more bubbles a shampoo gives the more detergent is inside.
Don’t use pure elastic rubber bands on your hair or your children’s hair. It will break the hair instead always use fabric or thread coated bands.

5. What hair color do you recommend for the upcoming season?

This fall season it’s all about “chocolate” colors. So it’s the time for brunettes to shine! Even the blondes can have milk chocolate lowlights or white chocolate (that’s a beige color) toners. Hair is less sophisticated in style this fall, more relaxed less constructed so ultimate healthy shiny hair is important.

L'oréal Kerastase | Hair Stylist: Wendy Iles

6. Would you share with us a few your best hair tips or insider secrets?

For me personally I have long natural curly hair. To control the curl and take away the frizzies plus keep the hair in perfect condition I’ve discovered the best way is to use a condition mask not a styling mousse as it makes hair crunchy to touch or frizz ease serum as the hair becomes greasy. The hair mask I use is L’Oreal Kerastase lightly skimmed over the surface of damp hair. Comb through place curl the way you like it fall. Don’t touch again till dry. The result is great.

7. What is your life motto, any words of wisdom that get you by in life and professional career?

Always do your best, and one will eventually succeed.

Iles recently published ARCHIVE: A Book about Hair, available at  Rizzoli  bookstore in NY or directly online from publisher printkultur.com .

I recently attended an event with Pantene celebrity hairstylist Tippi Shorter whose hands have maintained the manes of Hollywoods A-list celebrities such Lauryn Hill, Fantasia, Michelle Williams Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, Kimora Lee Simmons as well as many others. Tippi is a well respected industry expert on styling and haircare so I was eager to hear what she had to say about about haircare and the NEW Customized Pantene lines. Here are a few of the questions that I was able to ask Tippi:

Which Pantene products do use regularly use on your celebrity clients?
I use the relaxed and natural shampoo/conditioner as well as the curly shampoo/conditioner.
Which Pantene products do you use on your own hair?
Hands down, i always  the relaxed and natural on my hair.

Why do you prefer to use Pantene over other products?
I enjoy them because the deliver great results and are always easy to get while traveling. I do use many other products, but, pantene is my regular go to brand for prepping the hair.

What inspired you to become a hairstylist?
I use to be a hair model and really enjoyed the amount of creativity the stylist where able to do daily. I also wanted to live creatively daily.

What is your favorite deep conditioner?
I would recommend the intensive restoration treatment for the medium-thick collection.

Any tips on summer hair care?
Conditioner and use a leave in to protect your hair from the sun.

Pantene has reinvented their entire brand structure with more customized solutions for different types of hair. This new line features new ingredients, new packaging and even a new fragrance. Pantene has created products for Fine, Medium-Thick, Curly and Color-treated hair including shampoos, conditioners, styling products and treatments.The new line also focuses on the “end-look” for those that seek more volume, shine, moisture, smoothness and strength. By providing customized solutions this new line helps to address the needs of so many different types of hair and while delivering the results that women are seeking.

Color Preserve Smooth & Color Preserve Shine

Pantene Pro-V Fine Hair Solutions: Flat to Volume, Dry to Moisturized and Fragile to Strong.

Pantene Pro-V Medium-Thick Hair Solutions: Frizzy to Smooth, Breakage to Strength, Dry to Moisturized

Pantene Pro-V Curly Hair Series: Curls to Straight and Dry to Moisturized

Pantene Pro-V Color Hair Solutions: Color Preserve Shine, Volume, Smooth, Blonde Expressions, Highlighting Expressions, Brunette Expressions

I sampled quite a few products from this line and I must say first off that these products smell amazing! I’ve been an avid Pantene user for as long as I can remember and I’ve always loved the smell of their products. I was a bit  surprised that a new scent was going to be introduced but I was pleasantly surprised by the new scent. I have color treated hair that is also fine and can get quite dry without proper moisturizing so I need quality products that keep my hair soft, shiny and do not fade my haircolor. One of the products that stood out to me the most was the Fine Hair Solutions Ultra-Light Moisturizing Treatment. This product is light but left my hair so silky smooth and did I mention that it smells great!? I would have to say that this is one of my favorites.

Pantene Fine Hair Solutions Ultra-Light Moisturizing Treatment

To test out their new product line, Pantene created 600 prototypes and tested 20,000 women worldwide to gain a thorough understanding of the ingredients needed to deliver the best results for each type of hair.  PANAS (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule) measured a statistical improvement in womens moods in comparison between old Pantene products and the NEW Patense products. Now that’s research!

Will you be trying out the NEW Pantene Hair Solutions?

Disclaimer: The products mentioned in this review was provided by a PR Agency for consideration.

Summer has arrived and there are plenty of days filled with fun in the sun up ahead. We all would love to spend our days basking in the cool ocean waters, playing volleyball on the beach or relaxing on a beach towel but unfortunately life may get in the way. So just because you cannot spend your day at the beach doesn’t mean that you can’t take a bit of the beach with you. Below are some of my favorite picks that we bring you to that enchanted place from your childhood.

MAC To the Beach Bronze Body Oil will add a shimmering glean to your body while moisturizing with botanical oils. This beach in a body glow can be yours for $22. This limited edition product is only available through July so get yours before it’s gone!

Bobbi Brown literally brings the beach to you with their best selling Beach Fragrance. This exotic scent is infused with sand jasmine, sea spray, and mandarin and will remind of a breezy summer day at the beach. This sexy scent even has a slight scent of sunscreen, I can practically hear the seagulls calling. This fragrance retails for $55 and it smells delish!

Guerlain’s Terracotta Light Summer Bronzing Powder will give you a sun kissed glow without risking exposure to the suns damaging rays. What makes this bronzer different is that there is a mix of five iridescent shades of copper, pink, pearl and 2 bronze shades. This beauty is also limited edition and available in two hues: Blondes and Brunettes. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a golden goddess! This little gem is available at Sephora for $50.

Philosophy Beach Girl Shampoo, Shower Gel and Body Bath is a triple duty beauty product reminiscent of a day of sun and surfing followed by a cool orange crush slush. At $16 a bottle this is the perfect grab and go for any multi-tasking mama.

Pacifica Malibu Lemon Blossom Spray is inspired by lemony Litsea Cubeba, Flowering Angel’s Trumpets and fresh herbs gives a hint of California Wildflowers mixed with a hint of an ocean breeze. This is an enchanting light and fresh beachy summer scents available at Sephora for $22.

So go ahead and indulge in some luxurious summer treats even when you cannot get away for a day of summer fun at least you can bring a day at the beach with you wherever you go!