Heaven Sent: Nectar of the Gods Hair Treatment

Do you like shiny, healthy, beautiful hair? Are you always searching for the best in hair care? Well, your search may be over after you give Nectar of the Gods a try. I was very intrigued to try this Italian hair care product because it claims to do so much! Use as a leave in conditioner, a detangler, a color sealer, a deep treatment and an anti-frizz agent.

I tried it as a deep conditioner in the shower after shampooing. I used it on wet hair as a detangler/leave-in conditioner. And I spritzed it on my dry hair to freshen up my hairstyle. No matter how I used Nectar of the Gods Hair Care Conditioning Treatment I got the same result…shiny, frizz-free, healthy hair!

Interested yet? Well if you like a natural, silicone-free product that will leave your hair shiny and gorgeous after just one use, then you should be.

Fortified with coconut-derived emollients and conditioners, Nectar of the Gods goes on as a spray and a little goes a long way. It is also great to use to seal in moisture and promote shine when using heat-styling tools. It’s been the buzz around celebrity stylists and can be found at exclusive salons and spas. Click the link to purchase your own bottle at Nectar of the Gods.

Flair for Hair: Fekkai Hair Care

Luck was on my side when I scored a spot at Bloomingdale’s beauty event featuring a hair consultation with Frederic Fekkai last month. I was very excited to hear what Frederic would recommend for me from his amazing hair care line. If you haven’t tried Frederic Fekkai’s line of shampoos, conditioners, and stylers, then keep reading, because I’m going to clue you in on the latest and greatest in hair care.

Featured in major department stores, Frederic Fekkai offers a full-range of hair care products to suit all different hair types and concerns. Depending on your hair issues, you can buy an entire line of products targeted for your hair. You can also mix and match. Whether you need moisture, glossy shine, gentle cleansing or hair repair, there is a line targeted just for you and your locks! There is even a home hair color kit that allows you to create salon color at home for a fraction of the price.

For my long, curly, highlighted hair, Frederic recommended I alternate Full-Blown Volume shampoo and conditioner with Shea Butter Moisturizing shampoo and Frederic Fekkai conditioner. He said this would keep my curls soft and healthy, yet full of volume. For styling, he recommended I mix Brilliant Glossing Cream with Extra Control Styling Gel in my hand, rub through my damp hair, and allow to air dry. The result was amazing…soft curls and no frizz! The gel had just enough hold without being stiff or sticky. In fact, it is very light, and I’d recommend it for all hair types, even fine hair. In terms of color, Frederic advised that I go for caramel highlights, as my current color was a bit too ashy. I am pleased to say I did go quite a bit darker with my highlights (just this weekend) and with very good results.

Bloomingdales is carrying the entire line of Frederic Fekkai hair care, which you can purchase either in the store, or online at Bloomingdales.com and for inspiration, visit Frederic Fekkai’s website.

I thoroughly enjoyed my consult with Frederic. He is the master of all things hair, and I was so excited to get his advice. He was so kind when I asked to take a photo with him, so I am pleased to share that with you.

Self Salon Brooklyn - Blogger Beauty Night

You know the questions “If you were running out of a burning house, what three things would you grab?” and “If you were on a deserted island, what three things would you want with you?”. Well, in both instances for me, at least one of those things would be a bag of hair care products, including shampoo and conditioner, some sort of hair treatment, a blowdryer and a flat iron. I’m a little obsessed with my hair (I try my hardest not to have bad hair days), so when I was invited to check out Self Salon and get a hair glossing and blowout, I jumped at the chance.

I trekked over to Williamsburg, Brooklyn and immediately felt relaxed when I entered the fresh and airy, all-white space. The space was like a large art studio and the atmosphere was so calming. It was just what I needed after a long, stressful week! I chatted with some fellow bloggers, nibbled on Greek food and had a few glasses of wine before Jeffrey started my hair glossing process. The process was simple – he put the gloss in and just let it sit for about 20 minutes. Once it was rinsed out, Jeffrey was working on another blogger so the adorable owner, Maria Barca, took care of me.

Maria was nothing short of fabulous. To begin with, she was a sweetheart and super nice – a quality that seems to miss many stylists – at least most of the ones I have encountered. She explained everything that she was doing to my hair, and asked me many questions like what I wanted in terms of styling, what types of products I used and/or preferred, etc. This was all in an effort to get to know her client’s (my) needs well so she could provide the best service.

In addition to the amazing service, she is also an amazing stylist! She gave me a blowout which was very relaxing (I kept dozing off!) and fairly quick (no all-nighters here) which turned out beautiful. Then she offered to give me one of her signature “dry cuts” – I graciously accepted. I liked that she offered but didn’t push it, and even gave me a mirror and spun my chair around to show me exactly how much she was going to cut. No stylist has EVER done that before – they usually just start cutting away and you have to cross your fingers and hope for the best. When she was done, my hair had that shine, bounce and swing that you typically only see in hair commercials.

If you want awesome service, and ‘commercial-quality’ hair, hop on a train to Brooklyn and grab yourself a seat at Self Salon. It’s only $45 for a blowout and you’ll be in and out in a flash. A hair glossing goes for an affordable $75, and lasts for approximately 10 washes. They also have a ton of other services (like coloring, highlights and hair treatments) hair and beauty products that you’ll want to check out. And Self is currently running a 20% off special until October 31st, in case you needed another reason to check them out. They also provide other services like acupuncture and makeup. I’m heading back soon to get a bridal makeup consultation so check back soon for photos of that! Learn more by visiting their website at SelfSalonBrooklyn.com.

Self Salon
147 Grand Street (between Bedford and Berry)
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Telephone: 718.599.1449
Email: selfsalon@verizon.net

Directions: L train to Bedford Avenue, walk south on Bedford to Grand and turn right
J, M or Z trains to Marcy stop, walk north on Bedford Avenue to Grand and turn left

Click here for more specials at Self Salon.

Life is Short - Have Some Cake! Cake Satin Sugar Hair & Body Refreshing Powder

As modern women, we have to juggle work, relationships, children, shopping, giving, hosting…you get the hint. With all the things on our plates, who has time for the little luxuries?

So washing your hair may not seem like a little luxury but for me, it takes 2.5+ hours, to wash, dry and style my hair, from start to finish. So you can see how that might cut into my crazy busy modern woman schedule. That’s why I seek out spectacular little shortcuts, like the Cake Satin Sugar Hair & Body Refreshing Powder.

It’s a light, cocoa-colored (for darker hues; creamy-colored for lighter hues), lemon-scented powder designed to refresh your hair, absorbing excess oil along the way. Infused with calendula and chamomile, the powder smooths and softens hair, and can even be used on your body!

Fresh, fabulous and fuss-free? Perfect for moving some things off my full plate and making room - for cake!

$18, Manhattanite

Hair Repair: Redken All Soft Hair Products

Many of us struggle to keep our hair moisturized in the winter, and with so many products out there, it’s often hard to know what to use. Redken has come out with a line of products designed to keep your hair at its healthiest. Redken’s All Soft is available in shampoo, conditioner, and moisturizing stylers targeted toward dry, brittle hair.

I’ve been using the shampoo and conditioner for about two months now, and my hair has been shiny, frizz-free and easy to manage. I am noticing a softer texture to my hair, more ease in combing through, and an overall healthy appearance to my normally- dry curls. Redken All Soft Shampoo and Redken All Soft Conditioners contain an exclusive Interbond Conditioning System and Silk- Luxe Complex. The shampoo is ultra thick and creamy, and gently washes as it moisturizes. The conditioner is just pure luxe. Comb it through and let it sit on your hair for a few minutes before rinsing off. It completely detangles and leaves you with butter-soft locks. Following up with the conditioning styling products will add additional moisturizing benefits to your hair. You can choose from the All Soft Heavy Cream deep conditioning treatment, the Velvet Whip thermal softening treatment, or the Gold Glimmer perfecting shine treatment.

Visit Redken to read more about the product line, as well as to locate a store near you that sells the All Soft line. Keep your hair happy this winter… keep your hair ‘all soft’.

Kerastase Masque UV Defense Active Replenishing After-Sun Treatment for Sun-Exposed Hair

As we near the end of summer, many of us are experiencing the damaging effects of the sun on our hair. By mid-August, most women find that dry, lackluster hair has become all too common. Kerastase Paris is here to save the day with their luxurious Kerastase UV Defense Active Replenishing After-Sun Treatment Masque for Sun-Exposed Hair. I recently received this product to try, and I am thoroughly impressed with it!

What better time to try this masque then after a long day at the pool? After shampooing, I toweled off my hair and then generously slathered the aromatic gel masque into my hair. This masque is a great treat for your hair; it smells like a spa treatment, and has a great gel texture and silky feel to it. It was very easy to comb through, and after leaving it on for 5 minutes, my hair felt like butter upon rinsing. It gave my hair a much-needed refreshing, and with the photo defense filter and cationic derivative, it is designed to deeply replenish and strengthen sun-damaged hair. You will notice an almost immediate difference once your hair is dry. Hair is shinier, softer, and your style will get a much-needed, end-of-summer boost.

A few uses per week during the summer months will keep your hair at its absolute best; and you can be assured it is working to strengthen and moisturize the hair. While it is best to wear a hat or stay out of the sun, we all know that sometimes the most fun is just letting your hair down and running along the beach. So don’t fret ladies, Kerastase has got you (and your hair) covered!

Philosophy ‘Amazing Grace’ Bath, Shampoo & Shower Gel

I’ve always heard people mention the wonderful Philosophy products, but I’d never tried them first-hand. Just recently, I began using the perfumed Philosophy Amazing Grace Bath, Shampoo & Shower Gel. I am now wondering why I waited so long to try this. This really is amazing! And I’m not the only one that thinks so. This product was selected as one of Oprah’s favorite things in 2005.

Not only does this silky liquid triple as a shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath, but it leaves your body (and your mood) feeling great! The scent is unique, feminine and very subtle. You will catch a hint of it throughout the day and it is very uplifting. It is very moisturizing, and does not create a lot of suds. You can feel it soaking into your skin as you wash with it. Perhaps the best thing about Amazing Grace is that it is enhanced with natural milk proteins, so even the driest, most sensitive skin and hair will be soft and silky.

The fact that Amazing Grace is a multi-tasker makes it a great item to bring with you on your travels. It’ll also free up some space in your bathroom, as you won’t need separate shampoos and body wash. A great way to enhance the delightful scent is to layer it with other Amazing Grace products, like the Amazing Grace firming body emulsion, or the spray fragrance.

$22, Sephora.com

Motions Marula Natural Therapy Products

Along with being a handbag, shoe and fashion addict, I’m a hair product junkie. My bathroom sink is covered with moisturizers, oils sheens, hair sprays, relaxers, dyes, shampoos, gels, conditioning products, blow dryers, curling and flat irons – you name it, I’ve tried it. Motions has long been one of my favorite brands for hair care products. Ever since they launched in 1993, I’ve used virtually every product they made.

I was so excited to get my hands on their latest products – the Marula Natural Therapy line from Motions. Since every other company in the world seems to be going eco-friendly/au naturel, why not Motions? The line has three new natural products, infused with 100% pure Marula oil; a rare, exotic African oil rich in antioxidants, minerals and amino acids, and known for therapeutic, nourishing and healing qualities. With all of the action my hair gets, these are just the products it needs!

The Hair Strengthening Moisturizer, Hair and Scalp Oil and Hair Treatment Balm provide women with chemically-treated, naturally coarse, braided or tightly curled hair with products that ultra-condition without overconditioning. And like me, if you excessively heat-style your hair (think curling irons, flat irons and blow dryers), these products will strengthen and protect while intensely moisturizing your hair, without leaving it flat and lifeless.

Strike the perfect balance between deep conditioning treatments and soft, silky hair with Motions Marula Hair Care products. Learn more at www.motionshair.com.

Hair Strengthening Moisturizer: combines Marula oil, shea butter, aloe vera with UV protection to leave hair ultra-soft and lustrous.	Hair Treatment Balm: a mix of Marula oil, shea butter, antioxidants and UV protection to hydrate, protect and soothe weak hair.	Hair and Scalp Oil: a natural oil spray with Marula oil, chamomile and lavender extracts, designed to moisturize, nourish and refresh damaged hair and dry scalp.

Miss Jessie’s Baby Buttercreme

Specializing in meeting the needs of curly, kinky, and wavy-haired girls (and guys) everywhere, Miss Jessie’s products help you embrace your curls!

Purchase a 16 oz. Curly Buttercreme or Baby Buttercreme and get a free Buttercreme Travel Size Duo!

Offer valid until February 14, 2008.

$38-$58, Miss Jessie’s