Let's Talk About HAIR!

If there's one thing I know about, it's hair! I've spent a total of three years as a salon receptionist. Let me tell you, I was quite the salon receptionist back in the day! (Ladies, if you're looking for a great part time job, hit up your local salons! Three words...DISCOUNT. ON. PRODUCTS!) I worked in salons that had some amazing stylists with so many years of experience and had the opportunity to learn about hair and products from them. I want to share with you some of my favorite hair products.

WARNING: I'm obsessed with hair products, so there's a lot!

Favorite Shampoos

I have two favorite shampoos. The first being Nature's Gate Tea Tree Shampoo. I buy this gem in a 32oz. bottle at Plum Market for $10. Tea Tree Oil is great for calming a dry, itchy scalp! I've shared with you all that I was blessed with my parent's bad genes and have eczema. Unfortunately, because I don't rub lotion all over my head, the eczema on my scalp gets pretty bad in these Michigan winters. This shampoo helps calm and moisturize my scalp. And for those of you who are beyond blessed and don't have to deal with a dry scalp, this shampoo still will do wonders for you! Healthy scalp = healthy hair!

My second favorite shampoo is Biolage Hydrating Shampoo. This shampoo smells heavenly! When I turned 16, I got my first job as a receptionist at a salon in my hometown and they used this shampoo and the conditioner. I fell in love with it then and I am still in love. It's the perfect moisturizing shampoo! It makes my hair as soft as a babies butt and smell oh so good. I highly recommend any product in the Biolage Hydrating line! If your salon doesn't carry the Biolage line, you can find it in any Ulta store.

Favorite Conditioner

I absolutely LOVE the Redken Extreme Conditioner. It's packed with protein to help strengthen my over-processed hair. If you color/highlight, or use a lot of heat on your hair (blow-dry, straighten, curling iron) your hair needs protein! Protein helps to strengthen our hair and prevent it from breaking. BUT, too much of a good thing is a bad thing, as they say. Too much protein will cause your hair to become brittle and will break. If you use a shampoo or conditioner packed with protein, only use it a couple times a week. Switch it out with a moisturizing conditioner like Biolage Hydrating Conditioner. Oh, did I mention this products smells so delicious? I want to eat it! You can find this product, if not at your salon, at an Ulta store. It is also sometimes sold in drugstores.

Favorite Deep Conditioner

I discovered this product at the salon I worked at during my Sophomore year of college. TIGI S Factor Serious Conditioner. This bad boy costs a pretty penny but I have yet to find a deep conditioner that I like better. It has a questionable smell (but don't worry, the smell rinses out with the product) but it leaves your hair feeling softer than soft! A lot of stylists recommend that you deep condition your hair every two weeks, but I deep condition once a week. My hair is naturally curly, which also makes it naturally dry...boo! Bring on the deep conditioner! I have yet to find this product in any stores, but I have bought it on Amazon before.

Favorite Restructuring Treatment

My hair stylist (who also happens to be my best cousin) introduced me to this product. Redken CAT Restructuring Treatment is a protein treatment. This product has an ingredient that transforms the inner structure of the hair shaft by putting protein back in. It helps strengthen the hair shaft making it less likely to break. I do a CAT treatment once every two weeks in between shampooing and conditioning. Because this product is packed with protein, I don't recommend you use it more often. Redken CAT is amazing! My hair is stronger and grows so much faster than before. HIGHLY recommended! This product isn't sold in salons or in stores. If you're interested in purchasing it, ask your hair stylist if she could order it for you. You can also search for it on Amazon, but make sure you buy it from a trusted seller, preferably a salon!

Favorite Straightening Serum

I recently bought this product and it has surpassed any product I have ever used! Redken Real Control Slim Supreme is the ultimate straightening serum. I apply it right before I blow-dry and a small amount after straightening my hair. This product helps to reduce unwanted volume, eliminates frizz, and resists humidity...all of which I need when I straighten my hair! I've read so many reviews on this product and I haven't found anyone who doesn't absolutely love this product.

Favorite Curling Cream

Again, my cousin introduced me to this product. Curly Sexy Hair Curl Power Spray Foam. That's a mouth full. Love love LOVE this product. Like it says, it's a spray foam and actually kind of sticky. When I apply it, I flip my head upside down, spray some of the product into my hands and scrunch it through my hair. This product amplifies your curls without making them crunchy like mousse or gel does. It also does wonders for wavy hair!

Favorite Hairspray

I like a hairspray that has a good hold but still gives my hair some movement. I know you've seen those women! It's a fricken tornado outside but their hair doesn't move an inch. Yeah, no thank you! Enter Big Sexy Hair Spray and Play Volumizing Hairspray! This hairspray has the hold that lasts all day but still allows you to run your fingers through your hair. All you TJ Maxx ladies out there, you can almost always find this amazing hairspray in their hair product section! I also love using this hairspray to hold my curls when I let my hair dry naturally. It keeps my curls in tact all day long and give them some volume. No one likes limp curls!

Have you tried any of these products? What are your faves?

Happy Tuesday!

xoxo, J