Consumer Health Features
Better hair with less product, top haircare performers that do the job
By April MacIntyre Jun 4, 2012, 0:06 GMT
Less is more when it comes to hair health, ask any hay-haired blonde who regrets that lifetime commitment to bleaching.
As an aging nation, we are dying and frying our hair as never before.
Not since the big hair 1980s have hairstyles demanded targeted product meant to keep hair straight, curly or conditioned.
The key to great hair your entire life? Simplicity in hairstyling and treating it just enough.
Less is more when it comes to hair health, ask any hay-haired blonde who regrets that lifetime commitment to bleaching.
All hair really is are dead cells wrapped in you natural oils, with added daily dirt that attaches. Hair product can protect or add to the mess in your crowning glory.
Depending on what your family gave you by way of genetic predisposition, hair can be all sorts of wavy, frizzy, straight or non existent.
The essentials for clean, healthy-looking hair are a good shampoo and conditioner.
Conditioners give hair shine and combat static electricity.
Conditioners containing keratin or similar proteins can help mend split ends and generally give new life to damaged hair. Monsters and Critics was able to use and review several newcomers in this category that worked overnight miracles and did the job.
For those who color their hair, there is one "As Seen On TV" item we tried that actually worked: Gray Away spray color for root touch ups.
Things you should know about hair:
Unless you ran a marathon or worked in a fry kitchen all day, do not shampoo daily. Do not "repeat" shampoo either. Keep it covered up inthe sun too, and pre-wet and condition lightly before you jump into a pool.
Aslo, never blow dry soaking wet hair. Make sure you gently towel-drying first and let air dry as much as possible before attacking with the dry heat blast.
So, simple approaches and common sense to hair are always best. Eat well. exercise and get rest - it guarantees the most optimal environment for hair, nails and skin.
Monsters and Critics sampled the affordable hair restoring potions below and fell in love:
Nexxus Pro-Mend Split End Binding (1.9 ounces, pump)
www.nexxus.com/
Two pumps and my hair felt instantly like it gained fifty pounds, in a good way. Moisturizing and leave in creamy goodness for hair that needs TLC from hot rollers, flat irons and blow driers.
You are meant to use this at night before bed, but I wore it all day and night over the weekend and could not believe how amazing my hair looked when I washed and styled it. Subtle scent that is clean.
Made in USA.
Salon Keratin Fix by Sally Hershberger (1.7 ounces, pump)
www.sallyhershberger.com
Salon by Sally Hershberger Keratin Fix is super concentrated clear silicone based serum for dry hair management, and for damp hair too. It delivers an instant shine and frizz control with this lightweight, smoothing serum.
Keratin Fix helps provide a layer of thermal protection while helping revitalize the appearance of dry, frizzy hair, as it repels frizz, smooth and revitalize the look of hair with keratin protein, precious oil, high-tech copolymer and other key ingredients.
Absorbs instantly and can be used as a thermal styler or finisher.
A dab will totally do 'ya. Made in USA
Bumble and Bumble Color Minded Styling Balm (4.2 ounces)
www.bumbleandbumble.com
Bumble and Bumble Color Minded UV Protective Styling Balm is a new roots-to-end damp hair luxury immersion. This creamy white potion has a barely discernible clean scent and immediately hydrates hair and preserves color before it starts to change to prolong time in between salon trips. Try this new fade-proof formula to protect your colored hair from the sun's tint-altering UV rays. Just add a bit to damp locks, not too much, and make sure you comb it from scalp to ends.
Made in USA
Beauty Gray Away -root touch up spray
www.grayaway.com
It really works! I was dubious about it -but the auburn and brunette sprays totally worked into my haircolor naturally. Conceal gray roots in seconds as it blends naturally with your hair color for a great-looking, instant touch-up that won't flake or drip.
Color-safe formula contains no dyes or harsh chemicals stays on until you shampoo it out. Extends time between hair colorings. Color adjusting formulas work on the lightest blond to blackest hair. Temporary color. Contains no dyes, ammonia or peroxide. Doesn't flake or rub off and boasts a precision applicator for even, natural looking coverage. Sweat resistant and won't come out until you shampoo it out.
40 applications Made in USA
