Tag Archives: color treated hair

May Hits List!

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Good Morning and Happy Memorial Day, everyone! I hope those of you who have the long weekend off are savoring it with friends and family, and those of you who have to work through it are surrounded by caring, kind, and fun people to make it a little easier and more enjoyable.

Memorial Day is a lot of things to a lot of different people. For many, including myself, it’s a day to give pause and appreciate those who have died while serving in our country’s armed forces in order to keep the rest of us safe. For many businesses, it’s an excuse to send a ton of spam e-mails and produce tacky commercials advertising low prices and weekend-long sales events…

… But Memorial Day also commemorates the beginning of the Summer season. Cookouts, BBQs, getting a pool or sprinklers ready for impending heat waves and long, lazy days. I’ve been waiting for Summer to arrive for what feels like an eternity- so I’m more than happy to kick off the season with some of my mom’s famous macaroni salad and a juicy burger later on this afternoon at her house.

Now, May was a bit trying for me- the details of which will be shared in tomorrow’s scheduled “In a Nutshell” post- and while I was handling some personal matters, I didn’t quite accumulate a lengthy list of favorites these past couple of weeks. Nevertheless, I did want to share some of the things that helped alleviate a lot of stress throughout the month and products I’ve been seriously praising recently.

So here it is- short, but sweet- my Hits List for May 2016!

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With the hotter weather seemingly here to stay for the foreseeable future- May became all about updating my day & night skin care routines to allow my face and body a chance to adjust and get acclimated to the Summer temps. Gone (for now) are the days of heavy moisturizers to outlast the colder elements and harsh, stripping cleansers- and in are the days of lightweight SPFs and replenishing nighttime creams. I’m thinking of doing an updated skin care post next month to show exactly what I use on my face & body- and when- but here are three products that I implemented into my regimen in May that I’m absolutely loving. From left to right:

I’ve been keeping my hair and makeup as simple as possible lately. Not only because it’s hot out- but because I have to go to work AND squeeze in a workout after I leave the office Monday-Friday (and on Saturdays, too.) I don’t want to spend a lot of time getting ready when I’m just going to be a sweaty mess by the time I get home- but I also don’t want to skip a daily moisturizer and SPF, either. This mattifying, quick-absorbing moisturizer from Cetaphil (with SPF 30) has become a lifesaver in the mornings when I’m on the go. It hydrates my skin without clogging my pores, keeps my face shine-free- and gives me plenty of sun protection when I’m outdoors, too.

Next- I know people have been raving about micellar cleansing water for months, now- and I’m seriously kicking myself for not listening to them sooner. This stuff is a game changer and a must-have for anyone and everyone who wants a quick and efficient way to remove makeup and/or cleanse their skin without leaving behind any kind of greasy residue or worse- drying themselves out. I’ve been using this one from Garnier for a few weeks now in the morning and at night- and it literally pulls the impurities from my skin. I can actually see it working. My skin feels refreshed and cleaner than it does with just a regular cleanser.

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Finally, I have found my new favorite Summertime night cream in the form of this firming night balm from FARMACY. I received this product in a recent POPSUGAR ‘Must Have’ Box and I have been hooked ever since. The product looks and smells like lime Jell-O (just stay with me here) and melts into your skin as you apply it- finally setting in as a lightweight oil that hydrates and firms while you sleep. When I wake up, my skin looks brighter and feels so much softer and smoother. A little goes a long way with this stuff, too- so I know I’ll only need a little bit each night to get through the Summer.

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I have been spending a lot of time outdoors since the weather took a turn for the better, and I plan on spending even more time out in the sun now that Summer is here- but since my hair is (dyed) red- I have to be careful and use the proper products to keep it from fading into an awkward tangerine color. Enter this spray in color-protectant from Not Your Mother’s. After I wash and towel dry my hair- I spray some of this product from root to tip and work it through with my fingers. Then I style as usual. My reds have stayed considerably stronger than they did prior to me using this stuff- and it’s pretty helpful at keeping my frizzy flyaways at bay, too!

My only gripe with this spray is the smell. It kind of reminds me of grape cough syrup and I find myself frantically grabbing for my styling products to mask the fragrance in the seconds after I work it through my curls so I don’t gag.

Next- I am a total germophobe when it comes to my makeup brushes and sponges. I have this whole, intricate system of soaking/scrubbing/drying my tools that can actually take a couple of hours to see through from start to finish. In the Summer- that germophobia gets even worse since sweat is continually thrown into the equation. Thankfully, BeautyBlender threw me a time-saving bone with this solid version of their sponge/brush cleanser. All I have to do to get my blenders/brushes sparkling clean is wet them and swipe them across this solid soap a couple of times and presto! Foundation, dirt, grime and sweat are history!

I especially love this solid cleanser because it lasts way longer than the liquid one- and it works just as good- if not better!

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I had eyed this Prince pillow (as well as it’s tote bag version) from Heart Felt Design months ago- but had never got around to actually ordering one for myself. After Prince’s passing, it seemed like the right time to finally own a version of the legend that I could hug, squeeze, and make my home look really awesome with. This recently arrived in my mailbox and I have been head over heels in love with it since. Each pillow is handmade- with loving and precise detail- and arrives a few weeks after ordering.

Heart Felt Design has a wide variety of items, too- music legends, movie/television/book characters, custom designs and so on. Definitely go check them out if you’re looking for something unique to spruce up your space!

And now, for the stuff I couldn’t photograph!

– MUSIC/MOVIES/TELEVISION –

  • Summer Blockbuster Season is upon us! – The new Independence Day movie? ‘Jason Bourne’? ‘Star Trek: Beyond’? ‘Suicide Squad’? I feel like a good chunk of my Summer 2016 is going to be spent in air conditioned movie theaters and munching on popcorn. Although I got a head start catching flicks like the new Captain America movie and Key & Peele’s ‘Keanu’ a couple of weeks ago- I’m really looking forward to shamelessly diving into some over the top action movies this Summer.

– MISCELLANEOUS –

And that is pretty much everything for the month of May! I’m sure now that Summer is officially underway- my list for June is going to be much larger than this month’s Hits List was- and I’m looking forward to it!

And as always, feel free to share your Hits for May 2016 in the comments.

Have a great Memorial Day, everyone!

xx

Unmasking My Winter Hair Care!

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Last July, I had shared four affordable hair care products that I relied on to get me through New England’s hotter, more humid months. Since I have the two “C’s” of hair types- curly and color-treated- the products had to be both safe to use with my red highlights and hydrating enough to penetrate my curls to tame frizz and keep them moisturized- even in the most stifling of heat waves.

Now that we’re in the middle of one of the snowiest, coldest winters in recent memory- I have to do a little bit more than rely solely on Moroccan and Argan oil-infused conditioners and leave-in sprays. This time of year, I turn to masks to keep my hair healthy, shiny, and manageable through snowstorms and sub-zero temperatures- which can do a number on my curls between hiding my scalp under hats and going in and out of the cold and the heat in my place/office/car/etc.

Of course, great hair masks don’t need to cost a small fortune, and while many D.I.Y. beauty buffs swear on making their own from common household ingredients (the classic mayonnaise and egg mask, for example,) I opt for mess-free- and nicer smelling- products that give me just as good results.

Here are four masks I’ve been loving so far this winter, ranked by how much time it takes to use them!

The Quick Fix/In A Rush Masks:

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Suave Professionals Moroccan Infusion “Deep Conditioning Shine Mask”

This is actually the mask I use most often, typically every 2-3 days in the early mornings while I’m getting ready for work during the week. When I first initially purchased a tube of this sweet-smelling and lightweight mask, it was because my local pharmacy was out of stock of my daily conditioner (also from Suave) and I just wanted something to help keep my hair soft and strong until they replenished. I ended up really loving the results I achieved- my hair was noticeably shinier and easy to comb through and style after I’d rinsed it out- and you can’t beat how easy it is to use. You simply wash your hair, apply the mask, and leave it in for 5 minutes before rinsing (I usually opt to leave it in for 10 minutes if I’m not in a hurry, and go about my normal showering routine while I wait for it to set.)

Best of all is the price. I’m all for the occasional shopping spree or splurge (you have to treat yourself once in a while, after all,) but maintaining healthy hair and skin shouldn’t have to deplete your bank account- and when you have as much hair on your head as I do, and tend to go through products more often because of it- that can happen on an alarmingly regular basis. This Suave mask is mess-free, gives me great results, and is fairly and more than reasonably priced.

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OGX Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco “Intense Moisturizing Treatment”

For a few dollars more, I also occasionally pick up tubs of this Argan oil- packed mask from OGX that can be applied and combed through wet or damp hair, left on for 5-10 minutes (and covered with a shower cap for enhanced results,) and then rinsed out in the shower. I use this particular mask once or twice a week- depending on how my hair looks and feels- and usually concentrate on applying it to the ends of my hair to prevent split-ends and breakage.

Like the Suave mask, this product smells lovely and leaves my hair soft and manageable in no time at all. It’s also fairly priced and can be conveniently found in most markets and drug stores/pharmacies.

The Color-Reviving Mask:

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Biolage by Matrix “Color Bloom Mask”

I’ve recently started using Biolage’s ColorLast Shampoo a couple times a week, and I’m loving it so far. The formula is really gentle, so it doesn’t fade or strip my reds or dry out my hair- but it still leaves my curls feeling squeaky clean (not greasy.) I decided to pair that product with this mask, usually saving it for when I’m about due for a salon visit or when I feel like my color is starting to look a little dull. I apply this product all over my hair while it’s damp, and tuck it under a shower cap for about 15-20 minutes before rinsing it out. Once dry, my hair is soft and my reds look brighter and more revitalized.

Price wise, this mask sells for about $22+, which isn’t horrible at all- but does distinguish it as the most expensive one out of the four I’m using on a regular basis. For that reason, I only break this product out once or twice a month as needed.

The Multi-Task Mask:

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Kelapo Individually Wrapped Coconut Oil Packets

Coconut oil makes another appearance on my hair care list, this time in the form of individual packets for easier application. I save this type of mask for 1-2 times per month, and usually for those days where my hair is in desperate need of some TLC (after coloring, or post-flat-ironing, for example,) and when I have plenty of time to just leave it on to sink into my hair for a couple of hours before I rinse it out.

I like to warm up one of these packets, tear it open, and apply it to my hair from roots to ends while it’s damp before I wrap my hair in plastic wrap and hold it in place with a warm, fuzzy shower cap. From there, I can do various tasks/chores around my home: laundry, cleaning, catching up on e-mails (or Netflix,) etc. for a few hours- and then hop in the shower and rinse away. My hair is left revived, soft, shiny, and most importantly- healthy.

And there you have it- my four essential hair masks for winter. It’s actually snowing again right now, so I think I’m going to go get the shovel ready and figure out which one of these products I’ll be reaching for when I get back inside.

If you have any must-have winter hair care/beauty products you love and want to share- leave a comment! I’d love to read about them!

xx

Summer Hair Care.

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When it comes to my hair, I typically get asked one of two questions when I meet people for the first time:

1. Are my curls natural? (Yes- and I still have no idea where they came from since nearly everyone in my family has had pin straight to lightly/barely wavy hair.)

2. Is red my natural color? (Nope! I’m a brunette by birth!)

Once those are out of the way, I am then usually asked one of two follow-up questions:

1. How do I keep my curls looking hydrated, healthy, and bouncy?

or 2. How do I keep my very bright, very vibrant reds from fading- especially in the Summertime sun?

The truth is, it’s not easy. Curly hair is typically dryer than straighter hair (which leads to a LOT of frizz and flyaways,) and red is the hardest hue to maintain- often fading to a rusty orange or even a dull pink-ish if not kept up with religiously or taken care of/styled with the appropriate, color-safe products. Red hair is a commitment- both physically and financially- and one I’ve stayed true to for quite a few years now.

During the 4-5 years I’ve been a Faux-Ginger, I’ve definitely learned a thing or two. I’ve learned to always find the time to schedule monthly root touch-ups (the unintentional ombre that occurs when my natural hair color grows in for an extended period of time is not a good look on me,) and I’ve learned how to efficiently clean up the shower and my towels after the first proper shampooing following the aforementioned monthly root touch-ups to avoid my bathroom looking like a bloody crime scene.

Most importantly, I’ve learned that keeping my curls and hair color safe- especially in the hotter, more humid months- does NOT have to break the bank or take up a ton of counter space with an overwhelming amount of products. I’ve pinned down an efficient and simple Summer hair care system with just four core products- all of which are inexpensive and all of which can go hand-in-hand with your favorite styling products without weighing your hair down or making it feel or look sticky/greasy.

Here’s what I use:

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TO CLEAN:

John Frieda’s “Radiant Red” Colour Protecting Shampoo  ($4.97 – $6.59)

Back when I made the bold decision to go platinum with my hair, I stockpiled pretty much everything from John Frieda’s “Sheer Blonde” collection because it was one of the few, affordable, geared-for-blondes lines that kept my tresses hydrated (an absolute necessity considering how fried my hair had become at that point,) and prevented discoloration. When I came to my senses and went back to brunette, the “Brilliant Brunette” line became my ally for the very same reasons- the results and the price.

Of course, as we all know, I have since given in to the temptation that was fiery red hair- and sure enough, John Frieda’s “Radiant Red” line was there to have my back. Although “Radiant Red” does not have nearly as many products as the SB and BB lines, I’m more than content with this shampoo and swear by it when discussing hair care for redheads. While I do shower and condition my hair every day, I only actually wash my hair with this product once or twice a week. It lathers up nicely, cleans my hair without stripping it down- and really brings out the different tones and shine in each of my curls. The cherry on top? It smells awesome!

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TO CONDITION:

Suave Professionals Moroccan Infusion Color Care Conditioner ($3.49 – $6.29)

Since I use way more conditioner than I do shampoo, I want something lightweight and relatively inexpensive that will help nourish and de-tangle my curls without fading my color. While I do like John Frieda’s “Radiant Red” conditioner that goes hand-in-hand with the shampoo, it is tricky to find it in stock in a lot of stores. This Suave conditioner, infused with Moroccan oil and easy to locate at pretty much every pharmacy or drug store- makes my hair ridiculously soft and shiny, leaves it moisturized and easy to comb through- and doesn’t fade or cloud my red at all.

I tend to apply a generous amount from my roots to my ends, and leave it in for 5-10 minutes while I shave/wash up the rest of my body/sing into my shampoo bottle/zone out completely- before I rinse it out and then go about gently patting my hair dry with my towel and styling.

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TO PROTECT:

Suave Moroccan Infusion Styling Oil ($5.99)

In the Summer, I style my hair with a lot of sea salt sprays to soften my curls and give them a more wavy, “just got back from the beach” look. It’s wonderful- except that the salt in the sprays is notorious for sucking the moisture out of hair. To counteract this, I use a few pumps of this Suave Moroccan oil from my roots to my ends while my hair is still damp before I spritz in my salt spray and let it air dry. This oil keeps my hair hydrated and shiny without making it look or feel slick or sticky. It also fights frizz, and smells really good.

I often use this when my hair is dry, as well- applying a few pumps into my palm and smoothing it over and through my hair when I’m on the go to combat flyaways and dryness. It can also be applied as an overnight hair mask, too- although I prefer to use something else for a deep repair treatment- which brings me to…

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TO REPAIR:

Trader Joe’s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil ($6-$8)

By now, most people know about the amazing benefits of coconut oil. It’s essentially a miracle in a jar- good for everything and everyone. I get a lot of use out of the Trader Joe’s brand- from my nails, to my teeth, and especially to my hair. I use coconut oil as a weekly overnight repair mask, applying and combing it through damp, clean hair- braiding or twisting my hair into a bun- and tucking it into a shower cap that I leave on while I’m sleeping (it’s more comfortable than you’d think.) In the morning, I simply take the cap off and wash and condition my hair as usual.

The results are deeply moisturized curls that are free of frizz and split ends. Coconut oil doesn’t harm my color, either- which makes it safer to use than other hair masks that may contain sulfate or other chemicals that cause fading or discoloration.

And there you have it! Four simple products to use in the Summertime for easy hair care and maintenance that won’t put a strain on your budget.

Of course, my products do get switched up a bit when it comes time for Fall and Winter, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I’m not exactly eager for Summer to be over, after all.

xox