Quick Tip: Easy Beachy Hair!

Photo by Molly Stronczek

Almost everyone loves those "fresh from the ocean" waves, but what if you're don't happen to be coastal? Of course, you can go out and buy "beachy hair" spray, but why waste all of that summer sunshine shopping when you probably have everything you need to make a great wave spray within reach.

"Beachy Hair" Wave Spray Recipe

Ingredients:
spray bottle
spray detangler (or your favorite rinse-out conditioner)
1-2 tsp. sea or Epsom salt
warm water

How-to:
Fill an empty spray bottle halfway with almost-hot water, then add your favorite spray detangler; make sure you leave enough room so that you can add the salt and screw your top on without overflowing. Next, add salt- if you have fine hair, start with just one teaspoon and add salt in 1/4 tsp increments until you get the results you like, otherwise go ahead and add 2 full teaspoons.

If you don't have spray de-tangler laying around the house, fill your spray bottle with warm water, add the salt and then add about a nickel-sized dollop of your regular rinse-out conditioner (I use that amount with about 8oz of water. If you have very fine hair or are using a smaller spray bottle, use a bit less. Thick, dry or coarse hair, or a bigger bottle? Add a little more). Then, shake-shake-shake to blend.

That's it. I usually use my salt spray on damp or dry hair and "scrunch" to enhance the curl. I've bought plenty of wave spray in my day, but always blend my own now, because I can control the formula better (more or less conditioner, more salt for more curl- but crunchier- a little gel for hold, etc...) Enjoy!

Care, Share & Win for Your Hair! Review and GIVEAWAY: Keranique for Breast Cancer Awareness

As I'm sure most of you know, October is breast cancer awareness month. What you may not know is that every year, 200,000 women are diagnosed with the disease, and almost 40,000 will die.

This October, Keranique is helping to spread the word, and unlike so many Facebook campaigns (how exactly does secretly posting your bra color to your status help to cure cancer?) they're putting some money where their mouth is. For every new "like" they receive on their Facebook page, they'll donate one dollar. The goal is $10,000, so here's one case where the click of a button can really help!

To help get the word out, I'm giving away a full sized Keranique Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner duo to one lucky reader- just read on past my review to enter!

Keranique is a sulfate-free hair care system designed to volumize and treat thinning hair. It's important to note that the only product in the Keranique system that will treat hair loss head-on is the Keranique Hair Regrowth Treatment with 2% Minoxidil. Minoxidil (originally only sold under the brand name Rogaine) is the only over-the-counter ingredient that's FDA approved to help regrow hair.

The truth is, shampoos and conditioners for thin or fine hair just temporarily make the hair shaft look fuller, using ingredients like salts or clay to essentially rough up the cuticle and make hair...fluffier. While this approach may do the trick for some, it's got its downfalls. First, a rough hair shaft reflects less light, so you may be trading shine for volume. Second, ingredients like this may be damaging over time. Luckily, Keranique uses a polymer (polyquaternium-7) that coats the hair shaft, giving the hair a fuller appearance. This ingredient also functions as an anti-static and conditioning additive, so it's a triple treat!

While I can't say that I noticed any permanent change from using the Keranique shampoo and conditioner, I did like how my hair felt after using it. I do feel like I noticed some increase in volume, shine and softness, and my hair never felt weighed down. I was a bit concerned about the use of menthol and peppermint oils in the system, considering both are known skin irritants, but my normally dry, itchy scalp actually seemed soothed after using Keranique. This is probably due to the inclusion of several skin-friendly ingredients like soy protein, arginine, niacinamide, and burdock root. In fact, despite my concerns, I enjoyed the scent and cooling effect the peppermint and menthol had on my scalp.

I think the Keranique system is a good choice for anyone looking to combat the appearance of fine or thin hair, but like I mentioned, it's important to realize that unless you're also using the Minoxidil treatment, you shouldn't be looking for regrowth. Because of the addition of the aforementioned skin care ingredients, I also think Keranique is a good option for those who have irritated, dry scalps (though it would be even better without the peppermint & menthol oils).

If you'd like to give Keranique a try, enter using the widget below. You must be a follower of this site to win, so make sure you click the little button to your right! Also, if you didn't already know, Outinapout is now on Facebook with exclusive content, swatches, contests & more, so you can earn quite a few bonus entries by "liking" us there! Of course, I hope you'll also give a click to support Breast Cancer awareness by helping Keranique make their $10,000 goal, so you can earn a few extra entries that way too! Good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

The products featured in this review and contest were submitted for promotional consideration by a representative of the company. What does this mean? I didn't pay for them. My commitment is to you- my readers- and to myself (it's called integrity, I like to have it). The opinions expressed on Outinapout.com are my own, based on my own research and experience; I am not paid in any way nor is the final outcome of the post influenced by any outside party.

Contest winner will be contacted via the email submitted to Rafflecopter, and will have 48 hours to claim the prize offered. If no response is received within the specified time period, another winner will be chosen. Contest is open internationally, pursuant to the rules & regulations of your individual place of residence. 

October Birchbox: Instant Reviews

For those of you that aren't familiar with Birchbox, this tiny bundle of love is a subscription service made with beauty junkies in mind. For $10 a month, Birchbox will send you a package filled with 4-5 samples, most of which are deluxe size, with the occasional full-size product thrown in.

I joined up this summer when designer Cynthia Rowley hand-curated the box, and have been treated to products from Jouer, Philosophy, Redken, Zoya, and tons more. The idea of subscription beauty goodie bags isn't original to Birchbox, but I think Birchbox has refined the concept. The subscription is affordable, tons of brands participate, and the once a month time frame is perfect for fulfilling my lemming for something- anything- new!

Most of the samples in Birchbox's selection are deluxe size, which they're plenty big enough get a good feel for the instant effects, but maybe not quite enough to judge long-term results. This means I'm not terribly comfortable saying "yes, this cream is brightening/wrinkle-reducing/gnome-eliminating..." but I can give you my instant impressions on the products. These "instant reviews" will be based on my first impressions and initial testing, swatching and, of course (you know me) a peek at the ingredients.

So now, October's Birchbox Selections:

Amika Obliphica Hair Treatment

Sample Size: .34oz

Retail Size: 3.38oz for $34

Sample Value: $3.42

Birchbox Says:

Obliphica and argan oil pump hydration into damaged strands, smoothing the outer cuticle for noticeably sleeker, shinier strands. Bonus: It smells gorgeous.

I say:
First, no argument about the scent- I adore it! It reminds me of the original (2006) Very Sexy Now, a mouth-watering concoction of Blood Orange, Nutmeg, Tonka Bean, Sandalwood, Vanilla and Grapefruit.

As far as the serum itself, sure it smooths hair and adds shine, but I don't think the oils listed are really responsible for that. Most likely, it's the silicones (Cyclopentasiloxane and Dimethicone) that appear as the first two ingredients of the serum (before either oil). This isn't a bad thing, silicones are great for hair, but they're not rare (almost all hair serums are silicone based) nor do they need to cost this much.

Anastasia Beverly Hills HydraFull Gloss in Bellini
Sample Size: .03oz
Retail Size: .07oz for $21.00
Sample Value: $9.00

Birchbox Says:
This plush gloss plumps and hydrates lips. We love the unusual flat silicone paddle applicator. The formula uses antioxidant-rich Balkan Botanical Infusion complex to keep lips soft and hydrated.

I say:
Holy schnikes this stuff is expensive! The sample size is tiny, but hey, it's a sample. Then I looked at the full size info and realized that the sample is almost half of a full size! Compare Anastasia's retail size to MAC's Lipglass: MAC is almost 2 1/2 times bigger and costs $6 less! Granted, I like the less-sticky texture of Anastasia's gloss better, but it's not tough to find a smooth, non-sticky gloss for much less money. The pigmentation of Bellini is sheer to moderate, which is good because any more pigment and the frosty shade would cross the line into 1980's time-warp. I personally wasn't fond of using the silicone paddle to apply directly on to my lips; I thought it applied too much gloss and was a little messy coming out of the tube.

The gloss does feel moisturizing and given the amount of skin-identical oils and triglycerides, I imagine that with daily use this product would do a nice job of keeping the lips hydrated. As far as plumping, I like that the formula includes peptides, which have been proven to stimulate collagen production, but find it odd that Anastasia chose to list pink purslane as a volumizer. The plant seems to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but I couldn't find any substantiation of the plumping claim. As far as other anti-oxidants, I'd prefer to see them in higher concentrations for a gloss that boasts them as a benefit.


Clark's Botanicals Intense Radiance Mask
Sample Size: not listed. By my own calculations, around 9.5g
Retail Size: 1.7oz for $72
Sample Value: $14.19 (again, based on my own weight calculation)

Birchbox Says:
The Solution to dull, congested pores. This white clay mask is formulated to purify skin and soften fine lines and wrinkles...detoxifies pores, conquers blemishes and even calms irritation...the sophisticated packaging reminds us we really do need to take time for ourselves.

I say:
Sophisticated package? Huh? It's a plain, dark-green (almost black) jar with writing in an old-timey, apothecary style font. That's not an issue with me, I just find it funny that someone would describe this as "sophisticated". Whatever justifies the $72 price tag, I guess.

Before I go into details, I have to mention that the ingredient list on Birchbox was drastically different than the one printed on my jar (the Birchbox list looks more like key ingredients) so I'm going by the jar itself. The mask is clay based, using both kaolin and bentonite. Both are absorbent, and though bentonite can be drying, there are plenty of emollients in here that should keep it from being too harsh on drier skin. The formula does include soothing Linoleic Acid and wrinkle-reducing peptides, so it seems that many of Clark's claims hold water here. The caveat would be that you'd have to use the mask often, and I have to imagine such a steep price tag may make this a more occasional treat for some.

Laura Geller Spackle Tinted Under Makeup Primer in Bronze
Sample Size: .5oz
Retail Size: 2oz for $25
Sample Value: $6.25

Birchbox Says:

This hyrdating primer gives you a flawless foundation for makeup- plus a subtle glow. The lightweight formula is also oil-free...made with natural plant extracts and antioxidants like white tea, centella asiatica, and aloe vera that protect skin as they moisturize.

The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo

I say:
A bronzer and a primer? I'm never going to use this! BUT, after a quick swatch on my hand I found that the tint is, indeed, very subtle, and as someone that doesn't like to look tan, this is a benefit for me. The glow is just enough to warm up my skin, and though there are tiny glitter particles in the light-weight gel, they're not at all discoball-esque. Skin looks moist, not shimmery or made up.

Like most primers, Geller's includes silicones for a soft, silky feel, but uses them in a lighter fashion, which means that the product is not as thick as most primers. This means less of a greasy feel for oily skin types, and less risk of the product balling up as it's applied. This is especially nice because it allows the user to build the product up a bit if more tint is desired. If you choose to build the primer, be aware that this will make the micro-glitter more visible, and it also brings out the slight red-tone in the primer.

The formula does contain some nice antioxidants, anti-irritants, and light moisturizers, though probably not at the level you'd get in a good skin care formulation. If you're a fan of primers, this seems like a good choice, though I wouldn't consider substituting it as skincare.

BONUS: The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo in Cedar
Sample Size: .5oz
Retail Size: 16oz for $19
Sample Value: $.59

Birchbox Says:
This gentle wash is made specifically for wool, merino, wool blends, angora, mohair, cashmere (and) down. It uses a combination of cedar extracts as well as sulfate-free shampoo to clean and preserve yarn’s natural components.

I say:
Welcome to the world of luxury detergent! Though I've not yet used The Laundress, I became a fan years ago when I started buying Victoria's Secret Lavish Laundry, and though high-end laundry products may not be daily use for me, I love using them on my sheets and towels, where the yummy scents can linger. Since I don't wear much wool or cashmere, the Laundress formula is likely destined for the same fate. While cedar wouldn't be my first choice in scent, The Laundress' version is earthy, slightly masculine, but not overbearing.

TOTAL OCTOBER BOX VALUE: $33.45

So that concludes the first installment of my Birchbox Instant Reviews- what do you think? Of course, if anything in the box should prove to be exceptional (either positively or negatively) you'll see a more detailed follow-up. If anyone is interested in subscribing to Birchbox and feels like helping me out (the service awards points for referrals) you can click here and I'll send you a personal invite!

The Truth About Hair & Silicone:Guest Starring Molly Loretta!

Photo by: o5com

Something has been bothering me for a while. I don't know who else has noticed, but lately silicones have been taking a smack-down, especially from hair care companies. Though silicones have been used for decades without concern, suddenly we're being told they're murder on your hair; they weigh it down, dry it out, strip the color- if silicones could, why, they'd punch your mother right in the face.

Oddly, these claims seem at odds with everything I've ever learned about the ingredient. So I ran straight to my own favorite hair guru, my friend Molly Loretta. For those of you not familiar, Molly is a woman after my own heart- a fellow beauty blogger, Molly is a licensed cosmetologist, hair and makeup artist who knows her stuff and isn't scared to site sources to back it up! When I asked her to help me sort out this mystery, she graciously jumped right in. So now, I yield the stage!

Recently, I was commandeered by Jessica to write a post about silicone in hair products. There's a lot of skepticism in this department-fear, even-in regards to what silicone in hair products really does to the user. Is it damaging? Will it cause hair to break off?

There is a lot fear implanted into the minds of consumers regarding hair products, and many common misconceptions. As a hair artist myself, I blame other stylists for perpetuating this fear through misinformation, as well as their lack of explanation in the department of product usage. We're supposed to be knowledgeable, and telling our clients why or why not to use a product without proper reasoning only inflicts fear and confusion upon the user. I think that's part of the reason I started a blog in the first place. [Editor’s note: it’s also why I go to Molly Loretta with my hair-related questions; I know she truly understands the reasons & facts behind her answers and isn’t just spouting some company press release!]

A proper place to begin would be to explain what silicone is. Silicone is a chemical compound created from the most common mineral on the planet, silicon (though where it comes from isn't particularly important.) It is widely used in the beauty industry as a slip-agent and moisture binding ingredient. Silicone is also used for an abundance of other purposes, including medical implants and non-stick cooking sheets. So what does and doesn't it do to (and for) your hair?

Fear of using silicone in hair products is absolutely silly. First, the major complaint is the "product buildup" which will "break hair off." Every product you use on your hair will cause buildup. Hairspray, styling products... Silicone is no different. While an abundance of buildup could cause your hair to break off, it's unlikely in any circumstance that you're going to go that long without washing your hair, and continuously re-apply product to it. Next, saying that is damaging to the hair is a double-edged sword that is going to take me a few moments to explain.

Silicone is not an inexpensive product. It's actually pretty pricey for companies to use. So why do stylists NOT recommend you use mass consumer (drug store, you know, stuff from Wal-Mart blah blah) silicone products on your hair? It's because often the silicone is used in smaller doses, with fillers added to try to get you the results you want. These fillers include inexpensive products like certain types of alcohol (not just the rubbing type), and beeswax. The added fillers will leave a buildup on your hair that can result in a greasy feel or cause dryness.

More expensive products warrant their prices not just by their name, but by using superior ingredients that actually nourish the hair. The silicone used in high-end products is less likely to be diluted with ridiculous, unneeded fillers that prevent the silicone from doing what it is meant to do in the first place. Keep in mind there are MANY types of silicones, and it is highly unlikely that any ingredient list is just going to say “silicone.”

Here are some good, commonly used silicones to look for, along with brief descriptions of what each one does:

• Phenyl Trimethicone - Water-resistant, adds shine
• Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone - Adds luster and sheen.
• Dimethicone Copolyol - Same as above and is water soluble.

Again, some common filler ingredients you’ll want to avoid are:

• Drying alcohols, including any type of ethanol (ethyl alcohol), often listed as SD Alcohol, Alcohol Denat, also benzyl alcohol, methyl and isopropyl alcohol. Mind you, there are beneficial alcohols that can actually act as emollients, so if the phrase "When You See Alcohol, Steer Left" means nothing to you, read this now!
• Waxes. You really don’t want that on your hair if it’s not for a styling purpose. I use beeswax when creating dreadlocks, I would never use it in a conditioning product due to its heavy nature.

Of course, if you have a question about a hair ingredient while you’re shopping, you can always pull out your smartphone and Google “What is [insert ingredient here]?" to avoid confusion. Sometimes companies will use the scientific names for ingredients, which is confusing to the average user. Mind you, the average user compiles the majority of the population, so this can make it very difficult to find a good product.

All in all, the positive aspects of silicone in your hair products far outweigh the negatives (which I couldn't find legitimate sources on, anyway). Just remember, sometimes you get what you pay for. To get a great silicone product, shell out a little bit more money. I promise, it will be worth it in the end once you see the amazing results.

One last tip: keep in mind that you should use a shampoo that is comparable to the conditioner you are using. You don’t want to use a mildly cleaning shampoo, then an incredibly thick conditioner that will deposit more moisture onto your hair that you likely don’t need. Many shampoos and conditioners end up getting a bad reputation because they’re mixed with the wrong counterpart! If your hair is dry, use a shampoo and conditioner for dry hair. Want volume? Use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner. The same across the board. You’ll notice there are different consistencies between different lines of shampoos and conditioners. This is because they’re formulated for different things; different ingredients have different molecular weights, and deposit differently onto the hair. Listen to your (hopefully) well-educated stylist to determine what will be good for your hair.

And next time your stylist tells you NOT to do something, ask why. If they can't give you an adequate answer, look it up, and possibly try to find a different stylist who has more knowledge in their field.

Hair questions? Shoot 'em my way at molly.loretta@gmail.com.

Sound off in Jessica's comments and tell us what beauty myth aggravates you the most!

Dandruff -Vs- Dry Scalp:Guest Starring Kelsi!

A few weeks ago, I posted a Quick Tip on how to treat dandruff without stripping your color. In the comments, fellow blogger and professional stylist, Kelsi, of Kelsi Does Hair, mentioned that quite commonly, people who think they have dandruff actually don't. Instead, they suffer from dry scalp- and are possibly making their condition worse by treating it with dandruff shampoos.

I was intrigued, and I immediately contacted Kelsi to see if she'd like to do a guest spot here to explain to us the differences between dry scalp and dandruff. Luckily for us, she agreed! Here, Miss Kelsi answers:

We've all seen the commercials for Dandruff shampoo where a nice man or woman in a dark colored shirt is caught in an embarrassing situation with unsightly little white flakes of scalp snowing down onto their shoulders. "Oh," their friend or colleague will assure them, "try this shampoo and your flakes will be gone!" Right? No. Yes. Well, maybe. You see, it's not quite as simple as that. The flakes we see on their shoulders aren't actually dandruff; they're dry scalp, and yes there is a difference. Unfortunately these commercials cause people to misidentify their problem, and often mistreat it, possibly making it worse. Let's go over a few of the major differences between Dandruff and dry scalp. I should also make it clear before we get into the thick of it that your hairstylist may be able to give you their personal and professional opinion on what scalp condition you have, but Dandruff can only be diagnosed by a doctor.

Dry Scalp: We'll start here, since this is what the majority of people who think they have Dandruff actually have. Dry scalp is characterized by small, white flakes of scalp. It is caused by dehydration and over-shedding of the scalp and is often linked to not drinking enough water, using poor quality shampoo and conditioner which are stripping your scalp of it's natural oils, over-washing your hair, washing your hair with hot water, or change in the seasons. It may also be accompanied by itching and irritation. If you find that your lips and the rest of your skin is dry or feels tight, this is also a good indication that you have a dry scalp, and not dandruff. Here are some ways that you can combat dry scalp.

1. Make sure to drink plenty of water. I often forget to do this in the winter-time, but staying well hydrated in the winter is important for our skin because we are often moving in and out of heated buildings, which can suck moisture from your skin. If you're well hydrated on the inside, your whole body will function better and your hair and skin will look and feel better as well.

2. Switch to a professional shampoo and conditioner. Many drugstore brand shampoos have harsh cleansing agents which will strip your hair of the natural oils that it needs to stay hydrated. Beware of claims that drugstore products are "pH balanced". This means nothing. They are allowed to make this claim no matter what because everything that is water soluble has a pH, it doesn't necessarily mean that it is the same pH as your hair and skin. Most professional products ARE balanced to the pH of your skin unless they are meant to serve a certain purpose like clarifying shampoo for swimmers. A couple of good professional products are Paul Mitchell Instant Moisture Shampoo and Daily Treatment, and Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo and Conditioner. On of my favorites for dry scalp is Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Hair and Scalp Treatment. The tea tree is soothing for itchiness, and the treatment should be massaged into your scalp and has little beads to help exfoliate dead skin sells so that they don't fall off later, when you don't want them to. The tea tree treatment isn't necessary to use every day, and you want to make sure to rinse it out thoroughly. I should also mention that anything with tea tree oil can fade color, so if you have your hair colored, you probably won't want to use tea tree products regularly.

3. Wash your hair less often and with cooler water. Hot water strips the natural oils from your skin causing it to feel tight and dry. I know a lot of people love to take scalding hot showers, but it's really terrible for your skin and can cause all kinds of irritation and problems down the road. Also if you think you have a dry scalp, and you wash your hair every day, try to cut it down to every other day at the most; this will give your skin a chance to create the oil that you need to protect your skin and re-balance it's own natural pH.

4. Gently brush your scalp before washing your hair. Use a brush that has bristles which are close together and not too stiff. Start at your hairline and work around your head, making sure to brush all areas of your scalp. This will help loosen dead skin cells which are ready to shed off so that you can wash them out.

Dandruff: Dandruff is usually characterized by larger, greasy or waxy flakes or clusters of skin cells and are usually yellowish or grey. They may come off in your hair brush or stick to your hair or scalp, and are accompanied by itching. Dandruff, unlike dry scalp, is usually associated with a fungal or bacterial infection of the scalp and can be contagious. If you have dandruff, you should not share brushes, combs, hats, towels, hair clips, or anything else that touches your head, and you should clean and disinfect brushes etc. between each use. There are different types of Dandruff and the type and cause can only be diagnosed by a medical professional. Here are a few things you can try to help combat Dandruff, but be sure to check with your doctor, especially if it is accompanied by severe itching, bleeding, or oozing.

1. Shampoos and conditioners which contain Tea Tree oil can be effective against dandruff caused by infection because tea tree has natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Make sure you're using a professional brand, because many drug store shampoos and conditioners contain cheap fillers that coat your hair and scalp, making dandruff worse.

2. Cut down on styling products, especially if they are greasy or waxy. Too much product and improper shampooing creates build-up on your hair and scalp, which can cause dandruff, or make it worse.

3. Don't scratch. Scratching can damage your scalp, making it vulnerable to infection. Extreme damage to your scalp and follicles can result in hair loss which may be permanent.

4. Of course, see your doctor! Your doctor will be able to properly diagnose your condition and recommend or prescribe products and routines to manage your Dandruff problem!

I hope this helped to clear up some of the misconceptions you may have had about dandruff. Please let me know if you found this piece informative! May you and your scalp live in health and harmony!

Quick Tip: Save Your Color & Skip the Dandruff!

We all know dandruff shampoos can dry hair and strip color, but lets face it- those of us that need them...need them. After all, what's a shiny head of lushly colored locks worth if all anyone is focused on is a big flake-o-scalp falling off of your noggin. Eww, right?

To help keep my color in place while eradicating flakies, I coat the length of my hair thickly with conditioner before I use my dandruff shampoo. I leave the conditioner in my hair while lathering just my scalp with the medicated shampoo (after all, it's only your scalp that's the issue here). After cleansing my scalp, I simply rinse my hair in cool water without actually lathering the rest of my hair.

This is actually similar to a growing hair phenomenon called co-washing (short for conditioner washing which, as the name implies, uses only conditioner to wash the hair). Anyone tried it? What did you think? Did you buy one of the "cleansing conditioners" made for the purpose, or did you just use your favorite standby?

Product Review/Quick Tip Combo!Batiste Dry Shampoo

I'm going to start this review with a quick tip you may not all know: you should NOT wash your hair daily. Shampooing washes away the natural oils produced by the scalp; this oil is your hair's built in conditioner that helps to protect against fraying and breaking. Experts recommend washing no more frequently than every other day. For dry, coarse, extremely curly, or chemically treated hair, that frequency drops to only 2-3 times a week.

Unfortunately, for those of us that have naturally fine hair, as well as those with overly active oil glands (if your facial skin is oily, your scalp is likely to be as well) skipping even a day can leave us with lank, dull, plain ol' nasty hair.

When I first started hearing about dry shampoos, I was hopeful I'd found the answer to this catch 22. I'd experimented with baby powder and corn starch in my youth, and while they worked to absorb the oil, they also left my hair with a whitish cast that hasn't been popular since the 18th century. Then I happened upon Bumble & Bumble's version, only to be disappointed again. Put off by the high-end product's matching high-end price tag, I decided to go in the opposite direction- start at the bottom of the price tag totem, and work my way up until I found the right stuff.

Luckily, I didn't have far to go- whilst perusing my local Sally Beauty Supply, I stumbled across Batiste Dry Shampoo. A cult (OK, not so "cult"- it's a #1 seller) favorite in the UK, I was familiar with the brand, so without hesitation, I snatched up a can at a thrifty $7.49.

Batiste is available in the US in 2 scents: Original Batiste is a clean, fresh scent with a crisp floral undertone. Batiste Blush is powdery, with more prevalent (but still light) floral notes. Both versions are light enough that they simply serve to freshen the hair, but won't conflict with any other perfume you happen to wear. Several other scents, as well as two colored versions, are available in the UK, but for some reason, not stateside.

I'll admit, I was skeptical about Batiste- I searched far and wide for a tinted dry shampoo before buying this one, because I was convinced that the white powder would make my hair look dull. What a nice surprise when I found that Batiste did nothing of the sort. Though it sprays on white, once it's shaken out & brushed through, my hair looks fresh, clean and, dare I say, shiny. My hair is a medium bright red, but I also tested it on my sister, who has brown hair that's so dark most call it black. No white in sight.

So, we now know that Batiste is light on the pocketbook, and doesn't leave you looking like you've had a food fight in a bakery- but is it really an apt substitute for the suds? I'd have to give an emphatic YES!!! I usually use Batiste on my 2nd day post-wash, when my roots are showing some definite slick- the point at which I couldn't leave the house without eliciting stares. I like to apply the spray directly to my roots, parting every 2 inches or so, and then let it sit for a few minutes before shaking it out. (I usually spray it in before I dress and leave it until I'm done.) Then, I flip my hair upside down and use my fingertips to rustle the roots and work the powder out, being careful not to miss less visible spots like around my temples and behind my ears. After 15 seconds or so, I flip back over, brush through, and I'm ready to go.

I'd give Batiste a 9 out of 10. Since discovering it, I haven't been tempted by the (more expensive) alternatives- I've repurchased several times, and will continue to do so. As I've mentioned before, I doubt you'll ever see me give a perfect 10, because I'm a firm believer that there's always room for improvement. Having said that, I can't imagine what improvement Batiste needs- if I had a "desert island" bag, this would certainly be in it!

Pros:

-Inexpensive; it's easily 1/2 to 1/3 of the price of comparable products.

-Readily available- even my local grocery store stocks it!

-Quick and easy alternative to traditional shampoo (great for extending time between blow-outs!)

-Doesn't look white or powdery, even in dark hair

-Hair stays relatively shiny after use- it's not a shine serum, but it doesn't dull hair like some other dry options I've tried.

-Spray goes where you want it- no errant flecks of powder all over your face, clothing or bathroom floor!

-Two scents available (more in the UK) both are clean but not overbearing.

-Compact canister is good for travel- other brands' cans are 3 times the size, yet contain LESS product!

Cons:

- I really can't think of any...my only gripe is that Batiste doesn't offer all of the scents (and the colored versions) in the US.

- Though I don't really consider it a "con", I should caution: you may not get as many uses out of a can as you'd initially expect, I'd say I get around 10 applications. I guess I was comparing it to a similarly sized can of hairspray and expecting as many uses. Then I realized that, unless you're a helmet head, you probably don't use nearly as much hairspray as dry shampoo, so it makes sense that it wouldn't last as long. When I paid $30+ for Bumble and Bumble's Hair Powder, the fact that I only got a few uses was a major con, but since Batiste is sooooo much cheaper, and I actually get more than B&B's, I personally consider it a non-issue.

Quick Tip: Hair Conditioning-How to Have a Deeper Experience!

Shower caps do more than keep water out- they can help keep moisture in! To get more bang out of your daily conditioning routine, wash your hair early on in your shower. Slather your hair with your favorite conditioner. Remember, your roots don't need a lot of conditioning, so I just do the the part that would hang down in a ponytail. Pile up your hair (sometimes I gently twist it into a bun & secure it with an elastic) and slap on a shower cap. The cap will keep the conditioner on your head as you go about the rest of your shower routine, and the heat from the shower will help to open your hair's cuticle so that the conditioner can penetrate better.

You can go cheap, with plain disposable processing caps (30 for $3.50) or you can search out a more attractive (not to mention eco-friendly) option. I found some super cute ones from Retro Revival, and at one point, Benefit was even making one in their Bathina line, so I know they exist. Either way, your hair will thank you!

Product Review:Bumble and Bumble Hair Powder

Influenced by Bumble and Bumble's auspicious reputation amongst beauty editors, I finally decided to pony up the cash for what I was sure was going to be my holy grail hair care product: Bumble and Bumble Hair Powder. I have long, fine, color treated hair- washing it daily is simply not an option if I want to keep the hair on my head, well....on my head. Hair Powder is Bumble and Bumble's answer to dry shampoo- it is designed to be an alternative to daily wet shampooing, I was intrigued by the fact that unlike any other brand I know of, Bumble's powder is colored. It also comes in a spray form, which I looked forward to since I tend to be a bit messy.

I purchased the powder when I went to my salon for a cut and a blow-out, and I have to tell you, I've never wished for dirty hair so much in my life. When I finally got around to using it a couple of days later, I couldn't suppress the feeling that I'd used something like this before. I've tried baby powder and cornstarch on the occasional "alarm didn't ring" morning. They do work in a pinch but can leave you looking looking like one of our founding fathers if you're not careful (powdered wig, anyone?) Finally, I realized where my déjà vu was coming from: my $35 can of designer haircare suspiciously reminded me of the temporary hair color spray we all used to buy for Halloween. The spray we used to pay $3.00 for.

I can say that this spray "powder" did what was advertised. The product absorbed oil, and added some texture and lift to my lank roots. Unfortunately, that's really the most positive thing I can say about it.

The first thing I noticed was the color. My hair is vibrant true red (I do add a touch of red-violet just to keep it from looking brassy.) Despite this, I still found the red powder a bit too bright. It only blended well on my hair if it was freshly colored- once my dark blond roots started to grow out, it looked as if I had a blotchy, botched dye job. The powder also made my hair incredibly dull looking, which I'm not sure is any better than having unwashed hair. It was easy to apply, but required a once-over to remove the errant specks of red from my face.

While overall it wasn't horrible product, it definitely was not worth the price for me. I purchased the large 4 oz can for $35 and barely got 10 applications out of it. The only way I could be persuaded to buy this again is if the price went down about $25. Somehow, I don't see that happening, so for now I'm keeping my eyes open for another option on lazy days.

I'd give this product a 3.5 out of 10. It's workable and has it's uses, but is not widely available and hardly justifies it's steep price. Not something I'd suggest searching out.

Pros:
- absorbs excess oil from the scalp to help prolong time in between washes.
- gives hair a bit of grip or texture to make styling easier.
- has a root lifting effect, adding volume to the hair.
- could be used as a root touch up if you can find a matching shade.
- 5 shades available: white, blonde, red, brown and black.

Cons:
- powder color is very opaque, making it difficult to match
- makes hair appear dull
- limited availability
- small amount of product for the cost (the can looks almost as big as my 10oz hairspray, but only holds 4oz of product. Go figure.)
- can be messy, product creates a mist that will land on skin, countertops, etc...

Better Hair Days A-Head

Did you know that there's actually a right way to wash and condition your hair? Regardless of the products you use, this method will help you make the most out of your bottle.

The oils that accumulate in your mane throughout the day are produced on your scalp, so when you shampoo your hair, apply the product to your scalp only, and work the lather into a nice foam. Then use the suds to cleanse the length of your hair. There's no need to apply additional shampoo to the hair itself. This method will clean excess dirt and oils from your scalp and prevent your hair from being dried out by the detergents in the shampoo.

When you condition, work in the opposite direction. Again, because oil glands exist only on the scalp and not on the actual hair, the ends are farthest away from their only natural source of protection; they tend to be drier and more damaged than the hair closer to the scalp. Apply conditioner starting at the ends and work your way up. For those of you that have fine hair or oily skin, skip the scalp altogether and only apply conditioner to the length of your hair- the part that would hang down in a pony tail.

Need You Be Sulfate Free?

Green is the new black. It sometimes seems as if organic is a new status symbol, and with the launch of Loreal's new EverPure hair care line, now even the mass market is in the game. It's no surprise then that the debate over sulfates seems like it's nearing hysteria. Is your shampoo causing your hair to fall out, giving you cancer, or causing birth-defects in your unborn children? Will you even be able to have children if your husband's body wash has Sodium Lauryl Sulfate in it?

Sulfates (specifically Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate) are ingredients commonly used as detergents, foaming agents or emulsifiers in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, even toothpaste. The debate rages over claims that they cause everything from birth defects to cancer. How can you tell fact from fiction?

The fact is, where application to the skin is concerned, sulfates have been proven safe for everyone except those that are allergic to them. Like most contact allergies, sulfate allergies usually manifest as an itchy rash or hives, and will subside a few days after you've stopped using the offending product.

The truth is, most of the studies that I found supporting the argument that sulfates are dangerous involved administering unusually high concentrations of the sulfates and prolonging exposure. In one instance an animal study discovered that sulfates can cause cataracts. This result was produced using high levels of the ingredient, applying it repeatedly, and leaving it on indefinitely. Beauty and personal care products that contain sulfates have much lower concentrations than those tested, and when combined with a short exposure time (you put it on, then rinse it off) the danger is very limited.

There is some evidence that sulfates can deposit onto the hair shaft and do damage, but this is in no way a conclusion. The CIR panel (the common authority in reviewing all ingredients not reviewed by the FDA) has found both sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate safe for use in cosmetics. They both carry a low to moderate risk, according to CIR. Just to point it out, several widely available organic lines (such as Giovanni, Kiss My Face and Avalon Organics) have sulfate-free shampoos that carry just as high of a risk, due to the fact that they use natural ingredients like cocamidopropyl betadine, which has allergy, immunotoxicity, and contamination concerns.

What does this all mean? If you want to err on the safe side, and find a sulfate-free formula that you like just as much as your old product, then sure, switch. If, on the other hand, you're suffering for the loss of your old sudsy, you're probably not going to die young from using it.

Quick Tip: Tame Flyaways

Though I'm not a hair stylist, to some people beauty is beauty and I'm often called upon to do some light styling in the line of duty. I've discovered a great way to use my tools at hand to smooth up dos from pony tails to french twists. Just spray your style with hairspray and immediately use a clean, disposable mascara wand to smooth any out of place hairs. The bristles of the wand catch every hair and keep the hairspray from drying into a helmet-like layer.