OSiS Blow & Go Smooth Express Blow-Dry Spray

Osis Blow & Go Smooth Express Blow Dry Spray is a luxurious blow drying spray which reduces blow drying time and combats frizz. The essential styling aid for sleek and super smooth styles, this blow-dry spray has a non-sticky formula which dramatically reduces drying time whilst smoothing the hair and controlling frizz and fly away hair.

Blow & Go Smooth is very similar to Blow & Go Thick, which I very recently reviewed, minus the volume. What you get instead is smooth, shiny and sleek hair - just as if you used a flat iron! As for Blow & Go Thick, this spray does reduce blow drying time from maybe five minute - it usually barely takes 10 minute to dry my hair.

I was actually very impressed with the results after using this spray, even though I am not dealing with frizzy hair. If you are, I would definitely recommend Blow & Go Sleek to transform frizzy, unruly hair into sleek, elegant style!

OSiS Blow & Go Smooth Express Blow-Dry Spray is available for $21.00.

Disclaimer: One or more products were sent to me for consideration to review. I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the products were free absolutely does not influence my opinion.

Project Burgundy Hair | Echosline Seliàr Synergy Color in Chestnut Violet

Hi ladies! It was about time I update you all with my Project Burgundy Hair! I had not dyed my hair myself in a while since I had some Groupon to use before their expiration date, but now I am back with a product I have never used before - Seliàr Synergy Color.

Seliàr Synergy Color by Echosline is the first permanent, professional and ammonia- and pPd-free hair colour offered in drugstores. Formulated with keratin, Argan oil, linseed oil and silk proteins, Synergy Color gently dyes your hair while providing perfect coverage of grey. It also claims to not fade over time, which I am very sceptical about, especially since I chose the shade Chestnut Violet...

L - R: before and after

When I started pouring the dye in a bowl to mix it with Seliàr Synergy Cream Activator (I chose 30 vol.), I was surprised at how creamy it was! I did not particularly enjoyed the scent (although it is advertised to be "pleasant") but the drip-free formula was super easy and quick to apply on my hair, with no mess at all! I could not wait to see how the color would develop on my hair since it turned an amazing deep purple when I mixed it with the cream activator.

the results

After rinsing the color and applying conditioner, I was left with very soft, shiny and dark hair - the purple is noticeable only with a flash or in direct lighting, but I guess it will peek through a bit more after a few washes. Maybe next time I should use 40 vol.?

Echosline Seliàr Synergy Color is available for $16.48 in 24 rich shades exclusively at Uniprix.

Disclaimer: One or more products were sent to me for consideration to review. I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the products were free absolutely does not influence my opinion.

OSiS Blow & Go Thick Express Blow-Dry Spray

OSiS Blow & Go Thick Express Blow Dry Spray adds voluptuous volume to the hair without any sticky residue and is perfect for fine, limp hair which needs rejuvenating with extra body. It also delivers light styling control and adds a luminous shine to the hair. 

I must say I was really impressed with the results I got from using OSiS Glamour Queen H20-Free Volumizing Hairspray and I was eager to see how the Blow & Thick spray would compare. I was especially sceptical about the fact that it is supposed to reduce blow drying time, since I have never used a product with such claim before!

While this spray does reduce blow drying time from maybe five minute - it usually barely takes 10 minute to dry my hair - I can't say I was especially impressed with the volumizing results - my hair felt a bit thicker, but even if I made sure to target the roots, the results were not comparable to the Glamour Queen hairspray. I also used the product very sparingly, but my hair felt a bit dry the day after.

OSiS Blow & Go Thick Express Blow-Dry Spray is available for $21.00.

Disclaimer: One or more products were sent to me for consideration to review. I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the products were free absolutely does not influence my opinion.

OSiS Glamour Queen H20-Free Volumizing Hairspray

Hi ladies! Aren't we all fond of volumizing hair products? Even though I am not a huge fan of putting styling products in my hair regularly, I enjoy going all out for a special night out or event, and OSiS Glamour Queen is a really great product for this!

I have never been a fan of hairsprays because I hate how sticky most of them leave my hair, so I try to use them very sparingly. Glamour Queen features a an innovative trigger design which makes it easier to precisely target the roots, where the maximum effect is needed. I only need a few bursts of product to obtain the desired results on my normally flat hair - natural, clean and flexible volume!

My hair never feels wet or sticky, thanks to the fast drying water-free formula, even when heavily used! I also like how easy it is to brush out since I absolutely hate the dirty sensation of having products in my hair until the next time I shower.

OSiS Glamour Queen H20-Free Volumizing Hairspray is available for $20.00.

Disclaimer: One or more products were sent to me for consideration to review. I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the products were free absolutely does not influence my opinion.

OSiS Thrill Fibre Shine Texture Gum

Osis Thrill Fibre Gum is a bendable and mouldable styling gum ideal for all hair types. It is not a product I would regularly use on my shoulder-length hair, but even if I am sure it would work amazingly well on short or medium choppy hair, I did enjoy how easy  it was to give my layers that tousled look.

Featuring Mega Elastic Fibre technology, this product delivers strong texture control with exceptional shine. Perfect for creating mesmerising separation, texture and definition, this professional styling gum has a super strong hold! I like that Thrill Fibre Gum doesn’t over burden the hair and allows for natural movement with a natural glossy shine. Another bonus: this gum can be used on dry or damp hair to create an array of textured looks.

OSiS Thrill Fibre Shine Texture Gum is available for $23.50.

Disclaimer: One or more products were sent to me for consideration to review. I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the products were free absolutely does not influence my opinion.

New Additions to Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Argan Oil

Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Argan Oil products already have a precious place in my heart since they are so great at pampering my poor hair - please don't hesitate to have a look at my review of their Argan Oil shampoo, conditioner and treatment. I was really excited when a lovely package containing the latest additions to this range landed on my doorstep!

I was the most excited about the Argan Oil Deep Hydrating Treatment ($2.99) since the last time I had my hair done after returning from France, my hairdresser urged my to do many, many treatments if I wanted to revive my hair - yes, it was that bad (ladies, please pack hair conditioner when travelling - I learned my lesson the hard way!). Enriched with argan oil, keratin and grape seed oil to combat damage, breakage, split ends, dryness, dullness and frizz, this therapeutic remedy deeply penetrates leaving hair hydrated, restored, fortified and nourished with added strength and luster.

Let me tell you, I was absolutely blown away by how well this product performed! It has a great creamy texture so it does not make a mess in the shower, and you really don't need a lot of product at once. My hair was left incredibly smooth, soft, shiny and easily manageable! I must admit I was not a fan of the packaging at first, until I realized it was intended for a one-time use. Since my hair is not the thickest and it is not super long, one sachet lasts me quite a while!

smooth and shiny hair after using Argan Oil Deep Hydrating Treatment

I rarely blow dry my hair and I don't really have frizz problem, but I was curious about Argan Oil 3-Day Smooth Perfect Blow Dry Cream ($10.99), which claims to hold hair straight, frizz free and shiny for up to 3 days, thanks to a unique combination of ultra-light Mediterranean olive oil, argan oil and shea butter. Marc Anthony's exclusive anti-frizz lock technology makes curls and waves desirably straight, and keratin deeply penetrates to strengthen while vitamin E nourishes.

After rubbing the cream in the palm of my hands and working evenly through damp hair from roots to ends, I proceeded to blow dry my hair to create a frizz-free, smooth finish. My hair was left glossy and ultra-smooth imediately after, although I did not find this result to last up to three days - or until my next wash.

The exotic fast absorbing Argan Oil Dry Styling Oil ($10.99) goes on dry and revives dry, damaged hair. It is infused with keratin, ultra-light Mediterranean olive oil and argan oil to fortify hair and help correct damage, split ends, dullness and frizz, while vitamin E and shea butter deeply penetrate to hydrate, soften and protect. Hair is left nourished, revitalized and full of shine.

I like how this product can be used on damp and dry hair - I personally like to spritz it just before flat ironing my hair. It doesn not seem ike you can use too much, since it is absorbed quickly and it never feels greasy. It smells amazing and it leaves my hair amazingly smooth and shiny! It is definitely a staple in my haircare routine.

Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Argan Oil products are available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart and other retailers.

Disclaimer: One or more products were sent to me for consideration to review. I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the products were free absolutely does not influence my opinion.

CLOSED - Giveaway | Seliàr Synergy Color from Echosline

Hi ladies! This autumn, the hair care line Seliàr from Echosline, imported from Italy and used in salons by professional stylists all over the world, is finally available in Canada and only at Uniprix.

The Echosline family of hair products just got bigger! The Uniprix-exclusive brand introduces Seliàr, a
new line formulated with natural ingredients. Both ammonia- and pPd-free, Seliàr was developed for women with a sensitive scalp or weak, damaged hair. It’s also perfectly safe for pregnant women and great for those prone to skin allergies.

Seliàr features Synergy Color, a line of salon-grade colouring creams containing Argan oil, keratin, linseed and silk proteins. It comes in a selection of 24 rich shades. The label also includes a line of hair care products to nourish and protect your hair: shampoo, mask, serum, Argan oil and restructuring spray and cream formulated with keratin.

As an ambassador of Seliàr Synergy Color, I have the opportunity to offer a lucky lady the chance to try three of their products them for herself, as well as to receive a Uniprix gift card!

Nourishing Shampoo with Argan Oil
Nourishing shampoo formulated with Argan oil, linseed oil and silk proteins, perfect
for dry, processed or damaged hair. It gently cleanses hair, leaving it radiant and silky soft.
Its effective dual protective and anti-oxidizing action is ideal for damaged, weakened, processed, dull or lifeless hair. 

Total One – Leave-in Spray Mask
A multi-action, leave-in spray mask. Concentrated formula enriched with keratin, Argan, silk and linseed oil and boosted with a protective sun filter. It gently restructures coloured, processed or frizzy hair. 

Keratin product (treatment or spray)
Keratin Treatment – Split Ends Restructuring Ideal for dry, weakened, dull, processed or damaged hair.
Keratin Energizer – Instant Restructuring Spray with Keratin, Nitrogen and Argan Oil

a Rafflecopter giveaway

OOTD | Still I’d trade all my tomorrows for just one yesterday

Hi ladies! My brother and my sister in law recently hosted a sushi dinner at their place with both of our families, and it was tons of fun! It is alwasy great to gather together for some quality time - isn't it such a rare thing nowaday? I was really happy to see everyone since I knew I was not in Montreal for long - I left for Lyon on August 12, and I am currently in Rome! I think I'm "addicted" to travelling - new places, new experiences, new people... how could I get ever get enough? 

It was nice to take some time to pamper myself for once, since this has not really happened since I got back in Montreal, two weeks ago - things have been so hectic for me! I always enjoy picking my outfit for a special occasion, and it was nice to finally put some makeup on, which I did not do in so long it seems!

dress - ROMWE | cardigan - Giant Tiger

This dress is one of my all-time favorite - despite being super sexy and a bit short, it is super comfy! I totally fell for the zipper in the front. I knew it would get colder at night so I decided to pair the dress with that grey cardigan, and I absolutely loved the results!

Please excuse the state of my hair - I dyed it dark brown two months ago before leaving for Ireland to not have to deal with the ugly copper/orange shade that would result from the fading of the burgundy hair dye, but I have not touched it since. Surprisingly, my roots are not so bad - they actually blend well with the dye - and I actually like how the dark brown faded in the sun of Spain. I also realized that longer and whispier bangs suit me better, so now I am afraid of cutting them! I am also in urgent need of an haircut (which won't happen until I get back from Europe probably) so I got into the habit of wearing my hair in a messy bun, and I quite like it!

Lyrics are from Just One Yesterday, by Fall Out Boy

Guest Post | Festival Hair

This article was written by Milly O’Sullivan is a hairdresser and blogger from England. Her interests include fashion and dance music. For all your hair styling needs, Milly recommends The Chapel.

(image: weheartit)

You’re going away to a festival for the weekend and you want to look your best, but a decent shower is hard to find at a festival, and there’s much better things to be doing than washing your hair anyway! So here are some top tips in order to make sure your hair still looks great the whole weekend:

The night before you leave, give your hair a wash using intense moisturising conditioner, tong your hair in order to build volume and shape and try to leave your hair as big as possible without using too many products- it will naturally settle and become more manageable over the next few days. You could also try some temporary pastel dip dying to make your hair really stand out over the weekend.

Whilst at the festival, plait your hair before going to sleep to keep a curl and avoid frizz. In the morning, turn your hair upside down and spray salt spray or hairspray at the roots. Shake your hair through, toss it back and you'll have naturally looking wavy hair for the rest of the day.

(image: weheartit)

The number one product you’re going to need over your festival weekend is dry shampoo- it adds texture and builds volume at the roots, disguising any greasiness. But be careful not to use too much! If for some reason all the shelves are clear of dry shampoo, then talcum powder will also do the job. You’re also probably going to need a tangle teezer to help sort your hair out in the mornings! Avoid using any oil based hair products, your hair will have plenty of natural oils secreting anyway so you don’t want to add to it. You also want to try not to touch your hair throughout the day, as all the dirt on your hands will be passed to your hair, making it greasier even quicker.

To help draw attention away from greasy hair, accessories are a must. The top festival hair accessory is of course the floral headband- it can act as a focal point so as to distract from your roots, and can be paired with plaits, such as a loose fishtail, to give you a whole new hairstyle. Other top festival hair accessories are hats (to hide your entire head of hair, if it really gets too much), bows (to hide problem areas of greasiness) and headscarves (to tie into your hair, keeping it half hidden, whilst still looking good). On the very last day you can put your hair up into a fashionable messy bun, using hair grips and a hair doughnut- this will ensure you can enjoy your last day at the festival without worrying about how greasy and lifeless your hair is looking. Of course, the most valuable piece of advice is watch out for any drinks (or any other more questionable liquids) being thrown over your head, if they land in your hair then there’s not a whole lot you can do to fix it!

Interested in being a guest blogger? Please let me know!

Project No 'Poo | Hair Care Routine

Hi ladies! It has been around three months now since I started the no 'poo regimen, and I am happy to report that the worst is now behind me - I am not scared anymore to wake up to a greasy mess on my head and I almost don't freak out if I don't have any baking soda on hand. The transition period lasted a bit longer than expected for me (around three months), but it's nothing I could not overcome if I made sure to take proper precautions, and in this post, I want to share with you the products I have been relying on since the start of this journey.

In my first month update post, I mentionned that my preferred way of applying the baking soda and water mixture was my Roots Only Hair Color Applicator Comb, since the comb allow the right amount of mixture to be applied directly to the scalp and roots trough hollow teeth, not touching the rest of the hair. Since it is guaranteed not to leak, it is virtually 100% mess-free!

I have had Raw Gaia Shikakai Hair Wash in my stash for some times now but to be honest, I tried it only once (more than a year ago, probably) and I thought it was just too messy so I totally forgot about it, until last month! Shikakai means "fruit for hair" and is a 100% natural shampoo powder. It is an excellent cleanser, naturally removing the dirt and excess oil accumulated on the scalp, but it does not strip the hair of its natural oils. Moreover, it detangles the hair and works wonders as a natural conditioner. Shikakai also provides new life to hair strands, strengthens hair roots, increases bounciness and silkiness of hair, promotes hair growth and slightly darken hair.

Now that I am used to non-traditional ways of washing my hair, I thought it was time to give this product another try, and I can only be mad at myself for not using it regularly sooner! Of course it is a bit messy, just like washing with baking soda, but once you get used to it, it is really simple and easy to use. You simply create a thick paste by mixing a small amount of Shikakai powder with water, gently massage it into the scalp and hair using your fingertips, wait 2 to 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water. Each time I use this product, my hair is left super soft and full of volume - what more can I ask for?

Another product I am sorry I did not use regularly sooner is Marc Anthony Salon Expert Sea Kelp Extreme Rescue Mud, which is a weekly deep repair for extra dry, damaged hair. It is formulated with sea kelp to correct, hydrate and strengthen, while the power of antioxidants, protein and silk amino acids promote healthy, rich color. Advanced Color Care Technology prevents hair from dulling.

Now this is not your typical hair mask - since it is made with mud, it feels very runny and it has a rather interesting grey-brown color. It is designed to be used on damp scalp and hair after shampooing and conditioning, one to three times a week. It feels really good to massage into the scalp and I like to leave it on for as long as I can, usually when I take a bath. I swear my hair has never felt this soft or looked this glossy after using this treatment!

After washing my hair with baking soda or with water, of course, I never skip conditioner, but since they are always on rotation in my shower, I chose not to feature a specific one in this post, and to write about two of my favorite leave-in conditioners instead. I have had Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Leave-In Conditioning Cream* in my stash for such a long time (before going cruelty-free!) and in an attempt to use it, I try to use it after each wash on the ends of my hair.

I like to spray Marc Anthony Salon Expert Keratin Miracle Frizz-Smoother Leave-in evenly on my damp hair to ensure easy detangling and super smooth hair - it never fails to leave it incredibly soft, hydrated and manageable. I have been using it every time I wash my hair since I got it, and I can really certify that it is a miracle product! This is really my favorite product of the Salon Expert range.

I try to apply oil on the ends of my hair every night before bed and my current favorite is Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Treatment, which is a daily, lightweight oil for strong, glossy, frizz-free hair. I only need one small drop for my shoulder-length hair, but even though I sometimes use too much product, it never leaves greasy residue! The day after, I wake up to extremely soft, smooth, shiny and tangle-free hair - the first times I used this product, I could barely believe how well it worked!

I hope you enjoyed this post and stay tuned for my next no 'poo update in a month!

*Please note that this product is NOT cruelty-free

Project No 'Poo | 1st Month Update

Yes, I gave away all of these shampoos!

Hi ladies! At the beginning of March, I announced I was jumping on the no 'poo bandwagon, and I really want to share my progress with you as the months go by. The past month has mainly been about trials and errors so I can't really talk about proper "progress", but it was rather interesting to find the method that works best for me.

At the beginning of my journey, I started by testing the recommended ratio of about 1 tbsp of baking soda for 1 cup of water, but I guess I did not let enough time to my scalp to adapt to the new routine because I thought it was getting super oily really fast - which was predictable, duh! - so I decided to add more baking soda - and I mean, tons of it. This was a terrible mistake because my hair was left more and more cotton-y, thick, heavy, crunchy and... just plain icky, after each wash, which left me completely clueless and demoralized. I did tons of research and I was glad to learn that I was not the only one who had that problem, and that the solution was simply to use less baking soda. I felt completely stupid. But wait, there is more to this...

Because I started feeling ashamed of my disgustingly dry and unmanageable hair and that no amount of hair masks or oils could solve the problem, I had the briliant idea of doing a deep conditioning treatment with... coconut oil. Do you have any idea how hard it is to remove oil from your hair with just baking soda? No, of course you don't know - who does that?! - but it is virtually impossible. I had to do four consecutive washes, scrubbing off so hard that I could not feel my arms for a while after, and I ended up dusting my whole head in dry shampoo to soak up the excess, and the worst is that this did not even fix my hair. At all. My hair was not dry - it was feeling icky because of the baking soda builduit in it, so I went back to the 1 tbsp of baking soda for 1 cup of water ratio and stuck to it until now, which partially solved the problem.

Voluminous and manageable hair after a baking soda wash

I am no longer struggling with cotton-y crunchy hair, but even though I make sure to really rinse my hair after the baking soda wash, I ocasionally see white residues in my hair, and I am not able to tell yet if they are baking soda residue, dandruff - I have never had dandruff in my whole life! - or something else. Through my researches, I have learned that adding a few drops of tea tree oil to the baking soda mixture does wonders, so I will have to check into that. These white flakes could also be the result of a mixture of sebum, dirt and dead skin cells.

Since my ultimate goal would be to wash only with water one day, I try to space baking soda washes as much as I can. Currently, my hair starts to get oily on the second or third day, so I try to brush it often to distribute the sebum throughout the scalp and hair, especially before washing it. My hair also feels a bit heavy from time to time, especially on the third after a baking soda wash, and I guess this is the oil building up in my hair, but I have been told this is the way "normal" hair feels (free of chemicals). I also found that "washing" only with water helps controls the oil, although it does not completely cleanse the hair, but I tend to do this on lazy days to give a break to my scalp and hair.

There are mixed opinions on the web about using store-bought dry shampoos when going no 'poo because they can mess with the natural cycle of your hair so I try rely on them in emergency only - if the water rinse is not enough, or if I am going out, for example. An homemade alternative would be to use cornstarch and baking soda - it really works!

I mentioned in my first post that I would skip the vinegar rinse because this tend to strip the color, so I continue to use store-bought conditioners for now, and I make sure to cover my hair from crown to ends with it, really massaging it in to counteract the drying effect of the baking soda. The results are smooth, soft and managable hair.

As for hair color, I did color my hair with box hair dye in the past month and I it did not seem to have messed up the whole scalp balance thing. It is a bit hard to say but I do think the color stays vibrant longer since I use baking soda mainly on the scalp, so it does not strip the hair as much. I have not noticed that horrendous orangey/rust/brown color so far, so I guess this is a good sign!

I don't know if I am biased or overreacting, but I do think my hair grows faster since I switched to baking soda, and I guess this is due to how you need to really massage it on the scalp, which stimulates the blood circulation. Seriously, my hair is already touching my shoulders, and it seems I got it cut only last month! It is also much more voluminous and it is easier to style - I have barely touched my flat iron in the past month!

My original idea was to store my baking soda and water mixture in an empty spray bottle, but I did not have one on hand and I was too lazy to go buy one, so I decided to try storing it in a shampoo bottle instead. It was OK although a bit impractical since the mixture is way more watery than traditional shampoo and I felt like I wasted tons at the beginning, but I got used to it. That was until I realized that my Roots Only Hair Color Applicator Comb would be perfect for this, since the comb allow the mixture to be applied directly to the scalp and roots trough hollow teeth, not touching the rest of the hair, and since it is guaranteed not to leak, it is virtually 100% mess-free!

The transition period has barely started since it has been only a month since I started this routine so there is not much I can say, but I will keep you updated! My next post will probably be about the products I use on my no 'poo hair.

Project No 'Poo | An Introduction

(image: Pinterest)

Hi ladies! I have recently embarked on a rather interesting journey, and I have sparked the curiosity of a few fellow beauty junkies on Twitter so I figured out, why not dedicate a whole series to this experience? So, let's start by the beginning - you may be wondering, what the heck is No 'Poo? Basically, No 'Poo is a method of washing your hair without shampoo. There are a few ways to do this, but in this series, I will talk only about the most popular, which is using baking soda and a vinegar (although I will skip the vinegar but more on that later in this post).

Most of us realize that washing our hair everyday is bad, but, as for showering with chemical products every day, eating animals or animal products, etc., we have been so conditioned to do so that it’s just weird for somebody to think something otherwise. The problem with traditional shampoos is that they are actually detergents - they use chemicals to strip your hair and scalp of dirt and sebum (the natural oils created by your scalp). This is how the vicious circle starts - your scalp is over-producing sebum to replace what is being stripped away by your shampoo, which is why you end up with oily hair that has to be shampooed daily.

The difference with traditional shampoos and baking soda is that baking soda is not a detergent, so the sebum your scalp produces doesn’t get stripped away, and your scalp will produce less oil since it will be in balance again. You will be able to go at least a week (and even more!) before having to wash your hair again, and most of the time, you will only need water - yes, water!

Personally, when I was younger (around 13 or 14 years old, probably), I made the mistake of believing a friend who told me you had to wash your hair every single day in order for it to be really clean, which is why I have been struggling with oily hair that required daily shampooing since then. More recently, thanks to dry shampoos, I have been able to space washes for up to three or four days, but honestly, I am tired of having to worry about how my hair will look like the morning after - and let's face it, dry shampoos are not exactly cheap - which is why I am embarking on this journey.

(image: Pinterest)

There are tons of other benefits to No 'Poo:

• Certain chemicals in shampoo, especially foaming agents like sodium lauryl sulfate, can irritate your scalp and hair, as well as the skin that your hair touches
• Your hair will be less oily and it will require less washings, it will look healthier, it will have more body and less frizz and fly-aways, it will be shinier, and it will be easier to style
• If you dye your hair, your color will last longer and it will be more brilliant since baking soda won't strip away the color as much as store-bought shampoos
• Less money wasted on chemical products (No 'Poo only requires baking soda and vinegar!)
• You may even notice new hair growth because your scalp will be healthier since it will be no longer clogged with oil and debris!
• You are doing something good for the environment since you are no longer buying wasteful plastic packagings, and no harmful ingredients get washed down the drain whenever you wash your hair, polluting the lakes, rivers and oceans. 

As I said earlier, the most popular method is to simply wash your hair how and when you would normally do it, but swap shampoo for baking soda. You could either make a paste with the baking soda in by mixing a small quantity with water in the palm of your hand, but I personally prefer to prepare a solution of baking soda and water. The most recommended amount is 1 tbsp of baking soda for 1 cup of water, but the amount of baking soda that works for you really depends on your hair. If your hair is oily, you will want to use more baking soda, and for dry hair, use less. Store the mixture in a squeezable bottle for ease of use.

In the shower, wet hair and shake very well before applying the baking soda solution to the roots of your hair only and rub in a circular motion all around, focusing on the scalp, not the rest of your hair. This is optional but I like to let the baking soda sit on my hair for a minute or while I do the rest of my shower routine. Be sure to rinse very well, because white and itchy residues of baking soda is never cute. 

(image: Pinterest)

The next recommended step is to replace traditional conditioner with a vinegar rinse in order to replace your hair's ph level and infuse some moisture - without the acidic effect to balance the harsh alkaline of the baking soda, the hair and scalp might become brittle and dry - but since the main reason why I am going No 'Poo is to re-balance my scalp and protect my hair color, I will still be using store bought conditioners for now until I run out since vinegar will strip the color. I will then try to rely on coconut oil or any other natural products.

There are no specific guidelines on how to No 'Poo, but my plan is to wash with baking soda for a week or more until I am used to do so, then try to stretch it by a day, and then another, and another, until I am satisfied with the length of time I can go without washing my hair. My ultimate goal would be to wash my hair only with water one day, but you could also just use baking soda to wash your hair whenever you want since it is cheap, healthy and free of all those nasty chemicals.

I am really excited to share my progress with you and please let me know if you are jumping on the bandwagon too, I would be curious to know how it goes!

Guest Post | Hairstyle History: The Bob

This article was provided by Sam Rigby on behalf of Hershesons, a hair salon chain that also sells full head clip in human hair extensions, hair styling tools and hair accessories.

(image: weheartit)

The bob hairstyle is back for 2013 – we’ve already seen them at numerous designer fashion shows around the world. Chanel offered up models wearing Renaissance inspired clothing alongside pastel-coloured bobs at the Spring/Summer 2013 pre-show, while at Antipodium the 50s/60s style clothing worked perfectly with the models’ boxy bobs.

The origins of the bob

Bob hairstyles first began to pop up in the 1920s, when women started to wear their hair short as a statement of their independence.

Before that, short hair was considered unladylike, and hairdressers’ only real experience was in styling long locks and not cutting hair. Things began to change in the 20s thanks to World War II.

Men were shipped off to the battlefield during the war, meaning women had to take their place in factories and on farms across the globe. Long hair wasn’t exactly practical, so many chose to cut their hair short to avoid nasty accidents. After the war, women didn’t want to be pushed back into the kitchen – they’d experienced real life and wanted more of it. So, they kept their hair short and challenged opposition with their new ways.

(image: wehartit)

And so, the bob also became synonymous with the ‘Flapper’ movement in the USA. Flappers were women that flouted social norms by smoking, drinking alcohol, wearing makeup and generally being much more boisterous than ‘normal’ women were.

Even though the Flappers’ style was considered brash and unfeminine, the movement continued and helped to create the era the Roaring Twenties. By the 1930s though, the trends changed and long hair was desirable again.

The return of the bob

After the bob’s decade of brilliance in the 1920s, it returned with a bang in the 60s. The hairdresser Vidal Sassoon is credited with bringing it back, with the now-common ‘wedge bob’. This hairstyle is angular, usually appearing to be longer in the front, and can be seen all over the place today.

(image: weheartit)

The bob continued to be popular well into the 80s and 90s – Cyndi Lauper, Siouxsie Sioux and Anna Wintour are all famous for their bob haircuts, and Uma Thurman can be seen sporting a bob in ‘Pulp Fiction’.

The modern bob

The bob hairstyle is constantly changing, with short and log variations of the style available today. Women with bob cuts are no longer seen as outlandish and dangerous, instead it’s just another hairstyle that you can opt for if you fancy a change!

Interested in being a guest blogger? Please let me know!

PRIVÉ Concept Vert Rejuvenating Pure Shampoo & Conditioner

Hi ladies! This is probably the last shampoo and conditioner review you will read on Gaby's Beauty Blog because I have announced on Twitter recently that I was going No 'Poo! It has been around a month now that I have stopped using shampoo and conditioner - yes, this review is a bit late - and I will have a new series on the blog called "Project No 'Poo" very soon. Stay tuned for my introduction to this project Monday!

I am not familir with PRIVÉ but when I learned that their Concept Vert Rejuvenating Pure Shampoo and Conditioner were color safe, sulfate and paraben-free, and of course, not tested on animals, I knew I could not say no to this opportunity.

The first thing I noticed about these products is their packaging - I have never seen anything similar to these bottles, which are 6.7 oz aluminium cans that actually provide the same amount of washings or conditionings as a 13 oz bottle of regular liquid shampoo or conditioner. This is achieved through the use of patented air powered technology, which is why these products look more like mousse than actual shampoo and conditioner.

L - R: Rejuvenating Pure Shampoo and Conditioner

Enriched with Amazon açai and babassu oil, Privé Concept Vert Rejuvenating Pure Shampoo rejuvenates hair with antioxidants and strengtheners as it gently nourishes and cleanses. The Rejuvenating Conditioner is a penetrating conditioner that rejuvenates hair with potent antioxidants and healing strengtheners. Both high-yield formulas expand into a rich, creamy foam that leaves the hair feeling and looking shiny, healthy, soft and supple.

I was seriously blown away the first time I used the shampoo and conditioner - both come out of their respective bottles as a thick mousse, which means that you need the smallest quantity of product to properly cover your hair. The shampoo is a bit more lightweight and airy than the conditioner, which is thicker and feels more like an actually volumizing mousse. They both just feel so luxurious and relaxing, and they make it so easy to properly wash and conditioner your hair.  This was definitely a weird but interesting experience, but you can be sure that I did not want to go back to liquid shampoos and conditioners after using these products!

PRIVÉ Concept Vert Rejuvenating Pure Shampoo and Conditioner are available online and in salons for $28.00 and $30.00 respectively.

Disclaimer: One or more products were sent to me for consideration to review. I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the products were free absolutely does not influence my opinion.

Marc Anthony Salon Expert Color Care

There is an unmistakable beauty to vibrant, shiny, healthy looking hair that looks like you have just stepped out of the salon and no matter your hair type or style, this is a result that each and every woman wants to achieve - that’s why all Salon Expert products have been developed with Advanced Color Care Technology to enhance vibrancy and shine, whether your hair is natural or color treated.

Everyday natural elements can harm your hair’s chemical bonds - the effects become evident as color begins to fade and hair looks damaged. Salon Expert is formulated with ingredients proven to reduce damage and breakage, leaving your hair and its color protected and shine enhanced.

To be honest, I have never found the miracle product that would really protect my hair color and prevent it from fading, and I am not even sure if such product exists, but since I have mostly been impressed with Marc Anthony products, I was happy to be given the opportunity to try this range of products especially since I dyed my hair burgundy this summer, which, we all know, requires extra rigorous maintenance. 

Formulated with Acai Berry to gently cleanse, fortify and correct the look and feel of your hair, the gentle antioxidant rich Color Save Shampoo ($14.99) does restore vibrancy that shines. It is also supposed to protect color with Advanced Color Care Technology, but sadly, it just did not do it for me and I had to watch my precious hair color run down the drain with every wash. I also need to use a lot of product even though I now have short hair, because it does not foam really well. The Color Lock Conditioner ($14.99) did not seem to do much either color wise even though it is supposed to prevent color dulling, although it does moisturize my hair, but nothing more than any other conditioner though.

Because the conditioner fails to detangle my hair, I have to rely on the Keratin Miracle Frizz-Smoother Leave-in ($14.99), which is a light yet powerful daily leave-in conditioner for all hair types that is absolutely amazing at detangling my hair in seconds, and it never fails to leave it incredibly soft, hydrated and manageable. As if it was not enough, this product is also said to keeps color visibly rich - although I did not really notice a difference - and it protects against heat damage. I have been using it every time I wash my hair since I got it, and I can really certify that it is a miracle product! This is really my favorite product of the range.

The last product of the Salon Expert Color Care range I have tried is the Color Shine Extra Hold Hairspray ($14.99), but it was a bit of a let down since it is far from providing an all-day hold - within an hour, my hair lost its curl and fell flat every time I used this! I do appreciate that it does not leave my hair stiff, crunchy or sticky, and that it provides shine and flexible restyling - oh, and let's not forget the fruity floral smell! - but since it fails to keep my hair curled, it is uselessfor me.

Overall, I am a bit surprised that Marc Anthony Argan Oil and Macadamia Oil products protect my hair color better than these Color Care products, which have been created especially for this, but still, I am absolutely in love with the Keratin Miracle Frizz Smoother!

Marc Anthony Salon Expert Color Care also includes the Amplifying Texture Spray,  Volumizing Blowout Cream and Sea Kemp Rescue Mud  ($14.99 each) and the range is available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix.

Disclaimer: One or more products were sent to me for consideration to review. I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the products were free absolutely does not influence my opinion.

Shielo VOLUME Flexible Design Hair Spray

As much as I loooooooove the look of curled hair, I just can't get mine to stay put, even for one hour, no matter what kind of products I use - curl enhancing mousse, super strong hold hairspray, texturizing serum, you name it! That's why I was so happy when I discovered Shielo VOLUME Flexible Design Hair Spray!

I have already tried Shielo products in the past and I appreciated my experience, so I was very eager to try another product from their VOLUME range. Shielo VOLUME Hair Spray is a volumizing hair spray designed for enhancing lift and structure. It has a weightless design, which is used for for creating flexible voluminous styles.

It is a non-aerosol, fine-mist formula, which I was not a fan of at first because I personally had a hard time getting the product to go where I wanted it to go, not to mention my hair was always left wet! But even though I used too much product, it never showed because the hairspray dries quickly without leaving my hair feeling stiff or crunchy. I was amazed at how easy it was to brush my hand through and also, at how soft it was left!

Shielo VOLUME Flexible Design Hair Spray is said to provide light to medium hold, which surprised me because I usually go for the strongest hold I can find, but this does really work for me! It allows my curls to last all day and even the day after, they are still nicely defined and easily brusheable. It also does a decent job at root lifting and thickening, although I can't say the results last as long as the curls do.

L - R: day 1 and day 2

Can you believe these are second day curls?

Shielo VOLUME Flexible Design Hair Spray is available for $18.99 at Shielo.com and I seriously can't recommend it enough!

Disclaimer: One or more products were sent to me for consideration to review. I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the products were free absolutely does not influence my opinion.

Move Over Project Back 2 Blonde - Introducing Project Burgundy Hair!

Ladies, remember I told you in my "Introducing Project Back 2 Blonde" post that I decided to lighten my hair in an attempt to go back to my somewhat blond roots? Well, I lied - OK, not completely - I contemplated going lighter for a long time because I was getting bored of my dark brown hair, but I'm not sure I'm ready to really go back to my natural color, and recently, while chatting with Caterina on Twitter, another idea emerged... giving burgundy hair another chance!

I tried burgundy hair for the first time in late 2006, but I made the mistake of bleaching my hair myself and then apply the dye, which, of course, resulted in an ugly orange shade after about a week and horribly fried ends. Not to mention that back in the days, I was under the influence of a friend who told me you were supposed to wash your hair every single day, which I started doing, and I guess you know what happens when you make this unforgiving mistake.

L - R: me in 2007 and 2008 - emo? Oh please...

I gave burgundy another try in 2007 and 2008, without never going to a hairdresser, of course, so the same thing happened - I kept bleaching and damaging my hair, and the color kept fading. I finally gave up and decided to stick with dark brown hair until very recently.

When I used Revlon Frost&Glow Highlighting Kit for Medium to Dark Brown Hair, I can't say I was 100% happy with the results and I knew I would have to keep using it a few times in order for the highlights to really come out uniform and the shade I wanted. When I found an amazing deal on Groupon for a cut, style and color or partial highlights for only $35 (valued at up to $111!) at Beauté de Calla which is situated a few streets from where I live, I knew I had to buy it!

L - R: before and after

I booked the appointment for the morning of the wedding of my friend Geneviève and Robin without really knowing what I had in mind. I told the hairdresser that I was contemplating going gradually lighter with highlights but that I was also craving burgundy hair, and she assured me that the results of the burgundy dye  results would be cool due to the different shades in my hair - that was all I needed to go for it! We chose the lightest burgundy shade, which was more on the purple side than red, in order for it to properly show up on the dark parts of my hair...and I almost could not believe the results!

Inside, with flash

As the hairdresser was blowdrying my hair, I was surprised at how vibrant the color came out! She told me that the color woul need to be done a second and maybe a third time in order for it to really show up, but I think it looks pretty good just the way it is, so I can imagine the results after a couple more dyes (which I plan to do myself this time).

I love how my hair appears to be a dark purple with hints of dark red in artifical lightning, but outside in the sun, it just glows beautifully! Now I can't wait to continue dying it until it reaches a deep dark purple shade. I know it was maybe not the brightest idea to go for such a high-maintenance shade in the middle of the summer, but this time, I'm really ready for it! I'm careful to wash my hair only twice a week, and I make sure to wear a hat when I'm outside in the sun. Also, I have tons of products for colored hair laying around and now is the perfect opportunity to test and review them. 

Marc Anthony Dream Waves

Who doesn't love the sexy tousled beach hair look? I sure do, but I'm not a fan of the hassle that usually comes with it such as having to curl my hair with heating tools, then adding hairspray... but Marc Anthony has a quick and easy solution! Dream Waves keeps up with both its delivery of amazing waves and the fact that it shifts hair from straight to sexy beach waves so quickly. 

I have been spoiled rotten by the amazing people over at Marc Anthony - they sent me tons of products to try, starting with the Dream Waves range. This collection is designed to amplify your hair into voluminous waves with tons of movement and texture. Whether your hair is straight or wavy,  you can now get natural looking carefree waves with this texture boosting collection.

Super cute and thoughtful packaging!

The Amplifying Shampoo ($7.99 for 250 mL / 8.4 oz), formulated with conditioning polymers to add body to limp hair, is said to gently cleanses while adding texture so that you can easily work up extra beach waves, but even though its texture has a surprising good consistency - not overly runny or super liquid like most shampoos - and I didn't need tons of product to completely clean my hair, I didn't notice any extra added texture or volume. The same thing goes for the Amplifying Conditioner ($7.99 for 250 mL / 8.4 oz), which is said to add body to straight or wavy hair to help create soft, voluminous waves. Despite its amazingly thick and nearly perfect texture that deeply nourished my hair, it failed to infuse any volume, but that's OK but it's one of the most moisturizing conditioner I have ever tried.

I was really sceptical about the Amplifying Lotion ($7.99 for 140mL / 4.7 fl.oz), partly because of its super liquid and runny texture, but also because I just could not picture how a lotion would make my hair wavy or textured... and I was right. Sadly, this product was a fail for me as it did not really do something to my hair, except when used with the Beach Spray.

L - R: Before and after using the Amplifying Lotion alone

Even though I was very curious to try everything in the Dream Waves range, the product I was super excited about is the Beach Spray ($8.99 for 125 mL / 4.2 fl.oz), which promises to create natural, effortless, beach hair worn loose, soft and wavy. Now, with my super straight hair, I will admit that I was a bit sceptical about this product but after reading so much rave about it on blogs and Twitter, I just could not wait to try it and I was not disappointed!

As I mentionned before, I have straight hair, so of course I was not expecting it to be left magically volumized, wavy and textured after using the Beach Spray, but I must say the results are actually pretty decent. This product does add body and texture to my straight hair while also extra definition to my layers. I was surprised to be left with manageable and touchable beach hair after using the Beach Spray.

L - R: Before and after using the Beach Spray alone

For optimum results, it is recommend to spray evenly all over damp or dry hair, then scrunch hair to amplify a wavy texture and use a diffuser while scrunching, but because I never blowdry my hair, I simply sprayed the product from crown to ends on my towel dried hair and braided it, then I went to sleep for the night. In the morning, I unbraided my hair then sprayed it a little more with the Beach Spray and tadaah, beach hair! I also get an OK result when I let my hair dry naturally after scrunching it, but I do prefer the result when I braid it.

After using the Amplifying Lotion and Beach Spray together

Another great thing about the Beach Spray is that even though you overdo it a bit, you will never be left with crunchy or greasy hair, altough I did notice my hair looking a bit dry after a few days after using the Beach Spray, but I must say my hair is a bit damaged and on the dry side already, so maybe this won't be a problem for all of you.

I really think the Beach Spray is the star of the collection! Seriously, if you must get only one product in the Dream Waves collection, it's this one! If you are living in Canada, don't miss your opportunity to get the Beach Spray on Well.ca for free shipping!

Another bonus about the products in the Dream Waves collection is that they all smell absolutely heavenly, like tropical coconut - they smell like the beach!

Overall, I can say that I was pretty pleased by my first experience with Marc Anthony and I can't wait to try more of their products!

Disclaimer: One or more products were sent to me for consideration to review. I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the products were free absolutely does not influence my opinion.