during my teenage years, my thick curly/wavy hair was one of the biggest banes of my existence (#teenagegirlproblems). it seemed that everyone I knew had long, sleek straight hair- and I was willing to do whatever it took to have that same look. my friends and I went to extremes, lining up on our knees to have our hair literally ironed with our mother's clothing irons and our necks pressed against the ironing board, to achieve our dream hair. now that I'm a bit older, and a heck of a lot wiser, I've learned the importance of working with your natural texture- and not against it. for me, the best way to achieve smooth and frizz free hair without heat is to use an oil product on damp hair and let it air dry. I've tried quite a few products, both high end and drugstore, and have rounded up three of my favorites.
Like It: Organix Ever Straight Brazilian Keratin Therapy Anti Breakage Serum. I picked up this product after I tried, and loved, the shampoo and condition from the same line. The oil worked fine at keeping the frizz at bay, but I found that the oil was way too heavy for my hair, and weighed it down. as someone who doesn't wash their hair everyday, I tend to steer clear of products that require frequent washings, and this was definitely one of them. while the price point is great, and the availability at the drug store is even better, it's just an alright product for me.
Love It: L'Oréal Oleo Therapy Perfecting Oil-Essence. It was quite a difficult decision choosing between Love It and Like It for this product. If we're being fair, both are tied for times repurchased , which to me is the true test of loving a product. But the other just manages to squeak past and take the title. But this oil, was a gift to me from my former boss when it didn't quite work for her. She found it wasn't quite heavy enough to tame her very curly hair (if you're blessed with truly kinky, curly hair this may not be the best for you), but it provided the perfect weight without totally weighing down mine. Unlike the Organix version, which was way too much to use on dry hair for a slight touch up/to smooth flyaways, this product can be used on both damp and dry hair, without feeling heavy or leaving you looking like you haven't washed your hair in days (ie grease ball status). While I love the luxurious feeling of a glass bottle, it made traveling with the product a bit more difficult (but two thumbs up on the pump design). And being able to pop into a drug store and repurchase is always better than having to schlep all the way to a salon when you realize you've run out.
Gotta Have It: Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Styling Treatment Oil. This oil takes the cake- I love the packing (plastic for the win), the pump top, (which makes knowing the exact amount you need/not wasting product possible) and the amazing smell, but besides that the results are holy grail status. It leaves my hair smooth and silky, and my curls frizz free even in the hot, summer weather (including the annoying kinky curls around my temples). I've always had a soft spot for Paul Mitchell products (The Conditioner was the only thing I used on my hair as a little girl), so when my hair dresser used this product on me during a cut years ago, I knew it would be good stuff. His products can be a bit pricey, and not always easily available (even in the "Salon Section" of drugstores), but if you can find it/swing the price point, try it- you will love the results.
what are some of your favorite hair products to create your flawless looks? I always love experimenting with new products, and discovering new holy grails.
xx, marissa
