Treat me beautiful... or chop me down!!!

Hermanas!!!

Today I did go not to Sephora; but to Super Supplements to stock on vitamins for both Rojo and me, and coconut oil. This got me thinking of hair care and the different products I have used over the years. I have really long hair; and have come to the conclusion that there is nothing that turns me off more than an opaque, brittle, strawy appearance. Really. Healthy long hair is just sublime. Unhealthy long hair is disgusting. This applies to both hermanas and hermanos.

I usually wear my hair down; and therefore the need for haircare is a must. Now; once upon a time I would spend recklessly on hair treatments. I would actually go and get them "done" at the beauty parlor. Times change. Income changes, too. I am now more budget conscious and a bit more savvy about looking good without going broke.

Here are my favorite hair treatments.... in spendy to cheapo order (aprox. prices). There is a treatment for every budget.


Kerastase Masquintense ($50+)

This used to be my staple hair mask when I was young, restless, and non-thrifty. To this day, I sigh for its absence. During my years in Canada; it was impossible to get my hands on Kerastase, so I let go of it slowly.

I needed to use this only once a month or so; and it worked beautifully. Would I go back to buying it? Not really. I have found fantastic products that do the trick at a fraction of the price. Not that if someone gave me a pot I would say no to it.

But if you can afford it; don't second guess yourself and go for it. It is worth every penny.



LUSH Jasmine & Henna Fluff Eaze Hair Treatment ($20+)

I cannot say enough good things about LUSH's hair treatments. I have used all of them but the Marylin for Blondes and this is, by far, my all time fave. Another really good one is H'Suan Wen Hua (yes, that's the name), but I am set on this one.

For brunettes or redheads, this is the one you want hermanas. You really, really do. You can either follow the instructions and be done with it in 30 minutes, or you can be like yours truly and leave it overnight.

The shine I get from LUSH's Fluff Eaze is beyond WOW factor. Love it, love it, love it. But, like with a lot of LUSH goodies, some hermanas are put off by the smell (I know my internet hermana A cannot go into LUSH though she loves it!!) so make sure you check the smell before buying it.

This one is also highly recommended for all the hermanas who are fabulous and henna their hair. It is like a henna wash with a kick ladies!!! (btw, LUSH also has their Henna dye collection, in case you didn't already know...).




Virgin Coconut Oil ($10)

I just bought my latest pot at the vitamin store, so the price is accurate. Make sure the ONLY ingredient in it is -duh- coconut oil. Some cheaper versions, like the ones you find at the supermarket, have god knows how much "other stuff" (including -yikes!- mineral oil) in them.

Coconut oil has a long and ancient tradition as a hair dressing tool. It should have an almost transparent look to it; and be solid in the pot. When you apply it; rub a bit -a bit- in between your palms; and run it down your hair. I always pass a comb through so I can be sure it gets everywhere.

If you leave it overnight as I often do; get yourself one of those really cute satin bonnets to sleep in. And no, it does not look creepy. It looks cute. Morning after, make sure to rinse out with your fave shampoo.

You can also use jojoba oil as above. I find it that I like to use coconut oil as deep night treatment and jojoba oil in the mornings as a sun-barrier. Whatever works for you. Legally Smart uses only jojoba oil, and she has a lovely mane.





Infusium 23 Repairologie Leave-in Treatment ($6.99)

I must say this was one of my life savers during the Canadian winters and even before. The folks at INFUSIUM know what they are talking about.

Their whole line of products is something to look at; and they are quite affordable compared to some really overpriced supermarket/drugstore haircare brands.

What I loved about this treatment was its lightweight. The 3 treatments above are heavy. Infusium 23 is something you can't even feel it's there. It also works as a detangler, and leaves you ready for either heat styling or au-naturel drying. Love it.





Aussie 3-Minute Miracle ($4)

What can I say? The "put some roo to your do" works. It really does. I was much more of a 3-Min. fan back in the Canadian prairies where the water was hard and the weather was really harsh on my hair. But this little staple of beauty is always in my heart.

If you have seriously neglected your hair with too much heat, nasty winter weather, too much chemical processing; run and get yourself the 3MM. You will be glad you did.

The only drawback with Aussie's "Miracle" is the 3 minute wait in the bathroom. I don't know about you hermanas, but I have my time really measured for a quick morning routine; and 3 minutes are, well.... 3 more minutes with Rojo in the balcony. What more can I say????


So those are my pics for most memorable hair treatments of all times. Which are yours? Any home made magic you would care to share with us???


Siempre, Bella.