Redken Triple Take 32 Hairspray

I have an older  Redken hairspray, Headset 25  and it's one of the strongest hold sprays I've ever used. Like sleep in it , keep the style hold. The high number 25 indicates strong hold. ( All Redken styling products have a number showing soft , medium or strong hold).  Control Addict comes in at 28 but I haven't tried that one.

Now we have a 32  , Triple Take Extreme High Hold Hairspray. This one is an aerosol with a more directed spray nozzle that emits a semi fine mist.  What's different here, is the softer feel hold. Usually hard holding sprays are hard, crunchy feeling on hair. This leaves a slightly stiff feeling but not rock hard. You do need to aim more at a specific area. A fine mist all over doesn't hold that well, as that nozzle keeps it from covering a lot of hair.

 Using it on my bangs and front hair, it  stayed in place just about all day while looking soft like there wasn't spray there.  It's also humidity resistant and doesn't have a strong scent, something I can't have in  a hairspray.


Redken Triple Take 32 is $ 22 at Ulta and wherever Redken is sold.

Redken Blonde Idol

Just for blondes comes Blond Idol from Redken. If you're a colored blonde chance are you pay a lot for that color and try and  keep it in top shape. It's hard to go wrong with Redken and  this new collection is tailored to preserve color , lightly moisturize to not weigh down , add softness and tone down brassiness.

There is a sulfate free shampoo, two custom tone conditioners, a BBB conditioning spray and a masque. 

Available now wherever Redken is sold. 

Redken Color Extend Magnetics

I've always felt Redken's Color Extend line was a good one. I've used it and I don't even have colored hair. It just works really well as I've found so many Redken products do.

New and even better for your color treated hair is Color Extend Magnetics. This time they've eliminated any sulfates .

In the shampoo/conditioner/mask are amino acids  and glutamic acid that help hair retain it's vibrant color and shine.

If you spend time and money on coloring your hair, it's worth it to make sure your shampoo isn't stripping it.

Color Magnetic Shampoo is 18
Color Magnetic Condtioner is $ 19
Color Magnetic Deep Attraction Mask is $ 20

Redken Mini Haircare Sets

These Redken trial/travel size duos caught my eye not because they are released in conjunction with Breast Cancer month,  I'm not doing too many of those posts, but whether these tie to a cause or not, I think they're  a great deal and great sets.

If you've been wanting to try one of Redken's lines, say the Diamond Oil,  but don't want to commit to full price, full size bottles , these sets of minis are a great way to test run. They also are great for travel coming in carry on sizes . Each shampoo is 1.7 oz.

Each mini kit is $ 11 and all have a travel-size shampoo, conditioner, styler, and Diamond Oil Shatterproof Shine . 

The three kits are:

Color Extend- Color Extend shampoo and conditioner , fashion work 12 working spray and Diamond Oil Shatterproof Shine

Extreme - Extreme  shampoo & conditioner, control addict 28 hair spray &  Diamond Oil Shatterproof Shine.

All Soft - All Soft Shampoo &  conditioner, outshine &;01 Anti Frizz Milk and Diamond Oil Shatterproof Shine.

As for the donation by Redken, they are giving a flat $ 20,000 to City of Hope.  It's not a portion of each set, so know that. They have pledged their amount already  which is a nice size donation. That's the upfront scoop . 

Redken Iron Shape 11

You know you should ( need) to use heat protectant when flat ironing, curling etc. right ? It amazes  me how many people have asked me about their hair , telling me how fried it is and they have no idea what to do. One girl even worked at CVS, where there is a multitude of great styling hair products across all price points.

Redken has debuted a new up to 450 degrees thermal protectant called Iron Shape 11.

Iron Shape 11 is  lightweight  spray that goes on after hair has been dried before you break out the irons. I use just a few spritzes before the curling iron .  It's not tacky and dries fast on hair . Redken says it has more shape memory, better frizz control  and a shinier finish than previous sprays.   It also features Redken's "new technological innovation, Heatguard Complex". This uses xylose sugar to prevent heat damage, ceramides to help smooth and strengthen the cuticle, reduce friction and prevent mechanical breakage, and cranberry oil to condition and soften hair.

It also has light hold, the 11 being midway in Redken's hold number line.  I found the hold to be pretty light but decent enough from a heat spray. It will not  replace hair spray if you usually need it.

Redken Iron Shape 11 is $ 16 at  salons and Ulta.

Redken Diamond Oil Haircare

 
Diamond Oil Shatterproof Shine has been one of those  awaited beauty products since it's debut backstage at fall fashion week in February. It's finally here  , part of a whole  Diamond Oil haircare  line including shampoo and conditioner.  One thing for certain is the oil itself is in the prettiest  bottle for haircare yet. It looks more like perfume and could stay out on the vanity .

This whole line is meant for  damaged hair to give intense hydration and repair  as well as maximum shine. 

All products have Redken's exclusive new Shine Strong Complex, infusing a "nourishing blend of natural apricot, camelina and coriander oils into different layers of hair to maximize shine and strength."


Interestingly Redken says "the coriander oil forms a protective barrier on the surface of the hair, locking out humidity and harmful elements while reducing the hair’s exposure to friction while combing, brushing, and styling." Sounds good.

Diamond Oil, the whole line as you might guess is highly moisturizing.  There are 2 Shatterproof Shine oil versions, one for medium hair and an  Intense for coarse hair. Both are  silicone-free and comprised of 99% natural oils. I can say that  out of the few hair oils I've tried ( and it's only been a few as I generally don't need them much) Diamond Oil is by far the most moisturizing.  Neat note- the product is dispensed via a glass eyedropper.

It's  super conditioning to ends and can be used on wet or dry hair, as an overnight leave in or pre- shower deep treatment.

 The shampoo and conditioner do a good job of giving you soft hair without weighing it down a lot. I expected  that my normal with a few dry spots hair might be overwhelmed using both products and while it was more moisture than I needed my hair looked good. Overall I still think using  either the Diamond Oil shampoo or conditioner with another less intensive product will work best for me.

There is also a thick deep conditioner in a tub, Deep Facets,  which will benefit those with the driest or most damaged hair.

Lanvin Fall 2013-Redken

Diamond Oil Shampoo $18
Diamond Oil Conditioner $19
Diamond Oil Deep Facets $ 20
Diamond Oil Shatterproof Shine   $ 40
Diamond Oil Shatterproof Shine Intense Coarse Hair $ 40



Redken's YouTube channel has a wealth of how to videos if you want to check out more.

Father's Day Gift Guide 2013

It's time to think gifts for Dad. They deserve some love, especially if he's like my dad  and pretty much takes care of everything including a new motor in my car.

Thanks to having a beauty blogger daughter The Dad has become more interested in fragrance  and  found more to love than just Polo, his all time favorite .  He also loves a good shampoo  and is pretty picky.

So I've rounded up some great men's scents as well as grooming items that might just fit the bill for your dad or if you have other men-centric gifting coming up soon like birthdays. If you want to check out last year's guide , click here.  It's got several nice scents as well for your gifting ideas.



Ralph Lauren Polo Blue Sport- The newest in the Polo line . Over the years I've noticed that many men love Polo and all it's iterations .   Polo Blue Sport  is a sporty herbal  citrus with mandarin, ginger , sage sandalwood and oakmoss among the notes.
2.5 oz/75 ML  EDT $ 61

Calvin Klein Eternity Summer- The 2013 version of this yearly release  has  a breezy citrus  scent ,  is light and stays close to the skin. Great for hot weather and the guys who want something subtle. Notes include bergamot, mimosa, lavender oil, seagrass , white amber  and dritfwood.

100 ML  EDT $ 58

Kiehl's  Facial Fuel “Heavy Lifting” Firming, Lifting, Anti- Wrinkle Moisturizer for Men - Specifically formulated for the thicker/coraser skin men have , it uses LHA exfoliating actives as well as linseed  extract for lifting and firming. Kiehl's has also partnered with Marvel and Captain America for the skincare launch and while supplies last you can grab dad a special edition Kiehls/Capt. America comic book with (any) purchase .

1.7 oz jar  $ 40

L'Occitane  Verdon Gift Set - For the Francophile dad or one who just loves good products , this set contains a range of the minty fresh Verdon fragrance.  Set includes  Refreshing Face Splash 1.7 fl.oz , Invigorating Shave Gel 3.5 oz, Energy Moisturizer 0.5 oz , Verdon Eau de Toilette 1.7 fl.oz. 
$ 60 

Paco Rabanne One Million- Is  dad good as gold ? How about a fragrance that looks like a gold bar? One Million is a rich but not overly heavy spicy scent  with notes of  grapefruit, mandarin, cinnamon bark, blond leather and patchouli.

1.7 oz $ 59

Redken For Men Full Impact Shampoo- I mentioned the Dad is  fussy about shampoo right ? Well he adores this new one from Redken. He has thinning hair and this truly gives it a boost as claimed.   Hair has more volume  and  is left  very soft and super clean.

The formula uses patented Intra-Cylane® and protein  which gives lightweight volume  and full looking hair. All good things for a guy like him who works outside all day. Pair this up with some shaving items or styling products for a fun and useful at the same time gift.

10.1 oz bottle $ 12

* Redken products provided as sample for review

Redken Diamond Oil Collection

Oils are the word in haircare right now. Hair like most things has trends, cycles etc. And ultra hydrating haircare with oils is very much what's new .

It's is wonderful for those with drier hair.  For many years  it was hard to find something that moisturizing .   Even I use a little spray in light  oil on the dry ends at times , although oils are be  too much for my hair mostly.

Backstage at fashion week, Redken debuted their new Diamond Oil line.   Diamond Oil includes Shatterproof Shine ,  an oil that can be used wet or dry  and  works great not just for moisture but if you want to sleek back your hair  like the look seen at Victoria Beckham by Redken's Guido Palau. It also makes a great leave in on a  beach day  which since Diamond Oil launches in May , will be good timing.

 Redken Diamond Oil uses  new  Shine Strong Complex which acc. to Redken
 "  delivers a nourishing blend of natural apricot, camelina and coriander oils. Each of these oils were chosen for their unique ability to target different layers of the hair due to their molecular weights. The 2 oil treatments contains 99% natural oils and are silicone-free, which allows the oils to better penetrate to the core. Hair is fortified and conditioned , sparkling with prismatic diamond-like shine."

The line also uses Redken's   Interlock Protein Network™ (IPN).

There will be a whole line consisting of shampoo $ 18, conditioner $ 19, Deep Facets Oil Enriched Intensive Treatment $ 20,  and the oils itself which comes in 2 versions- Shatterproof Shine ( for medium hair) and Shatterproof Shine Intense ( for coarse hair). Both are $ 40 each.

Hit up their Facebook page here for a chance to win a sample of Diamond Oil


V. Beckham photo : Charles Sykes for Redken

Redken & Shiseido For Marc by Marc Jacobs Fall'13

 

Guido Palau, top  fashion week hair guru for Redken , did a hair look that we haven't seen on the runways for awhile. Not even last season I don't think- voluminous curls. Hair has all been slick, sleek or ponytailed.   So this looked a bit fresh  and different  .

The bold lip provided by Dick Page for Shiseido  is thanks  to the  new Shiseido Lacquer Rouge which as you can see is pretty fabulous.  Sanguine, was used here along with Drama. I have Blaze  and it's one I pull out from time to time when I want a stronger lip.

If you're interested in how to get the hair look , here's the details :

1. Apply guts 10 root targeted volumizing spray foam from roots to ends to create volume and a base for styling and blow-dry hair.

2. When dry, make a deep side part and then pin curl hair in small sections, alternating with a 1-inch curling iron and 1 1/4 inch iron, pinning each curl to the the head with setting pins.

3. When finished curling the whole head, leave to set and when then when hair has cooled unpin each curl.

4. When finished unpinning each curl, run fingers lightly through curls and then gently brush out with a boar bristle brush for more volume.

5. Backbrush the top front section and then sweep the section across the forehead and secure in place with a bobby pin. 

6. Finish by spraying the entire style with fashion work 12 versatile working spray to smooth the surface and hold the style.

Redken Smooth Lock

 

 Redken Smooth Lock brings you super hydration for the driest hair, the frizziest, the most needing help hair. It  moisturizes and smoothes and is heat activated.

Redken has a trademarked  Keralink protein that binds moisture to hair and also uses Amino Acids and Proteins here. It's all called IPN- Interlock Protein Network.

I think this  line is pretty fabulous, as most things Redken are, but overall it was more moisture than my hair needs. My hair has gotten drier, but it's not dry and not too frizzy. The shampoo/conditioner combo does pack a lot of moisture  , and my hair was ultra smooth.  For those who need it, you should try it.

 

My favorite product is the Stay Sleek Leave In Cream. I love leave- ins, and this one I use on my ends about halfway up the hair. Since I started using this I  don't get tangles and knots. Maybe one once in awhile, but they've pretty much disappeared. It also deep conditions the ends.  Again, it's more moisture than my hair needs all over , but it doesn't weigh hair down and gives long lasting smoothness to the parts I do use it on. I use this now with each shampoo.

Other products in the Smooth Lock line are Butter Silk  rinse out  deep treatment  and Heat Glide protective smoother.

Smooth Lock:
Shampoo $ 14.50
Conditioner $ 15.50
Stay Sleek$ 15.50
Butter Silk $ 15.50
Heat Glide $ 16.50

Redken for Men Clean Brew Shampoo

 

Want a shampoo that will have the men sit up and take notice ? Pass them this cute new Redken for Men Clean Brew shampoo.

Clean Brew  looks like a beer bottle and has several actual beer ingredients- malt, brewers yeast and orange zest.  Turns out these are good for your hair  and are part of Redken's Anti -Grit technology.  It has a fabulous smell too, not beer like, but more like a nice cologne.

Since the shampoo is Anti- Grit  and is meant to help get rid of extra dirt and oil while also adding some condtion to hair and not drying out hair or scalp.

It happens that I have the perfect tester for this- The Dad. He works in the dirt and heat most every day. Sometimes he gets full of dirt along with grease. His hair takes  a beating  and he is quite fussy about shampoo , finding that many make his scalp itchy. 

Clean Brew has  fared well in the test phase.  The Dad's hair is  pretty soft, mom says it smells nice and he has no itchy scalp or other bothersome hair issues. It stands up to daily use and gets hair clean as promised.

 I know it's  early to think holiday gifts, but  this would be a cute stocking stuffer for your guy. Redken often does nice gift sets at the holiday as well, so keep an eye ,  maybe they'll do a men's one.


Clean Brew will be available in September for $ 12.00

Redken Duo Shield 07 Color Protecting Gel-Cream

Redken's got a new product  to help in blow drying, especially if hair is  color treated.

Duo Shield 07 is a gel cream as the name says and it's literally a 2 in 1  product as the tube has 2 chambers for the gel and cream to come out separately and mix in your hands.


Redken has created  the brand new Heatguard Complex  for this ( also used in  newly re-worked Satinwear 02),  which uses xylose sugar to prevent heat damage , ceramides to smooth and add strength and cranberry oil for moisture.

What Duo Shield does is give you light conditioning, light to medium styling hold, and color protection when blow drying.

I used it exclusively to give it a good try. No other styling aids or leave in conditioner.
I found it to a nice job adding volume to hair, volume that lasted, as well as smoothness.  I felt I wouldn't need another styler  but I do think I could have used leave -in conditioner.  Mind you, Redken does not call this a leave in,  but I wanted to test it.

What I liked best was long lasting results. Not just  fullness and volume but hair stayed cleaner longer.  My one drawback was that I used a lot of it, too much .as I got a little build up, but that I do think was from simply using far too much product.  So I need to adjust that. They do recommend  it for medium-coarse hair which I have and say to use less with fine hair.

Since I like to use gel or mousse in my hair anyway I like that I can skip one of those and use this instead.

Duo Shield 07 Color Protecting Gel- Cream is $ 19.00 for a  5 oz tube at all Redken salon outlets. www.redken.com

Redken Nature's Rescue

Redken has been a staple in my house for almost as long as I can remember . The Mom has been a Redken user since I was a kid. While many great brands are in the rotation here now, years ago when salon brands weren't as easy to come by Redken was the main one she used and eventually so did I.  Some of the hairsprays ( for me) and the Extreme line ( for her) are still part of our beauty closet staples.

Last month a new line hit the shelves, Nature's Rescue.  Meant to be super cleansing for your hair and to remove all the impurities that can build up,  it's paraben, sulfate and silicone free.

Whats in it are aloe vera, sea algae and soy proteins. 

 The  Refreshing Detox Shampoo and  Cooling Deep Conditioner both have a cooling feel, especially the conditioner, hence the name, as well as a light ocean breeze scent.

After using , my hair  does feel very clean with plenty of body. The shampoo is low lather but works fine without it. The conditioner is a lighter one , good for normal to oily hair but very dry may need something heavier. I have to say, when I use this, I can't help think of summer. It reminds me of pools and blue skys.

In addition to the  shampoo and conditioner, the line also includes a hair polish, which is a scrub for your hair, and really helps remove any build up,  and a Sea Spray for texture.

Full line:

Nature's Rescue  Refreshing Detox Shampoo $ 16.00
Nature's Rescue Refining Sea  Polish $ 19.00
Nature's Rescue Cooling Deep Conditioner $ 17.00
Nature's Rescue Radiant Sea Spray $ 17.00

Poolside Hair Care

I spend a lot of time poolside in summer. I love it. I slather on the sunscreen as we all should, but what about hair care? Until this year my hair was easy, now it's gotten much drier and I need to think about it more.

Well I have a lot of experience with pools and a decent bit with hair so here we go.

First- I bust the big summer pool hair myth, that chlorine turns you a hair green. It doesn't. Metals in the water, namely copper, are what turn blonde hair a green tint. So get your water tested, or ask your pool owner friend what their last copper test was.

The Mom has fine, platinum blonde hair and always has. We've always had to keep that in mind and at one time I had a blonde German Shepherd who ,yes, would tint green too. It was a sure sign we needed metal remover. Thankfully, it was a rare occasion . A green dog is rather odd.

One of the best ideas to keep your locks in shape poolside is to use a leave in conditioner after a swim or combing it in pre-swim for protection.

A UV blocking or moisturizing spray is a great idea too. Sun can damage hair and can be especially harsh on fresh color.

Lastly, if you have oily hair, the chlorine in the water can be your friend. It will help dry up that oil and you won't have to deal with as much oil . Sometimes it's a good thing.

There are many great products out there for summer hair , and I've highlighted a few:

Phyto:

-Phyto Plage Protective Sun Veil- Has a UV filter, sunflower extracts and sweet almond proteins but no oil. Great for normal or higlighted hair. ( $20.00)

-Phtyo Plage L"Originale Protective Beach Spray- The original formula improved . This one has oil for optimum moisture as well as UVB filters. Contains Olive extract, calendula and Castor Oil.($18.00)

-Phyto Plage Moisturizing Hair & Body Wash- Made esepcially for rinsing pool water off hair and body . Has Palm Coconut oils and Wood Cellulose for moisture. I just used this, it has a barely there scent, and works as good as normal shampoo ( $ 20.00)

Aveda:

-Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil- A water-resistant, UV-defense spray hair veil that provides protection from sun exposure for up to 16 hours. Has certified organic shea butter and coconut and palm oils for moisture , natural derived UV filters made from wintergreen and cinnamon bark oils ($ 26.00)

-Aveda Sun Care Hair and Body Cleanser-Has Tamanu oil and certified organic coconut oil along with green tea extract, certified organic sunflower seed oil and vitamin E. ($20.00)

-Aveda Sun Care After-Sun Hair Masque-An intensive cream masque that moisturizes and restores sun-exposed hair. Also has a blend of tamanu oil, organic shea butter, coconut and palm oils help restore moisture.$ (26.00)

Redken:

-Color Extend Sun After-Sun Shampoo- Cleanses and removes minerals, chlorine and salt deposits while helping to repair sun-damaged hair.


-Color Extend Sun After-Sun Mask- instantly detangles and revitalizes sundamaged hair with intense moisture replenishment and repair.


-Color Extend Sun Sparkling Shield Leave-in Smoother- Helps provide water-resistant protection against UVA/UVB rays, chlorine and minerals while creating a sleek, polished finish. Even adds a bit of shimmer to your slicked hair.

Ultra Swim - the mass market shampoo , easy to find and removes chlorine from hair as well as minerals.( $ 4.99)

Aubrey Organics Swimmer's Shampoo- a great natural brand. This has a matching conditioner. Shampoo has shea and coconut butter, bitter almond oil.

dog photo: the beauty alchemist ( yes, thats my dog :)