Review: Halo Smoothing Shampoo

What They Say: “Illuminate and protect hair color with Graham Webb's Halo Smoothing Shampoo, which controls frizz and helps soften texture for a luxuriously soft, smooth, sleek finish. The technologically advanced formula in this smoothing shampoo balances porosity and closes the cuticle to lock in color and create a smooth, sleek strand of hair from scalp to ends. The gentle formula in Halo's Smoothing Shampoo envelops each strand in a smoothing, protective layer to prevent frizz. Lush surfactants gently cleanse while protecting moisture balance.”

Alissa’s Opinion: I love most of the Halo line, so I wasn’t surprised when I ended up replacing my regular daily shampoo with this one. The difference can be felt as soon as I rinse it out; my locks feel smooth and conditioned. My hair is always soft after washing with this, yet it isn’t weighed down. I like to use Halo Smoothing Shampoo whether I am straightening my hair or wearing it wavy because it stands up nicely to humidity. Of course it smells yummy too!

Retail Price: $13.99/10 oz. (See HaloHairCare.com for salon locations)

DeLush Rating:

Review: LOGICS Color Nourishing Shampoo

What They Say: “Logics is the highest expression of pure tone, calibrated haircolor and lavish color maintenance products to customize and preserve the true identity of salon color. “

“Color Nourishing Shampoo is a rich, full-bodied formula that gently cleanses hair and protects color’s brilliance. UV filters help color stay vibrant and true.”

What Lisa Says: Upon receiving this shampoo to test, I immediately had my color touched up so I could see how well this shampoo would live up to its promise.

I am more than 50% grey and my color is a medium to dark brown that fades fairly easily in the sun and with repeated washes. For that reason, I do not shampoo every day but every 3rd day or so. I did shampoo more frequently with Logics Color DNA System and wasn’t disappointed. Not only did my color not fade, but also it stayed dark and true until it was time to re-touch the roots again. In fact, I was really surprised at how much more my roots did show since I had no fading.

As far as texture, without conditioner, my hair had that processed, squeaky kind of dry feeling but I didn’t have that “straw-like” feeling or look that processed hair sometimes has after coloring. It was clean and, after conditioning with my current conditioner, was manageable and I was very happy with how my hair looked and felt. I was certainly happy with how long my color stayed true.

Retail Price: $12.99 /8.5 fl oz. (at select salons and distributors - go here to find a salon near you)

DeLush Rating:

DeLush Hotpoint Review: L'Oreal Vive Pro Color Vive Shampoo and Conditioner, for color-treated hair that's dry

What They Say: "Dual-Action UV Filters and Anti-Oxidants replenish porous hair shafts with moisture for healtheir hair that keep color longer.
(about the Shampoo)
Replenishes moisture so hair is soft and supple. Seals in color vibrancy. Fights free radicals to help protect color.

(about the Conditioner)
Conditions and detangles dry hair. Replenishes moisture so hair is soft and supple. Ignites intense shine."

Melissa Says:
(about the Shampoo)

• Very mild sudsing action; you can tell it is cleansing gently.
  
• Hair even feels a little "conditioned" after rinsing
  
• Pleasant scent
  
• Great price

(about the Conditioner)

• Super-creamy formula
  
• Not gloppy or overly thick
  
• Rinses with incredibly soft feeling remaining
  
• Leaves hair smoother and softer
  
• Pleasant scent
  
• Great price

Retail Prices: $4.99 each (at drugstores and superstores everywhere)

DeLush Rating: for both

Review: Curls Curlicious Cleansing Cream

What They Say: “This creamy, sulfate free cleanser is gentle enough to use daily and moisturizing enough to use alone! Ideal cleanser for chemically altered and color treated hair. Perfect for active women! This rich and creamy sulfate free cleanser gently cleanses your curls, hydrates, and conditions the hair all in one step! Infused with carrot seed oil, horse chestnut, sage leaf and arnica Montana flower extract. Perfect cleanser for relaxed, chemically altered, and/or color treated hair.”

Toya’s Take: As usual, I found that all the Curls products work well together or separately. I like the Curlicious cleanser a lot. It has a luscious scent, sort of like buttercream frosting, if you ask me. It’s quite rich and creamy to the touch and I feel it does the job of cleaning gently, yet thoroughly. When used in combination with the rest of the Curls regimen, my hair feels soft, moisturized and is easily detangled, not to mention that it smells great. Another great product from the Curls line!

Retail Price: $13/8 oz. (Curls.biz)

Rating:

Review: Alterna 10 The Science of Ten Hair Masque

What They Say: "This concentrated treatment penetrates quickly to renew and repair all hair types for unprecedented results. Infused with African Cacao Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Caviar Age Control Complex, Photozyme Complex with Color Hold, White Truffle Oil, Champagne Grape Seed Oil, Bulgarian Evening Primrose, Arabian Frankincense, Moroccan Quillaia Bark, and Arnica Flower."

Jen's Experience: Usually when I use a hair treatment or a mask, I do it on Sunday morning so that I don't have to go to work or major social events with a head of overly moisturized hair that's hard to style. With this one, I actually have started using it before I go to events. It does seem to weigh my hair down a bit (easily remedied with a little texturizer and rollers), but it makes my hair so soft and shiny, but with no trace of that greasy look that I normally associate with hair masques. Even if I skip a day of washing after I use this product, my hair looks great and super-healthy. This is a product that I've definitely made part of my weekly routine.

Retail Price: $55.00 (check 4alterna.com for salon locations)

Rating:

Review: Back to Basics Green Tea Normalizing Shampoo and Conditioner

What They Say: "Senses are indulged as hair is treated to a beneficial blend proven to maintain healthy hair. Gentle cleansers, detangling conditioners and protective antioxidants keep hair soft, shiny and in perfect balance."

Alissa's Opinion: This pair of products has so many cushy ingredients that I expected it to treat my hair very nicely. In addition to green tea, it contains shea butter and echinacea to moisturize and silicones to enhance shine. It definitely lived up to my expectations and gave me a soft and shiny mane. The shampoo produced a nice thick lather and the conditioner felt thick and luxurious, yet it rinsed out easily. My only complaint is that the scent isn't very appealing, something I wouldn't expect from Back to Basics. It smells faintly medicinal but not offensive. This is a nice everyday product.

Retail Price: $9.95-31.95 for 11.5oz size up to 1/2 gallon size (at salons and select distributors - go here to find one near you)

Delush Rating:

Review: Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask

What They Say: "Neutrogena Triple Moisture® Deep Recovery Hair Mask rehabilitates extra dry or over-processed hair with intense moisturization.

This weekly treatment is so concentrated, just a small amount is needed for hair to become soft, lustrous and shining in minutes. Three naturally derived extracts work on the hair strand to defy dryness. Olive penetrates to the center, Meadowfoam Seed helps moisturize the middle and Sweet Almond wraps the surface. Treat your hair to intense moisture with this once-a-week conditioning mask.

Neutrogena Triple Moisture® provides specialized care for extra dry hair.

• Salon approved
  
• Non-waxy
  
• Freshly fragranced

How To Use: Use weekly or as often as needed. After shampooing, apply a small amount of mask to wet hair, concentrating on the ends. Let it penetrate for 3 to 5 minutes. Rinse well. Style as usual."

Melissa Says: I really was hoping for a lot here. I mean, that description sounds pretty impressive, no? Well, I wish I could say that my expectations were completely met. Don't get me wrong, my hair really was softened, but I have used products that produce more noticeable results. However, for the price I think this does an admirable job without any greasy feel. My hair has gone through a LOT of coloring over the past couple of years, and I've worked hard at keeping it healthy....but toward my ends I have dryness that is pretty persistent without conditioning aids. With this, I didn't notice an increase in shine as promised, but in addition to the softness I did think my hair felt more full. Overall, the conditioned and very touchable results may please many of you who are looking for an easily-accessible treatment for dried out locks.

Retail Price: app. $7.00 (at drugstores and superstores everywhere)

DeLush Rating:

Review: Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-In/Detangler

What They Say: "Can’t get that comb to glide through your hair? Well, KNOT TODAY!

A creamy herbal conditioner and detangler designed to smooth the cuticle and remove knots, snarls and tangles from kinky textured hair. Apply generously and work the wide tooth comb slowly through troubled areas. Our new thicker, richer formula can be used as a regular rinse out conditioner and also as a leave-in.

Contains extracts of wild cherry bark, marshmallow root and horsetail."

Toya’s Take: I have fallen in love with Kinky-Curly products! Of course, I am always on the hunt for the perfect products to use on my “kinky curly” hair. I think I have found them. They are the perfect products to loosen my curls and soften them, without using any chemical processes. Knot Today is part of a system of products designed to work together to achieve maximum curl length, looseness, shine, and frizz reduction. The Knot Today is odorless, which is nice – it won’t be offensive to those who have smell sensitivities. I have to apply it quite liberally – I goop a lot on to my hair and then comb it through. It detangles my hair easily, without lots of pulling and effort on my part. Love it! My only problem is that the bottle isn’t very big and I have to use a lot to detangle my mass of hair, so I feel like I went through half the bottle already! Kinky Curly, make bigger bottles of this stuff!

Retail Price: $12 for 8 ozs. (at kinky-curly.com or scroll to the bottom of the shopping page to see a retail location near you)

DeLush Rating:

Review: Curls Ecstasy Asian Hair Tea Conditioner

What They Say: "This magical Asian Hair Tea conditioner combines exotic extracts and vitamin packed botanicals with natural emollients to moisturize, condition, strengthen and protect your over worked curls. If you have dry, coarse, chemically treated and/or damaged your hair...this conditioner is a must have!"

Toya’s Take: According to the Curls website, the Ecstasy Asian Hair Tea Conditioner is the stuff to use when you have “dry, damaged, chemically processed, overly stressed” hair. It’s supposed to be useful as a regular conditioner, a leave-in or as a deep treatment with heat. I tried it as both a regular conditioner and a deep treatment. I have to say that I like the product, but not any more than the Coconut Sublime Moisture Max Conditioner. I really couldn’t tell the difference. My hair did feel nicely moisturized and easily detangled, but it feels that way every time I use Curls products. So, I have nothing bad to say about this product. I like it a lot. But I have to say that I think this is duplication of effort for the product line. You can get equally good results from the other conditioner offered.

Retail Price: $19 for 16 ozs. www.curls.biz)

DeLush Rating:

Review: Matrix Amplify Shampoo and Conditioner

About the Shampoo: "Matrix Amplify Shampoo leaves hair looking and feeling thicker. A weightless cleansing complex works beneath the surface of the hair fiber to add fullness. Matrix Amplify Shampoo actually generates volume with each use. Especially formulated for volumizing. Good on all hair types. Safe on chemically treated hair."

About the conditioner: "Matrix Amplify Conditioner provides weightless conditioning that hydrates and protects hair's strength while it gives hair more volume and thickness. Hair is manageable and shinier. Matrix Amplify Conditioner is especially formulated for volumizing. Good on all hair types. Safe on chemically treated hair."

Jen's Experience: I recently decided to dye my hair darker (kind of a medium brown) for fashion week. My hairdresser recommended this shampoo and conditioner combo in particular to give my newly colored hair some volume and protect it from fading. My hair looked great when I left the salon, but when I started using this shampoo, it just went down hill. It's fine when I first get out of the shower, but throughout the day it looks greasier and greasier. As a result, I end up having to wash it every single day. With all the washing, my color faded away in just weeks. Not so good for chemically treated hair after all, I guess. I originally thought that perhaps the color infusion had made my hair more moisturized and that was why my hair looked so greasy. But switching to another shampoo and conditioner pair immediately improved the appearance of my hair. So, basically, I'm not impressed.

Retail Price: $11.95 each (visit Matrix.com to find a local salon)

Rating:

Review: Back to Basics Coconut Mango Rich Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner

What They Say: "Senses are indulged as hair is treated to a beneficial blend proven to soften thick, coarse hair. Gentle cleansers, detangling conditioners and rich emollients keep hair controlled, conditioned and rich with moisture.

Coconut: Extremely hydrating conditioning fruit quenches dehydrated hair. Smoothes rough cuticle layer into a glossy finish. Softens coarse, thick or wiry hair for added control.

Mango: Significant source of Vitamins A, B and C to promote a shiny surface, and protect from heat and styling stress.

Jojoba: Moisturizing conditioner instantly penetrates rehydrating the cortex. Ensures hair is always strong, always healthy, always bouncy.

• Added UV protection guards against fadage.
• Moisturizers and bodifiers balance the formulas resulting in resilient styling.
• Naturally derived surfactants carefully remove impurities with a sensuous, billowy lather.
• Color safe formula is gentle for all color treated hair."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Okay, this was a pair I definitely wanted to try, as I've for years been dealing with my often unruly, half-wiry hair with talented juggling of various hair products and styling techniques. Mostly, my problem is typically the first 8-12 hours after washing my hair. If the water isn't JUST soft enough, or if the product isn't QUITE right, or if I blowdry for too long or for too little and in the wrong direction, my hair without product can be - quite frankly - poofy and dry as straw. This is part of the reason (aside from the fact that it's healthier for my hair) that I only wash it every 3-4 days.

I've found several products and some shampoos and conditioners that really make those first few hours much more pleasant to look at. But I'm also glad to find more.

The shampoo smells SO GOOD. It's like a coconut/creamsicle scent, and the lather is velvety soft. When you rinse, the hair still feels soft and not stripped. The conditioner does not smell quite as incredible...there's some other component to it which makes the scent different, but it is still pleasant. I wouldn't call this an intense conditioner by any means, either. It does the job along with the shampoo but isn't heavy.

Overall, this duo did its job creating a mood-lifting, pampering experience and did in fact leave my hair more soft and touchable. It also didn't look dry right after blowdrying, either - even without the aid of any other styling product. I was pleased.

Retail Price: $9.95-31.95, depending on size (go to backtobasics.com to find a salon retailer near you)

DeLush Rating: (the Shampoo)
(the Conditioner)

Ted Gibson Hair Sheet

What They Say: "Soothe and replenish dry, damaged hair. Each packet contains one 8" X 8" single-treatment sheet infused with a unique amino complex, wild orchid extract and natural plant aroma to add moisture, strength and elasticity to your hair. Hair feels silky, soft, renewed and replenished. Just massage hair sheet over dry hair for overnight or all-day-long rejuvenation. 5 sheets."

Jen's Experience: Always a fan of anything that will make my dry hair look healthy and lively, this seemed like an easy way to give an extra conditioning treatment to my hair every now and then. The sheets remind me a lot of the Oil of Olay cleansing towelettes, only these smell less of soap and more of infused olive oil. I was a little surprised that the towelettes weren't more drenched in liquid; they were just a little moist. I massaged them into my hair, as recommended, from tips to roots about twice a week at bedtime. Did I notice any great change in my hair? Well, not really. My hair did feel more moisturized, but it didn't really seem to affect the appearance of my hair or make it any easier to style. If you're in the market for a deep conditioner for your hair, I think I'd try something a little richer or one that is applied in the shower before investing in this product.

Retail Price: $35.00 (Saks Fifth Avenue)

Rating:

Nexxus Colour Ensure Conditioner

What They Say: "A pH3 formulation that combines NexxuSphere® technology with Nature’s finest conditioning Botanicals to promote incredibly smooth, tangle free hair.

Benefits: The formula with Grapefruit, Aloe, Geranium, Comfrey, Avocado Oil, Protein, and time released Nutrients improves hair strength, elasticity, and manageability. COLOR ENSURE may be used on all hair types to help eliminate split ends and static electricity, leaving hair full of body with remarkable sheen. Also acts as an excellent color additive to enhance depth of color."

Jen's Experience: I've been spending a whole lot of time lately trying to make my hair have more volume and body and look healthy overall, but in the meantime, my hair (perhaps just from a bad dye job) started looking, well, a little lackluster. I decided to go a shade darker and cooler, but I also picked up this conditioner to help my color stay where I want it.

As far as a detangler goes, I think it does its job. It doesn't make the tangles just fall right out, but it does make the job of combing through just a bit easier once I'm out of the shower. And I suppose it helps my color last, too, but that's hard to measure. What I'm really disappointed about but should have expected, I guess, after reading the description is just how much it would weigh my hair down. There's pretty much no texturizer powerful enough to give my hair some bounce when I use this. It also looks a little greasy on day two, which is not something that usually happens in the winter. Nexxus has been good to me so far, but I think I'm going to stick to conditioners that specialize in volume from now on.

Retail Price: $9.32/5 oz. (Drugstore.com)

Rating:

Biolage Hydratherapie Conditioning Balm

What They Say: "Replenish dry, stressed hair with a dose of intense moisture. Infused with a complex of algae and aloe vera to help restore hair's moisture balance. Hydrating Shampoo, Conditioning Balm and Cera-Repair® treatment nourish hair for superior softness, shine and manageability."

Jen's Experience: I have dry hair year-round, but in the winter it's really dry, so it's always nice to have a product like this on hand. I found this conditioning balm to be extremely effective; so much so, I don't even have to use it on a daily basis. It cleans up my ends so nicely that I don't feel my usual compulsion to curl or flatiron my hair. I will have to say, I found that using it too often did weight down my hair a bit. I have started using it just about every other time I wash, and I try to avoid using it when I'm trying for high volume. That said, my hair is thankful for this product now that cooler weather is here.

Retail Price: $14.95 (click here to locate a salon near you)

Rating:

Review: Phyto Phytosesame Express Hydrating Conditioner

What They Say: “Phyto Phytosesame is a fast-acting hydrating conditioner that provides dry hair with the essential elements it needs. Brimming with nourishing ingredients – sesame, jojoba, and castor plant oils, and cocoa and shea butter – Phytosesame Express Hydrating Conditioner ensures deep-down nourishment and helps rebuild the hair’s protective film to restore optimum moisture levels. Hibiscus Flower Extract with toning properties and Tocopherol (Vitamin E), an antioxidant, work to reinforce the hair’s resistance and provide protection from external stress factors. Rapeseed oil derivative makes hair instantly easier to detangle without weighing it down. From the very first application, hair visibly regains strength, shine, and suppleness.”

Toya’s Take: I was slightly irritated that it felt like it took forever to pump enough product out of the container, but whatever. I do feel that it added some moisture to my hair and made it easier to detangle. I don’t know that it lives up to all its claims, but it wasn’t bad. However, for that price, you could find better.

Retail: $26.00 (Sephora)

Rating:

Review: Sebamed Everyday Shampoo

What They Say: "Developed by dermatologists, this botanically-based shampoo protects the natural balance of your hair and scalp. Gentle enough for daily use, this mild formula will not strip natural oils or irritate scalp as soap-based shampoos can. Helps maintain the intrinsic structural integrity of your hair, enhancing sheen and leaving hair soft and healthy looking."

Jen's Experience: The first time I used this shampoo, I thought, "Wow, my hair looks as good with this as it does with my Aveda Pure Abundance! Awesome!" It was soft and shiny, had volume and styled well. But that was the only that I got such good results out of this shampoo. Over the past 2 or 3 week or so, my hair has lost its shine and just doesn't have the same body that it did that first time. Since I'm using the same styling products and the same conditioner with it each time I shampoo, I'm blaming the shampoo. My hair does feel soft and well-moisturized, but the dullness and the lack of body makes this a product that I just can't use...or recommend.

Retail Price: $12.36 (SebaMedUsa.com)

Rating:

Review: Back to Basics Apple Ginseng Shampoo and Conditioner

What They Say: "Senses are indulged as hair is treated to a beneficial blend proven to infuse hair with maximum volume. Vitamin B5 helps each strand to enhance hair's overall body and fullness. Gentle cleansers and detangling conditioners leave hair shiny, silky, and volumized."

Apple
Contains natural emulsifiers that help thicken hair, boosting volume. Damaging free-radicals are countered with Vitamins A and C.

Ginseng
Increases volume and thickness, infusing fine hair with energy.

Vitamin B5
Penetrates deep within the hair shaft to plump up each individual strand, making hair look and feel thicker and fuller.

Jen's Experience: I am always a sucker for the latest volumizing shampoo and conditioner combo, and the ones I've tried usually fall into two categories: ones that add volume through texturizing, and ones that clean really well and inject vitamins and moisture to boost the actual thickness of the hair. This one is very much in the "soft volume" category.

I've been spoiled after using the Aveda Pure Abundance shampoo and conditioner, expecting to just blow dry my hair and walk out the door. When I use this shampoo and conditioner, my hair does seem to appear thicker than it would be with more general products, but it doesn't have the same volume and the roots and the body that I would like to see.

On the positive side, it cleans my hair as well as any clarifying or detoxifying shampoo, so I can use it everyday without any build-up. It does a really good job of cleaning off all of the other products I put in my hair.

Overall, this is a good pick for those with fine hair if you're willing to use some extra products once you're out of the shower. I've been following a tip from one of our readers, mixing a styling gel (I am using my Halo Bodifying Gel) with the Aveda Pure Abundance hair powder. And that adds just enough texture to my hair to give it the extra body I was hoping for.

Retail Price: $9.95 shampoo/11.5 oz, $10.95 conditioner/11.5 oz (Visit BacktoBasics.com for Salon locations)

Rating:

Fall Product Review: Aveda Pure Abundance Shampoo and Conditioner

What They Say: "Lifts fine hair up and fills it out. Hair looks fuller, feels thicker, stays more abundant."

Jen's Experience: My hairdresser talked me into this shampoo and conditioner after my last haircut (after recommending their hair powder). She told me that I could return it with 2 weeks if it didn't work for me, so what did I have to lose?

Turns out, not much to lose, and a whole lot to gain. This shampoo and conditioner really live up to their promise of making my hair look fuller and thicker. One thing that they don't mention that I find really noticable is the amount of shine that they lend to my hair. Even when I'm wearing hair powder, the shine comes through. Unfortunately, the shine plus my hair's natural oils sometimes lend to greasy hair the next day. After using the hair powder, I can generally get two days of wear out of a shampoo with the Pure Abundance products.

My favorite part about these products? I thought it was just my new haircut, but after trying various products on my hair, I find that my style just falls into place when I use this set. I can actually blow-dry my hair and walk out the door. For me, this is a true time-saver, since I generally use a curling iron or rollers every day.

So, needless to say, I won't be returning these products. In fact, I think they'll keep a spot on my shower shelves for a long time to come.

Retail Price: $14.00 for each product, 6.7 oz (Aveda)

Rating:

Review: Back to Basics Curl Refreshing Shampoo & Conditioner and Curl Activating Gel

What They Say: (about the Curl Refreshing Shampoo & Conditioner) Senses are indulged as hair is treated to a beneficial blend proven to activate and define curl. Gentle cleansers and detangling conditioners in these moisturizing, anti-frizz formulas keep curls smooth and separated, soft and shiny.

(about the Curl Activating Gel) Formulated with a natural blend proven to activate, define and separate curls. Moisturizing, anti-frizz formula keeps curl smooth and shiny throughout the day.

Jamie’s Review: Hello, my name is Jamie, and I have high maintenance hair.

(in chorus) Hello, Jamie.

Despite several very solid DeLush reviews on the Back to Basics line of products, I was skeptical about this one. I second guess any product that claims to have any control whatsoever over my naturally curly hair. Do these so-called “curly hair only” products actually do what they say they will?

Well, yes. And no.

The shampoo is predictable, nothing special happening there. It rinsed out quickly and completely, which I always appreciate. The conditioner, on the other hand, is phenomenal. It was very creamy upon application and especially rinsing – it had an instant softening effect on my hair. When I stepped out of the shower, I was able to run my fingers through my hair without physical pain. Usually, I need 4-5 spritzes of detangler before that can occur. Hallelujah! Graham Webb, I love you, wherever you are. After a quick brush, it was onto the gel. It went on very goopy but distributed nicely in the end. The “golden rule of hair gel” definitely applies here – the more gel you use, the crunchier your hair will be. It also did not control the strange, frizzy waves I have on the back of my head at all.

A note on the scent: Holy jasmine, Batman! I found the scent (a very thick, heady floral mix) completely overwhelming, and not necessarily in a good way. If you’re like me and prefer a lighter, fresh, citrus scent, do not purchase this product. The scent lasts all day and well into the evening, which is fantastic, if you like the way it smells.

Overall results of the “curl refresher” suite of products? Average at best, save the conditioner. If they made the conditioner in citrus, I would use it everyday!

Retail Prices: (the shampoo & conditioner) $9.95 - 31.95 each in a range of three sizes (the gel) $9.95 (available at salons and select distributors - find a location near you here)

DeLush Ratings: Back to Basics “Curl Refreshing” Shampoo
Back to Basics “Curl Refreshing” Conditioner
Back to Basics “Curl Activating” Gel

Review: LUSH Hard Shampoo Bar

What They Say: "This shampoo bar is for hard water areas. Wash with hard to get rid of the calcium residue, now a bright pink bar studded with cocoa butter conditioner, and your hair will be soft, shiny and perfumed with flowers."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I've tried one of LUSH's shampoo bars before, so I was used to the bar shampoo concept. They're actually quite handy, especially when it comes to travel.

This one has a distinct fragrance in the tin - very fresh, a little flowery, and perhaps a bit strong. I wasn't too sure about that when I went to use it. However, I like the result when I apply it to my hair (I rub it into my hair a bit as well as sudsing it in my hands to apply); it feels incredibly moisturizing and gentle. Rinsing it out I at first thought perhaps my hair was a little TOO squeaky clean (if you know what I mean by that feeling) so I used just the tiniest bit of conditioner (I wanted to get the full picture of how the shampoo worked in my hard water).

I have to say that after blowdrying, my hair is incredibly soft and manageable and the scent that is strong inside that tin becomes a really pleasing and uplifting smell that not only will make you happy but just might make the person next to you say "Hey, what shampoo do you use? It smells so good!"

Retail Price: $7.95 (at lushusa.com or go here for store locations near you - international readers go here to find your LUSH online store)
*Or buy it in the DeLush Delights store now!

DeLush Rating:

Review: Graham Webb Silk Repair Leave-In Conditioner

What They Say: "If you can't tell her age by a glance at her face, why should the condition of her hair give it away? Proper care for tresses should be as important as skin care, especially with the deteriorating effects of coloring, chemical processing and heat styling. Restore locks back to original condition in one step with easy-to-use Graham Webb Silk Repair Leave in Conditioner, which protects locks for years to come while leaving it soft and supple. Silk Repair Leave in Conditioner contains our exclusive Thermacore Complex, an anti-aging regimen containing essential elements such as hydrolized silk, natural humectants and emollients for manageability and rebuilding of hair follicle by using heat as a conditioning treatment.

Hydrolyzed Silk is unique in that it acts like a typcical protein to strengthen the hair, but is also a natural humectant - capable of attracting and binding 10,000 times its own weight in moisture within the hair shaft. Thermacore Complex, found in all Graham Webb products, becomes activewith the application of heat over 98 degrees - from hot water, blow dryers and styling tools - to act a sa beneficial conditioning treatment, repairing and protecting the hair frmo the inside out. Another bonus? This daily leave-in conditioner and reconstructor seals in moisture, replacing the need for a rinse-out conditioner while comgining the conditioning effects of natural humectants and emmolients to eliminate tangles and static for easy mangageability."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: That's a lot of information, but as far as I'm concerned here's all you need to know. This stuff will add softness and a bit of shine but NO weight. I was thinking of all the leave-ins I tried when I was younger and they always had a greasy residue. Not so here. (Don't confuse this with the feeling of a deep conditioner either.) I have the same amount of body, more manageability and softness, and I find myself running my fingers through my hair more because it's SO easy to do, and feels so healthy.

Retail Price: $12.95 (exclusively through premier salons and distributors across the globe - call 800-456-WEBB for locations or visit grahamwebb.com)

DeLush Rating:

Review: Jonathan Serious Volume Shampoo and Create Smooth Anti-Frizz Volumizing Serum

What They Say:
(about the Shampoo) "Conditioning sugar foam gives hair body. White tea, papaya, and pomegranate extracts blended with Rosemary/Sage Essential Water™ gently purify hair while sweet almond protein helps strengthen. Anti-oxidant rich botanical UV filters shield hair from damage and color fade."

(about the Serum) "The sugar conditioner softens brittle, unruly hair. Lemongrass Essential Water™ adds shine. Body-building, conditioning extracts of almond, white ginger and watercress blended with sweet almond protein help improve the look of weak, damaged hair. For curly or straight styles, smooth styling polymer controls frizz - even in high humidity. Contains a potent, botanical anti-oxidant blend to help maintain healthy hair."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow:
(about the Shampoo) This is a very interesting product. I've never felt a shampoo do this to my hair while washing before. What am I talking about? That weird somewhat dry feeling (while wet!), with very little sudsing (which is not a bad thing) and not necessarily a feeling that my hair was getting "dirty", but not that it was getting clean as we normally like it to feel. It was a little tangly and wiry feeling in the water, as if I'd added something to it that made it change greatly in texture. It felt "roughed up" in a way. I definitely was in a hurry to add a mild conditioner to ease that tangling, which disappeared immediately. (Good thing, because I really was nervous about the state of my hair's knottiness up to that moment.)

It did seem that my hair had in fact gotten quite clean while I combed it out, but it also felt a bit more textured still. After blowdrying my hair had more volume, though not extremely drastic, with no extra weight AT ALL.

(about the Serum) This is perhaps one of my favorite serums among all I've ever tried up to this point. It's not very greasy-feeling when you dispense it and warm in your hand, and when you apply it you aren't made suddenly aware that you've may have accidentally made some very vital clump of hair near your face FAR too slick. You know, how lots of anti-frizz serums have a TEENY TINY line between the right amount and EW YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE TO WASH THIS GREASY MESS AGAIN TOMORROW? This one didn't do that. It soaked into my hair nicely (I used a little less than 2 dime-sized amounts on my not-quite-reaching-my-shoulders length hair). I of course made sure to concentrate it some on my ends and the ends of each layer, because that's where the hairs start to flip up and go crazy in humidity.

Let me just say this: You know how humid it's been in the Midwest and just about everywhere else, right? (If you don't relate please don't tell me. We don't want to hear about your fabulous temperate climate. It will only make us curse the humidity that much more.) Well, my hair stayed smooth but full of body when I was out and about on a particularly sticky day. And I had just washed my hair before heading out. Normally the first 8 hours after I do my hair is the most frizz-a-licious time until my natural oils kick back in and I've slept on it.

So, in other words? I loved it.

BONUS: For those of you interested, Jonathan products are vegan.

Retail Prices: Serious Volume Shampoo $20.00
Create Smooth Anti-Frizz Volumizing Serum $26.00 (go to jonathathanproduct.com and click "Where To Buy" to find online and local retail locations)

DeLush Ratings: Serious Volume Shampoo
Create Smooth Anti-Frizz Volumizing Serum

Johnathan Add Moisture Shampoo and Serious Volume Conditioner

About the shampoo: "Hawaiian white ginger and papaya extracts blended with Rosemary/Sage Essential Water to gently cleanse as sweet almond protein helps to improve the appearance of dry, damaged hair. An antioxidant-rich botanical blend and UV filters nourish hair from damage and help prevent color from fading. Even over-processed hair is left feeling soft, silky, and completely renewed. Sulfate-free and 100 percent vegan.

'My JONATHAN|product' sulfate-free shampoos are very different from regular shampoos that contain detergents. I do not use any hair-stripping, high foaming agents which give lots of lather but dry-out hair and fade hair color.

I use an extremely gentle, sugar foam in both shampoos which is rich and creamy -- never squeeky and bubbly. And the shampoos are very concentrated, so you do not have to use a lot, but it is important to thoroughly wet your hair under warm running water prior to applying. This opens the cuticle and allows the sugar foam to gently cleanse. And it is a two step process so my conditioners are formulated to work in combination with shampoos to leave hair healthy and protected.' - Jonathan"

Jen's Experience: I frequently use moisturizing shampoos on my hair. I have to -- it's dry from everyday styling and color treatments. In the summer, though, it's tricky because my hair's natural tendency is to become greasy and flat as soon as I walk out the door. Sometimes the extra moisture is just too much. With a product like Nexxus Therappe, my hair does really well, but I have to say, I did wasn't able to get the same amount of volume in my hair when I used this shampoo, with or without Jonathan Serious Volume Conditioner. It did make my hair look healthy and shiny. Just not enough oomph. I also wasn't crazy about the scent, but they definitely make up for it in other products in their line. I am putting this in my cabinet until winter, and I'll update you if the extra moisture is just what my hair needs in the dry, cold weather.

About the conditioner: "Limp, lifeless hair prone to static electricity, or hair needing a light, hydrating boost of moisture will be revived with this conditioner. Body-building Basil Essential Water combined with nutritive plant and sea extracts renew hair as sweet almond protein helps to strengthen, and essential oils and exotic butters like almond and mango help to condition. Antioxidant-rich botanicals, and thermal and UV filters shield hair from damage and help prevent color from fading. The results? Shine, softness, and superb manageability. Conditioner is 100 percent vegan."

Jen's Experience: I very rarely buy new conditioners. I've been using the same liter bottle of Sap Moss for at least two years, off and on. No matter which shampoo I use (most recently the Nexxus), it's worked for me. With this Jonathan conditioner, I've finally found a conditioner that I can use with a variety of shampoos to get even better results. It smells great when I'm using it, but when I'm out of the shower, I notice that my hair styles more easily and holds the style throughout the day. Plus, my hair doesn't feel as dry when I've been using it. I am curious now to try the Serious Volume shampoo to round out the set!

Retail Price: $20.00 shampoo / $22.00 conditioner (Sephora)

Ratings:
(Shampoo)
(Conditioner)

Review: Privé Leave-in Treatment (Herbal Blend #24)

What They Say: "Formulated with comfrey and kelp, herbal blend #24 delivers strength and protection in a nutrient-rich, leave-in conditioning treatment. Aloe vera acts as a conditioner and detangler, but most importantly, comfrey, kelp and honey together act as a primer. When you work the treatment throughout the hair, you are setting a base by filling in all of those divots and split ends. This protective barrier is good for all hair types and textures. Apply on damp hair after cleansing and conditioning."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Per the bottle instructions, you should be fairly conservative with how much of this you put in your hair, and stay away from roots. Comb it through to spread evenly. I find it does add a very touchable softness and a nice fresh scent, but I struggle to find a definite distinction in how it benefits my hair as a "primer". Readers, any thoughts? Still, I like the added softness without the weight.

Retail Price: $19.00 (find locations for purchase at priveproducts.com or call 866-351-1193)

DeLush Rating:

Review: Back to Basics Bamboo Straightening Shampoo & Conditioner and Straightening Crème

What They Say: (about the shampoo & conditioner) "A beneficial blend of bamboo, ivy, avocado oil and panthenol. The shampoo's color-safe formula acts as a humidity barrier to keep straight hair soft, shiny and frizz-free."
(about the crème) Effectively smoothes curls, waves, and frizz without leaving any buildup, so hair stay touchable and soft. Also, adds an additional layer of protection against thermal tools. Just apply evenly on damp hair and blow dry straight."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: (about the shampoo & conditioner) I have to come right out with it. Frankly, I'm thrilled with this formula. The clear shampoo al