L'Oreal Elseve Hairfall Resist Conditioner

 Okay, I bought this product because it was BIG. At 325 ml a tube, I was sure that I wouldn't run out anytime soon since I didn't want to do a monthly conditioner shop (because plastic and effort). And at Php 220 for that much product, I think it was a win all around.

Mind you, tubes of these do exist for other brands, but they're a bit harder to find where I'm from.

What I liked about this was the scent, sweet but not overpowering, in contrast to the previous mask that may have conditioned well enough but brought no joy to use.  I also liked the way it conditioned my hair without weighing it down. It's supposed to have arginine to prevent hair fall, but I doubt it'd do much good at the tips. I also liked that this lasted nearly three months on my long hair so that's 2 less tubes to buy in a year.

Sadly, I don't think i'll be able to get the last of this out though as I can't cut through the plastic and there seems to be a good bit left. Kind of wasteful. Still not an optimal solution.

I enjoyed using this, but I'll probably try new ones now. Or go back and try old favorites. 2020 has been a year of revisiting old likes, so not much excitement for now.

L'Oreal's Elseve Deep Repairing Mask and Cream Silk Triple Keratin Rescue Ultra Conditioner

 Finally writing about these. Net connection has been so bad that I can't post. But I really want to throw these away so here we are.

I haven't been able to write so my finished products have been piling and discarded, but I hung on to these for quite a while. I've finished both a tub of L'Oreal's Elseve Deep Repairing Mask and Cream Silk's Triple Keratin Rescue Ultra Conditioner.

It's been so long but I think the Cream Silk retails for less than Php 200 per 150 ml and the L'Oreal less than Php 400 for a 200 ml tub. I finished the tube in a month or so of daily used. I finished the tub after 6 months, I think? Both dispense a white, opaque cream with the mask being a heavier consistency.

The Cream Silk tube is highly fragranced, in a nice floral way. It's a joy to put on as a daily conditioner. It leaves the hair soft and shiny without weighing it down. Sadly, I have no color on so I can't see its color reviving properties, but I would recommend it for damaged hair.

The tub, on the other hand, smells meh? It's not a product I look forward to using but it definitely deep conditions. I only use it twice a week, else it leaves my hair too oily the next day. It does work the way it ought to, so I have no complaints.

I like trying new products so I won't repurchase for a while. However, for those on a budget, I'd recommend the Cream Silk Triple Keratin Rescue line for those with damaged hair, especially if you want a hair treat at the start or end of th day.

Head and Shoulders Supreme Moisture and Smooth

 Took a break from the virtual world and ended up with a lot of empties I ended up not talking about and just... tossing. Because I don't like storing things for too long :/

Yes. They are technically two different variants of the same style.

The Shelf: January 2019

Very boring. Just for recording purposes.

Thoughts below.

Hair Paint MNL Purple Shampoo and Conditioner

I am finally at that hair level that requires purple/silver shampoo :0 It took quite a while to tak the leap from blonde-ish (brownish with blonde highlights) to blond proper since my hair is quite damaged but I've been blonde for a few months now.

But legit question: what is the threshold for blondeness?

There is probably a better way to measure it, but I know I've hit legit blonde since my hair looks like a broom without special shampoo. It doesn't look good at all  の 。の

I was wondering what to get to tone my hair and ended up with Hair Paint MNL's Purple Shampoo, Purple Conditioner and Keratin Mask.

Liese Creamy Bubble Color in Milk Tea Brown

Liese Creamy Bubble Color in Milk Tea Brown.

Bought this during the 1 day Watson's sale for around P250, half off from its original price. For those who are new to boxed dyes, bubble or foam dyes are an easy way to color your hair. Because of the formulation, it is a bit more expensive... so getting it half off is a very good deal.

Each box contains the following:

Bare Sweet Almond Conditioner

The dipstick test says I'm half done, so I guess it's time to review Bare's Sweet Almond Conditioner.

What first caught my eye was that it was a new brand that had uncommon fragrances at the Beauty Bar. Unlike more conventional bath and body products, this brand had offerings like green tree and grapefruit - more woodsy, less flowery scents. I had a hard time choosing because they all smelt nice to me and that the hair and body products were different lines with different scents: there is no green tea shampoo nor grapefruit body lotion. I finally chose this conditioner because it was for damaged hair, which my hair is.

Human Heart Nature: Pure Strength Shampoo

I bought this nearly a year ago, and I recently checked the website, so you might be looking at a different bottle, but this is review is for HHN's Pure Strength shampoo.

I've been using this shampoo sporiadically when it gets particularly hot or when I feel particularly Christmas-y. And I've been loving it but...

Lolane's Pixxel Color Cream in Dark Golden Copper Blonde

Since it's Watson's hair special, I decided to retry one of the products they're promoting: Lolane's Pixxel Color Cream in Dark Golden Copper Blonde.

Lolane's Pixxel Color Cream

This is not my first time to use this product, but it's the first time I've been satisfied.

Human Heart Nature: Natural Conditioner Strengthening

For some reason, I've been trying a lot of more natural products, and Human Heart Nature is one of the most accessible, wallet friendly brands here in the Philippines. One of the things I've picked up from a local supermarket is their Natural Conditioner Strengthening which has the scent of Soothing Aloe.

Human Heart Natural Conditioner Strengthening in Soothing Aloe

This line is supposed to be strengthening for brittle, falling hair and is sulfate, silicone and paraben free and costs around P150 ($3.5) for 200ml on the website. I think this tube was a bit more expensive since I picked it up elsewhere, so watch the price where you buy.

Conditioner Only

Popular for individuals with short, short hair, shampooing without conditioning is a hair care method that is something of a rarity for those with longer hair types.

I currently have bra-length hair and I tried living without (in-shower) conditioner for two weeks.

Yes, it is possible!

Hua Mulan: Peachwood Comb

Or why I started using a wooden comb.

Hua Mulan Box

Looks pretty fancy!

I didn't actually mean to buy a Hua Mulan Comb. I was just looking for a wooden comb. Why did I want one?

Nature Republic: 92% Aloe Vera Gel

Remember when I posted this pic when I posted about the Aloe Sheet Mask? Well, I'm now a bit more than halfway done with the gel!

Nature Republic Mini-Haul: 92% Aloe Vera Gel (left) Aloe Sheet mask (right), Green Derma Sample (bottom)

I really didn't expect what I would use it as, but here we are.

Shampoo Methodology

Shampoo has existed for a really long time and there are many different kinds available today,  from mass produced, jumbo sized synthetic cheapo bottles to its exact opposite.

Regardless of its many varieties, I know but 4 standard methods of head cleaning.

1. Shampoo only - usually done by those with uber short hair, this is the quickest way to clean your head. I've used this method when my hair is short, I'm feeling too lazy to condition or I've done a deep conditioning mask a day before hand.

2. Shampoo then conditioner - the most common way a girl washes her hair, as inundated by a ton of beauty products and ads. Unfortunately, it also takes way too long to clean my hair sine I'd have to do do a rinse for both shampoo and conditioner. I reserve this method for deeper hair cleaning sessions and dirtier surroundings such as after extensive labor.

3. Conditioner then shampoo (Reverse 'Poo) - not quite as common as the ones above and below it, I prefer this method since it cuts my shower time by at least 20%.

4. Condioner only (No 'Poo) - gained in popularity a couple of years ago, but not too much in hot, humid and polluted surroundings like Manila. I've tried this method a couple of years ago when I was on break and had to give up on Day 5, even without a heavy workload. It just doesn't feel as good or clean as using something with shampoo.

Which way is best?

L'Oreal Smooth Intense Polishing Conditioner

Current conditioner: L'Oreal Smooth Intense Polishing Conditioner.

Does it work? 

The Body Shop Shampoo in Rainforest Balance

If you've read my blog recently, you'll know that I dyed my hair red relatively recently. In order to help the color stick, I've been using The Body Shop Rainforest Balance, a shampoo for oily hair.

This shampoo costs P695 for 250 ml. Fortunately, I was able to buy this on sale! Why did I buy this?

L'Oreal Feria in Cherry Crush

I wasn't able to get a picture of the dilapidated box this came in, but these are the contents of the L'Oreal Feria Dye Box:

L'Oreal Feria Cherry Crush

Since my roots were showing after my last bleaching experience, I decided to dye my hair on a whim. Unfortunately, a quick trip to Watsons didn't yield a bubble dye for me to try so I decided to use this stored Box of L'Oreal Feria instead.

DIY Hair Bleach Hortaleza Professional

Before you start DIY Hair Bleaching, you should either know what you're doing or accept whatever mistakes you make. Color correction is expensive and you're better off going to a salon if you aren't willing to laugh at and live with your mistakes. There are some great, inexpensive salons out there and vouchers are available for some others. If you still want to try DIYing your hair bleaching, then continue.

You will need:

1) Bleach Powder - Hortaleza Professional Hair Bleach Powder (below)

2) Developer - Hortaleza Oxidizing Lotion 12% (below)

3) Tinting Brush - brand forgotten (unknown)

4) Non-metal Bowl - repurposed Victoria's Secret Body Butter tub

5) Gloves - I used latex gloves, but vinyl prefereed

6) Clamps - not pictured

7) Shampoo - not pictured

In addition, I'd recommend having:

1) Hair treatment - Cream Silk Hair Treatment (a remnant of years ago before a packaging change, maybe I should review this in the future)

2) Cape - I recycled the capelet from the Richenna Bubble Dye set. Also, use the grottiest clothes you own while doing this.

3) Detachable showerhead - makes clean-up easy

4) Good ventilation - to get rid of that ammonia-bleach parlor smell

5) Friend - to help with the hard to reach areas

Get all your things ready. Make sure to prepare your bathroom by taking out anything that you don't want bleached or laying out newspapers to catch anything as you would by dyeing.

Put on gloves and mix your bleach powder and developer. The Hortaleza Professional Hair Bleach Powder is a blue tinted powder, though it can't be seen well in the picture. Empty a single packet for short hair reaching around chin level. You'll need more for longer hair.

Hortaleza Professional Hair Bleach Powder

Make sure you have your ventilators on as you add the developer with a 1:1 ratio.  I used the 12% because I have very dark hair. Mix with the tint brush.

Hortaleza Professional Hair Bleaching Powder + Oxidizing Lotion 12%

Use the tint brush to apply on hair. Ideally, you'll have person help you reach the back areas, else you might miss areas of your head. Apply around an inch from your scalp, using clamps to segment your hair. Go back for the roots after 15 minutes.

I followed the instructions on the back of the packet, but realized the time wasn't long enough to bleach my oily roots. It's better to judge by the color - I removed mine once I saw lightening at the roots by rinsing until the water ran from blue to clear, and then shampooing once. The bleaching process turns your hair into straw so make sure to use a good hair treatment both immediately after and the weeks to come.

The Hortaleza Professional Hair Bleaching Powder and Oxidizing Lotion bleaches well. Unfortunately, it does this by damaging hair and your sense of smell. If you don't mind the hassle, the set cots less than P200.

Kolours Caravan: Oriental Ruby

I am a bit of a redhead again. How did this happen? Well, I was shopping around Robinsons craving sugar when I saw a Kolours caravan smack dab in the center of the mall. I was hesitant to try it but friend S encouraged me to try Oriental Ruby, their newest, reddest shade ever.

Process:
1. Buy the dye. One box was P250, I was vacillating between 1 and 2 boxes for my long hair. I finally decided on 1 box since I didn't know how it was going to turn up and it could be made to fit.
2. Fill up an info sheet and waiver. Theoretically, you should go for a patch test 48 hours before the actual event EVERYTIME you try a dye on. I was banking on the fact that I used to use this brand a few years ago without any adverse effects (my hair didn't color well though, which is why I gave up on it years back). Also, on a side note, how come no box dyes ever come with a patch for patch testing?
3. Application. Mine had to be done in 2 steps since my roots weren't dyed but my ends were. Cling wrap and a blow dryer were used. Since I didn't have a watch, I have no idea how much time I spent there.
4. Shampoo, condition and blowdry. Not a relaxing experience, but worth it to see my new hair for the first time!
5. Tip. Always tip, guys :)

Yays

• Inexpensive: salon applications are way more expensive.
• Good application: You can still see the junction between virgin and treated hair  up close but it blends relatively well
• Red! (not like the picture, but with red-copper tones) It's a big difference from Kolours' usual rich browns.

Nays

• Needed a blowdryer for the color to show (not for stubborn hair like mine, if it's for home use unless you're very patient or very experienced: I would never get this result on my own).

I'm very satisfied with it. Since red hair is hard to maintain, I won't feel too bad once it starts fading (though I might change my mind if it turns orange). I wouldn't buy this if I had to put it on my own because it's way too much effort for my hair type (it needs a lot of peroxide for a color to show up properly). However, I might be tempted to buy again if I were not the one doing the application (2 boxes will probably be needed next time). I'd actually recommend this product to those with hair that dyes easily and don't want to spend on a bubble dye (I've tried a few of their other shades and was particularly fond of Zen Auburn years back).

I'll see how this color holds up in a few weeks.

Review: Shine Moist Henna Wax Color Treatment in Cyclamen

 Hi Guys! Remember that a few weeks ago, I went and colored my hair? Well, red is a total b*tch to maintain. So, aside from special shampoo and conditioner, a great way to preserve your color is to give it a cellophane treatment! But I don't want to go to a salon, since - well - poorness after the original salon visit. So I bought this instead. This costs P215 for a 100ml container. I heard that you could get it at HBC stores for less than P200, but they weren't in stock and I needed it ASAP.

WARNING: PICTURE HEAVY!!!

Shine Moist Henna Wax Color Treatment in Cyclamen (100ml Box)

Now, red hair is really difficult to maintain. I'm not 100% sure why, but the color I came out of the salon with wasn't the color I had 1 week after after 2 washings. Here's how my hair looked pre-treatment:

Red Hair Pre-Treatment

Red Hair Pre-Treatment

This is how my hair looks when I use the webcam. you can see a lot of purple in there. My color is actually a bit more red in the sunlight, but looks like this without natural light. I went into the store and the saleslady recommended Cyclamen.

Shine Moist Henna Wax Color Treatment in Cyclamen (Container w/ Gloves)

A good thing about the small size product is that it comes with gloves. If you open the container, the wax-to-cream-like product is a bright purple color. I forgot to take pictures and didn't remember until I took the gloves on. Anyway, I used a tinting brush to apply it on my hair in sections. It was a bit messy, so I suggest you line your floor with newspaper, or take out anything you don't want getting stained. I then placed myself under a steamer for 20 minutes before rinsing it off.

Cyclamen and Pre-treatment Hair

Post-treatment Hair

It was difficult to rinse off; As you can see, I missed a spot. My hair turned out a bit darker than expected. :( Though it did still glowed rather nicely in the sun but less girl-on-fire and more girl-drank-wine. It still looked quite nice after a few washes. It looked like this after a few washings:

In some light

But I liked it so much I did it again!

It's definitely a bit darker and more purple than my original color, but it's brings out the best in the original color, I think. It's very flattering! When I wash it out, it ends up a bit darker at the ends for some reason. I'm going to try it in Ruby next, but I think Cyclamen works for me very well.

Sigh. I love my red hair, even if I hate maintenance. I have a lot of this to look forward to; Then I'll have to make the decision on whether to re-dye it once my roots grow out... 

Yays

• Inexpensive compared to a salon visit
• Makes my hair smooth and shiny
• Gives a nice glaze
• Smells nice

Nays

• Super messy, I mean really messy
• Rubs off when wet - yes, anytime it gets wet
• Irritates my skin - I break out if I don't rinse it out well (even after the initial wash)

Hays

• Sleep with a towel on your pillowcase if you don't want stains on your sheets
• Don't let anything touch your hair if it's wet unless you want it to get stained
• Wash your hair seperately
• Wash your hands everytime you touch your wet hair

Note: I did this even before the original treatment so the tips may only apply for dyed red hair only

Okays

• For people with red hair, or those with lighter hair who want red-ish purple hair. If you have black hair and want a red tint, I'm not sure how well this will show up.

Buy Again? Yes. Because I have made a commitment to red hair!!!

I may try adding this to my conditioner so I don't have to reapply every other week.