Beauty, Hair Care, health and wellness

The True Trio

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As you all are well aware, yours truly is a hair product junkie. I adore trying new products, learning about their ingredients, their properties and most importantly, if they deliver on their promises. I am not a licensed hair stylist. What I am is a women with over 15 years of hair care experience. I have been to color and cut classes, sat down with chemists and creators of lines to discuss their products, toured their warehouses and even spoke with presidents and decision makers of many suppliers. I have worked the floor of trade shows and been a manager of a Salon/retail shop and been a rep. on the road. That being said, I usually focus on Salon Professional products. Until today. Yours truly has come across a line that is on par with Salon Professional hair care lines. It’s been a while since a product blew my mind and left me asking perfect strangers to “touch my hair!”. Let me introduce you to Arbonne True Hair.

Arbonne True Hair

This trio is, in a word, AMAZING! Arbonne True Hair is;

  • vegan
  • cruelty free
  • gluten free
  • silicone free
  • paraben free
  • sulfate free
  • color safe
  • derived from natural & sustainably sourced ingredients

Now I know, when you read the above list, I can hear the sighs and see the eye rolls. Many of you have been led down the natural hair care path to end up with dull, lifeless hair. Not today my friends, not today. Arbonne True Hair leaves your hair soft, shiny, frizz free and bouncy. Yes, I said bouncy. I couldn’t believe the natural volume of my hair after using this fab trio. I love big hair. I love lots of volume hence my adoration for mousse and root lifts. I only used these three products, Arbonne True Hair Shampoo, Conditioner and Leave in Treatment and this was the result…

Here’s the lowdown on Arbonne True Hair. A three step process. Shampoo, Conditioner and Leave in Treatment. Created for all hair types, from fine to thick, straight to curly. It is color safe. Since it is paraben and sulfate free, it is safe to use on extensions as well. All the products contain;

  • Pea Protein – delivers moisture and prevents breakage
  • Sustainably sourced Baobob – increases hair strength and repairs hair, root to tip
  • Ashwagandha Root – contains antioxidant properties, reduces the effects of environmental stresses such as dryness and humidity.

Arbonne True Hair delivers a natural shine and leaves your hair as soft as it was when you were a preschooler.

True Hair Shampoo – Sulfate free = low lather = not a lot of suds. (want more suds, add more water to produce more lather). This shampoo effectively removes product build up, could be used as a clarifying shampoo. Rinses out with ease.

True Hair Conditioner – Lightweight, almost weightless (yet rich enough for the thickest of tresses), rinses out with ease and detangles like nobody’s business. Apply after rinsing out shampoo, leave in 1-3 minutes, then rinse.

True Hair Leave in Treatment – this little gem is a wonder! A cream leave in that is applied to towel dried hair, starting at the ends and working your way up. You can blow dry, or air dry your hair, which ever you prefer. This Leave In is humidity resistant = no frizz. It works as a thermal protectant, adds shine and prevents breakage and split ends. It is a lightweight formula that is non greasy. True Hair Leave in also contains something a little extra. Coconut and Avocado oils deliver essential hydration to nourish your hair.

You can find this fab trio online at http://www.arbonne.com , select your country and VOILA!. You can also get it through any of the fine Arbonne consultants in your area. The price may seem a little much, but it’s not. It is on par with all Salon Professional products of this caliber.

If you are looking for a more natural hair care regime, look no further. Arbonne True Hair delivers on it’s promises.

Beauty, Hair Care

Monday Motivator WOW factor

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…and here it is, once again. Monday. The snow is falling, the winds are blowing, Mother Nature has once again shown she is in charge. Facebook feeds are filled with school closures, road closures and delays. Parents are texting everyone they know, scrambling to find day care for their kids. When your week begins in chaos, you are left feeling out of control. There is one thing you can control…your hair. It may not seem like much, but you and I both know, when you are having a good hair day, it does make everything else seem a little more bearable. I may not be able to stop the snow from falling, or find you a babysitter on a moment’s notice but I can help you have a good hair day. Let me introduce you to some of my new found favorites from the Beauties at Color Wow. Meet Bionic Tonic Coconut Cocktail and Style on Steroids!

 

Color Wow Bionic Tonic Coconut Cocktail & Style on Steroids

 

I was first introduced to Color Wow 3 years ago when my rep brought in a root cover powder. In a word – AMAZING! Over the years, Color Wow has expanded their line to include shampoos, conditioners, treatments, styling products and tools among others. As you are well aware, yours truly is a bottled blonde, born a natural blonde – I have pictures to prove it, but a bottled blonde none the less. I have been coloring my hair for over 20 years, using a flat iron every day, so it’s safe to say, my tresses need all the help they can get. Let me tell you, I have tried more products than I can count and I have to say I am impressed. Here’s a break down of why I think you should give Color Wow Bionic Tonic Coconut Cocktail and Style on Steroids a go.

COLOR WOW Bionic Tonic Coconut Cocktail – this is a leave in supplement, not a leave in conditioner formulated for dehydrated, straw like hair. It mimics the natural lipid layer of your hair that is lost when chemicals, like color are applied to your hair. Apply a coin size amount to clean, damp hair before blow drying. Your hair will instantly feel smoother, have more shine, look more glossy and be frizz free thanks to this gem being humidity resistant. *this is a heat activated product – best results are when heat is applied.

* Color Wow offers two other cocktails –

  • Kale Cocktail – created for those of us dealing with breakage. It fortifies the bonds within the hair. With your first application your hair will be 50% stronger
  • Carb Cocktail – created for fine, limp hair. It bonds a high carb complex to the hairs surface to instantly produce mass and volume

COLOR WOW Style on Steroids – a texturizing spray created for color treated hair. This gem keeps your color vibrant and fresh. You may have found as I have that some styling sprays leave a cloudy film on your hair that dulls your color – Color Wow Style on Steroids does not! It contains moisturizing elastomers that give spring to your strands. Apply to dry hair before using a thermal styling tool like a flat iron or wand. Style on Steroids;

  • keeps your color vibrant
  • is never stiff or sticky – never a worry of strands sticking together
  • offers thermal protection
  • can be used as a refresher – apply in the morning to refresh yesterday’s style

* to add more volume to your ‘do – flip your head upside down, spray under layers and style as desired

* for a sexy, undone ‘do – spray throughout mid section and spread the product throughout your hair with your fingers. *great for separating curls

Check out their website – http://www.colorwowhair.com for more tips and tricks and to check out their complete line. Trust me Beauties, after using these products, the first words out of your mouth will be “WOW!”.

 

 

 

 

 

Beauty, Fashion, Hair Care, health and wellness, That girl in the red coat

Monday Motivator

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When we hear the word December or see the month on our calendar our thoughts automatically turn to our holiday to do lists. Be it trim the tree, buy that perfect gift or lighting the menorah. In my corner of the world, December also means pulling out every toque (winter hat for my non-Canadian friends), scarf, parka, and the endless search for the lost mitten or glove, that you find in June. December can be a beautiful and magical month. Fresh fallen snow, crisp fresh air. The sun peeking through the snow clouds to remind us of the hope of spring. Running into old friends which result in impromptu dinners or drinks, the list of possibilities are endless. One thing is for certain, many of us will keep our toque’s on, for the ever present static and frizz that goes along with December weather is always waiting to make an appearance. I do believe we have Canadians to thank for the “pom pom hats are in” fashion statement. Before you scour Amazon and every apparel shop at the mall for a toque to match every outfit, I have some good news for you! Even though the calendar states it’s December, there is still humidity in the air, hence our frizz. Mix that with the dry hot air from our furnace, static is not to far behind. Combing through my archives I have compiled a list of blogs about fabulous hair products that will keep your frizz and static the furthest thing from your mind. You’re welcome.

 

The Joi of a Monday Motivator

 

Monday Motivator – Onesta Smooth + Shine

Onesta Smooth & Shine – That Girl in the Red Coat

…a FAB Monday Motivator

 

Fine and FAB! finds – That Girl in the Red Coat approved

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beauty, Hair Care, health and wellness, lifestyle

Monday Motivator

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Here we are. Monday has arrived. Yours truly lives in Canada and most of us are waking up to frost on our windshields and snow on the ground. We are also greeted with moans from our children about having to sport their toques (hats for my non Canadian readers) and winter boots…such a fun morning ritual that lasts from November to April, if we are lucky. With the change in weather, many of our children have to deal with our moans about our hair. Weather and temperature changes can make our tresses dry, make our hair stand on end with static and frizz is ever so present….until today! I have covered these hair woes in the past, so for your reading pleasure, today I will share my links to my articles that will give you tips, tricks and information about hair products that can moisturize your dry ends, dry scalp and ease and even eliminate your frizz and static.

 

Monday Motivator – KMS Tame Frizz de-frizz oil

 

The Joi of a Monday Motivator

Monday Motivator – Joico Humidity Blocker

That Girl in the Red Coat

Product 101 – Conditioning Treatments…to heat or not to heat.

Pai-Shau Line – That Girl in the Red Coat

Perfectly Pai-sHau

 

Here’s hoping that one of these tales will give you the product that you’ve been searching for.

 

DID YOU KNOW? You can search my blog for a tale that suits your purpose! For example, simply type “frizz”, “damaged hair”, “Joico”, or “Moroccanoil” in my search bar and any and all blogs concerning your key word will pop up for your reading pleasure.

Wishing you a good hair day today, and everyday.

 

 

Beauty, Hair Care, That girl in the red coat

Monday Motivator

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Today’s post is later in the day than usual, I know. It’s Monday and the better part of my day was promised to my family. An out of town lunch date with my girl and her Amma, my mother in law. (When she was a wee girl she came up with calling her gramma “Amma” and it stuck). Morning schedules were adjusted, emails delayed, only one cup of coffee and we were off. Being the summer and living in Ontario, we ran into construction and road closures, and with each kilometer the humidex rose little by little. I however was able to keep my cool, thanks to the A/C in my car and AG Hair’s FrizzProof.

This gem from AG Hair Care is a MUST HAVE for summer tresses. AG FrizzProof locks out frizz by creating an invisible, weightless shield over your hair. Even if the humidex reaches 40 degrees Celsius (104 fahrenheit) you can be sure that your hair will remain frizz free and your style silky, shiny and smooth. With it’s 2/5 hold factor it is the perfect addition to ensuring your desired style will hold true.

A few FAB! features of AG FrizzProof Argan Anti Humidity Finishing Spray;

  • enriched with Argan Oil *Sustainably sourced, fair-trade, organic Moroccan Argan Oil
  • contains Copolymers that deliver a humidity resistant light hold with high shine that rinses out easily without leaving any build up on your hair.
  • retains your style – leaves your hair silky, shiny and smooth
  • formulated for all hair types
  • Color safe
  • BEST OF ALL – the Argan oil is farmed and produced by the women of the Berber tribe, enabling them to have financial independence and in turn gives them the ability to provide for their families and educate their children

This is a finishing spray, which means you should apply it to your hair once you have completed styling it, be it curly, wavy or straight and after you have applied any other styling products you may be using. Once you have your desired style, spray all over your hair and VOILA! You and your tresses are good to go!

*a little tip from That Girl in the Red Coat – use this gem all year round. We tend to associate humidity with the summer. Humidity can rear it’s head during the other seasons too. Using a humidity resistant spray can ensure a frizz free hair day, everyday.

Beauty, Hair Care, health and wellness, That girl in the red coat, Women

Here is your Proof

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Last year I subscribed to FabFitFun. You have probably seen their ads on Instagram, Facebook or any other social media site. Let me tell you…it is FABULOUS! Every season yours truly is invited to try new products, full size products, not sample sizes. Everything from perfume, every makeup you can imagine, fitness accessories, jewelry, clothing and my all time favorite, hair products. Which brings me to today’s tale.

Over the years I had heard of Living proof. I had seen the product line in ads, in the monthly flyers from my beloved Sales Reps and even on some Salon shelves. We didn’t carry it at our Salon, though I always wondered if we should. The packaging was appealing, the price point was on par with the quality of the product, and well, Jennifer Aniston was their spokesperson, I mean, who doesn’t love her hair? …back to the tale at hand. For the Spring FabFitFun box, subscribers were given a sneak peek at their coming box and invited to purchase add-ons at a special price. As I was scrolling through the selections I came upon the Living proof restore line. As you all know, this “blonde” has tresses that are always in need of some TLC. So, I purchased the set and let me tell you, it was more than worth it.

Living proof is silicone free, sulfate free and is safe to use on all hair types,color treated and/or chemically treated.  One of their claims to fame is their patented OFPMA technology. This technology creates a thin, weightless, invisible shield around each hair strand to repel dirt and oil, so less shampooing during the week, it helps to eliminate frizz by blocking out humidity, polishes and protects and smooths your tresses without weighing them down.

Living proof restore Shampoo is a gentle cleanser for dry and damaged hair. It instantly restores damaged cuticles so they look and feel like new and helps to restore moisture levels to your hair.

Living proof restore Conditioner balances your hair’s moisture as well and offers all the qualities as the shampoo. It glides through the hair easily and rinses out with ease. It leaves your hair feeling soft and clean. …so soft in fact I kept making my daughter touch my hair.

Living proof restore Perfecting Spray is in a word, lovely. It is a lightweight detangling spray that offers time released conditioning and delivers instant hydration and a genuine softer feel and softer look to your hair- just ask my daughter. It add strength, smoothness and a natural shine. It also protects against UV and heat up to 400 degrees fahrenheit – perfect for those of us who adore our flat irons.

So there you have it Beauties, my tale of Living proof may be all the proof you need.

Beauty, Business, Hair Care, health and wellness, lifestyle, That girl in the red coat, Women

…what a pleasant surprise

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As you all are aware, yours truly is a hair care product guru. Self professed, but a guru none the less. For over 15 years the only products that I have allowed to touch my tresses were Salon Professional products, as those familiar with my blog know all to well. Over the years many a product have been given to me to try and I have always politely declined the offerings. Until last week. A friend of mine has started a new journey for herself and needed some insight into the products she was now attaching to her name, so I said “Give ’em to me. Let me try them and I will give you the straight goods.”. I was fully prepared to be disappointed and worried about the mess my hair would be in after using this product line. I was worried about the itch that would come after using a product containing so many natural properties – this gal has a sensitive scalp. As I began to wash my hair I was trying to think of how I would tell my friend the products were no good, until I felt the lather and felt how easily the shampoo rinsed out of my hair without leaving it in a tangled, matted mess. The treatment mask was even more of a surprise. …and don’t even get me started on the serum. The best part?!? No itch! So what are these products of which I speak? Well beauties, hold on to your hats…the products are Arbonne.

 

These babies are sulfate free, paraben free, free of artificial colors, vegan and certified gluten free. Created for all hair types from thick to thin, Arbonne Pure Vibrance line fortifies dull, chemically treated hair, restores lustre, cleanses the hair without drying out the hair, and helps to retain color vibrancy and longevity.

Lustre Fortifying Shampoo – offers a gentle lather that rinses out of the hair with ease. It contains, among other ingredients;

  • Rice extract = promotes strength, reduces breakage
  • Artichoke extract = conditioning agent, maintains shine and color and the integrity of the hair
  • White Tea extract = protection against environmental stressors (U.V. etc…).

Hair Revitalizing Masque – glides through the hair with ease. A treatment to be used 1 – 2 times a week. Leaves the hair feeling like you have just left the salon. No greasy residue or lifeless hair.

ColorLast Hair Serum – a gem of a serum. I have use countless serums in my day and this baby surpassed my expectations. Having fine hair, most serums leave my hair greasy, weighed down and lifeless – but not this one! My hair felt soft and the volume was still intact. Created for all hair types, can be applied to damp or dry hair (I prefer on dry hair). Some of the stars of this serum are;

  • Linseed extract = color preserving
  • Argan = removes brittleness and restores shine
  • Abyssinian Oil = absorbs quickly and enhances moisture to promote shine

***This gem is Humidity Resistant (helps to seal the hair cuticle) = NO FRIZZ!

So, there you have it Beauties. That Girl in the Red Coat has something to admit. I have used a non-Salon product line on my hair and my tresses and I lived to tell about it. Arbonne…what a pleasant surprise.

 

 

Beauty, Business, Hair Care, That girl in the red coat, Uncategorized, Women

Monday Motivators – Joico Flip Turn & Hair Shake

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It’s Monday. Again. In my corner of the world, Spring has sprung, the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, tulips are in bloom and I am not outside. After a long, cold, dreary winter I am aching to be out in the warm sun. Alas, someone has to man the desk and pay the piper. Since I can’t get out and tip toe through the tulips, I thought I might as well have a great hair day, and now you can too. Let me introduce you to some gems from Joico…

Joico Flip Turn and Hair Shake

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FlipTurn Hairspray and Hair Shake Liquid to Powder Texturizer!

 

Joico FlipTurn –  I have to say, is one of my favorite hairsprays to use. Created for all hair types, it offers;

  • a very strong hold factor that is still workable – you can brush through it and keep your desired style or begin again
  • fast drying = no crunchy tresses
  • it is a volumizing hairspray that adds shine and volume for up to 72 hours
  • offers thermal protection.
  • is humidity resistant = locks out frizz
  • the scent is wonderful
  • A cool feature of this hairspray… it can be sprayed upside down, side ways or right side up without clogging the nozzle = any style can be achieved.

 

Joico Flip Turn and Hair Shake

 

Joico Hair Shake  – is a liquid to powder finishing texturizer. Yep! Liquid to powder! If you like the results of volumizing powders from OSIS Dust It or SexyHair Powder Play but not a fan of the powdery mess, Joico’s HairShake is for you. HairShake offers;

  • texture and lift
  • touchable and moldable layering styling grip = easy to create and recreate styles.
  • lift and fullness at the root
  • fast drying residue free and grit free finish = no powdery residue
  • created for all hair types and lengths
  • the BEST scent ever – it smells like the beach! You will be transported to white sands, blue water, buff life guards offering you a cool drink….

HairShake is to be applied to dry hair. To apply, give the bottle a good a shake then apply as desired. This has become one of my favorite styling products and every client we use it on in the Salon buys one for themselves. Many of my customers who love their volumizing powders are now fans of HairShake. It offers hold, texture and volume. The one feature that made me a fan – if I wanted to change my style, I could brush through my hair with ease and begin again. My hair was not weighed down and there wasn’t a sticky residue.

So, for those of us with our noses pressed up against the window looking out on the beautiful day, may we find solace that although we may not be outside or at the beach, at least we are having a great hair day and are surrounded by the heavenly scents of the beach, thanks to Joico.

 

Beauty, Business, Hair Care, That girl in the red coat, Uncategorized

Monday Motivator – Joico Humidity Blocker

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Well, here we are again. It’s Monday. Mother Nature is having an identity crisis. In my neck of the woods we have seen snow, rain, sleet, freezing rain, snow and rain once again in the last 12 hours…and just to add a little kick to her ever present weather humour, Mother Nature has decided to keep humidity in the air and in turn, in our hair. Rain and humidity are in the forecast for the next few days, so for all of you who are trying to figure out how to tell the boss you will be late for work because you cannot get out of your car for fear of frizz and for all the Mom’s fretting over why you chose this week of all weeks to volunteer to chaperone a school field trip, fear and fret nor more! Let me introduce you to Joico Humidity Blocker.

Joico Humidity Blocker

A hidden gem in the Joico styling line. Joico Humidity Blocker literally creates a humidity block around each strand of hair, creating an invisible shield over your beloved tresses. It locks out the humidity and moisture in the air which means no frizz. At all. Created for all hair types, from our girls with curls to our ladies who are a fan of the flat iron, this gem is a perfect addition to your daily hair care routine. Joico Humidity Blocker offers a long lasting light hold, so it can also be used as a hairspray, for those who prefer a lighter hold to their hairspray.

For best results, use on dry hair. Once you have created the style you want for the day, and after all styling products have been applied, spray Joico Humidity Blocker all over your hair to lock out humidity and lock in your FAB! style.

From this day forward every time you hear “April showers bring May flowers”, you can rest assured that all the showers will bring are flowers, not frizz.

 

Beauty, Business, Hair Care, health and wellness, That girl in the red coat, Uncategorized, Women

Monday Motivator’s – Goldwell Sleek Perfection & Diamond Gloss Spray

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I swear, I blinked on Friday night and poof! it’s Monday morning. It was cold and gloomy this morning when I whined myself out of bed. Not even my cloud filled cup of morning coffee could shake my melancholy. As I was on my way to the shop, the sun broke through the clouds as if the universe was saying “Alright Sara. Chill out and smile.”. I do not enjoy admitting my shortcomings, but at that moment I realized that I was being a big old baby. I woke up in my own bed, in my own house, with electricity and hot coffee. My loved ones are healthy. I have my own car to get to work. I have a job. Yeah, safe to say my life is pretty damn good…oh, and thanks to these gems from Goldwell, so is my hair.

 

Goldwell Sllek Perfection & Diamond Gloss Goldwell Sleek Perfection & Goldwell Diamond Gloss Spray

 

Goldwell Sleek Perfection is a thermal protectant spray serum. It’s waterless formula insures less damage during heat styling and reduces breakage up to 50%. A humidity resistant formulation that locks out humidity for up to 24 hours all the while offering color protection = less fading so your new found color keeps it’s vibrancy. It is lightweight, so a great option for our fine hair beauties, yet potent enough for our thicker, more coarse tresses. It is a fast drying non aerosol spray with no hold factor, so there is never a worry for a sticky residue, or working against any other styling product you may be using. Oh….and by the way…it smells like candy….you know, the good candy from the penny candy counter.

 

Goldwell Diamond Gloss Spray is a fast drying, aerosol shine spray. This gem offers spectacular long lasting shine, reduces frizz and offers color protection. Since Diamond Gloss offers no hold it can also be applied to your hair when it has decided to get a mind of it’s own and becomes unruly or looking a little stressed or haggard – picture being caught in a gust of wind as your umbrella blows inside out – give your hair a spray of Diamond Gloss to get it back in line. I have found it to help with static as well. …and it smells great too.

…you gotta admit, when you are having a good hair day, it helps everything else seem a little less daunting and helps bring some light to your day.