I've always been one of those people who likes to experiment with their hair. While it can yield pretty results, there is usually heat or chemicals involved. While I have sworn off color treatments for the last couple of years (that might change soon though. Stay tuned...) I have also not taken as much care of my hair as I should. Mostly due to the fact that haircuts and treatment in nyc are very expensive. While I have been able to find a couple of good drug store hair products, they are for the most part, unimpressive. I have even tried pretty high end products to find that some just dont justify their price. My hair stil has a mind of it's own and doesn't like to do what it's told.

A few weeks back I started using the Damage Remedy line from Aveda after receiving a treatment at their soho location. I've been using it ever since then and I must say I really enjoy the products. The shampoo is gentle but does a good job of striping out the old funk and gunk out. After all, I only wash but 2 times a week, 3 if I get sweaty or if it's summer. Out of the entire line I really like the Intensive Restructuring Treatment. It has a way of just releasing any tangles with very little effort. I usually have to use a wide-toothed comb and a little elbow grease to get tangles out. This stuff just releases them. It's pretty amazing. I like to use a big squirt of the Restructuring Conditioner with a small squirt of the Intensive Restructuring Treatment mixed in.

One of the greatest things about Aveda products are the amazing scents. They're very herbal and natural smelling not like other products that are purfumey or sweet smelling. I just can't stop sniffing my hair!

Overall I really like the Damage Remedy line and I'm going to use every last drop of it!. If the beast known as winter is taking its wrath out on your hair or you use a lot of heat on your hair this stuff will help nourish and pamper it to restore moisture.

GIVEAWAY TIME!

To win a set of Aveda Damage Remedy Shampoo, Conditioner and 2 treatments (retail value $101) LIKE Aveda on facebook and leave a comment below telling me about your hair and why you could uses some Damage Remedy.

For an additional entry Follow me on twitter and tweet: "RT to win! @lesleykat I want to win @Aveda #DamageRemedy"

RULES: Contest ends Friday January 13, midnight EST. Open to US Residents only. One winner will be chosen at random and notified via email, or direct message on twitter. If winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen. Maximum 2 entries per person, any additional entries will be disqualified. Any twitter entries that are not following @lesleykat will be disqualified. Good luck!

Info from Aveda on the family of products:

Damage Remedy™ Restructuring Shampoo, $24: Our gentle daily shampoo helps repair damage with quinoa protein, while nurturing with rich coconut and babassu-lending new life to hair.

• part of a three-step restructuring system
• helps hair weakened by chemical processes, heat styling and environmental exposure
• babassu and coconut-based cleansing formula is kind to damaged hair
• with quinoa protein-to help strengthen and repair hair from the inside out

Damage Remedy™ Restructuring Conditioner, $24: Our daily conditioning formula with quinoa protein helps repair and re-moisturize damaged hair—infusing it anew with healthy movement, silkiness and shine.

• part of a three-step restructuring system
• helps hair weakened by chemical processes, heat styling and environmental exposure
• formula blends phellodendron, sandalwood and barley to smooth the hair cuticle
• with quinoa protein—to help strengthen and repair hair from the inside out

Damage Remedy™ Intensive Restructuring Treatment, $29: Our intensive weekly treatment deeply penetrates to help repair, seal and smooth even the most damaged hair. Using the power of pure plant oils and quinoa protein, it restores health, silkiness and shine.

• part of a three-step restructuring system
• helps strengthen hair weakened by chemical processes, heat styling and environmental exposure
• quinoa protein penetrates the hair shaft, working from inside to help strengthen and repair
• phellodendron and barley seal in moisture
• castor, jojoba and meadowfoam seed oils smooth hair's surface

Damage Remedy™ Daily Hair Repair, $24: Our daily leave-in treatment instantly repairs damaged hair by 26%*, helps protect from heat styling and detangles to help prevent further damage.

• Certified organically-derived quinoa protein penetrates hair to instantly repair damage and strengthen from the inside out.
• Wheat protein helps protect from heat styling—such as blow-drying and ironing.
• Soy-derived oil detangles to help prevent further damage and breakage.
• Certified organic essential oils including bergamot, mandarin and ylang ylang provide an uplifting aroma.

FTC Disclosure: I recieved the deep conditioning treatment and set of products from Aveda. Giveaway price will be furnished by Aveda. Image provided by Aveda.

Roy G Biv is a good friend of mine. We go way back. I have never been afraid of him, nor him of me. If you don't know what I am talking about then let me explain. Roy G Biv is a the rainbow. Red Orange Yellow Green Blue Indigo Violet. In high school I had just about every color you can imagine. For a little while I had this amazing blonde to pink ombre hair. I was obsessed with changing my hair color. I used everything from Punky Colour to cake icing coloring. All of my methods were messy, unpredictable and a bit ridiculous at times. Oh, high school!

From Lauren Conrad's rainbow streaks to famously-pink hued hair model Charolette Free to countless numbers of runway shows, brightly colored hair has taken the fashion and beauty world by storm. My office lets me wear all the crazy makeup and hair colors I want. For those out there that cannot but still want in on the brightly colored fun let me introduce the Color Bug by Kevin Murphy.

Its a radical new concept to temporary hair color that works a lot like and eyeshadow. It comes in a little half globe shape and is applied by rubbing it directly on to your hair. Lets explore further, shall we?

More pictures, directions, swatches and continued review...

KEEP READING...

Travel Tips For Product Junkies is a 3-part series helping all the product junkies out there to better prepare for type away from the collection.

The first two in the series covered skincare and makeup. My third and last installation of travel tips for product junkies is all about hair and body. Not to be confused with body hair. Just get a wax and bring a razor for touch ups for that and you're all set. right?

As I noted in the skincare installment of this series, you don't always know what your destination's water conditions will be. You could bring lotion or even rely on your hotel's lotion (seriously is that stuff EVER good? Usually not unless you're staying boutique or fancy.) but you don't want to do that. A really great solution is an in-shower moisturizer. These came up on the market a few years back and haven't gotten NEARLY the attention they deserve. They're easy to use and FACT, during fashion week models are asked to use this instead of regular body lotion to keep the skin on their bodies supple without transferring product to the designer duds. A quarter size rubbed on arms, on each leg and another size on your torso after shampooing and cleansing is enough to sink in. Rinse and done.
Lesleykat's Pick: Olay Quench In-shower body lotion, of course you should probably squirt some into a travel tube since this stuff comes in a HUGE package; 15.2 oz to be exact. Available at drug stores $6.99

Again, the water is going to ruin your life. Your hair's life. I suggest bringing your richest conditioner to ensure your hair can make it through hell or hard water. I know that I can't trust my hair to some crazy 2-in-1-hotel-bullpoo and I'm guessing if you're reading this you can't either. 
Lesleykat's Pick: Neutrogena Triple Moisture Mask, this thick, rich conditioner/mask will cut through any tangles in seconds and leaves hair soft and manageable.

For the love of all things holy, do not forget your hairspray. If you end up putting your hair up every day on your trip you'll need that stuff to keep everything in place. If you are forgoing your flatiron, then you'll need it to calm your frizz. (if you don't have frizz I hate you a little, but you obviously don't need this advise)
Lesleykat's Pick: L'oreal Elnett Satin Strong Hold Hairspray, Available at Target $12.99

Got any great travel beauty tips? Share 'em!

Fact, I haven't had an actual full hair cut since a year ago and before that 2 years. It's kind of crazy balloons. How did I possibly avoid cutting so long you ask? The top knot became my best friend. Since I don't color treat my hair and barely use heat to style my hair it remained in decent condition. Since booking my trip to London and Paris (have you sent me tips yet?) I had been pretty busy getting things together so that I looked my best in these two fashionable towns. With that in mind I simply HAD to stop ignoring my hair.

A friend recommended her stylist, Callie at Senses Salon. We met and I got a good vibe off her right away and scheduled an appointment for a few days later. I'm so glad I did  because she was great! We discussed my options and she helped me decide to keep length but really clean it up and add some layers. We decided to keep growing out the bangs and to clean them up and thin it out so that the annoying shorter parts blended. We're saving color options for another time but we did come up with a SWEET color concept that I know you all will DIE FOR! So stay tuned....

BEFORE:
Raggedy, dry, frizzy, runaway bang growth. (I mean, just LOOK at the disgusted look on my face.)

See the After...

Keep reading...

As a kid I spent many summers in camp both sleep away and day camp. I enjoyed these times very much. I learned how to properly tie-dye, start bonfires and roast marshmallows; which up until recently I didn’t like AT ALL. Another thing I learned while at camp was that chlorine and sun take one helluva toll on hair. Lets explore some of my favorite options for summer hair care. To preface these choices I want to state that my hair is wavy, frizz-prone, virgin (non-chemically treated) and long as hell. It basically needs work to get it to look half way decent; which SUCKS because I’m more of a wash-and-go type of girl.

Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing Hair Mask
Now that you’ve stripped the gunk out of your hair, moisture must be replenished with a rich, deep conditioner. The Monoi Repairing Hair Mask by Carol’s Daughter is new to the market and already becoming a favorite amoungst the beauty buffs. Not only is it super rich and hydrates in the most luxurious way possible, it smells like bottled summer.
Available at Sephora $29

Neutrogena Shampoo
Have you ever seen those little girls with light hair that looks like it turning green? That my friends is chlorine. While it keeps our pools clean and safe (honestly, can’t we just all switch over to salt purification systems PLEASE?) it also does a nasty little number on hair. Not only does it turn it a few shades of green it can also dry it out significantly. Neutrogena shampoo is a super-clarifying shampoo that strips out chlorine and any other build up in hair. This will reverse green glow in just a couple of washes.
Available at most drug stores for around $3.99

Aveeno Nourish+Condition Leave-In Treatment
While there are a zillion and a half leave-in conditioners and treatments on the market, I like this one by Aveeno mostly because of the price tag and also because its not ALL chemicals. I start application at the ends and then gradually work up towards my roots. I DO NOT spray right on my roots and scalp. This is the quick road to greasy-town. Work in a little more when you're feeling extra dried out.

*Bonus Beach Tip: If you’re going to be out in the sun on the beach or by a pool I suggest spritzing a few squirts of this treatment in your hair before tying it up. (top knot, right?) This will help shield your hair from the sun and heat and prevent too much drying.
Available at most drugstores for around $6.99

Do you have any favorite summer hair care tips or products?

Sue Ellen Crandel accidentally lived the fashion dream in one of my favorite movies Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead. Christina Applegate plays a gorgeous 17 year old who has to grow up fast to take care of her family when her summer sitter kicks the bucket. She kicks ass and revamps a tired old company with the help of her fashion sense, cute friends and family. If you haven't seen this movie add it to your netflix queue RIGHT NOW!

I remember this one specific hair style in which she uses a handfull of dark elastics to create a braid-ponytail hybrid. Its obviously SUPER 80's/90's but hey, everything comes back, right? I actually really like it for long hair.

What do you think? Would you rock this look?

Dry shampoo is one of the most powerful players in my beauty arsinal. If i'm feeling lazy about doing my hair, BOOM, dry shampoo to the rescue! There are two main types of dry shampoo on the market: spray and loose powder. I compared the two types of dry shampoo by one brand, Ocsar Blandi, to note the pros and cons of each and help you lovely kittens to decide which one is right for you. Obviously there are many brands on the market to choose from. I happen to have two varieties of the same brand to level the playing field.

POWDER:
Oscar Blandi, Pronto Dry Shampoo
Availability: Sephora
Price: 1.0 oz. $11;  2.5 oz. $19

Pros:
Small packaging easily travels, doesn't take up lots of space in bathroom/travel bag (TSA approved)
Scented lemongrass, very clean and fresh smelling
Apply with hands for spot concentration
Keeps hair fresh looking for a long time
Adds slight bit of volume
Works well on medium-fine textured hair

Cons:
Can be extremely messy if you're not careful with application
I don't trust the lid while traveling (always put in a small ziploc bag)
Scent faids from lemongrass to powdery smell after a while
Can clump up and become gritty if too much is applied
May appear ashy in color on darker colored hair

SPRAY:
Oscar Blandi, Pronto Invisable Volumizing Dry Shampoo Spray
Availability: Sephora
Price: 1.4 oz $11;  5 oz. $23

Pros:
Spray application makes it extremely easy to use
Scent lasts for a long time (also a con if you don't like the smell)
Small size is great for on-the-go spot cleaning
Doesn't leave gritty texture 
Adds volume to roots (subltle, not like backcombing would)

Cons:
Does not travel well, aersols are prohibited by the TSA (don't quote me, I don't work for them)
If ordering from Sephora, will ship via ground transportation (takes longer)
Scent is very fruity smelling, almost overpowering (smells like life savors) 
Must shake well before application or product will not be evenly distributed
Doesn't last as long as powder in hair

There are my comparisons. For my hair (fine textured, but heavy, naturally wavy, mink-blonde/brown in color) I prefer the powder dry shampoo. Which dry shampoos have you tried? Any favs? Do tell!

When it's dark and raining in the morning I am certainly not inspired to put any effort in to my hair. Especially since I know it will fall flat or frizz out within seconds of stepping outside. Today was one of those days. As I pinned my hair back to wash my face I remembered seeing an image of models wearing overlapping pins in their hair for a fashion show. As a bit of an homage to that, I grabbed a handful of my clips and created a little hair-clip design. It served as a method to pin back my bangs and create a little drama. This concept could easily be done using bobby pins too but know this, you're gonna need a TON of them.

Now, so you all know, this look was met with very mixed reviews. For every person who told me they loved it, there was another telling me it was strange. A few people asked if I had just taken a wig off. (Too much RuPaul's Drag Race, eh?) That's what happens when you take a risk. I love it but I don't expect everyone else to "get" it.

What do you think? Would you rock it?

A few days ago I wrote about the Refinery29 Reserve offer at Privé which includs a blowout, bang trim and goodie bag. Well, I just may have stopped in to check it out for myself. What's the big deal about a blowout anyway, you ask? I mean, everyone owns a hair dryer, right? Yeah, well, I don't know about you, but I am simply not capable of achieving this great of hair glory on my own. My stylist, Mel, short for Melisand (who btw, was totes adorbs and from Belgium) didn't just make magic with a dryer, some round brushes and a few products; she created PRINCESS HAIR. Someone get me a tiara asap! Seriously, this hair deserves a commemorative plate.

To get your own princess hair for a super deal check out the deal Refinery29 is offering. It really is totally worth it, especially if you have a special occasion or just need a little boost.

Of course I had my iphone on hand as the process was going down to snap pics. A few of the products Mel used:

Privé,Volumizing Froth

Privé, Root Amplifier

Privé, Finishing Texture Spray (similar to hair spray but lighter)

Of course I had to snap an in-process shot:

So are you ready for the final product? Here it is in all it's crowning glory. (PUN INTENDED!!!)

Privé is located in the Soho neighborhood of NYC next to the Soho Grand Hotel.

Disclaimer: Refinery29 provided me with complimentary access to these services/products.

I'm very excited to share with my lovely kittens some super fun news! Refinery29, one of my abso-fav sites, has launched a fab feature called Reserve hooking up great deals. They're offering is a blow-out, bang trim and free goody bag of hair products at Privé in SoHo. This deal is valued at $125 and it's being offered for a limited time at only $50!

How does it work? Well, if you're familiar with sites like Groupon or Scoutmob that offer sweet deals for a limited time, then you have the basic concept. Since Refinery29 is tapped in closely with NYC they can get some great partnerships. So what are you waiting for? GO STEAL IT!

This deal expires VERY SOON so there's no time to waste! Check out Reserve.Refinery29.com

Pictures courtesy of Refinery29