Happy almost first day of fall, fabulous ladies!!!

To celebrate, I dyed my hair dark yesterday. Like it?

Woo hoo! It was a nice change from the blonde, but I’m sure I’ll be missing that soon enough. Also in celebration, inspired by a fellow blogger, Amanda, I will later attempt making Whole Wheat Apple Cinnamon Scones. Check out her awesome blog, Once Upon A Recipe.

Now, let’s get down to business.

Last week I talked about curly locks, and the products I have had the most success with. This week I am venturing into semi-unknown territory. STRAIGHT HAIR.  I would have no clue how to suggest anything to you ladies if I didn’t have sisters and friends with straight hair, and if I wasn’t so obsessed with products. *cough* Sephora *cough*.  Are they a publicly traded company? I should buy some stocks. Either way, this is not my area of expertise so, straight-haired ladies, if you have any additions or amendments please feel free to comment!

According to Allure.com’s Best of Beauty Awards (check out the link for full list) The Best Shampoo and Conditioner  for Normal Hair is Garnier Fructis Daily Care Fortifying Shampoo and Conditioner. I have had friends and family members stand by this brand, and if that commercial really works then maybe I should check it out too. Lord knows that sometimes I wake up feeling like my hair is the ‘Before Version’ of the ad. Eek.

I asked one of my best friends, Kate [whose has beautiful straight hair that always looks fab] what she recommends for straight hair. Her favorites are:

Paul Mitchell Clarifying Shampoo and Dove Damage Therapy Intensive Repair Conditioner followed by Dove Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Leave-In Smoothing Cream to combat dryness and frizzies.

As for styling products, I have used a ton of different things to help my sisters get their already straight locks even straighter. The one that has worked the best so far is the Phyto Phytodefrisant Botanical Hair Relaxing Balm that I mentioned in last week’s blog, {Curly Cue}. The great thing about this stuff is that it is lightweight so it can be used on crazy curls like mine, all the way down to straighter strands like my sisters’. Remember, remember the fifth of November. Just kidding. REMEMBER, REMEMBER THAT A LITTLE BIT GOES A LONG WAY. And that you can buy trial size first!

The allure.com winner for straightening product was Fekkai Coiff Controle Ionless Straightening Balm. They say that you should be able to get rid of your straightener after investing in this little number. Unless, of course, you have hair like mine [sigh]. I am going to put this stuff to the test and get back to you. But until I do, I would take their word for it.

[AND] our very own Chelsea McMahon can’t live without Aveda’s Smooth Infusion Style Prep Smoother. She actually applies it at night before styling, and says that she wakes up with soft, smooth locks. Yay for Aveda! Yay for no bed head!

As far as tools go, these are the best.

Oops, not that kind of tool.

Kate recommends starting with a regular paddle brush for blow drying, and a round brush for styling or adding body.

 If you need to use a straightener in addition, I just bought the Tourmaline Flat Iron from Sephora. If it works on my hair, I’m sure it will make your straight hair look amazing!

I asked my cousin [and long-time hair stylist] what her best advice for straight-haired ladies would be and this is what she said.

When using hot tools to get straight hair make sure you use a heat protectant BEFORE you blow dry or straighten! Another option is a leave-in temporary Keratin treatment which straightens, eliminates frizz, and typically lasts about 2-4 days (or until next shampoo). Those who want semi-permanent or permanent results should go for salon-only treatments such as the Brazilian Keratin treatment, relaxer, or permanent straightening solution.

Things to Remember:

1. Less is more. Don’t weigh down your straight hair with sticky, over-drying products. But DO use a heat protectant!

2. Stick to shampoos with words like ‘clean’, ‘clarifying’, or ‘volumizing’. And stay away from anything that looks thick and creamy. That junk will just weigh you down [that's what she said]. But really, products meant for thick hair are only going to leave buildup and make your hair heavy/greasy.

3. Add some OOMPH with a smoothing/shining agent and then use the right tools to help style.

4.  Don’t stress over a bad hair day. Life is too short. Just smile more and you will look [and end up feeling] better!

5. Go au naturel [with you hair, that is.] Make sure you take some days to let it breathe. It’s beautiful in its natural state because it’s yours!

As always, I’d love to hear your tips and tricks, and some of your favorite products.

Smile, pretty girl. See ya next week!

xo,

Katie