Lipstick Powder N Paint

We can thank the Hairspray movie for introducing this star hair product to a new generation. The number of people who rely on this fine mist for everyday wear is higher than you think.

It provides an essential function – finishing off any look with hold while making your do look natural.

Like mascara, finding the right brand for your hair is tricky. Those with poker straight hair need more hold than those with naturally textured locks. We have tested some of the best brands on the market to find out which ones work best.

OUR RATING SYSTEM
1 – Lackluster
2 – Not the worst of the bunch
3 – Getting there …
4 – Almost perfect
5 – Knock-your-socks-off good (more…)

Herbal Essences’ new collection, Hydralicious, marries two different shampoos in each bottle for a swirled effect. Every bottle has a different pattern, making them as pretty as they are effective.

The line includes three shampoos and three conditioners, and each combo works together for customized hydration. Hydralicious Featherweight is formulated for hair that needs a little bit of body. It hydrates perfectly, without weighing your hair down. Hydralicious Self-Targeting is focused on providing your damaged locks with just the right amount of moisture. A fusion of red vanilla and whipped aloe, and a Liquid Crystal polymer targets only the drier surfaces. The third set, Hydralicious Reconditioning, is for those who need a little extra love. It protects against key sources of dehydration like heat styling and colouring.

Your hair will welcome the extra moisture, and each version smells fantastic.

Herbal Essences  
www.herbalessences.ca  www.herbalessences.com/us
Available at food, drug and mass market stores in Canada and the U.S.

Colouring your hair is an investment, whether you go to the salon or do it yourself. Good, saturated colour can change the way you feel. The last thing you want is to be left with washed-out locks a few weeks after the process. Sulfates and the environment strip the hair and leave it dull looking. The best way to protect your investment is to use colour-friendly products. (more…)

If dandruff is the only thing standing between you and a closet full of basic black, you’re not alone. Many people have this scalp disorder, which is marked by itching and excessive flaking of the scalp. Although dandruff isn’t contagious (though it seems in the 1940′s it was thought to be), it is SO embarrassing.

WHAT CAUSES DANDRUFF?
The horrible culprit is a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia which lives on the scalps of most healthy adults without causing problems. Unfortunately sometimes it grows out of control, feeding on the oils secreted by the hair follicles and causing irritation that leads to increased cell turnover, and the result is a large number of dead skin cells. As the cells fall off, they tend to clump together with oil from your hair and scalp, making them appear white, flaky and all too visible.

Image: proctor & gamble

Exactly what causes an overgrowth of these organisms isn’t known, although increased oil production; hormonal fluctuations; stress; illness; a suppressed immune system; infrequent shampooing and extra sensitivity to the malassezia fungus may contribute to the development of dandruff.

WHAT TREATMENT IS THERE?
There are several dandruff shampoos on the market that will control flaking and itchiness. Dandruff shampoos are classified according to their active ingredient (see below) and you may need to experiment with different ones until you find one that works best for you.

To start, use daily until your dandruff is controlled, and then cut back to two or three times a week. Be sure to leave the shampoo on for at least five minutes — this allows the ingredients time to work.

If you’ve shampooed faithfully for several weeks and you are still encountering dandruff, talk to your doctor or dermatologist.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Zinc Pyrithione shampoos
These contain the antibacterial and antifungal agent zinc pyrithione, which has been shown to reduce the fungus that causes dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.

Tar-based shampoos
Coal tar, a byproduct of the coal manufacturing process, helps conditions such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis by slowing cell turnover.

Salicylic Acid shampoos
These “scalp scrubs” help eliminate scale, but they may leave your scalp dry, leading to more flaking. Using a conditioner after shampooing can help counter dryness.

Selenium Sulfide shampoos
These shampoos help prevent cell turnover and may also reduce the number of malassezia. Because they can discolour blonde, gray or chemically coloured hair, be sure to use them only as directed and to rinse well after shampooing.

Ketoconazole shampoos
The newest addition to the dandruff armamentarium, ketoconazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that may work when other shampoos fail. It’s available over-the-counter as well as by prescription.

SUGGESTED PRODUCTS

Herbal Essences No Flaking Way

This shampoo relieves scalp-related itching, irritation, redness or flaking associated with dandruff. Made with the active dandruff-fighting ingredient Pyrithione Zinc.

www.herbalessences.ca www.herbalessences.com

Head & Shoulders Classic Clean

With a HydraZinc formula, the shampoo and condition help to eliminate flakes and relieves scalp dryness, itch, and irritation. Gentle and pH balanced for everyday use – even on permed or colour-treated hair.

www.headandshoulders.ca www.headandshoulders.com

Neutrogena T-Gel Daily Control Dandruff Shampoo

Contains 1% Zinc Pyrithione for fast, effective dandruff relief. Three conditioning agents promote healthy-looking, soft, manageable hair.

www.neutrogena.ca www.neutrogena.com

Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

This shampoo contains ketoconazole – an active ingredient clinically proven to get to the root of your dandruff problem. It actually kills the malassezia fungus that causes dandruff.

www.nizoral.ca www.nizoral.com