I'm a detox anything and everything fan - Detox tea, juicing, herbal supplements and more recently, my scalp and hair. Admittedly, I've been lazy in the self-care department, but as of late have been implementing changes to better myself inside and out.

I finally mustered up the strength and dedicated myself to a daily exercise routine. I HATE IT! People who say exercising feels good confuse me. Albeit, I'm loosing weight and I love that my clothes are ill-fitting. Other than the intense workout at 8:00 am (I feel like I'm being punished), my hair routine is also suffering. I used to scrub my scalp and strands every third day, but I'm sweating and my hair requires a wash every other day - dry shampoo and a sweaty scalp is a cocktail for gross!

My hair is supper oily to begin with, but after 10 minutes on the squat machine and 3 rounds of "9 Exercises to get a flatter stomach", all I wanna do is shower and wash my hair. BUT, I'm lazy! Every other day, I give my head a intense scrub and once a week, I detox my scalp - It's the best feeling. I've tried scalp exfoliators and oils, but they often smell strong, like Tea Tree Oil (eew). In fact, most detox haircare products have an overpowering scent.

If I walk my Toy Poodle before I shower day two, I'll sprite a little product on the back of my scalp to give my limp pony tail and loose strands a little texture. Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Texture Spray is not a detox product, but rather a dry texturizing spray. The scent is fresh and the light product leaves your hair feeling a little aired-out. This stuff is great for volumizing clean hair too. LOVE!

For dry shampoo, my go-to brand is IGK. First Class, Direct Flight, Jet Lag and Fresh AF reign supreme in the kingdom of dry shampoo.

IGK First Class Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo is my favorite on the IGK shelf. The scent is strong, but nice and I like that it contains charcoal. Activated Charcoal absorbs - you can drink it, brush your teeth with it and apply to your hair and scalp to absorb the excess oil.

IGK First Class Dry Shampoo cleanses your hair, absorbs oil and eliminates odor. Spray the product on to your roots (oily areas) and leave for 10 min (to get the cooling, cleansing affect). THEN, turn your head upside down, massage and shake to distribute and remove access product.

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Triple Detox Shampoo has a super-strong scent, but it dissipates throughout the day. The Activated Charcoal infused shampoo smells like lemons and leaves your hair feeling fresh. This shampoo also has a patented healthy hair molecule (OFPMA) that fights off dirt and and oil, leaving your hair cleaner for a longer period of time.

This shampoo stinks, but it works and has landed a permanent spot in my weekly haircare routine. Triple Detox Shampoo is available in 160 ml and a travel-size 60 ml (love that). I suggest you purchase the smaller tube and give it a try..

I'm a HUGE fan of Bumble and Bumble hair products. I've tried almost everything on the roster. This one however fell short of my expectations and gave me a headache! The potent scent of Bb. Scalp Detox is unbearable! You could use this stuff in warfare! And of course, I got the product all over my hands and clothes while trying to capture a pic of the foam. I had to take a shower and quarantine my photo studio until the smell dissipated.

Whether or not it works - I can't say from experience. BUT, Bb. Scalp Detox is a 2018 Best of Beauty Allure Award winner. AND, I gave this fizzing, detoxifying foam to my girlfriend and she loved it!? If you can handle the scent or maybe even like it, this may be the perfect scalp detox solution for you.

Bumble and Bumble is a premiere haircare brand and I'm confident that everything in the lineup is amazing. Fingers crossed Bumble and Bumble will launch scent-free haircare..

I LOVE this Invisibobble Sprunchie. I have very fine, short hair and I prefer to wear my hair off my face, but my pony tail is pathetic! This black, velvet- like sprunchie (love the name) stays put and makes my up-do appear fuller. I wrap it once and then tuck my hair in and wrap again to create a messy, mini-bun. My hair is black, so the sprunchie blends well.

I can't believe this innovative Invisibobble has been sitting in my studio for months (unused). I need to work faster on these reviews. This sprunchie is a must-have!

Another Instagram sensation - Sugarbear SLEEP Vitamins. These little bear-shaped vegan gummies are formulated to help you sleep. The little purple bears smell delicious, taste like berries and are SUPER-SWEET! I'm not a sweets person, but I prefer a flavorful gummy over giant capsules - there's nothing relaxing about swallowing huge pills and vitamins.

Comprised of Melatonin, Magnesium, Theanine and Vitamin B6 - These ingredients tell your body when to go to sleep, enhance natural Melatonin and promote relaxation. This list is typical for natural sleep aids.

These gummies also contain the Sugarbear proprietary Rest Well Blend - botanicals that promote relaxation and optimize sleep. Lemon Balm Leaf, Passion Flower, Valerian Root and 5-HTP promote a calm, positive mood.

Seems like these gummies are packed with everything you need to improve your mood, promote relaxation and get a good night sleep. Albeit, most of us require something a little stronger! I suffer from insomnia and have tried too many homeopathic remedies. Yes, they "help", but if I'm stressed it will take a horse tranquilizer to keep me under for the suggested eight hours. 

I do find Sugarbear SLEEP gummies beneficial for relaxation. Rather than chewing two at bedtime, I opt for two with my evening tea (a blend of chill-the-f**k-out herbs and detox tea). I find slipping in to the sheets, feeling relaxed and stress-free is most beneficial to a good night sleep. Reducing stress in your life (or coping with it better) also plays a huge role in a positive, calm mind and solid eight hours rest.

Sugarbear vitamins are fun, delicious and gorgeous shades of blue, pink and purple. Color is super important on Social Media and if a product photographs well, it will swiftly gain fans (whether or not the product is worthy).

So many people claim that Sugarbear HAIR Vitamins have changed their life. Claims that these little blue bears miraculously transformed your straw hat to a gorgeous mane are ridiculous. Gummies that contain Biotin, Folic Acid and Vitamin D will promote healthy hair, but proper haircare is necessary in the recovery process. 

While perusing the Sugarbear site for sleep vitamins, I noticed there is also a women's multi-vitamin. The bears are the perfect shade of pink - Of course, I'm going to buy them.. Sugarbear vitamins are cute, contain all the right stuff and aside from being 15 calories each, will only benefit you.

Oh and my Sugarbear SLEEP vitamins order included a mini bottle of gummies (perfect for travel) and a cute keychain. I love promo products! 

Yeah, it's been two years and I'm still goin' on about my botched hair job. I'm scarred for life!

May 17, 2017 (re-post). It's been almost a year since my traumatic and altogether unsuccessful hair transformation. They all (the many hairstylists) said it will take six months to recover my hair. I've been obsessively treating, cutting and babying my strands - Still, eleven months and counting.. Hair grows (it's a fact), but repairing severely damaged hair takes time - Oh, and lots of products. I'm embarrassed to say how much I've spent on hair repair solutions and vitamins.

Initially, I was skeptical of Olaplex and didn't have great things to say about this preventative treatment. The stylist who took my hair from black to orange to green to greenish-gray-yellow-blonde (YUP, thats what I ended up with), said Olaplex would protect my hair from the bleach and there would be little damage. NOT TRUE! Clearly this stylist overestimated the treatment and was 'possibly' misinformed. I was still under the impression that Olaplex would repair my hair. I used Olaplex one, two and three for a few months after, but didn't feel like my hair was getting better, so I discontinued the treatments.

Some time later my new stylist explained that Olaplex is a preventive treatment, and not a hair repair solution. She said regular applications would keep my hair from being further damaged. I got back on the Olaplex-wagon. Along with intense hydrating masks and vitamins, my hair 'slowly' started to grow. My stylist includes Olaplex step-one in my color solution. After rinsing the color, Olaplex step-two is applied. In between salon visits, I use Olaplex step-three (just once). Admittedly, I've been converted and am a fan of this hair-care product.

I'm sure it was a combination of many hair repair products, but so many people think Olaplex is a miracle treatment, that I'm inclined to give this bond multiplier, bond protector and hair protector credit for my healthy, shiny hair.

I was excited when I saw Olaplex Shampoo & Conditioner at Sephora. I'm a Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil super-fan and have tried a ridiculous number of other shampoos and conditioners, but always go back to Bb. Not this time - Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner have landed a permanent spot in my haircare routine.

The No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo has a refreshing citrus scent. I think I smell a slight coconut scent in there too - it reminds of Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil shampoo and conditioner. The scent is kinda strong and lingers. The shampoo lathers like crazy. I used my usual dollop and had suds running down my face, neck and back. I suggest starting with a small amount. Typically, if I go three days without washing my hair, I have to shampoo twice, but with Olaplex Bond Maintenance Shampoo, one wash is sufficient.

The No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner has a similar scent, but less intense and kinda creamy (fitting, considering it's nourishing cream for your hair). This stuff is thick and a little goes a long way. I usually use IGK Prenup Instant Spray Hair Mask after Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil, but it's not necessary with Olaplex conditioner. This creamy product is super-nourishing and leaves my hair feeling soft. After using Olaplex shampoo and conditioner, drying and styling, my hair does feel heavier than usual, but knowing that I'm repairing my hair once a week, is worth the weight. I'm a fan!

Olaplex products are kinda pricey, but you don't need a lot of shampoo or conditioner each time you wash. I think these bottles will last me months (washing once a week). I do suggest you alternate shampoo and conditioner brands. This nourishing treatment may be a little heavy for regular use.

You can purchase the Olaplex Salon Intro Kit - it includes the No.1 (step 1) Bond Multiplier, No.2 (step 2) Bond Perfector and No.3 (step 3) Hair Perfector. You an also purchase No.3 in a 100 ml bottle for more frequent use.

If you have damaged hair, or just want to give your hair some extra love once and a while, I highly recommend Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner. The repairing shampoo and super-moisturizing conditioner will leave your hair feeling soft, shiny and healthy.

It's been almost a year since my traumatic and altogether unsuccessful hair transformation. They all (the many hairstylists) said it will take six months to recover my hair. I've been obsessively treating, cutting and babying my strands - Still, eleven months and counting.. Hair grows (it's a fact), but repairing severely damaged hair takes time - Oh, and lots of products. I'm embarrassed to say how much I've spent on hair repair solutions and vitamins.

Initially, I was skeptical of Olaplex and didn't have great things to say about this preventative treatment. The stylist who took my hair from black to orange to green to greenish-gray-yellow-blonde (YUP, that's what I ended up with), said Olaplex would protect my hair from the bleach and there would be little damage. NOT TRUE! Clearly, this stylist overestimated the treatment and was 'possibly' misinformed. I was still under the impression that Olaplex would repair my hair. I used Olaplex one, two and three for a few months after, but I didn't feel like my hair was getting better, so I discontinued the treatments.

Sometime later my new stylist explained that Olaplex is a preventive treatment, and not a hair repair solution. She said regular applications would keep my hair from being further damaged. I got back on the Olaplex-wagon. Along with intense hydrating masks and vitamins, my hair 'slowly' started to grow. My stylist includes Olaplex step-one in my color solution. After rinsing the color, Olaplex step-two is applied. In between salon visits, I use Olaplex step-three (just once). Admittedly, I've been converted and am a fan of this hair-care product.

Nutrients support hair strength, resulting in less breakage and thus healthier strands. Vitamins you should look for in a vitamin blend - A, B, C, D, K, Biotin, Keratin (your hair is made up of keratin protein), Folic Acid, Iron, Niacin, Magnesium, Protein, Zinc.. Not to mention minerals and oils that support healthy hair. Viviscal Hair Growth Vitamins are comprised of vitamins and minerals your hair needs. This supplement gets great reviews, many dermatologists sell or recommend these vitamins, and from my experience, IT WORKS! I've been taking these vitamins for about six months. I'm terrible at taking vitamins regularly, but my sporadic vitamin-popping has still made a difference.

Viviscal vitamin supplements contain Biotin, Zinc, Vitamin C, Iron, Calcium, Niacin, Horsetail Extract, Millet Seed Extract and the exclusive marine complex AminoMar (shark cartilage and Oyster Extract Powder). there are a few essential vitamins missing, but if it works, who cares. Six months of intense hydrating masks, Olaplex treatments and Viviscal supplements has made my hair stronger, a little thicker (I have baby hairs), and healthier.

WARNING - Don't trust a stylist that says Olaplex is a miracle treatment that will take your hair from black to blonde in weeks. Below are pics of my disastrous transformation. After days in the salon, fried strands and painful lesions on my scalp, I went back to black. I couldn't settle for greenish-gray-yellow-blonde, and further bleaching was not an option.

Original posts - See August 2016.

Oily hair and dandruff go together like 'yuck'. I'm not an expert and will never understand how skin can be oily and dry at the same time. Since my dramatic hair transformation last year ('tryna' go black to blonde), I've had major scalp issues. My hair is much more oily and I have dandruff!? Yup - dandruff. It's kinda like 'the' curse word nobody says out loud - DANDRUFF! Ok, now that I've said it aloud, or rather posted it in shouting context, lets talk oil and flakes.  

Amongst the damaged hair treatments and gentle hair care, I've been struggling to combat my oily hair and dry scalp. After just one day, my hair looks greasy (I KNOW). My hair is damaged from bleach and I can't shampoo every day, so I began researching.. My oh so lovely hair stylist recommended I apply Bumble and Bumble All-Style Blowdry to my scalp prior to blow-drying my hair. I also use Bumble and Bumble Repair Blow Dry and Mending Complex on my strands. The All-Style Blowdry formula has oil-absorbing powders and doesn't leave buildup on your scalp. Applying this product after washing my hair has reduced the oil buildup dramatically. 

In all my on-line studies, I realized that healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, so I invested in a few treatments. My favorite treatment shampoo is Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo. The charcoal and coconut oil-infused shampoo exfoliates and soothes your scalp. The detox formula is super refreshing. Scalp Revival has a peppermint scent and slightly tingles. I expected a strong cold-tingly feeling but was pleasantly surprised at the subtlety. I use this shampoo every two weeks for a super cleansing, refreshing, detox of the scalp.

Phyto Phytopolléine Botanical Scalp Treatment regulates the scalp, promoting healthy, energized hair. This oil treatment is super strong in scent and sensation. I use it once a month and love how refreshed and revitalized my scalp feels. This elixir is 100 percent pure and natural oils - Approximately four pounds of fresh plants per bottle!

The combination of these three products has allowed me to skip TWO DAYS in between washings. This is a big deal for me (I used to wash every day). My scalp is less itchy, I have fewer flakes and my oil problem has subsided (at least for two days). Washing my hair two-three times a week is so beneficial to the hair-repair process. It never occurred to me to treat the skin on my head, but it makes perfect sense now. I invest so much money in facial serums and creams, of course, I should invest in my scalp.

I've comprised a small list of 'on a budget' gifts for her. These trending products are all AMAZING! Gift them alone, mix-and-match, or create the ultimate stocking for the girl who's obsessed with cosmetics. 

Sugarbearhair is no different than any other 'healthy hair' vitamin as far as ingredients go. These little chewy bears are taking over Instagram simply cause they're cute, and the vibrant color looks great in photos. These mini turquoise bears are fun and taste yummy (like eating gummy bears). Most of us have 'hair struggles' and would appreciate berry flavored gummies that promote healthy hair. One jar (60 bears) retails for $29.99. 

I've been raving about Glossier products for the last few weeks and Balm Dotcom (the universal skin salve) is my favorite. The dense salve is perfect for any and every dry patch on your skin. Apply to your nails, face, body.. There are five to choose from and retail for $12. 

It's Skin Cookie Body Ice Cream is AMAZING! The mint, original and strawberry flavors smell just like (JUST LIKE) ice cream. This body ice cream is lighter than a body butter but thicker than body cream. The soft cookie chip pieces melt upon application and add to the 'ice cream effect'. Each 2.7 oz pot (small enough for travel) retails for $10 at Sephora. LOVE!

MILK Makeup Limited Edition Triple Threat Glow Set contains three travel size, best selling products. The mini Face Mist contains rice and ginger water that calm and nourish skin. The Sunshine Oil comes in a little rollerball pen - perfect purse/travel size. Body and face oil are essential during the cold season. And.. my favorite is the super tiny Highlighter Cream Stick. The color is universally flattering and brightens your skin for the perfect highlight. This mini highlighter is a great travel replacement for my Benefit Watt's Up! Cream to Powder Highlighter (you all know this one). These three mini's come in a plastic box, retail for $30 and will make just about anyone happy!

Most people who wear makeup, own a beautyblender® makeup sponge (or some other brand). If not, GO GET ONE! Another innovative product by beautyblender® is the liner.designer. The triple-edged eyeliner guide works with all eyeliner formulas to create the perfect look. It's like eyeliner application for dummies. The silicon guide comes with a mini plastic case and suction cup (not sure why there's a suction cup?). liner.designer retails for $16 and is available in pink or clear. 

There ya have it! The ultimate gifts under $30 for the product junkie(s) in your life. 

While laying in bed perusing the Internet for a hairstyle to mask the damage from my recent salon experience, I can feel my face heating up (rosacea - there's no hiding when I'm mad). I gotta get out of bed and tell you about my botched, bleaching experience. Imma try to keep it short, but it's been tragic watching my hair deteriorate and I have a lot to bitch about!

I wanna start by saying, I'm no stranger to bleaching my hair. I tried to go from black to blonde last year. My stylist at the time insisted we take it slow and after two rounds (four weeks apart), I decided to go back to black. I didn't like the in-between, warm shades. There was minimal damage to my hair - it was dry for a few weeks, but the integrity of my hair remained strong. My recent bleaching experience was very different..

My stylist was on vacation, so I booked an appointment with the salon owner. She started off with her thirty-second elevator pitch and I gotta say, I was impressed. She had decades of experience and was operating out of her second salon. Y'all know I have color-treated, black hair. At the time it was short, very healthy, and super shiny. The salon owner asked if I'd consider lightening my hair and I explained the experience I had one year prior (see video on the blog). She said there is a new product called 'Olaplex', that will allow a stylist to bleach the clients hair many times without comprising the integrity of the hair. She claimed that I could go from black to blonde in one day and my hair would remain healthy. 

I went home and researched Olaplex. There is not one bad review on this stuff. I bought into the hype and three weeks later was ready to bleach the shit out of my hair! I'd had black hair long enough and the trendy silver/blonde shade was a much-needed change. Eight weeks later, I realize that these reviews are not entirely true - Imma call it 'photoshopped' reviews. They ommit the 'hair drama' and 'time-lapse', to produce a dramatic hair transformation and promote their expertise. 

My stylist was back in the salon and hesitant to make me silver/blonde, but the salon owner was there to mentor and seemed confident. The first bleach was on the ends, the second bleaching went from root to ends and the third was a purple colored bleach to combat the orange. At this time, my head is burning, we're all tired and my stylist says it's enough for today. I was in shock - they expected me to walk around for one week with bright 'leeloo' hair?! To add salt to my wounds, I had a birthday dinner to attend that weekend. FUCK! 

The following morning, I woke up and felt crusty blobs in my hair. After further examination, I realized I had many burns on my scalp that had secreted and clumped in my hair throughout the night. Not pleasant. Oh and it's been eight weeks and the wound (pictured above) just healed completely. 

One week later, I went back to hopefully finalize the process and leave with silver/blonde hair. The first bleaching (fourth in total) didn't remove the orange, so we did another. Then she applied the gray color. I honestly didn't think the gray was gonna cover the orange. Now my hair is green and both stylists are panicking. The salon owner calls Wella and Olaplex for advice. This is a bad sign.. She says 'you know what we have to do' - 'go back to black'. Are you fucking kidding me?! After thirty minutes of them pondering the botched job done on my hair, speaking in Dutch (I don't speak Dutch), she suggested we apply a blonde color. I asked if there was bleach in it (it's blonde after all) and she said no, just color. The color wasn't evenly applied and my head started burning (hmm..). I told my stylist and she said 'can you go another ten minutes?' I'm desperate, so ok.. The green diminished, but I was not happy leaving the salon AGAIN with hideous hair color. It was greenish/yellow, with gray roots and orange ends! Oh and my scalp was bright red.

While the interim greenish/blonde shade was bearable, the damage was irreversible and getting worse everyday. I couldn't get a brush through my hair and had to go back for treatments and a blow-dry twice a week. My stylist said the treatments were at her expense. Oh gee thanks. You destroyed my hair, it looks terrible, you still charged me full price and for every blow-dry, but you'll cover the cost of treatments - you're so generous (insert sarcastic tone).

I know I agreed and I have myself to blame. If something is too good to be true, it ain't true! I still can't help but feel mislead by the salon owner - she was negligent and experimented on my hair, lacked hair bleaching/Olaplex knowledge and showed no empathy for the damage caused. She didn't apologize, accept blame, say hello, or look me in the eyes during the following weeks of treatments and blow-drys. My stylist didn't apologize either. During my last blow-dry she said, 'I didn't want to do this and now it's my problem'. I could sense that she was upset with her superior and felt bad about the outcome, but still showed little compassion. It's unfortunate that she will go down with the ship, but I had to share my experience - I realize she didn't endorse this hair transformation, but she did administer it. 

You can't go from black to blonde in one day. It takes time and patience. Don't trust any stylist that claims you can go from black to blonde in hours or that Olaplex will maintain your healthy hair through five+ bleachings. It's not the fountain of youth for hair and can't instantly reverse the harsh effects of hair bleach.