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.

The pistachio-caramel scent of Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream is AMAZING! The scent is strong but sweet and intriguing. The cream is super-nourishing and has a slight shimmer that gives your skin a subtle glow.

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Body Fragrance Mist is the same yummy scent of the cream but in a light body mist. The original bottle is HUGE and now there's a mini (which is still kinda big). You're gonna want to surround yourself with this scent.

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Kiss Cupuacu Lip Butter is one of my favorite lip balms - I have one in my bathroom, one at my computer and one in my handbag! The light, creamy texture is nourishing and the tube is BIG, so it will last a long time. If I had to choose my favorite new Cosmetic brand of 2017, it would be Sol Janeiro Brazilian.

If you've been living under a rock, you probably haven't heard of Farsáli Rose Gold Elixir. This product is up there with Sugarbearhair and (well) any of the multitude of detox teas taking over Instagram. It's worth its weight in gold! This beauty oil has forever changed my makeup routine and enhanced my look dramatically. I apply 'many' drops of the elixir to my damp beautyblender and gently blend my foundation, concealer, under eye brightener and cream-to-powder highlighter. This elixir is amazing. It's available in two sizes - the mini is perfect for travel.

This is intense hydration - Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream is a concentrated 30 percent hyaluronic acid cream. If water was creamy- this would be it. It's so refreshing and leaves your skin feeling silky and super-nourished. The non-greasy cream absorbs fairly quickly (a little goes a long way), and doesn't leave your skin shiny. Water Drench Hyaluronic Cream is available in two sizes.

Luxury hairstyling brand, IGK, was founded by in-demand stylists from Miami, New York, and Los Angeles. YOU GOTTA VIEW THESE GUYS ONLINE! These stylists are really fascinating. I'd fly across the country and break the bank to get an appointment with any of these stylists. I LOVE the IGK product line. I have too many IGK products in full-size and travel size. Product junkie here!

IGK Prenup Instant Spray Hair Mask is my favorite. The 360 aerosol spray allows for easy application. The scent is delicious, and your hair will feel nourished and silky after just one minute. I use this mask every time I wash my strands. This hydrating hair mask is a MUST HAVE!

Sephora's soothing Coconut Water Lip Balm is another one of my favorite balms. The scent is delicious and the product feels nourishing on your lips. This balm is available in Goji, Rose, Tangerine, Almond and Coconut Water.

Sephora Honey Lip Scrub is amazing! When I first applied the scrub, I thought this isn't working - how can a balm exfoliate your lips. After a few vigorous applications I reached the grains inside. I rub the balm in circular motions on my lips until they're drenched in product, then I use my finger and massage the grains onto my lips. The result - smooth lips in seconds. It tastes good too - not that you should eat it, but scrubs tend to get in your mouth. LOVE!

Sunshine, pool water, salt water.. Your hair needs extra hydration during the summer months. My hair was damaged beyond repair last summer (botched dye job). I consider myself an expert on hydrating hair masks. These are my favorite super hydrators..

IGK Prenup Instant Spray Hair Mask is AMAZING! The 360 aerosol spray allows for easy application. The scent is delicious, and your hair will feel nourished and silky after just one minute. I use this mask every time I wash my strands. Give your hair a good scrub, apply conditioner and rinse immediately, then apply the Prenup hair splash mask, leave for minute and rinse. This hydrating hair mask is a MUST HAVE!

Bumble and Bumble is the Balm-To-Oil Pre-Shampoo Masque saved my hair, and is worth a second mention. Take a big dollop, rub your hands together to melt the product and apply to dry hair, section by section (dry hair absorbs better than wet hair). Leave for a minimum of twenty minutes. This super hydrating masque contains the Hairdresser's Invisible Oil six signature oils - argon, macadamia nut, coconut, safflower seed, grape seed oil and sweet almond. The signature scent is subtle and sweet. I apply this masque once a week, and it has made a HUGE difference in my hair. I've been struggling with severely damaged hair for a year, and only saw a significant improvement after using this product.

I purchased Skinny & Co. Coconut Oil in the OH SO TEMPTING mini section at Sephora. The lineup at Sephora is a trap - you're surrounded by mini's that cost much more than the full-size products (based on cost per ounce). Admittedly, this is my favorite section at Sephora. I can no longer find Skinny & Co. Coconut Oil on Sephora's site, so I'm not sure if Sephora carries this product anymore. Hmm..

I love this stuff. It's a multi-purpose coconut oil that hydrates your hair and body. Like the Bumble and Bumble Balm-To-Oil Pre-Shampoo Masque, this product melts in your hands. Scoop out a big dollop, allow it to melt and apply to the ends of your hair. You can leave the oil on for as long as you want. The scent is ok (natural-like). You can use this oil to sweeten your beverages, replace your go-to cooking oil, and apply as a moisturizer to your hair and skin.