Hard Lessons...

4 weeks ago today was my regular appointment for a cut and color.  My hair was looking good, so we didn't feel like we needed to trim it...we just did the color and texturized it a bit. 

3 weeks ago today, I was out running errands.  I was at Ulta, picking up some things with my coupon, and remembered a product I wanted to try.  It was this...

From Product Review Pics

My hair is naturally curly, and I straighten it because with the way I have it colored, it just looks better straight.  This "Blow Dry Perfector" had been getting good reviews from the women's magazines, and I was intrigued.  Would this make it easier/quicker to dry and straighten my hair? 

I bought it and read the instructions carefully.  The kit has 2 steps.  First a "serum" that goes on washed (but not conditioned) hair, is left on for 20-30 minutes and rinsed.  Step 2 is a smoothing cream...you put it on your rinsed hair, blow dry, and straighten with an iron.. 

First off, the serum smelled like a perm.  As I've always liked the smell of perms, I wasn't too concerned.  However, I was concerned about the fact that the kit said specfically not to condition the hair...my hair tends to be dry.  I pressed on.  I got done with step 2, and blew dry my hair.  It took about the same amount of time, but it dried smoother and a lot less frizzy than normal.  I used my straightener (with my normal heat protectant spray), and it was easier to straighten.  My only complaint at that point was that my hair seemed really dry.  Actually the underside pieces of my hair, which usually get damp or wet when I shower, stayed straight instead of curling back up.  I was impressed. 

I can usually get away with only washing my hair once a week, so I didn't see any problems the first week.  I washed it after a week, deep conditioned (which I always do when I wash), and blew it dry again.  The blow dry was easier again this week.  However, once my hair was dry, it was apparent that the ends of it were damaged.  They were fried, and a lot of them were starting to split.  I straightened my hair, taking care to make sure my heat protectant coated the strands completely. 

My hair was TERRIBLE the second week.  The ends tangled constantly and they started breaking off in 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch pieces.  My bathroom was covered with small pieces of my abused hair.  No matter what I did, the ends looked terrible. 

Week 3, I deep conditioned again after washing.  (I should note, I don't use shampoo anymore, I use WEN, a "cleansing conditioner" that I LOVE!).  I used the WEN Re-Moist intensive hair treatment, making sure to coat the ends especially.  The ends of my hair were better this week, but still breaking off occasionally. 

Week 4, it was apparent that my hair was going to need more than a trim to fix it.  Enough of my hair had broken off that it was really uneven in places, and a whole chunk was gone on the left side of my ear. 

I went to get my hair done again today.  I ended up losing about 3 inches of the hair I've been growing out...6 months worth.  {{sigh}}

Hard lessons. 

The new me

From October 2010

Oh well, hair grows.  At least it looks and feels good again. 

As for the product...it does work as advertised.  However, if your hair is at all processed, damaged, or delicate, use at your own risk.

****P.S.  When I was searching for a pic of the "perfector", I came across a link that was reviews on the product.  Out of curiosity, I started reading them, and discovered I am really lucky to have only lost 3 inches of hair.  TONS of people have hair falling off in chunks, their natural curl is destroyed, or smooth, shiny curls have been transformed into hair that feels like hay.  At least 3/4ths of the people who've used this are having to cut their hair short.  I feel pretty lucky. 

A monthly ritual

I thought I'd share some of the process of my monthly ritual...getting my hair cut and colored. 

I've been with the same stylist for almost 5 years.  Her name is Janelle Taylor, and she's a genius with color.  She's also a perfectionist, which means my cut and color are always perfect.  She started out at a salon near my house, but a little over a year ago, moved to a more upscale salon.  She works at Salon Tantrum on highway 193 in Layton. 

First of all, it's an amazing salon.  It spans the entire top floor of the building.  It's a very relaxing environment.  They have probably 20 or so stylist stations, but no crowding.  The nail stations are separated a bit, so you never have "fume" spillover.  They also have esthetician and massage services available.  They serve coffee, hot chocolate, soft drinks, and of course water.  They also bring around a snack mix that is so delicious, as well as frozen grapes.  Really relaxing, upscale environment. 

So, here I'm all in my foils

From April 2010

During the washing out process, they also give you a head massage and the option of a facial pressure point massage.  I love to enjoy both, but Janelle still has the best technique for the facial massage of any of the girls who've ever done it...

All washed out...

From April 2010

Did I mention that the view from the windows is stunning?  

And here's me and the "artist" (because she truly is) who styles my hair....

From April 2010

I highly recommend the salon.  Janelle is at one of the medium price points for her experience level, but if you go in to a more beginning stylist, the prices are lower, but you still get the experience, (and the more experienced stylists mentor the newer ones, so you don't have to worry that way, either). 

If you do go in, put my name as the referral so I can earn points towards services. 

After my hair appointment yesterday, I dropped in on my Dad at work.  It was his birthday.  Happy Birthday Dad!  I couldn't have asked for a better father!  Even during all our years of arguing (that stopped when I finally Won one... ;)) , you were the best! I love you!