Product Review: Matrix Biolage Advanced Keratindose

I wanted to let you babes in on a little secret that I use to help keep my strands long & healthy.  I use these keratin protein shots weekly by Matrix Biolage Advanced Keratindose.  

This product is perfect for hydrating limp, over processed & color treated hair.  Case in point: last week.  I lightened my hair significantly {see a pic of it here} and my hair stylist was begging me to trim my hair.  I'm kinda anti-trim when in comes to my locks, and only trim my hair a few times per year as I take really good care of it and barely ever use heat products on it which results in minimal breakage & split ends.  We all know that lightening & processing your hair really takes its toll on the ends, so instead of giving in and trimming off my ends, I turned to my trusty protein shots! 

Problem solved.  The dry, brittle ends were once again hydrated & nourished, and I was a happy girl because I didn't have to chop off my hard earned length!  This product is formulated without any nasty sulfates, parabens & harsh salts and couldn't be any easier to use.  You simply shampoo your hair as you normally would, apply the keratin dose directly to your hair & really massage it in.  Leave on for about 3 minutes, rinse, then follow with your normal conditioner.  Voilà!  So easy, and trust me, your hair will thank you! 

If interested, you can purchase the Keratindose by clicking here.

Fill me in, chicas.  What hair products are you using & loving this summer?

Two Ways To Extend Your Salon Colored Hair

Happy Friday babes!  I hope that you all had a great week!  So today I wanted to chat about salon color.  Lets face the facts: we all know that gettin' your hurrr did is mega expensive, and that fresh color unfortunately fades pretty fast.  When my hair has reached that point where my color has faded, and it's time to get back into the salon there are two products that I turn to that help with reviving my color, ultimately giving me a couple extra weeks until I have to go back in the salon and fork our some more cash.  Read on for more deets.

When I first moved to Miami, I was shocked at the high prices that salons charge to get my normal hair coloring done.  This lead to me search for other options to extend the life of my salon color.  I came across two great products that I had never heard of, and after extensive online research I decided to give them a try.

The first is a line of conditioners formulated by Aveda.  Their "Pure Plant" conditioners are all natural {made with plant extracts} and are developed to neutralize & enrich your existing color.  

You simply apply to your hair after shampooing, and leave on for around 5 minutes.  The more you use the conditioner, the deeper your color will get.  If you don't like the color, it will generally fade after a couple washes.  Pretty simple, right?!  

A word of warning: The darker shampoos look like chocolate pudding, and will leave a tint to your hands.  Don't stress!  The tint comes off easy.  Since I apply this when I'm in the shower, I just use a body scrub or my loofah and it comes right off my hands :)

Also, save yourself the money, and don't try the shampoos in this line.  They don't deposit color the way the conditioners do and are a big waste.

When I notice my color starting to really fade, I typically use my Aveda conditioner twice per week until my next hair appointment.  I love the color that it gives me.

For my brunette sistas, there are two options: Black Malva or Clove {which is what I use}.  

Blonde haired babes can try out Chamomile, and red headed vixens are best with Madder Root.

The second product that I completely recommend for extending your salon hair color is Sebastian Cellophanes.  This is an ammonia free color depositing gloss that adds mega shine to your strands.  You know when you go to the salon and get a glossing treatment done to your hair?  This is the same stuff + color.

They come in 10 different colors, so that you can perfectly match up to your current color.  I personally use the "Golden Brunette", "Deep Brunette" and also the "Clear" glaze.  The clear glaze is great for just doing a simple at home glossing treatment.  The results typically last for 2-3 weeks depending on how often I'm washing my hair.

Make sure you wear gloves when applying - cellophanes will stain your hands, and are a little more difficult to remove than the Aveda conditioners.  If it does get on your skin, windex will remove it {I know from experience that the organic window cleaners won't remove it, the real deal windex will}.

I purchase mine from a local beauty supply chain called 'GBS The Beauty Store'  but you can also buy the cellophanes online on amazon.

 I hope that this information was helpful for you!  If you have any questions about these products or want to share any products that you love for extending your color, feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment below.

Have a great weekend & GO SEAHAWKS!!! xx