Review- B. Shampoo Perfected

What’s not in it: Sulfates, Parabens, Sodium Chloride.
What’s in it: Argan Oil- Adds shine and softens the hair. UV Absorber- Helps prevent color from fading. Pro-Vitamin B5- Conditions and adds volume. This shampoo is ideal for those who desire a soft, smooth and finished look. It’s perfect for the Brazilian Blow Out. $26.00

I don't want to say this is the best shampoo I've ever used, but... this is the best shampoo I've ever used. Celebrity stylist Brandon Martinez's B. Shampoo Perfected really is complete and high performing. No doubt the shampoo is on the pricey side, but the shine and health of your hair is so gorgeous, everyone deserves to have a least one guilty pleasure and this shampoo is it, in my humble opinion. Knowing it's hard to justify paying a lot for shampoo, rest assured it is made with Argan Oil and I found that I didn't need to wear any other hair-care product when using this shampoo. It is volumizing, silkening and my usually thin and frizzy, fly-away hair had such a very natural clean, full and healthy glow and bounce to it, I didn't want to add anything else to mess it up. As a true story, I went to get my hair cut recently and the salon shampoo didn't look as nice as B. Shampoo Perfected. It was the one and few times that the condition of my hair actually looked healthier walking in than out. So, if this is something up your alley, please do consider, as this shampoo is on my favorite hair product list.

Review- Prive Concept Verte Shampoo and Conditioner Travel Kit

Concept Vert products themselves are eco-friendly. The sulfate and paraben free product is enriched with pure organic extracts including Amazon Açaí and Babassu Oil to rejuvenate the hair with antioxidants and strengtheners as it gently nourishes and cleanses. Privé's Concept Vert Shampoo and Conditioner have also undergone color testing and have proven to preserve color-treated hair up to 44% with use. Unlike many commercial hair cleansers and conditioners, these products do not contain commonly used artificial ingredients such as sulfates, gluten, phthalates, DEA, TEA, mineral oil, paraffin, PABA, paraben, or artificial coloring.Anyone that reads this blog regularly knows there is a special place in our hearts for eco-friendly products.  I, personally, also have a special love for Prive Haircare, thanks to the combination of their wonderful performance and "green"-ness.  The geniuses at Prive have  now made your travel case a little more green as they've launched- get this- travel versions of  Prive Concept Vert Shampoo and Conditioner that one fills oneself from the full sized canister. "Big whoop," you're thinking. Oh but there is whoop! Concept Vert comes in pressurized (in an Earth friendly way) containers that dispense the product as a gel (sort of like a shave gel) that expands when you rub your hands together. Another bonus, you only need to use a little to do even long hair.

With this travel set you get a full sized container of shampoo and one of conditioner as well as (2) travel sized empty containers and a tool which allows you to fill the travel sizes from the full sizes. So along with all of the benefits I've already listed, you can also carry enough shampoo and conditioner in your airline-approved quart sized bag to last you for at least a month even if you wash your hair every other day. The travel sized containers can be used again and again and when your full sizes are empty, send/bring them back to Prive Salon or their PR firm and they will use them to make new bottles. They recycle the whole bottle, so nothing goes to waste. I'm keeping the travel bottles in my shower for the sake of space, but you can bet money on the fact they'll be coming with me on many trips to come!



Review - Batiste Dry Shampoo

Batiste Original Dry Shampoo, with a refreshing fragrance, revitalizes greasy, dull and lifeless hair between washes. Instantly leaves your hair feeling clean, full of body and smelling beautiful. Quick and convenient to use wherever you are.

When I am faced with the decision to wash my hair or do just about anything else, I tend to go with the anything-else. I don't know why I drag my feet when it's time to wash my hair, because I have such a greasy head that it's basically a daily necessity, but I do. And then I go to work and I feel dirty because of my greasy head. It's a bad scene.

This morning when I arose, I was faced with a decision. Of three possible activities - washing my hair, being on time to work, and making out with a cute boy - I had time to do only two. I picked the latter two. So my hair was dirty. BUT! I had this Batiste Dry Shampoo!

Now, I think the intended use of this shampoo is more of a "I've been at work all day and now I'm going out to dinner and I don't want my head to look all greasy" situation, but using it in the morning pretty effectively dialed down the greasiness of my head-suit, enough for me to put on a scarf and not look like a total hobo. You spray it on, massage it in, and brush it out. Simple. I've tried it a few times before today, and each time, my hair stays less greasy all day until I have a chance to wash it.

The main issue I have with this dry shampoo is that the scent skews a little to the "manly" side of things, which I think can be sexy on some girls, but I don't know how well I can pull that off. It also comes in a scent called "Blush," which I guess was Julia Roberts' wedding scent in Steel Magnolias. The can of the "Blush" scent is pink and flowery, while the can of the Original scent is charmingly retro, like a motorcycle jacket Ewan McGregor might have worn in Down with Love. This ends my tribute to gay, gay movie references in this review.

Overall, I would say this is a good idea for:
- people with brushable hair (my curly-topped friends, maybe not so much)
- people with less-greasy hair than me (would be super-effective)
- people who think the can is cute (it looks really cute on my shelf)

It comes in a little can so you can try it without much commitment. I would recommend you give it a shot, even if you're skeptical.

Sultana says: I have this in Blush which is in fact very flowery. Its almost too flowery! I have gotten into the habit of using dry shampoos recently. I've been told that over-washing your hair is never a good thing. I recently had a Brazilian Blowout which lasts longer if you don't wash your hair too often.
This one is better than others I have used because it doesn't leave a powdery residue behind.
I concur with my fellow blogger that the size of the bottle is small enough that you don't have too commit too much. I definitely say give it a shot as well!

Hillary says: I am the perfect consumer for this product! I use dry shampoo all of the time some good, some eh, but if I have to recommend one that gives the most bang for your buck it's Batiste! I have this in Blush & in Regular (I got one free with a rebate). I like both scents, but they are not so overpowering that the scent alone would make or break this product for me. I love the fact that it doesn't leave a white residue on my head (oh yes, some do) & it really does make my hair look clean. I have long, vaguely dry hair & this works perfectly on a 2nd or 3rd day after washing. Before I found Batiste I was buying my dry shampoo at Sephora. Who knew that at $5-$6 a can this stuff can compete with the big boys?

Trish says: To be honest, I'm pretty hooked on this Batiste Dry Shampoo too!! Especially on the weekends, when I need to run errands and don't have time or (energy) to wash and style my hair just to go to the post-office, this has been reliably my go-to rescue. I admit, I'm terrified of looking as if I have dirty hair - even from just wearing too many hair products - so a dry shampoo that works- and is easy to use- is simply a beauty must! This Batiste Dry Shampoo does the job, makes my hair look cleaner and fuller (sometimes even more so than after a shower) and is so handy and convenient as well as affordable! I really can't think of any reason not to want to have one around. It's that charming, really! Also, I tried the Original Scent which was good enough for me. Not too overpowering nor wimpy!

Review - Kairos Clarifying Complexion-Clearing Shampoo

Kairos CLARIFYING COMPLEXION-CLEARING SHAMPOO is a unique dual-purpose complex that clears blemishes and helps to prevent future breakouts while cleansing and detoxifying hair — leaving it shiny, silky, and residue-free.

I had my doubts about this shampoo, which claims to assist in keeping your skin clear via a small amount of salicylic acid in the formula. "Really, Kairos?" I thought. "You're going to keep my face blemish-free with stuff I put on my head? SURE."

These doubts turned out to be very founded - I have not noticed a significant difference in the level of breakouts on my face, which is typically high due to my inherited grease factory face. However! I think the salicylic acid is doing something, because before I started using it, I could go approximately 1 day without washing my hair before I started to look like a hobo (once again, the grease factory). Now, it's more like 1.5 days, so I can skip a wash now and again! Yahoo! I was also pleasantly surprised that it worked as well as it did, just as a shampoo - I was suspicious that it would be less effective somehow, but it is perfectly serviceable.

The one warning I will give to you is that this shampoo is surprisingly liquid - most shampoos range in the honey-level of viscousness. This one isn't a liquid as, say, milk, but it's definitely edging that way. Maybe heavy cream? In any event, beware! It comes out of the bottle faster than you think!

Review- Rusk Sensories Wellness Bedew Shampoo Hydrating Shampoo with Exotic Organic Tahitian Oil

Rusk Sensories Wellness Bedew Hydrating Shampoo contains superior moisturizing ingredients that intensely hydrate and moisturize while cleansing. This gentle shampoo is infused with Tahitian tiare flower extract, a natural oil that is knows for its powerful hydrating and soothing properties. This luxurious organic oil is partnered with panthenol to not only hydrate but also leave your hair with a lustrous, healthy sheen. $15 for 13.5 oz.

Just plain fabulous on every level. This shampoo softens like a dream, cleanses so gently that I never worry about my color and it begs to be inhaled every time you're in the shower for no other reason than you will sigh peacefully and feel like the world is alright. I wish I had an unlimited supply of it

Malikah says: I agree with Josephine completely! This shampoo smells incredible, making you feel like you've been instantly transported to an exotic island. It was especially refreshing to use it on a chilly winter day, as it keeps your mind on sunshine and beaches, rather than wind and snow. The organic formula cleanses gently, but thoroughly, leaving hair manageable and virtually tangle free.

Review - Cynos Nano Pack

Cleanse, Repair & Protect
Softer, smoother & shiner hair
Suitable for any hair type. Nano Pack $69.99

The concept is simple, yet I haven't seen a product like this before. The shampoo cleanses, the conditioner repairs & the deep conditioner protects. You may not have heard of Cynos and that is because they are huge in Canada but they are becoming more & more popular in the United States.
I used this consecutively for three weeks exactly as they suggest on the label. Wash your hair, condition daily and follow up with the deep conditioner once a week. I had noticeably shinier & softer hair. I didn't have to use a detangler like I usually do. Keep in mind that although you can use these products separately, the results are definitely better when used together as a system.
The amazing part about this entire line is that its made for everyone. CYNOS is salon grade yet affordable and that's something we all can appreciate!

Trish Says: I didn't know much about CYNOS before trying their shampoo and conditioner set, but now that I have all I can say is wow, this stuff really rocks! After every wash, my hair felt so much silkier and smoother and looked shinier than I could ever remember. I am surprised at how well the shampoo and conditioner set locks in moisture, making my hair look healthier and feel ten times silkier than normal. I too noticed that over time and with regular use, the state and condition of my hair has greatly improved and the effects last even if I skip a day of washing or substitute another brand! Truly amazing technology this hair care provides, I am simply in awe at how well it works! If your hair is in any need of damage control from over-processing, look no further, this combination will absolutely restore its natural beauty and shine to pristine conditions!

Josephine says: This was my first interaction with CYNOS, too. It's a wonderfully subtle shampoo/conditioner combo that has repeatedly left my hair in excellent condition after each subsequent use. The deep conditioner is remarkable, too. I used it on my son who practically drools when he sees me bring in a new bag of products because he wants to immediately "smeeall them" all then promptly use them in his bath time experience. He loved CYNOS, too, and frankly his hair has never been more manageable (it's baby fine still but gets maddeningly knotted at the back when he sleeps). Good on you to our brothers and sisters from the North!

Review - Philip B Peppermint & Avocado Volumizing & Clarifying Shampoo

One of our most acclaimed products, this is a clarifying cleanser and powerfully active aroma-therapeutic scalp treatment in one. Formulated with sixteen pure plant extracts; eleven essential and carrier oils; and a potent, active dose of 2.3% pure Peppermint oil, the shampoo works as a local anesthetic to soothe scalp tension, stimulate circulation, and leave your scalp feeling tingly fresh and clean. PHILIP B® Peppermint & Avocado Volumizing & Clarifying Shampoo also lifts away product residue -- restoring your hair's natural shine and vitality without without compromising its precious moisture and elasticity.

My brother, as a teen, used to use Head & Shoulders shampoo (what up dry Wisconsin winters), which he for some reason was really into. Like, he was a fan of Head & Shoulders. When they came out with new scents or formulas, he was ON IT. There was one version called "Refresh" that had, I don't know, extra ZING or something, and he used to say that it felt like "toothpaste for [his] head."

That is the best description for this Philip B Peppermint & Avocado Volumizing & Clarifying Shampoo I can think of: it is like toothpaste for my head. You know when you brush your teeth, and it's SO MINTY that you're like "oh my god, this mint flavor is going to make my head explode," but in a good way? That's this shampoo, but on your scalp. It's super-invigorating, almost painfully so (again...in a good way). The avocado is barely a player in this peppermint assault. Peppermint is George Michael here; avocado is Other Guy from Wham! Sorry, Other Guy from Wham!, and sorry, avocado.

The two main complaints I have about this shampoo are a) the price (are you surprised? I am cheap, y'all) and b) the amount I feel like I need to use to get my head clean. I feel like I need to use twice as much of this stuff as I do of my normal drugstore brand to get a good lather worked up. And at $28 for a 7.4 oz. bottle? This is not going to be my regular shampoo. However, it did get my always-greasy head lovely and clean. I would say if you're going to use this, save it for the day you put way too much product in your hair and then went to the gym - the clarifying properties will refresh your head and get rid of the gunk. But for every day? Even a peppermint explosion isn't worth the money.

Review- John Frieda Curl Around Shampoo

Reawakens and invigorates your natural curl patterns for shapely styling results. Specially developed with a curl-enhancing complex, targeted moisturizers and frizz-fighting silicone. Features a nourishing formula that’s the first step toward creating gorgeous, salon-style spirals. Moisturizes and smoothes the hair cuticle. Keeps curls glistening and ready to resist frizz in any weather. Gentle enough for everyday use. Safe for color-treated hair. $5.99 for 10 fl. oz.

I didn't notice anything exceptional about this shampoo other than the fact that it's consistent with John Frieda's other solid products. It cleans but not overly, it makes your hair smell nice but not in a cloying way and it neither enhanced or squelched my curly tendencies which is fine with me. Basically, I'm not mad at it. As the website states, it nurtures curly hair's propensity towards dryness and I am happy to see that it states that it's safe for color-processed hair because it's been my belief ever since I started to dye mine (in 1984) that every shampoo should overtly cope to being benign or not for the natural-color-challenged.

Review - Curlisto Botanical Shampoo

A gentle shampoo for all curl types. This cleanser removes build-up and balances pH without stripping the natural moisture of your hair. Aloe, chamomile, cherry bark, henna and calendula help add moisture and shine. This shampoo is color safe.

If you look at my profile picture, you will see that my hair is about as far from curly as hair can get. My sister once accused me of using a straight iron when I had done was blown my hair dry. Still, I liked the Curlisto Botanical Shampoo enough that it didn't really matter that it's intended for curly hair - because it's formulated to remove build-up, that also meant it did a great job as removing the greasiness from my hair at the end of a long, hot day. I can see how this would be particularly helpful for my curly-headed sisters in arms, since all my friends with curls use a LOT of product and would definitely need something targeted at getting their locks totally clean. As far as scent goes (because you know you want your hair to smell nice), this shampoo is light and herbal, nothing special, but definitely likable. Curly girls should check it out!

Trish says: I'm a straight hair girl myself, but this shampoo was extra soft and delicate on my hair. I agree with Movie Maven, after using this shampoo I noticed that my hair felt much lighter and smoother and that any residual build-up was gently removed. A very clean and nice shampoo - nothing heavy here- but a soft and subtle botanical scent coupled with a clean wash that leaves your hair feeling lighter and softer all around!

Deedlejuse Says: I feel like the posts above are not quite as enthusiastic as I feel about the entire Curlisto line. Basically, I love everything I've tried, and I'm angry that I only received travel size portions of this Shampoo and the Botanical Rinse! Generally speaking I need to use very generous portions of HUGELY fortifying hair care. The stuff like Garnier Fructise, John Freida, Pantiene. You know the ones that you don't feel too bad about literally filling your entire hand with conditioner, because I need sooooo much moisture. I have chemically processed blond hair, which is not necessarily all that healthy all the time. It is also not curly at all so if your super curly listen to someone else! This Curlisto Shampoo is wonderful. You need about the size of a dime in your palm for your head to explode into wild lather. It is really gentle, and really cleans without leaving any residue. I can't say enough about this line, I want to try every product!

Hillary says: I found this shampoo to be very cleansing without stripping. I thought it was the perfect companion piece to the conditioner. I didn't feel at all that this was your typical "clarifying" shampoo because I usually equate that word w/ stripping-as-anything. I really liked the shampoo when used w/ the conditioner. However, don't get me started on the Masque (another review)!

Review- Obliphica Treatment Hair Shampoo

A professional and exclusive formula for treating and restoring dry or damaged hair. $14.95 for 14.4 oz.

I got a little sample of this shamp and what basically happened is that it teased the h*ll out of me because it's so awesome and the one time I used it, I fell in love and mourned the loss of it all within one shower. But aside from the low level depression that set in after the packet was empty, my hair looked freakishly incredible and by the way, it's because this "shampoo" is basically oil that lightly cleans your hair to soft shiny perfection. It's kinda like the face cleaners that are made entirely of oil yet they remove makeup and clean your face unlike anything else. Anyway, back to the shampoo... it smells unlike any beauty product made and sold in the United States. I am super psyched it isn't impossible to get, too, because anyone with chemically-challenged hair needs to try this.

Malikah says: This shampoo really is amazing. I kept expecting it to lather up a lot like most shampoos do, but it really doesn't. It is a very gentle, moisturizing cleanser - it easily removes all the dirt, grit, and excess oil from your hair, while still leaving it incredibly soft, shiny, and manageable. It was ridiculous how smooth my hair was after just one shampoo!

Review- Curlisto Bio Curl Shampoo

A moisturizing shampoo for damaged or chemically treated hair. Contains natural oils and fatty acids to cleanse and protect against dryness and brittleness. Great for dry and frizzy curl types. $18 for 8 oz.

Every time I get a new shampoo to review it's always for curly hair which is funny since I spend a good deal of time denying my natural hair state (with blowouts, straightening products and a flat iron, no less). This fact is the reason I think that Hillary, our fearless leader, is actually a shrewd yet subtle interventionist working to get us to "accept what we can't control" or something like that. Anyway, this line embraces the curly-haired girl with love and based on my usage of their shampoo I'd say that they are teaching those of us in, ahem, denial that we, too, can love what nature gave us. The first time I used the stuff, I blew my hair out afterwards thinking that would be the ultimate test--if I could straighten or wear my hair curly with equal aplomb then that would show how smart a product it is. I swear about 2 minutes after I was finished working the round brush like a pro through my now-straight hair, it looked like I had used hot rollers. I am talking about big bouncy curls reminiscent of some Mad Men-era 60s 'do. These curls have stayed with me two days later and counting. I should add that I followed with their conditioner and setting lotion.

Malikah says: I used this shampoo, followed by their hair mask and roller set my hair too, and boy was it purdy! I love that Josephine compared the look to Mad Men- era curls, and that really is the best description for them! They were bouncy, and shiny, but still sexy, not at all like super huge pageant curls. The shampoo is really rich and moisturizing, which is great since us curly-haired gals tend to have drier strands.

Review- Garnier Fructis Wonder Waves! Shampoo and Conditioner

Not straight, not curly... Your wavy hair is totally unique and can have a life of its own! Wave goodbye to ordinary shampoos -- now, introducing the first unique collection for wavy hair from Garnier Fructis: Wonder Waves! With Active Fruit Concentrate and lightweight moisturizers, Wonder Waves Shampoo tames frizz for controlled, smooth waves. Hair is up to 5x stronger, up to 5x smoother and so much shinier.* The result? Beautiful, full flowing waves that keep frizz away with all-day wave definition. $7 each for 13oz.

Oh Garnier, you smell sublime. I didn't notice anything in my waves that looked "wonderful" or "wondrous" (though I did notice less flyaways at the crown of my head) but this combo smells like a dream. And not just in the shower but after my hair dried and even a day later. I hear my stylist in my ear whispering a reminder that shampoo and conditioner can be purchased at the any price point and be fabulous.

Review- Arrojo Daily Shampoo and Conditioner

OUR ANTI-OXIDIZING VITAMIN RICH CLEANSER IS LIGHTLY SCENTED WITH ORGANIC RHUBARB EXTRACTS. KEEPS HAIR CLEAN, BALANCED AND REFRESHED. GENTLE ENOUGH FOR DAILY USE WITHOUT THE BUILD-UP OF HARSH IRRITANTS OR RESIDUE.

Earlier, we tried and reviewed Arrojo's Moisturizing and Color Save Shampoo and Conditioners, now in this third installment of the Daily Shampoo and Conditioner set, all I can say is that I really, really love this brand! My hair has never looked so full and lavish and have felt this clean in a while! (And I have tried everything under the moon from regular drug-store brands to expensive salon lines.) The Daily Shampoo and Conditioner line delivers a very clean wash with zero build up, in a lightweight formula, leaving my hair looking its very best. Although, on the downside, the basic daily conditioner - while super gentle and light on the hair - does not moisturize or detangle as much as I normally prefer. As a test I went back to my normal moisturizing conditioner, but noticed my old brand weighed much heavier on my hair than Arrojo's daily conditioner, so I quickly switched back to the Arrojo line. However, the daily shampoo works wonders on my hair! (If you have thin or fine hair, you definitely understand how less is more and every bit of a lift helps!) I have a feeling I'm going to stick to this product for a while because it really works! Almost everyday is a good hair day! As for the daily conditioner, currently I have to make up for the lack of silkiness by using an additional hair serum on top. Otherwise, my hair turns super dry and frizzy on its own! So while lightweight, the daily conditioner could use a little more moisturizing and silkening. I may have to mix up the Arrojo daily shampoo with their moisturizing conditioner, because when this combination works, it truly works!

Review- Arrojo Color Save Shampoo

Color save shampoo is the right choice for those in a dedicated color regimen. Formulated to retain and enhance the vibrancy in color-treated hair, add moisture, soothe, and detangle it will leave your locks soft and silky.

I must say I really enjoyed this shampoo. I found it to be very mild, and although I didn't see a huge difference ( I only used one bottle, and I didn't see fading, but I normally don't with my blond hair) I did think that it left my hair feeling silky, if I used it with a different conditioner than the one they recommend. I need a lot of moisture and unfortunately the Arrojo Color Save Conditioner didn't add up. The Shampoo, though, gets two very happy thumbs up! It smells great, suds' very well, and rinses clean. I would probably spend the extra on this shampoo, especially since I find the more caustic shampoos to be damaging to my color especially in the first few weeks after coloring. All in all I had a good experience with the shampoo and I would recommend trying it if you have issue with fading.

Review- Arrojo Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner

A LUXURIOUS, VITAMIN-PACKED, DEEP CLEANSER WITH SOOTHING SCENTS OF BERRY. GENTLY CLEANSES, HYDRATES AND REPAIRS COLOR-TREATED, OVER-PROCESSED, DRY, OR DAMAGED HAIR. ADDS STRENGTH AND VITALITY, FULLNESS, BODY, AND SHEEN. HIGH-HYDRATION CONDITIONING CREAM WITH HEALTH-GIVING VITAMIN B5. THE RICH MOISTURIZING FORMULA REVIVES AND INVIGORATES THE NEEDIEST OF HAIR. DELICATELY SCENTED WITH ORGANIC BERRY MUSK.

This stuff smells awesome! As I've posted before, I beat the living heck out of my hair. I dye it and fry it and iron it... It hates me. So when I use shampoo and conditioner, I have to be really really careful that it doesn't strip any of the moisture out of my hair and protects it perfectly. Sometimes I use what I think will be a great conditioner, and I end up looking like the bride of Frankenstein. The Arrojo stuff worked great, I shampooed twice and it didn't dry my hair out at all, and the condition made my hair super soft and smelled delicious. As said before, the price is right with this stuff, it's definitely worth trying.

Josephine says: I second all of that, Miss Amanda. The scent of both products makes me smile, the shampoo cleans but not harshly and the conditioner made my mop of waviness manageable if not downright malleable. Having now tested 6 of this product line's list of goods, I can comfortably say that they know what the h*ll they are doing across the proverbial board.

Review- Privé Concept Vert Rejuvenating Shampoo & Conditioner

Now you don't have to sacrifice quality, performance or results in order to do your part for the planet. Introducing the revolutionary eco-design of Privé Concept Vert Rejuvenating Pure Shampoo and Conditioner, developed with Thoughtful Planet Technologies, for a product that is planet friendly in every possible way. With our color safe formulas, there are no trade-offs, just gloriously replenished and strengthened youthful hair, full of healthy body and luminous shine. For a list of salons near you that carry Concept Vert, please visit Priveproducts.com (link above) and click on "Contact Us". Make sure that the salon has a little CV next to it to insure they carry this particular line. Shampoo $28, Conditioner $30

We get to try a lot of products around here, but every once in a while we get to test something that becomes something people refer to as an HG (Holy Grail) product. This shampoo and conditioner have definitely attained Holy Grail status for me. I was in love with the concept before I even saw the shampoo and conditioner. The packaging isn't merely recyclable, you can actually bring it back to the salon you got it from, they send it back to the manufacturer who santizes and refills it so it can go back to the salon and start it's life cycle all over again. No waste whatsoever! That fact alone had an eco-nut like myself chomping at the bit to try them. Well now I've tried them and in addition to being eco-friendly, the products inside the bottles are wonderful. I'm not even being biased because of the recycling factor. They are in pump bottles that release the shampoo and conditioner as thick foams. You only have to press the pump for a second to do your whole head (and I have long hair). The smell is so good that if they came out with a perfume of it, I would buy it. And here are some other wonderful features:

• They are Sulfate and Paraben free (also free of a lot of other things you don't want in your haircare, but it's too long to list)
• They are good for both dry and oily scalps (my hair is dry and they conditioned my hair perfectly)
• The 6.7 Fl. Oz. Bottle yields as much as a 13 Oz. bottle of regular shampoo, saving on transportation emissions due to it's smaller size. Just for reference, most of the salon brand shampoos and conditioners I have in my shower are 8 Fl. Oz.

I could go on and on about this wonderful combo. It lathers well, your hair feels really clean when you wash it (without being a tangled mess) and then it feels fully conditioned and detangled once you've done the second step. I will definitely be buying this shampoo and conditioner again and again and I can't wait to see what they release next in this innovative line. It may seem a little pricey, but considering the amount you have to use, I'd say that these bottles will last me twice as long as most of my other salon haircare. And yes, I will definitely be bringing my bottles back to the salon for re-use. Every little bit helps!

Review - Aveda Color Conserve Shampoo & Conditioner

Extend the vibrance of color-treated hair $15.00 ea.

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I have been color treating my doo since the turn of the century. OMG, I can’t believe I am writing that! LOL! I have always used products for color and find that when you are spending upwards of $200 for a foil that it’s well worth the investment! These are 2 amazingly gentle products that I have about run out of. First off the scent is a deliciously light herbal blend that smells dreamy in the steamy shower! Secondly, I am not sure you can get a more gently product--seriously these are like using baby hair care products. Thirdly, they work, I started using on the tail end of my color right through a new one and found that they work in helping to prevent fading and boost my hair’s natural shine and I think even added some strength. The shampoo is light and has a nice frothy lather that rinses away quickly. The conditioner is light weight but penetrates my hair and give it a nice soft texture that is snaggle free. I really like these and recommend investing in the liter sized containers. Also, when using this, I have been using this straight not switching around which I frequently do. There is no buildup and my hair looks soft smooth and hydrated! Also big props to Anna for the image! :) Thank you!

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Maria says: I have to agree with CitySlicker on these two truly fab products. I am a Pureology junkie and have used that line for longer than I can remember and very rarely switch -- and when I have, I always return. With these two products, I find myself reaching for them more often than not and def. more often than my beloved Pureology of late. I think they impart a real shine to my oft foiled hair - neither product weighs my hair down either. You just get the feeling that you're really cleansing your hair but not stripping it. They have a no nonsense scent to them - nothing froofy or sweet - rather just a clean herbal fragrance - almost organic. They are gentle but effective. When you've colored your hair for as long as I have - that's exactly what you're looking for! Although I have quite a bit left of the conditioner as I find I need so little, I am nearly out of the shampoo which says ALOT! I am so pleasantly surprised by these and so happy that they work as well as they do for MY doo!!!!

Review - Aveda Damage Remedy Shampoo and Conditioner

" Our gentle daily shampoo helps repair damage with quinoa protein, while nurturing with rich coconut and babassu—lending new life to hair. Our daily conditioning formula with quinoa protein helps repair and re-moisturize damaged hair—infusing it anew with healthy movement, silkiness and shine. " Shampoo 8.5 fl. oz. $24, Conditioner 6.7 fl. oz. $24

I am reviewing this awesome Aveda Damage Remedy Shampoo & Conditioner together only because I truthfully believe they should be used together. And, yeah I get it, spending close to $50 on your shampoo and conditioner seems completely unrealistic, but I am telling you it is so good that it is totally worth it! You probably won't need to use it very often, I had pretty damaged hair, box blond dye, I wear it up a lot, and I occasionally blow dry. So yeah the basic prescription for super-damaged hair. This shampoo and conditioner is like miracle serum. My hair is so incredibly healthy shiny and bright that I hardly recognize it. I haven't had to use any special conditioning masks or anything since the first week of use. Now, by the fourth I am just completely in love. It doesn't tangle as easily, stays straighter without any help from me. I am completely sold, without any hesitation. I will repurchase in a heartbeat, but I probably won't need to soon!

Amanda S. Says: Oh Aveda, how do I love thee? My world in the past few weeks has been this: me trying to look out at the world with a straight face through a frazzled rat's nest of a hairdo. You see, I am trying to go with the times and be a little less strict in my hair care. I recently made a bet that I wouldn't cut my hair at all for a year, so I stopped ironing and straight up beating my hair into a straight line, and instead I have been trying to laminate it with various products, continue dying it, and leave the rest up to the gods. What this has done was made me realize the importance of not using a cheapo conditioner and shampoo. Even though I only actually wash my hair once or twice a week, even this fried my head and dried out my scalp horribly. I regret the terrible mistakes I have made recently, and am so glad Aveda exists. These two products, in a week, turned my hair from a place for squirrels to hide into a nice wavy sleek looking hairdo. They smell great and a little goes a long way. That's why I always love Aveda.

Hillary says: Last year I got a 3-use sample of this shampoo and conditioner that I used once and promptly left at a hotel. We were almost out of Montreal on our way home when I realized I'd left them and I was "this close" to making my husband bring me back to the hotel to retrieve them. It's just that good. It makes my hair look amazing and silky and the smell is divine although I can't really put my finger on what it smells like. It smells clean- yes- but I would swear it has a hint of black pepper to it. That may sound weird, but I am really digging it. My husband also commented how good it smelled. Now for the down side, the price. The shampoo and conditioner are $24 each. Ordinarily that would completely turn me off a product, but I know what care and quality ingredients go into Aveda products and I'm willing to pay extra for a product that delivers on it's promises and this duo does. I'm also willing to pay extra for Aveda products in general because of their strict environmental policies. For example, their factories are run by clean wind power. Another impressive initiative they have started is their bottle caps recycling program. I participate and it only takes a trip to your local Aveda every couple of months to keep all the plastic from bottle caps and shampoo tops out of landfills. If you are interested, there is more information here. It's a really great program and I feel the extra few dollars I spend for Aveda products are worth my peace of mind.