It’s that time of year!
I’ve put a ton of thought into some of the fantastic things I’ve tried lately and I’m so happy to bring you 5 Day of Favorites starting today highlighting the best in hair care. There are a few gems in here I know you haven’t heard of so I hope you enjoy exploring something new.
1. Best Hairspray: Aveda Brilliant
Few hairsprays hold as well while allowing movement and bounce like this one. It isn’t sticky and it rinses out easily, but its best virtue is how fine the mist acts on the hair like an aerosol but without the fumes that you end up breathing more than applying. It does have that signature Aveda scent so if you aren’t into that nuts and berries sort of thing, it might not be for you. I find that it fades and smells better than most – it works so well that it’s just worth it whether you like the scent or not.
2. Best Curl Cream: Yarok Feed Your Curls
A tiny little sample of this from the girls at Vert (who were all obsessed) was all it took for me to take notice of this natural hair line that I hadn’t heard of. This generous tub of light cream feels so soft and silky that it melts into my hair keeping it frizz free and tamed for days. I can see that my wavy style holds for days without falling apart when I use it, and because it’s so gentle I also use it as a detangler and frizz-fighter for both of my girls.
3. Best Bargain Buy: Natures Gate Hemp and Argan Shampoo and Conditioner
If paying for salon haircare isn’t your thing, check out Nature’s Gate which totally impressed me with this mild shampoo and moisturizing conditioner that could easily replace its counterparts that sell for twice its cost.
4. Best Conditioner: Living Proof Restore
This little bottle holds some big moisture and the smallest amount cuts through tangles and knots in my corse hair as soon as I rinse it out. I can feel my hair literally relax under the water making it so much easier to comb through and style. Don’t expect it to be thick or overly creamy, it doesn’t moisturize by being heavy but by gently hydrating like a great conditioner should.
5. Best for Blowouts: Living Proof Blowout
If you’re spending any sort of time under a dryer, you need this. It cuts dry time down and holds onto a style for days. The last time I used it (I’ve been doing my ‘lazy waves’ lately) my straight style stayed bouncy and full of movement like a day 1 blowout for 4 days. If you’re going to put in the time drying, you may as well make sure it lasts.
6. Best Color Keeper: ShiKai
My highlights go yellow so quickly I need a purple shampoo to keep things bright and brass-free. After years of trying every formula I could find, I think I’ve found the holy grail, one with a rich violet hue that gives visible results and a natural formula found at Whole Foods for about half of what I’ve paid in the past. There’s a full color line (not just for blondes) to keep every color looking bright and new.
7. Best For the Whole Family: Briogeo Be Gentle Be Kind
I’m completely in love with this all-in-one shampoo, conditioner, detangler, and treatment that does all of that and more. My girls and I all use it to gently cleanse our hair and add some hydration too. It’s great for curls and those who have hard water because it leaves wet hair so relaxed and hydrated. It’s also paraben, sulfate, and phthalate free with 91% naturally derived ingredients. Keep an eye on Briogeo, it’s at Sephora now and will soon be the haircare line everyone is obsessed with.
8. Best Shampoo: Aveda Brilliant
There isn’t another shampoo I’ve returned to over and again throughout the years like this one. It’s light but completely cleansing so I can foam up but still work my fingers into my scalp to scrub it clean without fighting to get through a thick foamy barrier like some heavier formulas create. It isn’t moisturizing, but my hair is never squeaky clean either so I know it isn’t stripped.