Aveda or Artec for coloring?

Hi,

First I have to start by telling you that some stylists don`t believe that color shampoos work because afterall, you rinse them out. Some colorists think that the color shampoo can "stain" overprocessed hair. Some don`t. So this is a hotly debated topic.

I personally have used PM color shampoos, ARTec AND Aveda. Right now I have a bottle of Aveda Chamomile and a bottle of Aveda Blue Malva shampoo in my shower which I am using because I just had my hair highlighted last Tuesday and I am trying to stretch the color. I am also playing with the new Mine Blue Monday which is very similar to the Blue Malva but a lot less expensive. Since we sell Mine here at HB.com I always use the products we sell to get a feel for them.

I love ARTec products. I think that they are a great company. However, the color shampoos require dilution and mixing with the ARTec Kiwi shampoo. I find the color too thick from ARTec shampoos and too drying for my own hair. I also believe that the ARTec color shampoos are designed more for use by stylists. I certainly would not recommend that you buy any of the ARTec color shampoo or conditioners without advice from a stylist who can check your hair to see how porous it is and whether it would stain your hair.

Edwin Paul and I talked about this topic for about 30 minutes one day. He told me that he thinks the shampoos can brighten and add shine, but that the bulk of the colors does wash down the drain. Instead, he recommends the color conditioners since they penetrate deeper.

I don`t like either the ARTec or the Aveda color conditioners. However, I do like the Mine Blue Monday (for blondes & white hairs) conditioner and gel which is just another thing you can use to brighten and add shine.

Please note that these are my own personal opinions based on my own hair type (very long, naturally dry, highlighted with Matrix SoColor 100, naturally wavy/curly).

Jane Bullock is currently testing the Mine line as well. She likes the one for brunettes. Her review will be posted in the next few weeks.

I guess the bottom line is to buy the smallest sizes you can and experiment. I can tell you that Shelley Pryor who has super curly hair (I mean kinky curly) worships the Aveda Blue Malva for her hair. She thinks th shampoo is all she needs and does not use the conditioners. She gets lots of shine for her natural blonde hightlights and it helps with product buildup.

So again, it is a personal thing.

Thanks for the post. Let me know if I can help further.

Best wishes,
Karen