REDKEN, REDKEN, REDKEN for me. Like Susan said, not everything works the same for everyone, but Redken does wonders for me. I am however going to try switching to an organic shampoo (like kiss my face, which babycheeks recommeded). It is totaly sulfate free (sulfates are bad for you hair and skin) and paraben free. I know the importance of sulfate free shampoo and body wash, so I am going to try those. However I will keep Redken conditioners, leave ins, heat protectans etc. I've tried almost everything and Redkens just works great for me. I also love Sebastian Potion 9. It is a great leave in, but use only a small amount, or your hair will feel crunchy. Salerm 21 with silk proteins is a great leave in, if you blow dry your hair. Makes it soft, shiny, and gets it super straight.
For protein treatments, I like Redken Cat, Redken deep fuel, Nexxus emergencee, Joico deep penetration reconstructor, Sebastian 2+1 (specially for chemical damage, it works great, but it is really expensive) or Sebastian Penetraitt (very, very good). The last one is also expensive, but I get it from this lady on ebay that sells it for $14.99 (it costs $38) She doesn't have it all the time, so when she does, I get two bottles (it lasts forever but at that price I like to stock up, plus I always end up giving one to my sister).
Do not do protein treatments once a week. It will cause breakage (too much protein does that). For severly damaged hair, you do protein once a week for the first 4 weeks, and once a month after that. For normal, color treated or machanically treated (but healthy), hair is once a month.
Protein treatments will leave your hair feeling horrible. Like straw. So you have to deep condition after protein treatments.
It is very important to get good quality protein treatments. Cheap ones do not have the right molecular weight and just sit on top of the hair (which defeats the purpose).
Other great hair products are Alfaparf (well most italian hair products are great) but they are expensive, so I limit myselft to the ampules when I want (and can) splurge. The Semi de lino ampules are great (the blue ones and the pink ones).
There is also a new line of italian products, made by the same people who make Alter Ego (also great products) that is made for the Dominican Republic, but is now being brought to the U.S. (right now I think you can only find them in New York, but they are working on distributing it everywhere). It is called KUZ. I just tried it when I was over in the Dominican Republic and OMG! it is great. If anyone happens to come across it, by all means give it a try.
The hair routine depends on what you are trying to acomplish. I like straight hair, so my routine is designed for that. I use Redken Smooth Down Butter treat which is for really curly hair. The only problem with it is, your hair will either love it or hate it. There is no middle grown. If it doesn't work for you, the go with All soft heavy cream. Once a week I deep condition with it, using a heat cap for 15 minutes. As a leave in I use Sebastian Potion 9 mix with either Salerm 21 or Tigi Catwalk Fashionista smooth and shine (a pea size is enough for me) I then blow dry my hair straight. I apply 1 or 2 pumps of Smooth down heat glide (depending on how long my hair is, it is super concentrated). I rub it between my hands and distribute, starting with the ends first. I divide my hair in sections an quickly flat iron with my Sedu. My hair will stay perfectly straight, smooth, shine and frizz free until my next wash, no matter what.
I am thinking of buying the new Conair Infinity dryer, since I heard great things about it. People who have tried it, say you don't need to flat iron after drying with it. So I'm thinking of giving it a go. If it doesn't work I can always return it (I love Walmart!! lol).
As far as protein treatments, same as deep conditioning. Apply, put on a shower cap and go under a heat cap, head dryer or just use your blow dryer to apply heat for 15-20 minutes. Do it once a month and deep condition afterwards. You will have glorious hair.
As far as OTC hair products, I stoped using them, after doing some reseach on the ingredients and long term effects on hair and skin. I used to love Pantene, but it turns out, it is one of the worst ones. So no more.
Anyway, hope this helps. Good luck and great hair.
Shary
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