Even though my hair isn’t technically curly, it’s definitely not straight either. ON any given day if I were to do absolutely nothing to it, I would resemble a member of Pearl Jam. And though I have had a massive crush on Eddie Vedder since I was in my twenties, I don’t exactly want to look like him (no offense love.) So with all the ravings about Keratin protein treatments and Brazilian blow-dry treatments I am itching to try them out, but my wallet is not exactly happy about the $300-$400 price tag that goes with it.
Finally there are mass market products popping up for the mere price of $100 or less so every woman that dreads what even the slightest amount of humidity will do to her can relax and enjoy frizz-free shiny hair.
This fall at least two new frizz-defying treatments with be making their way to salons across the country. From the makers of the highly popular Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy and one from the uber styling guy Paul Mitchell Systems. Both companies have big expectations for their offering in the salon world.
Paul Mitchell’s Awapuhi Wild Ginger Treatment is a two-step in-salon repair treatment using Keratriplex (a proprietary keratin protein) that takes only 15 minutes. The cost of the treatment ranges from $25-$75 and is designed to improve shine, reduce breakage and prevent color from fading, it lasts on average four to six weeks (sign me up!!!) Plus there’s an at-home product component including a Keratin Cream Rinse, shampoo, treatment oil and both texture and finishing sprays to maintain the salon results at home. I hear that retail giants Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue will be rolling out the line in some of their stores starting in September.
Another treatment by the kinder gentler sister of Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy
which costs on average $350 is the Express Blow Out at $100 this service lasts for about four to six weeks and utilizes a different form of silicone protein. It’s being pitched as the smart shoppers answer to the higher priced version. And the best part… it can be done over the lunch hour as opposed to a two-three hour window of time, plus you can shampoo within 8-12 hours instead of a three-day waiting period. Though stylists who tested it say it doesn’t fully compare to the real deal, it is a good alternative to stretch out your higher priced treatments or to experience similar (not exact) results.
And if you are looking for at home products to emulate that same smooth shiny effect several brands are rolling out DIY kits with temporary results such as Rusk, with its Deepshine Smooth Keratin Care line, from blow-dry experts Blow, the New York Blow Dry Bar, comes Ready Set Blow available soon in Ulta stores. And Garnier Fructis launched Sleek & Shine Blow Dry Perfector to get a sleek mane in no time.
