How to be confident in your new haircut or style

Hair is so personal and it is who we are. I know we're bored as hell and want to do crazy things... like cut or perm your hair. What? ONLY ME? I got tips from a stylist named Lisa (former My Spiced Life contributor) a while back and now would be the perfect time to share it- since we are now entering stage 3 of COVID.

Are you ready to be confident?

Clore Beauty Recap + Sensationnel EMPIRE hair line

If you're following me on my social networks, you would have seen that a few weeks ago I was promoting an event with myself and a few other Toronto influencers.We were going to be at an in-store event for Clore Beauty Supply. To promote the launch of a Sensationnel EMPIRE hair line at their Customer Appreciation day. Clore Beauty Supply is a leading beauty supply company here in Canada (They even have a salon inside of two locations).

My Thoughts about Hairsprays + Herbal Essences Biorenew

This post is going to be so awkward because it’s about a product that is so known to everyone but I just don't embrace it. Here it goes. I hardly use hairspray. I don’t know if it’s laziness (probably laziness) but it’s just a step I always look over.

I spent a lot of time on my curls, whether it be with heat or Flexi rods… but with the heat and humidity of the environment they don't last. By the end of the day I’m rocking a semi-straight style- that I didn’t ask for…

Let’s go back to the root of the problem…Why do I hate hairsprays? We all know the hairsprays of the past. They’re heavy and not workable at all. Like I just remember those up-do’s that were sprayed to the high heavens and did not move. Like a week later you would see the person in the same style and a curl hasn't budged…that is not for me. Lies… it happened once and NO I won’t share pictures LOL. Just bad vibes all over.

New Tangle Teezer brushes that you need

I recently had the opportunity to recently attend an intimate gathering for Tangle Teezer made by Shaun Pulfre. He introduced me to three new products:

• The Thick & Curly detangling hairbrush
• The Compact Styler
• Blow Styling tool brush

Perfect Your Blowout with Drybar

With over 52 salons across the United States and their own namesake line of hot tools and hair products, Drybar knows a thing or two about the perfect blowout.

I was excited to try out two of their most popular products. While I currently have my shampoo and conditioner on lock, I was looking for a way to make my blowout look even better and last even longer.

To prime your blowout, the Chaser Shine Cream ($36.00 CAN) can be worked into damp hair to tame frizz and flyaways and also add shine and separation, for a “done, but not too done” look. This made my unruly hair a lot more manageable when I styled it – the frizz was easier to work through and immediately disappeared, and any baby hairs along my hairline were not sticking out, as they usually do.

The Sparkling Soda Shine Mist ($35.00 CAN) is incredibly lightweight and adds a natural-looking shine to your hair (like you’ve just had a colour gloss), while also taming frizz and flyaways. Think of it as the top coat to sealing in your blowout. The best part? The formula contains UV absorbers to help keep the sun from ruining your dye job. This product is my favourite out of the two – it really made a difference in how my hair looked once I styled it. Combined with your favourite light hold hairspray, you are locked and loaded until your next shampoo.

Drybar products are exclusive to Sephora stores and Sephora.ca in Canada.

Hair: Cleansing Conditioners?

To shampoo or not to shampoo that is the question. 

I started my hair journey a few years ago which now entitles me to do 

my own hair 90% of the time.

One thing I can tell about my hair is that loves moisture! There are a lot of talks out there saying that shampoos actually strip your hair moisture and conditioners cannot replace the full amount of moisture that has been lost. I have switched to a cleansing conditioner. Best decision ever! Most cleansing conditioners are really good for the hair because they don't contain harsh chemicals and they really help your hair maintain moisture. I love how soft my hair is after using them.

Click the product below and check some of my favourite cleansing conditioners!

Here is a shot of my natural hair- 

I have combed out my curls after putting in the Pantene damage repair cleansing conditioner ($9.99 CAN).

Do you have a favourite cleansing conditioner?

The Oils of Live Clean this Summer

Oils have definitely become mainstream and have been making a huge impact lately.

I personally think that they are a must have in your hair regime. Not sure what brand to start with? Check out Live Clean’s three amazing hair oils.

Live Clean KERATIN OIL Leave-in Treatment ($11.99 CAN)

Perfect for curly, frizzy and dry hair.

This product repairs hair by using Buriti Oil and Macademia Nut Oil. Plus Wild Flower Honey to help your hair hold onto water molecules. Want that perfect blowout? It also helps to prevent heat damage.

LIVE CLEAN MONOI OIL Leave-in Treatment ($11.99 CAN)

Perfect for brittle, fine and dry hair.

This product contains Tahiti’s native Tiare flower (which known for it's beautiful scent) and Monoi Oil (very rich blend of coconut oil). Plus Bamboo Extract and Jojoba Oil to ensure your hair is fully moisturized. 

LIVE CLEAN AGE RESIST MIRACLE Nutrition Oil ($11.99 CAN)

Perfect for aging/damaged hair.

This product contains Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein which attaches to the hair shaft causing hair to appear fuller. Also contains Jojoba, Rosehip and Avocado Oil. An amazing pre-shampoo treatment.

Beauty News: Marc Anthony Regenerating 12 Second Miracle Collection

What if I told you that you can get the treatment of 12 products in 1 product? 

Check out the Marc Anthony Regenerating 12 Second Miracle Collection! 

It's developed with the latest Apple Stem Cell Technology which nurtures healthy hair growth. 

Three carefully targeted products to regenerate hair. The gem of the line for me is the Regenerating 12 Second Miracle Daily Conditioning Treatment. All you have to do is spray it evenly on wet hair from roots to ends. Leave in and comb through and style.

Regenerating 12 Second Miracle Daily Conditioning Treatment ($16.99 CAN)
Versatile, Apple Stem Cell enriched Daily Conditioning Treatment primes your hair for flawless looking hair day in and day out. A leave-in for all hair types.

Regenerating 12 Second Miracle Sulfate Free Shampoo ($14.99 CAN)
Cleanse your way to thicker, stronger, healthier growing hair. Infused with the power of Apple Stem Cells and Biotin. Sulfate Free.

Regenerating 12 Second Miracle Sulfate Free Conditioner ($14.99 CAN)
Nourish and hydrate while promoting thicker, stronger, healthier growing hair. Infused with the power of Apple Stem Cells and Biotin. Sulfate Free.

All these products are available at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Beauty News: Live Clean Age Resist Collection

I know that there is a lot of talk about anti-aging skin and body products but what about your hair? As weird as it sounds, I've never thought about it before. When you get older your hair has damage from the so many elements it that it becomes dull and lifeless. 

Now there are products on the market to combat just that!

Live Clean Age Resist Collection

Four carefully targeted eco-friendly and natural products to target aging hair. The gem of the line for me is the Age Resist Miracle Nutrition Oil! Pre- shampoo treatments are so beneficial. I can go on and on about them but I'll leave it for another blog post.

Age Resist Shampoo ($8.99 CAN): 
Gently cleanses without stripping, infusing hair with certified organic Rosehip Oil and Pomegranate, Gogi and Blueberry extracts. Moisturizes with Avocado Oil, thickens, adds fullness and improves texture with Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein (Thick-bond ProteinTM). SLS free.

Age Resist Conditioner ($8.99 CAN): 
Restores hydration with the botanical silicone free alternative of Avocado and Rosehip Oils. Enriched with Anti-Oxi Fruit BlendTM. Thickens, enriches and protects with Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein (Thick-bond ProteinTM). Wonderfully lightweight.

Age Resist Multi 10 in 1 Treatment ($8.99 CAN): 
Powerful multi-purpose, leave-in beauty balm penetrates hair with rich Avocado Oil and the abundant omegas and vitamins of natural Rosehip Oil moisturize, protect, repair, soften, increase sheen, strengthen, smooth, tame fly-aways, shield against UV rays and increase manageability. Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein and Anti-Oxi Fruit BlendTM treat damaged and frail hair ends. 

Age Resist Miracle Nutrition Oil ($11.99 CAN): 
Emergency rescue dual layer oil to be used as a pre- shampoo treatment. Combines oils and utilizes Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, attaching to the hair shaft, increasing sheen, lustre and density of each hair strand causing hair to appear thicker and fuller. Jojoba Oil smoothes unruly hair, imparting shine and manageability. Rosehip and Avocado Oil act as a natural alternative to silicone.

Do you use any anti-aging products for you hair? 

Canadians! What is your fave celeb hairstyle + Matrix Shampoo and Conditioner giveaway

Have you thought about your Valentine's Day hairstyle? 

If someone told me I could pick any hairstyle I wanted... 

I will probably pick Lana Del Ray's side swept curls with a flower crown. 

I know it's a little bit extravagant but it's so pretty. 

Since I would probably be using a lot of heat to keep the curls, It's good to use a heat protectant. 

I would start with Matrix Total Results Heat Resist line: Shampoo & Conditioner.

This year for Valentine's Day Matrix has five different Total Results together forever sets which include a shampoo and conditioner. Just in time for you to get ready for your big night out! Each set is sold for $16.00 CAN and can be found at select salons.

Do you want one for yourself?

Need volume? Have damage? Frizz getting you down?

Matrix is gifting two Canadian readers the appropriate together forever set for their hair.

ENTER BELOW

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Holiday Hair with the Rowenta Beauty Curl Active

One classic look that will always be my favourite go-to for a night out is side swiped curls.

I've seen the look on a lot of girls who have shaved sides but for people like me who are too chicken to shave their hair AGAIN- try a braid on one side with curls.

Speaking of curls- I had the opportunity to try out the
Rowenta Beauty Curl Active ($179.99 CAN) recently.

What makes Rowenta Beauty Curl Active unique that is it a Motorized curling system.

Yup! It automatically curls pour hair for you with the push of a button.

Key Features:

• Motorized curling 
• Quick heat up- 90 seconds 
• 2 rotation switches for the direction of the curls
• 2 heat positions- one for fine and one for thick.
• Ceramic coating to protect your hair

Before any curling, I used the Matrix Total Results Heat Resistance range to minimize any heat damage. Very important if you are putting any type of heat on to natural hair to use a heat protectant! 

It took me a while to get use to the process of using the Rowenta Beauty Curl Active. Practice makes perfect! My attempt at curling under was a fail but I had better success curling in the opposite direction. The medium setting did nothing for my thick hair, high worked much better for me (and it's recommended for thick hair). I do have clip ins that match my hair texture- so my curls where thicker than usual. If you have time, curl smaller sections at a time.

For anyone who is afraid that they are going to burn their scalp, the barrel automatically rotates back when it reaches the root. Pretty awesome safety feature.

Final Look:

Right now until December 24th, Rowenta Beauty Curl Active will be on sale for 

$99.95 at Trade Secrets!

Theorie Flat Irons come to Canada!

I've been on the flat-iron hunt for a while. I never have good luck with them. The latest one fell apart in my hands as I was straightening my hair...sad. I had to opportunity to try out a professional brand called Theorie who has just entered the Canadian market.

At Theorie, groundbreaking products are never inspired by imitation - they're inspired by relentless passion, creative vision and the pursuit of excellence. More than any other trait, innovation defines the heart of our brand. You'll see it in our products. You'll see it in our packaging. You'll see it in everything we do. 

When you think of the amount of money I've invested in to flat-irons over the years, I should have just put money towards on a good one. I was sent the Saga 1' flat iron ( SRP as low as $150 CDN) in purple. It comes in various other colours as well.

This is luxury and craftsmanship. It came with a very durable pouch, sleeve and a heat resistant cord! I've burnt a few cords in my time-so having a casing is amazing.

The case and sleeve are also great for traveling.

Features:

• The flat iron comes with 100% solid titanium plates and can be cleaned easily.

Do you know how nice it is to be able to straighten your hair and not have to worry about it getting caught in-between the plates! To clean- I just take a slightly damp cloth and wipe the plates after they cool down.

• Clear digital display with adjustable temperature 310°F – 450°F.

I'm so use to using dials on flat-irons but digital is really easy to read. I don't have to worry about what to do if my finger slipped and I burnt my hair... Don't laugh. It's possible. You can pick a temperature which works with your hair and lock it. Pretty smart idea.

• Non slip grip and sleek design.

Very important when heat protectant serums are involved. I usually get it all over the flat-iron but it didn't fall out of my hands...which has happened in the past.

Here is a picture of my hair which was flat ironed on a low setting not to burn my hair.

I also had clips-in which flat-ironed pretty smoothly as well.

Overall, I'm pretty embarrassed that it took me awhile to use a high quality flat-iron.

It's easier for me to put it at a lower temperature to get the look I want, than to use a cheap flat-iron and put it all the way up. So much healthier for my fair.

You can find Theorie flat-irons in Canada at West Coast Beauty, Passion Beauty Supply, 

Metro Beauty Supply, and Capilex Beauté.

Beauty News: Redken Diamond Oil

Redken does it again with another great hair care line called Diamond Oil. 

If the gorgeous packaging doesn't get you, check out the benefits it has for your hair!

Diamond Oil utilizes an exclusive formula of silicone free hair oils that include camelina oil, coriander oil, apricot oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil and other to strengthen hair from the inside-out. Results are unprecedented strength and shine. Through Redken’s exclusive Interlock Protein Network and multi-faceted Shine Strong Complex, Diamond Oil delivers a nourishing blend of coriander, camelina and apricot oils that target all layers of the hair to strengthen, replenish and protect with each use. Hair is fortified and sparkles with intense shine.

Diamond Oil Shampoo
This shampoo is for damaged and dull hair. Rich foam cleanser strengthens hair to prevent breakage and hair fall while boosting smoothness & shine.

Diamond Oil Conditioner
It contains essential oils which results in soft/ shiny hair. It also moisturizes, protect & detangle hair while reducing hair breakage.

Diamond Oil Deep Facets
This is a Hair Mask which is essential to hair care. Shine boosting deep conditioner nourishes, strengthens & replenishes hair to prevent damage & breakage.

Diamond Oil Shatterproof Shine
An intense leave-in hair care. Strengthens & reinforces for smoother, shinier hair while protecting from breakage.

Diamond Oil Shatterproof Shine Intense
If you have damaged/ coarse hair this leave-in hair care is for you. Strengthens, smoothes & protects hair from breakage.

Trends: Ombre Fever

I'm obsessed with Ombre hair!

I have come to a conclusion that it looks best on others.

*sigh*

That doesn't stop me from enjoying other ladies rocking the look.

Khloe has the best ombre I've ever seen.

The look also looks great on Keke Palmer.

How do you feel about the ombre trend?

Hair Talk- Maintenance

Time for another hair post! The theme is "Maintenance". Summer is here and in my opinion it takes a bit more time to take care of your extensions. Pool parties, beaches, bbq and the overall sun can cause damage.

If my hair series is new to you.. I suggest you check out these past popular posts:

• My view on extensions(weaves)
• Hair talk: Textures & Extensions 

I'm not an expert so I decided to ask Constance from Bella Dream Hair some quick real life questions/scenarios on hair maintenance.

How do I get out tangles?
You can use a paddle brush or a boar brush to comb the hair.

Air dry or Blow dry?
I would recommend blowdrying the hair on a low setting, however air drying the hair is very important.

I dyed the hair now it's horribly dry. What now?
Co-washing the hair with a deep conditioner and leaving it in for at least 20 minutes can help replenish the hair after dying it.

How do I straighten the hair without damaging it?
You should always use heat protectant when apply any heat to your hair. TRESemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray is a great one.

How do I preserve the hair once I take it out?
Storing the hair in a rectangular box with a lid will keep the hair clean and fresh. Be sure not to fold the hair or it will leave a bend in it.

I hope this helps! 

If you have an idea for a hair post- leave it below!

Current Obsession: Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Volumizing Mousse

I remember when I got my first can of mousse in grade 7 after a friend raved how slick it made her ponytail without the stiffness of gel. My first experience was horrid. It was sticky and it did not gave me the desired look I wanted. I vowed never to use it again. Fast forward 10+ years to the Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Volumizing Mousse ($10.99 CAN).

Extra whipped for extra volume! This ultra-light, airy Mousse lifts each strand for fuller, voluminous styles that move naturally. Whether wearing hair straight, wavy or curly it creates fuller, bouncier styles with extra hydration, shine and flexible hold.

I know I should be using it to voluminize or define my curls but I love using it to make slick ponytails. I personally think the biggest selling point is the formula. It does not leave a residue on your hair or hands. Plus the addition of Argan Oil and Keratin does amazing things for your hair. I should also mention it's sulfate free!

If you plan on using this product to increase volume. Try this:

Shake can well. Apply evenly to damp hair and style. Let dry naturally or blow dry with hair flipped upside down to build fullness. If desired, scrunch while drying hair to work up wave or curl.

If you this product in store, Pick it up asap!

Do you use mousse in your hair?

Real Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy Testimonials

Remember the Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy 7 Day Challenge. Back in February, I gave Spiced Beauty readers have the opportunity to try out clear scalp & hair therapy shampoo and condition for their feedback. 

I contacted a few readers back to get their input.

Check out what they had to say below!

User submitted photo from Esther

Just for reference, my hair is rather on the fine side, straight, and I dye it about 4 times a year.

The shampoo smells a little heavy (reminds me of Pantene), but I like it. The conditioner was a little too heavy for my fine hair. However, for the record I normally skip conditioner in my regular routine because of this issue, so I wasn’t too surprised that Clear would not be an exception to this. When I used the shampoo without the conditioner, I liked that I didn’t feel like it left a residue behind. -Esther  

I tried the Damage and Colour Repair shampoo and conditioner set. Both the shampoo and conditioner have a pleasant smell that lingers on the hair even when the hair dries. The shampoo lathers up nicely and I felt that I really got my scalp and hair clean. The conditioner is a nice consistency, not too thick and not too thin. Both shampoo and conditioner rinse easily from the hair. As my hair began to air dry I noticed how lightweight my hair felt. It was not weighed down like other products make my hair feel. My scalp felt nourished and perfectly moisturized. My sister actually commented on my hair saying how nice it looked and wondered if I had used a flat iron! I had just let my hair dry naturally but these products left my hair soft, smooth and sleek looking. Overall, I am very impressed with the Clear Scalp and Hair Therapy products and will continue to use them. -Amy

I'm a little unsure how I feel about the Clear Scalp and Hair Therapy. Let me start off by saying I have a courser hair type. I do think it kept my scalp clean but I don't think it would be a product I would use in the colder months. The products smell amazing but I think I would use the conditioner more than the shampoo. - Rina

I was recently lucky enough to have the opportunity to test out Clear Damage and Colour repair shampoo and conditioner. I have abused my hair for a long time with highlights every few months and using the straightening iron on it every day. Doing this damages my hair and also makes it very dry and brittle. Trying Clear was a godsend!!!! After using it for three weeks I have noticed a major difference in the quality of my hair. It looks healthier; feels stronger, is noticeably shinier and my recently coloured hair has not faded at all. I am totally loving this line of products and I am hooked. It is definitely going to be my shampoo and conditioner of choice from now on. Thank you Clear and Spiced Beauty for the chance to try it out. -Belina

For a while now I have dealing with dry scalp and lot of dandruff maybe because I have not been taking care of my scalp like i should. I took The Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy 7 Day Challenge and I love it . My scalp is a lot more moisturize now and the conditioner left my hair soft. Oh one more thing the products smell Yummy !!!! - Assa

Beauty News: OPI, Macadamia Natural Oil & Elizabeth Arden

OPI

OPI Matte Top Coat ($10.95 CDN) instantly transforms glossy nail lacquer to a matte finish when applied over any OPI hue. Matte Top Coat provides sealing protection without shine and protects nails from chipping, making manicures last longer. With a matte, transparent finish, Matte Top Coat is designed to leave nails velvety smooth while creating a touchable texture for an edgy appearance.

“A matte finish can be worn over any OPI nail lacquer shade and should be applied after the base coat and primary coats of color to give nails a unique look,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Co-Founder & Artistic Director. “Using Matte Top Coat to transform any shade in your collection makes it a more versatile and budget-friendly way to embrace the matte trend. Give your favorite lacquers an update with a new finish without altering the color.”

Matte Top Coat contains no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde. This product includes OPIʼs exclusive ProWideTM Brush for the ultimate in application.

*Available in April 2013*

*****

Macadamia Natural Oil

Macadamia Natural Oil No Tangle pre-styler is an indulgent, lightweight spray that works to quench hair and protect strands from heat styling, over-processing and environmental damage ‑ sun, sand and sea ‑ while providing natural UV protection. This pre-styler smoothes and softens hair while protecting wet strands from breakage and eliminating frizz and fly-aways.


“This lightweight cream spray is the perfect product for the girl-on-the-go. Not only does it detangle hair effortlessly without causing breakage and split ends, but it can easily be tossed in your beach bag for lazy summer days at the beach or in an overnight bag to refresh yesterday's blow out,” advises Nathan Cheli, Global Artistic Educator for Macadamia Natural Oil. “Beachy waves are also easy to achieve by simply spraying the No Tangle pre-styler on damp hair and pinning it in to a low bun while it dries.”

NO TANGLE PRE-STYLER BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Detangles instantly and painlessly
• Protects wet hair from breakage and damage
• Provides natural UV protection
• Infuses moisture and shine
• Gives shape and hold
• Creates voluminous and smooth hair finish

The No Tangle pre-styler( $15.00) contains Macadamia Oil with Omega 7 for unparalleled absorption and restoration and is the perfect match for Macadamia Natural Oil's No Tangle brush, an innovative product that utilizes a unique flex bristle design that gently and easily diffuses tangles and knots.

NO TANGLE BRUSH BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Minimizes breakage, splitting and damage caused by unnecessary hair stress
• Smoothes the cuticle layer, making hair shinier and more manageable
• Works on all hair types and can be used on wet or dry hair

*****

Elizabeth Arden
Elizabeth Arden introduces PREVAGE® Clinical Lash + Brow Enhancing Serum ($115.00), a revolutionary new treatment clinically proven to make lashes and brows appear longer, fuller and healthier in as little as
two weeks*

Developed in partnership with the world-renowned Bascom-Palmer Eye Institute, Elizabeth Arden’s PREVAGE® Clinical Lash + Brow Enhancing Serum is clinically proven and dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested. The safe and easy-to-use formula is fragrance and colourant free and is suitable for contact lens wearers.

Key Ingredients:
PREVAGE® Clinical Lash + Brow Enhancing Serum is powered by an exclusive triple peptide complex and blend of Pro-Vitamin B5 and antioxidants. Innovative ingredients and benefits include:

• Triple Lipopeptide ComplexTM– supports lashes natural life cycle so lashes and brows appear lush, healthy and revitalized.
• Retinyl Palmitate (Pro-Vitamin A), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) and Ascorbyl Palmitate(Vitamin C) – this vitamin blend fortifies, protects and revitalizes eye lashes for a healthy appearance.
• Panthenol – conditions lashes and promotes lash flexibility and durability.
• Vitamins A, C, E, ProVitamin B5 and Botanical Extracts - Help minimize breakage as lash conditioners fortify to help protect, revitalize and recover from environmental, chemical and physical damage.

Directions:
Apply once daily at bedtime to clean eye area. Using the applicator, apply one stroke of PREVAGE®
Clinical Lash + Brow Enhancing Serum to the base of upper and lower lashes, from the inner to outer
corner. Follow the same directions for brows, covering the entire eyebrow area. Continue using 3 - 4
times per week to maintain the desired look and condition of lashes and brows.