Ask the PFMs: Natural Shampoo & Conditioner Picks for Creating Volume

Hi ladies (and gents!) It had been a while since we did one of these posts...and now it seems the questions keep on coming. We love it, so keep asking!

Q. I'm looking for a new volumizing shampoo and conditioner. I want to try a natural, organic product and I've been shopping around and reading labels but I'm not sure which to try. Can you help?

A. Oh yeah...I have some ideas for you! Reading labels and understanding the long list of ingredients to avoid can definitely be overwhelming...so let me break it down for you a bit. I've come to learn that there are major offenders to steer clear of, and I'm more happy to direct you to this helpful list created by the ladies of the Green Beauty Team. When it comes to research, I don't hesitate to dive right in (actually, I thrive on it.) I consulted reputable green beauty sites and read through numerous product reviews to discover that there are plenty of options to amp up your locks while protecting yourself and the environment. Depending on how thrifty you want to be, I came up with three shampoo/conditioner duos to choose from. Without further ado, let's turn up the volume!

Un, get Wallet Friendly with Acure Organics Pure Mint and Echinacea Stem Cell Shampoo and Conditioner. There is a beautiful story behind this beauty line...designer Kristy Guerra founded Acure Organics as a way to honor her grandmother, who battled breast cancer for over 10 years. Kristy wanted to help raise money for breast cancer research and awareness while also providing healthy products that promote healthier living and a greener planet. This safe, affordable, beautiful line of organic beauty products is the result of her efforts. Side note: whether I've been at Bikram yoga or I just have product build-up, I use their Lemongrass and Argan Stem Cell Shampoo/Conditioner...the clarifying properties are amazing!

Deux, do you have the Urge to Splurge with Rahua Voluminous Shampoo and Conditioner? Although this is a pricier option, the rave reviews are hard to ignore. This luxurious line contains rich, potent natural ingredients that protect and improve the health of your hair and the rainforest.

Trois, sometimes you just have to Treat Yourself Like a VIP with Yarok Feed Your Volume Shampoo and Conditioner. I've already sung the praises of Yarok's Volume Enhancing Mousse, so it's no surprise that this duo is on the list. Their hard-working hair care line is free of alcohol, paraben, sulfates and cruelty to animals. The idea is to nourish the scalp with vital nutrients while serenading the senses...that's wellness from the inside out. xoxo Becca

PFMs Do It Better: Fighting Frizz!

Do you fear frizz and bad hair days? Are you tired of the rainy humid weather that we've been having for the past two weeks? Ladies (and gents) you are not alone...I give you two solutions for fighting frizz: my savior and my go-to.

 

Lately I've been getting well acquainted with Oribe Impermeable Anti-Humidity Spray. I discovered this stuff during my trip to the Whittemore House Salon. The stylists are big fans of this line over there, and now I'm addicted too! This spray is perfect for keeping my fringe under control- a major plus for us gals with bangs. So far I've put a few different hairstyles to the test (loose natural waves, messy side bun, and a deep side sweep with flat iron) that ended up staying relatively frizz-free and not at all greasy. Yay! I highly recommend it although a bit pricey. You won't really be using this every day,  just as your savior from heat and humidity...boy do I see a bunch of those days in our near future.

When in doubt this spring and summer, grab a silk scarf and tie it around your head into a bow or wrap it turban-style. A bright color and pretty print will step up your outfit and let you embrace any unsightly frizz. Simple as that. My go-to collection of vintage silk scarves keeps growing every year. But I don't have a polka dot version just yet...!!!

So what do you use for frizz protection?

PFMs Do It Better: Getting Carrie Bradshaw Waves

It's no secret to anyone that knows me...I love Carrie Bradshaw and her signature hairstyles. One of my faves that's so easy to recreate is her big messy waves (hair-did here and here.) Best part? Whether your hair is fine, thick, frizzy, or pin straight- you don't have to master a curling iron to own this style!   

1. After showering I prep with two pumps of Pantene Split End Repair in my palms, and work it into my damp hair starting at the ends. It works wonders. I stop halfway up...and there's no need to comb it through. 

2. Then I spray Bumble & Bumble Styling Lotion with abandon, concentrating at roots. Blow dry with a diffuser, while lightly scrunching. This styling spray gives you soft volume and adds to the textured-piecey-disheveled look that we are going for. Try to keep ends free of product for more movement.

3. Once hair is dry, the real action begins. I was a loyal curling iron fan until my hairstylist turned me on to the Hot Tools Deep Waver and now it's become an addiction. This is one purchase that you will never regret! My hair is thick so I like to adjust the heat setting under 400 degrees and section my hair half-up before making waves.  Just clip the top layer of your hair up in a loose bun and start underneath. We are going for deep beautiful waves...grab (approx) 2 inch section of hair and start several inches down from your roots with the first clamp. Repeat. Repeat again, if you're hair is at all on the longer side like me. Three clamps per section is my motto. Keep going till your entire head is full of waves! If you have bangs- play with what you like best. Most times I just blow dry them straight, but if I'm in between bang trims I've been known to clamp 'em!

4. I love CHI especially in the winter time when my hair is dry. So put a tiny pea-size amount in your palms, and smooth onto hair. You can play with this to get rid of flyaways, add shine, or run your fingers through sections to define. If you have fine hair, take care to use less of this product.

5. My secret weapon for volume- Graham Webb Thick Infusion Weightless Body Spray. Spray it (a little goes a long way) around the roots/crown of your head till about half-way down. We are going for lift, volume, and thickness here ladies...just like the name says. This stuff delivers. Using hands, gently push up at ends of hair a couple of times so that you have lift from roots to tips. Think fluffy.

6. Then grab your teasing/lifting comb. I like the inexpensive Conair comb, and using the metal teeth I pick up and lift wherever volume is needed. Focus the action around the top of your head where we just sprayed in step #5.  Now if you are in the mood for Glamorous Soft Wave Carrie...gently brush out your waves. If you would rather do Chic Textured Wave Carrie (very me!) leave as is.

7. Finish it off with Sebastian Shaper Zero Gravity Hairspray. It's brushable and touchable, but still adds control...yay!!!!!!!! 

Hope you enjoy your waves for days! 

xoxo Becca