Behind the Scenes with Pantene at the P & G Hair Lab.

 “Every woman in the world believes, rightfully, that she has damaged hair,” said Bob McDonald, CEO of Procter & Gamble, in the below Cracking the Code on Bad Hair ABC Nightline segment that aired on Monday. Americans spend $6.7 billion dollars each year on hair care products, which is a growing market full of people looking to mend not only their damaged hair, but bad hair days…for good. McDonald even coined a new phrase, “Hair Gymnastics,” that describes sexy hair flips women do to show-off their brilliant movement and shine (and always seen in Pantene advertisements!).

Nightline visited the hair lab at P&G to investigate this quest for “good” hair, and focused on Pantene’s most recent science innovations with its current line-up of products. With more than 1,000 scientists and technical employees that work in P&G’s Research & Development department (they have more PhDs than the combined MIT, Berkeley and Stanford staff!!), this is where the science of healthy hair care begins.

Click here or on the Pantene image to go to the segment.

This is a fun segment to watch and see the work, research and science that goes into making this amazing line of hair products. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

A Safer Way to Fight Frizz.

A few weeks ago, I told you about The Brazilian Blow Out Controversy. With it’s dangerous formaldehyde-laden formula, salons across the country are starting to pull this treatment off their shelves.

The simple fact is, women don’t need to endanger their hair and health with harsh, dangerous chemicals to get gorgeous hair.  There are safe, and natural alternatives. One such alternative is from Ouidad.

Ouidad, the curl expert with salon locations in NY and LA, has encouraged women for over 25 years to embrace their natural hair texture.  Now, says Ouidad, “it’s become a matter of life and death, and not just the risk of a bad hair day. Consumers need to be properly educated about the risks involved with these treatments, and to seek a safe solution.”

Check out the amazing before and after in the video below as Ouidad restores damage and brings curls back to life!

4 Safe Alternatives to the Brazilian Blowout.

In light of the controversy and how I feel about the Brazilian Blowout, I thought I should find some safe alternatives. Here are 4 brands that have safe alternatives to the Brazilian Blowout, in which you can achieve silky, smooth hair - at home.

Shu Uemura Art of Hair ShuSu Sleek

This new trio of products just made their debut in September. Using Black Cumin Oil with essential lipids and minerals at the base of all three products, hair is left light and silky smooth, reminiscent of the Japanese satin shusu. The shampoo is $45, conditioner $55, and the treatment is $65. Available at shuuemuraartofhair-usa.com.

Kerastase Paris Oleo-Relax Slim

Kerastase has both an in-salon treatment plus an additional two products to be used at home to deal with thick, dry and very rebellious hair. These products use a highly innovative formula that combines a cocktail of three natural oils, as well as ceramides to straighten the hair fiber, reduce volume and provide anti-frizz protection. The Smoothing Creme is $ 38, the Slimming Masque is $60.00. Available at kerastase-usa.com.

blow Ready Set Blow

This express blow dry lotion uses a unique heat-polymer and setting technology to deliver easier, faster, longer-lasting smooth blow dry results. The lotion is $21. Available at blowNY.com.

RUSK Deepshine Smooth Keratin Care

Rusk has created three products that are marine mineral-enriched products free of sls and are color safe.  Formulated with natural Keratin, vitamins and the marine botanicals to restore elasticity, seal in moisture, lock out humidity and provide thermal protection. Using the products together, hair is left smooth, shiny and manageable. The Smooth Shampoo, Smoothing Conditioner and Deep-Penetrating Treatment sell for $15.00. Available at fine salons and rusk1.com.