fave products // r&co. haircare products

R+Co. haircare products // shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo & volume spray

I know a lot of people out there must be missing their hair colorists and hair stylists during the quarantine, am I right? To be honest, the break is likely a welcome one for my hair. It’s definitely enjoying the break from being constantly teased and curled and spritzed on set at photoshoots… But one thing’s for sure is my balayage highlights have definitely been growing out. Luckily, my colorist (Dana Ionato at Sally Hershberger Salon in NYC!) is awesome, and when hand-painting the highlights on my hair, she intentionally leaves some darkness at the root, which creates a nice contract and gives the overall look some depth. It also helps it not to look so “omg I need my roots done ASAP” once the color starts to grow out.

To that end, I’ve found investing in some high quality hair products to be of the utmost important. Enter R+Co. I’ve had many of their products used on my hair during photoshoots over the years, and am always really pleased with the results. I used to wash my hair every. single. day. Crazy right? I thought I had to otherwise it would get oily, but to be frank, I was probably just fueling the fire. Now I only wash every few days, and lately I’ve been reaching for the R+Co Sunset Blvd Daily Blonde Shampoo & Conditioner. This particular set is great for color-treated blondes (especially when a certain pandemic is keeping you from your would-be touch-up appointment!)- it works to keep your blonde bright and helps prevent those yucky brassy tones. I also really love their Television Perfect Hair Shampoo & Conditioner, which is great for all hair types, and leaves you with clean, shiny, silky hair, and zero build-up!

In between washes, I’ve been spritzing with the R+Co Spiritualized Dry Shampoo Mist, and it definitely helps buy me that extra day (or two) without feeling like I need to cover up with a hat. The micellar-based formula thankfully doesn’t leave a powdery residue like many dry shampoos, and it even helps relieve itchiness! Whenever I want a lil va-va-voom in the hair department, I go for the R+Co Balloon Dry Volume Spray. It’s a great way to add texture, shine, and volume (duh) in a lightweight spray that won’t weigh down those locks. I’ll admit, I’m not the best hair stylist by any means, but the Balloon Dry Volume Spray helps me achieve that slightly messy, textured ‘do that I love! PS- many of their products come in travel size versions, making them great for tossing into your suitcase or gym bag! A big plus (in my book at least) is that R+Co products are vegan & cruelty-free, as well as free from parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, and petroleum! No need for any of that on your scalp, so close to the brain, in my opinion…. If you’re looking to change it up in the hair category, I definitely recommend checking out R+Co!

 * This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 

fave products // innersense hair products

I’ve talked a lot on here about natural, organic skincare products, which are obviously super important to me. But what about that same level of quality for the products that go in your hair?! Enter Innersense Organic Beauty, an organic haircare brand using clean, natural ingredients making products for all hair types. I’ve been testing out their Hydrating Cream Hairbath & Hydrating Cream Conditioner, as well as the Refresh Dry Shampoo, I Create Waves Salt Spray, and Harmonic Healing Oil, and so far I’m really loving everything! Sometimes with products that are “too natural” I feel like my hair doesn’t even get clean, or looks greasy soon after a wash. But with the Innersense shampoo, I get just the right amount of “suds”, with no leftover residue after rinsing. I’ll admit I was a bit skeptical of the dry shampoo before I tried it- a foam to powder formulation with a pump dispenser? I’m used to the more standard spray models. But I was pleasantly surprised that the tapioca starch and witch hazel help eliminate oil while giving my second (or third?) day hair that extra oomph it really needs. Now, whenever I want to fake that Cali beach babe hair, I’ve been grabbing the salt spray, and I love the subtle texture it creates without leaving my hair dry and crunchy. Just spritz, scrunge, and go! I love using the healing oil on my ends post-shower. It’s super hydrating thanks to a blend of emollient oils and flower essences (& smells great to boot!). It even makes for a soothing scalp and nail treatment as well. What’s better is that all Innersense products are formulated without any of those nasty ingredients (think phthalates, sulfates, silicones, parabens, artificial dyes & synthetic fragrances), and are all cruelty-free and non-GMO! No matter your hair type, there’s a product for you in this lineup, so I highly recommend you check them out soon!


 * This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 

fave products // love beauty and planet coconut oil & ylang ylang shampoo & conditioner

There’s just something that feels right about supporting companies who do good, both for your own body as well as Mother Earth. Love Beauty & Planet is all about small acts of love that make you and our planet a little more beautiful every day! I’ve been trying out some of their newly launched shampoos, conditioners, and body washes, and so far I’m really impressed! Sometimes products that are too “all natural” don’t seem very effective, but I can tell you that’s definitely not the case. LBP offers six unique collections, each infused with signature natural ingredients. I’m partial to the Hope and Repair line made with organic coconut oil and ylang ylang- it’s the perfect treatment for damaged hair! Their conditioners even uses something called fast-rinse technology, which helps keep your hair tangle free and not weighed down, allowing you to cut down on rinse and overall shower time!

Ethically sourced oils and extracts (like French heirloom lavender!) are used as opposed to irritating synthetic fragrances. In addition, their labels separate easily so that the bottles are easily reused, and all their bottles come from 100% recycled plastic! Talk about a commitment to doing good for our planet! Even better, Love Beauty & Planet has formed planet-focused partnerships that help fund environmental changemakers as well as programs that help reduce carbon emissions. Good for me and the planet- what could be better? Safe to say I’m a total LBP fan, and I plan to check out their dry shampoos next!

* This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 

fave products // shu uemura essence absolue nourishing protective oil

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Working as a model, my hair goes through a lot. With all the products and hot tools used when I'm on set, it's important for me to take steps to repair and rehydrate it whenever possible. There are several great, high-quality hair oils out there, and I'll switch mine up from time to time. Recently, however, I've been loving Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil thanks to its lightweight and non-greasy formula, which is ideal for my fine, blonde hair. There's nothing worse than trying to hydrate your locks, but ending up with an oil-slicked head of hair. I like to use it as a leave-in conditioning serum, both on wet and dry hair, and it really has improved the quality of my hair. Not to mention it helps protect your hair from any hot tools you may be about to use for styling purposes! Essence Absolue leaves me with just the right amount of silky shine, while giving life to my dry and damaged ends. A little goes a long way, so use sparingly, and it'll last you a good, long while!

fave products // nutrafol supplement

My hair has been through a lot. From the chic platinum blonde pixie cut I rocked for a while, to the (almost) daily styling with hot tools and products on set, its strength is definitely put to the test. While I consider my hair to be in pretty great condition, all things considered, I have been noticing some light breakage at the front/center of my head (where my hair parts) as well as near the crown. I personally try not to use any damaging tools or products on my hair, and make it a point to always hydrate with a nourishing oil. Due to the nature of my work, however, it's impossible to completely avoid the culprits. That's where Nutrafol comes in. My hair colorist introduced me to this natural, drug-free hair supplement a while back, and it's a true game changer. Nutrafol works to: 1) Rebalance- helps rebalance harmful levels of stress hormones to reduce follicle damage; 2) Repair- supports hair follicle restoration & helps reduce micro-inflammation; 3) Revitalize- helps revive follicles, increase scalp circulation, & improve follicle function; and 4) Regrow- supports your hair's growth cycle & helps you grow healthier hair. Change doesn't happen overnight, but trust me- if you stick with it, you'll notice a dramatic difference in the quality of your hair. By using the beneficial properties of potent therapeutic plant botanicals (like ashwagandha, biocircumin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid), Nutrafol is able to achieve what vitamins & minerals alone are not: your strongest, fullest, and healthiest hair!

fave products // collagen

 
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By now I'm sure you've heard of collagen and its anti-aging properties, but do you know what it actually is and how it can help you? Let me give you a  little collagen 101 (with the help of The Coveteur). Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It's found in your bones, muscles, skin, and tendons, providing structure and strength to the body. In your skin's connective tissue, collagen aids in providing a firm and supple layer, as well as renewing skin cells. Skin elasticity relies on collagen, and it's what gives your skin a firm, youthful appearance. As we get older, our collagen production decreases, which can create deeper creases, enlarged pores, and less elasticity of the skin. To combat this, topical supplements containing peptides, vitamin C and retinol can work to boost that productivity.

You may also choose to ingest collagen orally, and by doing so can help build connective tissue in your hair, skin and nails, as well as regulate your body's metabolism. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides are a great bioavailable type of collagen- the molecules are small enough so that they're able to get quickly absorbed and used by our bodies, which is key. This supplement dissolves quickly and easily in water, and has absolutely zero taste. I mix a serving into my coffee for an added health and protein boost. Other than improving hair, skin, and nail health by increasing skin's elasticity and reversing the signs of aging, collagen is a huge proponent of joint and bone health. It's essential for mobility and can help with the regeneration and healing of tendons, bones, and joints. It also helps reduce achiness and pain in the joints! Furthermore, collagen can aid in digestion by providing reparative and soothing properties that help you digest food and improve the absorption of nutrients. Talk about a bang for your buck! Since starting to incorporate collagen into my diet, I've noticed healthier skin, stronger nails, and quicker recovery of sore muscles and achy joints after workouts! I highly recommend adding collagen to your daily routine.