Spark

Everything we put our hair through – from the harsh winter air to constant toque-wearing to day-to-day heat styling – can really wreak some serious havoc. So to help us (and you!) keep things under control, we dropped by Revolutions and Aura to get some expert advice on 6 products that will protect, strengthen, and fortify our hair through the coldest of months, the hottest of flat irons, and beyond.

You heat-style your hair:

What to get: Moroccanoil Blow-Dry Concentrate
What it does: Is ‘works miracles’ a good enough answer? This oil is made specifically for hard-to-manage hair, and it works serious frizz control while boosting smoothness and shine.
How to use it: Just pump a little product into the palm of your hand, apply to damp hair, and then blow dry as usual. Pro tip: an extra pump applied to dry hair will really boost shine and nix any leftover frizz.

You’ve heat-styled your hair a little too much:

What to get: L’anza Keratin Healing Oil Hair Treatment
What it does: Ah, keratin – that word that hair product companies use and we pretend to understand. To keep it simple, keratin is the main protein in hair (and nails… and feathers, horns, and claws, but let’s not dwell on that), and it can be depleted by the many things we do to our hair on a regular basis. This treatment brings back the good stuff, reconstructing the inner layers of your hair to restore it to its natural glory.
How to use it: Coat your damp hair with a small amount of oil prior to blow drying, then blast that heat and let the Keratin Healing System do its job. You’ll be healing and protecting at the same time, with thermal protection up to 500 degrees.

You’ve coloured or bleached your hair one too many times:

What to get: Pravana Nevo :60 Deep Treatment Hair Masque
What it does: Word is this weekly treatment is super effective on hair that’s been colour-treated and is feeling a little worse-for-wear. The masque is loaded with special proteins that get right into each strand of your hair… truth is we don’t really know how exactly that happens but trust – you’ll feel it.
How to use it: Follow your shampoo with this deep treatment once a week, and be sure to rinse well after 60 seconds. Don’t be tempted to leave the product on longer or apply it again after rinsing – just dry your hair as normal, and that’s when you’ll see those results you were looking for.

What to get: L’anza Trauma Treatment
What it does: This is another deep conditioner that promises to revive over-coloured hair. A whole slew of essential amino acids are just waiting to re-nourish your hair, whether your Gwen Stefani phase is ongoing or a thing of the past.
How to use it: This formula is versatile, so you can decide whether to rinse the product out or use it as a leave-in conditioner. It’s also safe to use daily if your hair needs are next-level at this point; otherwise, just use weekly as maintenance.

You’ve got curls, and they need a little love:

What to get: Devacurl Deep Sea Repair Seaweed Strengthening Mask
What it does: This one is specially made for curly, coiled, and tightly coiled hair (side note: three great ways to style those curls) and it promises to revive and repair, plus add bounce and definition.
How to use it: Wash your hair, saturate it with the mask, then get comfy because you’re going to let it soak in for 15 - 20 minutes before rinsing. The experts recommend covering with a plastic cap to lock in heat and really work some magic.

You want to protect and repair… but without any extra steps:

What to get: Paul Mitchell Super Strong Daily Shampoo and Conditioner
What it does: We get it – your hair could use a little help, but it’s not so serious that you need or want to add an extra product to your routine. Enter the Super Strong duo, which will repair and protect without complicating your life.
How to use it: We know that you know how to use shampoo and conditioner, so just carry on.  

Got questions? Head to Revolutions or Aura for some expert advice. While you’re there, change your life by picking up some of this dry shampoo. And now that your hair game is locked down – how are you sleeping?

Visit these St. Vital Centre retailers to shop the items in this post (check store for availability):

Moroccanoil Blow-Dry Concentrate: Aura, $30
L’anza Keratin Healing Oil Hair Treatment: Revolutions, $32.95
Pravana Nevo :60 Deep Treatment Hair Masque: Aura, $18.95
L’anza Trauma Treatment: Revolutions, $24.99
Devacurl Deep Sea Repair Seaweed Strengthening Mask: Revolutions, $42.95
Paul Mitchell Super Strong Daily Shampoo and Conditioner: Revolutions, $15.95 each