--By Kim MoshtaghiLet’s just say I wish listened to my mother and refrained from dying my hair at age 15. It was awful. I bought a box at the drugstore and tried to highlight my own hair and it turned orange. Although it was a complete disaster, it was a perfect excuse to head to the salon for professional highlights. After 6 years of repeated hair abuse I tried to dye my hair a natural brown, but it ended up black. The black was equally hard to maintain, but hid the damage better by giving my hair and look a polished finish. Meanwhile, a few months ago I started craving a dramatic change and headed to the salon instead of the drugstore this time to get my locks lightened.
I’m still in the process of going caramel-blonde from black hair but, let me tell you, it’s stressful on the hair. But, since it’s not my first rodeo, I’ve learned from my mistakes and gotten smarter. I have learned to be patient and more realistic with my results. Since I do wish to take my hair a few more shades lighter I know that taking care of it is of utmost importance. It is very evident that better hair shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in conditioners make a big difference when it comes to avoiding hair mishaps-- from the hair falling out to drying out and looking like the end of a broomstick.
Over the years I have tried many products that I have liked and disliked. My favorite products that save and maintain healthy shiny hair while going through a bleaching process take the lead. Although there are different kinds of shampoo for different kinds of hair texture, my ultimate favorite is the
Schwarzkopf Bonacure Color Save Shampoo and
Conditioner. This duo does wonders and helps prevent further damage from UV rays and hair dye. Without this shampoo and conditioner my hair would be looking like the end of a broomstick. They smell wonderful and can be used everyday without stripping color or drying out hair thanks to a sulfate-free formula. The line moisturizes and replenishes the hair, especially if used over a longer period of time.
In order to keep my hair manageable and knot-free I use
Lanza Healing Color Care Color-Preserving Trauma Treatment-- if the name doesn’t say it all then I will! This awesome leave-in conditioner really does work well without weighing your hair down, preventing a limp pony tail. After you put the product on the ends of the hair, it keeps it soft and shiny for you or someone else to put their fingers through it. Say hello to damage control!
_______
Kim Moshtaghi is a contributing writer for Adventures in the Stiletto Jungle. Born in Germany, Kim is currently based in sunny Del Mar, California, where she also serves as Stiletto Jungle's Director of Sales and Promotions. Kim has a communications degree, a third degree black belt, and a totally covetable Gucci handbag collection.
