What They Say: "Makes styling faster, easier.

* Exclusive plant infusion--a blend derived from organic aloe, maize and guar bean--creates a smooth surface on hair
* Organic tapioca defends against humidity for up to 12 hours
* Hydrolized wheat protein protects against surface damage from heat styling

Features our Smooth InfusionTM aroma, a fresh spicy citrus-floral featuring certified organic bergamot, certified organic palmarosa, Bulgarian rose and Australian sandalwood."

Jen's Experience: The area where I live is very humid, and lately it seems like it's been about 90% humidity or higher every day. And when that happens, all the stuff I put in my hair to give it body backfires on me and makes my hair have lots of volume of the frizzy variety.

I was pleased that this product totally delivered on protecting my hair from humidity. My hair looks sleek like it was flat-ironed for hours after using this and feels incredibly soft and silky (and smells good too!). The problem with that is that my hair has very little in the way of volume and is difficult to do any sort of styling. It doesn't look greasy or limp, just a little deflated. So while I don't think it necessarily makes styling faster and easier, if you get the frizzies in the rain or humid summer air, this might be something to add to your hair care arsenal.

Retail Price: $24.00 (Aveda.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "Where do you want your hair to go? Atmosphere transports your hair to its ideal climate, changing its Relative Humidity to behave like it's somewhere else - wherever you may go. Beyond styling, Atmosphere surrounds hair in a new form of control and texturizing possibility. Go where it takes you. Transports your hair to a tropical climate. Plumps and shines, delivering moist, lush hair behaving as it would in a tropical climate. It is a unique, water soluble, gel-like product that will never harden or appear stiff. The humectant properties activate and enhance pliable, dewy curls and sleeks straight styles without frizz. This rich formula infuses and holds moisture and leaves a wet, soft look as a finished style. Through the discovery of Relative Humidity these results are driven by a high humidity proprietary technology unique to Profound Beauty."

Melissa Says: I was a bit apprehensive after first pumping this out of the bottle, because of the very gooey texture of the gelee. In my mind, this was going to possibly weigh my hair down severely, or make it feel sticky. But, I followed the directions and applied it liberally to my towel-dried hair, then let it air-dry.

The result? Practically frizz-free locks, tamed-down first-day "poof", and soft, manageable movement. My slight natural wave had still come out, and my hair was super-touchable. I will admit that if you apply too much near the roots, you could end up feeling like your hair's a tad greasy, especially if your hair is thin or fine. However, I do love that this helps me have controllable hair without having to put it through the stress of blow drying each time if I don't want to. I will definitely be giving it a shot to see how it performs with a blow dryer as they suggest for a super-sleek look at some point as well.

Retail Price: $24.00, 5oz. (at select salons - find one near you at profoundbeauty.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: Conditioner"Moisturizes, shapes and revitalizes curls. Contains Lemon Grass and Orange Peel Oil to add luster and sheen to hair. 100% vegan, 100% free of synthetic dyes, DEA and cruelty free."

Prep "A moisturizing, curl enhancing tonic that utilizes a cocktail of herbal extracts to restore shine andd curl pattern to dry, lackluster locks. No chemical preservatives, cruelty-free, 100% free of synthetic dyes."

Finish "A versatile organic acidifier that locks in curls and colors, enhances styling support, and shields against environmental damage. Low pH formula seals instantly, ensuring dazzling shine and manageability. Light balancing aromatherapy fragrance ripe with Japanese flower essence."

Jamie's Thoughts: I have gotten the wonderful opportunity to review some earth and animal friendly products here at Delush, for which I am so grateful. Abba is one of the brands of which I would have never otherwise been aware, let alone purchase for my own use. Without touching too heavily on personal politics, I will simply say that I very much appreciate Abba's commitment to purity - both in their approach and ingredient lists.

That being said, I wholeheartedly endorse this grouping of products for curly haired folks. These three fantastic offerings smell AMAZING - crisp, fresh, and perfectly suited for both women and men. The scent perks up your morning routine without being cloying or oppressive. The conditioner combed easily through my ratty bedhead, rinsed cleanly, and moisturized well. My hair was bouncy, shiny, and looked lovely. Potential buyers should note that this is designed as a daily conditioner - it has the ideal texture, weight, and effect for daily use. I would not recommend it for deep conditioning.

As for the prep tonic, my feelings are mixed. I initially used it only in combination with the other Abba products, and didn't think it had enough hold for my natural curls. To ensure that I wasn't blaming a fault of the hairspray on the tonic, I started using it on a solo basis and I have to admit it works better by itself. It's okay within the manufacturer-suggested lineup, but I like it better as a "refresh" spray on dry hair - something to perk up this morning's curls before a night out (or a late morning when there's no time to shower and reset my curls).

The finish spray is great. It smells fantastic (but doesn't linger or distract) and does an above average job at holding my finely textured frizzies in place. I usually use a pomade to style, so it took a week or so of continuous Abba usage before I got comfortable with my bigger, softer curls. After I gave up the heavier approach, I really learned to appreciate the lighter hold. I'm not sure it would be enough in the humid summer months, but while it's cold and dry outside, this works just fine.

Overall, I would recommend all three products - especially the conditioner.

Retail Prices: All three products are $17.00 (available online at www.pureabba.com)

Delush Ratings:
Conditioner
Prep
Finish

What They Say:
(about Blow-In Control)

• For Medium / Coarse hair
• Use before blow-drying hair
• Flexible control serum helps protect against blow dry heat
• Disciplines and tames volume and turns on shine
• Follow with Iron-in Control Protective Dry Mist to heat-seal design

(about Iron-In Control)

• For Medium / Coarse
  
• Use before ironing hair
  
• Mists on ultra-dry
  
• Smoothes for a faster iron glide as it instills contol, shine and static-free finish

Melissa Says:
(about Blow-In Control) As I'm growing my hair back out from an above-the-shoulder length, I'm reminded how much my hair tends to "puff" out more as the layers grow more into one length. I also have lots of little wiry strands that like to stand up and wave, which of course doesn't produce a very finished look. I thought this serum helped tame those somewhat, and did reduce the "puff" a bit which resulted in more of a second-day look (and all of us with thick/slightly coarse hair know our locks looks best the day after washing and blow drying, right?). I should also note, though, that there's a very delicate balance between controlled and weighed-down, so make sure to start with less product and add more slowly, concentrating on ends. If my hair were any less thick, this may have felt too heavy for me.

(about Iron-In Control) I'm always glad to have a heat-protection product to reach for when using any styling tools, and this one did add the slight control and shine to help produce a clean and smooth result quickly with the straightening iron. It also, like the Blow-In Volume serum, added some "heft" to my hair slightly. I might still opt to add a bit of shine mist or a serum afterward, but this overall did a decent job.

Retail Price: $13.95-15.95 (at professional salons only - go here to find one near you)

DeLush Rating:
(about Blow-In Control)
(about Iron-In Control)

What They Say: "A non-petroleum based pomade made from unique avocado lipids that provide control to tame frizz, add styling detail and achieve sleek, shiny results. Provides soft control and extreme shine on wet or dry hair. ...Contains avocado to create hold without buildup. Mica crystals offer heat protection and shine. ...100% vegan. Sulfate-free. 100% free of synthetic dyes. Cruelty-free.

Application: To smooth and control medium to coarse textured hair with shine and softness, emulsify a small amount between palms, work through hair and blow dry.

To sculpt (mold), add texture, separation and shine to all hair types, emulsify a small amount between palms and work amount between palms and work through dry hair."

Melissa Says: It's always nice when you know that the product you're using came from a company making strong efforts to be cruelty-free and close to nature. It's an added bonus when the product creates results you love. That's the case with this pomade, at least when I use it on my hair before blow drying.

I was very impressed with the difference it made in the smoothness and texture of my hair, without making it feel greasy. I was very careful about concentrating the product on the ends after thoroughly warming the small amount in my hands first, and then lightly smoothing the remainder on my palms up the rest of the surface of the strands. This also created a good amount of shine.

On dry hair, I thought this significantly reduced flyaways and added great shine, but when the hair is dry you have to be extra careful to use a tiny amount so it doesn't accumulate in some areas and weigh your hair down (if it's longer). My husband tested this out on dry hair as well, and thought it had a finished look and flexible light hold for short hair, but said he'd prefer something with a bit more holding power and texturization.

Retail Price: $16.00, 2.65oz (at fine salons - go here to locate one near you)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Paul Penders Leave-in Defrizzing Balm tames even the driest frizzy hair. Pure plant and essential oils, vitamins, and minerals combine to protect, moisturize and restore hair, leaving it shiny, manageable and beautifully healthy."

Alissa's Opinion: This was my first time trying out a "Natural Organic" hair product. The list of ingredients is almost a complete catalogue of herbs used in beauty and medicine, including everything from ginseng root to colloidal gold. The smell is definitely not chemically enhanced - I would expect something more pleasant if it were. It comes in a shot glass sized bottle with a pump that dispenses the tiniest of squirts. My long hair never needed more than two pumps, so the little container should last quite awhile.

When I used this balm before blow drying, my hair felt very soft and smooth. My round brush seemed to glide through my hair nicely without tangling. When going for a curly look, I applied it to wet hair and let it air dry which also had a nice effect. The thick balm didn't weigh my hair down while it tamed my frizzies. My only complaint was the smell, which was a cross between chamomile tea and insecticide.

Retail Price: $17.75 (PaulPenders.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "All Eufora products are based in or contain an active amount of Certified Organic Aloe Vera Gel, which contains all 22 amino acids, has its own preservative properties and contributes its legendary healing and soothing properties to hair and skin. All botanical extracts are of the highest quality grade available. Eufora only utilizes plant and flower technology where there is a scientifically proven benefit to the hair. No fluff stuff for the label. All aromas are formulated with only pure essential oils for a true aromatherapy experience. There are not artificial aromas, colorants or known carcinogenic ingredients in Eufora products."

Sculpture Styling Glaze: Infuses soft volume and control, while hair stays soft and moveable without flaking. Provides wear-in treatment benefits as a blow dry solution.

Illuminate Shine Mist: Versatile shine enhancement product does not weigh down hair of leave a greasy residue and offers additional detangling, conditioning and frizz control.

The Color Locking System - Squalene, nature's sealant, is an important part of Eufora's Color & Perm Locking System (Sculpture Styling Glaze & Illuminate Shine Mist), that provides a proven method to extend the life of all chemical services and promote hair and scalp health.

Melissa Says:
(about the Sculpture Styling Glaze) - This stuff smells so good! It's a little fruity, and very uplifting. It gave me a little extra texture and control when blow drying my hair and didn't leave it sticky or greasy in the least. The volume factor is there, but it's subtle, which may be perfect for many of you. I'd be curious to see how this works on someone with very fine hair (so write in and tell us if you've tried it!). This also gives my hair some great shine, but my hair doesn't feel like it has any product in it after blow drying, which I love.

(about the Illuminate Shine Mist) - This added some shine with decent de-frizzing, though not as dynamic as what I'd ultimately have liked. On the plus side, it didn't weigh down my hair or make it oily-looking.

Retail Prices:
(Sculpture Styling Glaze) $22.95
(Illuminate Shine Mist) $19.25
(call 800.638.3672 for distributing salons or go to eufora.net)

Delush Ratings:
(Sculpture Styling Glaze)
(Illuminate Shine Mist) $19.25

What They Say: “Raffinata is a hair straightening balm designed to calm and shape hair without weighing it down, particularly when using hot styling tools.
This straightening balm physically helps in straightening hair – it is not just a cream that sits on your hair shaft to give a smooth appearance. This product actually penetrates into the cuticle, providing smoothness to natural waves and eliminating any degree of curl.
This high powered straightener combats unwanted static and frizz, prevents hair from expanding in high humid conditions, protects hair while blow-drying and minimizes blow-drying time.”

Alissa’s Opinion: This is my new favorite hair product! It adds just enough weight to my fine hair to keep it smooth and it gives me plenty of moisture without greasiness. I didn’t find that it minimized drying time, but it was easier to get stick-straight locks with my flat iron. I even use this balm on my dry tresses on days when I go curly, as it adds a bit of definition and protection from humidity. This is a great, long-lasting product for anyone fighting their wavy hair genes.

Retail Price: $19.00 (at oscarblandi.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "This frizz fighting, curl enhancing, shine promoting botanical gel is fragrance free therefore is great for layering over or under your favorite styler. It works great as a stand alone gel also.

Infused with Plumeria Alba Flower Extract and Aloe leaf juice, this botanical gelle imparts sheen, fights frizz, and creates popping curls!

The perfect product to use before traveling...to set and keep your curls in place!"

Toya's Take: The Curls Goddess Glaze is supposed to work in the same way as Kinky-Curly Curling Custard. I decided to compare the products. Curls Goddess Glaze is thinner in consistency and pretty much odorless, as opposed to the Curling Custard, which is thick and has a coconut scent. I have to give the Curls Goddess Glaze the slight advantage. The Goddess Glaze works on defrizzing your curls - defining them and offering hold without adding stickiness or any white flaky residue, which I've found with the Curling Custard from time to time. I think it probably works best for women with looser curls, but it added hold and definition to my kinky curls, too.

Retail Price: $14 for 8 oz. (at curls.biz or go here to find a salon that carries Curls products near you)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Rough Ends & Hairs That Stick Out All Over? Get soft hair that flows together.

Pesky little hairs sticking out every which way? Put those messy, bothersome hairs back in place with Sunsilk™ Hydra TLC 24/7 Creme with Nutri-Keratin. It's not a conditioner, not a gel - it combines the best of both. So it tames unruly flyaways for softer, more manageable hair that flows together.

What to do:
It's easy - just smooth 1 or 2 dollops through damp hair and style as usual. If needed, re-apply on dry hair for extra TLC during the day. For maximum hydration start with Hydra TLC Shampoo & Conditioner (or Multi-Symptom Masque)."

Melissa Says: Wow. I truly was skeptical that something so inexpensive could have such an effect on my hair. I apply it before blowdrying and just use a paddle or vent brush and voila - supersoft! As you know, my hair likes to have unruly ends that do this weird non-curl, wiry flying in the air thing. Right now, my hair has many ends of different lengths that are growing out, and I love that this helps my hair look more smooth and flowing, with no wiry ends giving away the different lenghts. It feels amazing, and even though the scent is a quite prevalent, I personally like it. It's kind of...well, it's "fresh" and similar to another shampoo scent, but I can't put my finger on which one it reminds me of. My husband commented on it without realizing it was my hair product, saying I smelled SO good, and asking what it was. So while some may not prefer to have something that lingers in that way, I'm keeping this a 5-lipper because it really just has amazed me in all ways.

...Smooth hair that flows together...that's exactly what it gives me.

Retail Price: $4.43 (available in drugstores and superstores everywhere - and now ON SALE for $3.82 at drugstore.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Can't get that comb to glide through your hair? Well, KNOT TODAY!

A creamy herbal conditioner and detangler designed to smooth the cuticle and remove knots, snarls and tangles from kinky textured hair. Apply generously and work the wide tooth comb slowly through troubled areas. Our new thicker, richer formula can be used as a regular rinse out conditioner and also as a leave-in.

Contains extracts of wild cherry bark, marshmallow root and horsetail."

Toya's Take: I have fallen in love with Kinky-Curly products! Of course, I am always on the hunt for the perfect products to use on my "kinky curly" hair. I think I have found them. They are the perfect products to loosen my curls and soften them, without using any chemical processes. Knot Today is part of a system of products designed to work together to achieve maximum curl length, looseness, shine, and frizz reduction. The Knot Today is odorless, which is nice - it won't be offensive to those who have smell sensitivities. I have to apply it quite liberally - I goop a lot on to my hair and then comb it through. It detangles my hair easily, without lots of pulling and effort on my part. Love it! My only problem is that the bottle isn't very big and I have to use a lot to detangle my mass of hair, so I feel like I went through half the bottle already! Kinky Curly, make bigger bottles of this stuff!

Retail Price: $12 for 8 ozs. (at kinky-curly.com or scroll to the bottom of the shopping page to see a retail location near you)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "A cream gel that effectively straightens both wavy and curly hair. Hemp seed oil increases elasticity, manageability and shine. Seaweed extract softens hair and decreases static. PVP/DMAP copolymer reduces frizz. Silicones for shine and conditioning."

Jen's Experience: Alterna Caviar shampoo and conditioner are still high on the list of my favorite hair products of all time, and after trying this one, I have another favorite from the Alterna line. Since my hair is already straight and flat on it's own, I was a little skeptical about using a product designed to straighten. The effects, though, were completely unexpected. It doesn't make my hair flat -- in fact, it gives it just a bit of natural volume that doesn't look fluffy, just healthy. It's great for rainy days as well to prevent the humidity from affecting my hair. This product makes my hair easy to style with the blowdryer so that I don't have to break out the curling iron just to have a good hair day. If you're looking for a little more volume in addition to the smoothing effects, you actually can combine it with other volumizing products. If you need another reason to give it a shot, I also love how shiny it makes my hair, and how amazing it smells.

I wish I could give you the curly hair perspective as well, but from the straight perspective, this product has made its way into my everyday hair routine.

Retail Price: $13.00 (See 4alterna.com for a salon near you)

Rating:

What They Say:
"• Luxurious styling creme that instantly moisturizes and seals split ends
• Softens, adds shine and controls frizz
• Shaping Polymers make dry hair easy to style
• Provides heat protection while styling
• Soft-to-medium hold"

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I have a new secret hair weapon. This is one of those products that I'm going to tell all of my friends about. The light formula doesn't weigh my hair down (at ALL), leaves my hair super-soft, and adds shine. My hair has a tendency to feel really coarse on the ends and frizz out, especially when I have multiple lenghts cut into it (as I do now). This smoothes my ends down and softens them better than anything I've tried.

User Tip: Apply this before blow-drying, making sure to distribute evenly with a comb.

Retail Price: app. $14.50 (at salons - find one near you here)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: (about the brush) "Triage Thermal Collection’s triangle brush is both unique, universal and can be used for all types of hair. The three flat surfaces produce a smooth line through the hair – the rounded edge provides a bend and a bit of soft bounce to the hair tips."
(about the Balm) "A rich, botanical, leave-in conditioner and smoothing/straightening balm."

Jamie’s Thoughts: My naturally curly hair is a challenge unto itself – straightening it takes patience, the right weather, and a sense of humor. I have tried countless potions, serums, you name it. Curly girls out there will know what I mean when I say, “I’ve finally figured it out, and they had better not discontinue any of these 9 products it takes me to get it done.” At this point, I’m better at blow-outs on my hair than any of my hairdressers have ever been.

Faced with a new brush and a new balm to use (the horror!), I waited for a dry weekend and got right to work. The balm is thin without being runny, and smells a bit fruity (in a good way). It is easy to work with, it works well, and a little bit goes a long way. I know a lot of straightening products claim to be this way, but this one actually makes good on that promise. I put a quarter sized dollop in my hand and moved it through my entire head. As each section came down for drying, I added a TINY bit more to the ends only. Be careful not to get this too close to the roots – you’ll lose volume.

(Click pic to enlarge.)

One interesting sidenote: Creative Products claims that the balm works better as you go – the more you blowdry, the better it gets. I thought this claim to be ridiculous, but they’re right. This is a great balm for those girls who just “have to get that piece one more time.”

The brush, as all super-grippy brushes do, took some time for me to master. I was impressed with the ease at which it turns the hair, and I only got the brush stuck in my hair once! (This is a good thing) I didn’t see the benefit of the triangular shape, but I definitely noticed the ceramic kicking in – I was done in 30 minutes, as opposed to my usual 45. That is a HUGE time savings, especially for anyone with long hair. I suspect this brush would make a difference in professional salons, where time management is crucial. It works well, but I don’t see enough improvement in bounce, shine, or shape to make me put my trusty paddle brush aside.

Retail Prices: Triage Triangle Brush $10.50; Conditioning & Smoothing Balm $14.95
(in salons and also online at www.creativetool.com, but double check pricing because right now their site is mostly for professionals and is a bit difficult to navigate)

DeLush Rating: Conditioning & Smoothing Balm
Triage Triangle Brush

What They Say: (about the Curls Milk Shake) "The perfect 4-in-1 leave in for all curlies ... especially for those with needy, dry curls. It is guaranteed to define, defrizz, revive, hydrate and soften dry, kinky curls. Derived from natural milks (coconut and sweet almond milk), this moisturizing cream will bring life back to your overworked tresses." (about the Spiral Curls Cream) "For perfect curls with the hold you've been looking for! It performs like a gel, but with much more sheen and moisture. This miracle worker glides easily on the hair and dries without a producty feeling. Great for all hair types."

Toya's Take: I am always more than happy to try a new product for my naturally curly/kinky hair. I have to say that I really like the Curls products. They smell awesome and are made from natural, moisturizing ingredients that work great on curly hair of all kinds. The Curls Milkshake made my hair feel instantly soft and supple and really made it much easier to detangle after washing. And the soft coconut scent is quite pleasing. I like the Spiral Curls Cream, too, but I don't think the product is heavy enough for my dry, thick hair. However, I think it would work quite well on someone with a more fine hair texture. At these prices and with such good results, I will be making the Curls Milkshake part of my regular hair routine and will be trying other Curls products, as well.

Retail Prices: $16 (Curls Milk Shake) and $15 (Spiral Curls Cream) (at curls.biz or go here to find a salon location that carries Curls products near you)

DeLush Ratings:
Curls Milk Shake -
Spiral Curls Cream -

What They Say:
(about the Shampoo) "Conditioning sugar foam gives hair body. White tea, papaya, and pomegranate extracts blended with Rosemary/Sage Essential Water™ gently purify hair while sweet almond protein helps strengthen. Anti-oxidant rich botanical UV filters shield hair from damage and color fade."

(about the Serum) "The sugar conditioner softens brittle, unruly hair. Lemongrass Essential Water™ adds shine. Body-building, conditioning extracts of almond, white ginger and watercress blended with sweet almond protein help improve the look of weak, damaged hair. For curly or straight styles, smooth styling polymer controls frizz - even in high humidity. Contains a potent, botanical anti-oxidant blend to help maintain healthy hair."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow:
(about the Shampoo) This is a very interesting product. I've never felt a shampoo do this to my hair while washing before. What am I talking about? That weird somewhat dry feeling (while wet!), with very little sudsing (which is not a bad thing) and not necessarily a feeling that my hair was getting "dirty", but not that it was getting clean as we normally like it to feel. It was a little tangly and wiry feeling in the water, as if I'd added something to it that made it change greatly in texture. It felt "roughed up" in a way. I definitely was in a hurry to add a mild conditioner to ease that tangling, which disappeared immediately. (Good thing, because I really was nervous about the state of my hair's knottiness up to that moment.)

It did seem that my hair had in fact gotten quite clean while I combed it out, but it also felt a bit more textured still. After blowdrying my hair had more volume, though not extremely drastic, with no extra weight AT ALL.

(about the Serum) This is perhaps one of my favorite serums among all I've ever tried up to this point. It's not very greasy-feeling when you dispense it and warm in your hand, and when you apply it you aren't made suddenly aware that you've may have accidentally made some very vital clump of hair near your face FAR too slick. You know, how lots of anti-frizz serums have a TEENY TINY line between the right amount and EW YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE TO WASH THIS GREASY MESS AGAIN TOMORROW? This one didn't do that. It soaked into my hair nicely (I used a little less than 2 dime-sized amounts on my not-quite-reaching-my-shoulders length hair). I of course made sure to concentrate it some on my ends and the ends of each layer, because that's where the hairs start to flip up and go crazy in humidity.

Let me just say this: You know how humid it's been in the Midwest and just about everywhere else, right? (If you don't relate please don't tell me. We don't want to hear about your fabulous temperate climate. It will only make us curse the humidity that much more.) Well, my hair stayed smooth but full of body when I was out and about on a particularly sticky day. And I had just washed my hair before heading out. Normally the first 8 hours after I do my hair is the most frizz-a-licious time until my natural oils kick back in and I've slept on it.

So, in other words? I loved it.

BONUS: For those of you interested, Jonathan products are vegan.

Retail Prices: Serious Volume Shampoo $20.00
Create Smooth Anti-Frizz Volumizing Serum $26.00 (go to jonathathanproduct.com and click "Where To Buy" to find online and local retail locations)

DeLush Ratings: Serious Volume Shampoo
Create Smooth Anti-Frizz Volumizing Serum