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    October 4th, 2010KatieHair

    Everyone needs at least a bottle of this stuff. Even guys. There are inevitably days when you probably should wash (or co-wash) your hair, but don’t. It happens! Now with dry shampoo as an option, no one should ever have to know that you are being a dirty slob. :) Just kidding!

    Dry Shampoo is great for hair that needs a lift or has a bit of buildup (i.e. grease, hair products, etc.). To use dry shampoo – spray it from about a foot away your head at your roots. I like to lift up sections of my hair and spray generously. Then, let is sit and dry for a few minutes. Take a bristle brush (I bought mine at Harmon’s) and quickly but gently brush through the hair. Look at your roots – if they appear gray or white, you are not done brushing. When you cannot see anymore discoloring (which is nothing to fret about – it is only cornstarch!) – you are done. Try not to touch your hair now. Style it & go.

    This process should take you less than 5 minutes once you get used to it. If it takes you longer than that, you should probably just jump in the shower and just wash/co-wash it! :)

    I like to use dry shampoo 1 -2 times a week. In the fall/winter, I feel like I heat-style my hair too often (curling iron, straightener, blow dryer, etc.). The dry shampoo is a nice option because I can avoid heat altogether.

    Tresemme FreshStart Dry Shampoo is inexpensive, effective and it produces results quickly. The only downfall with this product is the scent. Immediately after you spray the product, a little cloud of fragrance looms around your head. I like to spray my hair in the bathroom and then walk into my room to brush it or vice versa. Thankfully the scent does not linger on the hair so don’t worry about that. The packaging for this product is nothing special – just a typical can that resembles a hairspray can. Tresemme FreshStart Dry Shampoo is super accessible – I found mine at Harmon’s.

    (3/5)

    Get some dry shampoo. It is so cheap & accessible that it cannot hurt to keep a can around. It might come in handy and it could actually be beneficial to your hair (if you opt to skip heat styling every once in a while)!

    x0 Katie

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    June 1st, 2010KatieBath, Beauty, Natural, Organic

    Co-washing. What an unattractive name for a pleasant process! To put it simply, co-washing is washing your hair with conditioner. Typical shampoos contain chemicals that are harmful to your scalp and overall health. Approximately 60% of what you put on your skin (scalp, etc.) is absorbed by your body. When you shampoo, you are exposing yourself to chemicals. Most shampoos contain elements like petrochemicals, parabens, sulfates, artificial colors and fragrances.

    Why do you put yourself at risk for health issues and other unfavorable outcomes by using shampoo? Well, I like to think that it is because you have been conditioned (hah, no pun intended) to think that you NEED shampoo to make your hair clean. False! The lather that your shampoo creates is not solely responsible for cleaning your hair. You actually help the cleansing process along by massaging your scalp and rubbing your hair between your fingers. So when you replace your shampoo with a conditioner, preferably an organic one, you will be making a great choice.

    So the concept is simple and it is likely something that you will be able to experience for free. Start off co-washing by swearing off shampoo, at least give it a week or so. Use your current conditioner in the shower to wash your hair. Make sure you use the conditioner in the same way that you would a shampoo – massage it around your scalp and rinse it well. Follow up with more of the same conditioner. Let the product sit for a few minutes while you do whatever else you must while you are in the shower. Rinse with cool water and enjoy!

    I love co-washing. I think you will too!

    xo Katie

    p.s. Renpure conditioners work really well with co-washing. : )

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    May 24th, 2010KatieBeauty, Natural, Organic

    (5/5)

    Renpure organics shampoo and conditioner was an impromptu purchase at Harmon’s recently. I am trying to reduce my dependence on shampoos and conditioners that are laden with parabens, sulfates and harmful chemicals. A series of bright bottles caught my eye and I was delighted to see organic in the title of the brand! I popped open the top – sometimes these products can smell too earthy for me – but I was pleasantly surprised & impressed with the summery, fruity scent. I purchased three bottles (they were thankfully on sale!). I use A LOT of conditioner, about 2x as much shampoo I use – so I purchased two conditioners and one shampoo.

    The moisturizing shampoo had a catchy tagline – “my pretty hair is parched.” So I bought this & the matching conditioner. Both products are fabulous. The shampoo is moisturizing but does not leave any type of unwanted sheen/oil on the hair. I use it every other day. Additionally, it smells awesome! It is definitely a great pick for the summer. I have incredibly tangly hair and this conditioner does a good (not great) job of detangling but in the defense of Renpure Organics, I have yet to find a great, organic, detangling conditioner.

    I also purchased body & shine “i love my hair” conditioner which seems to be VERY similar to the moisturizing conditioner. I truly notice little difference – both work well, smell great and leave the hair soft & .:sigh:. nourished.  : )

    Check out this brand if you happen to come across it! Otherwise, check out their website: http://www.renpure.com/. Their section on chemical exposure is of particular interest to me & it might be informative and useful for you as well!

    xo Katie

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