Infused with sustainably-sourced Shea oil from West Africa, patented Cimentrio® complex and essential fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants, KARITÉ HYDRA replenishes moisture to dry scalps and helps repair hair, leaving strands soft, silky and shiny.
René Furterer KARITÉ HYDRA Hydrating Shine Shampoo ($12.00-$64.00 for 1.6 oz, 5 oz. and 20.2 oz from René Furterer, SkinStore, Dermstore and Amazon): I have to preface this by stating that I am thoroughly obsessed with this truly amazing shampoo because it is everything that someone with dry and curly hair, like me, could ever want in a shampoo. It has a satisfying lather, but it never strips the hair, and it rinses clean without leaving behind an oily residue. It has a light, and pleasant aroma, but it isn't long-lasting or cloying. It moisturizes dry hair, without ever weighing it down, and it leaves hair remarkably soft and shiny. It is, in a word, extraordinary!
According to René Furterer,
Formulated with a nurturing and protective blend of Shea oil, Cimentrio complex and essential vitamins, this rich, gentle, silicone-free shampoo for dry hair and scalps replenishes lost moisture, renews softness and enhances shine.
Benefits:
Formulated for dry, dehydrated hair and a normal to oily scalp
Shea oil replenishes moisture, helps restore the natural protective barrier and supplies the hair with essential fatty acids and vitamins
Cimentrio complex helps reinforce strands and prevent further damage
Enhances hair’s softness and shine without weighing it down
Directions: Once or twice a week, apply to wet scalp and hair, work into a lather and rinse. Reapply and leave in for 2 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
René Furterer KARITÉ HYDRA Hydrating Shine Mask ($36.00-$56.00 for 3.4 oz.- 6.9 oz. from René Furterer, Dermstore and Amazon): If ever there was a hair mask that nourished, moisturized and left hair soft, manageable, shiny and frizz-free, it is this one. It offers dry hair much-needed moisture without ever weighing it down, and it rinses clean. It has the most delectable light, nutty aroma that is an absolute pleasure to the senses.
According to René Furterer,
With nourishing Shea oil plus protein-rich Cimentrio complex, this intensive deep-conditioning mask provides optimal hydration without the weight, leaving hair shiny and silky smooth.
Benefits:
Formulated for dry, dehydrated hair
Shea oil replenishes moisture, helps restore the protective barrier and supplies the hair with essential fatty acids and vitamins
Cimentrio complex helps fortify strands and prevent further damage
Enhances hair’s softness and shine without weighing it down
Directions: Once or twice a week, apply a small amount to damp hair section by section after shampooing. Leave in for 2-5 minutes, comb through to detangle and rinse thoroughly.
I recently discovered an amazing haircare brand that makes astoundingly effective products for curly hair, and Mielle's moisture loving products smell delectable and are a pleasure to use. I am testing the entire range of products from the Mielle Moisture RX Hawaiian Ginger Moisturizing Collection, and I wanted to introduce you to their shampoo and conditioners first.
About Mielle,
Mielle Organics is a hair care and beauty brand that believes healthier ingredients encourage healthier hair and skin.
Since inception, Mielle Organics products have taken the hair care market by storm!
Monique Rodriguez founded MIELLE in 2014 after her healthy, hair care regimen for her tailbone-length hair became somewhat of a craze among her social media followers. The company began on the back on one product, the Advanced Hair Formula, a unique proprietary blend of herbs, amino acids and minerals to support healthy hair, skin, nails, and immune system.
In addition to her work with MIELLE, Monique is recognized as a leader in the business community as well as a role model among adult women and girls. She has been recognized in publications such as Allure, Black Enterprise, Sophisticate’s Black Hair, and Essence.com, in addition to popular, national daytime television talk shows – The Steve Harvey Show, The Real, and The Wendy Williams Show. Monique has also been endorsed by the celebrity community, a known favorite of “Black-ish” actress, Yara Shahidi.
Mielle Moisture RX Hawaiian Ginger Moisturizing and Anti-Breakage Shampoo ($9.99 for 12 oz. from Mielle, Target, Amazon and Walmart): This gentle moisturizing shampoo, with its heavenly tropical aroma, thoroughly cleans hair without ever stripping it. It is perfect for people with dry hair and curly hair (and dry and curly hair). It is a treat to the hair and the senses, and it is definitely Lola's Secret Beauty Blog approved!
According to Mielle,
Our Moisture RX Hawaiian Ginger Moisturizing and Anti-Breakage Shampoo gently cleanses and replenishes moisture back to dry, damaged hair. Infused with ingredients such as Avocado and Ginger, this moisturizing shampoo transforms your dry, thirsty curls to shiny, hydrated, healthier hair.
Directions: Apply this Moisturizing & Anti-Breakage Shampoo to wet hair, massage into a rich lather, and rinse. For best results, shampoo twice. Follow up with our Moisture RX Hawaiian Ginger Moisturizing & Anti-Breakage Conditioner.
Our Moisture RX Hawaiian Ginger Moisturizing and Anti-Breakage Conditioner is the perfect pair to our Moisturizing and Anti-Breakage Shampoo. Bring thirsty hair back to life with Mielle Organics’ with this conditioner. This conditioner is made with natural ingredients. It is formulated to deliver both moisture and hydration, ensuring each and every strand is conditioned.
Directions: Apply this Moisturizing & Anti-Breakage Conditioner to wet hair after shampooing from root to tip. Leave on 10-15 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Follow up with our Moisture RX Hawaiian Ginger Leave-In Conditioner for added hydration.
Turn to Mielle’s Moisture Rx collection for deep hydration! Mielle’s Hawaiian Ginger Moisturizing Leave-In Conditioner delivers hydration like you wouldn’t believe! With natural ingredients like avocado, almond, and ginger oil, this conditioner locks moisture in from root to tip. You can see and feel the difference! Add it to your routine to add shine, eliminate frizz, and keep your curls defined and healthy. Apply generously and use your favorite detangling tool to give love to all your locks. For especially dry, thirsty hair, make sure you check out all of Mielle’s Moisture Rx products, from our hair butter to our moisturizing scalp treatment!
Features:
• Restores shine
• Locks in moisture
• Delivers long-lasting curl definition
Directions: Apply a generous amount to sectioned hair. Work product through with your favorite detangling tool. Do not rinse, leave-in.
If you have naturally dry hair, or hair that is dry because of chemical treatments and heat styling tools, then the Klorane Nourishing Mango Hair Collection is made with you in mind. I have naturally curly hair, and therefore I am no stranger to hair that tends to be on the dry side, and thus this collection is perfect for me. The Klorane Nourishing Shampoo with Mango Butter and Klorane Nourishing Conditioner with Mango Butter are perfect for dry hair, and not only are they very effective, but the delectable mango aroma is uplifting and utterly delightful.
Klorane Nourishing Shampoo with Mango Butter ($10.00-$12.00 for 3.3 oz.-13.5oz from Klorane, bluemercury, Ulta and Macy's): This is a very rich lathering shampoo that nourishes and hydrates dry hair, and it thoroughly cleans the without ever stripping. It rinses clean without weighing hair down or leaving behind an undesirable residue. This is currently my very favorite shampoo.
According to Klorane,
A moisture-rich, plant-based shampoo that gently cleanses, nourishes and restores lasting hydration to dry, dehydrated hair. Hair becomes soft, silky and full of shine. Perfect for those who have naturally dry, dehydrated hair, have split ends or hair that needs extra nourishment and hydration. Gentle enough for all hair types and ages 3+. Safe for color-treated hair.
Klorane Nourishing Conditioner with Mango Butter ($10.00-$20.00 for 1.6 oz.-6.7 oz from Klorane, bluemercury, Ulta and Macy's): This is a very nourishing and hydrating conditioner that is extraordinarily effective for dry hair. It leaves dehydrated locks soft, smooth and shiny without weighing it down or leaving it greasy. The delectable mango aroma lasts for a while before it fades away.
According to Klorane,
Nourish hair naturally. This plant-based weightless moisturizing conditioner restores much needed hydration and softness back to dry, dehydrated hair. Hair is left feeling silky, smooth and full of shine. Perfect for those who have naturally dry, dehydrated hair, have split ends or hair that needs extra nourishment and hydration. Gentle enough for all hair types and ages 3+. Safe for color-treated hair.
Features:
Provides instant and long-lasting nourishment and hydration to hair
Hair's ability to lock-in moisture is strengthened
Can be used as a cleansing conditioner for very dry hair
Hair is easier to manage, soft and radiant
96% natural origin ingredients
Biodegradable. Vegan. Dermatologist tested
50% recycled plastic tube
Directions: Apply after Shampoo with Mango on hair lengths and ends. Leave on for 2 to 3 minutes. Rinse. For the driest hair, can be used as a cleansing conditioner instead of your regular shampoo.
Overall Assessment: If you have dry hair and love the aromatic mango haircare, then you will likely love this shampoo and conditioner as much as I do. These are a true delight to use.
If you have dry, very dry, chemically treated or damaged hair, or know someone who does, then read on. If not, the Shu Uemura The Art of Hair Ultimate Reset Collection products aren't likely going to offer many benefits to your hair, but if you have any of these hair issues to contend with, then this is a range that should be on your radar. It is undoubtedly expensive, as is the case with ultra-luxurious brands, but it has made quite a difference in the appearance of my dry, naturally curly color-treated hair.
Rice Extract is the key ingredient used in the Shu Uemura Art of Hair Ultimate Reset Collection, and according to Shu Uemura Art of Hair,
For centuries, Japanese women have looked to rice for its immense beautifying powers. Referred to as “nuka biji”, or “beautiful by the rice” Japanese women cherish rice’s ability to hydrate and protect the hair. Enriched with minerals, antioxidants, and B and E vitamins, rice is renowned for its protecting and moisture retaining properties. Harvested in Hyogo, Japan, our rice of the highest polished quality, raised by an eco-friendly duck-cultivation system which maintains purity and ensures maximum natural benefits.
Shu Uemura Ultimate Reset Shampoo ($48.00 for 300ml / 10 oz from Shu Uemura Art of Hair): Ultimate Reset Shampoo is a restoration shampoo that is specifically formulated for ultra-damaged hair. It gently cleanses, without stripping the hair or scalp, and without weighing down the hair or leaving it greasy. It rinses clean and leaves hair feeling nourished and hydrated. The shampoo has a pleasant fragrance, but it doesn't linger for very long, and I do not smell it in my hair once it has dried.
According to Shu Uemura Art of Hair,
Shampoo for very damaged hair that provides intense care without weighing hair down. gently removes impurities.
Claims:
• Fortifies and beautifies the hair without weighing it down
• Hair is purified
• Hair feels strengthened
KEY TECHNOLOGY:
Co-emulsion:
• Combination of powerful restoring ingredients
• Formulated in extremely small, fine droplets
• Ensures hair is deeply repaired without being weighed down
Shu Uemura Ultimate Reset Conditioner ($58.00 for 250 ml / 8 oz. from Shu Uemura Art of Hair): This conditioner is superb for very dry and damaged hair because it is intensely moisturizing and yet it rinses clean and free of any residue. The consistency is mid-weight and emollient, and yet remarkably lightweight feeling in the hair. It deeply nourishes and hydrates hair, fights frizz and efficiently and effectively detangles it. It also has a pleasant fragrance, but it is neither imposing, nor long-lasting.
According to Shu Uemura Art of Hair,
Conditioner for very damaged hair that provides a high level of care that brings softness, suppleness and strength.
Claims:
• Repairs hair helping to protect against breakage
• Instantly eases detangling
• Repairs the hair without weighing it down
• Hair feels strengthened
• Hair restoration conditioner for ultra damaged hair.
KEY TECHNOLOGY:
Co-emulsion:
• Combination of powerful restoring ingredients
• Formulated in extremely small, fine droplets
• Ensures hair is deeply repaired without being weighed down
Shu Uemura Ultimate Reset Hair Mask ($68.00 for 200 nl/ 6 oz. from Shu Uemura Art of Hair): I have always been a huge proponent of hair masks, and have used them with great regularity as long as I can remember. Given that I have naturally curly, and dry-leaning, hair– masking is an absolute necessity to keep my hair nourished, hydrated, frizz-free and manageable. If you have yet to experience the wonders of Shu Uemura Hair Masks, I am here to tell you that they are worthy of your haircare bucket-list! They have a mask for every haircare concern, and this one is magical for people like me with dry and unruly hair.
This mask, which I have left on between 5 and 30 minutes, leaves hair incredibly hydrated, soft, manageable, frizz-free and nourished. It has a very thick and emollient consistency, and yet it does not weigh hair down or leave behind any sort of residue. It allows me to effortlessly comb though my hair and leaves it thoroughly tangle-free. It has the same pleasant fragrance as the shampoo and conditioner, and like them it fades very quickly.
According to Shu Uemura Art of Hair,
Hair restoration hair mask for ultra damaged hair. Restorative deep repair with long-lasting nourishment without a heavy touch.
Claims:
• Deeply repairs hair fiber from roots to tips
• Helps to protects against breakage
• Repairs the hair without weighing it down
• Hair feels soft, strengthened, and manageable
KEY TECHNOLOGY:
Ultima 6:
• Contains specialized repairing ingredients which specifically target damaged hair
• Ensures damaged sections get more intensive care
• Leaves hair restored, soft, and weightless
Ingredients (click to enlarge):
Overall Assessment: I absolutely love the Shu Uemura Art of Hair Ultimate Reset Collection for my dry and curly color treated hair, and can't say enough positive things about its efficacy. A+
I have dry and naturally curly that is color-treated, and therefore non-stripping shampoos and conditioners that are very hydrating are an absolute necessity for me. In fact, many so-called hydrating shampoos and conditioners leave my hair frizzy, stripped and dry, or greasy and weighed down. Therefore, my discovery Rahua Hydration Shampoo and Hydration Conditioner, which are both intensely hydrating, ranks among my greatest recent haircare finds.
Additionally, Rahua's products are cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free, safe for color-treated hair and filled with safe and healthy clean and green ingredients.
Rahua Hydration Shampoo ($34.00 for 9.5 oz. from Rahua, Dermstore and The Detox Market): Many shampoos claim to be moisturizing, but seldom do they deliver on such promises without leaving behind an unpleasant greasy residue that weighs hair down. Rahua, on the other hand, has in this wondrous shampoo created a delectable cleanser that has a rich and creamy lather that hydrates, rather than strips dry hair, and it never weighs it down. The first thing that you will undoubtedly note, aside from the incredible lather, is the delicious passion fruit and mango aroma– seriously, it smells so good that I often just open it up to have a sniff! The ultra-nourishing shampoo not only hydrates unruly tresses, but it also effectively fights frizz and leaves hair with a lovely shine. If you have straight hair, this is a bit easier to achieve, but if you have naturally curly hair it is a far greater challenge. If you have dry hair, frizzy hair or over-processed hair, then this is a really great shampoo choice for you.
According to Rahua,
Created to replenish the driest, thirstiest hair, this rich and creamy formula is infused with our plant-powered complex crafted with rare Amazonian oils and natural protein-bonding sugars that drive hydration deep into each strand of hair. Scented with the tropical aromas of passion fruit and mango, this innovative formula leaves scalp hydrated and balanced and hair stronger, healthier, smoother and shinier.
Benefits: Delivers maximum hydration, smooths cuticle, prevents frizz and adds shine.
Select Ingredients and Their Attributes:
Morete Oil: Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, essential fatty acids, tocopherols, and carotenoids—especially beta-carotene—oil from this Amazonian fruit’s flesh protects hair from damaging UVA rays. We use Symbiotic®* morete.
Rahua (Ungurahua): Amazonian women have for eons depended on the oil from this tree nut to nurture and strengthen their hair. It fortifies weak, damaged strands, nourishes and maintains hair follicle and scalp health, and its super-fine molecules push color pigmentation deep into the hair shaft, greatly extending color endurance. We use Symbiotic®* Rahua. Sacha Inchi: A longtime food source in the Amazon, these seeds are exceptionally rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants including vitamins A and E. Sacha Inchi oil works to lock in hair’s moisture and condition and soothe the scalp. We use Symbiotic®* sacha inchi.
Organic Mango Sugars: This juicy tropical fruit offers a subtle, irresistibly exotic scent and contains sugars which bond oil proteins to hair, maximizing hydration.
*Symbiotic® is Rahua®’s signature standard. In order for an ingredient to be classified as Symbiotic®, it must be rainforest grown (wild) in undisturbed virgin forest, harvested and prepared using indigenous knowledge by people indigenous to the virgin forest environment, and it must be purchased at a price that helps to grow and sustain these traditions, build economies, and empower the indigenous people.
Rahua Hydration Conditioner ($36.00 for 9.3 oz. from Rahua, Dermstore and The Detox Market): This deeply moisturizing conditioner is perfection for dry, frizzy, damaged hair. It delivers intense hydration without leaving behind a greasy residue, or weighing down hair, and it soothes the cuticle while fighting frizz. I love to apply it and then comb it though from roots to tips, and leave it in for the duration of my shower before rinsing it out. The delectable passion fruit and mango scent is such a treat to the senses, and it lingers in the hair for a little while– though I wish it would linger all day. The first time that I used it I was astonished by the extent to which this lovely conditioner tamed my frizz, deeply nourished and hydrated my hair, and left it with a glossy shine. It also makes my hair very manageable, and leaves my curls with the most lovely soft and glossy ringlets.
According to Rahua,
Created to replenish the driest, thirstiest hair, this rich and creamy formula is infused with our plant-powered complex crafted with rare Amazonian oils and natural protein-bonding sugars that drive hydration deep into each strand of hair. Scented with the tropical aromas of passion fruit and mango, this innovative formula softens, de-tangles and tames hair, leaving it manageable and stronger, healthier, smoother and shinier.
Benefits: Delivers maximum hydration, smooths cuticle, prevents frizz and adds shine.
Select Ingredients and Their Attributes:
Morete Oil: Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, essential fatty acids, tocopherols, and carotenoids—especially beta-carotene—oil from this Amazonian fruit’s flesh protects hair from damaging UVA rays. We use Symbiotic®* morete.
Rahua (Ungurahua): Amazonian women have for eons depended on the oil from this tree nut to nurture and strengthen their hair. It fortifies weak, damaged strands, nourishes and maintains hair follicle and scalp health, and its super-fine molecules push color pigmentation deep into the hair shaft, greatly extending color endurance. We use Symbiotic®* Rahua. Sacha Inchi: A longtime food source in the Amazon, these seeds are exceptionally rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants including vitamins A and E. Sacha Inchi oil works to lock in hair’s moisture and condition and soothe the scalp. We use Symbiotic®* sacha inchi.
Organic Mango Sugars: This juicy tropical fruit offers a subtle, irresistibly exotic scent and contains sugars which bond oil proteins to hair, maximizing hydration.
Overall Assessment: This mighty duo is absolutely perfect for my dry, curly and color-treated hair. If you have hair that is dry, over-processed, chemically-treated, prone to frizz, naturally curly or damaged– then I highly recommend trying these gems! A+
Given that I have naturally curly hair, that leans on the dry side, it is imperative to find non-stripping, ultra-nourishing and deeply hydrating haircare products to soothe and manage it. For years one of my most coveted go-to haircare brands in SHU UEMURA Art of Hair, but their Urban Moisture Hydro-Nourishing range is nothing short of miraculous for my sometimes unruly and unmanageable tresses. If you have dry hair, then this is unquestionably a collection worthy of your serious consideration. Furthermore, given that summer is right around the corner, and its heat can most assuredly wreak havoc on the hair by causing damage and drying– this range is a game changer for anyone whose hair gets overexposed to the elements. Pollution, sun exposure and daily environmental aggressors can be left brittle and lackluster, and Urban Mature is an effective choice to mitigate those unwanted byproducts associated with outdoor fun in the sun.
According to SHU UEMURA Art of Hair,
Urban Moisture was created to repair damaged hair while also combating/protecting against urban aggressors. Containing four distinct pieces – Hydro-Nourishing Shampoo, Hydro-Nourishing Conditioner, Hydro-Nourishing Deep Treatment, and Hydro-Nourishing Double Serum – the complete regimen is perfect for all hair types.
With Moringa, Red Micro-Algae and Cationic and Amphoteric Polymers, hair receives key nutrients, anti-oxidants and rich vitamins, minerals and amino acids – leaving hair feeling lightweight, yet moisturized and nourished, bringing it back to life.
SHU UEMURA Art of Hair Urban Moisture Hydro-Nourishung Deep Treatment Masque ($68.00 for 6 oz. from SHU UEMURA): This creamy, rich, nourishing and ultra-luxe deep conditioning mask is an especially effective treatment for dry and stressed tresses. While SHU UEMURA recommends leaving it on for 5-10 minutes, which is highly effective, I prefer to leave it on for 20-30 minutes for even greater efficacy. Not only does it deeply moisturize my hair, but it also softens it, smooths it, fights frizz and fly-aways, and leaves it remarkable shiny. Furthermore, if you have curly hair, you will be astounded by the extent to which facilitates gorgeous natural curl formations. While fragrance is listed among the ingredients, I wouldn't describe it as a particularly fragranced mask, there is no lingering aroma that I can detect.
According to SHU UEMURA Art of Hair,
Hair masque for dry hair that adds intense nourishment and hydration to parched strands. The lightweight formula enters the hair fiber to soften and smooth while protecting against future dryness. Recommended for normal to thick hair densities, the hair masque leaves dry hair tamed, detangled, and shiny with a healthy glow.
Benefits:
Moringa Extract: hydrates and purifies
Highly concentrated in nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants
Intensely hydrates deep within strands
Contains purifying properties that capture pollutants, and purify water
Red micro-algae extract: heals and protects
Rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids
Fights free radicals and the damaging oxidation process
Moisturizes and stimulates the cell regeneration
Ingredients:
Directions:
1. Apply a quarter-size amount of the hair masque onto palms.
2. Massage through wet hair from mid-lengths to ends.
3. Leave on for 5-10 minutes and rinse thoroughly.
SHU UEMURA Art of Hair Urban Moisture Hydro-Nourishing Double Serum ($38.00 for 3.3 oz. from SHU UEMURA): This leave-in hair serum is a dual-phase formula that requires a vigorous shaking to integrate the ingredients for maximum efficacy. You simple spritz it on damp freshly washed hair, and towel-dried, hair and let it work its magic. I immediately noted that it moisturized my hair leaving it manageable, frizz-free and soothed. I also note that my hair is shiny, silky smooth and soft.
According to SHU UEMURA Art of Hair,
Leave-in hair serum that has the unique combination of two complimentary serums that work together to nourish and shield the hair's surface. Used on damp or dry hair, this hair serum can be layered with styling products to create hydrated and healthy styles.
Benefits:
Moringa Extract: hydrates and purifies
Highly concentrated in nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants
Intensely hydrates deep within strands
Contains purifying properties that capture pollutants, and purify water
Red micro-algae extract: heals and protects
Rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids
Fights free radicals and the damaging oxidation process
Moisturizes and stimulates the cell regeneration
Ingredients:
Directions: Shake the bottle to mix the two phases before use. On damp hair: spray 4-8 pumps to washed and towel-dried hair from the mid-lengths to ends. On dry hair: spray 2-3 pumps and massage from the mid-lengths to ends.
Overall Assessment: If you have naturally dry hair, or brittle dry hair from the elements– then the SHU UEMURA Art of Hair Urban Moisture range is definitely worth trying. Next I plan to try their Hydro-Nourishing Shampoo and Hydro-Nourishing Conditioner.
