L'Oreal 8 Second(es) wonder water review

 

so....I've finally got a haircut!!! (yeah!!) I managed to get rid of all the kinks, split ends, and dried-out pieces so my hair is back to how and what it should be! But that doesn't mean my hair care stops there... 

After my haircut, while shopping, I came across this product, L'Oreal 8 Second(es) wonder water. The packaging caught my attention. 

The Product

This is an at-home hair treatment. It only takes 8 seconds to visibly transform your hair from the first use. This product contains moisturizing agents and amino acids. It is formulated to target damaged hair by forming thin layers called "lamellas" that smooth the hair's surface with no weigh down. 

Instructions:

1. Apply directly to wet hair.
2. Massage for 8 seconds.
3. Rinse out, avoiding contact with eyes. 

Frequency of use: Use 2–3 times a week on wet hair after shampoo. 

1 dose for fine to medium hair. 2–3 doses for thick to curly hair. Add 1 more dose if you have long hair.

This product contains 200ml, and each dose is around 20ml, so it is good for 10 uses. 

I have typical thin Asian hair, so a dose is more than enough for me. 

impressions:

• it heats up a little (as the instructions say) 
• I was not a fan of the smell (coconut)
• the product was easy to apply because of the narrow tip applicator
• temporary results

I appreciate that the product heats up (a little). It helps me feel where I have missed a spot and it lets me know that the product is working.

Artificial Coconut scents never worked for me, whether it is skincare, haircare, food, etc. I think something about my natural aura doesn't work well with coconut, so I instantly was a little taken back. But if you like coconut, then go for it!

This product is a bit of a miss. It provides temporary results and they only last for 2 days. It didn't improve my hair nor fix any damages. If you are heading out to a party and in need of having temporary results, then this is the product for you. 

Score: 6.8/10

Website: https://www.lorealparis.ca/en-ca/wonder-water/8-second-wonder-water-lamellar-rinse-out

L'Oreal Elseve Extraordinary Oil (Hair Oil) review

I know... I am obsessed with hair oil, but the health of my hair is extremely important to me. 

product description:

This hair oil is made of French rose oil. Its Shine Mirror technology helps treat the hair strand by strand, giving your hair unbelievable gloss. It will leave your hair eye-catchingly glossy from any angle
Benefits of the range infused with Precious French Rose Oil:
On the Hair Length: Deeply penetrates into the hair keratin and moisturizes to the core of the hair, enhances shine from within and luxuriously smoothen hair fibers strand by strand, fiber by fiber.

RESULTS:
Upon application, the light-weight and non-greasy formula is instantly absorbed on hair, leaving your hair feeling exceptionally soft with supreme smoothness and lustrous shine.

how to use:

Distribute 2-3 pumps onto palm and apply:

1. Before shampoo and conditioner to prepare, nourish and prep hair for washing
2. On towel dry/ dry hair (before blow drying) to protect hair
3. Throughout the day for continuous nourishment and shine

Out of the three ways, I prefer the 2nd way, it is so important to protect your hair after washing and before blow drying. I also find that the product absorbs easier when it is on wet hair.

impressions:

• smells so good (like "expensive" perfume)
• the product is thick and transparent
• three - four pumps is adequate (you should do trial and error starting with 1 pump to see how much product your hair needs)
• perfume smell does not stay
• works, my hair feels much stronger and healthier.

more info:

depending on your preference, in my case, I didn't like that the expensive perfume smell did not stay in my hair at all... in fact... I was quite disappointed. It doesn't make sense why they would add a scent in only for it to be gone within a few minutes. Alcohol is not only damaging but also very unnecessary for hair oil... especially when it only stays for such a short time.

This product is amazing. I love how my hair immediately absorbs all the product, by the time you are done, your hand should feel dry. If they are still oily, it means you have used WAY too much.

I noticed that this hair oil made my hair feel shiny in a healthy way (not in a greasy dirty way). Which is great. After using this product for about a week, I started noticing how much my hair has gotten stronger and healthier. It has a bounce to it, and when I pull it (to test the strength) it, my hair does not give in to the pull.

I have been using this product for about 5 months and I still have about half a bottle left. 

score: 8/10

website: https://www.loreal-paris.com.sg/products/hair-care/hair-treatment/extraordinary-oil-eclat-imperial-high-shine-oil-100ml/

also... if you are interested, please check out my personal blog and follow me around Tokyo :)

Neutrogena anti residue shampoo review

The bottle is big... it's just that my hands got used to holding my Nexus 6

Recently, I started to feel my hair acting up... no matter how many times I use shampoo... my hair just seems so "dead", "oily" and "dry" I even tried to use hair serum and hair mist... but the results were the same. While shopping at Costco, I came across this "Anti-Residue" Shampoo by Neutrogena. 

What it does/claims:

• Removes residue from shampoos, conditioners and styling products
• cleans hair thoroughly, easily rinses clean.
• mild formula won't cause irritation
• suitable for all hair types

information

I just use this once a week... If you use it more, it will be too overwhelming for your hair. It would do more damage than good...

impressions:

• hate the smell (smells like Nizoral shampoo, medicated smell)
• very thick
• gives you a squeaky clean feeling both on scalp and hair
• Works the way it claims
• affordable (this product lasts a long time and only costs around $20)

This is affordable... Don't let my hand deceive you (I own a Nexus 6 phablet and I play the piano so I am used to holding wide things with one hand and stretching my hands) there is a lot of product (946ml) and if you use this once a week... It will last you a very long time (mine's has lasted me for more than a year :O).

I really hate the smell... it smells medicated... but luckily the smell doesn't linger in your hair. I recommend using a conditioner or hair mist if you are bothered by the smell.

This stuff is thick, keep that in mind when you are using it, don't use too much.

I love the squeaky clean feeling it gives... (which is why I don't recommend using it for more than one a week... as recommended). It strips away everything in your hair and scalp including the necessary oil used to protect your hair and scalp. Once, I used this two times a week and I noticed dandruff forming as well as pimples >____<.

Conclusion

I really like this product... it does what it claims... I just don't like the smell... but other than that, I really like this product, it clears my hair from residue and gives my hair a refresh feeling.

Score: 9.8/10

Website: http://www.neutrogena.com/product/anti-residue+shampoo.do

Diane Hair Oil Moroccan Argan Extra Damage Care review

Quantity: 100 ml
Made in Japan
Price: ¥1814 (tax included)

I have been dying to try this hair oil... so I was so happy when my friend gave it to me! Diane is known for its quality in hair products in Japan and they tend to be slightly pricey. e.g. A 500 ml bottle of shampoo can cost ¥700 - ¥900

Claims:

• Preventing split ends and hair breakage 
• Fixing unmanageable, unruly hair 
• Taking care of dyed hair

first impressions:

• very oily
• light scent
• works
• a little (literally one pump) is all you need for all of your hair...

one pump... it was extremely hard to capture this clear oil on camera

All you need is one pump, I keep saying this because it is true... the first time I used this, I thought it was like most hair oils and started using 3-4 pumps, that was WAY too much! After trial and error I came to realize that one pump is more than enough. This oil is heavily concentrated so by using more it would make your hair all oily and gross.

I have long hair and all I need is one pump

This hair oil did wonders to my hair, because of the pollution in Tokyo, I constantly have to wash my hair... this causes split ends and my hair is fragile. After combing my hair, my sink would look as if some hairy monster decided to settle there...

yes... all you need is one pump!

After using this hair oil for about 3 days, I started noticing a significant difference to the health of my hair. My hair felt much stronger and didn't snap easily. It also had a natural shine and became more manageable.

I highly recommend this hair oil! Remember... one pump!


Score: 9.5/10
Website: http://www.moist-diane.jp/en/product/hair_item04.html

Forever 21's Detangler Brush review

Forever 21's Detangler

I don't know about you guys, but whenever my hair is wet, it somehow feels much more fragile. Due to the thinness of my hair strands whenever I try to comb my hair, I hear 'snaps" resulting from certain hair strands giving in to the knots and tangles and breaking my hair! It is tragical... for both my hair and me.

I have heard of Tangle Teezer for a long time... but it isn't easy to find the original one. It wasn't available in Toronto.

impressions:

• gets rid of tangles
• didn't rip my hair out
• works and detangles my hair
• brush bristles are a little too short

bristles

The other day, I was walking into Forever 21 and found this Tangle Teezer knockoff. It is called Forever 21's Detangler. It looks almost identical to the original, all the way to the shape. The only exception is that there is a handle for Forever 21's version.

I also found the original Tangle Teezer at Tokyu Hands... and I discovered that the bristles for the Tangle Tamer was much longer and stronger. There were also variations in sizes making it catch every piece of hair easier.

Price differences:

Forever 21's Detangler costs around $8.75 USD
Tangle Teezer costs around $12.95 USD

Verdict:

Back to Forever 21's Detangler, I am definitely impressed... this is definitely not a gimmick product. I managed to get rid of all my tangles and my hair didn't snap because it was very gentle. The only drawback is that the bristles are too short (this is where the original Tangle Teezer wins) so I tend to miss sections of hair because it cannot grab onto most pieces properly. There isn't a huge difference in prices, however, if you are a penny pincher, Forever 21's Detangler will do the trick (and it has a handle!), but if you are looking for a quality product, you should definitely buy the Tangle Teezer.

Classification: not gimmick
Score: 8/10
Website: no website

ツバキ ダメージケアウオーター (さらさら) Tsubaki Damage Care Water Review

bottle designed by Mika Ninagawa

To celebrate Tsubaki's 10th Anniversary, they have created a shampoo/conditioner/damage care water set with a Japanese photographer: Mika Ninagawa. The bottles and bag were designed by her. The price was very reasonable: ¥1080 for the whole set! So obviously, I got the set. 

I have not heard of Damage Care water before... I have only heard of hair spray, hair serum and hair oil. So this was definitely an interesting product for me. 

Country: Made in Japan

Brand: Tsubaki (parent company: Shiseido)

Amount: 220mL

instructions and ingredients

To be honest, I was a bit skeptical using this product because it has a strong  Tsubaki shampoo smell... I was afraid there were a lot of chemicals inside... and... I was right... I was a bit surprised as how a product with such a simple name have so many chemicals >___<.

Nonetheless... I still gave this product a try. I tried to avoid my scalp area because I didn't want all these chemicals to sit on my scalp for long periods of time (e.g. 24 hours).

Tsubaki's Damage Care Water has two types: 1. Rustling and 2. Moist. Since I wasn't familiar with Damage Care Waters, I decided to follow the shampoo options which suited my needs... I chose the Volume Touch set (purple coloured). They paired this set with the Rustling Damage Care Water.

instructions:

1. after washing hair, towel dry

• (this product can also be used to dry hair)

1. point spray 5-10 cm from your hair and spray
2. after spraying brush and let hair dry (you may also use a hair dryer)

(other instructions are how to open the product and remove the safety plug)

ingredients, country of origin, amount

impressions:

• strong aroma
• very light
• did not irritate my scalp or skin
• made my hair easier to manage (less tangles)
• literally "repaired" my hair
• only took 1 use to feel and see the effects

I was definitely impressed and surprised with this product! Seriously!! it works!!! Despite the strong scent... I love this! It didn't irritate my scalp and somehow made it easier to dry my hair (even air drying time was significantly less).

score: 9/10

website: http://www.shiseido.co.jp/sw/products/SWFG070410.seam?shohin_pl_c_cd=693202&online_shohin_ctlg_kbn=1 (Japanese)

Essential CC Oil (for hair) review

actual product

My new hair cut has enabled me to constantly blow dry my hair, it just somehow ends up looking hideous if I don't, as a result, (you guessed it) my hair is terribly damaged. Split ends and dry ends (are they the same thing?) have developed and my hair looks dead.

While shopping at Watsons the other day, I saw a display promoting this hair oil from Essential, I was contemplating on getting it, I looked over and L'oreal (or some American brand) was selling their hair oil (in larger amounts) for $165 HKD... and while Essential's was only $65 HKD, so... you guessed it... I got this!...

product with Chinese translation

What it claims:

Non-greasy and invisibly light, the Essential CC Oil coats each strand of hair with a cuticle coat protection to fight the 5 most common forms of hair stresses. The cuticle coat protection leaves hair smooth and tangle-free all day!

• Unprotected hair is prone to friction damage caused by daily external stress factors 
• Essential CC Oil protects hair from the 5 hair stresses 
• Light, non-greasy oil is instantly absorbed by hair 
• Leaves hair smooth & manageable all day

more info

If you can't read Chinese or Japanese the 5 hair stresses include: 

tangling, broken pieces of hair, dried hair, split ends and static

I love Essential products, I have been using their Shampoo for a few months now and their hair mask for a few years... and so far, their products have not disappointed me. I had high hopes for this oil... but I knew that just like their hair mask, this oil won't produce immediate noticeable results.

actual product lasts about a month

impressions:

• a soft fruity scent
• very oily
• my hair absorbed every bit of it
• do not over use
• a little goes a long way 
• does what it says BUT not get rid of tangles
• after using it for 2 weeks, I noticed my hair to be more shinier and stronger

container was made out of strong plastic

How to use:

After you have washed your hair, let it be half dry (usually dry enough, after you towel dry your hair), then you apply the oil.

For long hair, they recommended 5 pumps. I tried that the first time but I did not feel that my whole head was properly coated so after trial and error, for my long hair, I do 3 pumps on each side. I would put 3 pumps onto one hand and smooth it out with my other hand than apply the oil to my hair. Concentrate on "greasing" your roots and for the leftovers gently massage to your scalp and roots.

this is all I needed for my long hair (5 pumps)

Score: 9/10

Website: no website

please check out my personal blog and follow me around Tokyo :)

Plastic Telephone Spiral Cord Hair Ties review

plastic telephone spiral cord hair ties

My friend introduced me to these hair ties 2 years ago... and I fell in love with it the first time I put them into my hair... not only are they easy to put on, but also to take off.

this happens a bit too often

Pros:

• does not damage your hair
• easy to clean
• very effectively keeps hair in place

Cons:

• breaks easily (once you break it... you cannot fix it)
• can be a little bulky
• hard to find (I go to eBay)

Ever since using these, I have ditched my old scrunchies... the only issue I have with these are they you can't pull too hard, or they will break....

score: 9/10

Aroma Multi Therapy Hair Serum Review

Aroma Multi Therapy Hair Serum

I noticed a significant brittleness to my hair lately... Due to the dryness of winter, I have noticed that besides my skin, my hair has also gotten dry.

But besides the environment, things we do to our hair can harm it, e.g. perm treatments, dyeing hair, combing, blow drying, hair straightening, hair sprays,  etc... all these can cause severe damage to our hair.

A few months ago, I noticed over 10 split ends, I decided to buy some hair serum. I came across this Aroma Multi Therapy Hair Serum and decided to give it a try.

top view of box

Impressions:

• Lemon smell (sometimes this smell will stay even after you have washed it off with Shampoo)
• do not put too much
• better to put some before heading out (than before bed)
• oily
• makes hair very soft and silky
• notice a slight change in hair (e.g. split ends)
• your hair literally absorbs this product, but due to the "oiliness" of the product, it will still make your hair very greasy
• hair feels much stronger

what is claims: 

• Repairs split ends
• Strengthen hair with silk proteins
• Moisturizers with vitamin B
• Adds shine and softness with botanical extracts and Vitamin E
• Provides UV  protection from sun damage
• Heating protection from styling tools
• Ideal for all hair types

Directions by Aroma:

• Shake well
• Put a small amount (dime size) to palm of hand, rub your palms together
• Apply on towel dried hair (only to the ends) apply from roots to your ends
• Can be applied on wet or dry hair as often as necessary
• You can apply before and after you dry your hair with a blow dryer

Modifications to their direction (My Direction), which I have found quite effective

• Shake well
• put a small amount to palm of hands and rub
• apply to dry hair
• put this product on the ends of your hair
• I do not suggest you putting this product on newly washed hair (unless you plan to wash it later) because it makes your hair very oily (like you haven't washed it for days). 
• I usually wait a few hours before washing it off so my hair absorbs it... (your hair will absorb this product but your hair will still look oily)

Effects:

it works, it made my hair feel really soft (you will start noticing the difference after using it the first time). Although it does not exactly "repair" your hair as it claims, it does make split ends look less visible. It also strengthened my hair.

Pros:

• very effective
• works and improves hair quality
• nice smell (depends if you like lemon, it can be a pro or con)

Cons:

• makes hair very oily
• not suitable if you have just washed your hair (your hair literally feels/looks like it hasn't been washed)

rating: 8/10

no website

Missha Hair Treatment Mask (Blue) review

my hair has literally been dead, dry, and there was no more elastin to them anymore. I knew I needed immediate care, I have tried some of the oil treatments offered at salons, but they only had a temporary effect.

While searching on eBay I came across a hair mask by Missha, because I was so desperate I decided to give this product a try.

Since I am an absolute newbie, my review might be slightly biased, as this is the ONLY hair mask I have EVER used.

Pros:
- hair definitely feels firmer, more elastic and shinier
- smell is quite good (but I don't like that little bit of mint there)
- seeing results after using it a few times
- do not have to apply product on hair for a long duration (only 3 minutes)

Cons:
- takes a lot of patience to remove this product (if you don't remove everything out, you will have an itchy scalp)
- bottle does not last very long (despite being 150 g), I have used this product for about 3 weeks now and I have used half the container.


I think this hair mask is a fair product, most important is that it works! The Price is also quite reasonable however I thought it would last must longer. I do plan to buy this in the future again!

official website: http://www.missha.co.nz/shop/SHOP+ONLINE/BODYHAIR/Hair+Care/-12007.html