Gleau Nourishing Oils Blend Giveway!

I'm getting that itch again to launch another product giveaway. In the past, I've conducted a couple of Burt's Bees contests which were really popular the readers. This time, I thought I'd try something new. A product that is near and dear to my heart. Ladies this giveaway, you'll get a chance to receive a 2 oz bottle of Gleau Nourishing Oil Blend! Yes, that's right. I'll contact the winner on August 1 and anyone who send me an email to relaxedhairhealth@gmail.com with the title "Gleau giveway" will get a chance to enter. Please send in your emails by Saturday July 31, 2010, midnight Eastern.

For those of you who aren't familiar with the fantasticness that is Gleau, this oil blend is one of the few all natural argan oil products on the market. If you look closely at some of the popular argan oil products on the market, you'll find that most contain several types silicones in the mix. Not to mention that most of them are much more costly and don't include other beneficial oils like ceramide containing wheat germ, strand penetrating coconut or scalp healthy oils like jojoba. You've got to get your hands on this product and now is your chance!

Good luck everyone!

Fantastic Product!, June 24, 2010 By J. Fulton - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Gleau Nourishing Hair Oil Blend (Misc.) Light feel and smell on the hair. Great moisturizer. Take it from somebody who lives in the desert. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Report this | Permalink Comment This one's a keeper!!, May 19, 2010 By CarlaDenise - See all my reviews This review is from: Gleau Nourishing Hair Oil Blend (Misc.) This oil doesn't weigh my hair down, I don't have greasy product build-up, the shine is ridiculous, and my hair (I promise) has never felt as soft as it does when I seal with it. Even more, a little goes a very long way with this product. It's literally a healthy, moisturizing, nourishing, "Gleau" in a bottle! I know what works for some may not work for others, but I think this one is worth a shot and I strongly recommend it. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Report this | Permalink Comment Gleau Nourishing Oil, April 18, 2010 By Shay (Virginia) - See all my reviews This review is from: Gleau Nourishing Hair Oil Blend (Misc.) This oil is light and easy to spread. The smell is really light because I can not detect a distinct scent which works for me. I appreciate all the great oils in this product. Rather than having to buy all of these oils separately they are all in one convenient product. It makes my hair really soft too. This will be a repurchase. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Report this | Permalink Comment Light and Nourishing, April 11, 2010 By Relish (Chicago IL) - See all my reviews This review is from: Gleau Nourishing Hair Oil Blend (Misc.) As someone with thin, fine relaxed hair, I immediately appreciated the lightness of this product. I apply only once a week at night. Any other application weighs my hair down. This product completely absorbs into the hair. I also use it in my "pre-poo" deep conditioning. I would recommend this to anyone looking for weightless moisturization. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Report this | Permalink Comment A little goes a long way, April 9, 2010 By Mum2L (CA USA) - See all my reviews This review is from: Gleau Nourishing Hair Oil Blend (Misc.) I first tried a sample of the Gleau Oil before it was even on sale on the market and really liked it. A little goes a long way. It's a very light oil (a combination of oils including Argan, almond, coconut), and it easy absorbs into my hair and does not weigh it down even when I use it daily. I find it has no scent. I personally don't like products that have a strong smell, so that's a big plus for me. Definitely a keeper. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Report this | Permalink Comment High quality product that works!, April 9, 2010 By Lisa "southernbelle54" (Atlanta, GA United States) - See all my reviews This review is from: Gleau Nourishing Hair Oil Blend (Misc.) After trying a free sample of Gleau I knew I had to go ahead and purchase it. I use it to seal in my moisturizer and it keeps my hair from feeling dry all day long. After using it just a few weeks, I've noticed a significant reduction in breakage and my hair feels softer too. A lot of products make promises but Gleau is the real thing! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Report this | Permalink Comment cocochava, April 9, 2010 By S. Guess "cocostef" (usa) - See all my reviews This review is from: Gleau Nourishing Hair Oil Blend (Misc.) The oil was fabulous. It is very light,and the scent is not bad. I received my shipment in a very timely manner. I look forward to ordering more Gleau oil. I normally shy away from most oils cause my hair is fine but this oils is not too heavy at all. Thanks a million Nadege!!!!!!!!!! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Report this | Permalink Comment Wonderful product!!, April 9, 2010 By Nyiia Ricks "Dominica" (Phoenix, AZ) - See all my reviews This review is from: Gleau Nourishing Hair Oil Blend (Misc.) Hey girls! I became interested in really caring for my hair only about a month ago. I discovered Gleau oil from Nadege and since she has such beautiful relaxed hair I thought that if she's using this product it must be pretty good. I got the order in about 3 days and its one of the best moisturizers that I've ever used. I have dandruff issues and this really works as a great scalp oil and its makes my hair really soft to the touch as a daily moisturizer. I have below shoulder length relaxed hair and I'm really interested in growing it out. I really focus on putting it on my ends to keep them from splitting and I can already see a difference. I'm on my way to longer healthier RELAXED hair. Thanks Nadege! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Report this | Permalink Comment Awesome!!, April 9, 2010 By Leandria Streeter - See all my reviews This review is from: Gleau Nourishing Hair Oil Blend (Misc.) I love using Gleau on my hair every day. Great texture and smell. Never leaves a greasy film on my hair. I absolutely love it best as a moisturize when my hair is flat ironed straight, as it maintains my hair as is---it doesn't weigh my hair down. Great price too! I hope the formula never changes....LOVE the ingredients Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Report this | Permalink Comment

Coppola Keratin Repair Serum-video review

Yes, it's that time again! Time for a video update. This go around I'm coming at you with a rave about my new favorite product in the whole world. I used my Coppola Keratin Repair serum for the first time last night and, let me tell you, life is good. This stuff does exactly what it says and (best of all) there's not even a hint of stiff hair burdened with protein overload. I didn't use high heat to set the Keratin serum in but I still feel like my hair benefited.

Remember, the main three qualities of healthy is strength, moisture, and elasticity. It appears as if this product is able to feed the hair with at least 2 of the 3 qualities. I talk more about the product in this video.....

roll em!

Six ways to rinse your way to healthier hair

For those of you who are familiar with this humble blog, you know that I'm always striving to take the care of my hair to the next level. In the past, I've written posts boosters you can add to your leave-in to take the experience up a notch. I also took that same concept and applied it to the deep conditioning step. Now, I'm focusing in on the step just in between the deep conditioning and leave-in. A step that many of us may not think much about. That step, my friends, is the rinse.

Before, when you thought of "the rinse", the image that crossed your mind probably consisted of the simple act of rinsing conditioner out of your hair. Well today, I'm here to provide you multiple options. I want to tell everyone of the wonderful selections available in the world of the final rinse.

Here we go.....

Tea Rinse

Also known as an herbal rinse, this step consists of pouring herbal tea over the hair and scalp just after the wash. Once applied, you can then proceed to the deep conditioning step and rinse both the tea and the conditioner out at once. You can also opt to rinse with tea after deep conditioning as the final step to your wash. The benefits to rinsing with tea are said to positively impact the health of your scalp and minimize shedding. Some who've tried this method do say that the results are similar to having used a protein conditioner. For this reason, I recommend you break out your moisturizing conditioners when you rinse with tea. This type of rinse is safe enough to do weekly. If you find it to be too drying on the hair, then you can alternate to every other wash or as needed.

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

This is one of my favorite rinses. As someone who suffers from an overactive scalp, this rinse is exactly what the doctor ordered. Just to refresh your memory on the benefits of this rinse, ACV helps to clarify the hair and remove build up. Because of it's low pH levels, ACV helps seal the cuticle layer locking in the moisture and protein from your deep conditioner. Make sure to dilute apple cider in water before applying to hair and scalp. It can be a bit strong if left undiluted. What I like most about this type of rinse is that you are providing a direct benefit to both the hair and scalp in one shot. Long live ACV rinses!

Cold Water Rinse

Closing the cuticle is one of the most important steps in our wash. Why spend all that time, energy and product only to allow the cuticle layer to remain vulnerable to chipping and splitting? Cool water is the perfect finisher to your weekly wash. Cold water rinses help increase stimulation to the scalp, and can also minimize shedding. Oh, and don't forget about the shine! When your cuticle layer is nice and flat, your hair strands reflect light much more easily. The result? Healthier looking, smoother hair.

Oil Rinse

Got tangles and dryness? A much needed oil rinse may just be the answer for you. Unlike the other rinses in described in this post, oil rinsing isn't done in the last step of the wash. This method actually involves adding oil to the hair after the wash but before the conditioning step. Once you've applied the desired amount of oil, you rinse with warm water then proceed to deep condition. You can play around with oils you prefer for this method, depending on how many weeks post you are etc. You may decide to go with a lighter oil like jojoba or coconut oil or something thicker and more nourishing like castor oil depending on your hair's texture and how much detangling your hair needs. Either way, your hair can definitely benefit from adding this step to the routine whenever your hair could use a little kick.

Clear Color Rinse

Though I haven't used a clear rinse in years, I can clearly remember the immediate difference in the look and feel of my hair after applying a clear rinse. Instantly my hair became shinier and more manageable. Now that I think about it, I may pick up a bottle of clear rinse next time I'm at the Ulta store with coupon in hand. Years ago, I used Jazzing clear rinse because it was cost effective and readily available. This time, I'll try to seek out some higher quality products like Fekkai salon glaze or Sebastian Colorshines. These brands claim to help seal in the cracks in the strand that lead to dry, dull looking hair by adding a layer of protection on the strand that allows the light to easily reflect. Who knows, maybe the sealing of the cracks may lead to less breakage and better protection during manipulation. Who wouldn't want that?

Conditioner Rinse

Last but certainly not least is the conditioner rinse. I know you're thinking to yourself, "why would I rinse with conditioner after I deep conditioned?" That's a great question! I've asked myself that same question in the past until I re-implemented the conditioner rinse to my routine. If you're like me, some of your favorite deep conditioners are pretty good at providing strength and moisture. But often, they excel a bit better at supporting the hair's strength more so than offering up moisture. It would be great to have an all in one conditioner that gives superior slip and moisture, but in case you haven't yet found the one, why not try adding another quick step to your wash? A conditioning rinse is nothing more than deploying your brightest and best moisturizing conditioner to finish the job once you've already deep conditioned. What you do is rinse out the deep conditioner out then apply a super-moisturizing water-based conditioner for the last few minutes prior to rinsing. The result? Hair that's soft and strong but without the stiff feeling that we all hate. The best conditioners for this use are the ones with little to no protein on the label. If you do find protein, it's usually lower on the ingredient list. Although there are some products out there branded specifically for this purpose, any moisturizing conditioner will get the job done.

With so many rinse options for healthier hair, why choose just one?

My hair is beautiful again and I thank you

A week ago I made another lousy attempt at airdrying. For those of you who don't know, air drying is not my strong suit. If I'm not careful, I end up with an unfortunate situation complete with tangles and unruly hair. Last wash was a disaster to say the least. I won't go into much detail but what I will say is that I spent all of last week with highly unattractive hair. So this week's wash was really important. I had to make sure I undid all the damage caused by allowing my hair to dry in such an undesirable condition.
Needless to say, after yesterday's wash, my hair is signing a different tune. So what I've decided to do is take a moment to recognize the all star cast of products that worked hard to bring life back in to my hair. You guys all did your thang and I am so grateful for each and every one of you. So without further ado, let the shout outs begin!

First off, I have to confess that for the past 2 months or so, I've strayed from using this product consistently. This week however, when it came down to pre-poo, I knew I had to reach for the best. Of course you guys know I'm talking about my Burt's Bees! Thank you Burt's, for starting things off right for me, this time, every time.

Next it was off to the shower where I shampooed with Hair One. Because of the time constraint, I knew I'd have to forgo the full fledge deep conditioning process in the traditional sense of the word. This time, I'd only have a few minutes to make things happen. So I employed three amazing conditioners to do a quickie on my hair. Because of you Alter Ego, Biolage, and Silicon Mix, my hair is back to life. Not just any life, abundant life.

My newfound love, Redken Extreme Anti Snap partnered beautifully with my Salerm leave in to create a magical rollerset. Here's to the both of you.

Finally were would I be without "softness in a bottle" Gleau Nourishing Oil Blend. What I appreciate most about this oil blend is how it consistently brings shine, softness, and moisture to my strands each and every time. Gleau, you are the perfect ending to a perfect wash day experience. Kudos to you!

Team, you all worked so hard to beautify my hair, I thought it was only right to pay homage in a public forum for all the world to hear. Once again, thank you all and I look forward to many more wonderful experiences such as these.

A (better) technique for massaging the scalp

You guys already know that I'm a huge fan of scalp massages. They are so good for us in so many ways. Any part of the body that receives increased circulation thrives as nutrient rich blood floods that area. When nutrient rich blood is directed to the scalp, your hair reaps the rewards. Your hair follicles are the direct recipients of this rush of blood flow and soon you begin to notice your hair growing thicker as a result.

Lately, I've tried to be on my game when it comes to scalp massages. Unfortunately (or fortunately), the amount of new growth I have makes it a little more difficult to reach the scalp and make a huge impact. While I absolutely love my hand held plastic massager, sometimes I prefer methods that can get more done in less time. I know the plastic massager will work wonders on troubled areas such as the crown or nape, but I also felt like I needed an all over massage technique that could be done fairly quickly.

One thing that really concerned me about traditional scalp massages is how much manipulation is involved. I've always wanted to have an auyervedic massage done complete with all of the oils and spices. In fact, after posting this video last year, I found a local place in the area that performs this type of treatment. Sadly, because of my fear of coming out of the process with a boat-load of tangles, I can only enjoy by way of a video. I even had to forgo those heavenly scalp scrubs at the Dominican Salon because of the insane amount of tangles they would create just before running a small tooth comb thru my hair.

Well now I'm happy to say that I've found another way of massage that is still very effective and covers a large area. Best of all, you are barely manipulating the hair so there's no fear of negative side effects. This technique is one used by clients prior to undergoing a hair transplant. In order to create a "lax" scalp, and in an attempt to have the patient produce more samples available for grafting, he/she is encouraged to massage the scalp for several weeks prior to treatment. I've tried this technique for the first time last night and I was really impressed at how stimulated my scalp felt afterwards. I'll be sharing two short videos with you to help you visually see the process. The first vid is meant detailed instruction of the process, the second video is short demonstration.

Because most transplant clients tend to have hair positioned near the back of the head, these videos tend to focus on that area. When you perform these techniques, feel free to move about the entire scalp concentrating on any particular areas of concern. I love this method because my entire head feels stimulated in such a short period of time and it's by far one of the easiest, hair friendly scalp massage techniques I've seen. Give it a try tonight and see how easy it is. Give it a try for 60 days and see how healthy it is for your hair.