Redlands Beauty Centre

Whoever shaves... Wherever they shave

Dermalogica has released brand new shave products geared for men, but I am selling more to women.. imagain that!!! I have never understood why most shave products are marketed to men who shave half their face rather than the people that typically shave more than half their body if you include legs, toes (don't laugh I shave the tops of mine), bikini line, happy trail and underarms. I have always been a little challenged in the shaving department; I get razor burn and ingrown hairs if I shave more than once a week. I can shave more often if I shave down insteadd of against the grain, but then I still feel stubble. I tried waxing, but even when I can handle the pain I still have to let it grow out long enough to wax off again. Enter = Dermalogica Shave! Just in time for summer! "For the first time, skin can meet razor with no fear of irritation, redness, razor bumps or burn. Dermalogica Shave's exclusive three-step regimen is the first in the industry to take into account beard type, hair growth pattern and skin condition for a shave that actually delivers the healthiest skin possible." For the first time in a loooong time I feel like I can have smooth legs everyday.

STEP 1: Pre-shave

Clean Bar: for any skin type, it is a soap-free bar that removes impurities and breaks down surface oils without stripping the skin of its moisture.
Daily Clean Scrub: an exfoliating cleanser that helps remove surface debris while lifting the hair. I love to exfoliate my legs before shaving.
Pre-Shave Guard: for heavy, coarse beards or those with sensitized skin (read red skin). This cream maximizes beard softening while shielding and prepping skin to help minimize razor burn and bumps. For use only underneath Soothing Shave Cream.

STEP 2: Shave

Soothing Shave Cream: especially for sensitive or sensitized. Ultra-lubricating shave cream that calms, soothes and helps prevent irritation. Use over Pre-Shave Guard
Invigorating Shave Gel: especially for oily skin. Claims to give a barber-close shave. Clear gel makes it great for those who need visibility (i.e. those who shave around goatees, sideburns, landing strips).
Close Shave Oil: for any skin type. Create an intant cushion between skin and razor. Also clear (see above). This tiny little bottle will last you 6 months! Has that for oil conservation?

STEP 3: Post-Shave

Post-Shave Balm: This product is a MUST for ANYONE who is tired of razor burn, bumps and ingrown hair! It calms, cools and most importantaly hydrates after shaving. Replenish all the good things you shave off with post-shave balm. For guys this will help conrol the oily shine. Ladies if you've ever used TendSkin and hated the burning or smell try post-shave balm. Trust me you'll never go back.
Daily Defense Block SPF15: for any skin type. You know you should be wearing sunscreen! This lightweight lotion defends against all the skin aging effects caused by those UVAs

Shaving Tips
A bad shave can leave your skin feeling sensitive, nicked and it can leave you with razor burn and ingrown hairs. To help clear you skin of existing problems and maintain skin health doesn't have to be difficult.

1) Use a clean, sharp razor and shave with the grain.
        Ya, I know we all like to shave against the grain for a little bit smoother shave, but you should shave with the grain and then reapply more shave cream and shave against the grain to avoid ingrown hairs.

2) Don't push too hard
        The pressure used during shaving affects how many nicks and cuts you end up with. Apply minimal, even pressure making each stroke about 1-2 inches long. Make sure you rinse your razor after each stroke.

3) Shave after or during showers to pre-soften skin

4) Avoid alkaline-based products like soap which dry the skin

5) Avoid after-shave lotions that contain alcohol-- they cause pain and fail to replace the skin's natural protective barrier.

So how do you know what products are for you? What's your biggest shaving concern? Post it here and get the answer.

Iden Bee Propolis

What is bee propolis?

I asked the same thing. Bees use it to protect their hive and honey from bacteria, infection and decay. Used as an ingredient in hair products it does the same thing for our hair. Iden products are antioxidant, antibacterial, antiseptic, and antibiotic. If you have thinning hair, Iden shampoo prevents hair loss caused by viruses or bacteria in the hair follicle.

Lillian tried these products and swears by the shampoo. She said that she stopped shedding after using it. Along with being great for your scalp, Iden is bee friendly, and it does not contain any alcohol, sodium chloride or artificial coloring or thickening agent. Individual products cater to normal to oily scalp conditions or dry color-treated hair. Specialty dandruff and thinning hair treatments are available as well as body products, like lotion and body wash.

Still not sure? Ask for a free sample.

Joico Renu

Joico Re:nu is our newest product line, and it is prompting a great deal of skepticism with its claims to reverse the graying process. Gray hair can pop up at any age (I found my first one at 14), and I don't think it's just the color of the hair that is the issue... it's the wiry, coarse unmanageability of the hair. Hair will also start to thin out once you start to go gray. Trying to tackle all of these issues is hard enough but let's compound the problem by trying to manage the remainder of our hair that has polar opposite tendencies.

The science behind the products makes sense. As we age melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the hair follicle, stop producing melanin or migrate out of the follicle. The hair then becomes more fine, dry, coarse and color-resistant. The Re:nu products restore the follicle's ability to produce melanin, which restores the natural color of the hair. Joico partnered with Shiseido Laboratories to develop  Re:nu. It's moderately priced (about the same as Nioxin, Alterna, or Pureology). It has 2 programs, one for fine, fragile hair, and one for softness targeted for coarse hair.

In addition to slowing, and eventually reversing the graying process, Re:nu also addresses other hair aging issues like the change in density and texture. According to Joico, "In two to six weeks, you'll notice a healthier scalp, improved body and fullness and more youthful-looking hair. After two to six months, a reduction in the amount of new gray growth can be observed. And after six months or more of regular use, tests show that Re:nual Serum can reverse the graying process, actually restoring shine and radiance to natural haircolor."

It seems that the Serum is the heavy hitter, so i did some research for you. When we start to go gray the melanocytes in the follicle become less active and eventually move out of the hair follicle. The serum is a treatment that goes directly on to nourish the scalp, enhancing natural melanin production and strengthening hair follicles. The serum combines Panax Ginseng Extract, to activate cells in the hair follicle to promote healthy development of hair, improving elasticity and strength, Japanese Sansho Pepper, activates melanocytes and promotes their migration back into the follicle to reduce growth of gray hair, and Hops Extract to increase the number of melanocytes in the cell. The serum also claims to make hair more manageable and to help color last longer. The Web site says that "over a 5-month period, Re:nual Serum users noticed 50% less NEW gray hair than non-users."

I am still searching for the actual survey or studies performed with the product. We are also trying to find someone here to test the product out, but obviously we won't have those results for a few months. This reminds of when Nioxin first came out with its claims to regrow hair faster and thicker, and reverse the stages of thinning hair. It took research, trials, and doctor recommendations to gain credibility. In regards to Re:nu, I figure it's worth a shot, I means what's the worst that could happen? You get more gray hair? That's already gonna happen.

Abba Gel Lotion

Abba Gel Lotion, beloved by many, has been replaced with Pure Volume gel. [shown right] All I know about the Gel Lotion is that it provided light hold, shine and definition without weighing down the hair. It could also be mixed with the Nourishing Conditioner for a mousse-like hold. Gel Lotion used be the favorite for clients with curly hair, but ever since Abba's repackaging we have had a LOT of returns and exchanges, and irritated clients.

The company has told us that it is the same product, it's just in a new bottle and has a new name. However, most people who try it don't like the new product. I personally never used it, but I hear the same thing from all of my clients, "There's just nothing else like it." I know you guys loved the Gel Lotion , but there has to be something like it. I'm standing here staring at hundreds of other products, and I am determined to find you a replacement. Your hair deserves to be happy!

The only thing is... I need your help. Since I've never used it, and so many people use it for so many different hair types we are going to need your reviews. Of the original Gel-Lotion (what you liked about it specificallly... what it did for your hair, and what type of hair you have) and the new Pure Volume Gel (what you like and what you hate). If you haven't tried the new one yet, come in and I'll give you a sample.

[For those of you who are wondering I have not heard anything about the liter sizes of Abba styling products. We don't understand why they discontinued them either]

Sylvia and I have come up with 2 possible substitutions for you to test.

1. Paul Mitchell Hair Sculpting Lotion

This is a flexible styling liquid with a light to medium hold for long-lasting hold and texture. It reactivates with heat or water, and fights static and smooths the hair with wheat-derived conditioners.

This product is weightless like the Gel Lotion in terms of hold, and the light element of conditioner. It will provide the same effect for most hair types although it may not dry as soft as the Gel Lotion.

2. Sebastian Wet

Wet is a firm hold liquid gel, that leaves a shiny, wet look to the hair even after it dries. Can be used to scrunch hair into curls. Apply to damp hair and air-dry or blow dry as usual.

Wet is a firmer hold than the Gel Lotion, but it will not weigh down the hair either, and it defines curls as well. Some people have said it leaves their hair feeling crunchy.