Aveda hair products..

I realized that I am an Aveda hair products junkie. I was doing my hair this morning, and I realized that at least 5 styling products...

Phomollient -- this works great on fine hair. It comes out as a foam, so a couple of squirts will go a long way. The foam is light and really gives an extra lift to your roots. Just blow dry upside down to add additional volume. I prefer this over the Volumizing Tonic (yet another Aveda product) because it doesn't make my hair feel as stiff.

Air Control Hairspray -- the spray is really pricey (I am guessing around $25) but this is honestly the best hairspray I have ever used. The one thing I really hate about hairspray is how sticky and stiff your hair looks after you have used it. Air Control keeps your hair in place, but it really looks natural, as though you just swept it into place. Plus, you can run your fingers through your hair without them getting stuck. Try doing that with AquaNet! The smell isn't overwhelming either.

Sap Moss Styling spray - now this is a little heavier, and something that I believe would work well on those who have thicker hair. I like to use it when I am doing my hair super straight. Now, my hair is natural straight, but I find that if I use the styling spray beforehand, it controls flyaways better and doesn't adopt that little wave in front if you have tucked your hair behind your ears. Use sparingly though.

Defining Whip -- I believe this line (in the blue bottles) was designed specifically for fine hair. I love to use this as a finishing product, especially if I blow out my hair in chunky layers. I take a little on the tips of my fingers and work it into the ends of the layers, defining each layer. Basically I want my hair to look layered, and this helps. I also will use it in lieu of hairspray (got conserve that expensive stuff!)

Control Paste -- I used this before I found the Defining Whip. It works REALLY well for thick hair, but even then I would use sparingly. I still use it for pulled back styles if I want a really smooth polished look, no flyaways.


Surprisingly, I do NOT like Aveda's shampoo. I have blonde (don't know if you caught that from the name of my blog...) baby-fine hair, and I find the conditioner especially leaves my hair somewhat coarse and dry. I have tried it all too-- Rosemary Mint, Color Conserve...I have even tried the Chamomille (sp?)...same results every time.

I would recommend ARTEC Kiwi Shampoo and Conditioner (which surprise, I just found out it is owned by L'Oreal). I have been using it for about 7 years now and still love it. I have yet to find a suitable replacement that makes my hair as shiny and glossy and soft, above all. I have no split ends either. Another bonus is that it smells pretty good also. But the best part is the price--usually $30 for a gigantic bottle, and Ulta always has a buy-one-get-one-free deal. You can't beat that.