PH¥TO . PH¥TOPOLLÉINE BOTANICAL SCALP TREATMENT

Prior to a few weeks ago I had never heard of, let alone tried a scalp treatment before, and suddenly this week it seems that it's the only subject that I'm able to formulate sentences about. I'm addicted... but with good reason.

A little background on the brand; Phyto was created by Patrick Ales, a hair stylist who not only invented the hairstyle we now know as the 'blowout', but also patented the technique used and sold it to L'Oreal. With the money he acquired from this deal he purchased a house in France, which was filled with essential oils used by the previous owner, a doctor who created natural concoctions used to treat his patients. Patrick continued this trend, combining the essential oils to create topical hair treatments which he would use on his clients. The first treatment he created was the Phyto Phytopolléine Botanical Scalp Treatment ($50), which is still available in it's original, un-changed formula today.   

 

The Phyto Phytopolléine Botanical Scalp Treatment is a botanical elixir formulated with a concentrate of 72% botanical extracts and corn germ oil to give your scalp and hair a serious boost. The formula harnesses the natural powers of rosemary, sage, cypress, eucalyptus, and lemon to purify the scalp and catalyze microcirculation, which in turn calm the scalp and promote healthy hair growth. In every 25ml bottle of elixir there is a concentration of 4lbs of fresh plants, so you can just imagine how botanical the scent truly is. I've grown very found of the scent, however I can see how it would irritate or repulse others. Fear not, the scent rinses away completely once you shampoo! The treatment is meant to be used once or twice a week as a pre-shampoo. I've found that the easiest way to disperse the product throughout my scalp is to separate my hair into four sections, massaging  the oil in circular motions into each quarter of my hair. I've only been using the treatment for two weeks now but I've already noticed quite a difference in my hair. There is less oil build up forming on my scalp between washing, which means I'm able to go total of three days between washing and my hair has added volume, softness and shine. Considering I've already begun to notice the benefits of this treatment I'm hopeful that extended use will truly help to reconstruct my hair from the root outwards.   
 

Have you tried a scalp treatment? 

AM¥     XO

TRESEMMÉ . PERFECTL¥ (UN)DONE WAVES

We may be smack dab in the middle of winter in Toronto, but that hasn't stopped me from dreaming of striped cabanas, beautiful beaches, and perfectly waved hair created by a simple dip in the ocean. While I won't be dipping my feet in the salt water any time soon, I have discovered a new line of hair care products to help me achieve touchable, beach-inspired locks at home. The new TRESemmé Perfectly (Un)done Waves Collection is certainly not the first of it's kind, but given that TRESemmé offers salon-quality products at drugstore prices it's definitely a line to acquaint yourself with.

The TRESemmé Perfectly (Un)done Waves Collection consists of 'five wave-enhancing cleansing, conditioning and styling products – comprising shampoo, conditioner, a sea foam, sea salt spray and a hairspray.' The line uses a natural Sea Kelp Extract to help shape and form hair, creating natural looking waves that last all day long. To create the waves shown above, I began by washing and conditioning my hair with the TRESemmé Weightless Silicone Free Shampoo ($8) and Conditioner ($8). The combo is said to 'nourish hair without weighing it down, for a look that's full of body and shine', however I didn't notice a huge difference in comparison to my current shampoo and conditioning regime. Once my hair was towel-dried I applied three pumps of the TRESemmé Wave Creating Sea Foam ($10), as well as a healthy spritzing of the Sea Salt Spray ($10) before blow-drying my hair. I have naturally straight hair, so creating a wave without the use of a curling iron is next to impossible, and most times I'm still not 100% happy with it until it's survived a night of sleep. So of course, it came as no surprise that once blow-dried my hair didn't look anything like the style above, however I did notice that my hair was extraordinarily voluminous. I also noticed a slight stickiness, most likely from the Sea Salt Spray, which I somewhat expected, as you do with any sea salt product. The difference between this Sea Salt Spray and the others that I have tried is the fact that the stickiness subsides dramatically after styling, and it provides added hold to the curl to improve the lasting-power of your waves. Pretty ideal if I do say so myself. I finished the look with a healthy coating of the TRESemmé Ultra-Brushable Hairspray ($7) before finger-combing through my curls to reveal 'perfectly (un)done waves'.

I'm quite smitten with this collection – more so the styling products than the shampoo and conditioner. The products truly help to create beach-inspired waves, and work together to extend the wear time, without compromising style, or leaving you with helmut hair. 

THE PRODUCTS

How do you achieve beach-inspired waves in the winter?

AM¥     XO

[*]The items in this post have been sent to THE PRETT¥ VAIN for purpose of review. All views expressed reflect my own opinion on the product. For additional information please see the Disclaimer.