Health & Beauty | Beauty: Products

It’s always a good idea to mix up your hair care routine—alternate every couple of weeks between different shampoos and conditioners to reduce buildup and maximize each product’s benefits. Here are some great options to try:

Mixed Chicks is a line created by women that, while great for all hair types, is particularly suited for curly hair. Their shampoo gently cleanses with a combination of borage seed and avocado oils, an infusion of botanical extracts offers healing properties, and silk amino acids, soy protein and panthenol add luster. I love the deep conditioner, which left my hair shiny and soft. They also have a lightweight, curl-defining, leave-in conditioner that works great on split ends. These products run from $11 to $17 for about 10 ounces and can be found online or in several shops in Huntington and Baldwin. http://www.mixedchicks.net.

Paul Labrecque Repair shampoo and conditioner are a bit pricier, but get terrific results. The Restorative Hair Wash is a nourishing egg and milk shampoo that includes silk proteins, jojoba, and lemongrass to improve elasticity, moisturize and soften, leaving hair stronger. The Restorative Protein Mask hydrates brittle hair, with macadamia nut, and Abyssinian and coconut oils to lock in moisture and improve softness and shine. It, too, does wonders for split ends. With the shampoo at $26 for 8 ounces and the conditioner at $40 for 6.8 ounces, they are a bit pricey, but well worth the extra investment. http://www.paullabrecque.com.

Avalon Organics has a great Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner with Lavender. These 100% vegetarian products are great to use if you shower at bedtime. In addition to being one of the most versatile therapeutic botanicals, lavender is just so calming! Other healing ingredients include beta glucan, babassu oil, arginine, panthenol, and Vitamin E. Each are a bargain at $9.45 for 11 ounces. http://www.avalonorganics.com.

Since I color my hair regularly, one of my favorite stand-bys is Garnier Fructis Color Shield. Both the shampoo and conditioner not only combine vitamins B3 and B6 with fructose and glucose to strengthen and moisturize processed hair, they offer UV protection to prevent damage and color fading. These products can be found in any department or drug store, and are the best buy at about $4 for 13 ounces.