Frizz Ease Overnight Serum by John Frieda

In my quest to look for a good serum, I had to make an emergency purchase when I forgot to bring my hair serum on an away trip. Left with limited time and choice, I picked up the Frizz Ease overnight serum by John Frieda.

 (Images/Info from John Frieda website)

How It Works

• This revolutionary bedtime solution is designed to transform all types of dry, damaged and frizzy hair into visibly healthier condition whilst you sleep
• Cocoons each strand of hair to make it dazzle with health after just one nights sleep
• Deeply nourishes hair so you wake up to dramatically improved hair texture with a silky, soft feel
• Infused with 3 ground breaking technologies to repair hair from the inside out to deliver stunning results


How To Use

APPLY TO DRY HAIR BEFORE BEDTIME. Dispense a 10p size coin amount of crème serum into palms, distribute evenly concentrating on dry, damaged ends and leave on overnight. Use more or less depending on hair length and thickness. For best results, use 2-3 times per month.



I find this product totally useless for me. It does emit a nice fragrance but in terms of transforming dry, damaged and frizzy hair, I did not see any difference in my hair. In fact it made it even worse the next morning. my hair was twice the volume!!

To only use this 2 – 3 times a month as per the instruction, I doubt it really does my hair anything. In fact, the Oil  essence by Sexy Girl and Pantene lightweight hair mist does a much better job of making my hair soft and smooth.

Luv ~ Nothing

Don’t Luv ~ It made my hair worse!

Aqualight Lightweight Nourishing Mist by Pantene

I have long hair that can be dry and frizzy. I am always on the lookout for serums or hair mist that can help to tame it. While browsing Boots, I came across this which have good reviews on the website.

 (Images/Info from Pantene website)

This is advertised as:



“New Aqua Light Lightweight Nourishing Mist is designed to instantly nourish your hair with zero weight. Its clever dual phase formulation has an instant nourishing phase at the top and light detangling ingredients at the bottom. So just shake and spray the fine, delicate and lightweight mist on areas of hair that need nourishment. Use on damp or dry hair... no need to rinse!”

First impressions, I really like that this can be used on both damp and dry hair. It is really difficult to find similar products which can be used on dry hair. This product allows me to used it in the mornings or in between washes.

After finishing a bottle, I really like it and have to say I use it abundantly. It emits a very nice cool floral fragrance and it really helps to nourish and keep my hair smooth. This can even be used as a hair fragrance. This is a very good daily hair mist and it is definitely lightweight. It doesn’t weigh down your hair or make it feel greasy with product overload. Another plus is that it gives my hair an incredibly rich and lustrous shine.

Luv ~ Lightweight, love the fragrance. Works very well to smooth the hair ends. Can be used on both damp and dry hair.

Don’t luv ~ Wish it was a bigger bottle.

Pantene Clinicare 时光修護系列

(Images/Info from Pantene Clinicare)

This series was a collaboration between Wella and Pantene. It is specially targeted at those who have dry hair and split ends. From what I know, once you have split ends, the hair shaft will not rebond back. You can only cut the split ends away and work at preventing future split ends.

Please click to expand

Oil Essence by Sexy Girl

Ever since my hair went through perming, the hair structure has definitely weakened and I need to start using more intense products to get it back to being smooth and silky.

With winter being here in the harsh London weather, I definitely had to do something. I came upon this product and decided to give it a try.

(Images/Info from http://www.sexy-girl.jp)

According to the website, it contains 12 kinds of botanical oils which includes grapeseed oil, hazelnut oil and 5 essences for beautiful hair, the 3-in-1 (Repair, Moisture and Protect) hair product leaves your hair smooth and moisturized. It sounds almost too edible!


The fact that it is a leave in night treatment works even better. Hair being repaired while sleeping!

The essence is definitely oil and after rubbing it between my palm to heat it up a bit, I started applying it to my hair. It does have a nice floral fragrance that isn’t strong at all, very mild. As expected with oil essence, it leaves a nice shine and my hair has a rich texture look to it as it tames any frizzies.

I used this whenever my hair is going to be exposed to any harsh elements as the oil essence forms a coat/film around your hair to protect it. This is quite a good and inexpensive, I would definitely keep using it.

The pump allows you to control how much you use, I usually only need about 3-4 drops.

Luv ~ mild floral fragrance, hair feels silkier and smoother with a rich texture finish. Inexpensive as a bottle lasts quite a while.


Don’t Luv ~ Nothing

Essence Water by Asience

I’ve never been a fan of leave in treatments or sprays as they all tend to have an element of styling products which makes your hair a bit stiff and when you touch your hair, you can feel the product in your hair.

(Images/Info from http://www.kao.com/sg/asience)

For some reason which I can’t remember now, I bought this. Maybe it was due to the positive results I get from their shampoos and conditioners. To my surprise, this treatment spray does not produce any of my concerns. Instead, my hair still feels soft smooth and silky.

The website advertises it as a light leave-on formula that instantly tames and softens frizziness and flyaways, making hair more manageable.

Asience got the balance of the leave-on formula just right as I don't feel any residue of the product feel in my hair at all. My hair still feels soft to the touch and smooth. 

This has become a fixed product in my regime. I always use it to spray on my hair before I head out. I find that because the mist leaves my hair slightly damp, my curls become more pronounced and curls better.

I end up with a sweet floral scent emitting from my hair and a boost of protection before leaving the house.

I find that this works better than the milk wax I tried for curls or even straight hair.

Luv ~ Nice scent, helps me style and retain the curls in my hair, tames frizzies.

Don’t Luv ~ Nothing

Hair Cologne by Sexy Girl

One of my pet peeves is when you have washed your hair and then go out to get stuck in some restaurant/bar or place and your hair reeks of the cigarette/food smell right after.

I don’t know why no one thought of this sooner. Trust the Japanese to think of coming up with this! Hair cologne for the hair, that is something that is right up my alley.

When I was in RanKing RanQueen on my Tokyo trip, this was definitely in the top10!

(Images/Info from http://www.sexy-girl.jp)

I selected the cologne that smells of peaches.

According to the description on the bottle, it contains Vitamin E and Q10 and other caring ingredients. It moisturizes and nurtures hair, leaving it smooth and shiny. The treatment components protect your hair from harm and the fruity scent prevents your hair from odour and cigarette smoke.

You are meant to shake the bottle first and the spray onto your hair with a distance of 10-15 inches.

I really like this hair cologne. It definitely helps to get rid of any sweat/cigarette/food smell. I sprayed it on immediately when I get home. I can also feel the effects of the vitamin E and Q10 and other ingredients as it does leave my hair looking better. Good that this is not just a hair cologne but has some good stuff for the hair too.

The smell lasts the whole day as well. Sexy Girl has 3 different fragrances with one being a limited edition (Paradise Fruity, Innocent Floral and Shiny Peach).


Luv ~ Rids of smells and long lasting fragrance

Don’t Luv ~ Nothing

Milk wax by Sexy Girl

After having short hair (think right at the ears) for a few years, I have now grown it long. Long enough that the last time I went for a haircut, the hair stylist suggested giving it some curls rather than just long and straight.


Decided to give it a go, after all if it doesn’t look good, I guess the scissors will make its appearance sooner than expected. Have to say that the whole experience is another post altogether.

(Image/Info from http://www.sexy-girl.jp)

Anyhow, since my hair has curls now, I decided to give this milk wax by Sexy Girl a go. I have used other products from them before and got positive results. This milk wax is meant to create natural curly hair without any stiffness.

The milk wax comes in 55g tub. I guess that is enough for a month’s use on average. The wax is white and has a sticky texture. I have never used hair wax before so am not sure what to expected. It does emit a nice floral fragrance as expected from this brand.

After rubbing to heat it up between my palms, I applied it to where the curls are and twirl my hair for the curls to be more pronounced. My hair still feels a little stiff but not rock hard stiff where your hair doesn’t move at all or get spoiled in windy conditions. When you touch the hair, you can feel that some hair products has been used.

It doesn’t seem to really generate natural curls on its own, I’m not sure if you are meant to use a hair dyer with this. I probably wouldn’t get this again as it’s not giving me what I was seeking or it could be that I am not applying it correctly. It suggested to use it on semi-dry hair for best results but I haven’t done that.


Luv ~ Floral fragrance


Don’t Luv ~ leaves a slightly stiff and sticky residue, doesn’t quite create the natural curls as advertised.

Are you using the right hair dryer?

For those who have frizzy hair (including me), trying to tame it especially in humid weather can be really frustrating.

You get your hair blow dried at the hair salon and it always comes out smooth and fantastic looking, but try to replicate that at home and it doesn’t somehow quite work.

I later found out that the hair dryer that you use is very important to achieve straight hair. To blow-dry your hair straight, especially those with frizzy hair, you need to use a hairdryer that is at least 1875 watts and above. Anything less than that and your hair will not give you that look. So those provided in hotels are a no-no!

The other feature to look out for in a hair dryer is its weight. Please try and test out the hair dryers to see if you will be comfortable holding it in one hand for 10 – 15 minutes. The last thing you want is your hand tiring out before you finish the job.

There are some good ones out there, mine is from Vidal Sassoon and works like a charm.

Don’t forget to use a heat protecting serum and a good brush too!

Asience Shine Therapy Range by Kao

(www.kao.com)

Moving on from my previous post on the haircare products by Asience. A new range was added in November 2008 which is ‘Shine Therapy’.


According to their website

“Shine Therapy, is formulated specially to reverse the internal damages caused by harsh chemicals used in rebonding, colouring and perming. Combining its higher concentration of repairing essence Pearl & Soybean in its trademark Asian Beauty Essence and its patented penetrative technology, the holes of lost proteins are instantly filled up. The result? Hair becomes stronger, smoother with a healthy shine.”


The Shine Therapy range contains

· +50%* more Pearl and Soybean essence (Repair)

· Korean Ginseng and Camellia Oil essence (Moisturize)

· Eucalyptus (Protect) * Compared to Deep Nourish Range

Basically what this means to me is that this is even better for those with really damaged hair or hair that have gone through chemical treatments like colouring, straightening and perming among others.

I definitely fall into this category, coupled with my hair being dry by nature. I decided to try this new range.

After my first wash, I immediately felt a difference with my hair. It was a lot smoother, shinier and silkier. Running fingers through my hair was like touching silk. My hair runs easily through my fingers and I couldn’t believe the shine. I can't rave enough about Shine Therapy and this new range completely change the results that I get from using a shampoo/conditioner for my hair.

I am addicted to this new range. It is definitely more superior to the other ranges and other brands available if you have chemically damaged hair.

I have to mention the fragrance as well. It exudes a floral scent and seems to be well liked as I have receive some positive comments.

LUV ~ Geat value. Hair is really shiny and well moisturised.

Don't Luv ~ Nothing

Asience by Kao

Asience - the hair products with Zhang Zi Yi previously in the commercials and now Jun Ji Hyun. The name came from the joining of 2 words - Asia + Essence.

This range of shampoo, conditioner and hair treatments are specifically targeted at Asian hair. As shown on their website, asian hair is rounder, thicker and coarser than caucasian hair so we need shampoos and conditioners that can penetrate deeper into the hair shafts to moisturise and nourish.


The product line has been developed with the intention of enhancing female Asian beauty by revitalizing hair fibers from the core, enabling the hair to become suppler showing fewer signs of disturbance after a hairstyle is removed, even if the hair has been braided. It boasts to be the first to have MEA Hair Technology which replenishes and restore hair to its smooth and lustrous condition, like virgin hair.

The logo for this brand has been developed with a meaning.

Symbol of a flower surrounded by ivy

The red flower of the symbol in the center of the product package is on the verge of blooming. Ivy, growing in its random fashion around the flower, symbolizes vitality. The five petals of the flower indicate the five elements of oriental bioscience – wood, fire, earth, metal and water.

It uses an array of natural ingredients to improve hair texture and treat potential hair problems.

• Soy protein and pearl protein for revitalizing
• Rice extract and Korean ginseng extract for moisturizing
• Eucalyptus extract for protection

- Supply lost protein to damaged hair
- Retain moisture and prevent dryness
- Provide a sheen to the hair

I started using the Deep Nourish shampoo, conditioner and hair treatment which is for dry, damaged hair. After using for a few weeks, I noticed that my hair texture has improved a lot! Less frizzy and more manageable, this is a huge feat as I have dry, flyaway and frizzy hair. =(

The hair treatment is amazing! My hair came out really smooth, extremely soft and light. It continued to remain that way even after going through a blow dry and hair straightener. I couldn't stop myself from running my fingers through my hair the whole day.

It has a nice fragrance too, not over powering. I am loving the products.

Luv ~ Affordable price. My hair became incredibly smooth, light and soft.

Don't Luv ~ Nothing.

Suffering from the flakes?

Everyone hates the dreaded flakes. Especially for us ladies who loves our black clothes and those flakes just loves standing out on black! Grr....

Do you know what I'm referring to? Yes, it's the dreaded dandruff!

Is this your expression when all you wanted to do was to touch your hair and you look in horror as this happens (pic above)? I've been through it and totally understand. I started getting the flakes when I moved to Sydney a few years ago and it definitely has to be the change in weather and with Australia being a lot drier. I felt like I've tried everything but nothing seems to be working and days turned to months and months turned to years!

Finally, enough is enough and some drastic action is required.

No. 1 - Time to do a bit more research (i.e. internet).


According to Wiki, dandruff is caused by excessive shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. It has nothing to do with not having clean hair etc...

For people with dandruff, skin cells may mature and be shed in 2 - 7 days, as opposed to around a month in people without dandruff. The result is that dead skin cells are shed in large, oily clumps, which appear as white or grayish patches on the scalp, skin, and clothes.

No. 2 - Doctor, where are you?

Went to the GP to check once and for all what is the problem as I was getting yellow, scaly scab flakes and bleeding. Realised that I have Eczema of the scalp. This is getting worse than just plain old dandruff, my scalp was getting so dry from the anti-dandruff shampoo (Head & Shoulders) that I've been using that I've now developed Eczema.

No. 3 - Shopping time.


After a few tips and advice from the internet, I discovered several faux pas that I've been doing and went to buy what was advised. Sorry ladies, but Head & Shoulders just did not work for me.

Now, I put my plan into action and in 2 short months, I now no longer have dandruff and have been free of that for months and I have stopped using an anti-dandruff shampoo for many months now and it hasn't returned.

My tips from what I've learned:


1. Leave the anti-dandruff shampoo on your scalp for at least 1-5 minutes before rinsing for it to be effective. I've always just lather up, massage my scalp and rinse off immediately (this process was possibly 2 mins tops!). No wonder it didn't work as I didn't leave the shampoo long enough on my scalp for it to work.

Change your shampooing routine, lather up the shampoo and massage it into your scalp. Then, leave it and clean the rest of your body ( this should take at least 5 minutes which should give the shampoo plenty of time for it to work!). Come back to rinsing off the shampoo after that and then comes the conditioner. It increases your shower time and what do you do while waiting for the conditioner to do its magic too? Find something I guess, I know I had to.


The 2 shampoos that I found to be super effective were:

Nizoral® A-D Shampoo

Kiehl's herbal shampoo and scalp treatment for dandruff

Start using the shampoo regularly and every 2 weeks, slowly reduce and replace with your normal shampoo. There will come a time when you find that you no longer need it as you no longer have it anymore.

2. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise.

Your hair and scalp will be uber dry when using anti-dandruff shampoos so remember to use hair conditioner and hair treatments for both the hair and the scalp. Even after there is no more dandruff, keep your scalp in check by using a scalp treatment weekly.



Doesn't have to be $$$, I use

Missha Provice Scalp Care Treatment

Dandruff can be an embarrassing issue for many and I hope that this helps.

Rusk Sensories Line - Pure

I had my hair coloured recently and decided to try out the Sensories range by Rusk. The Sensories range contains a unique chemistry known as CFT (Compressed Formula Technology). Compressed during the formulation, Rusk Sensories™ expand with a little water and gentle manipulation, transforming their physical appearance while releasing their provocative botanical/ozonic aromas for an irresistible sensory experience. With Compressed Formula Technology, you use 30% - 50% less product to get double the performance!

I used Pure from the Sensories line as that was for coloured hair. This is meant to awaken the senses and acts as an energy booster for depressed hair. It helps to keep hair colour bold, rich and vibrant and is loaded with UVA/UVB sunscreens and antioxidants.






To maximise the benefits, I used it together with the conditioner. After a few weeks of using this, I find that it didn't really do much for my hair. Not only was the conditioner not silky and emollient enough, it didn't give my hair the incredible shine it promised. I also noticed that there was a lot more product buildup in my hair as the cleanser didn't do a good job of cleaning thoroughly.

I'm switching even though I haven't finished the bottles.

Luv ~ Nothing.

Don't Luv ~ shampoo doesn't clean thoroughly, conditioner isn't conditioning enough.

Opal 澳宝

I got this as a gift. It's a hair treatment that only needs 1 minute to do its magic!

This contains NaPCA (which is apparently a natural emollient for the hair), Vitamin B5, Aloe vera and Keratin protein. It is an oil treatment for the hair that doesn't need to be activated with heat and will do its magic just via normal application. It is advertised to leave hair light and better manageability.

After using it, I was amazed at the results. I have dry and frizzy hair that likes to add more volume due to its frizziness (not to mention that I already have thick hair). When I used this, I didn't even have to blow dry, my hair just came out really smooth and straight Au la natural~. Not to mention shiny as my hair was definitely a lot smoother and less frizzy and dry!

This is one of the best and simplest hair treatment I've ever used. Just shampoo as usual and apply this as you would your conditioner. I tend to leave it longer for around 3 minutes rather than 1 minute and then rinse off.

Not to mention that the price is right up my alley. I was in Hong Kong recently and bought this at Mannings. A set of 4 tubes was HKD30.

Luvs ~ Vey affordable, leaves hair smooth, shiny and silky. Non-complicated and very easy and quick application.

Don't Luv ~ Nothing really.