Product Guide: Hair

Most people don’t think twice about what kind of shampoo they use – I certainly didn’t used to. But as I’ve become more interested and knowledgeable about personal health and environmental toxins, I’m increasingly aware of how important it is to know what we’re putting on our bodies. Not all the products I use are as clean as I would like them to be, but I’m trying. Having long curly hair takes a lot of work and the right products. I try to use organic, paraben-free, natural products as much as possible. Here are my go-to hair care staples.

Wen

I have a couple of great shampoos and conditioners that I keep in my shower on rotation. My go-to for years has been Wen, which is a shampoo and conditioner in one. It leaves my hair feeling silky and clean and I can actually comb out all my tangles easily while it’s in. It comes in lots of great scents – my favorites are Tea Tree and Lavender.

Phylia de M

I recently discovered Phylia de M at Andy LeCompte Salon and fell in love. It’s organic and smells delicious. And again I can comb out my dreadlocks and tangles so easily with the conditioner, which is always key for me.

Leanne, my hairdresser, is obsessed with their product Connect – you spray on your hair after you towel dry it. I just started using it and it is a rejuvenating treatment that transforms your hair to its very best by detoxifying, repairing, and renewing it.

Rahua

I also like Rahua – it’s my husband’s favorite. Its all-natural, free of synthetics, parabens and sulfates, and it’s organic. It’s light and leaves my hair feeling clean and shiny.

Komenuka Bijin

My newest obsession, which Richard loves too, is Komenuka Bijin shampoo and conditioner from Erewhon in LA. My best friend Nicole recently took me shopping there and showed me all her favorite goodies. She has the shiniest most gorgeous healthy hair and she swears by this shampoo. I’ve added the moisturizing shampoo and moisturizing hair treatment to my rotation. The shampoo contains an active ingredient called swertia herb and it ensures a deep scalp cleanse, removes dandruff and relieves itchiness caused by other harsh hair care products. The conditioner helps to prevent split ends and dandruff, as well as moisturizes and rejuvenates dry hair and scalp. They’re both paraben and sulfate free.

Hair Brush

To comb it all out in the shower with my conditioner I swear by the Sheila Stotts Removal Brush brush I bought at Andy LeCompte Salon . It’s chic and does the job well – my favorite combination!

Santa Maria Novella- Aqua Di China China

As you know, I love Santa Maria Novella products and a couple of years ago I discovered Aqua Di China China. Before I get out of the shower after I wash and condition my hair, I pour a little Aqua Di China China on my scalp to prevent dandruff. I love it – the main ingredient is from the bark of the Peruvian tree Cinchona Succirubra. It was once used to cure malaria because of its incredible anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties.

Anita Louise- Lavender Hairfinish Oil

Gregory, one of my favorite hairdressers at Andy LeCompte Salon , introduced me to the world of Anita Louise . Created by Laurie Richardone, in Santa Fe, it’s an amazing beauty line that uses all fresh, natural, organic, seasonal ingredients. Inspired by the philosophy of farm to table she calls her collection “farm to salon” – which I love. I’m obsessed with all of her products but swear by her Lavender Hair Oil , and use a drop of it after every shampoo when I get out of the shower. XXJKE