Review: Nature's Gate Pomegranate Sunflower Shampoo and Conditioner

When you pay hundreds for your hair color, it's a shame to watch it fade in a matter of days. That's why color-safe hair products were developed. It may seem easy just to buy what your stylist recommends, but if you're looking for something vegan or just something more affordable, check out your local health food store. Nature's Gate offers one option for vegans: the Pomegranate Sunflower Shampoo and Conditioner.

Pros:

• Textures similar to conventional products
• Affordable
• Retail availability
• Nourishing for color-treated hair
• Fragrances are phthalate-free

Review: Acure Organics Lemongrass + Argan Stem Cell Shampoo and Conditioner

I tend to be loyal to certain hair products. I have long hair that has a tendency to tangle, so I am particular about my conditioners. I was excited to try Acure's Lemongrass and Argan Stem Cell Shampoo and Conditioner, as I'd heard good things about the line.

Pros:

• Vegan and gluten-free
• Safe for color-treated hair
• Shampoo lathers well
• Conditioner leaves hair soft
• Fresh, lemony scent suitable for men or women
• Made with many organic ingredients

Review: Aveda Men Pure-formance Conditioner

I've been wanting to try Aveda products for awhile. I've been to a couple of their salons, and I heard that they have many vegan-friendly products. I recently acquired a sample of their Aveda Men Pure-formance Conditioner, so I put it to the test.

Pros:

• Pleasant fragrance
• Leaves hair soft and smooth
• Helps detangle
• Gentle ingredients?
• Nice, creamy texture

Cons:

• Salon price ($20/bottle)

Summary:
This conditioner has a fairly strong fragrance, but it is a pleasant scent. The smell is a bit masculine, but I think women could use it, too. The conditioner itself is a great texture; creamy, but not too thick. It left my hair feeling silky and manageable. This product rates about a 4 on the EWG Skin Deep database, mainly due to the use of fragrance. It is available for retail sale in Aveda salons, which are pretty widespread. I was disappointed to see that the ingredients list wasn't posted on the website, but customer service was happy to provide it for me, as well as information on vegan products. If you are looking for a solid conditioner with and love a stronger, "salon" type of scent, this is a nice option.

Also available on Amazon.com.

Ingredients:
Water\Aqua\Eau, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Behenamidopropyltrimonium Methosulfate, Babassuamidopropyltrimonium Methosulfate, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Calophyllum Inophyllum (Tamanu) Seed Oil, Zingiber Cassumunar (Plai) Root Oil, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Yeast Extract\Faex\Extrait De Levure, Tapioca Starch, Ethyl Macadamiate, Hydrolyzed Algin, Canola Oil\Huile De Colza, Malt Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Glycerin, Tricaprylyl Citrate, Capryloyl Glycine, Dimethiconol Meadowfoamate, Stearyl Alcohol, Menthol, Fragrance (Parfum), Limonene, Linalool, Geraniol, Ursolic Acid, Sodium Gluconate, Sorbic Acid (ILN34477)

Product Ratings (out of 5)

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Performance
Presentation
Purity
Value

Disclosure notice: This product was sent to me free of charge by the manufacturer for review. No additional compensation was accepted and the opinions are my own. Please verify any claims with the manufacturer, especially if you have any allergies or concerns.

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Review: Acure Organics Dry Shampoo

There have been some times in my life when I've been so busy that the last thing I want to worry about is my hair. Sometimes you just don't have time to wash your hair between the gym, school and/or work, and a full social calendar. Fortunately, dry shampoo can help you squeeze another day or two out of a great blowout or even a regular wash. Acure Organics makes a dry shampoo with Argan Stem Cells and CoQ10.

Pros:

• A little goes a long way
• Easy to apply
• Disappears into hair
• Absorbs excess oils
• Gentle ingredients
  

Cons:

• May have to order online

Summary:
This dry shampoo comes in a handy shaker bottle with three different dispenser options on a swivel top. I tend to use the shaker option, but you could use the others if you're in a hurry. The dry shampoo has a white, powdery consistency and blends easily into hair, regardless of color. It helps absorb oils and keeps your hair looking fresh. I love how it contains organic (non-GMO) corn starch and other gentle ingredients that give it the lowest rating, a 0, on EWG's Skin Deep database. It is also vegan and gluten-free, another big plus. If you're looking for a dry shampoo, this is a great option.

Also available on Amazon.com.

Product Ratings (out of 5)

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Performance
Presentation
Purity
Value

Disclosure notice: This product was sent to me free of charge by the manufacturer for review. No additional compensation was accepted and the opinions are my own. Please verify any claims with the manufacturer, especially if you have any allergies or concerns.

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Review: Brooklyn Grooming Vegan Pomade

When it comes to mens' hair styles, I will be the first to admit that I'm no expert. However, there are some products, such as pomade, that are essential to some looks, and need just the right formula to achieve the perfect style. Brooklyn Grooming claims their Fort Green vegan pomade is the "perfect balance of greasy, waxy and gummy." Read on for my review.

Pros:

• Quality, organic ingredients
• Retro packaging
• Light, pleasant scent
• Melts easily
• Washes out with shampoo
  

Cons:

• May be hard to find locally

Summary:
This pomade melts at a warm touch, and can be applied in larger chunks quickly, or melted to more of an oil.  It removes easily with shampoo, and is less of a "glue" and provides more of a moldable hold. The scent is light and a bit masculine, but not overtly so. This pomade also comes in other scents, if you prefer a different blend. The ingredients are very high quality when compared to the competition, and it rates a very low 0 on the EWG Skin Deep database. While there are a handful of retail locations, I recommend ordering online for the best selection. If you're a fan of pomade and looking for something gentle or a want a gift for a man fond of sleek hairstyles, this is a great option.

Product Ratings (out of 5)

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Performance
Presentation
Purity
Value

Disclosure notice: This product was sent to me free of charge by the manufacturer for review. No additional compensation was accepted and the opinions are my own. Please verify any claims with the manufacturer, especially if you have any allergies or concerns.

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