Even after I have found the best combination of hair care routine for myself, I am still very willing to experiment on different hair care products. Maybe I'm hoping I'll chance upon affordable alternatives that can give me satisfactory results.
#1 Watsons' Avocado
Conditioning Treatment Wax
I was brainwashed by the whole avocado craze (except that this isn't edible) and decided to get this when my last bottle of the treatment I had was used up. At RM15.90 for a 500ml bottle from Watsons (ShopeeMY), it actually makes my hair softer but needs to be used at least twice a week just to maintain the result.
#2 Refibra by Elgon
I'm so eyeing ampoules these days! This is a random brand I bought from a shop selling hair care products in 1Utama (forgot the name) for about RM25 per ampoules. There was an option of getting a set for a slight discount but I didnt want to spend a lot for something I wasn't sure its going to work. According to the salesperson, it is meant to treat damaged hair from dyeing and heat styling your hair.
The result felt like using a hair styling cream that hardens and keep your styles in place. Unfortunately this isn't something I'm looking for because my natural wavy hair already have some staying power to some extend, usually when its properly moisturized. I also couldn't tell if my hair felt healthier with Refibra and so I'm glad I only bought a bottle.
#3 Bene Premium Rougeria
Shampoo & Hair Mask
It wasn't my intention to include this in the first place since I only had the one-time use samples. However, I like how they made my hair smells good and feeling super hydrated, giving an almost similar to when using my Bioma Plant +9 Hair Treatment(Bioma still top the chart though!). Besides that, my hair has recently become quite thin due to using my new shampoos and that lead to more hair fall. This shampoo and hair mask combo seems to reverse it slightly. I'd need to experiment further if I want to be truly sure of this. Meanwhile keeping this in view while I am using my hair care supplies!
#4 Everything Dove!
Somehow noticed I've literally stock piled an entire set of Dove products! Wasn't intentionally, I have forgotten that I haven't used some of them and ended up with 3 bottles of conditioners _ the Dove 1 Minute Serum Conditioner (ShopeeMY), Dove Hyaluron Serum Conditioner (ShopeeMY) and Dove Detox Nourishment Conditioner (ShopeeMY). Kinda silly because with the lockdown and WFH situation I don't wash my hair daily anymore never mind condition them so frequently! On top of those is the Dove Intense Repair Shampoo (ShopeeMY).
It will take a while before I dive into the others but I must say, Dove doesn't disappoint! Their 1 Minute Serum Conditioner works just as the name suggested. I do think they works best for my super dry hair though they definitely cannot compare to more expensive brands. With shampoos, I do think the price reflects the results _ which mean the pricier the better.
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I would say among all of these, Dove and Watsons' avocado hair masks are my preferred products in terms of the results they give. Because Dove came out with quite a huge range of products which I'm super interested to try them all, I don't think I'll be getting other brands soon even though I'm seeing a lot of brands have either been doing facelifts or have new formulas. Dove, can you sponsor me already?
Meanwhile, I actually bought another DIY hair dye but couldn't decide if I should at least lightly bleached my hair before I do all this hair dye. The last few attempts at DIY hair dye my hair has been disappointing which I think the color isn't showing because a lot of hair dye brands works best on lighter shade hair. Yet I cringe at the thought of destroying my hair again. After so much effort to maintain my hair! And so the pondering continues...
Besides my face, my hair is another part of my body that requires high maintenance. Maybe because over the years they have been subjected to tons of hair dyes and once bleach. Don't ever bleach unless you want to spend a lot to repair it, it's horrible! Also as I work in the office, I do want to look presentable, I won't consider myself super vain (heck, I don't like selfies!) but impression still matters!
So if you have fizzy hair, here are all the tried and tested hair products that truly does wonders. I think it's only in the recent months after using these products that my hair have been in their best condition in years! Thanks to this post you don't have to experiment with other brands that don't really work. You're welcome!
#1 Best Commercial Shampoo
& Conditioner under RM50
I have no idea what took me so long to trying Dove hair care products (Shopee.MY)! Bought this to interchange with the other higher end shampoo (to stretch my monies) and found it works. Ok, you'd say perhaps its my other shampoo doing the work but I did use this for weeks when I emptied the others and it moisturizes my hair so well! Available in most local supermarket from RM20-RM30 per bottle.
#2 Best Shampoo over RM50
I have 2 brands to introduce but first, gotta share my absolute favorite which is the Goldwell Kerasilk Reconstruct Shampoo (Amazon | Shopee.MY), it has dethroned Midori as a personal favorite because of how longer lasting the effect is. It totally convert my dry and fizzy hair to super smooth. One downside is that my hair got so thin they start to fall but otherwise, I love this lots! Bought it from Hair Zone for RM110 (250ml bottle).
One other brand I want to share is Marc Anthony's 100% Extra Virgin Coconut Oil and Shea Butter Shampoo(Amazon | Shopee.MY) that retails in Watsons at RM51 (250ml tube). I have always wanted to try coconut oil-base shampoos and couldn't find a brand to try until recently. Almost wanted to DIY my own HAHAHA! I think the price is alright considering coconut oil are quite expensive. This shampoo lathers mildly and doesn't spread easily like normal shampoo so I have to use a lot to cover my long hair. Still, feels ultra clean after washing and I'm not sure if it actually strips off the oil or moisture because my hair feels too light weighted. It's the complete opposite to when I use Bioma that seems to make my hair absorb more water literally. The coconut scent is quite strong and can also take some time to getting use to.
#3 Best Hair Treatment
Hands down this goes to Bioma Plant+9 Hair Treatment. For best result, to use 2-3 times a week, leaving it for at least 5-10 minutes before washing off. Optionally, can be use daily like a conditioner if you don't want to let it stay. A tiny bit goes a long way! I've looked around but this appears to be only available at Hair Zone for RM158 or Shopee.MY for less(update: I found the sellers on Shopee are using my photos without permission WTF).
#4 Best Hair Revitalizing Spray
Yet another favorite of mine, the Kosenze Ocean Miracle Spray. I don't really know what to categorize this product as since it's not the kind of spray to set your hair. Best use on lightly toweled dry hair for soft, less frizzy hair plus it smells super good. It's my lazy days remedy when I don't to have the time for conditioner or treatment but need to look presentable. It can also be used as heat protection spray before ironing and for UV-protection. Available in Hair Zone for RM69 (150ml) or Shopee.MY.
#5 Best Hair Oil
I'm not the biggest fan of hair oil, many just leave your hair very greasy and they don't seem to do much besides weighing you hair down. I had vowed never to buy another until Keratase Elixir Ultime (Amazon | Shopee.MY). It does wonders by making my hair look healthy and really brings out the color of your hair (if you dye them). Aside from that, it claims to protect your hair against the heat, and leave it untangled, easier to style, and free from frizz.
Hair Zone carries two brands, I do not remember the other but it has a branded (Is it Chanel or Dior?) eu de parfum infused in it. Apparently it's quite a hot item despite the price and was sold out.
This is another of my lazy day solution and can be use on wet or dry hair. So if I happen to need to go out but did not do treatment or spray the Kosenze Ocean Miracle Spray the night before (I wash my hair at night), this comes in real handy! Also a product which I bought from Hair Zone for RM150 (100ml). I believe you can find it in most other saloons considering Keratase is quite a well-known hair care brand.
#6 Best Hair Ampoules
My favorite thus far is Artizta, again something my hairdresser from Hair Zone recommended at RM45 for each ampule. For one ampule, you can feel and see the difference with results lasting for 2 weeks. It smells heavenly too! Love this so much but can't do it often because it's so pricey to do in the saloon!! Good news though, I look it up and found this online at Shopee.MY for RM160+ 12 vials. I have not tested it out so I cannot vouch on the authenticity of the product on Shopee but definitely keeping in view.
Even though ampoules are pricey, it's economical in a way that after applying it I can just skipped all the conditioning/treatment, hair spray or hair oil for the entire two weeks. Washing your hair isn't an option to skip though.
#7 Best DIY Hair Dyes
I love experimenting with DIY hair dyes and have tried Liese, Herbatint Permanent Hair Color Gel and April Skin Color Treatment _ these in the order of my preferences. Liese bubble hair dye(Amazon | Shopee.MY) is one brand I had used multiple times and it is by far the easiest to use with the most favorable results. Also, the foam makes it super easy to apply and gives you a much even coverage!
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Personally, I wouldn't advice y'all to get everything I list at one go. If I have to choose, a good shampoo and treatment (in replace of hair conditioner) goes a long way! I tend to get a high range shampoo and a lower range (Dove is amazing!) one to interchange just so I don't need to replace the expensive one as frequent LOL. Just a strategy for stretching your dollar.
Then the hair ampules are quite extra but I find they make your hair healthier and the effect last longer so it's worth it!
Finally, the Keratase hair oil and Kosenze spray is my go-to on busy or lazy days because you see results without much fuss though it lasts a day or two. If you can only choose one, then Keratase hair oil it is! I don't use these frequently so it last me over a year (I think it'll be another year before I empty them, so make it two years) that my hair dresser isn't pleased since I'm not her best customer #truestory
That brings me to the end of this post. I know a lot of the products I recommend here are from Hair Zone but I vouch this post is NOT a sponsored post. It's just that I have tried the products recommended by my hair stylists and can see the amazing results they do to my very unruly mane. If you have tried these products based on my recommendation, tell me if they work for you!
These days I'm feeling adventurous to try another hair color (again!). I still very much love mahogany shade but somehow decided I want to try colors such as indigo, green or purple _ the shades I have yet to explore! Didn't want to spend so much because I know light colors don't last to invest so much on nor I am not so sure of getting permanent ones (like dark blue or dark purple).
I went ahead and bought April Skin's Turn Up Color Treatment in Wanna Blue and Purple for RM22.07 each during Black Friday sale. Wanted to do purple first but now I'm saving it for CNY.
While I was shopping around, I noticed a few others were checking out the DIY dye aisle and buying boxes for themselves. Guess everyone's getting ready for Christmas, New Year and CNY! Somehow Wanna Blue was quite a hit _ I dropped by different branches and found the shade completely sold out walao eh.
April Skin's DIY hair dye comes in two ranges_ the Turn Up Color Treatment that supposedly nourishes your hair while giving vibrant albeit temporary, approximately 2 weeks staying power. Choices between 9 different shades Red, Orange, Peach Pink, Pink, Green Blue, Khaki, Dark Brown, Purple and Wanna Blue. I think Wanna Blue's one of the newest addition so the sample result is not included in the illustration below, but that's fine, you're about to see it anyways hahaha
The other range is called the Turn Up Color Cream that gives a longer-lasting result and 7 different shades Pink Candy, Red Pepper, Matt Avocado, Cinnamon Butter, Ash Latte, Deep Blueberry and Highlighter, the last to bleach your hair. I actually would prefer Deep Blueberry but have not seen it around :( That was the initial color I wanted!
I already have a dye bowl and brush from experimenting with Herbatint's Permanent Hair Color Gel previously. I didn't know they already packed a glove and cape so I went to Daiso to buy the hair dye kit whiCh comes together with a comb, two sets of ear protectors, capes and gloves for RM5.90. Least the mini comb come in very handy, so oklah.
I start by washing my hair and towel dry them before spreading the dye on my hair. Just to make sure I have enough, I made sure to section my hair (top & bottom half) and squeezing enough for each section at a time.
Was worried I didn't have enough considering my hair's long. Perhaps because I had recently gone for a haircut and treated my hair to an amazing ampule that kept it more manageable, my concern were unnecessary. If I hadn't done so I will advice you peeps on getting 2 boxes! It's also good to have a spare in case the color didn't come out evenly.
After Herbatint, I told myself I won't buy DIY dyes unless they're like Lieise Bubble Hair Dyes because it's so much harder to do it yourself and easier to miss a section. By the end of the whole ordeal, even your hands will turn sore! HOWEVER, April Skin Turn Up Hair Treatment turned out to be quite pleasant to use. It's easy to apply and doesn't turn your hair hard or make your scalp tingles. It also doesn't have the strong chemical smell but instead floral-y scent.
Before with permanent mahogany brown hair and black roots
After, hair appears darker with hint of ash gray IRL but obvious mahogany streaks
Unfortunately for me, the color didn't turn out obvious while I can tell there were many streaks of undyed hair. IRL, I'd say it looks more dark, ash black than blue. Also, I was very sad when I washed my hair the following day, the remaining dye washed off! I wasted 1 hour of my life dyeing my hair FML. So much for lasting for 2 weeks!
I know the dye isn't entirely to be blamed because I was just very disappointed. I'm also not sure if it's because I toweled dry my hair before dyeing them to prevent them from dripping on the floor. Can't tell if that actually is a factor unless I try again.
Not too eager to try the cream range or the purple one I have but at least I know if I just feel like having a crazy hair color for a day, I know which brand to choose *shrugs*
Hello internet! Finally posting my first blog post for 2019 just when February is drawing to an end, can you believe that?! I'm proud to say that the start of the year has been rather productive albeit not in blogging... LOL! Other than that and how frequent I had been down with sickness one after another, things are generally great! Some of the rather memorable occasions include me messing around with my homies with pop pop (they fell for that!), being at Batu Caves for this year's Thaipusam and then a mini road trip to Sekinchan. Not to mentioned I tried aerial yoga for the first time yesterday! Seems like a lot going on and I hope the coming months will be as exciting, so much more to do!!
On my IG story LOL
The other thing is me getting my hair dyed, yeah right after CNY. Too happening in the past weeks I couldn't schedule an appointment with my regular saloon! Plus, I only heard of Hair Color Expert from one of my homies a week before CNY. When she told me it is only under RM100 for long hair (of any length!), I decided I must go. It is so affordable!!! Slightly more than what I've spent for the DIY Herbatint Permanent Hair Color Gel I tried last year.
RM88.90 to be exact!
Other saloons in KL would charge me RM400 for my hair length! Of courselah the color turned out pretty and service are amazing but if I could get the same color for lower price of course I'd choose the more affordable one! Some might argue to paying more means better quality chemicals that probably won't damage your hair (my mom thinks so!) but really, aside from feeling your hair and scalp how else do we measure the damage? Dying hair is already harmful to your hair to some extend. If there is a way to gauge the damage, I want to know how.
Anyways, I was like 5-10 minutes late for my appointment, having booked my appointment just less than an hour. It was an impromptu decision just to tick some stuff off my to dos list. Didn't wait long before a receptionist/stylist sat me down to advice on the color. I had Mahogany in mind but she was like straight up telling me that it won't cover my grays. Ya-ouch.
Then proceeded to recommend several other shades which may. I thought, ok, let's listen to the pro and went ahead to choose 5/75 Deep Healther which sample look close to a warm dark brown. Refer to the not-so-accurate colors due to phone lighting in the color chart below.
I was then ushered to my chair then first had the scalp protector which I topped up for RM15 applied and massaged. You can also top up RM55 for the Nano treatment, I didn't. Found out soon after Hair Color Expert uses the exact same brand of Nano treatment with my hair treatment _ the Bioma Plant +9 I just reviewed last November!
After the scalp protector, proceeded to have my hair dyed with the help of two stylist. I timed, that only took 15 minutes! Was then told I could wait outside while waiting for the color to set for 30-minutes. They provided a timer to each customers, neat. Fast forward, I was back inside to have my hair washed with hot then cold water and blow-dried on high heat. I really wished they'd ask what temperature I prefer, the dryer was set on high my scalp hurt! (T___T)
So result, result! First before _ dark roots, mahogany mid-length and bleached roots. Work of art.
After _ just warm dark brown still with lighter roots.
I tried looking up 'healther color' but only found 'heather color'. First thing that turned up goes, "In clothing, heather refers to interwoven yarns of mixed colors producing flecks of an alternate color. It is typically used to mix multiple shades of grey or grey with another color to produce a muted shade (e.g., heather green), but any two colors can be mixed, including bright colors." So heather here probably meant grayish brown. Indeed my first impression was there are tints of lavendar-gray which didn't show much in the photo.. Still, it is a nice shade of brown.
Oh, and the stylist kinda backtracked and say this color won't hide my grays... I was like, damn, I should've stuck with Mahogany! They still look obvious, but appearing like highlights. Oh well, with the price I can always make an appointment again XP
Before you go making your appointment, here are several points to note about:
1) All appointments are to be booked via the Hair Color Expert's app
2) The saloon only offers hair dyeing _ bleaching & coloring and Nano treatment. No haircut service! Gahhh, I needed a haircut so now I have to make an appointment with my regular saloon and explain why I didn't just go back to them to dye my hair. I have betrayed them! *guilty*
3) No bleaching or highlighting service past 4pm appointment
4) Because of the chemicals used, pregnant or breastfeeding women are not recommended to dye their hair (Overheard this!)
They have a bunch of other rules which are stated on their app, so don't forget to check them out!
Hello! Konnichiwa!
I'm Vivien, a fun-size Malaysian blogger now based in Kuala Lumpur.
I write about Personal Lifestyle, Reviews, Food, Shopping & Travel and everything in between! If you like what I'm posting, don't forget to leave comments or follow my blog~!(Ov<)-☆
