Salon and Spa Directory: The Keratin Complex KCMAX Maximum Keratin Smoothing System with Hairstylist Jesse German

So, here's the thing. I tried a smoothing treatment on my hair about 10 years ago, and it DID. NOT. WORK. My hair stayed exactly the same as it had been pre-treatment -- big, frizzy, curly, not shiny or manageable, the works. You name it, that treatment did not help it. So, as I'm sure you might assume, I was pretty wary of trying another one, even all these years later with the advances in keratin treatments and a stylist as amazing as Jesse German from the Martinez-Samuel Salon. But Jesse convinced me that it was time to try it again -- and so, two weeks ago, we embarked on a new keratin journey with the Keratin Complex KCMAX Maximum Keratin Smoothing System.

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Even Beauty Routines Get the Blues: My Current One Does, Anyway (in the Absolute Best Way)

As Type A as I am -- and I admit, I'm pretty Type A -- I somehow never transfer this to my beauty routine. I think it's because I'm constantly adding new products into the rotation with tried and true faves, so there isn't necessarily a rhyme or reason to what products I'm using. I'm always so drawn to people's Instagram posts featuring products of specific colors, but I just don't seem to BE one of those people.

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On Wednesdays We Wear Pink: My New Pretty in Pink Hair, Thanks to Pulp Riot Hair Color in Cupid!

I've been thinking about dyeing my hair pink for years. Seriously, YEARS. I've been wanting to do it since I was about 30 -- and I'm now 37. Different hairstylists over the years have told me they were wary of it because it might ruin my hair, but to be honest, my hair is already fairly fried at this point. So, FINALLY, I convinced my current hairstylist (who's also my awesome cousin) to do it -- and voila! Enter my Pretty in Pink hair, thanks to my fabulous cousin Erin Sanders and Pulp Riot Hair Color in Cupid!

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On Wednesdays We Wear Pink: Rock Your Hair Leave-In Conditioner Weightless Detangler

Have you ever had an impulse purchase turn out to be one of the best purchases you actually ever made? Well, in the case of Rock Your Hair Leave-In Conditioner Weightless Detangler, I sure have.

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Believe in Miracles: It's A 10 Miracle Leave-In Product

I'm not sure why I remained skeptical of It's A 10 Miracle Leave-In Product for so long -- although it could have something to do with the fact that the name professed to work miracles, so I wondered how that could possibly be true. Well, witness me having a complete change of heart, because this product seriously delivers on its promise.

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A Hairy Situation: TRESemme Fresh Start Renewing Dry Shampoo

So here's the thing. I typically only wash my hair once a week. Okay, twice if it's really starting to bother me. But I can go a good four or five days before my hair gets oily or greasy, even at the roots -- so I don't really even use dry shampoo! If I want to try and extend my blowout at least one more day and I'm really feeling lazy, though? I reach for TRESemme Fresh Start Renewing Dry Shampoo.

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Throwback Thursday: My Love of Crazy Headbands

This wide red fabric headband was my everything in 7th grade. Especially teamed with those huge red and white earrings.

As a kid, I had what one might call a love affair (read: obsession) with headbands. As a small child of 7 or 8, I actually had a bunch of dresses that came with MATCHING headbands, which I thought were the coolest thing ever. But throughout my younger years, my love of headbands really knew no bounds. Take a walk down memory lane with me as I share some of my favorite headband moments.

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Fade to Cool: Sephora Ombre Seamless Hair Ties

I've had long hair for quite some time now ... but, for some reason, I still don't ever FEEL like I've got it. I'm stuck in the mindset of having a bob! But one of my favorite things now is to make sure I have tons of ponytail holders at the ready, usually in lots of different colors. And if they don't snag my strands or leave weird ridges? Even better. Enter Sephora Ombre Seamless Hair Ties.

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It's a Miracle! Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Smooth Conditioning Treatment

I don't throw the word "miracle" around lightly. And when it comes to my hair? That word is pretty much nonexistent until I find a product that really and truly WORKS. Well, you know what? Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Smooth Conditioning Treatment is that -- dare I say it -- miracle product.

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Bun in the Oven: Trying Out a High Bun!

When I was in 8th grade, I mastered the art of the high bun. We're talking RIGHT on top of the head and usually accentuated by an oversized, colorful scrunchie. Mind you, this was 1994 and not a time most people were wearing high buns in good 'ol South Euclid, Ohio ... so I stuck out just a bit. (What can I say, I've always been ahead of the fashion and beauty times.)

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Salon and Spa Directory: 'do Blow Dry Bar

Anyone who knows me knows that having great hair is of the utmost importance in my life. And this is never more important than when I'm traveling. So when I was visiting family in Cleveland over the holidays, I simply had to check out Cleveland's very first salon focusing solely on blowouts, the one and only 'do Blow Dry Bar.

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The Shine Factor: Kérastase Elixir Ultime

I tend to stay away from most styling products. They weigh my hair down, make it greasy and unmanageable, and generally tend to make my life miserable until I wash all evidence of them down the drain. Not so with Kérastase Elixir Ultime. This unsuspecting serum has miraculously changed my hair life for the better -- and I'm now singing its praises from the rooftops!

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Soften Up Those Tresses with Treatments from Antonio Prieto and Salon AKS

Truth be told, I have pretty unmanageable hair. Left to its own devices, it's so coarse and thick I can barely get a brush through it. So I take every opportunity to treat my tresses to deep conditioning treatments, because without them, I don't think most people would want to be seen with me! My new favorites are from Antonio Prieto Salon and Salon AKS -- read on to find out why.

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Heavenly Hair Treatment: The Lemongrass Deep Conditioning Treatment at Paul Labrecque

Last month, I was treated to an amazing hair treatment at Paul Labrecque -- the Lemongrass Deep Conditioning Treatment. My locks had been ravaged by the harsh winter weather and were in need of some MAJOR love, so it came at the perfect time!

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Treat Your Tresses Right: Shu Uemura Moisture Velvet Treatment at Butterfly Studio

Recently, I had the pleasure of checking out New York's Butterfly Studio. I'd been curious about the space for quite awhile -- I kept seeing it pop up in various magazines and blogs, and it always sounded amazing. Luckily, I had the absolute best experience! The fabulous Eli Santos gave me the Shu Uemura Moisture Velvet Treatment, and WOW. My tresses have never been softer!

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Feel Like a Princess: The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom

This past weekend, I celebrated a milestone birthday. And to really do it up right, I decided to celebrate in the one place I could truly be a kid -- Walt Disney World! I went with my best friend for five days of fun in the (kind of) sun (it rained and was fairly cold part of the time!) ... and while we were there, we kept seeing little girls with sparkly princess hairdos. After consulting our guidebook, we learned that they had gone to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in the Magic Kingdom, conveniently located right at the foot of Cinderella's Castle.

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Phenomenal Phenomenon: The Inphenom Treatment at Concept Salon

Looking for bouncy, shiny, touchable tresses? Then you simply must try the Inphenom Treatment at Concept Salon. The Inphenom Treatment works to retain color and moisture in the hair by filling in the damaged holes inside the strands and in between the cuticle layers. And for gals who color their hair, listen up -- this can be done immediately after a color service!

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Blow Continues to Blow Me Away. (Check Out Their Shower Cap!)

I've stated before how in love I am with Blow. It's one of my favorite salons in the city -- they give the absolute best, most meticulous blowouts that last for days and days. So what better way to keep the blowout going than with my very own The Perfect Shower Cap?

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No Rinse? No Problem. Klorane No Rinse Care with Pomegranate

After seven years of not coloring my hair, I recently took the plunge. (Thanks, Naomi Knights of the fabulous ION Studio!) And now that my locks are a deeper auburn, I need to take proper care of them. No more sulfates or products not formulated for color-treated hair are coming near these tresses! Luckily, I had just picked up a tube of Klorane No Rinse Care with Pomegranate.

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PHYTO Universe: Complete Hair Therapy

I recently made an appointment at PHYTO Universe. Keep reading for all the details of this amazing experience.

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