Hair Growth

So, it’s official friends…my hair guru informed me that my hair is coming back! Yay! I’d like to share with you what I’ve been using the last 12 weeks. I’m most likely doing too much, but you can pick and choose what might work best for you.

Tons of baby hairs!!! Yay!

My #1 favorite item is my Nuderma Wand, I discussed it here: https://alisonviktorin.net/2021/03/02/nuderma-clinical-skin-therapy-wand/

It has been a game changer and I use it every other day. I use the magical comb with its fabulous electricity…and the baby hairs are growing back, steadily.

New Growth is happening!

Next up: Biotin Hair Serum. I use this serum every single day. It even helps my hair look cleaner longer. Pro tip: I use the Serum and then comb it through my hair, with the Nuderma Wand.

Great product, highly recommend! http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin

Finally, I use a tincture called Biotin & Collagen Extra Strength. It tastes delicious and is easy to use.

Tastes delicious, I keep it in my fridge. http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin

All of these items have been a great help…but, again–I’m always doing too much, so I’m sure your hair will grow and become strong with just one of these fantastic items. Does your hair need to be stronger and healthier, too?

You can find all these products at my lil shop on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin. Cheers to healthy hair!

For our men…

Hello my Beauties! If you’re in Texas and have dealt with a hellacious winterscape, I salute you. It’s been a rough ride…Texas Strong.

This post is geared toward the men in our lives. Does your man have hair in unsightly places? Back, shoulders, hands, feet, back of the neck?? Well, boy howdy, do I have a solution. It’s working like a charm on my very own manly beast. Tee Hee!

https://smile.amazon.com/Tria-Beauty-Removal-Laser-Women/dp/B00DLJ7N2U/ref=sr_1_5?crid=FPN1ASR04HLH&dchild=1&keywords=tria+laser+hair+removal&qid=1613842217&sprefix=tria+las%2Caps%2C196&sr=8-5

I have owned this Tria Laser for over 10 years and it still delivers. Originally, I bought it for myself, and it worked ok, but now that I’m using it on my husband I really am noticing how it delivers. There are tons of newer versions, that are way cheaper…so do your research and find one that works for you.

The main reason I’m shining a light on this topic is because my husband would rather die than go to an actual med spa and pay to get laser hair removal. If you have one of these handy dandy devices at home, it’s a heck of a lot easier to sneak up on them and blast away their unsightly hair. Just sayin’.

A friendly reminder, this laser hurts if you crank it up. So, if you don’t want to scare your man, keep it on a bit of a lower setting to begin. Gradually, you will move up higher when you see less and less hair growing back.

Ladies, I hope this post helps in your struggles to tame your wild, manly beast! Your husbands will EVENTUALLY thank me, they will really hate me at first–don’t worry, I can take it. Ha!

Peace and joy, my friends.

Below, you will find a quick video, showing the Tria Laser in action.

You can purchase this product or similar items, with different price points, here: http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin

Eye lash Serum

I’ve got some great news, I’d like to share! You do not need name-brand Latisse or even generic Latisse (which is still $200) to get your lashes to grow…

When I got my semi-permanent eyeliner, my eyeliner artist told me that the Latisse I was using was making my eyes extra sensitive. She recommended trying other brands, which I was hesitant to do because Latisse is the Gold Standard, right?! Wrong!

You can, literally, go on Amazon and pick any serum with good reviews and the ingredients are so good these days, it’ll work. Even Rodan + Fields is a good option (I do not like pyramid schemes, so purchase with caution). The Latisse, besides being horribly expensive, was making my eyes water and they were becoming a dull green, instead of the vibrant green, I was used to.

So the switch is in and I couldn’t be happier. My dermatologist sells Revitalash and I could get it for basically the same price as Amazon…I love to support small businesses when I can. I started trying the Revitalash and have not seen any difference to the Latisse, except for the price tag… $100 vs. $200. I just looked and Amazon is selling it for $50 this week…big steal.

The small bottle is the generic Latisse and I’m not missing it at all.

https://smile.amazon.com/RevitaLash-Cosmetics-Eyes-Beauty-Holiday/dp/B0748DHRVG/ref=sr_1_8?crid=W18MO4DF1IP9&dchild=1&keywords=revitalash+eyelash+growth+serum&qid=1612205344&sprefix=revitalash%2Caps%2C183&sr=8-8

So, go ahead and try all the wonderful, new lash serums out there. You won’t be disappointed and your lashes will thank you! Ali Approved!

Tip: Put the serum on your eyebrows too, and watch them grow. (Sounds like I’m talking about a Chia Pet, remember those?) You’re welcome! Tee Hee!

https://smile.amazon.com/Eyelash-Eyebrow-Serum-Enhancer-Healthier/dp/B07RN2H1QW/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2VZCEIYBX8W31&dchild=1&keywords=luxros+eyelash+growth+serum&qid=1612206171&sprefix=luxros+eyelash+growth+serum%2Caps%2C330&sr=8-2

You can purchase these items here: http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin

hot air brush

Professional Blow-out from Home featuring: Revlon and John Frieda

Do you need help on those days you have to do something extra to your hair, those days where air drying just isn’t good enough? Well, look no further, I’m here to help! If you’re similar to me and have frizzy hair (& want a modicum of control) these 2 hot air brushes work wonders.

First up, for all my long hair divas, is the Revlon hot air brush.

Revlon

Per Amazon: The Revlon one-step hair dryer and volumizer is a designed hot air brush to deliver gorgeous volume and brilliant shine in a single step. The unique Oval brush design smooth hair while the rounded edges quickly create volume at the root and beautifully full-bodied bends at the ends in a single pass, for salon blowouts at home. The brush is designed with nylon pin and tufted bristles for detangling, improve volume and control. Styling flexibility is guaranteed with 3 heat/speed settings and a cool option. Built to provide just the right amount of heat. Unlike conventional hair dryers, this volumizer can be placed closer to the scalp for lift. 

https://smile.amazon.com/Revlon-One-Step-Dryer-Volumizer-Brush/dp/B08GC5FB1N/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1BUSGT2SG52TW&dchild=1&keywords=revlon+one+step+hair+dryer+and+styler+volumizer&qid=1609610758&sprefix=revlon+%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExS1E5RlBMNFVaNDZTJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTM5OTk5M1ZVQTdYTDMwUlJKSCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMjUwMDkzMUhGUkdLNFc5VDNZUCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

This brush has been a game changer for me, in that it gives me a beautiful blow-out from home. Going to the Drybar isn’t always an option, so it’s nice to have a hot air brush, at home, that does all the work for me.

The Pros are listed below:

  1. Great volume
  2. Less frizz
  3. Shine
  4. Better hair dryer than a blow dryer

Cons are listed below:

  1. Long drying time
  2. Can get super hot

All in all, I feel this product is well worth the $60 price tag.

Now for all my shorter hair gals, I have another option for you!

I like the John Frieda hot air brush. It’s smaller, gives you more control, curl, and it’s not as large or clunky.

Per Amazon:
Transform your hair with the new hot air brush from the experts at john Frieda. This premium hot air brush features advanced ionic power and gives volume and shine to your hair while it simultaneously dries each strand. Instant heat up makes drying fast and safe all while delivering high heat. It’s convenient and easy to use.

https://smile.amazon.com/John-Frieda-Salon-Shape-Brush/dp/B00YPBP3RU/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=john+frieda+hot+air+brush&qid=1609611917&sr=8-5

It does the same thing as the Revlon brush, just in a smaller version. I have both, but because my hair is so thick, I tend to grab the Revlon brush more. If you have a bob or shoulder length hair, I would recommend the John Frieda. A great deal, for less than $40.

John Frieda

If you end up trying these brushes, let me know what you think. I’m interested to hear your thoughts. As always, I hope this information helps you on your journey to feeling and looking your best!

You can purchase these items here: http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin

Moroccanoil & Olaplex

MoroccanOil

Sooo, as you all know I did a rave review over Bumble & bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil product line. My talented Hair Stylist (Anne Wright) recommended the MoroccanOil line, so I thought I’d try the moisture Shampoo/Conditioner.

http://www.moroccanoil.com says: Infuse dehydrated, dry hair with much-needed moisture. Moroccanoil® Hydrating Shampoo conditions hair with argan oil, Vitamins A and E and moisturizing red algae—for hair that looks and feels healthier. This moisturizing shampoo is gentle enough for daily use and provides optimal hydration for both normal and color-treated hair. Increase your hair’s manageability, smoothness and shine. Color-safe. Sulfate-free, phosphate-free and paraben-free.

My hair back story: It’s suuuuper dry…kind of like hay, and wavy, and color treated. My stylist said all the ingredients are natural (good for you) and you can even leave the oil on your hands after you run it through your flowing locks. Win Win…Optimum MOISTURIZATION for the whole body!

Welp, this lovely product did nothing for me. My hair is still a frizz bomb and does not feel moisturized. But, if you have a different hair type…you might like it. One of my friends, who has lovely curly hair, swears by the whole MoroccanOil line.

Olaplex

This is another favorite of stylists everywhere. http://www.olaplex.com says: N°4 Shampoo repairs and protects hair from everyday stresses — including damaged hair, split ends, and frizz — by re-linking broken bonds. Leaves hair easier to manage, shinier and healthier with each use. N°4 is color-safe and proven to reduce breakage and strengthen all types of hair. 

What’s my review? FAIL, big fail! First, I don’t feel it gives my hair any added shine and definitely does not fight the frizz. The biggest problem I have is that it makes my scalp itch. Lest you think I’m a hypochondriac, my husband and son say the same thing. I have not heard one civilian (civilian = non stylist), in my circle of friends, say they like this product. Let me know if you disagree, I’d love to hear why you like it!

I’m still on the journey of finding the perfect product…and when I do, you will be the first to hear about my discovery. Trying to fight frizz, one day at a time. Share your fave products with me, so we can fight this bitch together. Tee hee!

You can purchase these items here: http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin

All About Brows

Microshading/Microblading

Just do it! Hahaha! If you’ve been on the fence about getting your brows microbladed or shaded, I’m here to tell you…it’s worth it.

First, let me give you a definition from healthline.com: Microshading is a procedure where a cosmetic technician applies semipermanent makeup to your eyebrows. It’s a type of cosmetic tattoo procedure. Using pigment ink and a handheld tool, the technician places tiny, pin-like dots over the brow area to fill in thin spots.

My brow journey started because my left eyebrow is higher than my right. Whenever I wear sunglasses my left eyebrow played peek-a-boo with the rim…It’s like Hey World, do you see me?! Ugh, so frustrating. So, I started getting them waxed, to help shape them and make them look at least, related. This didn’t work, so I started getting botox to bring my right side up to my left. This worked better, but I was still self-conscious, when the ‘tox started wearing off. In came Brow Lamination, this will be another blog post. The BL got me used to growing out my brows and seeing what they’d look like with more oomph. The problem was the price, I was spending over $100 every 4 wks and that was adding up, sooooo…

Cut to me looking at more permanent solutions, which led me to Microshading. Many moons ago, I worked in a Maintenance Dept. of a school and a coworker had shaved off her brows and tattooed new ones turned green…looked like prison brows, no joke! This was my only reference of “tattooed brows.” So, I was quite concerned as I started my research. Let’s just say the art of tattooing has come a looooooong way and I promise your brows won’t turn green or look like you got them done in a prison yard. Lol!

To find your perfect artist…google is your friend, word of mouth, and insta/Facebook for pix. Look closely at the artist’s pictures. If you like their work, you will see every brow (that they’ve done) and think how great it looks. Every artist has different styles: some like heavy, thick brows and some are more delicate. The price can be anywhere from $500-$800. Some will give you a touch-up included in the initial price and some won’t.

The procedure itself takes a couple of hours and does not hurt. They numb you before they begin. My brow artist was able to make my girls pretty even after all these years! I am thrilled! No more peek-a-boo with my sunnies. The week after the treatment, your brows will be itchy and flaky. Do not get them get soggy wet for about 4 days and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. My brows started out a reddish color, but have settled to a nice brown. Below I will show you some pix.

This 1st pic is immediately after I got them done. The last 3 pix are my original wonky brows…just for reference.

This is how they look now (8 wks out). I have 1 more week before I get my touchup. This pic makes me happy because I’m not doing anything to my face at all…before I got the micro shading I always made sure I raised my right eyebrow, so it wouldn’t look too different from my left. Or I made sure to tilt my head juuuust right, so the different height wouldn’t be quite so noticeable. I’m tired just rereading all the different smoke and mirror tricks I was trying, geez.

I hope this was helpful and if you’ve been on the fence, I say jump off and get some Microshading! It’s worth it.

Updated Video

I just wanted to show you what it looks like to get your brows done and the after effects.

Moisturizing Hair Care

Bb. Hairdressers Invisible Oil product line has done wonders for my hair. If you have frizzy, coarse (hay-like texture), thick hair…you ought to try this entire product line.

One caveat: My curly haired friends don’t looove it like my wavy/frizzy friends do.

Let’s be real: This line won’t keep everything perfectly straight and neat (like a Brazilian Blowout), but it will give back much needed moisture and keep your hair manageable, healthy, and shiny.

The line contains: A pre-shampoo masque, shampoo, conditioner, heat/uv Primer, and the Game Changer-the Invisible Oil-for a beautiful, silky finish.

*Let me know if you’ve tried this line and how you like it! Click on the pic to be directed to Sephora, where you can purchase the entire line.

A lil video to show you the steps.

You can purchase these items here: http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin