LADY@LXG: The Hair Care Salon Solutions by Shiseido

Have you ever wondered why your salon treatment or hair care products seem to be giving you less than impressive results? Or why your hair just seems to look less glossy than usual? Well, thanks to the team at Shiseido Professional, I learned that the culprit to my blah locks, was the water that I shower in.

The water from our taps comes from different reservoirs and Singapore’s tap water has a hardness range of between 60-250. Because dry porous hair absorbs water like a sponge during shampooing and water vaporizes into the air as the hair dries, minerals crystallize and accumulate inside the hair shaft, resulting in hard and stiff hair that no conditioner or treatment mask can soften.

Personally, I didn’t really think that my hair was dry or dull looking until after my treatment. The before and after shots will show you just how lifeless, stiff and dull my hair looked prior to having the calcium and minerals stripped off. In fact, to be quite frank, I was rather mortified to have been traipsing around the country with such stupid looking hair!

The treatment was pampering and blissful and I learned that lathering shampoo on my head is not the right way to wash my hair, as it causes hair to get tangled. Instead, the right way to apply shampoo would be to lather it in your palms before applying it onto your hair, which is how it was done at Shiseido!

The Hair Care Salon Solutions treatment consists of several steps, but it all begins with the application of Salon Solutions Off-Clear - a hair cleanser that strips Calcium ions and other factors that make the hair stiff away from the hairs' surface. Salon Solutions Out-Ca is then applied. As the name suggests, this treatment targets the deepest layers of the hair and thoroughly removes the Calcium ions accumulated within. Next comes a air texture transformation treatment, Salon Solutions Up-Tex, which instantly makes stiff hair, soft and supple. Salon Solutions In-Cortex is then applied in order to repair damage done to the deep hair layers.  Salon Solutions In-Cuticle is used to repair damage done to the surface layer of the hair. After all this, a final treatment is applied - specifically to maintain the treatment effect for a long period of time, using three-layer "microcoating". Because my hair tends to be dry, Salon Solutions On-Moist was used, so that my hair would retain moisture. Depending on your own hair quality, there are also On-Volume and On-Smooth treatments available.

To maintain my new bouncy demineralized hair, Tien and Amy selected the Adenovital range of shampoo and conditioner. Its has been about a month since my treatment and my hair still looks and feels much softer that it did before. This is my first time using Shiseido Professional hair care products and I must say that I love it!

My scalp, which is normal, tends to get a bit irritated and flaky with most shampoos. But since using Adenovital, I have had no issue at all. Moreover, since I cut my hair short, it has been quite troublesome to condition it daily as I always end up getting conditioner on my scalp - which then leads to irritation and flakiness. Thankfully, this conditioner can be used on the scalp and it keeps my hair and scalp protected and smelling absolutely amazing!

Adenovital contains a magical ingredient called Adenosine. The Shiseido Research Center has been studying Adenosine over the course of 15 years - and they've discovered that this naturally occurring substance that exists in the human body, has a remarkable effect on dermal hair papilla; activating and promoting growth. And so the Adenovital range was created.

The Adenovital Shampoo gently cleanses the scalp while maintaining moisture, thereby improving the condition of the scalp, and better preparing it for the application and penetration of Shiseido's propriety Adenovital Scalp Essence.

The Adenovital Scalp Treatment can then be applied. This replenishes a dry scalp with moisture to improve the scalp condition and also promote the penetration of the Adenovital Scalp Essence. The Scalp Essence is a hair growth essence formulated with ingredients that actively affect the hair growth mechanism. It permeates deep into the hair root, and promotes the growth of beautiful hair. 

Lastly, Adenovital Scalp Tonic conditions the scalp to leave it moist and clean while effectively preventing hair loss, dandruff and itchiness - and consequently making the hair more beautiful!

THE HAIR CARE ADENOVITAL Shampoo 250 ml
Suggested retail price: SGD 42

THE HAIR CARE　ADENOVITAL Scalp Treatment 130 g x 2
Suggested retail price: SGD 58

THE HAIR CARE　ADENOVITAL Scalp Essence 180 ml
Suggested retail price: SGD 108

THE HAIR CARE　ADENOVITAL Scalp Tonic 200 g
Suggested retail price SGD 48

I was very lucky to have been able to speak to Tien Goh, the Senior Educator for Shiseido Professional. With over 16 years in the industry, Tien is a walking encyclopedia on hair, and was kind enough to patiently answer our many questions!

1. Do mineral deposits hinder the absorption of conditioner and other products that we apply to our hair?
The basic function of a conditioner is to coat the outer surface of the hair, forming a protective layer and giving it shine and smoothness - whereas a mask (prepared in a professional salon) with repairing properties and protein treatment in a capsule form, is able to penetrate deeper for a strengthening effect.

However when the hair is so loaded with minerals, whatever treatment applied will be redundant as the hair is unable to absorb the proteins and moisture found in treatments and hair masks.

2. Are there any other treatments available that you know of that can strip these deposits from our hair? 
There are several products currently in the market that are able to detox the scalp by deep cleansing it. There are also products that are able to detox the hair by removing buildups and strip minerals deposited on the surface of the hair.

Shiseido Professional’s Salon Solutions in-salon hair treatment has come up with a patent-pending technology that is able to totally eliminate mineral accumulated Inside the hair. This breakthrough in hair treatment results in soft fluffy hair that is smooth and shiny, with zero oiliness feeling after the treatment.

3. On a separate note, why are some people allergic to hair colour, and would using a purely herbal alternative be a safer / better option?
Allergies are mostly caused by each individual’s reaction to any particular food or product - just like certain individuals having bad allergies to peanuts, or others having fatal allergies to Aspirin.

The most likely ingredient that causes an allergy reaction during hair colouring is Paraphenylenediamine (PPD). Simply put, PPD is the colourant/dye/pigment itself. Therefore, people allergic to hair colour will most likely have the same allergy reaction to herbal hair or non-ammonia hair colour, as these hair colour products all contain PPD.

4. Are "ammonia free" colourants really healthier for our hair? Any tips on what we should look out for when buying a box of hair colour?
During hair colouring, an alkaline agent is needed to swell the hair to enable colour penetration. The most commonly used alkaline agent is Ammonia. It is still a preferred alkaline as it swells the hair more efficiently, hence the colour deposit is richer and longer lasting. However the downside of ammonia is that it smells stronger - the reason being, that the ammonia in the dye vaporises efficiently, resulting in a stinging odour. Most importantly, after the hair colouring is complete, no alkaline residue is left inside the hair.

On the other hand, ammonia-free products typically use another form of alkaline agent - Monoethnalomine (MEA). Unlike ammonia which is a gas that evaporates quickly, ethanolamine is too ‘heavy’ to evaporate into any form of gas. Therefore, it does not evaporate, and so does not  have a strong odour during colouring. But this also means that after the colouring process, the hair will contain more alkaline residue, which will take a longer period to ‘leave the hair’ - resulting in dryness of the hair about one month after colouring. And unlike ammonia that is able to swell the hair more efficiently, MEA is not as efficient, resulting in a less intense colour deposit. The plus point of using MEA is a more pleasant experience during the colouring process, as it is less smelly.

5. How often should a person wash their hair,  and is conditioner really necessary?
It is advisable to shampoo our hair daily, due to our hot and humid climate. This is especially so for those who sweat a lot or have a normal to oily scalp. This is because after shampooing, the sebum secretion returns in just 24 hours, so hair can be washed daily without any fear of it drying out.

Lastly, it is important that we condition our hair after every shampoo as conditioner replenishes the moisture lost during shampooing, and at the same time repairs the surface of our hair.

6. What DIY hair care advice would you give someone who wants to keep their hair healthy?
A full hair care itinerary is needed to maintain healthy hair and scalp:

- Daily shampooing, conditioner & scalp tonic. Do a weekly deep cleansing followed by a hair mask.
- Invest in a good shampoo as it touches our skin. It would be best to go for a non-silicon shampoo, as silicon coats and clogs our follicles.
- For beautiful hair, try a leave-in treatment; it works miracles, like makeup for the face. The result is instant and immediate.

7. Any tips on how to choose the right shampoo / conditioner?
Always insist on a non-silicon shampoo. Choose your shampoo according to your scalp.

For those with a dry sensitive scalp with symptoms of fine and powdery flakes that fall off easily, they can try Fuente Forte Scalp Care Shampoo and Scalp Conditioner from Shiseido Professional. Most importantly, please note that a dandruff shampoo will not help a dry flaky scalp, as it will only further dry the scalp, resulting in more flakes.

Causes of dandruff on the other hand, are normally due to: insufficient shampooing, not shampooing daily for oily or sweaty scalp - resulting in excess micro-organisms which trigger an irritating reaction in the scalp epidermis. Symptoms are oily sticky, yellowish clusters of flakes that stick to the scalp. For this condition, anti-dandruff shampoo will be able to help by killing the  bacteria.

Having 2 different shampoos is another MUST!. Use one shampoo that cleanses the scalp efficiently, and alternate it with a shampoo for coloured or dry hair. This way we maintain a good balance for the hair and scalp. It is just like everyone should have 2 facial foams - one that cleanses the face well after a day out, and another that has a light cleansing effect in the morning for a refreshing feeling. Likewise, we should use a light day cream and a richer night cream.

In Singapore, we wash our hair almost daily, therefore go for a rich and moisturizing conditioner.

8. Are "sulphate free" shampoos really better and is it true that Sulphate is the main cause for most of our hair fall problems?
Sulphate is the main ingredient used in almost every one of our personal care products - specifically for its foaming and cleansing properties. However in an individual with skin that is too dry, it might be cleaning ‘too much’, resulting in a dry scalp. This might be too dehydrating for the follicles, resulting in unhealthy hair growth. Therefore it is important for those with less 'oily' and sensitive scalps to go for a shampoo with better scalp care properties. 

Shiseido Professional has kindly sponsored THREE sets of their ADENOVITAL Shampoo and conditioner worth $100 each! To take part all you need to do is:

1. LIKE this post
2. LIKE our FB page TheLXGERS
3. Tell us on our blog why you want to win this fabulous prize
4. Share the blog link on your FB page and tag 5 friends you think would also love to win this set
5. Share this link with everyone. The more you share, the greater your chance of winning! 

Introducing SOTHYS Sensitive Zones Protective Fluid SPF50

Did you know that each year, more new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. than new cases of breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer combined. In fact, according to studies, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. More scary stats; one American dies from skin cancer every hour. 

According to the Singapore Cancer Registry, there are 1065 cases of skin cancer in Singapore men and 941 in Singapore women every year. Here in Singapore, skin cancer ranks 8th in both men and women!

If skin cancer isn't reason enough to slather on some sunscreen every morning, do you know that unprotected exposure to the sun can also cause premature aging, which over time can make skin become thick, wrinkled, and leathery. Since it occurs gradually, often manifesting itself many years after the majority of a person’s sun exposure, premature aging is often regarded as an unavoidable, normal part of growing older. However, up to 90 percent of the visible skin changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by the sun. With proper protection from UV radiation, most premature aging of the skin can be avoided.

Sothys sunscreen is rich in minerals to fight against infrared radiation, with chemical filters to ensure broad spectrum of protection against UVA and UVB radiation. Sunflower extract acts as an anti-oxidant to reduce the spread of free radicals generated by UVA, UVB and IR and strengthens the skin’s natural protection, minimizing the appearance of sunburn cells. In fact, sunflower extract is able to reduce the number of sunburn cells up to 54%.

Besides ensuring the best ingredients used, Sothys went a step further providing a sensorial texture for a more pleasant experience. Unlike most of the sunscreens available in the market, Sothys sunscreen penetrates quickly into the skin, leaving the skin with a non-sticky and non-dehydrated feel. With this product, you don’t have to worry about having a “white” face after application because this light-weight sunscreen is quickly absorbed and leaves no visible white film or residue.

This fragrance-free sunscreen is perfect to protect your face and sensitive areas. I personally have started using this every morning for the past week. It leaves my face, neck and decollete moisturized and protected and does not trigger any rash or breakout!

Priced at $109 for a 50ml tube, the SOTHYS Sun Care Line is available at appointed SOTHYS Salons.

LADY@LXG: Achieving flawless luminosity with NUXE WHITE

“ Like a diamond, the skin’s beauty comes from its transparency. To maintain the skin’s full transparency, it is not enough to simply focus on whiteness. We also need to provide the skin with hydration and rosy luminosity. NUXE has achieved this in its own inimitable style, incorporating high-performance flowers and Vitamin C at the heart of a range that delivers exceptional results, demonstrated by objective clinical tests, proven and approved by women”. Aliza Jabès, NUXE’s CEO. 

I have been a loyal fan of Nuxe products for years. A definite must-have for me is their huile prodigieuse which I use twice a day on my entire body. This silky dry oil keeps my skin velvety smooth and beautifully scented, but more about this wonder product another time. This post is all about their very latest range of whitening skin care; NUXE WHITE.

Nuxe believes that in order to make the skin as transparent as possible, light needs to pass through a crystalline structure, similar to passing through a diamond. When saturated with water, the cells of the horny layer are 

more cohesive. The skin is smoother, reflecting light more effectively thus appearing more transparent.

By exploring the heart of Prodigious flowers; White Crocus, Stargazer Lily, Porcelain Rose and Cherry Blossom, Nuxe has identified these high-performance molecules which work in synergy with Vitamin C on the three key factors of skin transparency: whiteness, luminosity and hydration. 

The new Nuxe White range has been proven to reduce the appearance of dark spots, improve the transparency and clarify of the complexion and the rosy appearance if the skin.

The NUXE WHITENING range comes in:

Clean and Purify your skin with the BRIGHTENING PURIFYING FOAM $38  

This very gentle sulfate-free yet foaming cleanser smells absolutely divine. In fact, the entire range of products smell like lilies, fresh, pure and delicate. The added derivatives of Coconut, Corn and Sunflower to compensate for the drying effect of cleansing, so skin does not feel tight or itchy, but soft and moist.

Moisturize and Smooth your skin with the BRIGHTENING MOISTURIZING LOTION $55

This alcohol free toner is a definite must-have. My skin was immediately infused with moisture as soon as I slapped this lotion on thanks to the fact that hyaluronic acid is one of its main ingredients. My open pores and fine-lines were instantly plumped and the effect stays with you most of the day. In fact, if I have a long day out, I saturate my skin with this lotion twice. The lotion has a gentle micro-exfoliating effect  thanks to Extract of Hibiscus Flower which has a high concentrated in pyruvic acid, which is as effective as AHA but less irritating. I absolutely love and recommend this product, as it leaves skin looking more refreshed! 

Correct skin imperfections with the INTENSIVE WHITENING DARK SPOT CORRECTING SERUM $88

This super lightweight, watery milk type serum is a highly concentrated formula of brightening active ingredients. Its extract of cherry blossom leaves with its strong moisturizing powers keeps skin hydrated and protected without looking greasy.

Diminish dark spots and moisturize with the BRIGHTENING MOISTURIZING EMULSION $65

This lotion is so light its more like a skin-milk than your run-of-the-mill moisturizer. It absorbs instantly and leaves your face looking hydrated (thanks to being chock full of hyaluronic acid) while rice powder absorbs excess sebum, leaving skin instantly matified without blocking the pores. 

Protect your skin from UV damage with the DAILY UV PROTECTOR SPF 30 PA +++ $45

Since receiving this product, I have been religiously using it every single day. Not just because it smells awesome and has a high SPF 30 protection against both UVA and UVB rays but mostly because it leaves my skin matte and velvety smooth, which in our humid climate is a huge plus!

With cocoa extract to reduce melanin and tyrosinase activity. Jasmine extract  to boost our skin's defense against free radicals. Vitamin E to protect the cells’ integrity and shea polyphenols to neutralize any aggression from heavy metals while detoxifying the cells, this sunscreen, offers great protection in a handy little bottle that can be slipped into even the smallest makeup pouch.

  

Nuxe White is available at all Beauty By Nature stores (VivoCity #01-06/07, Parkway Parade #B1-75/76, ION Orchard #B3-49/50)

We are giving away 10 products from the NUXE WHITE range. All you need to do is to decide which one you would love to try and let us know as well as follow these simple instructions:

1. Post your comment with your name and email address on this blog. Tell us which product you would like to win and why.
2. Like this post 
3. Like our FB page TheLXGers so you can stay tuned to all our giveaways and promotions
4. Share this post with your 7 friends, family, colleagues, you name it, keep sharing it on your personal FB page. The more you share the greater your chance of winning. 

My new love...Sothy's Energizing Night Cream!

Let me introduce you to Sothys Miracle in a jar....

I have always been a fan of Sothys skin care, but I have to say that their range of Energizing Day and Night creams have greatly surpassed any of their previous products.

For those of you who follow my occasional rants and raves, you would be quite familiar with the fact that my skin is rather congested. In fact, if blackheads were as valuable as diamonds, I would be a zillionaire by now!

Unfortunately, even though I am prone to breakouts, especially during "that time" of the month and when I go on a chocolate binge, I can't use zit creams as they simply make my pimple burrow down further and become worse. So when I got my little hands of Sothy's Energizing Night cream, I was super excited as the product is said to make you look like you have slept 8-hours, something I don't get much of unfortunately. 

The Energizing Day Cream is said to be able to reveal the skin’s youthfulness by restoring luminosity and radiance. Siberian Ginseng protects and optimizes cellular energy for improved skin health and quality, and prevents and diminishes signs of aging. Formulated with rice peptides and lupine extracts, this daily moisturizer improves microcirculation and boosts the energy production and skin oxygenation. It is also available in “Light” for normal to combination skin and “Comfort” for dry to very dry skin.

The Energizing Night Cream is my definite must-have. I use this as a night cream daily and if I get a spot, I simply apply a little extra night cream on the spot, and viola its gone by morning!

This wonder cream renews and rejuvenates the skin overnight by visibly reducing lines and wrinkles while stimulating collagen production. Formulated with glycolic acid and Sophora flower extract, it increases cell renewal and encourages the elimination of toxins during the night to reduce the “puffy” appearance of the face in the morning. Trust me, this is not just hype, it REALLY works! In fact, I am on my second jar of the product now.

If you want to look more rested before a big presentation or date, this cream is a definite must!

Although this range was actually launched a while back, I wanted to try it before I wrote about it to see if it lived up to its claims, and I can honestly say that it did.

STYLE@LXG: Spike it the way you like it with Stage Works Spiky Booster

This April Shiseido Professional launched its new hairstyling product SPIKYBOOSTER from its styling line STAGE WORKS, a line specifically developed for salon stylists and fashion and beauty-conscious women.  

The perfect tool for creating hairstyles without compromising on the lightweight feel of clean hair, SPIKY BOOSTER works by taking advantage of the technologies and ingredients available only from STAGE WORKS, so that it can satisfy even male customers with short hair (that would be us at LXG). One of this new styling product’s attractions is its outstanding wearability that makes it possible to keep the created hairstyle all day long. 

In order to achieve the most powerful hair-setting capability, Spiky Booster has been formulated with a high concentration of finely granulated wax. In fact, it contains the largest amounts of wax ingredients among all the STAGE WORKS products, while still managing to have a readily spreadable, easy-to-use texture that does not stiffen. 

Formulated with volume-making powder in addition to wax ingredients, its hair-setting capability has been enhanced without the sticky feel that we usually expect from most wax based products!

Another big selling point to the product (in our opinion as wax using short haired men) is its Humidity Control Polymer which prevents our hairstyle from going flat when faced with high levels of humidity or water, a definite issue we face here in humid and monsoonal Singapore!

Spiky Booster retails here in Singapore at $30

STYLE@LXG: Shiseido unveils their SS14 Seasonal Trends!

COLOR ME KNOT 

White. A shade that invokes a feeling of purity and softness. A natural and  innocent shade. But for this spring / summer 2014, Shiseido launches their own interpretation of this classic hue. Think powerful, futuristic, sharp, and mysterious. 

LADIES' STYLE: Expect nuanced styling that plays with texture and shape This season, the focus will be on bold "white", with powerful fashion styles highlighting the contrast between light material textures and voluminous silhouettes. Hairstyles will add playfulness to texture and shape, with an almost natural styled finish. They may seem unworked and natural, but the key point is their calculated clean appearance, while the main makeup trend will be natural-looking makeup, focused on the skin, with color accents around the eyes.  

MEN'S STYLE: Expect deep side parts and a wet look express male sensuality Men's fashion will have a bold presence, but also a sense of playfulness and relaxation. Hairstyles will be square and off the face, with deep side parts emphasizing masculinity, combined with a rough, unruly sense of movement and a wet feel, like hair that has just been towel dried. These slightly laid back hairstyles emphasize male sensuality.

This April, Shiseido Professional launched a new SEASON COLOR COLLECTION for its PRIMENCE and PRIMIENCE ENRICH hair color ranges. The new shades represent a line of seasonal hair colors tailored to the 2014 spring/summer fashion and makeup trends. You can expect two colors in 10 hues from range that delivers clear, rich colors and a glossy shine to hair by leveraging the positive effects of water and light. 

STYLE@LXG: Introducing the Jonathan Adler Travels with TUMI Collection 2014

TUMI lures the jaunty jetsetter with a bold travel collection in collaboration with American potter, designer, and author Jonathan Adler. 

Known for his use of geometric patterns and bold colors, this new collection reflecting his spirit of irreverent luxury is both playful and practical. Each piece exemplifies Jonathan’s commitment to impeccable craftsmanship and detail. The collection exudes a chic spirit for the glamorous eccentric, bringing style to the jetway – and the every day. 

 Jonathan Adler travels with TUMI takes off for Spring 2014 and would make a wonderful gift for your mum this Mother's Day! 

Adler’s iconic prints and cheeky sayings land on TUMI’s best-selling styles from both the Voyageur and Vapor collections. In true Adler fashion, the assortment makes a statement whether rolling through the airport or the lobby of a 5-star resort on your next staycation. TUMI certainly makes traveling in style so much simpler.

A few of our star picks: The VOYAGEUR range above in all its bright and cheerful glory. The VOYAGEUR Windsor accessory role in blue makes a smart toilet or makeup bag. We love the PRISM phone case in Tangerine and lipstick on the right

We absolutely LOVE the VAPOR CarryOn luggage in Pink/Chevron, while we strongly believe that the PRISM passport cover would add instant style and colour and make locating it in your spacious travel bag a breeze! while the PRISM zip around travel wallet would keep your documents and credit cards chic and safe! 

 Jonathan Adler Travels with TUMI will be available at TUMI stores worldwide and tumi.com from the beginning of 2014. The range is priced between $50-$725.

Happy shopping and don't be a scrooge, treat your mum to something special this mother's day!