Aveda Confixor Liquid Gel, $17

As you might already know, I love Aveda's hair products. I've been using this Confixor gel for years, but haven't reviewed because it's kind of hard to explain how awesome it is. I'll try anyway!

Confixor is a very thin gel with a consistency more like water. Every day after I use my leave-in conditioner, I put a dime-sized (or less) amount onto my palm, rub my hands together, and work this through my hair, concentrating on the ends.

Basically, it makes my hair manageable and, well, better. Without it, my hair is too soft, fluffy, and quirky, going in whatever direction it wants (including up). Confixor lets my hair do what it will naturally, but without being so crazy. It gives it texture (so that it's not too soft and flat) and control (so I can change my part and it will do what I say). It makes my natural waves look intentional, and does so without being sticky or noticeable, really.

Final verdict
Cost: $17. I use such a small amount that I buy it every year or year and a half (even though I use it every day).
Texture: It's called a liquid gel because it's a gel that very thin. That makes it easy to work through your hair, and it won't stiffen up.
Control: This product makes my hair manageable. I can control the fly-aways and craziness my hair wants to do, while still looking natural.
Hair types: My hair is fine, super soft (which is why it kind of floats around everywhere), and oil-prone. This keeps my hair under control without looking greasy. I think it would work great with curly hair, too.
Repeat offender: I absolutely love this product. Even though it's hard to convince someone without trying it, I'd recommend it to everyone. I can't do my hair without it!

-T

Aveda Brilliant Damage Control, $15

Enough of winter! My mind has already moved on to summer and I think we all need a trip to the beach. My friends know that anytime I'm on vacay, I always have Aveda Brilliant Damage Control with me. Once I get out of the shower, I make sure to spray it all over my wet hair before exposing it to the sun, salt water, or chlorine. Actually, I use it after every shower--it protects your hair (especially color-treated hair that's susceptible to split-ends, like mine) not only from environmental damage but also from blowdryers, flat irons, and curling irons. And it makes a great detangling spray that deeply conditions your hair, making it all silky smooth without getting greasy. If your hair is really rough, try spraying it on your brush or comb before putting it through your hair. It works great on all hair types (I know, since all my friends have used my bottle and loved it).

Final verdict
Cost: $15, available online or at salons.
Loving care: Protects your hair, detangles it, and conditions it.
Hair types: Good for all types but especially for hair that's dry, already damaged, or has a hard life of blowdrying and ironing.
Repeat offender: You might remember my undying love for Aveda expressed in my hair whip post. I've bought so many bottles of Damage Control that I've lost count. Lovelovelove.

-T

Aveda Light Elements Defining Whip, $22

When I get a haircut, I get crazy layers all over the place. My fine hair (fine to medium, I guess) will simply fall flat otherwise. And let me tell you, I pay good money to get those layers, so I want them to really show! To have life! To separate themselves from the rest! To stand apart and be seen! Allow me to introduce to you one of my favorite hair products of all time and a staple in my everyday life: Aveda Light Elements Defining Whip.

A little background: Aveda is a highly trusted name in the beauty business, known not only for their great products but also for using natural, gentle ingredients and doing their part to lessen their environmental impact. If you've ever used Aveda hair products you know they have this amazing smell--earthy and slightly flowery, but not perfumey.


It adds texture and definition to your hair--meaning it controls flyaways and creates that awesome piecey look. Your bangs going out of control? Use a little of this to calm them down without getting greasy! It works great for long hair and short hair--dudes too! It's made for finer hair, so it's really light and won't weigh your hair down. When you put your hands in your hair later, it doesn't feel sticky or gross.

I use this as the very last step in my hair routine. To use, put a small amount on your index finger, like in the picture. Use your thumb and middle finger (and maybe the fingers on your other hand) to rub it together--this will help to put the product in your hair more evenly. Using your fingers and thumb, quickly grab at the ends of your hair, concentrating on the different layers. Then, tousle it through at the roots, even turning your head upside-down if you want a crazier look. Remember, start with a little bit, because you can always add more.

Here's a pic of me about a year ago, when I had shorter hair:
You can really see, especially in the bangs and on the ends, how the whip really adds the finishing touch to a haircut like this.

Final verdict
Cost: $22 may seem a bit high, but I'm willing to pay it! I use it literally everyday, and have had the same jar for maybe a year and a half. You really don't need that much, so it lasts a long time.
Style: I've used it when my hair is short or long, wavy or straight, dried naturally or blow-dried. You can even use it to smooth a ponytail. Aveda says that it can be used on all hair types, but it's especially best for hair that gets weighed down by other, heavier products.
Repeat offender: I looooove this stuff. It makes my hair look and feel awesome. I tell everyone about it! You can buy it at a lot of salons or from their website.

-T