Hair Salon Products for Pro Results at Home

You only need a few products to achieve soft shiny hair at home.

As the cooler, dryer air of fall into winter advances, we may find ourselves in an uphill battle to keep our locks healthy and shiny. One of the problems is caused by dryer air generated by indoor heating appliances. This included fireplaces which are oh so charming to sit by and roast chestnuts over. Your hair is also being baked!

So this is my short list of salon products I'm using right now that I've picked up during an appointment as recommended by some of NY's top hair stylists. Here we go:

Curlisto Haircare Collection
Developed by Christo of Christo Fifth Avenue in NYC, the man himself gave me the three smaller samples after my appointment a few weeks ago when his salon did my hair,nails and makeup for the ITNY's 2014 Benefit Gala
The Wall Street Journal and Women's Wear Daily have dubbed Christo "The King of Curls" as this celebrity stylist began his career at the tender age of 12 in his family's salon on the Greek Isle of Cyprus. His approach to curly hair is revolutionary, focusing first on nourishing it with ingredients that specifically address its unique challenges.

The Botanical Shampoo was lovely but what really got my attention was his Botanical Rinse. It really detangles and softens your hair like nothing I've ever used. So much so that I purchased a full sized bottle as seen here at my last visit to Christo's salon. 

The Deep Therapy Masque is also very good and reminds me of my favorite Mer-rouge Deep Conditioning Mask by Molton Brown - London. The Curlisto line is designed for curly hair but does not discriminate against straight. It is simply amazing and available online at Curlisto.com

Styling Helps

Nexxus Humectress Luxe Ultimate Moisture Leave In Spray is my favorite go-to after shampoo conditioner. My other is It's a 10 Miracle Leave In Plus Keratin which is great if you are going to flat iron or curl your hair as it is also protects against heat.

Bumble and bumble's Bb Tonic Lotion is great for bringing out the luster of darker hair shades as it contains Tea Tree, Nettle and Rosemary essential oils which are also good for your scalp's health. It's a rich mix of vitamins and herbs...so perfect for blow drying. I was turned on to this product by Commisso and Company of Port Washington, LI. 

Pro Tip: Just keep in mind that with these leave in products, a little goes are really long way. Most of us use far too much product which can weigh the hair down.

Natural Oils, Shine Boosters

dp HUE do Professional Oil Therapy
This product is an elegant blend of Argan oil, liquid shea butter with vitamins A & E. This is made for hair that is particularly dry or stressed. I like how it absorbs quickly and offers a rich shine. It also helps to speed drying time. It does contain Dimethecone as the second ingredient which is the only "con" I can cite however a little is all you need and the results are very impressive. Smells SO good too. Made in the UK. Visit dphue.com online.

CapriClear 100% Coconut Oil Spray
This is a very versatile coconut oil spray which unlike regular coconut butter, stays liquid even in cooler temperatures. Fractionated means this is coconut oil in its purest form without scent, color or preservatives. A little disappointing in the fragrance department because I really like the smell of coconut oil. All the same nothing beats this after a bath or shower as a super moisturizing and 100% natural spray. Made in the USA. Visit them online at capriclear.com

Pro Tip: To avoid weighing hair down with too much oil product, add less than a dime sized amount or half spritz to a boar bristle hair brush. You can even get them in 3 inch rounds for blow outs. The natural bristles are soft and evenly distribute the oil throughout your hair leaving it very soft and shiny. Natural boar hair is also more gentle on damp hair.

Picking up some more Curlisto Products! Christo of Christo 5th Ave.

My hair and makeup by Ray - Top Designer, c/o Christo Fifth Avenue
Pyrite Bracelets by Jaimie Nicole

Curls and Glamour at Christo Fifth Avenue

Christo's 5th Ave, loft is THE place for gorgeous curls and Red Carpet makeup artistry.

Midtown: Located at 35 West 45th Street between 5th and 6th, Christo Fifth Avenue is hailed as the "Curl Whisperer" among celebrity A-listers. Why? Well one reason is their philosophy of working with and even more celebrating naturally curly hair while turning it into something quite stunning.

We were invited to attend the Ice Theatre of New York's 30th Anniversary Benefit Gala and made an appointment at Christo Fifth Avenue. We were personally greeted by the most gracious host, Irina, who catered to us during the day and served wine in the afternoon. Likewise Yashira ordered lunch for us and made sure we had plenty of ice water.

Christo 5th Avenue

The whole atmosphere is more like visiting a very comfortable but posh artist's loft. Open, spacious yet intimate at the same time. Beautiful natural lighting from the huge 45th street windows and ambient lighting complimented with multiple chandeliers and warm hardwood floors throughout the space.

Owner and Designer, Christo

In 2002, Christo opened this 5th Avenue studio to cater to his A-List and Royalty clientele. However, everyone here is treated like a celebrity. Christo believes that hair is the #1 Fashion accessory in your wardrobe.  He practices the art of PsychoHair-Therapy and educates others on the care and styling of curly hair which often needs special treatment. In response to that, Christo has his own line of specially formulated treatments and styling products under the label, Curlisto. Each system comes in a set specific for your hair type and styling preferences. See them online at Curlisto.com  

Christo Fifth Avenue offers makeup, hair and nail styling

Gina's makeup by Kelly-Senior Designer (L) & hair by Rosaura Miranda (R) 

Gina has long wavy hair and has only had a Keratin Treatment over the summer. Her stylist, took time to make some helpful recommendations on her specific hair texture needs while choosing a style she could replicate at home.

Nails by Silvia Pineiro - Esthetician - Nail Technician

As for me, I had Ray - Top Designer and Aveda Institute graduate, do both my hair and makeup for the evening Gala. I wanted lift and body so Ray set my hair on large rollers while I had my nails done by Silvia Pineiro. Silvia's manicure included a heavenly hand massage and exfoliation treatment.

Her station has a little quiet place to relax and put your feet up. Silvia did a very fresh looking French Manicure which made my nails look very elegant and polished.

Christo 5th Avenue Nail Technician-Esthetician Silvia Pineiro

I was surprised that Ray was accomplished in both hair and makeup but I also noticed other Christo designers namely Kelly sporting the same dual skills. This makes these stylists highly desirable for runway shows, movie sets and red carpet events as they are able to pinch hit from one discipline to another.

Ray did my makeup before styling my hair and used both Mac and Makeup Forever palettes. He also added some false eyelashes and lots of drama for the eyes. However how he did my brows was a pure revelation. Beautifully sculpted to frame my face. Lastly he styled my hair using a 3 inch iron and a touch of light hair spray to give it extra lift. The finished look was simply fabulous!

Hair and makeup artistry by Ray - Top Designer

So the experience was everything we would have expected from a top level 5th Avenue salon...and more. Highly accomplished professionals who have a passion for their art. Give them a call for an appointment at (212)997-8800.

Now, for the evening event. Here we are on the red carpet at the Ice Theatre of New York's Benefit Gala & Cocktail Party:

(L-R) Gina Miczak, Sarah Hughes, Dr.Tenley Albright, Dr. Marie J Miczak

Dr. M and Ice Show Star, Richard "Mr. Debonair" Dwyer

Jewelry c/o Kathy Hershelow - Sublime Beauty
Dr. M's dress by Nora Gardner, NYC
Salon services c/o Christo Fifth Avenue