Still Growing Out My Hair: Getting Through the In-between Stages

(My hair last year.)


I started growing my hair out last January. It was a super short pixie cut and it was fun while it lasted (for about 10 years). Since then, I've tried everything to make my hair grow faster. Two things really worked. The first are supplements from Phyto and the second was the Chinese Herbs line from Peter Lamas.

So now, one year later, my hair is only a few inches off of my shoulders. Not too bad for one year's time, including a few major haircuts along the way.

But now it's not long. It's not short. I can't really pull it into a ponytail. The bangs are in my eyes (again). It's at the dreaded middle length stage.

I keep telling myself that loads of people actually aim for this stage of in-between hair. Famous people, even. That knowledge does nothing to make me happier. So I decided to strike out of my pin-straight hair mold and go for something I haven't ever done as an adult.

Use a curling iron.


(Me at work on a day where my hair isn't making me crazy.)


I know, it's not a new idea at all. But I never have the confidence to step outside of what I do everyday and be different. Sure, I'll wear a bright lipstick or eye shadow that demands attention, but I haven't worn my hair in a different texture as an adult. I've even worn extensions, but it still looked like my hair, just longer. I've found wearing my hair curly makes almost everyone who knows me stare at me and feel the need to make a comment, good or bad. And maybe it's wanting to avoid THAT interaction that made me shy away from trying something different.

So how did it go?

Really well. First of all, my hair is holding curl really well, for a reason I can't explain. I used to want to have Heather Locklear hair when I was really little and would play with curlers and a curling iron for HOURS. No amount of Aqua Net could hold that curl in. Maybe my hair is changing, maybe it's the negative ion hoo-haa doo-dads in the curling irons, I don't know. But my curl is lasting all day, without a lot of product to hold it in place.

I tried three different methods and got three very different results.

Day One:

I diffused my hair with a DevaCurl DevaFuser. I love this diffuser. Not only does it let you get into the roots and dry your hair faster, it's really easy to work with. And faster drying means less heat damage! I didn't use any product in my hair when it was still damp, other than Phytomist, to keep it hydrated.I then used a clipless curling iron and took take large sections of my hair and wrapped them around the rod, making sure to leave the ends out, for a fresh look. To make the ends look slightly more polished, I used Davines N 10 Universal Polishing Coat on the ends and in places where I needed a little more control.



Overall, this method made my hair HUGE (I do have a lot of it, so I shouldn't be surprised.) I then lightly sprayed it with Rockaholic Flexible Hairspray from Tigi. Still huge, I threw a bedazzled headband (that always felt too girly for me before) and tamed my mane. The result was really soft and pretty! Time commitment: An extra 25 minutes.

Day Two:
I diffused my hair with the Deva Curl diffuser and used some Garnier Curl Shaping Gel on my wet hair. I then took smaller sections of my hair and tried to wrap them around the clipless curling iron more neatly. I tried to section out my hair and control the placement of the waves a little more. The curls stayed much tighter (thanks to the smaller sections and Garnier, I'm sure). I used some Tigi spray and a little Peter Lamas Chinese Herbs Revitalizing Conditioning Cream to weigh my hair down and make the waves stand apart a little more.

My hair was still way too big, so I went with another headband. I think I like this version even better. Time commitment: An extra 30 minutes.

Day Three:
I blew my hair dry normally and aimed to make it straight, using a bit of the Garnier spray to help hold the waves.
I then used a Gold N Hot Triple Barrel Curling Iron around my entire head. I sectioned my hair out into top, middle and bottom layers and tried to include some waving on each layer, all the way around my head.


After the waves set, I used my Oil Comb from Ricky's of NYC to add shine, settle the waves and keep it from becoming huge. I think I like this look best! It's a bit of old Hollywood, a bit of glam and a bit modern. Time commitment: An extra 10 minutes.


Do you have any tips for getting through the in-between stages of growing out your hair? Please do tell! I need all of the inspiration I can get!

I purchased everything mentioned with the exception of Phyto products and the Chinese Herbs Styling Cream.


Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2011, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Gouldylox Handles the Holidays: Prize Package Two

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED AND THE WINNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL/FACEBOOK!

For ten days, I am going to be posting a new item in this prize package. Sometimes the same item will go into both packages and sometimes it won't. Bookmark this page and enter by leaving a comment each time a new product is added, when you promote the contest on Facebook or Twitter, or when you like the Facebook page (to the right) or follow Gouldylox on Google (below). Be sure to leave your email or way to contact you in the event you are chosen.

On the tenth day of the giveaway, Gouldylox gives to you:


the most amazing part of the giveaway so far! Every now and then I find a brand with one or two amazing products that I know I will trust over almost all other products. Earlier this year, I discovered a brand (and the store that sells them) that meets and exceeds my expectations with every product I try. Who? YBF Skincare. Prep is my go to exfoliator and is now one of my holy grail products. Each product I try is better than the next. That is why I am so excited to share some of their best products with you! I can't believe I have so much to share with you and I know you are going to love them as much as I do. Here is what you are entering to win:

Prep - My favorite exfoliator. Period.

Hydrate B- Have dry skin? Add this to your skin care regimen and see an amazing difference! This additive helps moisture reach further into the skin, delivering vitamins and ensuring dry skin is dry no more! Apply this before your moisturizer to make your current moisturizer work harder. It's amazing stuff!

Balance - This helps calm upset, broken out skin. It reduces further breakouts and helps your skin heal faster.

Nourish - This eye cream helps you look rested and refreshed, while helping to prevent future wrinkling.

Quench - This lip balm was reformulated this year to be better than ever. I have terrible chapped lips each year. And while I don't want to jinx myself, so far this Fall, I haven't had to deal with dry, sore lips. I'm 99.9% sure it's because of the Quench.

The best part? They are all full size products. This total package is worth $225! If you are in your 20's or 30's or have occasional breakouts, you need to win this! If you can't wait to win, order your own from The Skin Care Shop. Since it's the last day, get bonus entries when you either leave a message or "Like" the Skin Care Shop's Facebook page! Want even more bonus entries? Check out YBF's Facebook page and be sure to "Like" them as well! Just be sure to leave an additional comment telling me that you shared!


On the ninth day of the giveaway, Gouldylox gives to you,

A Stila Color Wheel Shadow Palette! These shadows look amazing in their presentation and look even better on your eyes, especially when applied with a primer. It comes with a book detailing loads of looks and how-to's. This palette is a dazzler!

On the eighth day of the giveaway, Gouldylox gives to you:

Another one of my favorite products this year! Peter Lamas Avocado and Olive Shampoo and Conditioner! It's no secret I love, love, love this brand. This particular shampoo and conditioner transform my hair into silky, shiny, healthy looking strands. To try it is to love it. Enter to win or treat yourself now. You won't be sorry! And check back next week - you won't believe what the last products to be added will be....
On the seventh day of the giveaway, Gouldylox gives to you,


one of my favorite products of the year! I am so happy that I get to share the amazing Duette Luxe Lip Balm and Hand Creme, by Votre Vu! This hand and lip combo super product is a nightstand must have. Check out my review from earlier this year here. This smells amazing, feels amazing and is the perfect nighttime luxe treatment. Want one for yourself without the agonizing wait to see if you've won? Pick one up for yourself!

On the sixth day of the giveaway, Gouldylox gives to you,

Korres Quercetin & Oak Instant Lift Age Reversing Eye Cream. This is one of two eye creams that gave me dramatic results this year*. Check out my review of this product here from earlier in the year. I am so excited that I have one of these to give away because I liked it that much. Don't want to take your chances? Score one from Korres now and use checkout code GOULDYLOX and save big!

On the fifth day of the giveaway, Gouldylox gives to you,

something for the man in your life. (Or the perfect thing to give your brother!) King of Shaves, makers of the number one selling shaving products across the pond, have created a Dopp Kit, suitable for giving this holiday season. What is a Dopp Kit, you ask? (I had to ask too.) It's a Men's Shaving Kit, complete with:

King of Shaves AlphaGel Shave Gel Natural: This soap-free, low-foam formula shaving gel allows men to see exactly where they are shaving, perfect for shaping sideburns or goatees and avoiding problematic areas.

AlphaGel Shave Gel Natural is fragrance and alcohol-free, making it ideal for all skin types including sensitive!

King of Shaves Azor M: Get a closer-than-ever shave with the Azor M! The unique flexible “reflex hinge” allows the Azor M’s head to bend and flex with every contour and curve of the face, making it perfect for the tough-to-reach spots like the Adam’s apple and under the jaw.

King of Shaves Face Balm: Rich in Aloe vera, vitamin E and glycerin, the Face Balm protects, moisturizes and conditions skin leaving it supple and smooth.

The King of Shaves Travel Kit retails for $9.99 at drugstore.com and KingofShavesDirect.com.

On the fourth day of the giveaway, Gouldylox gives to you,

A Tie Dye For Lip Gloss Collection from LORAC! These five lip glosses look gorgeous and when used, the tie dye colors mix together perfectly to give you the merriest of holiday pouts. Keep this for yourself or share them with your closest holiday friends.


On the third day of the giveaway, Gouldylox gives to you:

A Talika Eye Therapy Patch! Need to look rested and younger before heading out to holiday parties? This is the answer! I was personally surprised at how well these worked, but don't take my word for it. My awesome pal Anne at Beauty Xpose had a similar experience! Check this out for yourself at Talika.com.

On the second day of the giveaway, Gouldylox gives to you:

One large bottle of Lavender Whish body wash! Love the softly scented hint of lavender like I do? Then you need to check this out. The scent isn't overpowering or "older" smelling. It's a fresh take on a comforting favorite! This body wash won't dry out your skin, doesn't contain harsh ingredients like sulfates, helps to rejuvenate dull skin and has natural anti-inflammatory properties to help calm winter skin. This body wash retails for $22 and is available from Whishbody.com. If you live in Baltimore, this is one of the many wonderful products my pals at LaPapillon sell, so stop by and snatch one up!


On the first day of the giveaway, Gouldylox gives to you...


A Women of BE Collection. I am so jealous! I covet this shadow kit and who wouldn't? It comes with 20 shadows (in the small size) that are inspired and named after the women of BE. You'll get the following colors:


• 0.01 oz eye color in Beautiful Autumn, a golden pumpkin
• 0.01 oz eye color in Beautiful Lisa, a rose pink
• 0.01 oz eye color in Beautiful Melodie, a red
• 0.01 oz eye color in Beautiful Susan, a sterling
• 0.01 oz eye color in Gigi, an opal blue
• 0.01 oz eye color in Joeli, a lavender
• 0.01 oz eye color in Girlfriend Margo, a rose
• 0.01 oz eye color in Girlfriend Michelle, a pink mist
• 0.01 oz eye color in Girlfriend Tina, a green
• 0.01 oz eye color in Girlfriend Kathleen, an olive mist
• 0.01 oz eye color in Exotic Laura, a rosy clay
• 0.01 oz eye color in Exotic Sandra, a sage
• 0.01 oz eye color in Exotic Tara, a teal
• 0.01 oz eye color in Exotic Victoria, a gold tiara shade
• 0.01 oz eye color in Starlet Casey, a gold
• 0.01 oz eye color in Starlet Karen, a deep cream
• 0.01 oz eye color in Starlet Catherine, an olive
• 0.01 oz eye color in Starlet Leigh Anne, an eggplant
• 0.01 oz eye color in Radiant Rebecca, an apricot
• 0.01 oz liner shadow in Treasured Terri, an emerald
• Keepsake box
This is currently sold out on the Q, so enter and tell your friends so you can snag this one! (Photo courtesy of QVC.)


Want to win? Leave a comment below and you could be the winner! This contest is only open to those in the US (sorry!) until December 14th at midnight, pst. Be sure to leave your email or way to contact you in the event you are chosen. One winner for this prize will be chosen by Random.org on December 15th and winners notified by email. Promote the contest on Facebook or Twitter and leave me a comment telling me you shared the love. Like GR on Facebook and follow Gouldylox on Google and get extra entries! All giveaway items are supplied by the companies or PR firms who represent them.

Be sure to check out Prize Package Number One and enter to win there as well!


Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Peter Lamas Avocado & Olive Shampoo and Conditioner

It's no secret that I love this line of hair care products. Their Chinese Herbs line has made my hair grow like magic. And now that it is longer, it needs a different type of help.


(My hair now, after a few major hair cuts. My hair when I started, in January.)


I haven't had longer hair since the mid nineties. When I had it, I didn't have problems with frizz or flyaways. Flash forward 15 years, and I feel like a hair baby, asking my stylist what is causing my woes. She looked at me (via a picture and responded over email) and said, "um, Kel, that is what we call frizz. Most people have it. I can't believe you, of all people, are asking me this."

So I have been trying some products and formulas and have found some success. However, I still have my goat hairs, which I assume are the hairs that have gone gray and developed into a wild hair(s), with a mind all of their own. That one-two combo is going to make me bonkers.

Sensing my impending state of being driven bonkers by frizz, Peter Lamas suggested I try his Avocado & Olive shampoo and conditioner. According to the website, The Peter Lamas Avocado & Olive Ultra-Smoothing Shampoo features Avocado -a natural moisturizer and soother - to condition and tame curly, frizzy, hard-to-manage hair. Olive Oil coats each strand to leave hair smooth and ultra-shiny. This reparative shampoo also contains biosaccharide gum, sandalwood extracts and Panthenol (Vitamin B), which combine to restore, fortify and smooth hair cuticle, preventing future frizzy flare-ups.

The first time I used this, I noticed an immediate change in my hair. I am all about having ultra smooth, ultra soft hair and this delivered. My frizz was cut significantly and my hair was shiny, felt like silk ribbons and didn't make me bonkers in wet weather. But what about my goat hair, you ask? Well, it's still goat-y and while the number of goat hairs has been reduced, they are still there. What is helping slightly is using my Chinese Herbs Revitalizing Styling Cream. It adds a little more shine and an eencey bit of hold which tames the remaining goat hairs, for the most part. It's no surprise, considering it comes from Peter Lamas, but I love it!

This product was sent for review. Peter Lamas doesn't test on animals.

Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Peter Lamas Chinese Herbs Hair Serum

I haven't updated you on my hair growth in a bit- the end of July was probably the last update. Since then I have been trying a lot of different things to aid my newly longer locks. I have been dealing with frizz and humidity - things that normally don't happen when you have a pixie.

Since I have been *forced* to try other shampoos, I haven't been using my Peter Lamas shampoo and conditioner regularly. However, I have been using the Chinese Herbs Regenerating Scalp Serum every other night (on the nights before I wash my hair in the AM).

According to their website, This botanically-rich, advanced therapeutic treatment incorporates a proprietary blend of centuries-old traditional Chinese herbs. These herbs have proven effectiveness; stimulating and re-invigorating weakened hair and scalp to promote healthy hair growth while helping prevent further hair loss. In addition, this product utilizes the latest botanical-technology incorporating Swertia Extract and Apple Stem Cells. These potent ingredients are scientifically proven to promote healthier hair growth. The Chinese Herbs Regenerating Scalp Serum protects the scalp from toxins and DHT build-up while providing the desired visible result of thicker, fuller hair.

While my hair isn't growing as fast as it was when I was using the whole system, it is still growing much faster than normal. Here was my hair when I last did a length check - in July.

Three months later, after using the serum every other night, my hair is dramatically longer. I have also had a haircut where I lost quite a bit of volume, so the shape is more flattering.
The serum itself smells a little minty, is very fresh and is the consistency of water. I apply it all over my scalp and go to bed. It dries very quickly, doesn't make a mess couldn't be easier to use. It is also vegan and cruelty-free.

Without further adieu, here is me now.


I can almost get it in a pony tail! Sweet! I've come a long way since I started growing my hair in January!


(Me in January!)

This was sent for the purposes of review. Peter Lamas does not test on animals.

Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Best of Summer : HAIR

This summer, I discovered something that is actually making my hair grow faster than usual. As of today, my hair is a solid two inches past my ears and almost pony tail worthy. These products have made a real, amazing difference in my hair and are worth every penny. If you missed it the first time, check out the details on Peter Lamas, who is now available in Duane Reade, as well as online.





Impatient with trying to grow my hair to bombshell lengths, I recently sought help from Peter Lamas, a renowned hairstylist and creator of the Chinese Herbs line. His impressive clientele includes the likes of Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and Jacqueline Kennedy.



(My hair, at the end of April.)





(My hair now, at the end of May.)


Peter's line, Chinese Herbs, helps stimulate the scalp to grow thicker, healthier hair. But can a shampoo and conditioner really make a difference for me as I try to grow my hair longer and faster? According to my research, hair grows about a half inch (on average) per month. So after 32 days of using Chinese Herbs, how much growth did I see?

Before I tell you, I have to explain that typical results with Chinese Herbs are usually apparent after two to three months, but users can often see results much faster than that. My hair normally grows slightly more than a half of an inch per month. I usually have to color my hair every three to four weeks to keep up with new growth.

In the month I used Chinese Herbs, my hair grew about 7/8 of an inch. (Yes, I pulled out hair and measured!). That is fast! So fast in fact, my hairdresser jokingly mocked that if my hair is growing too fast for me to financially keep up with coloring it, I should stop using the Chinese Herbs! For the record, I am using only the Shampoo, Conditioner, Styling Cream and Revitalizing Mist. I am not using the Serum.



(My hair growth after 32 days using Chinese Herbs. Now let's pretend you never saw that color hair coming out of ME, ok? Thanks.)



As I was seeing such amazing results I wanted to chat with Peter to find out exactly how the Chinese Herbs line works. Here's a portion of our chat:

GR: So far, I am seeing some pretty amazing results after using the Chinese Herbs Shampoo, Conditioner and Spray for a few weeks. I understand it is stimulating the scalp, but I'm already seeing results! How does it work?

PL: Chinese Herbs products are based on the known results that Chinese medicine has yielded for centuries. We combined smart science with natural ingredients to help create a product that gives men and women thicker, stronger, more beautiful hair. The fact that your hair is growing faster is a side effect of having a healthy, stimulated scalp. You need both smart science and natural, proven ingredients. Nature can't do it alone. Together, the two can produce amazing, beautiful hair.

GR: What makes Chinese Herbs different from other scalp stimulating products?

PL: Simply put, the formula we have created acts similar to the way that the cholesterol- lowering drugs work. It breaks up the sebum that is clogging your follicle, allowing your hair to grow in a healthy manner - revitalized, strong and beautiful. Our hair ages like our bodies do and this formula is like serious skin care for your hair.

GR: What is one thing women can do to improve the quality of their hair?

PL: Never, and I mean ever, wrap a towel around wet hair. Hair becomes like barbed wire, sticking to itself. When you brush through your hair after removing the towel, you literally rip and tear strands of your hair. It is one of the most damaging things women do without realizing it.

GR: With so many products on the market, what inspired you to create something using Chinese Medicine instead of some of the current chemical ingredients showing up everywhere?

PL: I had watched environmental factors play a detrimental role in the lives of many women, including my own mother. We have to be very careful of the products we use. Some ingredients, like parabens, are still approved for use, despite the building evidence they may in fact be harmful. I want to help women be their most beautiful self; healthy, strong and vibrant. I create products to safely do just that.




(photo courtesy of The Court Yard Hounds & Sony Music)



I can't believe how fast my hair has grown. At this rate, it should hit my shoulders by Thanksgiving. I think my new hairspiration is going to be Emily Robinson from the Court Yard Hounds. I have no clue how you deal with that much hair, but since it's growing this fast, I might just get there and be forced to learn! Have you tried any of Peter Lamas' products? Tell me in the comments!

Products were sent to me for the purposes of review.



Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Hair Update: End of July + Peter Lamas Giveaway!

So this month I got a haircut. I also ran out of my beloved Peter Lamas Chinese Herbs line, which has been forcing my hair to grow much faster than before. I can't tell if it has grown a lot without the use of the product but I can almost shake it, which is exciting (for me).

I am happy to report that I have come to terms with my new haircut. It was finally long enough to have a shape cut into it instead of it being one long blob of hair, growing out a Rihanna long-angled-bangs cut. So that is good. However, while I was moments away from rocking a faux pony, the back of my hair is now very short and at least four months away from hitting that faux pony stage again. Oh well. It has a shape that makes my neck look much more svelte, so I gotta love that. (Plus the compliments from strangers don't hurt, either.)

So here is where it was at the end of last month:


and here is my hair now:


I guess it has grown more than I originally thought, despite losing several inches from a hair cut. It is almost to my jaw! Now that I am out of my Chinese Herbs, I am guessing my growth will slow down. It's an experiment I don't really want to try....

Because I have had such great success with Peter Lamas Chinese Herbs, I have a complete set of all five products to give away to a lucky reader! The set includes all five steps to get your hair shape:

Step 1: Chinese Herbs Stimulating Shampoo
Step 2: Chinese Herbs Stimulating Conditioner
Step 3: Chinese Herbs Regenerating Scalp Serum
Step 4: Chinese Herbs Revitalizing Nutrient Mist
Step 5: Chinese Herbs Revitalizing Styling Cream

To celebrate the success of Peter Lamas' partnership with Duane Reade, Peter will be visiting select Duane Reade stores in NYC on July 28th, 29th and August 3. He will be on hand to give out tips and tricks to tame your tresses. If you make a Peter Lamas purchase, you will receive a copy of his book, "Dying To Be Beautiful" (while supplies last).

Don't miss this chance to ask Peter how to help your hair! With his clientele, you won't want to miss it!

July 28, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Duane Reade Chelsea Store

127-137 8th Ave (btwn 16th and 17th St)

New York, NY 10010



July 29, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Duane Reade Herald Square Store

1350 Broadway (at 35th St)

New York, NY 10018



August 3, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Duane Reade Union Square Store

52 E 14th St (btwn Broadway and 4th Ave)

New York, NY 10003

Stop by and tell him hi from Gouldylox! But before you go, leave me a comment telling me who your favorite hair icon is and you will be entered to win my Chinese Herbs giveaway. Be sure to log in or leave your email in the comment so I can contact you in the event you beat the odds.

Want extra chances? Subscribe to Gouldylox Reviews, follow me through Google (on the right!), leave a comment on our Facebook page or Tweet about this contest (be sure to include @Gouldylox in your tweet). This contest is open for 14 days to residents of the US and a winner will be selected by random.org on August 11th. While you wait to win, check out the other contests on FreeGretchen.com. Good luck! THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED AND THE WINNER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL. THANKS!

Product will be shipped out by Lamas Beauty.
Product was sent for the purposes of review. Chinese Herbs are not tested on animals.


Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

End of June Hair Update: Peter Lamas Chinese Herbs, Month 2

I'll make this short and sweet. It's still growing faster than fast, thanks to Peter Lamas Hair Care. Check out my review of his Chinese Herbs from last month here.


Here is what my hair looked like at the end of May.


Below is what it looked like after my second month using Peter Lamas Chinese Herb shampoo, conditioner and revitalizing mist.


(My hair as of the end of June.)


This bang is making my brain hurt. How do people ever grow them out? I have jumped ship on having no bangs and wait with bated breath for someone to cancel an appointment with my stylist so I can hack cute, thinned-out bangs into my hair.


(Another view of my hairs at the end of June.)


I tried to photoshop the bangs I wanted on to my head to preview them, but it didn't go well or I would share. I have hacked into them enough to be tolerable, but I am still bugged by them. So advance apologies, B, when you actually see what I did to them.

Either way, it's almost a bob, which has come a long way in January!

Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

End of May Hair Update: Peter Lamas Chinese Herbs Care

Impatient with trying to grow my hair to bombshell lengths, I recently sought help from Peter Lamas, a renowned hairstylist and creator of the Chinese Herbs line. His impressive clientele includes the likes of Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and Jacqueline Kennedy.


(My hair, at the end of April.)



(My hair now, at the end of May.)

Peter's line, Chinese Herbs, helps stimulate the scalp to grow thicker, healthier hair. But can a shampoo and conditioner really make a difference for me as I try to grow my hair longer and faster? According to my research, hair grows about a half inch (on average) per month. So after 32 days of using Chinese Herbs, how much growth did I see?

Before I tell you, I have to explain that typical results with Chinese Herbs are usually apparent after two to three months, but users can often see results much faster than that. My hair normally grows slightly more than a half of an inch per month. I usually have to color my hair every three to four weeks to keep up with new growth.

In the month I used Chinese Herbs, my hair grew about 7/8 of an inch. (Yes, I pulled out hair and measured!). That is fast! So fast in fact, my hairdresser jokingly mocked that if my hair is growing too fast for me to financially keep up with coloring it, I should stop using the Chinese Herbs! For the record, I am using only the Shampoo, Conditioner, Styling Cream and Revitalizing Mist. I am not using the Serum.


(My hair growth after 32 days using Chinese Herbs. Now let's pretend you never saw that color hair coming out of ME, ok? Thanks.)


As I was seeing such amazing results I wanted to chat with Peter to find out exactly how the Chinese Herbs line works. Here's a portion of our chat:

GR: So far, I am seeing some pretty amazing results after using the Chinese Herbs Shampoo, Conditioner and Spray for a few weeks. I understand it is stimulating the scalp, but I'm already seeing results! How does it work?

PL: Chinese Herbs products are based on the known results that Chinese medicine has yielded for centuries. We combined smart science with natural ingredients to help create a product that gives men and women thicker, stronger, more beautiful hair. The fact that your hair is growing faster is a side effect of having a healthy, stimulated scalp. You need both smart science and natural, proven ingredients. Nature can't do it alone. Together, the two can produce amazing, beautiful hair.

GR: What makes Chinese Herbs different from other scalp stimulating products?

PL: Simply put, the formula we have created acts similar to the way that the cholesterol- lowering drugs work. It breaks up the sebum that is clogging your follicle, allowing your hair to grow in a healthy manner - revitalized, strong and beautiful. Our hair ages like our bodies do and this formula is like serious skin care for your hair.

GR: What is one thing women can do to improve the quality of their hair?

PL: Never, and I mean ever, wrap a towel around wet hair. Hair becomes like barbed wire, sticking to itself. When you brush through your hair after removing the towel, you literally rip and tear strands of your hair. It is one of the most damaging things women do without realizing it.

GR: With so many products on the market, what inspired you to create something using Chinese Medicine instead of some of the current chemical ingredients showing up everywhere?

PL: I had watched environmental factors play a detrimental role in the lives of many women, including my own mother. We have to be very careful of the products we use. Some ingredients, like parabens, are still approved for use, despite the building evidence they may in fact be harmful. I want to help women be their most beautiful self; healthy, strong and vibrant. I create products to safely do just that.



(photo courtesy of The Court Yard Hounds & Sony Music)


I can't believe how fast my hair has grown. At this rate, it should hit my shoulders by Thanksgiving. I think my new hairspiration is going to be Emily Robinson from the Court Yard Hounds. I have no clue how you deal with that much hair, but since it's growing this fast, I might just get there and be forced to learn! Have you tried any of Peter Lamas' products? Tell me in the comments!

Products were sent to me for the purposes of review.

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Growing My Hair : The End of April Update

For those of you following the extremely s l o w saga of my journey to find something to sprout hair quickly from my head, here is the update.

When we last discussed this, I was taking vitamins from Phyto (which are really helping). My hair has gone from this:


to this:

in about four months. Not too shabby! But, it's not fast enough (I have no patience). I have been looking all over for something to really stimulate my scalp and get my hair growing faster, healthier and thicker. And I am still in search of better ways to style it to make the growing out phase not as painful. Some days are ok. Other days, I feel like I am wearing a hair helmet from the 80's. I am so painstakingly picky about my hair on a good day, the bad days have me itching to cut it off.


So for the next several weeks, to encourage faster, better growth, I will be trying Chinese Herbs Stimulating Shampoo and Conditioner from Peter Lamas. This shampoo and conditioner is designed to make thinning hair grow; making it healthy along the way. While my hair isn't thinning, several people have told me that these kind of shampoos will help hair grow thicker, healthier and maybe a little faster, providing you can find one that actually works. I also have some Chinese Herbs Revitalizing Mist, which is a leave-in treatment that promotes healthy hair growth. I can certainly use any extra help I can get, especially since my hair is put through the ringer with the constant coloring and heat styling.

I am also happy to report that Lamas products are vegan (no animal testing, no animal ingredients), paraben-free, sulphate free, with the majority incorporating plant-based, organic and certified organic ingredients. While being vegan or not vegan isn't specifically a dealbreaker for me personally, if these products live up to their claims, I will be much happier that they are vegan and paraben/sulfate-free. I have only used this system once, and maybe it's the change in 'poo, but my hair feels glorious. I think I was actually singing to Loxy (while dancing around our bedroom) about how amazing my hair felt after I blew it out.


I have been taking your advice and trying to work headbands and barrettes into the mix, but not sure how to do this without looking like a pumpkin head. My favorite find so far is this beadazzled clip from La Papillon. I feel a little weird about wearing this hair accoutrement, maybe because it is a little out of character for me or maybe because I feel like it screams, "LOOK AT ME! I AM GROWING MY HAIR AND HAVE NO CLUE WHAT TO DO WITH IT!" (Am I the only one who feels this way?) I also cheated and trimmed my bangs a tiny bit. The amount trimmed is negligible, but they have a slightly different shape, which makes me feel better.

If you have any other ideas on how to deal with growing out your hair, please let me know. Have you tried the Peter Lamas line? Let me know if you have! A little insider birdy told me that celebs like Kiefer Sutherland ditched their prescriptions for thinning hair in favor of Chinese Herbs from Peter Lamas. I'll be sure to let you know how it goes! And in the meantime, if you have any other ideas on something to do with my hair as it grows, please tell me!

Peter Lamas products were sent to me for the purposes of review.

Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.