1. As I’ve become increasingly aware of (and appalled by) how much plastic we churn through as a society, I’ve tried to cut down on my own usage where I can, stocking up on stainless-steel straws, canvas grocery bags, refillable water containers. Sometimes, though, plastic seems unavoidable, for example in those bottles containing my favorite hair products. (Sorry, I’m just not down with shampoo bars.) So I was delighted when my hairstylist introduced a refill station for shampoo and conditioner at her salon. Pena Parlour owner Misty Bryson, pictured, stocks Kevin Murphy hair products and offers refills for six washes and rinses from the high-quality line. The products are all sulphate- and paraben-free in addition to being cruelty-free (many are vegan, too). When I’m out, I just bring in my old container and get it refilled for a discount of $7 a bottle, which helps my wallet, too. Depending the product, regular prices range from $30.95 to $37.95 for a 250-milliliter bottle. The salon is at 1260 Young St.; 798-0084. — E. Clarke Reilly
2. I wasn’t lucky enough to be blessed with thick, luxurious locks. My fine, thin hair requires much work — precision cuts, mousses and hairsprays galore — to provide volume. Alas, now that I’ve hit the far end of middle age, my hair is thinning. I was beside myself until I found Great Hair Day Fill-In Powder from Joan Rivers Beauty, an indispensable product applied with a brush to thin areas of the scalp, giving the illusion of a fuller head of hair. Now, we’ve all seen those infomercials pushing cans of foam meant to imitate hair — horrific. This product is NOT that. It artfully provides shading to the scalp to insinuate shadows created by hair. This is on my “desert island” list of things I can’t live without. Find Great Hair Day for $29.50 at qvc.com, where a shade chart aids in finding the proper match for your hair color. — Joleen Oshiro
3. Living in a (year-round) humid city with a head of curly hair, I’m always on the lookout for a lasting hairspray that will help tame the frizz. Many products I’ve used hold well at first, then peter out. For outdoor parties, I almost never wore my hair down for fear of looking like the Lion King after a few hours. Then I discovered Oribe’s Impermeable Anti-Humidity Spray (a 5.5-ounce can is $42). Its “Miami tested” formula holds hairstyles well in tropical heat without the helmet-head vibe. I also love the line’s Superfine Strong Hairspray (a 9-ounce can is $42) which locks in your style yet leaves your hair brushable. Both have the line’s lovely signature Cote d’Azur scent with notes of bergamot, jasmine and sandalwood. The Impermeable spray is also available in a 2.2-ounce purse size for $22. Find them at Neiman Marcus at Ala Moana Center or neimanmarcus.com. — E. Clarke Reilly
4. Fuller Brush makes this 2-inch-tall device that looks like it could be a rake for a troll doll. It’s actually a wire hairbrush cleaner and it is the tool I’ve needed my whole life. You may think you’re cleaning your brush well enough by pulling out strands of hair with your fingers, but rake through it with these mighty tines and you’ll see how much hairy debris you’re missing. I haven’t seen it in local stores, but many types of rakelike brush cleaners are available online. This one sells for $5 at Walter Drake (wdrake.com). I have one for my brush and one for my dog’s. — Betty Shimabukuro
5. When I unpacked the Twirler Ball Brush, my husband thought it was some kind of club; my dog thought it was a chew toy. It is actually a wicked-looking but wisely designed blow-drying brush. Because of its shape and size (11 inches around), strands of hair are evenly spread out to dry quickly, in soft waves. It’s designed so air flows through the brush. With bristles all the way around, it does its duty no matter the angle it’s held (makes it easier to do the back of the head). Twirl as you go to create curls. The brushes are widely available online in several colors and designs, at prices from around $8 to more than $30, depending on size and source. Ulta Beauty stores carry a version as well. — Betty Shimabukuro
6. For years, I’ve taken care not to fuss a lot with my curly locks after getting out of the shower, to keep the frizz at bay. Plus, since hair is more vulnerable when wet, I don’t want create any more breakage, resulting in further flyaways. The lightweight Aquis Waffle Luxe Hair Turban quickly wicks away water and reduces drying time, which helps keep hair smooth. A regular towel can grab hair cuticles, creating friction and fuzz; not so the turban’s proprietary fabric. The turban, which comes in a few colors, is $40 at Neiman Marcus at Ala Moana Center or neimanmarcus.com.
Pro tip: If you prefer a towel over a turban, spend $125 or more on a beauty purchase at Neiman Marcus’ Camp Gorgeous event and get an Aquis Lisse Luxe Hair Towel (regularly $30) as a gift. The promotion runs through June 16. — E. Clarke Reilly
Please keep in mind that featured products may be in short supply and may not be available at all store locations; prices may vary. The information presented represents the authors’ opinions and experiences; your results may vary. Tell us what you are loving this week by emailing creilly@staradvertiser.com.
