9 Best (and Affordable) Hair Salons in Brooklyn

by Jillian Ruder, NEW YORK GAL

Can you believe Rachel was a level 7 Wella Redhead before this appointment?!?! Double Process Color Correction by @brooklynbalayage 💛

Check out some of the most affordable and amazing hair salons in Brooklyn!

Now that summer is coming up, it’s time for a little bit of an appearance change! One easy thing you can do is a hair glow up! And now, lucky for you, it’s going to get a little more budget-friendly! There are some hair salons in Brooklyn that do an amazing job at such an affordable price! 

Let’s face it – with everything going on in the world, we could all use a little upgrade in our lives. There can be so many different ways to do that, such as redecorating the house or learning a new skill! However, it can just a little more fun to give your hair a little switch up! It can help boost our overall self-esteem and confidence and who doesn’t want that?

Where Are The Best (And Most Inexpensive) Hair Salons in Brooklyn?

As we all know, everything in New York is just a little both more expensive. And unfortunately, that’s going to include hair salons and the services that you receive. However, just because we live in an expensive city, doesn’t mean there aren’t hidden gems!

It can be hard to find good hair salon that does a decent job at a decent price! However, you’re in luck because I did the work for you! I’ve done my own personal research and come up with a master list! These are some of the best (according to online ratings, reviews and articles) hair salons in Brooklyn that stand at an affordable price. If you’re looking for an affordable one stop salon, then New Light may be the place for you! Located in Bath Beach, Brooklyn, New Light offers a wide range of services including: hair treatment, skincare and eyelash services!

All of the stylists are very experienced and can offer a variety of hair services to you! Looking for something fancy like an ombre balayage? They got you covered! They also offer things of the simpler side, such as quick cuts and blow-dry, as well as haircuts for men as well!

Maria’s Hair Salon

This next one of the hair salons in Brooklyn is nothing less than the best! And it is clearly shown through its multiple 5-star reviews and testimonials that have been left on their website. Not sure what you’re looking for? No worries! Maria’s Hair Salon has the ability to review and get a personal quote on their website! Find out the exact price catered to you for the most customized and satisfactory experience!

Beautébar

All rise for women-owned businesses! Hence the reason we decided to include Beautebar, located in Williamsburg! Founded by Samantha (@zero_to_platinuim), the salon “Beautepro’s” include Stephanie (@stylessbysteph), Genesis (@kittycat_hair) and Jessica (@loveisinthehairchair)!

Beautébar first opened its doors to the public in just 2019. However, just because it’s a newer business, doesn’t mean it can’t be an established one! The salon’s hair services range from “So Basic” such as a cut and blow-dry to “So Extra” such as scalp facials and Brazilian blowouts!

Union Beauty Salon

Need a salon open and ready 7 days a week? Union Beauty Salon, one of the many hair salons in Brooklyn, which is located in Park Slope is at your service! It’s open for extended hours every day (8 A.M to 9 P.M with a store cleaning from 2 to 2:30 P.M)!

It’s no secret why this salon has earned nothing from praise from its online reviews! They offer such a wide variety of services to their clients, ranging from special events styling to a full coverage balayage!

Delilah Salon

Delilah Salon is for those of you who like a little edge when it comes to your hairstyles! Located in Park Slope, Delilah Salon is one of the more classic and traditional hair salons in Brooklyn!

Looking for a package deal? That’s right – Delilah Salon has it all! When booking a haircutting service there, it includes a consultation, shampoo, and condition as well as a professional blow-dry!

Hair & Co. BKLYN

Hair & Co. is one of the more unique hair salons in Brooklyn, but one of the best at that! They offer the ability to book a wide range of services under a variety of pricing! Why the different pricing? Well, Hair & Co. allows the client to book with stylists that come in a range of experience, which then impacts the price! Although each stylist is great, it allows you to really cater to your budget while still getting quality service!

Etta Salon

Taken right from the company sight “At Etta we take classic techniques and add a modern sensibility to create the perfect look for your hair texture, maintenance routine and personal style.” Their services are there to help you live your best life! Again, they offer such a wide variety and range of goods and services to their clients at a great price! Looking for someone to book for your wedding or other events? Etta Salon is there for you.

Fox & Jane Salon

Fox & Jane is one of the best hair salons in Brooklyn to go to if you’re looking for a day of pampering and self-care! It prides itself on giving quality hair services at a fair price – in fact, you pay based on your hair length as well as technical difficulty!

At such a fair base price, it’s no wonder why Fox & Jane offer such a wide variety of services to their clients, ranging from hair cuts to coloring. They want to make sure that you receive quality service and a reasonable price!

The Bird House

The Bird House is one of those hair salons in Brooklyn that just knows that sometimes people aren’t always willing to break the bank to get a good hair service! They offer a wide range of stylists that fit into many price ranges!

As with many, the salon charges based on the length of your current hair due to the fact that it reflects on how much work will be needed to invest in the service! As a result, there are so many different options for many different styles!

Hair Salons Can Be Good And Affordable

If there’s one thing you should take away from this article, it’s that hair salons can be good as well as reasonably priced at the same time! Feel free to check out these hair salons in Brooklyn or let us know some of your favorites!

8 Stress-Busting Products That Cut Your Morning Routine in Half

By Dominique Michelle Astorino, WELL + GOOD

Whether you commute to the office, work from the couch, are chasing a toddler, or are simply on the go, the mornings can be a hurried and stressful period of the day, particularly if your routine is complicated. Fortunately, a few simplifications here and there can fuse steps together, allowing you to maximize your time, reduce stress, and perhaps even enjoy a few spare moments of peace before you go on with the rest of your plans. Ahead, versatile, multifunctional must-haves that’ll gift you with a handful of extra minutes, and give you the chance to start your day on the right foot.

Davines Oi All In One Milk

One product, so many functions. The Davines Oi all-in-one product is a leave-in detangler, hair softener, and a smoother to reduce frizz. It also works as a heat protectant if you’re taking a few more minutes for a blow out or style with hot tools.

How I Treat My Damaged Hair After I Assault It With Chemicals

With great hair color, comes an entire arsenal of hair care products to make sure it stays on my head.

BY SABLE YONG, ALLURE

As a double-process hair color veteran since 2015, I have chemically scorched my hair to hell and back in the name of platinum blonde, mermaid blue hair, and the chunky, face-framing highlights that I didn't know at the time would become the last two years' favored hair color DIY. I honestly cannot remember the last time I've allowed my hair to grow two inches past the root without accosting it with chemicals at the salon. What can I say? Being a hair-color chameleon is kind of my thing (and a lot less work than maintaining this charming personality).

However, as anyone who dabbles in double-processing knows, it wreaks absolute havoc on your strands — in some cases, melting them until they're the texture of overcooked spaghetti. I've tried nearly every hair treatment out there for breakage and damage control. I've even tried adapting my lifestyle to better care for my gorgeous-yet-fragile hair color. Is it expensive? Yes. Is it tedious? Can be. But so is owning a show dog, and this is a bit like having a show dog that lives on your head.

Before you do anything, find a colorist you trust

Not to doubt your skill and adeptness at following instructions, but there are many lessons box dye just cannot teach you, and really there is no substitute to having an experienced pro painting your strands. I've been seeing Elizabeth Hiserodt at Cutler Salon in New York City for years and she's deftly been able to lift me from my naturally jet-black hair to platinum blonde and plenty of colors in between whilst keeping most of it intact. So, find your own Elizabeth is what I'm saying. Also, if you're planning to lift your hair from very dark to very light, clear your schedule for the rest of the day. This is not a salon appointment that can be completed during your lunch break. Trust me. 

Wash Your Hair Responsibly

Washing your hair is obviously necessary but unfortunately, it messes with your hair color. Plus, wet hair is more fragile than when it's dry, so why would you want to put it in its most vulnerable state more often than you must? (Everyone's wash day schedule is a personal thing that I will never judge!) My shower is basically a hair pantry, considering how many hair-care products I use in rotation. (Mind you, I wash every three to four days, so they last a long time.) 

Davines' Naturaltech line has been a lifesaver for my hair — particularly the Nourishing Shampoo, Nourishing Keratin Sealer, and Nourishing Hair Builder Pack. They're super gentle and extremely moisturizing, making my hair feel like actual silk, despite being very straw-like, I kid you not.

Dry Your Hair Responsibly, Too

Wet hair must be babied so air-drying is ideal, of course. But also the towel you use to dry with can help (never rub, always blot and squeeze hair gently when towel-drying). I love Aquis's Rapid Dry Hair Wrap for its super absorbent material and easy-to-wrap-and-secure shape. I don't know about you, but trying to keep my hair wrapped in a regular bath towel is like trying to keep cats in a bag — they always wriggle free. This towel is a total keeper: I can easily do my skin-care routine or just sit on my sofa in my towel as I dissociate to TikToks, my freshly-washed hair safely nested on my dome. 

Sometimes air-drying is just not the move, though. I can't always wait six-plus hours for my hair to fully air-dry before I leave the house. Very porous hair like mine hordes moisture so it takes me hours to air-dry. Hours! Because I'm an extremely fancy person with very unimpressive muscle tone in my arms, I use Dyson's Supersonic Hair Dryer. That air is hot and fast, and the dryer is blessedly lightweight enough that my arms don't feel like spaghetti by the end of my blowout. It has a temperature control feature that keeps the heat steady, so I don't unintentionally fry my hair. I usually air-dry halfway and then blow-dry on a medium-to-low heat setting to finish the job. Because I believe in science, heat protectants are absolutely necessary when blow-drying or using curling or flat irons. King informed me that the best time to apply them is a few minutes just before heat-styling. 

The Hair Maintenance Extras

Anything that comes in contact with my hair must be soft, pliable, or Gucci (kidding, kidding…maybe). Seriously though, silk or satin pillowcases do help lessen frizz and breakage. Think about it — you're tossing and turning, pressing your hair against cotton or linen all night long. That can roughen up the cuticle, which leads to tangles, frizz, and then breakage. Quelle dommage. 

I am also a fan of the Tangle Teezer because the bristles are flexible and yield to any tension when you're brushing through your hair, so it doesn't tear through knots — especially when you're detangling wet hair. Hot tip: Start brushing the bottom of your hair first and work your way up to clear through snags safely.

Truthfully, I am not loyal to any hair oils, especially after this TikTok from cosmetic chemist Javon Ford (@javonford16) broke my damn heart. I will sparingly swipe some coconut oil or Eva Nyc's Mane Magic 10-in-1 Split End Mender onto the ends of my damp hair to tamp down frizzies and add a bit of shine. 

The Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Curly Hair

by Eleonore Condo, WMAGAZINE

According to expert hairstylist Shelby Samaria, this nourishing duo from Davines hydrates fine to medium curls without weighing them down.

After years of relaxer treatments, too much straightening, and consistent blowouts, I’ve turned my efforts towards having the healthiest curls possible. Some days, it’s a struggle of frizz, split ends, and looking like Weird Al. But lately, I’ve been having more of those golden days where each of my fine, 3b curls is doing their special spirally-thing, and I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and ask, “Is that a Botticelli painting?” No disrespect to Mr. Yankovic, but I’m striving for Botticelli.

Enter the two main characters in my hair’s rebirth: Davines Naturaltech Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner. The intensely moisturizing formula has strengthened my hair considerably and keeps my curls hydrated, bouncy, and smelling like pine needles and freshly cut grass for days.

I first heard of Davines products from my stylist, the curly hair maestro Shelby Samaria, who is a huge reason I’ve embraced my hair’s natural texture. “I recommended this Davines set because one, it's made sustainably,” Samaria explained to me. “Two, it's pretty diverse in terms of making all textures and hair porosities feel loved—it repairs, hydrates, and nourishes the hair.” Samaria says this combo works particularly well for fine to medium waves and curls because it hydrates without adding any extra weight. “For medium to coarse, kinky, and coily textures, I usually cocktail with several products on those textures because, as a 4c+ girl myself, we tend to need lots of hydration,” she notes.

Thanks to Davines’ superior formula (and Samaria’s expertise), every time I walk past a reflective surface I hear the words of Cher Horowitz echoing in my ear, “She looks like one of those Botticelli chicks.” A hair renaissance indeed.

7 of the best shampoos and conditioners for hair during chemotherapy

Medical News Today

Many companies produce shampoos and conditioners for people undergoing chemotherapy. These products may strengthen the hair, make it appear fuller, and add moisture. This article discusses how chemotherapy affects hair and tips to help a person choose hair products during chemotherapy. It also explores a range of shampoos and conditioners, tips people can follow to manage their hair loss, and frequently asked questions.

Quick links

• For a rosemary-scented product: Alra Mild Conditioning Shampoo

• For a caffeine shampoo: Davines Energizing Shampoo

• For a variety of hair types: Davines OI Shampoo

• For curly hair: Mielle Organics Babassu Conditioning Shampoo

• For a hair growth oil: Alikay Naturals Essential 17 Hair Growth Oil

• For a leave-in lotion: Oyin Handmade Hair Dew

• For a sensitive scalp: Paisle Botanics Re:Covery Biotin Thickening Shampoo

How chemotherapy affects hair

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that can cause hair loss or hair thinning. It can affect the eyebrows, eyelashes, pubic hair, and hair on the legs. However, not all chemotherapy causes hair loss. Some chemotherapy medication has no effect whatsoever on hair.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS)Trusted Source, hair loss may occur as chemotherapy damages cells that are dividing rapidly, including both cancer and hair follicle cells.

It also states that some individuals may lose all their hair within a few weeks of starting their treatment. If hair loss occurs, it usually becomes more visible one or two months after starting chemotherapy.

Breastcancer.orgTrusted Source states that some breast cancer medications that can cause the hair to fall out include:

• paclitaxel (Taxol)

• doxorubicin (Adriamycin)

• epirubicin (Ellence)

• cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)

Learn more about when hair grows back after chemotherapy here.

How to choose shampoo and conditioner for chemotherapy

A person undergoing chemotherapy may wish to consider the following when choosing shampoo and conditioner:

• Ingredients: It is best to check the ingredients present in the formula and choose products that are gentle on the scalp. Many brands offer hair products that come without fragrance, sulfates, or parabens. These may be more suitable for sensitive scalps.

• Hair type: A person should choose a hair product that best suits their hair type. Some products work better on dry hair, while others are more effective on hair with a high chance of breaking.

• Price: Cancer treatment can be costly, and individuals should consider their budget while choosing a product.

The next section explores some of the best hair products for people going through chemotherapy in further detail.

How we choose products

Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:

• Price: Products will suit a variety of budgets.

• Suitability: Products are suitable for different hair types.

• Design: Manufacturers have designed products to strengthen hair and reduce its chance of breaking.

Some of the best hair products for chemotherapy  

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Davines Energizing Shampoo

For a caffeine shampoo

According to the manufacturer, this shampoo is for individuals who have thinning and breakage-prone hair. One of its ingredients is caffeine, which the company claims can help increase circulation and improve hair elasticity.

In addition, Davines suggests the shampoo prevents weak hair from breaking.

This product does not contain parabens or sulfates.

Davines OI Shampoo

For a variety of hair types

According to the manufacturer, this shampoo is suitable for all hair types. The company also manufactures an OI conditioner.

The shampoo contains:

• roucou oil

• sunflower seed oil

• vitamin E

How to take care of hair during chemotherapy

The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center provides tips to help people take care of their hair during chemotherapy. They suggest people try:

• covering their head during summer

• washing and conditioning the hair every 2 or 4 days

• brushing the hair gently with a soft-bristle brush or comb

• wearing a hat, scarf, or wig to keep the head warm in winter

• using a soft towel to pat dry the hair

Some tools and styles can be harsh as they pull on the hair. As a result, there are some things that it is best for a person receiving chemotherapy to avoid, including:

• straightening their hair

• putting the hair in braids or ponytails

• using hair ties, bobby pins, and barrettes

The ACSTrusted Source states that people who want to buy a wig may consider choosing synthetic material rather than those made with human hair. These may be more affordable and require less maintenance.

Breastcancer.orgTrusted Source suggests that while hair loss can be challenging, people may find a sense of fun and control by experimenting with new looks and embracing having very short or no hair.

Learn more about choosing a wig for chemotherapy here.

Frequently asked questions

Below are some common questions and answers about hair products for those undergoing chemotherapy.

How can I strengthen my hair during chemotherapy?

The United Kingdom’s Macmillan Cancer Support states that there are various ways that people can help strengthen their hair while undergoing chemotherapy. These include:

• washing the hair with a non-medicated shampoo to remove tangles

• avoiding hair dyes, bleach, hairdryers, and curling irons

• combing wet hair with a wide-toothed comb

• wearing a hairnet in bed to collect loose hair

A person may also wish to speak with a doctor for advice.

What is the best shampoo for hair regrowth after chemotherapy?

According to Breastcancer.orgTrusted Source, there are shampoos for thinning hair that people can use to manage mild to moderate hair loss. Volumizing shampoos may also help make the hair look fuller.

A person may also consider asking a doctor about shampoos for hair regrowth.

What should I use on my scalp during chemotherapy?

Cancer Research UK states that individuals with cancer can cover their heads with a wig and use sticky pads to keep the wig secure. However, this may not be the best option, especially in summer, as wigs can feel hot and itchy.

People may also opt for hats, scarves, or baseball caps.

Another option is using cold caps, tools that provide scalp cooling. A person wears a cold cap to lower the temperature of their scalp, which also reduces blood flow.

Does hair return to its previous state after chemotherapy?

Breastcancer.orgTrusted Source states that people may notice that their hair looks and feels different at first from how it was before.

However, it also states that if the hair does not grow back or grows back thinner after the treatment, it is best to see a dermatologist. This is because other conditions may be causing hair thinning or loss, such as a thyroid disorder or stress.

Summary

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that can cause hair thinning or hair loss.

Various shampoos and conditioners are suitable for people receiving cancer treatment. These may help protect the hair and scalp. A person should avoid using hair dryers, hair dyes, or hair ties, as these can be harsh on the scalp.

People may also wish to speak with a doctor about what types of hair products to use during chemotherapy.

What Can A Shampoo Bar Teach Us About Sustainable Beauty?

By Devon Barrow, Mind Body Green

Launching a brand that champions sustainability is a journey that takes dedication, transparency, and the willingness to look at how every product and process affects the greater planet. Becoming a major player in the sustainability conversation is a story that unfolds over time. Davines Group, a family-owned hair and skin care brand founded in Parma, Italy, is a perfect example of this green narrative.

Ever since 2006, Davines has woven sustainability into their brand ethics as they've pioneered what is known as the "farm-to-shower" movement. Each new chapter in their story is more inspiring than the last—and what's the latest? The launch of their new Essential Haircare Shampoo Bar, a more sustainable version of the liquid Essential Haircare line (a long time mbg-fave).

The moral of this sustainable story: carbon net-zero.

Davines is reputed for their incredibly high-quality products, like their iconic Essential Haircare, but also for their many eco-friendly initiatives. And it all started with what Davines refers to as "The Awakening." In 2006, they began monitoring and offsetting the carbon emissions that came from the production of the Essential Haircare line. They also started using electricity from renewable sources in Parma, Italy.

The next decade of Davines' sustainable journey continued to address emissions related to packaging their products. And what was the goal? To become a carbon-neutral company: removing the same amount of carbon dioxide they were emitting into the atmosphere. As of 2018—Davines succeeded, offsetting 100% of the CO2 emissions from their packaging, production plant, and worldwide offices.

But of course, their carbon initiatives do not end there—because a pioneering spirit always strives to push the needle. In 2019, Davines pledged to be Net Zero by 2030. To be Net Zero, Davines has to measure, monitor, and neutralize all carbon emissions related to their products, down to the level of hairdressers and consumers like us. Not an easy feat, but as Davide Bollati, president of Davines Group, says, "We have only 10 years left to apply concrete measures for a regenerative paradigm: If we wait too long, the damage caused by men—starting with climate change—will be irreversible."

The plotline of their products.

Alongside their carbon initiatives, every Davines product has its own sustainable sub-story, and the Essential Haircare formula should be bookmarked for innovation in clean beauty. Since 2015, the formula has incorporated active, endangered ingredients from Slow Food Presidia farms in Italy.

Davines has thus created a demand for these unique ingredients, which might otherwise go extinct. In short: The Essential Haircare line doesn't just provide a glorious shower experience—it protects biodiversity and Slow Food, too. But the ongoing theme with Davines is, "We still aren't there yet." It's that steadfast devotion to sustainability once again that led to the introduction of MOMO, DEDE, LOVE, and VOLU Essential Haircare Shampoo Bars—a plastic-free, low-impact, CO2 neutral spin on their classic line that's custom for every hair type. At the very least, it simply feels good to have one less plastic bottle in the shower. But the benefits go on...

One shampoo bar provides up to 60% more washes (up to 40) compared to the classic liquid line. And each bar still incorporates those farm-to-shower ingredients. The moisturizing MOMO bar, for example, includes Yellow Paceco Cartucciaru melon extract from the farm of Francesca Simonte from Dattilo, Trapani. We don't know about you, but it's darn refreshing to know the name and place of who and where our products came from.

Together we can do so much.

When it comes to sustainability, Davines is in it for the long haul—and that's why their journey is exemplary.

Their mission is not limited to a single project—it's woven into every aspect of their growth as a company, a fundamental part of which has included partnerships with other socio-environmental progressive organizations. In 2016, Davines became a certified B Corp and in 2019 became a certified B Corporation, meeting a set of standards that balance purpose and profit. In terms of profit, they've partnered with 1% For The Planet, donating 1% of every online purchase to a charity (giving us a way to also contribute). Davines continues to celebrate community-supported agriculture (CSA) through their Beauty From The Ground Up Program, which helps us support the local farmers who grow our food. As the famous quote goes, "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."

The bottom line.

From the corporate to the individual level, sustainability is not a box we check on a larger to-do list. Sustainability is an ever-evolving story. And when it comes to beauty—where the products and brands we choose directly affect our body and health—this is a story we want to look for. The new Essential Haircare Shampoo Bar is one simple, empowered choice but a symbol of something far greater. Davines sets the (shampoo) bar high, supporting our individual well-being and the planet as a whole, embracing the age-old wisdom that we cannot separate the two.

7 best shampoos for dry hair 2021: Davines, Olaplex and more

These picks are like "a big drink of water for your hair."

By Emma Stessman, TODAY

Conditioner often gets the most credit for reviving dry, damaged strands. But for those dealing with dryness, washing your hair with a good, hydrating shampoo can be an essential first step in helping your mane look and feel its healthiest.

There are a number of reasons why you may be dealing with dry hair in the first place. According to celebrity hairstylist Cory Aaron Scott, things like sun exposure, over-coloring your hair and frequent use of hot tools can all cause dryness. To counter the issue, he recommends looking for products with hydrating oils, like argan, grapeseed, jojoba, coconut and maracuja and avoiding unwanted ingredients like parabens, triclosan and sulfates, which can worsen the problem.

With that in mind, we rounded up seven of the best, expert-recommended shampoos to breathe new life into your strands.

Scott is "obsessed" with this shampoo from Davines, which he said is a top seller in his own salon. "The results are fantastic, and it smells wonderful," he added. The moisturizing shampoo is made with Cartucciaru melon extract, which replenishes moisture and delivers essential vitamins and minerals to nourish hair.

This award-winning formula delivers unbeatable results, thanks to its proprietary Alpha Keratin 60ku(R) blend, Scott said. The unique keratin protein is almost identical to the one found in your own, hair, skin and nails, so it can effectively bind to your strands and fill in areas of damage. On top of that, the shampoo also features hydrating baobab seed oil and hydrolyzed quinoa, which helps your hair hold onto moisture.

Amazon Shoppers Report "Touchably Soft" Curls After Using This Serum It’s like shine and bounce in a bottle.

By Lauren Rearick, Instyle

Davines products for curly hair.

Caring for your curly hair takes patience, product, and the correct styling technique. Those with curls know it can take trial and error to find the items that work best for your particular ringlet pattern. Once you do discover what works for you, expect to witness a serious transformation of your curls. In the case of one popular Amazon option, shoppers say it's been a "miracle" inclusion in their curly hair routine.

Davines formulated its This Is A Curl Building Serum to help with common curly hair woes.

The leave-in serum promotes hydration, bounce, and an overall improvement in curl appearance with a formula that includes vitamin B5 and plant-based hydratants. When applied, the serum helps curls become resistant to moisture and humidity.

More Inside This Is A Curl Building Serum adds elasticity and shine to curls while preventing frizz and blocking humidity.

One reviewer confirmed that their curls held up, writing, "This not only gives superior control of my curls it also leaves my curls touchably soft...Finding a product that holds up to the insane temperatures and weather conditions this climate dishes out is a breath of fresh air." They went on to call the serum, "one of the best products out there." Another shopper also claimed that their hair "hardly ever gets frizzy anymore."

Simply apply a small amount of the serum throughout damp hair and then resume your normal hair routine. As one reviewer explained, "[The serum] allows me to let my hair dry naturally. As long as I only use a tiny bit and massage it into all my hair, my hair no longer looks unkempt when I don't brush it. That allows the curls to look shiny, bouncy and perfectly curled." Simply apply a small amount of the serum throughout damp hair and then resume your normal hair routine.

As one reviewer explained, "[The serum] allows me to let my hair dry naturally. As long as I only use a tiny bit and massage it into all my hair, my hair no longer looks unkempt when I don't brush it. That allows the curls to look shiny, bouncy and perfectly curled."

Those with waves, as well as thick and long hair, all swear by the serum. "I've been using this for years. Nothing else comes close, and I've tried just about every popular curl preparation trying to avoid paying this price tag, but I've wasted so much money on products that didn't come close to these results," a shopper with "coarse" curls wrote. 

According to another reviewer, you can end your search for the perfect curl product. "[It] holds my naturally curly hair beautifully," they wrote. "My curls are especially difficult to manage, and in the chaotic Midwest humid weather they love to frizz. This is the only product that will define and hold my curls. I've tried 20 or more products and nothing else works." Sounds like it's definitely time for you to give this serum a try. Head to Amazon now and pick up the Davines product for yourself.

Explore a sustainable skincare village in Parma, Italy

Davines Village in Parma, Italy is an experiment in truly sustainable beauty production

Creating a sustainable beauty brand is always a noble but inevitably fraught endeavour. Without even an established definition of what ‘sustainable beauty’ means – does the packaging have to be recyclable? must the formulations be vegan? – it can be difficult to distinguish which brands really deserve the moniker and which are just using it for show. 

Yet even the fiercest sustainability crusader would have to concede that Davines is living up to the title. The Parma, Italy based brand was founded as a cosmetics lab in 1983, before eventually creating its own hair care line, Davines, in 1993 and then a skincare line, [comfort zone], soon after. Over the course of those 38 years, Davines has distinguished itself from other beauty brands with its earnest and transparent attempts to be eco-conscious.

The most evident example of this is Davines Village, a 77,000 sq m expanse of garden and laboratory in the Italian countryside. The building complex at the heart of the village was designed by Matteo Thun & Partners with interiors by Molteni&C|Dada, and consists of offices, a research laboratory, a production plant, a warehouse, and a large central greenhouse that is both a restaurant and a co-working area.

So many eco-conscious initiatives have been factored into the design and operation of the centre that it’s impossible to succinctly list them all. But some of the most notable include the fact that no single-use plastics are used anywhere on site, the restaurant’s organic waste is repurposed for the garden using a dehydrator, and 100 per cent of the electricity used is derived from renewable sources, such as photovoltaic panels, a solar thermal system and a geothermal system.

The remaining 80 per cent of Davines Village is dedicated to green spaces, including four expansive gardens –  the Garden of Aromas, the Medical Garden, the Garden of Colors and the Garden of Perfumes. There is also a greenhouse that houses an area made for cultivating citrus fruits typical of the Mediterranean, another area made for plants of the humid tropical zones, such as the banana tree, and another for dry tropical areas where catai are commonly found. 

Davines team of researchers use the plants grown in these green areas to develop the formulations that eventually become Davines haircare and  [comfort zone] skincare. Then, once the formulations are developed, the brand outsources the growth of the ingredients it will need to local farmers all of whom are carefully vetted by the brand for their sustainable farming practices. 

The ‘Sacred Nature’ skincare collection is the most recent creation to come out of the Davines Village, and perhaps the most innovative one yet. The seven product line includes everything from cleansers and serums to masks and moisturisers, each formulated with the brand’s new ‘Scientific Garden Extract.’

The Extract is a unique, bio-fermented complex made from elderberries, known for their antibacterial properties, pomegranate peels, used as UV protection damage, and myrtle leaves, which have proven anti-aging benefits. Unsurprisingly, all of the ingredients are sustainably sourced. Either they grown by local Italian farmers who practice regenerative agriculture or, in the case of the pomegranate peels, are made from the waste of a Florence-based juice company.

How Davines Group is rewriting the rules in the beauty space

OLIVIA MORRIS, EMIRATES WOMAN

As one of the pioneers in sustainable beauty, Anthony Molet, CEO of Davines Group, discusses how the brand is rewriting the rules when it comes to doing business in the industry.

Can you talk us through your career?

I was raised in Giremoutiers, France, before moving to Paris in 1993 where I graduated four years later from ESLSCA Business School, a Grande École de Commerce. I then joined the New York subsidiary of a French family-owned company, manufacturing high-end haircare and skincare products, rapidly progressing to the role of Sales Director first for their Salon and then Retail divisions, which also earned me the title of Executive Vice President. In 2008, I joined Davines North America as CEO. During my thirteen-year tenure, I implemented structure and continuity, resulting in steady growth that made North America a key market for the Davines Group. It is with honour and pride that I picked up the baton passed by Paolo Braguzzi, our former CEO. He paved a path for the company with a perfect balance between values, quality products and financial health, and I am looking forward to continuing this journey.

Can you talk us through the history of Davines?

Davines Group is an Italian family company based in Parma, operating on the international haircare and skincare markets through its Davines and [ comfort zone ] brands. The company, founded by the Bollati family, started its journey in 1983 as a research lab specialized in the creation of haircare and skincare products, serving both small local manufacturers and international cosmetics players. In 1993, the Davines brand was born for the professional haircare market. In 1996, the [ comfort zone ] brand was created as the Davines counterpart in the professional skincare market and this includes spas and beauty salons. All formulas are developed and produced within the Group’s laboratories at the Davines Group headquarters in Parma. Both brands are specialized in high sustainable quality products, formulated with an artisanal spirit, and created according to the most recent and advanced cosmetic research and techniques. The Davines Group is present today in over 90 countries. Other than its Parma headquarters, the Group boasts offices in New York, London, Paris, Mexico City, The Netherlands and Hong Kong.

How have things evolved since the brand launched over 30 years ago?

Davines Group has been committed to sustainability for more than 15 years. Over time, our commitment has become increasingly holistic and integrated with all our processes: from the research of the ingredients for your beauty formulas up to the final product on the shelves of our salons. It’s a never-ending path, we certainly already have accomplished a lot to contain our climate impact, but we are constantly raising the bar. Today, we need to move from an extractive model that has depleted our natural resources, to a regenerative one that will allow a future for the next generations.

How would you say you have changed the hair care game?

In 2016, the company became a B Corporation, a company using business as a force for good to generate a positive impact on people, the planet, and communities. B Corp companies work toward reduced inequality, lower levels of poverty, stronger communities, the creation of more high-quality jobs with dignity and purpose, and to protect and regenerate the environment. We have thus rewritten our way of doing business, looking at business as a positive force capable of generating a profit and at the same time creating a virtuous impact on people and the environment. By demonstrating a fundamentally different governance philosophy than a traditional shareholder-centred corporation we are “redefining success in our industry”. I believe that it is increasingly the responsibility of companies to educate consumers and influence their behaviour toward a more sustainable world. What I find so compelling about Davines is that it has the power to impact so many people, just like it did to me.

What sets Davines apart from other hair care products?

Key and distinctive traits of the Davines Group approach are the meticulous attention to quality and details in the development of all products and projects; the search for beauty and excellence, with a typical ‘made in Italy’ taste and culture; and most of all the company’s inspiring core values, which put people, planet, and the community at the heart of every choice.

What is at the heart of Davines’ brand DNA?

At the heart of Davines is sustainable beauty which is the driving force for each of our projects – from formulation to design, to ethics and customers. Our ideal of beauty finds its inspiration in the concept of equilibrium between substance and shape. Our style is inspired by simplicity, harmony and good taste. By creating “beauty” we want to encourage people to take care of themselves, of the environment in which they live and work, and of the things they love. Meanwhile, sustainability deals with the responsibility we owe to ourselves, the people with which we work, our customers, and the world in which we live and operate.

You’ve seen global expansion over the years, particularly here in the Middle East. What haircare habits do you see here in the region that differs from other parts of the world?

In the Middle East, women love to be impeccably groomed and incredibly stylish and it is apparent that hair is an integral part of the region’s beauty DNA. With Arab complexions, hair tends to be very thick and voluminous so consumers like to ensure they are using products that will keep the integrity and health of their hair at its optimum level and give it a fabulous shine.

Another issue for all those who live in the Middle East, whatever their ethnicity, is its desert climate and the high levels of humidity, both of which can adversely affect the hair. This means that consumers look for products that are moisturising but at the same time keep frizz at bay so we find our Love Smooth range is very popular. The climate and frequency of activities such as time spent in chlorinated pools mean that blondes (whether natural or dyed) tend to look for products specific to them and so our Heart of Glass, which was launched earlier in the year, has become a must-have. Unlike other global regions, regular salon blowdries are hugely popular in the Middle East and so styling products that include heat protection are in great demand. Given that beach and pool days are commonplace, it’s little surprise that the tousled beach wave is a go-to style in the region and so our More Inside Salt spray is a best-seller here.

Looking back over your journey building the Davines brand, what are some challenges you’ve had to overcome?

We have always been pioneers in sustainability, even when it wasn’t a top-of-mind concern for others. In the beginning, the hurdle was to let people, our consumers, and other companies in the beauty industry understand why our commitment to the environment was so important to us. Today sustainability is a topic that everybody is raising, and this helped us gain credibility far from the growing trend of greenwashing. Our desire to be “the best for the world” and not the “best in the world” continued to evolve during the years alongside the desire to lead others on the same path, with an advocacy activity that involves the stakeholders and partners with whom we come into contact. In our projects and choices, we are guided by an idea of “human ecology” aimed at rediscovering the fundamental balance between living beings and nature in a harmony that is beneficial for both. In the interdependence that binds all this, there is no social sustainability without environmental sustainability.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, what have been the key milestones?

Significant milestones for us are the following:

• In 1994 as the company grows, Davines begins to export out of Italy. Davines Group is now present in more than 93 countries.

• In 2006 Davines Group starts the path to decarbonization. The Parma office begins to use electricity from renewable sources, and we invest in our first carbon sequestration project for our packaging.

• In 2009 The Charter for Sustainable Research is written, driving the work in our lab to maximize both sustainability and performance, and in 2011 we did the same for The Packaging Research Charter to guide our R&D in designing more sustainable packaging.

• In 2016 Davines Group becomes a certified B Corporation guaranteeing that the company meets the highest standards of transparency, governance, and sustainability.

• And in 2018 the Davines Village opens as Davines Group’s new home in Parma, Italy. We also become a carbon-neutral company neutralizing all the CO2eq emissions under our direct control.

What’s next for Davines?

The next phase of the company is vital to its global development. Always striving to meet the highest standards of social and environmental impact through people, planet and community, we will continue to focus on balancing evolution and growth while prioritizing the group’s core values of ethics, beauty and sustainability.

This is ‘The Renegade Issue’ – how would you define a renegade?

I see “renegade” linked to rewriting “the rules”. In Davines every product or project is born by intuition, leading us to creativity and innovation, always following our values consistently. This can be also applied in the way we are walking our path towards sustainability for a more regenerative business model, thus redefining the rules of doing business in our industry.

Now That I’ve Nailed This Routine, My Blonde Hair Has Never Looked Better

BY AEMILIA MADDEN, THE ZOE REPORT

As a card-carrying member of the blonde-as-a-child club, I’ve spent my adulthood playing with different tones, ombrés, and highlights trying to find my identity. Naturally, my hair these days is more of a woody light brown, but I spend a few days in the sun and streaks of sand start to peek through. I feel blonde (not in an Elle Woods kind of way), but I can only achieve my perceived self’s bright, ashy tone with the help of a colorist and a rotation of products for maintaining the shade — from shampoo for blonde hair to a toning gloss designed to keep my towhead status.

Others who have dabbled in the realms of bleached and brightened hair know that it can be rough on your locks — I’ve had moments where my hair was so dry I was waking up every morning to a matted tangle that took 20 minutes to undo. Regularly refreshing and reviving my hair with the help of hair masks has been a game-changer.

As any beachy blonde should, I’ve also spent a lot of time in the ocean over the past year, and while salt water does naturally lighten up my hair, it also leaves it sticky. So, personally, I’m on the constant search for products that restore my silky, soft texture from root to tip. I’ve also come to learn the importance of a strong rotation of toning products — shampoos, conditioners, and creams — to prevent the blonde from turning brassy over time. Since my skin is more on the olive side, I find that I prefer blonde tones that are on the cooler side, which makes toning regularly all the more important.

Below, I’m unpacking more of my haircare routine to explain exactly how I keep my long, blonde hair healthy between visits to the salon.

We only include products that have been independently selected by TZR’s editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Toning

I’ve tried out a number of toning shampoo and conditioner combos, but both Oribe’s Bright Blonde combo and Davines’ Alchemic duo are personal favorites because they keep my hair feeling healthy between washes (I try to stick to only cleaning my hair once or twice a week) and they both smell luxurious — ideal for a relaxing shower experience. Over the summer I also tested Aveda’s conditioner as part of TZR’s beauty awards, and have kept up using it regularly.

Alchemic Silver Shampoo maintains the clarity and tone of Davines hair colors and protects against the yellowing effects of sun exposure. Color is vibrant, protected, and enhanced. For platinum and cool blonde hair.

Hair Mask

Every few weeks, I’ll add a mask into my routine to ensure that my hair is getting enough moisture. Shu Uemera’s Color Lustre gloss has been my go-to for years on the recommendation of my colorist. It leaves my hair so slick and slippery, and it also acts as a heavy-duty toner for when my color needs a boost. I also swear by Olaplex’s Moisture Mask as a strengthening and hydrating option. More recently I started using Crown Affair’s Renewal Mask on a bi-weekly basis and I’m impressed with how much easier it’s been to manage my super-thick hair. Since I’m currently managing strands that hit just above my hip bones, I love that even the ends (which tend to get extra dry) feel hydrated.

NaturalTech Nourishing Vegetarian Miracle Mask is a deep moisturizing mask for dry and brittle hair. Ideal for thick to coarse hair.

My Hair Is Naturally Wavy and Frizzy—This Oil Is My Secret to a Perfect Air Dry

Gina Vaynshteyn WELL + GOOD

Like most teenagers, I hated my hair. It was a curly-wavy blend of frizz that I had no idea how to style or upkeep, and the DIY Myspace-era bangs certainly didn't help. I'd never heard of hair products outside of Aussie's curl spray (bless that purple bottle—it was my only hope for a good hair day from the 8th to 10th grade—after that, I would straight iron it every single day until my mid-20s). Now that you know my hair journey, you should also know this: I'm 31 years old and I finally, finally love my hair. But it took a lot of experimenting and testing to find the right products to get there.

One of those products I've been using for the last few months is Davines OI Oil, a hair oil that adds shine, tames frizz, and hydrates hair without weighing it down and making it look greasy. It's ideal for protecting hair from styling tools, and it's also a great way to ensure the best possible results if you decide to air dry and still want some shape and body.

I use the oil on days I have no plans whatsoever for styling my hair, and want truly effortless, beachy waves—which is most days, these days. (When I do want a little more structure, I use my Drybar Double Shot hair brush dryer, which is also another hair lifesaver I've written about.)

I discovered Davines years back, when I'd go to a hair salon that exclusively used the Italian hair-care brand. All of the products deserve space in your shower and beauty cabinet (their hair masks and curl shampoo  and conditioner are incredible), but the hair oil I love has special real estate in my beauty cabinet, since it's not so often a hair oil really, really delivers like this one.

Formulated to detangle hair after showering while also adding shine and ensuring softness, this oil is especially ideal for anyone who has coarse or dry hair (thanks to a number of reasons, including hair coloring and high-temp tools). The oil creates a barrier around your follicles, so that if you do want to use any styling tools, your strands are protected. I generally use a few pumps (I have long, thick hair, so you might not need as much if yours is shorter) after towel-drying my hair after washing it.

You can also use it when hair is dry in order to add a finishing touch of shine, just make sure to apply it away from your roots. Just a note though: If your goal is add more hydration to hair, you should add oil when it's already wet. "If your hair is dehydrated and you use oil...your hair will continue to feel dehydrated," hairstylist Lauraine Bailey previously told us, adding that you'll see the best results if you apply oil post-washing hair.

You’ll Love This: Davines’ Energizing Shampoo Made My Thin Hair Noticeably Thicker And Stronger (Plus, It’s 20% Off Right Now)

Kari Molvar, Forbes

Welcome to You’ll Love This, our bi-weekly column in which Forbes Vetted staffers spotlight their favorite products while they’re on sale.

When you have fine hair, a good volumizing shampoo is deceptively hard to find. I’ve tried many—no-frills drugstore brands, fancy salon options, hippie solid bars and heavily perfumed French imports—but none gave my strands the oomph I was looking for. Either I didn’t notice any lift at the roots, or they coated my hair in heavy thickening agents that, invariably, led to greasy, gunky build-up. So I started to consider a volumizing shampoo to be decent if it didn’t leave me worse off. That is, until I tried Davines’ Energizing Shampoo (which, BTW, is 20% off right now with the exclusive code FORBESFAV20).

During the pandemic, my hair grew long—really long. This cut down on salon bills but made my fine hair even finer. But I liked the swishy length, so I didn’t want to cut it. Then I got diagnosed with a hormone imbalance which, I discovered, makes me especially prone to hair loss and dry, brittle strands. Super. So when an email appeared in my inbox from a publicist for Davines, the revered Italian botanical haircare line, asking if I wanted to try the Energizing Shampoo from the brand’s Naturaltech line—telling me it was designed to help “thinning and fragile strands”—I was sold.

The unisex Davines shampoo is not new; It came out more than a decade ago and seems to have a cult following (the only negative reviews seem to be from people wanting the bottles to be filled even higher to the top with the magical elixir). And after trying it for myself, I can totally see why. When I use the Energizing Shampoo in conjunction with Davines’ Energizing Thickening Tonic, my hair feels noticeably fuller. And according to my coworkers, it looks more voluminous over Zoom, too.

The Davines shampoo comes out of the bottle with a slightly gooey consistency because it’s ultra-concentrated—you don’t need much to get a full lather. The formula itself contains a propriety blend of green tea extract and vitamin B3 to calm inflammation, caffeine phytoceutricals to stimulate and encourage hair growth and a “microbiotic booster,” a brew of molecules created by Davines’ scientists to preserve the scalp’s skin barrier and prevent breakage. When you massage it in, it tingles, smells super minty (like sinus-clearing, toothpaste-level minty) and unlike many other body-boosting shampoos, it made my hair feel thicker at the roots but without any build-up. It’s also worth noting that the sulfate-free liquid didn’t strip my dyed hair of its colored glory (phew).

As I mentioned above, for an extra boost I pair the Energizing Shampoo with the brand’s newly reformulated Energizing Thickening Tonic, a leave-in texturizing spray that bulks up the diameter of the hair fiber. It comes in a squat bottle with a very forceful spray applicator that sends a full blast of the (also very minty) tonic into your scalp. Then, you’re supposed to massage it in and comb it through. What I like best about this formula is that it leaves my hair soft and manageable, not at all stiff or crunchy, like mousses and other leave-ins sometimes do. Davines claims the vitamin-B-based tonic increases hair thickness by 10 percent, and after using it regularly for a month, I can totally attest to that.

Good-hair seekers know that Davines rarely, if ever, discounts its hair products. So it’s a pretty big deal that the brand is offering a discount exclusively for Forbes Vetted readers now through October 31. The code FORBESFAV20 will get you 20% off the Energizing Shampoo (limit one bottle per customer, please). Start there and then you’ll probably decide to explore the tonic and other hair-boosting products (scalp serums, treatment gels) in the Energizing Line once you see how voluminous, bouncy and thick your hair becomes.

Davines Group and Rodale Institute launch a new partnership to sustain regenerative agriculture

Comfort Zone

The new research facility will open nearby Davines Group's campus in Parma, Italy / Comfort Zone

The Comfort Zone - Davines Group and Rodale Institute have partnered to create the first International Regenerative Organic Research & Education Center in Parma, Italy.

This new project will serve as a hub for research and regenerative farmer training, while also expanding the sustainable beauty brands’ supply of regenerative organic ingredients and sustainability research.

10 acres have been set aside for the Davines Group, Rodale Institute European Regenerative Organic Center close to the Davines Group Village – the company’s production site in Parma, Italy.

The location will mark the first international destination by the Rodale Institute, a leader of the regenerative organic movement since 1947 and the organisation responsible for coining the term ‘regenerative organic’ to distinguish a kind of farming that goes beyond sustainable.

Regenerative organic farming is particularly interesting because it promotes biodiversity, protects our soil, air, and water and has the specific potential to sequester carbon, mitigating climate change.

“A new paradigm of economic and demographic growth is only possible if the Earth’s ecology is preserved and enhanced,” says Davide Bollati, Comfort Zone and Davines chair.

“We have been doing our part throughout the years with humility and dedication for the cause.

"Partnering now with Rodale Institute – a true kindred spirit and dynamic pioneer of this regenerative vision – is a collaborative way to take greater steps on our journey to making the world a more beautiful place through beauty, ethics, and sustainability.

“We want our partnership to positively impact our product development and supply chain, but also to serve as a catalyst for change that will animate sustainability studies and regenerative organic farming in Europe.”

The new European Regenerative Organic Center will focus its research and education on small- to mid-size European farms growing speciality crops for food, nutrition, and beauty.

Supporting farmers in the region, this Center will focus on organic management in a Mediterranean climate, as well as the close relationship between personal care ingredients and farming.

“Since our founding in the 1940s, Rodale Institute has supported organic farmers and their communities,” said Jeff Moyer, Rodale Institute CEO.

“Today, we’re honoured to have the opportunity to partner with Davines to support farmers in Italy and beyond.

"We’re thrilled to partner to achieve their vision – a world where organic food is transparent and healing the planet, and consumers can embrace a regenerative organic lifestyle in their personal products as well.”

Davines Group has already led the way in the relationship between food, farming, and personal care through the sourcing of ingredients from regenerative agriculture for Comfort Zone Sacred Nature– the Cosmos certified organic line – and Sublime Skin, the anti-ageing range for a natural filler effect.