If you are a friend on Instagram, then you know just how much I love my Alterna Haircare routine. I always rave about the brand's Caviar Line and in today's post I am going to share my top four new favourite products for styling and reviving the mane. Curious? Then just keep on scrolling.
Everyday Styling
I love switching up hair styles, but sure enough - my locks don't feel the same way. My hair is not coloured, but I do suffer from dryness and even frizz mainly because I style/fry my hair now and then (plus humidity levels here in Dubai are not that kind to me either).
When I did my research, I noticed that many people on sephora.com really enjoyed Caviar Repair Multi-Vitamin Heat Protection Spray (they even gave it 4.5/5 stars). The power of uncensored reviews lured me in and I figured to give it a shot.
What is it, you ask? A hydrating, vitamin-infused spray, that protects your hair from up to 450°F degrees (232°C). Unlike traditional heat protectors, this one contains a luxuriant amount of enzymes, minerals and marine botanicals to ensure both: protection and repair. Although it is technically a spray, the product itself is merely a lightweight cream, so I recommend spraying it into the palm of your hand first and only then applying it to damp hair.
With fine/long hair, I typically go for about two-three pumps and concentrate on mid-end section of my hair. You can obviously spray less/more depending on your hair type. I also use my holy grail Tangle Teezer Compact Styler to make sure that I distribute the product evenly. This spray has a pleasant scent and I find that when you use it sparingly and take your time working it into hair - it makes all the difference.
Results: hair looks smooth, shiny and bouncy (never sticky or heavy). Dry/frizzy bits are tamed, mane is soft and well-conditioned. I find that after using it for a month, my hair ends don't look as fried and I get less breakage. Even today it was raining a lot and my hair still looks sleek (even after a walk in the rain). In two (or four) words, it is a keeper.
Party Styling
If I could choose my hair "poison" - it would be a curling iron. And if you look at mine, you will be surprised to find that I have been using the same 36 USD Conair curling iron since 2011. If it ain't broke, why change it? Amirite?
My curling iron still looks/works like a dream and I have traveled the world with it. And now, fast forward to 2018, I have finally found a BFF for it: Caviar Anti-Aging Perfect Iron Spray. Just like the previous product, this little guy too protects your hair up to 450°F/232°C.
This is a clear, watery formula that should be sprayed on dry hair one section at a time. I typically clip my hair up, spray a fine amount of product, brush through hair and only then go in with my curling iron. The key here is to use as little product as possible (despite having to spray it on every strand), because it is easy to get carried away (in which case you might end up with an overwhelming amount of product on your head). You can easily use it for both curling and straightening. Avoid the roots.
Results: at first it feels as if you have used an actual hairspray (without the need to use one); mane is perfectly zhuzhed up and salon-like. But! The best part is that this spray will hold the curl for days. Normally my waves disappear the next day, but not with this little guy. I also find that it makes my hair more voluminous, as opposed to any other heat protector. I would recommend saving it for events, parties or any other important occasions when you want your curls to look that extra bit polished.
AM Rescue
If you are more of an "air-dry" gal (or lad) and you don't have time to fuss around with dryers and irons, but still want to pamper your locks, this might be the product for you.
I am talking about Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Milk. It is merely a very lush leave-in conditioner, which you can use prior to styling or just on its own. Just like all Alterna products, this one too smells heavenly and will get absorbed in a matter of seconds. Use less/more, depending on your hair type. I use about two-three pumps for my entire mid-end section. This is (again) a "spray", but not in a traditional way. Just like Caviar Repair Multi-Vitamin Heat Protection Spray - it has a cream formula, which you can easily run through clean/damp hair.
Good thing about a product like this is that - it is infused with all sorts of moisturizing, hair-repairing agents that will fix the damage and hydrate your hair all at the same time. The longer you use it, the better results you get.
Results: I find that I notice less frizz, fly-aways whenever I wear it. Hair looks smooth, bouncy and please remember to use it sparingly. If you have color-treated and dry hair - give it a try. Can be used for styling as well.
PM Rescue
Now, this is probably the only product, which I am not entirely sold on (just yet) but I've decided to include it anyway and will explain why in a second. Caviar Anti-Aging Overnight Hair Rescue is one of those treatments that you are supposed to use overnight (as the name suggests) and rinse off in the morning.
Ingredients-wise, this is yet another beautiful formula; you get your keratin, shea butter, caviar extract and many other wonderful botanicals and vitamins known for healing and protecting hair from environmental stressors. The consistency is quite creamy and lightweight; just like with any other product it is crucial not to go heavy-handed. The scent on its own is quite lovely, but once it gets in contact with hair it literally smells like...fish.
I get it, it is a "Caviar" line after all and thankfully the odor goes away in a matter of 1-2 minutes. Which is exactly why I prefer to braid my hair before going to bed (if I choose to wear the mask). It rinses off pretty well and you can then follow up with your favourite shampoo and conditioner.
Results: although my hair feels good and is soft to the touch, I feel like I need to use this mask a little bit more to make up my mind. We are at that stage where there is an attraction and I kind of like it, but I am not ready to introduce it to my parents just yet (sure you guys get the point). From my experience you do need to use a product like this at least 2-3 times a week to really see a massive improvement (which is exactly what I am planning to do throughout March). On a good side note - this product won't stain your pillows or sheets for that matter. Check out my Instagram for more updates in the future.
What Alterna products (from this haul) would you love to try? Let's chat some more in the comments!
Alterna is available at all the leading salons across the UAE, exclusively distributed by Beautylicious. If you are based in the States - you can find it at Sephora and Ulta.
