Me. Kate Moss. Sienna Miller. Clearly separated at birth. Ha, ha, let me dream a little.
It seems I didn't get the memo that we're to be ordinary and sensible when over 40. Who the hell said that anyway? I was feeling something of the bored-blonde variety whilst at the hairdresser a couple of weeks ago. Pre-40's and motherhood I would just go ahead and dye my hair red, hot pink, or scalp bleach it. My husband never knew which version of Amanda would return from the 3 hour salon session. Perhaps I've grown up a little since then and there are days I do need my sensible-corporate-style-pants on. Besides, I'm not as committed to the regular salon visits as I once was - gah, finding the time is a challenge right?
I like being blonde ... and it does a mighty fine job of disguising the greys. But that restless feeling of wanting a change hit me hard yet I didn't want anything too permanent. (I'm bound to change my mind in another couple of weeks. The joys of being a Libran)
De Lorenzo is 100% Australian owned. The shampoo contains no animal ingredients and is plant based. Whilst not 100% natural it has some botanic ingredients like Kakadu Plum, Rooibos, Willowbark and Hawthorne which rejuvenate hair and improve shine. Plus it is paraben* and sulphate* free. This is a MASSIVE bonus.
A big thankyou to Susie and George at Bondi Hair Crew for recommending it. xx
WHERE TO BUY IN AUSTRALIA:
WHERE TO BUY ELSEWHERE:
I paid just $24.95 for this inexpensive super quick, easy and non-permanent way to have a little fun with your blonde hair.
WATCH MY VIDEO
If you missed my Facebook Live Video, you can watch me harp on about my new pastel pink hair here www.facebook.com/amanda.ramsay.545
WHAT'S ALL THIS PARABEN AND SULPHATE TALK ACTUALLY MEAN FOR YOU?
Perhaps you're curious about the chitter chatter around parabens and sulphates and find yourself wondering "what's it all about and does it really matter"? Below is my synopsis of these 2 problematic ingredients found readily in cosmetics and personal care products. I've undertaken a little research around the topic and interviewed Anna Maria Boelskov, women's health specialist, clinical nutritionist, herbalist and birth doula. www.annamaria.com.au
PARABENS are a synthetic preservative used in cosmetics to prevent bacteria growth. In the 1990s, parabens were regarded as xenoestrogens―agents that mimic oestrogen in the body. This means that once parabens enter your body, they imitate and copy oestrogen. Oestrogen disruption (endocrine disruption) has been linked to breast cancer and reproductive issues. Some say this link to breast cancer remains unproven and the paraben quantities in products are not dangerous. Anna-Maria explains that "the danger is in the frequent use of products that contain parabens; such as your morning routine of shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, body lotion, makeup, hair products and on it goes. Although each product only contains small amounts of parabens it is the 'accumulation effect' that is alarming!"
British cancer researcher Philippa Darbre, Ph.D., found parabens present in malignant breast tumors. Her research found that parabens can stimulate the proliferation of human breast cancer cells. As a result of Dr Phillippa Darbre's research, experts in many countries are recommending limits on paraben levels in cosmetic products. Anna-Maria warns that "Excessive oestrogen can also cause havoc in our hormone balance and depending on your genetic setup and your body's ability (or in-ability) to get rid of these excess oestrogen can lead to serious health problems".
SULPHATES (or SLS's Sodium Laurel Sulphate)
Sulphates are an inexpensive detergent and commonly used surfactant (a mix of molecules that attract water and oil) that creates the foaming effect you see in many (most) shampoos. In the cleaning industry, SLS is used in garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers, car-wash soaps etc. It is very corrosive and readily attacks greasy surfaces. SLS’s are known to disrupt the protective layer of oil on the skin’s surface and open it up to bacteria. They can strip away moisture from your hair and cause irritation to your scalp.
I'm not here to preach one way or another, just offer up information, so that you can make your own informed choices. But in my humble opinion, respect to those going paraben and sulphate free. Thanks De Lorenzo.
BACK ON THE ROAD TO GLOSSY PASTEL-PINK HAIR
My hair was so dry after using the De Lorenzo Rosewood Shampoo ... I really wasn't loving it first time around. So, on Day 2 I washed said pink locks again with my regular Vanessa Megan Organic 100% natural shampoo and conditioner. Et voila! Glossy, hydrated, pastel pink hair happiness.
TIPS FOR HOW TO USE THIS FAB, FUN AND EFFECTIVE PRODUCT:
DAY 1. Wash hair twice with the De Lorenzo NovaFusion Rosewood Shampoo. Professional hairdresser Melanie Halpin says "as blonde hair tends to be more porous on the ends, concentrate your shampooing efforts there." I made the mistake first time around of shampooing my scalp and roots like a madwoman and must admit the result was a little too deep and grey for my liking. Melanie suggests "if you want a deeper pink result, leave the shampoo on for 5 minutes. As it's only shampoo, you can play around and experiment a little with what works best with you. After all, you know it will fade fairly quickly". Load up on conditioner.
Another professional hairdresser, Tania Sutton, suggested that "you can add the De Lorenzo Rosewood shampoo to your regular moisturising shampoo". This may have helped my initial "dry-hair" experience. I will definitely try that next time around.
DAY 2. Wash hair with your regular favourite moisturising shampoo and conditioner. I used the award-winning Vanessa Megan Organic Tangerine Shampoo and conditioned with Vanessa Megan Organic Ylang and Mandarin Conditioner. Vanessa uses only the best quality natural and Australian Certified Organic ingredients, with zero chemicals.
REPEAT AS REQUIRED. Feeling a weekly dose of Rosewood will work for me.
MY LIPSTICK NUDUS in ZO ZO
Today's bonus topic is the gorgeous bright, fushia-berry-esque lipstick that I was wearing in my Facebook Live video. So many comments and requests for more details. So here it is.
The Australian Certified Organic lipstick amazing-ness by NUDUS in the new colour Zo Zo. A delicious deep berry pink. So much love for this product. So, so much love (and that's a whole new Blog Post for next week, so stay tuned!)
You can buy NUDUS Lipsticks at:
So that's it from me this week, a bit of hair and makeup folly. Go for it. Have fun. Own it.
With love, Amanda xxx
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