HEY THERE, FRIDAY: Product Review: Let's Talk Hair

Two of the mall's most potent stores face off on opposing corners - Origins & LUSH, competing for my loyalty and wallet-ensconced dollars. I'm definitely an Origins addict (Dr. Weil all the way!), but this weekend, LUSH won.

I popped in for a hair treatment that a coworker had recommended on her blog, and entered the store with the sole intention of purchasing just that item, and walking out. Which of course, at LUSH, never happens. A conversation with an associate (and my own cheapskate-ness) had me looking at other items almost right off the bat. Truth be told, I didn't really need yet-another hair treatment (like the Roots item I was looking at), but I was in dire need of a new shampoo/conditioner system.

I couldn't decide on a shampoo to try, so the associate hooked me up with some generous samples.

Featuring Fair Trade Honey Shampoo, Cynthia Sylvia Stout, and Curly Wurly Shampoo

I was very excited to try the Cynthia Sylvia Stout shampoo, chock-full of organic, vegan stout beer from a local brewery, supposed to infuse "smoothness & gloss" into frizzy-prone hair. The LUSH site smells just like it's described - a brandy, stout and lemon cocktail. Last night, I lathered up and inhaled what smelled just like a summertime BBQ in Texas.

Next on the list is the Fair Trade Honey shampoo, made with over half honey to give hair moisture and shine. I haven't tested this yet, but I'll use it as soon as I run out of the Stout sample.

Despite my protestations that I'm not really a "curly-haired" girl (I'm more of a waves and beach texture gal), the associate loaded up a sample of the pot-housed Curly Wurly shampoo to create bouncy, soft & shiny curls, using coconut oil, eggs and avocado. Maybe on a night when I feel like waking up with more curls, I'll give this one a go.

Happy Happy Joy Joy

The moment I smelled this conditioner, I was sold. Speaking of summertime, this concoction smells like honeysuckle and heaven, and I wish I could wear it as a perfume. Formulated with rose water, orange blossom water and almond milk base, this conditioner is supposed to soften, beautify and condition every hair type without weighing hair down.

Last night I combined Cynthia Sylvia Stout and Happy Happy Joy Joy as a fabulous-smelling hair treatment. I have to tell you that I had no interest in ever getting out of the shower - I felt like I was in a garden! At this point, I didn't care if this conditioner worked or not, because I was hooked on the scent.

Before going to bed, I put on the standard Living Proof products - Prime and Frizz, and then tried a Pinterest trick I'd only read about - I slept with a beanie on. I'm sure my husband thought I was crazy, but this kooky technique actually works. Waves at the ends, controlled body at the top, and no frizz.

I don't notice an insane amount of shine or hydration, but I'm willing to use these up these samples and conditioner happily to see if the results improve over time. That, and I can't stop smelling my hair.