To all my dude readers (all 2 of you), [...]]]> We all know that vegans smell better [than meat-eaters] , but that doesn’t mean we don’t like to get our fragrance on from time-to-time. Being the generous hooch that I am, I’ve decided to focus on the guys today (since this is a predominantly estrogen-laden blog).

To all my dude readers (all 2 of you), Merry X-mas! xx

Awesome Vegan Cologne for Men

• Jack Black

• Burt’s Bees

• Herban Cowboy

• Le Labo

Face:

I took a quickie trip to Vegas a couple weeks ago, and because I do everything in my power to not have to ever check a bag when I fly (it’s a hassle and it’s beaucoup buckarinos), you bettah believe all my toiletries were under 3 oz. In fact, I brought my Jane Carter Solution “Come Fly [...]]]>

I took a quickie trip to Vegas a couple weeks ago, and because I do everything in my power to not have to ever check a bag when I fly (it’s a hassle and it’s beaucoup buckarinos), you bettah believe all my toiletries were under 3 oz. In fact, I brought my Jane Carter Solution “Come Fly with Me Kit” ($25) that I got in the mail a few weeks earlier, and it’s brill—perfect for all my mini vaycay trips (and gym outings).

This travel kit contains all the hair care essentials: Moisture Nourishing Shampoo, Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner, Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner, Condition & Sculpt, Wrap & Roll, and Nourish & Shine—all in TSA-approved 2 ounce bottles in a handy travel bag.

Now that you know I ♥ the size and portability of these hair care goodies, let’s talk quality. Not only are these products 100% vegan and natural, but they are designed by and for women with multicultural hair (all textures, all types).

From Jane Carter’s website:

Above all, we believe that “hair is hair,” and that segmenting hair care by ethnicity does not encourage diversity, love and multicultural coexistence.

For me, when it comes to shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, etc.—the thicker and heartier, the better. I want my hair to be quenched with the most nourishing, moisture-rich ingredients as possible. Jane Carter gets this, and me and my crusty-ass, fried hair are eternally grateful!

My fave items in the travel kit include:

• Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner – deep conditioning, dense formula which leaves hair manageable and smooth
• Hair Nourishing Cream – I like to use this after blow drying my hair to soften and de-frizz and scragglies
• Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner – This is a great detangler and it doubles up as a sunscreen for your hair, which is especially important if you dye your hair.

Travel kits are also nice ’cause you get to sample everything before making any serious purchases. If you’re looking to try some intensely nurturing, healing hair care, I highly recommend Jane Carter Solution—all good shit.

color! Whether you’re looking to cover up some grays or funk it up a bit, cruelty-free hair dyes are definitely on the market. Although I wish this list were longer, I’m grateful that we at least have a handful of options (if you can think of more, please share in the comments).

• Herbatint (~$14): If you’re interested in switching to a hair color that’s less harsh (fewer chemicals, no ammonia, paraben-free), balanced with plant extracts and herbs, you should give Herbatint a whirl. They have all the basic shades in permanent and semi and a couple earthy, edgier shades too. I’ve been ogling this particular one… so pretty!
• Manic Panic ($12): Whether you’re looking to explore your funky wild side with some hot pink luscious locks (I so rocked this in high school and college) or looking for a simpler (and more conventional) brown or black, Manic Panic’s got you covered. Their line of  semi-permanent hair color doesn’t contain ammonia or peroxide, and it actually leaves your hair feeling healthier.
• Special Effects Hair Dyes ($14.65): I ♥ Special Effects hair dye! This stuff has wicked staying power, and they carry all the same types of cray-cray colors that Manic Panic does. One day, hopefully sooner than later, I plan on Cupcake Pink-ing it up—it’s deliciously gorge!
• LUSH ($22.95): Looking for totally natural, plant-based henna color? LUSH carries henna bars in red, brown, and black tones.
• Revlon ($3-8): If you’re in an absolute pinch and need a super quick, cheap drugstore brand that’s not tested on animals, there’s Revlon. Not my first pick, but it is a cruelty-free option.

If you prefer going to a salon, try these:

• Paul Mitchell
• Aveda

What’s you favorite vegan-friendly hair dye?

My fave CREO products include [...]]]> CREO has a line of all-natural, vegan, paraben-free, plant-derived hair and skin care products that I just recently discovered, and I’m happy to say that they live up to my high expectations. At this point, vegan hair care, especially shampoos, need to seriously kick ass for me to post on VBR.

My fave CREO products include their shampoo, hair masque and shine spray. Check it out:

Nano Pro-tec Hair Cleanser with CREOPLEX: This awesome, sulfate-free, gentle  hair cleanser is packed with anti-oxidants and sunscreen protection (that’ll help maintain your color if you dye your hair). It comes in a Vanilla Orange scent which is creamsicley delicious! (You know me, I’m all about the sweet smellin’ beauty products). I love the consistency and texture of this shampoo. I think most people have become so used to the feeling of conventional shampoos stripping their hair until it’s literally squeaky clean… Well, this shampoo is refreshingly gentle yet totally effective.

CREO Therapeutic Hair Masque: Boy oh boy, am I a HUGE fan of hair masques. I know some people are blessed with beautifully thick, healthy, shiny hair but I am not one of these peeps. My hair needs love and a lot of it, especially in the form of deep conditioning masques. This CREO masque seals down the outer layers of the hair shafts which make hair soft and shiny. This product is also packed with lots of anti-oxidants and UVA/UVB protection (again, great for retaining hair color). This concentrated, hearty conditioner will help ease the effects of constant blow dying and processing.  I recommend rockin’ this hair mask at least once a week.

Nano Pro-tec Weightless Shine Spray: This nourishing Omega 3 and 6 fatty acid-rich formula tames frizzies and adds the perfect amount of shine to hair—makes it look sleek and healthy. And it truly is weightless. I have been using this spray religiously after styling my freshly washed hair, and I LOVE it!

I’m always eager to try new vegan shampoos and conditioners so if you have any suggestions, please pass them along! Thanks! xo

Get 25% off your entire CREO order by entering coupon code “VBR2011″ when checking out.

I am new to veganism but my hair is not! I have been using Pureology hair products for about a year and a half and it thanks me every day. No really, it does. It shows me how thankful it is by requiring less color maintenance and growing longer faster.

Special guest post by Helena Parker

I am new to veganism but my hair is not! I have been using Pureology hair products for about a year and a half and it thanks me every day. No really, it does. It shows me how thankful it is by requiring less color maintenance and growing longer faster.

Pureology products are 100% vegan, do not contain sulfates and are organic which means you don’t’have to worry about chemicals and pesticides in your hair. Pureology even offers an amazing money back guarantee. Not to worry though, you won’t need a refund because you will love their products. Prior to using Pureology, I had to get highlights about every four to six weeks. Since I’ve started using these products I only need highlights about once every eight weeks–sometimes I can go a little longer. The best part is the extra shine and growth. My hair used to find itself in a “rut” quite often and would protest until I switched brands. It would get dry and sometimes wiry, or it would simply stop growing. I was never able to stay loyal to one brand for longer than 6 months but I have been using Pureology for 18 months and my hair hasn’t slowed down one bit. They offer different systems for various types of hair and they have an online consultation to help you decide which is best for you. I’m currently using Hydrate and Pure Volume. I love how it moisturizes my hair and leaves it full of body without being heavy. I used Super Smooth for awhile and it actually straightened my hair so much that a blow dry was all I needed–no flat iron necessary. Another great feature is the concentration factor; the product will last twice as long as normal hair shampoos and conditioners. It might be slightly more expensive than other brands but it will last longer and your hair will thank you.

One more beautiful thing about Pureology is that the company values sustainability and strives to remain committed to caring for the environment. What isn’t to love about this company and its products? Nothing, that’s what! Now go try Pureology and please let me know if you love it!

Helena Parker

www.helenaparker.com (Divine Health blog)

www.twitter.com/divine_events

VBR and Head Organics are giving away the following full sized products to a lucky reader:

Head Organics Hair Spray ($13.50)

Head Organics Volumizing Mousse ($16.50)

Head Organics Leave In Conditioner ($13.50)

The retail value of this prize is [...]]]> Sine I’ve fallen in love with Head Organics, I’m excited for you to try some of their products out for yourself.

VBR and Head Organics are giving away the following full sized products to a lucky reader:

Head Organics Hair Spray ($13.50)

Head Organics Volumizing Mousse ($16.50)

Head Organics Leave In Conditioner ($13.50)

The retail value of this prize is $43.50.

All you have to do to win these fabulous Head Organics hair care products is leave a comment on this post (feel free to enter as many times as you like) and be open to joining their mailing list. A winner will be randomly selected and announced on February 23th. Good luck!

For more info: Head Organics