Well, here they are…the after-after photos from my Keratin Smoothing Complex Treatment!

I was very nervous to wash my hair this morning.  Excited, since it’s been 3 days, but nervous to see what would happen.  I kinda’ got used to my flat-ironed, super sleek hair.  Hubby and daughter did, too.  They asked me if I had to wash it just yet!  But I really couldn’t wait any longer.

So, I busted out my brand new Keratin Complex shampoo and conditioner and went to work.  Wetting my hair felt strange at first – it was a totally different texture in my hands.  It felt very thick, and a bit sticky, like the strands of hair were clumping together. Once I started shampooing, it felt a little more like my own hair, just softer.  Then, the conditioner went on.  And when it was time to rinse it out, I was amazed at how healthy my hair was feeling.  I could still see some curl in it, but it was much more relaxed and just felt better in my hands.

Here’s a photo of my hair fresh out of the shower, not yet combed.  Pardon the poor photographic quality – I was home by myself and not in the best lighting.  Oh, and this is a very brave photo for me, as I have on no makeup yet – a la Teri Hatcher

Next, I got to work combing my hair out.  That was a very different experience!  Much fewer tangles, and much easier to comb through.  Plus, my hair was already starting to dry, which was super weird!  I am used to air-drying my hair, but it’s usually a 1 – 2 hour process.  I could tell my hair was going to dry much, much faster.  Hooray!  Here’s what it looked like post comb-out (and with a little bit more makeup on now, since I scared myself with that first photo!):

Next, I put in a dollop of the Moroccan Oil recommended by my new favorite hair guru, Tera Rae Stephens and worked it all through my hair.  It smells divine and feels really nice going on.  Then I left my hair alone and went on with the rest of my routine. And about 20 minutes later, here’s what I had going on……….drum roll please…………..

It’s like me, only better!  My hair still has the curl and body I’m used to, without the “triangle” appearance or frizz I had been fighting.  I am loving it!!!!

Quick summary:

I was tired of fighting my hair.  It’s gotten a lot curlier and frizzier over the past year, and I just couldn’t take it anymore.

I researched the options, and decided on the Keratin Smoothing Complex Treatment.  I wanted to have it done by the best, so I went to Tera Rae Stephens at the Ty Alexander Salon in Newport Beach.  If you are thinking of doing this treatment and you live in Southern California, you must, must, must go to her!

My hair was silky sleek for three days following the treatment because she had flat ironed it to seal in the process.  While it was really fun and different for a few days, it was a HUGE change, and I looked really different.  Friends and family didn’t recognize me at first!

Now that I can wash it and style it like I was used to, it’s my hair, just upgraded!  Softer, silkier, less frizzy, and lays nicer around my face.  I still have the option of blowing it straight or flat ironing it if I want to go back to the sleek look for fun, but I also have the wash and go option I was used to, without the fight!

If you want to read more about the Keratin Smoothing Treatment and Tera Rae Stephens, check out my first post here.

Haired, that is!  At least for the next 3 days.

I underwent a hair-changing experience today at the hands of expert stylist Tera Rae Stephens at the new Ty Alexander salon.

My frizz and “poofy” curls were really starting to get to me.  Day after day, I waged war on my hair – slathering on product and smashing it down, only to end up looking like the triangle-haired lady from Dilbert by the afternoon.  I was fed up and tired of fighting, so I went to my good friends on Twitter for recommendations.

I immediately received a slew of responses from mommies all over OC telling me I MUST go see Tera for the Keratin Smoothing Treatment.  I did a little bit of research, tweeted Tera, and voila!  I had an appointment.

So, today was the big day.  I dropped my daughter at school this morning, and then immediately headed over to see Tera.  I was giddy with excitement, and a bit nervous – my curls have been a part of me for a long, long time.  Tera must have sensed my nervousness, as she asked if I had any questions and immediately put me at ease.  She explained that the treatment would not take away all of my curl – my hair is way too curly for that!  But that I would get rid of the frizz and poofy-ness I’ve been fighting.  She also explained that after she put the treatment on my hair and let it sit for 20 minutes, she would blow it dry and then flat iron it to “seal in” the treatment.  And that I wouldn’t be able to wash it for 3 days, so it was going to be very, very straight at first – always good to know what to expect!  I was feeling pretty good then, so she sent me off with her darling assistant Kim to get washed up and blown dry.

Now, I never blow dry my hair.  I let it air dry and then I don’t touch it again, for fear of creating more frizz.  And I use a ton, ton, ton of product in it.  I try to weigh it down as much as possible.  So, when Kim started blowing my hair dry without any product and without a diffuser, I knew it wouldn’t be pretty.  Turns out, it was pretty ghastly!  I looked all ready for Halloween.

I know that scientifically that’s part of the whole chemically straightening process, but psychologically, I think that awful blow dry works well, too. I was reminded of just how frizzy and wild my hair can get!  Once I got a look at that hot mess, I couldn’t WAIT for Tera to paint that straightener onto my hair!

After she was done putting the treatment all over my hair, I sat quietly for 20 minutes to let it sink in.  Then Kim blew my hair dry again, but this time, it took about 1/4 the amount of time to get it dry!  I was already beginning to be amazed!

Then the longest part of the whole process started – Tera had to flat iron my hair to seal everything in.  This took awhile, but was pretty exciting, because I could really start to see the difference in the texture and weight of my hair.  With each pull of the flat iron, my hair was changing right before my eyes.  It looked shiny, smooth and silky – adjectives I NEVER use to describe my hair!

So, here’s the skinny on the Keratin Complex Smoothing Treatment:

Cost is $300

Time it takes is about 3 hours.  Mine took a little bit longer because my hair is pretty long, plus Tera and I had a nice chat!

The treatment will not remove all your curl.  My hair was super, super curly, so there will still be some curl left.  It does, however, eliminate the frizz.

It lasts an average of 3-5 months, depending on your hair and on how well you maintain it.

You cannot get your hair wet for 72 hours following the treatment.

You should use special shampoo and conditioner to help maintain the life of the treatment.

Oh, and here’s the part I know you are all just dying to see….the photos!  Check these out:

My usual hairstyle - with loads of product and smashing

My before hairstyle from the back

After first blow dry - no product and au naturale

Rear view after first blow dry - can you say "Bride of Frankenstein"?

And here it comes………are you ready for it????

The amazing after! Is this even the same girl?

Wow! Look at that shine!

Now, granted, I don’t know yet what it’s going to look like after I am allowed to wash it, but based on what I’ve seen so far, I’m feeling pretty optimistic.  And don’t worry, I’ll post those photos, too!  I know what a big decision it can be for us curly headed girls to decide to “go straight”!

Thanks Tera!!!

You can find Tera here or follow her on Twitter here.  The Ty Alexander salon is located in Newport Beach at 230 Newport Center Drive, #90.  It’s in the same center as Muldoon’s, located downstairs from FedEx (where FYI used to be located, for those moms who took kiddos there for art/computer classes).

I did not receive any compensation for this review – I truly just think this treatment and Tera are amazing!

Do you have beauty products you have used for years?  You know, the ones you pray are never, ever, discontinued?  That you wouldn’t want to be stranded on a deserted island without?  I have a few, and thought I’d share.  Feel free to share your favorites, too.

Hair:  I have really, really, really naturally curly hair.  It was slightly wavy when I was a kid, but then puberty hit and whoa! Suddenly, my adorable little bob looked like the gal on Dilbert with the triangle hair.  It took a few years of growing, a few different hairdressers who weren’t afraid of it, and a LOT of different styling products before I finally found my Godsend – Paul Mitchell “Super Sculpt”.  It’s a styling glaze that keeps my curls from turning into witch-like frizz.  I buy it by the liter, and use it religiously every day.  Love, love, love it.

Face:  Concealer is my must-use makeup product.  I still get break-outs (keep waiting to be done with that, as I have not been a teenager for half my life now, but alas!), and being a busy mommy, I nearly always have dark circles under my eyes.  My go-to concealer for years now has been the Clinique “Quick Corrector” liquid concealer.  It covers nicely without looking too cakey or heavy.  And because it’s liquid, it doesn’t accentuate those fun little fine lines that seem to be popping up lately.

Body:  Like most mommies, my daily shower usually doesn’t happen first thing in the morning.  Sometimes it doesn’t happen in the morning at all!  But when I finally make it there, I want to wash with something that makes me feel really, really good.  A couple of years ago, I discovered Archipelago Botanicals, thanks to my Sis-in-Law.  I particularly love their “Sugar” Body Wash. The sugar cane and coconut scent transports me to a tropical island, where I’m on a beach, alone, with a good trashy novel, a fruity drink, and a warm breeze……..oh, Heaven…….

Skin:  A good sunscreen is essential – it helps keep those age spots and wrinkles at bay.  But these days, there are so many to choose from it can make your head spin.  But I have found that me and my other mommy friends just love the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch.  It comes in high SPF’s, ranging from 35 to 100, so it gives you plenty of protection.  Plus, it goes on smooth and dry, so it doesn’t feel greasy or oily on your skin.  My daughter seems to not mind this one as much as others, too, probably because it glides on smoothly and feels lightweight.  And bonus – it doesn’t smell gross like some other sunscreens.

Nails:  OPI nail polish is my hands-down (no pun intended!) favorite.  It goes on smooth, stays on better than most, and oh, the array of colors!  My current favorite is “Dim Sum Plum” from their Hong Kong 2010 collection.  It’s a purply-berry creamy color that looks great on summer toes.  And since I’ve gone to giving myself pedicures these days to save money (thanks, recession!), I can at least splurge on a really good polish that goes on nicely.

Hopefully I won’t be stranded anytime soon, but if I am, I sure hope I have my favorites with me!  Along with my laptop and wi-fi access, of course.  Oh, and maybe some chocolate….

Note:  I was not paid or sponsored to rate any of the above products – I just really like them.