The Best 'Poo and Conditioner

Short story: Go to Ricky's and buy this shampoo/conditioner brought to the masses by Deva Products. The products run between $15-$36 a bottle.

Slightly longer story: I was getting extremely concerned about my oft-color-treated 'do - it was turning into cotton candy and falling out in record volume. My fab hair stylist (Helik at Mario Diab) quickly snapped into action by changing up my hair color a bit and demanding that I go fetch myself some no-poo/low-poo products. I did as he said, and after a couple of weeks I truly noticed a vast improvement in the quality of my wig. Give it a try, I suspect you won't be disappointed. Oh, and stop washing your hair so much!

Helik Hair Hero

I have mentioned Helik-the-hair-genius on these pages before. He currently works at Mario Diab on Crosby St. The only reason I dare mention him is he promised that no matter how popular he gets, he will always have an appointment for me.

I asked him this weekend to give me an "Asian Rocker Chick" hair do. And after attempting to heed my wishes, we both agreed that it was not to be. So he really went to work and created this artistic but not too over-the-top up-do the likes of which I have never seen. It was a first for me - getting an actual "do" like girls do, and it was a big hit at the wedding I attended that night. Had it not been for the bride, my hair might have ended up getting married.

He also colored my hair (single process + highlights). And while the whole experience was not what I would call "inexpensive," it was worth every penny. And likely less cashish than if I had gone uptown (read: Madison Ave.)

My New Hair Secret

OK, so I told you I'd provide full transparency on the whereabouts of my hair wizard, Helik Torres (formerly of Dop Dop Salon), once I had a chance to visit him. Well, I visited him this weekend at his new weekend home: Mario Diab. Set in something of a mini-co-operative business space in Soho at 62 Crosby St., the salon is tucked in the basement (if my short term memory serves me). Completely outfit in black and white, this calm environment allowed me to get my hair done efficiently and effectively in front of a huge floor-to-ceiling mirror while drinking green tea. I was in, I was out (possibly for less money than Dop Dop??) and on my way. With my hair bouncing happily atop my head.