Soap Opera Digest
March 20, 2001
Product Queen

I just read a ton of e-mail, and boy, do you gals make me happy. You know why? Because you're getting it! You are learning that taking care of yourself and your needs is not a selfish thing; it's a gotta-do. Because when you're happy, everybody around you wins. There's a saying around my house: "A happy wife is a happy life," and boy, is it true! So take that hot oil/bubble bath combo, slap on that face and revel in your babeness! Now, on to the goods....

The biggest problems I heard about this month involved your hair, so I'm going to tackle that head on with some diversified prices. Luckily, there are some inexpensive hair care products that are great.

First of all, you need to switch shampoos and conditioners every week or so because it's true that the hair gets "bored." Also, deep condition every two weeks, and if you use a lot of gels and sprays, use a clarifying shampoo every week or so to rid your hair of all that built-up goop. Neutrogena Clean is a wonderful clarifying shampoo and is even gentle on fine hair. As far as conditioners, I can't urge you stronly enough to invest in a heat cap at your local beauty supply (about $25-30).

Every month or so, after using a clarifying shampoo, put a generous amount of Redken Extreme conditioner on your head and sit under the heat cap for a half-hour. You'll look ridiculous so try to do it when the man is out of the house (he may never recover from the sight). Extreme is pure protein, and it may make the hair feel a bit rough so after rinsing, put a cream conditioner on it to detangle. Pantene Pro-V Constant Care is a great, old standby. If you are willing to spend more, Terax Original Crema hair treatment is the absolute bomb for dried-out, damaged locks. One of my other favorite standbys is Alberto V05 Hot Oil hair treatment. It's been around forever, but I still love it, and you can't beat the price. For those on a serious budget with damaged, frizzy or curly hair, Infusium 23 Leave-In Treatment is magic. Unfortunately, it should really come in a spray bottle, but it doesn't. It comes in a squeeze bottle, so if you can buy a little, empty spray bottle to put it in (especially if you travel), then grab a cheapie and have at it.

It's really important to look after our hair, especially as we get older--we only get one head of hair, so love it up.

Love you guys!