Robert Craig, well-known master colorist in New York, developed a line of hair care products specifically formulated for the different types of water that we wash our hair in everyday. Three types of shampoos are available: Soft Water, Hard Water and Extremely Hard Water. His product line also includes Conditioner, Spray Gel, Mousse, Leave-in Conditioning Spray, Pomade, Shine Spray and Finishing Hair spray. He also has a No More Bad Hair Days Kit which sells for $19.95. It contains three 2oz bottles of the different shampoos, 2oz leave-in conditioning spray and 12 water test strips. This kit is great for travelers because they never know what kind of water they'll be using.

I have been looking for something to remove the minerals and awful looking deposits left on my hair due to the extremely hard well water where I live. Yes, country living does have one drawback! We have a water softener but it does not seem to do the trick. I feel very fortunate to have found these products because since I've used them my hair looks fabulous. I have salon colored blonde hair and the color has come back to life.

Extremely Hard Water Shampoo ($9 for 8oz)
I used this clear shampoo and in a week my hair felt soft and smooth. The orange color began to fade and it did not feel sticky anymore. This product lasts a long time because you only have to use a dime size dab at the most. It lathered well and rinsed out easily. Malibu 2000 shampoo, which also has a formulation for well water, does not hold a candle to this shampoo.

Conditioner ($12 for 8oz)
This rich conditioner has a nice clean scent and is excellent to use after the shampoo for detangling and putting moisture back in the hair. Again, you don't have to use alot. You can even leave some of it in your hair and it will tame the frizzies. I've used many other conditioners but this one made my hair feel soft and not greasy at all.

Leave-in Conditioning Spray ($12 for 8oz)
This spray is used after the shampoo and conditioner. It helps to further condition, moisturize and it also has a sunscreen to protect the hair from the damaging sunlight. I really liked the clean smell of this product and felt that it does a great job to protect against the blow dryer and curling iron that I use everyday. I tried Avon's Leave-in Conditioner just recently but I like Robert's better.

Spray Gel ($10 for 8oz)
I'm not one to use gel that you have to smear on with your hands. Too messy for me. Give me a bottle of spray gel and let me go on my way. This gel is so good because it provides the light to medium hold that I am after. It definitely adds body and shine to the hair. And it also contains sunscreen. What more could you ask for?

I am definitely sold on these products as my hair never looked better. I just ordered the whole line of products yesterday. Robert Craig's web site is robertcraig.com and is the largest haircolor site on the web. This is a really neat web site with hair care tips and an electronic hair consult with the master himself. You can order these products on this secure site. If you live in the city or country these products are definitely worth a try!

PS - If you are into coloring your hair at home, Robert has developed a hair color called Effect of Nature which works with water and does not contain a trace of ammonia, peroxide or alcohol. I may be trying that next.

review: 12/99