Okay ladies, I'm not an expert on many things, but ALFAPARF Semi de Lino line is one of my specialties, and I've been using it for over a year now. Also, metrobeauty is actually here in Miami, so I go to their store, and they have some of the best prices for it, and you can order online.. Anyways, sorry for mini-novel
, but here go the reviews:
(shuffle, shuffle...she literally walks to her bathroom, and returns with 8-10 bottles, damn near the whole line...)
SHAMPOO:
Semi de Lino shampoo
- is good, especially for clarifying and super shine. It doesn't moisturize that great, however, so I usually substitute with something more moisturizing. I'm not blown away by this product, but it worked well to release the build up the first few times I used it, which I think helps the conditioners to impart shine. I alternate back and forth, and since I'm a product junkie, yes I bought the 1000ml bottle...
CONDITIONER:
Semi di Lino Illuminating Shine Mask
- puts a nice shine on the hair, and leaves it soft, bouncy, and touchable. I have literally had people walk up and touch my hair w/ out permission, and ask what products I use. Combined w/ the shampoo, it really gives you a great shine.
TREATMENTS:
Semi di Lino Essential Shine Oil
- this is WHERE IT'S AT. For me, it gave my hair the ultimate brillant shine. There's something about the Linseed Oil that's in the whole Semi de Lino group that give hair shine without weighing it down! Now this is the one that you rinse out, but for more damaged hair, there also one that's more intense that you leave in. This is a great treatment, and I've found that it works best with any moisturizing shampoo rather than their illuminating shampoo.
Semi di Lino Essential Shine Treatment
- Eh, this was okay. but compared to the essential shine oil, I wasn't blown away. You buy the treatment, which comes in a 300ml tube, then you have to buy the package of essential shine oil extract to mix with it to make a foamy conditioner. I thought it was just as good as the regular illuminating shine mask, so needless to say I wasn't too impressed w/ this one for the price and the trouble of mixing.
SHINE STYLING PRODUCTS:
Cristalli Finishing Illuminating Shine Finish
- this is a great like spray to top off a look. It doesn't go on heavy or ever greasy like a lot of those sprays do, and it doesn't produce a lot of build up, so this is a staple for me, whether I'm doing AlfaParf products or not.
Cristalli Liquidi
- this is by far my absolute FAVORITE product that they make. I DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT, leave home without this, not matter how I'm wearing my hair. it's great for sets, wraps, twist outs, pony tails, buns, you name it. It goes on extremely light, with virtually not build up, and gives your hair a nice little shine, and calms down the fly aways and frizzies, which is always a problem in Miami.
Well, there's my AlfaParf rant. Sorry I wrote so much, but I bought almost all of the Semi de Lino line, so I just thought you ladies should know. In parting, I would say that I really do like the line, especially if your looking for high shine, body and movement w/out build up. They can be a bit pricey, but shine is really their thing, and these products deliver. I did find, however, that after 5-6 months, my 3c/4a permed hair was needing more moisture and conditioning than this line could give, b/c that's not as much of their focus, so I alternate with more moisturizing products as needed.
Oh, one more thing...I didn't get into the other AlfaParf lines as much, b/c I was looking for shine, body and movement, but I've been told that the Inixia line is more conditioning, but it's leaves the hair a lot heavier. And I've never tried the Lipoxin line.
Anyways, hope this helps anyone who's just curious or in the throws a major product junkie decision! Feel free to reply or e-mail me with additional questions.
