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Professional stylists understand that moisture is the foundation of healthy hair, regardless of type or texture. However, the need for hydration becomes even more critical when it comes to curly hair. Curls, by nature, are more prone to dryness due to their unique structure, which makes it harder for natural oils to travel from root to tip. For clients with wavy, curly, or coily hair, maintaining moisture balance is the key to defining their curls, reducing frizz, and promoting overall hair health.
Alterna Haircare’s Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture line understands the importance of moisture and is specifically designed to address it. Infused with luxurious ingredients like caviar extract and antioxidants, this collection delivers deep hydration while helping to improve vibrancy, elasticity and maintenance. As a stylist, having the right tools to replenish moisture in all hair textures is essential, and Alterna Haircare’s line ensures you can provide that elevated experience to every client with products like their moisture hair oil and their moisture masque. To tell us more about the line, The Tease reached out to celebrity hairstylist Meg Schipani aka @shmeggsandbaconn, who also happens to be an ambassador for Alterna Haircare.
The Tease: What sets Alterna’s moisture line apart from other products that can be used on curls?
Meg Schipani: I think Alterna’s Replenishing Moisture line puts a heavy emphasis on bringing out the curl pattern and enhancing it to its best state by delivering internal nutrition as opposed to most curl lines that focus on products that hold and define the curl in its current state. I think of it like an antibiotic versus a bandaid. One is topical and a quick fix while the other goes to the root of the problem and heals it.
The Tease: How do these products specifically address the needs of curly hair?
Meg Schipani: Curls need moisture and these products deliver a dose of moisture in a formulation that is easily absorbed into the hair. This formulation penetrates the hair to reach inside the cuticle for long lasting results, not just a topical quick fix.
The Tease: What moisture-related challenges do people with curly hair experience?
Meg Schipani: How does the Alterna line specifically tackle these challenges? Curls are always going to crave moisture. Daily stressors like air quality, sun, saltwater, chlorine, hard water, wind, heat styling and brushing the hair can all cause damage and dehydration.
The Tease: Can you explain the process and routine with these products? And, how can it best be added into a stylist routine?
Meg Schipani: Any routine starts with a proper wash. I recommend every client get a shower filter for their shower head. No matter where you live, it is important. The shampooing process is the most underrated part of the routine and it tends to be where the most trouble is caused if not done properly. I always recommend my curly girls shampoo two to three times using the Replenishing Moisture Shampoo in order to really get the hair clean and prepped for the rest of the routine. If the hair has not been properly cleaned, any products or treatments that follow will not be able to get into the hair to do their job. Because curls need moisture, I always follow the shampoo with either the masque or the conditioner. What follows really just depends on the client’s individual needs but one of my favorite curl cocktails is the CC cream mixed with the Leave-In Smoothing Gelee. This delivers the perfect mix of moisture and hold to leave the curls soft and defined. The new Replenishing Moisture Oil is a STAR. I used this on set to revive my models’ curls multiple times and it does an amazing job of adding shine and definition without weighing it down which really is MAGIC. It actually blows my mind. I don’t understand how it’s possible, but I’ve seen it with my own eyes!
The Tease: What key ingredients in these products are particularly beneficial for curly hair?
Meg Schipani: Alterna uses Caviar extract with Omega-3s to deliver nutrition and moisture back into the hair which in turn allows for curls to heal and thrive.
The Tease: Based on your experience, how quickly can clients expect to see results after incorporating these products into their routine?
Meg Schipani: I have noticed instant results most of the time when using the moisture line on curls. I have seen the CC cream INSTANTLY revive curls after lightening. I think something that rocks about this line is being able to see instant and long-term results. I think its encouraging for a consumer or client to be able to see an instant improvement. That builds trust right away and in a market with so many options, I think this is important for grabbing a clients interest.
The Tease: What improvements have you observed in curl definition, frizz reduction, and overall hair health?
Meg Schipani: I have seen curl definition improve drastically even just from one use. I think being consistent with Alterna will always result in an improvement in the hair health. As a colorist, I am a HUGE healthy hair advocate and believe color looks and performs best on healthy hair so being able to use and recommend Alterna in the salon has been so amazing for both me and my clients.
The Tease: Any tips for those using these products for the first time?
Meg Schipani: I always recommend to start with a small amount and build from there. You can always add but taking away usually requires a shampoo reset which can be time-consuming and inefficient.
The Tease: How consumer-friendly is this range of products?
Meg Schipani: I think these products are super straightforward so for a consumer that means they are easy to understand and implement into their daily routine. They also tend to deliver instant results which consumers are ALWAYS looking for.
The Tease: What was shooting with these products like?
Meg Schipani: This shoot was a dream to be a part of. I love being on set. I feel like its the place where I feel most creative. These products are so easy to use and deliver fast and reliable results which is important in a shoot environment when things are constantly moving and changing.
The Tease: How does having these products on set enhance the styling process?
Meg Schipani: Having confidence in the products I use on set is huge in terms of my ability to plan and deliver the looks. There were a few products i was new to the day of shooting but because I already trusted the quality and performance of the brand overall, I was not worried.
The Tease: What do you wish more people knew about when using these products?
Meg Schipani: These products are very layerable. When I first was experimenting, I was afraid to mix different consistencies because sometimes they can curdle or pill but this line is PERFECT for cocktailing. I love this because it allows you to customize exactly what you want and need for each individual client.
In the salon, understanding the unique moisture needs of every hair type, especially curly textures, is what sets us apart as professionals from consumers. The right moisture balance is key to achieving the healthy, beautiful results every client desires. With Alterna Haircare’s Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture line, stylists now have an advanced solution that provides deep hydration both in the salon and for their client’s at-home maintenance.
Head to alternahaircare.com to learn more about the products and cosmoprof.com to grab the line for yourself.
