Head & Shoulders Review & $50 Visa Gift Card Giveaway!


The first time I went to get a haircut after Evan was born, I mostly went for the shampoo and blow-dry. My hair hadn’t been both clean AND dry in five months and the thought of wasting precious napping time on something as frivolous as a shower was laughable. So I figured hey, three birds one stone! A haircut will TOTALLY make me look less exhausted and overwhelmed!

When the stylist took the elastic out of my hair and started brushing it out-“So! What are we going to do today?”-my scalp started flaking off. It looked like it was snowing on my shoulders. As if the huge dark circles under my eyes and the spit up on my pants wasn’t humiliating enough, now I had dandruff too.

All the hormonal changes from pregnancy and birth had changed my hair from oily but manageable to dry, itchy and flaking. Ugh, babies are the WORST.

A couple weeks ago, I got an email asking if I’d be interested in trying the new Eucalyptus Head & Shoulders Itchy Scalp Care collection of soothing products. I thought, “Ooooo, that sounds nice.” And then I scratched my head. And then I scratched it some more. (I bet now your head itches too. The power of suggestion, man.)

Look! My hair is clean and dry AND flake free!

By the time I got my bottles of shampoo and conditioner in the mail, I was desperately scratching like a monkey and praying their magic shampoo was as magical as advertised. Although I don’t have real dandruff, the kind caused by the fungus Malassezia globosa, I do have a susceptibility to skin irritation, especially now that the weather is cooler and dryer.

The Head & Shoulders shampoo was definitely soothing. I loved the scent, not at all medicinal or chemically, but clean and refreshing. I was also pleasantly surprised that the conditioner actually conditioned and detangled my crazy horse’s mane of hair. I used it all the way to my roots to make sure my scalp was extra soothed (I really like that word,) and it didn’t weight them down at all.

I am looking forward to a scratch-free winter. And hey, you didn’t think I’d keep all the free stuff for myself, did you? BlogHer has a $50 Visa gift card for one of my readers, just for answering this question and following the directions below:

How do you change your beauty routine in the colder winter season from the warmer seasons? Leave me a comment to be entered for a chance to win.

Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.

Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 11/21/11 – 12/22/11

Be sure to visit the Promotions & Prizes page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

Want more great tips for winter hair care? Check out the newest “Looking Your Best” post in the Life Well Lived section of BlogHer.com.

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114 Responses to “Head & Shoulders Review & $50 Visa Gift Card Giveaway!”

  1. This is probably terrible, but I really don’t change my routine from summer to winter. I’d say, if anything, I use more lotion/moisturizer in the winter because my skin tends to be dryer.

  2. Lisa says:

    I switch to a cream facewash in the winter which is less astringent and doesn’t dry out my skin. I am usually hypervigilent about wearing sunscreen from April through October, but in the winter I go without sunscreen unless I will be outside for more than 45 minutes, which can help with vitamin D levels.

  3. sabrina says:

    in the summer i let my hair dry on it’s own, it’s much easier to manage/straighten my curly hair that way. in the winter, i always blow dry[if i am leaving the house] when i was little mom/grandma/those types always said not to go outside with wet hair, you’ll catch a cold, it’s always stuck.

    & of course more lotion & lots of carmex :)

    thebabyloves@yahoo.com

  4. Ashley H. says:

    I use alot of lotion and moisturizer.

  5. Melissa R. says:

    In the winter, I must MOISTURIZE! EVERY DAY! Getting older, makes my skin do crazy things. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize, is the answer. But nothing too fancy, or the hives attack. Not even joking.

    In other words, I could really use that $50 for some lotion.

  6. Ashley says:

    I use a moisturizing conditioner and shampoo and I *sometimes* do a mask treatment. I have one year old, though, so it’s pretty rare I can do that these days!

    demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com

  7. Cheri says:

    Over the summer to ‘do’ my hair I have to blow dry it first or I sweat it curly in just a few hours. But, the winter lets me air dry it before straightening and it will stay straight for DAYS. I love the lack in humidity, at least for my hair!! I also use different ‘creamier’ body wash.

  8. Robyn says:

    I don’t dry my hair in the summer and let be it’s wavy self, but in the winter i dry it because it makes me too cold. My skin is super dry all year round, but in the winter, i step the moisturizing up to twice a day as needed.

  9. Tam says:

    I’m working on going poo-free for the winter. I want to wash my hair less, showering is one thing but walking around with wet hair in the winter SUCKS. I just don’t have time to blow dry…

  10. Denae says:

    In the winter I normally use a thicker more moisturizing conditioner and apply it generously. If I have time/energy, I treat myself to an in home spa moment with a leave in conditioner. I think adding a scalp treatment to my winter routine sounds lovely.

  11. Sleepyheadedmom says:

    My hair grows really fast so once summer is over I start letting it get longer so it covers my neck. I don’t use conditioner often, but leading up to and during the colder months I do condition my hair much more frequently. I also use a ton of lotion because my skin gets super dry in cold weather.

    Sleepyheadedmom at gmail dot com

  12. MeganTBeach says:

    I have to switch to a dandruff shampoo in the Winter. Every single year. Also, more lotion like everyone else.

  13. Well since last year was my first year (in a LONG time) in what could be construed as “winter”… I don’t have much to go on. But I haven’t really forgotten what my skin does when it gets cold… it flakes the f*** off. Gross. And it gets really white, which is a change from the somewhat white it is in the summer. So I guess I should be moisturizing and wearing self tanner. Yeah, I’ll just start with the moisturizer and fly back to SD as much as possible to avoid the stinky smell of tanning lotion.

  14. Melissa says:

    My skin is oily in the warmer months, but in the winter I have to use moisturizer or my face becomes a flaky, peeling mess!

  15. Suburban Prep says:

    I make sure that I add a leave in conditioner for my hair and I moisturize my face and hands a lot more.

  16. Amanda says:

    Almond oil! I rub it into my scalp before I wash my hair, and I add it to my bath water.

  17. Other Erin says:

    I use my blow drier more because it’s too cold not to. And I go through about 4 times more lotion. Less from the actual weather and more because I crank my shower from “hot” to “scalding so I can’t feel how cold the air is.”

  18. Megan says:

    I honestly haven’t blown my hair dry (winter or summer) since I lived in Seattle. Seriously, who bothers to dry their hair when the ever present mist is going to redampen it the moment you step out the door. And then, it just sort of stuck. My hair is pretty thin and not even a little bit curly, so it air dries in about 15 minutes and is straight, if floppy. My biggest winter complaint is usually static. I can look like something out of a science video at the slightest provocation. Usually I try to combat this by letting my hair grow long and putting it in a pony tail ALL THE TIME. But this year, I’m trying something different. I just got my hair cut. Short. I love it, and I think Jessica (who cuts my hair) has finally convinced me that my hair does indeed look different (hopefully better) if I take the 10 minutes to blow dry it and wrap it around a giant round brush. So that’s my plan. You’ll now how it went the minute you see me. :)

    P.S. Haven’t seen you guys in a few days, so if I don’t get to tell you closer, have a happy Thanksgiving!

  19. Karina says:

    i use hairspray in the winter to keep my hair from getting static-y

    karinaroselee at gmail dot com

  20. Amanda says:

    Uhhh I think for there to be a change in my routine there would have to be an actual routine. I am TRYING to remember to put moisturizer on every day though! As a side note I am pretty sure I am now going bald since having Z. Either that or the stress is making my hair fall out. Or lack of sleep. I don’t know.

  21. Audrey says:

    Hmm, how do I alter my beauty plan…well… I don’t have one typically, so I suppose I use lotion more in the winter would be the answer.

  22. Dee says:

    My beauty routine changes because I spend way less time taking hot showers and I switch shampoos as well as perfumes since the light summery ones don’t hold up :) I also make sure to moisturize really well since my skin tends to dry

  23. Maria says:

    I use more lotion and chapstick.

  24. Jayme says:

    I really don’t change much. Except maybe shave my legs less (gross) and use more moisturizer!

  25. abby says:

    Basically I only change skincare routines…LOTS more lotion, and I use the heavy duty Jergens in the winter. I also have to slough my nasty face off once a week and moisturize more often. Yay super dry cracked winter skin!

  26. kodi says:

    My beauty routine is pretty low-maintenance, but I definitely require more lotion/body butter in the winter. I get dry legs and arms and belly and behind! :)

  27. Megan B. says:

    I’m so low maintanence that the only change I make is from using mousterizer & lotion 3-4 days a week in the summer to every day in the winter.

  28. aubreylaine says:

    I use more conditioner and lotion because my skin/hair gets dry!
    littlegray88 at yahoo dot comA

  29. Carrie says:

    I don’t make any changes (says the girl with the frizzy horse mane that is now falling out in large clumps because her baby is four months old and OH YEAH who now has bald spots from the last child, THANKS POST PARTUM HORMONES).

  30. sarah says:

    Beauty routine? I guess that would be a good thing to have, then I could change it seasonally.

  31. Leslie Williams says:

    The only thing I really change is moisturizing. It’s cold out and my skin needs lots of extra moisture or else my skin dries out and gets gross, you get the picture right?! So thank goodness for extra moisturizing lotions and potions :)

  32. Jamie C. says:

    Definitely more moisturizer!! I have such sensitive skin anyway and the harsh cold temps just make me itchy all over!! Thanks so much for the chance to win. :)

  33. anash says:

    I dont wash my hair as frequently in the winter to prevent drying it out! Thanks for this splendid giveaway

  34. anash says:

    I tweeted at http://twitter.com/#!/anashct/status/140319207597416448
    email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com

  35. Mami2jcn says:

    I use a lot more moisturizers in the winter as opposed to summer.

    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

  36. Susan Smith says:

    I use more lotion and lip balm in the colder months.

  37. Rosa says:

    I do use extra moisturizer in the winter months. My skin usually feels dry, and I rub some kind of skin oil at night, so I can keep the moisture overnight.

  38. Jessie C. says:

    I switch to cream, more oily skin products to help.
    tcarolinep at gmail dot com

  39. Janice Cooper says:

    Because my skin gets extremely dry in the winter, I have to use a thicker/heavier lotion during the winter months.

  40. Katrina says:

    What beauty routine? I’m a mom of 2 toddlers; I’m lucky to get splashed with a bit of water once in a while! Ha! My cold weather care involves occasional slathering with coconut oil or olive oil to help with dry skin. And that’s it!

  41. Jennifer W says:

    I live in AZ, so my Winters are too too much different from my summers. Colder yes, but no snow, humidity, rain, etc…

    Pretty much the only difference in my beauty routine is that I tend to put my hair up less since my ears get cold. lol. Lame, I know.

  42. Amy Tong says:

    I switch to a creamer moisturizer in winter so my skin won’t feel dry up.

    amy [at] utry [dot] it

  43. Amy Tong says:

    Tweeted about this giveaway: https://twitter.com/#!/uTry_it/status/141638698612695040

    amy [at] utry [dot] it

  44. Sustahl says:

    I use more lotion in the winter, plus I find I need to use less hair gel in the winter.

    luvsherfam @ gmail dot com

  45. Leona says:

    Exfoliate and hydrate alot mor often.

  46. april yedinak says:

    In the winter I have to be diligent with moisturizing and lip balm, otherwise I end up scaly like a reptile.
    ape2016(at)aol(dot)com

  47. steff says:

    i use thicker lotions!

  48. I’m so sorry. Please delete my previous comment!
    i moisturize more:

    thanks for a chance to win!
    And, have a GREAT day!
    kmassmanATgmailDOTcom

  49. cw says:

    I use shea butter on my hands every day and extra moisturizer on my face too in the winter

  50. I switched to a better moisturizer and get sad because my hair looks like crap and nothing makes it better.

  51. karen M says:

    My hair feels drier in winter, and flat from wearing hats..Wash my hair and use a deep conditioner in the winter more than I do in the summer. Hardly ever wear eyeshadow during the summer, when winter hits I start wearing again. I change my nail polish a bit and wear more glittery golds, green, or reds for the Holidays.
    karenmed409 at comcast dot net

  52. meredith says:

    i have to use more moisturizer b/c my skin is super dry

  53. kim - shorty6 says:

    my ruotine is a good extra strength shampoo and conditioner i usually use Garnier Fructis and then if my hair is still dry and unmanagable i get some leave in conditioner. A little dab will do ya..

    my sister also have tried mayo and eggs in the hair to help get some nutrients back in the scalp as well.

    i have really dry hair from getting it dyed all the time. Hope this helps someone. :)

  54. Alena says:

    For clarification I do not have a beautiful routine. I do tend to not shower at night and go to sleep with wet hair during the winter. Not because of sickness but it is awfully uncomfortable to sleep with cold hair.

    I should do things like moisturize more…that air can be brutal and dry skin gets wrinkles faster. But then I’d have to moisturize the face of the two year old while she followed my hand around with her mouth thinking its got to be good.

  55. sandra says:

    i use conditioner more often

  56. Susan C says:

    Your picture is adorable! I definitely use lip balm more in the winter than the summer.

  57. Kerry says:

    I use a lot more moisturizer during the winter months.

  58. Tina M says:

    I switch to an extra moisturizing conditioner

  59. Erica Best says:

    I use more lotion in the winter.

  60. Tia says:

    The only thing I do different in the winter is use alot more lotion.

  61. JenMarie says:

    I always get a lotion and lotion after my shower each night. I also use a deep conditioner once a week without fail. I try to wash my hair every other night instead of every night, within reason.

  62. I definitely hit the dandruff shampoo. And I use a lot heavier conditioner for all the dry weather!

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

  63. Christina Tong says:

    I change to use richer moisturizer and night cream in this colder winter season so that my skin won’t be dry.

    ctong2[at]gmail[dot]com

  64. Christina Tong says:

    I tweeted about this giveaway: https://twitter.com/#!/ctong2/status/149071493085663232

    ctong2[at]gmail[dot]com

  65. LAMusing says:

    I use more moisturizer and exfoliate more often

  66. Norma says:

    In winter I use lots of lip balm!

  67. Carmen says:

    We have to run a humidifier in our room and I use more moisturizer

  68. angie lilly says:

    The only change I really make is using a humidifier. If I don’t use a humidifier in the winter, my forehead gets crazy flaky/peely and no amount of lotion or cream or oil will rehydrate it. But as long as I sleep with my humidifier going, all is right in the forehead world! LOL

  69. nanjhall says:

    I moisturize more to help with my dry skin and use more conditioner to help with the static in my hair.

  70. Sarah L says:

    I go swimming three times a week all year round so my routine doesn’t change much.
    Thanks for the contest.

  71. Lee says:

    I use anti-dandruff shampoo much more often in the winter.

  72. Jammie says:

    I dont change much just add more lotion and chapstick. sweepmorey at gmail dot com

  73. ANGEL JACKLYN says:

    I spend more time pampering my hair & skin during winter!

  74. sean says:

    I hydrate like crazy, it keep my skin and hair healthy

  75. Melinda says:

    I add some glimmerto my make up routine in winter to make me feel cheery :)

  76. Art says:

    Extra lotion and conditioner

  77. Charlotte Anne says:

    I use a better body wash and also use face lotion

  78. Claire says:

    I use a lot more moisturizer.

  79. Mary M. says:

    The only change is I add a ton more creams and lotions everyday in the winter.
    marybug2@yahoo.com

  80. I usually change by adding more moisturizer as the cold wind drys out my skin fast!
    shannonw at peacelovepoop dot com

  81. Lorri S says:

    I use a good body lotion and try to use some hair products that I don’t usually use–like mousse to help with frizz since we have a wood stove and it dries out the air.

  82. tara pittman says:

    I use more conditioner in the winter

  83. Tabathia B says:

    I use leave in conditioner for my hair and use vaseline intesive care lotion after each bath
    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

  84. Mari says:

    I use heavier moisturizer and add lip balm to my regimen.

    runningmatey at hotmail dot com

  85. Eugenie says:

    I have to use lots of moisturizer everywhere.