Qi (Ch’i), in traditional Chinese, describes the”the natural energy of the Universe.” In Chinese culture, it’s the active principle forming part of any living thing. It is frequently translated as “energy flow and the literal translation is “air” or “breath.”
I recently received products from the Chi Organics Olive Nutrient Therapy by Farouk Systems Group (the nifty company that makes those high-quality heat styling tools). “Chi” seems to be a perfect name for these products, because they really do give your hair a breath of fresh air, or at least, new life and energy.
As you can see from the photo, the bottle are attractive, green plastic, with bright orange flip top caps and graphics that will appeal to men as well as women. But the line isn’t all about the outside packaging. The products are designed to promote wellness through the proper balance of necessary nutrients, using olive ingredients, vitamins, herbs and essential oils. The ancient melds with American high tech to bring your hair good looks and “hair wellness.” If you read this the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review columns or this blog, you already know that environmental saboteurs beyond your control (e.g. wind, chemical and heat tools) can damage your hair. This product line helps protect against, and mitigate, damage.
Lots of products are good for all hair types and safe for hair that is colored, and lots of products have natural ingredients and essential oils, but not all of them are created equal. I really liked the Chi Olive Nutrient Therapy Shampoo 12 fl. oz $24.00 and Conditioner 12 fl. oz. $24.00*other sizes and prices are available. Normally I think of olive oil as being super-hydrating, but oily (is is oil, after all). The shampoo was actually light, and while there was plenty of lather, it washed out completely, leaving softness with no greasy residue. I also like that it’s sulfate and paraben-free and contains certified organic essential oils. The Conditioner was also great. I left it on for 60 seconds as suggested, and didn’t use any other conditioning agents, and my hair was surprisingly super-soft.
I also tried the Olive Nutrient Therapy Glaze Suggested Retail Price $18.00 Each 12 fl.oz to give my hair a bit of light/medium control while styling. It also has essential, natural oils and a special blend of extracts that adds shine. The results were lovely: soft, healthy looking hair with lots of movement and shine…what more could you ask for? Also in the line is are a Treatment Paste $28.00 6 fl. oz to give you hair some extra TLC (leave on 1-3 minutes and rinse or for more intense treatment, apply heat or a hot towel and leave on for 15 minutes) plus a Silk Oil $20.00 2 fl. oz *(a little goes a long way). This leave-in treatment helps to help nourish and repair –especially split ends *(great for the beach) and to add shine. There’s also a Spritz $20.00 12 fl. oz for control (even on those windy, humid and rainy days) that’s as impressive as the rest of the line.