This week I road-tested four new styling products by ARTec. Like many women, I love to try new products, always looking for the one item that will make my hair perform in a way that it has never performed before, be shinier, or smoother etc.

ARTec´s Kiwi Coloreflector line is formulated as a hair color protection system that seals in color, enhances shine and adds body while being safe for all hair. I tested their newest items rock-it spray, blow silk, root elevator and piecing paste.


Let me start out by saying that my hair is perfect for experimenting with almost any styling product because of its uneven texture. The top and crown of my head is covered with thick, naturally curly hair that has a tendency to be frizzy and fuller than I like. The hair that covers the back, nape and sides of my head has much less curl and is thinner and finer in texture.

To begin the trial I shampooed and conditioned as usual and started with towel dried hair.

blow silk
• I chose this to use first. According to the back of the bottle, this can be used for dry or wet styling, creates weightless shine and silkens stressed hair, as well as controlling flyaways and eliminating frizz. It sounded perfect for my curly/frizzy hair.I placed a small amount in the palms of my hands, rubbing them together to disperse the serum, and worked it through the top and crown area. After working it through with my
  fingers, I combed it through and went on to the next step.

root elevator
• I found that this is a power hold root lifter and detailer. A directional nozzle enables precise spraying of the foam gel. I used it on the sides and back of my hair, lifting the hair to better spray it into the root area. After that I rubbed it in slightly to spread the product more evenly.

Having applied product, I grabbed my blow dryer and brush and started to work. The curly hair, to which I had applied the blow silk, dried smoothly and easily without frizz and with a nice healthy shine. While drying, I lifted the hair to which I applied the root elevator and it stayed in place firmly without feeling "crispy."

piecing paste
• The thickness in the top area of my hairstyle often makes it difficult to achieve a separated, piecy look so I was anxious to try this. The first thing I noticed was that it is creamy, not waxy in texture. I liked this as some hair waxes can cause a "sticky" feel in the hair. I took a small amount from the jar and, with my fingers, I "streaked" it through my hair and then, more aggressively, formed pieces of hair that would stand out from the rest of my style. I liked its flexible yet firm hold.

rock-it spray
• I used this only in the front and in the crown where I thought the wind and weather might destroy my styling efforts, since the previous products made my style feel secure. It is a rock-hard hairspray that holds all day while retaining the shine.

Two thumbs up to ARTec for these four new products. I will be using them regularly to maintain favorite style.

Buy this poster at Art.com