We all want what we can’t have – especially when it comes to hair, and especially in the summertime. Oh, come on, don’t lie to us. Summer is the worst for hair – unexpected showers, humidity so thick you can barely breath. Even if you claim to be super low-maintenance, we know you’ve spent time staring into the office bathroom’s mirror after a rainy commute to work, desperately trying to smooth down those furry-looking ringlets with water and a bit of hand lotion, all the while glaring at your co-worker’s smooth, silky tresses.  We feel your pain – more so if it sometimes involves mounds of dry shampoo in an effort rid your bangs of humidity-induced grease patches.

 Well, lust after your co-worker’s hair no more. Thad Grace, owner of Portland’s Grace Salon, has heard your cries of, “Why is my stupid hair so curly/flat/straight?” and come to the rescue with his product line Mada.  Named after his son Adam (get it?) and consisting of only twelve products, each of which has some futuristic-type angle to them, Mada addresses common hair envy with a streamlined approach. The Hydrating Spray Shampoo (that’s right, SPRAY shampoo – we’re suckers for new delivery systems, and it happens to be perfect for traveling, too) and Conditioner have humectant qualities that, in a sci-fi sounding way, draw moisture from the air to stop your hair from frizzing.  We have a friend with curls who swears that these are the only products that get her hair to behave. The Protein Spray Shampoo and Conditioner for fine strands are super gentle and won’t weigh your hair down.  Yeah, yeah, we know you’ve heard it all before, but this time it’s true. And the Reset Shampoo and its partner, the Dual Daily Conditioner, are kind of like the Master Cleanse of haircare – yet gentler, with anti-inflammatory properties that are especially good for dry, itchy scalps. 

And have we mentioned their styling products? No? Okay. Mada’s pretty much your one-stop shop.  There’s Light Protein Hairspray for those us cursed with constant flyaways, as well as the Light Cream Pomade for natural looking waves that stick around without the aid of a curling iron.

Currently, you can only get Mada at Grace Salon or online, but that’s cool.  You don’t really want to leave the house with your hair looking like THAT, do you?

Mada, $24 - $26.  www.madahair.com.

by Carrie Tucker