#aveda

InStyle Magazine | March 2011

by Nisilë of Rivendell

(Images from aveda.com. Upper right picture is my real hair from a few years ago) (the premise)

Mae govannen, my beautiful friends!

You will be glad to know that I have settled marvelously well into my new life in Minas Tirith with my husband, a guard of the royal citadel. The city holds many wonders, of which I promise to write in another missive, but today, I wish to tell you about a treasure I have discovered in one of the city's many apothecaries that cater to those who seek beauty -- mostly women, but also a few men.

It is a truth rarely acknowledged that even elves, despite their immortality, are sometimes plagued by dry, lifeless locks. Our bodies are not immune from wear -- no, not at all!

Alas, over the course of my many travails and by dint of my grief, the ends of my hair have grown dry and brittle as straw, and when this happens, there is often naught to do but cut it. I was about to do as much with great pain, but then, I came upon a shop called Aveda, where botanical extracts from faraway lands are distilled into treatments for hair-ailments of every kind.

I purchased a sample of hair masque (only to be left on for five minutes, unlike many other masques!) and a leave-in conditioner, and I must say...

Eru above, never before had my locks gone so quickly from straw fit for feeding horses, to thread of the finest silk. I had nearly despaired, but here -- here was my salvation. I could barely believe my senses. Here were my tresses, restored to their former softness, their former life. Every other herb and oil I had tried only left them heavy and brittle, or gave them a coating of false sheen that only choked out the life of the strands below. But not so with this miraculous potion.

I even shared a little with my husband: for his long, Gondorean hair which has a thicker texture, and he was delighted to report that for once in his life, he had not a single flyaway.

As such, I recommend Aveda without hesitation, without the slightest reserve. I do not often say this, but if you happen by Lamplighter's street in the city of Minas Tirith, look for the small triangular sign, and who knows, perhaps your locks will also find their salvation.

Eternally yours,