Head and Shoulders Eucalyptus Itchy scalp care review {$50.00 Visa card giveaway}

Not sure about you, ladies and gents, but this time of year takes a toll on my hair and skin. I experience changes I am not personally fond of.

DRYNESS, first and foremost. I suppose the cooler temps and the heat being turned on are the major factors.

When the BlogHer network offered an opportunity to review Head & Shoulders Eucalyptus Itchy scalp care products, I was a bit hesitant at first. I seem to get hooked on a product with my hair and do not change. We tend to stick with what we know.

HOWEVER, I do experience a dry scalp and some minor flaking, so I thought to myself: what do I have to lose? I never have used Head & Shoulders and went into this review completely open-minded.

First, here is what Head & Shoulders Eucalyptus itchy scalp claims to offer.

*Promises to ease three scalp and dandruff problems: dryness, itchiness and sensitivity.

* With 84% of surveyed scalp issues sufferers concerned about these issues, Head & Shoulders has combined the effectiveness of their Hydra Zinc formula to alleviate these conditions, leaving your hair beautifully flake free.

HOW IT WORKS
* Dandruff is caused by a combination of factors, namely the presence of scalp oils, the fungus Malassezia globosa, and what scientists call a susceptibility to skin irritation (or reaction to the presence of the fungus.)
*Beyond leaving behind a clean scalp, the foundation for great looking hair, Head & Shoulders's new collection goes one step further to excite and indulge your senses with fresh, naturally inspired fragrances including almond oil, eucalyptus and aloe vera.

So as you can see, they make some pretty bold claims. I decided to put it to the test.

* I received my new product, and I decided to get right to it.

When I first opened the bottle I put it to the sniff test, and it was very pleasant and appealing, YET not overwhelming like I expected. I thought the eucalyptus would be stronger and more medicinal. NO, it was a perfect hint.

* The consistency also surprised me. I thought it would be thicker, which it is not. I used about a quarter-sized amount, as my hair is shorter. I thought the shampoo had a great hand feel.

* It lathered like a dream. At some point I was expecting a major tingling, again because of the eucalyptus. NO, not major at all, however enough that I felt the sensation working into my scalp.

* Next, I moved on to the conditioner. The conditioner consistency was like most. I used a smidgen, like a dime size. This is when I felt a bit more tingling happening, and I could feel my hair to be very, very soft. It rinsed out easily.

* Now comes the fun part: blow drying and styling like normal. Remember, I am the girl who uses the same stuff every day. I was anxious to see the results.

* My hair is very fine, and I am not one to use a whole lot of stuff, gels, moose, I do not use any of it, as I do not like the residue they leave.

* Within a few minutes of blow drying, my hair was starting to look very shiny, had a very nice, almost like thicker feeling, yet not heavy like with a product in it.

* My hair felt great. I continued to feel tingling, but very light, nothing that was burning or overwhelming. I even felt a slight tingling on my neck, I suppose that is where some had run down in the shower.

* After blow drying, I added my quick spritz of hair spray, and I was good to go.

I used Head & Shoulders twice a week for two weeks, as recommended on the bottle (no more than twice a week.)

I am pleased to announce I have a new winter shampoo. My hair and scalp feel great. I have had no itching, and absolutely no flaking.

I did not alter this picture in any way; this is me, my hair and I!

***NOW***

 The fun part for you, my lucky readers:

BlogHer is offering a $50.00 Visa gift card to one lucky reader.
 For a chance to win, leave a comment, letting me know how you plan on changing your hair or beauty routine during the winter months.

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.

Thank you blogher for this opportunity!