Fashion gurus, animal lovers and green fiends alike: rejoice! Now even your hair can go vegan.

Premium hair care line, UNITE hair care, specializes in creating paraben- and sulfate-free, non-animal tested and completely vegan products that will keep your hair – and the world around it – healthy and happy. Unite just introduced three brand new systems, the Moisturizing System, the Volumizing System and the Smoothing System, all designed to combat your worst hair woes without weighing your locks down.

All three systems feature a shampoo and conditioner that are meant to tackle a specific hair issue: the Moisturizing System rehydrates hair, the Volumizing System lets hair appear fuller while adding soft and flexible volume, and the Smoothing System helps to manage even the most unruly hair by taming flyaways and smoothing out frizz.

Romance season is upon us – dare we say – in the form of Valentine’s Day. It creeps up on us every year and those of us who do have sig others feel lucky to have them, but unlucky that we have to not only buy gifts, but buy ourselves some semblance of an outfit and a thrown-together makeover. The winter is not always forgiving to hair, so Feb. 14th can be a dreaded day in which hair preparation is just one of many rituals we’d rather not undergo. But at least we can take solace in knowing that regardless of our plans for the evening; with a few newfangled products we can virtually stop traffic with the renewed gorgeousness of our hair. Whether it’s an intensive moisture, strengthening or gloss treatment you are looking for, these products are a surefire way to guarantee that you and your date (or perhaps, excitingly, you and a stranger) will have at least one thing to talk about as you gaze into each other’s eyes over sub-par tiramisu or cocktails.

LUST over your Color: Kelly Van Gogh

If color is your major hair MO, you must meet Kelly Van Gogh. A renowned colorist for more than 15 years, Kelly has VIP clients who recognize her ability to support and complement all sorts of hair color treatments. With her product, WONDERLUST Illuminating Hair Tonic, she can take her skill even further. The advanced, patent-pending spray is a multi-tasking took that can be used before, during and after hair color. The rich hair cocktail complete with mica particles, caviar proteins, amino acids and strengthening keratins, works to restructure and illuminate colored hair. The spray will be available at Space NK starting this month.

SAVOR a Serum: YAROK Sensory Treatment

Founded by Mordechai Alvow, the YAROK Sensory Treatment line of serums was created to be used in high-standard professional salons such as Hiro Haraguchi in New York and the Ginger Salon in Portland. However, because of the wonders of our modern world, you do not have to live in or even near these cities to find the products – you can buy them online. Visit http://www.yarokhair.com to peruse the offerings, which include seven serums designed to deliver a heightened sensory experience while addressing seven specific scalp and hair conditions in both men and women. Think of it as a balancing of your hair chakras.

If Tim Burton were to have a run-in with Coco Chanel, and the two were to serendipitously collaborate on designing the interior of their dream hair salon – the end result would be something of a glamorous nightmare; the kind of place only the Lady Gaga’s of our world could imagine. Pepper Pastor, a known and respected hair stylist on the NYC scene, is one such lady whose mind holds such treasures. At the new salon bearing her name, Pepper marries chic luxury with touches of goth and horror that never step outside of classy.

Pepper Pastor

It’s no wonder that Pepper’s tastes lean toward the eccentric having studied in artistic and cultural Meccas like Berlin and New York – both of which push the proverbial envelope. Pepper does too. She’s covered in tattoos, her hair is big, red and playful, (though I caught her on an uncharacteristically-tame, straightened hair day) and she’s friends with cops (they popped in to say hello while I was color-processing.) Pepper is memorable, not just for her skillful technique and respectable portfolio, but because she and her salon offer something different in the Seaport – an area which is becoming increasingly hang-out-worthy.

Before opening her own salon, Pepper worked with top companies like Sebastian International. Her work has been featured in top publications such as Vogue, Marie Claire, New York Magazine, Nylon and more. In addition, she has styled runway fashion shows for Oscar de la Renta, Rodarte and other big name fashion moguls. In her new venture, she has channeled all of her experience, skill and unique approach to her craft while promising that clients get the best service from stylists who understand that you are the most important part of their career.

“The attention that our stylists pay you – listening to your needs, designing a style based on your face shape, lifestyle and preferences, and executing that design perfectly – will be second to none,” said Pepper. Pepper and her team use products from companies like Oribe and Philip B to give hair the utmost in luxury moisture treatment. In addition, Pepper’s salon displays other wares spanning the beauty industry, such as Armour lip gloss, started by one of Pepper’s very good friends. The gloss is tingly and sweet but as luscious as glosses get. Pepper also has a display case of handcrafted jewelry from designers across several states.

As soon as the weather turns cold, I immediately find myself dreaming of a new hair style. Cut, color…sure there are endless possibilities and places to go in NYC, but where can you go for a unique experience and a real transformation? Somewhere that not everyone knows about, but with enough people who do that can attest to it being worth a try. I recently found the answer at James Corbett Studio, where I had the pleasure of meeting the friendly, charismatic James at his studio and recently opened spa in Union Square.

Immediately, James and his entire staff felt like my long lost friends. They are welcoming, inviting and truly so much fun to talk to, I couldn’t wait to begin. James’ studio looks like a Zen oasis with Asian-inspired knick-knacks and the finest organic and natural products on display. There are two chairs for cutting and styling and then two chairs in a side room for color and washing. This quaint space really makes you feel relaxed – like that friend’s apartment you wish you had. Feeling this comfortable only enhanced my experience.

James began by examining my color (a flat, mousy, brown) and asking what I wanted out of the coloring process. I was ready to let James work his magic as I learned he has a real knack for helping clients, including me, determine the best hair color based on skin tone, eye color and facial features. Another important factor in choosing James for color is that he insists on helping clients minimize the damage that can come as a result of the dying process, so he uses a hair color instead of bleach for highlights. James began mixing and applying foils to lighten up the front pieces that frame my face. After that, he applied a uniform mixture to the rest of my hair to give my color a darker, yet warm boost. I waited a bit and then James shampooed and conditioned my hair (with a luxurious little head massage) with a delicious Philip B Peppermint and Avocado Volumizing and Clarifying shampoo. My scalp tingled and felt refreshed and clean. The result? My hair looks natural, yet the deep brown color with hints of red makes it rich and glossy – definite perfection! I then got a blow out and style and was sent on my way – to begin my Saturday night.

For some women, one of life’s greatest pleasures is finding the perfect matching bra and underwear set. Other gals love the look of a simple sweater tee and matching cardigan. And of course there’s the simplistic elegance of an exquisitely fitting pants suit. I have never been a girl to care about such things. Matching was something my mother always viewed as overrated; a belief she inevitably passed on to me. I grew up wearing a mixture of clothing and accessories that was as eclectic as social graces would allow – and to this day don’t think I’ve ever purchased any sort of “set” other than a pair of shoes – can’t really get out of that one. But for some unknown reason, I have started to become interested in this “matching” phenomenon, and of course what piqued my interest was the idea of a consolidated hair/skin care line.

It’s so easy to become overwhelmed by all the options out there for cosmetics, particularly in hair and skin care since it’s something we view as a necessity. Some brands have recognized women’s need for efficiency, ease of purchasing and the power of brand loyalty through their creations of a consolidated system whereby women can find everything they need under one recognizable sticker. The following companies have done just that, and while they have dozens of products in their line-ups, BN has selected just a few of both the hair and skin care in each that are worth getting matchy-matchy over.

Avalon Organics

With a commitment to environmental consciousness and sustainability, Avalon Organics has become a household name among eco-conscious beauty addicts. The company’s products, available at natural markets such as Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s, are formulated without parabens, harsh preservatives, synthetic fragrances or artificial colors. In addition, the products are created with organic agriculture, choosing ingredients like organic essential oils, plant oils and botanical extracts. The brand’s Nourishing Lavender Shampoo shares a key ingredient with its Exfoliating Enzyme Scrub. Both use organic lavender to promote softness and shine to hair and skin. The shampoo uses organic aloe and vitamins to moisturize normal to dry hair and the scrub uses licorice root and coleus to protect new skin against irritation.

Ole Henrikson

It’s cheesy, yes, but we can’t help saying Ooh-la-la for Ole Henrikson and his luscious line of hair and skincare products. (His first name is pronounced “ooh-la” so it was just too easy folks.) The Denmark-native came from a tiny village and began pursuing a career in cosmetics after traveling through Indonesia, where he began to experience cystic acne. He found that natural treatments gave his skin relief and he became passionate about the benefits of products infused with natural ingredients. His effective complexion treatments that incorporate natural extracts with state-of-the-art equipment at the OLEHENRIKSEN FACE/BODY Spa on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood have attracted all sorts of celebs who now flock there not just for the skincare, but the hair products too. Like Ole’s skincare – of particular note, the Pure Perfection nourishing night creme – his hair care incorporates the richest natural ingredients to leave hair supple. The Natural Hair Wash with Sea Kelp uses plants from the sea along with kukui nut and awapuhi to moisturize as well as chamomile and plumeria to condition and give hair movement and shine. Ole’s products are available at select Sephora stores.