Alterna • Hemp Seed Styling Mud • Styling Products

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crees on 1/29/2012 5:18:00 PM more reviews by crees

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

Does exactly what it's supposed to: adds texture, shine, soft hold and sculpting help. Not stiff or sticky at all once dry. Smells good too, but very mild and won't interfere with your favorite perfume. I love it. I have short hair that misbehaves sometimes, and a small dab through dry hair pretty much fixes it, without looking stiff or artificial (or, gulp, the dreaded "gel" look, yikes). Happy to have found this.

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ElleTeaSea on 3/3/2011 3:08:00 PM more reviews by ElleTeaSea

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

This was perfect to get a fun piecey look with my short, fine hair, without greasing it up and making it look filthy. I loved it for the first few days, and then I broke out in a terrible acne/rash along my hairline and particularly on the sides of my face where I have a few longer pieces that rest there.

I checked on the jar, and despite its organic-ness, it does has several comedogenic ingredients listed. I believe that in my case the oleth-3 was the main culprit which is a 5 for comedogenic properties and a 3 for irritation. If you've never had a bad reaction to a product, or if your hair doesn't touch your face, I'd probably still recommend it, but if you have sensitive, or acneic skin I'd avoid this like the plague.

Also, this is way expensive for a hair product. I'm going to try CHI Molding Clay now that my skin is finally healed. CHI isn't organic and does have petrolium-based products,(boo,) but it was the only hair mud I could find where nothing in it is considered highly comedogenic, so hopefully it won't break me out. CHI's product is also about half the price of Alterna's Styling Mud.

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yippee1999 on 8/18/2010 12:48:00 PM more reviews by yippee1999

Age: 44-55   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I use this product daily. I have a pixie style haircut, and I love to style it so that there are 'pieces' that are distinctive....little wisps that separate from the rest of the hair and that angle towards my cheekbones, eyes, etc.

The texture of this product is perfect...thick but oily. But not TOO oily. Usually what I do is combine a bit of this with a bit of Alterna's Concrete and then finger comb it through most of my hair. Then using my finger tips I style individual pieces to accent my face. I then finish off with some hair spray.

This cream is very good at 'separating' the hair and giving it architectural interest, not to mention very nice sheen!

I can't live without this product!

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*TOP REVIEWER* kaxel on 9/28/2009 10:28:00 PM more reviews by kaxel

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

I was surprised at the number of reviewers who put this product throughout their whole hair. I can't imagine doing this, but maybe because I have fine, chin-length hair. My stylist used this on me to texturize/separate the ends a bit so they'd be piecy. Even though I thought it was expensive, I bought it because of the delicious smell! (Apparently not every reviewer agrees with me).

I think the smell is very natural, fresh and clean - kind of reminds me of fresh cut grass. The product is not too gummy or sticky. I just use a very tiny bit (like one-sixth the size of my pinky fingernail.) Maybe this is why it has lasted me 3 years. I also love the sleek jar which fits nicely in your palm and is sturdy. The only downside IMHO is the price, but having priced a bunch of similar products today at Ulta, this seems to be the going rate for this type of product. I wish they sold smaller jars!

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laurenb80 on 12/6/2007 2:06:00 PM more reviews by laurenb80

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

I have short hair, a longer version of a pixie and I like to have some separation and I few spiky pieces, so I am always in search of the right product. This is a good one for separation and hold and texture, although it does make my hair dull and not so fun to touch...My HG product is called Super Ego and I get it at the salon, a little less thick.

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*TOP REVIEWER* OmToast on 10/1/2007 2:48:00 PM more reviews by OmToast

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Coarse   Eyes: Hazel    

I have a love-hate relationship with this product. On one hand, it makes my hair feel like spun acrylic immediately after application, and for a time thereafter; on the other hand, it really does control frizz and add a *reasonable* amount of shine (meaning that you will not get the megawatt reflective qualities of a silicone-rich shine product but will, rather, get a rich, lustrous, fabu shine). I have very, very thick, exceedngly coarse, devoutly wavy (not quite curly, but almost impossible to straighten) hair. This actually makes it shiny, and -- even in Georgia -- tempers the frizz. In fact, this stuff applied to damp hair followed by a 20 minute car ride with the windows down yields the most fantastic, highly texturized, tousled beach hair that has ever perched atop my scalp. Too bad it feels like barbie hair. I suppose my conclusion is that it's magical, so long as I don't anticipate anyone attempting to run their fingers through my hair within 6-8 hours of application. I pobably won't buy it again straightaway, but I can't imagine finding anything that de-frizzes and shines so much to my liking, so I'm fairly certain I will return to it after a few failed attempts to surpass it. I should also add, for those olfactorily inclined, it smells EXACTLY like a funeral parlor -- heavy, dark rose and carnation. I happen to love it, but it's a very odd smell for a styling product. And I really can smell it for quite some time -- it does not fade quietly into the background. Not immediately, anyway.

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Milky_Leech on 7/15/2007 3:10:00 AM more reviews by Milky_Leech

Age: 19-24   Skin: Other   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

this is awesome for fly aways and frizz. i have very thin, silky, LONG hair, but there's a lot of it and it flies and frizzes like crazy! i tried tigi after party, citrine shine mist, frizz ease and a BUNCH of other top rated and PRICED (lol) products, but they either had limited effectiveness or made my hair greasy/limp.
this product only works well on DRY hair. i tried it once when on my damp locks and it looked tragic - greasy as hell, but all you need to do w/ this is mix it (if it's warm or used on a limited basis, it tends to separate) , take a tiny amount, rub between palms and apply over the top layer of DRY hair - fantastic results! some people might not like the hemp scent though which is very strong and it sure LASTS ;) but most people who smelled the hemp in my hair, loved it :). i also find the scent a plus - it's unique and.. fine by me :)

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*TOP REVIEWER* lotusfairy on 3/3/2007 7:43:00 PM more reviews by lotusfairy

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

This doesn't have the greatest smell, but it is bearable. It also works to texturize my short, curly hair and has a light hold. It doesn't weigh down my hair, so is perfect for those who worry about that. I prefer the texturizing glaze, but is still a good product.

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bootsvalentine on 2/26/2007 2:41:00 AM more reviews by bootsvalentine

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This is the best pomade-type thing I've found for the messy/piecey look. It doesn't cause me to break out around my hairline like anything waxier. It also smells great. I just wish it weren't so expensive. When I first started using it about six years ago, it was $20 for a huge thing of it, now that only gets you the small size. I did score a deal on ebay, though.

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agingfast on 10/9/2006 10:57:00 AM more reviews by agingfast

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I like the smell - smells natural and isn't cloying. Adds a BIT of shine and pieciness to my hair, but not enough for me to be totally satisfied, and I'm a realist. Not really for shaping the hair - the hold is minimal.

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Jandesan on 5/22/2006 11:07:00 AM more reviews by Jandesan

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Hazel    

Wow! I am always happy when I find a product that actually works on my very fine hair that always goes flat!! This is great! Gives a nice piecy look, and I've put a little and a lot for different looks and it does not weigh hair down. It's a nice, light consistency - not thick. LOVE IT!!

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*TOP REVIEWER* reyna on 4/13/2006 12:20:00 AM more reviews by reyna

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

Yes, I love it. I've tried Phytodefrisant (used a lot and did little), Bed Head After Party (loved smell, hated outcome - still frizzy), Bumble Curl Creme (o.k., but have to use a lot and hit or miss on results), Biosilk (greasy hair, itchy scalp), Jonathan Dirt (too sticky to move from hand to hair). I've used Alterna for a week and I've been able to get good results every day. Really keeps frizz at bay and doesn't make it look dirty, greasy, matted, or stiff. So happy - thank you MUA reviewers! Update: Someone asked how to use the product so I'm pasting my answer here also - Hemp mud is on the pricey side especially since I went through a 4 oz. tub in a couple of months. But I do love it and will continue to buy it on ebay where it's cheaper. I wash my hair at night only so when I wake up it's not attractive at all. The top layer of my hair is frizzy but goes wavy if I have the right stuff. I start off by dampening my hands and running whatever 'other' product I have - Avon dry end serum, Tigi Bed Head, Avon straightening balm to get the waves going. Then I go for the Hemp Mud, rub it in my palms and start grabbing at all the outer layers of my hair. Then I let it 'sit' while I put on my makeup. If I see any frizzy spots after that, I get some more Mud and grab those areas. It somehow stays with me all day and keeps my hair from regressing to its frizzy state. You know how sometimes you have a product and it looks good in the a.m.? But as soon as you touch it in the middle of the day it breaks down? If I have Mud in my hair, I'm not afraid to dampen my hands and scrunch my hair to freshen the curl. It looks and feels like you spent some time at the beach. It gives texture. Hope this helps.
11/2007 Update: Use Pantene's Texturizing Pomade as a cheaper alternative. I use Pantene all over and then a touch of the more expensive Hemp on bangs, sides.

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JS1983 on 1/25/2006 11:11:00 AM more reviews by JS1983

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

Pros:really great for a piece-y look.Keeps hair in place all day without weighing it down.Nice fragrance.
Cons:don't care for it being in a jar type container.Just don't like sticking my fingers into goo.Prefer a tube if at all possible.

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*TOP REVIEWER* elat33179 on 11/29/2005 7:33:00 PM more reviews by elat33179

Age: Unknown   Skin: Combination   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I purchased this a few months ago and never really appreciated it until I started straightening my long, thick wavy hair. This is the last product I use after I flat iron. I rub a tiny bit between my palms and smooth it through my hair. It gets rid of the frizz and also smooths the choppy look that I sometimes get from my layers after I straighten. Great product!

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shaylaroop on 11/9/2005 4:14:00 PM more reviews by shaylaroop

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

This stuff is soooo great!! It was recommended by a former stylist and I use it nearly every day. I like to wear my thick, wavy chin length hair both naturally wavy and straightened with a flat iron. I find that the Styling Mud works well with both styles. It is the last thing I apply to my hair after styling it and it tames any frizzines, gives my style hold, and lets me make any finishing touches to my style. It's great for piecing hair together when I wear my hair straight or finger curling my hair when I wear it with its natural wave. It also adds a shine to my highlighted hair that I love. Oh, and like most of the Alterna products, this has a very nice scent. It's strong at first but fades after application. My guess is that this product is best for shorter hairstyles. My current tub of this product is almost finished and I am definitely going to buy another one!!

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stickgirl on 4/26/2005 6:01:00 PM more reviews by stickgirl

Age: 30-35   Skin: Very Oily   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

I HATE hairspray and will do/try anything not to use it, so I almost wept with joy when I found this product (recommended by my stylist)!!! The perfect hair product... styles, molds, shapes, conditions.. all without stickiness or the greesies!

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dulces78 on 4/13/2005 1:57:00 PM more reviews by dulces78

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

Love it. It's great for after blowdrying hair and you still have a bit of frizz. It almost finishes straightening the hair and leaves it so shiny and sooo straight. Up to you how much you use, but beware could cause greasiness if overdone. Definitely one of my favorite products. I don't mind the price because a little goes a long way.

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JulieLance on 1/29/2005 9:00:00 PM more reviews by JulieLance

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

Highly recommend for coarse, thick hair like I have. A little goes a long way and rub in between your fingers before applying!

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annedom on 8/31/2004 3:32:00 PM more reviews by annedom

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Other   Eyes: Blue    

I bought this after my hairdresser used it on me. At first I didn't think it made any difference but now I love it. I use it on my wet and dry hair to tame frizzies and provide non-sticky hold. Combined with phytodefrisant it tames my thick frizzy hair into nice curly waves. Received lots of compliments.

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HelenClaire on 8/23/2004 9:55:00 AM more reviews by HelenClaire

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Normal, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

This stuff works well for a piecey, chunky look, and it adds a lot of shine to the hair. I like to use a little bit on my eyebrows to keep them in place. Plus it has a very unique, earthy, delicious scent (almost like... well, you get the idea). The texture is like thick, sticky mud.
PACKAGING: Large wide and shallow tub. Very easy to scoop out desired amount. Lid goes on tight, I haven't had it dry out any.
PRICE: About $15.00 USD from a salon.
PROS: Smells lovely, keeps hair in place

CONS: A tad chère, if you ask me. The mixture tends to separate a bit, but if you mix it back up with your fingers all is right.
SUMMARY: I like.
INGREDIENTS: Superoxide Dismutase, Lactoferin, Retinyl Palmitate Polypeptide, Saccharomyces Copper Ferment, Saccharomyces Zinc Ferment, Phospholipids, Corn Oligosaccharrides, Copper Oxidase, N-Acetyl Methionine, N-Acetyl Serine, Amino Acyl tRNA Synthetase, Dimethylamino Benzamidopropyl Laurdimonium Tosylate, PED-90M, Phenoxyethanol, Methyleparaben Propylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Caramel, Parfum.
WILL buy again.
EDIT: I tried rubbing this into my cuticles like aprillia suggested, and it made them soft and left my nails shiny and smelling wonderful.

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