Hair Styling Tools

There are so many times when you are getting ready for a special event or just hanging with friends, and you look in the mirror and you just don’t like what you see with respect to your hair.  There could be all sorts of reasons why you are saying this to yourself:  1) your hair has been thinning out and you want more volume, 2) you would love to be able to put your hair up or back in a ponytail but there just isn’t enough length,  3) you just plain want to change up your style and could really use some more hair!

So, what is the answer to your dilemma?  Well, Le Angelique has just the product for you.  Their “Angel Hair” hair extensions provide you with 100% human remy hair (all of the hair is from one individual’s head).  The beauty of these hair extensions are that they are clip-ins.  No glue is necessary and let me tell you that one way to ruin your hair and even cause damage to the scalp is by using glue.  And, because they are so easy to clip in and take out, you can easily change your look from day to day.

“Angel Hair” comes in a magnetic box which is wonderful for storing the hair.  There are seven individual sections of hair that are all 21″ in length.  Two sections are 1 1/4″ wide, two additional sections are 4″ wide, and the last three sections are 3″ wide.  So much hair and so many options as to where you can place them on your head.  You can use some of the sections are all of them.  The choice is yours.  Take them to your stylist and even have them cut into layers to match up whatever style you want.  There are twenty different color selections so you won’t have any trouble matching them with your hair, or going with a slightly different color to blend in with your natural hair for a highlighted look.  The color numbers are standard to the industry so you can easily find the right color match.   Because these extensions are 100% natural human hair you can treat them like you would your own by curling and/or straightening.  You keep them clean by gently washing them with a mild shampoo and letting them air dry for extended use.  This lightweight hair is designed to be worry-free when it comes to pulling or tugging.

Go ahead and treat yourself to some new hair and enhance the look of your locks!

Well it looks like Spornette just keeps on shining with both professional and celebrity hairstylists alike.  In fact, Allure Magazine has voted Spornette’s Porcupine Rounder Styling Brush with the Best of Beauty Award for 2009, 2010, and 2011.

This hair brush is magical with its combination of boar and nylon bristles.  The white porcupine nylon bristles that extend beyond the shorter black boar bristles help to lift the hair at the roots, while the black boar bristles penetrate the hair without snagging or tangling the hair.

Whether you have short, medium, or longer length hair, there is a size that will suit your styling needs.  The brush comes in a 2″, 3″, or 3 1/2″ barrel size with a lightweight, comfortable wooden handle.  The larger size barrels are going to give you a smoother blowout and provide that volume you want.  For those of you with fine hair, this is the perfect brush for adding volume to your type of hair.

Don’t you think that now is the time to check this brush out?

With a few tips and all the right hairstyling tools, shiny, silky hair is within your grasp!

To maintain shine through a blowout, skip your nylon- or plastic-bristle brush and instead try a boar-bristle brush (we love the Spornette De Ville Boar Rounder Brush).  Boar bristle brushes store natural oils, and redistribute them evenly onto the hair shaft to keep locks looking glossy.

Frizz is NOT conducive to shine!  So, pick a gentle shampoo designed to tame your strands without stripping hair of natural oils. Try Potions International Super Moist Shampoo which is free of Sodium Chloride, Paraben, and Sulfates.  Also, give hair a last rinse with cold water which closes the cuticle and leave locks shinier.

As you age, you may notice a change in the texture of your hair.  Grays tends to be more coarse compared with the hair of your youth.  It also lacks elasticity, which makes styling difficult.  It’s best to choose a super hold hair spray that also adds shine.

Lastly, strengthen and moisturize strands weekly with a hair mask like Potions International Power Construct.  Weekly use of this product will also seal and smooth any split ends.

Super fine hair makes volume hard to maintain!  Using the right haircare products is the key!  When your hair begins to wilt, spray the roots with an oil-absorbing dry shampoo.  We also suggest a clarifying shampoo once a week to get rid of product buildup that will just weigh down your hair.

Before you begin blow drying, spritz  your hair with an Argan Spray-in (PI’s Super Argan Spray-in).  Set your dryer to the medium setting and begin drying your hair.  Lift your hair up and out as you go.  When your hair is about 80% dry, use a round brush (one of our favorites is the Spornette Prego Ceramic Thermal Brush) to create movement and fullness.

Try to avoid anti-frizz cream or pomade.  Instead, finish with an Argan oil (PI’s Super Serum) applied to the ends only!

These few tricks will transform those locks from flat to flirty!

With Summer officially over ( even though in some parts of the country onc could question this with the elevated temps continuing to linger) it’s time to recover from those months in the sun!  Here are five steps for healthier hair this fall.

Chill Out!  While we all love a hot shower, think again before you turn the knob. Super hot water can irritate the scalp and open the cuticle of your hair resulting in spilt ends and faded color.

Color Code  Spending long periods of time in the sun can mean fading for your colored tresses. Use a color preserving shampoo and conditioner to protect and extend the life of your color.  We recommend any of the Potion International’s shampoos or conditioners.

Get Snippy!  Getting a trim after the summer months is so important for getting healthy hair for fall. By cutting off split ends, you’ll not only improve your hair’s health but your scalp will thank you, too.

Go Ahead, Give it a Rest!  Let your hair rest for fall by skipping a wash every now and then! Using a dry shampoo will help you to avoid using hot hair styling tools which will only further dry out hair and actually cause split ends.                                                        

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!  Chlorine, the sun, and styling products can all make your hair feel extra dry by the end of the summer. Invest in a hydrating mask, like Potions International’s Power Construct to bring moisture back to your thirsty locks.

Let’s be honest, there’s not much that beats a great salon blowout.  No matter how you entered, you can always count on leaving with not only an amazing head of hair, but usually a spring in your step and a renewed feeling that all is right with the world.  With these easy tips, you can recreate the luscious locks and positive mental attitude you get with a salon blowout in the comfort of your own home!

First, don’t rough-dry: When your hair is wet, don’t shake the  hair dryer (like when using a diffuser). Instead…

Angle your dryer: Smooth out even the wildest waves by using a round brush (we love the Spornette Ultralite Brush) and pointing the blow-dryer nozzle in a perpendicular direction.  Remember to avoid blowing the air directly at your hair.

Lastly, hair has a memory: If you repeat something over and over, your hair will remember it and follow the pattern.  For instance, you can flatten a cowlick by pulling it straight a few times. Note: Hair retains information until the next time it comes into contact with humidity.

Heat has a tendency to make hair puffier.  It’s recommended to rinse your hair with cool or luke warm water, which will help smooth the cuticle and keep frizz at bay.

After your shower, and before adding any haircare products, remove excess water by gently towel drying your hair.  This allows for some natural fullness at the roots.

Many times a leave-in conditioner or styling spray won’t tame those fly-aways.  Try some mousse scrunched in for beachy waves, or opt for a smooth, polished look by adding a serum (We like Potions International Super Serum!).  Either way air dry and be on your way!

Dry hair tends to have “fuzzier” frizz…to combat the fuzz, here are a few suggestions to keep those curls calm!

Applying the right haircare products is essential in retaining your hair’s natural moisture.  So, it’s best to shampoo no more than every other day using a sulfate-free formula.  Try using Potions International Super Moist Shampoo. It is Sulfate, Paraben and Sodium Chloride free.  PI’s Super Moist Conditioner has the same qualities so use this to condition your hair as you normally would.

While hair is wet, apply a combination of gel and a very small portion of  Potions International Super Serum.

Use your fingers to twist your curls in order to help them dry in a more controlled way.  Next, attach a diffuser to your hair dryer to keep the curls in tact while drying, or simply let your hair air-dry, careful not to disturb the curl.  When you have completely dried your hair, lightly dab some more PI Super Serum to your hair using your fingertips or the palms of your hands.

With this tip of the day your curls will go from frizz to fab in no time at all!

The classic braid is a fashion staple this fall…It’s simple, feminine and perfect for work OR play!  Getting the look is oh-so-easy in just three steps!

-Part your hair where it naturally falls.  To add a little extra volume, take a section of hair from the crown and back comb once or twice (Try using the Spornette Little Wonder Teasing Brush!).  If you’re hair is fine or super straight, you may want to use some haircare products such as a texturizing spray to keep the hair from slipping from the braid.

-Pull your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck and divide it into three even sections.  Braid the sections softly to avoid losing the volume you added at the crown.  And, as an alternative, rather than the braid hanging down the middle of your back, gather the hair for your ponytail and pull it to one side of your head or the other so that you can have a side braid as shown in the pictures.

-Use a clear elastic band to fasten the end and mist with a light hair spray.  For a softer look, pull a few strands free from the braid to frame your face.

Just like that you have a versatile style ready to go wherever you do!

Paddle brushes, vented brushes, round brushes, oh my!  When it comes to choosing a brush, the choices are endless…and often times, confusing!  Here we compare four common brushes and help “detangle” the brush buying experience!

Oval, Mixed Bristle Brush

Perfect for: All hair types and everyday brushing.  The combination of boar bristles and nylon bristles both distribute your hair’s natural oils and detangle any knots.

Not ideal for: Blowdrying.  The heat of the dryer may cause the rubber base to melt.

Vent Brush

Perfect for: Short to chin length hair.  The wide set bristles, loosen up hair and give it extra volume, whether used with or without a blow dryer.

Not ideal for: Long or unruly hair.  The bristles won’t grip the hair tight enough to smooth and tame the strands.

Round, Mixed Bristle, with Ceramic Barrel

Perfect for: Achieving volume.  The round shape helps to lift hair at the roots.  The ceramic treated barrel evenly distributes heat to keep from frying hair.

Not ideal for: Short hair-it can make it mushroom.

Round, Boar Bristle Brush

Perfect for: Straightening curly or thick hair.  When used with a blow dryer, the bristles will grab the hair but won’t make it stick straight.

Not ideal for: The novice.  Without experience, you run the risk of getting your hair tangled in the brush.

Armed with these brush basics, your next shopping trip should result in a brush perfectly suited for your needs!