Hair Styling Tools

How many times do we keep hearing that we need to protect our hair from the heat that our hairdryers, hair straighteners, curling irons, etc. inflict on our hair?  This obviously is a concern because there are a great majority of us who do use a hair styling tool at some point in our daily regiment of working with our hair. 

In particular, I was looking for something that I could spray on my hair after my hair was dry.  Throughout the week, I find myself restyling my hair with a hair straightener or a curling iron.  Since I’m talking about styling my hair at any given time, it is usually when I am getting ready to go out at night and it doesn’t involve washing my hair.  So, it was a requirement that whatever product I was looking for, needed to be applied on dry hair.  Another requirement was that it wasn’t too costly so that I wouldn’t feel bad about spending the amount of money on yet more haircare products. 

My search did not take me long.  I had always seen CHI haircare products in salons and beauty supply stores and wondered how they would work.  When I saw the CHI 44 Iron Guard on the shelf, and also saw that it was something that I could afford, I decided to try it.  Needless to say, I love it  and decided that I needed to write about it.  I will pass along however, at first I was skeptical because my hair felt sticky and stiff after using it.  I talked to my hair stylist and she said that I’m probably using too much because she had never had that problem.  When I cut down on how much I was spraying on, I then saw the difference.  The time it takes to straighten or curl my hair was cut down by about a third of the time it usually takes.  Also, my hair looked shiny and silkier after using the product.

For all of you who already use this product, please let me know what you think about it.  You can never get enough information about what others think about a certain product and this is the perfect time to comment.

Yes, it is definitely that time of year when you start seeing the holiday decorations going up in all of the stores and you start asking that question, “Is it already that time of year again?”  Many of us are putting together our shopping lists and are already wondering  just what would be the right item to purchase.

Well, if you are shopping for someone who needs a hairdryer, why not try the Hot Tools dryers?  Hot Tools hairdryers have been around for quite some time and they continually are adding new technology to their already popular line of hair styling tools.  Not only do they offer some of the best technology, they also offer fun and creative styles of dryers.

Does the person you are shopping for like animal prints?  Well, if they do, Hot Tools definitely has some interesting  and fun prints in their Beauty Skins line of products.  How about a Rainbow Zebra, Pink Zebra, or even a Snow Leopard printed hairdryer?  They even have a Skull Design hairdryer.  All of these hairdryers come with 1875 watts of power for faster drying.

Hot Tools Tourmaline and Ionic technologies change how air treats hair, transforming the dryer’s high airflow into a moisture-enhancing shower of softening, luster-building ions.  Not only can you dry your hair faster, but you get shine, sheen, softness and control.  The Tourmaline/Ceramic far-infrared energy penetrates hair to dry it from the inside-out for optimum moisture balance.  Hot Tools hair dryers are marketed by Helen of Troy and are leaders of professional and personal styling tools because of their product innovations, superior quality and competitive prices.  All Hot Tools hair styling tools come with a one year manufacturer’s warranty.

How many of you have dry, frizzy unmanageable hair?  If you go online and read up on all of the different products that are available for dealing with this , you could spend hours upon hours.  If you have that kind of time that is great.  What I found, however, is that more than 9 times out of 10, the hair product reviews resulted in CHI Keratin Mist as being one of the best products for solving the dry, frizzy and unmanageable hair problem.

CHI Keratin Mist, from the CHI haircare product family, is a leave-in strengthening treatment that you spray on wet hair before drying.  This product not only protects your hair from the heat that is applied when drying your hair, or styling with a flat iron or curling iron, but it also leaves your hair silky and shiny.  In fact, many individuals who let their hair air dry, as opposed to drying with a blow dryer, still use CHI Keratin Mist because once their hair has dried naturally, their hair is soft and the fly away hairs that are always a hindrance are easily managed.

To understand a little more about why CHI has chosen to put Keratin in their haircare product, you need to know exactly what Keratin is.  Keratin is the dominant protein that is found in your hair, skin, and nails.  When you add this protein topically to your hair, skin, and nails, it is known to prevent breakage and to strengthen.

CHI Keratin Mist is found online as well as in most beauty supply stores and other retail stores that sell hair care products.

As most of us know, whenever we perm or color our hair, we are doing things to our hair that have the potential to be damaging.  Since we’ve taken that step to perm or color our hair, we obviously care about the way we look.  The next step in looking good is to make sure we keep our treated hair healthy.

There are many products in the marketplace that one can try to keep permed or color treated hair healthy, however, there are a couple of products that stand out from the rest.  Have you ever tried CHI haircare products?

CHI haircare products by Farouk Systems, Inc., has developed a wonderful ionic color protector system that helps to keep color treated hair healthy, shiny, and as an added bonus it keeps the color more vibrant for a longer period of time.

You are probably asking what ionic technology has to do with haircare products.  You see this terminology used with hair styling tools, but what does it do for you in haircare products?   Actually, the ionic technology formula  in these haircare products bonds to the damaged areas of the hair.  This results in adding strength to the hair and resilience to the color.  In addition to the ionic technology you will also find that Farouk has incorporated Sulfate Free technology into these products as well.  What this means is that impurities are gently washed from the hair without disrupting the dye molecules.  Lastly, CHI’s unique Colorfinity Complex is a blend of color protecting ingredients that preserves the hair color, keeping it rich, strong and vibrant.

The CHI Color Protector System consists of the shampoo, the conditioner, and the leave-in treatment masque.  Each can be bought separately, and in some cases stores both online and off offer the three as a package.

As you already know, there are so many haircare products in the marketplace that are advertised to help with repairing damaged hair, curbing frizz, moisturizing dry hair, adding shine, and the list goes on an on.  If you are anything like me, you’ve tried at least a dozen of ones that have been recommended or after reading the description and instructions on a bottle, you’ve decided it might be worth trying.  While I have had some luck with a few brands, I have never been totally satisfied until now.  After a recent visit to a national hair show, I was introduced to a new product line by the name of Potions International. 

Some of you out there might already be familiar with the Potions International Skin Care products that are endorsed by Lesli Kay from the television soap The Bold And The Beautiful.  Well, Potions International has been working very hard at creating a line of haircare products that are becoming quite popular and for a good reason.  First of all, Potions International products are made in the United States.  Another great reason for using their products is that they are made with all traditionally natural ingredients as well as some newly discovered natural ingredients.

Ok, so what about this fantastic super serum?  The name is simply “Potions International Super Serum”.  This haircare product is unlike any other I have used.  Let me list the reasons I am sold on this product:

1)  Non-greasy formula – Seriously, this serum does not feel greasy or stay on your fingers with that oily/greasy after feeling.  It even quickly absorbs into the skin so you can only imagine how quickly your hair absorbs this product.

2)  Appy to both wet or dry hair – I have applied this product to the ends of my hair prior to blow drying and also after blow drying.  The serum works either way.  When my hair is wet it seems to help smooth out the style.  Applying it after help to calm down any frizz or flyaway hairs without that oily or greasy appearance.

3)  Has UV protection - Not many if any of the haircare products boast of this feature.  Let’s face it, any heat, and most especially sun exposed hair adds to drying out our hair.  The fact that this product has this built-in is just a bonus!

4)  Alcohol and Paraben Free – Why is this so important?  Well, for starters, alcohol is an ingredient that is known to dry out your hair and with prolonged use of the product that contains the alcohol, the damage increases.  Why is paraben harmful?  Parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen, which is known to play a role in the development of breast cancers.  Need I say more?

5)  Enriched with organic Argan Oil - What does Argan Oil do for the product?  From anti-aging and antioxidant properties to hair and nail treatments, this oil is a wonder ingredient.  Safe and natural, light and hydrating, argan oil has many uses in the beauty world. 

6)  Fresh Scent – So many of the haircare products out there have fruity, or in some cases no scent at all.  I found this Super Serum to simply smell fresh.  It is a very pleasant, non-antagonizing scent.

Obviously I like this product and I love the way it makes my hair feel soft and look shiny.  Now that I’ve given you my reasons for using this product, now the challenge is for you to give it a try and let me know what you think!!  I would love to hear what you have to say so PLEASE COMMENT!!

If you are like most of us who need to add some height or extra oomph to their hair, back combing or teasing our hair is definitely an option.  I know I have always used combs to accomplish this and never really thought about styling brushes.  However,  I was just recently introduced to a brush by my hairdresser that worked so well on teasing my hair that I decided I needed to write about it.

For those of you who haven’t already seen this brush, it is called Spornette’s Little Wonder Brush.  This little brush is approximately 9 inches in length, but more importantly, the tail handle measures approximately 4 1/2 inches, which is just ideal for picking up hair sections.   The bristles on this brush are both tourmaline enhanced nylon bristles with adjacent rows of boar bristles.  The combination of these bristles easily pick up the section of hair that needs to be teased.  The density of the bristles lend itself to making this task a simple one.  All you have to do is hold up the section that you have selected to be teased.  Take the brush and starting several inches from the scalp brush against the hair in a downward motion toward the scalp.  You will see that you are instantly creating small tangles, which is what creates the volume and holds the hair in place.  Be careful as you do not want to make the tangles so tight that the hair ends up breaking off because you had to use force in brushing or combing it out.  Once you have teased the hair to your satisfaction, you can then smooth over the areas of hair that will cover the teasing,  apply some hair spray and you are done.

Spornette’s Little Wonder Brush comes in three different bristle colors.  You have your choice of blue, pink, and yellow.  It is a fun little brush that packs a big punch.  It will fit very easily in a purse and can be taken with you anywhere.  It is also a  very affordable brush so you just might want to buy a couple to have on hand or be able to tote around with you.

This is part 2 in a 5 part series where I am discussing anything and everything to do with wearing the classic ponytail hairstyle.  As I’ve been researching, it is truly amazing how many ideas have been explored and created out of simply pulling one’s hair back into a ponytail.  While you can dress up or dress down this style, the creativity to make it more than it ever started out to be can be left up to anyone’s imagination.

While yesterday I provided a couple of different ways to spruce up the ponytail look for a formal or dressy occasion, today I’m going to share a couple of idea sof how to wear a ponytail style that will work for both a formal or casual event.  Let’s say you have a special date planned for the evening but you want your hair already styled prior to the date because you have errands to run.  How about trying a Fishtail Braid?  This is a ponytail style but actually taking it a step further and braiding it.  Here are some instructions to achieve this style:

1) Pull your hair back into a ponytail tightly.  If you were to take your finger and draw an imaginary line from where the top of your ear starts to the center of the back of your head, you will have the right placement of the hairband and where the ponytail should start.  This should be about a little more than halfway from the top of your head and about a quarter of the way up from where your hairline starts above your neck.

2)  Separate the ponytail into two sections, rather than the usual three.  Start out by holding the two sections of hair with your left hand

3)  With your right hand separate a small section from the outside of the right section of the divided ponytail and join it with the entire left section of the divided ponytail.

4)  Next you are going to reverse how you are holding the hair and switch hands.

5)  Now with your left hand you are going to separate a small section from the outside of the left section of the divided ponytail and join it with the entire right section of the divided ponytail.

6) Continue to repeat steps 3 and 5 until you have the desired length of the braid.  Finish the braid off with whatever tie suits the occasion. 

 As you can see by the picture of Diane Kruger above, her fishtail braid has been loosly woven.  While she has chosen this style for a gala affair, this style will definitely work for any casual activity you may be involved with. Especially today, where wearing jeans with a fancy top will work for an evening out be it casual or a somewhat dressier occasion. 

For the second ponytail style,  I’m going to share a style that is extremely easy to achieve and yet it can take on a glamorous look or can be worn with casual attire as well.  When looking at the front of the hair, you think that the style is actually a chignon.   After looking at the back, you will automatically see that the back is a ponytail as portrayed in the picture below.  

To achieve this slicked back look, start by parting your hair on the side and use haircare products that you usually select when you are wanting to smooth down any flyaway hair that you may have.  My personal preference is a new Super Serum I was recently introduced to by Potions International.  The next step is to use a protective elastic band to hold the ponytail near the top of the head.  After this is done, attach the ponytail to the nape of your neck with a couple of large bobbie pins to hold the section in place.  To give the pony a sleek look spray some shine spray on the hair and off you go.

Now that I have provided some ponytail styles that will work for both formal and casual wear, in Part 3 of this 5 Part series, I will address some of the do’s and don’ts associated with wearing ponytails.   

If you don’t already know about the Turbo Ion CROC Flat Iron, you will certainly know why it is a top selling flat iron  after you read this article!!

While the CROC flat irons are designed primarily for professional use, they are sold to the general public because the straighteners are so easy to use and so many stylists are recommending that their clients should purchase one.  So, why are professional hair stylists recommending the CROC flat iron?  Well, perhaps one of the key reasons is that there are so many unique features that the CROC line of hair straighteners has to offer.  There are numerous types of  CROC flat irons available in the marketplace.  This article will showcase four of the more popular models.

CROC CLASSIC (One & One half Inch)  & CROC2 (One Inch) IRONS 

The CROC Classic and CROC2 flat iron features a built-in turbo ion generator, which generates six times more negative ions than regular flat irons.  These negative ions are what seals the cuticles of the hair to prevent split ends, reduce frizz, and retain the hair’s natural moisture, oil, and color.  The end result is shiny hair, and isn’t that what we all want?

The digital temperature setting on these irons is a great feature to have.  The CROC Classic heats up to 430 degrees farenheit, while the CROC2 heats up to 450 degrees farenheit.  These setting are more than ample for straightening the hair.

The nano-silver coated dual cover of the flat iron keeps the temperature of the handle minimal so it is safe to use.

The CROC flat iron also offers the effect of infra-red heat and negative ion shower, which minimizes any damage to your hair while rejuvenating it.  There are actually infra-red heat and negative ion ventilating holes in this flat iron.  There are 10 large and 94 small holes.

CROC WET & DRY IRON - One Inch or One & One-half Inch  

For those who need to save time after shampooing their hair and trying to get out the door, the CROC Wet & Dry flat iron can be used on damp hair.  This iron helps avoid prolonged heat exposure and friction from drying and ironing back to back.  All you have to do is towel dry and comb your hair thoroughly before use.  The excess moisture extracting channels and holes of the flat iron squeezes out unwanted moisture.  You can enjoy flash quick heat up and instant heat recovery while using this iron on wet hair.  This particular flat iron is available in both the CROC Classic and CROC2.

CROC DESIGNER FLAT IRON – One Inch

This particular iron features the Auto Shut Off setting, which results in protection for not only the user, but our environment.  When the iron is left unattended for 30 minutes, the Auto shut off feature is activated.  The CROC will manually power itself off.

Another feature of the Designer flat iron is the patent pending technology, which is the innovative design of  Automatic Temperature Reserve (ATR).  This is a revolutionary design in both safety and function.  Automatic Temperature reserve will automatically reduce the working temperature to 370 degrees when unattended between uses.  When picked up, the temperature will quickly climb back to the reserve temperature.  This functional feature prevents premature iron wear while protecting your working area.

If you are looking for volume, vivacious curls, the ability to flip your hair, create a wave, and of course straighten it, then this is the one for you.  The floating plates, which spring to the touch, and the rounded barrel are the two features that will accomodate these types of styles.  

The Black Titanium plates that are featured with this iron will provide you with more intense shine, seal in the hair’s natural moisture while locking out the humidity, glide through the hair more easily, create less static and frizz, and provide a firmer pull which produces an ultra straight style.  The black titanium combats against less product build up on the plates.

The Digital temperature control provides 17 settings from 280 degrees to 450 degrees farenheit.

 CROC INFRA-RED IRON – One Inch & One & One half Inch

To keep up with the ever-changing trends and design in hair styling, Turbo Ion has also created the CROC Infra-Red Iron.  This is a retro-futuristic hair reconstructing and conditioning iron.  The infra-red heat helps prolong hair color and the dual plate technology provides a faster heat-up and recovery time than ever, as well as even heat distribution over the plate.

The infra-red ray provides faster heat penetration through the hair from the outer surface to the cortex, saving time and the integrity of the hair.  Thermal conduction creates a uniform temperature inside and out leaving less frizz and friction damage while sanitizing the hair.

Dual heating plates are  another technology that the infra-red CROC has to offer.  This technology can be found in the CROC Designer series.  This technology provides 3 times the smoothing power than other irons available today have to offer.  CROC’s patented technology features two separate heating elements that are positioned in the top plate to generate 2 times the heat, while the bottom plate hosts its own separate heating element.  This is obviously a true innovation in professional styling.

The CROC Infra-Red also comes with the Automatic Temperature Reserve (ATR) as the CROC Designer iron described above.

The digital temperature control provides heat settings from 280 degrees to 450 degrees farenheit.

All of the CROC flat irons are manufactured in Korea.

When there are so many flat irons in the marketplace, why are ceramic flat irons so popular?  To answer this question, it is necessary to explain the technology behind ceramic and how it applies to the flat iron.

First of all there is an advantage in using advanced structural ceramics in constructing hair appliances.  This advantage is the high-temperature strength, wear resistance, and chemical stability that ceramics offer.  

It is the plates of the flat iron that are composed of ceramic materials.   As the flat iron is heating up and while it stays hot, a gentle infrared heat is emitted, which produces negative ions.  As these negative ions meet with the hair, they seal the cuticle of the hair, which ultimately repels any humidity, locks in hair color and retards fading while you are smoothing and straightening your hair.  

It is important to note that your hair carries a positive electrical charge that is caused by dryness.   After a period of time, this positive charge increases and while your hair becomes drier, more hair cuticles open and create unhealthy hair.  The negative ions created by ceramic hair styling tools cancel these positive hair charges, resulting in a smoothing down of the hair cuticle.  Ultimately, as the result of smoothing down the hair cuticle, your hair’s natural oils and moisture are sealed in and your hair will stay healthy and shine.

The ceramic plates of a flat iron maintain an even temperature all of the time and diffuse the heat better.  This eliminates the hot spots that can cause damage and breakage to the delicate hair strands.   Because the gentle far-infrared heat penetrates deeper into the hair, your hair is usually straightened in one smooth pass.  This eliminates the damage that a non-ceramic flat iron can cause due to the multiple passes needed.  If you already use a flat iron, you know that flat irons can get very hot.  Most ceramic flat iron models available in the marketplace have adjustable temperature settings so you can practice to see what temperature setting works best for your particular type of hair and the style you are wanting to achieve. 

In shopping for ceramic flat irons know up front that you will be paying more than the local drug store or discount stores charge for flat irons that are not made with ceramic.  So, if you want to avoid irreparable damage to your hair, the extra cost is well worth the protection you will be providing your hair as well as the time you will save in the process.