Archive for September, 2011

Different Types of Curling Iron

Published by on September 30th, 2011

If you’re on the lookout for the perfect curling iron, beware! There are many types available on the market, but you need to buy one that matches your styling needs so that you can get the most out of what it offers. Here’s a short guide to help:

Spring curling iron


Great for beginners, the spring curling iron is one of the most popular types you can find. You are able to firmly hold your locks as you style thanks to the spring-action clip. The only effort needed to make it work is to catch and release sections of your hair by controlling the clip using your thumb.

Clipless curling iron


If you’re accustomed to the spring mechanism curling iron, you might need a few test tries with the clipless model, but it’s not hard to handle once you’ve dominated the basics. You just need to wrap the ends of your hair last instead of first, this way preventing split ends and creases. You can access your roots a lot easier with one of these, giving you more styling freedom. One great clipless model is the Karmin Salon Pro Clipless.

 

Marcel curling iron


This model was originally designed for stylists and hair professionals with its tricky manual operation and extra handle to control the curling process more efficiently. The Marcel curling iron requires some experienced handling and skill in order to obtain the desired outcome. When you have gotten the hang of the Marcel curling iron you can expect professional results.

 

Double/Triple barrel curling iron


The double barrel curling iron allows you to create figure-eight type curls and the triple barrel model lets you to make loose, flowing waves. Although quite complicated to maneuver, these kinds of curling iron can work on large pieces of hair, thus reducing styling time.

 

Spiral/Ribbon curling iron


It is possible to create tighter, more precise curls, defined spirals and bouncy ringlets with one of these curling irons. The barrel has raised ridges along its length, where you can wrap around sections of hair.


 


Creating Waves with a Curling Iron

Published by on September 29th, 2011

If your hair needs a bit of volume and texture, why not try sexy, cascading waves with your curling iron? There are traditional methods of creating waves, such as the ones mentioned in our article Simple Tips for Sexy Waves, but using a curling iron you can obtain results a lot faster.

The barrel size of a curling iron influences the type and size of the wave, so choose a large barrel (up to 2 inches) or use a double/triple barrel curling iron to do the job.

Now, let’s see how to create those luscious waves!

•  Heat the barrel to medium or high temperature if the model you own has settings. Test the curling iron out on a lock of hair to check if the barrel is hot enough to use for curling the rest.

•  Remember to use a styling product and thermal protectant like Pro Naturals Moroccan Oil before applying the curling iron to your locks. The styling product can keep a firm hold on the waves so that they last longer. Use a manageable product such as a light hold mousse or gel. This will guarantee  natural looking waves instead of stiff ones.

•  Choose a section of hair about 1 to 1 ½ inches thick, and wrap it around the hot barrel. Start by wrapping the ends of the section around the barrel first and rolling it all the way around until it is about 2 inches from your roots. A clipless curling iron like the Karmin Salon Pro Clipless allows you to accomplish this a lot easier. For extra waves, twirl the lock of hair with your fingers before you wrap it around the barrel. Hold it there for about 10 seconds and release the hair.

•  Do this with medium to large sections of hair until it is all wavy. Finish with a light hold hairspray to keep the style in place and to hold the waves. You can tousle the waves gently with your fingers to separate them, giving your style a more natural appearance.

 


Best Curling Iron for Fine Hair

Published by on September 28th, 2011

Is your hair so fine that it’s impossible to get one little spiral into it? With fine hair that is straight, no wonder you complain that curls won’t last long. This hair type is difficult to style and volumize, but there are lots of options available to give your hair some texture. A curling iron is one of them, but you can’t just choose any old curling iron.

Cheap brands are so risky to use on fine hair since this hair type is much more vulnerable to heat damage because of its delicate nature. If you want to avoid frying your tresses then it is essential to shop around properly for an ideal curling iron that matches your hair’s needs.

Choose a professional curling iron with premium quality heating elements such as ceramic, tourmaline or both. Since fine hair is more sensitive than other hair types, it needs supreme care when exposed to heat, and ceramic can provide just that. It emits a moist, gentle heat that styles your hair safely and increases its health as well as shine.

It’s also good to check out the temperatures a curling iron can handle, and if it features a temperature gauge, even better. With fine hair you don’t need scorching heat to give it some curl, you’ll just frazzle your tresses! Use lower temperatures instead and save your locks from heat damage. A professional model will provide even heat along the entire length of the barrel, further preventing hot spots and potential overheating of the hair.

To enjoy extra bouncy curls, great texture and wonderful volume in your fine hair, try the Karmin Salon Pro Clipless curling iron, which can handle temperatures of up to 410 degrees and features a highly polished ceramic barrel that styles your locks safely with smooth, shapely results.


Best Ceramic Flat Iron

Published by on September 27th, 2011

A ceramic flat iron is super beneficial for your locks and we’ll tell you why. Ceramic is a very popular material in heat styling tools because of it’s many great properties, but most importantly, it’s one of the healthiest options available for your hair.

With a ceramic flat iron you get ultra smooth plates that can easily glide over your locks without snagging or pulling. if you have used a cheap brand you get metal or glass plates that have a ceramic coating (if you’re lucky) and this coating can peel away, damaging your hair and pulling it out. Another disadvantage of low quality flat irons is that the plates are incapable of maintaining even heat, and the fluctuations extend styling time as well as cause hair damage. A ceramic flat iron can distribute even heat and prevents overexposure, giving you much healthier results.

Ceramic flat irons use far infrared technology to lock in moisture and seal in the cuticles to improve overall health and shine. You won’t have to worry about frizz thanks to the moist ceramic heat which eliminates this issue and relaxes your locks. Though ceramic flat irons can maintain high temperatures for quicker styling, the heat won’t harm your hair, the very nature of ceramic works towards conserving the health of your locks by evenly distributing the heat.

Not only are ceramic flat irons healthier, they are also lighter in weight and much more user-friendly. Styling your hair is made swifter and more successful when you own a ceramic flat iron. But how to choose the best one?

One of the most favored models is the Karmin G3 Salon Pro, featuring 100 percent ceramic tourmaline plates for healthy styling leaving you with sleek, frizz free, hydrated locks. Shine is increased, strands are softened and your styles in general are boosted.

 


Benefits of Ionic Hair Dryers

Published by on September 26th, 2011

Did you know you can easily own an ionic hair dryer to blow dry you locks at home? These hair dryers are increasingly popular and relatively affordable, being available in many stores. But how can an ionic hair dryer benefit you?

Ionic hair dryers can produce negatively charged ions that break down the water molecules, forcing them to evaporate faster. The hot air emitted by the hair dryer is able to penetrate the hair shaft and dry it from the inside out, which greatly decreases the risk of damage and furthermore reduces drying time.

Thanks to this unique technology, ionic hair dryers are superior to regular hair dryers. With a regular model you will get positive ions instead of negative ones which only lengthen drying time and cause overheating, leaving hair frizzy and dry.

However, with an ionic hair dryer, you receive many benefits. Since these hair dryers break down water molecules fast, you will spend a lot less time exposing your hair to the high temperatures, reducing the risk of heat damage. Ionic hair dryers also help seal the cuticles, relaxing the hair shaft and making it shinier, improving the general health of your locks. Additionally, this hair dryer can eliminate the static that causes frizz.

To purchase the ideal ionic hair dryer you need to consider many factors. The more powerful the hair dryer the faster you will get results, so considering wattage is important. A high wattage means more power is being used and more heat is being produced.  If you have thick, curly or course hair, a hair dryer with a wattage of 1600 or more is perfect. Hair dryers with a lower wattage work well if you have thin or fine hair. Another essential factor in choosing the ideal ionic hair dryer is temperature. The hotter the air stream, the quicker your hair will dry, meaning less exposure to the heat.

 


Cute Hairstyles for Short Hair

Published by on September 23rd, 2011

Who said short hair was limited when it comes to styling? There are plenty cute and sassy ‘dos to keep eyes on you if you have short locks. Here are a few ideas for you to try:

Cute curls

This is very easy to do. Run your hands through your clean and wet hair for a moment, twist your bangs and pin them to the top of your head with bobby pins, doing the same thing with the sides. Grab some gel and spike up the back, but don’t overdo it. Once your hair is dry, take out the bobby pins and enjoy the curls!

Short and curly updo

Take parts of your hair, twist them up and secure them to your head with clips. Accessorize with colorful clips if you like, making sure that the hair is clipped tightly so that the strands stay in place.

Polished short hair

Apply a golf ball-size amount of mousse to your damp hair and use a comb to make a deep side part. Smooth the hair on the heavy side part across your forehead and tuck the hair behind your ears while it air dries. You should have a polished, professional look. If you want it smoother, go over the hair with a flat iron for best results.

Headband

You can add this accessory to give the illusion of an updo. Perfect for special occasions! Just work in some mousse into your damp hair, then flip your head upside down and blast it with a hair dryer, simultaneously tousling your locks with your fingers. Place a 1 to 2 inch headband into your hair, or use a thicker one right over the hairline. Tease the hair behind the band so that it won’t slip. For a boost in shine, use a styling product, like Pro Naturals Moroccan Oil.


Fun and Easy Messy Hairstyles

Published by on September 22nd, 2011

Messy hairstyles are growing more and more popular by the day, but how do you accomplish a successful messy style without it looking sloppy? Messy styles are perfect for day-to-day activities and casual meets, especially when you have no time to create a polished look. When there’s not even a minute to spare, just work with ‘day-old’ hair, skip the shampoo and transform it into a stylish messy ‘do. As long as it’s not too greasy, it’ll be fine! Here are some ideas for you to try:

Loose, messy bun

If you have the length to spare, try one of these. You can make a loose, messy bun without the need for a brush, just your fingers! If your hair is tangled and unwashed, it will be perfect for this hairdo. Simply flip your head upside down and pull your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic band. Wrap the tail around the base until your hair has formed a bun, and fasten it to the base of the first elastic band with a second elastic or with bobby pins. Pull out a few locks to frame your face and you’re done!

Messy curly hair

With dry or just-washed hair, you can transform thick curls into a natural, glorious mess. To style dry curls, use your fingers or work in a light mouse to add more volume. On wet curls, absorb the excess moisture with a towel, flipping your head over and scrunching the curls to create body afterwards. Flip your head back up and use mousse if you want to add an extra boost in body.

Short, messy hair

If you have short to mid-length hair, use gel or mousse to create a messy style. Use a palm full of styling product on dry or just-washed hair. Rub your hands together with the mousse or gel and work it into your locks, tousling the hair until you have achieved the desired messiness.

If you want your hair to look healthy and shiny as well as messy, try Pro Naturals Moroccan Oil for better results.

 


Fabulously Easy Ponytail Styles

Published by on September 21st, 2011

The ponytail is the simplest and most convenient style a girl (and sometimes guy!) can rely on. Does this mean it’s boring? Not when you know how to spice it up a little! If you want a fabulously easy ponytail style that will last you the entire day, read on to learn how.

Sleek Ponytail

This smooth ponytail works wonderfully whether you’re off to work or out for the evening. It gives off a superb professional and polished look, and it’s not at all difficult to create!  Simply straighten your hair with your flat iron (if it isn’t already straight) and tie it up at your preferred height. If you want, separate a 1 inch section of hair and wrap it around the elastic band holding up the ponytail and tuck it inside. Spritz over with a light spray or gel.

Shortened Ponytail


The shortened ponytail gives the regular ponytail a nice little twist, literally! Pull your hair into a low ponytail and tie it with an elastic band. Lift the tail towards the top of your head and fasten it with a clip at the desired height. Flip the tail down so that is covers the clip and the elastic band.

Stacked Ponytail


These will guarantee a lot of attention! Straighten your hair and keep it nice and sleek with a firm holding spray. Brush your hair back and tie it up into a ponytail high on the back of your head and secure it with an elastic band. Separate the ponytail into two individual ones and secure each one with an elastic band,, making sure one is resting directly on top of the other. Add texture and volume to the top ponytail  finish with some holding spray.

Side Ponytail

Easy to make and super stylish. Just create a deep side part and tie your hair to one side just below your ear, finishing off with hair spray. You can add curls and waves with your curling iron if you want to make it more interesting.


Textured Ponytail

Give your ponytail some personality! Simply separate the top section of hair and clip it. Smooth the bottom section into a sleek ponytail and fasten it with an elastic band. Release the top section and give it texture with your styling iron or curling iron. Loosely secure the ends of the top section into the bottom ponytail with another elastic band. Wrap a 1 inch lock of hair around the bands and tuck it in to secure.


Benefits of Japanese Hair Shears

Published by on September 20th, 2011

Why are Japanese hair shears so famous? Just take a look at their excellent quality and you’ll see! Japanese hair shears are produced using the same kind of manufacturing techniques that would typically make fine Japanese swords. Now that’s quality.

What’s the difference between Japanese shears and other brands? The typical Japanese shear has a convex edge blade on the outside and the inside of the blade concave for extra sharpness, making it perfect for slide cutting and other modern hairstyling techniques.

A lot of the top rated professional hair shears you will find on the market today are made by Japanese manufacturers, who are constantly developing products to exceed expectations. They are continuously looking for ways to improve the hair shears and invest lifetimes to create the finest products for you.

Let’s talk a bit about what these shears are made of. Japanese stainless steel is well known for its ultra sharpness, and it can be observed when honed into scissor blades. the finger rests are specially crafted to provide you comfort, which is one of the main attributes of Japanese hair shears. You can seriously benefit from owning a pair of Japanese shears, since they are so well designed for your convenience. No more wrist pains or cramps! If you currently use shears that cause you problems you need to replace them with a better pair immediately to avoid more issues in the future.

If you decide to invest in professional Japanese shears, such as the Saki Katana, you need to remember that they need a little love and care. Use them on a clean surface and wipe them down with warm water and soft detergent to keep them in tip top shape. Open the blades properly to get rid of dirt and grease before drying with a soft towel. Oil the blades’ joint every now and again to keep them moving smoothly.

 

 


Simple Tips for Sexy Waves

Published by on September 19th, 2011

Want sexy, wavy styles? Just take a look at these very easy to follow steps and enjoy natural waves for any occasion!

Rocker Waves


These are easy to create if you combine the right products. Apply some shampoo to your dry hair first, it will get rid of any grease and add more volume. With a little bit of texture balm, warm it up in your palms and thoroughly work it in your hair. DOn’t overdo the quantity, you don’t want to weigh your hair down with product. Flip your hair upside down and scrunch it, using a spritz of spray gel to prevent frizz.

Natural Waves


Apply some anti-frizz and leave-in conditioner to your wet hair. Pro Naturals Moroccan Oil can also work. Wrap your entire head in a towel to remove excess moisture without causing frizz. Leave the terry cloth on your head for a while and then unwrap it to let your hair air dry. You will have natural, hassle-free waves in no time!

Hollywood Waves


A very popular look among celebs during red carpet season, and you can do it yourself! Start with unwashed hair. If it’s looking greasy, grab some dry shampoo and sprinkle it on your roots. Spray the rest with styling spray and roll halfway up using hot rollers. The bigger the hot rollers, the more glamorous the style. While they’re still warm, spritz them with hair spray and take the curlers out straight away. Make a deep side parting and shake your locks out to loosen the curls.

Beachy Waves


the perfect easy going, tousled look for out-doorsie styles. Use a brightening shampoo to bring out your highlights (whether natural or not) and towel dry your hair. Apply some salt spray from roots to ends to create a beachy, surfer look. Finally, add some leave-in conditioner on the ends if they look dry or dull.

Short Waves


Add some wave-enhancing texture cream to your damp hair. Twist small locks around your finger and then wrap your head in a towel. Unwrap after 5 minutes and allow your hair to air dry. When your hair is completely dry, apply some shine spray.