Give me a perfect blowout - KeraShine heated styling brush HP8632

Saloon perfect hair in minutes!!

We all feel that pain when we try to emulate how the experts at the saloon style us by blow drying our hair. Somehow having a great blowout is not as simple as it looks.



Usual issues faced:

1. Hair gets sucked into the blow dry brush... yeowch....
2. Hair is already dried, if we apply more hairdryer heat to it, oh-our-poor tresses...
3. Somehow, it takes ages to get that blowout perfect
4. When we blow dry our hair for too long, it tends to get dry and frizzy... even if we've applied the heat-protection serum before the blow drying starts
5. Our arm hurts just staying there holding the hairdryer and huge round bush for too long
6. No way this is going to be a daily routine for us average lengluis (once in a blue-moon for a special night out and that is it... thank you!)

So how now?? How do these lengluis we see with bouncing perfect volume blow dried hair maintain that near-perfect tresses DAILY?

Somehow, Philips just decided to be smart... and threw us an answer in the form of KeraShine heated styling brush HP8632.. Suddenly we feel like an advert for Philips... lol... no we are not..

The Pros:

• This will give you that blowout saloon experts achieve with the hairdryer and a big round brush
• This works only for dried hair
• A neat gadget when you do not want overly styled hair
• Want bouncy saloon perfect hair? 5 to 10 minutes is all you need!
• Saves us time and $$$ while we get to pretend we just got out of the saloon
• You can shake out your hair like those models in the shampoo adverts now... hahahahaha.. in the comforts of your home

The Cons:

• Somehow, one or two strands of hair tends to catch into the groove between the heated barrel and the holder.. ouch... although a minor thing lets hope Philips fixes this for the next model..
• Heat styling is never good for your hair.. so like blow drying, apply some heat protective serum before styling
• Careful.. the plastic brush protect us from the usual burns we get when skin touches a normal hair tong... but a lack-of-sleep lenglui might forget that the brush is retractable and you CAN get burned if not careful! duh...

Tips:

• Go load some youtube vids on how-to-style your hair for the perfect blowout
• Yes, you will see vids of lengluis using a hair dryer and a round brush on towel dried hair... but... you can emulate this with just this device on your fully dried hair

Kerastase Initialiste - Skincare for Beautiful Hair

Ever heard of plant stem-cell treatment? Here is one product resulting from that research promising loads to a lenglui's hair! But really, from scientific point of view, plant stem cells are really just using plant extract so no biggie there... Still... this serum we are going to talk about ROCKS!! :p

1. Stronger thicker hair
2. Smoother shinier hair

pic credit to http://www.gorgeousshop.co.uk/blog/gossip/kerastase-initialiste-new-products/

Just the FYI... iwannabelenglui did not go to any sponsored event... bla-bla-bla for this. This was really a gift from her mummy :p And since we have hair from constant colouring and perm... etc. this was something to try out... Hohoho... after a few weeks of using this, we think it's time to share this to lengluis with coarse or problem hair. Not saying that this would entirely help lengluis with brittle bleached hair, but CONCLUSION = we think consistent use of good Japanese conditioner and Kerastase Initialiste serum is as good as having your monthly in-saloon hair treatment.


Some Credible (non sponsored we think) Reviews:
** hey, amazon reviews are pretty good

• http://www.spiffykerms.com/2013/04/my-hair-routine-with-kerastase-initialiste/
• http://eekorchic.blogspot.com/2013/03/kerastase-initialiste-review.html
• http://www.amazon.com/Kerastase-Initialiste-Advanced-Concentrate-Treatment/product-reviews/B00C7PQM3K/ref=dpx_acr_txt?showViewpoints=1

After 30 days of use - Pic credit from YouTube Kerastase Initialiste Product Testimonials

Why this conclusion?

• That teeny high forehead baby-hair almost bald spot is having thicker, longer baby hair now... Okay, so we were really focusing on that spot during the serum application... 
• Dyed perm hair seems to be more manageable and lustre
• Oh heck... just Google the videos and reviews... (though... tons of sponsored ones which you will find) 
• But... if you've got the extra cash and find that getting in-saloon treatments are a hassle, this is worth a try for about RM180 of a teeny weeny bottle that goes a long way

Video on the product

• On the product's technology - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-A0xp1eomPg
• Product's Testimonials (possibly sponsored) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7kn46weSUA

Mermaid Hair in Minutes... Tsuyagla Wave!

If you've ever watched those repetitive tv shopping ads... you'd understand why... (Click on the pic to the vid below)

Yeah... they're similar to Babyliss Wave Envy, but... it seems like Tsuyagla Wave wins tops... Perhaps 'cos their barrels are larger (32mm) so they create less crimpy looking waves and more beachy looking waves... Or just because... THE TOOL IS JUST SUPER GIRLY LOOKING!!! Uh-huh, although... these are not for lengluis who are anti-PINK... BUT... Mermaid waves are just so romantic right now!!

Oh... see reviews below of lengluis who've somehow managed to get hold on one of these! Currently only available to the Japanese market... All the more challenge getting one of these now that they are hot off the shelves... Muahahahahaaa...

• http://estheralways.blogspot.com/2012/02/tsuyagla-wave.html
• http://hellonachan.blogspot.com/2012/02/tsuyagla-wave-review.html

Shiseido Prosynergy Multi Protective Lotion - The Ultimate Lazy Lengluis Hair Treatment?

It's not that we think lengluis should start being lazy and not care for their hair... and just spritz on some super-duper protective lotion and voila! Hair stays perfect!! .... Truth be told..... there is no such miraculous product that does that for lengluis to achieve the ultimate perfect locks. If there was.... guess who'd be the first to jump on the bandwagon to sample it?? LOL.....

That being said, lets do some reviews on Shiseido Prosynergy Multi Protective lotion... Which you lengluis will most probably have sampled if you do hair treatment in any saloon using Shiseido products. The reason why iwannabelenglui is publicizing this product is because:

• Again, as said always, Japanese products are mighty nice to use
• They smell reassuringly subtle (never overpowering) and feels good to use
• Even if the effect is not like whoaa.... they normally do an okay job of trying to do what they claim to do
• Oh well... if you use Tsubaki shampoo and liked it.... having a Shiseido treatment right at home is a bliss

More info on how lengluis can get their hands on this:

• It's about RM78 if you go to a saloon which carries this product in KL. E.g; A-Saloon in Pyramid or Empire Subang
• Notice that the saloon's normally left with only a couple of bottles or sometimes you'd be greeted with the "sorry babe, no stock" look
• Its RM50++ if you would like to get it direct from Japan from here (except that you'd be paying for shipping)
• Or if you're not from KL, checkout places like eBay or here 

Lets wait for more reviews on this when iwannabelenglui've sampled like half the bottle... lol... As they say, you shouldn't really review a product until you've used like 50% or more of it...

Silk Beddings - To Anti Wrinkle Smooth Skin?

Lengluis would swear by anything that keeps their skin wrinkle free... Even up to the point of changing their beddings to pure 100% silk beddings. Huhuhu... Little would you know... I've been sleeping in silk beddings for more than a year now! Silk pillowcases, pure silk quilt, pure silk quilt cover, uh-huh... And its not because of the wrinkle free skin theory... I just happened to be OBLIGED to purchase them.. Trust me, if you go on a China trip.. you will understand why. LOL....

http://www.silkbedding4u.com/

So what do people claim by sleeping in 100% pure silk beddings?

• Silk is breathable and has natural hypoallergenic properties making is excellent for those with allergies.
• Silk either traps air next to the skin to keep you warm in the cold, or draws it away from the body in hotter temperatures.
• Silk can be naturally resistant to dust mite and have a good effect to sensitive skins.
• silk is 100% natural, and has lots of amino acids, which contribute to moisture penetrate the skin.
• Silk pillowcases will enable hair to glide across the pillowcase without breakage.
• Silk itself has natural moisturizing factors to keep moisture balance, which can maintain hair style and improve hair quality
• 100% silk pillowcases has fewer amounts of wrinkles than other materials. It is easy to keep your facial creams that you sleep with every night. As far as some experts say, silk has the function of preventing wrinkles because there is a special element to moist the skin without dryness.
• Silk plays a calming effect on the nervous system, choosing silk bedding sets can be said to be an excellent choice. They not only help people relax during the night, but also bring them absolutely comfortable sleep. 

Referenced from:

• http://www.ellesilk.com/blog
• http://www.shopbedding.com/benefits-of-satin-pillowcases-satin-sheets-satin-bedding
• http://ezstyleanddecor.com/?p=95

Conclusion after a year++:

• You'll feel a kind of calming effect each time slumber comes
• Definitely helps with my allergies (sinus and eczema)
• I don't know about the wrinkle and having nicer hair... Looks the same to me... LOL... 
• But... IT DEFINITELY FEELS GOOD to sleep in!
• Lengluis with trouble sleeping... I'd definitely recommend them for a BEAUTY SLEEP!

Water Softener for Smooth Skin and Soft Hair

 

iwannabelenglui is contemplating to change her bathing water quality for soft smooth skin and hair!! huhuhuhuhu...

You lengluis have probably heard of the "Hard Water" and "Soft Water"  terms when  it comes to dealing with iritating skin conditions such as eczema and bad acne or rashes from allergies. I didn't blog about this because, I've only heard of it while researching on Panasonic Water Ionizer PJ-A36 a couple of years back. But... after loads of contemplating (since my dad says soft water burns your stomach in the long run) and lots of Google research, I decided not to pursue with this expensive purchase.

 
Not until just recently, my mum came back telling me of several Koreans she knew who installs COWAY Water Softener BB09 for health and beauty reasons. You could say this is a water ionizer as well which is umm.. made in Korea by the way. So now, what makes this any different from getting the Panasonic one which is made in Japan and lets you choose between whatever type of water you need for consumption to bathing... etc? The appliance itself is up for RENT! At a pretty affordable price too I heard (I think about RM70 per month - find out about the rental here) Meaning, you don't need to purchase it. The agent will actually install and service the appliance for you every month. And if a new model comes out, just tell them.. switch the model.. hohohoho... sounds interesting huh?

Hmm.. I figured, best I do a post on this before deciding on anything. Come on... bathing water wouldn't do too much harm huh? And Japanese and Korean babes have been using soft water for aeons. Bathing water is okay... but for the part of soft water consumption... The "burn your stomach thing" from my dad still lingers in the head... hahahahhaha... myth or not... lol...

If any of you lengluis ever are renting their appliance and service... please do comment! I bet all lengluis are interested in knowing if the quote below from freedrinkingwater.com stands! Read on below!

"Chore-doers will love using soft water, as tasks can actually be performed more efficiently with it. Soap will lather better and items will be left cleaner. Glasses will sparkle and hair will look healthy. The shower curtain will be scum-free. Clothes and skin are left softer. In addition to time, this can also save money, as less soap and detergents will be used. Since appliances have to work less hard, soft water can also prolong the life of washing machines, dishwaters and water heaters. Energy bills are noticeably lower when in households with water softeners. In a time of rising energy costs, this is something to think about.


Soft water is not, however, suggested for those with heart or circulatory problems, or others who may be on a low sodium diet. In the softening process, as minerals are removed, sodium content increases. Research shows that cardiovascular disease has the lowest risk in areas where water has the most mineral content."

Remington Hair Tangle Tamer

I've been wanting to blog about this for ages!!! But given my random impulse need for blogging... I think its time you lengluis be introduced to.....

Remington Electronic Hair Tangle Tamer

So umm.. why am I introducing this? For those lengluis who's been dye-ing your hair with crazy colours and forever having problems combing your tangled hair, suffer no more.... I love this to bits... even though the packaging err... advertises it for kids... hohoho... I got this as a gift years ago from Australia since emm... I used to have problems de-tangling my hair... even with the all sorta gunk cream that claims to de-tangle.

Vid of this in action : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0NzF2-5tzs

My conclusion:

• Its really weird but, man... it works!!
• Chargeable and runs with this brr brr noise
• De-tangles even my craziest tangled hair moments
• Slim and not too heavy to pack on vacations
• De-tangles your hair without the need of having gunk load of hair cream/lotion/spray/serum... whatever...
• Crap packaging that would only appeal to kids ... okay, so maybe only kids need this... lol
• I don't know if its possible to get this off the shelves in Malaysia but... hey... its being sold online on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/Remington-Electronic-Hair-Detangler-Tangle-Tamer-NEW-/400158271519
• Only 9USD.. sheesh... its worth all the horrendous de-tangling moment when your hair's up in knots
  

Modish Smoothing Styling Essence

Yes... its time I was trying something new... Err hhhkkk - err humm....
And this time... its on my overloaded with hair dye and bleached hair....!!


Okay, so umm.. I've tried this like a month ago so its not considered a new adventure... But sheesh... its hard to find the time to blog when I'm busy being a couch potato... :p

So what does the retailer says... (copied off their site http://modishbeauty.com)

"

Hair Styling essence for Detangles, Hydrates & Protect for a Luxurious, Soft Smooth Feel.

Modish Smoothing Styling Essence is an excellent conditioner for chemically treated or over processed hair. De tangles, hydrates and protects with silk essence for a luxurious, soft smooth feel. Suitable for use before blow-drying to protect against heat and chemical treatment.

"

My verdict:

• Shake the bottle, spray onto your palms and apply to ends of hair avoiding scalp.. Easy!
  
• Blow dry or leave hair as it is..
• VOILA...! Manageable okay-ish hair..
• Non greasy, smells okay-ish... some people may like the scent...
• Hair stays soft until the next wash
• Try avoid getting this near your scalp - avoid that flat hair look at the end of the day
  
• Just like most leave on serums but this is like intensive GOOD work done on my overly chemical treated hair!
• Good for lots-a blow drying and some straightening iron days
  
• Its back to long-hair days again...
• Hair therapy to complement the old post on hair serums
  
• Modish is sticking by for a while.
  

No More Tobacco-Stink Hair From Clubs...

Kose Happy Bath Day Hair Fragrance Spray

No... I'm not advertising for Kose... lol... Don't their adverts just look so pretty on the blog... :p

And so... Why Hair Cologne? Isn't that too much ^^wiff^^ to take from one's hair??

Okay, so imagine these scenarios:

• You look hot, you look sexy.... coming out from the club... But... when your bf and friend's accidentally sniffs your hair... Ewwwwwwww.... Smoked laden hair!
• Hawker stalls... Chinese food... Those huge woks and yummy aromas of asian cuisine! While you sit there... looking pretty... waiting for the food to be served... and your hair decides its a sponge which absorbs all the tasteful aroma of deep fried food... And... when that sexy dude decides to take a chair and sits next to you... You fling your hair flirtatiously... And... release the aroma of emm... deep fried cuttlefish! Uh-huh....
• You go in the karaoke lounge... ready to be this minute's hot pop-star... And.... dance around with the mic in hand... and a sing-along partner undecidedly takes a wiff at your hair... and he thinks... "she smells like ciggies".. woooooo....

Talk about mood spoilers...

So now... there are stuff in this world that actually helps you avoid the scenes above. Yeah... said it earlier... Hair Cologne. Apart from neutralising unwanted ordor in your hair... they can be protective layering for your beloved crown too... Take Sexy Girl Hair Cologne for example, moisturises and protects hair from heat as well. Now... thats a muti-use cologne...

But since I've only got the Kose one, I'll do a review on it:

• Kinda too sweet smelling for me... So one little spray on the hair goes a long way...
• Does not dry the hair
• Pretty good at keeping your hair smoke-scent-free
• Affordable but not cheap... Got this at about RM40 if I'm not wrong... So I use this only when I need it... :p

(Update 8th Oct 2009)
Link to the latest revamped Jap site:
http://www.kose.co.jp/jp/ja/products/brand/hbd/sp/top.html#/products/detail/hair_colon

Curling your hair - Lucido-l Japan Hair Pre-Curl Water Vs L'Oreal Studio Hot Curl Spray

Curly Locks... curly locks... Ooo you pretty Curls!

Now, I did a blog earlier on BaByliss Ceramic Curling Thong. You're probably wondering if I added anything to my hair before curling it with some heated device. Of course I did.... duh... Imagine heating your hair with no protection. No sooner you'll realize... hey! Welcome to frizz world! Lol...

Okay... So I did try out several curling products to hold the curls and protect my hair during the curling process. But... Here are the two products worth commenting on. And... what do you know... they are easily available off the shelves of your local store! - and umm... relatively affordable... I think both are more or less about RM20. Pretty okay since they lasted for quite some curl sessions. Yeah... at one point... I curled my hair every morning before heading to the office... (--)" crazy crazy woman...

Lucido-l Japan Hair Pre-Curl Water

• Unscented - which is good for people who don't want styling products scent overpowering their fragrance
  
• Spray on (and blow dry) before curling to protect hair and hold your curls
• I think now they've got new packaging for this
• Non greasy... very lightweight... Feels like spraying plain water on your hair. But hey... your curl will definitely hold better with this
• Fexible curls
  
• Very good product that does not weigh the hair down

L'Oreal Studio Hot Curl Spray

• Sweetly scented - pretty nice
  
• Holds curls very well, but your hair will feel a little crusty
• Sorta like hairsrayed curls
• Claims to protect hair from heat
• Cute packaging
• Non greasy and does not weigh hair down

But for the final verdict, I'd say Lucido-l Japan Hair Pre-Curl Water wins tops! Cos' I like flexible movable curls - and... unscented sprays!

Philips Ceramic Hair Straigthener (HP4647)

Poker Straight Hair in 5 Mins!! (For my hair anyway... lol)

pic credit to http://www.shavers.co.uk/shopping.php?product_id=367

I have a couple of straighteners. Yeah... don't ask me why am I stocking up on stuff that you only need one of. But..... This is a straightener worth commenting on because... it actually lets me do my hair in 5 mins tops. Again I've got to say this... I've got thick amount of hair... and, it takes ages to straighten my hair with a normal size straightener. This... is HUGE for a DIY-hair tool! Yeah... but huge comes with a good-point... You can clamp lots more hair at one go... hahahahaha... Good point huh?

Conclusion:

• Good for thick hair or girls with lots of hair cos' its clamps are HUGE!
• Easy to use clamping
  
• It has temperature control... (WHICH IS VERY IMPORTANT IN ANY HAIR STYLING TOOL)
• Ceramic plates causes less damage to hair
• Please remember to add a protection serum on your hair before using high temperature directly on hair
  
• Do not use on wet hair if you don't want to damage your hair... duh... There was this time when I had damp towel-dried hair... and... during straightening, I can hear water fizzling and hot water vapor evaporating from hair... uh-huh...
• It really doesn't matter what brand of straighteners you buy but... do get one with temperature control, huge ironning plates if you're always in a hurry and a straightener with ceramic plates. Don't go for those styling tools that come in a package with interchangeable style tool if you are serious about straightening your hair. I know they are more worth the buy but... from experience, they don't work as well.
  

BaByliss Pro Ceramic Curling Iron

Curly Hair Days

Above, is the pic of my curling iron. Yes, it's from BaByliss and it costs a bomb RM200. I know there are way lots of cheaper curling thongs out there RM20-RM100... But... I'll tell you why I bought this even though I've got more than one curling irons and they costs less than half the price of this. And no.. I didn't buy those "pasar malam" type. I bought irons with reputable brands... Unfortunately... they seem to only behave on thinner hair.

Reason why I bought this:

• My hair is thick... and trust me.. cheaper curling irons... they don't work as well on thick hair. You'll end up in front of the mirror whole day waiting for the iron to heat your hair up...
• This iron has temperature control which is one of the most important thing I think you need in any styling tool (except for hair dryers). In different condition, your hair is going to react differently to your iron temperature...
• Its got a swivel cord which makes sure I don't get tangled cords while curling my hair.. Most irons have got swivel cords now... Must be too many people getting tangled up...
  
• I got fed-up of mini styling tools that take too much time to perform
• For steps on curling your hair... go Google.. there are just too many blogs and DIY vid tips on that
  

The key thing to getting perfectly styles hair is.... PRACTICE-PRACTICE-PRACTICE.... There was once upon a time where I'll curl my hair everyday before I go to work. And now... it only takes me 10-15 mins tops to curl my hair. A huge change from the more than an hour days to style my hair... (--)"

Hair Serums (Fudge de frizz Vs Tresemme - No Frizz Serum)

The Battle of the Serums

There comes a point in life where you will decide you want to splurge on hair serums... Why? Of course in the end its all in the name of glossy-frizz-free-nicely groomed mane.

My hair is nothing to be proud of. That's only cos' I've been torturing it with trips to saloons trying out different colour locks. So I've tried, red, blue, blonde, brown, purple... and almost everything in between. I think you get the picture... My hair needs help.. Big-time!

So when treatment trips to the saloon becomes time-consuming and costly... we go in search of home-treatments or quick hair-fix. Serums!

I've had my share of serums... some of them worth mentioning... Ellipse (cheap and good but kinda too greasy after a long-day), Missha Hair-Mist Serum (a very affordable Korean brand... smells really good but too greasy as well after a long-day)... and... hmm... I kinda can't remember what else.

But when I found Fudge de frizz... I thought... hey... This is a life saver! It comes with a price though.... $$$... I think it costs about RM60 (Don't remember exactly though) And then a year later of Fudge de frizz... I tried this brand - Tresemme - No Frizz Serum... It costs about half the price of Fudge's. And you know what? The results are similar to Fudge's. Non-greasy, smells faintly nice, and perfect for taming frizzes. So yay to Tresseme!!!

Hair Extensions

**patience** I'll be getting to this

Hair Wigs (100% kanekalon)

Boring Hair to Lively Hair in Seconds!!

Today I have short dark hair... and tomorrow, I'm planning to be a natural long-haired blonde!!

Muahahahahhaa.... these are what my wigs do to me... Okay... wigs don't suit everyone. Just like how haircuts don't suit every face shape. But wigs are so cheap these days. I got my short wig for RM55 and the long wig for RM65. Man... think of the days of our mothers... Getting a wig costs a minimum of RM200++ in those sad days...

The good thing is... the wigs looks like REAL hair! In fact, 100% kanekalon wigs looks even nicer than my own hair! They look healthy, bouncy and glossy! And... you can change your hair colour in just seconds. Imagine... you've got no time to go do your hair before the prom or you've got only 30mins left before that classy dinner outing... Just put on a wig similar to your own hair colour and length. No one will notice that you're wearing a wig... The only thing they WILL NOTICE is.... YOU HAVE AMAZING LOOKING HAIR!

I just love the pic of the wig below... looks a little almost like mine, only longer. Okay... I think I'm going to get one exactly like this one... lol.. sorry... I just can't help it...

pic credit to http://www.rpgshow.com/final-fantasy-cosplay-wigs-c-2.html

Now... the problem about these wigs are that...

• They don't last very long. One wash... and whoa... they never look the same... So I suggest you just rinse them lightly and air dry them
• They are not very comfortable if you have sensitive scalp. Yes, it will feel like you're wearing something like a scratchy beanie on your head.
  
• You'll always be imagining that the wig might come of any second now.. so you keep adjusting it on your head. Don't! Just make sure you've adjusted the straps in the wig to fit securely on your head
• I hate wig's fringes... They make you look like you have no hair parting (yeah man..)... so if someone were to look at you close enough... they'll eventually realize... something is not right about your hair... hahahahahhha....
  

Only advice I can give is...

• Don't wear them on a hot day out... heck... don't wear them wigs for any outdoor thing.. trust me.. you will sooooo regret it...
  
• Get a wig thats almost like your hair style and colour... only better. So when you do need to wear one... no one's gonna notice you're wearing a wig.
  
• Wash your scalp with a soothing minty shampoo like Audace Regan with Balm Mint or the Sunsilk Scalp Care Shampoo. That will keep your scalp a little more comfortable through that dinner
  
• Have some confidence when wearing a wig! Take it from me... It's very rare that anyone will notice you're wearing a wig. My bro even thought I just got back from the hair stylist when in actual fact, I was just mucking around with my wig! lol... A confident babe is always good to go...