hair therapy: new Infiniti Pro by Conair 3Q

to any beauty girl who relies on a hair dryer for styling, having one that saves time and makes whatever style you want to create the best it can be is essential. i've used plenty of dryers in my life, so when i was recently made aware of the new Infiniti Pro by Conair 3Q, i have to tell you, i was curious. it sounds fabulous...

i haven't used it myself, but since i found it interesting, i figured you might appreciate learning more about it, too! so here it is...

this new tool, the Infiniti Pro by Conair 3Q, is the world's first hair dryer featuring a brushless motor available via mass retailers. the name is derived from three of its key benefits, all of which begin with the letter “Q”: quick, quiet, quality.

quick:
the advanced brushless motor provides ultra-fast airflow equivalent to a 2000 watt professional hair dryer, and ionic technology; by reducing dry by up to 70%, it keeps hear healthy, minimizing the time hair is exposed to damaging heat.

quiet:
3Q is powerful, but quiet with up to 40% less noise with patent pending noise reduction technology.

quality:
standard dryer motors use carbon brushes that wear out over time, causing the motor to stop working,; the brushless motor in the 3Q uses magnets and electronics to power the motor, which extends the life of the dryer by up to ten times.


with 3 heat settings and 2 speeds, the Infinity Pro also includes a concentrator attachment for pinpoint styling, a diffuser to carefully dry curls and waves, as well as a filter cleaning brush to enhance the life of the dryer.

didn't i tell you it sounded fab?

you can find out more about the new Infiniti Pro by Conair 3Q by visiting conair.com. if you're convinced and want to buy it now, you'll find it available for purchase at your favorite mass retailer, specialty or department store.

info and image provided by Conair brand PR

total beauty: top 18 hair treatments

beautiful hair is coveted by us all, and while we take care of hair, you may be seeing all that fun in the sun is taking its toll. while there are a plethora of treatments on the market to help treat any damage you may have done, we just want to know which ones are the best, right? i know i certainly appreciate knowing what works before i make a purchase.

as you've already guessed, my favorite review site, Total Beauty, is one place i go to find fabulous, honest reviews ~ i love that they assemble those reviews into lists to help...

so, if your tresses are in need of some TLC, check out this list of some of the best products for your hair!

18 Best Hair Treatments for Healthy Hair

See which treatments revived reviewers' damaged, dry hair

This is a TotalBeauty.com Hair Care article Sometimes, you need to give your hair a little TLC. Especially in the summer, when heat, sun and chlorine exposure can leave your hair damaged and looking a little rough. Reviewers swear by these hair treatments to reverse their summer-fried hair. See the best hair treatments

NO. 18: GARNIER FRUCTIS SLEEK AND SHINE MOROCCAN SLEEK OIL TREATMENT, $4.89

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.0

"It makes my hair silky, soft ... conditioned but without any oil[y] feel," writes one reviewer.

NO. 17: PHYTO 9 ULTRA-DRY HAIR NOURISHING DAY CREAM WITH 9 PLANT EXTRACTS, $28

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.3

This treatment "does an amazing job moisturizing ... without build up," says one reviewer.

NO. 16: OSCAR BLANDI JASMINE SMOOTHING HAIR TREATMENT, $27

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.3

"Using a little bit eliminated any need to put in leave-in [conditioner] after my shower," says one reviewer.

Want to see the No. 1 hair treatment? Click Here!

beauty review: Irresistible Me Hair Extensions

bonjour beauties! i have something fabulous to share with you today...

meet Irresistible Me, a brand that creates beautiful hair extensions! prepare yourself for a longer-than-usual post, but i've included plenty of pics!

 before i continue, full disclosure, Irresistible Me is the absolute first brand of hair extensions i've ever used and worn. so basically, i have no other brand {or hair pieces} to compare them to, a good thing i would say! for this newbie they've been perfect; my experience has been beyond fabulous and i'm thankful for the opportunity to try them!

ok, now it's time for the good stuff... 

if you aren't familiar with Irresistible Me, they're a relatively new company. this growing brand creates 100% natural Remy clip-in hair extensions and specializes in high quality extensions {all at great prices}. one thing that i've learned that sets this brand apart from others is the fact that you can order hair not only by color and length, but you can also choose the weight {100, 140 or 200 grams}.

i decided to go with 200 grams, 22 inches in natural black ~ i figured it was enough to demonstrate via images a dramatic difference and it would be fun to see myself with long hair again.

turns out, it's a lot of hair!

the package arrived with a sample piece packaged separately to make sure the color and length would be ok.

the rest of the hair…

when i saw all of the pieces separated {10 total}. i was a bit overwhelmed…

i figured out right away that i didn't have to wear all of the hair at once. it's now been a few weeks since receiving these extensions, and i've probably worn half of the hair regularly {it's good knowing i have extra pieces if i want to wear them, or save them for future use}. learning how to clip them in was super easy thanks to this video and they securely stay in place until i take them out at the end of my day!

some before shots:

as you can see, my hair isn't too long and it's on the thin side. if you're a longtime reader, however, you know i always had thick hair and my past hair product reviews were a reflection of that. as my mom {and my stylist} would say, i had "enough hair for 10 people".

 without getting too far into it, i'll share that i began having health issues and strange symptoms, including hair loss, about 3 years ago. it started slowly, but i definitely took notice. fast-forward to earlier this year, i was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. this, while upsetting, made my hair loss {among those other symptoms and ailments} make sense. without becoming too much of a downer, this has had an effect on me because my hair was a huge part of me. i always had a ton of hair. in any case, i still have hair, but i can definitely appreciate the benefits of wearing extensions more than i would have 3 years ago.

now, a few pics as i clip in the extensions…

before the first {and biggest} piece...

this piece has 4 clips...

 this is the next layer of my own hair, down and ready for the next piece…

finally, this is after clipping in two more pieces in the back {each with three clips} and one piece {two clips each} on either side of my head, under the top layers of my hair.


and here {drum roll, please} are the after pics:

my kids {especially my son, LOL} were in shock when they saw me the first time...

i love the fact that this hair blends so well with my own. it's soft, thick and i can style it the same way i would style it as if it were growing out of my own head. for these pics i did, however, let my 14-year-old, hair-obsessed-in-a-good-way, daughter create the curled/wavy style ~ she's fab! what do you think? :)


i'm so thankful you've taken the time to read and learn about my first hair extension experience! as i said before, it's been fabulous! hopefully i've piqued your interest in Irresistible Me and you'll head over to their website to discover more info about them for yourself.

by the way, if you decide to place an order to try them out i'd love it if you'd email me {find it in the sidebar on the right} and tell me about your experience!

product featured provided by Irresistible Me for the purpose of review; all pics taken by me :)

hair therapy: Jenny Balding shares solutions for the 5 common hair issues

 with over 18+ years experience, Cutler/Redken stylist Jenny Balding {on twitter @jennybalding1} has graciously shared how you {and i} can overcome 5 most common hair issues.

take a look...

#1: lack of volume
"this is caused by a variety of reasons but mostly using the wrong shampoo/conditioner for your hair type, followed by using conditioner all over instead of just the mid-length to ends. it’s an easy problem to fix and makes a huge difference ~ talk to your stylist about the best regimen for your hair." Jenny suggests trying Redken Body Full regimen.

Jenny Balding

#2: damage control

"an easy way to prevent damage is simply being gentle when detangling your wet hair. use a large toothed comb or a brush designed to detangle wet hair as wet hair is very fragile and most damage can be created at this point."

#3: dulling hair

"product buildup can cause dull hair when a lot of product is used constantly overtime. make sure to use a clarifying shampoo {like Redken Hair Cleansing Cream} once a week to rid of buildup and this will bring back life into your color and bounce back into your hair."

#4: constant split ends

"even if you love to keep your hair really long, make sure you are having it trimmed every 8-12 weeks as this will really help to keep it in healthy condition as dry, damaged ends split, and travel further up the hair shaft if you don't remove them."

#5: i just want healthy hair

how can you make your hair more lustrous, thick and healthy? "it really makes such a difference if you eat a healthy balanced diet, drink plenty of water and take a multivitamin each day. like your skin, your hair represents what you put into your body."

many thanks to Jenny for her hair-loving tips ~ i love sharing and hope you've learned something new!

you can learn more about Jenny by visiting her page at redken.com {which features a fabulous q & a that includes everything from what inspires her, must-have hair tools, and personal questions like fave color, place to visit and so on…love it!}

hair therapy: frizz-fighting products that won't break the bank

taking tresses from frizz to fabulous is not always easy. and when it comes to hair products, there are so many to choose from! as any beauty product lover knows, it's certainly fun to discover and try new things, but {if we're being honest } it's not always in the budget to do so. with that thought, allow me to introduce you to some products that are not only effective in battling the dreaded f-word, but are also effective at keeping money in your favorite wallet…

Avon Advance Techniques Frizz Control Lotus Shield Anti-Frizz Treatment
 illuminate frizz, flyways and unruly hair with just one application; i love this sweet-smelling fluid that is a powerhouse when it comes to keeping hair looking fab. it can be used on damp hair then styled as usual. i also use a little on the ends of my hair post-styling and between washings {on dry hair} to smooth it.

Zero Frizz Corrective Hair Serum
formulated with a combination of ceramide proteins and vitamins, this serum instantly smooths and seals hair, leaving it more manageable and frizz free. i apply it after washing, while it's still wet, and the silky textured leaves my hair smoother and softer than without. i love that on dry hair it chases away any flyways while adding gorgeous shine.

Garnier Sleek & Shine Moroccan Oil Treatment 
a fabulous, non-greasy oil that i love for its ability to condition while adding shine and keeping frizz at bay. the argan oil {from morocco} is instantly absorbed, so all that's left is soft, pretty-looking hair. i love to apply this to my ends at night as a little treat for my hair, and also works great before i heat style.

La Bella Shine and Repair Argan Oil Styling Treatment
if you need to revive your hair, you will love this treatment; this is a fave of mine because it adds essential moisture while also giving my tresses flexibility, soft texture and shine. this beauty not only keeps my hair looking fab, but it's less than $5, so my wallet is thankful for that! 

L.A. Looks Define & Shine Gel
i never thought i'd be raving about hair gel {because i never use it}, but since i was given the opportunity to try it, i had to share. if you need to keep your mane under a bit more control, this classic brand does that without any issue. this gel definitely gets my vote when it comes to frizz-fighting and hold, whether you're creating a sleek style or just want to keep certain pieces of hair in place.

what are some of your favorite frizz-fighters? share in the comments!

products featured, except Avon and Garnier, were sent to me for review consideration; all opinions are my own; pics taken by me :)

hair therapy: Herbalosophy Nurture Series

i received the Herbolospohy Nurture Series products from the brand and have been using them for the past couple of months. listen up, beauties…

they are fabulous!

the range includes a balancing, sulfate-free shampoo, a lightweight, paraben-free conditioner, nutrient-infused restorative treatment mask and therapeutic leave-in serum. all four contain camellia and safflower oils, perfect for moisturizing, smoothing and detangling tresses, as well as sealing, protecting and enhancing its manageability.

because all of the products contain hair-loving ingredients, over the time i've been using them, my hair has reaped the benefits. they leave my hair looking and feeling simply divine ~ seriously, every time i use it i can't get over how beautifully soft my hair feels, how nourished it looks, and how fab it smells!

you can get more info about the products, including where to buy, at theherbalosophy.com

products featured sent to me by the brand for review consideration; all thoughts and opinions are my own, i did not receive payment for this review; pics taken by me :)

beauty girl tv: my january 2014 beauty favorites!

there were so many things to be thankful for in january ~ especially beauty products! it was a bit tough to narrow it down {but i did it!}, and these things have found a special place in my beauty-loving heart…

  check out my latest video featuring the products i couldn't get enough of in january. thanks so much  for watching ~ and if you don't already, i'd love it if you'd subscribe to my channel!

hair therapy: hair-saving tips from TRESemmé Stylist John D

summer is the season best known for surf, sun, and showing off! many women are focusing on getting fit for the warmer weather, and this is fabulous, but can take a toll on your hair.

fear not, beauties! thanks to TRESemmé Celebrity Stylist John D, you don’t have to sacrifice style to break a sweat. to keep your hair in shape before, during and after your workout, take a look at some of his fabulous tips:

"after you exercise, quickly blow-dry your hair to get rid of any excess moisture that may have accumulated during your workout. apply TRESemmé Fresh Start Dry Shampoo (available in Volumizing, Smoothing and Color Care varieties), concentrating on the scalp and roots of the hair. then, shake the hair out using your fingertips to evenly distribute the product. your hair will be refreshed and ready to go!"

 "avoid the tell tale "dent" that seems impossible to flatten after a workout. try a loose topknot instead of a ponytail. loosely twist the hair on top of the head, and secure with a few hairpins rather than an elastic. after your workout, release the pins and shake out your hair for a volumized look."

"to protect your hair from breakage caused by tight elastics and hairpins, try holding the hair back from the face and shoulders with a handkerchief or cloth headband. this will limit breakage and will eliminate dents."

"if you decide to use a blow dryer, flat iron or other styling tools, be sure to apply TRESemmé Platinum Strength Heat Protect Spray to shield your hair from harmful heat."

"next time you do a wash, use TRESemmé Platinum Strength Shampoo & Conditioner, which can repair up to two years of damage and leave your hair healthy, shiny and ready to take on all your summer activities."

love all these tips ~ thanks, John!

you can find TRESemmé products at your favorite drug and mass retailer. for more info about the brand, their full range of available products as well as more tips and how-tos, visit tresemme.com

info and images courtesy of tresemme

hair therapy: Pureology Reviving Red

attention all you fabulous red-haired beauties! Pureology has some gorgeous new hair goodies to keep your color looking and feeling its best...

the new Reviving Red collection was created for all shades of red {strawberry blonde to copper, ruby to deep mahogany}, and is the first all-natural line of products specifically designed to keep the hardest-to-maintain hue vibrant and long-lasting.

just like all Pureology products, this range is 100% vegan. Reviving Red formulas are also made with beneficial ingredients like lycopene extract {a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes and other vegetables} and fair trade jaljala oil.

products include:

Reviving Red Shamp'Oil
a concentrated, oil-infused, sulfate-free cleanser that helps maintain vibrancy, replenishes hair and reduce colour bleeding.

Reflective Condition
a gentle detangler to restore hair, intensify light reflection and increase vibrancy and shine.

Illuminating Caring Oil
formulated to seal the cuticle aiding in maintaining the glossiness of your fabulous red and copper hues.

Red Reflect and Copper Reflect Enhancers 
each is a color-depositing conditioner created to keep hair color vibrant between salon visits.

i don't have red color-treated hair, so i can't tell you how well these work, but i do know is that they contain the Oleo Antifade Complex also found in the Precious Oil-Care range {a serious plus}. and i'm such a fan of the Pureology brand in general, that i had to share! i'm quite certain that these Reviving Red products are just as fabulous. :)

visit pureology.com for more info about Reviving Red as well as the whole range of products ~ they have something for every every hair concern!

products featured sent to me by the brand's PR for review consideration