hair therapy {how-to}: perfectly disheveled topknot

 if you're like me, you're still a fan of the top knot. this simple style is uber-versatile and depending on how you wear it, works for any occasion. i love discovering how stylists come up with new variations and i have another one, from nyc Cutler/Redken stylist Jenny Balding, to share that i think you'll enjoy. for best results, Jenny recommends starting with day two hair onwards as this will make it easier to manage hair with its already 'lived -in' texture.

ok, here are the details…

*to start, mist hair with dry shampoo, focusing primarily on the roots ~ this will give your hair more texture, grip and volume.

*follow with a light hairspray throughout for added hold and grip.

*sweep your hair into high ponytail, and keep checking to see what it looks like from your profile, positioning your ponytail in the most flattering point of your head for your face shape. take the ponytail and back-brush from the underneath lightly ~ this creates a slight disheveled texture.

*sweep around the base of the ponytail and pin using U shaped hairpins ~ these really anchor the hair best which means you will only need 2 or 3 to secure.

*and with that, you should have a perfectly disheveled topknot that looks ultra stylish and works for any event.

thank you, Jenny! 

hair therapy: AG smoothing balm review + video

set for launch july 1, 2014, the AG Hair smoothing balm is a product i think you'll appreciate... 

this styling aid instantly coats hair with 90% naturally-derived ingredients {including, but not limited to, three african oils: argan, marula and mongongo oils} to eliminate frizz and flyways, polish your tresses and add gorgeous shine. 

i love the fact that this lightweight balm smells great and is so silky {despite the oils, this is not greasy in the slightest}; also, it only takes a small amount to make my hair look fabulous ~ love that!

if you'd like to see this styling gem in action, watch my video! i just posted it to my youtube channel…
a couple of days ago.



visit aghair.com for more info

product featured sent to me by the brand for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

hair therapy: Garnier Sleek & Shine Flat Iron Perfector Straightening Mist

who doesn't love a product that is both affordable and works beautifully? the Garnier Sleek & Shine Flat Iron Perfector Straightening Mist i've been using for the past couple of weeks falls into both categories, so of course, i'm excited to share my experience with you and tell you why you need to try it yourself!

i took borrowed this from my daughter {she received it along with a couple of heat-styling tools for christmas, and i did ask her if i could use it} after spotting it in her bathroom. since it's been a few months now, and we both are constantly trying out different serums, sprays and what not for our hair, there was still about half a bottle left for me to try for myself.

so, i've been using it…and i haven't given it back {yet}…LOL!  i love it…

not only does this Flat Iron Perfector protect my hair from the heat of my flat iron {thanks to nourishing argan oil} to create a smoother finish {and sometimes the also-borrowed-because-it-belongs-to-my-daughter deep waver}, but it leaves it looking and feeling silky soft, shiny and smelling gorgeous. :)

so, dear beauty, if you heat style, you need to try this. your hair will definitely thank you {you're welcome!}

Flat Iron Perfector is featured on the Garnier brand website, but you can find it on other sites like drugstore.com, and amazon.com. you can also find it at your favorite drugstores like walgreens, target and rite-aid.

tell me: have you tried this Garnier Sleek & Shine Flat Iron Perfector Straightening Mist? what's your favorite heat-protection spray?

product featured belongs to my daughter, Jaya, and was used with permission ;) 
pics taken by me :)

hair therapy: AG Hair introduces BB Cream total benefit primer + Deflect heat protectant spray

since a good hair day almost always equals a better day, i have two products you are sure to give you this exact thing...

AG Hair recently sent me 2 new products from their Colour Care range: BB Cream hair primer and Deflect, a heat protection spray.

with all the BB and CC cream popularity going on here in skincare, i was understandably skeptical when i was first introduced to the BB cream total benefit hair primer for hair. seriously?! i mean, don't get me wrong, i appreciate {love} BB creams and i find them very helpful {an absolute must-have}. and just like the skincare, AG BB cream works in the same way…you know, just for your hair. 

here's how:

 it's a moisturizer {thanks to hydrolyzed keratin, wheat protein and silk amino acids}; it protects against harsh elements {like high heat styling tools}; fills in the cuticle of the hair for a smother-looking finish; helps set your future style and offers UV protection {african moringa seed extract aids in this} to prevent hair color from fading.

overall, the BB cream has worked like a dream ~ i love it. the fact that it's a multitasker is my fave {if you know me, you know what i mean…}, but it also just works: it makes my hair smoother, acting like a base for whatever other styling products i choose to use and it doesn't weigh my hair down.

Deflect fast-dry heat protection spray is a product that could easily be used following the BB cream. spray on damp hair, style and voila! gorgeous hair in less time {did i mention it shortens dry time?}. but since i'm not one to only use any product in just one way, i also used it on my dry hair for touch-ups before using my flat iron or waver tools. it too is lightweight, and the extra uv protection is always a must!

AG hair products are cruelty free!

these two hair gems are certainly impressive. if i had to choose one to add to my list of yearly favorites {i know, it's early, but...}, i would definitely add the BB cream. it's different and unlike anything i've ever used! of course, i shouldn't be surprised that AG has created another innovative, fabulous product ~ what am i thinking? LOL…

:)

 if you haven't tried their products? what are you waiting for??

BB cream and Deflect will be available online march 1, 2014. visit aghair.com now {you can come back to see me…i'll be here} and find out how to order or find a salon that carries the brand near you. 

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

hair therapy: AG Hair Texture Spray

smooth and sleek hairstyles have their place, but nothing says summer quite like easy, effortless hair;  textured styles are the best for showcasing this, and guess what, beauties? AG Hair has created Texture Spray to give you {and me!} this look...

~ Texture Spray finishes and defines your style while creating moveable, tousled texture. the medium hold formula is enhanced with sunflower seed extract to protect hair colour against damaging UV rays, adds incredible body, shine and controls frizz and flyaways. ~

i love this spray and its ability to give my hair a bit of messy texture that is still under my control. my hair is left looking shiny and feeling soft ~ notice in the pics, i sprayed Texture to my roots for lift and to my just-curled curls, giving them a more undone look. :)

what do you think??
are you a fan of textured styles?

keep your eyes peeled for AG Hair's Texture Spray, officially on shelf august 1, 2013 across north america. visit aghair.com for more info!

product featured sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

hair therapy: in praise of the top knot...

bonjour and happy friday, loves! hope your week has been good to you!

it has been for me.

after a 3 week holiday break {yes, three weeks} my kids went back to school. so, as you can imagine, i've relished the quiet hours alone. it was nice getting back into the school routine, not to mention having a date day with my husband.

but enough about that; i'm here to dish my new love of a very popular hairstyle. you are probably a fan of it, and you might actually find yourself wearing it at some point over the weekend, regardless of your plans ~

it's the top knot.

ok, so i'm {sort of} late to the party.

sure, i've piled my hair on top of my head to wash my face or go to sleep, but since i'm more of a wear-my-hair-down kind of gal, i've never taken the time to wear this particular style on purpose.

i know this isn't a new thing, nor do i think this style will ever go away, but since it has become one of the most popular, and quite versatile, way to wear your hair {it's everywhere!}, i don't feel the least bit guilty for not jumping on this trend right away.

why the sudden love? i have no clue. i guess it was just my time to finally give it a try.

it's fabulous because it can be worn messy {as seen in the pics above}...

or arranged perfectly for special occasions.

{Kerry Washington at the paris premiere of Django Unchained; Amanda Seyfried at last weekend's Golden Globes} 

it's recently been worn on the red carpet...

 and, depending on your mood, it can be created with lots of texture or as sleek as you please.

needless to say, it's a style i've become quite fond of. it's still a bit out of my comfort zone, but that, especially when it comes to beauty, can be such a freeing and fabulous thing!

tell me: are you a fan of the top knot?

hair therapy: Davines Defining Wonder Wax

a couple of weeks ago, i had the pleasure of having a glam session at my local Macy's MAC Me Over Event, and while i loved having my makeup done {it's always so fun to dish with the artist about the new goodies, not to mention old favorites!}, it was the fact that my hair also got a little love that was the cherry on top. the product used, Davines Defining Wonder Wax, blew me out of the water.

this beyond-fabulous defining cream is infused with a special silicone that gives hair definition and hold, without weighing it down. i was taken in by it's luscious cake batter aroma, but even more pleased by the way it left my hair-- looking so shiny and feeling soft, all with a managable hold.

if you have the opportunity, absolutely try this Wonder Wax-- it's for all hair types and textures, and can be used on wet or dry styles-- love it!

visit davines.com for more info and where to buy. :)

holiday gift idea: ghd Dazzle Gift Set

some beauty-related gifts might only be used a few times, perhaps more, a month by your recipient, but i have a feeling that if you gifted this set to your bff, glamorous sister or yourself, it would definitely get used multiple times a week.



the gift i am referring to is the ghd Dazzle Gift Set. this travel-friendly duo (includes a ghd Professional 1" Styler and a black travel Hair Dryer) comes in an adorable and sparkly heat-resistant case, and is, in a word, incredible.



ghd's rounded barrel styler (yes, it's ceramic) heats up to its maximum temperature in seconds (i counted 20) and boasts the ability to help hair retain moisture and hair color, as well as create the sleekest tresses, most fantastic curls, twists and flips. after using it for the past two weeks, i can tell you it really does what it says! straight, curls, waves, touch-ups-- my hair is finished even faster and looks healthy and shiny even more so than when i use my other flat iron.



the black travel hair dryer is petite, but works just as well as a full-size dryer thanks to its 1875 watts of power. it's the perfect companion to the styler, not to mention the folding handle makes it perfect for travel.

needless to say, both items work incredibly well and my other tools are probably sad they haven't been used since.

find this limited edition set at Sephora!

xo
products featured sent to me for review consideration.

Diane Kruger's Tousled Waves

waves are a sexy way to wear your hair and they aren't going out of style anytime soon. actress Diane Kruger showed off a fabulous beach-y variation recently at the 2010 People's Choice Awards. how did she get the look? keep reading...

stylist Richard Marin created Diane's "undone beach waves" in only 5 steps:

**start by spraying sea salt texturizer in hair.

**blow dry hair with a diffuser attachment on the dryer (Richard used the Remington Professional Dryer, which can be found exclusively in Walmart stores) while hair is flipped over to give it maximum volume. Richard's tip: do not run your hands through hair while drying as this will cause frizz. dry 90% of the way and air dry the rest.

**next, alternate curling sections of hair using 1" and 1 1/4" rollers (rollers used on Diane's hair? Remington T-Studio Heated-Clip Rollers, which can also be found at Target and Walmart) until the entire head is set.

**unroll when cool and shake your head around a lot to tousle the curls.

**amp up the volume with a dry spray shampoo, and finish off the look with a spritz of hairspray to control flyaways. shake, spray, shake some more, and you're out the door!

xo
info courtesy of ShopPR; images: Charley Gallay/Getty Images; Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Alicia Keys at the 2009 BET Awards

there were many gorgeous hair and makeup looks at this past weekend's 2009 BET Awards. Alicia Keys' style was one of my favorites-- especially her hair! i loved the full, shiny curls!

want to know how she got the look? read on...



Tippi Shorter, Pantene celebrity stylist, whose clients include Jennifer Hudson, Rihanna and Keri Hilson, began by using Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Smooth Vitality Shampoo & Conditioner to make Alicia's tresses smooth and more manageable to style.

next, she used Ego-Boost Leave-in by Bed Head to detangle Alicia's curls, followed by Pantene Pro-V Curls Anti-Frizz Cream-- this was the foundation for making those big curls last throughout the heat without frizz or fly-aways!

using a curling iron "about the size of my pinky to refine her curls", Tippie added Ojon Serum to separate and fluff her curls for all-night body, and finished the look with a strong holding hairspray to keep the curls in place.


what do you think of Alicia's curls?

xo
image source

hair therapy: TS-2 Detailer Mini Flat Iron

if you use a flat iron and have bangs or short hair, the TS-2 Detailer just might be the tool you've been looking for. this ultra-mini flat iron (it's 6 inches!) works just as well as its larger counterparts, but is travel and super-short hair friendly.

the TS2 heats to 400 degrees, features tourmaline/ceramic/ionic- nano technology- utilizes wet-to-dry straightening, and is also fabulous for touch-ups, roots, finishing, and travel (i really like this for getting the hairs close to my scalp around my face).

p.s.-- this little thing gets really hot, so it comes with a heat-resistant mit to protect your hand-- cool, huh?

find the TS-2 Detailer at ts2products.com

xo

hair therapy: AG Hair Cosmetics dv8

let's face it, hair needs to be controlled, but we don't want to have helmet hair while trying to achieve it! AG Hair Cosmetics is releasing a fabulous new product called dv8, and i can tell you first hand this is one styling product you're going to want to have!

AG Hair Cosmetics dv8 spray gives hair definition, style, texture and movement, without leaving any yucky residue or buildup behind! created for men and women with shorter styles, dv8 is a spray texturizer that provides separation and shine with a firm hold for limitless styling options.

i use this on my son's hair (he has thick, stick stright hair), and believe it or not, he really loves it. not really for the style it helps to create, but because of the smell. "mmm...yummy!" he says. and he actually started requesting that i use it each time it was time to do his hair. i'll be honest, this makes life a little bit more easy!

i was curious as to how this would work in my hair, since it's not short, but i needed a bit of hold-- love it! i spritzed it on before and after styling my own hair, and it held up great! it's not heavy and i didn't end up with pesky flaking at the end of the night.

dv8 will be available january 1, 2009. in the meantime, visit aghaircosmetics.com to find out more about their products!

xo

Hair Therapy: Unfussy Updo

looking for an easy way to wear your hair? why not try an unfussy updo inspired by Rachel Bilson?

in the following video, my favorite girls, Katherine and Hillary from WhoWhatWear.com enlisted the help of Aussie hairstylist Sara Potempo to give a step-by-step tutorial on how to achieve a natural sideswept updo that can easily take you from day to evening.





xo

Misikko

To be ready for a spontaneous night on the town or an unexpected gathering, there are certain beauty products you should have on hand, so you can look great quickly. We recommend these basic products: a flat iron, curling iron, hair dryer, and a booklet on beauty tips. This way, you can be prepared for any event at any moment and look great in a flash.

Professional Flat Irons

The traditional tourmaline flat iron is a compact hair straightener that is great for a quick, new look. A flat iron can be used to not only straighten hair, but create flips, small curls and other styles. There are many versions of the flat iron, including the CHI flat iron, FHI flat iron, GHD flat iron and HAI flat iron. These flat irons are compact for travel, and have various features. Check Misikko for info on the CHI, GHD, and FHI flat irons.

The ceramic flat iron is considered to be the best flat iron. This is because a ceramic flat iron has a ceramic coating to protect your hair, while still reaching high temperatures. A ceramic flat iron will keep your hair silky, while still giving you the look you desire. This is the best flat iron to straighten your hair, or create the flips, curls and other styles. The ceramic flat iron is also compact for easy storage and travel.

Hair Dryers and Curling Irons

A must for any beauty arsenal, the hair dryer has multiple uses beyond just drying it. With a hair dryer you can fluff or primp you hair, or even straighten it. Plus, the hair dryers of today are more advanced than models from just a few years ago. Now they will dry your hair faster, with less damage, and are also better for the environment as they use less energy for the same results. Many new hair dryers also come with attachments to create new looks, or dry thick hair more quickly.

A curling iron can give women with straight hair a new curly look. A curling iron can also be used by curly-haired women to straighten their hair. They can be used to curl bangs, give wings to the hair over your ears, or give a nice flip to the back of your hair. A curling iron allows you to be creative with your hair no matter its thickness or shape.

Beauty Tips

Just as a cook keeps a cookbook on hand, you should also have a list of beauty tips at your disposal. Misikko offers beauty tips online as well as hairstyling videos. You can print out and keep the beauty tips near your vanity or in your make-up bag and the videos are available on YouTube whenver you need them. There are tips to get the most out of your curling iron, flat iron, and hair dryer, plus make-up and other beauty tips for women of all ages.

Browse Misikko to find the beauty tips and explore the features of flat irons, curling irons, hair dryers, ceramic flat irons and more. A new, exciting look is just waiting to be discovered.