Diffusing 101

Posted on: October 28th, 2010

Diffusing your hair is simply working with its natural movement instead of against it. This can be done naturally by letting your hair dry on its own, or can be done with a diffuser attachment. A diffuser is a blow dryer attachment that stops the warm air from blowing, leaving only the heat to dry your hair.

With a good cut, all hair can lend itself to be diffused. Your results will however vary depending on your hair type.

The general misconception about diffusing is that it is strictly for the purpose of creating curls or waves in the hair. In reality, it is simply a method of drying your hair in its natural state with a bit of enhancement.

For example, if you have a slight wave to your hair, using a diffuser can enhance its natural wave while keeping its inherent movement and flow. If you have pin straight hair a diffuser may not necessarily create waves, but dry your hair in a similar manner as drying it naturally, and with more volume and less frizz.

PROPER DIFFUSING

After washing and conditioning your hair it is important not to fuss with it too much. You want to enhance its natural movement, so the less you touch it the better. Always remember that the more you touch your hair the more you will add to the frizz problem; less really is more when it comes to handling your hair.

Since diffusing is all about natural movement, we recommend using a curl enhancing product such as Strictly Curls™ Curl Defining Lotion; this will help to draw out any natural wave or curl you have. It will also help to eliminate frizz and control your curl without looking too contrived. A good curl product will not leave your hair crunchy so it is okay to be generous with it.

If you are diffusing it naturally and letting it dry on its own, at this point you can give yourself a round of hair spray and leave it as is. Try a light spray of Strictly Curls™ Curl Booster, which has a flexible hold.

If using a diffuser concentrate on the root area first. Once most of the moisture is removed from the crown area, gently flip your head over and place the dryer under your hair. Continue to let the warm air dry your hair allowing for the natural curls/waves to form.

Once your hair is dry flip your head back up and with your fingers gently move your hair about to the shape you like. A light spray of Strictly Curls™ Curl Booster will help to hold it in place.

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Fall/Winter Trend: Time To Put Those Curls Into Check

Posted on: October 19th, 2010

For those with curls, it’s time to tame them. Don’t get us wrong …we’re not declaring war; it’s just time to settle them into something a bit more controlled for fall/winter. Fall fashion is more polished than the easy-wear frocks of summer; so now is the time to add a bit of sophistication.

Remember, everyone’s curls are different and the level of refinement you achieve will vary from one person to the next. The goal is to get your curls a notch or two looser and more polished that your usual coils.

MORE MOISTURE

All curls need a bit of extra care. We bemoan humid summers, but dry autumns and winters effect curls as well. You’ll need to seal in a bit of extra moisture so you don’t end up with limp, brittle, dry curls.  Adding more conditioner to your program will help to create moisture right from the start of your beauty routine. Try using a generous amount of Strictly Curls™ Frizz Sealing Conditioner. Extra moisture equals softer curls, less annoying frizz and a more refined finish.

BIGGER TWISTS

Follow your usual routine of applying curly hair products to damp hair. If your curls are tight and springy after prepping, while still damp, take larger sections and twist while lightly pulling on them to loosen the curl; this will create a more relaxed curl.

POLISH

Finish with some more moisture to keep the look full of shine and polish. Once hair is dry go through your curls with a bit of Moisture Gloss™ Daily Drops one section at a time. This may be time consuming but the end your curls will thank you.

Super soft shiny curls and new boots…we can’t think of a better way to say hello to fall.

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Fall/Winter Trend: City Girl Sleek with a Touch of Unrest

Posted on: October 13th, 2010

How polished this season is with barely a ragged edge to be seen. Luxurious fabrics and modern silhouettes mixed with a sense of the austere. Black is the new black and hair is smooth and sleek.

This is the season of the blow out. Super full is put on hold for a more severe feeling – a look that screams ‘city girl’. Dare we say it? We may have to dust off those flat irons again. Think Peggy Lipton of Mod Squad or Ali McGraw of Love Story. Shine is the big deal this fall/winter, and with hair this smooth you’ll need high level gloss to make it work.

GET THE LOOK

A solid blow out is the foundation of this look. After washing and conditioning with Style Straight™ Unwind Shampoo and Frizz Away Conditioner, add a light layer of Blow Straight Potion to damp hair to help lock in straightness as you blow dry.

For this sleek, straight style we suggest using a paddle brush which will stretch out your locks without producing a bend in the hair. Section your hair and blow dry with tension in a downward direction; you want to almost ‘iron’ it out with the blow dryer.

For an ultimate sleek finish you’ll need to summon the help of a flat iron. Once your hair is dry spray Style Straight™ Iron Shine Flat Iron Spray evenly onto hair as you flat iron in large sections. Concentrate on the top of your hair to the jaw line since you want to add smoothness and shine predominantly near the crown, keeping the ends slightly raw and un-finished for a modern feel.

Finish with a few drops of Moisture Gloss™ Daily Drops which will add high lustre and remove frizz.

THE CUT & COLOUR

For your cut, don’t go for an overly blunt finish no matter how long the length since doing so will give it a dated look. Instead, opt for less (way less) layers and a broken-up line to keep it fresh.  This look should have a bit of a grown out feeling to work well.

Colour is the most neutral we have seen it in a long time. Brunettes rule both the runways and the salons. We are seeing sleek high shine brunettes, pale cinnamon browns, and for the more adventurous type, deep chocolate.  Add a few highlights if you must, but keep them quiet.

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Get a Little Extra Me Time in Your Mornings

Posted on: October 4th, 2010

How perfect; a world where your mornings have plenty of time to primp and prep to your heart’s desire. A world of sunshine skies and just the right breeze to create that flowing ‘music video’ hair. Alas, as soon as you open your eyes that dream is over.

No need to panic. We have a solution that will help to keep your dream alive – NEW 2nd Day Revitalizer. When there isn’t enough time to shampoo, this gentle mist lets you instantly recreate your look without the wash while adding moisture, removing frizz and eliminating embarrassing bedhead.

Before and AfterREFORM YOUR CURLY LOCKS WITHOUT THE WASH!

On dry hair, spray a light mist of 2nd Day Revitalizer over your entire head of hair. Gently scrunch to restructure your curls. Leave your curls to dry on their own or, if time is of the essence use a diffuser.

Before and AfterGET A SLEEK, POLISHED BLOW OUT WITHOUT THE WASH!

On dry hair, gently spray 2nd Day Revitalizer from roots to ends. With your blow dry settings on low intensity, use a paddle brush to re-style your straight look.

Before and AfterRESTYLE YOUR LAYERED LOOK IN MINUTES WITHOUT THE WASH!

On dry hair, lightly spray 2nd Day Revitalizer on your roots until hair is slightly damp. Add a gentle heat with a blow dryer while using your fingers to add a bit of volume.

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The Effortless Curl

Posted on: October 4th, 2010

For today’s curl wearers ‘natural’ is the word of the day. Overly contrived, wire-like ringlets are so passé; for now curls take on a fresh twist. Slightly tousled in look, plenty of movement and natural in feel – get that “I look this good naturally” vibe into your curl.

  1. Wash: Wash and conditioning with Strictly Curls™ Curl Defining Shampoo and Frizz Sealing Conditioner.
  2. Prep: Flip hair over and spray Curl Booster all over wet hair. If you have extra frizzy, coarse hair, try using Curl Envy Perfect Curl Cream which will add moisture, style and control frizz all at once. You can use this styler alone, or follow with a quick spray of Curl Booster to pump up your curls even more.
  3. Scrunch: Scrunching is a gentle way to add curl to your hair. By contracting the hair the curl shape is slightly exaggerated and, when dried this way will keep a tighter curl in place. Remember to be gentle and do not agitate or rub the hair as it will intensify the frizz instead of the curl. Spray the top of your hair and once again use your fingers to scrunch the hair and maximize its curl.
  4. Twist: You can then enhance your curls by twisting small, random sections of hair around your fingers, but do not pull at it.
  5. Dry: If your hair is wet, leave it to dry naturally or dry with a diffuser, which will give you added volume.
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