Hair Today: Flat Iron Beauty Trends For Tomorrow

       Coarse frizzy hair with unmanageable waves has been an insufferable problem defying  most skilled stylists  attempting  a workable solution without creating a deleterious effect. Women have wept bitterly at the prospect of a humid  day.  When all hope of sleek, shiny, smooth manageable hair seemed a remote possibility a drum roll is heard and a slew of new flat irons rise to the challenge.
      Researchers have garnered much information as to what transforms  frizzy, dry and unmanageable hair to straight and shiny.  Some  evidence suggests  an optimum temperature  will control locks without frying your frizz  and worsening its texture. What temperature  and which heat delivery system is still hotly debated---pardon the pun!  Desired results are accomplished  in various ways by each of the new products.  Let's examine what the current trends have wrought.

The newest and fairly expensive flat iron is the Eclipse by Ghd (aka good hair day) .  Retailingat $245, is it worth the price?  Here are the claims:

• styles faster  and with less heat
• handles all hair textures
• creates gloss and shine
• heating system uses optimum heat of 365 degrees
• no loss of heat using heat sensors with three hating zones in each plate
• uses universal voltage
• 30 minute automatic shut off
• 2 year  limited manufacturer warranty

      My curiosity caused me to purchase the above flat iron online to provide a first hand account.   My hair was easily straightened with fewer passes and its texture remarkably improved.   It took  30 seconds for the flat iron to reach the optimum temperature of 365 degrees and remained consistent throughout. Only the passing of time will tell regarding the condition of my hair and whether this pricy iron will live past its 2 year guarantee. I will provide future updates.  This is so new there are no reviews as yet.

      Another interesting flat iron is the Maxiglide Sonicglide.   It claims to be able to      metamorphosize  your frizz into smooth straight hair in one step.  It retails at $100.

• Each  plate on this flat iron has detangling pins that are ceramic coated acting like a fine comb.  
•  Sonic vibration and a steam burst system to smooth out split ends.  
• There are extra flat plates 
• Uses nano ceramic technology to prevent heat damage to your hair.
• 1 year limited manufacturer warranty 

     The steam creates negative ions with even heat distribution to create a silky, shiny finish with a temperature range of 234-428 degrees.  This flat iron was created by celebrity stylist Masood Max.  Reviews are mixed at the time of this post.

     The last next greatest latest flat iron is the Babyliss Pro Nano Titanium 1 1/4 " Flat Iron Straightner retailing at $220.

• Uses a heat delivery system called Advanced Surround Heat.  It produces the desired results 40% faster, reaches a temperature of 450 degrees, and eliminates the damage made by multiple passes.  
• This model offers a 4 year manufactures warranty.

     The above are the most promising new-bees on the flat iron horizon so far, in my opinion,  but once again only the passing of time will tell the tale of the next great flat iron!

The new "Electric Slide"  is no longer a a dance routine  but  a hair care ritual!


Botton Line:  The good news is that with its increased popularity, flat irons have improved over time. 

The Value of Truth In Relationships

     Truth  supersedes all other  attributes in a personal  relationship.  It is the bedrock upon which this special connection must thrive.   Failure to be forthright undermines its stability  and defines the authenticity of  its members in a way that demeans them. Lack of credibility will disintegrate all trust.  The relationship becomes history.
     Richard Pryor, the late and great American comedian, actor, film director, writer and uncompromising social critic once said only three types of people tell the truth--- kids, drunk people, and anyone who is  f______g  pissed off.  If you have ever been any of these three, you  are aware being honest  is a challenge.  In a significant relationship it  takes even more courage and due diligence for those involved to maintain this truthfulness.   Here  are some  obstacles we may encounter while trying to sail on a steady course:

• We sacrifice our happiness for the sake of another.
• We are overwhelmed with self-doubt with regard to the  inability of another  to accept the truth in an appropriate manner. 
• We detect a lack of the tools, experience or desire to interact in a  personal level in others. .
• We discover  egocentric behavior  impedes another persons  ability to listen with objectivity   invariably bringing  the topic at hand back to themselves.
• We are dealing with someone who may have a tendency to become  defensive and interpret a desire for a serious dialog as negative criticism making communication unattainable.  

      All of the above are red flags detracting from any meaningful interaction.  They indicate a need for relationship  revision otherwise  demise is eminent.  Over-reactions to circumstance  may indicate an inability to accept each other as equals and/or a lack of investment in the relationship.  Self-sacrifice can lead resentment, anger, jealousy and self-abandonment.
      There is no room personal growth within this type of social interaction if these adverse effects persist.  What exists is a misrepresentation of each of the participants.    When either of the participants  have  continually been compromised or been mistreated,  it becomes necessary  to dissolve the association .  Temporary pain of loss  it is better than living a lie. We need to live a life that makes us happy by seeking out relationships  that serves us truthfully.

Bottom Line:  Make the most of each moment by surrounding yourself with those who value the importance of truth in a relationship with you.

Beauty Blast: Hair Botox

      The inspiration for this topic came about when  a friend  queried if Hair Botox is a joke.  No, it's very real, very new on the beauty scene and has great potential for  to improving  hair stressed out by coloring, heat treatments, straightening,  chemical additives and hormonal issues.  It also does wonders for coase frizzy hair.  It's touted as a kind of time machine and fountain of youth  that brings your hair back to life.   Supposedly, this product fills in the gaps left in your hair follicles by years of neglect thereby smoothing out your hair the way  Botox smooths away wrinkles minus the injections.  Cumulative damage and decreased keratin production as we age causes our hair to become severely weakened.
    Hair Botox contains caviar oil, B5, E vitamins and collagen complex which moisturizes,  and revives hair, repairing split ends, adding shine, softness and eliminating frizz. Wow!  And it does this without using formaldehyde or harmful chemicals.  Unlike previous hair straightening treatments, it  adds nutrients to the inside of the damaged cortex of the shaft cuticles.  It strengthens the integrity of hair from the inside out.  Hair Botox contains both  organic microspheres which help minimize hair loss and acid which exfoliates and helps with scalp conditions.  I have personally tried the Hair B restructuring cream instead of my usual cream rinse which made the texture of my hair softer but still required the use of a flat iron to tame my frizz.  This got me thinking about the latest trends in flat irons which will be the subject for my next blog.  I am anxiously  awaiting the delivery of one of the so-called latest and greatest ones so  I can  present you with a first hand account.
     If at home preparation appeals to you then look into Fiberceutic by L'Oreal.  It can be a bit pricey so try eBay where you may be lucky at an auction.  The kit contains a 15x15ml bottle of Hair Filling Serum, 500ml of Restorative Hair Sealing Treatment for Fine Hair and a blunt, flat syringe.  If you feel more comfortable with a  visual demonstration  before you begin there are tutorials on You-Tube where you can watch step by step instructions.
     L'Oreal says a treatment lasts about 10 washings but it might vary.  If cost is an issue you might choose to use it when a special occasion arises.  Check with your hairstylist and inquire about a special promotion going now or in the future.
     Rusk also makes a similar product that is touted as an anti-curl treatment using keratin.  It is available in an assortment of formulas for tinted, naturally curly, permed, highlighted, tinted and coarse hair.  It claims to remove frizz, create shine and improve the condition of your hair using amino acids derived from plant sources.
     There are other companies that claim to act like  hair botox used by professional hairstylists which are not readily available on the retail market.  This product is somewhat  new and it may take time before it becomes more common .  I will post more information as it becomes available.

     Are there any drawbacks to using these products?  Let me share what I've found out thus far:

•  The treatment time takes about 3 to 4 hours depending on the texture of your hair.  As you might expect, coarse hair takes longer.
• The treatment needs to be repeated every three months on average- more often if you wash your hair more frequently.
• You need to purchase a starter set to maintain you hair so that it lasts up until the prescribed time.  This set includes a shampoo, restructuring cream and a booster spray.
• A blower and flat iron is still required to tame your frizzy locks but the drying time is diminished by about 1/3.  If it took you 45 minutes to dry your hair now it will take 1/2 hour.
• This may not be cost or time effective but this based on individual need and bank account.

      Below are before and after pictures  illustrating  the possible effects of this treatment.
      Should you try it?  What have you got to loose?  Weigh your options and decide!  In the end, its whatever makes you happy?  Isn't that what life is  all about?

  Bottom Line: Wishing you good hair days with or without these treatments!
You can't deny that looking good helps you feel happy!