NuMe Reviews: In-Vogue Flat Iron/4 Play Curling Wand

  

I want to start by reviewing the In-Vogue titanium plated flat iron. May I just say that I AM OBSESSED!! After purchasing the wand, I knew that NuMe provided quality products and I was in desperate need of a new flat iron. I've tried so many ceramic flat irons claiming to be the best, I wanted to really do some research on my next iron. When reviewing NuMe's website I was, naturally, drawn to the most expensive iron they offered. I noticed it was titanium plated instead of ceramic. When I realized I could get it for a steal of a deal, I began my research and this what I found:

Titanium Plates:

• heat in a flash
• scratch resistant
• conducts heat more evenly
• from igneous rock (strength and high temp stability)
• higher ionic output than ceramic leaving hair shinier
• less static

Ceramic Plates:

• inorganic material that is baked onto aluminum base plates
• more suited for daily use
• pricier ceramic plates are better
• adds shine and smoothness

Ok, confession, that was probably all of the research I did- in addition to some Youtube videos. I have used so many ceramic irons it didn't take much for me to be convinced. :) It was a video that actually sold me (I can't remember what one, sorry), but it was mentioned that titanium plates help with holding the style and frizz/static. Even when I would flat iron perfectly, by the end of the day it felt like I needed to do it again. With that said, I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new In-Vogue flat iron. It truly holds the style all day. My hair doesn't frizz like it used to and still feels fresh at the end of the day. It doesn't "bend" as easily either- like if I put an elastic in it. The flat iron keeps bounce after a blow out and keeps a bend in my ends (this has never happened to me before, I could never take a flat iron after a blowout and maintain bounce). I tried to take some photos to show you, but I don't feel like the photos give my straight hair justice. I will show you anyway though (awkward) :).  ANDRUBY is launching this fabulous iron TODAY for an incredible price of $67! For all of you Utahns Studio5 11:00 today will be doing a segment on it! You guys, I LOVE IT!!

The NuMe 4Play Wand. Did you purchase from andruby?? Now that I've had a chance to use it, I wanted to write a little about it again. I really do love it, however, do I feel like it is a different/better curl than wrapping around my curling iron no. BUT does it make it shinier? Yes. Does it make it easier to curl? Yes on clients, about the same as an iron on myself. Does it hold better than an iron? Yes. And the key for me is that it is less frizzy than an iron making it easier for me to keep a "natural" style all day without looking like a lion (it happens). It actually grows on me each time I use it. I think for people who struggle to curl their hair, it will help you immensely. Definitely worth the money!

BUT can I tell you my most FAVORITE FAVORITE part about these products??? I can use them simultaneously!!! This is HUGE for me! In the past I would always have to make a decision from wash to wash if I wanted straight hair or curly hair. It was nearly impossible for my hair to get a bend after I had taken my flat iron to it. Not anymore! I have been able to straighten my hair, then one or two days later, take my wand and CURL it! It holds like it's fresh. This is seriously life changing for me, and even if that were the only reason I loved these products, I wouldn't care. Amazing. 

As always PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do yourself a favor and make sure you use heat protectant!! I recommend a leave in conditioner with one in it, as well as as spray before you apply more heat. Check your ingredients on your sprays! Make sure the top ingredient is water and not alcohol. If it's alcohol you will actually be creating more damage. I was surprised at how many "heat protectant sprays" have tons of alcohol in them. 

Two products I love:

  

*research sources*
http://hair.ezinemark.com/titanium-flat-iron-vs-ceramic-3200228ee85.html,
http://www.ehow.com/facts_5992828_ceramic-vs_-titanium-flat-irons.html, http://www.zimbio.com/Everything+You+Need+to+Know+About+Flat+Irons/articles/43/Flat+Iron+Buying+Guide+101

Shampoo & Conditioner Are Your Foundation

Our hair is something that we wear EVERY DAY.  It can transform you for the good, or the bad for that matter. With it being the same thing that people see everyday why wouldn't we want to put our money into it? Let's talk product. I find, too often, that people are willing to spend so much money on their cut and color, but then go home and use Suave (sorry, true) shampoo. Wouldn't you want to do all that you could to make sure the money you just spent goes a long way? It doesn't have to be $100 shampoo, but there are definitely better ones out there. That's when it's important to have your stylist choose the correct shampoo and conditioner for you. Think of it as a prescription. They know your hair better than anyone and know what it will need to look it's best. The best analogy I heard years ago is to think of your hair products like building a house. Your shampoo and conditioner are the foundation. Without a great foundation the rest kind of falls apart. Happy hair days people!! 

If anyone is ever unsure about a product, please feel free to email me with any questions. :)

Lovely Locks in 2013

HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL!!

Excited to share what's coming up for 2013 in the hair world! I love all of these!

I was surprised to find that the lengths are taking a dramatic route. They are saying if you have it long, make it extra long, and if you want it short take it to a bob.

Bobs: chin length or brushing the shoulders is ideal.


Extra Long: Want it long enough to reach or cover your chest. Blunt or a few choppy layers work, just try for as much volume and texture as you can get.


Color:
Black, Platinum, Ombre. Again with the extremes. For brunettes you'll see darker locks and for blondes the lighter the better. Ombre is still here to stay. Even seeing some reverse ombre, but it's really not my favorite.

Styles:
Everything is less polished with texture and volume.

Low Pony




Undone updo's, twists, knots

60's


Deep Side Parts

Rock and Roll Waves

Braids


Hair Accessories



*sources: harpar's bazaar, fashionising, vogue, audraspicks, elle, allure, hairstyles weekly

The Whitney Wave

I ran across this the other day and can't get over it. The idea is brilliant really. I can't wait to try this! Think of the control you get! This would be a really great prep for beachy waves with a salt spray. Once you've flat ironed spray in the sea salt and it'll give you that amazing beach texture. Bumble and Bumble and Big Sexy have great ones.

Easy Up-Do

During our Kevin Murphy education class, Alberto our teacher, showed us a fabulous way to throw your hair into a great up-do in minutes. I am loving this do. It looks great with all types of hair.  Perfect for a hot summer's day. He also introduced us to these awesome hair pins. You can get them here on amazon, or Sally's carries them- however I only found 1 brown box between nsl and draper- so- you may want to order them. They are amazing though!! I wasn't sure the best way to show you this- so sorry it's very amateur ha ha. I think you'll get the gist though. :)
What you'll need:
Awesome hair pins and hairspray. That's it!

Kevin Murphy

My salon recently started carrying this fabulous new hair product line. Kevin Murphy hair products- I love them! We had an education class on it today and I am so impressed. Their products have tons of antioxidants and no preservatives. Also, sulfate free. There is a product for everyone- from normal to breaking. They base their philosophy off skin care- for the hair. That's a great philosophy in my book! Your hair can be just as sensitive as your skin and so we need to treat it just as gently. We had played with samples a few months ago and I can't even tell you the difference in my hair! It felt light and bright and clean. It's amazing and I think very well priced. Kevin Murphy actually has been named to have invented the "beach hair" look. You can check out their website here. They have tons of great tutorials and education for styling. Can't wait to play more with this great stuff.

Beach Waves

I think we are way over-due for a hair post! I wanted to share a great video I found on Hairdresser On Fire. She always has great hair tips. This video is a tutorial for beachy waves. For me there is something about the heat and summer that makes me want to break out my natural texture. I have crazy texture, which I won't get into, but this is perfect for curly or straight hair- with the right products.

Hair Dresser On Fire HDOFBlog.com Tutorial on styling beachy waves blow dry, by Reagan Breinholt from Jacob Breinholt on Vimeo.

Now- if I were to do this with my hair, it would take longer than my normal routine of just round brushing it out. That frustrates me. When I'm going for something that's supposed to be simple and look effortless, I don't want it to take twice as long. This is how I would alter it.

PRODUCTS:
1. Mousse: I actually really like Volumax from Sally's, but most mousses work. You just don't want it to be too sticky.


2. Leave-In conditioner: My fav right now is nicknamed "hair crack". Briefly why I love it: it has protein (to help strengthen hair), moisture, UV protectant, and the big one HEAT protectant. I really am addicted to it. It can get a little heavy so start with the tiniest bit and work from ends up.

*side note- you could also substitute a curl cream, just make sure it has heat protectant. My hair already has so much curl, I just like what this offers.

3. Salt Spray. This add a salt water like texture to the hair. Again start with a little- you can always add. This is the one she uses in the video- or Surf Spray by Bumble and Bumble would be great also.


STYLING:
1. After applying products blow dry the wet out- about 50%- making sure the roots are mainly dry. You could tip your head upside down if you want a lot of volume, just watch out for frizz.

2. Form curls the same as she does, only I would do half of my head at once.

3. Once I have a few formed I take a pronged diffuser and while keeping curls formed set them in the diffuser to dry. Do this a few times around the head. Get them 90% dry, so that if you need to reform you can. Also, do more Salt Spray if needed.

4. Once formed and sprayed diffuse again until completely dry. Let cool for 5-10 min, then separate.

Yay! Now if only it would stop raining and warm up!!

She Looked Like A Barbie

and I LOVED it!! Maybe it's because I spent a month dissecting the Stefano Canturi Barbie for my halloween costume (it's still fresh on my mind), but I instantly thought of it as I saw Reese. By far my favorite hair from the Oscars last night. Reese is beautiful anyways, but I am loving this do!




FYI
Stefano Canturi $300,000 Barbie

Sexy Love

I want to tell you guys about two products I love right now. I love products and am a true believer in them. However, I hate feeling the products in the hair. I want it to look and feel as natural as possible. One of the girls I work with is an educator for Sexy Hair. I am not going to lie I was really skeptical about trying these products, and made an unfair upfront judgement about them. Well in using some of them I absolutely love these two.

I think I've mentioned this before

The Root Pump Plus

For: Volume, humidity resistant and hold

How to use: apply to damp hair either section by section to roots only, or get a pile in your hand and finger through your part and down a bit.

For who: I love it for my fine and thick haired clients.

Smooth and Protect

For smoothness and shine, moisture, thermal protection.

For: It's great for flat ironing. It has memory in it, so I have been spraying it on before I curl and it's a dream.
How to use: apply to dry hair before styling. You can use it as a finish spray to increase shine and for humidity protection.

For who: again I feel like anyone can use this. If you have fine hair always start with a little then add, you can always add.

I'm going to stress again the importance of buying products from a professional salon. Although these are found in many grocery stores please be aware they are there illegally, or are expired, or is a completely different product inside. You can go HERE to find a salon near who sells these. Thanks guys! :)

Spontaneous Snip

Today I got a haircut. It was glorious. My long cut rarely changes, other than layers here and there. A couple years ago I tried the straight across bang. High maintenance, but I loved them. Side note: Bangs are a great way to change your look without drastically changing the rest of your hair. I recommend trying it. If you hate them, they seem to grow like a weed and there are so many cute ways to pull them off your face. However, if you love them, you will really love them. Well, as my hair was being blown dry (poor Rach) I told her just to cut my bangs short. They were to my jaw line mind you. I'm loving that I made such a spur of the moment decision. A "just do it" moment. When it comes to my hair I usually have a long thought out plan and debate it. It was so fun! Sometimes it's great to branch out a little.
I've been searching for some great styles to change it up a bit, and came across this one. These are seriously my exact bangs- I can't wait to wave my hair! Thanks Rachel for the great cut!!