Get Grooming with Microtouch

Sometimes we gals forget that dudes have certain grooming rituals that could use some love and expert products. Fortunately Microtouch lent us a few tools to try out. Today's tester? My husband extraordinaire! A rather charming, hairy fellow, who shaves at least 3 times a week for his firefighter/paramedic gig.

Tool #1: Microtouch One metal razor. "For the nostalgic dapper dan, a classic razor that pays homage to the traditional barbershop shave. The single blade leaves your face with a clean and smooth finish."

 

He says: The handle was too short,  it was not easy to figure out how to use, and I therefore cut myself because of that. I would try using it again if I wanted to take the time. The blades are interesting— super thin and I didn't even realize they were in the small paper packets at first. This product is overall cool looking and has a nice design though.

She says: The blood! Oh the blood! This was a bit painful to watch. This blade comes with specific directions on how to use, with a key statement being to take your time and go slow, as it's a different sort of razor than everyday dudes are used to.

Find it at Onerazor.com

Tool #2: Microtouch Max. "[This] electric trimmer is gentle enough for the most sensitive skin, but still allows for a close shave. With 2 combs, and a built-in light, you can trim all the hair on your face, nose, ears and sideburns. 

 

He says: I love this thing. It's easy to use, it's small and it's narrow ended design makes it easy to get in all those hard to reach places. It also trims hair cleanly without any pulling or pain. The light feature revealed just how badly I needed this thing. 

She says: You know your husband loves something when he asks, "I get to keep this?!" after using. 

Find it at www.Microtouchmax.com

Tool #3: Mircotouch Switchblade. "The All-In-One head to toe groomer is great for in between haircuts, edging beards, the hard to reach ear and nose areas, and even for body hair that needs some touch up. 

 He says: I like that it has some bulk to it, but I prefer the light feature of the other one (Microtouch Max). It did a nice job trimming the edges of my sideburns.

She says: Along with the Microtouch Max, this seems like another awesome and simple grooming tool every guy could use.

Find it at www.Getswitchblade.com

Everybody do the scrimp!

Scrimping is a hair technique created by Sam Villa, founding partner of the Sam Villa brand and artistic creative director for Redken 5th Avenue. It's mane purpose (badum bum!): to give curls and waves staying power by resurfacing the hair cuticle and creating a powerful foundation for a curl to hold on to and lock in place.

Sounds a bit intense no? Fear not! Doin' the scrimp is actually quite simple. Check out the master in action use the simple five step process below to achieve the look for yourself.

Let's get scrimping!

1. Section hair and spray with Redken iron shape 11 finishing thermal spray to protect hair from heat.
2. Randomly tap down the section with a Sam Villa TEXTUR® Iron – using light to medium compression.
3. Repeat until entire head is texturized.
4. Curl as usual.
5. Finish with Redken control addict 28 high control hairspray for curls with super staying power.

Have you met Sam?

Im a nice person, I really am, but when it comes to hair styling tools, I am a bit of a snob. You will never catch me using a run of the mill straightener or curling my do with a drug store purchased iron, you just won't. (First world problems, right?!) Thus, my new friend, Sam Villa. The Sam Villa Etc Light is a light weight, quiet, salon quality hair dryer that has changed my hair routine forever! My buddy Sam has created an easy to hold, easy to use appliance, making my hair easy on the eyes! You will be shocked by how much power comes from this little guy. Looking for a boost? Hit up my new pal, Sam.

Respect the Kingsley

Real talk: In the winter, not only does my skin get ridiculously dry, but so does my scalp.

'Dems is 'da breaks with a die-hard devotion to scalding hot showers and a ever so sensitive epidermis!

Thankfully though, I have found a magical elixir that remedies this seasonal sitch: Philip Kingsley Scalp Toner.

It's a "rehydrating toner and scalp energizer" that stimulates blood supply to the scalp, absorbs excess oil and protects against flaking. All you do is apply toner directly to the scalp, comb through and style as usual.

Application is super easy with the toner's pointed nozzle and the liquid comes out evenly.  I found it worked best to make a few parts, squeeze along each, rub in and then comb through. It also felt really nice and cooling, and did not change the appearance of my natural hair state at all once dry.

Now, Philip Kingsley Elasticizer on the other hand was not for me. This "cult" hair care essential boasts that it will dramatically improve the condition of your hair after just one use. In my case, it dramatically hindered the condition of my fine tresses, leaving them limp and oily. I even made sure to shampoo and rinse an extra two times to de-coat, all to no avail. My wonderful pro-hairdresser pal thankfully came to my rescue with some clarifying shampoo though and all ended happily!

The takeaway: Philip Kingsley Elasticizer is a thick, potent conditioning treatment that is best left to thicker locks. Philip Kingsley Scalp Toner is my pick for anyone who suffers from seasonal scalp syndrome (or the dreaded Triple S as I'm now going to call it).

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer retails for $45 (150ml) or $25 (75ml). 

Philip Kingsley Scalp Toner retails for $29 (75ml). 

Both products are available at philipkingsley.com

Cancel Your Salon Appointment!

Like a true product junkie, I am always on the hunt for the holy grail of hair goo, that one potion that will change my locks for life, that spritz, spray, or slop that will bring the salon-feel home with me.

Call off the search! I've found her!

Allow me to introduce you to L'Occitane's Hair Repair Mask. This conditioning treatment is a little tub of miracle goop that magically transforms your dry, over treated, or dull 'do into a luscious look. Your hair will feel, fall, and smell like you just dropped a Benjamin at the beauty shop!

I've used this stuff once a week for a month now, and every time I do, I'm asked by someone if I've had my hair done. It has not failed once.

Looking for a boost in moisture and ego? Check this stuff out!

Alexander The Great

A little MBFW treat for you, my dear BrainyBeautys devotees! (That's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in proper fashionspeak!)

Our good friends at Redken were kind enough to pass along the inside hair scoop on one of the hottest tickets in the tents: Alexander Wang Spring/Summer 2014. If you aren't familiar with Mr. Wang, study up! He is seriously one of the preliminary designers of our generation and was even tapped to take over at the legendary Balenciaga house late last year. Personally I cannot get enough of his grungy glamour looks, and his accessories are also especially ridic every season.

For Spring/Summer 2014, Redken Creative Consultant Guido pretty much created my ideal every day hair look: natural, texturized and slightly roughed up.

Said Guido: "Overall it's a very sexy look this season. I wanted the hair to reflect the cool, low-key Alexander Wang type girl. I suppose there are equal parts grunge and glamour, in that the hair is voluminous, yet natural." 

Recreating the look is super easy with the right Redken products:

1. Towel dry hair
2. Create a messy center part with finger
3. Apply thickening lotion 06 body builder from root to ends, concentrating product on the roots
4. Start drying hair with a diffuser to keep the natural waves
5. Once the hair is 75% dry, allow the hair to dry naturally
6. Add powder refresh 01 aerosol hair powder/dry shampoo to mid length and ends to give more texture.
7. Apply quick tease 15 backcombing finishing spray to mid length and ends to hold in the texture

Photos by Charles Sykes for Redken. 

All photos, quotes, beauty steps and product information in this post provided by Redken. 

To locate a Redken salon please log on to redken.com. Please note, Redken products can only be guaranteed authentic when purchased from a salon. We request that you do not credit drugstores, 'beauty websites' or other unauthorized retailers. For furtherinformation, please contact us at the information listed above. For more information visit Redken.com, like Redken on Facebook or follow us on twitter @Redken5thAve and Instagram www.instagram.com/redken5thave

Muggles Need Not Apply

As the previous post mentioned, Davines is a hair care line for wizards! 

Yes, it would indeed take a well-versed mane maestro to fully utilize the No. 3 Universal Mattering Mousse and OI Oil Absolute Beautifying Potion. I don't know if it was just me and my lack of skills, but these products just didn't do anything for me. 

The Oi Oil's best aspect is that it smells divine- Very aromatic and relaxing. When I used it on my fine, semi-wavy hair it left it a bit limp. So probably a product to use for those hair-straightening, shiny glossy days. 

The No. 3 Universal Mattering Mousse (which I always want to type as "mouse". A mattering mouse! Would that be like Muffy the Mouse from Today's Special?!) also left my locks a bit lackluster... And crunchy too, even though I made sure to work the foam adequately through my hair. It also smelled nice, but was more candy-sweet than the hair oil.

In my opinion these hair products are overall nice smelling, but better left to wizards and their hair care shelves.

You smell so nice, but you made my hair so sad.

Smells like candy, works like meh!

I wonder if you can find this on Diagon Alley.

Finally, hair care for Wizards!

I took a little look-see at Davines' website and found that they describe their philosophy as follows: "

Our ideal of beauty finds its inspiration in the concept of equilibrium between substance and shape as well as in the Italian Renaissance tradition. Our style is a delicate convergence of unique characteristics and it’s inspired by simplicity, harmony and good taste.

The beauty that we believe in is based on respect and appreciation for individuality. So we celebrate and express the grace and elegance that makes each of us who we are. This is why we consider ourselves as a tool for our customers to express their own uniqueness.

By creating “beauty” we want to encourage people to take care of themselves, of the environment in which they live and work, and of the things they love.

Our multicultural curiosity motivates us to explore the many truths that make our world. We strive to be in tune with the mood of the moment while still remaining fresh over time."

Sounds devine no? Eh....that might be a stretch. Here is how my experience went down...

VOLU SHAMPOO & VOLU CONDITIONER, VOLUME ENHANCING SOFTENING SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER: Pros list: great scent, good lather, leaves hair feeling clean. Cons list: not very concentrated, did not see much volume, cheap packaging, conditioner lacked softness

MOMO FLUID, MOISTURIZING ANTI FRIZZ PROTECTIVE FLUID: Pros: a little goes a long way, controlled frizz Cons: a little heavy-use with caution

No 14 SEA SALT PRIMER FOR WIZARDS: Pros: Awesome name, cute packaging, good scent, effective on wet or dry locks Cons: none!

Check out Davines' full product line at www.davines.com

Your Hair Will Thank You With Shininess

This lovely little bottle is precisely what I’ve been missing in my life. My foray into the ombre effect hair world has left my poor strands damaged and dry. While I love the look, I don’t love all of my resulting split ends. Also, for many, many years (or, um, just over 30 of them) I was not aware that I needed to put product on my hair BEFORE drying and styling it. This, from someone who devours fashion and beauty magazines and websites like they’re the last ever cupcakes off the Hostess assembly line (side note: WHY GOD WHY?!).

Yes, apparently I am that dense.

Bleached ombre ends or not, I’ve finally jumped on the clue bus (got a few steps on with John Frieda a while back) and will happily enjoy the ride with ECRU New York Acacia Protein Oil.  With this serum, there are no parabens, it’s color safe, and it includes a bunch of awesomely hair-healthy sounding ingredients like Acacia Collagen, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Almond, Apricot Kernel and Extra Virgin Argan Oils.

I found it worked best with my fine hair two ways:

1)      When applied to damp hair from halfway down ONLY. My bangs have a tendency to get a little too greasy looking for my liking on their own and this definitely didn’t help.

2)      When applied to the ends of dry hair. Totally tamed my fly-aways and added shine.

Follicular-ly fantastic! 

(Try saying that five times fast!)

Feeling Frieda

For too many years to count I have sadly been involved in BHB- Bad Hair Behavior. 

That's right. I straightened. I colored. I curled. I even crimped. Not to mention using the blow dryer on high in order to speed up the primping process. And I did all this without any sort of hair protector. The damage is currently evident in my split ends and daily frizz. Even with a great hair cut, if I don't change my ways, this damaging cycle will continue. Which is why I am so excited to have found the John Frieda Frizz-Ease Original Formula Hair Serum. 

Frizz-Ease is beloved across the beauty industry board and was even voted Allure Magazine's 2011 Reader's Choice Award. The accolades are well deserved. Dispensing one pump of this fine concoction throughout the lower ends of my battered soaking wet tresses truly brought it back to life. My hair felt soft, looked shiny and those wretched split ends weren't so noticeable. I can only imagine the wonders it shall do once I get a necessary upcoming trim! 

Commitment-Free Hair

Ever wondered about bangs? Like the look of ombre but not digging the bleach?
Get the looks without the effort & upkeep!

Check out the ombre news:
Hairdo by HairUWear Ombre Clip-In Extensions ($49) are a multi-level, 16” clip-in that not only gives you dazzling length, but delivers the graduated effect seen on glam, trend-setting starlets everywhere.

For a semi-permanent approach, try Great Lengths 3D Strand FX Collection. Using only superior quality human hair with a patented bond attachment that is safe and gentle on one’s real hair, they are a trusted favorite among celebrities and their stylists. 3D Strand FX Collection uses an innovative process that combines ombre coloration with your base tone, creating a three-dimensional color effect in the hair. With the new ombre three-dimensional color extensions, you get the look in a more sophisticated, subtle way.
They also have extensions with Swarovski Crystal Strands. For a wedding? Shut up!

I have been fringeless since 9th grade (not an unsubstantial amount of time), and the new bangs have made me consider getting chopped... Hairdo by Ken Paves Clip-In Bangs let me try the look first!
My three-point outcome:
1. They are riduculously easy to use.
2. They don't feel weird on, just kind of forgot they were on.
3. I look ridiculous with bangs! Thank goodness I found out the easy way! Still, these are a great way to go incognito ;)

Fight Hat Head with a Cool Tail

New York City, NY-- People think the ponytail is the summer savior, but anyone who skies or wears winter hats knows that while there are tricks to minimizing hat head, it can not always be prevented. So, embrace the winter hats and helmets, and then create a sleek ponytail to hide the damage with this step-by-step from Sam Villa, top Redken stylist.

Creating a Sleek Ponytail
· Begin by applying Redken fashion work 15 to create tact, control, and calm flyaways.
· Using a paddle brush, smooth out hair and brush a horseshoe section (from ear to ear) back and hold in place with hands at the back of the head (lower than center).
· Brush the remaining hair (from the nape to ears) up into hands, switching from one hand to another brushing both sides. Always brush to thumb to control position of ponytail, secure with a bungee or elastic.
· Wrap a small section from the ponytail around the bungee and secure with a grip.
· Backcomb tail to create natural texture.
· Finish with Redken fashion work 12 to lock in texture in the tail and to control frizz and flyaway’s in smoother area of ponytail.
· Layer smooth area with a small amount of Redken Glass for that ultra sleek finish.

Aspire for more with Sam Villa! 
Villa is the founding partner of the Sam Villa® brand, Education Artistic Director for Redken 5th Avenue and a Stylist Choice Award Winner for Favorite Platform Artist and Educator (2012, 2011 and 2007). Discover his coveted hot tips and techniques, along with Sam Villa Signature Series brushes, combs and thermal tools on www.samvilla.com ; Facebook: samvillahair; Twitter: samvilla.

Leonor Greyl~Creme Regeneratrice

Want to add thickness and strength to your over worked, over treated hair?? 

Leonor Greyl's Creme Regeneratrice is the perfect solution for damaged, dry, or color treated hair.

Use this creme as a conditioner or as a 20 minute conditioning treatment. If you are looking for a more light, silky feel, I'd recommend using another product by Leonor Greyl, as this thick conditioner tends to be a tad heavy (also, the bottle is smaller, not so ideal for daily use), but if you are looking for a masque or treatment, Leonor is your gal!

Pureology Precious Oil Versatile Caring Oil

Pureology Precious Oil Versatile Caring Oil: Sunflower, coconut, olive & jojoba oils combine, and it is like Wonder Twin Powers Activate: Form of Great Hair!

Smells like the beach of your dreams, light, yet so moisturizing.

I also use it after the shower on my back & legs, as those tend to be my driest parts.
I am slightly obsessed.

My suggestion to make it even better: a spray bottle.

Thank you Pureology!
P.S.: Because it is Pureology, it won't hurt you or the planet. Bonus!

Unite 7 Seconds Dry Shampoo

A wise hairdresser once told me that washing my hair every day would eventually murder my color treated locks. Since that day, I have committed to washing every other day and on a rare occasion, rocking out a third-day-dirty do...not without a heavy head and greasy hair line though.

Thank the stars for this stuff! Unite's dry shampoo does exactly what it promises, unlike other dry shampoos I have tried in the past. This quick, easy solution to a non-wash day is ideal for those of you trying to preserve your own natural oils like me, a gal on the go, campers, athletes, or simply to freshen things up after a long day.

Spring Cleaning... for your hair

From Suzanne Quinn, Glow Communications:

Spring is synonymous with life – plants start to grow, leaves pop, animals give birth…so if hair looks like old man winter, it’s not a pretty sight!
Patrick McIvor, Matrix Artistic Director, offers spring cleaning tips to awaken hair after the long, dark, dry winter months.

• Get sun kissed highlights – nothing makes a girl feel better than a little color.
• Apply a clear glaze to make hair shine – salons provide it as a service and DIY brands offer clear glazes as well.  It magnifies color and helps reduce frizz too!
• Hydrate with a moisturizing treatment - whether it’s a professional back bar treatment like Matrix Total Results Total Treat Deep Cream Mask or an at home deep conditioner, hair will be revitalized.
• Try a new look – get a trim for fresh ends, play with layers, or frame the face with new fringe  (soft and side swept or chunky and straight across).
• Style for spring – it’s getting warmer, try a funky braid, low side ponytail or a messy bun. 

“After the long winter months, it’s amazing how we can find joy in the simple things in life…like a good hair day!” says McIvor.

Beautiful hair for you, courtesy of Redken

Love this look, and sounds like even I could do!

Redken Creative Consultant Guido created another gorgeous blow-out for Saturday’s Sonia Rykiel show in Milan.
“Inspired by Sonia herself- this season the look is a little 1940s meets 1970s, very flirty and pretty.  The style is a healthy, bouncy blow-dry with a deep left side part, curls at the end and a black barrette an inch above the right eye to add a bit of sophistication.”
–Guido, Redken Creative Consultant

Redken Products Used:
-satinwear 02 ultimate blow-dry lotion
-hot sets 22 thermal setting mist
-fashion work 12 versatile working spray

Create the Look:
- Apply satinwear 02 ultimate blow-dry lotion to damp hair and blow-dry making sure to lift the roots away from the scalp.
- Create a deep left side part.
- Mist hot sets 22 thermal setting mist on the hair and using a 1-inch iron, pin set the hair.
- Let the hair down and brush out the curls- hair should be smooth, leaving the curls in at the ends.

- Secure a 1x4 inch black barrette about an inch above the right eye for added sophistication.
- Finish with fashion work 12 versatile working spray.

Blow Dry Like a Pro

For hair that shimmers bright and glossy, Sam Villa, Education Artistic Director for Redken 5th Avenue and Founding Partner of the Sam Villa® brand, suggests sectioning when blow drying.

“There’s a reason why stylists section their clients’ hair when finishing, it provides more control with the brush, tension, heat, airflow and direction.  Women can get the same skilled shiny finish at home if they section properly,” explains Villa.

Sectioning Tips

·       Divide the head into four quadrants and section out each quadrant – start at the nape of the neck and work your way up.

·       Use clips to hold extra hair out of the way.

·       Never take a section that’s wider than your brush.

·       Section depth should be about 1” to 1 ½” depending on density.

·       Hold the brush in your writing hand and the blow dryer in the other hand about ½” apart.

·       Position the blow dryer parallel to the brush – NEVER put the nozzle directly on the brush, it will burn the blow dryer motor out, damage brush bristles and burn hair.

The new E-T.C. Light Professional Ionic Hair Dryer exclusively for Sam Villa is compact and light, so there is less muscle strain when styling hair. Ward off bad hair days with a professional tool that brings out the stylist in everyone.

Feathers in your hair

Steven Tyler, hair idol?

Usually, not so much; but loving the feathers!

You can get the same look with Fancy Feathers by Bling Strands. One of the BB has feathers, it looks AMAZING (love you, Trish)!

You can mix and match Fancy colors & choose how many feathers you want. There are 8 color groups and 12 individual colors to choose from. Note: Fancy Feathers are best applied by salon professionals.

Oscar Hair for real life

Last night’s Oscar styles were full of simplicity and retro elegance, including the hair! From ponytails worn by Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon to topknots and buns worn by Hailee Steinfeld, Melissa Leo and Sandra Bullock to the 70's waves worn by Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence, Marissa Tomei, Anne Hathaway, Natalie Portman and Mandy Moore. Pureology PureArtists, Ruth Roche, Dawn Stemick, Darren Pena, Brenda McGann, Christopher Devaney and Sandra Joseph give step-by-steps on how to achieve these hot hairstyle trends from last night’s Oscars:

Trend #1: Polished Pony – as seen on Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman

Step 1: Spray Pureology ColourStylist FortifyingHeatSpray to entire head, along with a blend of ColourStylist AntiSplitBlowDry and NourishingNectar before drying in a directional pattern of the ponytail shape with a flat paddle brush.

Step 2: When hair is dry, create a high ponytail on the crown of the head using a small paddle brush and/or combs to ensure a perfectly smooth perimeter. After securing pony with an elastic, apply a pea-sized amount of ColourStylist SilkBodifier to a fine-toothed Comb and smooth in any flyaways around the hairline.

Step 3: Take a 1″ section of hair from the ponytail and spray ColourStylist StrengtheningControl hairspray down the length and smooth with fingers before wrapping around base of pony to hide the elastic.

Step 4: To create the waves Reese had, take a 1" hot curling iron and wrap hair around it and drop.

Step 5: Smooth length of ponytail with ColourStylist CuticlePolisher

Trend #2: Waves of Glory as seen on Amy Adams, Natalie Portman, Mandy Moore, Anne Hathaway

Step 1: Spray Pureology ColourStylist FortifyingHeatSpray throughout hair and layer SilkBodifier and NourishingNectar in as well. Blowdry completely.

Step 2: Twist varying sized sections no larger than 1″ and wrap down the length of a curling iron. For added strength spray each section with ColourStylist StrengtheningControl zero dulling hairspray prior to wrapping. Secure each curl with a single prong clip to cool.

Step 3: Drop clips and work a tiny, pea-sized amount of ColourStylist CuticlePolisher through hands prior to breaking up curls with fingertips.

Step 4: Finish with a light mist of ColourStylist StrengtheningControl zero dulling hairspray.

Trend #3: Top Knot as seen on Hailee Steinfeld, Sandra Bullock and Melissa Leo

Step 1: Prep hair with Pureology Hydrate Shampoo and Condition

Step 2: Work ColourStylist Nourishing Nectar sculpting gel through damp hair

Step 3: Blow hair dry smooth with a large paddle brush

Step 4: Take a dime-size amount of ColourStylist CuticlePolisher and run through hair from mid-shaft to ends

Step 5: Draw hair into a high ponytail, take a small egg-size ColourStylist SilkBodifier voluminizing mousse and run over ponytail

Step 6: Separate pony into two sections and twist sections over each other

Secure end of pony with elastic

Step 7: Wrap pony around base and secure with a bobby pin. Finish look with ColourStylist Strengthing Contol zero dulling hairspray