Instyler - Is it the end all be all?

Hey Chicas!!

So I had purchased the Instyler a while ago at Walmart.  It was on clearance for $45, and online I've seen upwards $140, so that was a little push towards getting it for sure.  

 Plus, I was in the market for new straightener, but one that could make hair straight, curl, body etc, I was pretty much sold!  I had seen it on an infomercial down in the states a few months back so I had heard all the hype around it, and figured meh...might as well try for it.  If you aren't aware of it, check out the site, they have videos and tutorials!

So I had tried as just a styler, meaning just smoothing out my hair, and giving it some body.  I find that some straighteners make my hair flat, you know lack of body, and I don't like the pin straight look, my hair is on the fine side, and pin straight just doesn't work so well.  I need the little curl or flip on the end to work it!

So I thought that because it works so well on my hair on normal circumstances, for that extra polished look.  But would it really do what the videos show with curly/wavy hair?

So it was Saturday morning, and I just didn't want to do anything with my hair but it needed something....

See I was right, I couldn't possibly go out...in the public....with that hair (it was a style attempt that FAILED).

Plus I was pretty tired that morning for few exciting reasons (if you don't know what I'm talking about click here for the first, and here for the second), hence the slightly out if it expression...hehe.

So I just followed the directions for the styler that I saw on the infomercials, yes there is a explanation booklet, and even a DVD but umm..its like a hair tool, I wasn't going to waste my time with that! (pss..I think it would help, you'd figure sh!t out alot faster than I did).

I basically sectioned of hair and placed the barrel under the hair, while slightly twisting my wrist while pulling the styler down the hair.  

So I started with this....

and this....

and after a few passes I got this...

and the final look....

much much better than the before, am I right or am I right!

So I really like the product, at a price around $50 not at around $140, that's just a bit much for my shallow pockets.  On the Canadian site...https://www.instyler.ca/ they have some sort of trial offer for $15ish, just an FYI.

I do love the shine and smoothness that it provides my hair, it's a quick fix in the mornings, and I love that it can do a few different things.  So much nicer for packing, 1 as compared to like 3, yes please!  Your hair isn't super ass hot after you use it either, which makes the style much easier to maintain, as your hair doesn't have to cool down much. It does do what it says it does....at least with my hair type.

If you can find it on sale, go for it, don't get suckered in for full price ;)

Caitlin xoxo

Can your hair avoid humidty?

Hey Chicas!

So with the weather that we we have been having lately is totally on conducive to my hairstyles.  No I'm being 100% serious here.  Its damp out, like the air is damp, or its raining, or the humidity level is high.  Either way  my hair is having a field day!

I'm sure if you have wavy/curly hair that can go straight or curly you understand my pain.  As soon as some dampness comes in the air my hair notices it, and takes advantage of the opportunity to curl in places that....well....I just don't want it to curl!

This is my hair curly....

So its easy to show that when it is blown straight it doesn't take too much to get the curls active again.

Regardless, I thought that I would try the John Fredia Frizz-Ease Weather Works Shampoo Conditioner, and styling creme.

The bottle say that...

"Developed for all hair styles, Weather Works Shampoo with "Shielding" Technology creates a barrier to help block out style-ruining humidity providing essential preparation for weather-resistant hair.  Formulated to provide silky-smooth texture and to control frizz year round. Safe for natural or colour-treated hair.  For daily use."

Personally I think that using anything that will 'shield' your hair is basically putting a coating on the hair shafts, so everyday use it likely not the best.  But for special events or just special days it could work!

So overall in the shampoo and conditioner they were good, nothing special to say, simple, they smelled good though.  The styling creme is really light weight, and doesn't weigh your hair down.

So lets do a little test, I thought.  I used all the products on a day that was 90% humidity and when I was near the waterfront, and it was windy.  So horrible weather for curly/wavy hair that was blown dry straight, but perfect weather for testing the ability of the John Fredia Frizz-Ease Weather Works.

This is my hair after styled, I was sitting solo on these photos so please the facial expressions....well lets say I've seen better :-).

So by no means was it straight as a pin, because come on, you can't fight with nature 100%.  There was some flips on the end of my hair, and curled in and out in other places, but it was not curly (and no I did not curl it, just the blow dryer)!

So I was in the outside weather from 5-11pm near the water, high humidity like 92%, and high winds!  I don't think that any product, and this is no exception, can make your hair NOT curl, well at lest not an at home product.

So my thought are....well what are my thoughts?  I guess that it did an ok job, you judge by the pictures.  (keep in mind that the after pics are with my Atrix, not a real real camera..k?)  It did keep the frizz level fairly low, but did it stop it from curling?....ummm nope-nutta!  So is it worth that extra product taking up space in your valuable bathroom storage.  I really don't think so.  Any John Fredia no frizz  product does the job, so the Anti-humidity just leave it and forget it.

As a side note, I used the styling creme with my normal hair routine, on an equally curly/wavy hair blown straight day weather nightmare.  The results, pretty much the same as when I used it with the shampoo and conditioner, so perhaps the styling creme is a go, but leave the others on the shelf....unfortunately the search continues :-(

Caitlin xoxo
    

Volumizing Hair Powders

Hey Chicas!

So, everyone one some big hair, with lots of volume.  But what's a girl to do when their hair is very fine, and doesn't like to make volume?  Well many of us turn to styling products, the problem is that many are super heavy and goopy and please when ones hair is fine, weight is not gonna be a help in making volume!

Well it seems that the styling creators have heard the issues and create a new item to help us.  They are called Volumizing Powders, and at first they were only available at salons, but now there are drug store options.

They two that I tested are:  

Big Sexy Hair Powder Play Volumizing Texturizing Powder - $20 (.53 oz.), and Schwarzkopf got2b POWDER'ful Volumizing Styling Powder (10g = .35 oz) $5.

The video discusses the pros and cons of each as well as how I use them in my hair...to watch click play!

Caitlin xoxo

The holy grail of Dry Shampoo!!!

Hey Chicas!


I know that I have already done a post a while ago on this subject....click here for a refresher!  It's quite detailed, plus theres a video on my youtube channel about it as well.


But I now have a favorite, hands down favoirite, and its drug store!  Which is even better. :)

got2b rockin' it 4-ever encore dry shampoo....yeah, could have made the name longer perhaps, I think it's too short....gosh!
        
Regarldess of the mouth full this stuff is around $5 at Wal-Mart, when its on sale at Shoppers its around $4, so pick your poison.  This stuff is AMAZING! like OMG wicked awesome.  It takes soo little for it to work, and there is no residue....thats right people NO RESIDUE...none!  Your hair feels like hair, no change, no grit nothing....just your silky hair!


For more info on the product click play below..



Caitlin xoxo

Got Roots? In your hair that is...

Hey Chicas!

So, I have totally found my solution to hair regrowth.  Its actually not a new product at all, I love stumbling across products that have been around for a while, means that the it has stood the test of time!

So I'll give you the background about my hair color, well the short shortish version.  Basically, it boils down to having the color stay into long, by a "professional" and having to get it cut off, TWICE!

To see my post about how to help make your hair grow fast click here!

Ever since I have been trying to keep it semi natural and avoiding any heat to help it grow long.  That was going along ok, but then last summer the color was just horrendous, like almost black with light blond streaks, it was very skunk like.  So needless to say that I have been a little scared basically to put any color in it.  But it hasn't been colored since last July, which is pushing it.

But I was getting a little over the whole root thing, with the ombre effect.  It was great at first because the color faded fairly well into my natural but the blond didn't really.  It just got to that length grown out stage  where it wasn't so cool....

I was at Shoppers and this pink bottle just caught my eye, on the bottom shelf next the hair dyes. 

Fanciful #23 Frivolous Fawn

It states "Golden Tone Enriches Dark Blonde Hair. Fanci-ful covers, all temporary color needs in one step: Enrich dull, faded color, ADDS highlights and shine. BLENDS away new gray, CORRECTS brassiness: CONDITIONS to restore shine and manageability to hair." 

How you use it is pretty damn simple: Shampoo, conditioner, rinse and towel dry hair. Shake bottle well. Pour into your hand and work through you hair.  It washes out the next time you wash your hair.

My mom used to use this on her hair, oh a few years ago, so I figured for only $10 sure.  Check out the video for my verbal description of what I thought might happen to my hair.

Well I love it!  Doesn't ware off onto your clothes or sheets, washes out the next time.  So don't freak when you see the water kinda brown/dirty looking, it's not you, just the temp. color!  Anyway, I totally think that this is my savior for hair color.  If you are looking to extend the length between colorings, if you are trying to fix a bad color job, or if if your trying to get rid of the dullness, regardless of natural or dyed this stuff will work!

I love it, you'll love and for $10 everyone will love it.  So I think it's worthwhile checking out the color selection to see if there is one that will work with your hair color.

I have attached some pictures to show you the difference of the color of my hair, and how it looks different with Fanci-full!

The pics on the left are mostly the afters, and the ones on the right and top middle are my hair color before.

Plus, if you click on the image it will get way bigger, and the pics chosen were for the hair color, not necessarily the facial expressions! :)

So if you do purchase it and try it, please please please leave a comment and let me know what color you got and how it worked for you!

Caitlin xoxo

Alternative to the Simple Ponytail

Hey Chicas!

I know we can get into a hair rut!  You know wearing your hair the same way all the time.  That usually consists for most women with longer hair, is a pony tail.  As soon as that hair is at the length up it goes.  But just because you want it out of your face, doesn't mean you have to resort to the damn ponytail all the time!

I wore my hair in this hairstyle a lot last summer, my bangs were growing out and my hair was not yet touching my shoulders, and definitely layered.

So don't think that you can't do it your hair is only just this long.....(just excuse the dumb expression.....just a video still to show the length)





It's great because of the twist that is what allows you to pin back your bangs and layers in one smooth look.  The final result is....

See how it looks so much better then the standard pony tail, but it still allows you get up and off your face and neck.  The video below shows you how to do it.  I think it looks like a Classic 40's hairstyle, and when done a little bit more carefully you can really make it look polished for an event!




I hope this gives you an inspiration to change up your hair routine.

Caitlin xoxo

Want Longer Hair Faster?

Hey Chicas!

I'm sure that we have all had our own experiences of a bad haircut or bad dye job.  Neither one leaves us feeling any better about ourselves.  And I'm willing to admit that I, myself have cried over both issues, and not that long ago either.

The worst was the cut, I had gone to a professional hairdresser to color to my hair, because,....... please I am not taking that on myself, I'd be bald or have green hair.  So I was getting it lightened.  I loved the color, but the ends were getting all frizzy and nothing I did could make them lay flat.  So I went to another person, because I wasn't that happy with the cut, I had long bits of hair on the bottom, but some of my top layers where like a few inches.  I did not like the Joan Jett similarities.  The new hairdresser said that the previous one had fried my ends.  Well basically that means she left the product in too long and burned the hair, so it had to cut off.

So here is a picture of the progression of my hair over a year...

Yeah I had just gotten my hair the length that I wanted, you know the standard length just above your boobs.  As my as a child was short, so I was traumatized, to say the least by the cut.  Thank goodness, this new guy had a lifesaver of a suggestion.....horse shampoo.

Now, don't look at the screen all funny, I know that I didn't really believe him, but how much worse could it get?  I got my at Wal-Mart for under $10 for the huge bottle of it.  So I have now being using it for 3-4 years, and I love it!(I've had more than my fair share of bad dye jobs and cuts)  It does make your hair grow faster, and its strong and silky.  It works on my hair type and my moms grey hair, but it may not work for you, nothing rarely works on everyone. Now, keep in mind, since I had the rocker cut, I have had to let the top grow out and the keep cutting the bottom. Then for grad pictures I wanted an actual hair style, and got the Victoria Beckham bob, which I loved.  But for the past year I have been growing it out.  So last summer my hair was in the Victoria Beckham, and now my hair is just long enough to brush over my shoulders.  Keep in mind that I keep getting regular trims so get off the dead ends, but I think that the reason it is growing so fast, is the Mane n' Tail Shampoo and Conditioner.

I would highly recommend that if you want to grow out your hair, purchase this stuff, you shall not be disappointed.

Check out the video below, as I discuss the shampoo and conditioner...

Caitlin xoxo



Hippie Hair Twists

Hey Chicas!

Sorry I haven't updated this week.  I am on vaca in Montreal then off to Ottawa, visiting the fam, and all that good stuff.  I have lots of ideas and comments that I have seen on the ladies up here in Montreal, from makeup to clothing style, its quite different then what the people wear on PEI that's for sure, but you can always take little tips and tricks from other styles and incorporate them into your own.

So this is a hair video that I filmed a few months ago, and haven't had the chance to make it public.  It is great one for when you are growing out bangs and want to make your hair look longer than it is.  Plus its always better when you can rock the longer hairstyles with shorter hair, you can always "Fake it 'till you Make it!".

So here it is.





















Caitlin xoxo

Dry Shampoo - Youtube

Hey Chicas,

I did a little youtube video on my fav dry shampoo's that I talked about in the previous blog post.  I also do a demo on how to use them in your hair.  Thought you might enjoy.  If you really like it, you could subscride and comment, it is free! :)



Caitlin xoxo

Fav. Dry Shampoos & Review

Hey Chicas,

I finally found them all!  Aren't you all proud, I would be too, if I could have remembered where they all were!  But what has been lost has been found...so here it goes.

So I was smart, and quick enough this morning to even order them in preference!  Meaning that starting from the left and going to the right is my number 1 choice/fav to my least.  But read the reviews if not you may miss an important point.

I have a mix of some salon brands and other drug store products, so there should be something there for everyone.

#1. Tigi Rockaholic Dirty Secret.  The name is catchy, the packaging in rockin' and the stuff works really well.  It is a salon products so you'd have to buy it from them, or if you have a Sally Beauty Supply store nearby there would carry it too.  It has a nice light fresh scent, with very, very little residue left, and you're hair still feels like hair after you have sprayed it on.  When I start talking about the other ones, you'll understand.  It absorbs the oil with less product then any other brand, and has the nicest formula and spray to remove the oil.  This is my 3rd bottle, so yeah I love it!  Yes it will be a little expensive around $20 I'm guessing, but you'll use less of it because it's a little better, and you get 300ml/6.3oz/179g for it.

#2 Batise, the pink and yellow are the same brand just different scents. The scents I'm not really going to talk about because they are totally your preference whether you want a flowery one, or a tropical one, they are both nice though.  It's my second choice because, the powder is a little heavier(goes on thicker), you have to work a little bit more to remove the residue (but no big deal), you have to use a little bit more (so it doesn't last as long).  But don't get me wrong, I would still use it, and have purchased multiples of them, if I hadn't know about Dirty Secret, Batise would have been my fav.  It can be purchased at Zellers, and even the Winners here has the stuff from time to time.  It is around $8 and you get 150ml/5.05floz/95g (half the size of Dirty Secret, great for travel!) for it.

#3 TRESemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo (for oily/straight hair).  I love the smell of this stuff, it is less strong then the Batise stuff for sure.  The spray is awesome, it doesn't clog, and has a good amount of force, it does go on fairly even but the particles are a little bigger than my #1, therefore if you have dark hair it may be more noticeable. It can be purchased at any drugstore like location, for around $5 for 5.07oz/161g, so you get more than Batise, and less than Dirty Secret.

The more I think about it here Batise and Fresh Start are really really close, with just the particle size and thickness separating them....soooo I'm gonna make them a tie, they are both good, and plus Fresh Start you get more bang for your buck!

#4(or I guess #3, but whatever) Snappi, which is another salon brand (well its where I got it), and I have to say it is my least fav.  I swear it is just baby powder with some moisture put into an aerosol can.  If that's what you want you'll love it.  I don't! It makes your hair feel weird, like you have way too much hairspray on it or something, it just makes your hair feel heavy.  Yes it does remove the oil, but the cost of that is just too much.  I will not be repurchasing it.  Its about $12, for 5.35oz, can't read the bottle for g, but whatever.

#5 TRESemme Fresh Start Waterless Foam Shampoo(for dry curly hair).  You can read the bottle to tell you how to use it...but it won't help you any.  This stuff is the worst! It doesn't work it doesn't take any oil off your hair your roots still look shiny, I have attempted to use it many times when my hair is curly and always the same result.  I will say it is good for allowing your curls to defizz and give them some life but as for oil absorption....not there.  It is the same price as the Dry Shampoo from tresemme $5, and I'm sure its close to the same size.  I will not rebuy this for myself as a dry shampoo, the aerosols spray work better, but for the boys out there, or even women with short hair, it honestly makes the hair look great.  Even it is just to combat the frizz factor. I just don't think people with any length to their hair (meaning around chin length) will benefit from the removing oil factor.

Finally, no its not a dry shampoo, but I can't live without it. It is TRESemme Fresh Start Refreshing Mist for $6ish at 118ml.  I has a nice clean citrus scent, and it just gives your hair a healthy glow and shine.  I even use it on fresh hair days to add nice shine and luster to my hair.  I find that some shine sprays are over kill and can make your hair look oily, which really isn't a good look.  This stuff, no matter how much your spray will not make your hair look greasy.  I just can't say enough good things about it.  I always use it...like everyday!  You should too :)

So, man why are my posts always soo long?  I hope that you find them helpful and informative, that is my goal in all of this.  Go out and try some of these (well the good ones) and see what you think.

Caitlin xoxo

Fishtail Hairband How-to

Hey Chicas,

So my second part to dry shampoo, is having some difficulty.....can't seem to find the ones that I want to review.  So while the search is on for those, I have another hair how-to that is up on my youtube channel TheCaitlinChic. 

It is super easy to subscribe to my channel then you can leave comments and things that you would like to see whether is be reviews for my blog or youtube, or makeup tips and ideas.  Let me know what you want to see and know.  I have a few awesome ideas kicking around my head so we'll see what happens.  I apoligize for the lighting....I look like a freakin' Oompa-Loompa!  I am working on how to adjust the lighting...if you have any suggestions, even as to what type of bulbs to put in...that would be great! 

Hope you enjoy it!

Caitlin xoxo

Dry Shampoo

Hey Chicas,

So there is some buzz these days around dry shampoo...and to my surprise many don't know about them.  Well I'm here to educate you about them.

First off the pros,

• less time to get ready in the morning
• less hair products used
• less heat damage on hair
• less drying on hair (from product/blow dryer/heat)
• help to increase the staying power of your hair color

So what does dry shampoo do?

Well the products websites basically all say the same thing.  They help to rejuvenate dull lifeless and greasy hair, leaves hair feeling clean and fragrant, minimizes the need to wash hair frequently, maintains color longer in color treated hair, is quicker and more convenient then regular washing, zap odor and oil in between washes etc,etc.

Why you shouldn't wash your hair everyday?

You need to give hair and scalp a break, washing too much strips hair of natural oils and even color.  Of course it depends on the texture of your hair if you have course dry hair or thick, you may only have to wash it once a week (I know but I've seen it done!), those that have fine, limp hair (hello? yes that would be me!) may be able to get away with it once every 2-3 days.

If you wash your hair everyday and want to switch it up......be patient!  The first few weeks will be a little hard on you.  Because your scalp is so used to washing everyday,  therefore the natural oils your scalp produces, will want to work in overdrive to ensure that they can make the oil coat your hair before you wash it again.

That is why you feel the need to wash your hair everyday, your scalp is overproducing the oils, due to over washing.  The trick is that you can re-train your scalp to produce less oil.  After a few weeks you will notice that your hair gets less oily, which allows you to feel more comfortable between washes.

But especially in the summer with the heat and sweat no one will make it every other day of washing without a little secret.  And if you have event to go to at the end of the day, it can be your lifesaver, and make your hair look super fresh!

Dry Shampoo will be your BFF.  A lot of reviews are very negative in my opinion, but many of them are just trying them for the first time and it takes a while to get the oil in check, but I swear it does happen.

I guess that I have been using dry shampoo for.....omg nearly 5 years...wow that's a while.  So my opinion will be very truthful, but keep in mind that the brands that work for me may not work always work for you.

The trick is, with any brand, to comb your hair, obviously, and what I do is comb the side of your hair back as if putting it half up but keep the brush on your head, that way the visible roots are showing.  You can then spray with the can about 8-12cm away, the trick is to let it sit there for about 5 mins.  The stuff needs time to work.  I generally put the stuff in my hair in the morning then wash my face, get dresssed etc..then I rub the white powder into my roots with my finger tips.  Then you can reapply if need be.

If you are unsure if these are for you....baby powder, or cornstarch are a good beginning point.  But remember these will not absorb too much into the hair, and will be left with a more visible white particles.

Give it some time for your scalp to readjust, and you'll be surprised how much time you can save in the mornings.

Post to come on my fav. brands!

Caitlin xoxo

Hair How -To

Hey Chica's,

I know its been a while, but I have a really good excuse...which I'll get into at a later date.  It is really late right now, but I've been working on my youtube hair video.  This video has been requested and the persons have been really patient with me trying to figure out the wonderful world of Windows Movie Maker! 

But hey, I did it and here it is my first how-to video!.....feedback is always welcome!

Keeping checking back for more posts, and an explanation as to my absence I promise it's a really good one!


Nite,
Caitlin xoxo