Look of the Week - Faux Reality Bob

I admit it, I watched the Hills finale last night. And with the exception of the bizarre Little Bo Peep flower crown worn by Whitney Port, I thought the reality stars looked lovely.

Naturally, Lauren Conrad went all out in a sparkly mini with this chic mini bob that seems to be all the rage lately. (Note: also seen on Rosario Dawson at the Seven Pounds premiere.)

This hair style requires a bit more concentration than Kate Winslet's curly waves but it can be done. You will need a good styler, a lot of bobby pins, some sculpting spray and patience.

Given that it's the holidays and I'm short on time. I'll tell you that I've tried this look before and for me I wash, condition, moussed and dried as usual. For mousse, lately I've been using Rene Furterer Anti-Dehydrating Volumizing Mousse because it makes my hair super shiny and big without being sticky.

Next step is to pin the majority of long layers under, while leaving the shorter layers loose for a bit of light curling. Pin the back up higher to give the illusion of a stacked bob with the longer front pieces framing the face.

Again using a styler like the Sedu Revolution or Amika Pro-Styler, being creating light waves on the bottom half of the loose pieces. It should look a bit piecey and messy, falling gently over the pinned up sections to disguise what's underneath.

Finish up the look with a lighter-weight sculpting spray such as Aveda Witch Hazel Light Hold Hair Spray or Aveda Brilliant Medium Hold Hair Spray. Pair with some red lips and you're ready for holiday partying.

Where to Buy: Folica.com, Aveda.com, LoveAmika.com

Look of the Week - Revolutionary Waves

Every the epitome of classy style, Kate Winslet wore this hair style to the recent Revolutionary Road premiere. A simple look, it would be easy to recreate with the help of a styler such as the Sedu Revolution or Amika Pro-Styler. I'd start by washing and conditioning hair, adding a little mousse and drying. Then, use the 1" styler of your choice to flip out sections of hair away from the face into wavy curls. Vary the section size to create larger or smaller curls to your liking. Spray and set the style with a lightweight product to avoid looking stiff.

Where to Buy: Folica.com
Where to Watch: December 26th, 2008 (US Release)

Flat Iron Frenzy – Sedu vs. GHD

I’m going to shelve the CHI comparisons for a little while to shift my focus on to Sedu and GHD. Both irons receive high marks, so let’s see how they match up against one another based on styling, technology, material and cost. This entry serves as a shopping guide for each flat iron, rather than direct comparison.

This round features the Sedu Revolution styler vs. GHD IV styler.

Styler Defined

First off, it seems that lately most hair appliance companies are producing “stylers”. One might ask, what is a styler?

Stylers are a specific form of flat irons that are designed to not only straighten hair but also to curl, flip, wave, twist or whatever else you can imagine. Sedu features rounded plates and a rounder barrel, GHD offers a rounded barrel.

Since both the Sedu Revolution and GHD IV are stylers, one point for each.

Sedu - 1, GHD -1

Futuristic Favor

Both the Sedu and GHD claim to be the next wave of styling, but is one more technologically advanced than the other?

The Sedu Revolution’s big technology selling point is the Freestyle Guiding System, which features anti-slip edges which prevent hairs from slipping and snagging. This FGS also promotes the styling capability discussed in the section above. The Sedu also offers dual voltage for usage in a number of countries.

On the other hand, the GHD MK IV touts its safety functions, including sleep mode after 15 minutes, and automatic shut off after 30 minutes. Also, the GHD flat iron offers shiver mode to combat condensation in rooms less than 41 degrees. Plus, the GHD has universal voltage, making it ideal for heavy travelers.

The question remains, which is more advanced? The Sedu Revolution technology is more hair styling based while the GHD technology is safety-centered. Should you purchase styling over safety or safety over styling? It seems likely there’s an audience for both. This round is too close to call, another draw, and one point each.

Sedu – 2, GHD – 2

Make Up or Made Up

The materials used in flat irons seem to constantly be changing. Are the Sedu Revolution and GHD Mark IV identical, or can one outperform the other?

Both the Sedu and GHD are ceramic. However, that seems to where the similarities end.

The GHD is just ceramic, but the Sedu Revolution also includes tourmaline and nano technologies. The addition of these two other materials makes the Sedu Revolution more ionic than its GHD counterpart. Sedu wins this round.

Sedu – 3, GHD - 2

Cost and Review

I looked on Folica.com, because they sell both items as part of value packs complete with how-to DVDs and two-year warranties. The Sedu Revolution also includes a heat proof flat iron combo mat and pouch.

In terms of price, there’s about $100 dollars between both value packs. The Sedu Revolution 2009 edition retails for $139.95, while the GHD pack is going for $239.95. A pretty hefty price difference.

As far as reviews go, the Sedu Revolution pack has around 140 reviews, ranking at 4.63 out of 5. The GHD MK IV value pack has 30 reviews, and ranks 4.57 out of 5. Another close round, but this one goes to Sedu based on affordability and a slight edge in customer ranking.

Sedu – 4, GHD - 2
Final Say

Having compared the technologies, materials and cost of these stylers, I have to pick the Sedu Revolution. It seems to be more bang for your buck.

For more info on each brand, plus ordering information visit the Sedu and GHD homepages.

Tips & Trends – Fierce Feathering

For the last few years, the 70s and 80s have snuck back into the style spotlight. From the reintroduction of leggings to neon colors, it seems the long tormented decades are now in vogue.

While most still shudder at the thought of a perm, there is something intriguing about big hair styles – with maybe a twinge of feathering. Perhaps feathered hair isn’t for everyone – yet, a few brave celebs seem to be incorporating the look again.

Feathered hair can range from subtle to extreme (read Farrah Fawcett circa Charlie’s Angels). Luckily, its easy to use the feathered look if you have just the lightest bit of layering. So, here are some very basic steps and product suggestions for achieving the feathered look.

Sudsy Start

My shampoo collection is always growing but lately I’ve been really partial to one. Philip B. Peppermint & Avocado Volumizing and Clarifying makes my scalp and hair feel so clean, so tingly, and so fresh. At the same time, I get a bit of lift for both my roots and my mental state with the combination of peppermint oil, avocado, gardenia, sweet almond, lavender, geranium, black walnut and so many other plant extracts. Philip B. makes so many wonderful shampoos and conditioners, I want them all. But this one is the perfect beginning to achieving solid, fresh style.

Where to Buy: Folica.com, bebeautiful.com

Deep Condition
In addition to adding volume, I like to thicken my strands with the famous Bumble and bumble Thickening Conditioner. A long time B & b fan, this conditioner is in my constant rotation, its lightweight and helps plump up my hair’s appearance.

I can’t say I’m wild about the fragrance but I can deal for fuller locks. Plus with lots of wheat proteins, aloe and vitamin E, it’s another enriching product for styling success. Sometimes I pair it with the B & b Thickening Spray for the ultimate in thick hair.

Where to Buy: Folica.com, Tuvee.com

Lift Off

Since the 70s and 80s were all about BIG hair, the next logical step is to boost hair up! For this, I rely on Kenra Root Lifting Spray. Complete with amino acids, take the Kenra Spray and spray on damp hair at the roots, work through hair and move on to blow drying. It’s a quick but important step for capturing that glorious retro volume.

Where to Buy: Folica.com, DiscreetlyBeautiful.com

Fluff and Dry

You can do much of the magic with your hair dryer. An excellent hair dryer is the Elchim 2001 Professional; it’s fast and ferocious with 1800 watts of power and seven switch combinations. Honestly, this dryer is no joke, but for this style you can slip on the concentrator nozzle and infuse those roots with volume.

Try blowing over and away from hair to bring out the feathering in soft layers and bangs. The bigger the better, with only a few steps left.

Where to Buy: Folica.com, bebeautiful.com

Curl’s Best Friend
I must admit, I’m not exactly handy with a curling iron. Feathering might be the extent of my talent. But if you’re anything like me, may I suggest a clip free curling iron to avoid those unsightly dents and bumps that it seems hard to avoid for the curling iron challenged.

Try the Amika Tourmaline Clip-Free Curler to take strands of hair near the face and curl loosely outward (away from the face!). Once satisfied with the flipped out curls move quickly on to the final two steps.

Where to Buy: Folica.com, SunCapsuleBeauty.com

Brush and Hold

Last two steps! Carefully brush your curls into a soft wings and spray into place! Gently mist some heavy duty hair spray over the look for hold, I recommend CHI Helmet Head Extra Firm Hair Spray or Spritz. It’s easy for finer hair to lose its style quickly, and feathered wings are gravity defying, so this hair spray will give the look that extra boost.

Where to Buy: Folica.com, Tuvee.com

When in doubt, always refer back to the ultimate feathered hair goddess for inspiration.

Flat Iron Frenzy – CHI vs. SOLIA

In the ongoing battle to determine the fiercest flat iron, the CHI and SOLIA seem like closely matched opponents. These brands are considered primo by professionals, and both CHI and SOLIA offer their customers superior styling capability. But for the sake of argument, let’s do a little comparison.

For this round, the chosen competitors are the CHI Original Ceramic 1” versus the Solia Tourmaline Ceramic 1 ¼”. I’ve decided to evaluate the two flat irons based on temperature settings, materials and construction, cost and value and customer reviews.

Hot, Hot Heat!

To begin with, temperature settings are a major difference between these two flat irons. The CHI Original comes with just one temperature setting – 370 degrees. On the other hand, the SOLIA features a range of temperature settings from 140 to 450 degrees.

So, what does this matter? Well, it seems that temperature settings vary for hair type. Based on the chart below, the CHI’s set temperature of 370 degrees may prove a bit weak for coarser hair types, but it seems that if you crank the SOLIA way up you can flatten and style even the thickest mane.

CHI – 0, SOLIA - 1

Materialistic

Ceramic? Tourmaline? What does that even mean? In terms of construction and materials, the obvious difference between CHI and SOLIA is tourmaline. The CHI Original uses ceramic plate technology which is non-damaging to hair, and provides even, moist heat and negative ions.

SOLIA also uses ceramic plates, in addition to the special ingredient, tourmaline, to improve upon professional flat irons. Tourmaline , a mineral, also considered a semi-precious stone, generates high levels of negative ions which enhance hair and produce far-infrared heat to dry hair from the inside out. This means even less damage and faster styling, even when hair is styled damp.

In short, while both irons offer less-damage than traditional aluminum plated irons, SOLIA edges out the win for using tourmaline.

CHI – 0, SOLIA - 2

Weigh In

Since both flat irons use cutting edge technology and construction to provide consumers with the fastest, non-damaging styling tool possible, it’s time to look even closer. The CHI Original weighs in at two pounds and SOLIA at one pound, making both irons fairly lightweight.

The use of ceramic technology means both irons heat quickly and maintain even heat throughout styling. Yet, SOLIA offers the Dynamic Alignment System, with the plates self-adjusting to provide perfect coverage of hair eliminating damage and pressure points. As of now, CHI lacks a comparable feature. Score another point for SOLIA – lighter weight and flexibility.

CHI – 0, SOLIA-3

Cost, Value and Warranty

Both CHI and SOLIA are higher end professional brands so neither of these flat irons comes cheap.

The list price of a CHI Original is around $100-190, but a quick Google search found a variety of lower prices all ranging between $70-80. Some of the retailers included Amazon, Folica and Misikko. Also, CHI irons only work in the USA and Canada due to 110 voltage, and cannot be used in foreign countries even with converters.

According to the CHI website, there is no warranty policy on flat irons purchased through the Internet, only a 1 year warranty for products bought in professional salons. Some sites offer up to a 1 year warranty on CHI products.

The SOLIA list price is $140 but is currently available for around $85 from Amazon and Folica. Unlike the CHI, the SOLIA flat iron has variable voltage (110-120) and can be used in a variety of locations.

Meanwhile, according to Folica, SOLIA just extended their warranty to 2 years on all products purchased on or after October 3, 2008. Good deal.

Originally I was going to give this round to CHI for being less expensive and more widely available for purchase, but the lack of a warranty on such an expensive item makes me a bit nervous. SOLIA wins again; a two year warranty is peace of mind for any customer.

CHI-0, SOLIA-4

The Customers Sound Off

I chose to examine the reviews on Folica.com to see what people are saying about the CHI Original and SOLIA Tourmaline Ceramic. Folica lists over 1000 reviews for each product, so I decided it was a good place to see customer likes and gripes.

In general, the CHI receives a rating of 4.14 out of 5 stars, and the SOLIA has 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Here’s some feedback on the CHI – Having read the first 10 pages of reviews on Folica, it seems that most CHI users really like their product. But, it seems most liked it - until it started having electrical troubles, like the iron failing to turn on or heating up. The other main complaint of CHI users is the lack of temperature control; some found the iron too strong for finer hair and felt it caused damage.

For the SOLIA, most customers seem to be ex-CHI users. The 10 pages of reviews for the SOLIA seem more positive and enthusiastic for the product than the CHI reviews. In fact, there didn’t seem to be any general negative comments about SOLIA. Then again, over 64% of the reviews on Folica rate SOLIA as 5 out of 5 stars or “The Best”.

CHI – 0, SOLIA – 5

And the Winner is…

The knockout winner for this showdown is SOLIA, because of the flat iron’s multiple temperature settings, tourmaline plates, sturdy construction, two-year warranty and overall customer enthusiasm. CHI takes second place being a possibly more affordable alternative that may suit some customers and hair types better than others.

For more information on both products, and to see where I got my information, visit Folica.com where you can buy both the CHI and SOLIA, or visit the brand homepages listed below.

http://www.chiretail.com/

http://www.soliabeauty.com/