I never really understood the importance of a quality hair dryer until I was gifted with a hand-me-down T3 blow dryer from my sister a few years back. I’ve learned that a good blowout is not just about technique (thank god, because otherwise my blowout would never look good), it’s also about making sure you’re using the right tools. Sadly, hand-me-down hair tools usually don’t last long so I was in a state of panic until the José Eber Infrared Blow Dryer showed up on my doorstep.
What I love about this blow dryer is the technology used to infuse a gentle heat deep inside the hair cuticle, not on the surface of the hair shaft (which is much safer for your tresses), decreasing drying time by half. Forget hot spots, burns and frizzy blowouts, this blow dryer applies even heat distribution thanks to the Ultra Violet technology. The blue, ultra violet light has antimicrobial properties that prevent buildup and bacteria, which will refresh hair while styling. The red infrared light is what decreases your drying time. With four variable speed and heat settings, you’re in control of how much heat and power you want to use. The dryer is a little bit heavy (you could totally do bicep curls with this thing) but after a few times, you get used to it. Probably my favorite thing about this dryer is the fact that I’m no longer spending so much time drying my hair (or even having to spend extra time touching up with my straightener). 12 minutes. That’s the amount of time it takes me to blow dry my hair with this tool. Eight minutes, if I don’t feel like styling it. : )
A while back, I created a board on Pinterest, paying homage to beautiful redheads everywhere. I was inspired to go red, like really red. Except the ‘really‘ part scared me. The two weeks leading up to my color appointment at Sassoon Salon at Tysons Galleria, I was pinning up a storm. Celeb hair color became my daily obsession. I daydreamed about pulling off a Julianne Moore or Florence Welch paprika red, but I wasn’t sure I could pull it off (except my trusted colorist and Sasson’s color director, Jade DelProposto-Thornton thought so). After some discussion, we mutually agreed to go Amy Adams red (a pretty deeper shade of red that would be an easier and more subtle transition for me).
I’m not going to lie, I was still extremely nervous about the transition! But Jade made me feel super comfortable and calmed my nerves. Truth be told, aside from my highlights in the spring (another fabulous hair treatment by Jade), I haven’t colored my hair in eons so the process felt pretty new to me. Following the hair dye application and sitting under a chair for a little bit, I was whisked away to get my hair washed and a quick color treatment (to help prolong the red). Jade told me red is the hardest to maintain so touch-ups will be necessary (and of course using shampoo and conditioner for color treated hair). Post treatment, I met up with Allison Lyle (creative director for Sassoon and the talented hairstylist who cut my hair last time) for a blow dry and quick bang trim. She is a true wiz at making my hair look sleek and polished. Sassoon also gifted me with the Chanel of hair care lines, Kerastase shampoo and conditioner for color-treated hair. Seriously, if you want a great color and/or haircut, get your head of hair to Sassoon.
OK, enough rambling! Check out my new look after the jump!
While I was covering backstage beauty at New York Fashion Week, I had the opportunity (well, more like skipped out on a show) to treat myself to a blowout in the city (I didn’t bring any hair products with me besides dry shampoo). De Berardinis Salon invited me to try one of their famed hair treatments (like their signature Baci Di Sole highlights) but sadly, I didn’t have the time between shows so they were nice enough to offer me a blowout and makeup service at the DBExpressNYC salon.
An extension of De Berardinis Salon, the DBExpressNYC is the newest creation dedicated to busy gals on the go. It was really convenient for me because it was just a few blocks away from Milk Studios and off-site show locations.
I was first greeted by Victoria, who did my makeup. Talk about the quickest makeover! She gave me a pretty smoky eye using MAC cosmetics, that lasted all day and something that easily transitioned from day to night. She also topped off my eye makeup with half a strip of false lashes (which by the way, I rarely wear false lashes but I didn’t even feel like I was wearing them). Following my quickie 20-minute makeover, I was whisked away by Andrew, a hair specialist at the salon gave me the longest wearing blow dry to date (five days in case you were wondering… with a little help to some dry shampoo spray). I opted for big volume and movement and Andrew certainly delivered. Check out the results after the jump!
Let’s get one thing straight—achieving smooth and polished hair isn’t easy. I know this because time and time again I straighten my hair post-blowdry to smooth out any and all kinks (think behind my ear and the back of my head). Needless to say it’s quite a process. Enter Cloud Nine: known for its revolutionary hair styling tools and accessories. As a Neiman Marcus beauty ambassador I was able to select a tool I was interested in trying so I chose the Cloud Nine Micro Iron, a tiny (and I mean tiny!) six inch travel size hair straightener.
First, don’t underestimate the power of a micro iron. This itty bitty iron packed quite the heat (although this doesn’t come with temperature control). Within seconds of turning it on it was hot and steamy. This tiny iron is ideal for those with short hair or in need of spot touch-ups but it’s also perfect for traveling (hence why I brought it to work yesterday).
The Fishtail braid is the hair staple of the spring and summer season. It’s one of the few hairstyles that doesn’t have to be perfect (and it actually looks better if it is messy). But instead of the typical under-the-sea braid, I suggest amping up your look with some color, texture and lots of volume. From pastel pink to side-ponies, I’ve rounded up my favorite looks from Pinterest. Don’t know how to do one? Don’t worry. Lauren Conrad‘s got you covered.
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