BellaSugar

How Does an Ionic Hair Dryer Work?

BellaSugar — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 07:00:24 -0700

While my mom's hair dryer was a standard style, I've had an ionic model for as long as I can remember doing my own hair . . . but is there any real advantage to that buzz word?

My latest science research found that ionic dryers bond water droplets on the hair shaft with negatively charged ions. It works because, well, opposites attract. Water molecules are positively charged and are attracted to the negative ions from this dryer. This breaks them down into tinier particles that dry quicker and helps seal the strands' cuticles to retain moisture in the process.

Learn the key difference with standard hair dryers when you read more.

Although the claims that ionic dryers work better aren't scientifically proven per se, traditional hair dryers release positive ions instead of negative ones. This means they don't have the benefit of attracting and breaking down the water as quickly, which logically exposes your hair to more heat for more time. We know the damage too much heat can bring, since that opens up hair cuticles and can result in drier, frizzier hair.

Part of it could be clever marketing, but this kind of dryer still works – and sells – better for many people, including myself. If you have both, grab your lab coat (read: bathrobe) and test this out for yourself before sharing results in the comments below!

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TeamSugar Creates Bedroom Hair With the Remington Airwave Dryer

BellaSugar — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 07:00:35 -0800

You might remember that our very own TeamSugar, who's become our unofficial Bella hair model, recently tried out Remington's Emi Airwave Anti-Static Style System ($25), an ionic blow dryer that comes with a special wave/curl inducing attachment. Previously, she created some structured beachy waves on her naturally curly hair. This time, she wanted a more sexy look, and opted for a looser wave. You know, what you might call "bedroom hair."

Team said she was most impressed with the dryer for its ability to lock in moisture, its lightweight feel, and fast-working drying time. She even prefers the way it handles her curly locks over a regular diffuser. See how Team created this style when you read more.

After towel drying her hair, she sprayed Bumble and Bumble Tonic Lotion ($18) to help condition and defrizz.
Next, she used the Remington Airwave without the attachment to blow-dry her hair straight, leaving it slightly damp.
Then, working with small twisted sections, she blow-dried her hair with the attachment, working from top to bottom.
To finish off the style, she used some hair spray and tousled it with her fingers. "The final look was bedroom hair with a whole lot of body and more waves then curls," she said. Sex-ay.

Remington's Airwave Dryer Creates Beachy Waves

BellaSugar — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:01:02 -0800

Whenever I think long hairstyles, TeamSugar is one of my favorite go-to gals. Remember her Angelina Jolie-esque bun? This time, TeamSugar volunteered to try out the Remington Emi Airwave Anti-Static Style System ($25), an ionic blow dryer that uses a nifty little attachment to create beachy waves. It sort of reminds me of the twirling action of a vacuum cleaner, without the scary factor.

After giving the Airwave a whirl, our lovely model was pleased with the results. The attachment helped her to create non-pouffy ringlets on her naturally curly locks; She even preferred the contraption over a diffuser. Since this dryer was easy to use, didn't take long to dry her long hair, and reduced static overall, it gets her seal of approval. Check out the gallery below for more pics, and learn how to create TeamSugar's sexy style after the jump.

View 5 Photos ›

For TeamSugar's how-to, read more.

Step 1: Comb Jonathan Product Condition Leave-in Gloss Creme ($22) through the hair. Using fingers, spread evenly.
Step 2: Twist a section of your hair and place in the blow dryer attachment. Blow-dry until semi-dry (dries better when partially damp to avoid the frizzy look). Continue to twist and dry until you’ve done your entire head of hair, leaving the crown to dry naturally.
Step 3: Spray Frederic Fekkai Luscious Curls Wave Creating Spray ($20) lightly over entire hair. Separate the curls/waves with your fingers to break up the style.
Step 4: Go over any areas that need more waves. "Your hair will fall nicely with a 'just got off the beach and looking glamorous' look the entire day," she said. Woot woo! (That's my attempt at a whistle.)

Do You Use a Blow Dryer?

BellaSugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 06:00:19 -0700

Today, a friend of mine confessed that she has only been using a blow dryer for the last one of her 30 years. Although I am often pressed for time in the morning, I try to do a little heat styling to tame my hair, even if the results aren't perfect. Since I often notice many wet-haired ladies and gents on my morning train ride, I'm wondering how many of you use a blow dryer after washing?
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Tools of the Trade: Groovy Hair Styling Tools

BellaSugar — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:21:11 -0700

These cool hair styling tools are groovy gadgets for teens-or just anyone who loves color. Their hippie style is mod, fun and functional. Plus, they're on sale, so they won't break the bank. Check 'em out.

This Hot Tools Tourmaline Ceramic Ti Mod Flat Iron was originally priced at $149.95 and is now on sale for $79.95. It heats up to 430 degrees and will stay at that temperature throughout the styling process (which is great for consistency).

Additionally, it has rounded edges so that you can also use it it to curl the ends of your hair. The plates are 1-3/4 inches and the slim design makes the tool easy to hold. If you like it, you might want to make your decision quickly, as this is a limited-edition model.

For one more hippie-inspired hair styling tool, read more

Hot Tools Beauty Skins Daisy Dryer is also on sale! It originally cost $99.95 and is now $39.95-a super savings! This hair dryer is just too cute for words. Even though it's small, it pumps out 1875 watts of power, and it has an awesome tapered nozzle that helps cut out frizz.

Need other reasons to love it? Well, it's extremely lightweight, it has two speed settings, two heat settings, a cool shot button and it comes with a speed diffuser to create curls or waves! Why not have a little fun with your hair styling?

Beauty Marked! Blow Dryers

BellaSugar — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 14:00:59 -0700

Hey hey! Last week's Beauty Mark It challenge invited you to share your favorite hair dryers. Thanks to a certain naughty kitty, mine was broken-but now I have lots of replacements to research. Thanks for all of your suggestions!

Sheena loves this Chi hair dryer, which is said to be a favorite of Rachel Bilson. Plus, while this shouldn't matter, it's pink-which is delightfully girly! For some more suggestions, check out these ideas:

Beauty Mark It! Blow Dryers

BellaSugar — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 16:04:07 -0700

A couple of years ago, I treated myself to a T3 tourmaline hair dryer. The travel version is $130-pricey, yes, but I had a gift certificate. It was a wonderful luxury because it dries quickly, without overheating hair or creating split ends. Unfortunately, my kitty Milo thought it was a toy, and he batted it until it fell off the bathroom counter and onto the floor. It smashed in two and is no longer workable. (You can see a photo from the crime scene here.)

So for this week's Beauty Mark It challenge, I'd personally love your ideas for a blow dryer that won't fry hair. It definitely doesn't need to be a fancy one-in fact, a cheap and effective dryer is the best kind!

Share your suggestions by Beauty Marking your favorites and tagging your choices with the phrase "blow dryer." I'll feature the readers' favorites on BellaSugar next Tuesday, August 14.

To learn what a Beauty Mark is and how to make one, click here. To see some of my favorite online beauty stores, read more

Saks Beauty Place
Victoria's Secret Beauty
Sephora
Drugstore.com
Fred Segal Beauty
Folica
Strawberrynet.com
Nordstrom
Bergdorf Goodman
Beauty.com

3 Tips on Battling Wintertime Frizz in a Flash

BellaSugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:00:48 -0800

Do you have flyaways galore? No doubt frizziness is a year-round issue. But now that the warmer-weathered humidity-induced frizz is pretty much no longer the cause of extreme pouffiness, lots of us get the frizzies from merely wearing scarves, hats, and gloves - not to mention the low moisture levels in the air.

Recently, famed stylist John Frieda, along with Harry Josh, gave us tips on eliminating frizz on wet locks. However, let's say you just don't have time to go through the whole blow-drying process, or your already-styled hair is showing signs of frizz galore. Here are three simple tips from the stylists on battling frizz in a flash, all on dry (as in not wet) locks. To get their expert advice, just keep reading.

Do You Use a Blow Dryer on Your Bits?

BellaSugar — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 06:01:20 -0700

Years ago, I read a magazine article that suggested blow-drying your private area to prevent yeast infections. I thought it was silly, but my ob/gyn says that it can't hurt. Since we're all anonymous here, be honest: Do you use your blow dryer on your nether regions?

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Be Safe: Don't Blow-Dry With Damaged Goods

BellaSugar — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 04:00:14 -0700

Recently, I read an article that featured a tip on making your own hair diffuser at home. All you need is a sock and a rubber band, and you're good to go. Upon mentioning this tidbit to my co-worker, she kindly brought me back down to earth. Fire hazard, much? Then earlier today, I came across this article which, sadly, describes the passing of a Pakistani diplomat, who was electrocuted by a damaged hair dryer after bathing.

This brings me to my point: Seriously, if your blow-dryer has a frayed cord, is puffing out abnormal emissions, and/or makes any kind of rattling noise, don't be cheap. Replace it or live with air-dried hair. It might be common sense, but why put yourself at risk in the name of beauty?