BellaSugar

Reader Review of the Day: Remington T/Studio Ceramic Digital Flat Iron

BellaSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:00:20 -0800

When it comes to flat irons, sometimes you score big with an amazing bargain, while other times, the deal fizzles out flat. Reader kayecouture tried out Remington T/Studio Ceramic Digital Flat Iron ($40) and got burned. Here's why:

This flat iron is a piece of crap. It doesn't get that hot, and it has arrows to push to control the temperature, but the temperature always jumps down without you pushing the button. Do not buy.

Does your flat iron excel, or would you rather find a place for it in the trash? Tell us your opinions on the Product Reviews pages. There are more than 50,000 products from which to choose, so there's bound to be something you'll want to share with all of us.

Product Review: Sedu Pro Shortie Mini-Styler Iron

BellaSugar — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:01:55 -0700

I have two new best friends. Their names are PetSugar and Sedu. You see, Pet recently introduced me to Sedu's Pro Shortie Mini Styler Iron ($50), an amazing little flat iron that was free with a $100 purchase she had made on Folica. After borrowing the lilliputian-sized straightener for a few weeks to test out on my fine, wavy locks, I was so impressed that I'm about to order one for myself. What's so great about this heating tool is that it gets into the teeniest tiniest of areas, particularly around the hairline and sides, all because it's so easy to maneuver.

Of course, you still have to be careful as to not scald yourself while trying to straighten these downy hairs, and that's why a silver, heat-resistant glove is included. (Impersonating MJ while singing into my Sedu "microphone"? Who, me?) One quick swipe over small, yet manageable-sized sections, does the trick, making for an extremely fast straightening process all over the head. Plus, because it straightens so smoothly and quickly, the hair-damaging act of going over an unruly spot over and over is avoided altogether. Thanks to the minisize, it's got a mini-price-tag. Other larger Sedues go for upward of $140, making this one a real bargain. If you have extremely thick hair or super-curly locks, this straightener might not have quite what you need to achieve a straight finish, but for those with short styles and/or wavy textures, the Mini-Styler is worth a shot.

Is Your Flat Iron Too Hot to Handle?

BellaSugar — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 07:00:55 -0700

As tempting as it is to just pick the highest setting on hot tools in hopes of saving time with maximum sleekness, deep down you know the damage it causes. While healthy hair can better hold up to the heat, thin or chemically treated hair should turn it down a notch. Or several notches.

Even though many flat irons have built-in temperature settings in degrees, others simply list ranges from low to high. If you're operating with a tool with no thermostat, there's a simple test to make sure your iron is hot enough . . . but not too hot to handle. Curly Bella witnessed her stylist do this simple test with thermal irons on her last visit. Find out how to do this at home and read more.

Tear a small piece of tissue paper, big enough to fit inside the tool but with a little extra to hold. Mist the center lightly with a water spritzer (three squirts max).
Place the paper between the heating plates or against the comb for five to 10 seconds.
When it's ready to go, the paper should come out dry, but clean. If it's still damp, wait a few minutes before retesting.
If it's too hot, you will see smoke and scorching or other discoloration on the paper. Turn it down!

Source: Jenny Cestnik

Love It or Leave It? Flat Ironing In the Car

BellaSugar — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 07:00:11 -0700

I like my beauty sleep as much as the next girl, and I've certainly rushed to get ready or touched up my look at work. However, not only have I never flat-ironed my hair while in the car, it's never even occurred to me. Until now.

That's right, check out this aptly named TS-2 Nomad Mobile Flat Iron for your wandering lifestyle. Instead of a wall plug, it goes right into your car's cigarette lighter. It seems like an accident waiting to happen - but perhaps you can make friends with a carpool of strangers by popping it in as you chill on the 405... while in the passenger seat, I hope. Can you see a use for this product, (now on sale for $65)?

5 Tips For Taking Your Flat Iron to Go

BellaSugar — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:00:58 -0700

Summer vacay, are you ready? If you want sleek locks for your next trip - but cherish your ceramic plates - check out these five ways to take better care of the flat iron so it lasts 'til you get home again.

View Slideshow ›

Never Forget to Turn Off Your Curling or Flat Iron Again

BellaSugar — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 09:00:59 -0700

Recently, I read an article about a woman who caused an inferno because she left her hot flat iron on the bed. Zoinks! How many times have you left the house, only to go into panic mode about that possibly still-plugged-on curling or flat iron sizzling away in the bathroom? It used to happen to me frequently. But no more!

Due to my worrywart nature, a relative shared a tip that I've used practically every time I bust out any kind of iron, whether for hair or clothing, and here it is: Once you unplug your iron, remember the image of the prongs coming out of the outlet, and say, "I'm unplugging this iron now." Then, just for extra insurance, carefully walk the iron to another location, all while saying to yourself, "I've unplugged this curling iron, and now I'm moving it to the dresser (or wherever)." Silly? Yes. Effective? You better believe it.

Source

Doing Drugstore: Conair MiniPro 1/2-Inch Ceramic Straightener

BellaSugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:00:28 -0800

I'm not usually one to travel with a heat-styling tool, but when I saw this little guy ($19.99) I had to give it a go. The possibilities seemed endless: Cowlick be damned, I could get bangs! Amazing, thick, brow-grazing Joni Mitchell bangs! Or maybe I could finally master that Nicole Richie trick that many of you seem to be pros at already! Or maybe I could straighten my hair from a hotel in Seoul, as long as I had the correct power adapter, and without sacrificing precious luggage space!

My excitement was slowed down soon after plugging the MiniPro in. As promised, it heats up in 30 seconds, but doesn't have any heat settings, nor that cool-tip design that I am so used to - I almost burned my fingers. The tiny, tiny size hardly made a dent in my hair (or took one out). The carrying case it comes with, a black floral number with a cute hanging heart toggle, turned out to be the best part of the purchase - meanwhile, secretly creating perfect bangs under my desk or in my office bathroom will have to remain a distant dream.

Nicole Richie's Hair-Styling Tip: Does It Work?

BellaSugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:00:02 -0700

The new issue of Glamour has a lovely photo shoot with Nicole Richie, but what really caught my eye was a quote from Nicole: "The best tip I ever got from a hair pro was to curl my hair with a flat iron." Say what? On second thought, I felt like I may have witnessed this backstage during Fashion Week, but not in the hands of a mere hair novice like myself.

So I fired up a Linea Pro C2 flat iron, which is about as narrow as the barrel of the curling iron I use, determined to end up with elusive Nicole Richie-looking hair. The first thing I noticed was that having to continue to clamp the flat iron while twisting my hair around it was harder than expected. And the resulting curls can only be described as trapezoid-y, with my strands bent into some very unnaturally sharp angles. While I can see that a stylist trying this in one fluid movement (think of curling ribbon) could work, I just ended up wishing my flat iron was round and had a clamp . . . uh, like a curling iron. Have any of you made this work?

Source

Your Dermatologist Likes Your Hair Wavy

BellaSugar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:00:22 -0700

According to the American Academy of Dermatologists, you should never set your flat iron to its highest heat. At their Summer Academy Meeting at the end of last month, dermatologist Paradi Mirmirani presented information on the potentially long-term damage caused by even the newest ceramic heat tools. Once you hear what actually happens to your strands when they come in contact with extreme heat, you might embrace your natural curls.

To find out, just read more.

The AAD says:

Temporary hair straightening using a flat iron is achieved by applying heated tongs to the length of the hair. This heat breaks and then reforms the hydrogen bonds in the inner core of the hair fiber. Dr. Mirmirani noted that while the goal of straightening is to alter the inner substance of the hair, the unwanted consequence may be damage to the outer protective cuticle, causing weathering, damage, and eventual hair breakage.

Hair weathering or damage is usually characterized by dry ends or flyaway hair. However, if breakage occurs, it can happen anywhere along the length of the hair and cause a shaggy or skimpy appearance to the hair. When this occurs, flat-iron users may use the device even more frequently to try to tame the broken or uneven appearance of their hair - which can lead to more damage.

What a vicious cycle! Mirmirani advises never to set the temperature above 347°F (175°C), or on low/medium and to use protective products. So while you don't need to give up all of your heat tools per se, at least be smart about the way you're using them.

Source

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?