Femme Fashion

[Ginger]

Hi, I'm looking for a little advice.

I have layered hair, blond (hell yes I get highlights!), thick but fine, naturally wavy, past my shoulders, and I blow dry it every other day or so. I'm thinking of getting a curling iron, and I was wondering if anyone could recommend one that doesn't break or damage their hair.

Thanks!

IslandScout

[Gemme]

Originally Posted by IslandScout

Hi, I'm looking for a little advice.

I have layered hair, blond (hell yes I get highlights!), thick but fine, naturally wavy, past my shoulders, and I blow dry it every other day or so. I'm thinking of getting a curling iron, and I was wondering if anyone could recommend one that doesn't break or damage their hair.

Thanks!

IslandScout

Good luck with that, since the act of applying the heat to your hair is technically damaging.

There's a thread around here.....for this very kind of thing. I'll try to find it and bump it so you can see if someone there can help.

[justkim]

Originally Posted by IslandScout

Hi, I'm looking for a little advice.

I have layered hair, blond (hell yes I get highlights!), thick but fine, naturally wavy, past my shoulders, and I blow dry it every other day or so. I'm thinking of getting a curling iron, and I was wondering if anyone could recommend one that doesn't break or damage their hair.

Thanks!

IslandScout

No matter what you use you will have some kind of damage. You need to be sure you are preparing the hair when you use any kind of tool that involves heat. Are you using a heat protect-ant when you blow dry? When you use it that is what you see steaming off of the hair, some people layer their products. I have short hair and use 2 to 3 products on my hair. What are you looking to achieve by using a curling iron?

[Leigh]

Myself and a friend of mine from high school went shopping last week and I bought the first skirt that I have owned in years! Its black and white and fits perfectly ~ I look forward to buying more in the future

Just had to share since its pretty exciting!

[Ginger]

Originally Posted by Leigh

Myself and a friend of mine from high school went shopping last week and I bought the first skirt that I have owned in years! Its black and white and fits perfectly ~ I look forward to buying more in the future

Just had to share since its pretty exciting!

Have fun with that! I started buying wrap dresses last fall, and now I have quite a few. I find they're more forgiving, now that I've gained some weight. Plus they have a kind of retro quality to them that I like.

[Ginger]

Originally Posted by justkim

No matter what you use you will have some kind of damage. You need to be sure you are preparing the hair when you use any kind of tool that involves heat. Are you using a heat protect-ant when you blow dry? When you use it that is what you see steaming off of the hair, some people layer their products. I have short hair and use 2 to 3 products on my hair. What are you looking to achieve by using a curling iron?

Hi, Kim.

I like that straight hair look that I'm seeing a lot now, and that's what I'm looking to get with a curling iron. Since my hair is long now I thought it would be fun to have it be more straight, that it would have more "swing."

No, I don't use a product specifically designed to protect against heat when blow drying—that is a very good question and I should see what's out there.

I do use an Aveda leave-in conditioner called Damage Remedy, and an Aveda "smoothing fluid" in their Light Elements line. Sometimes for control I use the Light Elements "detailing wax" which is like hair spray without alcohol.

But no, none of these products is expressly for protection with blow drying or curling irons.

And I never see steam coming off my hair when I blow dry it, so maybe I need to get something to protect it against the hot air.

Thanks for writing!
IslandScout

[Gemme]

Originally Posted by IslandScout

Hi, Kim.

I like that straight hair look that I'm seeing a lot now, and that's what I'm looking to get with a curling iron. Since my hair is long now I thought it would be fun to have it be more straight, that it would have more "swing."

No, I don't use a product specifically designed to protect against heat when blow drying—that is a very good question and I should see what's out there.

I do use an Aveda leave-in conditioner called Damage Remedy, and an Aveda "smoothing fluid" in their Light Elements line. Sometimes for control I use the Light Elements "detailing wax" which is like hair spray without alcohol.

But no, none of these products is expressly for protection with blow drying or curling irons.

And I never see steam coming off my hair when I blow dry it, so maybe I need to get something to protect it against the hot air.

Thanks for writing!
IslandScout

Kim knows hair, so she'll be a great resource for you.

My question would be, if you are trying to straighten your hair, why you want to use a curling iron versus a flat iron?

[justkim]

Honestly you can use a larger barreled curling iron like a flat iron. Just ask your stylist since you use Aveda they offer many types of product that can be a heat protectant and also a styling aid.

[aishah]

how i wish i dressed and how i actually dress are sometimes two different things, hehe i love heels but i can't wear them that much - i usually live in mary janes or sneakers. i've been wanting to order clothes from these two sites for a while...they are definitely what my style would be if money weren't an object:
http://holyclothing.com/
http://www.lotustraders.net/

i also really like http://www.eshakti.com/ and http://www.s2fashions.com/ - i've ordered from both sites before and i still have some cute clothes from them

i've always tended towards dresses and skirts, but i usually wear pants underneath because i walk a lot and i hate it when my legs rub together. i only started wearing jeans again in the past couple of years - i spent several years without wearing them at all.

i got a few cute tops at t.j. maxx yesterday so i'll try to post pictures! i love the sites everyone has posted.

[Ginger]

Originally Posted by Gemme

Kim knows hair, so she'll be a great resource for you.

My question would be, if you are trying to straighten your hair, why you want to use a curling iron versus a flat iron?

That's a good question and I feel kind of silly! Duh! A curling iron curls! I was thinking that it straightens, LOL.

My hair, by the way, is straight by all standards. I'm blond, and it's kind of wavy if I don't blow dry it. But I like that uber-straight look. I'm going to go to Harmon's tonight and check out the appliances. (That's a personal care discount place in my area.)

[Leigh]

Originally Posted by IslandScout

Have fun with that! I started buying wrap dresses last fall, and now I have quite a few. I find they're more forgiving, now that I've gained some weight. Plus they have a kind of retro quality to them that I like.

I should keep my eye out for those kind of dresses ~ I definitely want to continue my search for more dresses and skirts in the future, may even post some pics of my eventual findings

Originally Posted by aishah

i've always tended towards dresses and skirts, but i usually wear pants underneath because i walk a lot and i hate it when my legs rub together. i only started wearing jeans again in the past couple of years - i spent several years without wearing them at all.

I haven't worn dresses or skirts in ages and buying that one has me itching to buy more lol I also haven't worn jeans in I don't know how long (mostly because they haven't fit me) but I am working on that

[aishah]

a friend of mine just shared this site with me: http://shoedazzle.com

it's free to join and most of the shoes are only $40/pair. and they're BEAUTIFUL. i can't afford them right now but i'm totally adding it to my list for this summer (i.e. when i'm more liquid...)

[Zimmeh]

Hey Leigh,

See if you have a Lane Bryant store by your house. Before I lost my weight, I would buy their tops. They also have some very cute jeans.

As for hair products, I use Tresemme or Redken's Smooth Down shampoo and conditioner. If you are looking for a good treatment to use after * flat ironing* your hair, I recommend Biosilk. It's expensive but it really hydrates your hair. My mom who is a hairstylist told me about it and I love it.

I bought my first dress back in January from New York and Company and I love it! I am wearing more flats to heels, due to a childhood back injury. To me, they are just as cute and sexy as heels

Zimmeh

Originally Posted by Leigh

I should keep my eye out for those kind of dresses ~ I definitely want to continue my search for more dresses and skirts in the future, may even post some pics of my eventual findings



I haven't worn dresses or skirts in ages and buying that one has me itching to buy more lol I also haven't worn jeans in I don't know how long (mostly because they haven't fit me) but I am working on that

[Christy51274]

I know you mentioned that you're looking for a curling iron, however I've been straightening my hair for years and have tried many products/tools. I've owned a Sedu since 2006 and will never use another. It's over $100, but the investment is definitely worth it. It's a flat iron, not a curling iron, but is one of the best out there. Read the reviews below:

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Sedu-Revolution-Tourmaline-Ionic-Styling/dp/B003AJLQ4W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332935170&sr=8-1"]Amazon.com: Sedu Revolution Tourmaline Ionic Styling Iron 1" - Black: Beauty[/ame]

I use Redken's Smooth Down Heat Glide, which works like a miracle! (The shampoo and conditioner are great as well)

Also, look into Keratin hair treatments (also known as Brazilian straightening). They're a bit pricey, but won't damage your hair and will keep it straight for a few months at a time.

Good luck,
Christy

Originally Posted by IslandScout

Hi, I'm looking for a little advice.

I have layered hair, blond (hell yes I get highlights!), thick but fine, naturally wavy, past my shoulders, and I blow dry it every other day or so. I'm thinking of getting a curling iron, and I was wondering if anyone could recommend one that doesn't break or damage their hair.

Thanks!

IslandScout

[Gemme]

Originally Posted by Christy51274

I know you mentioned that you're looking for a curling iron, however I've been straightening my hair for years and have tried many products/tools. I've owned a Sedu since 2006 and will never use another. It's over $100, but the investment is definitely worth it. It's a flat iron, not a curling iron, but is one of the best out there. Read the reviews below:

Amazon.com: Sedu Revolution Tourmaline Ionic Styling Iron 1" - Black: Beauty

I use Redken's Smooth Down Heat Glide, which works like a miracle! (The shampoo and conditioner are great as well)

Also, look into Keratin hair treatments (also known as Brazilian straightening). They're a bit pricey, but won't damage your hair and will keep it straight for a few months at a time.

Good luck,
Christy

I haven't heard of that brand. I have a Chi and it was also about a c note. I love it though and, as long as I keep the receipt, if it ever breaks I can get a new one, no matter what store I bring it to. Love that!

Suave just came out with a DIY at home keratin treatment. I'm going to try it in about a week.

[Talon]

Originally Posted by IslandScout

Hi, I'm looking for a little advice.

I have layered hair, blond (hell yes I get highlights!), thick but fine, naturally wavy, past my shoulders, and I blow dry it every other day or so. I'm thinking of getting a curling iron, and I was wondering if anyone could recommend one that doesn't break or damage their hair.

Thanks!

IslandScout

Hello I/S...you want to definitely use a heat-protection spray before using *any* heat tools on your hair. You don't have to spend a great deal on a thermal spray to get the benefits, although any good heat tools are pricey, but well worth the investment. I only use conditioning ceramic natural ionic energy with tourmaline heat styling tools. They are the least damaging to the hair, though nothing is completely damage-free. Some also have multiple settings to reduce damage, as well.

[thedivahrrrself]

Originally Posted by IslandScout

Hi, I'm looking for a little advice.

I have layered hair, blond (hell yes I get highlights!), thick but fine, naturally wavy, past my shoulders, and I blow dry it every other day or so. I'm thinking of getting a curling iron, and I was wondering if anyone could recommend one that doesn't break or damage their hair.

Thanks!

IslandScout

I love, love, LOVE Hot Tools! I get it at Ulta. They have flat irons and curling irons. You can adjust the temp on it to be just warm or blazing hot, and they heat up in like 60 seconds. They're not cheap, but they'll last you forever. (I've had my first hot tools iron for 13 years.) Oh, and spend the extra money and get a ceramic iron. Helps with the frizz (I have the same kind of hair).

I definitely agree to use heat products on your hair even before you blow dry. Don't forget to post pics of your new do's!

One more thing, if your ends are getting dry, try using a Hair Masque to deep condition once a week. I recommend H2O's seaweed masque. You can get it at Ulta too (or whatever the equivalent of Ulta is near you).