#5MinuteHairstyles: Two Minute Tuck

Since my hair is in a protective style right now I'm trying to switch it up because I'm bored of hair down vs simple ponytail. I'm going to start trying all the 5 minute hairstyles in the post I put up a few days ago. 

Inspiration

 

 

My version 

 

 

It was a hit at work. Everyone thought it was super cute.

#Review: Agave Healing Vapor Iron

Agave Healing Vapor Iron ($149USD)

I finally purchased this iron I've been wanting. The heat vapor serum infusion piqued my curiousity so I'm willing to try it and am hoping I will love it! 

Love at first sight

So I finally used this iron on my bangs this morning. It's a bit difficult/cumbersome to dispense the serum at first but once you get the hang of it, you start to see just how protected your hair becomes after using it. I'm also relieved because I thought that I wouldn't be able to use this iron dry (without the serum) since I thought the serum was automatically dispensed (like a steamer). 

When I run out of serum, I'd be able to use it dry if I need to. Hopefully this business never goes under so that I can always have the option of serum. I'm hoping that now that I'm sealing the cuticle, my hair will be healthier looking and as a result, stimulate growth. 

Hair after use

#Mission: Sephora Flat Iron Search

My Secret Santa mistakenly gave me a Sephora gift cars instead of cash so no I'm kind of forced to get my flat iron from there. 

I need an iron with an adjustable heat dial since my hair is chemically processed and super fine. I also wear different types of extensions that require various heat settings as well. 

T3 SinglePass Compact Iron ($79USD)

I went in and purchsed this iron after being misinformed about the product. (Way to go Sephora staff!) it's a shame too. The hardware and packaging were really nice for a $80 flat iron. (Low-midrange in Sephora). The concept is wonderful- a heat resistant cover so that you can carry it. The only thing missing was the main thing I needed- the heat dial. If that was present, I would've kept the iron. 

I then did further research and am between several. But before we go there, let me go over the ones that didn't make the cut. 

Sutra Seductress ($210USD)

The concept of being able to curl, wave and straighten with this is an awesome idea. I also bought this until I read the reviews. Needless to say- terrible reviews. A lot of people said that it stopped working about 8 months in and they had problems with switching them using the warranty. I also read a review where they tried to email the Sutra customer service and never received a response. 

GhD Classic ($185USD)

No heat dial- which is a shame. Apparently the iron is at a constant 375 degrees but I usually iron my hair on no more than 325, so I'm nervous to even try it on my hair. Plus, it's a little out if my price range. 

T3 Luminous Tourmaline Flat Iron ($99USD)

The reviews said this one was cheap and not worth the money, so i didn't bother to waste my time. 

I looked at reviews and I'm between three irons now. 

T3 Single Pass ($160USD)

This is the iron I originally wanted. Though a bit steep in price, the reviews are pretty great about this iron and the warranty experience. 

DryBar ($125USD)

Some review say this iron isn't that impressive either, others say it's fantastic. Since Sephora lets you return if you're dissatisfied, I bought it to use in the interim while waiting for the following iron to finally be sent to the store.  

Review post to follow. 

Agave Healing Vapor Iron ($149USD)

This is actually a newer development. I've decided on this because of the hydrating serum concept. The heat vapor piqued my curiousity. I finally got this. Review post to follow. If things don't work out with this iron, I will get the T3 SinglePass. Allure thinks it's worth it. 

Ridiculous Deal: Cortex Platinum Black Series Special Edition

The MSRP is $200 USD. I paid 30$. Need I say more? I've kissed breakage & dryness goodbye due to black titanium plates. This iron has professional temperature settings as well as a limited warrantee. I'm definetly in love.

Update: My sister also purchased this iron. About a year in, the plates on both irons fragmented and fell off. I can still use it and these irons still do a fabulous job- just expect for the plates to break just when you think that this is a long term investment.

#YouShouldRead : 18 Solutions for When Your Bob Starts to Grow Out

Just read this awesome Redbook article that was completely helpful as I'm transitioning my short hairstyle. Enjoy! 

18 Solutions for When Your Bob Starts to Grow Out

How to: Bouncy Blowout

I've been trying to work on doing my hair at home to save money & to gain some source of independence from the salon machine. I know I'll never be as good as my stylist but the more techniques I'm familiar with the less money will escape from my wallet. 

Hair: New Haircut to bring in 2012

They say that you go through a massive transformation after a breakup- a somewhat reinvention of oneself. As I find myself newly single as of late, I decided to take advantage of my company discount card that I purchased a while ago and chop my hair off. 

Rik Rak is a salon in the Miami Brickell area where I had the pleasure of getting my hair cut. This salon not only has a boutique shop at the entrance, they also have a bistro where you can order food that can be delivered & eaten while in your appointment. Definetly felt like celebrity status. 

Menu. Yeah my salon > your salon. 

Poppin bottles while I wait for this appointment. 

Here are the results!

Ridiculous Deal: Finally a dream I can weave myself

I've been looking for affordable clips for a long time. Who knew that I would've find them in the hood? DIY hair extensions are the effing bees knees. Not only do they look natural, Dream Weaver extensions are easy to install and mantain.

Available in so many different colors and lengths, I'm impressed with this product. 

Hair: I can finally run again.

As this article states (http://t.clutchmagonline.com/clutchmagonline/#!/entry/2-out-of-5-black-women-avoid-exercising-because-of,51a88760c5f0cf15b374e76f) I am one of those black women that avoid workouts to preserve my hair. I've tried several sweat absorbing headbands but some just don't get the job done. 

This is one of the best purchases I've ever made in regards to my hair. My hair comes out super soft and dry after using it. I've used it for various physical activities (from yoga to running) and it's phenomenal. In the past, it was a nightmare going to the gym and it felt like I had to chose between my hair or fitness but now I feel as if I can do both! 

Great investment if you're wary about sweat when it comes to your hair. The only downside was hunting this down. Apparently Target only carries this product in areas with an ethnic demographic.  

Also available at Sally Beaty Supply, http://www.sallybeauty.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-SA-Site/default/mProduct-Show?pid=SBS-543779

Walmart, http://mobile.walmart.com/m/phoenix;jsessionid=6F782D3E9D68E8DA862B57C272FB535B#ip/Dri-Sweat-Edge-Women-s-Active-Wear-Headband-Black/15724231

And Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Dri-Sweat-Edge-Womens-Headband/dp/B004DJUCBQ

Here are other reputable suggestions for sweat absorbing headbands. http://www.fitsugar.com/Workout-Headbands-Soak-Up-Sweat-During-Workouts-19090648

http://longing4length.com/2013/07/hair-accessories-for-working-out.html