Hairstyling Archives » Page 7 of 13

My Simpler Haircut

August 9, 2017 by Beauty Skeptic

Over years and many haircuts that are nowhere near close to what I asked for, I’ve adopted a simpler haircut. Here’s how my stylist and I describe it.

All one length hitting about two inches below the vertical midpoint of my collarbone with low, face-framing layers that start below my chin. I considered a lob (long bob) but opted to eschew that for now.

Easy.

Simpler Haircut, Simpler Styling

Truth be told, I got tired of hunting for a stylist. It takes more time and money than I care to invest at this stage of my life, not to mention the disappointments (be it finished product or stylist ‘tude) that come along with that hunt.

My colorist actually does a nice job but because I’ve opted for this simpler haircut and because I’m only getting balayage highlights twice a year, why pay $40 + tip for what I can have done for $13 + tip?

Don’t get me wrong – if I wanted a more involved or challenging to produce-and-maintain style, I’d gladly fork over more to keep it well-maintained. But majestic dream hair takes monumental effort – ain’t nobody (who isn’t a hair model) got time for that. That’s just not where I am with life right now.

Sure, the experience with the colorist is nicer, but that’s mostly because of the shampoo and scalp massage. It isn’t 3x nicer and I get that when I get highlights anyway!

In fact, my balayage touch up is August 18 – so close, but so far away! I’m excited.

Speaking of Balayage

I’ve updated my inspiration board on Pinterest.

I want to go lighter this time, can you tell?

The Bottom Line

Do you have a haircut that must be closely maintained? How often do you go, and roughly (don’t share exacts if it makes you uncomfortable) how much do you spend when you go?

PSA: Conair Jumbo Instant Heat Hot Rollers

May 10, 2017 by Beauty Skeptic

Conair Jumbo Instant Heat Jumbo Hair Setter

Every time I use my Conair Jumbo hot rollers, I wonder:

Why the hell don’t I do this more often? It is so low-effort for such nice results; definitely gives the illusion that I took more than the 5-10 minutes it takes to put these in.

If we’re being honest, I can spare 5-10 active minutes most mornings for my hair to do itself. I just conveniently forget that when I’m slapping the snooze button.

The Conair Jumbo set isn’t fancy like a Caruso steam set or, “sexy,” like the T3 rollers are. My rollers cost me about $35 when I bought them several years ago. Right now, they’re available on Amazon for around $27 – but also have a $5 off coupon. Be sure to choose the Amazon-exclusive set for the additional $5 off.

Why Hot Rollers

Don’t get me wrong, curling irons and wands can and do provide amazing results, but I don’t have time for them most mornings. They aren’t as forgiving, and the entire styling time is active – you’re sitting there operating the device the entire time. It is also easy to burn yourself!

Once you figure out how to part your hair for your preferred results, you can throw jumbo rollers in your hair in ten minutes (or less if, unlike me, you are coordinated).

Costco Beauty Finds – May 2017

August 24, 2020May 8, 2017 by Beauty Skeptic

I’ve been a Costco member for a few years now and have shared some beauty finds in the past. Costco Beauty is a veritable treasure trove of desirable products at even-more-desirable prices. Arguably, if you have a makeup/skincare/haircare habit, the savings on some of these finds alone more than pays for the membership if you were planning to buy them anyway.

Here are some neat things I came across recently. I haven’t purchased most of these items, but either want to at some point or think they’re probably interesting enough to some people to share.

Amope Pedi Perfect Wet & Dry

The standard Amope Pedi Perfect is the recipient of several consumer awards as well as overwhelmingly positive reviews. Between 4.5 and 5 stars virtually everywhere, the Pedi Perfect typically retails for $30-36 for the device itself with only one head. Costco regularly carries the Wet & Dry variety, which is waterproof and therefore safe to use in the shower, for $40; the Wet & Dry variety typically goes for $50+ elsewhere. Costco’s package includes FIVE replacement rollers heads, which retail for $20 for a pack of two, plus a storage bag. Bonus: You DON’T have to be a member to order this from Costco.com, but there is a non-member surcharge of a couple dollars. This is the best value I’ve found via Costco Beauty to date.

Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum

This popular Murad serum goes for $65 at Sephora and Ulta in the same quantity. Even with a 20% off Platinum Perk or the November VIB sale, it drops to $52…so the $43 price tag Costco has it for is a steal. People have luck fading acne scars, sun spots, and age spots with this.

It Costs How Much? The Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

February 16, 2023March 10, 2017 by Beauty Skeptic

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer, $399

I believe in investing in quality products that will last. Not just trivial beauty products, but anything; if I buy a coat, I don’t want to have to replace it in at least five years. My time is worth a lot to me; I don’t relish having to spend my time to replace things when I could spend a bit more and have it last. Then, net-of-the-net is that I’ve spent less time AND money on that particular purchase.

In short, I’m comfortable with higher up-front investments (within reason, of course – price does not equal quality). Some believe the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer is just that.

Hot Tools Digital Iron with Titanium Plates

March 7, 2021January 20, 2017 by Beauty Skeptic

Hot Tools Digital Iron with Titanium Plates

In winter 2015/2016, I bought a new flat iron – a Hot Tools Digital Iron with Titanium plates (they have a few other digital models, so the distinction is important). I don’t heat style my hair all the time because:

I am lazy and
It’s just better for your hair not to.

The idea of taking 20+ minutes to fully dry my hair and then style it with an iron is pretty far from my idea of a good time. That means I need an iron that can kick ass and take names on blow-dried and air-dried hair alike.

Heat Up

Powering on isn’t casually tapping the power button. This iron is looking for a long press to confirm that you indeed intend to power it on. The Hot Tools Digital Iron is speedy, going from off to 400 degrees in under one minute. Its temperature range is up to 450, but I do not need that. I probably don’t need 400, but…did I mention that I am lazy?

In reality, the adjustable thermostat is a huge plus. A super-popular brand that makes irons with all sorts of whimsical and fun designs doesn’t offer adjustable heat – which is crazy to me, for how much they cost!

Ergonomics & Design

There isn’t much to talk about on this front – it’s a fairly standard flat iron. Reasonably comfortable to hold and use. The exterior has a soft-touch, velvety plastic coating that feels nice in the hands and enables a better grip.

Swivel cords are commonly considered a ‘luxury’ featured in styling tools, but in my view they’re a no-brainer. The cord moves with you so you don’t have to extricate your arm when you switch sides.

2016 Favorites

February 16, 2023January 18, 2017 by Beauty Skeptic

I’m sticking to last year’s annual favorites format because it worked well.

2016 Favorites - Garnier & Simple Micellar Water

Garnier Micellar Water, $7; Simple Micellar Water, $8

If I had to pick a single type of product to name as a favorite in 2016, I’d have to say micellar water is it. I like both of these and purchase whichever is a better value at the time. I’ve totally given up makeup wipes in favor of using this with cotton pads or a reusable makeup removing cloth.

Pantene Pro-V Stylers Mousse, $6

This mousse is my, “daily driver.” Out of the (average) 135 days per year I blow-dry my hair, this product is in my hair at least 95 of them. (The remaining ~40 is either hyper-lazy, product-free, or calls for the big guns.) It is accessible, inexpensive, and reliable – and it works well on my hair.