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Archive for the Hair Category

Two products your damaged, bleached hair needs!

By Lina on April 2, 2012

Since getting my hair beautifully dip dyed at Lisa Shepherd a month ago, I have really struggled in maintaining its health. Since the first time I washed it it lost its sleekness and vitality and was even starting to go brassy! In desperation I pretty much tried anything that I could get my hands on in a bid to restore its health and colour, but nothing was working. If the product was rich enough it would leave the rest of my hair too greasy, or otherwise it wouldn’t even penetrate the damage at all.. Until I discovered these two wonders…Brassiness
Let’s start off with the product that helped restore the ash tones of my dip dye. A normal colour care shampoo wouldn’t work, I needed a purple one dedicated to toning down the orange/red in my severely lightened hair. I had lots of great suggestions when I put the request out on twitter (thank you!), but decided to go with the one May Smooch recommended as it had great reviews and sounded like it would help with the hydrating aspect also. She suggested Pureology Hydrate Shampoo. Since it arrived I’ve used it three times and by the second I could definitely see my hair colour responding to it – the brassiness was really starting to tone down! It’s still not where I want it to be colour wise, but it’s definitely getting there! Plus, as it’s hydrating it really nourishes my hair and whether it’s down to this product alone, or the second product I’m about to mention, the general texture of my hair has improved so much!

I haven’t tried any of the conditioning treatments from the same range, but I think I will definitely invest as it will probably speed up the colour fixing and will no doubt be super hydrating to further retore my hair!Dry/Damaged
One of the great things about GlossyBox is that whilst I might not appreciate every product at the the exact moment I get it, I always dip into the boxes later on when looking for a specific type of product. Since getting my hair done, the ends have been so course and dry I have been going through all the hair oils and serums from past boxes, and it was from this that I discovered my HOLY GRAIL serum, Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Styling Treatment Oil. Weirdly, when I was younger I had sweared by the Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum, I had used it religiously for years and it always transformed my haystack, over-abused hair into silky tresses, every time. But as with anything you mix it up and try different things to see what else is out there and then sadly forgot about it. Well, this new Awapuhi Styling Treatment Oil is even better than I remembered the Super Skinny Serum being, and from the minute I used it I saw a difference.

It’s kinda similar to the the TRESemme Split Remedy Sealing Serum, but better. However you are looking at a 400% price increase (but actually, I’ve done the maths and because you only get 30ml in the TRESemme product, it actually works out the same price as with the Paul Mitchell you get 100ml!). You apply it in towel dried/damp hair and instantly the texture improves. I’ve even used a small amount in dry hair, on the ends, and again it makes such a huge difference WITHOUT weighing it down and making it greasy. It just restores it back to a healthier – not greasier – state. I love the 25ml size I got in my GlossyBox as I can pop it in my bag and keep it with me wherever I go, and I will definitely be purchasing the larger, full size soon.

Both of these products used together have been really helping my hair, and I notice before the next wash each time it’s a little less damaged and knotty. If you’re also suffering from ravaged, brassy, over treated hair I couldn’t recommend these two discoveries high enough!

DISCLAIMER: Pureology Hydrate Shampoo bought by myself, Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Styling Treatment Oil part of a GlossyBox.

This entry is filed under Hair, Paul Mitchell, Pureology, TRESemme.

Got Dip Dyed!!!

By Lina on March 2, 2012

Had an amazing day today (or yesterday, I’m writing this very late at night). Not only did I potentially find the best eyebrow threading place (Hena, in Finchley – have only been once so far so bear in mind I might have just been lucky!), but I also got a fantastic dip dye at Lisa Shepherd in London!! AND, the Director of the salon (who, btw, has styled BOTH the Olsens) was the one to enrich my locks!!

Have a look at the little video of it all happening.. (thank you Charlotte for filming!)

The idea behind this dip dye was to have a more wearable, less harsh version than a lot of the DIY jobs people are sporting at the moment. There’s nothing wrong with that look – I actually really like it! But it doesn’t suit everyone, most brunettes would really struggle pulling off an at home dip dye. For a more sophisticated, blended look that is far more versatile for different skintones this version at Lisa Shepherd is definitely better.

I have had my hair dip dyed previously, if you remember this post here, and whilst I loved it back then I really wanted something more statement this time – but still well blended and without clashing against me. My main concern was for it not to be brassy or clash with my skin.Well, I definitely got what I wanted! It actually exceeded my expectations and I’m so thrilled with it. It looks great all shiny but I can imagine it looking awesome all surf hair-y too! What I discovered was the general rule for Asian skintones was to not let the bleached colour come up too high so it’s directly against your face – that’s the main trick to fighting the clash!If you’re interested in getting a dip dye like this (or not like this, exactly, like in a similar cool way but for your own hair), I have an exclusive offer for readers of this blog! When calling in to book your treatment (and it can be any treatment – not just a colour one!), quote Make Up to Make Out and get 25% off final treatment price PLUS a free shampoo and conditioner! Pretty damn good, eh? Call Lisa Shepherd now on 0207 467 9560.

Do you guys love it as much as I do???

DISCLAIMER: PR treatment

This entry is filed under Hair, Hair Dye, Lisa Shepherd and tagged dip dye. | 5 Comments

NEW limited edition GHD Scarlet hair straighteners!

By Lina on January 12, 2012

My video review and unboxing of the new limited edition GHD Scarlet Collection Set!

Having used them more thoroughly since recording the video, they do get really hot! Maybe I shouldn’t have expected them to heat up in under 10 seconds in the first place (it didn’t say it would anywhere, not sure why I had assumed that)!

Available from www.ghdhair.com, priced £129.

DISCLAIMER: PR samp

This entry is filed under GHD, Hair, Hair Appliances and tagged GHD Scarlet Collection Set. | 1 Comment

Dear Lina… Which Hair Dye?

By Lina on November 22, 2011

I got an email through today that inspired me to start up a new ‘column’ within Make to Make Out, which I have creatively titled ‘Dear Lina’. I do get quite a few emails from readers asking about certain things I use or buy or just general beauty/fashion advice, so I figured instead of responding to each and every one personally, I will simply answer it here! That way it will also help anyone else with the same queries.

So to kick start this new column, here’s the email I received today:
Hii..
I don’t know how is it possible but I’ve used the same red color on my hair (LIVE Luminance – Infra red) and then the same brown color (Clairol – light ash brown) on it as you.. After this it was like really dark brown with red reflections and I didn’t really like it so I’ve decided to go back to my natural light brown.. I dyed it twice(!!!) with really light brown so it was supposed to be much lighter but it’s still THE SAME!
I just can’t get rid of this color and I’m desperate because I don’t know how.. Could you help me somehow? Do you still have the same color? Thank you very much!!

I surprisingly get a lot of questions regarding my hair colour so I’m glad this is my first ‘Dear Lina’ post! Firstly, before I go into what products I used to create my hair colour, to solve this problem I would recommend washing your hair regularly with a strong shampoo that will help strip the colour out. Apparently, dandruff shampoos like Head & Shoulders are great for this. Maybe each time you wash your hair, lather and rinse three times with the shampoo to speed up the colour stripping process. I personally would stop adding any further colour for now and let the other dyes wash out a little.

If you really can’t wait for the colour to fade gradually… You can buy product that strip/remove colour out of hair in one application. I’ve never used a product like this but after a (very!) quick search via google found this one, ColourB4. Hair Colour remover by Scott Cornwall, which should give you an idea of what you’re looking for. A product like this will literally take all the hair colourant out, but unfortunately what you’re left with is not your natural colour if lightening has been involved. The end colour will probably be slightly orangey and brassy as the Schwarzkopf dye has a little bit of bleach within it (that’s how it lightens dark hair). However once you’ve stripped the colour out that way, you can then colour over it with your natural light brown colour.

FYI, FOR MY HAIR COLOUR..

I firstly used a Japanese brand hair dye called Palty, and the shade was Juicy Peach. You might be able to find these dyes in your local Asian supermarket but otherwise search eBay! This lightened my hair a great deal, but wasn’t as red as I had hoped for so I THEN went over it with this Schwarzkopf Live Luminance in Infrared (L42). This worked really well with my hair and I was very happy with the look I had created with the two dyes.Schwarzkopf Live Luminance Infrared L42 (November-January 2010/11)

I was then offered to do a sponsored post for Clairol, where I used their new Nice ‘n Easy Colour Blend Foam in 6A Light Ash Brown. This covered my hair nicely, gave it a good blanket colour but you could still see a little of the red coming through..Clairol Nice ‘n Easy Colour Blend Foam 6A Light Ash (January-June 2011)

THEN

I kept my hair like that for a while, and when I had about an inch worth of roots I decided to step up my hair dye quality to salon professional product. So I was using salon professional product at home. I DO NOT ADVISE YOU ALSO DO THIS. I had researched a lot about colouring hair at home, and discovered that in order to achieve the results I wanted, the off-the-shelf stuff just wasn’t going to cut it. So I swatted up on what was needed, what was safe to use, and ordered some L’Oreal Excel Hi-Color Red Hot and L’Oreal Oreor Cream 40 Developer. Following the instructions, I mixed and applied the correct amount of product to my hair to achieve this:L’Oreal Excel Hi-Colour in Red Hot (June-November 2011)

The colour was quite dark to begin with, but faded beautifully. After about a month of having dyed it, my hair was a lovely copper-ish red. I loved the colour so much I was hesitant to use anything else over it, despite the roots showing through quite obviously. I genuinely believe it was the combination of all the products that resulted in the faded out colour I loved so much!

NOW

Very recently (like two weeks ago), I went to a salon and got a slight variation of Ombre hair done (which was actually for a guest feature for Grazia Daily).And that is my hair now.

Hope this clears it up somewhat.

If you would like your question/query answered in the next ‘Dear Lina’, simply drop me an email at lina@makeuptomakeout.co.uk, titled ‘Dear Lina’, and I’ll work on getting an answer for you!

DISCLAIMER: All products, except the Clairol, were purchased by self. Affiliate links have been used in this post.

This entry is filed under Hair, Hair Dye and tagged Dear Lina. | 1 Comment

Grazia Daily guest post!

By Lina on November 11, 2011

Woo hooo, I’ve written for Grazia Daily!!!!Check out my guest post on Ombre hair for brunettes HERE.

P.S. I’M IN NEW YORK!!!!!!!

This entry is filed under Hair and tagged Grazia Daily Guest Post, Ombre Hair. | 2 Comments

The best high street hair mask I’ve ever tried?

By Lina on August 14, 2011

Ever since I discovered that high street shampoos and conditioners weren’t in fact bad for your hair, and that the whole silicones building up threat was completely untrue for the new formulations out on today’s market, I’ve been busy trying a few out. For regular readers, you’ve probably noticed me mention more than once in previous posts how horribly dry and damaged my hair has been of late, ever since I’ve started colouring it really. Being naturally jet black (and we’re talking blackest or the black) even lightening it a few shades wreaked havoc for its condition, and I’ve seen been really struggling with trying to find a good shampoo and conditioner that nourishes it appropriately. Well, call off the search as I’ve found something that actually leaves it silky. Yes, not just vaguely less hay stacky – silky! And it’s from the high street?

Herbal Essences Smooth and SoftI was given the shampoo, conditioner and intensive hair mask from the Herbal Essences Smooth and Soft range to try. The first thing that will hit you about this product is the gorgeous fruity smell (we’ll touch on that later), the second thing is how instantly moisturising the mask is. However, as lovely as all that is what really makes this range so great is what happens after you wash it. After blow drying, hair is unbelievably silky. And it smells SO GOOD. Not just the first day of hair wash either, your hair smells gorgeous well into day 3 – until it’s due another wash, really. I’ve only used this range three times in total (I should mention here that I’ve still yet to try the conditioner; why bother when the mask is this good?), and so far my hair is still loving it. I genuinely can’t believe how silky it leaves my damaged hair, to the point that I was considering getting it all cut off as the condition was so awful but now realise I don’t have to anymore – a simple trim will suffice. I can keep my long hair, hooray! All thanks to this hair mask.

I’ve tried so many deep treatment masks, from cheap to high end, and this has without a doubt become my favourite. It might be too greasy for those whose hair isn’t that damaged, but it is a product for damaged/dry hair so if your hair isn’t that type then you shouldn’t be using it. However if you hair is in a bad state, over chemically treated, lost it’s vitality, I highly recommend giving this a try. It’s currently half off in Superdrug so what better time to test it out than now?

Have you tried it yet?

DISCLAIMER: PR Samp

This entry is filed under Hair, Herbal Essences and tagged Herbal Essences Smooth and Soft. | 6 Comments

Denman Brushes

By Lina on August 5, 2011

As I was attempting to brush my ratty, desperately in need of a cut, over-dyed, knotty hair, I said out loud, ‘I need to get a better hair brush..’.

Just goes to show the power of cosmic ordering and all that stuff, as later that very day I got an email in my inbox asking me to review some brushes by Denman. I had actually set my sight on getting a fancy schmancy Mason Pearson brush, good brushes are a worthwhile life time investment, but thought I’d try these out first and see how they fared.I requested to try Denman D81 Medium Porcupine Brush; a natural bristle brush with ‘porcupine-effect’ nylon quill, and they also kindly sent me a couple of others too. I chose a natural bristle brush as over the years all that’s ever been drilled into me by hair dressers and specialists is that natural bristle is best for hair as hair is natural, like likes like, basically. Also, I’ve gotten so used to only using natural my head now hurts if I use something else!
Well, I have to say I’m completely won over by this brush! My long, ratty, desperately in need of a cut hair gets de-knotted swiftly and effortlessly with it. As my hair is thin, it gets through all my hair and I do feel like I’m getting a good, decent brush using it (although if your hair is thicker you might have to get a different size/variation of this brush). Plus, as gross as this sounds, when you’re hair is in the in-between stages of freshly washed to in need of a wash (as long hair often is), it spreads the grease from your roots to the ends. Which sounds yuck, but is better than very dry ends and a little greasy roots. The natural bristles really polish my hair and make it shiny, and help keep it styled and in place. I genuinely will be holding off buying the Mason Pearson number as this more than suffices!
It comes in three sizes (and this isn’t even the only natural hair brush they do!), and other than the smallest being obviously most ideal for handbag it really just equates to different hair types and lengths. I am probably going to pick up the smallest one as well and keep it as a handbag essential as I like it so much. Being so affordable too, it’s easy to have multiple brushes for multiple purposes. These are quality brushes, however the smallest only starts from £8 and the largest is only£12.

They also sent me a Classic Styling Brush (D4 Large 9 Row Styling Brush, the white plastic bristle one) which I didn’t get on very well with as having thin hair and a sensitive scalp, found it too diggy inny, even for blow drying, and this handbag compact travel brush (D7 Hairbrush Compact).
As I mentioned, I can only really use natural bristles now as anything else hurts my sensitive scalp (I even used to groan in agony when my mum tried to brush my hair as a child!), but this compact hairbrush is worth a mention as it’s only £2.56 and is perfect for the handbag. I’ve tried it a few times and whilst it’s not as comfortable usage as the natural bristles it suffices for getting a few knots out for when on the go. It fits in your palm, folds into itself and comes with its own mirror! Shame the bristles are plastic but hey, for this cheap what do you expect? Although I wouldn’t mind paying a little extra and getting a natural bristle version. What say you, Denman? Will you think about it?