Monday, July 4, 2011

Hair Loss Concealer Comparison


Hi all, so I have decided to write a review for caboki vs toppik. Now for all my fellow pps out there with similar concerns for hair thinning and balding spots, you probably have heard about those products. I have used Toppik before and still use the product from time to time for events, special occasions etc. My stylist just recommended a new hair loss concealer called Caboki, so I got a free sample bottle from caboki.com.

1. Packaging: Both products have very similar packaging bottles, Caboki comes with an outer box which is nice. I love the fact Caboki made the extra effort to create a detailed step by step instruction for application with images. Even for an experienced user like me, I found tips that I never even knew about. So definitely thumbs up for that.

2. Application: Again, both products are actually very similar in application steps, it is pretty straight forward. Simply shake the bottle while it is upside down to dispense the fibers. No difference there.

3. Color selection: Caboki has 7 color options while Toppik has 9. Both have all the common enough colors like black, browns, blonde, white, etc. But Toppik has a medium Blonde and Auburn which caboki does not offer. I called the customer service at Caboki just to make sure. I was told for people with medium to dark blonde hair, they recommend blonde since the darker shade will appear more natural. I don’t use blonde, so unless I hear otherwise from other users, I will take their words for it.

4. Color: I used medium brown from Toppik and the sample that I received from Caboki was medium brown as well. The two colors as far as I can tell when compared side by side, are exactly the same.

5. Staying Power: I think Caboki does edge out Toppik a bit in this category. I actually tried Caboki on the left side of my hair and Toppik on the right for two days straight. Thankfully both products are similar so I didn’t have to look like an idiot! Anyway, by the end of the first day, I didn’t really see any significant difference. But by second morning (I sleep face down usually), I do feel my left side appears to be slightly thinner.

6. Ingredients: This is the animal vs the plants! Toppik uses keratin as main ingredient which is derived from animal hair and Caboki uses 100% natural plant extract. I generally prefer plant based ingredients in any of my products because there is a lesser chance of skin irritation. But I really didn’t have any issues with Toppik when I used it. (Then again, I have a cat, cat hair is standard ingredient in my house everyday..lol)  

So I will be using caboki for now unless I find anything negative about it. 

You may also want to check out discussion threads:

Caboki? My first time hearing or reading ... (hairlosshelp.com)
Caboki concealer? (hairlosstalk.com)
Caboki pics (heralopecia.com)

Hope this helps!

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Briliance Chair type Stand-up Dryer

I am very pleased with my Briliance Chair type stand-up Hat Dryer. I had been using a small portable hard dryer for quite a while, the plastic finally broke apart one day when I opened it up. I wanted a dryer on a stand but I thought it would be more than what I wanted to pay. I did my research online & compared prices & features. The road kept leading back to this Hair Dryer. I am extremely pleased with it. I can roll my hair & just roll it over to any chair because it has an adjustable height! It dries my hair quickly so I can get on with my day. I am very happy I decided to buy this model.

Bridal Hairstyles Step-by-Step

Bridal Hairstyle is a bride's crowning glory, it should look perfect on that day. To get picture-perfect hair on the wedding day, the following tips could help:

1. Take the shape of your face into consideration before choosing a hairstyle.

2. Women with round faces should avoid ringlets, tight curls and hair styles with a circular outline like an afro as they just make the face look rounder.

3. Hairstyles with fringes or bangs look good on long or rectangular faces as they can 'shorten' the face.

4. Oval faces, which are the most desired shape, look good with any hairstyle and styles where the hair is swept away from the face particularly favour this face shape as they accentuate it beautifully.

5. Once you've decided on the shape of your face, look through magazines for hairstyles you like and tear out pages so you can show them to your stylist.

6. When choosing a hairstyle, ask yourself if you'll be wearing a veil as the kind of veil you'll wear would work best with certain hairstyles.

7. Updos and other formal styles are a perennial favourite with brides but things are changing. Loose waves (usually achieved with the help of hair extensions) and other less formal styles are becoming more fashionable for brides.

8. Hair accessories are a must for every bride. A tiara might be a little bit old-school. Instead, consider a wide, white headband or a thin sparkly one if you'll be wearing your hair down. Jewelled combs and hair slides are also very contemporary, and add flair to wedding hair.

9. Think outside the box when choosing your hairstyle - cornrows, braids or even an afro-puff can lend a very chic, contemporary tone to your look.

10. Consider the sort of ceremony you are having before settling on a hair style - an informal garden ceremony or beach-front wedding will require a different sort of look than a more formal affair.

11. It is essential that you consult a professional hairstylist several weeks before the big day to discuss your options. An experienced stylist will help you decide on the perfect hair do, after considering factors such as the shape of your face, the style of your dress and your personal style preferences (see next point).

Above all, 'to thine own self be true': understand who you are and what you like. It is equally important to know what you do not like. For example, some ladies cannot stand any hair on their faces, while others are partial to side-parts or big bangs. Do not feel pressured
to choose a hairstyle that does

Pink Hairstyles

The looks from Aveda’s Spring/ Summer 2009 collection are all about contrast ... roses and violets blended with detailed cuts resulting in punk sophistication for every age.

Using texture, color and volume with shades of violet and rose creates edgy spring styles that can be modified for people of all ages and walks of life. The graduated shades were created exclusively with Aveda Full Spectrum Hair Color.

The 2009 Oscars Hairstyles

Oscar wasn’t the only thing that sparkled at this year’s Academy Awards! Brilliant hair shined on the red carpet with some of the best looks we’ve seen to date; there was literally not one bad hairdo for us to rag on. We spotted lots of trends that are sure to make their way into your chair throughout the season, so you better brush up! Here are the how-tos for our favorite red carpet trends.

The Trend: Elegant Partial Updo
Spotted On: Angelina Jolie
Celebrity stylist David Babaii made Best Actress nominee Angelina Jolie look picture-perfect with a romantic cascade of curls styled into an elegant partial updo.
1. Spray entire head with David Babaii for WildAid Bohemian Beach Spray and scrunch it into the hair for texture and hold.
2. Dry her hair by dividing tresses into three sections: top, sides and back, leaving the nape area free. Taking small sections starting at the nape, blow dry with a nozzle attachment and finish with a large round brush to smooth hair straight.
3. Spray David Babaii for WildAid Volcanic Ash Root Amplifier to the root area and down the hair shaft. Dry with a jumbo round brush to add lift and volume.
4. Once dry, section the hair again using the same sectioning process as before and use a styling iron to create “ribbon curls” by taking small “V” shaped sections. To achieve, wrap the hair around and inside the styling iron close to the scalp area and pull the iron down (similar to curling ribbon).
5. After curling the entire head, smooth some of the curls with a brush while leaving some intact.
6. At the crown area, back-comb the hair at the scalp area only, spray some additional Root Amplifier and gently smooth the surface.
7. To create the half-up, half down look, brush the sides up and back and secure with pins. Run fingers up several curls to create volume and variations in texture. Finish with David Babaii for WildAid Mise en Plis Light Styling Spray.

The Trend: Timeless French Twist
Spotted On: Marion Cotillard
Celebrity hair stylist Robert Vetica created a flawless, dramatic look for Marion Cotillard that worked perfectly with her elegant John Galliano gown. Vetica created a shimmering, ultra modern take on the French Twist, inspired by Cecil Beaton’s portraits of the great fashion and society icons of the 40s and 50s. Polished and styled close to the head, the French Twist was rolled large and emphasized volume for a contemporary edge.
1. Blow dry hair with a round brush and use Moroccanoil® Hydrating Styling Cream to smooth, detangle strands and prevent frizz, then create a low side part.
2. Tease the hair all over, paying extra attention to the crown and the back of the head.
3. Brush the teased hair and shape it into a full, lavish French Twist, roll and pin it in place.
4. Use a rat tail comb to lift the crown and emphasize the volume from the back.
5. Finish with a light spray of new Moroccanoil® Gold Glimmer Shine to give the look a luminous, natural looking and long-lasting shine.

The Trend: Feminine, Lose Updo
Spotted On: Freida Pinto, Marisa Tomei
Celebrity stylist Jeffrey Paul created a fresh and elegant red carpet hair look for Slumdog Millionaire’s Freida Pinto. “This look has a beautiful architecture; hair is twisted back into a youthful, feminine flower shape that complements Freida’s face shape and stunning Galliano gown,” says Paul.
1. Work a mixture of Aveda Phomollient Styling Foam and Aveda Light Elements Defining Whip into wet hair to add texture and volume.
2. Blow dry hair back to add lift and height at the roots.
3. Create a left side part and divide hair into three sections: three quarters of hair in one section on the right and the remaining hair into two smaller sections.
4. Pull the right section of hair back into a low ponytail just behind the right ear above the nape of the neck.
5. Twist the ponytail, working Defining Whip into hair. Wrap the ponytail around the base, creating a flower shape. Secure in place with pins.
6. Work Defining Whip into each of the remaining sections and twist back and around the flower shape, creating a layered, rose-like effect.
7. Finish the look with Aveda Air Control Hair Spray and shake the head a bit to loosen up the look and provide a sense of natural movement.

Adir Abergel was called in to create Best Supporting Actress nominee Marisa Tomei’s lovely side-swept ‘do for the big night. He used the trusty tools from FHI Heat to create her soft, feminine look. "The look exudes looseness, softness and lots of femininity, which complements the twists and turns of her graceful dress," explains Abergel.
1. Blow hair out with a round brush (Abergel used FHI Heat’s Nano Salon Pro 2100 Blow Dryer).
2. Pin hair in place as it cools, using hair clips to secure hair in various soft curves.
3. Sweep the bangs to the side and let them cascade gently over one eye.
4. Finally, use bobby pins to secure the hair, remove the hair clips and finish with hairspray.

The Trend: Classic Chignon
Spotted On: Queen Latifah, Natalie Portman
Hairstylist Julie Baker created a very elegant chignon for her longtime client Queen Latifah who sang and presented at the event. "Latifah's dress was very elegant and chic, and her hair needed to complement this, so we decided on a modern chignon,” says Baker.
1. Blow dry hair smooth with FHI Heat’s Nano Salon Pro 2100 blow dryer then smooth strands with the FHI Heat Runway styling iron.
2. Create a side part so the fringe swoops down in front.
3. Twist hair into a low chignon at the back of the head, slightly off to one side.

The Trend: The Bob
Spotted On: Nicole Kidman, Taraji Henson
Presenter Nicole Kidman’s Oscar look was all about glamorizing the bob, says celebrity stylist David Babaii. He created a “faux bob” which complemented the svelte star's gown perfectly.
1. After towel-drying thoroughly, apply David Babaii for WildAid Amplifying Whipped Mousse for volume and hold.
2. Dry hair by dividing it into three sections: top, sides and back leaving the nape area free. Creating small sections and blow dry with a nozzle attachment, starting at the nape. Dry each section with a medium round brush to smooth and create a soft round bend to the ends.
3. Once again, section the hair into three sections: top with a side part, sides and back leaving the nape area free. Create waves by forming “V” shaped pieces and running a styling iron down the hair shaft from close to the roots to the ends to create a sleek, smooth look.
4. Repeat half way down the hair shaft and utilize the beveled edge of the iron by turning it (like a curling iron) to create a soft curl. Clip each curl and spray with David Babaii for WildAid Mise en Plis Light Styling Spray.
5. Alternate the direction of each row of curls in order to achieve a finger wave effect. Gently brush and form into soft waves using the Light Styling Spray for a soft long lasting hold. Brush back one side and secure with a decorative hair pin.

New York-based celebrity hair stylist Dante Blandshaw created the stunning red carpet look for Best Supporting Actress nominee Taraji Henson. “I wanted to create a modern, asymmetrical, textured bob with natural movement and shine,” says Blandshaw.
1. Prep hair with Aveda Brilliant Damage Control to protect from heat styling.
2. Blow dry hair straight using a paddle brush.
3. After blow drying, add a dime-sized amount of Aveda Brilliant Universal Styling Creme to add additional shine without weighing hair down.
4. Flat-iron hair to create the foundation for a smooth, sleek red carpet look.
5. Using 1.5” and 2” barrel curling irons, curl hair throughout to give bend and movement, accenting the layers in the cut.
6. Slightly curl the front to create a soft, side-swept bang for added height and fullness.
7. Comb hair through with a wide-tooth comb and finish with Aveda Air Control Hair Spray.

Why Hair Goes Gray

Scientists may have figured out why hair turns gray, and their finding may open the door to new anti-graying strategies.

New research shows that hair turns gray as a result of a chemical chain reaction that causes hair to bleach itself from the inside out.

The process starts when there is a dip in levels of an enzyme called catalase. That catalase shortfall means that the hydrogen peroxide that naturally occurs in hair can't be broken down. So hydrogen peroxide builds up in the hair, and because other enzymes that would repair hydrogen peroxide's damage are also in short supply, the hair goes gray.

Putting the brakes on that chemical chain reaction "could have great implications in the hair graying scenario in humans," write the researchers, who included Karin Schallreuter, a professor clinical and experimental dermatology at England's University of Bradford.

The study appears online in The FASEB Journal; the FASEB is the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.

Beauty & Style Top 10: Iconic Hairstyles

Forget their career accomplishments, sense of style or ability to dazzle. When it comes down to star power, these women are workin’ it. Check that—they’re workin’ the hair. Whether it’s “The Rachel,” “The Dorothy Hamill” or the quintessential layers of the ’70s, these iconic hairstyles are simply unforgettable.