Choosing the Right Curling Iron

When you get ready in the morning have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror and wondered, "What do I want to do with my hair today?" If you are like most of us that question has come up more than once. Curling your hair is an option that many will choose, but are you actually using the right curling iron in order to achieve that certain curl you are looking for?

When choosing the right curling iron for the perfect look you are trying to achieve there are many different factors to consider. Just to name a few, you should know your hair type, whether you want curls or waves, you should know about the different types of technology and the barrel size. Whether you are trying to create brilliant curls or just basic waves it is imperative that you understand the type of curling iron that you need in order to achieve the "perfect" look.

Types of Curling Irons

There are two types:

Spring or Spiral - Good for everyday life and is inexpensive

Marcel - Designed for professional use. Not as user-friendly as the spring/spiral curling iron.
Technology and Barrel Feature

The technology of the barrel is a very important component. There are 5 major technology features:

Teflon - Eliminates frizz and creates soft bouncing curls by distributing the heat evenly throughout the barrel

Ceramic Ionic - Creates silky shiny hair immediately while eliminating frizz

Tourmaline - Infused into the plates is tourmaline which delivers negative ions to neutralize the hairs positive charge. This in turn creates smooth, calm, shiny hair strands.

Metal - Less expensive, heavier, can take up to 5 minutes to reach full heat

Titanium - Hard yet smooth surface, lightweight strength, durable, static free hair, evenly distributes heat across the hair

Hair Types and Barrel Size

There is a particular type that is best suited for your hair type. Using the right type determines how well the curl will hold and how long it will last.

Flat/Thin/Bleached/Fine/Damaged Hair - 3/4 to 1-1/2 inch barrel; curls last longer
Normal Hair - 1 to 2 inch barrel
Thick Coarse Hair - Large barrel 1-1/4 to 2 inch
Hair Length and Barrel Size
Short Hair - Small, 3/4 to 1-1/4 inch barrel
Medium Hair/Shoulder Length - 1 to 1-1/2 inch barrel
Long Hair - 1-1/4 to 2-1/2 inch barrel

Temperature Setting

A high quality curling iron will come equipped with many different temperature settings. Some models allow the user to set the temperature manually. For the most part, the thicker your hair is the higher the heat setting. Please, keep in mind that the higher the temperature the more chances of damaging your hair.

Bleached/Fragile/Damaged/Thin/Fine Hair - Temperature setting below 180 degrees
Normal Hair - Temperature setting between 180-190 degrees
Coarse/Thick/Ethnic Hair - Temperature setting between 190-210 degrees

Want Curls?

Depending on the curl you are trying to achieve will determine the type of product to use.

Spiral Curls - Most commonly used for dances and weddings, use a 3/4 inch curling iron
Formal/Casual Styles - 1 inch (3/4 inch and 1-1/4 inch may also be used)
Loose Curls/Waves - 1 1/4 inch
Loose Waves - 1 1/2 inch

You now have at your fingertips all you need to know when it comes to using the perfect curling iron for your needs. You can now achieve that gorgeous look you've been waiting for.

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Causes of Hair Damage

With so many products and tools to choose from for hair "care" and styling it is hard to find a place to begin. So it seems only fitting to start with the content and structure of hair to more easily see how it can be damaged. As we all know our hair is very fragile, even more so when we begin our daily routine of washing, drying, brushing, and styling.

Hair consists of three layers; the medulla, the cortex, and the cuticle. The inner most fibers make up the medulla which is surrounded by the cortex; and the cuticle is the outer layer that protects the inner more sensitive parts. Hair is made from proteins which are held together by bonds. They grow from follicles in the scalp.

Looking at the obvious, if the cuticle is damaged, then the more sensitive inner fibers are exposed and hair becomes dry and easily broken. Washing our hair is a daily event, which strips our hair of its natural ability to protect itself if not done properly. Although countless hours of research have gone into making shampoos beneficial for our hair, too much of a good thing can have a negative effect. Over-shampooing causes the hair to lose its natural moisture that keeps hair looking healthy and shiny.

Blow drying and straightening and/or curling hair without protecting it can cause severe damage to your hair if not done correctly and periodically. This "heat styling" is literally frying your hair. It may look great for a while but as we continue to do it over time it destroys the hair and can cause permanent damage. It will become dry, brittle, and damaged.

Many would look at this and think; well I guess I will just stick to using chemical products to style my hair instead of "frying" it with a blow dryer. This couldn't be further from the truth. Hair is made up of proteins which are held together with bonds. Chemicals break down the bonds and proteins and make them weaker. If this process is continued over and over again the hair will become so brittle it will actually just break off. This can be avoided if the correct processes, products and techniques are used.

Just the environment can damage hair also. The sun, water and wind can inflict mayhem on hair, drying and causing frizzing.

The worst thing we can do to our hair is bleaching. Bleaching the hair penetrates the outer protective cuticle layer with chemicals and erases the natural pigment. In doing this the structure of the hair is changed making it more susceptible to damage. Couple this with heat styling and blow drying and you could have that dull look with split ends in no time.

Perming is another good way to destroy hair. Once again chemicals are used to either create curl or create straight hair. This chemical styling procedure breaks the inner structure of your hair. Basically it takes healthy straight hair and breaks and weakens the structure to create unhealthy curls, and vice versa for curly hair to make it straight.

Even if you don't use anything and just brush your hair and wear it in braids or a ponytail can cause damage. Over brushing can break hair and cause split ends. Pulling and wearing hair tightly like in a braid or ponytail can break hair. If this is worn everyday it can cause permanent damage.

It looks as though like nothing we do to our hair actually helps it any. But, with all this done in moderation with help from professionals and utilizing the correct techniques and products; we can mitigate the negative effects all this styling has on our hair. But every once in awhile we need to just give our hair a break and let it go.

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Famous Celebrity Prom Hairstyle Ideas

Famous Celebrity Prom Hairstyle Ideas

Matching Your Hairstyle to Your Wedding Gown

The perfect bridal gown deserves the perfect accessories, and that includes your hairstyle. With more necklines than ever available these days, it is easy for brides to get confused about which hairdos work best with which wedding gowns. This is an easy guide to help you match your hairstyle to your wedding gown for an unbeatable look.

One shoulder wedding dresses have become very popular in the last few seasons, and this very unique neckline calls for a carefully crafted wedding hairstyle. After all, if you wear your hair down over your shoulders, you will end up obscuring the one shoulder detail that makes the gown special in the first place. Hair should definitely be pulled off your neck when wearing a one shoulder bridal gown. A beautiful way to complement the asymmetrical neckline is with a soft chignon which is pulled off center to the opposite side of the single shoulder strap. It creates a pleasing visual balance to the gown and also ensures that your hairstyle will not hide the cut of the dress. Keep your bridal hair jewelry simple and modern with this style; a beautiful crystal brooch tucked into the chignon will be perfect.

Strapless gowns remain popular, and the openness of the neckline creates its own needs when it comes to a wedding hairdo. Soft waves cascading down over your shoulders will help to break up all that empty space and add a bit more coverage, especially for the wedding ceremony. For a more formal wedding, an updo piled high on the top of the head can also work well with strapless. Just be sure to wear a dramatic necklace to fill in the empty area between your bodice and chin, otherwise you will look naked in any close up pictures! A veil will also help to soften the look, and is always lovely for a formal wedding ceremony. Select bridal hair jewelry which complements the details on your strapless gown, as well as your necklace and earrings.

The traditional illusion neckline is a very demure and sweet style of bridal gown. A sheer fabric covers the shoulders, and adds a special detail to what otherwise could have been a standard strapless neckline. Some illusion dresses feature beading on the sheer portion, which will sparkle delicately over the skin. The perfect hairstyle for this gown can be a half up, half down 'do. It will allow the illusion neckline to show, while enhancing the feminine style of the dress. Of course, you don't want your hair to cover any details on your gown, so if your illusion bodice features beading, pull all of your hair up into a classic twist. A delicate double headband with crystal or pearl accents is an elegant accompaniment to an illusion gown.

Portrait neckline or off the shoulder wedding gowns are defined by the way they show off the bride's graceful shoulders. Therefore, it is a given that the wedding hairdo should lift the bride's hair up to allow her shoulders to show. A low braided bun or a faux bob (in which hair is pinned up very loosely) is a lovely style to wear with a portrait neckline bridal gown. The soft styles are not too severe and they will help to enhance the beautifully cut neckline of the dress. A cluster of hairpins tucked into the bun is the ideal bridal hair jewelry for this elegant wedding hairstyle.

In general, seek a wedding hairstyle which suits the style of your gown as well as the shape of the neckline. If your gown has a woodsy bohemian flavor, then a loose side braid would make sense, just as a sharp bob would be fantastic with a 1920s flapper inspired dress. When the wedding gown, hairstyle, and accessories all work together in harmony, the results will be nothing short of stunning!


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Moroccanoil Heat Styling Protection

Moroccoanoil Heat Styling Protection: use for all hair types when heat styling. It creates thermal protection with soft hold to extend the life of your style and a UV shield. This unique formula contains a innovative heat protecting agent that effectively prevents breakage and split ends. Added UV filters shield hair and minimize color fading.

Easy Music Festival Hair Tips | Coachella Hair Ideas

With the kickoff of South by Southwest, music festival season has officially commenced! Festival style means looking casual yet chic, but sometimes that requires a little planning ahead. We have your hair inspiration and essential beauty tips in today's Beauty Beat.

3 Spring Hairstyles to Try | Celebrity Hair Trends

Spring is prime time to change up your haircut, and the women of Hollywood are giving us some serious inspiration. Take a look at three of-the-moment haircuts that are hot for the upcoming season. They're so alluring, you'll be running for your stylist's chair.

Hair Color Trends 2013

A look at the gorgeous hair color trends for Spring 2013

Professional Hair Salon Stylists and Services

Salon services are there for everyone. No matter what look you are trying to achieve, a professional hair salon can help you reach your goals. They have full lines of color products matched with years of experience in hair color and highlights. By either making an appointment or walking in, anyone can enjoy professional hair services.

Books are always available at salons to help guide consultations. Bringing any pictures along of the color you want or cut and style you want is always recommended. Using books and pictures to help show what look you want is a great way for the stylists to know exactly what you want.

Communication is key and professional hair salons are trained to achieve the look that the customer desires. Of course, their professional view is always available if you want advice on which color or cut would be best for your unique skin tone and features. They are skilled with different cuts for all different lengths of hair. From men's cuts to bobs and long layers, stylists know how to compliment a jaw line and face shape best.

The real technique of the professionals is in their performance. Beyond being able to cut a variety of styles and lengths, they also have to know how to mix colors, highlights, toners and more. Knowing what solutions to mix to get the perfect color and shade is a learned process that continues to grow with experience. Being able to take dark colors to blonde without damaging the hair can be done by a professional hair salon. With your desired look and the condition of your hair in mind, they can safely decide how to take your hair where you want it to go.

At the salon you can also have treatments done to your hair. Conditioning treatments and masks can help strengthen your hair and restore its shine. This is great for those that use color, highlights, or use frequent heat when styling. Treatments and deep conditioners are also great for those that are trying to grow out their hair because they can help restore brittleness and prevent split ends.

Going to a professional salon is always recommended. Cutting, styling, coloring, and color mixing is difficult to do correctly if you are not a trained stylist. Not only are they educated in the craft but they have the experience to help any male or female that sits in their salon chair.

 
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7013352

If you're looking for a trendy new look come see the hair experts at Knotty Hair Salon! Our unique salon is filled with natural light, a positive energy and a creative styling team. Whether you desire a classic cut or swanky style we want our guests to leave the salon with a confident smile. We pride ourselves on our continuing education - sometimes traveling as far as New York to learn the freshest trends. We welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and treat you to a comfortable and enjoyable salon experience.

707-434-9100

The Best Hairstyles For Your Face Shape

Knowing your face shape is helpful when it comes to trying out a new hairstyle or when contouring and highlighting your face. Problem is, there are many face shapes out there — figuring out which is yours can be confusing. We break down how to define each shape and what hairstyle works best in today's Beauty Beat. On Kirbie: H&M blouse.

Top Hair Trends From New York Fashion Week | Braids, Ponytails, and More

According the New York Fashion Week runways, Fall 2013 hair trends will likely lean in the direction of braids, ponytails, and '90s grunge. In short, there's something for everyone: slicked-back ponytails like we saw from stylist Orlando Pita at Michael Kors, milkmaid braids spotted at Alice + Olivia, and plenty of grungy texture, as lead stylist Paul Hanlon created on models' strands backstage at 3.1 Phillip Lim. Not convinced you can pull any of this off? Watch our video to discover all the tricks to Fall 2013 hairstyling.