Hey hun! 

New Year. New Hair Dryer.

Still in shock! 

Quick back story...

Late last year, my Gold N Hot hooded dryer of 10+ years cracked in half. It was done. The end. To Be honest, I sensed it was coming. It was pretty much on its last leg. It was such a chore to use on wash days. I would forever be struggling to open it and when it was open, I would fight to prevent it from collapsing. 

Hot-mess wasn't even the word - okayyy?!

Regardless of the antics I went through, it always had a special place in my heart. That dryer was one of the very first hair tools I purchased when I started my hair journey. It's been there since day ONE.  

So it's kinda bitter sweet.

Now, the hubs definitely had his eyes and ears open to the hair dryer tragedy that went down and surprised me with this beauty. Not only was I shocked that he picked out a professional dryer but when I asked him "how did you know to pick this particular dryer?" he said "I looked it up on Long Hair Care Forum". 

Sis. 

I was floored (it's the research, time and thought for me!).

Beyond gratefulll.

Alright, let's get into this dryer shall we...

This pro-1028 professional hair dryer from lclbeauty.com sits on wheels for mobility and is equipped with an adjustable height. It heats up to 165 degrees. There are 3 knobs at the top of the dryer that allow you to control the time, temperature, and speed of your drying/deep conditioning session. Not to mention, it was a simple set up. It literally took him less than 10 mins to put together.

One of the main features I already love about this dryer is the timer with automatic shut off. No more using the timer on my phone. I can sit back and relax without counting down the time or struggling to hear the timer go off because of the loud Gold N Hot vent. If you know, you know.

Of course, I had to turn on the dryer (just to see what it's like) and I must say it's MUCH quieter than the Gold N Hot hooded dryer - which is a huge plus. Also, the air flow is pretty powerful so the heat circulates very well. If I'm not mistaken, I think there's a 'cool air' setting too - perfect for heat free drying.

As you probably already know, I'm super excited for wash day! Who knows, I may even attempt a roller set someday with this kind of machinery. LOL. Who am I kidding though?! But at least the option is there *wink*.

So in terms of deep conditioning heat sources, I have: my steamer, heat cap and now my hair dryer.

Welcome to the fam♡

1. It's BIG in size and the teeth are far apart
2. Glides easily through my hair
3. No seams = No snagging = LESS breakage
4. Very sturdy so it feels secure in the hand
5. Great to use for any style

Lately, my hair has been feeling dry, shedding much more than it usually does and unfortunately breaking way too frequently. Overall, it's been behaving out of the norm.

I couldn't think of anything in particular that could be the cause (maybe a little too much protein), except for me not changing the shower filter on time!

My shower filter, by far, is one of the BEST things I've purchased for my hair this year! It was everything my hair was looking for and needing (check this post to read about my hard water issues). For my first use, I made sure I used my clarifying shampoo so that all the buildup (mineral deposits) from previous wash days wouldn't inhibit my results and how my hair would react to the water.

After my initial use, I instantly felt the difference in my hair while wet and while I was air drying. While wet, my hair was smoother in texture and softer. The water felt gentle and it didn't have an odor like before. Once my hair air dried, it felt as though the products I used actually penetrated my strands. Not to say that it didn't before, however; the water gave my products a boost in effectiveness- so it seems. My hair air dried softer than usual, smoother, very fluffy with bounce (a lot more movement than normal) and less tangles!!!

My first experience with my shower filter was a huge upgrade from what I've been accustomed too. I'm looking forward to less bad hair days and dryness now!

It's a staple :)

It's official. I now have access to clean chlorine free shower water! So that means wayyyy better hair days to come...I hope. It was a breeze to install. Very fast and simple. The filter lasts up to 6 months, which is a pretty long time. We got it from Home Depot.


Now, I'm excited for wash day. I really hope my hair feels a significant change in texture and softness. My hair has been very disorderly and disobedient lately (due to the hard water), so I hope this filter will aid in bringing my hair back to life.

Just wanted to share my latest purchase with you all :)

I had this product in the past but my hair therapy wrap broke on me. Here is the new one I ordered. I'm excited to try this new and improved model. It made my hair feel amazing in the past so I'm hoping I get the same results, if not better than before. I changed the wrap color this time around to brown :)

♥ Sunshyne

A few people asked me to do a mini review on my fav. hot tools. Here are 2 videos explaining why I love and use the CHI Rocket Blow Dryer and CHI Pink Camo Flat Iron. I got both of these tools as a present last year, however, they can be purchased at folica.com. The videos are kinda choppy since I decided to separate them - Sorry.

Enjoy~






♥ Sunshyne

I finally got around to purchasing new trimming shears. For those of you who remember, I had to trim off split ends due to the usage of my dull scissors back in May 2010. I purchased the Tweezerman shears from Folica.com for $25. My main goal was to find something that was sharp, stainless steal, high performance and comfortable for my hands.

Here are the details on the Tweezerman Scissors:

Hair trimming for home use.

High performance hair cutting shears without the usual high price. Made of ice tempered stainless steel to create extra sharp, long-lasting cutting edges. These precision shears are hand-crafted for optimum control, balance and comfort.

Free sharpening & Lifetime guarantee.


Product features:

Truth be told, I put my Hair Therapy Wrap in the microwave for over 90 seconds without intervals. I don't' know what I was thinking. Upon removing it out of the microwave, the gel packs were swollen like a balloon ready to pop. I was so nervous. Lo and behold, one of the gel packs burst open (left side near my ear). Since then, my Hair Therapy Wrap still works and I've used it but it's NOT the same! When conditioning, I feel like my left side doesn't get as hot as the rest of my hair. Ladies, learn from this experience! It's suggested that you leave the Hair Therapy Wrap in the microwave for 60 seconds with 10 second intervals.

In the meantime, I've been using my heating cap (from Sally Beauty Supply) and my Hot N Gold hooded dryer. I've had this heating cap for years and it still heats up VERY well. It makes my hair extremely soft and conditioned. I always use the highest setting to get the job done. In the meantime, I will continue to use my heating cap until I purchase a new Hair Therapy Wrap.

♥ Sunshyne

I got a Pink CHI Camo Flat Iron yesterday from my hunny!! I wanted this Flat Iron from timmmeeee but I never had to guts or desire to dish out the cash LOL - honestly. My old flat iron is now died to me! I've heard so many good things about this flat iron. I absolutely love it!!!

Isn't the Camo case cute?







♥ Sunshyne

Promises: Helps protect from heat damage. Use with flat irons, blow-dryer, or any heated appliance, provides a luxurious shine.

Directions: Spray on damp hair before drying or spray on dry hair before using any heated styling appliance.

Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Diisopropyl Adipate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycin namate, Ethyl Ester of Hydrolyzed Silk, Fragrance(Parfum), Benzyl Salicylate, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Hydroxyisohexyl 3 -Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Linalool, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Limonene, Eugenol, Citronellol, Hydroxycitronellal, Coumarin.

The Truth: After many recommendations, I decided to purchase this product. I used this on both wet & dry hair and it NEVER leaves your hair weighed down, unlike some other heat protectants. The product is so light, very similar to how an oil sheen goes on your hair. It's like a light mist. The smell is kind of perfum-y but it gives your hair a nice salon finished scent. The silk proteins really infuse the hair shaft and make your flat iron come out silky smooth. I got absolutely NO FRIZZIES. This heat protectant is very good.

Price: $6.49 CAD

Hairlicious Rating: (4/5) Very Good

♥ Sunshyne

Many people choose a blow dryer because of how it looks rather than how it can benefit the hair. I'm currently on the hunt for a new blow dryer since my Thanksgiving Dinner (Oct 12th '08) is coming up and I want my hair straight. I know there are a ton of blow dryers on the market right now, so I've done my research and I know what I'm looking for.

How to Choose The Right Blow Dryer:

- Pay attention to the amount of WATTS - The higher it is the more air flow it gives.
- Make sure its Ceramic - Ceramic hair dryers use "far infrared" technology to reduce frizz while locking in hair's natural moisture.
- Or Tourmaline - Tourmaline crystals emit negative ions that eliminates frizz for smoother, silkier hair in 60% less time. Your hair will feel conditioned.
- It should be lightwight so your wrists/arms won't hurt. Some weigh less than 2 lbs.
- It should come with a nozzle attachment. This focuses the air stream directly where you want it.
- Make sure it's Ionic as this provides the hair with more shine.
- Low EMF (electronic megnetic field) helps to create ions for the hair which keeps the hair healthy. Less EMF in the atmosphere is better for your health.
- Quite motor - So your not disturbing the whole house.
- Variable speeds and heat controls is always a good buy.
- Cool shot button - An option if you don't want to use heat to dry your hair.

♥ Sunshyne

I am a 23 yrs old flat iron virgin! Well not anymore...hahaha...what I meant to say is that I've never owned a flat iron nor have I ever flat ironed my hair myself! I was at ULTA on the weekend and I was looking around to purchase some perfume. Well that didn't happen because I saw a really good deal on this Remington TSTUDIO Flat Iron. I've always wanted a flat iron but I really didn't have an interest in going out and shopping for one. This flat iron was on sale for $27.99, the orginal price was $39.99. To me, thats an excellent price! The sales lady that helped me out was sooo nice. She said she owns the same flat iron and she lovesss it. By the way she is Black and about Bra Strap Length with bone-straight relaxed hair. I was very happy to hear that. I was sold. Check out some info on my new flat iron (im so happy)!

Name: Remington TSTUDIO Collection 1" Active Ion therapy Flat Iron
Description: New Gemstone Technology, Pink Tourmaline for Incredible Frizz-Free Shine. This digital flat iron has an internal ion generator and pink tourmaline-ceramic plates to help seal the hair cuticle for hair that is smooth, shiny and resistant to humidity. This 1" flat iron also has an internal electronic ion generator that delivers 10,000 times more ions than traditional ionic stylers.
Color: Chocolate Brown with Baby Pink Plates
Features:
- 200 degree/395 F Salon high heat
- Interal electronic ion generator continuously emits 10,000x more ions than a traditional ionic styler for maximum therapeutic effect
- Ultra smooth tourmaline-ceramic plate surface for smooth glide and even heat distribution
- Narrow plates allow for creating volume at the root
- Digital controls/LCD screen
- 60 second instant heat up
- Round edge plates
- Rubber safety grip
- Variable heat settings
- 1" Tourmaline & Ceramic plates
- Auto shut off
- 360 swivel cord

I tried out my flat iron for the *1st time* and here are the results (mind you, I am 14 wks post in these pics). I only did a section of my hair just to see how it would look. I used the lowest heat temperature:

♥ Sunshyne

Don't you just love smooth hair?! Well I definately do and I found a cool tip you could use into your daily hair regimen! Try using a natural soft boar-bristle brush that has flexible bristles. A boar bristle brush will help give your hair a healthy shine by distributing the natural oils through the hair and stimulate the scalp. The bristles are MUCH softer and more flexible than those found on a nylon brush. It also helps eliminate split ends and other damage.

When looking for your brush make sure it says "Pure Boar Bristles" or "Natural Boar Bristles". You can find them at Sally Beauty Supply ($7) or Walmart ($14). I know, since when is Walmart more expensive then Sally's? LOL .

I have the Xtra Soft Wooden Boar Bristle Brush. I just bought it from Sally's and I LOVE IT. I normally use it after I have moisturized and sealed my hair. I have smooth touchable hair all day long. You'll wanna find reasons to brush you hair despite all the bad rep you hear.