hitting three different stores (one twice), in order to get the items I
needed for my impending blow-out. I made the appointment for my Afro
puffy twists for this week and I was finally faced with the fact that I
needed to make some decisions about my hair prep. I read CurlyNikki’s
post on Flat Ironing Tips and
recognized the importance of the right products, good techniques and
the proper tools. I’d been ruminating over what heat protectant to use
and whether I would use a blow dryer, use a comb attachment, try the
tension method, braid, twist or attempt a roller set to stretch …
decisions, decisions!
So, I proceeded to do some research while
standing in Harmon in front of 4 shelves full of hair dryers (I know you
shouldn’t love an inanimate object. I know this. But, I love
my iPhone). I googled my Ion blow dryer because I had no memory of
whether it was tourmaline or ceramic or ionic (Ion … yeah, probably that
last one) or some combination thereof. Well, in my search, I came
across this very informative (though somewhat discouraging) article on
the “benefits” of “hi-tech” hair dryers:
via Consumer Search:
Today’s blowers offer a bounty of options,
all promising softer, shiner, healthier hair. It’s hard to find a hair
dryer without the words “ceramic,” “ionic” or “tourmaline” in the name,
but critics are unsure whether these features actually make for a better
dryer or not.
manufacturers tout that dryers using ceramic, ionic or tourmaline
technologies result in speedier drying times, shinier hair and less heat
damage, there isn’t much scientific evidence to support these claims.
Regardless, and helpfully, the article didn’t discount these features
entirely. Rather, additional research was conducted based upon
professional and consumer reviews found via various sources. This
information was used to compile a list of the Best Hair Dryers with these “high tech features” and ranked them from the most economical choices to the more expensive:
- Revlon RV544 Tourmaline Ionic hair dryer
(Approx. $20) - Conair Infiniti Tourmaline Ceramic Ionic Styler 223X (Approx. $35)
- Conair Infiniti Professional Tourmaline Ceramic Ionic Styler 213X (Approx. $35)
- T3 Tourmaline Professional Featherweight(Approx. $175)
- Featherweight Luxe (Approx. $250)
- CHI Rocket Professional (Approx. $135)
- CHI Nano Dual Air Flow Ceramic (Approx. $140)
- Elchim 2001 Professional(Approx. $120)
- Sedu Ultrapower Professional (Approx. $150)
every single one of these dryers was on the shelves at Harmon!! LOL!
Ultimately, I decided on #2 as it was very reasonably priced, apparently
effective and I liked the style.
ran home to get about four 20% off coupons for Bed, Bath and Beyond (you
can use these at Harmon!!) and one $5 coupon for Harmon as I was having
a PJ moment and picked up several hair and make-up items too (you can
thank ShamIAmGlam for fanning the make-up PJ flames;).
the dryer. Score!! I also picked up the “ionic” comb as I needed a
medium-tooth comb for detangling. So, what was next? Research on a good
heat protectant. Again, I was initially planning on using the ElastaQP
Thermal Design Spray that I already owned and some grapeseed oil, which
some tout as a natural heat protectant because it can sustain heat up to
420°. Then, I thought about someone who regularly rocked gorgeous
straight hair during the winter. MopTopMaven!! I remember reading
several posts from her last year and commenced to searching.
As the search for a good heat protectant was what prompted my search,
I was particularly interested in Mop Top Maven’s recommendation on this
front. I hit pay dirt with her article, Going Straight for Winter, as she outlined every product in her straight hair regimen. When I read that she loved Aveda Brilliant Damage Control as
her heat protectant, I knew that was it as I always read great things
about this line and knew of a local salon that carries it. So I headed
over and picked it up … along with the CurlyNikki approved Brilliant
Anti-Humectant Pomade (I couldn’t resist even though I’ll have no use
for it until Spring!!).
Back to the product search. Also in MopTopMaven’s straight hair
product line-up were Fermodyl 619 (leave-in) and Sebastian Potion #9
(leave-in/styler). I decided to hit Sally’s as I knew that they had a
GVP version of Potion #9 and thought that I’d seen the Fermodyl there
before as well. Sure enough, I hit the mother-load here too and picked
up both items.
So now, I feel that I am thoroughly prepared with both products, techniques and tools.
Products I used:
- Conair Infiniti Tourmaline Ceramic Ionic Styler 223X
- Ionic Comb
- Aveda Brilliant Damage Control
- Fermodyl 619 (leave-in)
- Sebastian Potion #9 (leave-in + styler)
And that’s that. It was a lot of research and store hopping, but I
feel a lot more confident that I can do this without causing appreciable
heat or manipulation damage. I’ll keep you all apprised of the final
results and will have those product reviews for you too! Go team natural!
Check out my results, HERE.
potential for damage. BUT it leaves me crispity-crackily… like ‘fire hazard haystack’ dry, no matter the prep products I use. My hair only begins to feel supple again after I use a moisturizing setting conditioner for the ensuing dry twist-out. Sometimes, I’d remove the comb attachment and tension dry for less manipulation, but the heat still left my hair super frizzy and dry, cuticle all roughed up… like, my ends felt nasty even when they weren’t.
This article was originally published on October 2012 and has since been updated for grammar and clarity.
This is an extraordinary blog. This blog is very beneficial for me. I really love this post. So, thanks for post this tremendous article.
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I enjoyed this post. Straight hair after months of curls is so exciting. I haven't used heat in 6 months and I plan to continue not using it until either Thanksgiving or New Years (haven't decided yet), but boy am I counting down the days until I get to rock straight hair again! Don't get me wrong, I love my curls, but I find that change is rarely a bad thing!
Thanks for this!
Wow no way! That's a shame cause her site was super informative!
I'd love to blow dry my hair and it be silky. This seems promising. But considering I don't blow dry my hair often……something I'll have to think about.
Straightening my hair this weekend. Thanks for sharing this information. It's very detailed & right on time!
She's a scam artist supposedly, there's alot of blogs that went hard on her about this.
Well somebody should have told me. Lol. I always find hair deals, but never have anywhere to share them. Sorry, the "daily deals" just run for 24 hours. But someone informed me select locations were offering $5 gift cards with certain hair purchases. I will be headed over to your page. Thanks Shelli!
Juli, according to the last post on her site, she has some type of illness and got very sick. There are people who say that she was a grifter though b/c she was selling jewelry right before she disappeared and many were complaining about not getting their items or their money refunded. That's about all I know. I just always hoped that she was okay as it was like she just disappeared in the blink of an eye. She had a really great blog and youtube channel. I'm just glad that all the info she did share is still out there to help us!
Shelli
Awwwww, thanks Cynthia:). No, you are not! A lot of my regular readers seem to have a similar propensity and that's why they like my blog (the research and detail). Thank you again:)!
Shelli
Ditto on what MyNaturalCurlyLife said! I actually have a page on my blog called, "I Found It Cheaper." The post itself is for the best regular price deals, but we put sales, specials and discount codes in the comments as we find them. Do you know how long the sale is running?
Shelli
Thanks DFig! And, awwwww, a new baby … yeah, the need for easy hair is paramount! Good luck!!
What ever happened to mop top maven?
Aveda I saw the store in the mall and really wanted to go in but I am trying to control my PJ personality that I have not named yet lol! I have not done a blowout or used a blow dryer in so long it is dusty under my sink. With this tips I break it out.
Just in time! I was toying with wearing straight for the next couple months. Just until I get a handle on getting myself dressed while taking care of my "new"baby (she's 4 months and STILL I end up with a tangled mess after 2 weeks of no love…MUST.GET.IT.TOGETHER!)
I appreciate the level of detail and the LINKS!
I loved the time and the detail you put into writing this article and posting every single step! love it! I research everything as well I thought I was the only one lol
I forgot to say it's their online "daily deal" which means free shipping. Also, you can mix and match.
I'm also considering straightening for the fall. So this was definetly needed.
If its helping out one Natural Girl to another, than its not Spamming. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Bookmarking this page! 🙂
Her hair is gorgeous!
I think using grapeseed as a heat protectant is a common misconception. Although grape seed has a high smoke point, it doesn't mean that it can serve as a heat protectant. The Beauty Brains website articulates it better than I can. I hope its ok to link to their site here – http://thebeautybrains.com/2012/01/20/is-grape-seed-oil-good-for-protecting-hair-from-heat/
This was timely for me too! I've wanted to try a straight hair regimen for fall. I did curly last year and it did not workout so well, and when I do straighten I can go at least 2 weeks without washing/restyling. This will put my PJism on full blast though.
This came right on time! I will be doing my straight hair regimen for the fall. It's less time consuming for me and allows me to go 2 weeks without re styling. I try to use products that smooth the hair. This allows me to use less heat, and better results.
I don't mean to spam, but I had to share that at target they are having a b1g1 free on Redken,matrix,Paul Mitchell. I use the Redken for my deep conditioner, and just wanted to pass on the deal.