Hair Health

Get a Great Deal on HairMax Devices during Hair Loss Awareness Month!

August 20, 2019 · Leave a Comment

As long time Style Chicks readers are aware, we love HairMax devices. We have been reviewing them since 2011! HairMax has recently expanded their product lineup and has some amazing deals this August for National Hair Loss Awareness Month.

All deals run through August 24th

SAVINGS: $100 Savings on the Ultima 9 Classic LaserComb â€“ use code: LCREGROW9
FREE 3pc Density Starter Kit, which includes: STIMUL8â„¢ Shampoo, EXHILAR8â„¢ Conditioner, ACCELER8â„¢ Hair Booster + Nutrients and our NEW Quick Dry Towel ($44 value) with EVERY laser device purchase on HairMax Use code: HAIRAWARE at check out.

They also have a fantastic giveaway this week on Instagram:

Free Starter Kit + RSN8 Pro Scalp Treatment + Healthy Hair Supplements + Quick Dry Towel + HairMax Hair FibersÂ ($132 value)

We will be reviewing some of their new products soon but these are really fantastic deals, so take advantage of them now!

Healthy Hair Styling with the Versatile Merakii Steam Curling Straightener with Argan Oil Infuser

May 5, 2018 · Leave a Comment

Argan Oil does wonders for hair health and appearance, making it softer, silkier, and shinier. Argan Oil is also frequently used as a styling agent, although this is a tricky balance: too much leaves hair greasy, too little doesn’t enhance shine. The Merakii Steam Hair Curling Straightener is designed a way to combine flat iron or curl styling infused with the benefits of Argan Oil by steaming Argan Oil into the hair for both a conditioning treatment and styling system in one.

Argan Oil Steam Curling Straighter with durable swiveling cord

ABOUT ARGAN OIL

Argan Oil works in three ways to improve hair:

CONDITIONING: by improving the health of growing hair. Argan Oil makes hair healthier with its’ rich fatty acid content and Vitamin E. Vitamin E is an anti-oxidant and encourages the production of strong, healthy hair.
RESTORING: by reversing much of the damage done by chemicals, styling products, and the use of flat irons and hot styling tools.
ENHANCING:Â by improving the appearance, shine, and softness of the existing hair.

The Merakii Steam Curling Straightener delivers the Argan Oil deep into the hair by having it penetrate the hair shaft via steam. This gives a dual styling and conditioning benefit. Steam styling is also far gentler on the hair than straight dry heat, and the style tends to lock-in and lasts longer.

3D Floating Ceramic Plate provides for even heat surfaces whether curling or straightening

Merakii Steam Curling Straightener FEATURE OVERVIEW

Heats up in under one minute
Auto shut off after 60 minutes
Designed to straighten, wave and to curl
Three temperature settings: 180C (350F), 200c, (400F) and 220c (430F) for even hard to straight or curl hair.
Swivel base and body with salon length cord
Steam Knob control for the steam pump
Use water or water and Argan Oil steam
Thick, durable ceramic plates
Sturdy but not too heavy to hold during styling
A unique 3D Floating surrounding heating plate of 3.5 inches. This styles and treats the sides of the hair for the smoothest look with no ridges or bumps.

HOW THE ARGAN & STEAM WORKS

A small chamber tank is used to hold either just water for steam or a combination of water and Argan Oil to steam infuse the Argan Oil evenly through your hair. This not only penetrates deeper into the hair shaft but results in a far evener distribution of Argan Oil that is just enough to be shiny and silky but not weigh hair down or make it appear greasy.

Removable water tank

The kit comes with a small glass bottle, see the included directions of use for the ratio of how much water to Argan Oil. Use the Argan Oil of your choice.

Easy to follow guide for filling instructions, use, styling tips

Once the bottle is filled and ready, remove the water tank compartment from the side of the flat iron. Underneath you will see a spot to uncap and fill with the Argan Oil and water mix in your bottle. Replace the cap and fit the water tank back onto the styling tool.

Comes with a guide, bottle, and clips

The ceramic plates function both traditionally and to diffuse a steam mist to style and condition your hair. There is just enough steam to enable styling and Argan penetration. Hair will not become excessively damp, but it is enough to style and not rob your hair of its’ own natural moisture during the heat style process and to keep hair from burning even at higher heats.

Close up of the steam function of the ceramic plates

TIP: While these are anti-clogging steam plates, ONLY use the amount of oil instructed, this is not a case where “more is more”. The best results are with this exact ratio or just using water for the styling power of steam.

AS A CURLER

The unique swivel body and base along with its’ shape make it very easy to use this as a curler. A bit of practice with the included clips make for some great waves ranging from bombshell to beach waves to vintage 20’s wave set styles.

Barrel shape for use as a curler or waver

CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN

The shape of the Merakii Steam Curling Straightener is easy to hold in my hand. Made with a long cord with a swivel base, it is easy to use this on even very long hair. The handle remains cool to the touch.

The parts are well constructed and the 10ml chamber tank is sturdy. It holds 1/3 of an ounce. All knobs, buttons, and switches are in working order. There is an easy to read digital display. I am especially impressed with the durability and size of the ceramic plates.

Sturdy construction and design elements

Operation panel easy to use and read buttons

RESULTS

The steam adds a nice styling component, it does not unduly wet the hair down, just enough to style. The infusion of Argan Oil is just the right amount to not get too sticky while creating optimal shine and softness. I love that with this steam and Argan Oil combination, I can style my hair without chemicals AND that it has the benefit of a leave-in conditioning treatment without the stiffness or dullness of most leave-in conditioner.

Easy to use Steam Control

OPINION

We love how the versatile Merakii Steam Curling Straightener turns a hair-damaging heat styling tool like a flat iron and turns it into a styling and conditioning treatment that is actually BENEFICIAL for the hair.

WHERE TO BUY IT

Get an extra 30% off through May 16th, 2018 atÂ https://www.amazon.com/gp/mpc/AQ1NYJLNIVNPQ

Style Chicks received the Merakii Steam Curling Straightener in exchange for our unbiased review and received compensation for our time and effort. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.

Spa Day For Your Scalp: Head and Shoulders Green Apple Shampoo

December 12, 2016 · 2 Comments

Who doesn’t want beautiful, soft, bouncy, shiny hair? Count me in.

I’ve used Coconut Oil, Jojoba and Argan Oil on my hair, and numerous mid-level to expensive conditioners. Many leave a residue. Residue inadvertently sabotages the beautiful hair quest in two ways: it leads to lifeless, dull hair, and impairs the health and function of the scalp.

A clarifying shampoo removes product build-up from the length of hair. But what about the scalp? How do you know if product residue negatively impacts your hair goals and if so, what can be done about it?

RESIDUE FROM HAIR GROWTH AND HAIR CONDITIONING REMEDIES
Have you tried any of the Pinterest recommended hair conditioning and hair growth methods of massaging Argan Oil, Aloe Vera, Jojoba Oil or Coconut Oil directly onto the scalp and through the length of the hair? Intended in part as a hydrating scalp treatment, these oils nourish hair follicles and can promote hair growth and leave hair so super-soft. Coconut Oil makes my hair soft, pliable and better-behaved, even my brittle ends feel moisturized! But these topical methods can cause harm if the scalp cannot breathe under that layer of hair moisturizing goodness.

SCALP CARE: WHY THE SCALP MUST BE RESIDUE-FREE TO GROW HAIR
If the scalp is obstructed by oil, sweat, dandruff, environmental pollution, or layer of residue from Coconut Oil or any other product, the scalp can’t grow thick, healthy hair; it suffocates under the residue. If your scalp isn’t healthy, it isn’t receptive to stimulating new hair growth. A dry, flaky scalp blocks the absorption of any nutrients applied to the scalp.

Even worse, residue on the scalp can entrap a hormone product that accumulates near the hair follicles called Dihydrotestosterone or DHT. If DHT is not washed away, it can shrink or even kill hair follicles, meaning thinner brittle hair. Residue on the scalp such as dandruff, styling product, or treating oils can block even a clarifying shampoo from reaching the DHT and removing it. Shampoos with Zinc Pyrithione effectively cut through residue, sweat, oil, or dandruff and remove DHT from the scalp.

What is Zinc Pyrithione? It is antiseborrheic, which means it slows down the production of skin cells that create flakiness. A clarifying shampoo with Zinc Pyrithione is Head & Shoulders.

“YEAH, BUT I DON’T HAVE MUCH DANDRUFF,” YOU SAY
Even if you don’t have apparent dandruff, your scalp is still skin and needs to exfoliate regularly, just like your facial skin. This allows the scalp to be cleaner and healthier, like how your face feels after exfoliating with a facial cleansing brush. And also like after facial exfoliation, treatment products sink in evenly and absorb better when the scalp is flake-free. If you massage any conditioning or treating agent or oil into your scalp, it makes sense to use shampoo that can optimize the treatment surface of your scalp by removing any barrier – dry skin flakes or oil or product or residue – to your hair treatment. Scalp Care is about more than just a wash for oil and sweat removal; proper exfoliation of dry scalp skin is like a spa day for your scalp and follicles.

But ideally, in addition to being confident that your scalp is flake-free, a scalp cleansing shampoo should be gentle to the length of the hair. A concern I had about using a dandruff shampoo for scalp care and as my clarifying shampoo, is would it strip or dull my hair color, or dry or damage my hair that is already dry from coloring and processing?

PUTTING THE NEW HEAD & SHOULDERS SHAMPOO TO THE TEST

TEST: For a few days before coloring, I use a clarifying shampoo for to remove styling gunk and any conditioning treatment residue off my hair and scalp. I want my hair as clean as possible without stripping out the moisture from hair or scalp. This way the hair dye can adhere without making my scalp sensitive.

TEST METHOD: I washed half of my head with my regular salon-brand clarifying shampoo and the other half of my head with the new Head & Shoulders Green Apple Shampoo.

USE: Head & Shoulders Green Apple Shampoo lathered readily. It had a light, very pleasant apple scent. I massaged my hair with the lather, focusing on my scalp for about 4 1/2 minutes and then I left it on my hair for another minute before rinsing. The recommended length of time to lather is 3 1/2 to 6 minutes, depending on your hair length and thickness. It felt cool on the scalp.

I rinsed my hair. It rinsed away easily and cleanly, even though I have hard water. I didn’t feel any residue in my hair while wet, and it left no residue afterward.

RESULTS: My hair felt clean without being stripped of natural oils and the body of my hair was shiny but not dry or brittle. My hair is long, and the brittle ends did not feel “crunchy” after using the Head & Shoulders. They were soft and smooth. Daily use has not dried out my hair or damaged it. It feels strong.

An unexpected side benefit was that my scalp feels good. Most hair clarifiers leave my scalp feeling tight and dry. The side of my head that I used my regular clarifying shampoo feels and looked drier.

NO RESIDUE!!!
I was surprised this left no residue because (confession time!) I had stopped using Head & Shoulders years ago because it left a residue on my hair after washing. I am happy to report: this is not your Grandma’s Head & Shoulder’s because I had no residue left whatsoever. It also smells of green apple; there is not any medicinal smell.

INGREDIENTS
In addition to the pyrithione zinc technology, the ingredients include tea tree essence and peppermint oil, which leave the scalp feeling fresh, itch-free, and is invigorating for a daily shampoo to get your day going.

PRODUCT BENEFITS
Head & Shoulders Green Apple Shampoo fights dandruff with the great scent of green apple, leaving hair smelling great AND Head & Shoulders Green Apple Shampoo is a pH balanced, gentle shampoo for daily use on all hair types, including colored or chemically treated hair. It removes up to 94 percent of dandruff irritants!

CONCLUSION
If you are growing your hair out for an event such as a wedding or just want longer, stronger hair, what products go on your scalp is key. Many clarifying shampoos can treat product build up from styling products, but few address scalp care without causing undue drying or damage to the hair itself. Head & Shoulders Green Apple Shampoo made my hair look healthy and shiny and made my scalp flake-free, clean and hydrated. It did not dry out my hair, and it did not strip the vibrant color out of my freshly colored hair.

Get Head and Shoulders Green Apple Shampoo on Amazon.

This content was sponsored by Head & Shoulders, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. I hope you enjoy following along!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Head & Shoulders. The opinions and text are all mine.