Hair Archives - Style Chicks

iRestore Hair Growth System One Month Update

July 11, 2018 · 5 Comments

Here at Style Chicks, we’ve been running an in-house trial of the iRestore Hair Growth System with three of our own team. Learn more about the iRestore Hair Growth System here and read our one-month reports with pictures below.

LEE

The iRestore Hair Growth System has easily incorporated into my beauty routine. I use it regularly while watching TV.

The shampoo is very nice to use, taming my wiry locks without residue that weighs hair down. Even apart from its anti-DHT properties, I would buy this shampoo.

The supplements are easy to take but it is too soon to know if they are contributing to regrowth.

That’s also true of the hair serum but I can report that it doesn’t weigh down hair in any way like some products I’ve tried that have made my hair look thinner and separated. It also does not leave hair greasy, and there is no unpleasant odor or feel to the serum.

Lee After One Month

COURTNEY

Using the device is pretty easy – I keep it on my desk and use it when I’m answering emails in the morning. The time goes fast since I’m focused on something else. Actually, I really like that it automatically turns off when the session is done because otherwise, I would lose track of time!

I take the supplement after dinner, and while it is too soon to see any effects, I do feel like this is a quality formula and it isn’t hard to swallow, which is rare among supplements containing Biotin.

I really love the shampoo. It’s gentle but really gets my hair clean. More importantly, it really gets my scalp clean. So in addition to removing DHT, I’ve noticed more movement in my hair and it is silkier since using this shampoo. There is a bit more loft in my hair, which is great. Plus, it is so shiny!

I think my favorite part of the iRestore Hair Growth System is the serum. Massaging it into my scalp has turned into a bit of a decadent ritual. Not only does it feel great while I’m doing it, but it is great knowing that I’m doing something to prevent hair loss and fortify existing hair!

I’ve had a bit more hair shedding than normal this month, but I don’t think it’s a side-effect of the iRestore Hair Growth System since it has only been a month.

Courtney After One Month

LYN

While I **THINK** or at least hope my hair loss is not very detectable to others after I wash and style my hair, it does reduce my hairstyle choices.

Examining my hair, I’ve several shorter growth sections. These aren’t deliberate styled layers, they are shortened growth comprised of thinner, drier texture hairs.

I am thankful to find the iRestore Hair Growth System now because if even half these shorter sections stopped producing hair, I believe my hair loss would be very obvious.

I’m also glad to realize the DHT correlation to hair loss, and how removing DHT prevents future loss, and the laser can improve volume and trigger growth in dormant hair follicles.

HELMET USE: So far compliance has been easy. If I know I’ll be out of town or busy during the week, I make a point to reschedule my iRestore use so that I don’t miss the three times a week use requirement.
SUPPLEMENT: The hair loss supplement is easy to swallow, and as a bonus, my short, stubby, below the quick nails are starting to grow from the Biotin. It is really too early to expect to see much with my hair though.
SHAMPOO: I was concerned about washing my hair daily with the iRestore shampoo would strip my hair color, but so far, so good. I still waited 2-3 days post-color and skip washing so the color sets, so having the supplements and serum for back up is helpful. I formerly used a shampoo for dry, colored hair and I was afraid daily shampooing would parch my already dry hair, but even if I don’t condition, my hair stays soft and shiny. My hair felt so soft after use I thought there must be silicones in the shampoo, but I don’t see anything of the sort on the ingredient list.

Here are my one-month updates pictures compared to last month:

Lyn After One Month

So there you have it. One month in, and so far, no glitches!

WHERE TO BUY IT

Interested in trying the iRestore Hair Growth System yourself? Find it at https://www.irestorelaser.com

Style Chicks received the iRestore Hair Growth System for review purposes. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.

HAIR CARE: Extend Time Between Salon Coloring Visits with 4RootZ Colored Hair Gel

June 21, 2018 · 2 Comments

There’s no hiding from gray hair. Many of us start regular hair coloring every four to six weeks. But root regrowth shows as soon as one week after a coloring session. I’ve searched endlessly for a root touch up product to extend the time between coloring appointments. My gripe about root covers is that they look either unnaturally dull and dark, or clumpy and greasy. They flake quickly. And if your hair gets unexpectedly wet (rain, humidity, sweat) most root covers melt faster than the Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard of Oz. So I was excited to find 4RootZ Colored Hair Gel, a natural looking styling gel that when used wet or dry, conceals gray hair until your next shampoo without the dreaded fallout, flaking, or weird inky look of many root covers.

4Rootz Colored Hair Gel helps extend the time between hair coloring sessions

Some of us got some gray hair as early as in our twenties due to stress, diet or hereditary causes. Some of us just have a few errant grays on our temples so we don’t want to color our entire head, just cover a section or two. I’ve tried drugstore to salon brands, and it is surprisingly difficult to get good temporary root coverage, especially if you have dark hair.

4ROOTZ FEATURE OVERVIEW

4RootZ Colored Hair Gel is a unique type of gray hair concealer: it is a gel that can be used on wet or dry hair to style hair while covering gray. It is alcohol-free and non-damaging to hair. It does not flake and it does not leave a residue. It will last through getting wet such as unexpected rain or humid conditions and stays put until you shampoo it out.

It comes in black and brown. Brown can be applied lightly enough to seem like natural root shadow on a dark blonde or redhead or applied a bit thicker for light to dark brown hair.

ADVANTAGES

Unlike some other root touchup systems, 4RootZ Colored Hair Gel can be used on more than just a small section of root regrowth, it can be used on the hair length itself. It can be used by men and women to make hair appear thicker at the hairline and men can use it to fill in the appearance of the color and thickness of a beard or sideburn area.
Even if you don’t color often or perhaps do not color at all, perhaps you’d like to conceal gray for a job interview, date, reunion, or other events. Maybe you want to see how some color might look before committing to regular hair coloring. 4RootZ Colored Hair Gel is an ideal choice for you.
Since the gel can be used on longer sections of hair, it is great for transitioning hair color. If you are growing out your hair to transition to all gray or a gray you can dye pewter or platinum, that middle stage of hair dyed hair and half gray can look terrible. 4Rootz Colored Hair Gel can ease that transition.
Nothing is needed to seal the color in place. But I found you can put hairspray over it if you wish to style more than just with the gel.

WHY 4ROOTZ IS SUPERIOR TO POWDERS, SPRAYS, WAX CRAYONS AND SPONGE-ON LIQUIDS ROOT COVERS

Having personally tried a full range of root covers at all price points from drugstore to salon brands, 4Rootz is by far a preferable choice and the only one that has not required a mid-day touch-up.

Each root cover method has its’ flaws.

Powder-based root covers are similar to dark, high-pigment eyeshadow pans and applied with a small flat brush. The pan powders look very dark, powdery, dry and do not naturally reflect the light, so they look odd but do conceal roots for a few hours.

There are also aerosol or pump sprays that distribute powder with a bit of adhesive with varying degrees of success. Root concealer sprays only last as long as the adhesive fixer does. Then the powder starts to flake and fall off onto the face, hands, and clothes.

Most powders, regardless of delivery system, have no sheen and appear too matte to discretely match the actual hair color.

Any moisture can disturb powder root concealer and make it run onto the skin, including sweat, rain, steam, or even just high humidity.

Crayons root concealers have a makeup foundation to wax-like consistency, more like the makeup used to fill in sparse eyebrows. The wax does stay put, but often looks greasy on top of hair, and not like hair. This method best serves when very few hairs need to be concealed or darkened, such as filling in gray or sparse eyebrows, perhaps a few grays at the temple.

Wet sprays or sponge on concealers work essentially like a sponge applicator shoe polish tip concept, and often look about as natural. They go on dry hair and are supposed to last until they are shampooed out but they tend to clump hair together like it is dirty or greasy. They appear semi-transparent in harsh office lighting. They are easier to control when it comes to color placement and getting hard to access areas like the hairline, sideburns, temples or on a beard. They can be used to create a more natural look when less coverage is needed.

That’s my take on traditional gray root coverage products. Better than going out with obvious roots, but not by much. In my opinion, even the best of them are too opaque and obvious in office lighting and especially sunlight.

4ROOTZ APPLICATION AND EXPERIENCE

4Rootz comes in a generous size tube. Just a small amount will cover gray.

APPLICATION: I apply 4Rootz to clean, damp hair, but it can be used on dry. I comb it through with a narrow width comb or my fingers to distribute it evenly. It washes off my hands fairly easily.

STYLING: It does not dry greasy, there is the mildest sheen, like natural hair. If I apply it to wet hair, it dries without being chunky or piece-y like some gels, and if I use a hairdryer it has a smoother, fuller look. I also tried putting it on damp, freshly washed hair at night, braiding my hair into one or two braids, and letting it dry overnight for soft, beachy waves. It did not get on my pillow.

PIGMENT: It is a HIGHLY concentrated pigment, so a variety of brown hair tones can use it, even dark blondes and redheads, depending on how thinly it is applied. It is a nice overall tint, not heavy or ink-like. It looks natural to me in both office lighting and sunlight.

Just a dab covers gray hair. The color is buildable, you can always add more

CONSISTENCY: Styling with it is not like a sticky hair gel, it feels more like a like a creamy lotion. You may wish to rub it between your fingers to warm it a bit for easy application and distribution.

4Rootz becomes creamy and spreads easily

The highly pigmented gel can be applied for opaque or sheer coverage

Only a small amount is needed to cover roots

RESULTS: It is not completely covering every single gray, but it is doing a pretty convincing job at hiding roots from being obvious and it blends well. I would recommend starting with less product than you think you need and adding more from there. It doesn’t flake so adding more when the hair is dry doesn’t appear crunchy.

WEAR/FALLOUT: It is fine when I brush my hair mid-day, although I would recommend not to brush hair too much during the day, as with any gel styling product. There are no granules of product flaking off. I also do not find it coming off on my pillow or clothing.

SMELL: There is no detectable scent to me.

CONCLUSION

If you color gray hair, you likely experience unwanted tell-tale roots between colorings. Having a reliable and versatile root concealing product saves time and money between colorings without harsh chemicals that can harm the hair. If you plan the coloring of your hair to look its’ best for a special occasion or event, or want to wait another week or two between appointments, 4Rootz Colored Hair Gel is an invaluable resource.

Most root covers leave me wondering if my hair looks weird in that lighting or if it has worn off already, but 4RootZ stays put all day and looks natural in a variety of settings.

Even if you do not color but wish for occasional gray coverage, 4RootZ Colored Hair Gel provides coverage that stays put without appearing harsh, sticky, too matte or dark. It blends well into hair and beards while providing scalp coverage and conceals roots without fallout or staining of clothes, skin or pillowcases.

WHERE TO FIND IT

Find the 4RootZ Colored Hair Gel in Brown or Black at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0794DB9RV

Style Chicks received 4RootZ Colored Hair Gel in Brown 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.

Tackle Thinning Hair with iRestore Hair Growth System

May 25, 2018 · Leave a Comment

The internet is full of remedies for growing thicker, fuller and longer hair. But there’s little reliable data on what can be done for hair thinning, which happens to 40% of women.

Hair thinning may only be noticeable to you and your stylist because a clever part or hairstyle can conceal thinner or problematic hair sections. But it’s there. Even before you can visibly detect thinner areas of hair on your head, you may see an atypical amount of hair loss on your hairbrush or hair fall while washing hair. And once you notice it on yourself, you notice it on others: sparse sections in the hairline or temples, and widening partlines. It occurs for a variety of reasons including hormones, age, heredity, diet, post-partum stress, taking medications and chronic illness.

Internet hair growth and thickening lore are less helpful for hair loss and it is easy to get misdirected onto unhelpful and even harmful ideas. Home remedies for reducing hair fall and encouraging thicker, fuller hair include rubbing the scalp with coconut, castor, Vitamin E or amla oil. Some experience better hair growth with Pre-Natal vitamins. While these remedies can help, they only address select hair growth contributing factors, they are not a catch-all solution nor do they address hair loss at the source.

Beautiful hair is not to be left to chance. The phrase “good hair day” exists for a reason: our sense of how we look is often tied to the appearance of our tresses. And if something can optimize our hair, we are so on board. So here at StyleChicks, we’re excited to try the iRestore Hair Growth System, an at-home use, FDA-cleared, clinically proven to way to grow hair for both men **AND** women.

ABOUT THE iRESTORE HAIR GROWTH SYSTEM

The iRestore is an FDA-Cleared device that is a dome-shaped helmet that is worn for 25 minutes, every other day, for a pain-free laser treatment. On the inside of the helmet are twenty-one Class 3R lasers and thirty LED diodes that produce a red light in a specific nanometer range. This range has been clinically demonstrated to stimulate hair follicles, thereby enhancing regrowth.

Helmet dome headband

LEDs and Lasers in off mode

Lasers and LEDs on

Why exactly does this work?

When a hair follicle experiences poor blood flow or the build-up of a hormone by-product called Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hair follicle slowly shrinks until it no longer produces hair.

How do you know your follicles are suffering from poor blood flow or DHT build-up, or both? You can detect a struggling follicle by looking for the shorter, thinner hairs on your head. The existing hair gets thinner and shorter until it sheds and another hair does not grow back in its’ place. When many follicles do this, hair becomes sparse in areas, exposing more scalp.

DHT

DHT sneaks up on you. Many of us do not wash our hair daily so as not to over-dry the hair length. Or we may wash less to try to retain a style like a blow-out or retain our hair color or highlights. But the longer one goes not washing their scalp, the more damage DHT can do to a hair follicle, effectively smothering it to death. Dead follicles no longer receive a regular blood supply.

To make matters worse, home remedies such as rubbing the head with heavy oils such as coconut oil can actually trap DHT under a thin oil residue, even after the coconut oil is shampooed squeaky-clean out of the hair length. DHT can be addressed in part by shampoos, topical serums, and vitamin supplements. But topicals alone cannot fix follicles that no longer receive the blood supply needed to grow new hair.

INCREASED BLOOD FLOW REVIVES FOLLICLES

How does laser light break the pattern of hair loss due to non-producing follicles? A dormant follicle can get a “kick-start” from the laser because it increases blood flow to follicles, which brings the right nutrients and support to bring it back to life, once again producing hair. Second, the laser can extend the growth phase of hair to restore a healthy hair production cycle once again. As a side bonus, currently producing follicles and the scalp also benefit from increased nutrients and blood flow.

OVERVIEW

Each kit contains the iRestore ID-500 Laser Dome (the helmet), a power adapter, a remote control, and a user manual.

Additional iRestore products include a Hair Growth Serum, Shampoo, and a 3-in-1 Supplement. These are geared towards the DHT side of hair loss and providing internal and topical nutrients that keep follicles making healthy hair.

iRestore Shampoo, 3-in-1 Supplement, and Hair Growth Serum

There is also a portable power unit available so you can be mobile while using the helmet and not be tethered to a plug.

PUTTING IRESTORE TO THE TEST

While the clinical data is impressive, the real proof is in the pudding, or in this case, in an in-house trial by three ladies from the Style Chicks team. Three of our own will be using the iRestore and be reporting back each month their results over the course of our own study. So join us each month to see how iRestore works on real people.

The ladies from the Style Chicks team will be Lee, Lyn, and Courtney. Here are their initial impressions:

LEE

The iRestore unit is lightweight and has a generous length cord, so most people should be able to use it in a variety of settings at their desk, at the computer, sitting in bed with a laptop or tablet, or watching TV.

The helmet is comfortable and fits securely on the head.

The unit runs silently for 25 minutes followed by a soft “beep” to signal the treatment is over. You will probably find you need that signal since it’s easy to forget the helmet is on your head.

It’s practical to combine the iRestore treatment with other activities such as answering email, paying bills, reading, or, my personal favorite, watching TV. To establish a pattern of regular use, I use my iRestore when I watch the HGTV series “Fixer Upper”, which seems apropos.

The science is there to back the product claims so, if it works for me, it’s so easy to use there’s absolutely no reason to prevent keeping up with the iRestore program.

Lee before pictures, May 2018

LYN

I’m terrible at consistent device use, so establishing a pattern was key. I am online every day, so keep the iRestore on my desk by my laptop so I remember to use the helmet every other day. It fits on my head without slipping or feeling too heavy.

LAZY PERSON CONFESSION: It’s easier to adhere to regular use with this hair growth device and I use it more consistently over a laser comb, band or daily topicals because I don’t have to do anything once I put it on, like moving the comb or band into place and holding it in place on the head. Both my hands are free and it doesn’t make an annoying noise. I find this makes it much easier to use regularly even if I am busy all day. But at some point, I am on my computer and can use it while I work.

BATTERY PACK
With the optional power battery pack unit, I can get up and walk around during treatment and attend to various tasks. The battery pack unit clips onto a belt clip and allows plenty of flexibility of use. However, with the main power unit that comes with the device, if something disrupts your session and you need to take the iRestore dome helmet off, it senses it is not on the head and pauses automatically. It can also be paused mid-session on the head by pressing the start button. I find this useful in keeping consistent use, knowing if a disruption happens I will still get the full treatment.

VITAMINS
I previously considered my hair vitamin needs covered, I’ve been taking hair vitamins for some time. I’ve had improved hair and nail growth from Biotin, so I was curious what would be the difference between your basic hair vitamin and the iRestore 3-in-1 Hair Growth Formula.

The iRestore supplement includes, amongst other hair friendly vitamins and minerals, a key DHT fighter: Saw Palmetto. While it has been used for centuries, Saw Palmetto is rarely seen in hair growth vitamins, but it should be. Saw Palmetto inhibits 5-reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT. Saw Palmetto also inhibits the DHT receptors in the follicles, limiting the damage that DHT can do. I prefer not to wash my hair daily when I get my hair freshly colored. If you don’t wash your hair daily for whatever reason to remove DHT, Saw Palmetto is a must have for fighting DHT related hair loss over time. I don’t expect result right away, but I am happy to find this unique hair vitamin combination.

Lyn before, May 2018

COURTNEY

The iRestore is easy enough to use, the 25 minutes goes by quickly. It’s comfortable and the lights stay focused on the scalp without dispersing, so no goggles are necessary. The light is powerful but precise.

SERUM

It is too early to tell if the serum works, but the smell is pleasant and it doesn’t leave a greasy or dirty look on the hair or scalp.

SHAMPOO
I was pleasantly surprised by the iRestore shampoo. Typically shampoo geared toward hair regrowth or scalp health tends to smell medicinal and makes my hair dry, this was just a clean, gentle, regular scent that was pleasant and lathered well. It did not leave a residual on my hair and it made my hair feel thick and strong. I followed up with my own moisturizing daily conditioner. I tend to dislike using a shampoo from a set because it rarely meets my haircare needs, but this is a great go-to shampoo that leaves my hair soft.

Courtney before, May 2018

There you have it! Check in next month to see each of our updates on using iRestore.

WHERE TO BUY IT

Interested in trying the iRestore Hair Growth System yourself? Find it at https://www.irestorelaser.com

Style Chicks received the iRestore Hair Growth System for review purposes. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.

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: 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 at 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.