Beauty

I have a serious phobia of cutting my hair. I’m not sure when it happened, but one day I discovered my round face suited ultra long locks over the standard mid-length variety and since then I’ve fought to not over trim at subsequent salon visits.  This endeavour can be a serious, arduous task when I also prefer honey blonde locks that requires a bit of bleaching each visit.  Opting for balayage, choosing a colourist who makes roots look good, and Japanese imported salon treatments at each appointment goes a long way in maintenance, but here are a few of my favourite life saving products.  Just in case you are a long hair, bleach addict like myself.

Elvive Extraordinary Oil:  This is when I am on a budget, and I generally have a spare bottle lying around for when I run out of my current serum.  It’s very easy on the bank account and just two pumps does wonders for your ends.  Apply to towel dried locks before styling and you will protect your ends from heat damage.  I also apply to 2nd or 3rd day hair if my ends are feeling a little dry.  Just smudge a bit on my fingertips and work it through before I throw it up in a bun to later create a wavy mess.

Redken All Soft Heavy Cream:  I am obsessed with this deep conditioning mask.  If my hair is feeling very dry I just go ahead and use it as my daily conditioner, otherwise once a week does the trick.  You can opt for a quick version and apply for five minutes while you shower, or towel dry, apply generously, and wrap in towel for 20 minutes for a luxurious hair treat.  I guarantee silky smooth locks as a result.

Pure Argan Oil:  I started noticing that this was a key ingredient in many of my favourite hair serums so decided to try it in its natural form.  It’s a little too heavy to use as a serum before blow drying, but if I wash my hair the night before I apply 5-6 drops overnight and wake up with very silky hair. I also just slather it on, avoiding roots, if I’m not going out and leave for several hours as a deep conditioner. Just wash it out next time you shampoo.  It really helps keep up the condition of your hair and remember it’s great for your skin as well!

Redken Smooth Lock Heat Glide:  I use this when I’m going to be doing a lot of heat styling. Keeps my hair from getting dry and gives a very smooth, shiny appearance.  A little goes a very long way and my bottle lasts for months at a time.  I use my curling iron a lot to produce waves, so this product is essential in my beauty routine.

Morrocan Oil:  I know this is a cult favourite but I have to rave about it too.  I have been using this for years and it’s by far my favourite daily serum.  Works great on dry or wet hair.  Use a little on your ends if your hair needs a bit of refreshing, and if you have long, thick, colour treated locks like mine, it’s very hard to use too much.  I never feel it’s greasy, but my hair always comes out soft and in control.

Share any great products you guys recommend too!

xx

I’m always on the prowl for a great, talented hairdresser who can achieve that non brassy, slightly ashy blonde .  Kim Robinson took me to my absolute blondest a while back and I’ve been obsessed with the look since.  If his Central located, luxurious salon is too pricey for your budget make sure to check out his new venture KR+.  The trendy, relaxed salon has a distinct stylish vibe and their hair technicians exude great skill and use top of line products just as would be expected from the Kim Robinson brand.  I walked out with perfect Autumn ready honey blonde locks that felt healthy and easy to manage.  Make sure to check out their Sai Ying Pun and Causeway Bay locations and try it for yourself.
xx

KR+

www.krplus.com

Sai Ying Pun

SOHO 189
Shop 8, 189 Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun, HK (MTR Exit A1)

MIDTOWN CWB

I wanted to share with you guys my go-to mani/pedi spot in HK.  I can’t go more than a few weeks without visiting this little sanctuary.  The Nail Library has three locations, Upper House, Central, and Sheung Wan, but their Po Hing Fong shop is my favourite little place to unwind and escape from a busy day.  Only a few minutes walk from home, the quiet haven incorporates stylish industrial design and comforting seating and ambiance.  The knowledgable staff are always helpful with whatever nail art you would like to try, which non-toxic products are best during your pregnancy, or being super quick if you are in a hurry.  I can’t recommend them more if you are looking for a regular spot to pamper your hands and feet.  Bring a few girlfriends and sip tea and bubbly while catching up, and make sure to try their decadent, exclusive Louboutin experience for a true VIP treat.

The Nail Library

Sheung Wan: 6 Po Hing Fong Street

Central: Level 2, 6 Cochrane Street

Upper House, Admiralty

 Before  

As many of you probably know, I’m a little lazy about getting my hair done.  I think I’m just too antsy for the whole process, but sometimes a girl has to sacrifice and suffer for the greater cause.  I recently visited Hollywood Hair to try out the salon for the first time.  I was in dire need of a haircut (I think we were getting to waist length) and was eager to try their make-up services as well.  The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming from the moment I entered and within minutes I was convinced to veer off my original plan and sample their balayage colouring technique to touch up my roots.  Benjamin Amey, their resident balayage expert, went through a few options with me and taught me the great art of loving my roots.  The process was not only quick and simple, but got me to the blonde I crave without any brassiness and a lot less damage.  The best part is balayage blends so well, so your grow out won’t be as noticeable which means less visits to the salon.  Yay! I am defintely enjoying the natural results and can say I do love my roots if it means I don’t have to spend hours in a salon chair anytime soon.

After the colour was finished, we delved right into the cut.   Matthew helped me get rid of the super damaged ends and added a few layers to give it a bit of shape.  My hair instantly felt lighter and healthier and the layers brought out the beach waves I am always working to create.  I was really scared about losing too much length and Matthew listened to it all and made sure to eradicate as much damage as possible without giving me anxiety by chopping it all off.  His blowdry was also amazing, creating perfect waves that lasted through the night.

The last step came when Krystina did my make-up for the evening.  Now I have to admit at this point we only had about 20 minutes left before I had to jet off and she managed to do an deep smokey eye and finished look in that time frame.  She informed me it’s from experience on various tv sets in the past, and didn’t seem rushed at all while she worked.  I was so happy with my intricate look which took mere minutes to create.  The quality of make-up was also impressive and I’m absolutely in love with the Tom Ford palette she used on my eyes.  Already on my must purchase list.

If you are looking for a salon that will make you feel right at home and listen to the details of the look you want to achieve this is the place.  I heard English, Cantonese, and Mandarin all spoken by various stylists while in the salon, and the variety of friendly characters means you won’t have a problem finding the right stylist for you.  Stop by for a blowdry and make-up session before a night out or get a consultation and have a hair makeover.  You won’t regret it.

Thank you Hollywood Hair!

Hollywood Hair

23/F, 1 Duddell Street, Central

Hong Kong