Current Favourite: Unix Take Out Mini Multi Iron

I first saw this in one of Shu Ann's Tried and Tested episodes where she visited Seoul. I was immediately attracted by the vibrant colours of these curling tools. These travel-friendly mini irons are only as big as my palm and I was very fortunate to be able to track it down at Watson during my trip to Taiwan. And what's more, I paid NT$399 (~RM47) instead of NT$499 (~RM58) all thanks to some anniversary event Watson was having at that time. I opted for the Multi Iron which can be used to straighten and curl hair and it comes with a pouch and a cord holder.

I usually apply Lucido-L Designing Aqua Hair Curl Lotion (a heat protectant spray) and Ma Cherie Decoration Keep Spray before and after curling my hair. I only curl the end of my hair as recently I've been loving an airy and simple look over big bouncy curls.

This is how it looks like after some time even after setting my hair with spray. The curls as you can are not very lasting, I must say.

If I'm not wrong, Unix can only be found in Korea and Taiwan at the moment. But you can also get it online either through Ebay, Amazon, Taobao or Qoo10.

Is this absolutely necessary? Honestly, no. You can recreate what I did here using a straightener or a curling iron. But like I said, I was sold when I saw how tiny and cute and colourful they are. But if you're a frequent traveller, why not? But heads up, this might not be suitable for people with long and thick hair as the wand is fairly tiny and it might take ages to style.

FYI: The little black circle at the bottom left corner in the last picture is the eye of my crocodile plush toy I got from Ikea. Yup. I am 20 something (the exact number is a classified information!) and I still own plush toys. Totally normal. *awkward giggles*

2 easy overnight curls/waves (heatless)

    

#1 Very very simple. Just braid your hair when it's damp (not wet!) and sleep on it. Or spray your hair to make it moist if it's dry. Loosen up the braid the next day. It would last more than 5 hours with or without hair spray. 

#2 This is a technique taught by the ever gorgeous Lindsey Michelle. You'll need 2-3 hairbands to secure your hair once you twist it inwardly (or outwardly, whichever you prefer). You'll get nice loose curls on the next morning.

Easy. Hassle-free. Heatless. Not to mention it only takes you like, what? Less than 3 minutes? Seriously these are the best techniques ever. There's even more on Pinterest that I have yet to try, so feel free to search and experiment but remember to tell me the results!

Note: These techniques don't 100% work on naturally straight hair. I used to have straight hair and the braid did not work at all; but now that my hair is permed the curls/waves manage to stay. So yea. Just a heads up. Winky face.

L'Oreal Professionel Mythic Oil

Controlling oil for unruly hair, contains a blend of argan oil and rice bran oil.

This is a gift from my cousin around 2 months ago and I have been using this hair oil ever since. Wasn't impressed initially, but after a couple times of using, I found that it does tame my crazily frizzy & bushy hair and makes my curls look more delicate not to mention shiny & wavy, no matter when it is applied on damp or dry hair. Texture wise, it is not as thick as a typical hair serum would be and also not greasy at all despite that it is a hair oil.

However it doesn't really fix the root of the problem. My hair reverts back to its previous state few hours after application as if I'm somehow related to Hermione Granger. Or perhaps my permed hair is so damaged that it's beyond redemption. Boo.

Alas, the search continues. On a side note, happy birthday to my bestest friend Tami, who have stood by me and supported me through many ups and downs. Love you bae. x

Things you can do to your hair

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="768"] Clockwise from upper left: Waterfall braid (2 strands), waterfall braid (3 strands), fish braid, the French braid.[/caption]

Having long hair had been my dream when I was a kid since my hair was short for almost 17 years of my life (no kidding) due to some strict rules in my primary and secondary school. I always felt envious when I saw girls with all kinds of fancy braids at church. Few years ago when I finally had chest length hair, I felt that I can finally do something to my boring straight hair but sadly I didn't know how to braid (except the basic braid of course). 'Fraid not, there's a lot of blog/video tutorials available online. Thanks Internet, thanks Youtube.

The first challenging braid I learnt was the classic French braid. It was a torture - my hands were numb, my brain was confused, my fingers had no idea what they were doing... However it is fairly easy once you get the idea. Now that I can braid my hair within 5 minutes, French braid is usually what I do to my hair when I'm too lazy to wash my hair.

If the French braid is too hard for you, 3 strands waterfall braid is your alternative choice. It is simple and easy to master as long as you know how to do a basic braid. I often wear this braid when my fringe annoys me or turns oily.

You can also try 2 strands waterfall braid. Very, very simple and cute plus all the steps are uncomplicated. At the time when the photo above was taken, I was a novice in braiding and my hair was braided by my talented friend Joanne.

Fish braid must be the hardest braid among the mentioned braids above and the other common ones. The steps are confusing not to mention tiring especially when you have thicker hair. But I guess it's all worth it considering the outcome. In the photo above my hair was braided by another talented friend Dhameera.

Other than all that are mentioned, there's also the Dutch braid (which is quite similar to the French braid except that the braid is kinda... inside out), ladder braid, bow braid, mermaid braid, etc. Also, instead of braiding just as what is shown in the tutorials, you can also jump outside the box and improvise to spice things up, like doing a side French braid, tying your hair into a bun at the end of the braid instead of letting it down or braid into ponytail. What's most important is to have fun right!

Anyway, this is my current favourite. Casual and elegant, suitable for any occasion.

I still need more practice though... Oh well, I guess practice is the key to success. Till the next time.

x Jess