Thursday 6 March 2014

Micro Bead Hair Extensions

What are Microbead Hair Extensions?

Microbead also known as I-Tips are a prebonded extension attached to the hair with a small plastic bead which comes in various different colours to match clients own hair.
Quick and easy to apply a clamp is then used to keep the extension firmly in place. at the root of natural hair. The tip looks much like a thin shoelace tip, and goes undetected within the hair.
No glue is used in the I Tip process.

How long do they last?
I-tips generally last up to 3-5 months they say.
My hairdresser has explained to me that the hair itself should stay in great condition up to 1 year and I go to her every 8 or 9 weeks for a reapplication which mean they are taken out and reapplied with new beads back up to the root.
A full head of I-tip extensions can take approximately 2 hours to fit.
Removal is quick and simple and involved only the bead being unclamped and the strand slid down the natural hair.
By loosening the bead and drawing it back up the strand the bead can be closed again allowing a further duration of time for the hair to be securely in the client’s hair.
Here is a picture of mine after 4 weeks, still very close and tight to the root....

What can I do and not do with the hair extensions?
Basically you can do anything with them, wash, blow dry, curl, straighten, crimp etc etc.
They key with the microbeads is to care for them.
Good hair products are essential in maintaining the life of your extension this also goes for all types of extensions - clip in/ keratin bonds etc. 

Cost of MicroBead Application?
Cost usually depends on hairdresser, where they get the hair and method.
My were 150€ at start off point that included, hair, application, and hairdresser labour.
I then pay 70€ every 9 weeks for maintance.

I think this is very reasonable mainly because these days hair extensions are defiantly not cheap.
Other methods I have researched:
Great Lengths : 870€ (quote I personal received)
Keratin bonds : 300€ (quote from a different salon)
Microbeads from hairspray brand : 299€

I could not justify paying high cost for this ^


Loréal Ever riche is a new range recently brought out all containing no sulphates which is basically the ingredient that drys the hell out of your hair.
Anything not containing sulphates is ideal for any type of hair extensions
I have found this shampoo and conditioner amazing.

It doesn't dry out your hair, it doesn't leave a residue layer and it smells fab.

I really would recommend this range to anyone who struggles with hair extensions.
It will help to prolong the life of them, keep them shiny and prevent them from tangling.


After I shampoo and condition my hair I towel dry and leave hair turban on my hair for about 10 minutes to allow the towel to soak up wetness on head.
I then apply a hair oil to give shine, hydrate and make it easier to untangle any knots I might get. This is very important as you do not what to be tugging and pulling at your extensions as you will damage the bonds and the roots of the natural hair.


I use Precious Oil from Alparf which is available from salons only as far as I am aware.
The picture above is only a sample size as I am heading away for a few days and bringing the large size just takes up too much space. The retail bottle size is 100mls and is priced at €20.


With outstanding detangling and conditioning properties, this oil guarantees instantly tangle-free and soft, glossy hair that is as light as silk.
It protects the hair shaft and reduces drying and styling times.
Ideal for fine hair.
Apply coin sized amount to palm of hand and apply to wet hair, blow dry as normal.

This is generally all of the information to microbeads and the product care but again if anyone has any question please contact me.
Xx



Wednesday 26 February 2014

Makeup from today....

Urban Decay: Woodstock (pink)
MAC: Carbon (black)
Inglot: 77 Gel Liner

Tuesday 18 February 2014

Wow Brown Review

Wow Brown Tan is an a irish set up and run company, created by two former beautician's Donna Ledwidge & Frances Brennan.


As a beauty therapist and beauty junkie I have always found it hard to find a nice tan product that applies well, is long lasting, easy removed and does not smell like chip shop curry!!!
Well guess what ladies, WoW Brown ticks all the right boxes....

I myself have been using wow brown products since my beauty college days, via the professional spray tan solution. And today 5years later I can put my hand up and say I have not used another tan solution since.

When it comes to retail products with wow brown everything down to packaging is so eye catching and fabulous.
Currently there are two different formula types:
       Cream/Lotion DIY
                     &
       Liquid. READY TO GLO

  • Two Shades
  • Streak Free
  • Lasts up to 10 days
  • Smells Fab
                                                                          €21.99




Wow Brown can be purchased online on their website @ http://www.wowbrown.com
Ships within Ireland & International Shipping is also available

Tips For Applying WoW Brown


1. Begin Lightly exfoliating about a week prior to applying tan as this will give the chance to remove       dead dry skin cells and be able to moisture well enough that the tan will sit correct on the skin.

2. DO NOT apply moisturiser 24hours prior to applying tan as this will create a barrier on the surface of the skin.

3. Always apply tan with a soft fluffy clean tan mitt.
And use mitt in circular motions when  applying

4. Ensure to wear light cotton clothing after application that means no bra or tight underwear where possible.

5. If you wake in the morning and think you look like terracotta paint don't panic, the tan has developed and the surface layer is to be washed down 8hours after application. The colour of tan will then settle and you will be beautifully golden brown.

6. While shower do not scrub too roughly as you will remove too much and your efforts of applying will be pointless... And we definitely do not need that dilemma!!

7. Pat dry after showering - DO NOT rub skin with towel....

8. Apply a non scented moisturiser lightly over skin to give a beautiful glow

9. Regularly moisture to prevent flaky patches this will also ensure you get long lasting results from your tan

10. Enjoy...... 💛

WoW Brown Created by Fran & Don
Supporter of Irish Businesses


La Bella Vita: Urban Decay Vice 2 Palette Review.....

La Bella Vita: Urban Decay Vice 2 Palette Review.....: Vice 2 So I purchased the Vice 2 palette approx 3months ago, and I have loved it everyday since. Here in Ireland the Vice 2 retails at 49...

Urban Decay Vice 2 Palette Review.....

Vice 2

So I purchased the Vice 2 palette approx 3months ago, and I have loved it everyday since.
Here in Ireland the Vice 2 retails at 49€ at most ud counters/stands based in debenhams.
Seems a bit pricey at first thought, but the vice 2 includes 20 new & exclusive shades. And plus individual UD shades go for 18€ Each so you are saving quite a bit if you opt for a palette.

The Packaging

Although fairly different from the first edition of the Vice collection, Urban Decay have really stepped it up with the second.
A fabulous marble effect solid purple case, with the 'ud' in jewel effect on top, easy press button to open the palette and a generously large mirror on the inner of palette really make this value for money.









Eye shadows

As mentioned above the UD palette contains 20 eyeshadows, most of which have shimmer, and only a couple are completely matte shades.
All shades have a fantastic colour payoff, are all very well pigmented and are easy applied and blended.
My own personal favourites are VooDoo which is a beautiful deep purple & Ambush, a shimmery brown shade, perfect for a brown smokey eye look on outer lid.
Here is a little peak at what the shades look like:




Overall I think this is a fantastic palette and would definitely recommend to everyone, between number of shades, packaging and colours it's worth the 49€ in my own opinion.
I hope you all enjoyed this review because contact me if you have any queries
Thanks xXx