You heard me right. I have wonky hair lately ever since I undergo L’Oreal Professionnel HAIRchalk. Don’t worry. HAIRchalk is fine. Just that the patches I have is larger thus the unusual dryness on the hair. Every night I applied generous amount of L’Oreal Professional Mythic Oil (Nourishing Oil) on damp hair and on the next morning but my hair is still dry. My hair just drinks up to Mythic Oil!

Then Kérastase Cristalliste came to the rescue. My hair loves it so much that I must tell you how amazeball these product is. No more wonky hair

Kérastase Cristalliste Luminous Perfecting Masque (RM136 / 200ml)

Now, I know hair masque is not suppose to be used daily but my case is exceptional. The weird thing is I no longer suffer from sensitive and dry scalp as that has turned to a complete different scenario. I have dry hair that is totally unmanageable. My hair was so wonky that I have puffy hair style all the time, which is rare because my hair is usually silky straight. I was kinda happy as any hair style I had on stay put. But on the other hand I can’t even comb through my hair. It was that badly dry.

I’ve tried all hair masque at home but all fails. It’s really odd as those used to work on my normal hair. That was until I used this Kérastase Cristalliste Luminous Perfecting Masque.

First thing that I notice is the strawberry, shimmery pink cream. So lovely and girly. The smell is amazing. It smells like candy to me but not sweet. My nose also pick up some floral scent.

So what this hair masque do is to nourishes and protects the hair while making it more luminous and shiny. This is the first step in treating my dry hair and it gives back shine to my dull hair. Almost instantly I can run my fingers through my hair, which I haven’t been able to do so in days.

This hair masque is like a pearlescent cream. The cream is enriched with Dry Oil to intensely nourish the hair by forming a smooth layer of film over each strands of hair. The formula is also infused with Candelilla Cera, which is a wax-like texture to coat the hair fibre and Ceramide, to fill in damaged hair cuticles. Sound like the right ingredients for my hair

Most people are afraid that hair masque will drag their hair length down but not this one. It also contain Polymer that adds body to the hair. To be frank I don’t see any oiliness or extra weight on the hair after using the hair masque. All I know is my hair loves this one and they “listen” to the products very well.

That’s the ground work. What I have next is the saviour to my dry hair.

Kérastase Cristalliste Dual Sculpting Serum (RM82 / 30ml)

I don’t know about you but this Kérastase Cristalliste Dual Sculpting Serum reminds me of double serum skin care. Packaging might be similar but in fact this is a double serum for the hair.

Of the duo, this Kérastase Cristalliste Dual Sculpting Serum is the first product I picked up and use immediately after shampooing my hair the same night I received it. Unlike hair masque, I do have a habit of using hair serum every night after shampoo without fail. My hair was damaged previously so I realised the importance of keeping the hair length as alive as the top root.

This product’s unique characteristic is its dual-action effectiveness. Although Kérastase Cristalliste Dual Sculpting Serum is a double serum, it only comes in a single pump with two dispense nozzle hole. I find the pump to be a bit hard to press down but I get used to it after a few times. The bottle is semi-milky color so I can still see the two different serum tube holder on the inside.

Kérastase Cristalliste Dual Sculpting Serum dispense out in two different serum with two different color. One serum is to repair the hair and another is a gloss to add shine to the hair.

I learnt that this serum contain AHA. This ingredient is often known and used more in skin care but also beneficial in strengthening the interior of the hair fibre. When both serum is mixed up, the “mirror-like” texture acts as a light reflector gloss by smoothing the hair fibre, while Ceramide fills in the gap on the hair surface

On the first usage, I used three full pumps of Kérastase Cristalliste Dual Sculpting Serum onto my damp hair. I waited for my hair to dry and I was amazed with how less puffy my hair is even on first use only. I can even comb my hair and run my fingers through when it’s dry. I realized how much I miss my smooth straight hair.

I’ve been using both product diligently every single day with generous amount to tame down all the frizzy and dry hair. Eventhough I see positive result even on first use, I was determined to revive my hair back to it’s normal state. After just less than a week, I’m happy with the state of my hair, although not fully smoothen out yet but I was so happy to be able to ditch that wonky hair especially the hair on the top of my head. They are no longer frizzy and unmanageable.

Disclaimer: Product was sent to me for review consideration. This doesn’t affect my judgement in the review in any way.

The post Review: Kérastase Cristalliste Luminous Perfecting Masque and Dual Sculpting Serum, the pink treatment products for the wonky hair appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

Do you have this problem where your scalp is acting up as much as your face? Hair is the one tricky issue that is giving me never ending problem. Previously I shared with you my painful experience with sensitive scalp that was mistaken as dandruff scalp and I managed to tame the sensitivity down using Kérastase Specifique Dermo-Calm Range. However when I finished the whole range, my scalp then turned back into dry and sensitive all over again. Just when I was about to run out and grab another set of Kérastase Specifique Dermo-Calm Range, Kérastase Nutritive Irisome hair care range that is for dry and sensitised hair arrived my doorstep. Comparing with the other Kérastase hair care that I tried before, Nutritive Irisome only emphasis on their 2 must-have products instead of four to five products. It’s basically just shampoo and conditioner.

Beauty ideals or the perfect conditions for perfect hair has always been Kérastase exploration. Nutritive range was launched because Kérastase began educating women about the fact that their hair had to be nourished. That was back in 1979. At this generation and point of time, nutrition is no longer simply about a combination of lipids, glucids and amino acids that meet purely functional needs. Developments in the field of nutrition are now much more dynamic. The “yo-yo” effect has come under scrutiny. A new vision is necessary: prodigious nutritional qualities, immediate benefits and the dream of long-lastingness. That’s how this unprecedented new vision inspired new-generation Nutritive Irisome was launched. It’s exceptional nutrition extracted from the precious, perennial rhizome of the Iris.

Kérastase Nutritive Irisome Bain Satin 2 Exceptional Nutrition Shampoo (RM78 / 250ml)

It took me nearly two months to properly test out this range because I can’t get my heads around it. Kérastase never fail on me so I have high hopes on Nutritive Irisome range for my current sensitive, dry and flaky scalp problem. Perhaps I have hopes up in such way, I sillily expect this to work like in a few days. I know right. It’s silly but I was desperate to cure this scalp issue I have.

It turns out that just like the skin, hair can also over-exposed itself to major oxidative stress. Light rays provoke active molecules that oxidize the biological molecules which make up the hair such as lipids, proteins and keratin. The common sense is the dryer the skin is, the more vulnerable it is and the dryer the hair is, the more fragile it is. I have totally mislook this and added more stress to myself and my scalp. Added to this are the aggressions the hair undergoes every day for example pollution, brushing, combing, blow-drying, hair coloring and many more.

Hair Oxidization

Here’s one interesting story on how hair oxidization happen. The lipids on the surface of the hair and in the inter-cellular cement start to erode. At this stage we can see the scales alter and separate from the shaft. This is dry hair condition and it’s pretty much like a fish scale. Dry hair is when your hair becomes weaker, more lifeless and porous. Amino acids that make up the proteins in the hair including cystines and cysteins then become an easy targets. They tend to stretch, break, weaken and sometimes expose the cortex out. When dry hair is tired of fighting, the fiber begins to dry out. This is when the hair becomes duller and feels coarser, so it loses its ability to reflect light. Kérastase Nutritive Irisome act on the hair to create true immunity from the drying out process.

Kérastase Nutritive Irisome Bain Satin 2 Exceptional Nutrition Shampoo dispensed out in white milky texture. It lathers up pretty well and rinsing off every bit of the traces is hassle free. Kérastase said that their shampoo comes with delicate pearlescent textures with an imperceptible hint of gold but I couldn’t see it at all. On naked eyes it’s milky white . I should probably take a second look upclose with outdoor lighting . My hair the next day was alright. It’s not too dry or too oily thereafter.

On a personal preference side, I’m not a fan of the scent. I find it to be a bit odd because I do love fragrant shampoo. The scent is actually Kérastase true signature scent of “an air of hespéridé-aldéhydé”. Now, that explains the scent. I couldn’t figure out what scent is that after using it for two months lol!

Kérastase Nutritive Irisome Lait Vital Incredibly Light – Exceptional Nutrition Care (RM90 / 200ml)

My Kérastase hair stylist once told me that it is not necessary to get matching hair conditioner but for dry and sensitive scalp I would recommend you to get the complete range or at least a matching hair conditioner. This is because sensitive and dry scalp is very tricky and takes a longer time to cure. I was pretty glad that Nutritive Irisome range recommend 2 must-have products and this Kérastase Nutritive Irisome Lait Vital Incredibly Light – Exceptional Nutrition Care is one of the two.

Unlike the shampoo which is for Dry and Sensitised Hair, this conditioner is for Normal to Slightly Dry Hair. The texture of the product is exactly as described – incredibly light. This is one perfectly balanced product as it contain just the right dose of Irisome to nourish and soften hair fibre without weighing it down.

Just like any other conditioner, this Kérastase Nutritive Irisome Lait Vital Incredibly Light – Exceptional Nutrition Care comes in a white milky texture as well. The scent is not the same as the shampoo because this is leaning more towards powdery floral scent. If I were to choose I would prefer the shampoo scent better . It is recommended to apply the product onto freshly shampooed hair and leave it for at least five minutes before rinsing.

Now back to why I couldn’t get my heads around if I like this range or not. For the first few days my hair shows no obvious changes at all and I think my scalp is getting more drier after each wash and the scalp would be oily the morning after. That was pretty odd so I panic a bit, went to get a bottle of Kérastase Specifique Bain Vital Dermo-Calm Hypoallergenic Hydra-Soothing Shampoo and for some reason that too didn’t help either. So I went back to this Kérastase Nutritive Irisome duo and used it diligently for two weeks straight. Then my hair and scalp condition gets better and better and I’m glad to say my flaky scalp issue was reduced by half. Like I said dry and sensitive scalp issue is a very tricky problem to tackle and it will take time before my scalp condition gets better. The key here is to be patience and let the product work it’s magic. What I like about this shampoo is that it’s not too moisturizing for dry scalp. Usually shampoo targeted for dry scalp tend to be more oily and creamier. Not this one

Many people told me that the price for Kérastase is a bit on the high side. Yes, if you are comparing with drugstore brand. Kérastase is professional salon hair care products. Although a bottle of shampoo cost RM78 for a bottle, you only need a small bit for each wash and one bottle would last your for four months. I wash my hair daily and my hair is quite long so it’s really not that bad . One trick to save shampoo is to lather up shampoo with both palm before massaging onto hair. This way you can distribute the shampoo evenly onto the whole head and you will also prevent hair loss too. This is because putting shampoo directly onto the head is too strong for the scalp to handle.

Here’s another trick that I shared a few weeks ago in Facebook to prevent itchy scalp. Most of us like to shower in hot / warm water right? You can wet your hair with hot / warm water and shampoo away but when you are ready to rinse, use cold water instead. Warm water tend to make the scalp oily faster and as a result, itchy scalp. Cold water rinsing is also better for those who prefer to let their hair air dry. This way your scalp is not too warm and moist. Germs do like to breed more in warm environment. So change your hair washing habit as it can make a total different

Disclaimer: Product was sent to me for review consideration. This doesn’t affect my judgement in the review in any way.

The post Review: Kérastase Nutritive Irisome’s 2 Must-Have Hair Care Products to Prevent Hair Oxidization that causes Hair Nutrition Loss appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

A year ago I stumbled upon a Youtube video on this simple, cute side braided bun and I’ve been doing the hair style since. I must admit, having all your hair up in a bun is not a favourite here because you could risk looking like an “auntie”. The last time I had my hair up in a bun is during my ballet classes . Boy it was a competition on who have the neatest and nicest hair bun of all!

I’ve seen some stylish girls doing it and it actually looks good. The key to this look is to put on jewellery, pairing the look with modern attire such as dresses and don’t forget the makeup . For this side branded bun hair tutorial, I’ve only put on a light makeup as I was in a hurry. Hope you like this hair-do!

A side braided bun that I’m about to share with you looked like this. Rather than having it on top of the head and in the middle, this modern hair bun with a twist is given a loose look, sweep to the bottom on one side. This look is suitable for a romantic date, to work or even out with your girlfriends. I personally prefer to have this hair-do to work as it’s so easy to do and it goes well with my accessories and attire for work.

This hair style is only done in four simple step.

(1) Because the hair on top of my head is lesser comparing with other area, I use Kérastase Lift Vertige Root-Uplifting Gel on the hair roots for that higher hair effect on damp hair and blow dry. This hair product is quite unique as it’s contained in an Airless pump-flacon bottle. I like that the gel doesn’t give me a hard cardboard look. It’s quite subtle so feel free to tease your hair if you like.

(2) If you are into messy look, you can ignore combing but I personally prefer this hair-do to be neat so I’ll give my hair a good brush. Then grab all the hair to one side and start braiding all the hair. Secure with a hair tie. Do not tuck the hair behind the ears for the romantic look . Ignore all the frizzy or loose hair. Take care of that in the end.

(3) Next, tuck the end and start rolling the braid up until the base. Secure the sides with bobby pins. For this look I’ve only used three bobby pins. You’ll be amazed with how well the hair hold up, even till the end of the day.

(4) I don’t usually get a clean and neat finishing due to the layering of my hair so I would prefer to secure all the loose ends and baby hair with Kérastase Laque Couture Micro Mist Fixing Lacquer, which is a medium hold hair spray. Remember this look is suppose to be soft and romantic so there’s no need for hard hold hair spray. This hair product is an alcohol-based combination of style enhancer – a fixation polymer and a surface protection agent. As this is a medium hold hair spray, there’s no cardboard stiffness with the end result as well

And we’re done! What I like about this hair-do is the wavy bun from the braid. It is also because of the braid that created the wavy bun that it makes the overall look more modern and sophisticated without looking like an “auntie” or a ballerina . If you stare long enough you wouldn’t have figure out that it was a braid that is rolled up in a bun.

This hair style goes even well with wavy or curly hair. There will be no combing required and the waviness of your hair will give an even more subtle and romantic look.

Oh and one important tip. Do secure the top of your hair bun securely with a bobby pin or put one extra bobby pin if needed because if the hair bun is droopy from the top, it look really awkward. Once you secure the top properly, the hair bun just went alive and all pretty. The good thing about this hair-do is that it is so easy to be secured with bobby pins. I know some hair style is so hard to have pins in it. This one definitely not going to have any issue. I usually put one on the top, one of the left and one on the right.

Hope you enjoyed this edition of hair tutorial. See you in next tutorial!

The post Hair Tutorial: Cute and Simple Side Braided Bun appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

If you’re my Instagram or Facebook page follower you’ll definitely remember this wrap-around half do which I shared a few months ago. I know I know, I promised you a hair tutorial on this hair-do. It took me this long to finally do it because of two reason. (1) This auntie have totally forgotten about it as usual lol and (2) I haven’t figure out how to take photo of my head from the back.

I’ve been toying around with some styling products from Kérastase Couture Styling range and recreating this wrap-around half do. Let me tell ya’ recreating this hair-do is not easy at all but here is the tutorial as promised

The first time I tried doing this wrap-around half do is in the office. That time I’m equipped with just a comb, a few hair tie, a few bobby pin, a can of hair spray and I nailed it on first try. Not only recreating the same hair-do is difficult, I also face with the shooting challenge as well. My bigger camera is once again sent to the service centre so I have no choice but to use a smaller camera. Some photos may be a bit blurry as I can’t see the camera screen at all. I think you get what I mean

(1) I always like to start with combing my hair sleek and straight as I prefer my hair-do to be smooth. If you have wavy or curly hair and you prefer that messy-look, there’s no need to comb it straight. If I want to do this hair style after hair wash, I’ll apply Kérastase Forme Fatale Voluptuous Blow-Dry Gel and blow dry my hair using a flat comb just to get that silky, straight look. Half way through blow dry, I’ll apply Kérastase Lift Vertige Root-Uplifting Gel on the hair roots for that higher hair effect and continue blow drying. Next, grab about 1/4 of your top hair like the picture above. The amount depends on your usual liking and preference. I have very thin hair so that’s all I can spare lol.

(2) Grab and separate a small portion strand of hairs on either left of the right side. In my case it’s the left side. Secure it with a hair tie just to temporary separating them away. On the larger portion of the hair, comb and tie it with a hair band. Try to get it on the center.

(3) Untie the smaller portion of hair that was separated earlier, give it a nice comb through and wrap it around the larger portion of hair. Align the hair properly so that it covers the hair tie.

(4) Grab the larger portion of hair tied earlier, creating a gap underneath it and tuck the smaller portion of hair underneath the hair tie. Secure with bobby pin. I usually use two bobby pins. Make sure the pins are hidden nicely.

This is the end result. Well, obviously I took too much hair to wrap around haha! But as long as it forms a style so why not We’re not done yet.

This next step is for straight hair like mine. Give your hair a good comb on top of your head to smooth everything out. I have a lot of baby hair so I usually like to use Kérastase Laque Couture Micro Mist Fixing Lacquer, which is a medium hold hair spray, to keep all the baby hair at place.

Wavy or curly hair can use Kérastase Spray á Porter Tousled Effect Spray or Mousse Bouffante Luxurious Volumising Mousse to maintain the curl and volume

Kérastase Couture Styling consist of The “Designer” Range and The “Perfector” Range.

Designer Range

Infused the hair for a velvety effect

The range consists of four products:

• Spray á Porter Tousled Effect Spray
• Forme Fatale Voluptuous Blow-Dry Gel
• Mousse Bouffante Luxurious Volumising Mousse
• Lift Vertige Root-Uplifting Gel

Perfector Range

Offers styling effects every women desires

The range consists of two products:

• Laque Couture Micro Mist Fixing Lacquer
• Short Mania Star-To-Be Sculpting Paste

I like that Kérastase Couture Styling product comes in three different types of hold – Flexible, Medium and Strong. I choose what to use depending on what type of hair style and what type of look I want because different hold will give a different look. I’m not going to elaborate much on the product as I’ve already mentioned above on how I use these products to style my hair but if you want to know more about any particular product, just leave me a comment

The post Hair Tutorial: Wrap-Around Half Do with Kérastase Couture Styling appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona