ghd air vs Parlux 3800
Posted by: manelady on: April 2, 2012
For those of you who are in the market for a hairdryer and are a little overwhelmed for choice, I hope this review will clear things up a little.
Now before being given the ghd air to trial, I had been a ‘budget’ hairdryer kinda-gal. It didn’t really matter to be the brand, as long as my hair was eventually dry. So I have to admit, the ghd air has kind of changed my life. Since I have thick hair and a lot of it. It would usually take me roughly 20 mins to completely dry my hair without styling. Now it takes me half that! I am serious, the ‘air’ has some serious power!
Shortly before the ‘air’ came out, a friend of mine had received the Parlux for Christmas (Santa loves to make sure great hair can be achieve all year round!). So I suggested a duel!
I had used the ‘air’ for 3 weeks and then I swapped it for the Parlux for 1 week, whilst my friend had my ‘air’ (it was a little sad departing with an appliance I had grown so fondly of, but it had to be done…
My friend has shoulder length hair which was fine and colour treated. My hair is thick and is chemical free.
The following experiences were shared between us.
PARLUX 3800 Eco Friendly Ionic & Ceremic Dryer
RRP $189.95
STOCKISTS: From stockists of all professional hair products, including leading salons.
PROS
- The 6 speed and heat settings to save energy and an instant cold shot button for setting hair
- It’s bright green- Some of you might think this is crazy, but sometimes I can’t find appliances because I leave them on the dark carpet. Since this is bright green, I could spot it from across the apartment and I never tripped over it.
- It is more powerful than my budget hair dryers
- It’s a recyclable ionic/ceramic dryer with a lighter airflow and it’s emissions friendly. All the components and packaging use recyclable non-toxic materials.
- There’s 2100 watts of controlled power, ceramic and ionic technology
- It comes with 2 x concentrator nozzles for precise styling and its available in Green, Black, Red, Pink, Purple or Silver.
CONS
- The head/speed controls are a little confusing and it doesn’t come with instructions on how to work it out. My friend had warned me of this confusing property.
- My hair dried in approx. 15 mins, so it wasn’t as powerful has the ‘air’.
- It didn’t leave my hair as slick as the ghd ‘air’.
ghd air
RRP $199
STOCKISTS: ghd-approved salons or at www.ghdhair.com
PROS
- Advanced Ionic technology reduces frizz and gave my hair a silkier, softer finish. With a cool shot button to fix looks into place.
- Salon strength efficient AC motor for faster and more powerful drying.
- 2 Concentrator nozzles to help create a wide variety of styles.
- Ergonomic design for easy handling and maximum styling control. When you first hold the hair dryer you notice that it balances on your hand easier, just because the motor isn’t featured right at the end of the dryer. Also the buttons are on the back of the handle. This has prevented me from accidentally turning off the dryer or changing the settings.
- The cord is approx. 5 cm longer than the cord of the Parlux, which means more room to move!
- There’s a 12 month warrantee
- The ghd air was definitely more quieter than the Parlux
CONS
- Because it is sleek and sexy black, I did trip over it a few times.
- It is slightly more expensive than the Parlux at $199 (Parlux has a RPP of $189.95).
CONCLUSION:
If you’re after a professional salon dryer at a cheaper price and you have fine hair, the Parlux is probably a good choice. However if you have hair like me or if you want to give someone an incredible gift, the ghd air is definitely the dryer to go with. it dries a lot faster and it comes in some very premium and luxurious packaging.
Ultimately though, the choice is yours. I know if anyone asks me which dryer they should get which will last them years, I would recommend the ghd.
O&M Original Queenie
Posted by: manelady on: March 26, 2012
I fell in love with this hairspray at the Atlantis Salon in Paddington.
After my new cut and style (review to come at a later date), which involved some slightly bouncy and very fresh lookin’ waves, I definitely needed a hold that was strong in structure, but subtle in look (I didn’t want to look like Ray Martin). My hair is also stubbornly straight, so I really didn’t that there was a chance for my lovely new locks. Then the incredible Jayde (from Atlantis) used Original Queenie on me and I haven’t used another hairspray since. Also when you consider the size of the bottle, I think it’s going to last me the next 10 years anyways (this is most likely an exaggeration).
Why did they name this product Original Queenie? Well…
Jose Bryce Smith CEO of Original & Mineral says “A old friend at uni in England nicknamed me Queenie, I can’t think why, hence where the name came from. The hold, light but firm hold hairspray is definitely fit for a queen and the smell, well that’s inspired by Her Majesty herself, nanna chic we like to call it.” LOL, I love a product that has a cute product name story.
What I love most about his spray is that it doesn’t give you weird flakes or that awkward stickiness that always reminds me of that scene from Something About Mary (you know the one where Cameron Diaz has a ‘high’ fringe).
The best part is also the formula. All of O&M products are harsh-chemical-free and are loaded with quality botanicals and essential oils. It incredible to think that all this goodness still can produce salon quality results. All their products are also 100% recyclable, so it’s gentle on your body and the environment.
To break it down, here are some key elements of Original Queenie, which makes it different to all the other hairsprays out on the market.
It contains Lilly Pilly, an Australian Native Plant that extends hold by reducing unwanted oil.
Quandong, a unique Australian fruit that adds weightless protections to nourish your hair.
And… Low VOC (votaltile Orgnaic Carbon) Minimised VOC content so you don’t walk away light headed or dried out. This is ideal for special occasions when we may get a tad on the heavy handed side when it comes to hairspray.
The RRP for Original Queenie is $31.95 (a great price for hairspray that will last you a very long time) and it’s available at all stockists of Original Mineral products.
ghd launches their first hairdryer!
Posted by: manelady on: February 3, 2012
What a great way to start the blogging year!
ghd are launching their very first hairdryer and they have the Queen of hair herself, Katy Perry to launch this very exciting product.
Pretty much any with hair needs a hair dryer and since their hair straighteners are awesome I am expecting the same quality product in the hairdryer. It promises to be the best hairdryer on the market, so when it launches in March, my damp hair will be ready and waiting to be ‘blown away’ (sorry I couldn’t help myself).
This salon quality hairdryer has a powerful professional motor with advanced ionic technology to reduce frizz and give a a silkier, softer finish. It also have a cool shot button 2 concentrator nozzles, to helping to create a wide variety of styles and ergonomic design: for easy handling and maximum control.
The images that ghd have released of Katy Perry are also incredible.Katy is transformed into a beautiful, mysterious mermaid photographed under the Brooklyn Bridge, her hair beautifully styled using the new ghd air professional hairdryer. With the new ghd air, this Little Mermaid is ready to go out and make some waves. The campaign was shot by world renowned photographer, David LaChapelle.’
‘Katy Perry for ghd air’, photographed by David LaChapelle.
The ghd air (RRP $199) is available from first week of March 2011 at approved ghd
salons or from www.ghdhair.com/au. For stockist information call 1300 443 424.
So pencil it in your dairies and organise get togethers around this time to show off your Ariel like hair!
Retraction and Apology to CLOUD NINE and my readers
Posted by: manelady on: October 26, 2011
- In: News
- Leave a Comment
Hello Mane Lovers,
In regards to the post I did about Cloud Nine (30th September) titled ‘SLIGHTLY DELAYED ANNOUNCEMENT! Cloud Nine Australian Distribution Closes 
‘ , it contained misleading information.
I had stated that Cloud Nine had closed its distribution business in Australia. I was quite sad and disappointed about it, as I am a massive fan of the brand, so I felt the need to share it with you all. However I have just been informed that this is false. (Hooray! I actually don’t mind being wrong in this instance.)
Cloud Nine has maintained full distribution in Australia and has a new distribution partner (phew!).
My previous post (which I have since removed) also mentioned that Cloud Nine wanted to move (distribution) outside the salon network and the UK head office had become unhappy with the salon-only approach. These statements were also incorrect. The Cloud Nine ethos has not changed and they are dedicated to the hairdressing industry and the salon profession. They will not be moving outside of this channel.
I would like to give Cloud Nine and the readers of The Mane Loves my sincerest apologises. I did not intend to publish false information regarding a brand. My intention has always been to provide truthful reviews and news stories regarding hair care. This will not change. I promise to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothin’ but the truth or curse me with a head full of spilt ends!
So stay tuned Mane Lovers as I have been testing a plethora of hair products and can’t wait to tell you about them!
TABATHA TAKES OVER AUSTRALIA!
Posted by: manelady on: October 20, 2011
Are you a fan of Tabatha Coffey from Tabatha’s Salon Takeover? Well you will be VERY interested to know that SHE’S COMING TO AUSTRALIA!
Renowned for her razor sharp tongue, signature edgy style, exceptional skills and don’t- mess-with-me attitude, Tabatha is returning to her home country as a guest of JOICO this November to share her wealth of knowledge and experience of the salon industry in a series of seminars in Australia and New Zealand.
In these seminars on she will reveal her secrets to invigorating any business with essential retail tips on customer understanding, motivation and leadership to hiring, firing and branding.
Here are the details:
Auckland SUNDAY 13TH NOVEMBER @ SKYCITY THEATRE (NZD$250)
Melbourne TUESDAY 15TH NOVEMBER @ BMW EDGE ($200)
Sydney WEDNESDAY 16TH NOVEMBER @ IVY BALLROOM ($200)
The event will involve drinks & canapes, presentation and a Q&A session. Which is bucket-loads of learning and deliciousness!
Also if you ‘LIKE’ the Joico Australia Facebook page, you will get a chance to win tickets to attend the seminar!
Click here to purchase Australian tickets and here for the New Zealand tickets.
ghd Scarlet Collection
Posted by: manelady on: October 5, 2011
- In: News | Styling tools
- 1 Comment
Some of you may remember that last year Santa bought me the Cloud Nine hair straightners and I loved it! In fact it is one of the best gifts I have ever received!
Now ghd have just released their Scarlett Collection which is a very sexy and glamorous campaign, starring the one and only Katy Perry. Katy is immortalised as a mystical Snow White for the Scarlet Collection campaign, shot by world renowned photographer, David LaChapelle.
Who wouldn’t want to have hair like Katy Perry this season? Her hair is always so shiny and smooth- dang it’s smooth!
This new limited edition collection sees the ghd Gold Classic Styler transformed with luxurious red plates and accents in a celebration of 1920s glamour and glitz – an enchanting and alluring theme guaranteed to get heads turning this party season.
Inspired by the revelry and glamour of the roaring 20s, the stunning new styler offers a dramatic twist on this most stylish of decades and is available in two luxurious art deco styled gift set options.
The ghd Scarlet Collection (available in two packages) is presented in two luxury art deco gift sets, both available in time for Christmas (hint, hint):
The ghd Scarlet Collection (RRP $289) includes:
Limited edition, red plated ghd Gold Classic StylerA stylish, heat resistant, red satin styler bag
Two sectioning clips for styling plus a protective plate guard
The ghd Scarlet Collection Deluxe (RRP $309) includes all of the above and also comes with:
A matching black and red compact travel hairdryer
Art deco inspired styler clutch bag enclosed in a deep red vanity case
Is it wrong that I want this so I can feel fancy while I do my hair?
The ghd Scarlet Collection limited edition gift sets are available from approved ghd salons from 26 September 2011.
For stockist information call 1300 880 209 or visit www.ghdhair.com/au
KMS California launches THE REAL PROJECT
Posted by: manelady on: October 4, 2011
Today KMS California launches an industry first- a social media and advertising campaign called ‘The Real Project’.
THE REAL PROJECT is all about celebrating your individuality and helping you express yourself.
KMS are calling on crazy, unique, creative, obsessive individuals (Lady Gaga would be perfect for this) to shoot a 15 second video that captures what they’re really about.
The 15 most popular videos will be used in KMS’ next TV campaign, turning the lucky ones into stars and showing the world who they really are. The video’s will be apart of KMS California’s TV campaign which will go live on November 26th, airing in prime time on Channel GO!
The first 100 entries will receive a free KMS California gift pack valued at over $100 , AND there are 20 SONY Bloggie Duo cameras to be won for the first videos who receive 50 ‘likes’.
These are some pretty RAD prizes! I can’t wait to see the entries, it’s almost like watching ‘The Block’ or ‘Masterchef’- you watch them when they are first uploaded and then you see how many ‘likes’ they get. Then you follow it right through to November 26th on Channel GO!
To enter just upload your 15 second video to www.therealproject.com.au and get your friend to ‘like’ the crap out of your video.
Here is a teaser for you:
The Renya Xydis City Salon
Posted by: manelady on: August 19, 2011
- In: Hair Salon | Review
- Leave a Comment
Wow, I mean WOW!
My work had always been around the corner from the Renya City Salon, but the extravagent interior has led me to be believe that I would need to give them my first born for a comb through. But I thought that for the sake of my blog I would suck it up, miss a few much needed trims and enter the salon looking a little like Cousin It (see this is what I do for my readers).
So I made an appointment with Adrian (a stylist that wasn’t listed on the website, but was available at a time that I was free). When I arrived I was greet by a lovely receptionist and then asked to fill out the usual form. Then the wonderful Henry took me over to the basin where he helped me put on a silk kimono. This made me feel instantly pampered- damn the power of silk!
I will admit that when I first made the booking, I expected the staff would be pretentious and snooty, but Henry was so down to Earth and easy to talk to. We yapped on like two old friends about tattoos and piercings (in a PG way, I was in a public place you know!) and my soft leather wallet from Sussan (an unexpected place to buy a wallet, but it’s just that soft I couldn’t resist).
Then I was whisked off to the chair where Adrian we discussed how much time I spend on my hair, the products that I used and how I wanted my hair to sit. I told Adrian that I used a lot of different products, but I didn’t tell him about my blog. I really don’t like telling hairdressers that I have a hair blog because I don’t want any special treatment, I just want a cut! I did tell Adrian that I wanted to grow my hair and I have been struggling to do it. So Adrian suggested an asymmetrical long bob, as it would give me the illusion of long in the front, yet I more of my dead ends would be trimmed off at the back. I loved this cut!
Then Adrian taught me a wrap-drying technique, which is a fast and safe way to blow dry your hair without ruining your hair. It also so easy to do! All you need to do is use a styling brush and brush through your damp hair from root to tip. Then use the brush to flip a section of your hair (like a ‘comb over’) and use your blow dryer to dry this section. Continue to dry each section of your hair, almost like your ‘wrapping’ your hair in a turban one ‘comb over’ at a time. Sorry if this is a bad explanation, Adrian explained it so much better!
So not only did I get a wonderful hair cut, but I also learnt a new blow drying technique! This delightful visit cost $135 and it was a great experience. The staff and the service were awesome, so pamper yourself and making a booking, even if its just to say that you’ve been there.
Also many of the staff at ACP magazines (I’m talking about Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Cleo, Shop Til You Drop), all go here and they look incredibly polished all the time (this is why)!
Alchemy Avocado & Calendula Re-Moisturising Conditioner
Posted by: manelady on: August 17, 2011
Alchemy… You got me again! This was another welcomed Aromatherapy experience, this product smelt amazing and it was like I was at a Health spa.
This conditioner is really great for dry and/or long hair. The Al’chemy Avocado and Calendula Re-Moisturising Conditioner contains a concentrated blend of certified organic Australian pure cold pressed avocado oil rich with complex nutrients, combined with extracts of calendula, creates a deeply moisturising conditioning crème. The plant protein works to seal in moisture while a special rapeseed (GMO free) detangler smoothes and silkens each hair.
The result is hair, which is smooth, manageable and healthy.
What more could you ask for?
It’s available in 2 sizes 225 mL and 500 mL for $14.95 and $26.95 respectively. Available from your local health food store, pharmacy, David Jones, TVSN, online outlets or naturopath.
Burt’s Bees Avocado Butter Pre-Shampoo Hair Treatment
Posted by: manelady on: August 15, 2011
Avocado is now my answer to everything! Seriously I seems like many of the products I currently obsess about have avocado in them!
At the moment my hair is anticipating its next trim and it seriously needed a buttery boost of moisture, so I decided to try Burt’s Bees Avocado Butter Pre-Shampoo Hair Treatment.
Now I know what you’re thinking, a PRE-SHAMPOO? Have I just gone product mad??? Well maybe, but I have noticed a wonderful difference. I’ve been making an effort to put a hair treatment in my hair at least once a week and sometimes (more often than not), I forget when I had a hair treatment. So let me introduce you to Mask Mondays (thanks goodness for alliteration).
Every Monday for the last month I have been using this pre-shampoo treatment and it has now led to Terrific Tuesdays where my hair is bouncy and shiny.
So how does this crazy concept work? Well the Avocado, olive, almond and oat oils condition and hydrate the hair from the roots to the ends. The Nettle and rosemary extracts combine to leave your hair with a glossy shine, naturally.
All you need to do is massage a generous amount* of the treatment into wet hair and scalp, comb through using a wide toothed comb. Making sure that all your strands, from root to ends, are covered in this buttery goodness. Leave the treatment on your hair for at least 5 minutes and up to 20 minutes for maximum conditioning. Shampoo and rinse well. And then just wait for Terrific Tuesday to come along.
This powerful product comes in a 123 gram tube and will cost $19.95. It is available at David Jones, Myer, Priceline, pharmacies and health food stores or call 1300 855 478 for your nearest stockists. I am definitely making sure that I have an extra tube for my weekend bag.
Happy Mask Monday everyone!
*Amount will depend on the length and thickness of your hair- I have thick shoulder length hair so I squeeze out about one and a half tablespoon)
N.H.R.N- (Non-Hair Related Note) Try mashed avocado (the fruit not this product- please avoid that temptation) on a sourdough toast with a squeeze of lemon, freshly cracked salt and pepper, with some chilli flakes (optional)- it’s incredible!
