Curlformers Curlspiration Day

TheFoundationDirectory; Curlformers Curlspiration Day

Why didn't you all tell me about Curlformers by Hairflair? I've seen these about for ages, but for some reason have never ever tried them. So of course I jumped at the opportunity when invited to Taylor Taylor Salon for a Curlspiration day, which essentially involved me getting my hair and nails done in the gorgeous Taylor Taylor Salon. If you are reading this thinking what the hell are Curlformers, well read on and let me tell you.

TheFoundationDirectory; *Curlformer's Curlspiration Day

Curlformers are the world's only patented heat free hair curlers, they are suitable for all ages (I wouldn't use them on a baby...obvs), hair types, wigs and weaves with absolutely no risk of heat damage. There are 3 different sizes, starting with the tightest curl you have Corkscrew, Spiral and Barrel. There are also 2 lengths, long and extra long. To use them you take the included styling hook and feed it through the Curlformer, then on damp hair, take a small section of hair, ensuring that all the hair is securely in the hook and pull the hair through the Curlformer (sounds complicated, but you get the hang of it very quickly). Once you have completed your entire head, you can either air dry (I have slept in them) or use the Softhood, also by Hairflair and a hairdryer to dry your hair. Once your hair is completely dry just pinch the root of your hair and pull the Curlformer to remove, then style. Voila the perfect curl. If my explanation has confused you even more, no worries there are numerous videos on the Culformers website here. 

TheFoundationDirectory; Curlformer's Curlspiration Day

On the day the long barrel Curlformers were used on my dampened kinky straight textured weave and dried with the Softhood, I absolutely loved the finished result. If you are rubbish at curling your own hair like me, or don't want to use heat on your hair, then you need these in your life!!! They also have some great brushes I have been loving, check it all out at Curlformers.com. 

TheFoundationDirectory; Curlformer's Curlspiration Day

*All photo's courtesy of CurlformersOfficial

Radiant London Salon Launch

I'm sure my fellow brown beauties know the struggle of finding a good hair salon in London, in fact I'm sure any woman can relate!!! So when I was invited to the launch of Radiant London Salon in Bermondsey, following their refurbishment I knew I had to pop down and check it out.

So what sets them apart?! Well an in house cocktail bar serving an assortment of soft and alcoholic drinks, complimentary to clients getting their hair done, an ultra modern virtual mirror with built in Lumen lighting, controlled through an app, so you can capture your salon fresh do moments after getting it done and share with friends and family instantly through social media. They also have an app you can download that features their pricing, opening times, hairstyle inspiration and much more. The Croydon branch (yet to launch) will also have an in-house DJ on Thursday, Friday & Saturday's, this might be the first salon where you go to get your hair done, rave and then go home lol!!! They also have a great in-house nail technician who did my nails using shellac gel during the launch event (check out my instagram), and even in the rushed environment on the night due to a long list of people wanting to get their nails done, I was impressed with her work.


At the launch event the lovely Brunetta, owner of DemureLashes, was manning the Lash Bar and applying her great mink strip lashes on the night. I also got a look at the wigs displayed on the Wig Bar, Radiant can create these customers specifications, whether you bring your own hair or they provide it for you.

TheFoundationDirectory; DemureLashes/Radiant Salon Launch

Now of course all this means nothing if they are no good at doing hair, or if the customer service is not on par, Rita Balogun (please note female, brown beauty owned and to boot she's Nigerian, yes I'm bias lol) takes pride in delivering an excellent customer experience and wants to take this to a new level, ensuring all customers receive star treatment and have a 'radiant' experience. I am yet to get my hair done in this newly refurbishment salon, but they have been nominated for several awards by Black Beauty/Sensational Awards and L'Oreal Professional Awards and have a celebrity clientele that includes the likes of Laura Mvula and AJ Odudu.


Just check out their instagram (radiant_salon) for examples of their work, the Bermondsey branch will open its doors to the public on Tuesday 2nd March, I look forward to having my first 'radiant experience' in the newly refurbished establishment.


Will you be paying Radiant a visit?


Alex

Knot Extensions!!!

Hi all,

I first found out about knot extensions from Soraya of styleismything fame, I follow her on instagram and noticed how her hair always looked so nice and full. I then discovered that a guy call Ozzy (email: ozzytudo@hotmail.com) does her hair, he has a salon in manchester, but travels the UK to do knotextensions. He has done my hair previously, but just a brazilian blow dry/keratin treatment (info here), I redid the keratin treatment, but also decided to get the knot extensions this time.

Knot extensions are when an elasticated thread, colour matched to the hair colour of choice, is used to attached your hair extension to your hair. No glue or sewing, you can wash your hair, colour it, put it in a ponytail etc. I used 10' and 12' brazilian hair that was attached to the weft, which Ozzy just cuts off, but you can buy the hair loose from Ozzy (or elsewhere if you know where to get it). I bought the 10' hair from Beyondhairuk and the 12' from essyvirginhair, the 10' I had previously bleached and the 12' is the natural 1B colour in came as. I had the 10' from previous sew in weave installs and decided to get the 12' to add a bit more length, I used just shy of 3 bundles, but my hair is fine. Ozzy states on average people use between 3-4 bundles, Soraya who likes extra volume uses about 6-7 bundles. So you can individualise it to your needs, also longer length hair, tends to be shorter in weft length, so you may require more bundles.

You don't have to get the brazilian blow dry done if your hair is relaxed, if your hair is natural you may want to get the treatment so the extensions blend better with your hair, or buy hair extensions that have a closer texture to your hair. This method can be used on most hair types though, even caucasian hair, search Ozzytudo instagram for pictures. The extensions can last between 3-4 months with good care, I have heard some people keep them in longer than this, but ensure to care for your hair appropriately to prevent breakage. This method of extensions itself is very safe and doesn't break your hair, but you need to care for your hair and the extensions. Mention this blogpost to Ozzy for a great price.

Have you ever tried this method of extensions or are you interested? Any further questions you have please leave in the comments section below.

Thanks for visiting the blog today.

Alex