HIGHLIGHTS

Fall Into Great Color!

10/01/10 5:49AM

http://www.hair.becomegorgeous.com/short_hairstyles/hair_color_ideas_for_short_haircuts-1676.html


Happy October, everyone! Fall is officially upon us–the temperature here has finally dropped, the days are getting shorter, and I’ve never seen people pull out boots and sweaters faster. A new season is definitely rearing it’s little head, and that can only mean one thing: change.

I’m sure you’re wondering what you can possibly do with your hair to represent the new yet chilly season. After all, lighter hair colors and highlights are generally associated with warmer months, and it’s no secret that many like to go darker for the cooler seasons. So why not try just that? Going dark is a great way to change up your entire appearance and get into a cool, fall mindset. Even taking your shade up one notch can make a big difference!

And if you’re already sporting dark locks? Try adding a dash of color. A faint plum color always looks great on dark hair; plus, plum is a must-have color in fall fashions this season, so there’s no harm in rocking the shade in your hair! Adding some red to your hair is also another great fall trend, one that I’ve personally adopted on numerous occasions. Red is definitely a shade that anyone can rock, and it looks fantastic with the classic fall colors.

Fall really is about change, and what better way to mix it up a little than to adopt a new color for your hair? Let us know what color YOU are going to try this season at info@carouselstrands.com.

Hey there, highlights!

09/25/10 11:39AM

The second Katy Perry stepped on the “white carpet” at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards and debuted her new fall ‘do, my friend immediately texted me: “She needs to fire her stylist.” That was too much to handle.

I know I rave about Katy Perry all the time. I love everything about her: her music, her clothes, her performances, her hair and the way she composes herself in interviews. She’s fun, fearless, flirty and simply fabulous. So of course, I was appalled at the text I received from my friend. Fire her stylist?!?! Why on earth would she want to do that?

Katy Perry looked absolutely amazing at the 2010 VMAs (which premiered on September 12 at 9 p.m. on MTV); and I was especially taken by her her hairstyle. The dark, colorful highlights really made a splash and were surprisingly appropriate for the upcoming fall season; and I love the way they stood out without detracting from the rest of her outfit. She just knows how to do it right, combining class with fun and never losing her own style in the process.

My friend was gravely mistaken: Katy Perry’s stylist actually makes her a stylish, enviable celebrity who takes risks and always pulls off a unique yet approachable look. And as long as the soon-to-be Mrs. Brand continues to rock it, I’ll continue to obsess over her style and wish that, just for a day, I could be Katy Perry.

Okay, so before I start, I have to admit that this is a pretty random article coinciding with a pretty random thought that popped into my head while I was tweeting. So, I stumbled on a Cosmpolitan.com article that reveals what men think about women’s hair, makeup, scents, clothes…everything that we consider uniquely “female.”

I tweeted the link and started thinking hard about the social implications that an article like this creates; because aren’t things that we consider an extension of ourselves and our personalities (hair and fashion, for example) supposed to be for us? Aren’t they supposed to be free from scrutiny and judgement?

We keep stressing the importance of being comfortable in your own skin (and hair!) and doing what makes you truly happy. Every hair care tip and styling suggestion is something for you, our lovely readers, to take into consideration when finding a look that truly suits your personality, your structure, your comfort level and ultimately, your confidence. We don’t consider long hair “sexier” than sorter hair, nor do we claim that blondes are better than brunettes-or vice versa. It’s all about you and what makes you personally happy and confident. So I get a little bit confused when I read tidbits of Cosmopolitan’s “wisdom” that seem to advocate adopting what someone else finds attractive. We as women get so many conflicting messages thrown at us: for example, we’re told that we have to believe we’re beautiful no matter what (now, whether or nor we actually believe that is another discussion entirely). Then, we’re bombarded with messages about what men find sexy, followed by tips and tricks on how to embody the look. Confused yet? I sure am, because I thought that it’s my confidence and personality that I want a potential significant other to see, not how long or shiny my hair is.

I guess to sum it up, I’ve always believed that someone who chases after looks alone is shallow and that I didn’t want to spend my time with someone who can’t see the whole picture. Thus, articles like the Cosmopolitan poll are switching up my thought process a little by encouraging me to consider what other people find attractive. So guys think long hair is sexier than short hair: does that mean I’m not as attractive to men as I could be, because my hair doesn’t go past my shoulders? But wait, I’m not supposed to grow it out if I like my hair short, because I have to be true to myself and show off confidence and personality with a shorter ‘do? Whew, a girl could get a headache following this circle around and around!

What do YOU think, readers? Am I getting the messages mixed up in my mind, or is there a chance that we are actually being fed the idea that we’re beautiful-unless we possess features and styles that aren’t favored by the opposite sex? Weigh in and email me at info@carouselstrands.com…I’d love to hear what you think!

A BIG thank you to everyone who filled out our survey! The Carousel team was curious to know what kind of shampoo you use the most, and we received over 30 responses. Check out our survey process and finally (drum roll, please!) the results!

To start, we created an online, one-question survey and distributed the link in a message to our Facebook group members (check it out here); we also published an entry on our website informing our site visitors of the survey and including a link to the survey. We asked one simple question: what kind of shampoo do you use most often?

Our survey results are broken down in this awesome visual format:

The breakdown of our survey results.

As you can see, we are using a LOT of shampoo! Out of the 31 responses, 4 respondents use Herbal Essences the most, and the same amount use Pantene. As for the rest of the brands, well, they were varied and numerous. They ranged from pricey to inexpensive and top-of-the-line to average. We also had 3 respondents say that they used whatever brand was on sale or the cheapest at the time, telling us that for some consumers, the brand name doesn’t matter. They’re shopping on a budget or looking to get the best deal they can and for them, product loyalty to a shampoo brand can’t top a good deal.

More than anything, we got a great glimpse into the diversity of our followers. For so many, loyalty to a particular brand is an important factor in choosing a hair product: and shampoo falls under such a category. Once a product simply works for the consumer, she or he keeps coming back, confident that shampoo will continue to yield the same results. And no matter the brand name, this important insight is a common thread with many shampoo consumers.

Do you have a great idea for another survey we can conduct? Any hair product questions or industry trends about which you’re dying to know more? Let us know!

The New Hair Care Secret

03/19/10 8:09PM

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been on the hunt for that perfect hair care product.  You know the one?  Sure, you do.  It’s that perfect little addition to your routine that simply makes your hair more manageable, that makes your mornings flow a little more smoothly and gets rid of bad hair days forever.  It might come in a bottle or a tube or a jar; but whatever it is, it’s your hair’s little personal savior.  After trying numerous creams, gels and sprays, I finally found my own little gem in the form of an oil.  And not just any old oil: argan oil, a Moroccan product that is produced from the kernels of argan fruit.

So, What is Argan Oil Really?
I was interested in learning more about this unique product, so I did some research.  Argan fruit is a tree fruit that only grows in a few places in the world (like Morocco).  Thus, it’s extremely pricey and a rare find.  It has multiple uses: what originally started out as a cooking oil soon became used on skin and nails to improve the quality and liveliness of both.  Argan oil has even been said to have been used as a treatment for skin conditions like psoriasis.  Lately, its improvement of hair quality has been to the oil’s advantage, as argan oil has become quite popular with professionals in the hair industry.

But, Does It Work?
I started using argan oil a few weeks ago, and my attachment to it almost happened by accident.  I’ve said it before, but my hair is extremely thick and wavy; and without the help of conditioner, my hair tangles and has killed a few hairbrushes in the past.  I need some sort of aid in my attempt to get smooth, sleek hair.  I was out of conditioner and had argan oil in my possession.  So, I tried it.  I dapped a few drops of the oil into my hands and ran them through my hair.  My hair became less tangled and smoother almost immediately.  After blow-drying it and straightening it, my hair was shiny and frizz-free.  I was excited and kept using the oil; and to this day, my hair is smooth and sleek, shiny and easy to manage.

…And the Verdict Is…
From my experience over the past few weeks, argan oil works.  It’s done for my hair what no other products have been able to do.  My hair is shinier, brighter and frizz-free.  I have extremely sensitive skin, and I tend to break out whenever anything touches it,  so I wouldn’t use this product on my skin.  However, it’s really done wonders for my hair.  It may be a pricey product, but argan oil is absolutely worth the cost; so if you ever get your hands on any, I recommend trying it and seeing what it can do for your hair too!

For more information about, and links to buy the product, check out this site about argan oil.

Let’s be honest: finding a good, reliable hair straightener is as tough as finding the perfect pair of jeans.  You have to blow through some serious cash and a little bit of your sanity in the quest for the right one; and what’s most frustrating is that all of your friends seem to have found “the one.”  Unfortunately, it just doesn’t work for you.  So, you keep searching, hoping that one day, something marvelous will just fall into your lap.

Well, I’m finally the lucky one.  I’ve been through about 5 hair straighteners in the past 5 years, and while a few of them worked really well, they had the tendency to break, forcing me to replace them and spend yet another small fortune.  I stumbled across the Straight-Away Pro and immediately began testing it, first just using it for quick touch-ups and then putting it to the real test: would it be able to properly and completely straighten my thick, wavy hair while leaving it shiny and soft?  The verdict is in: the Straight-Away Pro meets all my high expectations and demands when it comes to a straightener!

I turned the Straight-Away Pro on while I was blow-drying my hair and put it on the highest heat setting (like I said,  thick and wavy hair calls for extra special attention and effort).  In the time it took me to completely dry my hair, the Straight-Away Pro heat up perfectly, and I could immediately start straightening my hair.  I’m always on the move and don’t have time to wait for a straightener to heat up: this product is completely time-efficient and fits my fast lifestyle.

In addition to the fast heat-up time, let’s talk about the fact that it’s the only cordless straightener on the market.  I was a little wary at first to try a cordless product because I was out of my element: I’ve used straighteners with cords for years, so this was definitely a new product and concept.  However, once fully charged and ready to go, the Straight-Away Pro is actually tremendously easier and more convenient than any product with a long attachment.  The cordless feature of the Straight-Away Pro allowed me to maneuver the straightener around my head and easily style it in quick, swift motions.  Being able to straighten and style at the same time also cuts out a lot of wasted time, so again, the Straight-Away Pro makes it easy to save time and effort!

Another great feature of the Straight-Away Pro is the heat resistance of the covering surrounding the ceramic plates.  I’ve used so many hair straighteners that actually get warm all over, so I would definitely notice when the straightener gets hot because the handle did too!  The Straight-Away Pro never got too hot in any place but the ceramic plates (where heat is needed).  Even when my hand or fingers were close to the plates, the covering of the straightener didn’t feel too hot for me to handle.  I didn’t even come close to burning myself, which was a relief because a majority of my small injuries have been hair straightener-induced.

In short, the Straight-Away Pro contains some amazing and convenient features that definitely make it worth every penny.  The fast heat-up time, the cordless and easily-maneuverable aspect and the great covering are incredible implementations that make the Straight-Away Pro an all-around winner.  I’ve definitely found a product that fits my hair, styling needs and on-the-go life; so why not give it a try?  You’ll be glad you did…and who knows, after you get lucky with the straightener, you might finally be able to find that perfect pair of jeans!

Carousel is having a huge sale on Amazon.com for the month of March!  Get your Straight-Away Pro for $79.07 while inventory lasts.  The team here was super excited to see a 5 star review up for our cordless explaining how we helped a client regain her lunchbreak workout regime.  That’s what we’re talking about! 

As always, we encourage your feedback and look forward to leave you styling and smiling.

Check out our awesome review the Straight-Away Pro received from the beauty expert at Butterfly Diary! We loved the break down of our cordless flat iron’s features and of course, nothing beats a great before & after shot!

Get yours today!

Many a stylist will tell you that as a whole, the baby boomer generation tends to shy away from flat irons. Consumer research shows that most ladies over 50 are actually scared to try straightening their hair. Many also are comfortable with the styles they’ve rocked for decades or feel their hair is too short for flat iron usage.

And to all that we say it’s a damn shame! To prove boomers can indeed benefit from straight styles, the Carousel team decided to test our Straight-Away Pro on a willing model (who happens to be the founders mom, thanks Carol!) As you can see, the results are pretty amazing! The shine from using a health-promoting hot tool gives her hair a youthful luster and modernizes her whole appearance!

Check out our “before” and “after” below-

I’ll be the first to admit it: I’m a huge fan of Lady GaGa. Everything about her just screams “fabulous,” from her discotheque sound to her out-of-this world costumes to her unmistakable hairstyles. When I saw the hair bow atop her head in the “Eh Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say)” music video, I was overcome with a surge of greed: I wanted that hairpiece, and despite what my friends would think if I wore fake hair in the shape of a bow out in public, I was inspired.

I want to be able to pull off her short, bobbed hair and classic straight bangs from the “Paparazzi” music video. Then I watch the video for “Poker Face,” and I want her long, sleak locks. They have just enough curl to them to indicate they were styled, but at the same time, they’re messy and look like an easy style to copy. And don’t even get me started on her bangs. For someone who has consistently had bangs my entire life, Lady GaGa is just proof that I was quite ahead of my time and more fashion-forward than a lot of women I know. Currently, I’m going through the oh-so-typical debate of what path to take next. Do I let my hair grow out, or do I cut it, mimicking the bob GaGa sports in the video. I know my hair will never look like hers, but I like to imagine that if Lady GaGa can work with her hair, I can too.

Lady GaGa represents something to women everywhere. She is the inspiration behind women finally adopting the unique, unseen and even strange hairstyles they’ve wanted to show off. If she can strut down the red carpet with mind-blowing hairstyles, why can’t anyone else? Because of her, women are taking charge of their own hair and not finding themselves limited to traditional styles that have dominated the pop scene for so long. GaGa has proved that hair can be short and sprinkled with purple highlights, or long with thick and choppy bangs: it really doesn’t matter, so long as the wearer rocks their look. She’s taken creativity and entertainment to the next level and, in the process, has motivated countless other women to do the same. She is a driving force behind women abandoning hairstyles behind which they previously hid and a source of encouragement, convincing females to constantly style themselves in a way that manifests their personalities. What she’s done for the world of music is amazing; but what Lady GaGa has taught women about themselves and the freedom they have in expressing themselves is inspirational, moving and utterly incredible.