It’s cliche but it’s true.

You never know what you have until it’s gone.

My beautiful yet boring long locks

My hair was getting long.

It was starting to just become this wisp of a thing that planted flat against my head and clung lifelessly by its roots. Sure, sometimes it was pretty but it was bOring!

Like all restless souls, I needed a change. I wanted to set aside my prudish reputation and BE COOL for once.

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Jessica’s hair was dragging her down. Literally.  Nearing her hips, she was always swishing it around. (Especially in my face) I would tell her for months that her tresses were too long and most importantly, too unhealthy. It was time for a cut. And a color. And a treatment. And maybe a pedicure but that’s a story for another time.  We headed over to Byu-Ti Salon in Santa Monica, CA where the owner, Natasha Sunshine, is a pro at hair nutrition and not only making people look better, but more importantly,  feel better inside and out. As Jess got her hair completely revamped, I set out to learning from Natasha more about her salon and about taking care of one’s hair in general. And lemme tell ya, it’s not with 99 cent shampoos.
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My hair still nice and smooth hours after I left the salon.

Since coming to Los Angeles a year and a half ago, I noticed my hair getting dry and my scalp irritated. I hypothesized long ago that maybe the water in Los Angeles is different from Hong Kong where I’m from and that there was nothing I could do about it. In fact, Southern California has some of the hardest water in the United States and the bright sun, dry air and pollution only worsens the situation. Never did I think that there was a way to defend my hair against the damaging elements of L.A., so when I was presented with the opportunity to try out the Formula LA Shampoo and Conditioner, I jumped right at it.

Rarely do I go to a salon just to get a blow dry, so I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t think washing my hair with this new shampoo and conditioner once would make that big of a difference, but it really did. My hair and scalp felt so much cleaner as the shampoo more effectively cleans away the dirt, making my hair more lightweight so that I was finally able to get the volume that I’ve always wanted for my hair. The conditioner made my hair a lot smoother and easier to manage, and did I mention how good it smells? Even after an hour or two of some window shopping and squishing in crowded public transport, my hair still behaved wonderfully. This is the best I’ve seen my hair. Bye bye hair problems!

The Formula LA Shampoo and Conditioner are designed to combat the harmful effects of the harsh conditions in Los Angeles. With these specially made products, your hair no longer has to fear the harmful, damaging elements in our environment. Plus, the products are so friendly to our hair that they can be used every day. I also love that these hair products are designed with our environment in mind. The ingredients are biodegradable and the packaging is recyclable since it is made of aluminum, which also makes it more aesthetically appealing.

You can purchase the Formula LA Shampoo and Conditioner online and in Planet Blue, The Color Bar Salon, Beverly Glen Pharmacy, Brent-Air Pharmacy and Dana’s. If you’re still unsure about it, try it out The Color Bar Salon. The staff there is really nice and the salon is very cozy.

The Color Bar Salon

DETAILS

The Color Bar Salon
9885 South Santa Monica Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90212

Save the ta-tas and save yourself (and your monthly bill) from having to buy your own hygiene and beauty products. One lucky winner will be sent this amazing goody bag all donated by companies with proceeds going to charities raising breast cancer awareness.

Vonny Tote, $78.00; Elemis Sparkling Beauty Collection, $95.00; Emily Elizabeth studs, $50; CHI Helmet Head, $14.99; China Glaze Nail Polish Collection, $6.50/bottle.

Inside the Vonny tote bag are not only convenient compartments, but also four additional products. What a treasure chest!

Just between you and me, China Glaze nail polish is what the professionals use because it contains China clay as a hardener.

I would die for a hairspray bottle of CHI because it tackles my stubborn and straight black hair by putting it in place.

The Emily Elizabeth pink ribbon gold earrings are discreet but send out a powerful message. And lastly, the Elemis Sparkling Beauty Collection can top it all off and give you the Asian glow.

Don’t take my word for it, I cannot guarantee immediate results with these items, but it’s guaranteed that all of these products are advocates for the research and fight against breast cancer!

Enter our TGIFree Friday Breast Cancer Awareness Edition to win these treats and help raise awareness for the treatment of those diagnosed with breast cancer. Please comment or tweet “Hey @audreymagazine I love pink [insert your fav. pink noun]” to be eligible to win. Don’t wait till November 3, 11:59 p.m. to comment. You must have a U.S. addy to win. (Apologies to our international readers!) For more details on products, check here.

FYI: Breast Cancer Awareness Month ends in two days, but the fight goes on!

I’m usually always running off from one place to another, therefore, I don’t ever feel the need to style my hair in the mornings. I just grab one of my trusty hair ties and throw my long hair into a ponytail.

I don’t often use hair accessories other than plain black hair ties and bobby pins, but I just might consider the Di Manno Designs ponytail holders; especially the “Python” one.

Some may say what’s the point, but I say, “Why not?” Putting her hair up in a ponytail is the easiest hairstyle a woman can do herself. Who says you can’t spice it up a bit with a little python skin?

It’s been nearly a month since my hair has undergone the Global Keratin treatment and I’m happy to report that I am very very satisfied. I never knew how nice it would be to not have to struggle through knots and brush vigorously to get a desired hairstyle. I like my hair, after blow drying, shines like the stars. I like how smooth it feels. I like how yummy it smells. (I don’t like how much I keep touching and smelling it though).

The Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner work together to cleanse, nourish, and hydrate hair while increasing manageability. Leave-In Cream can be used to style and moisturize hair while protecting it from even more environmental damage. The Leave-In Spray works as a detangler by penetrating the hair’s cuticle to condition. Finally, the Serum coats hair to instantly reduce frizz and keep hair smooth throughout the day.

But let’s stop talking about my hair. Let’s talk about yours!

Two lucky Audrey readers will be able to win a Global Keratin After Care set (retailed at $250 each). To win, just tell us why you need to try Global Keratin After Care and tweet, “Giveaway @audreymagazine” and become a fan of Global Keratin on Facebook at Facebook.

For more information about Global Keratin and the products in the After Care set, visit www.GlobalKeratin.com.

*Giveaway ends Sept. 29th, 11:59 p.m.

If there’s one thing I can’t do, it’s hair. I wish I was good at it, but I really suck at it. I am envious of women who know how to do their hair effortlessly, especially since I have to wrestle with mine to even get it up in a practical bun. My kid sister, on the other hand, is a pro at it and can do her hair like it’s her job.

If I had this little goody, maybe I’d be a better ‘do do-er. FHI Heat, the name in hair styling products, offers all sorts of high-end hair help, and their Go 1″ Styling Iron doesn’t disappoint.

FHI Heat Go Styling Iron in Mermaid Me.

The iron is not just a straightener — it’s a ceramic tourmaline styling powerhouse, so it’s actually good for your hair. It includes all the necessary features of a great styling iron (ceramic tourmaline plates, a wide adjustable heat range, extra long cord, etc.). Plus, it’s a handy size with dual voltage international plug for all you travelers. The Go Styling Iron comes in bright fun colors such as Girly-Girl and Hot-Hot-Hot — yours will come in the fabulous Mermaid Me hue.

I know I can’t do hair, but I can do math. The FHI Heat Go Styling Iron would cost you $79.99 retail, but this week, you could get yours for nil. Even this hair ignoramus knows that’s a pretty sweet deal.

Don’t wait till September 22, 11:59 p.m. to comment. Retweet for an additional entry and you must have a U.S. addy to win. (Apologies to our international readers!)

Good luck!

Two weeks ago, I didn’t come home from my Global Keratin treatment empty-handed. I walked out with a full set of after-care products which included Global Keratin’s Hair Taming System with JUVEXIN™ Sodium Chloride and Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner. The first few times I tried the product, I was unaccustomed to having such a slick cream over my hair acting as a shampoo. It almost felt like it was sliding it off my hair.

After I showered, I was dismayed to find that my locks were still a frizzy fried mess. What happened to the silky smoothness of only a couple of days ago?

Undaunted, I proceeded to try out the serum (a personal fave of one of the Global Keratin reps) and whoa, it was like magic!

My hair became irresistibly silky and smooth without a brush or a comb.  I constantly receive compliments and questions like, “where did you get your hair done?” My only gripe was that my do was still a little too flat for my taste.  Then, I received a pro tip from Jasmine, the assistant stylist at the Sally Hershberger salon, to only condition and use the serum for the tips of my hair — the part that needs the most moisture. I tried this the next day and viola! My hair no longer sticks to my head at the top like an oily mess.

The wonderful feeling of being able to leave the house with minimal fuss on my hair and to keep it growing long without having to tie it up by the end of the day because it got too oily has been the best part of my treatment. If anything else changes with the condition of my hair within the next few weeks, I’ll let you know! Until then…

My hair has been through a lot.  It’s undergone years of perms, highlights, curlers, dye jobs and hairspray abuse. I can go for weeks without brushing it. Sometimes, if I’m not careful, it’ll just sit as a tangled bird’s nest atop my head.

So when I heard of the Global Keratin’s Hair Taming System with JUVEXIN™, a treatment where protein compound that can restore hair back to its youthful state, I had to check it out.

My treatment was held at the swanky Sally Hershberger salon in Los Angeles where the ultra-pro stylist, Kristen and her assistant Jasmine Chang (who is also on the hit reality show, K-town, woot woot) was put in charge of styling my hair.

My "before" hair

Now, I had my hesitations because it would seem that this system seems most effective with those who have giant, wild, unmanageable hair.  As an Asian girl whose stick-straight locks isn’t usually that unmanageable, I wasn’t sure if I would be an ideal subject. I was afraid that the treatment might even make my hair flatter and I just ain’t down with that.  Nonetheless, Kristen and the rest of the Global Keratin team assured me that after the protein compounds start setting in my locks, my hair may actually become fuller.

I want it this full.

The treatment itself was easy enough with a few simple steps.  After applying the treatment on my hair, my stylists blew dry and then hot-ironed the locks to set the formula in. I’m not supposed to wash my hair for the next two days (so, sorry people who have to see my greasy do!) but after that, I can do whatever I want.

Tada! My hair right after

I’ll be checking in over the course of the next few weeks to let you know how it works out. Meanwhile, here’s hoping I won’t have to keep wearing this anymore.

Hat hair for the next few days

Gooood morning ladies! (Or afternoon or evening if you’re not on the West Coast). It’s our favorite day of the week here at Audrey Magazine — thank goodness it’s FREE-day!

Continuing on our hair theme from last week, I have very special news… I’m giving away a top-of-the-line FHI Heat flat iron this week only!

FHI Heat Technique Do More Series: Earth 1 inch

What’s so special about FHI Heat flat irons? Besides being manufactured by the originators of the flat iron technology — South Koreans — and featuring all the latest and greatest bells and whistles like three layers of baked ceramic plates with authentic advanced tourmaline technology, consistent optimal heat, beveled plates for smooth curls and proprietary Nano-Fuzeion technology for conditioning and shine, it’s also FREE.

And, I only have one. That’s right guys, ONE. One very lucky gal chosen at random will receive FHI Heat’s Technique Do More Series: Earth 1 inch flat iron, which retails for more than $120.

You know the drill — comment here starting today until 11:59 p.m. April 14.

Good luck and TGIF until next Friday!