Beauty: Hairy Issues - Wax in, Shave out!

If you're from the 80's you'd know that's from Karate Kid, but this post has nothing to do with martial arts. Today I am talking of below-the-belt hairy issues, why you should get a Brazilian wax, undergo a laser hair removal, and score a more lady-like pair of legs.

First and to be honest, do not shave any part of your body. Okay, armpits exempted. Shaving any part of your body would cause darkening. Have you ever tried shaving your bikini area? Then I am sure you found it difficult to deal with hair re-growth, with stiffer strands of hair sticking out of your undies. Not sexy!

In high school, shaving legs were all the rage and I am glad I didn't follow the lead. Do not shave your legs if you don't have to. Actually, never shave your legs unless you like to have chicken legs.



Model Ornusa Cadness 'strands out' with her hair-free legs at the Lay Bare launch.

If you are born hairy then opt for waxing treatments that effectively removes hair from the roots. Eyebrow (I just discovered this and got amazing results!), upper lip, under arm, bikini area, and legs - all these areas can be waxed rather than violently plucked, or shaved. Waxing gives you more hair-free moments without the aftershock of darker skin, stubs, and hair damage.

Some salons I've tried and highly recommend for waxing treatments are: House of Glitz (for bikini wax) and Nail-a-Holics (for eyebrow wax).

Another salon I have been wanting to try and have been hearing about is Lay Bare. My friends say that the biggest difference between Lay Bare and any previous traumatic experience you might have had with hair removal(the scalding wax and the quick rips on your skin) - Lay Bare has pioneered the use of cold wax jelly and an innovative patch-waxing technique.

Made from all-natural ingredients that suit extra-sensitive skin, Lay Bare’s cold wax jelly allegedly (because I haven't tried them yet) eliminates incidents of nicks, cuts or burns, and is a relatively comfortable procedure. Combined with Lay Bare’s patch-waxing technique, skin trauma is further reduced by removing a small section of hair at a time.

Beauty: Add Luster to Your Hair in 30 Minutes

What's the difference between a celebrity and a normal human being? My sister and I agree that the answer is hair! Celebrities will never come out on screen with unkempt and dull-looking hair, unless their star is about to fade. Many want the same celebrity-like mane on top of their heads and here's one product I tried that can help many normal human beings like us to have head-turning tresses --- and in just 30 minutes:)



Before: Super long roots that are screaming for a haircut and color.

Demi-permanent hair color, this is the first time I heard about it as I prefer real permanent hair color. Though I heard how many heads Splash has transformed through their newest product, the Kolours Luster Demi-Permanent Hair Color. The transformation is not really about color but making the hair shine and come alive with natural looking tints suited for Filipina hair. In short, you can have hair that's full of luster and shine with this product.



With 30 minutes to spare, I gave Splash Luster a try with the help of Head Zone Salon's chief color expert, Monette. Kolours Luster comes in three delicious and natural looking shades, chestnut, mahogany, and brown. These shades can last up to 6 to 8 weeks which is good for women who always like a change of look but bad if you've already fallen in love with Luster. In that case, Kolours Luster are available in Watsons.

Monette and I decided to play with the Luster shades and used two colors, brown and mahogany. After 30 minutes she and her apprentice JM cut my hair as inspired by my new highlights. Monette gave me new fringes and layered ends that made me look a lot younger! Oh the elixir of youth!



After: My hair has a life of its own, maybe its own career even!

Everyone kept reminding me how Kolours Luster will not be very evident if not under the light or the sun. In my case, my new hair color shines at the right time. Like when I flip my hair and a beam of light falls on my tresses. I like the subtlety and natural effect it has but most especially how shinier and more alive my hair looks.



Thank you to Head Zone Salon, hair experts Monette (Shangrila Hotel's Yuko Yamashita) and JM (the cute blondie apprentice). With us in this photo is my friend Jennie who also had her hair Koloured :)

Depending on your hair, the coloring effect of this product will vary. I noticed some of my friends who used it had lighter hair colors after. You may want to try to leave on the product longer like what I do with other brands. Though, Kolours Luster is Amonia-Free and that means your hair won't stink after! Perfect for immediate make overs and for breastfeeding moms like me :)

Fanny Serrano Professionals | DIY Hair Spa in 3 Easy Steps!

After the success of local makeup brand Fashion 21 also known as F21, Fanny Serrano dibs into having his own hair care label too.

Watsons was having a sale last week and I figured I never had a complete regimen for my hair. I made my own "set" with Fanny Serrano Professionals. It's color coded and green is for nourishing.



My set includes a Fanny Serrano Nourishing Shampoo, Conditioner, and Replenishing Hair and Scalp Treatment.

Right after purchase, I treated my hair to a DIY hair spa with the products. First, the Fanny Serrano Nourishing Shampoo.

This product (Nourishing Shampoo) prevents hair damage, improves hair luster, dissolves dead skin cells and stimulates circulation for a healthier scalp. It contains revitalizing and nourishing complex of Aloe Vera extract, Papaya extract and Vitamin PRO B5 for long lasting moisture.

Like any naturals shampoo, the product weighed light and was thinner in consistency than what I'm used to. It was really soft to the hair though, used two pumps of the product to make sure everything is covered ;)

Second, the Fanny Serrano Professionals Nourishing Conditioner. Uniquely formulated to help protect and condition hair for a long lasting moisture. It also improves hair’s luster and sheen.

Surpisingly, the conditioner was easy to spread and unlike the shampoo - I only used one pump of the product and easily worked it on my hair. At this point, my hair felt softer and cleaner than before, just like what you'll notice after a hair spa from the salon.



I believed my hair was ready to absorb even more nourishment from my next and final step.

The Fanny Serrano Professionals Replenishing Scalp and Hair Treatment is a mild way treatment for normal hair to keep/retain its good condition and preserve its beauty. Formulated with Synergistic AHA-Complex, it smoothly exfoliates the scalp and helps eliminate dandruff.

I used two dollops of this treatment, massaged it onto my scalp and used a hair cap to seal in the nutrients. After 5 to 10 minutes, it was fairly easy to rinse. At first, I felt like my hair thinned out but after drying, my hair was really softer and smoother. Like it had a facial. Maybe my hair is laden with pollutants and I am surprised I could improve my hair this much and at home!

I'm going to treat my hair with these products weekly. It pays to use products that belong to the same hair care line :)

Fanny Serrano Professionals is exclusively available at Watsons.

Beauty: Goodbye to my Long Hair

I've been itching to cut my hair, just for the heck of it because I need change. I have this belief that whenever I cut my hair, I get good luck. Sometimes, I also like cutting it whenever I am frustrated. weirdo.




Headed to the nearest Tony & Jackey in the neighborhood, it was my first time to go there and I prayed hard for my hair not to look like an isosceles triangle. I was aiming for a fierce sharp haircut like Anna Wintour's.



Because I want to look like this in the front row. Wish ko lang. But I don't think I have hair like that, in equivalent fractions. Plus, my husband would kill me if I get hair as short as Anna's.

Instead of looking fierce, I looked like a sweet little girl x.x I wish I can have line plot fringes like but the stylist said the cut would look better without the full bangs.



Wearing the Tiffany scarf my sister Joni sent me from OZ. At least, now I can use all the headbands I've brought because most of them suit short hair.



Here's my black i dont know what to call it headband, same as my niece Anya's pink one. Honestly, I prefer fierce rather than cute. Will bring out my giant sunnies tom. and work this hairdo.

How to Curl your hair using a straightener

JML Hair Straightener/Curler Php 1,400

I impulsed shop one day and bought a new hair ceramic flat iron, to curl my hair! Don't you just love it when department stores have demo units and they can actually show you how to do it? The saleslady curled my hair with just a flip or two, I tried it myself and got it done after some time.

The Best How To Video on curling hair with straightener:



Last night, I pulled out my unit from my drawer and tried to make curls. But oh no, looks like I forgot to do it. I did my sister's hair but with my hair - I lose hand and eye coordination. I didn't want my Php 1,400 to go to waste so I immediately researched on YouTube on how to curl hair using a straightener. There were lots of vids but this one saved my life.

If I have time, I'll video myself working the flat iron. And now I can't stop watching How To videos on YouTube! :) Do you have other techniques with your hair straightener?

Feathered Headbands and Mini Hats

peacock feathered headband and victorian mini hat with veil

Welcome back to the Victorian Era! Headbands have been making a come-back ever since Gossip Girl. But when everyone is donning a big bow on their heads like Minnie Mouse, you can enjoy a more sophisticated style of hair accessories.


peacock feather multi-purpose brooch

Big ribbons and bows are over, entering the scene are padded or feathered headbands. The most elusive designs are those with a faux peacock feather, so elusive that some just decide to make them from scratch. You can make your own feathered headband just by gathering a plain headband, glue gun, backing fabric, and feathers. All of which are readily available in department stores in Manila.

When I personally went to SM Department Store to get my materials, I was taken aback when I saw these:


Feathered headbands, clip on hair accessories, and Victorian mini hats in SM Department Store. Click to enlarge and have fun choosing!

Now we don't have to make our own when each headband and mini hats with veils only cost around Php 250. In Multiply stores, headbands are kind of overpriced as well as in other shops that I have checked out.



These hair accessories can either spell sophisticated or if not worn properly, they could appear like a circus on your head. However, it's great to grab them now before they are off the racks. Perfect for super parties or when you just feel melodramatic :)

Answer and Win! Are you turned-off by body hair?

Veet and Style and Relax are giving away special Veet gift packs to readers who can answer the following question:

Are you turned-off by body hair?

Email your answers to styleandrelax@gmail.com now!

Five (5) winners will be selected by Style and Relax, 4 of which will get an awesome Veet gift pack and the best answer will receive a Veet gift pack and a free day pass at Fitness First!

Submit your answers before next Friday, August 7 when winners will also be announced here on StyleandRelax.net

Sexy Curls in 5 minutes

Really?! Yes, oh yes. And all you need is a hair straightener, not even a curling iron. Watch this:



It's important to have a nice brand of hair straightener, for this purpose - the edges must be rounded so you can easily roll your hair in the straightener.

Also, she used a hair heat protectant cream which hopefully, we can find in the department store.

Thanks for sharing the video Bubbi! :)

How to cut your own bangs - Tutorial

Changing your hair style can update your look in a flash. I chose to have bangs or fringes since I always had pony-tailed hair with my forehead exposed. Time to try something new this year with your hair!

Vince, creative director of Vivere Salon shows us how to cut our own bangs in this video.





Thank you Vince for giving me "hot bangs", visit him at Vivere Salon at Robinson's Galleria. Also, I had my eyebrows threaded at Vivere too, they're amazing! :)

Cold Tuesday

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome the new bangs :) Vince of Vivere Salon (Robinson's Galleria) will show you how to cut your own bangs. I video'd him while he was cutting my hair. Please watch out for this soon.

It's unusually cold where I come from hence the jacket which is also perfect for snuggling in the movies.

On Brazilian Wax

First, Brazilian wax is not for everyone but some people like me prefer going bare down there. It's very fortunate that in Manila, Brazilian wax services are now being offered like an ordinary haircut.

Brazilian wax means everything would be waxed off your delicate area and this could be a very painful yet rewarding experience. Although, you gotta be very careful and choosy as to which salon you'd go to. Let me tell you a story from last week. Click on read more below :)



I was with a friend at this salon and I saw that they were offering Brazilian waxing. I am scheduled to go to this more popular joint but was a bit excited that day and opted to get the service done at the salon we were currently at. I asked the reception if they've been doing this many times with different customers and they said yes. It took about 20 minutes for them to prepare and I was asked to wash at the comfort room.

At first, it was great - I saw they had the correct waxing tools like the heater and the generic waxing cloths. The pain was bearable since I use to do this torture by myself and then came the surprising part. I wasn't really looking so I did not know if any hair was left unwaxed until the staff told me. She said that she'll just tweeze off the wax off my skin and get some unwaxed hair. It was okay but I didn't realize she left a lot of hair down there! I asked her if there are many and she said not much but I was lying there being plucked out like a helpless chicken. I so wanted to complain but my vajayjay was at her mercy so I just smiled and endured the torture. After a lot of painful tweezing, she said if I would like for her to try to just "thread" the unwaxed hair. What it's not yet over???

And she did thread away for like another 20 minutes. This story is very painful for me to write and I just wanted to eat a cow after that brazilian wax.

The only good part is I got the waxing done and down there looks pretty normal, it'll sound weird but I love it.

So, the lesson is choose a reputable salon for Brazilian wax, get referrals and ask friends where they have their Brazilian wax done. I already knew this but I was bored at that time and couldn't think of any other service to get.

After 2 weeks, I'd try the famous salon in Makati that specializes in Brazilian wax.

How to Use Bendy Rollers and Curlers

I have been looking for these bendy rollers, also known as bendy curlers. Luckily, I found them in Watsons as SM Mall of Asia for around Php 200 +. It was my first time to use them and here's how to use bendy rollers to achieve lovely curls overnight!


Step 1: Take the bendy rollers or curlers out of the box. Section your hair into two. Work on one side first. If you want to achieve large and big curls, then roll a thick part of your hair into one bendy curler. You can achieve big curls if you will use 4-5 bendy rollers on each side of your hair.

For smaller and tighter curls, roll hair thinly on each bendy. You can use 6 bendy rollers on each side of your hair.

Step 2: To secure the bendy rollers, bend their tips upward. Make the ends meet so that your hair won't fall or the rollers won't become loose. The tighter you secure them the better. Leave them on as you sleep or for approximately 6 hours.

If you are in a rush, blow dry your hair while they are curled into bendy rollers. Do not concentrate the blow drier on the rollers, just ensure that your hair is absolutely dry.



Step 3: Remove the rollers by unbending the ends, pull them out slowly. Tada! You can now enjoy your instant curls!

Practice makes perfect, you can also try to part your hair on the side and not in the middle. To make curls last, blow dry them. NEVER comb your hair, just use your fingers to toss and style them.

Hair Color Story - Step by Step Hair Coloring

Before After

With the help of our local hair dresser, here are simple steps in coloring your hair! It's always best to grab a friend for help, it's tricky to evenly color your hair by yourself.

Step 1: Mix the hair color out of the box, use a comb with a brush at the back. Similar to what hair dressers use. If not available, you can use a flat single row comb that has thin spaces in between. Gather your hair on the top of your head by using a clamp.

Step 2: Color you hair in sections, around 4 sections starting at the bottom part of your hair. Work your way up until you reach the front section. Brush remaining mixture all over your hair. Gather your hair again to the top and secure with a clamp. Waiting time begins here.

Step 3: After 40 minutes to 1 hour, touch your hair with the palm of your hand. If color sticks on your hand, you have to wait longer. If no color sticks on your hand and it becomes oily, then you are ready to wash your hair.

Step 4: When washing your hair, do not forget to finish it off with the conditioner which comes with the hair coloring kit. Thoroughly wash the hair color mixture off of your hair with water.

Step 5: Blow dry your hair so that the color is secured, to dry your hair faster - you can do this in front or beside an electric fan. This is the last step and you will now see the results. Your hair color will become more obvious after 2-3 days (based on experience). It is suggested to skip washing your hair for the next 24 hours.

For some reasons, hair coloring makes your hair look more shiny and vibrant :)

Hair Color Used : Revlon Color Silk - Light Brown

Related Post: Hair Update

Hair Update

Challenging days call for drastic makeovers. If you want to forget something, work on your crowning glory and everything else becomes haze.

At Watson's yesterday, I noticed that Revlon Hair Colors are on sale. You can get them at Php 355 or around $6 and some boxes have a coupon for a free Lip Glide lipstick as well! I got this for myself:
In a trip to Hongkong, you'll notice almost everyone is blonde and every hair is colored. Most girls have curled hair and it looks real good. One thing you'll learn is if you take care of your hair and with the right hair color/style, your look is automatically updated! Blonde though is too striking for me so I chose light plum brown.

Where do you get your hair colored? I prefer buying this DIY boxes and bring them in a local beauty parlor. The staff will do the coloring and you just need to pay them for labor, around Php 100 or $2.