This can take a bit of time, unfortunately. I wish my hair would grow longer faster but can’t do anything to speed things up, really. I just have to be patient and learn to make do with what hair I have now.

One of the ways that helps me deal with the awkwardness of my hair’s current state is curling it up. I’m been working on creating a messed-up curl hairstyle for short hair but I can’t seem to pull it off EXACTLY the way I want it. I guess I need a lot more practice in using the curling iron. I’m actually wondering if I need to use a smaller barrel or I can make do with the medium-sized one that I have (not that I really have a choice at present).

I’ve been playing around with curly hairstyles (The Naturally Curly Look and Soft Curls) ever since I bought my curling iron but it was when I had longer hair. My now short hair is a bit of a chore curling, esp at the back where its cropped and layered.

If any of you have got tips on how to create messed-up curls, ping me! I’d love to hear suggestions. I really want to *master* this hairstyle!

Image: mango.com

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Reminiscing my old locks, I’m reminded of a hairstyle I donned up picking up Style It Less fashionista Dexie’s tip on getting her Les Curles. I loved the soft curls that somewhat looked so natural on my own. It looked so romantic! I felt so feminine.

While styling my hair with the curling iron, I kept telling myself, “remember to hold the curling iron vertically! That’s what Dexie advised.” So, vertical it stayed for 20 seconds. I applied the Finesse Mousse before the iron touched my hair to ensure curl hold. Surprisingly, I was able to style my hair faster. I was done in under 30 minutes, hair polish and all.

This looked different than my first try, yeah? now, all I have to do is to try curling my new hair. I wonder how that’ll turn out.

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When I shared my version of the natural-looking curly hair styling tip, Dexie Wharton of Style It Less and I got to talking about her “Les Curles”. I had wanted to see how her curls looked like and she not only sent a couple of photos but also shared a set of instructions on how she worked them curls.

Take a look at another woman with Asian straight hair gunning for some curls.

1. Apply mousse while wet then blow dry.
2. Holding the curling iron, vertically, gather sections of hair in between the barrel of the iron. Hold for 20-30 seconds. Depends how curly you want it. Keep holding the iron in vertical position.
3. Repeat process. Don’t pick the curls until all sections are done.
4. Use finger tips to pick the curls.

Dexie’s Important Tip: “The key is holding the iron vertically.”

Aren’t we all glad to learn a new way to style our hair? Thanks for sharing Dexie!

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Some might cry out, “why in the world would you want to do that to your straight Asian hair?!” Simple. Most people want what they don’t have. Agree?

Well, I’ve tried perm and I’m never and I repeat, NEVER going to go that route again. EVER. I feel so strongly about it, huh? Traumatic experience, I tell you. Zigzag curls! Good thing I was just in third grade. I let the hair grow out of it and simply chopped the remaining evidence of the horrific state. Never had my hair curled until I stumbled upon an old set of curling irons that my mum brought home from the US. It was my first time to curl my hair on my own. I thoroughly had fun styling it! (Probably because I knew it wasn’t permanent.)

Here are some tips that may help you, beauties, out as you go about styling your locks with a curling iron:

1. Make sure you blow dry your hair completely.
2. Twist portions of your hair from ends to root into tight curls around the barrel.
3. Clamp down and hold for around 20 seconds then release.
4. Style or shape your hair with mousse or gel by lightly smoothing that portion then letting it fall naturally.
5. Apply hair wax for definition.

Don’t laugh but here’s a photo of my first try. See me pouting.

It’s the best photo of the curls I could find! Not bad considering it’s my first try but I realise that I need to curl it up to the roots but, sheesh, twas taxing. And I got blisters as proof of my efforts. Such a n00b, huh?

Anyway, if you do get around to trying out the tips, do snap a photo and share! I’ll definitely try harder. Much harder.

Beauty Bento Tip: Don’t brush or comb your hair, use your fingers if you must but in moderation.

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I sure had faced a dilemma when I was looking at shelves of boxes containing curling irons and crimpers. I didn’t know how to go about settling on one. Oh, I did go home with one, which brings me to this — let me tell you about my choice.

Vidal Sassoon VS2220 Curling Iron
Curl n’ Shine Combi

Conditioning steam creates quick and shiny curls

* Optional steam feature
* 19mm barrel size
* High capacity reservoir provides more restorative steam
* Push button for steam activation
* Contour handle for easy grip
* On / Off switch and indicator light
* Brush sleeve
* Cool tip
* Swivel cord

How did I arrive to a decision? Well, I merely spoke to the sales person who helped identify the key points of the product and I then cross-checked it with my hair styling needs.

I particularly liked the idea of a quick heat up and a conditioning system. It allows me to work on my hair faster and the latter will give it the shine I want on my fresh curls. How does the conditioning system work? Oh, let me burst your bubble cuz it’s not some high-tech thingie that the curling iron has to help condition the hair while you curl it, it’s just a small container where you can fill with water which will be the source of the mist you can create while you curl. The mist will help hydrate the area that you are working on and somehow leaves the hair shiny and looking healthy and “conditioned”. So, there are no added conditioning ingredient, not unless there’s a separate beauty product you can use with the iron that will contain the “conditioning element”, know what I mean?

I already did a test drive and teh boyfriend loved the “sexy” curls on his normally straight-haired girlfriend. I loved the change in look, too. That’s why I’m planning to do a bit of experimenting in the coming days.

Photo credit: Tools of Sassoon

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