Curlformers recommended in consumer magazine Shout, Jan 2012

Top teen title Shout recommends Curlformers as a kinder way to curl your hair in its ‘What’s Hot Barometer’ – in the January issue on sale now!

So if you’ve tonged and straightened your hair to within an inch of its life, now’s the time to consider alternative methods and we know that when it comes to creating soft, bouncy longer lasting curls and waves Curlformers are the best!

Check out our facebook page for testimonials and our blog here for the latest news about the award-winning stylists who used Curlformers for a stunning editorial photo-shoot.  Don’t forget to watch the interviews with top YouTube beauty guru Tanya Burr who was filming behind-the-scenes at the photo-shoot.  Here’s a link to her interview with award-winning stylist Mark Leeson who has the most fab salon in Mansfield.  There are also interviews with British Hairdresser of the Year Akin Konizi, and top stylists Karine Jackson from London and Mark Woolley, stylist and owner of Electric Hairdressing in London, Brighton, Reading and Oxford.  They’re the best, they’ll give you some great hints and tips about how to get the best from your Curlformers and well worth a visit if you’re thinking about having a hair make-over in 2012!

This is a post from: Blog Classic.

Shout Magazine recommends Curlformers in January ‘What’s Hot Barometer’!

babesinhairland mum, Becky Porter!

Babesinhairland founder and mum, Becky Porter has recently uploaded two brilliant Curlformers tutorial videos to her website.  Becky, who’s been a Curlformers fan almost from day 1, is quite the expert when it comes to using them to create the most gorgeous curls and waves on her daughters’ hair.

Becky, who has three girls, has always loved the fact that Curlformers are kinder to the hair – you don’t need to use harsh straightening or curling irons to create spiral curls and waves – which she believes is especially important on fine, fragile hair. You can watch her excellent tutorials, which include a whole range of helpful hints and tips and see how easy it is to create your own party curls to make you sparkle this Christmas and don’t forget to check out Becky’s website for a host of ideas for creating gorgeous girlie spirals, curls and waves on different lengths of hair.

This is a post from: Blog Classic.

babesinhairland tutorial videos show you how to create curly hair styles for the festive season

Akin Konizi and Claire Atkinson of HOB Salons.
23 HOB Salons from London to Leeds. Work with haircare brands Alterna and Wella
http://www.HOBsalons.com/
http://Curlformers.com

Akin Konizi, Director of HOB Salons and Claire Aitkinson, Head of Education at HOB Salons, are interviewed by Make Up and Hair YouTube blogger, Tanya Burr, behind the scenes of Curlformers Hairdresser Journal photo-shoot.

British Hairdressing Awards 2011 – nominated British Hairdresser of the Year (winner to be announced 28th November!) British Hairdressing Awards 2008 AND 2009 – British Hairdresser of the Year.

This is a post from: Blog Classic.

Akin Konizi and Claire Atkinson interviewed by Tanya Burr at our Hairdressers Journal photo shoot

http://www.curlformer.com
http://www.karinejackson.co.uk/index.php

British Hairdressing Awards 2009 finalist, Mens Hairdresser of the Year British Hairdressing Awards 2007 – London Hairdresser of the Year

London salon. Works with haircare brands LOreal and Herb UK (organic colour).

This is a post from: Blog Classic.

Karine Jackson interviewed by Tanya Burr at our Hairdressers Journal photo shoot

Mark Leeson, founder and director of Mark lesson Hair, Body and Mind is interviewed by Make Up vlogger Tanya Burr, whilst on set of the Curlformers Hairdresser Journal photo-shoot.

http://www.markleeson.co.uk/
http://www.curlformers.com

British Hairdressing Awards 2011 – nominated British Hairdresser of the Year (winner to be announced 28th November!) British Hairdressing Awards 2004, 2005 & 2006 winner Eastern Hairdresser of the Year, British Hairdressing Hall of Fame

Salon is in Mansfield, Nottingham. Works with haircare brands Redken and Goldwell.

This is a post from: Blog Classic.

Mark Leeson interviewed by Tanya Burr at our Hairdressers Journal photo shoot

Mark Woolley, founder and director of Electric Hairdressing is interviewed by hair and beauty vlogger Tanya Burr on the set of the Curlformers Hairdresser Journal photo-shoot.

http://electric-hair.com/
http://www.curlformers.com

British Hairdressing Business Awards 2010 Director of the Year Hair Magazine 2009 Salon Stylist of the Year

Salons in Brighton, London and Reading. Works with haircare brands Electric, LOreal and Denman.

This is a post from: Blog Classic.

Mark Woolley interviewed by Tanya Burr behind the scenes at our Hairdressers Journal photo shoot

Glossy volume and cascading curls created by Mark Woolley, Electric Hairdressing using Curlformers

Whatever the season, when it comes to caring for your hair there’s always a battle with the elements and the cold winter months can certainly take their toll! Extreme contrasts in temperature: freezing outside and warm central heating inside can have a drying effect on your scalp and hair leaving it dull, limp and lack-lustre. You may also notice an increase in static and of course the drizzle can be deadly, especially if your hair is frizz-prone. So to get your hair party-ready, we asked some of the award-winning stylists we’ve recently worked with to share some of their tips to get you from the desk to the dance floor this Christmas.

Mark Woolley, creative director and entrepreneur behind the exclusive Electric brand says: “If you wash your hair daily, it’s a good idea to make sure you condition at the same time because most good conditioners contain antioxidants to protect hair from environmental damage. If you have naturally dry, damaged hair or you regularly have a colour or use heat styling appliances, it’s important to put back what these processes can take from your hair otherwise it can end up becoming even more brittle and break.” Your stylist will be able to recommend a moisturising or protein/strengthening treatment that is right for your hair type and condition and that suits your lifestyle, because how you apply your treatment is as important as the product itself. If you’re time-starved there’s no point applying a treatment that takes 20 minutes to process if you’re going to wash it off after five minutes!

If you live in London, Brighton or Reading and your hair is in need of some serious tlc you can book yourself into Electric Hairdressing for some indulgent Rescue Hair Therapy and an hour of pampering. Mark says it includes a deep relaxing head massage to melt away any stress while the Electric Intensive Treatment Mask infuses hair with a blend of coconut, olive and wheatgerm oils and strengthening proteins to smooth hair and improve vitality and shine. To maintain condition between salon visits, you can use the Intensive Treatment Mask at home rrp £23.50.

Electric Intensive Treatment Masque

Akin Konizi, HOB Salons’ International Creative Director and 2008 & 2009 British Hairdresser of the Year recommends using ‘the 9th wonder of the hair world’ Sebastian’s Potion 9 from £8.95, which combines 9 active botanicals with styling technology to form an advanced styling treatment.  Akin explains that it’s suitable for all hair types and can be used all-year-round.  He says: “It protects the hair from root-to-tip, whether you’re staying in cooler climes or heading off for some winter sun.”  Akin, who has been nominated British Hairdresser of the Year in this year’s British Hairdressing Awards, which will be announced on Monday 28th November, also recommends Alterna’s Bamboo Smooth Intense Moisture Masque £19.75.  Enriched with organic bamboo extract and kendi oil, this high performance masque nurtures and soothes damaged hair and restores a smooth, silky texture.  It’s ideal for fighting winter frizz!

Alterna Bamboo Smooth Intense Moisture Masque

Eastern Hairdresser of the Year 2004, 2005 and 2006 and also nominated for British Hairdresser of the Year 2011, Mark Leeson recommends Goldwell Dualsenses Rich Repair 60 Second Treatment £8.25, which replenishes moisture and is ideal for time-starved women looking for a quick fix for their damaged hair.  The range also includes DualSenses Curly Twist Leave-in-2-Phase Spray £7.14 a post-wash treatment that adds moisture to your curls an helps keeps them fresh and lively all day!

Check out Mark’s gorgeous salon, Mark Leeson Hair, Body and Mind and book yourself in for some luxe hair and beauty treats.

Goldwell Dualsenses Curly Twist

Curlformers favourite haircare treats include Philip Kingsley Elasticizer £21.25, which restores softness, flexibility and shine and KEVIN.MURPHY YOUNG.AGAIN £22.95, a leave-in treatment oil, which infuses hair with conditioning immortelle to add softness without weighing down the hair.

KEVIN.MURPHY YOUNG.AGAIN LEAVE-IN TREATMENT OIL

Post your favourite treatments and conditioner recommends on our facebook page!

This is a post from: Blog Classic.

Winter hair protection: top tips to becoming a mistletoe magnet this Christmas

Award-winning hairdressers on Curlformers editorial photo-shoot for Hairdressers Journal.

Curlformers were used by some of the UK’s most talented, award-winning hairdressers for an editorial photo-shoot with leading trade magazine hairdresser’s journal.

An illustrious line-up saw top stylists Akin Konizi, Desmond Murray, Karine Jackson, Mark Leeson and Mark Woolley create a number of sumptuous styles demonstrating the versatility of Curlformers. It was amazing to watch such a pool of creative talent hard at work under one fabulous roof and despite the pressure to deliver in a short space of time, there was much laughter and banter and they all produced some breath-taking looks, which you can see on this blog post!

It’s clear these super-talented stylists can work their magic in their sleep or standing on their heads or in Mark Leeson’s case, bare foot on set!  They love every aspect of their craft and it shows, as you’ll see from the behind-the-scenes video footage captured by YouTube beauty guru Tanya Burr, who came along to interview the stylists and film the gorgeous styles they created.  You can watch Tanya’s video and her interviews with each of the stylists here.

Art directed by HJ deputy editor Ruth Hunsley, the photo-shoot had a pre-Raphaelite theme and the stylists were briefed to create a series of beautiful looks.  Ruth says: “I wanted the end result to be like a work of art and something you would see in the pages of Italian Vogue.”  Fashion stylist Joe Toronka came armed with a wardrobe in deep, rich colours and the setting for the day was a lavish, bohemian house in North West London. Jo Sugar and her team provided the make-up for the five models and award-winning photographer John Rawson worked his magic behind the lens, resulting in a stunning creative 10-page spread, which you can see featured in today’s Hairdresser’s Journal (28th October).

Tanya Burr interviewed the stylists and her online grooming guru Jim Chapman came along to film them in action.  Tanya asked them about the latest hair fashion trends and what they thought about using Curlformers to create curls and waves or simply add texture and body to the hair.  You can check out her interviews on the Curlformers YouTube channel and her behind-the-scenes video showing how the stylists created the looks on her YouTube channel pixi2woo.

Here are some of the ‘snippets’ from the video interviews and you can see some of the stunning styles below:

AKIN KONIZI and CLAIRE ATKINSON – hob salons

Hair by Akin Konizi and Claire Atkinson, HOB Salons

Akin used Long and Wide Curlformers to add texture and incredible volume to fine hair.

http://www.hobsalons.com/

International creative director of HOB Salons, Akin has been nominated British Hairdresser of the Year in the British
Hairdressing Awards 2011 (winner to be announced 28^th November!), a title, which he has already won twice previously in 2008 and 2009! When asked how he and Claire Atkinson, hob head of education found Curlformers on the day,
their response was a unanimous ‘easy’!

Usually quite sceptical about anything remotely gimmicky, Akin said “having worked with Curlformers for the shoot I was pleasantly surprised.  They were easy, the results were reliable and they were quick to use.”   Not gimmicky afterall then Akin – phew!

There are some 23 hob salons around the country, offering the very best in British hairdressing.  To find your nearest one visit the HOB Salons website

KARINE JACKSON – Karine Jackson Hair and Beauty, London

Hair by Karine Jackson, Karine Jackson Hair and Beauty, London

Karine used the Extra Long and Wide Curlformers to create this full head of curls and maximum body.

http://www.karinejackson.co.uk/index.php

A finalist in the British Hairdressing Awards 2009 and winner of London Hairdresser of the Year 2007, Karine created a truly sumptuous mane of cascading blonde curls on her model.  Karine and her assistant Arash, had been
setting hair with Curlformers in the salon so when they came to do the shoot, it was a piece of cake!  Karine says: “You can create a beautiful even curl and they’re quick and easy to use.”  Karine has since trialled perming with them and says she’s had fantastic results: “Curlformers make it easy to achieve a consistent curl”.  She uses an organic curl system from Herb UK, which is also kinder to the hair.  Check out her website and book in for longer-lasting curls and waves NOW – perfect for the festive party season!

MARK LEESON - Mark Leeson Hair, Body and Mind, Mansfield, Notts

Hair by Mark Leeson, Mark Leeson Hair, Mind and Body

To create this romantic updo, Mark used Long and Extra Wide Curlformers to add soft waves and full volume to the hair.

http://www.markleeson.co.uk/

Also nominated British Hairdresser of the Year in this year’s British Hairdressing Awards and with a scoop of accolades
already under his belt including Eastern Hairdresser of the Year in the British Hairdressing Awards 2004, 2005 & 2006 Mark created a long, voluminous look and a soft, romantic updo on his model.  Explaining how Curlformers use a traditional ‘setting’ technique with a modern twist to create more natural-looking curls, Mark says: “They’re quick and easy and we love them!”

You can check out Mark’s gorgeous salon here and book yourself in for some luxe hair and beauty treats.

MARK WOOLLEY, Electric Hairdressing

Hair by Mark Woolley, Electric Hairdressing

To create these defined spiral curls and ‘undone’ look Mark applied Extra Long and Wide Curlformers throughout.

http://electric-hair.com/

Director of the Year in the British Hairdressing Business Awards 2010 and Salon Stylist of the Year, Hair Magazine 2009, Mark created a mass of defined beautiful curls with lots of natural movement in the hair.  The volume was fantastic and he created a stunning editorial ‘undone’ style with his model’s hair.  Mark, whose art team is working with Curlformers, says he likes their versatility, simplicity and the fact that there’s no risk of heat damage because you don’t need to use styling irons to achieve the curls.

Electric Hairdressing is in Brighton, London and Reading.  Check out the Electric Hairdressing website here and book yourself in for a head of cascading spiral curls and some top-to-toe pampering!

DESMOND MURRAY, Atherton Cox

Hair by Desmond Murray

Desmond used Long & Narrow Curlformers to create this stunning editorial style.

http://www.athertoncox.co.uk/

We were also lucky enough to have Desmond Murray on the team from Atherton Cox in Marylebone Village, London.
Desmond’s accolades include British Hairdressing Awards Afro hairdresser of the Year, Men’s Hairdresser of the Year and an international award from the AIPP, which named his collection as the ‘best photographic collection of the
year’.

Desmond demonstrated the versatility of Curlformers and his artistry by creating a dramatic editorial style for his
model.  Visit Desmond’s website here for contact details:

http://desmondmurray.com/site_22/welcome_to_desmond.html

Media enquiries and further information please contact: sara@curlformers.com

This is a post from: Blog Classic.

Top British hairdressing talent work with Curlformers on Hairdressers Journal editorial shoot

Congratulations to the overall winning team, South Tyneside Cheerleading Academy (STCA) in the Curlformers spring/summer competition! Open to cheerleading teams throughout the world, STCA has won the coveted prize enabling them to create perfect curls for competition day!

Voted ‘BEST all-rounder for curling hair’ by leading specialist consumer magazine YOUR HAIR Best Buys, Curlformers are ideal for creating glossy curls and waves that will hold throughout your performance and beyond!

Five-times winner of the All Female Stunt Champions within the UKCA, STCA teams are constantly in the limelight entering competitions all over the world and head coach Rachel Lynch says: “We always strive to look extra special and dazzle the crowds and winning this competition will help us do just that, adding the finishing touches to a flawless performance.”

Popular with cheerleaders and dance squads around the world, Curlformers Curlformers VP of Marketing Alexandra Malet says: “It’s obvious from the significant number of entries that cheerleading is an increasingly popular sport around the world.  We were really impressed with the number of entries and it was encouraging to see the professionalism and quality of behind-the-scenes support enjoyed by many of the teams, who have dedicated coaches and support staff working tirelessly to get them ‘competition-ready’, not to mention keeping their informative websites buzzing and up-to-date.  It was quite a challenge to select an overall winner, but many congratulations to STCA.”

The prize sees Curlformers sponsoring STCA for 12 months from the start of the new season in September 2011.  They will receive Curlformers Styling Kits for the team up to a maximum value of £1000 as well as funding a Curlformers branded top to the value of £1000.  Total prize value of £2000!

Well done to STCA and thanks to all the teams who entered!

This is a post from: Blog Classic.

Overall winning cheerleading team announced in Curlformers competition!

One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is what styling products we recommend when using Curlformers to add hold to your curls or waves and make them last longer.  Not everyone likes a mousse or gel and much depends on the texture of your hair.  There are of course a raft of styling gels and mousses to choose from but as ‘old is new’ again, the traditional ‘setting lotion’ seems to be enjoying a revival.

There are a variety of setting lotions available – some seem to be of a thicker consistency and not everyone’s ‘cup of tea’  - but the lighter lotions when applied to damp hair before your Curlformers, will help you create a head of healthy-looking, soft bouncy curls with ease.  Don’t be afraid to experiment a little either!  You may find, with a lotion that has a more ‘watery’ consistency, that you can water it down further to give a softer hold and finish.

For perfectly defined curls on straight or wavy hair, follow these simple steps:

You’ll need:

• Setting lotion – see some of our favourites below!
• Curlformers and Styling Hook
• Wide-toothed comb
• Hair clips

We like these setting lotions:

On ethnic hair, we like Dr Miracles Style Meds Healing, Wrapping and Setting Lotion – the perfect prescription for setting waves and curls.  It’s also great for your hair and scalp and softens, shines and detangles too.

For a light hold, volume support and shine, try Wella’s Perfect Setting Blow Dry Lotion and for strong hold, try Proclaim Super Setting Lotion from Sally’s.  It’s a non-flaky formula, which leave curls soft and shiny.

When choosing a setting lotion, check whether it’s heat activated.  If it is, then be sure to use your inflatable hood dryer for best results!  This picture, below, shows YouTube beauty guru Tanya Burr and her friend Kate using an inflatable hood dryer (also known as a soft bonnet attachment) to dry their hair.

You can see Tanya’s video here and it’s hilarious so if you need a good laugh, click on the link NOW!

Step 1

Shampoo and condition your hair as normal.  Rinse thoroughly and towel/blot dry.

Step 2

Apply the setting lotion, a little at a time by pouring into the palm of your hand and distributing evenly through your hair.  Application is important: don’t overdo it!  Comb through to ensure even distribution.

Step 3

Part your hair down the middle and then take a horizontal section from ear-to-ear to create four sections.  Secure each with a sturdy clip or a hairband.

Step 4

Apply your Curlformers, starting at the back/nape of the neck and working forwards.  Ask a friend to help with this and continue until all your hair is in Curlformers.  You’ll get the gist from this picture!

get a friend to lend a hand and use clips and section the hair to make application easier!

Step 5

Apply heat using an inflatable hood dryer for at least 40 minutes.  Then allow hair to cool down.  Leave in your Curlformers for as long as possible before removing, hair must be completely dry.  Test by removing one Curlformer and if it’s not completely dry, apply further heat.  Alternatively you can remove and continue to dry with a diffuser attachment but this will result in a looser curl.

Step 6

Separate and tease your curls or brush through for volume and soft waves.

Recreate Blake Lively's soft romantic style using Long and Extra Wide Curlformers. Apply to the bottom section of your hair! Picture courtesy of prphotos.com

This is a post from: Blog Classic.

What’s old is new again: how to ‘set’ your Curlformers waves with a modern-day setting lotion!