Gatsby Styling Wax

Hard Fiber Type.

This stuff is probably my favourite non-moving rubber hair product. I actually haven't it for sale in North America--my friend bought it for me in China from the Gatsby store just outside of Hong Kong. It's a very versatile product for a variety of styles.

The Fab: Costs about $5 for 80 grams, making this one of the most cost-effective products.

This wax is quite sticky, which means it can provide strong and lasting hold. Also, it feels wet, which means it works on damp hair while all other waxes and putties will only work on dry hair.

The Drab: While most other male hair products have a fruit fragrance this one has more of a hair salon smell, which may or may not be what you want/like.

Also, it's not exactly readily available, since Gatsby is more focused on its Moving Rubber line of products.

Conclusion: If you find it, buy it. It's just so useful, you'll only regret it if you don't buy it. The fact that it works on damp hair alone makes it completely worth it. Blowdrying wet hair with wax in it allows you to maximize volume as if you were using mousse. But, you can then use more wax after drying to touch-up and define, which means you're only using one type of product in your hair (mixing products = mixing scents, which sometimes turns out badly and can make your hair feel greasier/heavier)

My recommendation for usage:

1. Apply to damp hair and form into desired shape.

2. Blowdry gently. At this point, you may be satisfied with the result and you can stop here. Or you can keep going.

3. Use more wax and apply normally to create definition.

This stuff works for girls, too, if you want to do curls. If you have naturally curly hair or it's permed, put some wax through your hair (just the lower half, not through the roots) and blowdry while curling your hair around your fingers (or use rollers or something). The heat and wax will work together to strengthen your curls while still making them look gentle.

As promised...

Step 1:  Wash hair.

Step 2:  Apply Pantene Scrunching Mousse to hair.  Make sure all hair is evenly coated.

Step 3:  Blow-dry into desired shape.

Step 4:  Apply dime-sized amount of Bed Head Texturizing Paste to hair.  For curly definition, twist hair around finger tightly and release.

Step 5:  Apply strong-hold hair spray.

Bed Head Texturizing Paste

for that "Hard to Get"(TM) look

This was my second wax-type product.  I bought it from Chura hair salon in downtown Vancouver (another review for another day).

The Fab:  It smells amazing.  It has a hint of watermelon, and it's sweet, but the overall fragrance is subtle so that girls will have to lean in to figure out what it is.  And, uh... the container is very sleek.

The Drab:  It costs $20.  It's 42 grams.  I haven't done my review on Gatsby yet, but just to put that into perspective, Gatsby Moving Rubber is (possibly) $9 for 80 grams.  So Bed Head is 4 times more expensive.  The flipside is that you don't use very much--just a little bit rubbed through your hands is enough to coat your hair.

It's a texturizing paste, not a wax/putty/clay.  This means that it isn't designed to form/mold/hold spikes and/or other gravity-defying hairstyles.  In fact, I find that it works best for a sleeker look:  for smoothing your hair back, but with matte definition (as opposed to the effect created using a gel).  But don't expect it to hold up on its own.

Conclusion:  If you're a collector and you have $20+ lying around, then by all means go and buy this product.  The scent almost makes it worth it, and it's fun to use for a new look now and then.  If you're tight on cash, however, then I'd hold off on this one.

If you do decide to try it, I would suggest combining it with a foaming volumizing mousse--use the mousse on your damp hair (not wet, damp), and then blow dry into a puffy shape.  Then, use the Bed Head texturizing paste to create some definition in your hair for a piecey look.  This will give you a different look from the usual waxed style.  It won't be as sharp, and instead you'll have a smoother, curvier look.  Maybe you can go for retro-vintage.  If anyone tries it, send me a picture so I can see how it turns out.  I think I'll go for it, too, tomorrow.

1. Garner Fructis Style Wax

Long Lasting Hold.  Shine & Define.

This was my first wax (after the gel phase).  I really liked it in the beginning, and so did my friends cuz they kept asking to borrow it.  

The Fab:  It's only around $5, so if you're new to hair styling it's good stuff to learn with.  Also, it smells really good, though some may find the scent a little too strong.  Don't mix with cologne and spray-on deodorant.  The container is a decent size, 75 mL, that will last a while since you don't need to use very much each time.

The Drab:  It's a very thick and heavy wax, which means it only works on short hair.  The wax is designed to hold up spikes, but on long hair it just feels greasy.  In fact, the instructions say "Use sparingly," which is especially important to keep in mind with this product.  Of course, it is designed for "shine," which is why it looks and feels greasy on long hair.

Conclusion:  Only use on dry hair--it'll slide right out of damp hair.  It's a decent product on short hair, but if you have medium/long hair or are planning to grow it out, there are better products to invest in.  Also, it's not very good for a matte look that is common in Asian styles.  If you're still in to short spikes, however, this is definitely a step up from gel:  the wax is still very flexible in your hair so you don't go all crispy.

My collection...

of hair products.  

(From left to right:  Garnier Fructis wax, Bed Head texturizing paste, Gatsby wax, a bunch of Gatsby Moving Rubbers)

Over the next few days, I'm going to be talking about each of my hair products that I've collected over the years.  Yes, I have a bit of a fetish.  This doesn't even include my aerosol products.  But don't worry, I've stopped collecting.  I can't afford it anymore.

After I go through these, I'll go into my spray-can collection, which is mostly Pantene.

Short is back in...

for guys.

Not short short.  Keep your razors hidden.  Japanese-short, which is a little closer to medium.  

After all, it is Summer (almost).  Long hair in the sun just makes you look oily/greasy.  Otaku much?

So chop off those 6 inch sideburns and bangs that cover half your face.  And the mullet, too.  Don't worry, they'll grow back by the end of the summer.

Dyeing It

So, changing hair colour always brings up the debate about DIY or go to a salon.  Here's my take on both:

1)  The Salon

Pros:  First of all, the professionals can stop you from dyeing your hair some weird colour that doesn't work for you.  This is more important than you may realize, since DIY can lead to weird weird colours.

Second, they use better products that are more likely to colour your hair successfully.  Still, dyeing your black hair blue is prone to failure.  Also, their dyes won't damage your hair as much as DIY can.

Third, their technique is likely to be better than your own.  Therefore, you are more likely to have even colour all around.

Cons:  The cost.  Most salons charge around $80 for colour and cut.  Since a haircut costs around $30-40, the colour costs $40-50.  But remember, if you have long hair the salon reserves the right to charge more.

2) Do It Yourself

Pros:  The cost.  A box of dye costs $10 at your local drugstore, as low as $5 on sale or with a coupon.  You can then dye your hair in the convenience of your own home.

Cons:  Unless you have someone else to do it for you, you could fail epically while applying dye to the back of your head.  Also, the cheaper dye usually doesn't work well on black hair if you leave it in for the recommended time.  You can leave it in longer for better results, but it will also do way more damage to your hair.

Some final thoughts:

• Don't change your hair colour by more than two shades.  If you're going lighter, it won't work without bleach.  And when the roots grow out, you'll want to strangle yourself.
• If you DIY, buy L'Oreal.  Or was it Clairol... one of them is better for your hair.
• Make sure your hair is in good condition before dyeing it--weak hair absorbs dye unevenly.
• Use deep-cleansing shampoo two days before dyeing to get out all of the build-up in your hair.
• Don't become one of those blondorexics.  It's easy to get addicted to dyeing your hair to get rid of the roots, but by dyeing already-dyed hair you're just making it drier.

"Extraordinary Commercial"

Guess what this is a commercial for...

Hive

Finding a good hair salon (and hair stylist) is one of the most important steps in having great hair.  Your stylist is the best person to go to with your questions, since he/she can give you advice specific to your hair.  And of course, your stylist can cut/sculpt your hair into the style that best suits you and your face.

So today, I give you the greatest gift I have to offer:  a referral to my favourite hair salon.

Hive Hair Spa

The stylists are all Japanese, of course.  Japanese stylists are the leading experts on hair these days (and apparently Taiwanese styles are copied from Japanese ones).  So, Hive is in Vancouver, BC, so I can imagine that unless you live there you might have some trouble getting there.  But then again, I live in Los Angeles and I still go there for my haircuts.  =)

It's a small salon, three stylists last I heard (one of which is also the owner).  It's a very cosy, friendly atmosphere.  There are pictures of the salon on the website, so go check it out.  Anyway, the three stylists are:

Jun Ozawa (male) - he's my stylist

Sho Sasaki (male) - he did my most recent cut while Jun was in Japan for spring break

Shizuko Sambe (female) - I haven't had her, but my friends have and she did a good job on them

Most Japanese salon are renowned for their unparalleled quality of service, but Hive has something the others don't:  tea and pocky.  That's right, you get served food and drink during your haircut.  Oh yeah, you also get a neck massage.  What more could you want?

They also offer monthly promotions, ranging from things like 20% off cut with colour to free conditioning treatment on Mother's day.  This month's promotion is 20% your haircut if you go at the same time as a friend.  I've already booked mine.

And of course, pricing.  The price list is on their website, and trust me, the prices are excellent.  Most salons charge around $40 for a guy's haircut, $50+ for women, for a lesser service.  And with Hive's constant promotions, you rarely pay full price for a haircut.

So go!

Oh yeah, make sure to make an appointment.  They're usually booked at least a day ahead, so to guarantee your time-slot (and your stylist), call or e-mail in.  And when they ask who referred you, tell them Brian Lam.