Sunday, November 22, 2009

Gatsby Perfect Hold Medium Hard

First Impressions:

Not much to say that Weesee didn't in his review of Perfect Hold Hard. The container is deceptively large for the amount of product inside (60 grams), but at least it looks really cool. The smell is one of the best parts: it doesn't have that fake plastic smell that many products do. The fragrance may come off strongly straight from the container, but it fades into the background nicely once it's in your hair.

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The Review:

To be honest, I was kind of disappointed with this one. I found the wax to be much too thin to do much. It seemed to do a lot of things half-heartedly: some texture, but not much; some hold, but not much. It's definitely not a replacement for any of the Moving Rubbers. This wax does wash out pretty easily, and feels quite light in your hair.

It does have a redeeming quality, though. I see the Perfect Hold Wax line as the successor to the old Gatsby wax that came in Blue, Red, and Black. Those ones were quite a bit stickier and didn't smell as good, but what both lines have in common is that you can use them on damp hair and then blow dry to shape your hair. For the Medium Hold wax, at least, you can use it to volumize and shape, and then use a stiffer product to add definition and texture. Or you could just use this wax for a gentler, more wind-swept look.


Complimenting Hair Products:

I'd suggest the Bedhead Texturizing Paste or a similar product--something light that won't defeat the purpose of using this light wax. A light misting with hairspray will help your hair last the day, but again, over-saturating makes this product pointless.


Hold : 4
Control:
5
Smell :
10
Washing off: 10
Ease of use:
6

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Salon review

In Rowland Heights, California, there's a little Korean hair salon called Hair Quarter.

19234 Colima Road, Rowland Heights, CA 91748

You should go there, call 626-272-9002 and book an appointment with Xiao Yang. Book in advance, he takes weeks off sometimes to style hair for tv shows. He's Chinese, and doesn't know American celebrities, so if you want to look like one be sure to bring your own picture in.

He's quite good. From observing his techniques, he does much the same as my Japanese stylists back home. He's also very experienced at choosing a hairstyle for you that suits your face shape, aka, just ask him to make you look good.

Well-priced: $25 for guys, $35 for girls.

I'll definitely go again.