IYAAJAY // MENS STYLE BLOG: redken

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JUNE FAVES ; TOPMAN, REDKEN, ASOS, SIMON+ME // IYAAJAY

June 30, 2015

aussie

BAGGAGE CLAIM / MY TRAVEL ESSENTIALS // IYAAJAY

May 19, 2015

holy grail

REDKEN REVIEW // IYAAJAY

August 29, 2014

Redken- 12 Rough Paste // 28 Control Addict Hairspray

Theres nothing I like more then getting to try new hair products and I happily stumbled upon Redkens 12 and 28 and ugh, I've fallen for them.

Now, I know what your thinking 'you loved the 10, why do you need the 12 and 28?' well, the truth is, the 10 works perfectly for me when I have shorter hair but since I'm growing the top part longer, the hold just isn't there and I need something with a bit more backbone to support it (the joys of having thick hair).

The 12 is a rough ragged texture paste that can be used in damp or dry hair to create a pieced, rough, edgy texture which is perfect for city swept styles and 'i don't care' attitudes that sometimes I go for. Ive been using it on towel dried hair, and use a chewing gum sized piece (which is easily to judge with the handy, toothpaste like pump) and rub it between my hands to then sweep through before blow drying using a wider tooth hairbrush to create both volume and texture, with the hold of concrete (I kid you not, this stuff is strong). What I also love is the fact you can build up the intensity which is perfect for unpredictable weather. The only downside is that because the casing is a dense plastic, you can't judge how much product there actually is so Im being super careful to not overuse it.

Moving on to the 28, which is probably the holy grail of hairspray for me (WHY have I not found this sooner?!). This super strong hold, humidity defying hairspray is the lightest spray I've ever used (think wider nozzle with a light spray) which holds perfectly without feeling crunchy and crispy like so many other extra hold sprays. Like the 12, build ability is key and this can either be used to lightly secure hair to give natural movement still, or built up to a wind defying hold, perfect for English weather. What I also love is the fact that both of these products easily wash out, and don't leave any sticky residue or, I'm gonna get graphic here, crusty pieces *gag* like other 'extra hold' products which claim to be easily changeable but give that horrible greyish tint to hair and flaky texture which just isn't a good look for anyone.

I defiantly think the money is worth it for both these pieces. Yes I know Redken is expensive, but with one product, you can create the hold of 3-4 other branded products so essentially splurging on one is saving you on others (weird analysis I know, but do the maths, haircare isn't cheap and if one product that costs a bit more does it better then a few mid range priced products, its actually saving you money and hassle) and I will clearly repurchase these when I run out. The longevity of Redken products also mean you don't have to keep repurchasing them often, as you get a lot of product for your money and because of the quality, a little goes a long way.

Keep an eye out for an upcoming collaboration between TREND and myself on A/W14s strongest looks for both guys and girls

Until next time guys!

Jay

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**I have purchased these products myself and have not been endorsed by any company. The comments and ideas in this blog are my own**

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REFRESH IT: UPDATED HAIRCARE PRODUCTS

July 09, 2014

hair

HOW TO: THE MUN

June 17, 2014

So it seems every year theres a new hairstyle that every guy goes mad for (remember the dark times of the Justin Bieber fringe, and fondly wave at last years extreme quiff) theres a new, more laid back hairstyle that seems to be donning most guys heads. From Jared Leto at awards season, to Harry Styles running errands, the 'Mun' (the man-bun, creative name I know) is the perfect balance of 'yep I did make an effort' and 'well I woke up late' which is perfect for the upcoming summer months.

How I get my hair cut (longer on top with a full back undercut) and how I style my version of the Mun

Now, I have to admit, I was originally totally sceptical about going for a quiff but ever since having one, Ive loved it so I decided to up the ante and go full force on the Mun front. When I go to the hairdressers, I get the top section left as long as possible with a micro cut to keep the ends tidy and also stimulate growth (Micro cuts stimulate growth by tricking the hair to repair the new cut ends) and then I get a grade 2 buzz cut with a grade 1 on the sides to add a more modern take on the short back and sides. I love the versatility this haircut gives me as I can either turn it into a Mun, slick it back for a 50's look or blow-dry it back to give a more modern take on the previous look (the technique I was taught was to use the hairdryer on the lowest blow speed on the hottest heat and to hold it about 1 1/2 inches away from the brush whilst bringing the hair back to create volume)

The essential Mun products

When it comes to creating the Mun, theres two ways I go about it. If I want a more casual, daytime appropriate version, after washing my hair, I spray the top section of hair with Toni and Guy Casual Sea Salt Texturising Spray to create a grippier texture/the effect of day 2 hair, and then comb the section to flatten any shorter pieces ready to tie up with a simple snag-free hairband (Boots do some great ones, and don't be suckered into any of those rubbery slim ones, they snag and grip on hair and really hurt when trying to take them out). Whilst drying, you usually get a few flyaway parts so either use a light hairspray to slick it back or tuck them in for a slightly less disheveled look.

For a more smarter approach if you have longer hair, follow the first steps, and then use a hairdryer to make sure your hair is around 2/3 dry and liberally use a cream styling paste (I swear by the Redken Mess Around 10 cream paste that I love so much it got its own designated post here) which will hold it in place and be a slicker approach (think Jared Leto at the Golden Globes) Secure in place with a hairband and let the cream paste set, which holds like hairspray but gives the shine making it look like its all natural.

There you have it guys, my take on this seasons hottest mens hairstyle trend. What do you think? Is it here to stay like the classic short back and sides, or is it limited like the long sweeping fringe? Let me know in the comments below!

If you like how this style looks and fancy being generous, please go over to The Blogger Programmes latest competition page #VeryGHD and like my picture here to win some great prizes thanks to GHD and Very, it'd mean so much to me!

Until next time guys!