Review: Nanay Rose's Sticks & Pulls honey wax

OMG, this is my first product review. :)

I purchased Nanay Rose's Sticks & Pulls honey wax months ago at the Department Store in Mall of Asia for Php224.00 because I am a late bloomer and had just enough of shaving; it causes dark underarms that take so much effort (as well as products and product testing) to whiten.

Nanay Rose's honey wax comes with spatulas and washable pulls

I bought this because the label says "all-natural hair remover," and like I have mentioned before, I am a fan of organic and natural products. This one uses honey, sugar, and lemon juice. The tub contains

1.  200 grams of all-natural honey wax (there are other tub sizes)
2. reusable, washable pulls; and 
3. wooden spatulas. 

It can be used hot or cold, which means that you can use it as is or after heating.


How to use

I follow the instructions on the back, from washing the area with soap and water to the proper way of pulling the strip of cloth (against the direction of hair growth). From my experience, Nanay Rose's honey wax works best when heated: the wax is softer and easier to spread, and it removes unwanted hair more efficiently and also hurts less. Using it cold is not bad, but it's definitely way better if you go the effort of heating the wax for a few seconds in the microwave and waiting for it to cool down just enough to be applied.

Repeat the application as needed, and presto, you have smooth and hair-free skin.

The washable strips are also useful and very convenient, and they worked better for me than the separate pack of hair removal paper I've bought.


TIP: A common problem when applying this product is the heating part. Just put it in a microwave for a few seconds and use it immediately when it is cool enough to the touch. Test it first so as not to burn your skin. Also, do not overdry it because if you leave it out for too long, it will be crystalline solid (at least for a small isolated heap).



CONCLUSION: Does this honey wax works?

Nanay Rose's Sticks & Pulls honey wax is good the first few times and I honestly actually loved it, but after several months the honey wax has lost its stickiness, which basically means it has become useless. :( I still have a lot of wax left since I only use it for underarms, but like I said, it won't pull out any hairs anymore, except maybe one or two strands every application.

There are favorable and not-so-favorable reviews about this wax, so if you want to try it, buy the smallest tub.

In general, what I like about this wax:

• All natural: your skin is safe from chemicals and irritation
• Complete package: comes with wooden applicator that, yes, looks like a popsickle stick but effectively spreads the wax unto skin, as well as washable cloths
• Local: available exclusively in Watsons and SM Department Stores

And what I don't like:

• Repetition: you have to apply the wax a couple of times to completely clear out the hair, but the pain is minimal and it doesn't hurt much unlike those you see in TV
• Effing useless after several months: Maybe it was made to be consumable the first few months/uses, but I didn't see anything like that on the label, so *shrug.*

Did you know?

... that it is very easy to know your skin type through the use of a rice paper?

Preferably 30 minutes after cleansing, simply dab a piece of rice paper on different spots on your face. The amount or lack of oil in the rice paper is indicative of your skin type.
 

• Oily skin - the rice paper paper sticks to various parts of the skin (cheeks, nose, and forehead) and becomes translucent due to oil absorption
• Dry skin - the rice paper does not stick and has no oily spots and your skin feels dry and flaky after dabbing with the rice paper
• Normal - the rice paper does not have oil blots and the skin still feels hydrated, healthy, and shows youthful complexion
• Combination - the rice paper sticks only to your T-zone, which comprises the forehead, nose, and chin. A combination skin type means that your face has both oily and dry parts

Knowing your skin type is very important when deciding on what products to use (such as cleanser, toner, moisturizer, or masks) and what skin care routine to follow. One of the common mistakes in facial skin care is not knowing your skin type.

*There is another skin type, sensitive skin, but unfortunately, this rice paper trick does not show skin sensitivity.

Love bug nail art

How to take care of digital permed hair

If you want your curls to last longer, you should take care of it carefully and religiously. Some women, I've read, maintained their digital perms up to a year, and of course, it is important that the curl still holds and does not limp.

Hair stylists have different opinions on what products to use for maintenance, so you can ask them personally at the salon. I think this recommendations depend greatly on (1) their own professional experience and (2) availability of that product in the country. However, most agree on the basics of taking care of digital perms.


Proper maintenance

You can wash your digitally permed hair the same way you wash normal hair. Afterwards, comb only the top part of you head and not the curls; combing pulls out and messes them up. What you can do is finger comb your hair.

Crunch the curls or twist sections of your hair to maintain the curls and let the hair dry naturally.

Curls might get tangled, although not very often since hair after a digital perm is softer and always stays in shape, but to be sure, use a conditioner and untangle the knots, if any, only using your hands.

Condition hair in the shower, use a hair coat afterwards, and get a hot oil treatment once a week. Using curl enhancer gels or sprays is optional.

There's a longer, more detailed article on taking care of a digital permed hair on Niche Topic.


Styling

You can style your hair by twisting and separating the knots.

If you want to straighten them, just brush the curls after showering, and the curls will flatten until after the next time you wash your hair. Can you use a straightener? Yes. You can also use a blower, make sure one with a diffuser. A diffuser locks the curls in and/or makes them curlier and without frizz. Normal blowers create frizz; skip those. Limit using hair straigtheners or curlers because, in general, added heat is not good for permed hair.

Maintain your lovely curls


Based on our experience, every girl who gets a digital perm discovers and has her own special way of styling her hair and  own picks of hair products.

Have you discovered what's yours yet?

Did Shamcey Supsup wear a recycled Alfredo Barraza gown?

 

Photo credit to missology

There are speculations that 2011 Miss Universe third-runner up Shamcey Supsup wore a recycled evening gown, originally worn by Miss Columbia Catalina Robayo Vargas and designed by Alfredo Barraza.

She looks good though, so whatever.

6 Tips for an efficient TCA cross

The TCA cross is simple and effective, and what you want is to optimize results.

Here are 6 tips to help you:

• For many, it is hard to localize the treatment to the scar. What you can do is dip the toothpick in the TCA solution for at least 30 seconds for the toothpick to soak up enough solution and press firmly on the center of the scar. You can also sharpen the end of the toothpick for a flatter point. Other manufacturers of TCA peel give their own customized applicator along with the kit.

• Do not get frustrated, and more importantly, do not be lazy. Avoid getting a whole drop of TCA at the end of the toothpick so you can put that drop into the indented surface. It will cover a greater area than intended. Instead, wait patiently for the TCA to be soaked up into the end of the toothpick, which is just enough for the size and diameter of acne scars.

• Some scars are wide. Cover the whole indent but remember to move the toothpick to untouched areas only.

The plant C. asiatica

• Consider using products that stimulate collagen production such as vitamin c and EGF (epidermal growth factor)/copper peptides or the herb Centella asiatica as a topical treatment after the TCA cross.

I've learned about C. asiatica from a girl I've met online. We were discussing TCA cross, as I've done them previously and she planned to also do it DIY style. The herb is easily available in her province, and she swears by it. She has performed just a few sessions of TCA cross and is happy with the results. Granted, hers is a mild case.

• Aftercare is very important. Avoid sun exposure before and after performing the TCA cross method and always use sunblock. 

• Do as much research as you can before doing this treatment. You can learn a lot by reading people's experiences and problems when performing this technique. Also, consider consulting a professional for an evaluation.
   

FAQ: Digital Perms

Digital perms are very popular especially in Asia where people have naturally straight hair. Now, you have probably read the term "digital perm" on a list of hair treatments in a salon, in a hair article review, or from your buddies and has millions of questions in your head.

Well, here's an FAQ to help you.

• What type of hair suits digital perms?

If you have thick or coarse hair, then digital perm is for you. Digital perms do not work well on thin hair.

• Do digital perms work for any hair length?

You can get a digital perm whether your hair is short or long. However, if you want to have the full look, that is, curls that fall naturally, hair that is a few inches below the shoulder is recommended.

• Can I ask for different kinds of curl with a digital perm?

Yes. They have rods of different sizes, which are used for smaller or bigger curls, from ringlets to loose, beach waves. Normally, the stylist will assesses what particular kind of curl fits you, and if this also fits into your hair condition.

• Are haircuts necessary if I want a digital perm?

Yes. Digital perm and haircut work together to give you the look that you want. Let your stylist evaluate what haircut suits you. It is not uncommon for your stylist to layer and thin out your hair when you are getting a digital perm, so don't worry. If you are not comfortable with a haircut, you might opt to talk to your stylist about a different kind of perm instead.

• Are digital perms damaging?

Yes, like other hair treatments on hair salons, digital perms cause damage to your hair. This is why you should first test if your hair is healthy (here's how) or ask your stylist when you go in for a visit.

• I have rebonded hair, can I still get a digital perm?

Yes, but it remains on the discretion of your hair stylist if he/she thinks your hair can still stand another treatment.

• Can hair coloring and digital perm go together?

No. Hair coloring always go after a digital perm treatment.

• How long is the process of getting a digital perm?

Three to four hours.

• How long should I wait to wash my hair after getting a digital perm?

Typically 24-48 hours.

• How long do digital perms last?

Depending on the type of your hair and how you take care of it, digital perms can last 3 months up to 1 year. If you want to maintain the look, go back for another treatment when the curls start to straighten, which will happen eventually, or when your hair starts to grow out.

• My digital perm somehow didn't produce enough curls, what should I do?

Go back to your hair salon. No, seriously.