Look Effortlessly Chic with Madison Reed

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Trying a new hairstyle can be fun and exciting, especially when showing off a new cut or color. But some days we need to just get up and go. So how can we look effortlessly chic fast? Madison Reed has the perfect styles just for us:

The Effortless Top Knot
A top knot is one popular hairstyle for women who are perpetually on-the-go but still want to look put together. This classic hairstyle only takes about 5 minutes to create, and is perfect for those in-between days where there isn’t enough time for a wash, and not even a dry shampoo can save it. Want a little extra volume? Try using a sock or a scrunchie bun on the inside of the knot for that extra elegant and work-ready look.

The Sweet Side Braid
This look works especially well in warmer months. A side braid can help keep you cool from the heat—and stylish with a cool vibe. Just start with dry hair that is completely knot-free. Then create a deep side part with your fingers and braid away. This effortless look works every time.

The Super-Quick Ponytail
A ponytail can be classic and sleek, or look messy and undone with a little tease. Either way, you'll look timeless and chic, and be ready to walk out the door in seconds. Try the Madison Reed Style and Tame set for lightweight, frizz-free hold and smooth shine all day long.

You can get personalized recommendations by building your Madison Reed Hair Profile or giving the Color Crew a call. Someone at Madison Reed is always available to hear your personal hair history and will tailor suggestions to suit your hair and style. And be sure to check out Madison Reed's Blog post for even more hair style advice.

Spaghetti Headz Giveaway

Spaghetti Headz Giveaway
Hosted by Stylish Momme
Sponsored by: Morphmallow

Spaghetti Headz™, by Morphmallow, are the cutest, latest hair accessory for girls!

Spaghetti Headz are eco-friendly hair accessories with a great selection of collectible, themed charm packages. You can also have them customized! As with all hair accessories, it is important to be able to take your hair down - you can see just how easy it is with the Spaghetti Headz in this video here.

For short hair, the twists can easily be cut to size; and the twist also "encourages creative play where girls spend quality time creatively styling each other's hair." These are so cute. I could see my girls having a great time playing beauty pallor with these. I will have to look into getting us some.


Spaghetti Headz™ can currently be purchased at www.morphmallow.com and will be in many retail stores before the holidays. Recommended age: 3+ SRP: $13.99 per pack (3 twists included in each pack).

Giveaway Terms

• This giveaway will run from January 13th at 12pm CST to January 27th at 11:59PM CST and is open to US residents 18+ only.
• The winner will be notified by e-mail and will have 48 hours to respond or forfeits the prize.
• This giveaway is not associated with Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media.
• All participating blogs are not responsible for prize fulfillment.
• All entries are optional. Void where prohibited by law.

Two winners will receive one package for Spaghetti Headz

Good luck 

Entry-Form

• alwaysblabbing was not compensated for this post and is not responsible for prize fulfillment. 

Beautiful Holiday Hair Tutorials from Madison Reed

Two More Holiday Hair Tutorials with Bling

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

Take any simple hair style from simple to spectacular with a shiny accessory! Our friends at Madison Reed have two more holiday hair styles that are perfect for your next holiday gathering.

How to Create a Bejeweled Top Bun

1. Gather hair up to your crown and put into a ponytail. Leave a few flattering face-framing tendrils loose.

2. Pin hair securely into a messy bun with bobby pins.

3. Bedazzle your bun with glittering adornments. We chose diamond spin pins by Goody. These and similar accessories are easy to find in drugstores and even easier to use!

Big and Bold Barrettes

1. Start by giving yourself a deep side part. This will create the look of bangs without a haircut (and possibly become a conversation starter at parties!).

2. Take your favorite barrette and clip all the hair that you gathered to the side.

3. The bigger the barrette the better! It’s a simple way to stand out in the crowd.

These are super cute tutorials! I love the bun i hope I can recreate it for my hair. I never have much luck with that. Can you easily recreate a hairstyle with a tutorial?

Even the simplest of styles can be dramatic with a little extra sparkle. Give your hair that extra shine every day with Madison Reed Radiant Color Kit or the new semi-permanent Color Reviving Gloss. Madison Reed's hair color is better for you and better for your hair as it contains no harsh chemicals like PPD or ammonia. Find your perfect hair color now!

Instyler Styling tools

I was so excited to be chosen as an Vocal Point Instyler Blogger. I have seen these tools on TV but never had the pleasure of trying them. I was very excited about trying all of them so I didn't know which one to try first.  

The first one I tried was the Tulip Auto Curler I was excited about this one but I hardly ever take the time to curl my hair. I have a hard time with the curling wand and don't like to take all of that time. This is designed to save time and be easier than a curling wand to use. So that intrigued me. 

I was immediately impressed with the choices I have using the Tulip. Not only can I choose medium or high heat, I can choose the amount of time my hair needs for the curl to set, plus the direction the wand will rotate. Believe it or not but changing one of these settings will type of curl you will get. 

                                                   

I LOVE that the Instyler takes all of the guess work out of how long to leave the wand in my hair. It beeps while it is in progress and beeps three times when done. Once done all I have to do is pull the Tulip down and bam beautiful curls. My favorite setting is to have the wand set on A which makes it rotate around.  That is the best for my hair. There is also a tool that tells you exactly how much hair to put in the Tulip so you don't have to guess about that either. 

                                      

I had a very hard time with getting the curls to stay so I have a few tips. Use a strong hold gel, I don't care how long your hair is the gel will help the curls set.  Then once you are done with one side spray a strong hold hair spray and that will help them hold. My curls lasted all night long.  Be VERY careful about only putting the recommended amount of hair in the RIGHT spot. If not your hair can get tangled in the Tulip this happened to me twice but I was much more careful after. 

The next one I was extremely excited about. I have watched lots of commercials and have always wonder what they hype is about the Instyler Rotating Iron Max. This one comes with a comb and a heat resistant mat. 

The Max is  SUPER easy to use. If you can use a flat iron, you can use the Instyler Max. My hair is not thick but it is bulky when I use the right products and this runs easily through my hair.  I actually think this is easier on your hair than a flat iron because the brush is not heated so your hair is only getting heat from one side. 

You can use the Max with the brush on top or on the bottom it is your choice. My favorite is with the brush on top.  My hair came out with lots of volume and shine. I prefer to use this over my flat iron there was no pulling or tugging on my hair. 

The Max can also be used for waves, curls, and beach waves but I have not tried any of those yet. 

The Instyler Ionic Styler Pro is a neat concept but my least favorite of the three. I love that it can be a flat iron or a curling wand but the brushes scare me. I'm very afraid to get this stuck in my hair and have to cut it out. I don't know if that can really happen but when I was younger I got a brush stuck in my friend's hair. So I am scarred.

Since it can be used as a flat iron or a curling wand it locks closed when you use it as a curling wand. It is cool to touch so no more burning your hands. It comes with a styling comb and heat resistant bag for storage.

use this link and the code SAVE30 at checkout to get 30% off when you order one or more the Instyler tools.

alwaysblabbing was given these products complimentary in exchange for an honest uncompensated review but the opinion expressed is all mine. Regardless I only recommend products that are good for my readers. 

Kiss Instawave

I have naturally wavy hair and my hair is beautiful when freshly washed and dried (if I do say so myself) but the problem is I wash my hair at night so once i sleep on it my waves fall drastically. So I can never wear it out without doing some type of styling.

What an ingenious idea the Kiss Instawave is. It adds waves with very little effort on your part. It takes some getting used to but it is very easy to use.  I had a very hard time relinquishing control of my hair. You see the concept is to put your hair by the Instawave and let go, then it takes over. Well that concept defies any curling device I have used. You know, normally it is your job to wrap the hair around the barrel. So that was a little hurdle for me but it didn't take long to get over it.

The thing I really love is I ran the Instawave in my not so freshly washed hair and it helped create amazing volume and bounce. I was so happy with the style.  In around 10 minutes I had bouncing waves and lots of volume.

My best advice when you get any new styling tool is play with it. I will not work the same in my hair as it does your. It may not work the same on the right side of your head as it does the left, who knows. So one I started playing with the Instawave I was even happier. Not only can I create volume and bounce but with the flick of my wrist I can create beautiful curls. As tight or as soft and I want them to be.  

There is a high and a low setting so you can control the heat of the barrel (up to 420 degrees) as well as the direction the barrel goes. It's so easy you can go left on one curl and right on the other with only a push of a switch. The longer you hold the barrel in the hair the tighter the waves/curls. But I would love to see a smaller barrel for smaller curls.  

I saw a lot of concerns on Facebook that this may get tangled in your hair. Rest assured, it is a tangle free design. All you do is pull down and the wand is out of your hair. 

Like Kiss on FaceBook and follow them on Twitter to get the newest information. 

This post was powered by Brandbacker and I received an Instawave in exchange for an honest uncompensated review but the opinion expressed is all mine.  I only recommend products I believe are good for my readers. 

Tutorial for a Side Chignon

Hair Tutorial: Side Chignon–The French Bun

(Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links)

Otherwise known as a French bun, a chignon traditionally sits at the nape of the neck. In its loose, messy form it’s great for hiding bad hair days. In its smooth, polished form it’s perfect for a night of theater and fine dining.

Here’s our simple step-by-step tutorial for this versatile style–from the professionals on the Color Crew at Madison Reed!

1. Create a deep side-part, as clean or messy as you like.

2. Gather all hair behind opposite ear from part. Smooth with your favorite brush if desired, or leave messy.

3. Secure into a ponytail with a hair-tie.

4. Separate ponytail into three sections. Take bottom-most section and start twisting.

5. While twisting section, curl around base of ponytail. Secure to base of ponytail with pin.

6. Repeat with two remaining sections twisting into complimentary curls.

7. Pin the two remaining sections into place as you go.

8. Once a completed curled Chignon has been pinned into place, pull out small sections for a romantic feel, or smooth and perfect with a tail comb for a modern, clean result. Spray to hold.

Now is the perfect time to try Madison Reed's healthier for you color! Happy October! Take $10 off your first purchase of Madison Reed hair color - just use the offer code OCTOBERLOVE at checkout.

Step your costume up a notch with these Halloween Hair tutorials

Hair Tutorial: Halloween Hairstyle Fun

(Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links)

This year, top off your Halloween costume with fun yet easy hairstyles courtesy of Madison Reed. 

• Add mousse to damp hair and blowout (use volumizing blowout tutorial below).
• Back tease the top back sections of your hair to get that slight bouffant look
• Smooth and spray hair, then add a headband to finish off the look

Now a style that can even work even for shorter hair:

• Create a deep side part in your hair
• Gather hair up in the back to create a top pony
• Curl hair in the pony under to create a faux bun
• Pin and spray as needed to keep the curls in place

• Curl all your hair in tight curls
• Use small tupperware container and hot glue some wig hair on it to create a base to place on top of your head
• Backcomb hair and pin locks to the base.
• Pin in lengths of dyed wig hair for color, or color individual locks of your own hair

• Gather hair up into a top side pony
• Do a quick back comb to bangs to get them to stay to one side
• Use hair chalk or pink and blue hair spray to add color to the bangs

Thanks to the team at Madison Reed for providing the images and the step-by-step instructions for these hairstyles.

What are you waiting for? Now is the perfect time to try Madison Reed's healthier for you color! Happy October! Take $10 off your first purchase of Madison Reed hair color - just use the offer code OCTOBERLOVE at checkout.

***

Hair Tutorial: Voluminous Blowout for Straight Hair

(Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links)

Ever wonder how the professionals get your hair so sleek and full of body? Madison Reed colorist Noelle shows you just how easy it is to achieve this voluminous style right at home in today’s hair tutorial!

NOTE: This style works best on straight or slightly wavy hair to get the most volume.

Full written instructions at the bottom of the page.

1. Wash and condition your hair using Madison Reed nourishing, color enhancing shampoo and conditioner set. Comb through your tresses using a big toothed comb. This will result in the least amount of damage to your wet locks!

2. Use a micro-fiber towel to gently squeeze out all excess moisture. The drier the hair the better the results!

NOTE: Avoid rubbing hair with a towel as it will damage your hair cuticles and make it look more frizzy.

3. Using a comb, section your hair into four horizontal sections (from temple to temple, ear to ear) and twist them into a bun. This will make the drying process MUCH easier.

4. If you have bangs or any shorter fringe around the face, start here as this section will dry the quickest. Using a round brush, swipe your bangs downward and side-to-side. Set your hair dryer to medium heat and direct the air-flow to blow downward from root to tip.

5. Release the bottom section of your hair and position the air flow downward towards the direction you will be brushing. Hold the round brush horizontally and curl your hair inward. Drape hair on your shoulder and allow it to cool off.

Pro tip: Using the cool button on your blow dryer to prolong your style.

6. Release the section of hair above this one and repeat step 5.

7. Release the section of hair above this one and repeat step 5 again. When you reach either side above the ears, the method of drying will change a bit. Hold the brush at a slightly vertical angle and twirl it inward. Don’t forget to use that cool button!

8. The final section at the top of the head is where you can get the most volume. Begin at the crown (back portion of this section) and position your brush horizontally. Round your hair inward and concentrate the air flow downward at the roots to get the most lift.

9. Finally, dry the remaining section of hair apply a light finishing spray.

What are you waiting for? Now is the perfect time to try Madison Reed's healthier for you color! Happy October! Take $10 off your first purchase of Madison Reed hair color - just use the offer code OCTOBERLOVE at checkout.

Fall looks and 50% off your first Madison Reed purchase!!

Top Hairstyles This Fall and 50% off Madison Reed Hair Color

(Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.)

Being a bit lazy about blow drying and styling my hair I'm a sucker for a fast, easy updo. But I want to look and feel classy as well. Here are some great tips from Madison Reed. 

Autumn is fast approaching and it’s all about ease and nonchalant simplicity. According to Madison Reed, top looks this fall include; twisted and fly away top knots; sexy, sixties style bouffants; creative braids; easy, loose mat waves; sleek center pats; and bobby pins galore!

Bobby Pins: Bobby Pins are coming out of hiding! Use them instead of barrettes to create beautiful art styles with impeccable hold power and infinite interest.

Mat Waves: The wave of fall for long locks is casual and elegant in subdued, natural shades with just a touch of gold, effortless and beautiful.

Top Knots: For a practical work day style or a dramatic elegant evening look, the top knot is the way to go. Throw in a braid or two, let it fly away or twist it into a sleek coil. Keep it high and keep it simple.

Center Part: A crisp center part is a powerful look this season. It commands attention and suggests a total clarity of intention. It’s a high impact style and with just a little effort you can break away from your “comfortable” parting and dramatically refresh your look!

Creative Braids: The hottest trend this fall is the creative braid. It is the most versatile, interesting, and fun style of the season. You can braid to the side, tie them, french, fishtail, crooked, milkmaid and everything in between. Don’t be afraid to play and innovate!

Sixties Bouffant: Break out your back combing brush and give it a retro lift! You can go big for a striking and sexy nest or just give it a little bump up for a voluptuous vintage look.

And as you warm up you hair color for the season, check out some of the gorgeous reds and brunettes Madison Reed has to offer. Use FALLHAIRCOLOR and receive 50% off your first purchase at Madison-Reed.com.

PS - Get an early start on fall beauty and fashion: sign up to win $1,000 worth of beauty, haircare, and intimates throughMadison Reed's contest with Wantable and ThirdLove.