Ciao! It’s not often that one gets to enjoy work and passion in the same session, but at the stroke of luck, fate and a little bit of pixie dust, today happened to be one of them! 🙂

I was working on an important beauty & wellness project by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) in collaboration with Bologna Fiere and Cosmetica Italia, called the Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna Presentation Kuala Lumpur. Although we started working on it on a short notice and within a tight timeline, I’m glad we all managed to pull things together for a great day.

Joanna, Shini & Myself at the foyer of the Malaya Room, just before the seminar began.

This presentation was held prelude to the world’s biggest international trade show for the beauty industry – Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna 2018, from 15 – 19 March in Bologna, Italy.

Read on, if you’re keen to fly yourself to the land of pasta, pizza, olive oil and high fashion! 

You may think having wavy hair is all fine and dandy, but no, not in my case.

If you must know, I was born with wavy, thick and unmanageable hair, which I hated so much. It often looks windswept, sticks out in all the wrong places and having bad hair days began to define me, little by little.

Ergo, I have been straightening my hair ever since I was a 14 years old and has since never looked back.

But with technology revolving around the hair industry, hair revolutionists have been churning out new ways to make the “straightening” procedure and results a little more alluring.

With my one and only hairmaster, Winnie Loo of A Cut Above Group

My previous session at A Cut Above was when I did my Kerastraight Brazilian Keratin Treatment which got rid of the frizz and frayed, dryness in my hair (you can read about it – here).

Following up, my next appointment was scheduled to straighten my unruly mane.

One of the rare days I’ll leave home with such disasterous looking hair,

is ONLY when I’m on my way to A Cut Above!

Today’s session was done in A Cut Above @ Bangsar Shopping Centre 

Before undergoing a chemical hair treatments to structurally modify your curly and unruly hair, I would first like you to know the difference between the two techniques of hair straightening – hair relaxing and hair rebonding. 

Here are a few things you have to know:

DIFFERENCES

Hair rebonding allows breakage of hair bonds, rearranging those bonds and restructures it once again to the desired, straight, state. Using a flat iron, the hair bonds are restructured and then applied with a neutralizing agent that will preserve the newly structured hair bonds.

The tool usedis a flat-iron to flatten/straighten the hair and relatively takes longer than relaxing.

The effect relatively takes longer than relaxing but is more lasting than relaxing and the results of hair rebonding will be a pin-straight, flat-out stick straight hair.

If you like the sleek, super straight look, then this option will be suitable for you. But to me, after many years (and many times!) of rebonding my hair, I find that it looks rather unnatural and closer to a broomstick effect than a healthy straight hair effect. 

Yeah I had this kind of straightened rebonded hair for years!

On the other hand, hair relaxing straightens the hairby breaking down the components of the hair and takes the frizz out of your hair strands. In other words, it ‘relaxes’ curls to a more manageable state, smooth the hair to a straight effect.

Only a blow dryer is used to straighten the hair and the process is relatively faster than rebonding.

However, relaxing may not last as long as rebonding as the natural wave is slightly maintained, although much straighter than the original.

But to me, this option looks more natural than rebonding as it does not give you the uncooked spaghetti-straight hair effect.

SIMILARITIES

Both procedures alter the structure of your hair permanently – duh, you wanted it straight, right?

Certain activities like swimming, too much exposure to the sun exposure, or improper styling tools may have adverse effects. Chemically-treated hair is always more vulnerable and sensitized, so just give your hair extra care and love! 

STEP 1: ANALYZING

So which did I end up underdoing?

Winnie recommended me what she would call, the hair relaxer rebonding treatment.

I’ve always trusted her completely, as she gives me the best advices! 

As such, I’m going to share with you the entire process of what goes behind-the-scenes of a typical hair relaxer rebonding experience at A Cut Above and why this is the best option for your hair if you want the best of both worlds of rebonding AND relaxing.

STEP 2: SHAMPOOING AND PROTECTION

Like all the appointments I’ve had at A Cut Above, my hair was first washed.

Getting my hair washed while checking out the shampoo that they used on me today.

It is the L’Oréal Professional X-Tenso Care Nutri-Reconstrutor Shampoo

This shampoo is has two technologies merged into it – Pro-Keratin and Incell.

Containing anti-breakage and anti-dryness properties, it helps to rebuild and deeply nourish damaged hair.

The hairdresser assigned to me was very friendly and rather informative when I asked questions!

STEP 3: PROTECT AND CARE

My hair was then towel-dried and sprayed with L’Oréal Professional X-Tenso Care Nutri-Reconstrutor Serum.

The former helps to ensure healthy and best results by improving hair’s elasticity during the straightening.

It was then combed straight and separated into sections.

STEP 4: APPLICATION

The relaxing cream was evenly applied underneath and on top of onto my hair layer.

STEP 5: DEVELOPMENT

The cream was then left on for about 15 minutes for chemical reaction to take place.

While developing, the heat helps to open hair cuticles, thus allowing better absorption.

STEP 6: SMOOTHING AND FINAL DEVELOPMENT

After 15 minutes, my hair was smoothened and combed layer by layer.

Then, it was left on for another few minutes for final development

STEP 7: RINSING 

He rinsed my hair very carefully, making sure that ALL residue of chemical creams are removed.

STEP 8: BLOW-DRYING

My hair was gently blowdried as hair is usually in fragile state after relaxer chemicals have been applied

Still slightly damp after blow-drying, the next blow-dry step will take place.

Separating my hair into sections again.

STEP 9: STRAIGHT BLOW-DRY

In the usual rebonding procedures, this step is skipped and instead, straight on to the flat-iron stage.

But this relaxing-rebonding process requires my hair to be blow-dried straight  first. 

Blow-drying definitely gives the straightness a more natural curve to it before the ironing process!

Don’t you agree? 

Reading some magazines on my hairdressing table.

Almost done!

Winnie dear came by to check on the procedures.

It’s all going well! Your staff are very professional and well-trained 

She then advises on the next step.

I was also howing Winnie some of the questions that you asked,

so I could quickly reply all of you with the right answers!

Yup, if you want to know anything at all regarding anything hair-related to A Cut Above, feel free to ask me; I’ll try my best to ask her personally for you 

STEP 10: IRONING

As the straight blow-drying process has already been done, this ironing stage was very brief,

but sufficient to create a straighter, more longer-lasting effect compared to just blow-drying alone.

The flat irons used at A Cut Above is an ideal one, made of either ceramic or titanium,

and regulated to not more than 180-200 degrees celcius.

This is to avoid the hair of getting burned and lead to irreversible frizz of the hair.

I would know, as I’ve gotten my hair burnt many times due to unprofessional straightening in the past! 

Results! No, we’re not done just yet – but we’re almost there! 

Just waiting for my hair to cool off to normal room temperature.

STEP 11:  NEUTRALIZING

After leaving it for 10 minutes, a neutralizer was applied to bond the structure of the hair again.

It was applied on each section of my hair thoroughly.

Sipping some hot tea while the boys worked on ensuring the neutralizer is evenly applied.

The neutralizer was combed gently and slowly.

It was then left to set for 15 minutes to achieve optimum conditioning and nourishing effects.

STEP 12: FINAL RINSE

My hair was rinsed with cold water to remove all the neutralizer left on my hair and conditioned thereafter.

I know it’s a long process, but A Cut Above does everything to perfection,

without compromising all the fine details.

We all want the best for our hair, don’t we? 

When the straightening of my hair was finally done, it was time for a hair cut.

She inspected my hair and asked me how I would like it to be this time.

I asked for something irregular and non-symmetrical! 

Being one that favours the bold, daring & experimental when it comes to hair styles, my brilliant hairmaster Winnie gave me an edgy, non-conventional haircut to suit my personality.

I love the times we spend together during hair cuts!

Winnie is super fun, and it’s always nice catching up with her 

Putting her magic touches and snips to my hair

Her movements were very swift and precise in their swipes.

But of course, her tools of trade is the mighty scissors and her very own fingers! 

After more than three decades, she’s never fails to be extremely meticulous and sharp in her craft! 

That is just one of the things I admire and respect about her. She’s so inspiring.

The accolades and awards won by A Cut Above says it all.

It’s true that despite achieving success, you should never stop what you truly do best because it genuinely

awards you with immeasurable self-satisfaction. I can see how Winnie really embodies that philosophy!

Anyway, she also gave me back my Skrillex-inspired side-shaved buzzcut.

Happy times whenever I see her! 

She’s a fighter too, recovering well after a recent car accident. God bless! 

After all the long hours of hair straightening process and a quick haircut by Winnie,

are you ready to see a BEFORE AND AFTER? 

I know this is your favorite part.. haha!

Most of you always ask me for before and after photos whenever I experience anything. So here they are!

BEFORE

BEFORE

BEFORE

LEFT: BEFORE   |   RIGHT: AFTER

Such chemical treatments require tip-top salon skills and knowledge as delayed rinsing, or improper application and execution can definitely lead to hair damage. I’ve been there, done that, and been there, done that, wash rinse and repeat the nightmare again and again.

So this is why I urge all of you out there who is looking to straighten their hair, to go to credible salons or hair centers that are professionally licensed and skilled, lest you get your hair burned and damaged like the ghost of all brittle hairs LOL.

Which is why I always return to A Cut Above!

I”m positively sure that once you come here and experience top-notch services, you won’t turn back. 

Oh by the way, they are currently running a Father’s Day promotion. Check it out:

All the more reason for you to pamper daddykins! 

Thanks Winnie, for a wonderful afternoon and for always making my hair so gorgeous!

See you again soon dearie!

———————————————————————————-

To book your hair appointments or for more information on this treatment, you can:

Call them at their salon via their contact number: +603-2283 3131

Log on to their website at: acutabove.com.my

They are very active on social media too!

Like their Facebook page at: fb.com/acutabovegroup

Tweet them on Twitter at: @ACutAboveGroup

Follow them on Instagram at: @ACutAboveGroup

It was a night of never-seen-before fashion taken to jaw-dropping wonder and extreme measures.

I gladly accepted the invitation when I received Winnie’s text message one evening. It is my utmost pleasure to be at another one of her marvellous events!

Brought my other half to the party with me.

Celebrating over three decades (34 years, to be exact!) of prominence in the hair industry, A Cut Above threw an out of this world hair X fashion show in conjunction with Mid Valley Megamall Fashion Week 2013. 

The party was aptly named Amazing 34.

She told me that it was going to be an avant-garde and punk inspired evening. So being me, I stuck to the theme as closely as possible. 

Just a little snippet of what I wore (I know my manicure should be black instead of red though!)

Here is my top-to-toe lookbook for the event. I decided to adopt a glam-rock look tonight.

Jessicat wears:

Leopard print corset by Supre | Asymmetrical skirt from a fashion bazaar |

Acessories by Diva | Studded wedges by Vincci+ | Knuckle ring clutch by Nose

We got there just in time! 

The host for the evening, Chui Ling, had just started to give us guests a warm welcome.

Chui Ling looking classy on stage

She then called upon Winnie, founder of A Cut Above Group, to join her on stage to make an appearance.

I was so glad to see her out and about already and making a seemingly good recovery progress (from her recent car injuries). Her speech was short and sweet – as always. 

Looking fine as ever, Winnie thanked us guests for being here tonight and

promised that we will be wowed by what we were about to see.

And oh yes, I believe her! 

I was excited and rushed to the front of the stage

(with my significant other in tow!) to get the best view.

Tonight featured three distinct themes: punk, edgy runway trends with a twist, and the avant-garde.

Let’s take a look at the first one, shall we? PUNK – here we go! 

Local band An Honest Mistake looking mighty punk-ish tonight!

They rocked their original tracks including their latest ‘Giddy Up Horsie, This Chase Ain’t Waiting for You’

I almost couldn’t recognize buddy Leonard, as I’ve never seen him looking like that before 

And with the blue mohawk (wig) hairdo? It goes pretty well on him!

Darren and Leonard rocking the stage on electric guitars!

I’ve always been a fan of punk, alternative rock and easycore music since high school.

Had fun headbanging with them with the crowd! 

While they were performing, a bevy of models began to sashay down the stage showcasing trendy runway coordinates with an edgy twist and attitude to boot! How often would you see a band playing their songs with a fashion show happening in unison?

Yup, definitely not the typical hair/fashion show you would expect.

—————————————–

Oh and if stylish pieces and latest outfits are your thing, do check out www.enni.net.au.

It’s a online apparel store based in Australia. Yup, that’s your doman of fashion right there! 

—————————————–

This was one of my favorites! On top of the very unique make-up and silvery mohawk, I

totally love her spiked bralet, the studded leather jacket and the grafitti-print pants 

Awesome combination of dangling chains, paper-frills and blue ringlets in her hair

Another hair-raising glam punk fashion in view! Quite literally too.

With a red-black mohawk, this model featured heavily tattooed arms,

a neon coloured mesh strapped in belts and black liquid leggings with fishnet stockings

Watch the short video we made

Once that was over and done with, a series of avant-garde collection stole the limelight the moment models adorned in experimental fashion strutted the catwalk. 

I managed to shoot each and every style paraded on the runway. Let’s have a look at them, shall we?

This reminded me of a prison inspired uniform with a cushioned overcoat!

A giant velvet bow adorned his collar. His lips were of powdery white, and so was his hair.

This model showcased a side-shaven buzzcut with shimmery silver and black coordinate

(I used to sport this hairstyle too, but in red!)

 Bold and stylishly edgy.

I’ve seen some fashionistas donning this look lately!

This model portrayed a very metro-modern look with

side-combed hair and sci-fi inspired glasses

This model had a dual coloured trojan-mohawk.

Brown on his left and bright red when he turned to reveal his right!

He was draped in brown and black fur, fish net sleeves with marble designs on his tightpants

This model (with an impressive physique no less!) came out in a skin-tight spandex outfit,

long flowing “hair” and looking like a dangerous cross betwen Darth Vader X skull face.

 I honestly don’t know how he can see while catwalking!

This model featured a semi-formal look with a daring twist. Huge ruffles of black frills

adorned his shoulder and netting were binded around his legs

Covered fully in a black cloak, the blonde dip-dyed mohawk

stood out boldly from this look

Can anyone say Avatar with a warm, bronze twist? These ‘conjoined twins’ walked

with an aura of Red Indian braves, the kind that would instil fear and respect from their tribe

In her very high platforms and metallic silver outfit, this model walked precariously

on stage and I even held my breath with every step she took! 

Mysterious and clandestine, this model walked up slowly but steadily on stage

dressed fully in shiny black and large circular tubes in tow

Adapting science fiction fantasy into fashion, this outer space-like model

catwalked on the runway on stilts and threw a few stunts too!

Doesn’t this look like a giant optical illusion? 

The final performance was a very dainty and sophisticated one.

It was interesting to see how ballet and hair were fused together.

While ballet dancing, this nimble and quick artist transformed her white hair almost entirely to red!

Amazing 34 was indeed a visually arresting showcase of both radical hair and fashion works of art. 

I was wowed over completely. It may have taken only a few minutes for each model to exhibit each fashion statement, but the amount of effort, designing and styling by the creative minds at work behind everything we saw tonight certainly deserved a standing ovation.

It is with such creativity and innovation in the hair and fashion industry that commanded a

humongous crowd witnessing the unique display at Amazing 34 that night.

Just when you thought the show was over, A Cut Above had another surprise in store for us all.

The larger-than-life sized red centrepiece which we all thought was just a prop started to move about.

And the final model of the evening emerged!

Everyone, myself included, was startled but pleasantly surprised! 

She reminded me of Queen ‘Padme’ Amidala from Star Wars.

Although appearing mildly menacing, her moves were graceful, and her gestures, elegant.

Check out the runway video we made featuring the avant-garde collection

This wasn’t in the day’s agenda, but looks like the surprise element came from someone else this time.

Guess who decided to surprise our dear Winnie instead?

Her adorable god daughter Crystal Lee crooning Miley Cyrus’ ‘The Climb’ and Jessie J’s ‘Price Tag’ to all of us

My favorite part was when she rapped. Although I’ve heard her sing this song many times,

I can never get enough of listening to her rap that verse

Winnie giving her speech of gratitude for a successful night.

It’s always beautiful to see the mother-daughter love between them; so sweet and moving! 

The event came to a closure with the fashion designers and stylists making their way on stage.

A thunderous applause followed thereafter, for without the entire creative team behind this brainchild, we would not be able to even catch a glimpse of such challenging and meticulously-crafted masterpieces of fashion! 

Winnie was extremely busy buzzing about everywhere but I managed to catch her after the show!

She still looked so gorgeous and glowing even by the end of the day. 

I would be so stressed, frazzled and sweating buckets if I was the one hosting a show as huge as this!

Back to back with my favorite hair personality of all time, Winnie! 

Thank you for a wonderful Tuesday night of a spectacular, out-of-this-world fashion and hair party.

A Cut Above never fails to impact their guests with of the most eye-catching and trend-setting that ever existed.

With the beau, who was my date for this exclusive event

With Edmund of A Cut Above. Thank you too, for the invite!

I’ve known him for a while too, Ed’s such a nice and patient person to deal with

Ohai! Bumped into Josh and Olivia at the party too.

We were standing beside each other during this entire time and I didn’t even realize till after!

With sweet and stunning Amber after the show

We have a funny story. Also, I cannot count the number of times Paul and I

bump into each other whenever we shoot events. Expect a collabo soon! 

Ben and I catching up. It’s been a while! Also, he coaches amazing

catwalks by the way, thus hailing him as the catwalk guru! 

Winnie with the creative team gathering on stage for a final appearance

To me, this party was more than just a celebration of 34 years of excellence. It was no doubt, a hallmark and pinnacle of modernism in the domain of fashion and hair. 

Breaching boundaries and departing from practical guidelines of fashion as well as society’s usual expectations of style and appearance, tonight was hands down, a cut above the rest of all the other fashion week events I’ve attended this year!

Kudos to the mastermind of the entire concept behind A Cut Above’s Amazing 34!

You’ve outdone yourself again, Winnie dear 

One more thing, most of you always ask me where I usually get my hair done.

I have only one answer – where else but A Cut Above? 

Out of all the hair salons that I’ve tried, I only recommend and trust A Cut Above to give you only the best of anything hair-related. From hair cuts,  hair treatments, to hair makeovers or anything at all, rest assured it’s handled by the experts! 

—————————————————————–

Hair appointments can be made by:

Contacting them at +603-2283 3131

You can also:

Visit their official website at www.acutabove.com.my

Join A Cut Above Group of Salons on Facebook

Or follow @acutabovegroup on Twitter and Instagram

Yup, it's that simple.

Who would've thought watching a video could win you a brand new gadget every week?

I'm talking about pretty awesome gadgets – Samsung Galaxy S3, the Apple iPad and the XboX 360 + Kinect!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-w7FmoYGQ0&feature=youtu.be

One of the ten codes of what makes a man : Use your head to get ahead 

Impressive how this fella outsmarted (and dumbfounded!) the cops with his knowledge, ain't it?

Looks like being a little brainy at times can come in handy! 

So… how exactly do you participate?

Contest rules, terms & conditions are – here

This contest is brought to you by CODE 10 Malaysia – a newly launched complete range of hair grooming/styling products for (alpha!) males

All the best in the contest! May the odds be forever in your favour