SimplyAbuDhabi XIV

2 3 6 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I F rom the people who continue to bring new and innovative hair tools to themarket, Babyliss have now introduced another device to rival all others. ‘Curl Secret’ is a long-awaited andhotly anticipated launch fromthe companywho are constantly creatinguniqueways to style and treat our hair. This device is totally unique – there’s nothing quite like it available, and certainly not on the high street. And it’s an interesting-looking device too, with a sleek and intriguing design. This is a tool that will curl the hair with minimum effort but with maximum results. Never before has there been no requirement for professional skills such as twisting the hair or mastering complicated techniques. Now, there is something that does it all for you! Whether you want to achieve curls or waves, a sleek look or bouncy volume, you are in control. The real genius behind this product is what’s known as ‘Auto Curl’™ technology, which – as Babyliss themselves proclaim – ‘is set to revolutionise the curling market’. Indeed, I’m inclined to agree. The main chamber of the device draws the hair in automatically, in a staggeringly easy process. Once inside, the piece of hair is curled andheated fromall directions. All of this is done in a gentle and evenway. The hair then gets released to reveal a perfectly twisted spiral. Before you start using the ‘Curl Secret’, you are given a choice of heat settings and timeframes, giving you the power to control the results. With a choice of 210°C and 230°C, whichever you choose, both are at a level that will create and hold a curl, perfectly. Timing-wise, you candecide once inside the chamber if your hair is held there for 8, 10 or 12 seconds. Each settingwill create different curl effects; the longer thehair is held, themore defined the curl will end up being. This will of course depend on you hair type, too; thicker hair may require a longer setting. But as a rough guide, Babyliss Curl Secret takes 8 seconds for loosewaves, 10 seconds for soft curls and 12 seconds for more defined curls. Any which way, the timer on the ‘Curl Secret’will beep repeatedly to tell youwhen it’s time to release the curl. Another clever feature is that each curl has its ownpersonality. The ‘Curl Secret’ can also alternate the direction of each curl, ensuring a really natural finish and evenmore volume in your style. All hair types can use this styler, whether you have fine, thick or even wavy strands. I should say that very long hair is not quite suitable, as there is a limit to how much hair can ‘fit’ inside the curling chamber. But indeed, you can do partial curling instead– just don’t start the curl too close to your roots. I have hair that is past my shoulders and was excited to try it out formyself. I started the curl aboutmid-way downmyhair shaft as that is the style I prefer. Another element to be wary of is the amount of hair you feed into the chamber. Unlike other stylers, you do need to bemore selective and only allow a thickness of 3cm maximum of your hair to go inside. But even if you select too much (thickness or length), there is another handy feature, which detects when suitability isn’t matched and the styler will beep repeatedly at you. If this happens, just open it up, remove and try again. So, after reading the instructions carefully and checking out some of the useful videos online, I had a go. With my hair being naturally poker straight, Iwas keen tohave a full head of curls without the fuss. Making sure you follow the ‘rules’ on how to hold the device and using the correct sections of hair, it is pretty easy. I won’t lie, there were a few times where my hair got tangled up, but that was most likely my own fault of putting too much hair inside at one time. Practice makes perfect as with anything, though, andonce I had finishedmy first session, Iwas hooked! The only other downside I could find was the time it took. Perhaps it was me being new to it, but due to the section size you’re allowed, it did take longer than other tools I have used. Having said that, the results were noticeably better. Another thing that impressed me was the longevity of the curl and its general resilience. What I had created lasted fully into three days,which far surpasses other stylingdevices, as usually a style onme can get a bit limp after a day or so. I also like the idea that once the hair is ravelled up and ‘caught’ inside, the barrel heats it from all sides. Damage is kept to a minimum, as the hair shafts are not being pressed against a barrel or hot plate and under any direct stress. Gentle is the name of the game here. It’s rather fun to use, too. To see your hair being drawn into the device so quickly and efficiently is quite a marvel. The beeps guide you through it, too, so in a way it’s fool-proof. Finish with a light hairspray, tousle with your fingers (or a brush formore volume), and you’re ready to go on your way! I would urge users to give Babyliss ‘Curl Secret’ the full attention it deserves, as themore time you spend together, the more beautiful your creations will become. Babyliss CurlSecret