If you want a close, precise shave, you head for a straight razor. No question. It’s a lost art that requires a capable tool. The Baxter Blue Steel straight razor is such a tool..and it isn’t all just good looks.

With a matte black styling reminiscent of firearms, the Blue Steel looks like something out of the old west. The razor is predominantly hand-crafted in Michigan from Hart Steel – a metal that provides an extremely sharp, long-lasting edge for an impeccable shave.

To top it off, the Blue Steel can be purchased with a genuine Shell Cordovan leather sleeve, which is a type of hide taken from a specific part of the horse that’s tanned and polished. The whole package is a work of art, which is fitting for the Jackson Pollock-esque stubble beneath your chin.

“Loosely inspired by firearms, and titled “not a replica”, the blade features a matte black tang (handle), and blue steel blade. Proudly manufactured in the USA by Hart Steel, the blade was custom designed by the Baxter of California creative team. Size 6/8 – Quarter ground. THIS ITEM CANNOT BE RETURNED/EXCHANGED DUE TO SANITARY REASONS.

In addition to the blade, Baxter of California called on MAKR Carry goods to make a leather sleeve for the blade. The sleeve is hand crafted from Horween Cordovan leather (Navy Blue), and takes style cues from the popular MAKR angle wallet.”

$240+

baxter blue steel straight razor

blooming blossoms hair accessories

Searching for home made and hand made products is not only a great way to get unique accessories,  purchasing them helps nourish the economy at it’s core (instead of just another drop in the bucket of some huge retailer). We did some quick twitter and etsy searching for some cute homemade accessories for the upcoming spring/summer seasons and were lucky enough to find Blooming Blossoms. Blooming Blossoms and the woman behind its creations, Amanda, was kind enough to provide us some photos and more info on what she does and why.

“I am a young entrepreneur that owns a shop on Etsy called, Blooming Blossoms. I established my shop in April of 2010 when I wanted to find a way to express my creativity, and make a little money on the way. All the items in my shop are handmade, and have my own personal touch to them. I take the time to ensure every single bow, clip, barrette, etc. is up to my personal standards. Each item is unique and designed by me, for people out there looking for something different in hair accessories. I offer an extensive line of products ranging from holidays to sports teams. So stop on by and take a look at what I have to offer, and let your hair bloom with Blooming Blossoms hair accessories.”

Check out Amanda’s work at Etsy.com/shop/mandyv1986

blooming blossoms hair accessories

As part of bringing you great hairstyle news and information; StrayHair.com would like to reach out to as many independent hairstylists, salon owners, and makers of great home made hair products to be featured on our site. Please find out more on our about page.

There are two ways to use your hair straightener as a curling iron. I recommend trying both to decide which works best for the style you want.

Method 1:

Just as you would with a curling iron, taking sections of your hair one at a time start at the end of the section, curl hair up towards the scalp, hold for about 5 seconds and then gently release the hair.

Method 2:

Again, taking sections, this time starting at the root, gently clamp hair and twist the iron around completely until all of the hair has gone between the plates OR twist the iron and pull it down towards the ends of your hair. This method is a little trickier at first but with practice it becomes a quick and easy way to curl your hair with your flat iron. Think of it like curling a ribbon with scissors, the faster you go the looser the curl, the slower the tighter.

andis ceramic 1" flatiron

Cortex International marketing info:

Finally a line of professional irons with all of the features that matter and none that don’t. Microprocessors monitoring each plate guarantee consistent, even heat while FAR infrared technology leaves your hair shiny, healthy, and smooth.

Premium Ceramic plates and Ionic technology smooth down ragged open hair cuticles, while Far-infrared technology distributes even heat to hair within the shaft preventing damage to outer cuticle.

The important bullets about the straightener:

• Suitable for all hair lengths and thickness
• Sleek, ergonomic design with no-slip grip
• Heats to maximum temperature swiftly and will remain constant throughout use
• Clamping plates are even and close tight for consistent style and even heat
• Floating plates optimize styling efficiency
• Beveled plates allow multiple styling techniques
• Swivel cord prevents tangling
• Hooked end for easy hanging and storage
• Variable temperature setting for all hair types
• 110-220V, 60Hz, 90 watts
• Temperature gauge with settings from 140°F to 450°F (60°C – 230°C)

Cortex International Platinum Flat Iron