Magic fen noodles, also known as ghostly fen noodles, are a traditional Chinese dish that has gained popularity due to its unique appearance and texture. These noodles are made from green bean starch or mung bean starch, giving them a translucent and gelatinous appearance. What sets magic fen noodles apart from other types of noodles is their ability to change their color when cooked. When raw, they are usually white or light gray, but once they are cooked, they turn transparent, resembling glass or ghost-like tendrils. This mesmerizing transformation has earned them the nickname "magic fen noodles." Magic fen noodles are a common ingredient in various Chinese dishes, especially in the region of Sichuan.
First, a quick word on wtf a keratin treatment is: It’s a combination of chemicals that break down your hair’s natural structure, which is then rebuilt with a very hot flat iron, making it straighter — but not dead straight and not permanently. “Keratin” is a protein in your hair but, as associated with the treatment, it’s just a marketing buzzword.
I ve noticed the don t-wash-for-48-hours rules getting increasingly lax, with some salons going so far as to say you can get it wet right away but just not shampoo it. This is just logic, but with an expensive treatment like this, it s really hard to not get caught up on cost and jump on a Groupon the second you see it.
" Magic fen noodles are a common ingredient in various Chinese dishes, especially in the region of Sichuan. They are often used in hot pots, stir-fries, and soups, where their unique texture adds an interesting element to the dish. The soft and slippery nature of these noodles allows them to absorb the flavors of the broth or sauce they are cooked in, making them a versatile addition to any recipe.
5 Things I’ve Learned From Years of Keratin Treatments
I haven’t gotten a keratin in over two years, but there was a time when the treatments transformed my relationship with my hair, serving as an important half-step between obsessively straightening it and letting it run wild. Keratin treatments helped me learn to love and care for my natural wave and texture. Although I have no plans to get another one, I’m asked for keratin tips all the time. I’m resurfacing this story, originally published in March 2017, for anyone looking into it as a means to changing their relationship with their hair. -Haley
I spent my senior year of college dying my hair dark brown because Newton’s fourth law demands every blonde person do this to tragic effect at least once. The photos still haunt. When I decided to go back to my natural color, I underwent a series of orangey transformations that left my hair fried and dignity tarnished. There were rearview mirror tears shed in salon parking lots and refunds I deserved but was too ashamed to ask for. Once I arrived at a vaguely palatable shade of yellow, I looked into getting a keratin treatment.
At $300, it was more money than I’d ever spent in a single go, but I was desperate to fix the witch’s broom that had become of my head (witches weren’t trending yet). I’d also been straightening it for years and was getting really sick of it. I could have learned Mandarin in all the time I spent running a hot iron down my stupid head from age 14 to 21!
This is the part where you realize it’s 2 a.m. and you’re actually watching an informercial, because keratin treatments ended up changing my relationship with my hair forever. Damage repair is what sent me there, but the incredible reduction in hair maintenance swept me right off my pink paws. You know how much time I’ve spent on my hair since? Almost zero time! You know how much Mandarin I know now? Also zero, but not the point.
My hair is frizzy, wavy, thick and coarse — a perfectly okay combination that irritates me deeply. In its natural state, wearing it down and tying it up were always equally distracting and uncomfortable. I would straighten it to abate those irritations and then put a wave back into it, because I didn’t like it straight. I don’t know. I’m sweating just thinking about it.
Now, I’m a full keratin loyalist. My hair is still thick but feels less so, the waves are more subtle, it’s only coarse-ish and it dries more beachy than frizzy. I wash it, let it dry and go. It’s still a little messy, but I like it. I’ve gotten around 10 treatments in the six years since BleachGate. But! They weren’t all equally effective. I’ve taken a lot of bad advice from which I’d now like to save you.
First, a quick word on wtf a keratin treatment is: It’s a combination of chemicals that break down your hair’s natural structure, which is then rebuilt with a very hot flat iron, making it straighter — but not dead straight and not permanently. “Keratin” is a protein in your hair but, as associated with the treatment, it’s just a marketing buzzword.
Here’s what else your stylist won’t tell you:
1. “Permanent crease” fears are unwarranted.
After my first keratin, I was instructed to not even put my hair behind my ears (let alone up) for five days lest I cause a permanent indentation. I let my dead straight hair hang around my face in curtains all week; I was scared to touch it and looked unhinged. This is silly and totally unnecessary unless you’re after a 2003 Avril Lavigne look. Hair-tucking and ponytails don’t do a damn thing, just don’t be too aggressive about it. No Kim K ponies.
2. Do not get it wet for as long as humanly possible after the treatment.
I’ve noticed the don’t-wash-for-48-hours rules getting increasingly lax, with some salons going so far as to say you can get it wet right away but just not shampoo it. FAKE NEWS! In my experience, this severely weakens and shortens the treatment. I don’t get my hair wet for a whole week if I can manage it. (Which I totally can, hashtag That Wet Look, copyright Claire Carusillo.)
3. The newer, more “natural” solutions don’t work as well.
Time for bad news. Most keratin solutions, when heated, release a carcinogenic gas called formaldehyde. According to David Andrews, Ph.D., a senior scientist at Environmental Working Group, exposure (like a few times a year) puts you at minimal risk, but I v much understand if that scares you. There are more natural options out there (like Cezanne Perfect Finish) but, in my experience, they don’t work nearly as well despite the stylist insisting they do. Sad.
4. A good one can last more than six months.
If you did the math on my 10 treatments in 6+ years, I do not abide by re-upping every few months as many salons suggest. In my experience, with good care, they last far longer. In fact, I’ve gone over a year before re-upping and never felt like my hair really went back. Maybe my hair just holds on to it. But I also don’t apply heat, I wash it as seldom as I can (about once a week) and when I do, I clean it with non-shampoo New Wash and skip conditioner.
5. Prioritizing reviews over deals is a good idea.
This is just logic, but with an expensive treatment like this, it’s really hard to not get caught up on cost and jump on a Groupon the second you see it. Believe me when I say all keratin treatments are not the same. I’ve gotten bad ones; read reviews closely before booking (and look for actual brand names since most salons carry multiple — my favorite is Cadiveu but it’s hard to find). Even better: Get a recommendation from a friend that includes salon, solution brand and stylist to be extra safe. And if you have one for New York, give it to me too, please?
Photos by Louisiana Mei Gelpi and Krista Anna Lewis
Here’s what else your stylist won’t tell you:
When preparing magic fen noodles, it is essential to follow the cooking instructions carefully. These noodles cook quickly, usually within a few minutes, and can easily overcook or become mushy if left in boiling water for too long. It is recommended to blanch the noodles briefly and then rinse them in cold water to stop the cooking process and maintain their translucent appearance. In terms of nutritional value, magic fen noodles are a low-calorie food, making them a healthy choice for those watching their weight. They are also gluten-free, making them suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. However, they are mainly a source of carbohydrates and do not provide significant amounts of protein or other nutrients. In conclusion, magic fen noodles are a fantastic culinary creation that captivates both the eyes and the taste buds. From their ghostly appearance to their slippery texture, these noodles offer a unique experience that is unlike any other type of pasta. So, next time you are looking to try something new and intriguing, give magic fen noodles a try and embark on a culinary adventure like no other..
Reviews for "The Perfect Date Night Recipe: Impress Your Partner with Magic Fen Noodles"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really excited to try the Magic Fen Noodles after seeing all the hype, but I was really disappointed. The texture of the noodles was strange, almost slimy, and they didn't have much flavor at all. I followed the instructions carefully, but they turned out kind of mushy and just not enjoyable to eat. I wouldn't recommend them.
2. Mike - 1 star - I honestly cannot understand why these noodles have become so popular. They were such a letdown. The texture was off-putting, like eating rubber bands, and the taste was bland. The package promised a magically delicious experience, but all I got was a disappointing meal. I won't be buying these noodles again.
3. Sarah - 3 stars - While the Magic Fen Noodles were not terrible, I wasn't impressed either. The texture was odd, more chewy than I expected, and the flavor was just average. I had high hopes for a unique and delicious noodle experience, but these fell short. They're not terrible, but I expected more considering the hype around them.
4. Robert - 2 stars - I'm not sure what all the fuss is about these noodles. They didn't taste bad, but they certainly didn't live up to the hype. The noodles were a bit soggy and lacked any real flavor. I followed the cooking instructions exactly, but they just didn't turn out as magical as I expected. I won't be buying them again.
5. Jessica - 1 star - I was so excited to try the Magic Fen Noodles, as I'm a big fan of unique flavors and textures. However, these noodles were a major disappointment. The texture was slimy, almost like eating jellyfish, and the taste was extremely bland. I couldn't understand why these noodles were so popular. I was incredibly let down by this product and won't be purchasing it again.