Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Good Hair Day

A good hair day mean different things to different people. To me it means voluminous, bouncy, curly hair that's not frizzy. It also has to be not too hot and not too windy, so in essence a good hair day also means a good weather day.

Here are some examples of good hair , it's voluminous right?

Julia Roberts long luxurious waves

Chris Hemsworth mid length men's cut

Borat, very nice for a foreigner!

Kim Cattrall and Sarah Jessica Parker, my hair idol

Tell me what makes you feel like you are having a good hair day?




 

Friday, July 13, 2012

Awesomeness

This post is dedicated to all those people out there who are even the slightest bit unsure of their amazing abilities! Yes I am talking about you! This summer I have discovered how reluctant people are to talk to their friends, fitness instructors, hairdressers, bartenders, or parents about their deepest doubts, concerns and fears. People in general feel very disconnected from the very groups that surround them. They are afraid of being mocked, of being shunned, labeled, misunderstood or cut off from communication. What i wish the people of my community would realize is how profoundly we feel a loss. It's so shameful that some of these people don't ever know the love, adoration and amazement we felt in their presence. We have a responsibility to one another to make people feel that they belong, and that they will be not only heard but understood and still accepted, even if the truths are ugly. We can change and enjoy it or stay the same and feel better about it, but there is no staying the same. We can march into the future together with a smile on our faces, open ears, open hearts and a strong spine or we can feel alone all together and blame ourselves into misery. So tell a friend you love them, give a hug to someone you normally wouldn't, shake hands with a new acquaintance, love each other. Show the world just how awesome you are!

 

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Home Pedicures

Yes It's sandal season and our toes need fresh air too. Even if you don't wear sandals foot pampering is vital to a pleasant demeanor. I'm sure you can round up the materials in your house to assimilate the spa experience. Here's my list.


Either start a movie, or grab a book or magazine, might as well get a tall glass of iced tea too.

Determine your spot and set up an area where you will have "everything you need" within an arms reach of you .

Everything you need:

Towels: 1 large to rest underneath the bucket, one small to wipe your clean feet with. Foot file, or callus remover, nail polish, foot brush, toenail clippers, nail polish remover (if polished) and cotton pads.

Foot Basin: My favorite is a rectangular plastic basin about 14"x 8". Or a large wide bowl, the flatter the bottom the more comfortable it will be. Epsom salts: 1/4 cup, these draw odor and toxins out of your feet; remember your feet have a lot of sweat glands, they are always working for you. Essential oils: favorites are lavender, peppermint and lemon, melaleuca oil. Choose one and add 3-8 drops. Fill basin with warm or cold water depending on your desired degree of adjustment. Bring basin to "your spot"

Immerse feet breath a big sigh of relief and sit still for at least 5 minutes. Rub your feet with the foot brush, concentrate of your toes trying to scrub underneath the nail bed. Remove one foot, scrub heels with foot file, Remove toenail polish repeat with other foot whilst submerging your just scrubbed foot in the bath. Clip toenails of both feet, again submerge your feet in the bath and scrub with the foot brush. Remove one foot, dry and polish that foot, rest it on the clean large towel. Remove still soaking foot, dry, polish, rest. at this point you can get rid of the water, or try to make someone else do it.

See how much your feet liked that? All it takes is a bit of careful preparation to re-create a serene environment or at least one where you don't want to throw something at somebody.



Before
After


Dry Itchy Scalp

Ok, here is what I recommend for Dry Itchy Scalp, it's called Dandrene and it's made by DS-Labratories. They are the premiere line of scalp solutions on the market and the price is great too, $28.00 for a 3 month supply. They advertise themselves as ultra premium formula to target the symptoms of seborrhic dermatitis. You will achieve best results with the potent mix of modern science and botanical extracts.

Directions: This is how you will get the best results from both shampoo and conditioner of any kind. Wet your hands, squeeze product into palm, then (this is the important part) rub the palms of your hands together to emulsify the product, like you're going to wash your hands with it, just for a few seconds, then apply to your wet head. With a shampoo apply to the scalp then use your fingertips to really work the product into the roots and scalp, with Dandrene you will want to concentrate on on any areas that are itchy too. Leave it on the scalp for 1-2 minutes. Hint, do it at the very beginning of your shower. You should do this at least 3-4 times per week. Condition the ends of your hair only, using the same application process as shampooing, rinse.

Other considerations: Drink lots of water, especially in the heat drink extra. Take a multivitamin just to eliminate the possibility of a deficiency. Look into your diet, oftentimes the food we ingest causes an allergic reaction which results in some curious conditions. If you're concerned about dietary triggers see a nutritionist, a food allergy specialist, an acupuncturist or a homeopathic physician, it's likely that none of them will require a referral to be seen so just call to make an appointment.

 

Friday, July 6, 2012

Changing your color

I decided it was time for a change, in my hair color. It all started with Scarlet Johanasen in the Avengers. I have been sporting blonde for a couple of years now and although I didn't want something too drastic I defiantly wanted something noticeable. Here are the steps that I took to achieve my results.

Double process color: I applied a 7 NA with 10 volume to my roots only, all over my head. Process 25 minutes, shampoo, blow dry. Next color application was 6c mixed with 9 wn demipermanent from roots to ends, comb through to achieve thorough saturation. Process for 25 minutes, shampoo, rinse, shampoo, rinse. ahhhh! It's different. I love it. Shampoo one more time, cool water rinse, it's perfect.

Since I only wanted a temporary color I chose a demipermanent. It is knowing the rules of color that protects clients from ruining their hair. So it is always best to trust a professional to your lovely locks or else you could end up with 1. bad hair (yikes) 2. paying the cost for a color correction which is anywhere between $50-75 per hour (hint it usually takes at least 3).

If you are thinking of a change in your color there are a few important things to consider.

How permanent do you want the results to be?

Are you the kind of person who likes change or will you be upset with the changes you are making?

Keep in mind that you might need some new makeup to pop your special look.

Make an appointment with your stylist, or if you already have one let them know in advance that you would like to try something different, often it can take multiple appointments or double processing so it's best to have everyone on the same page cost and time wise.

Don't be afraid! It's only hair and we have the ability to change it. Personally I. goi g to see what life is like as a strawberry blonde for the next few weeks, I'll let you know.

 

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Bangs

I always tell my clients that we only cut bangs to grow them out. I'm half joking but for most people it's true. There are three types in the world of bangs; those who are die hard bang lovers, they have had them since they were young and continue to enjoy the mystery of their forehead draped in a silky facade. There are those who are unsatisfied with their current look and feel that bangs are the easiest way to change their appearance without sacrificing any real elements of their design. And there are those who have learned their lesson, some repeatedly.
I love bangs, I love to cut them, and admire others strong "fringe", I am envious of the immediate covering of the forehead (that wrinkled, splotchy area)...but I do not wear them. Why? because I have curly hair and unless I want to straighten them out and look like some chick from 18 and Pregnant there isn't much of a style to curly bangs.
So if you are thinking of cutting bangs ask yourself these questions.
1. Is my hair curly? (mild, medium, Afro) If you aren't willing to straighten it then you probably shouldn't go this route. Try nipping a few little pieces to see how curly they get.
2. Do I like to style my hair? (minimum of blow drying most days)
3. Do I change my mind often? (your saying no, but thinking yes) I have a lot of clients who think they want to try bangs and then discover that they just end up pinning them back most days. I would encourage you cut cut a few longer pieces to start with and cut in the rest at another haircut.
4.Am I willing to come in between appointments and have them trimmed? if you have a full bang chances are you will want to have them cut before the rest of your hair. I offer a complimentary bang trim with reoccurring clients.
May the shwartz be with you.




Monday, July 2, 2012

Summer products

Summer skin and hair require a different assortment of products than any other season. here are some simple switches that you should make.
Hair: use a moisturizing shampoo to combat dryness. If you swim occasionally shampoo with a clarifying shampoo.
styling: If your hair is fine or thin use a light weight serum such as oi by Davines. if your hair is medium density with or without texture I recommend a gel, Hair Resort by Kevin Murphy smells like the beach, it comes in liquid gel that you pour in your palm or in a lighter weight spray.
If your hair is dense you will want to start the summer by having the interior of your haircut thinned out. Style with a smoothing balm like Bodyguard by Kevin Murphy or Easy Tiger by EVO
Face: Sunscreen is the most obvious summer product. you should use it every season but I always have it with me in the summer and in always rubbing it on myself and especially my children. I think the brand of sunscreen you use is one of the most important skin care decisions you make. So stop by www.ewg.org and click on Skin Deep. It is a ratings system for sunscreens based on their effectiveness and toxicity. Very Valuable resource. Some sunscreens that are marketed to children specifically are the worst offenders. Shocking! my favorites are Dermalogica, And California baby. both companies are devoted to top end performance from their products.
Make sure you apply enough and reapply frequently! A full body application for an adult would fill a shot glass "shots!" I apply about 1/4 of a shot to my face twice a day, more if I am actually in the sun. oh and I try to always wear a hat and sunglasses, mostly because it makes me look super cool and like I might be related to Mortocia Adams.
Body: Drink lots of water! Iced Tea, Coconut water, Electrolyte enhanced waters (smart water). Eat water filled fruits and vegetables at least 3 times a day (this does not include vodka soaked watermelon).
Wear a hat, avoid the direct sun from 12-4 and most importantly. HAVE FUN!
have a great 4th!