Wear your Hair

2010-06-16T13:27:00.000-07:00

I know I fail at posting!

Here is a great website that'll let you know how safe your cosmetic products are! They have a great rating system from 0 to 10 letting you know how hazardous your products are. This was a reality check for me, some brands straight up lie to us and we deserve to know the toxicity of products! Enjoy!

http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/

And to keep the post a little up beat and fun some pictures!

Vintage Inspiration: Barbara Stanwyck

2010-03-30T10:37:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a film noir class at school, and my favorite femme fatal so far is Barbara Stanwyck in double indemnity. She has great hair (which is a wig in the movie but I still love it), her makeup and lips are amazing, and she is always dressed beautifully. If you have a chance to see double indemnity you will be blown away by her strong radiant personality and her beauty. Enjoy!

Double Indemnity

Etsy hair accessories

2010-03-22T17:54:00.000-07:00

What better way to spice up your hair then a cute hair piece? Etsy has the cutest home made and revamped vintage pieces to perk up your do!

Blackcatmima

VerteAdelie

Emmjeyessvintage

FeatherandBloom

Antige

Hotpinkchick

Red hair

2010-03-16T18:07:00.000-07:00

I love red hair. It's beautiful and exotic. Yet it has such a versatile range of tones such as violet, copper, and red. It has great depth and can be any color from light to dark. If your hair stylist chooses the shade correctly red hair can look good on any skin tone! Enjoy some inspirations!

Fall 2010 fashion week pt. 2

2010-03-02T23:45:00.000-08:00

Gaspard Yurkievich

I love the pompadour with the feather in the back, it has a bit of native american feel to it.

Sass & Bide

This is my favorite! The perfect diagonal poof in the front and back, with that cute little metal hair piece. The makeup is stellar too, the clean flawless face and the deep plum lips.

Roksanda Ilincic

I've been seeing this everywhere! Well in ads at least. So fun this could easily be toned down into a sassy bedhead look. Does this mean that perms are going to be back in style? I think so!

Must have products for March

2010-02-26T12:08:00.000-08:00

These are the products are my personal favorites!

From left to right
Top Row

Benefit
Silky finish Lipstick

MAC
Studio Fix Lash
Powder Blush in -Desert Rose a Soft reddish-burgundy (Matte)

Beauty Without Cruelty
AHA Facial Cleanser Aromatherapy Skin Care

Bottom Row

Cartier
Eau De

Origins
All and Nothing™ Sheer pressed powder for every skin

Sonia Kashuk
Brow Kit Arch Alert Palette

Clinique
Quickliner for Eyes in Smokey Brown

Fall 2010 NY Fashion week Hair trends pt. 1

2010-02-21T16:11:00.000-08:00

Jasper Conran- These up-do's are old school looking, huge barrel curls pulled to the top of the head in different variations. So fun!

Mulberry- This looks could easily be toned down for one of those hair days where you can't get your hair to do a thing! It's a modern but messy look that can spice up your entire look.

Oscar de la Renta-Beautiful romantic curls, a little less uniformed then a 1940's or 50's wave, tons of back combing and a side part finger wave bang.

Vera Wang- What a neat up-do! The front is a bit extreme but the back adds a nice spin to the style, with twisted textures and colors, the contract is brilliant.

Tommy Hilfiger- This beautiful classic side-swept look can make any outfit look sophisticated, with a few curls that have been brushed out and finished with a large bobby pin holding the bangs to the side.

Ashley's Lob

2010-02-09T16:38:00.000-08:00

Ashley Olsen's LOB (Long bob) is sooo beautiful. This is a great haircut for someone who isn't ready for a really short haircut, but wants a change. It looks great straight or with texture, and can still be pinned up or put in a pony tail. Gwyneth Paltrow is famous for this cut, but I personally love the way Ashley sports it!

Sassoon's New Collection- Dada Dolls

2010-02-07T22:57:00.000-08:00

THE NEW SPRING SUMMER 2010 COLLECTION BY SASSOON ACADEMY BRINGS CRAFTED CONTROL TO DADA CHAOS.

"This season's cuts are inspired by Dada icons combined with an edgy eighties hard times chic. Off-kilter cuts are deliberately staged to give dramatic contrasts in volume and texture. Candlestick perms create clouds of candyfloss that sit with exaggerated effect next to tailored, fitted bowl shaped panels that are intricately cut from long to short. 'There's an exciting unexpectedness about this combination of opposites' says International Creative Director Mark Hayes, 'Haircuts are eccentric, bold statements which break traditional rules in the same way as the dada artists were re-inventing art."

I love this collection, yes it's a bit extreme but it can give much inspiration to hairstylist's and clients. With just one small element of this collection can add a unique flair to your hair. Enjoy!

Celebrity Inspiration: Chloe Sevigny

2010-02-05T13:39:00.000-08:00

Her hair and make-up is always so classy!

Permanent vs. Demi-Permanent

2010-01-30T20:37:00.000-08:00

From what I've been taught and from experience here's a little insight on differences between permanent hair color and demi-permanent and the few others you may hear.

Permanent- Yes it's permanent it contains peroxide and ammonia which means it should be used only as directed to avoid damage or unwanted results. Permanent hair color covers grey, can lighten hair 1-3 (possibly 4) levels, or do both at the same time. I do not recommend putting permanent color over itself, this can create damage, darker, and/or darb ends. Lasts forever, can only be lightened with color remover or bleach.

Demi-Permanent- Shiny and typically amonia free hair color that can change the tone of your hair color, deepen/refresh color, can cover or blend to 50 percent grey, or can create a darker desired level while allowing hair to remain healthy. Won't lighten hair, and cannot create very drastic results on dark and darkest brown hair. Lasts 4 weeks to 3 months, can be used over itself without uneven results. Contains peroxide but not ammonia (better for your hair) You cannot lighten hair with permanent color over hair that has been previously color with demi.

Semi-Permanent- Color that simply lays on the hair shaft, most often used as punk/funky colors (ie. blues, greens, pinks and purples). Washes out in 6-12 shampoos or 1-3 weeks.

Up-do's

2010-01-29T21:18:00.000-08:00

My favorite modern up-dos are messy, they can look great with a beautiful dress on or with jeans and a cute blouse. They're fancy without being over the top. On those day's when I don't have time to wash my hair I use inspiration from up-do's to give my blah hair some style, with a little back combing, a few curls and some bobby pins I can create my own little look within a few minutes. Enjoy!

Joico's Le Graphique 2010 Collection

2010-01-22T10:21:00.000-08:00

My favorite hair colorist Joico's Sue Pemberton and stylist Damien Carney have collaborated to create these awesome looks with inspiration from multi-media artist Serge Luten. Damien Carney explained this series to be drawn from ...
Memorable silhouettes with crisp edges
Strong lines that balance the knife-sharp with sinuous curves and fearless angles
Extreme finishes, from high-gloss to matte.

Bang Bang

2010-01-20T13:17:00.000-08:00

Ladies and gentelmen it's been so long since I've posted last, and I only have my self to blame. I have great news, and possibly the culprit of my slack, I'm at a new salon in the Lower Haight (yes I can walk to work!), it's called On Mars salon, and so far it's been beyond great. Here is a link to our website http://www.onmarssalon.com/ . This post is dedicated to one of my favorite little additions any hair style ... BANGS. Here is a large variety of different bangs, which proves that they can look adorable on anyone!

* Note I do not recommend cutting bangs yourself, especially if you're cutting them from a previously longer fringe, it's typically only about 10-20 dollars to run to a salon and get a quick bang trim or shape. At home disasters take time to grow out and look horrible in the entire process.

What to stay away from in beauty products!

2009-10-05T18:07:00.000-07:00

So I've told you guys, the cons of sulfates, but did you know there are tons of other agents in shampoos, conditioners, beauty products,shaving creams, and even toothpaste that can harm you? Since we put these products directly on our scalps, face, body and gums (the quickest absorbing of them all!) we are deliberately putting ourselves in harm! Today I'm going to tell you guys a little about Parabens ...

Parabens- AKA- methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, benzylparaben and their sodium salts
*Some research concludes that they cause cancer- Parabens can Mimic the hormone estrogen, which can lead to breast cancer. As a matter of fact, most of the negative effects of Parabens effect reproductive health.
"Even though it is impossible to link parabens directly with tumors based on the current studies, it is also impossible to say parabens are safe as well since their long-term health effects of exposure are essentially unknown" (Wikipedia)

Review: Origins

2009-09-23T11:03:00.000-07:00

While I was at the mall several weeks ago I strolled into Origins, instantly I was pulled in by their friendly staff, their organic environmentally friendly products, animal friendly practices, and recycled packaging. I was greeted with a free mini facial, a face scrub and a mask was firstly tested on my hands to feel and see the difference it made, and they finished with a light tinted moisturizer. I purchased...

Modern Friction- Similar to a face scrub, but is considered a buffing paste, to be used biweekly. Scrub into DRY skin for up to 30 seconds, dampen hands and finish by emulsifying product rinse and see the beautiful result. "Improving texture and reducing fine lines, Minimizing signs of photo-damage, Evening out skin tone, Restoring your skin with a youthful glow"
Overall - 9/10
Consistency- 10/10
Smell- 9/10
Discomfort- 0/10
End result- 9/10

Out of Trouble- Problem skin face mask. Apply to damp skin a thin layer of product avoiding eye area. Let sit for 10 minutes, or until dry, rinse with water and enjoy! My skin tone evened out, many small pimples disappeared, my skin was soothed, a clean oil and dirt free feeing. Great of oily skin!
Overall - 9/10
Consistency- 9/10
Smell- 5/10 (slight sulfur smell, its worth it in the end!
Discomfort- 0/10
End result- 10/10

Nude and Improved- Light coverage foundation with SPF 15. My FAVORITE light coverage foundation, who wants heavy slimy foundation that is oily and splotchy at the end of the day? This foundation is an instant pick me up, and most days I need nothing more I can even build up coverage for problem spots. The consistency is nice, although it has sunscreen my face doesn't feel sticky, the texture is somewhere in-between moisturized and matte.
Overall - 10/10
Consistency- 10/10
Smell- 10/10
Discomfort- 0/10
End result- 10/10

P.S. Bring in empty old make-up/product containers (any brand) and receive a free sample of your choice of origin products! http://www.origins.com/about/index.tmpl?page=recycle

Why is at home hair color a no no?

2009-09-15T12:12:00.000-07:00

It could be that I'm a stylist, and therefor have a bias to home hair coloring. However I have many reasons why I dislike the way at home hair color looks, treats your precious hair, and disables your hairdresser. Very often muddy and dull colors result, uneven and blotchy color give away your dirty little secret. There is no comparison as to how salon color shines, has depth and the silky and soft result you can only receive at a salon. Another reason at home hair color can be disastrous is that many do not know enough about hair color to begin with. Different levels of lightness are only perceived through what the color on the box looks like, meaning, for example, that dark blonde in your mind is different than what the box means. Also, tone is completely different than the level of lightness, the words these companies use for tones would be for example black can turn black blue certain tones can turn much warmer or cooler than expected, in short the results are extremely unpredictable. Different hair types color differently (thin, medium, thick and grey) this will effect how well the color takes, how light you can get your hair and how long it will stay. Hot roots can also happen (brighter/lighter and all around different color results from your outgrowth) this happens if the color isn’t matched well, or when the unpredictable happens. At home hair color also uses much stronger chemicals than you need on your hair, especially if your hair is previously colored this can cause damaged ends, these boxes can also be misleading about the damage they can cause. In short at home hair color is deceiving, unpredictable and damaging. In the end if your hair is messed up by your at home experiment you’re bound to spend much much more time and money correcting it with a professional, who will always know what is best for your hair in the first place.
I supposed I’ll write a more technical explanation in the near future, but for now keep this in mind when your impatient at home for a change.

Thermal Protection

2009-09-04T15:02:00.000-07:00

One huge factor of damaged hair is thermal usage. Blow drying, straightening, and curling can dry out hair and damage it, but there are some solutions. The first solution I suggest is letting your hair air dry when its possible, then go over it with a flat iron, or get some good styling products to scrunch your hair up and just use thermal on your bangs. If you can adjust the heat on your flat iron or curling iron, use only the amount of heat you need, also ceramic plated flat irons add additional protection, and never curl or flat iron your hair if its even remotely damp! Another helpful solution is actually using a thermal protecting product, these products will coat your hair with protecting agents creating a barrier between your hair and the heat(caution thermal protecting sprays will steam/sizzle when using this is okay, it means the product is working). Many professional products already have thermal protectors in them, there are also sprays that you apply to your hair right before your thermal process leaving your hair soft and silky. Follow these tips and you will have healthier softer and much more grateful hair.

These are my favorite Thermal Protectors ..

Joico Silk Result

Alterna Styling Tonic

Inspiration pt. 2

2009-09-01T12:21:00.001-07:00

Being green and beautiful!

2009-08-28T10:49:00.000-07:00

Here are a few good reads about keeping your beauty products environmentally friendly.

Recycling product containers-
http://www.cosmopolitan.com/hairstyles-beauty/skin-care-makeup/green-beauty-products?click=main_sr

And why sunscreen can keep you and the environment healthy-
http://www.thegreenguide.com/personal-care/blocking-sun

Avoid the oil!

2009-08-20T14:39:00.001-07:00

Many of us cannot go a day without feeling the need to wash our hair because of the excess oil it creates. Washing your hair less often is beneficial because it keep the oils your hair needs to stay moisturized and keeps the scalp in good condition. Washing your hair at least every other day is less work and more beneficial to your hair, but it can create an oily look. I've found that if you sick it out a week or two with only washing your hair every other day, your hair gets used to not producing as much oil. This allows a healthier scalp, hair and less oil productivity. While you're sticking it out there are ways to hide the oil in your hair, my favorite and the cheapest way is to just use baby powder, sprinkle a small amount in your and and rub it trough out your scalp (be careful if you hair dark hair to not use too much baby powder start with a tiny amount and build it up). Sephora and other beauty supply stores sell dry shampoos, which can come in powder forms that smell clean and are applied similarly to the baby powder, they also come in aerosol which is more convent as you can just spray it and move around with your hand. Also if you brush your hair scalp to ends in many different directions so your hair is really oily before you wash your hair (you can shampoo your hair up to two times if necessary), it helps disperse the oils and will create shiner hair, healthier hair. You can also blow dry your hair with cool air which helps lock in the oil.

Sulfate Free is the way to go!

2009-07-28T18:32:00.000-07:00

Why Sulfate Free?

First and foremost sulfate free shampoo is essential to keeping your hair and hair color in tip top shape. Sulfates are used for lather, and they are cheapest way of doing so, they're not gentile and are extremely drying to your hair. They can damage your hair and lead to hair loss. Sulfates can also strip the hair of its essential oils it causes a dry and irritated scalp. Avoid the ingredients sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) in your shampoo, instead buy sulfate free higher end shampoos, your head and hair will thank you! When sulfates are in your shampoo you will find that your hair color’s longevity is compromised. Paying a bit more initially will save you money in the long run because you have longer lasting hair color, moisturized hair and a happy scalp!

Here are some of my favorite brands

Pureology- Is an oldie but a goodie, its all natural and vegan. It lathers great and a little bit of shampoo goes a long way!

Alterna- Organic and vegan. The Caviar line smells wonderful and your hair will be left moisturized.

These websites will guide you to choosing the right shampoo for you!

Inspirational hair/style

2009-07-25T23:30:00.000-07:00