Get Real September 2, 2009

There are two things everybody needs to do to love their hair. Keep it in great condition (Sept 1, 2009 blog), and the second is the most crucial and the place where many people go wrong.

Learn to love what you have and work within your limitations.

There are many hair types and each of them has its pros and cons. When you know your hair type, face shape and natural coloring, you can get a style that is effortless and flattering. A good stylist can help you if you’re not sure of your hair type. Using what you have and not forcing a look that is time and labor intensive, will be the biggest gift you can give your self.

Thick hair has the bulk and texture most of us want. It looks great curled or straight. Most thick hair, however, doesn’t translate well into a short cut. The bulk becomes overwhelming. Longer layered styles usually work best.

Thin hair is sleek. If cut well and to the right length, it has a swing that thick hair doesn’t. But longer styles become stringy and lifeless. Shorter looks are ideal.

Wavy hair is the easiest for transition. It can become curly with coaxing and can be flat ironed into a sleek look. It is affected by humidity however and can become messy looking. a layered medium length is the most versatile.

Curly hair has a mind of it’s own.It can be unruly. With a longer length and long layers it will be no work at all.

Color can help to add texture and dimension to a hairstyle. But the wrong color will detract from a great cut. Dramatic color is fun and instantly feels like a new look, but by working within 2 levels of your natural hair color, you can extend the time between visits to your salon and flatter your natural skin and eye tones. Highlights (2 levels lighter than hairs natural tone or more usually blonde) help add contrast and dimension to give hair the illusion of bulk. Lowlights (2 levels darker than hairs natural level. Can be almost any tone from brown to red to purple) Give texture and add interest to a great haircut. When used together they can give structure and depth to any hair type.

“To be upset about what you don’t have is a waste of what you do have.”

Ken S Keyes Jr.

On One Condition September 1, 2009

Yesterday I left you with a “teaser”. There are only two things needed to have great wake-up-and-love-it hair. Hair that looks great all the time, even on the day’s the alarm didn’t go off. The first and most important is condition.Even the best cut and color look tired if your hair isn’t shiny and healthy looking. There are several ways to keep your hair in great condition and fake it if it’s to late.

The first thing you need to do is look at the way you wash your hair. Most of my clients wash their way to much. Over washing strips hair of its natural oils. It leaves your hair vulnerable to the harsh effects of blow drying and styling. Almost everyone can get away with every other day washing.

“But when I wake up, Christina, my hair is a mess and I need to start over. So I have to wash it everyday.”

I hear this all the time. Wetting the hair doesn’t mean you automatically need to re-wash. Skip the shampoo. Most hair styling products are water soluble and are easily removed with just water or a little conditioner. You can start fresh while keeping your hair healthy.

Ever body needs hair help in one way or another. Some people have fine hair that goes limp with heavy conditioner, some people have color treated hair that is dry. Chances are you know your hair woe (if not a good stylist will be able to diagnose you in a consultation). Shampoos and conditioners have been formulated to best suit your needs. There is a whole science created around the condition of your hair. People who spend their lives trying to help you. LET THEM. A few extra minutes with your stylist and she will be able to help you pick what you need.  She can tell you about moisurizing conditioners that will help dry hair retain its…. well, moisture, detanglers, usually used for children who’s hair is in great shape but their scalps are tender but also great for clients with superfine hair, and protein based conditioners for when things have taken a bad turn and you need extra help. Proten conditioners penetrat the hair shaft and aid in returning it to lusterous condition.

Sometimes, even with the best effort, things “dry up”. This is when you need to turn to your stylist for help faking healthy. Hair Glossing is your hair’s equivelant to clear nail polish. It coats the strands with a glossy polymer that will last a few weeks. It adds shine as well a level of protecter. You can gloss (sometimes called glazing) every four to six weeks. It’s a great service to get done along with your haircut as it only takes 20 to 30 extra minutes.

With great hair condition your hair will behave much better and will look shiny and beautiful even on the days you wake up late.

Tomorrow….. Get Real!!!

Who is the Stylist Next Door? August 31, 2009

Hello!!!

My name is Christina. I have been a hairstylist for 16 years. Over that time I have learned a thing or two about what the everyday woman wants. She wants to look current and stylish, but she rarely has time to spend hours trying to look that way. She wants advice on how to achieve the looks she has in mind. She needs a stylist who makes her feel empowered not intimidated. My goal in this new blog is to offer advice on regular issues that you may face.

My clients know I believe in starting with what you have and creating the best look for you. The request I get most is “I wish I didn’t have to spend so much time getting ready. I wish I could wake up with great hair.”  As much as it sounds like a fairy tale, I believe each woman has this capability. And it only requires two things. I’ll cover those two things in my next blogs. (teaser)

Feel free to comment and ask questions about issues you may be facing. Chances are if your baffled by it, someone else is too.

Hello world! August 31, 2009

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