The Flower effect

Greetings from TEXAS! Yes it is official I am all moved in to my new Texas home and am very excited. I have been traveling and am now adjusted enough to get back to what I love most, blogging!

Down here in Texas it is hot all the time. In Michigan it was warm at best, but mostly cold. I have no complaints about a sunny day with no clouds and 80-90 degree weather. However, the one thing that I have had to adjust to is how the heat affects my hair! My hair, as I have mentioned before is very curly, and lately very wavey. In this humidity and heat (yes Texas has humidity) my hair could not be more complicated. In Michigan I had the cold weather to tame my hair and keep it in control, but here the heat just brings on the frizz and stickiness. So, what so you do when the weather prevents you from having a great hair day? You bring out the hair accessories! I happen to be a new fan of the flower head band. There are different versions of course, but the simple black hair band with one simple flower makes all the difference when you are hot and just want to put you hair up! I have also sported the flower hair clip, which is a flower with a clip attached to it. Not only does this allow you to get away with wearing your hair up, but it adds a expressive style to the hair style you are sporting that day!

I don't know how much longer my hair will survive the heat, but I do have to say I am very thankful for the flower headband and great hair products! Being down here in Texas I am extremely excited to dive into the beauty and Texan culture!

Happy Hump Day <3

Back to the "Roots" of it all...

I can't remember the last time that I had my hair it's natural color. And when I say natural, I mean the color before dye hit my head. If I can remember correctly, it may have been my sophmore year of highschool. My natural hair color is a auburn brown. It was so pretty in the sunlight I actually had people question if it was natural, that's how amazing it was. To be frank, as much as I love coloring my hair I wish I would have kept it natural through highschool and maybe waited just a little longer before I started messing with my hair!

Now that Drew Berrymore and a few other actresses have made growing your roots out a fashion Hair statement, I am curious as to if someone like myself could pull the ombre technique? My base is no longer that natural auburn brown, but more of a dark chocolate brown. If I grew out the light strawberry blonde highlights that I have already, I wonder if it would look ok. Chances are I like it for awhile and then change it up, but I have actually liked how Drew Berrymore's hair looks.

I'm curious as to how many like the root look? If we want to get technical, Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) was rockin the roots for a whole season of Sex and the city, and people definatley were not fans. Another celebrity that was rockin the roots was Shakira. Shakira's look was before ombre was even a stlye, but we all question Shaikra's look when this technique wasn't so cool yet.

So why it ombre cool now? Maybe it's because we all now have an excuse to wait another month before we have to get our hair done? Or do we really like the faded grown out roots look? Whatever the reason maybe I know I like it, and the technique is an can be created, not just grown. I for one may take a chance an rock the look as long as I can, and if I like it, I may just keep it.

Happy Thrusday!

Why do we always want what we can’t have?

I have very curly hair and I like to wear it straight! Ever since I was a teenager I have straightened my pretty curls and it isn’t until I wear my curls that people even know I have curly hair! The response I usually get is, “why don’t you wear your hair curly more often?”  Does anyone really have the answer to that? I know that most of my friends with straight hair curl their hair every day, and when I ask them why they don’t wear their hair straight, I get a pretty simple answer in return, “cause I don’t’ like it”. Well that’s seems to sum it up!

Back in my preteen and teen times I thought the straighter the better! Now that I am 27 I have embraced my curls, I have even learned great tips to enhance my curls which makes me like my curly locks even MORE! (Tip 1 use a great curl cream/mousse; tip 2 twist small portions of your curls with your finger; tip 3 use a great diffuser on medium heat) I still straighten it most of the time since I am a fan of wearing my hair straight, but at least I have left the phase wear I would refuse to wear my hair curly.

Nowadays when you walk into a salon they offer a service for just about anything, and if you want to have your hair straight without having to flat iron it you can! Keratin is the most popular when it comes to being able to have straight hair in seconds. There’s even a Keratin express service. I have tried the system and let me tell you it is awesome, it literally takes me seconds to dry my hair and there is no need for a flat iron.  If you decide you want to go back to your natural curly hair the system eventually fades out and your back to rockin the curls!

So is it human nature for us to want the things that we can’t have? In the grand scheme of things we women can be pretty indecisive with just about anything. Whether it’s the fact that we want our hair curly if it’s straight or long because it’s short, the beauty industry has answers to solve all our needs.  So salons keep on finding those amazing products that keep us women happy!

What era/decade inspires you?

I have always loved the 1920’s. I’m not really sure why it is one of my favorites, but I think it has a lot to do with the Great Gatsby.  I watched the Great Gatsby for the first time when I was about 12 years old (the Robert Redford version of course) and from then on it has always been a fascinating time frame to me. The fashion and style in the 1920’s was simple but fun, flashy yet modest and it was the first era to bring the bob haircut that everyone loves today, to life!

Think hard about what inspires you and then think about if you could go back to any decade or era when that would be? I asked a few girl friends of mine what era they would go to if they could, and they immediately responded the 20’s, 60’s and the 80’s (when Cindy Crawford was hot, not neon). I think fashion and Beauty are very influenced by each decade and we continue to revise and revamp the looks to make them modern and fresh. I see so many models and fashion spreads that are styled with a very old classic Hollywood look, or vintage feel. What keeps us drawn to these era’s, and why do we always want to go back in time as opposed to forward? This goes back to the inspiration; we all grow up having been inspired, so we go back to the basics.

Hair is a never-ending inspired industry; we look to anything that takes us to a place of inspiration. The bob hair cut is the most evolved hair cut in the industry that I can think of. Everyone at some point has had a bobbed haircut, and it’s still being recreated and worn by celebrities. Scarlett Johansson and Jennifer Aniston are just a few to name that just recently changed hairstyles to a bob. Aniston’s bob is slightly longer than Johansson’s but they are still both a bob! Another celebrity that is sporting the bob is Keira Knightly. She seems to sport the bob quite often, and her bob rests just slightly shorter than Scarlett’s.

The bob may never have a definite length and it may continue to be one of the most talked about looks inspired by the 20’s, but I do know that the fashion world is on the same fashion train when it comes down to taking old classic looks and making them their own. If you are a hair stylist and you love a certain style, comment on what era inspires you the most! I’d love to hear!

Hair "I do"!

It seems like yesterday when my sister and I used to rummage through my mom’s old bridesmaids dresses and try them on and pretend we were brides. This was back in the mid 80’s so you can imagine what we had to work with for improvised bride’s dresses. There was lace and more lace, peach and blue’s, just the right amount of dress to keep a 6 year old and an 8 year old dreaming of the day when we would say, “I do”.

With spring on its way there are weddings being planned and appointments being booked! In 2011 the one main wedding everyone can’t stop talking about is Kate Middleton and Prince William. These nuptials are on every major magazine cover we can find. Most celebrity weddings keep us on our toes and inspired for our own weddings. For instance when you first book an appointment with a stylist to do a trial run for your hair, you know you have at least 5 different pictures of celebrities hair styles that you would want to  have the big day. It’s hard to make up your mind and I know I would have a hard time deciding. (Tip: It is very important to have a trial day for any look you want for your special day. What looks good on someone else may not always look good on you.)

A few styles that always catch my eye are classic looks; a great example is Claire Danes hair style for her wedding day. Her style was a low tidy bun with a teased deep sided part for lift at her roots. Simple, sweet and sophisticated, I love it!

If you are more on the wild side try an exaggerated ballerina bun like Jennifer love Hewitt. How about trendy and sophisticated, Jessica Alba’s stylist parted her hair down the middle and added small French braids down the sides. The back was wrapped and pinned to hold the hair tight, it looked awesome.

If you are not sure what you want to do, go with your gut instincts and be sure to bring your best friend on the day you have your trial run booked. Also, make sure that you keep your hairstyle consistent with the style of your wedding dress. That way your wedding dress is complimented by your hair, not overshadowed. Either way you will look amazing and best of all the pictures will look amazing!!

Visit www.instyle.com, for more ideas and styles. (Look for Keyword 20 Beautiful Bridal Hairstyles)

Are you turning green?

Oh how the world has evolved. We are all going green, and I don’t mean green with envy. Everywhere you go someone is promoting to go paperless, recycle more, eat organic; even cleaning products have gone organic! With so many people going green, we’ve started to see a new industry evolve before our eyes.

In the Beauty industry we are seeing more companies opening up with new organic lines. In the hair industry, the newest of new organic hair care products is a brand called Nuema. Nuema has a moisture system, a volume system and a renew system that make your hair feel so incredible. I use the moisture and volume system and I love the way my hair feels after I use it. The blow out lotion is another product from this line that definitely treats your hair while you are adding that extra heat with the dryer.

Another great item that many have grabbed onto is oils. There are so many out right now that it’s hard to choose a favorite. Many are very skeptical since oil is a word usually used when referencing a car lube. But that’s exactly what it is; natural oils, such as argan oil, and moroccanoil, all have a natural moisturizing affect on the hair. Argan oil, also known as Argania spiriosa, is also used to treat dry skin, and burns. If you color, blow dry, flat iron your hair frequently you should consider using just a few drops when mixing any styling product cocktail for your hair. Trust me your hair will thank you.

Lots of hair companies have even taken out the ppd and ammonia from their formulation in their hair color. This is another new trend we are seeing happen for the better. Brands such as Kemon, an Italian color line, have done just that. NaYo is one of the newest permanent hair color lines that are ppd and ammonia free.

We all have many options when it comes to picking an item that works for us. But with the industry moving in a somewhat green direction, you might as well get a head start with some of the newest and most beneficial for your hair. Natural is coming back and if it isn’t in our products then it’s everywhere else!

The evolution of the ponytail!



The ponytail used to be the best answer to an easy fix to a bad hair day. It also was the best option for a trip to the gym. Now the ponytail has evolved into a fashion statement. Most women like to wear their hair up as a convenience. Now we can wear it up and be stylish!

With hair being a fascinating fashion trend it isn’t surprising that the ever so convenient ponytail is now a must do, do! In the world of hair there are exceptions to every rule. In order to wear this hair style properly you have to make sure it looks just right. There are three types of ponytail styles that are acceptable. You have the classic ponytail, the mildly messy pony for shorter hair, and the low set ponytail that sits slightly lower than the high classic ponytail. Each look is amazing and is very easy to master/execute. The tools to create a fashion forward ponytail are a great can of hairspray with a medium hold, a great shine spray, leave in conditioner, a few small bobby pins, elastic rubber bands and a fine toothed comb.

Let’s start with the classic ponytail. Start with one quick spray of your shine spray and run your fingers through your hair. Next comb your hair back nice and neatly with no flyaway’s left on your head. Pull your hair together nice and tight and use your fine toothed comb to help comb everything back so everything is even. Pull your hair through an elastic band and shoot a few sprays of your medium hold hair spray and you are good to go. (You can part your sleek look to the side if you prefer a part in your classic pony look.)

The mildly messy pony that Kate Beckinsale is wearing in the photo to the left is a great look for a casual evening with a sassy feel.  If you already have a slight wave in your hair then you’re in luck! If you don’t, just spray (while hair is wet) a light mist of a leave in conditioner and then either towel dry, or on low temp, lightly blow dry your hair. After, section the top and grab small portions and back comb lightly at the top to add some volume to the base of your hair. Once you’ve done that lightly comb all the hair into your ponytail while trying to keep just a slight exaggerated poof at the top and tie the elastic rubber band tightly. The hair in the ponytail can keep the messy feel while the rest stays nicely together with a few sprays of that medium hairspray.

Lastly is the low ponytail. This is quick and easy for on the go ease. Blow out your hair as needed and then part your hair as desired. Pull the hair low to the back lightly and then tie together. Add a few small bobby pins to keep any odd lengths down and looking nice. With a few quick sprays of hair spray, you’re ready to walk out the door.

My favorite pony is the mild messy ponytail. I already have a natural way in my hair and in the summer time this look goes with anything. This reminds me, I am so ready for the summer to be here. With all the snow, it’s time to wipe out the beach sandals and sunglasses and rock my Pony!

Oscar 2011 - "And the winner is..."

“The red Carpet is a platform for the female actoress”. (Jess Cartner-Morley from guardian.co.uk) I could have not said it better myself. For anyone in the fashion, hair, makeup and Beauty industry this is the day of days. I value and treasure the Oscars and most definitely appreciate the actors and their craft, however when it comes to critiques for this blogging beauty queen, we are all about the glitz and glam!

Since the beginning of the Oscars in 1929, some of the most amazing women show up nominated for great film roles. Each nominee is ready to showcase the most amazing side of themselves, and the red carpet has become the infamous playground for Hollywood starlet’s to do this. I am going to focus on our best actresses for 2011, Natalie Portman, Michelle Williams, Annette Bening, Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Lawrence. Each actress has her own uniqueness when it comes to style. Weather the look be chic elegance, classic modern, or sexy sophistication, no one goes small when it comes to dressing and styling for the Oscars. My favorite look for the night was Natalie Portman. Natalie sported a long layered, high waist, (to hide her new bun in the oven) plum dress with a classic modern hairstyle. She glowed as she walked the red carpet. Jennifer is a newer leading lady that I haven’t seen as much of, but she is very in to her sense of style. Jennifer wore a sexy sophisticated bright red form fitting dress which was very hard not to notice. Annette Bening is a very well know actress who since the early 60’s never fails when it comes to appreciated Hollywood. Annette was very classy in her stunning bluish gold beaded long dress. Annette is always sporting a short style, but when it comes to Hollywood royalty I think Annette always wears this look very well.

Nicole Kidman wore her hair up and sleeked back with a white beaded piece that had lots of asymmetrical points to it. In my opinion I think Nicole Kidman is gorgeous, but to me thid dress could have been different. Also, I like Nicole with her hair down and flowing, she has the most amazing strawberry blonde hair. Michelle Williams was a sight to see in all her shimmer that made her form fitting dress a knock out choice. Both Nicole and Michelle have something in common, they both have this porcelain skin that is so flawless. Michelle also sported a very short hair style with a platinum blonde color. This complimented her look very well considering her dress drew in so much attention.

With the Oscars not getting the reviews that it may have needed, we can say that the women nominated came ready to shine! Natalie Portman did take the win for the evening, but the Oscars are never really a letdown. Waking up to the reviews, pictures and blogs galore it does create a hype that no one can deny. We will see all of these looks this year, hairstyles and more, appreciated in their own way and recreated by those who were inspired. I know I will be taking Natalie’s lead and keeping it classic for 2011, just like the Oscars!

Comment on your favorite look of the evening!

Fall back, spring/summer forward!

If you’ve ever picked up an InStyle magazine you start to flip through a few pages and before you know it the fascinating designer adds start to pop up. But the one thing I notice in the fashion world is they plan ahead. When we’re all just getting our wardrobes ready for the winter with warm sweaters, cute hats, jeans, long sleeve tops, Instyle and Vogue are already shooting spreads for spring, summer of Next year. Now to me it does make sense, fashion magazines have to be ready for every season and plan ahead, especially when we gals use our magazines as a guide to what’s hot and what’s not.

I myself am somewhat of a pre planner. As soon as I change my hair dark, I’m already thinking of ways to change it lighter. This is something about me that ironically has never changed. But when we bring the topic up about planning what type of hair cut, color/style you want is it better to plan or go with the flow? Not all of us ladies wake up one morning thinking, “ok summer is here and I need to schedule my appointment to go lighter”. Or do we? The more fashion leads the trending scale I think it does rub off a little on us and how we change our hair for the season. I’m currently in the stage of going lighter for the summer. Here’s where my planning comes in, I started at about a level 5 and now I’m about a level 7 (for a visual I’m looking for a nice strawberry blonde, all KEMON Yo coloring), come my next appointment we are doing highlights and VOILA, I’m ready for summer.

Most stylists start to see a trend once spring and summer come around. Their chairs are filled with young ladies who want the highlights and lighter dos. Come winter the brown tones and warm dark reds will start to emerge and after that the process repeats. So do we plan you think? In my opinion, yes, just like the fashion industry some of us ladies already know that when summer comes around were headed into the salon and ready for change. For those ladies that keep it dark, maybe it’s the hair cut that changes. Short in the summer, long in the winter? Regardless come spring/summer we fall back, and come fall/winter we spring forward.

Glitz, Glitter and Glam!

Holy Hair trends! As hot as a hair cut can be nothing compares to a little glitter, sparkle and gems. You would think I was talking about jewelry but nope, I’m talking about actual tinsel, peacock feathers and gems for your hair. I can remember when scrunchies and barrettes, or even the multi colored string wraps we used to do at the bottom of our hair back in the 90’s were so cool. But Nope, we’ve been beat out by tinsel and gems that now can be flat ironed into you lovely long locks!

I was in amazement as I walked down the hall behind one of the 16 year old girls I coach. There was a small little red reflection with a glitter affect peaking from her ponytail. As I looked a little further I was amazed at what I saw, little strands of tinsel finely tied in her hair. She was like “coach isn’t it cool”, and to make sure I didn’t look to out of the loop I responded, “of course, it’s so cool!” But the truth was I hadn’t even seen this yet. I was so fascinated at the idea that these 16 year old teens were taking the bar another level when it came to your hair. Of course I was then corrected that the person who may have sparked this trend was a really none other than Beverly Hills house wife Adrienne Maloof. As much as I love the housewives, I think I missed that episode!

Either way this is a prime example of thinking out of the box. In the company I work for tng worldwide our CEO Larry Gaynor always thrives on innovation and thinking outside the box, it is inspiring! If there ever was a trend that was outside of the box this is it. We started with hair extensions and then we moved to peacock feathers and tinsel extensions, what will we think of next?

For more information about tng worldwide visit www.tngworldwide.com

Out with the old, In with the NEW!

When do you know it’s time to clean out your closest? For me it’s usually when I have no room left to hang anything! We are all guilty of having too much of a good thing, especially clothes. We keep everything from the favorite comfy hoodie, to the one pair of jeans that’s so comfortable, but has 6 holes and counting. In the end we all cave and eventually throw away the clothes we no longer wear or see suitable to wear in public.

How do we as women attempt to move this concept into our “product” closet? Having too many hair products is just as bad as having too many clothes! With so many HOT products out I know it's hard to choose just one. But if you keep everything, eventually you'll end up with and overload of half used 2 year old product lying around. To clean out the product closet is like creating a fresh start for you and your hair! No one needs 4 bottles of curl cream, or 6 bottles of hairspray and 5 blowout sprays, do we? I know it’s very difficult to get rid of anything you think worthy of keeping, but like our closet, it leaves room to get rid of the old and bring on the NEW!

If your having a hard time deciding what to keep and what to throw away be sure to start with the items that look like they have developed a small layer of something other than the original label. Keep your absolute favorite items in front and then your next favorite as a backup. I keep 2 of everything I use on a daily basis, and then I keep only one of the products I use on special days, like the extra hold hairspray for the fun updo’s.

My must haves! Michael O’Rourke 3 way hairspray (3 levels of hold), Neuma Blowout lotion

To change... Or not to change, Hair! That is the question!

I can remember when I was a little girl and my mom always had my hair short. I never understood until I was older why she kept it so short, but it wasn’t until the age of 10 that I started to grow it long. She claims it was easier on her being a working mom as to why she kept my curly auburn brown locks so short, but I’m not sure I’m buying it. My mom has this thing with short hair, the shorter the better. But me I think it depends on what looks and feels best.

Speaking of feelings, can you remember the first time you cut your hair and didn’t like it? We as women have two types of hair personalities. We are either the “don’t like change” hair type, or the “let’s change it up” hair type. I am more the, let’s change it up hair type. I never like keeping one hairstyle for too long or I just get bored. I know I have posted previously that I have been every color and hairstyle imaginable so this should come as no shock. However why is that women get so emotional over hair? Why do women who like the same style, same hair cut, same color every time, never want to change it up? I think it’s because we as people get attached to a certain identity and once you start to mess with that it can be pretty upsetting. I have seen tears flow after a friend had her hair chopped off and wasn’t quite ready for it. And I have to admit myself, I think early on in my hair adventures I was guilty of crying over a hair cut that brought me back to my younger years of the too short do!

I’ve come to a conclusion that hairstylists are somewhat a therapist for their client’s. Anyone who is hesitant on change, maybe there’s a reason why? Maybe they had a bad haircut and don’t want to talk about it? It’s up to the stylist to earn the trust of the client and then from their create a great relationship to continue to obtain business from  that one person. Who knows maybe you could eventually evolve into having a long line of client’s out the door just waiting to talk to you, and of course to get their hair cut and colored also!!

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Can hair be an Accessory?

Shoes, Handbags, earrings, bracelets and possibly a headband. These according to us are considered accessories, items that accent the outfit we are wearing at the moment. But what if hair was also considered an accessory? We take such care of our hair and try to use all the hottest products that will make our hair look it’s best, so why not? It is the cherry on the cake when it comes to finishing touches right before a hot date, a night on the town or even girls night!

I have been coloring my hair for awhile and let me tell you it changes with the season’s. I have been every shade of red, brunette that I can think of. I have even braved the Blonde locks and the dramatic black once or twice. For me it is so important to make sure my hair looks perfect before I go out. You have your 15 min shower, then 10 minutes of makeup, 10 minutes to get dressed and then  35-40 minutes to spend on my hair. I could have all the right jewelry and the hottest outfit but if my hair looks terrible, forget it! It’s funny, I never realized until a few years ago how important hair can be when it comes to creating the right look for the evening, but then I look at all the celebrities on the red carpet and it makes sense! You would never see Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts or Amanda Seyfried with their hair casually down if they are appearing at the golden globes! It does matter, just like it matters with shoes and jewelry, how your hair looks when it comes to putting your look together.

So to answer the question, Yes, hair can be an accessory! A Hairessory to match all other accessories you are wearing for that evening or for your personality!

For great products to keep your hair looking great try a blow out lotion or a finishing spray!

What exactly creates a hair trend?

From the 1990's Jennifer Aniston layered look, to the Kim Kardashian long flowing Victoria Secret model locks. What is it exactly that creates a hair trend? We've all spent plenty of time looking at the fashion magazines, and the latest people, flipping through the top trends of that season. But not every celebrity or style we see makes the cut as a "must have" look. We are all guilty of going to our nearest salon and booking an appointment only to be able to go out that night and flaunt our new version of Ashley Simpson's Platinum blonde pixie cut, or Khloe Kardashian's flashy red hair! So why is it that some of us grab onto one certain look, or rave about one person's new hair style? I believe I may have the answer, well maybe. The answer to an ongoing trend is, the stylist! Any celebrity can go in and get a haircut and color, but not anyone can have a hands down amazing stylist/colorist. Every masterpiece is created by someone and for Khloe it was Los Angeles Crimson salon. Khloe spent four hours behind a chair with colorist Julie Canales. For Ashlee Simpson is was Andy LeCompte Salon also in Los Angeles.
I think any new do is worthy of creating a trend, but it's a matter of opinion on how hot it truely looks. If the stylists/colorist pulls it off just right, then all it needs is a few snap shots and some great publicity! Kudos to the great hair stylists/colorists in the industry!

Some great trends and looks that I have seen so far come straight from Italy. Kemon has a diverse and attractive collection that evolves beautifully each season. If you want some great ideas, and stunning colors to work out this year, be sure to take a look! You can view these on http://www.kemon.it/usa/collezioni/