Posts tagged hair

Thermal Intelligence, at it’s best!

It’s not everyday a hairspray spritz stops me in my tracks but White Sands Holding Spray holds curls firmly and could care less what’s in the air, “including humidity”.  
Usually, I’m fixated on the makeup world only but after using this hair spray on various clients in various settings, I’m going gaga over this purple bottle!
 
“Whether I’m working with fine or course textures, this spray locks in the desired look while adding luster, shine and lift – 3 in one, can you really ask for more without sounding like ——- a princess”.  The one Pro tip I must share, spray your hair strands then use your heating tool (i.e. curling iron), don’t worry about the crackle sound, that’s normal. Now, there are tons of non-aerosol thermal sprays on the shelves but this is one to reach for!
PRICE: $19.99 Shop White Sands, I DO! 

Your Summer Beauty Checklist

Time to come out of your winter hibernation – summer is here! Revamp your habits and style to look your best for the remainder of summer with this simple summer beauty checklist.

WARDROBE ESSENTIALS

Show off those legs and sculpted arms with summer’s barely there wardrobe. Splurge on a few trends – the hot color this summer is mint green – but make sure you have the basics covered with these must haves;

  • Sleeveless sun dress
  • Flip flops in assorted colors
  • Strappy dress sandals
  • Stylish bikini, tankini or one-piece with a fun cover up
  • Flattering fitness clothes
  • Solid tank tops for layering
Makeup Makeover

Most of us won’t be using the exact same makeup products we use in the winter in the summer. Why? For one, your winter paleness probably requires another shade of foundation than the glorious summer
glow you’ll be sporting shortly. It’s also vital to make sure you have a foundation or moisturizer with SPF in it. Although it’s really best to do this year round (the sun can still get you in those dreary winter months!) it’s absolutely essential now that the sun is out. Summer is also a great time to buy a bright color of toe nail polish since your tootsies are likely more visible in flip flops and open-toed heels than in your cold weather boots.

Hair Removal Plan

Finding the right hair removal maintenance plan is crucial for summer, a time when your underarms, bare legs and bikini lines are most likely to be exposed to the masses. Wouldn’t it be great if you could find a permanent hair removal solution and ditch your razor forever? Summer is a great time to consider laser hair removal, a procedure that works by sending light energy directly at hair follicle to disable them and prevent regrowth. Laser hair removal can be performed by a professional technician in an office appointment or even in your own bathroom with an at-home laser hair removal kit. Permanent hair removal for women (or men for that matter) can easily be achieved with this method. Most users report permanent hair removal results within six months of use.

Plan a Vacation

Make sure you take the time to really enjoy summer. Whether this means taking a two week cruise through the Caribbean (you lucky girl) or taking a long weekend to go camping with your buds, schedule
time to relax and get outdoors to take advantage of the nice weather. Even a few hours laying out at the community pool or in your backyard beats the cabin fever you had all winter. Scheduling veg time will help you relax and lower stress, which will make you both look and feel better.

Savor Seasonal Treats

Eating healthy in summer is easy with all the fresh fruits and vegetables readily available. Treat yourself to a wide variety of summer’s seasonal treats at your local farmer’s market and sample a few selections you’ve never tried before. Boysenberries anyone? And hey, since its summer, be sure to enjoy a few ice cream cones and backyard barbeques along the way.

Start Now

Begin your journey into summer feeling prepared by completing our checklist. Just think, when next summer rolls around, you’ll already have a jump on that too because you’ll be ready with the essentials– and possibly sporting smooth skin if you’ve opted for our suggested permanent hair removal strategy.

Sponsored content was created and provided by Tria Beauty.

Always Time to Dry

Washing your hair frequently not only strips it of its natural oils, but also, the process can be quite time consuming.  Sometimes we truly just don’t have time to wash our hair, and well, other times, we’re just too tired and lazy.  Alas, no more fretting about that oily hair, which hasn’t been washed in 2 or 3 or 3.5 days.  Dry shampoo has become a savior, and trust me, once you use it, there’s no going back.  If you have long hair and a lot of it, shampooing, conditioning, brushing, drying, and even putting product in your mane so that you don’t have to blow dry it, all take time and effort, and sometimes or most of the time, you’re simply not up for it.  When was the last time you discussed the joy and pleasure of hair maintenance with someone?  Probably never…  While I have never washed my hair every day, lately I had found myself dreading washing my hair and needed to know what I could do to eliminate the dread AND the washing.  I had once heard that baby powder cured oily strands, but after doing some research, I found it to be a bad idea.  Not only is baby powder made with talc, which many people are allergic to, but also, baby powder has the tendency to clog the hair shaft preventing growth and leading to build-up.  After eliminating that idea, I ventured to Sephora and began browsing the hair section.  Since I always opt for natural products–organic if possible–I was immediately drawn to Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo With Oat Extract (non-aerosol).  While I had vaguely heard of dry shampoo, I had never thought much about it–I’m low-maintenance when it comes to hair and never ponder the idea of using any type of hair product.  As I began reading the container, I was thrilled to find that the ingredients are as follows: Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch (Oryza Sativa), Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Hectorite, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour (Avena Sativa), Kaolin, Silica, Cyclodextrin, Fragrance (Parfum).  And while I stray from fragrances, the product is natural, and after smelling it, I realized the subtlety of the fragrance.  I decided to try it, and now, I’m hooked.  What more can one ask?  It’s eco-friendly, inexpensive, it works amazingly well, bides you time until your next wash, and gives your strands a nice break from H2O.  The next time you’re in a rush, you’re in a mode of lethargy, or you visited the gym on your lunch break and can’t wash your hair, you’ll be in pure luck with Klorane.

klorane-gentle-dry-shampoo powder

Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo

Brighten Your Look With Creamy Caramel Colored Hair

Spring is upon us which means it’s time to update our look. One of my favorite ways to get ready for a new season is by modifying my hair color. Now, people who know me well know that the shade of my hair never changes dramatically. I like to think that Anna Wintour knows what’s going on, and if she can keep the same hair color for decades, I too like to think that my hair color never needs to change drastically. So I brighten with highlights and low lights every 3-4 months, and that’s about it!

For 2012, I’m really into the golden and caramel hair color trends. I think we’ve had enough seasons with the cool, ash colored (aka. mousy) hair. It’s time to warm things up a bit…golden, honey and caramel hair colors should make us all look a lot healthier if nothing else. If you prefer highlights and low lights over full color, like me, then maintenance should be minimal. You will be able to stretch out your salon visits like you did with your ombre look.  Here are some of my favorite caramel colors on blondes you know.

images of Golden Blonde Hair Color

images of Caramel Blonde Hair Color

If you prefer to do all over color at home, I’d recommend you try L’Oreal Feria in Caramel Kiss $9.99, Jon Frieda Dark Golden Blonde$10.12, or Garnier Nutrisse Medium Golden Blonde $7.99.

Phyto – Scalp Stimulant

This is the time of year when most of us like to take very long and hot showers, which may feel nice, but it wreaks havoc on the scalp. I started using Phytopolleine Universal Elixir – Scalp Stimulant because of my dry scalp, even though I didn’t have dandruff my scalp was very dry and terribly itchy, especially on the area where I normally have a ponytail. So far I’ve used it twice a week for a month and I couldn’t be happier with the results.

phyto_scalp_stimulant

This formula harnesses the natural powers of rosemary, sage, cypress, eucalyptus, and lemon to instantly purify the scalp and catalyze microcirculation. It is recommended for those suffering from an unbalanced scalp whether it is dry, oily, itchy, or irritated. A fortifying boost sensitive, weak, anemic hair, it serves as an ideal preparation for thinning hair treatments such as Phytocyane and Phytoaxil®.

As for my personal experience: the first time I tried on the product my eyes almost watered from the scent. It’s a very strong Pine-sol type smell, I actually put on a shower cap the first time. When you use this product it is very important to shampoo, rinse and repeat otherwise you will be left with a slight lingering pine scent. From reviews I’ve read, some people experience a tingling sensation as well.

The results showed from the first application. Even when it’s wet straight from the shower my hair feels “fluffier”, its like my roots came back to life and they stand taller. As the weeks have gone by and I continue to use the product I’ve noticed my hair in general looking healthier and younger.

I was beginning to develop that horrible looking line in the back of my head associated with old age and limp hair, but it has slowly disappeared and all my head looks full of hair. I see more new hair growing and I’ve been shedding less.  During this last month I haven’t used any masks, leave-in treatments or oils on my hair, only Phyto, my regular shampoo and conditioner. But the fact that my scalp is getting healthier means that my hair is looking amazing!

The bottle itself is small and using it twice a week I expect it will last me no more than six weeks, but eventually I’ll scale the usage down to once a week….it’s fortunate that I like the smell of Pine-Sol.

HerCut Styling Products

It’s in our nature to try to tame, control and make our hair do things it wasn’t meant to do. In my case, I let it do it’s thing especially in humid weather when there’s no chance in hell I’ll be able to keep it looking sleek and non-frizzy. So here comes HerCut, a line of styling products that works with your style, whatever it may be.

I’ve been using Curly Ponytail (a Sephora Exclusive)

 

hercut_curly_ponytail

 

This modern, gel formula smoothes and holds resistant strands, controls fly-aways, and imparts glossy shine. It keeps the curly ponytail soft and pliable, while the humectant-concentrated ingredients de-frizz and define curls. It also provides exceptional humidity control.

Now, from my personal experience, the styling balm has a pleasant slightly citrusy scent. It does make my curls look more defined without adding extra curl or frizz, it’s just my own hair, just looking better. The product promises softness, I found it heavy when I apply it and later on when I touch my ponytail I can definitely feel the balm. But at the same time it does not add weight or stiffness to my hair and it’s easy to wash off. So far I plan to keep using it and another exclusive for Sephora is the balm for a The Ponytail.

 

hercut_straight_ponytail

 

Other products found on HerCut website are:

 

The Bob Catalyst 

 

hercut_the_bob_catalyst

 

Long Layers Catalyst

 

 

hercut_long_layers_catalyst

 

 

The Shag Catalyst

 

 

hercut_the_shag_catalyst

 

 

The Blunt Catalyst

 

hercut_the_blunt_catalyst

 

 

The Pixie Catalyst 

 

hercut_the_pixie_catalyst

 

Curly Bob Catalyst 

 

hercut_the_curly_bob

Curly Long Layers Catalyst 

 

 

hercut_curly_long_layers_catalyst

 

Fishtail it!

I’m a loyal supporter of braids: french, side, small, large, crown, you name it.  While I have been stalking the fishtail braid for months–it always looked too complicated for a hair novice, like me, to even attempt–I recently tried it and was pleasantly surprised to find it’s a piece of cake!  There are several tricks for successfully fishtailing one’s hair.  Firstly, I suggest having semi-dirty hair: if your hair is clean, it will slip right from your hands.  Wait a couple days and try braiding in between washes.  Secondly, the longer the hair the better.  While it is certainly possible with medium length hair, the fishtail braid will look more distinct with longer hair.  Plus, the standard fishtail braid hangs from one side–it is much easier to bring all the hair to one side when there is longer hair to bring.  Thirdly, it helps to add some wax for texture, or Marakesh oil for smoothing fly-aways and adding some shine.  As for the process, I suggest watching some online videos, which detail every step.

1. How To: fishtail braid video by Foxy Locks Extensions

2. Tutorial How To Do a Fishtail Braid by BebeXO

 

 

 

If you’re up for the challenge (it’s easy, I promise), watch the tutorials and take a look at these photos, and you’ll be fishtailing in no time.

Kendi Oil / Dry Oil Mist Review

My hair is frizzy and wavy, so it needs to be styled in order to be seen in public. My biggest problem when I style my hair are those pesky fly-away hairs that I yield into submission with lots of hair spray. Recently I learned about Kendi Oil Dry Oil Mist by Alterna , which is used for to control the fly-aways and gives the hair a nice shine.

 

kendi_oil

This lightweight, instantly absorbing mist can be used as a treatment or a style primer to eliminate frizz, shield hair from heat styling tools, enhance shine and protect color while boosting your hair’s health.

 

In my case, I had mixed results, my hair is thicker so the product didn’t help me with the frizz. Whether I styled it with a flat iron or a clipless curling iron, the dry oil mist did not control the frizzyness. But it did give it a nice shine and I liked that it didn’t weigh my curls down.

I tried the product on a friend of mine who has fine, straight hair. I was so jealous, in her case Kendi Oil immediately made her hair look sleek and polished, it did control the fly-aways and later on she told me that effect lasted for hours; she loved the product.

But now that I had a chance to go over Alterna’s other collections and I’ll be sure to try some of their other products.

Bamboo. Strength * Flexibility * Sustainability

Pure Organic Bamboo Extract from our planet’s most resiliant botanical resource immediately boosts hair’s intrinsic strength and lays the foundation for healthier hair

 

alterna_bamboo_collection

Caviar. Anti-Aging

CAVIAR Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner are clinically proven to minimize the visible signs of aging. 100% of women showed visible improvement in shine, texture, softness and manageability after just one use.

 

alterna_caviar_collection

Hemp with Organics

Sweet Orange Peel Extract, rich in anti-oxidant Vitamin C, protects against free-radical damage and gives dull, lackluster hair instant shine.

alterna_hemp_collection

Life Solutions

LIFE Solutions blends the strength of easern extracts with innovative technologies to effectively nourish hair that has specialized needs, so it can function at its best. Lightweight formulas support hair’s internal balance, increasing vibrancy and protecting color.

alterna_life_collections

Style Lab

 

A collective of Alterna’s Greatest Hits. Seasonal stories and trendsetting techniques brought to life in irresistible collections.

alterna_style_lab_collection

Ten

 

 

The perfect fusion of ten key elements from around the globe. Infused with African Cacao Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Caviar Age-Control Complex®, Color Hold® White Truffle Oil, Champagne Grape Seed Oil, Bulgarian Evening Primrose, Arabian Frankincense, Moroccan Quillaia Bark and Arnica Flower.

alterna_ten_collection

Go to Top