Wow...where have you been?

I know...where have I been?

Well, I was doing some Bridal photoshoots! This was the first time that I actually participated in a "real" photoshoot. LOL

After all these years of doing hair, now I decide that I need a really strong portfolio, pictures, of my work.

So, here are a couple of the images, let me know what you think :)

To Wig or Not To Wig ...That is the Question

The popularity of lace wigs is overwhelming. Hollywood's best kept secret has become apart of "everyday" America. The problem is that women are, unnecessarily, losing their hair to the overuse of lace wigs.

Lace wigs were not designed for everyday wearing, unless you are suffering from major hair loss due to alopecia or illness. Repetitive application of the adhesive, glue, to the hairline gradually pulls all of your own healthy hair out. The result is a bald or receding hairline.

It is safe to wear lace wigs or any wig on an occasional basis; just remember to take excellent care of your own tresses.

Here Is a Stilletto That Any Woman Can Wear All Day Long

Look at this mascara! It's in the shape of a stiletto! WWooww...
Maybelline is quite a sexy number, introducing (or should I say SEDUCING) the ladies to their new mascara.

Its scheduled to debut in January, with sexy advertisement coming out in March.

Lash Stiletto will sell for $8.95 and will be available in three shades: Very Black, Soft Black and Brownish Black.

Hi Bob...Bye Bob

Hollywood starlets resurrected the BoB style (although Salt N' Pepa rocked it in the early '90's, then Missy Elliot made it her own in 2000's)

Victoria had everyone cutting their hair into the BoB, now she has taken a whole new route:

Her new do actually looks like Alyssa Milano's old short crop look:
So, I guess that makes Alyssa Milano the trend setter here, right??

Life Without Hair & Makeup

For some this could be scary...and for the rest of us that have to look at you it is scarier! LOL

Now, I love Miss Queen Latifah! She is nice looking with or without makeup, but makeup does her wonders. I love the color of her hair and eyebrows, although, I am not a fan of the BoB on her. She looked better in past photos .

Calling All Men

Who says that men don't care about their skin's appearance?

If you have not noticed, many skin care and hair care companies are creating products and packaging specifically for men.

The space for male products use to be very small to nonexistent. BUT now...there are sections dedicated to men. Yay...'cause I love a well groomed man!

Target is selling the Every Man Jack skin care line. This collection all natural (vegetable and coconut derived surfactants) and designed to help treat and prevent acne. Most of the products are in the $4-$5 range.

Violets..Gold..and Shimmer..Oh My!

As you may or may not know, Nars is introducing a new line of vibrant colors. They are looking to put the Wow! back in Nars.

Personally, I'm a fan of their products. And I love the vividness of their colors. So, its great to here that they will be adding more colors to their list.

The bronzing stick is multipurpose (as most makeups are, when you are creative;-0) great for use on the cheeks, eyes, basically anywhere you need a little shimmer.

"Way to go Nars"....

Where Did YOU Come From?

Gray hair has a fine way of showing up at the LEAST desirable time...

Have you noticed the little sprouts of gray just before:

• Dinner Date?


• Job Interview?


• Entertaining?


• In Between Color Services?

Well..there are products designed to give you the Quick Cover up, making the gray less noticable. Products that advertise as Temporary Color are great for quick fixes.

Check them out..and let me know what you think!

Imagine a Day Filled with Extasi

Wow! I had the privilege to enjoy a day of Extasi....
Today, I attended a hair class at Jordan's Beauty Supply. The Short Hair Styling class was presented by Curtis Wilson, owner and manufacturer of Extasi hair products. Here he introduced us to his lovely assistant, Toccara, whom provided the class with a good display of technical "know-how"...the girl was good. While her dress and presentation skills need further polishing, her friendly personality and hair styling abilities are perfect.

Here are some of the products that I had the opportunity to experience:

• Extasi Forming Foam: Toccara shampooed and styled two models w/ short hair, and neither one of her models were under the dryer for more than 20 min. (Note: she did not use a neck strip) This is the perfect product for molding and wrapping your hair.
• Extasi European Design Spritz: The Hold factor is light and the fragrance is very aromatic..smells so good. Both models hair were firmly in place, but sort and flexible to the touch. (hair lasts longer when it is not too hard and "frozen")

I placed an order for the Extasi products, so I should receive them later this week.

This is a professional hair product line, therefore, you will need to ask your stylist to retail this item or find a retail outlet. If you live in Chicago you can get these products at Jordans Beauty Supply; they now have two locations.

..Too Broke to Relax?

Tell me..What do you ladies do when it is time for a relaxer touch-up, but you are BROKE 'til payday!

Well, here is what I do for myself and clients... To start, give yourself a good hair treatment to condition the hair for relaxing. I prefer protein treatments because they give the hair the extra strength required to sustain after chemicals.

Remember: Hair is composed of protein (keratin), and relaxers (and other chemicals) deplete the hair of that protein during processing.

So, it is always better to "stock up" on protein BEFORE chemical services. Also, always follow up protein treatments with a good moisturizing conditioner that will leave your hair very manageable. Aphogee has a great protein and moisturizing treatment; and can be found at most beauty supply stores. (Please read directions carefully to ensure proper application)

Next, after you have shampooed and conditioned the hair, proceed to style as usual. Ok..I know this is where the problem begins, so follow these steps to ensure pleasant results.

• Apply a leave in conditioner and styling foam to wet hair. (I use Schwarzkopf Moisture Kick Conditioner alone or with Salon Finish Foam)
• Comb through the hair to evenly distribute the products.
• Comb wet hair in the direction that the hair will be worn. Ex. if you are going to wear your hair styled going to the back, then comb the wet hair to the back. If you are going to wear your hair with a side part, then put a side part in your hair while it is wet.
• Allow hair to air dry or take the hair dryer and blow the hair without combing 'til it is about 70-80% dry (still damp, but not soaking wet).
• Blow dry the hair on high setting with a large DENMAN 9-row brush. (this brush is EXCELLENT for straightening and detangling WITHOUT pulling out your hair).
• Use a cutting comb (comb that has teeth spaced closely together) to blow dry at the hairline, nape and throughout the head. This will help to straighten out the kinks.
• Apply a couple of drops of hair oil to the palm of your hands, massage into your hands rubbing to the finger tips. Lightly rub oil from your hands throughout your hair (start with a very little amount, adding more only if required). I use Olive Oil or BBD's Keala Oil .
• Blow dry through the hair again to get hair smoother. Don't forget to comb hair in the direction that it will be styled.
• Use a good flat iron to straighten or curl hair into desired style. The key here is to section hair with clips for control and make thin partings. ( CHI flat irons are great and FHI are too; currently I am using the FHI 1")
• Make sure that you sleep with a satin scarf, bonnet, or pillow case to help keep the hair cuticles smooth.

Your hair will look great! ...and will be in top shape 'til your money get right for that relaxer. :-)

Good Luck,

Blush

You Strip...the Tab is on Me!

Lately, every where I go, all I see is women wearing false eyelashes. And..I do mean every where! Now, some of my fellow ladies look great, and some..well..let's just leave it at that.

People.. there is an art to putting on falsies. To start, decide if you want to apply strip lashes or individual lashes. What's the difference?...your personal preference for the look, longevity, and your skill level.

• Strip Lashes are lashes pre made onto a band and they come in pairs: one for each eye (obviously). Strips are temporary; they should be removed when you remove your makeup for the night. They are reusable, so keep them clean and place back in the package until the next use.
• Individuals are either single strand or clusters with about five strands on each knot. Individual lashes are semi permanent, this method of application is called Tabbing. This type of eyelash application may last up to six weeks, lashes fall off as your own natural lashes fall out.

For some, strip lashes are easier to apply than individuals. Just be patient, practice, and have fun.

What is the Best Relaxer for My Hair?

Well..that is a loaded question!

First, let me start by saying that it depends on your hair type, condition, and scalp sensitivities.

Yes...scalp sensitivities! Some relaxers are very strong and can do major damage to sensitive scalps. One way to increase scalp protection is to use a base, which is a protective barrier cream. Second, is to use the right product at the correct strength.

My favorite relaxer is Mizani Butter Blend. This is the best relaxer that I have tried. I'm African American with excessively curly/kinky hair; so I use the regular/normal strength relaxer. Me personally, I prefer this relaxer because it is not harsh on the scalp (and Yes I still base my scalp with ALL relaxers) and it leaves the hair so silky and smooth.

I find that the integrity and overall health of the hair and scalp is in excellent condition after using this product. Note: This is a professional product, and should be applied by a professional. For all of you kitchen stylist...seek professional guidance. Remember, a relaxer is a chemical that forever alters the structure of your hair!

http://www.mizani-usa.com/default.aspx?m=55&rid=300

My Obsession for the Full Story

I love Origins mascara, Full Story! Origins, a beauty company that creates natural beauty products, has produced one of the best mascaras.

Here is what they had to say about Full Story:

Origins unique wax-free, gel-based formula allows you to build lashes without clumping, spiking or looking spider-leg like. A super-gentle pH, almost identical to your own tears, ensures even sensitive eyes feel comfortable and cared for. Kaolin plumps and thickens. And special Polymers give lush length to once-little lashes. Safe for contact lens wearers.

Yep! It's all true, and it leaves your lashes flexible..not brittle.

Get the Ultimate Scalp Treatment

Hi Everyone,
Welcome to the first of many blogs to come!

I decided to make this first blog about natural treatments for the scalp.
Many of my clients that have relaxers, myself included, tend to experience a dry and itchy scalp. Reason being...the scalp is merely an extension of your face, therefore, the harsh chemicals and hair products may cause the skin of the scalp to become excessively dry.


One of the best and least expensive treatment for dry scalp is to use coconut oil.
Coconut oil is excellent for the hair and scalp.
The benefits of using coconut oil:

• Softens the hair and conditions the scalp.
  
• Retains the moisture- stops the excessive dryness


• Protects the protein in the hair- which reduces hair loss


• Natural remedy for dandruff

How to use: There are a few ways to use, so here is one way

1. If still in solid form, heat container to make oil liquid.


2. Pour into a tint(color) bottle, I typically use 2 ounces.
   
3. Apply to the scalp, part hair into sections, make sure that you cover your entire scalp


4. Massage Scalp


5. Cover with a plastic cap, leave on for atleast 20 min.


6. Rinse well, shampoo hair only, avoiding scalp manipulations

Your scalp should feel GREAT!