Mar 31, 2010

Prepping Hair For Summer


Summer is approaching and for hair color it is a great time to start prepping the hair before and during the sun, water, heat, and lighter shades added, reds etc. One of the worst mistakes that are made is not preparing the hair before coloring it in the summer months or just before, If you don't take the time to make sure that the ideal conditions are met then you'll be unhappy about the hair color job and health of hair. So why do we need to approach the hair differently? The first thing is that when the warmer weather comes it is a fact that hair color fades faster and highlighted hair gets lighter. The lightening of highlights does not concern me as much in fact I am someone who loves what the sun does to highlighted hair if it is prepped prior, however if it is not prepared the hair becomes dehydrated (dry) and lifeless. The same applies to tints (all over colors) the hair colors not only fade but the actual composition of the hair changes which makes it harder for the tints to stick to the hair.


A hairdresser should take into account the condition of the hair and make sure that the color services whatever route is taking is sealed with glosses and treatments in the salon, with a summer homecare maintenance program i.e. shampoo and conditioner which should be different then their winter regime. Starting in the spring and knowing certain clients hair colors that have the tendencies to have challenges in the summer I like to add glosses and a series of deep hydrating treatments. The hair glosses can either have color to them or clear, I apply them immediately after the color service and continue doing this till the fall. The clear gloss is the one I prefer to use on my highlighted clients this way the actual colors are not altered and the hair is protected with an added bonus of shine. For homecare I suggest products that are specifically designed for protection, from shampoo, conditioner, to even styling aids and I also recommend for home use a protein based treatment for once a week. All this might sound like a lot but we all know how hair reacts in the summer, and if hair is not approached this way it can become disastrous and expensive to fix after the summer is long gone.

The key in successful seasonal hair coloring and happy hair is in the condition the hair is in to begin with, and remembering a simple guideline to prepping the hair;

Condition: Treatment

Color Service: Tints, Highlighting, Perming

Sealing: Glossing

Protection: Shampoo and Conditioner

Style&Finish: UV protection styling aids

my recommended produts

Aveda Sun Care After-Sun Masque and Sun
protective hair veil


Aveda Color Conserve Shampoo and Conditioner


Aveda Damage Control

Mar 29, 2010

Hairdresser Spotlight #3

Orlando Pita

For anyone who loves fashion and beauty you will recognise the name Orlando Pita, for his inventive hairstyles experimental editorial features and an acclaimed master for his runway spectacles. And for over two decades Pita has collaborated with leading fashion designers as well as photographers producing most of the hair trends we see today. He has worked hard in establishing his own style and one that is agreed amongst many experts is his ability to take a simple chignon and make it an art piece. Orlando Pita was named one of the most influential people in the world of fashion and one of the most sought after hairdressers globally. He remains a driving force and continues to inspire many of us in the industry with his signature styles. Orlando Pita has certainly made his mark as an iconic hairdresser with his distinguished body of work, a humble man who has a reputation for being one of the kindest individuals to work with who shares his passion for beautiful hair.

























Mar 26, 2010

Fashion Friday Spotlight: The White Handbag

The white handbag has been a fashion statement since the 1950’s and has continued its popularity, this season the color white seems to be another “IT” color with many designers especially with the handbag. For spring/summer 2010 we are seeing gorgeous bags with details of wood handles, weaved leathers, gold and silver hardware and many with the classic shape (The Lady Purse). If you love the color white then this is the season to purchase a beautiful crafted white handbag and whether it is for evening or day it is sure to make a declaration of style.


Mar 24, 2010

Inspirations # 3

Inspiration: to evoke imagination

Mar 22, 2010

The Shaggy Haircut

Shag is the classic hairstyle of the '70s and considered one of the 'coolest'. Paul McGregor had invented the Shag hairstyle and gave it to Jane Fonda in the movie Klute which became one of the most requested styles. The style was worn by TV moms and even heart throbs of that time David Bowie, Rod Stewart, Florence Henderson (The Brady Bunch) to everybody who was anybody had a shag hairstyle. We saw its popularity grow again in the 90’s with Meg Ryan’s shaggy/choppy haircut done by Sally Hershberger which put Hershberger on the map. The shag haircut basically got its name from the word "shaggy" since once the hair is cut and layered it gives off a shaggy look. This hairstyle has always been a popular hairstyle and there are plenty of shag hairstyles to choose from, one of the best features with this style is that it is very easy to manage. A shag hairstyle is not only for women as plenty of men also choose to have a shaggy grown out hairstyle. It’s also a great way for both women and men wanting to grow out their shorter hair, adding texture without compromise of style.

Today's shag haircut has more variation with more layers towards the bottom of the cut or longer lengths, unlike the traditional shag cut which had shorter layers starting at the crown. I am seeing more and more of what I consider ‘sassy chic’ hairstyles being worn and whether hair is short, medium or longer lengthens the shag is a classic cut that keeps coming around with different twists. For carefree spring/summer hair go for or start recommending to your clients this versatile style, and a shaggy haircut looks good on nearly everyone; no matter what color your hair is.


Mar 19, 2010

Fashion Friday Spotlight: The Color Lavender

Lavenders are proving to be the most popular of pastels for this spring/summer with many designers ( women and men’s wear), beauty companies, nails, accessories and home décor showinng their versions of this fantastic color. It is a perfect color for spring offering softness, purity and the best part is that everyone can wear a little lavender and look fabulous. It is my "IT" color and pared with orange, pink, navy, gray's looks stunning, even if you are not one of those people who wears brighter colors a little lavender should be a pick for you. This beautiful color is sure to insert a bit of spring fever to anyone who looks forward to a wonderful season of pastels and soft colors I know I am .