Fun New Curlers

Okay, I am forever in search of something that will curl and stay curled in my daughters crazy thick long hair. Something that she will not complain about (I don't think that exists!), and something that won't hurt her head to sleep on at night! I think I may have found just the thing. One of my clients was telling me about these curlers she bought from Sally Beauty Supply. They are called Curlformers.

They are a bit expensive, but for me it is an investment. I will be using them a lot! You can buy them in the pack that comes with 6 small and 6 med and 6 long and a hook. Well, since I had no use for the med or the small, I just bought the packages seperate and then the hook. Once you see them, you will understand what I mean. It took us a few minutes to figure it out and make it work smoothly. But all in all, it was a great experience. No complaining on her part. Whew!

Below are a few pictures and I'll kind of explain to you how they work.

We started of with wet hair fresh out of the shower. But you could probbably do dry hair and just squirt it down or even just do dry hair and put gel or mousse on it, it would probbably work really well.

Then I took a pretty good sized chunk. Coated it with mousse. Use whatever you like.

The instructions are on the package, but this kind of shows you the basic idea. We did find one trick though, before you slide the hair in the hook, you should twist it a few times. It keeps the hook from becoming tangled in the hair. You just pull the curler up towards the scalp and pull the hook out of the curler. They come in these flat things that are hollow. It's hard to explain, but then you shove the hook up through the bottom, hook it onto the hair and pull it through. Voila!

It really went rather quickly. I used smaller parts the closer I got to the top of her head, because it's really thick in there! So, the smaller the part, the easier it is to dry and curl.

That's what one looks like close up!

We have the luxury of having a hood dryer at home. If you do not, you could just run a blow dryer over them for a few minutes. I did this because her hair is so thick, it never would have dried before morning. If you have fairly think or med. hair, it would probbably be fine without it!

Pretty curl, right? Nice and even and no fuzzy ends!

Sorry for the face, we were having one of those mornings!!

That's more like it! Just a little fluffing and seperating of the curls and there you go!

A Word to the Wise

Okay, friends. I know that I suggested going darker for fall and winter and that I love change. But, not too much change. I have had a few (or more than a few) clients in the last year that want to go from dark to blonde to dark. Whew! That is just too much for you hair to handle. Especially if you like to be really blonde and then really dark. Your hair only has so much life in it. If you keep damaging it and changing colors, your hair is eventually going to put it's hands in the air, surrender and turn into cotton candy or turn completley black. Either of which is probbably not what you want. So, just do me a favor and make up your mind already! Just kidding. I am definitley a fan of change, but by that I mean adding some low lights to your highlight weave or adding some red to your normal brown, just subtle changes. Unless you are ready to commit. If you're ready to go for it and make it a fairly permenant change, then by all means. Do something fun. But if you're going to change your hair color back next month, try a semi-permenant color that's not so drastic or just add small changes. You might be surprised by how much of a difference a little change will make to you. Sorry for my little rant, just do yourself a favor and be more subtle. Your hair will thank you for it!!

One of my Trade Secrets

Well, It's time for me to reveal one of my hair styling secrets. It's not one that I share easily or give up often. It's what kind of blow dryer I use. I'm just kidding, I tell everyone who wants to know. For it is the best blow dryer in all the land!! It is the Centrix 5000 blow dryer. This sucker will blow the paint off your walls and the skin off your face, so use at your own risk. It actually has so much power and blow dries so quickly that on clients who have thinner or finer hair, I use it on medium speed and heat. It seriously is that best, ever. As with anything, you get what you pay for. It is a bit on the pricey side. I was using another type of hair dryer for many years, that I quite liked, but I was replacing it every year. I had come to accept that. But, no longer. I use this sucker frequently. I mean a TON!! So, the price is worth it to me. It pays for itself in no time! To prove my point, I will tell you this quick story. A few years ago, I was working at a salon only on weekends, and I would leave my stuff there, so I wouldn't have to cart it back and forth. So, my boss used it one day, because she was using my station. She was sold. She went right out and got one. Anyone who has used it, loves it! So, if you are having problems with your dryer or just need a great one, try this one. The link is on my side bar. Any questions, leave me a comment and I'll get back with you! This is especially great if you have really thick hair and if you have curly hair that you are round brushing out straight, it has a lot of power and saves you a lot of blow dry time! Give it a shot!!

Funky Hair

Well, as I mentioned in my earlier post, my kids had rock star day at school today. I just thought I would show you how I used the funky colored hair extensions. She wanted it to be crazy, so I braided it last night and put gel in it. Then, I had her sit under my hood dryer for about 1/2 hour before bed. Just because her hair is really thick and never would have dried before morning if we did not!! Then, we just undid the braids, I backcombed a mohawk section really high and just pinned it down in the back. The braids and the gel helped it back comb really well and it will have no problem staying in all day! Then, we just went through and randomly placed a few pink streaks throughout the 'do. They are kind of tricky to hide, but look so much better if they're hidden. They were pretty long, so I cut off about 3 inches. Becareful not to cut their real hair!!!



Back shot

Top shot

Front view

Hopefully that helps and gives you a real example of what it might look like! Have fun with it. It would also be cute with a few different colors in there together! Use your imagination.

Fun Hair for Halloween

So, I've been seeing these colored hair extensions everywhere lately. I don't know if it's because of Halloween or not, but I see people wear them in their everyday hair and I think it is so cute! Obviously I wouldn't wear pink in my hair, but that's not to say that someone might look really cute with it. I have been looking around and the easiest place to find them (and probbably the cheapest) is Sally Beauty Supply. They come in all kinds of colors. Blue, pink, white, green etc. Here are kind of some cute pictures that I found, to give you an idea of what I mean.





They come in tons of colors, you can buy them online or this is how they come at Sally's :

You can just buy one or two or more. To make sure that they look the best, make sure that you put them underneath some of your natural hair. They come attached to a little clip, so if you put in on top of your hair, it will look kind of silly. And, try to contrast your hair as much as possible. That way, they stand out more. On dark hair I have seen blue and green and they just don't stand out as much! So, give it a shot. My daughter has Rock Star day at school on Wednesday, and I think I am going to get some of these to spice her hair up a little. So, go on...try it!

The "Big Bang"Theory

NO! I am not blogging about my sisters big bangs from 1985. I am blogging about one of my new favorite things. I know bangs are about as new as...hair. But, I love the new full, long bangs. The soft, yet strong bangs. I just love them. Now, again, bangs are one of those things that are a personal preference, some love them, some hate them. Some try and try to wear them, but just can't. (Guilty). Some can't live without them. So, I found some of my favorite celebs with some great bangs. Love them!!

Don't you just love the varitey in styles of bangs. You can wear them any way you are comfortable. They just soften your face and style and just change things up a bit, if you're thinking about doing something drastic, but are unsure, bangs are an easy thing to try, not too life-altering, but fun to try. If you hate them, grow them out. So shoot me for suggesting it!!

I LOVE IT!

I love the fall! I love it because everyone feels like they can add a little dark to their hair, or go completley dark! I love it. Sometimes, especially in Utah County, I feel like all I do is a blonde weave, long hair with layers and cute side bangs. As much as I love this haircut and on some people it looks amazing, it's just nice to see change! As I mentioned in my post below, I love change! It just warms up their hair, and those lucky few who can be either blonde or brown, I am jealous!! I have tried going completley dark before, let's be honest, it wasn't good. But I do love adding low-lights to add some interest! So, be brave, go dark, or at least add some!!

You Tell Me

I have been thinking a lot lately (remember it's my job) about celebrity haircuts. It seems like everyone is chopping off their long locks and going for the Pixie. I know I posted about Victoria Beckham in an earlier post, but let's be honest. Not even all celebrities who are rich, famous, skinny, pretty, have a personal stylist etc. etc. look good in a pixie. I want to know your opinion. Because I am always a fan of change. I love to see people mix it up a little bit. Even if it means growing hair out. It's painful and annoying, but it's change. That's why I love color, I suppose!
Love this look on Natalie Portman. She just looks so much younger and fresher (word?). Plus she has the face shape and eyes for it!!

Don't necessarily love this look in Michelle Williams. Maybe it's just the dress that I don't love, but I just think the long hair is softer and makes her look more feminine!

Love, love, love this on Posh. But I loved her old haircut, too. I totally copied her! But, despite her complete lack of musical talent, I think she would look good in anything. As long as her hair is dark, blonde looked too fake and did not look good on her skin tone!

I don't particularly like Kirsten Dunst for some reason, but I think she looks better with longer hair. Maybe a different short style, but this one doesn't work with her face shape. For some reason every time I see her she looks like she just woke up from sleeping on a park bench, if you're in the public eye, put a little effort into your style. Don't go crazy, but a little effort might be nice!

Well, there is my little rant about celebrity pixies. You might notice that I left off one fairly famous person with a fairly famous pixie, Katie Holmes. I really do think she is pretty and she usually looks great. But I think with this last haircut, she cut off some of her style. She always looks undone these days. Her hair is never done, wearing baggy clothes. Maybe if she did her hair, it would be a really cute style. But I couldn't find one picture of her online with it even looking semi-normal. Oh well. I'm pretty sure that none of these people give a rats butt what I think about their hair. Just sharing my opinion. Let me know what you think? Can anyone wear a pixie? Who's your favorite? Someone I forgot?

Long Time Friend

It's time again for a product spotlight. This is Kenra Thermal Styling Spray 19. I love this hairspray. I have a very fond relationship with it. It takes a lot for me to really love a hairspray, it has to have certain qualities. This one has it. It has to not stink!! I know, but really for as much as you use hairspray, you don't want to gag every time you use it, right? It has to hold really well, without feeling like your hair will break if you touch it. Yep, got it. It has to be moldable, by that I mean, you have to be able to spray it and then move your hair a bit and have it hold where you put it! Uh-huh. And, last but not least, it has to wash out clean. You all know what I'm talking about, no hairspray flakies! No way, not here.

So, there you have it. One of my tried and true friends, one of my basics, one of my can't-live-withouts! If you're in need of hairspray, might I suggest this one. I have a link on my sidebar. Check it out. If you need it, I can also get some for you. It comes in an 8 oz. spray bottle or a liter refill size! Enjoy!

Just a Little FYI

I was just checking out the PINK BENCH website. The one with the cute headbands. They just added tons of cute!!! new fabrics. Check it out!!

Fun Change

My good friend Tina came in for a haircut tonight! She decided to chop it all off, again! A few months ago we cut off 10" for Locks of Love. So, we decided to go that short again!

This is Tina BEFORE! Cute.

This is Tina after. One Hot Mama!

We decided to cut it to her shoulders and add a few layers at the bottom, to give it a little swing and movement. Turned out great! Thanks for the chance to work on great hair!

Feeling The Love

Love, love, love. Biolage Detangling Solution. If you have hair that tangles easily, hair that is colored and a bit dry and dehydrated, this is the stuff for you! I found this product a few years ago, when my daughter had really, really long hair. We used to have yelling wars just to get her hair combed out after a shower. This is a detangler, so it is not too heavy, but it leaves your hair soft and combable (word??) after washing. Just enough conditioning to make it feel good and soft, but not enough to make it feel heavy or greasy! It's kind of the perfect conditioner. I actually recommend this to ALL of my clients, maybe a few exceptions of incredibly thrashed hair who need something more!! So, go ahead, don't be scared. Give it a shot! Let me know what you think. You can also get more information here!

Favorite New Headband!

So, I have a new favorite thing, it seems I have a lot, right? But, this is something that is for everyone. Short hair (So Cute on Short Hair!!!), long hair, thick, thin, young and old. Well, not too old :) I found these headbands by PINK BENCH at the Women's Expo last year. I had to head back to their booth this year. They have zillions of fabrics to choose from. Unfortunately they only had about 10-12 on their website. Oh well. They seem to be at lots of Expo's. You can find them somewhere. They have a spot on their website to contact them. I put a link on my sidebar under favorite sites. This seems like a lot of pictures for a silly headband. But, there are a few things that make them extra special!!

This is what one of them looks like all laid out straight.

On the underneath side, the side you put against your head, it has these little velcro circles that make it stick in your hair with no sliding out and it doesn't have to be tied crazy tight to stay in! Such a cool feature.

On one end of it, there is a loop.

On the other end there is 2 lengths of ribbon. When you get it situated on your head, the way you want it, you take one end of the ribbon and thread it through the loop on the other end. And then you just tie it in a bow, like you tie your shoe.

This is what it looks like when you tie it in the back. It actually looks really cute on short hair, because all of the headbands have different colored ribbon on them, so you see this cute bow hanging out the back.

Cute on long hair. It just adds a little flair to otherwise boaring school uniforms! :) Plus, they have the cutest fabrics.

Top view
On short hair. I HATE having my picture taken. But, alas no one else in the casa with short hair. My husband would have killed me if I put it on my son.

Back shot.

Anyway, I kind of feel like an infomercial! And, I'm not even getting paid to advertise for them. Anyway, check them out. They run about $15 a piece. A little pricey, but considering how much we use them, totally worth it. They also look adorable with a pony tail or low pigtails! Just wanted to share the love. Check it out!!

Favorite New 'Do

Wow, have you seen Posh's new 'do? Love it!

Let's be honest, 99.5% of us in the "real world" who are not 5'6" and 25 pounds, would not look this stunning. But, on her, I love it. I have a few clients in mind, who I think would look amazing in this, but I'll let them decide :) Anyway, hope you love it as much as I do.

She has the best hair texture (so it seems) for this haircut. Fairly thick hair, with some sort of natural body, wave or curl. It is probbably quick and easy. Round brush the top a bit, flat iron pieces of it, run some pomade through it, and voila! If we all only had it this easy!

For Those About To Straighten....

Matrix Sleek Looks Smoothing Polish

Now, this product is for those of you who have thick wavy or curly hair and like to flat iron or round brush your hair out. After round brushing, use a small bit of this and smoothe over hair from ends to roots. It has the consistency of just a little bit thicker than shortening, gross I know! But just kind of dig your fingernail in and scoop out a bit, A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY! Then go ahead and flat iron. This just kind of helps the flat iron glide through a bit smoother and protects your hair from the heat. After you are finished, and you still have a few flyaways, go ahead and use another small bit and smooth through your hair. Notice: This product is not for thin, fine or limp hair. You will just end up with greasy looking hair. If you have this hair type, please refer a few posts down to the After Party by TIGI. The whole SleeK Looks Line for Matrix is for thick and medium to corse hair. Hope you like it. Let me know!!

Fun New 'Do

Okay, I didn't mean for this to become a little girl's hair blog, but bear with me, because that's what's going on in my life right now. Trying to find styles that WE both agree on, not too babyish, not too boaring...So, Sunday, this is what we came up with!
Part hair down the middle and then part from ear to ear. Make 3 sections in each front section. Then do 2 knots in each smaller section and use the end from the first one into the second one. Wow, that didn't make much sense, even to me, and I wrote it. JUST COPY THE PICTURE!!!

Then, use the rest of the hair and put it in pony tails and do messy buns. You could also just do one pony tail or one messy bun. Her hair is getting a little long for messy buns, that's why they don't look so hot, it's been a few hours and a few cartwheels later!

She liked it, honestly that's all I can ask for! Enjoy, I'll try to spice it up a little bit.

Hair Flower

Okay, I totally stole this style from another hair website, but I had to. It is so cute and SO EASY!! You just put the hair in a high ponytail. Wrap the band tightly so that it doesn't loosen throughout the day. Then wrap another band around that one but leaving just a little slack in it to tuck the braids under. Then section your pony into 5 separate sections and braid each one. Tie with a small band on the ends. I like the tiny plastic no-tear rubber bands. They are hidden the easiest. Then, tuck each braid under the band and leave the ends out. You can leave them spikey or curl them under. Hopefully that's easy to understand. Please leave me a comment if you have any questions. Hope you enjoy it. Plus, my daughter loved the way it looks.

Fun Hair Giveaway!!

Remember those Trash Ties I was telling you about? I was looking around and found this cute hair site that is giving some away along with other cute stuff. So, go to http://www.girlydos.blogspot.com/ tell them my site sent you there, cause I can win a prize if I send the most people there, too. Enter to win these cute things. Hope you win and like them as much as I do...