From Ombre to Sombre

Sombre takes the traditional process of Ombre and makes it a little more subtle (hence the s-ombre). Summer is just about over which means less sun. So to make people think your hair is naturally beautiful, Sombre would be used to make you hair have a darker sun-kissed look.

Elizabeth Olsen and Minka Kelly are two celebrities who wear the trend beautifully and effortlessly. Each one has dramatic color at the ends and the front, but it’s done in a way that is subtle so the color naturally blends with the rest of the hair.

Some great color pairings are:

Blondes – Sun-Kissed Warmth

 

Brunettes – Shimmer-Bronzed

 

 

Red Heads – Rose Golds

Dark Hair – Cinnamon Shades

 

Sombre hair should have a soft, sun kissed effect and a variation of light and dark hair. The ideal sombre has soft delicate highlights at the root area that gradually get lighter at the ends. All the ends of the hair should not look dip dyed, instead there should be pieces of lightness and darkness mixed together with more of the darker color at the root area.

Sombre is pulled off best on longer hair, because the color needs to flow and blend into the base hair color, which isn’t easy to do with shorter styles without looking choppy and color-blocked.

Happy Sombre-ing!

The “Bob” Haircut

The “Bob” is a hairstyle that is typically cut straight around the neck at about the level of the jaw line, with or without bangs or fringe.  It is low-maintenance, high style, and flattering to every face shape.  Currently very popular among Hollywood starlets due to its versatility.  This look is great whether it tousled, textured, curly or straight.

History

First noticeably worn by ballroom dancer, Irene Castle around the year 1910.  This look became know as the “Castle Bob” among woman after Irene sported the style.

With World War I approaching, this style became more appealing as woman began to take on jobs, military duties, and red cross work.  Made popular in the 1920’s by celebrity such as; Joan Crawford, Louise Brooks, Coco Chanel, and Clara Bow.

                           

By the 1930’s women began wearing their hair long again.  This prompted the invention of the “Bobby Pin”.  They were used to pin long hair up to make it appear as if the wearer had a bob haircut.

Vidal Sassoon revamped the hairstyle in the 1960’s with the 5 Point Bob Cut. The style has remained relatively popular since with many different styles and variations.

The Most Popular Styles include:

CHINESE BOB – CUT AT THE NECKLINE AND BOBBED UP AT THE EDGE OF THE HAIR.

    

   SHINGLE BOB – OLD FASHIONED, DOME SHAPED WITH THE BACK RAZOR  INTO A ‘V’ SHAPE

    

SHAGGY BOB – MESSY LAYERD WITH A RAZOR

      

A-LINE BOB – SLIGHTLY LONGER IN THE FRONT

         

CHIN LENGTH BOB – STRAIGHT WITH OR WITHOUT BANGS. MOST POPULAR

    

BUZZ CUT BOB – SHOULDER LENGTH IN THE FRONT AND CLOSE CROPPED IN THE BACK.

SHOULDER LENGTH – BLUNT CUT WITH VERY FEW LAYERS

The “Bob” Cut is PERFECT for the Summer!  It keeps you cool since your hair is off of you neck!  Also low-maintenance and fashionable!

HAPPY BOBBING!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wedding Season is ‘HAIR’

    Tis’ the season of weddings! Whether you’re the bride, in the bridal party, or just a guest, be sure to channel your inner celebrity when choosing your hairstyle. We will discuss the many beautiful, classic and timeless styles to make your ‘wedding-look’ amazing!!!

1) Classic Bun : A bun can be braided, to the side, or ballerina-style (high on the head). This style keeps your hair out of your face and it can be secured by a headpiece, pins or bun net. A bun is a sleek and sophisticated look!

                        

2) Updo: This style can be achieved several ways. It can be simple or extravagant. Ranging from a soft beehive to a twisted low chignon to a French Twist. This type of hairstyle will also keep your hair out of your face and off your neck so you are free to dance the night away!

                                         

3) Side-Swept Ponytail: A simple ponytail with curls or braids is a classic, easy, and timeless style for that special occasion. The ponytail should be to one-side and draped softly over shoulder.

4) Loose-Waves or Curls: Achieve this look by simply leaving your hair down and curling to desired style. Very low maintenance and perfect for a beach or outdoor wedding where the elements are a factor.

5) Retro-Glam: When choosing this style, channel anywhere from the 1920’s to the 1950’s. Soft Curls, body and shine make this a beautiful and classic style. Adding a vintage brooch or ornate headband can make this hairstyle really amazing! Think Bridget Bardot!!!

                                    

There are also many trends this season, as there are every year. This years include tiaras, lace headbands, fascinators, and unique accessories.

     

When choosing a style take your time and even do a trial run before the big day to make sure it is exactly what you want!

Happy Styling!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feed Your Hair

Does your hair seem to be thinning, growing slower than normal, or becoming brittle? You may need to take a serious assessment of your diet. A poor diet that doesn’t give you adequate vitamins and minerals can affect your scalp and hair health tremendously.

Some of the key nutrients needed for supreme hair health include:

• IRON – Iron helps red blood cells carry oxygen to the hair follicles. This oxygen flow is essential for promoting healthy hair growth and strong strands Lack of Iron in your system can cause hair loss.

Found in: Spinach, Chicken, Lentils, Oatmeal, Liver, Etc.

• ZINC – Zinc is vital for many functions in the body including cell division necessary for hair growth. It is also excellent for battling shedding hair.

Found in: Lamb, Turkey, Oysters, Chocolate, Pumpkin Seeds, Etc.

• BETA-CAROTENE – A powerful antioxidant that converts in your body to Vitamin A. Vitamin A helps regulate cell production and turnover in your hair.

Found in: Sweet Potatoes, Spinach, Etc.

• B VITAMINS – These vitamins act as messengers that deliver the nutrition from a healthy diet to the hair follicles.

Found in: Whole Grains, Eggs, Avocados, Legumes, Greek Yogurt, Etc.

• OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS – Omega-3 Fatty Acids act as internal conditioners that help keep your hair and scalp moisturized, shiny and healthy.

Found in: Walnuts, Salmon, Eggs, Wild Rice, Etc.

• VITAMIN D – This vitamin is important to the hair follicles life cycle.

Found in: Salmon, Mushrooms, Beef Liver, Grains, Etc.

• VITAMIN C – Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants that promote healthy and shiny hair.

Found in: Blueberries, Oranges, Peppers, Etc.

Just like skin, the condition of your hair is an onward sign of inside health. The cells that make up each strand of hair require a regular supply of key nutrients. Eating the recommended balance of the above mentions vitamins and minerals will help supply your hair with all that it needs to remain shiny, lustrous, and strong!

　

 

Facial

A facial is a procedure involving a variety of skin treatments.  It is performed for general skin health as well as for specific skin conditions.  Facials are meant to clean, exfoliate, and nourish the skin while promoting a clean,   well-hydrated complexion.

There are several steps to facial treatments:

1. Consultation: To discuss skin concerns and medication usage, daily water intake and what products currently used on your skin to determine what facial treatment plan is best for you specifically.
2. Cleansing: A simple cleaning of the face to rid of any make-up, products, or build-up on skin.
3. Skin Analysis: Used to determine the type of skin you have (oily, dry, normal, sensitive, etc.) and conditions such as acne. 
4. Steam: Machine used that directs a thin vapor of warm steam onto the skin. It is very relaxing and softens blackheads and whiteheads that will be extracted later in the process.
5. Exfoliation: Can be done mechanically with a gritty lotion or serum that rubs away dead skin cells or chemically by enzymes or acids that loosen the bond between skin cells releasing the dead skin cells.
6. Extraction: The removal of blackhead or whiteheads in the skin. 

Facial benefits include better looking and feeling skin, boost in confidence, and a relaxing, stress-relieving time for yourself.  They should only be performed by a licensed esthetician.  Frequency of facial treatments vary from person to person depending on type of treatment(s) needed.  It is usually recommended to have a facial monthly or seasonally. 

Schedule an appointment with an esthetician today to start the Spring Season fresh-faced and relaxed!

Keratin Treatment

Keratin is a family of fibrous, structural proteins in your hair, nails, and skin, that provides strength and protection.  In hair, there are two types of Keratin- Acidic Type I and Basic Type II. When hair keratin becomes damaged, the hair will begin to look dry and brittle.

A Keratin treatment is a process where a hair straightening product is placed on the hair and then sealed in by the heat of a flat iron.  The treatment strengthens the hair shaft and makes hair more resilient to breakage and the elements.  Results should last three to five months depending on lifestyle and maintenance routine.

The most used Keratin treatment is the Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy by Coppola.  Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy was founded by world-renowned stylist, salon owner and television personality, Peter Coppola. His life-long passion and talent lies in creating beautiful hair using the finest products available. This product promotes healing, blocks the effects of humidity, and prevents environmental toxins from entering the hair.  It makes hair more manageable, shinier, smoother, and easier to style. All types of hair benefit from the smoothing therapy, even color-treated and chemically processed hair.

After the treatment, you will have 95% less “frizzy” hair.  Also, if hair is usually styled straight, blow-drying time will be shortened by 40% – 60%.  The rule of thumb is to NOT wash hair for three to four days post-treatment.  This is because the treatment solution takes time to work properly.  The hair is also not to be pulled back with band, clips or anything that can cause an impression and deter the treatment results.

This service is available only in salons and  is to be administered by a specially trained stylist.

*Fun Fact*

Keratin is such a good coating the pharmacies use the same protein for the smooth coating on pills.

The Graying of Hair

Some people embrace their graying hair, others not so much.  Gray hair can be caused by many factors including medical, chemical exposure such as tobacco smoking, or genetics.  Thankfully, there are ways to ‘hide” those pesky gray hairs today!

Hair actually turns clear when the pigment cells located at the base of the follicles slow and eventually stop producing Melanin (the substance that gives color to you hair and skin).  The hair only appears gray or white due to the way the light reflects off of it.  The usual order of gray hair appearance is : nose hairs, hair on head, beard, body hair, and then eyebrows.

Graying hair can occur naturally as you age.  It can occur at an earlier age due to many medical conditions including thyroid deficiencies, Waardenburg Syndrome, Stress, Vitamin B Deficiency, albinism, malnutrition, Werner Syndrome, Type II Diabetes, and many more.  Two Genes in the human body can also be responsible for gray hair – Bcl2 and Bcl-W. It has been discovered by scientists that as hair ages, it accumulates hydrogen peroxide naturally causing it to turn “gray” or bleach itself in a sense.  

An Anti-Cancer drug- Itatinib – has been shown to reverse the graying process.  It is also very costly and extremely dangerous!  Today, we thankfully have many other safe and more cost efficient ways to cover up those pesky buggers, they include:

• Semi-Permanent Hair Color
• Demi-Permanent Hair Color
• Highlights
• Permanent Hair Color
• Spray-on Products

Remember, you are not alone and there are easy, efficient solutions to help you hide those inevitable gray hairs!

The History of the Braid

A braid is a complete structure or pattern formed by intertwining three or more strand of human hair.  Today, braids can be worn by anyone, casually or formally. The functionality remains mostly the same, to keep the wearer cool and to keep hair from obstructing the eyes.  The origins of the braid date back as far as 3500BCE.

Originating in East Africa, the braid was worn as a form of communications.  It symbolized whether the wearer was married, in mourning, of age of courtship, wealthy, or to show tribe affiliation.  In 1950, A French ethnologist and his team discovered a Stone Age rock painting in the Tassili Plateau of the Sahara, dating back to 3500 BCE, showing a woman with African Cornrows feeding her children.

In Ancient Egypt, Hair braids were reserved for royalty (i.e. Cleopatra and Queen Meryet Amun).  The braids at this time were used for ceremonial rituals, such as, weddings and funerals.

The Greek Goddess Flavian Period was from 79-81 CE.  It consisted of lavish updos, complete with wire frames, twisted braids and curls.  This style became very popular among the wealthy Roman woman.  Roman Emperor Titus’ daughter Julia was a follower of this hair braid, often wearing extremely elaborate updos.

Native American braids (PreCE-Present) varied from tribe to tribe, in style and cultural significance.  In the Quapaw Tribe, married woman wore their hair down loose and braided if they were single.  Braids were and still are worn my men of Native American decent. 

In 1066-1485, Medieval European braids were braided buns and crowns.  It was considered socially unacceptable for a woman to let her hair down because it was believed that a womans long tresses were associated with sinfulness and temptation.

The Mongol Empire began to grow in the 13^th Century.  Noblewoman wore an elaborate braided hairstyle and headpiece.  The style was adorned with a “wing” in each side of the head.  Two “wings” were said to evoke mythical beasts.

Modern Cornrows (1970-Present) were developed during the “Black is Beautiful” movement”.  This movement encouraged African-Americans to embrace their cultural roots and natural beauty, rather than using chemicals or relaxers in their hair to straighten.  The cornrow braid and the afro became very popular as this movement progressed.

In 2005, the braid went viral.  The launch of YouTube furthered the sharing if easy do-it-yourself tutorials, illustrating how to do many braided hairstyles. 

Braiding is more than a hairstyle!  It is a cultural tradition that cuts across racial, social, economic and geographic lines.

 

Happy Braiding!

History of Hair Spray

Hair spray is a common cosmetic product that is sprayed onto hair to keep it stiff or in a certain style. The spray can be dispensed from a pump or aerosol spray nozzle.

Modern hair sprays were developed around the time of the aerosol can in the 1940.  The first hairspray was not invented until 1943 during World War II.  After the war ended, the beauty industry caught on to the possibilities of using similar fluorocarbon (aerosol) cans as a dispenser for the first sticky, hard hold, resin-based versions of hair spray. The very first company to package the spray was Chase Products in 1948, an aerosol manufacturer also attributed with being the first to distribute spray paint and antiperspirant deodorant in an aerosol can.

Historic beauty titan Helene Curtis coined the name “hair spray” in 1950 with the release of her product Spray Net, which, along with a slew of quickly accumulated competitors such as Aqua Net, became wildly successful in conjunction with the Betty Draper and Jackie Kennedy bouffants, beehives, pin-up dos, and pillbox hat hairstyles that personified the 1950s and 60s.  By 1964, hair spray was the most successful beauty product in the country, “outselling even lipstick.”.  The use of curlers, hairpieces, heating irons and teasing continued to enhance the popularity.  By the end of the 60’s, the abundant use of hairspray ended with the long straight hair and natural look worn by the flower children, hippies and women libbers did not lend itself to being teased and sprayed.

In the 1980’s, heavy hairspray made a comeback with the punk rock music enthusiasts, who used very strong sprays to spike their hair and Mohawks.  One of the first and still most recognizable names in the industry —Aqua Net— became an indispensable dispensary for both rock stars and the teenagers that emulated them, some of whom required a $1 can a day to keep their larger than life hair and image intact in what would become a beacon of Generation X culture.
Today, there are as many brands, colors and holds of hairspray. The main difference between hairsprays is the amount of hold that the spray provides, generally categorized as flexible, medium or maximum. Hairspray products can also enhance shine, reduce frizz, set a style and promote volume. That being said, it’s difficult to imagine that Lady Gaga could have managed to affix a telephone, lobster, or human hair bow to her head without at least a little help from an aerosol can, which has clearly traveled a long way since its wartime bug-fighting days over sixty years ago.

Other Uses for Hairspray

1. Remove Lipstick from Fabric

Spray the stain and let it sit for several minutes. Wipe off the hairspray and the lipstick with it.

2. Protect Children’s Artwork

Preserve your child’s creation with hairspray. This works especially well on chalk pictures.

3. Exterminate Houseflies

Make sure the hairspray is water soluble so that if any spray hits the wall, you’ll be able to wipe it clean. Works on bees and wasps, too!

4. Extend the Life of Cut Flowers

Give your bouquet a quick spray on the undersides of the leaves and petals. Also works well on Christmas wreaths.

5. Keep Curtains Dirt-Free

Want to keep that like-new look for a while? Apply several coats of hairspray, letting each coat dry thoroughly before the next one.

　

Hair Loss and Replacement Options

EVERYONE LOOSES HAIR! It is normal to lose about 50-100 hairs every day.  The medical term for hair loss is “alopecia”.  Alopecia does not refer to one specific hair loss disease — any form of hair loss is an alopecia. The word alopecia is Latin, but can be traced to the Greek “alopekia,” which itself comes from alopek, meaning “fox.” Literally translated, the word alopecia (alopekia) is the term for mange in foxes.

There are many causes of hair loss. Women may notice hair loss after giving birth dues to uneven estrogen levels. This unusual shedding will taper off and your hair will be back to its pre-pregnancy thickness about six to 12 months after you give birth. People under a lot of stress can see noticeable hair loss. The body can inexplicably trigger much of their hair to enter this resting period, causing it to fall out pretty much all at once a few months later. Known as telogen effluvium, doctors believe it’s simply the body’s way of taking a time-out while larger problems, be it recovery or coping, are addressed.  Some diseases and medical treatments can cause hair loss such as, chemotherapy, thyroid problems, dietary issues (anemia, diabetes, malnutrition, anorexia, bulimia, etc.) and Lupus. The most common cause of hair loss is hereditary hair loss.  Hereditary hair loss can be inherited from either the mother’s or father’s side of the family. Because baldness is determined by a number of genetic factors, it may or may not skip generations.  These are just a few examples of causes of hair loss. 

The male pattern baldness form of androgenetic alopecia  accounts for more than 95% of hair loss in men. About 25% of men who suffer from male pattern baldness begin the painful process before they reach the age of 21.  Forty percent (40%) of women have visible hair loss by the time they are age 40, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Hair loss in women can be absolutely devastating for self image and emotional well-being. Currently children’s hair loss is responsible for about 3% of all pediatric office visits in this country. The American Hair loss Association recognizes that children’s hair loss can be an extremely devastating issue and recommends seeking the advice of your pediatrician as soon as you notice the onset of even the smallest amount of hair loss in your child.

Non-surgical hair replacement (Wig, Toupee, Etc.) can be a wonderful option for those who suffer from significant hair loss and would like to regain the appearance of having a full head of hair without surgery. If non-surgical replacement is not an option, there is always surgical replacement. At this point, a hair transplant can only be performed by harvesting DHT resistant hair from the back of your own scalp, and then transplanting it into the balding areas. In some cases hair can be transplanted between identical twins with the same genetic makeup. In general it is believed that hair transplanted from one person to another will be rejected unless anti-rejection medications are taken for life.

A well-known name in hair re-growth or replacement is Bosley. Bosley Professional Strength is a complete system to help prevent hair loss and restore thinning hair – in 5 simple daily steps. Offered in Men’s and Women’s formulations, Bosley Professional Strength contains ingredients that nourish and invigorate the scalp and hair, creating the perfect environment for the growth of thick, healthy hair. Significant growth typically occurs in 4-6 months, and consistent compliance is required to maintain the most positive results.

There is no need to be ashamed or embarrassed about your hair loss, as it occurs to almost everyone! There are many options, like those stated above to help you remedy your hair loss problems.