Leaf it

Leaves aren't the only things that seem to be changing this season, the fall and winter hair colors are coming out like crazy! I love to watch my color inventory change through the seasons...and right now? It is all about trying to stay WARM through the winter. Lots of folks are going dark...consider a season change! And for all you blondes out there, I am not talking anything drastic. Try adding a low light to bring dimension and warmth. If you are already dark, try changing tones or add some fall colors, like red perhaps? Change is KEY to keeping a healthy relationship with your hair. Leave it alone too long, and you are bound to get bored. You don't have to chop it, but some fun new layers to change the shape, and a new tone are sure to boost your spirits just in time for the holidays.  Some of my favorite colors at the moment?

I loved Footloose, but I had a hard time focusing on anything besides how much I loved her hair. Picture doesn't do it justice, go to the movies!

My point here is, you have options. You can change it up without changing everything. Change is healthy, so let go a little and have some fun this winter.

One more little note: You should always have a long term plan with your stylist. This doesn't mean it is set in stone, you are allowed to change your mind, but by having a plan, or at least an idea of the future of your hair, we can take better care of your hair. You might not think your hair plans for next April matter this November, but they do. Just keep your stylist up to speed, and always be HONEST. As my Cosmo mag taught me this month there are three people you just shouldn't keep secrets from: You bff, your obgyn, and your hair stylist. Well said. 

Lay it flat

If you have any type of forward fringe, it is probably one place you are not looking for volume. Flat laying fringe can be hard to come by, but it makes a fabulous statement when achieved. Though I am sure someday it will be back, because all styles seem to return somehow,but for now the poof and tube bangs aren't usually the goal of today's women. Here is a quick tip on getting that smooth, tamed bang look.

When you hair is really wet, before you do anything else, blow dry your bangs. Get a comb, hold the dryer above your head with the nozzle down, and direct the dryer down while combing the hair straight constantly. If you have any cowlicks, blow dry and comb them opposite of the way they want to fall. This technique will eliminate any curl or band in the fringe, hopefully eliminating the need to flat iron. It also works when fighting cowlicks along the front hairline for any reason.

If you have a longer swoop bang, try blow drying it to the opposite side of how it lays then pulling them back to the correct side after they are dry. This will give them a bit of shape and life. This only works however, if you have no cowlicks and a longer fringe.

Overall, I always recommend blow drying your fringe first, as soon as you get out of the shower. This will really help tackle the issues of cowlicks the unwanted popup. Fringe responds best to blow drying rather than flat ironing or curling. Check out posts starting here for more details on all type of fringe.

Stop the sizzle

Ever feel lazy and flat iron your hair before it is all the way dry? Or do you ever soak a piece of hair in product before curling and hear that sizzle and watch smoke arise from your hair? You could probably guess that these habits are NOT doing your hair any favors, but let me explain why.

What is actually happening when you hear that sizz? Think about it...what happens when you drop a bit of water into a hot stove? It sizzles and smokes off. This is essentially what you are doing to your hair. The extreme heat of your tool matched with moisture in the hair causes that amplified reaction of the water practically boiling and sizzling off. When you look at it that way I am sure you can figure out why this is a BAD idea.

I think we have all been guilty of these things at least once or twice. Change your ways today! Take the extra time to make sure your hair is completely dry, and allow product to dry before applying heat. Not only will it style better, but you will save yourself from a lot of unnecessary damage. And yes, as I always preach, USE HEAT PROTECTANT. Your hair will thank you.

Get artistic

So thanks to good old facebook, I saw my friend had done something awesome to her nails. She posted the link to the tutorial, and I swiped it to share with you guys! It is how to do watercolor nail art. It looks harder than it is, but it does take a bit of practice. This tutorial, random polishes you already have at home, toothpicks, and tape are all you need! Give it a try!

There are other tutorials you can try too if this one is confusing at all. The part I found tricky was stirring the polish to make you design in the water, you just need to do it really fast and get your finger dipped in. Don't be too picky or aim for perfection...random is what we want! Have fun!

*I want to hear from you! Please send me any questions, tutorial requests, or pictures of your successes in tutorial do's or even these watercolor nails! jlundgreen@gmail.com

Red today, gone tomorrow

I have often thought that red heads are some of the luckiest people when it comes to hair color. Why? Well in my opinion achieving a natural red through hair color is very difficult. It almost always looks "dyed". Which to me is not a bad thing...the day someone thinks my hair color is natural is the day I go home and change it up drastically. Anyways, it is possible to get that natural red unnaturally, but even if you do...keeping up with it can be demanding. If you have ever had artificial red hair, in any form, natural looking or vibrant, you know that it fades like nobody's business. Why? It all comes down to science my friends.

Permanent hair color works by opening the cuticle of the hair and allowing the color molecules to penetrate the hair shaft and settle inside. Over time these molecules fade and come out causing the hair color to fade. The reason red seems to fade the fastest is because red is the largest color molecule. So it doesn't penetrate as deep and comes our faster.

What can you do? Well all the normal answers apply...wash your hair less, wash it in cooler water when you do wash, and use a color protecting shampoo. Sadly, even with every precaution it is simply a fact that red will fade faster than other colors. There is one other option to consider. There are shampoos that actually have gradual hair color in them. So every time you wash it will deposit a little red onto your hair. These can be nice to keep your color fresh longer. They have them in all different colors, so consult your stylist for the one that will fit you best. 

My primary advice when going red is just to make sure you understand the commitment. You will need to color and refresh your color regularly to keep it vibrant and pretty. 

Oh Baby

Even if you haven't had a baby yourself, you have probably heard about all the things pregnancy is said to do to your hair. The list is endless. Some of these claims include that your hair gets really thick while you are pregnant because you don't shed at all during, that you lose all that extra unshed built up hair after you have the baby, that your hair goes curly after giving birth, and that your hair changes colors, textures, and personality after enduring a pregnancy.

So is it true? As far as I am concerned it depends on who you ask. Women all report very different things regarding pregnancy and their hair. My personal experience? My hair didn't get noticeably thicker, or curly, or change at all really. The postpartum shed was very true for me though. About three months after having my little man my hair fell out by the handful. It was like nothing I had seen before. I was convinced I was going bald. Fully convinced. Turns out I wasn't, and the hair loss stopped after a month or two.  And it has slowly come back, one pesky new baby hair at a time.

So who is to blame for all these crazy changes? Hormones! What else? Pregnancy is insane, and is not the same for anyone...hair is also a bit crazy and has a mind of its own. Even without pregnancy your hair can change every few years. It is not uncommon to have completely different hair then you remember a decade ago. So when it comes to hair and pregnancy, nothing should surprise you. There are things that are more common and seem to happen to everyone, but there are a million other things that your hair might do.

Some things can be hard to cope with. Hair loss and baby hair regrowth as it comes back in are especially challenging. Using thickening products can help you feel normal when coping with the shed, and getting a serum or pomade to show those baby hairs who's boss will also help. Talk to your stylist for tips for your personal challenges and hair type.

Tuesday How To {back and forth braid}

Want another way to use french braiding in yet another hairstyle? Ok! This is really fast and easy but changes things up just a little.

Piece of cake, yes? As always you can change it up by fishtail frenching, or tying it off into a bun or curled pony. You could also go back and forth more than once if you are feeling ambitious! Have some fun!

Random Number Generator

picks ERIN!! Congrats! Thanks to seekatesew for such a fun event. Even if you didn't win hop on over and get yourself some fun accessories to spice up your do! Your options are endless.

Accessorize It {see kate sew Giveaway}

Once upon a time I went to college and met an insanely talented girl named Kate. Seriously. Mind blowing levels of talent.  Anyway she is the very same Kate of see kate sew. She is pretty much my sewing/crafting/DIY/creativity hero. Well, imagine my delight when she came out with a line of completely fabulous headbands! I simply had to try them. I was definitely NOT disappointed. She sent me a few to have some fun with, take a look!

tutorial to come

Why so many pictures? I wanted to prove that headbands are fantastic on EVERYONE. All ages, hair colors, hair lengths, and hair styles can benefit from proper hair accessories. Up, down, short, long, straight, and curled. My favorite thing about accessories is their power to dress up quick, casual hair, and take ALL hair up a notch. They get you noticed. They are wonderful. 

Extra benefits about these specific headbands? Besides being so cute, they are made extremely well. They are  unique, being handmade and all. They are also the most comfortable headbands I have ever experienced. I can leave one on from morning to night with no head ache or soreness. THAT has never happened. SO be brave, try something new, and spice up your do!

What's that? You HAVE to try one too? You are in luck! Amazing Kate is sponsoring a giveaway to give you all a chance! The winner will get $20 to the see kate sew etsy shop!

Go ahead and check out all her other fabulous stuff while you are there!

There are THREE ways to enter. You can do all three!

1. Leave a comment about how you plan to wear your new headband and tell me your favorite item in Kate's shop. (the new dinos? to die for cute for any little man...my current fave after the headbands)
2. Facebook about this giveaway to spread the good news!
3. Blog about this giveaway!
4. What? A bonus! Followers always get an extra entry:) That brings you to a possibility of FOUR entries! 

Good Luck!

closes 9.10.11 at midnight mst

Tuesday How To {french fishtail braid}

I love french braiding. I love fishtail braiding. BAM! Let's combine it! Here is a seriously so simple and seriously so cute tutorial you can toss in your hair for just about any occasion. Enjoy!

The smaller of sections you take the more fishtail like your braid will look. It is a subtle variation but oh so lovely. Tie it off in a curled pony, or a bun. This is another time sloppy is totally acceptable, so don't try too hard or spend too much time on it. The all natural look is fab.

Stay tuned this week for something new and a GIVEAWAY!

Tuesday How To {bubble braid tutorial}

Happy Tuesday everyone! Today's style is a little different, super simple, and really fun. It is so simple it doesn't even require french braiding or twisting. Simple pony tails and normal three strand braiding are the only skills you need. It will work with all different lengths of hair and is a great way to get your hair up while taking a break from your average ponytail. Take a look!

It is really just that easy! As you can see I left mine sloppy. No need for perfection. Just toss it in and you are good to go. You can also try variations like doing a fishtail braid rather than a three strand or taking more sections to get a more "bubbly" look. Enjoy!

Feature Friday {Full Frame by Redken}

Today's product is pretty nifty.  It is a triple threat kind of product that takes care of several needs all at once. You and your wallet gotta love using ONE product to tackle several issues. It is Full Frame by Redken. Let me share a bit about this mousse.


WHO IS IT FOR? Anyone wanting VOLUME and HOLD.
WHAT DOES IT DO? Builds body and restores moisture, protects hair from heat styling, humidity, color fade, and UV rays, and provides long-lasting volume.
HOW DOES IT DO THIS? The foam is rich and moisturizing and when evenly distributed through the hair it coats each strand to protect and give hold.
HOW DO I USE IT? A little bit goes a long way. When hair is wet work a small amount evenly through all your hair.


I have just recently really started using this A LOT! I love the movable hold and volume it gives and the fact that it is protecting your hair at the same time is simply magical. Try it out!

Slow and Steady

We all know the story of The Tortoise and the Hare. Well who knew that this story could actually relate to HAIR? I am talking about the speed in which your stylist gets your hair done. I think it is a common misconception that FAST stylists = GREAT stylists. This is not always the case. More often than not, I have noticed that fast commonly equals sloppy, generic, or lacking in fine detail. I am not implying that anyone who is fast at hair is bad. Not at all. Some people really are just faster than others. I am also not saying that everyone slow is good, or that you should block out an entire day to get your hair done. But if your stylist is taking a while it might be a great thing.

You want to find someone who will take the time to make sure your hair is just the way you want it. They should take the time needed to do their very best work and you should never feel rushed to get out of their chair. Again, don't jump to extremes here, but a good detailed haircut including a wash and style on average takes around an hour. Sometimes even more if you have intense hair. My only point is rather than getting antsy and shopping around for the fastest hands around, consider that taking time might just be to your advantage. That being said, I will repeat, you should NOT be at the salon ALL DAY, or even half a day. So weigh your options, shop around, but have some patience.

Tweens

The days of choosing between pitch black or bleachaholic blond are long gone. Have you noticed? Look around. Have you seen the new pallets of delicious caramels, warm light browns, and blondes with a bit more color to them? What used to be BLAH or YUCK is now fabulous! Only when carried out successfully however.  I am not talking about the tragic orange that comes from a bleach job gone bad, or the mousy light brown that could use some warmth, or even the blond that has a bit too much gold. I am referring to a fabulously rich, warm hair color that falls in between brown and blond. If you are dark and wanting to go lighter, consider this! It is a wonderful middle ground. Or if you are platinum, consider tossing in some low lights. You might be surprised at how much you like the change. This hair color can be tricky to achieve, especially if you are going from dark to lighter, so as always, I beg of you, to consult a professional.

Sometimes more is more

Trying to go with the no fringe look? Or even just pinning your fringe back for the day? Well if you are new to this there might be something not quite right about your new look. Aside from simply adjusting to something new, you might want to consider changing your makeup to compliment your new bare faced look. It is simple really. Sometimes when you are used to having fringe to draw attention to your eyes, you can feel blah when it is pulled back, kind of like your face has disappeared. The answer might be as simple as darkening your brows and adding a bit more eye makeup. I am not saying you need to go crazy, but filling in your brows enough to make them visible will bring attention back to your eyes, filling in for what the bangs used to do. Darkening your brows might feel weird at first, but take some pictures of yourself. I promise you will enjoy the difference. It might just be enough to make you comfortable in your new look.

Where does it come from?

I would like to have a word with everyone about highlights. It is a broad term, yes. Allow me to narrow it. I would like to discuss the origin of your highlights and the fact that it goes best unnoticed. The trend now is all about natural. And while there is nothing natural about chemically lightening your hair, the placement of these highlights should be natural. Seeing individual stripes jetting out from your part is sort of...well...yesterday? Beautiful blended colors that accentuate all the right things are really what we are going for. So next time you sit down in the styling chair, request the natural look. Natural doesn't mean going unnoticed, it just means blending properly. Highlights should light up and draw attention to your face. They should draw attention to the twist of your curl, or the peak of your wave. I hold to the belief that any head of hair can benefit from a few wisely placed highlights. Consider it.

Pain in the neck

If you have short hair you know what I am talking about. Those little neck hairs come back fast. Men probably know of this struggle better than anyone else. You get a nice freshly cut neckline and a week later you look scraggly again. Sure you can trim and shave it yourself...or...you can WAX IT! Does it hurt? Of course it does. But think about this. Give into 30 seconds or less of pain for WEEKS of a hairless neckline. For women, you can literally go months at a time, men it is the usual 6 week period provided by waxing. Not only does it last longer, it gets it way smoother than trimmers or even a straight blade. As someone who has had short hair most of my life, it is definitely the way to go.

While I am away

Hey everyone! I wanted to let you know I will be out of town until Sunday August, 13.  The posts will continue but I will not be available for contacting or scheduling. I will be jumping right back into it when I get back though! Have a great week and thanks for reading!

Power down

I have said a million times that the reason the front of our hair breaks more and shows more damage is because that is the part we play around with the most. It is the part you see when you look in the mirror, so naturally you style it most. Here is one quick tip that might save you some damage. I learned it from a wise teacher I once had. It is so simple. Just turn off your flat iron, and THEN go over your front and fringe area. You don't need full heat, especially if you are working with a high heat iron, to make that hair obey. Fringe is fragile, so use as little heat as possible. If you have curly hair, try to get the front as straight as possible with the blow dryer so you can flat iron as little as possible. Using heat protectanct and lower heat, like an iron on the cool down, will prevent breakage and save your little hairs from too much distress.

Combo

We have discussed straightforward bangs, and side swept bangs, now we will cover the combination. This is essentially when you do straightforward bangs with a side part. Why is this appealing? Well. They are cute, but they also allow the full fringe look for those who struggle with cowlicks. They also grow out better, and are less of a bold transition. SO these are definitely something to consider if you love the look of full frontals but either aren't ready to commit or have roadblocks in your way.

The things to consider are basically the same for side swepts and full frontals. These bangs can be the perfect compromise to create a new look and style, but stay a little in your comfort zone.

One more quick thought. Adding a peekaboo anywhere in straightforward bangs can help in the transition to bold fringe. Creating a little split in the full curtain of bangs is both adorable and practical.

PS: I was getting my monthly dose of Cosmo yesterday and what did it say? That the full fringe look is what its ALL about right now. See? It isn't just me that obsesses over the dramatic look. And that my friends, ends fringe week! Sort of sad, I have so many more things I could say! Have a great weekend!

Small but mighty

I would like to introduce you to baby bangs. Perhaps you already know about them, but I think they are a well kept secret no one ever considers. When these babies are done right I adore them! They pack a punch of style in their little wisps. As with any other type of fringe they range from subtle to extreme. I happen to be sporting them currently! So. Things to consider?

• I hate to be redundant but cowlicks and growth patterns are the biggest thing to consider when thinking about fringe. If you have a crazy hairline, I would recommend considering other options. Babies might not be for you.
• The look. It is more of a bold look. You need to be prepared.
• Texture. Some textures work better than others with these bangs. If you have really coarse, stick straight hair, they might present a challenge. The same can be said for really curly hair. Consult your stylist about this. I am not claiming texture would be a deal breaker, but it need to ne considered.
• Thickness. Do you want a chunky blunt look or more of a wispy feel? Options my friends, options.

 I mentioned that this type of fringe is my current look. You might never know that about me though, even if you saw me almost every day. I most often style mine back, giving the appearance of have no fringe at all. Having the baby bangs cut though, gives me the volume and texture I want went pushing my hair back. I also like having the option of pulling them down when I want some fringe. They are very versatile.  They have allowed me to gracefully grow out my previous full frontals without going insane. 

Baby bangs are also very short. Meaning they take a long time to grow out. Make sure you are committed. 

Cutting these yourself is definitely in the DANGER ZONE. When not executed correctly, they can definitely resemble the tragedy that happens when a toddler gets a hold of scissors and goes crazy.

Swept away

The most common, versatile type of fringe is the side swept bang, also known as the swoop bang. Why is it so popular? Well I think there are many reasons. First of all the side part made a huge come back years ago. So much so that it was almost unheard of to see a middle part. Of course the trend is swinging back the other way now as it always seems to do. But in these years of side parting, the swoop bang was the obvious choice. It was the most natural falling type of fringe to have. Now keep in mind that the term side bang is extremely broad. It can be translated into a million lengths, textures, and extremes. But because it offers so many variations, it made almost everyone happy, making it very popular among many different styles.

It is becoming less popular now, but sometimes it might be the best choice. You want to stay in style and follow the trends. But you also need to consider your hair, your facial features, and your own style. Of course there is always a variation to bring your look up to date, but you don't always need to jump all the way in to a new trend.  Just because it looks good on one person, doesn't mean it is necessarily the right look for you. So let's discuss how to have a successful side bang.

• You must again consider your front hairline. Cowlicks? Crazy growth patterns? If so you must make them work to your advantage. Say you have a really strong cowlick that pushes all your fringe one direction. One way to make this work for you is part right in line with that cowlick and allow the hair to be pushed the way it wants, creating the direction for your side bangs. No fighting it.  Your other choice is to try parting far to the opposite side of the cowlick. The weight of all your hair might be enough to calm that cowlick enough to make it unnoticeable. This is ideal, because then it sort of disappears from your life. Some are too strong to be swayed by this though, but it is always worth a try. 
• Length is another thing to consider. Do you want actual bangs or more of a side taper that blends with the rest of your hair? Do you want to be able to tuck it behind your ear? Where do you want them to fall? The most common length is to start at the eyebrow and taper down. It is a wonderful middle ground.
• Maybe the best feature of side bangs is their low maintenance. Well cut side bangs grow out gracefully. So while the look of them will change as they get longer, they won't look terrible or overgrown. 
• Depending on the look you are going for, there are several different ways to style side bangs. I will share my favorite. I like to blow dry the bangs the opposite direction you plan to wear them. This gives them shape and volume when you swoop them back the way you want them to go.

Side swept bangs are a fabulous option. They are easy, low maintenance, and there is usually some version that is both flattering and stylish. Word to the wise on this topic? Don't cut your own. Please? It looks easy, and some might succeed. But more often than not it ends in tragedy, or at least as a bummer needing to be fixed. Take advantage of free bang trims and take the time to do it right.

Nothing

We all know the current trend in fringe. It is to have no fringe at all! Or at least to have it so long its hard to consider fringe. But the truth is it still counts and needs to be cut correctly. But allow me to say one thing. Just because the middle part, no bangs look is in, doesn't mean you should do it. It is not for everyone. That being said, don't be afraid to try. If you have had a side part with swoop bangs for years, it will rock your world and you probably won't like it at first. After you give yourself an adjustment period and you still don't like it, move on. There are other ways to be in style that might suit you better. But for those who love this look and want to rock it, here are some things to consider.

• As far as the actual HAIR part of this style, it is the easiest to pull off. Any type or texture can wear the no bang look successfully. It is the facial features you need to consider. Large forehead? Prominent nose? These are features a middle part with no bangs will accentuate. So. Consider your face, and do what you feel best about. 
• Having no bangs is not a free pass out of getting your haircut or even your bangs trimmed. Keeping that front taper trimmed and styled is essential in successful styling. This is however, the most low maintenance look. 
• Don't forget that a side part with no bangs is also an option. It might be a smoother, more flattering transition into a new style. 

So how do I style this look? Depends. I most often curl is away from the face with a flat iron. Then is has movement and flow. The key is to never let them hang there straight and lifeless down the sides of your face. Even when putting your hair up, give them some life. 

Fringe

It might be shark week on Discovery Channel, but it is Fringe Week here on the blog! Get excited. Each day I am going to discuss a different style of fringe and how to make it work. Today? The straightforward look. It is bold and fabulous. Cutting bangs as intense as these takes some preparation and thought, because they definitely change your whole look. Here are some things to consider.

• Are you willing to move to a middle part? While you can pull off straight across bangs with a side part, true straightforward bangs require a middle part. 
• Do you have cowlicks or crazy growth patterns along your front hairline that will make styling difficult? If so, it might be enough to choose a different style. Hard to handle growth patterns will make your mornings a nightmare. These trouble areas become more apparent when you cut shorter bangs because the hair gets shorter and lighter, allowing it to stick up more freely.
• Are you prepared for the maintenance? These beauties need frequent trimming, and you can't get by with faking it very long. Soon enough you will have the good ol' tube bang from the 90's.  Most stylists offer free bang trims between appointments, but will you make the time to stop in and get it done? This is a huge consideration. This kind of fringe does not grow out gracefully like a wispy side swept look. They are sort of a commitment. 

SO if you decide you do want this new look, you will need to decide how thick you want them. This is something you should discuss with your stylist. It is important to let your hair be the boss here. If more hair wants to come forward as part of the fringe but you insist on leaving it out, you will be fighting long hairs that push themselves forward forever. Might be worth going a bit thicker and letting them in as bangs. 

And what is the biggest styling secret when it comes to bold, straightforward fringe? Right out of the shower they must be blow dried while you comb them straight down in the way you want them to fall. You don't need to dry all your hair, but styling the fringe while it is soaking wet will fight cowlicks and get your bangs to lay straight and beautiful without the aid of a flat iron. This technique is also helpful in training your hair to go a different way than it has been. Say you are going from side bangs to full frontals (as I like to call them). Blow drying the hair in the opposite direction it is used to laying will help to train that hair to go the new way. 

If I am being honest, there are few things I love more than this kind of fringe. It is such a statement. It takes guts to pull off, and adds so much style and attitude to any do. Other perks? The rest of your hair doesn't matter as much. Your fringe is what will get noticed. So whether your hair is perfectly curled, or up in a bun, you will look styled and finished. Bold fringe is the fastest way to dramatically change your hairstyle without any damage or too much commitment. Love. Happy fringe week!

Happy Hour

If you are like most people, you struggle with more than one issue with your hair. If not? Congrats. You are above average. But for the rest of us, let's discuss. I will use myself as an example. My hair struggles include...having soft, fine hair causing a limp and thin feeling, slight chemical damage from my past blondorexic days, and baby hairs that have minds of their own. How do I get out of bed each morning knowing I have all these issues to face? Products my friend. Beautiful, fabulous, life saving hair products. They can transform any head into one to be desired. So what product thickens, gives hold, de-frizzes, repairs damage, and protects my hair from heat? Trick question. No ONE product will take care of everything. Allow me to introduce you to a little thing called cocktailing. Maybe it is obvious, but rather than trying to use only one product, don't be afraid. Use the combination that you need to meet all your needs...and...put them all in at the same time. A squirt of each into your palm then work it through your hair and BAM. Mission accomplished in no time at all.

Feature Friday

Today I thought I would introduce you to a little gem. As you have noticed almost every tutorial I have done requires bobby pins. They are essential to almost any do at all. They are very easy to come but, but not all bobbies are created equal. These lovely Marianna Supreme Pins are a cut above the rest. They hold stronger, tighter, and longer than any other pins I have used. Thick hair? No prob. These are definitely up for the challenge. And the greatest news? You can pick these up at any Sally's Beauty Supply for under $2.00 a box. Definitely worth the trip!

Test time.

Ever wonder how healthy your hair is? Well there are many ways to test this, but here are a few you can do real fast when you are bored. It is a test to check the porosity of your hair. Porosity is the hair's ability to retain moisture. If you have high porosity your hair tends to be a bit more damaged while low porosity usually means your hair is healthier and the cuticle is sealed down giving a smooth, shiny, healthy look. When your hair is overly porous it become dangerous to chemically treat, breaks off easier, and always looks fried or frizzy. You will also notice it takes longer to blow dry.

So how can you tell aside from just looking at your hair how porous it is? There are a few ways, but let me share the fastest and easiest. Rip a hair out of your head. You can take one from a few different areas to compare damage (hair in the front is almost always more damaged). Place the root of your hair between your thumb and index finger then slide your fingers tightly down the entire hair shaft. Is it smooth or was it a bit bumpy? If your fingers had a smooth ride your hair is probably healthy but if you felt a rough texture that might mean you have a porosity problem. You might have also noticed it gets rougher as you get towards the end of the hair strand.

One other test you can do really fast is to place your hair in a cup of water. If if floats, it is healthy because the cuticle is properly sealed protecting your hair. If it sinks, it is time for some repair! The biggest cause of porous hair is bleaching it too much, too often or other harsh chemical treatments like perms. Protein infused shampoo will definitely do some good, along with regular trims.

So if you didn't quite pass this test, don't fret. Hair is fixable and with the right treatments you will have smooth, floating hair in no time.

Tuesday How To

Today I have a guest stylist! She might not be an actual professional stylist, but as a mother of four (3 of which are girls) she knows a thing or two about little girl hair. Since my dear sister is in town I asked her to share one of my favorite styles. She did it on me when I was little, and now she does it on her girls. It is super versatile as always and can be molded to fit any length or hair or any length of attention span. I like to call it wicker basket, but I am sure others call it many different things. So off we go! Today's model is sweet Hailey, the youngest of the girls. It took some sweet talk and persuasion to get her to do this video but boy am I glad she did!

SO how can you modify? The more ponytails you start with the more intricate your basket pattern will be. You can do it so tiny little ponies cover the entire head and really bring out the basket weave look. You can also get more picky about straight, clean partings...it all depends on the attention span of your child. This is a fabulous way to get short hair pulled back nice and tight for little girls. Perfect for dance, gymnastics, or any day that day up and away would be beneficial. You can also tie it off in different ways. We did plain pigs here, but buns or braids would be great too. It might seem tricky at first but once you catch on its a breeze.



I am really sorry...

...but only in a dream world does amazing hair take zero effort. In the summer time I tend to get requests like this.."I want really easy hair. I don't have time to blow dry, I hate using product, and I don't want to put any time into styling. It just needs to look great out of the shower." Hmmm...now we all know I am a HUGE advocate of quick and easy hair, and the right cut and hair texture really can look pretty good just air dried and untouched, but if you want head turning hair, or hair that is near perfect, it takes a bit of work.

Now I am not claiming everyday needs an hour or two devoted to your hair, but there should be a time each day that you take some time to fix it. This is why my tutorials are usually dedicated to quick do's that actually fool people into thinking you spent much more time than you actually did. Another way to trick them? My favorite little tip of not washing everyday. Cut out wash and blow dry time and you have much more time to devote to the styling of your hair. And my final tip? Good hair needs product. That is why they make fabulous hair products, because they work. Take my tools and products away and I would be in a world of hurt. So if you are anti styling products, start small, say with a heat protectant. After you see what it does for your hair you might just be converted.

So basically I just wanted to point out that if you see someone who has hair you love, chances are they spent some time on it, but getting a good cut, the right products, and washing less, will put you on the road to perfect hair in half the time.

Apologies

Remember how I said a special sister was coming to town? Well that combined with some camera/computer troubles have been interrupting my blogging life. Good things are in the works, so please stay tuned. Thanks!

And sometimes...

...hair is totally overrated. Hope you had a great 4th! Stay tuned for today's tutorial!

Feature Friday

Today's product is a new discovery I made while at the beauty supply a while ago. I have featured products like this before but I know for the people of the world with hard to handle hair, you can't get enough of products like this. It is called Matrix Sleek Look Blow Down Extreme. It has become my new go to product for thick, coarse, frizzy hair.

Who is it for? Anyone with hair that is a struggle to get straight, sleek, and shiny. Also great for people with damage or who spend a lot of time in the sun.
What does it do? It cuts out blow dry time, repairs chemical damage, protects hair from UV rays, locks out humidity, and adds a sleek shine. Added bonus? It protects against heat as well.
How does it do this? The added moisture is great for getting a sleek look, and the mineral oil, and silk amino acids provide repair and protection.
How do I use it? Use a small amount and work it through damp hair before you blow dry. Focus on ends and hard to handle areas.

This product is step three in a whole family of Sleek Look products, but this is the only one I have personally used and recommend. The others might be great too though!