What a fantastic night it was watching the 2012 Academy Awards. The glitz and the glamour are spectacular at those events and I love seeing the hottest trends. Beyond those form-fitted gowns and incredible jewels, the hairstyles were fresh and elegant.

I wanted to share my top 3 favorite hairstyles from the “Hottest Stars” on the Red Carpet and share some tips so you can try this at home.

Long and Loose waves~ I find that using a mousse or root lift before blowdrying creates the most volume. Back comb the crown for hight and your go to go.

Sleek and shiny ~ To get that look use a little pomade on your hands and gently slick down the tiny little hairs around the hairline. 

Classic Style ~ Vintage looks always steal the show with softened finger waves and textured braids. Be creative and have some fun. Throw in a flower or headband for your own look.

In the winter months, the biggest question I get all week is…

Why do I have so much Static?

During the winter months, everything tends to get dry due to being in a heated environment. Dry heat dehydrates the air and everything lacks moisture. There are several remedies that answer the question of..

How to stop the Static?

• Start with taking a supplement. I always recommend moisturizing from the inside out and take a daily dose of Omega 3,6 and 9. Not only does it help your heart and bones, it helps keep away dry flakey legs and skin.
• Moisture shampoo is a great quick fix for brittle hair. It’s a great idea to switch shampoos every other time you wash and watch your volume shampoos. Sometimes they have a stripping agent to give you the most volume but it will steal your moisture thru out your hair.
• Dryer sheets can be used to calm the fuzz in a quick minute. Take a sheet and just run it over your head. Keep one handy to help with wardrobe static and in the summer it also keeps mosquitos away.
• Since we are lacking moisture, change your conditioner! I’m not a fan of over the counter products, (anything you can get at the grocery store) they are filled with chemicals that can create more dryness (which doesn’t make sense in a conditioner.) Use one that says “Ultra-hydrating, or Intensive”. It really does make a difference if you use a quality product and you can get so much more for your money by using a tip that I do at home. Take an extra bottle and dilute the thick, intensive conditioner with warm water to make a creamy consistency. It helps to moisturize but won’t weigh your hair down and you get double the amount for your dollar.
• Spray some static guard on your brush. If you use a plastic brush, you will probably have more static then a bristle brush.
• Dry hands usually come along with static so after using some hand creme, rub the excess on your locks. This will help bring the shine back and help control the fly aways.
• When dryness is thru out your home, set up a humidifier. This can really counter act the dryness and create balance with the atmosphere. Your plants will love you for it. =)

Have you heard of the website Pinterest or should I say, were you invited to this site?

What is all the buzz about and how is this site helping my business?

A few months back when I started blogging, I wondered how theses bloggers had access to such great pictures with out copy write issues. After following a few, I found they all had one place in common and that was Pinterest. This is an online dream board that connects with others to share pictures, blogs, websites and businesses. I found it intriguing that you can re-pin someone’s pictures or up load your own!

What a great idea I thought, but how can I use this for MY business? I can see if you have some products to sell or a store that makes money off the internet but how can a little Hairstylist capitalize on this fast growing trend?

So, I ask myself….(self? lol) How can these pictures help me get new customers?

And how can I connect with new clients so they want to use my services?

In the beauty industry, communication is key! I always ask people to show me a picture of what they have in their head so we can be on the same page. It’s funny what people see when they look at themselves or look at a picture. They can show me a picture of a beautiful auburn color on a 12 year old freckle face kid and think it is a shade of brown ash and appropriate for an 55year old woman with a pixie cut …lol….ya know what I mean.

One thing is for sure, pictures really close the language gap. Many brides have come in with great pictures of glam hair-dos and movie-star make-up but when it was all put together, and it was done on them it didn’t look right! It has to fit right for your personality and character…..just like, let’s say you are buying a new couch, in the store you love it until it gets to your living room! Ohh no, it doesn’t fit, or wrong color …sometimes your instinct needs adjusting by a professional.

Ok ok, what does this have to do with Pinterest?

Well, I found that I am able to connect with my customers on the site and show them my style boards with great pictures of what’s in style now and what styles can fit for my clientel. Connecting with new people is a breeze on a social site, so when hairstyles are searched, my pics can be noticed and my profile can be accessed. The greatest thing I love about this is I can look at what “they are like”, seeing what kind of people “they are”. Are they into soft, sophisticated glamor in their home, or personal likes? Or are they relaxed and simple showing some beachy pics with lots of fishing sites?

This helps me to learn what would suit them the best and now I have a connection with them before they even come in to me at the salon. Sometimes this information takes a few visits and I feel is crucial for me to know this in order to create an individual look just for you. How many times have you heard someone say, “It’s just not for me?” Now, I can personalize their experience in the salon to give them my finest work. What really matters most is connecting with new clients and finding creative ways to help them.

So, if you are not connected with me on Pinterest or need an invite….let me know. Message me with your email and I will get you one.       Happy pinning! =)

Hot off the 2012 runway, the hot trend for Spring hair is pastels and dye-dipped. Yet this trend is not for everyone, it is a great idea for Barbie Blondes. This is such a fun and creative way to express yourself and show some personality.

Ways to do Pastel and Dye-dipped color

Chalking ~ an eco-friendly way to color streaks in pre-lightened hair. All chalk can work but Rembrandt brand pastels are a little like a crayon and the colors are more vibrant. Strategically pull a strand of hair and wet it with a water bottle. Hold the strand tight, while rubbing the chalk on the hair, massage it in with your fingers so it distributes evenly. Try a few colors so its colorful and bright. Carefully dry hair with your dryer or a warm iron.

Oil based Pastels ~  thicker consistency and more pigments, this is similar to chalking. Apply the same way and make sure you saturate the strands. This will most likely work on darker hair. 

Kool aid ~ safe for kids and smells delicious! lol. I did this once to my white pomeranian and it washed out within a few washings. Mix a little color with a glass of hot water until the crystals are dissolved. Dip the tips of selected strands or just the ends of your whole ponytail in the liquid but be careful it doesn’t touch the rest of your hair. You can put it in a foil so it is separate from the rest. Don’t rinse, just dry it very carefully.

Manic Panic ~ a semi-permanent color stain made for pre-lightened hair. These colors are great and vibrant but wash out in a few weeks. It is great to use if you want Katie Perry’s blue locks or Kelly Osborne’s silver coiffure. Pick your color and dilute to your desired pastel. I like diluting it in a bowl with lots of conditioner until the color is exactly what I want. Run thru with a comb so you get it real even but don’t put it on roots (this really stains your skin so always wear gloves and cover yourself with a towel)

Hair trend

After you did the tips in one color and dried them, you can re-dip in another color for a rainbow Ombre effect. This is beautiful when used in colors that compliment each other like pink and purple, or blue and turquoise.

Have fun and don’t worry…these colors wash out and you will be back to what you had before. Be creative and use your imagination. =)

Last week I asked Sara from Paint cosmetics if she would give us some tips on how to do a Smokey Eye. Thanks girl! The feedback on that post was awesome so I asked her to give us some more.

It seems like a popular question this week was..

“How do I make my eyes Pop?”

No matter what color your eyes are, Sara from Paint cosmetics says …”Many people think you have to match the color of your eyeshadow to your eye color….but they’re wrong! You always want to go opposite to accentuate your eye color.”

Example: to make brown eyes look seductive use shades of plums, rich golds or forest greens in the crease. These colors are very versatile and remember they don’t have to match exactly with whatever you wear perfectly – which is what makes make-up so creative and fun!

To make Green or hazel eyes look look like the Mediterranean ocean, use shades of bright yellow golds, burnt browns, corals or with mauve in the crease. These are great colors to accentuate any eye – but especially bring out the different tones in green eyes. (For more of a night look, sweep the mauve color all over the lid but make sure not to go too high above the crease)

To make blue eyes look brighter than the sky, you can use light pinks, dusty browns, and silvers. Try a blue grey tone in the crease for a twist on a traditional smokey eye or sweep the whole lid for night time drama.

Of coarse every eye looks good with smokey grey and black however the base color that you use will accentuate the eye more, and gives you more of a night look.

If you would like a complimentary make-up lesson- you can come visit us at Bangz hair color and lounge in Bellmore, NY or email Sara with questions at sarapaintcosmetics@gmail.com.

While listening to Whitney Houston’s beautiful voice all day (RIP), I finished my bedroom project. This project of mine was to re-do my bedroom with a few inexpensive changes and do it all my self. Since I am a handy little female, these projects are so fun to me. Trying to find deals on line and being a little creative with the same space I have  been living in for 13 years. I try to be innovative and thrifty and I really like the way it came out.

A funny story about the paint color of the new walls….I fell in love with the color while over one of my clients house. I took the code number off the can and had it custom made for my room. When I get home from the store, I ran to try this paint on the wall and ….it isn’t much different than the old color!!  OMG! LOL! Uggg, I’m stuck with it! So, I threw in a darker accent wall that travels back down the stairway into the living room. Looks nice!

Here is a few before pics of the mess….don’t hold it against me.

Dressing room ~ before

Next to the desk ~ before

Very messy desk ~ before

Ok, thats hard to look at, it really was in desperate need for a paint job and some organizing! So, with a little, paint, some cyber sales, and a few weekends of elbow grease, here is the finished look…

Finished bedroom

Dressing room

Ikea chandelier $20

I love shoes..hehe (dressing room)

Stenciled closet doors

Next to the desk....much more cozy ;)

Crystals and candles hang from the tree

New desk and electric fireplace

Details

It's pretty at night

It’s a great feeling of accomplishment when I come home and walk into my new bedroom. Be creative and explore something new….=)

Romance is in the air this week and you have to look super sexy for your Valentine.

Here are some great ideas for romantic hairstyles for your long hair…

• Loose waves and curls ~ When I think of romance, I think soft waves and texture. An easy way to look great in the morning is to go to sleep with a bun on the top of your head. Simply mist your hair with a little water or product, twist into a high bun and secure with a pin or hairband. When you release the band, the waves will be sculpted and set.

• Pony tail ~ So simple but such a statement, a ponytail can be dressed up or dressed down. Tease the crown of your head to give a little fullness and put into a side pony for an easy, casual style. Curly hair? Use a oil based product to calm the frizz and sculpt those curls so your pony is cascading and soft.

• Up-do style ~ the ultimate romantic style that shows off your sexy profile. Pull out those hot rollers or curl your hair with a 1 1/2 inch barrel curling iron. Comb thru the curls with your fingers and start to twist up on top of your head. I love Spin pins to twist and secure your style. Pull a few wisps around your face for softness. Don’t try to make it perfect, a messy tousled look is what you should go for.

• Braids ~ to show your creative side, braids are a beautiful way to be trendy. French, fishtails, and waterfalls are elegant braids that are showing up all over the red carpets. If you are growing out a bang, this is a fun style to help on those bad hair days.

• Half up ~ Sweep that hair away from your beautiful face and pull back loosely. Barrettes or combs with stones or feathers can soften this simple but chic look. Throw in some fresh flowers for an elegant date night style.

Don’t forget, practice makes perfect so take some time to play. Have a wonderful Valentine’s day! =)

Bridal Hair accessaries can bring your wedding style to another level of exquisite.

Here is the top 8 hair accessary trends to compliment your “Wedding style”

Headbands are showing up all over the red carpet this year. Pair a few thin bands together for an easy feel or a bold band for a dramatic look. This accessary goes with almost any hairstyle up or down.

Flowers create an elegant touch. Ask ur florist about what flowers can survive without water. When in doubt, silk flowers are just as beautiful and more reliable. Either one single bloom or a bunch, this is a great way to be creative and natural.

Feathers show that you’re fashion forward. This soft, feminine style creates a vintage chic feel. Keep it simple, and elegant.

Vines are a great alternative to a headpiece. Made with bendable wire, this can be sculpted by your stylist into your up-do. 

Tiara gives a vintage and regal feel. It’s a great accessary for half-up styles for long haired brides.

Poof Veil is a small, semi face coverage that is elegant. This look gives a vintage vibe when paired with a side swept braid or cascading curls. Instead of the classic long veil, this little cap can be folded back and worn for the reception.

Barrettes can add just a touch of glamour to a simple style. Drop a rhinestone pin or clip on straight hair for instant chic.

Vintage jewelry is another creative idea to make your style unique. I have seen some brides use a family heirloom or a broach that was borrowed in her up-do. With the right stylist, anything can be added to make the style individually yours.

My advise is to talk to your stylist on which accessary works for you. Enjoy! =)

This week I asked our top makeup artist Sara at Paint cosmetics, what is her tips on making that perfect smokey eye makeup that I love sooo much.

Here is her advise:

When you want to do a smokey eye, start with your eyes so the eye shadow doesn’t leave a dark circle around your eye. Always use a primer or concealer on the top of your lid so the eye shadow stays longer, doesn’t crease, and it’s easier to blend.

Start with the eyeliner first this way you can correct or “erase” with a qtip if line is shakey, you will want to get that line straight. Make the line a little thicker on the outer corner so your eye looks more open, and try to go as close to the lash line as you can for a thinner line in the inner corner.

When applying eye shadow, start with a cream beige, light gold, yellow or white tone as a base from the inner corner to the center of your lid above your pupil. This will make your eye look brighter, and more open no matter what color your eyes are. (For older skin, don’t use too much shine in the inner corner of your eye but it is ok to use on the outer corner.)

Then start applying the darker color in the crease (can either be black, brown or plum) in a “V” shape (with the V pointing away from your face like a “greater than” mathematic symbol). To blend the darker color, use a shade lighter like a cinnamon, if you used dark brown, and round off the shadow by making a by making a a reverse “C” shape so the shadow isn’t so defined. You can also use that same color near the pupil for a more dramatic night time look instead of leaving the light base color.

For more smokey drama, re-apply liner and trace the line you started with, (so you can’t mess up) curl your lashes and apply 2-3 coats of mascara…shaking the brush upward to separate the lashes….Enjoy!

Stay tuned for next post by Sara where she will tell us all about what shadow colors to use to accentuate your eye and make it POP!   Contact Sara ~ Sarapaintcosmetics@gmail.com

Thanks Sara for your eye opening post =)

The biggest question I get in the salon is “Am I going bald? My bathroom is filled with hair, or I feel like I’m shedding.”

Why would this be happening?

Well there are many reasons that could make this happen but lets go over a few things first. On average, we shed 80-100 hairs per day and sometimes more when you are shampooing. If you don’t wash everyday, the number of hairs will double when you do finally wash so don’t be surprised. Hair goes thru growth cycles, and not every hair is growing at the same time. But most women start to notice the thinning on the top of head in their 50s and 60s, why?

1. The most overlooked illness in women is thyroid disfunction. Thyroid glands control how the body makes energy and drives our metabolism. The thyroid hormones are like a carburetor…. low thyroid hormone levels make the body burn less energy, whereas high levels make the body burn more energy. When an imbalance occurs, you may shed extra hair than normal. I can tell a client has this problem when I see thinness and fuzzy hairs on the crown of the head. When treated properly, the hair will grow back but it may be a little finer than usual.
2. Hormones cause havoc on your body and hair. Not only can a hormone imbalance cause PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) which can hinder your ability to get pregnant and irritate your skin, I’ve also seen many women after child birth, go thru a period of massive hair loss. This is natural and will last up to a year! Never fear! In a few months, you will start to see little monkey like hairs starting to come back, especially around your hairline. It took 10 months for your body to create a baby but it will take another 12-16 months to get the hormones back to level. (Those kids take everything out of ya, literally! lol)
3. Severe weight loss can also throw your glands and hormones in a spin. You must remember that our hair, nails and skin are being fed by your blood and need protein to stay healthy. When people go on a drastic diet or have an eating disorder, some hair loss will occur. Its like the saying, “we are what we eat”….so eat healthy and it will show.
4. Something that I have seen but is never talked about at the doctors office is medications. Whether it is an antibiotic because you were sick or an anesthesia from a surgery, there will be a shedding period 6 months after. Many prescription medications also have this adverse effect so read the labels very carefully or google them to find more info.
5. There are some diseases that will make hair fall out in spots or fall out all over. Alopecia or Alopecia areata is sometimes considered an auto immune disease or can be inherited. The causes are really unknown but sometimes can be treated with steroids or a medication called Minoxidil.
6. There are some skin conditions that can aid hair loss such as psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis. Also linked back to auto immune disorders and inheritance, these can also be treated with certain medications. Stress can bring on some other skin problems like shingles, and eczema. Remember, skin is our largest organ and needs the proper nutrition.

So, as your stylist I recommend speaking to a dermatologist and a nutritionist about foods that you should eat and what you should avoid. I take a vitamin supplement to help my body fight off disease and keep up my immune system.

Living a healthy lifestyle is key to keeping your body healthy and vibrant!  =)