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 Yes, it is that time of year again. The heat comes on, the humidity drops and we feel the affects in every aspect of our lives and especially in our hair, nails and skin. For those of us with fine hair, somewhere between late December and January, we start with the static fly-away. The brush that usually smoothes and detangles our tresses becomes the menace for static. To relieve this problem, try Redken’s Clear Moisture Shampoo and conditioner and Instant polishing Prep leave-in conditioner. The Clear Moisture line will add just the right amount of moisture without the weight. And before styling your hair, add a little Outshine for frizz and static control while blow drying.
For those that have medium to coarse hair, a weekly treatment of Redken’s All Soft Line. The Shampoo and Conditioner provide intense softness, movement and shine. The Heavy Crème treatment provides rich, deep conditioning for intense softness and frizz control on extremely dry, brittle hair. And Velvet Whip instantly restores softness, improves texture and helps provide heat protection for a shiny, luxurious finish. Finish off with a little Gold Glimmer which provides intense shine with lasting softness and frizz control.
If you love your curls but find that winter takes the bounce out of the style, try Fresh Curls Shampoo and Conditioner which provides moisture and definition for all types of curls. All curls are not created equal and in winter curl can become lazy, fragile and lack definition. Fresh Curls addresses the specific needs of different types of curly hair with new technologies and products specifically formulated for each type of curl. Winter curls can most benefit from Fresh Curls Curl Refiner. It tames, detangles and helps control frizz for lasting memory, manageability and shine. And for styling use Fresh curls Spring Mousse as it strengthens boosts and re-energizes limp, lazy curls when the moisture in the air is dry during the winter months.
Winter can be rough on our looks but Redken has just the right line for your specific needs. Ask your hair care professional which product is right for you.
Once again the seasons are changing and we are finding ourselves wanting to do something different. A great place to start is with your style and color. Layers are huge this fall. If you have shoulder length hair, try bouncy layers. They will add a sexy, fuller look to your long tresses. You can also try chunky waves. Style with Urban Experiment Wool Shake or Redken Hot Sets 22/ Spray Starch 15 if you choose to use a curling iron.
If your hair is shorter than chin length, try short layers. They give any style a modern, edgy look and can be blown out to look professional. To get the “choppy” look use Redken Rewind 06 or Rough Paste 12. If you do not prefer this look, try a one length bob. Use Guts 10 for star volume.
If you are looking for a simple style that will look fabulous during the day and great during the night try a deep side part. Take the majority of hair from one side of the scalp and blow-dry to style on the other side. A great blow-dry gel is the new Redken Sheer Straight 06 or the new Redken Aerate 08 Bodifying Cream Mousse that gives you extra volume. Lock in the style with a little Redken hairspray. Try Workforce 09 or Quick Dry 18.
Super straight hair is once again the popular look for fall. If you want a really sleek and sexy style, blow-dry the hair and then flat iron to make it super straight. Don’t forget to ask your stylist what blowdryer, flat iron and brushes they use because it will make a huge difference in the amount of effort and time it takes to straighten your hair. To blow-dry we recommend using Super Smooth by Pureology or Redken Power Tame 16.
Trends in color this fall are reds, browns, caramels, and strawberry blondes: they will all look great against the autumn sun and leaves. If you are new to changing your color and are hesistant, you don’t have to be. Brunettes, try fewer, lighter hilities this fall, or try a shade cooler than your base color. You can even change the base to a honey brown to give it some warmth. For blondes, try going strawberry. It will add a nice warm hue and you won’t feel too washed out. For those of you with dark hair, talk to your stylist about adding a shimmery red to your base that will really sparkle in the sun. A change of color is all you may need to make you feel ready for the autumn season!
 Dry cuticles = dehydrated cuticles!!
Dry cuticles are caused by lack of moisture in the cuticle and surrounding skin causing hang nails, cracked or torn cuticles, and plain old dry skin J
While hand lotion is a great topical solution, it acts more as a glove of protection to shield your hands and nails from the elements. I like to think of it as the outer layer of protection.
Cuticle or nail oil is the fastest carrier to condition your cuticles quick!! Oil carries faster than lotion, penetrating deep into the skin and healing dryness from the inside out. Oils that have jojoba oil, like OPI Avoplex and Creative Nail Solar Oil, carries and delivers moisture even faster, b/c jojoba oil is a great carrier oil!!
So the next time your cuticles are crying for some TLC, reach for the cuticle oil before the lotion and you’ll see a world of difference!!
Blog by: Rachel Gribbin
The change of seasons is rapidly approaching and as the leaves change so do our wardrobes. While the classics and basics never change, it’s always fun to spice up our looks with a few fashion forward new items. I’ve put together a brief summery of some of my favorite fall ’09 trends to help you get started…
 Asymmetry
Take advantage of the remaining days of warm weather by experimenting with tops that feature a ‘one-shoulder’ design. The result is a slightly edgy look that shows just the right amount of skin. The single bare shoulder is also the perfect balance for a great, statement making pair of earrings.
You can test drive the look with this casual ruffled cotton top from Old Navy (psst… hurry, its on sale!).
www.oldnavy.com
 If you’re looking for something bolder or more polished, check out this silk number by Diane Von Furstenburg at Nordstrom. www.nordstrom.com
Blazers
When you feel the cool breeze of autumn reach for a menswear inspired blazer to keep the chill away and stay looking chic. On a recent trip to Target, I spotted two stylish and affordable options that are perfectly suited for varying body types.
The first was a classic look with a modern twist. The blazer had a straight, lean cut which is great for a taller girl or a leaner body type. The sleeves had a detailed, striped lining that was exposed when the wearer rolls them up.
The seconded blazer featured a more feminine cut with a tie belt at the waist. This is a great option for a curvier lady. The accentuated waist line allows a girl with more bust or hips to get in on the menswear trend without looking frumpy or shapeless.
 Fur Details
When the temperatures begin to drop you can indulge in one of my favorite fall trends… Fur! This luxurious look is popping up in both embellishments and larger pieces such as vests and cropped jackets.
I encourage the bolder ladies of the world to slip on a fun faux vest like this one from A Common Thread.
www.acthread.com
While the vest may be too much for some, there are many fun fall trends that can be used to update your most classic, reliable pieces and put you in the right mood for a brisk autumn night!
Blog By: Kristyn Wink
 In today’s economy there is a lot of cutting back and sacrificing in order to stay ahead. Everyone wants to look and feel beautiful but how do you do that in today’s economy. First you should figure out how much you can afford to spend on your beauty in a month. This is what is called your beauty budget. Once you know your beauty budget then your stylist should be able to work out a plan that works with your beauty budget. There are many solutions if you find that your current style is outside of your beauty budget. Options that have been working well are as follows: extending services a few weeks further, trying a lower priced designer, splitting your services with lower priced designers, changing our guests look so there is less upkeep, alternating every other appointment between highlights and single process color, or using the Hair Color Extender in order to stretch a few more weeks between color appointments.
Sometimes the best solution to fit your beauty regimen within your beauty budget is to switch to a lower priced designer. Some salons are now offering level pricing. Each level has different pricing so you can choose someone within your beauty budget. Usually stylists with lower prices are still growing their client base and are at bargain prices. Before choosing a salon do your research and try to find a salon that has a solid training program. Well trained teams will be able to offer you better services at their lower price points. Do not expect your lower level stylists to be as perfect as a master but you should be able to expect them to do an amazing job. Ask about mentorship and whether there is a master stylist on staff to assist if help is needed.
Another option would be to have your current stylist do half of your service and see if there is a lower priced designer that would do the other half. If you salon offers level pricing ask them about their policy on splitting services. They should be open to splitting services if they think you may need to leave in order to afford your services. As long as your salon has level pricing this option has the potential to save you a lot of money and still look fabulous!
If your salon is not open to splitting your service or they just don’t have level pricing then you can just change your look. Changing your look to a color and style that requires less upkeep will make it possible to come in less often and therefore saving you money. Keep in mind that this will require you to change your color to be close to your natural color; this is not an option unless you are willing to do so. Speak with your designer and see what new look you could try that will fit into your beauty budget.
So you get highlights and you don’t want to change your look. You can find out if it is possible to get your highlights done every other visit and just touch up your new growth in between. This works well because you can receive their dimensional color service during one visit, and then four to six weeks later receive the single process color service and so on. This means your dimensional service now has eight to twelve weeks between, your hair still looks amazing, and you save money!
Tell your salon about Hair Color Extender’s or HCE. You can read about HCE on the website www.Omorphia.com. HCE is a way for you to touch up your new growth color from home. It only hold about a half and ounce of color; just enough for your hair line and part line. What is unique is that your stylist uses your actual color so it will match perfectly. You can read more about HCE at http://www.omorphia.com/. Their website contains an instructional video displaying a step-by-step application process. Select color services can use this product to extend the length of time between their in salon color applications. Ask your designer if HCE is right for you. HCE will allow you to extend your time between color visits up to 4 weeks. The HCE is only available for professional salons to purchase and retail to you; so let your salon know you want HCE!
So if you are having trouble fitting your hair appointment into your current beauty budget please speak with your designer to work out a plan of action to make your service fit into your beauty budget. You should not have to sacrifice your beauty or your hair to live in today’s world.
 As the hot summer days begin to dwindle and the economy remains lackluster, many of us will turn our focus toward the mall, dreaming of one big bold word….SALE!
Everywhere we look stores are trying to move merchandise which means prices will be slashed in ways that are sure to excite any shopaholic.
In an attempt to keep my readers out of financial ruin, I have put together some road tested, consumer-approved tips for navigating the clearance racks and getting the most for your money…
One of the most frightening effects of a down economy is the large number of businesses that are permanently closing their doors. While no one enjoys the misfortune of others, there are silver linings to be found by shoppers hoping to find a bargain. In the rush to get the best of a diminishing inventory it can be easy for a consumer to make a poor choice or even be taken advantage of. http://www.Smartmoney.com warns “Not only will the selection be limited, but remaining items will most likely be of lesser quality” and occasionally liquidators will mark up the original prices of an item before marking it down because “50% off looks a lot more attractive than 20% off.” When taking advantage of these sales remember the old adage, Buyer Beware!
Planning a weekend in NYC anytime soon? Dreaming of scoring a luxurious designer item at a steep discount? You should be battling it out with all the other stylish ladies at a sample sale. Websites like http://www.thebudgetfashionista.com are spilling the secrets of these once exclusive events. The website’s creator Kathryn Finney says “There are definitely better deals on more luxury pieces and better selection. It used to be at sample sales that unless you went first day, all that was left was the stuff you didn’t want”. She goes on to say that “I think toward the end of the year, we won’t see that many crazy, wacky sales – not at the level we’re seeing now”. In other words, get in on the sample sale revolution before it’s too late!
As summer draws to a close, retailers are hoping you will spend your holiday weekend on a shopping spree. Big name stores will be trying to lure you in with savings on everything from apparel and shoes to linens and furniture. I have personally found these sales to be amazing but only if you have specific purchases in mind and those specific items are included in the sale. As with all sales, try not to be seduced by big savings because a deal is only a deal if the item is one that you love and will use/wear frequently.
 Are you spending your summer not only by the pool but also working out in the beautiful summer weather?? Don’t forget to take care of your hair before, during and after your workout. The following are a few things you should be aware of to take care of your hair during your workout.
1. We know you are using sunscreen on your skin before you take that morning or afternoon run (right?!?) but don’t forget that your hair and scalp get just as much sun as your body. Use a spray for your hair that has an SPF in it. Spray it in your hair before you pull it back. Not only will it protect your hair from fading, but it will also protect your scalp from sunburn.
2. Dry before up. Before you pull your hair back in an exceedingly tight pony tail rough dry it with the blowdryer. Try to remove as much moisture as you can. When your hair is wet and you pull it back tightly you are stretching the cuticle of your hair which may lead to damage and breaking. So take a little extra time to dry it a little, besides you can spray your hair sunscreen in it wet and dry it into your hair.
3. Use a pony tail holder that is continuous all the way around. The pony tail holders with metal clamps on them can snag in your hair when you remove them causing damage over time. So buy the ones without the metal.
4. When you get back from your workout use a cleansing shampoo that removes minerals such as salt. When you sweat you release salt into your hair and a cleansing shampoo will make your hair feel fresher and cleaner. Not to mention if swimming is your workout of choice a cleansing shampoo will also help remove chlorine from your hair!
So enjoy the hot summer weather and workout knowing your hair will look great before, during and after your workout!
Nude.. Beige.. Tan… Khaki…Ecru
These are a million names for that delightfuly neutral shade that seems to be popping up everywhere these days. The beauty of beige is that it works well with warm tones, as well as cool, and makes the perfect companion for black, as well as white.
Below is a sampling of the tantalizing tans that will keep you looking good through the summer and into fall…
 These light khaki jeans are a great denim alternative for summer. A well worn tee and sandals can keep the look casual, while a light colored heel and airy top make a more dressy option.
*Levi’s 531 in Coastal Khaki, available at http://www.LevisStore.com
 There is nothing that feels more like summer than a light weight dress with flutter sleeves. This wrap dress has a great cut that cinches the waist and can be very flattering on a larger chest.
* Calvin Klein jersey dress, available at http://www.Nordstrom.com
 If you’re feeling particularly wild this summer, try a buff onesie with a drawstring waist and a fun print.
* Thistlepearl Batik Jumper, available at http://www.urbanoutfitters.com
 As you dream of a warm weather wardrobe your mind may wander to accessories and shoes are a great way to experiment. These ultra- modern heels are a personal favorite of mine not only for their sleek shape but for their bold coupling of jet black and creamy beige. * Lawrence by Nine West, available @ http://www.zappos.com
As the summer rolls along, I encourage you to heat up your own look with this user-friendly shade. Not all trends are for everyone but I believe that there is a creamy neutral out there with your name on it.
Blog by: Kristyn Wink
Do you know the most important accessory framing your face (besides maybe a great haircut)? The right pair of sunglasses… When choosing a pair of frames it is important to consider what is right for your face shape as well as what is in fashion.
 A round shaped face benefits from straight lines. They counteract the curves in the shape, so be on the look out for rectangular or square frames.
It’s best to avoid round sunglasses because they will exaggerate the face shape.
Recommended: ‘charlene’ by Kate Spade, available at http://www.Nordstrom.com
 Square faces often look best with rounded and curved sunglasses. Angular sunglasses may emphasise squareness, especially around the jaw.
Recommended: Black frames, available at http://www.girlprops.com
 If you seem to have a long face, it is best to wear a rectangular frame because it helps add width and balances out the length of the face.
Recommended: Persol, available at http://www.hisunglasses.com
As with clothing, eyewear trends shift with the season. The must-have shapes for sunglasses are going to include the retro ‘cat-eye’ and big, square frames. Hot colors for fall are taking a neutral turn, with beige and classic tortoiseshell. If you’re the bold, fashion-forward type, check out frames embellished with rivets or sequins.
So, whether you’re channeling Audrey Hepburn with large, vintage Givenchy shades or 8o’s-era Madonna in Ray-Ban WayFarers, wear your favorite summer time accessory with confidence and style!
Blog by: Kristyn Wink
 Guests ask me every day the age old question, “What can I do to make my polish last longer?” Well, the answer is prepare and protect.
Nail polish break down occurs 2 ways. First, it is caused by natural and artificial oils in the nail still being present when the polish and base coat is applied. Second, nail polish can chip and peel by the top coat wearing down over a period of time.
So, preparing the nail prior to polishing is the key step 1. If you are at a salon, make sure they use a nail primer such as OPI Bond Aid to remove all oils from the nail before they apply the base coat. For your at home manicure, you can use polish remover or alcohol on a paper towel to wipe the nail down. (don’t use cotton, it leaves fuzzy residue.)
After you prep the nail, be sure to use a base coat and 2 coats of color followed by a top coat. The top coat be can a fast dry or regular but always use a top coat. Step 2 is protection. A top coat typically last 2-3 days of average wear. So, reapply after 3 days a quick top coat and your color will last for days longer!!
Prepare + protect = perfect polish
Blog by: Rachel Gribbin
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