And so the summer begins – the “wave” of flip flops and sunglasses, tank tops and suntans. And so thus begins the frizzy hair, the flat hair. But alas, every magazine lining the shelves will exhibit models lounging along the seashore, with their perfectly placed “beachy” tresses, looking effortless, windblown, and simple. Yet every year this gives us a glint of hope that our hair will miraculously curl and sweep across our face as we step into the heat and humidity – beach side or not. How soon this illusion is crushed. And as we struggle with “fluffy” fly-aways, and stringy limp strands; we give up.
As a victim of this very situation, I started my hunt, my research, and a summer of trial and errors. Watching commercials and flipping through magazines, I witnessed half naked, flawless figures basking in the water, climbing cliffs, barefoot, along a rocky coast, or standing on the pier of yacht as it blasts through the ocean waves; all with luscious, tamed, creamy curls that hung sensually over their shoulders, dipped into the curves of their bony stances, and laid perfectly off their sun kissed faces. This is NOT reality. But in a juvenile state of mind: beach elements = beach hair. So many a summer days I spent bulking my hair up with salt and sand, scrunching it continuously with my hands. More, salt, more sand, scrunch, scrunch, scrunch. And yet, my thin hair, fell flat. Each day, I turned away from the ocean, head hung in disappointment. But with age, I came to realize, as unrealistic it was for rail thin models to be rock climbing in bikinis and espadrilles, it was just as unrealistic for their hair to naturally fall into a cascade of curled bliss. It DID take time, effort, and products. My project took a turn: finding the right combination of tools/techniques to replicate this “beachy hair look.”
For myself, keeper of fine, thin, color treated, COMPLETELY straight hair without an ounce of curl or volume, recipe for disaster right? I was able, with the aid of a few stylists, to concoct a mixture of curling products, techniques, and hair tools that would finally create a curly coif to be reckoned with, alas, I had tamed, coiled, beach-blown hair! And thus, here is my personal recipe for the perfect “Sea Swept Hair”:
Ingredients:
Pureology Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner
Redken Soft Spin 05
Salon Professional Sedu TGR 4000 hair dryer with diffuser*
Salon Professional Hot Tools curling iron* (size varies depending on length of hair- consult with a stylist)
Depending on your finished look/feel preference, choose either:
Redken Quick Dry 18 finishing spray* (hairspray), for a flexible/light hold.
Redken Workforce 09 finishing spray (hairspray), for a flexible/medium hold.
Redken Forceful 23 finishing spray (hairspray), for a stronger, stiffer hold.
The step by step recipe:
After washing and lightly conditioning your hair, towel-dry*, DO NOT COMB
Use roughly a dime size amount of Redken soft spin gel, rub between both hands and spread through hair (for even distribution, flip head/hair upside down to ensure product is spread beneath the top layers of hair) and SCRUNCH*
Use blow-dryer with diffuser* attached to diffuse hair -low setting/speed, high heat- (ask your stylist for diffusing techniques or even what a diffuser is, if unsure, like myself at one point)
After you have accomplished the desired curl and finish to your hair, use either of the suggested “finishing sprays” to lock in your look!
If needed, use the appropriately sized curling iron to curl uncooperative strands (which I always have J)
Salon Jargon Explained!
Finishing spray = a fancy way of saying hairspray
Scrunch = a way of cupping your hand, grasping a clump of hair from the ends, squeezing the hair and lifting to your roots. Yes, you can try at home, but if confused, consult with a stylist or look online!
Diffuser = an attachment for your hair dryer (some hair dryers come with them), but if not, make sure the attachment fits your dryer before buying. This acts as a “scrunching” device with the help of heat which will create the soft curls.
Towel dry = damp/dry hair, OPPOSITE of slippery, dripping wet hair, which will only water down the products. For thin hair, leave towel on for a few minutes, for thick hair leave towel for 10-15 minutes or longer if needed. Warning: DO NOT rub towel around hair, this will only cause frizz!
Various Curling Iron Sizes = different curls/looks are created with different sized curling irons. For example, to achieve a tighter curl, use smaller sizes, for a wavy/larger curl, use larger sizes. For assistance in purchasing the right curling iron for yourself, consult with a stylist
Footnote: Different textures/densities/thickness of hair types will require different tools, techniques, and products to create this look.
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!
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.
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!
The summer is here and that means chilling outside, going to the beach, gardening, and lots of fading and damaging to your hair. So how can you make that color stay since you paid so much for it? How do you keep your hair from feeling dry and frizzy at the beach/pool? Why does my hair turn green when I go swimming? These are all valid questions and we can tell you why these things happen and offer some quick and easy solutions.
How do I keep my hair from fading in the summer?
And the answer is…. You need sunscreen for your hair. That’s right! Everyone recommends suncreen for you skin, but don’t forget that your hair and scalp need protecting as well. There are shampoos and conditioners that are specially made for anti-fade and you can use them ALL summer. Look at the ingredients and see if they have UVA & UVB Filters in them (we recommend REDKEN Color Extend Sun & Color Extend). Use treatments while you are out at the beach/pool. REDKEN makes a spray in sheild (Color Extend Sun Sparkling Sheild) that will block out not only UV rays but chlorine and minerals as well. BONUS!! Whenever you are going out in the sun for a Bar-b-que, picninc, or the beach/pool use a leave-in spray that has UV filters. There are so many times you are out in the sun and you don’t even realize that you are fading your hair. So be more aware of the times you are hanging out in the sun (that afternoon jog), and use products that will help to prevent fading as it will save you from getting your touch up sooner than you wanted to.
Why does my hair feel dry/frizzy at the beach?
Aaah beach hair. Some people love it, some people hate it, either way it is unavoidable. The salty air, sun, minerals, and chemicals that go along with visiting the beach all contribute to that dry, frizzy mess. The minerals such as salt, and chemicals such as chlorine can penitrate into your hair and cause build up, which makes your hair feel like straw. To prevent this use a cleansing shampoo everyday after you have been exposed to these minerals. The shampoo will remove the minerals and leave your hair feeling soft and smooth. You can also use sheilding sprays while on the beach to prevent the minerals from penetrating into your hair. Don’t forget to follow up with a moisturizing treatment to leave your hair soft and smooth during your entire vacation.
Why is my hair green after being in the pool?
Pools as many people know have chlorine in them to help keep them clean and sanitary. What you may not know is that the pool may also have copper in it. When the chlorine mixes with the copper it creates a green tinge, and wouldn’t you know, it loves to attach to your hair! To help prevent the chlorine/copper from getting into you hair you should always wet your hair with tap water before entering the pool water. The reason for this is that your hair will soak up water when you get into the pool. But if your hair is already completely saturated with water, then less pool water will be able to get into your hair. If your hair is already full, it cannot possibly soak up more water until it dry’s some. To be extra safe you can also use a sheild spray after you have wet your hair but before you get into the water. These sprays are made to place a barrier between the minerals in the pool and your hair. If your hair is green already from the pool water the best way to remove it is to shampoo with a mineral removing shampoo (we use REDKEN Hair Cleansing Creme) and let it sit for five minutes before rinsing. If you have extensive build up and it will not come out see your salon and have them help you. Salons have professional treatments that will help to remove all of the build up.
Don’t be afraid to enjoy your summer in the sun! Take that dip in the pool! Look great during your entire vacations! Have a great summer! Visit http://www.redken.com/products/haircare/color-extend-sun to learn more information about Redken Color Extend SUN and all the other great products for your hair.
The alcohol contained in products is damaging to hair.
There are many kinds of alcohol within most products, both professional and drug store. No, not the kind of alcohol that is in a martini, but a few different kinds of alcohol. These alcohols serve a function within the product and are not harmful to your hair. Most products contain SD 40 conditioning alcohol. This alcohol’s primary use is to create a barrier and lock in moisture at the hair cuticle. Cetyl Alcohol is another you may find in your shampoos and conditioners. Cetyl alcohol is extracted from coconut and palm oils and works as an emollient to help retain the SD 40 alcohol. Stearyl Alcohol is used as a thickener in most products. Cetearyl alcohol is a combination of Stearyl and Cetyl alcohol that provides the thickness of a product and helps moisturize and add volume to the hair cuticle. These alcohols attribute to the long lasting, healthy look of your hair.
MYTH #2
Baking Soda can be used as a leave in shampoo.
Baking soda is very abrasive and can damage the cuticle of the hair by drying it out and causing breakage. Baking soda will remove build up on the hair, as well as damage the cuticle of your hair. If you still would like to attempt using baking soda you MUST remove it with a deep conditioning treatment. If you feel the need to remove build up on your hair we recommend using REDKEN Hair Cleansing Creme. Hair Cleansing Creme is made to remove residue without stressing or damaging the hair cuticle. However, baking soda is great for cleaning brushes and combs when mixed with warm water.
MYTH # 3
Coloring hair during pregnancy is harmful.
Many women, not pregnant and pregnant, color their hair. There have been no infant deaths or illnesses that can be linked to the chemicals in hair color. The article, “Dying For A Change: Hair color and Your pregnancy” by Colette Bouchez states that several experts believe that most dyes are safe and women do not need to give up their hair color when pregnant (Bouchez, 1). Most doctors will tell you not to color your hair in the first trimester, and resume coloring in the second and third trimesters. If you have concerns about coloring your hair during pregnancy talk to your doctor about what is best for you.
Bouchez, Colette. “Dying For A Change: Hair color and Your Pregnancy.” Pregnancy.org. 2001-2009. http://www.pregnancy.org/article/dying-change-hair-color-and-your-pregnancy
MYTH # 4
Hair develops immunity to the same shampoo over time.
Like most myths, there is no documented evidence to prove that humans can develop immunity to shampoo. Each time you use your regular shampoo it will always cleanse the hair. It will never lose its purpose. Different seasons can alter the way your hair will behave; therefore, your shampoo does not have the desired reaction. Humidity, dry air, cold, and warmth, all have diverse affects on your hair. For example, if you use your regular shampoo in the summer and then notice fly aways and dryness in the winter, it is not that your shampoo is not working; it is that you need a shampoo designed to add additional moisture. If you are feeling that your shampoo is not working well for you now, then ask your stylist to recommend a new shampoo for the new season!
Do you know any other hair myth’s that you would like busted or confirmed? Comment and let us know!
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