WINTER (HAIR) WONDERLAND

WINTER WONDERLAND


Old Man Winter is hard at work whipping up some cold winds and arctic air. What’s to come for those of us along the northern coast of the Atlantic? Freezing temps and snowfall. Heavy coats and warm hats. Scarves wrapped snug around our necks. And mittens stylish enough to allow us to hold onto a hot cup of a the newest Starbucks coffee creation.
For a child winter means snow days full of outdoor fun. Snowball fights and snowman making contests mixed with sleigh riding and igloo building. Days spent rolling around in the snow piles, making angels, cheeks rosy red from the cold and long locks of hair frozen with wet snow.
Not a care in the world Playing until, out of concern for pneumonia, parents call the children inside from the cold, greet them with a fresh change of warm clothes and a hot mug of cocoa and cozy up on the couch to watch television shows and Holiday specials, while their toes get warm and their wet hair dries.
As we get older, the elements prove to be much more a burden than an opportunity for fun. The daily precipitation dictates our hairstyle of choice. We are forever at the mercy of Mother Nature. And, although a huge part of us is eager in anticipation for a true northeast snowfall, we know that with it will come an immense effort to avoid a bad hair day! 

On the Pacific Coast line, our California friends suffer through the winter months with torrential downpours and cold, soggy, wet weather. Snow will fall in the higher elevations. Damp, wet weather creates limp locks and droopy do’s. The effort to recreate a Victoria’s Secrets Angels’ mane, is rarely considered. More often, a chic ponytail or sexy side braid is the style of the season. Hair accessories give a dash of flavor to the most simple ballerina bun or beveled bob.


East to West and back again, across the globe, fashionistas everywhere battle against moisture, rain, snow and sleet. Our hair undergoes a change. The plump, voluminous, bouncy, full of life locks we sported throughout the summer months have deflated and lost their lust for life. Some of us give in to the perpetual ponytail, while other rush off to the nearest stylist to get a fresh new cut. Texture is the go-to choice of many. Controlling, managing and encouraging a natural curl or wave proves to be a stylish and way to play well with the winter weather. Less than formal upsweeps and messy buns keep long locks under wraps when the winds whip through! Even short, sexy, layered crop cuts compliment medium textures and wave patterns.




I’m here to tell you, Sexy Winter Hair IS achievable! You can be the rockstar you were bikini-clad in the Hamptons, with beautiful sexy hair, even while wrapped up in an amazingly fashionable trench coat, cashmere wrap or waterproof parka! Whether you’re an LA or NY girl, or bi-coastal, the following tips, tricks and product recommendations from Professional Stylists across the country, will keep your sun shining, regardless of the wonderland around you!

Pump it up!
Naturally straight hair, wavy hair and curly hair can look fuller during the summer months because of an increase in humidity in the air. Basically the moisture in the air makes its way into each hair strand and allows it to swell up, giving more life and bounce. The effect can be duplicated in the winter months with just a small amount of effort, if volume and bounce is what you wish for!
* Try a humidifier.
Pick one up at your local drug store. Read the directions, fill it up with water and turn it on. The humidifier will add moisture to otherwise moisture-free air. It will make its way into your hair and result in more volume and overall fullness. It’s great for your skin too!!! Moisture is a really good thing! Don’t forget to drink lots of water to keep your hair and skin well hydrated!
*Visit your Salon.
The winter months are prime time for hair care service specials. A salon professional could customize a unique treatment, specific to your individual hair care needs. A little extra pampering , like that complimentary scalp massage, or an aromatherapy upgrade makes it worth every penny. Put it on your wish list! Remind friends and family that Gift Cards to your favorite Salon make a great gift! While you’re there ask your stylist to recommend products to keep your hair happy at home!
Tracy, a Stylist at Mirage Salon in Rockford, IL, offers a volumizing service that utilizes the application of hair extensions in specific areas to bring the bounce back. The extension application, the shaping and styling are offered for less than $250 and can get you through a good 3-4 months of not-so-nice winter weigh-me-down weather.
*Don’t be cheap.
Spend money on well made shoes and quality skin care and hair care products. At the end of the day, you feel the difference! Be sure that you are using the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair. Hair Care products are not one-size-fits-all. A professional recommendation is customized just for you and is based on the results you wish to achieve and the history of your hair. Ask for samples! Give a new product a chance without making a huge investment. If you can see the difference, let your stylist know! And stock up on the magic potions!
Try these products:
*Kerastase Resistance Age Recharge Masque is a conditioning masque designed to rejuvenate fine and brittle hair. Vita-Ciment® recreates the intercellular cement, strengthening the hair from the inside so fine, brittle hair is repaired, transformed, and protected. Each strand is smoother, shinier, and more substantial.
* Matrix Total Results Amplify system provides 24HR FULL BOOST TECHNOLOGY using a Phyto-Protein + PANTHENOL. Fine, limp hair with thinner diameter or lack of inner structure gets totally voluminous results that last 24 hours.
*Ouidad products are formulated to gently cleanse, moisturize, and define curly hair without weighing it down keeping it manageable and frizz-free all day long. Climate Control is a Sulfate-free cleanser designed to provide long lasting protection from frizz and fly aways. Botanical Boost Moisture Infusing & Refreshing Spray is an ideal reviver for your curls. It preserves moisture to prevent frizz and re-springs curly hair by locking in hydration.


Smooth it down.

If a sleeker, smoother style is what you hope to maintain, and what you’re getting is frizzy, kinked up, hair that looks slept on, Product choice is key! Naturally, those of us with curly hair prefer to wear it smooth and straight. It’s human nature to want what we don’t have! There is peace to be found when you embrace the uniqueness of you, and give up the fight, especially when you know it’s a battle that ultimately just can not be won! In the spring and fall, take the opportunity to wear your locks smooth and straight - some summer days or nights, too, as long as air conditioning is part of the scenery. Could you force your locks into submission? Absolutely! And the products available do a great job in assisting that endeavor. Only you can decide what works best for you. If the time and effort is worth it and the sleek, straight look is your hearts desire, certain products and services can make that process easier and produce more favorable results. Start with a shampoo and conditioner that promotes smoothing and aids in repairing and strengthening of the hair. Healthy hair is the most important thing! I like a Keratin based cleanser and conditioner, Kerastase is a great line to choose from. Well nourished hair behaves much better than thirsty, hungry hair! Next choose a styling product that has your desires in mind! Morracan Oil is a staple for many. It can be used on wet or dry hair, so versatility is there. It provides nourishment and healthy shine to all hair types.

Edge Hair Salon in Palo Alto, Ca offers KERASTASE DEEP CONDITIONING TREATMENTS and Scalp treatments to improve your scalp's health, vitality and moisture levels. Clients can also purchase Kerastase Holiday Limited edition kits including a shampoo, conditioner and a travel size Elixir Ultime serum for only $82 (A $35 savings).

If a more long-term result is desired a Brazilian Hair Treatment might be for you! Brazilian hair straightening (also called Brazilian Keratin Treatment, BKT, Brazilian Blowout, escova progressiva, Keratin cure or keratin straightening) is a method of temporarily straightening hair by sealing the hair with a liquid keratin and a preservative solution with a flat iron. A multi-step process, which can take up to four hours to complete, is done by a Licensed Salon Professional. Costs of the Brazilian keratin hair treatment range depending on where you get it done and the length of your hair. Shorter hair costs less to treat than longer hair, and thicker hair is usually more expensive to treat than thin hair. On average, the Brazilian keratin treatment costs between $150 to $600, depending on your locale. Results usually last anywhere from six weeks to a few months. The keratin treatment gradually fades as you wash it, so the more often you wash it, the quicker it will fade. Long enough to get you through the winter months with stylishly sleek locks!

With a well stocked supply of hair essentials and a go-to guru to assist in your creation of winter hair perfection, there is no doubt that November through March could prove to be your most stylish season yet! Treat and protect the locks you love and be the beauty, envied by all!

~C

California Dreamin

October started off well! I was honored to be chosen to represent our School Campus at a Cinderella Hair training seminar. I was sent off to Philadelphia to attend a 2 day training course on the theory and practical application for the Classic Organic Bonded hair extensions. The main purpose was to learn how to teach other educators how to teach the theory and practical applications for the Cinderella Hair Bond Extensions, which our students will be learning, hands-on come 2012. This is super exciting on so many levels! I found it inspiring to be trained by Irv Krauledis, the Director of Education for Cinderella Hair. His insight and experience proved to be both entertaining and extremely valuable. I considered myself a very lucky girl to be receiving the training that is soon to transform our students' education on the Art of Extensions! I can not wait to share all that info with them, they are gonna yummmm it all up!!!
At the end of that week I had the absolute best time sharing what I learned with the educators and staff at our home campus! I am so blessed to have the job I have. I have the best of both worlds, I create and do and practice what I preach and then I share all of that with the future of my industry. That's good stuff. So Cinderella Hair came and went and Irv shared some great info about hair and extensions and California. And after all that I thought, California might be a great place to retire. Somethin to think about.
Shortly after that training I visited the Fashion Focus Hair show in Hershey - the sweetest place on earth. And although that show is significantly smaller than my favorite, IBS-New York, the education is phenomenal and the networking is a more intimate and familiar scene. I saw many faces I knew personally and was especially excited and ridiculously proud of one of our former students debut stage performance for RUSK. I was really glad I was able to witness that! Moments like those remind me where I started, how far I've come and how I have been able to give back. After the sentimental moments were shared I moved on to the grit and had my very 1st Brazilian Waxing training class and I have to say that there is a time and place for each individual to recognize a certain level of professionalism that has been met and is definitely required to be able to focus on the educational aspects of a Brazilian Waxing service. I learned much more than I could ever imagine in that 2 and a half hour class. And saw more than I thought was necessary, but hey - education is education!!! I learned that taking an antacid 15-20 mins before any wax service will reduce redness. I thought that was a really valuable tip.
Additionally, I learned some new haircut trends and techniques, color product knowledge and placement options, styling techniques and new ideas for artistic interpretations. I also snatched up a bunch of useful tools and products for the studio. On the flip side of all that good happenings, some not so good was happening too. My Grandfather, who had been slowly declining in health over the years recently took a dive and had been admitted to the hospital and the prognosis did not look good. A few long and tiring days later he passed on. It was sad and still is. I was sad and I still am. And all the education and the prestigious classes and unique experiences and monumental successes and inspiring moments I have in my hair world are pale in comparison to the lessons and experiences and moments I had with my Papa. He taught me sooo much that everything I do, everything I think, the passion I have for the work that I do, all of it. It came from him. The lessons I learned from him I attempt to share with others every day, but somehow I know I fall short. I learned to accept others for who they are. To look deeper than the surface. I learned to be considerate of others feelings and perspectives, to put the shoe on the other foot and treat others as I want to be treated. I learned to persevere and work hard and not give up even when I truly, madly, deeply want to. He showed me that respect and honesty go hand in hand and that I don't have enough time to make all the mistakes I'll need to learn from, so it's important that I learn from the mistakes of others, too. He taught me that every single person no matter who they are, where the came from, what they know, or who they know deserves the right to get a chance to do better for themselves. And that if I can help them with that, I have to! He taught me that love is the most important thing in our world. And that the love 2 people share is more powerful than any army or government or currency. It does result in a better life, a better industry, a better society. And our love is meant to be shared.

The very first time, I placed my foot on California pavement was over 20 years ago. It was a hot July afternoon and I was with my Grandfather. If I could have that moment back 1 more time, I would take a picture of us to keep forever. That moment represents a journey with him I didn't even know I was on.

Now as October comes to an end, my days are filled with small challenges and huge successes. The love I have for all I do grows stronger with each passing moment.
And as the seasons change, all the leaves turn brown, and the skies gray ... I know I'd be safe and warm if I was in L.A. .... I'm California Dreamin... maybe someday.