10 Must-Have Hair Care Products for Texture

Runway and fashion trends translate into hair styles across the globe. The textures of fabrics and accessories are replicated in hair through chemical processes, wet sets, braided creations and iron styles. Polished Texture is mandatory for the season. Get your Texture on with these Must-Have products for your hair type and reveal your inner fashionista!
　
　 Taming natural texture your thing? Use Redken Iron Silk 07 to silken, straighten, protect and shine with your blow dryer or flat iron.

Fine hair gets a lift with Goldwell’s Double Boost. Ideal for adding texture and volume to fine hair, creating the look and feel of thicker hair!
Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Moisturizing Lather Shampoo is idea; for chemically processed hair. It contains natural awapuhi extract that balances moisture for manageability and shine. KeraTriplex, an exclusive blend of keratin protein, rebuilds and repairs for healthy looking hair.
　
Curly Sexy Hair Curling Creme helps control frizz and give extra definition and shape while providing long lasting hold to natural or chemically created curls and waves. A must have! 　
Biolage’s Conditioning Balm revives dry hair textures with continuous moisture replenishment for silky, lustrous, healthy-looking hair, excellent for daily use! 　
TIGI Catwalk Session Series Wet Look Gel is a non-flaking, brilliant shine, strong hold gel that sets styles from sporty, sculpted, to tuxedo side parts. An excellent choice for all types and textures of hair. 　
Kenra Volume Spray 25 provides a super all-day hold with a fast-drying formula for finishing any style. Imparts maximum volume and control. Provides excellent humidity resistance. For super hold finish, hold can 8 to 10 inches away and spray in short bursts. To build volume, spray between layers at base! To secure long hair, apply Volume Spray over finished style.

Pureology Pure Volume Thickening Mist delivers soft density, weightless body, and radiant shine while protecting colour vibrancy. This featherlight, ZeroAlcohol™ mist delivers exclusive volumizing technology for natural texture and movement in extremely fine or fine hair types. The exclusive AntiFadeComplex® maximizes colour retention.

A versatile styling option for control, body building or sleekness, plus a nourishing moisturizer which leaves the hair soft with natural movement. Excellent choice for anyone! a good choice for fine, frequently styled, fragile or chemically treated hair. Spray on damp hair evenly by sections; work through and style. Anytime; after Prep or Tonic Lotion and before blow drying, flat iron or curling wand!

Aveda Be Curly 4-step program shapes and defines curl while reducing frizz, adding definition and increasing moisture on curly or wavy hair.
　
Have a Great Hair Day! ~ Celina

'Tis The Season!!!

Tis the Season for Holiday Hairstyles!
The Holiday Season is here! Storefronts and window displays reflect the festive fashions and wish list items for fashionistas of all ages. From chic hats and scarves all the way down to the trendiest footwear that keeps those piggies warm and dry and uber in-style!
The party planning and family get-togethers are in full force. Dinners are prepared, decorations are put in place, the lighting is just right. We plan every detail of our wardrobe for each event, taking care to not sport the same style more than once. I know from experience that my favorite little black dress gets a work out from November through February! The nail color changes to match the accessories of choice, we switch up the shoes to add a little extra flavor. Jewelry and handbags are carefully chosen, and of course the make-up color palette plays a game of switch up as well! Our creativity is definitely put to good use through the Holiday season!
You may be a creative genius, much like myself, or you may require a bit of professional guidance to help you survive the next few months. No matter what level of artistry you claim to possess, the following tips for perfecting that holiday hairstyle to match your wardrobe of choice , will prove to add some extra sparkle and shine to any event!
　

A spin on our everyday style kicks up our diva credibility a notch or two. How do you do it? Start with a Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner. They help to add a little extra longevity to the style so that it doesn’t fall flat in a few short hours! Before breaking out the Blow Dryer, run a styling product through the hair to give it better manageability, shine and overall performance. I love Sebastian’s Potion no. 9! Volumizing Foams are another great choice. After you work the product through your hair, pick up your blow dryer and get to work. Begin by using your hands! Dry your hair about 80%, aiming the nozzle of the dryer downward toward the floor. This technique helps to make sure that you smooth the hair strands and eliminate the possibility of frizz! The next step is to clip up some of your hair, use the top of your ears as a guide. Dry the hair below that first. Use a larger round brush, and brush the hair from the underside while the dryer dries the hair on the top side of each section. If it seems like too much to handle, clip some more out of the way until you have just enough control over the section you are working with! Make sure the entire section is completely dried before moving on to the next section! Try using the cold shot button to lock in the shine and smoothness you just created! Move on to the top section. Use your brush to pull the hair straight up toward the ceiling and continue to direct the air from the scalp to the ends of the hair. Continue to do this until all hair is 100% dry. Finally, add texture by wrapping your locks around a ¾ inch to 1 and 11/2 inch curling iron, or use various sized hot rollers, depending on the length of your hair, to add a comb-able texture with movement and tempo. Utilize a flat iron to smooth and shine if a sleek look is what you prefer. For instant shine and slip, work a small amount of a silicone based product through the ends. I always turn to Paul Mitchell’s Super Skinny Serum. Use the product sparingly and stay away from the hair closest to your scalp! A little sure goes a long way, and you could always add more! Accessorize with a glitter spray, long chandelier earrings or a sparkley head piece. And finally spray with a super fine aerosol spray in light layers, give TIGI‘s Catwalk Session Series Finishing Spray a try! Keep in mind that a less than perfect style will hold up much better than a style that is glued into place! If a professionally placed coif is what you prefer, there are a few things you should keep in mind before stopping by a salon. First, ask around. Your friends or family members may be able to recommend a stylist that has created party hair for them that looked great and lasted the whole night! So seek out referrals, not every stylist specializes in event hairstyling! Next, make an appointment! There is nothing more frustrating than hoping to walk into a salon and be taken care of right away, only to find out there is a wait of at least an hour. Schedule your appointment to allow for enough time to get home, get dressed and enjoy the process! Dressing up and getting ready is the best part of any party! Don’t cut yourself short! When you get to your salon appointment, it’s smart to have a photo of the dress or outfit you will wear, so that your stylist could help to choose a style that will work best, and believe me when I tell you not every hairstyle goes with every outfit! So take the professional recommendation, even if you had your heart set on something different. For slimming attire that is form fitting a hairstyle that is sleek or streamlined to reflect the image that the wardrobe portrays will work very nicely. Whereas a big fluffy dress that is paired with a ballerina bun may very well give the appearance of a pin-head and that may not be the style you wish to achieve . Bottom line, communicate the look you are going for with your stylist and be open to their recommendations! Take a look at some hair and wardrobe pairs that just scream DECK THE HALLS!!!
　
　
　
　
After the outfit is planned, the hair, nails and make-up are done, all the finishing touches are applied and the party begins, relax and have a great Holiday! Just remember, it’s all about the hair!
　
~Celina

The Truth Behind The Bottle

Store vs. Salon Brand Hair Care Products - The Truth Behind the Bottle

As a consumer you may wonder what’s so special about all the shampoos, conditioners, lotions, potions and sprays at your local beauty salon since they can be found on the shelves of the grocery store you visit every weekend, right next to store brand products that are much less in cost, and claim to achieve the very same results.
Even a stylist might not realize that the professional products they use and recommend have much more value than the microscopic portion of commission they gain when consumers purchase them!
There’s so many options! And options are good right? Well, sometimes that‘s true! But, options could be dangerous!
So what’s the big difference? The feature or benefit that claims to makes one product better than another? Not really. The price? Maybe. The exotic ingredients? Probably not. The percentage of the cost that goes to a Charity? Possibly. You might say that the most important thing about a Hair Care Product is the way it makes your hair feel, look or smell. All of those reasons are important to both clients and stylists alike!
It might surprise you to know that the main difference between store brand over-the-counter products and the Professional Products sold exclusively in Licensed Beauty Salons is that the education and recommendation that comes with the Professional Product Purchase is customized and created specifically for each individual guest. A Salon Professional specializes in many different hair types, textures, lengths and characteristics of hair. Their experience with hair and how all the different types behave, combined with the extensive variety of products they are able to use on a daily basis, gives them the information they need to make the best product choice to achieve the result the client desires. That recommendation is nothing less than an Rx for Hair Fabulousity! Without that recommendation how would you know which shampoo would make that color you just spent good money on, stay as vibrant on day 30 as it was day 1? How could you choose between the product that adds shine with nourishing oils or silicones?
There’s immense amounts of information available in magazines, books and on the internet. There are lists of “favorite products” detailing what’s being used by Celebrities and Celebrity Stylists. Yet that personal, exclusive recommendation for what will work best for YOU, is not there.
There’s one more thing, as though you needed any other reason! The longevity. A 10.1 oz bottle of professional shampoo will likely last twice as long as a store brand. The reason is the quality and concentration of key ingredients is much higher, hence the difference in price. The saying “You get what you pay for” holds true!
It’s probably true that you would rather spend less money on a product that doesn’t work, than a lot of money on a similar product, that also doesn’t work. And I would agree to the very same thing. So instead of wasting another hard earned dollar on a product that will end up in a basket under your bathroom sink, visit your hair salon and ask your stylist for a recommendation. Professional Salons and Stylists will back their services and products with a satisfaction guarantee. Chances are you will fall in love with your hair and have no buyers remorse! You’ll wonder why you hadn’t talked to your stylist sooner, or listened to their recommendations earlier. You will love the way your hair behaves and your self esteem and confidence will soar! Just for about $5 more! Now that’s what I call value!

Mirror Mirror On the Wall...

Mirror Mirror On The Wall, Can My Flat Iron Really Do It All????
In today’s culture and society it is super rare to find an appliance, tool, gadget or gizmo that has been created to perform one sole function. This is the era of multi-tasking and our hairstyling tools have not been left behind! There are shampoos and conditioner-in-one products, mousses that turn into a gel, even our blow dryer’s blow hot and cold air!!! Technology is amazing! Our flat irons not only smooth and straighten wavy to curly hair, but they can be used to add voluminous waves and texture to naturally smooth hair, as well as hair with a natural curl pattern! Don’t get the wrong idea! Nothing could replace our ¾ inch Marcel iron or even more importantly our ¼ inch spring iron. Some things just cannot be duplicated any other way, and if those curling iron results are what you desire, you’re flat iron is not the choice. The curls and texture our flat irons produce are a more natural, undulating wave, type-curl. I like to describe the look as similar to curling a ribbon with a scissors blade. The amount of hair in a subsection, the tension used, the styling product of choice and the natural texture of the client’s hair contribute to the unique end result! Clients everywhere love the looks these non-traditional sets are creating and the creativity of the stylist is limitless.
Next chance you get, try on this look! Ask your stylist to demonstrate how to achieve the technique at home! Keep an open mind! And if you LOVE LOVE LOVE the versatility of this style, inquire about the iron and the products used in combination with the technique, so that you are SURE to be able to re-create the look again and again!
Have a GREAT Hair Day! ~ Celina

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.

A Sizzlin September

September has always been synonimous with Back to School, despite the fact that students get back to business days if not weeks before the Labor Day Holiday!!!

At the beauty school, the end of August and beginning of September always bring a large group of new students to the Industry. They are motivated by the idea of someday owning their own business, of entering into a career in a short period of time, of earning a paycheck through the artistic and creative designs of the Beauty Culture, sometimes just continuing the legacy of family members before them. Whatever their motivations, they come to school like many others in many different areas of study with an ideal expecation of success. It comes very easily for some, not so easily for others. Such is life.


In the Salon, Back to School is a very busy time! Clients can benefit from BTS service specials as well as product sales!!! Many get a new look for a new school year and stock up on their favorite shampoo and conditioner at super low prices!

Tips for Students:
BE PREPARED! Being prepared means more than just having a new outfit and school supplies. It also includes knowing that there is WORK involved in learning something new! Not every day is going to be fun and games. Sometimes you'll have a great day, sometimes it'll be a not-so-great day. In the end, you have to go through it all to reach completion, whether it's Kindergarten or your 6th year of College.

BE ON TIME! Showing up late for anything just sets the stage for disaster! Being late for school (or work) leaves you unprepared for the day! (refer to BE PREPARED!) Your goal should be to have more good days than not-so-good-days, and you CAN control that! You can BE ON TIME!!!

SHOW UP! Being present is everything! It always seems to be that the information you need most (or so you think) is given on the day you decide staying home was a great idea! Get up, get dressed, and get moving! Life continues to progress, even if you choose not to take part! At the end of each day, what you take away from it was your choice!


Tips for Hair Salon Guests:
VISIT A SALON! Before you attempt to create a new fringe (aka bangs), check out the internet, ask some friends, look through the phone book and find yourself a salon or stylist! Professional Hair Guru's LOVE to create new looks! And they know what will look just right for YOU (which, sadly may NOT be what looks right for Heidi Klum!)

BRING PICTURES! Sometimes it's hard to explain to someone else exactly the picture you see in your mind of what you want. In fact, rarely do words ever get it exact! Pictures are a MUST! bring a bunch! Maybe you like Jen Aniston's face framing layers but you want Katy Perry's bangs, too! And while you're at it you simply cannot go with out having the darkest color in J'lo's hair over your entire head!!!! Know that although we professional stylists are good, we are not google. Bring a picture.

BE FLEXIBLE! So your stylist warned you that the Jlo color was going to be tooo dark for your fair complexion, but you insisted and now you look like your last name should be Cullen, which was NOT the look you were going for! I'm not going to tell you to "get used to it" or that "it'll grow on you". No it won't. Eventually you might not notice the stares as you walk through the halls at school, but that doesn't mean people stopped staring! TRUST your stylist! He or she has been trained to know what color range will work best for all skin tones. If you wanted a dark chocolate color, and your stylist tells you a milk chocolate would be better - say thank you, and get the milk chocolate! It's chocolate!!!

September, Back to School, Salons and Beauty Schools all share the very same thing - The Beauty Industry. It's part of who we are, and part of everything we do!
Have a great September and chase those dreams!!

Celina

Should I Allow a Beauty School Student Do My Hair??? Why Not????

Have you ever gone to get a trim and came back with a shorter-than-you-wanted haircut?
Ever go to a Salon looking to be blonde and leave a red-head?
How about when you have one hour to squeeze in a Salon visit, but it takes the Stylist 2 hours to cover your greys!?!
I can pretty much guarantee that if one of these scenarios hasn't happened to you, it's happened to someone you know!!! You go to a licensed professional and you expect quality work and service. Sometimes you're an unlucky one and you spend far too much time and money on something that doesn't make you feel like a million dollars. It happens to the best of us!
In the current economic rut most of us are experiencing, consumers are choosing wisely! Clients who have been regularly visiting the salon every 6-8 weeks are stretching their visits to every 12 weeks. Hilight clients are looking for longer lasting shades and tines so that they can visit the salon less often. Gentlemen are opting for longer locks because shorter hair requires more maintenance. Bottom line is that we still want to look AMAZING, we just have less funds to make that happen!
Your local Beauty School is an alternative! You have the choice to take your business where ever you choose. The best decisions we make are based on the amount of knowledge we have. As an Industry insider I am happy to share the pro's and con's of choosing a Beauty School to provide for your hair, skin and nail needs!
*HOURS OF OPERATION :
"They're probably only open while I'm at work. I can't call off of work to get my hair done!"
Call and find out! Look through your local yellow pages or search online. Reality is there is an abundance of adult learners studying Cosmetology after they leave their full time day jobs. Many Beauty Schools offer evening classes with open Salon hours. Some open the doors on the weekends too! You don't know if you don't call!
*QUALITY AND PROFESSIONALISM:
"I'm really picky about my hair! I need to have a stylist with experience! A student would have a really hard time giving me what I want"
Truth is that every professional hair stylist was a student at one time and only developed their skill by practicing - ON PEOPLE!!!! Even more true is that we remain students long after we finish school! Stylists continue to learn new skills and techniques every day! In addition to that, anyone who is attracted to the field of Cosmetology already has the uncontrollable desire to please! So those students are quite possible just as picky as you may be!
It's a competitive field and the students know this and work very hard to be the very best, so that they can land a successful Salon Job after graduation!
Another point to be made is that State Laws require that students' complete a large amount of hours of training before they are able to work on the public. The State also requires that all work done by students is under the supervision and guidance of a Licensed Educator. This is where you can be sure of the quality! Educators are experienced and many of them continue to work behind the chair as well as in the classroom. These Educators are responsible for positive outcomes for both the Student and the Guest. They make sure every guest leaves happy and with the intention to return!
*MONEY:
"I don't have money to waste! I'm afraid that if I spend what I have to get my hair done, and then I don't like it, it'll cost more to have it fixed!"
This is a valid concern! We work hard to make money and it's smart to spend it wisely!
Beauty Schools are full of amazing fresh new talent! I was witness to the intensity of this when I attended a Future Professional Expo that showcased the work of 1,000's of students from across the U.S. and I was blown away!! The students work hard and their work is nothing short of AMAZING! A plus to those is that Beauty Schools only charge for the cost of materials. You can get a quality color, cut and finish for as low as $20. Spa Manicures and pedicures for as little as $6, even perms and relaxers for less that $25! And satisfaction is guaranteed!!!
The educators make sure that you receive quality service and will work hard to accommodate your requests and offer a professional point of view! If for any reason you are unhappy, the staff is able to assist!
*TIME:
"I have very little time to spare! I need to get in and get out! I want a stylist who knows exactly what to do every time without having to explain it! I doubt a student can do that!"
Oh, contrare! Here's the trick! When a stylist (or student-stylist) takes the time to perfect every detail and consults thoroughly to find out exactly what you want and definitely do not want, on your very 1st visit, the mental notes they take are with them permanently!
An initial visit should ALWAYS take a little bit longer than the following visits! That's a good thing! And if that stylist gets it just right, no matter how long it takes, isn't that a good thing?
On your first visit to a Beauty School Salon, let the receptionist know that you don't have much time to spare. This information will assist the educator in choosing an appropriate Future Pro for you! On the other hand, it may turn out that the educator feels like your request can't be accommodate at that time, and may suggest another day that might better fit your schedule. Ultimately communication is KEY! Communicate with the educators and student stylists in the same way you would communicate with a manager or professional at any other salon!
Another tip is to get a Consultation. They are almost always free, and they give you and the stylist a very clear understanding of what will take place during the service, whether it's a haircut or a corrective color! Knowing in advance what you will have done, what it will cost, and how much time it will take will help you to fit it in on a day that will work best for everyone!

At the end of the day, only you can choose what will work best for you. I highly recommend asking for referrals. Talk to friends and family, find out about a school and its reputation. Perhaps a good friend knows someone who is currently enrolled in the Cosmetology ! And if you do visit a school and are impressed with the service you received, spread the word! Share that info with others! You have the opportunity to receive quality services at ridiculously low prices, but at the same time to give a Future Professional the opportunity to increase their self-esteem and help them to reach their goals! Even more likely, you Will discover a highly talents artist and develop a long lasting professional relationship with them. Perhaps you'll even be inspired to change careers and enroll in a Cosmetology program yourself!
The why's and why not's of choosing a beauty school for your hair care needs mirror those of choosing a professional salon. For more information about policies and procedures, availability and cost, contact your local beauty school, in and take a look around. Give yourself the chance to discover an amazing alternative!