Head Lice and Your Child

How can I stop my child from getting Head Lice?

The best way to prevent Head Lice is to create an environment that repels the adult lice before they can lay “eggs” (nits) on your childs’ head. 

For years I have been recommending a product from Paul Mitchell called Tea Tree Special Shampoo.  Lice do not like Tea Tree Oil!  By using this shampoo twice a week your child will be less likely to get Head Lice.  You can also add Tea Tree Oil to you own shampoo.  I recommend Gena 100% Tea Tree Oil. 

Tea Tree Oil will “repel only” and will not kill Head Lice so if an infestation already exists you should consult a pharmacist for the most effective prescription or over the counter product available.

OUTGROWTH COVERAGE

  

The number of products available to cover up outgrowth are uncountable. We currently stock three different products.

 The first product I would like to mention is Rashell Masc-A-Gray Hair Color Mascara.  That’s right. It looks like a tube of mascara, brush and all.  It is a temporary liquid hair color that brushes on easily at your hairline etc.  It dries in a minute and it will not flake or stain. (12 colors to choose from)

Next up is Style Edit Conceal.  This root touch-up spray covers instantly and helps to extend the life of your color between salon visits.  This is an aerosol product that has a unique pinpoint applicator that targets the areas that need a color boost.   (4 colors to choose from)

We also carry a concealer/filler spray from Style Edit that fills in thinning areas by creating density, volume and coverage all in one.  It is made up of naturally derived fibers that adhere to thin hairs making them look and feel thicker.  (4 colors to choose from)

All three of these products are water resistant and stay on until shampooed out.

Should I use an oil/serum on my hair?

Is your hair one or more of the following:  dull, dry, lifeless and or frizzy?  If you answered yes to my questions then you will benefit from adding on oil/serum to your hair care routine.  Choosing the right one for your hair type is important.

REDKEN has three options for you to choose from.

All Soft Argon-6 is a silicone-based product designed for dry brittle hair. It surrounds every strand with softness & nourishment and has thermal protection that will leave your hair looking shiny and feeling smoother. 

Diamond Oil Shatterproof Shine is silicone-free for normal/medium hair and Diamond Oil Shatterproof Shine Intense is for course hair.  Both formulas have thermal protection and penetrate the hair shaft to strengthen and reinforce from the inside out. 

Whichever you choose, your hair will love you for it! 

We also have three options from MATRIX.  Oil Wonders was introduced last year and is inspired by ancient beauty secrets from India, Egypt and the Amazon.

Indian Amla is a Strengthening Oil that helps to renew fragile, weakened hair for restored strength. 

Amazonian Murumuru is a Controlling Oil that will help to tame hair for 72 hours.  It controls, provides smoothness & tames rebellious, unruly hair.

Eqyptian Hibiscus is designed for color processed hair.  It helps to restore Color Vibrancy with 75% more shine.

All of these will enhance softness & shine to your hair.

My scalp is itchy & flaky… Any ideas?

There are many reasons why your scalp could be giving you problems.

Excess oil production/oily scalp---Allergic reaction to chemical services--- Psoriasis

---Dry Scalp---Cradle Cap---Winter Scalp*---Dandruff.

If you are using a dandruff shampoo and you do not have dandruff, STOP!!! A dandruff shampoo will only make matters worse for you. 

We carry a product called Hairseptic and I call it “Liquid Gold in a Bottle”.   When used on a regular basis it will help to clear up most scalp disorders and stop the itchy and flakiness.  Simply apply and gently massage it into your scalp before you shampoo.  Reapply a smaller quantity after you towel dry and do not rinse.  Apply your styling products as usual.  You will be amazed at how quickly your scalp will respond.

*Winter Scalp: When your scalp becomes dry. Itchy and flaky from being inside dry heat 24/7 

Well Water: Good or Bad

Is well water bad for my hair?

Well water contains a wide variety of minerals that can damage your hair making it feel rough and dry, even when it is wet. These minerals can also alter your hair color (both natural and chemically processed) by attaching or penetrating your hair shaft every time you wash your hair.  Hot or warm water will open the cuticle of your hair shaft allowing the minerals to penetrate more easily.  When you have chemically processed hair the minerals can build up at an accelerated rate causing highlights to darken or turn brassy and perms to loose their curl. 

We carry several products that are designed to fix this problem by removing the minerals that are in your hair.  Some of them can even be used on a daily basis when your water quality changes throughout the year.

Enjoy Clarifying Spray: A spray-in clarifier that you use before shampooing your hair. Can be used on a daily basis if needed and is color safe

Malibu C Hard Water Demineralizer: Powder packet mixed with water used weekly to help restore body, bounce and shine. Color safe 100% Vegan and sulfate free

RedKen Hair Cleansing Shampoo: Formulated with fruit acids that can be used as often as needed to purify and refresh your hair and add shine

Scruples Hair Clearifier: Deep cleansing shampoo that can be used on a daily basis / color safe and is Gluten and Paba free

Always use a good conditioner or treatment with a low ph after clarifying!

How to choose the right hair spray for your hair

In years gone by, Hair Sprays, when overused, could leave your hair feeling stiff or get flaky after brushing (think snowflakes).  Recent technological breakthroughs have created an amazing range of products to choose from.  

 Sprays fall into two categories, wet or dry. Wet sprays take a little time to dry resulting in a higher shine and firmer hold.  Dry sprays dry more quickly & have a greater range from softer to firmer with less of a shine factor.  Please check the REDKEN Hair Sprays below to see which one might be best for you.

Wind Blown mild control for an airy tousled body effect and soft matte finish

Fashion Work medium control with movement & humidity resistant

Quick Dry maximum control fast drying workable spray with a healthy shine 

Forceful maximum hold with high shine & 24 hour humidity resistance

Control Addict maximum hold with a soft matte finish & 24 hour humidity resistance

Dermalogica Daily Resurfacer

As we continue to focus on treating aging skin, exfoliation and resurfacing products should be a main ingredient for our skin care regimen.  Daily Resurfacer utilizes a combination of non-irritating hydroxy acids combined with enzymes and botanical extracts that resurface the outer-most layers of the skin leaving it smoother, hydrated and brighter.  One of the unique feathers of this product is that it is gentle enough to be left on the skin, yet it is effective enough to produce results immediately.
The key action comes from Salicylic Acid, a beta hydroxy acid known for its ability to dissolve excess skin cell resulting in a smoother surface.  Combining a blend of AHAs from Hibiscus flowers, Apple and Sugar Cane, along with bacterial enzyme to provide a product that is effective, non-irritating, safe for daily use, and does not have to be removed from the skin.  The resurfacing-hydrating-brightening combination is blended in a base of anti-inflammatory Rooibus tea and Green tea to help shield skin from environmental assault. 

Key ingredients
Salicylic acid: Dissolves excess epidermal cells
Bacillus ferment: an exfoliating enzyme
Apple fruit extract and sugar cane extract: contains AHA to stimulate cell renewal & cell turn over
Rice Extract: rich in phytic acid that helps soften & brighten skin
Rooibus: contains antiaxiidants to protect skin.  Used to treat acne, eczeme, dermetitis and sunburn.
Green tea: source of poly-phenols to scavenge ROS & protect skin

Get Amazing Brows

We found these amazing brow tips from Sorme Cosmetics

• For a Soft Brow: Apply a lighter shade of brow powder with and angled filler brush.  If desired create a soft arch
• Fuller, bolder brow: Use a darker pencil or powder to fill in the brow completely.  OPTIONAL: Create a strong arch
• Spotty brows: Thinning brows often have small or missing patches of hair that are hidden by a few over lapping hairs.  To fill in, lift the brow hairs away from these missing areas and use a freshly sharpened pencil to create short, hair -like strokes
• Visible bare patches: For brows that lack proper shape due to patches that completely lack coverage, fill in these gaps with brow powder and then apply the same powder overall for contour and enhanced color.

sorme.com

Summer Long Hair Styles

Short Summer Styles

These short haired stars are rocken the easy going summer styles

Braids are in for summer

You have Something on your Face

Simply cleansing your face twice a day is good but do you know what is being left behind?  Dead skin cells that asphyxiate themselves to the epidermis creating dull skin, uneven tone and it can also contribute to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Everyone should use an exfoliant, it is very important to keep in your skin care routine year round.  Removing dead skin celss and excess debris releaves the skin and allows it to breathe. 
exfoliating also helps other products such as masks and moisturizers to penetrate better and make up to go on smoother.  However, different skin types need different amounts of exfoliating.  Sensitive and oily skin only need exfoliation once a week, twice a week for normal skin and three times a week for dry skin.  Sensitive skin people should avoid abrasive scrubs, opting for products with jojoba micro-spheres or mild forms of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA).  Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant is a good suggestion for sensitive skin.  All exfoliation should be done at night, followed by a face mask designed for your individual skin type.

How to Cope with Limp Locks

Fine hair can be a real bummer when it comes down to getting a style you like.  There are a few tricks to help you maximize your minimal tresses.  The proper haircut is the first step.  Most fine, thin hair looks better kept at shoulder length or shorter.  A nice shoulder length cut with surface layers will help you get lift on top and the appearance of all over fullness.  If you insist on long locks keep some long layers and read up on styling techniques.
Adding some highlights for dimension helps in two ways.  One it roughs up the outer layer of the hair shaft making it look thicker.  And two the added dimension gives the illusion of more hair.
Always use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner, using the conditioner only on the ends.  Apply a volumizing or thickening styling product prior to blow drying.  Blow dry your hair in sections lifting at the roots and then drying the ends.  Remember how your hair dries is how it stays!  If you let your hair dry flat to your head you wont be able to get any lift at the roots when you try to style it.  Well placed curls with rollers or an iron also help create lift.  When you have a section to curl, over direct it by pulling the section up away from where it lays.  If its on the top of your head and you want it to go back pull the section towards your face and place the roller.  When you are styling after the curls have set or cooled part your hair on the side creating the illusion of fuller thicker hair.

Product 101

Shine Enhancers

• What they do: They create a shiny, glossy finish and make color appear more vibrant
• Why use them: Not all hair is created equal!  Blonde or curly hair is naturally less shiny, while straight or brunette show good shine.  Dry and brittle hair also lacks luster.
• Shampoo- Redken Blonde Glam, Catwalk Curlesque or Sleek Mystique
• Conditioner- Redken Blonde Glam, Catwalk Sleek Mystique
• Styling product- Bedhead Head Rush, MoroccanOil Glimmer Shine Spray

Curl Booster

• What they do: Create bouncy, frizz free curls and add definition.
• Why use them: While we love our curls they need help.  Weather it be because they are lazy or coarse and unruly perfect ringlets don't come naturally.
• Shampoo- Deva Curl Low Poo & No Poo, Catwalk Curlesque, Bedhead High Definition
• Styling Products-Bedhead Foxy Curls Contour Cream, Catwalk Curlesque Curls Rock Amplifier

Volume Creators

• What they do: Volume makers promote lift at the roots and the appearance of thicker fuller hair.  Creating extra body and bounce can be difficult to do while maintaining healthy looking hair.
• Why use them: Even with the best and most vigorous blow dry technique fine limp strands will still fall flat without good products.
• Shampoo-Pureology Pure Volume, Paul Mitchell Extra Body Daily
• Styling Products- Pureology Pure Volume Blow Dry Amplifier, Big Sexy Blow Dry Gel
• Tools- Medium barrel Vent Brush

Straightening

• What they do: Temporarily tame textured hair, smoothing waves, reducing frizz and fly aways.
• Why use them: If you want smooth sleek hair, these products will help you achieve your desired look.
• Shampoo & Conditioner-Joico Silk Results, Matrix Sleek, Pureology Super Smooth
• Styling products- Enjoy Straightener, Pureology Super Smooth Cream, Catwalk Sleek Mystique Blow out Balm
• Tools- Large barrel Vent Brush

Watch your lips

When it comes to aging, most people focus on reducing wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes, cheeks and mouth, but it is also important to take care of your lips.  The skin around the lips is highly sensitive and therefore more susceptible to damage from harsh weather and UV rays.  Even stress and poor nutrition can play a role in your mouth and lip's youthful appearance.  It is important to use an anti-aging lip product because it can restore some of the necessary nutrients like antioxidants and hydration that depletes as people age.
Anti-aging lip products can also deliver a necessary level of moisture that keeps skin firm and supple.  Ingredients like alpha hydroxy remove limp, dead skin cells to reveal a firmer more vibrant layer underneath mean while retinal and peptides can actually speed up the rate you produce new skin cells.  Anti-aging lip products should be used twice a day especially in extreme weather conditions like sun and harsh winds to provide moisture. 
Check out Dermalogica's AgeSmart Renewal Lip Complex which minimizes contour lines and helps prevent signs of aging.

Add Some Aroma Therapy to your Routine

Boost your hair and mood with aromatic products.  Hair holds fragrance even better than skin, so by scenting your hair the aroma has the potential to be present all day long.  Citrus scents have uplifting properties and can really help awaken a weary mind and body.  Peppermint helps yo sharpen the mind aiding concentration and focus.  Floral scents can help aid in relaxation, calmness and bring feelings of joy and energy.
            Citrus Scent-Redken Blonde Glam Shampoo
            Peppermint- Paul Mitchell Lavender Mint Tea Tree & Pureology Hydrating Conditioner
            Floral- Wella Brilliance Mask & Catwalk Curlesque Shampoo

5 RULES FOR THE BRIDE TO BE

1. Book a trial appointment or two with your stylist before the wedding.
            This gives you and your stylist plenty of opportunity to explore different hair options and decide what works best.  Be sure you bring in your hair accessory, head piece or veil.
2. Be consistent.
            Make sure you are consistent when you express your vision to your stylist.  And make sure you convey your own personal style to her as well.  Are you traditional, funky, modern or classic?
3. Do not make any changes to your color within 3 months of the wedding.
             Find your final color way before hand, no bride needs last minute surprises.  Do a touch up and trimone to two weeks before the big day!
4. Show your stylist a picture of your dress.
             Your stylist can help you decide on the most flattering style to go with your dress style. If your dress has a high neck or is very ornate at the shoulders or decollete area, your stylist will need to know to create the most appropriate style.
5. Make sure you have an emergency hair kit.
            Pack a kit including extra bobby pins, hair spray and shine spray for any last minute touch ups.

Preparing for Spring part 2

Effortless sexy is coming for a visit this spring!  The unkempt look can be done on any hair texture.  While it is most popular down, it should most definitely be tried in an updo or tousled pony tail.  Use a blow dryer and a texture spray to create volume and added texture.  Enjoy Texture Spray would work great!  You can also add a chic braid to your tousled pony or messy updo.

Is It Spring Yet?

As we anxiously await the arrival of spring on the west coast, let's get prepared!  There are many changes taking place in the hair and nail world and we need to uncover all of them one by one.
Have you noticed all the retro hairstyles on the runways and red carpets? They haven't gone unnoticed by us and we are in love!  There are quite a few 30's and 40's styles being worn by today's celebs.  Our favorite is the super glamorous style like Bette Davis wore in "All about Eve."  The fabulous brushed out waves have been spotted all over.

To create the soft waves curl your hair using a 1" iron, making sure to protect your hair. Chi Infra Texture would work great for protection and to hold the style without being tacky or hard.  Re-spray the curls and brush out your hair creating a severe part where you prefer. 

Out Last Night

In the words of Kenny Chesney “we went out last night one thing starts leading to another”, I know most of us have done this.  Go out and have a good time on a night you have to work the next day.  After a long night of fun, you won’t have an extra 15 minutes to get yourself looking fresh for the day, so quickly evaluate what seems to be your biggest party night give away so that you can hide the evidence.  Redness, blotchiness, puffiness, lack of color, the list could go on and on, so here are a few of the most common.

For redness:

Apply Dermalogica’s Sheer Tint Moisture SPF 15 Redness Relief to help counter act the redness and put some moisture in your dehydrated skin.

For under eye troubles, including darkness, puffiness and deep lines:

Use Mavala’s Concealer to mask under eye troubles and any blemishes that decided to surface for the morning after party.  The wand makes it easier to maneuver and keep good control of placement.

For pink eyes:

I’m not talking about the infection.  A rough night out can make your eyes look like you are in worse shape than you even think.  Eye Bright pencil by Benefit is perfect for rimming the inside of your lash line to mask that discoloration that occurs with lack of sleep.

For a washed out face:

Dust a blush or bronzer along your cheeks and forehead to bring your skin back to life or at least make it look like it is.