Royal Jelly for Your Hair

Royal Jelly for Your Hair

Some of us would think that we’ve had more than enough of winter so far but in reality it’s still just the end of January. There are more days of chilly temperatures and very dry air to go! This acts negatively to our hair and skin. Certain people don’t have to worry about their skin or scalp as much as others, although, we all need to take into account what the dry air (outside) and the central heat (inside) does to our hair. Luckily, there are solutions for these problems!

I am always excited to talk to my clients about how beneficial the royal jelly is (more…)

Winter Trends Turn Heads at Paris Fashion Week

 As we all know, the looks that the best fashion designers are showing on the runway will always be paired with the latest trends in women’s and men’s hairstyles. One of the best times to keep your eyes peeled for this is during Paris Fashion week. I was lucky enough be in Paris for the Mondial Coiffure Beauté (Paris Hair Show) at the beginning of this annual affair with Pino our artistic director. Since we definitely felt a buzz in the air, I wanted to look into what was really going on with hair and fashion in Europe. One of the big trends for fall/winter this year is skirts paired with sweaters. Designers like Nina Ricci, Bottega Veneta and Ralph Lauren all sported these different combinations of textures. The hair varied from each designer but what we saw were very simple looks. Nina Ricci showed loose ponytails that were tied back with a black ribbon. They were styled mainly with a center part to create a small amount of volume around the crown, and the looks were very smooth with long layers. This is a soft feminine look that is easily wearable for all age groups.

Nina Ricci swept ponytail
Nina Ricci swept ponytail

 

Bottega Veneta pays tribute to German actors Hedy Lamarr and Marlene Dietrich with this fall/winter collection. Hairstylist Guido introduced a modern take on this inspiration: “I kept thinking of Jodie Foster in Taxi Driver–disco hair, shoulder pads, power dresses. The 1940’s and the 70’s get interchanged.” He wanted to create a cloud of curls that was going to show off the silhouette of exaggerated collars and high necks. Guido made a detailed hair part that was right above the models’ highest point of the eyebrow. The part was combed over which followed an explosion of frizzy curls on both sides…definitely not an everyday look for the office.

As we look over to Ralph Lauren, Guido from Redken says that 90% of the models are in hats because of the designers’ idea of the American classic beauty this winter. The other 10% are showing an un-done pony tail with a small section of hair wrapped around the elastic. This is definitely a quick and easy look for the office!

This winter gives us a lot of ideas to play with (some of them easier than others). Possibly the hardest look to translate into everyday life was from Prada. In their display the hair was in tangled wet-looking waves with dark roots; similar to an ombré. To re-create this out-of-the-shower proposal, all you need to do is scrunch a wet-look gel (such as Moroccanoil Styling Gel) through your damp to wet hair and twist the ends with your fingers. This style was one of the most popular looks in Milan’s fashion week in September.

Check out some of the pictures below for all of the new styles for the season!

Moroccanoil

Before I begin to give you all the amazing benefits of this product, I would like to explain some differences between professional Moroccanoil products and the drugstore or mass produced products. The Moroccanoil product line is strictly available in professional salons and has a totally separate formula to all of the other products that call themselves Moroccan Oil, Argan Oil, etc.… This is important to know because all of these products are formulated differently and in turn do not have the benefits of the brand we are focusing on.  Most drugstore products have a very small percentage of active ingredients, if any.  Therefore, you will notice a price difference.  You know the old saying “you get what you pay for? “  Well, it applies to this example perfectly.

The tree is extremely well adapted to drought and other environmentally harsh conditions of southwestern Morocco.

Moroccanoil is the actual product line name and Argan oil (also known as “liquid gold”) is the vital ingredient found in this formula. Argan oil is found only in southwestern Morocco through to Tindouf in Algeria. The Argan tree contains almond-like kernels which are traditionally roasted and grinded into a paste, which is later squeezed by hand to extract the oil. This rich fusion has many cosmetic medicinal and culinary properties. Moroccan women use this for salads, bread dipping or in their customary dip called amlou. Traditionally, argan oil has also been used to soften skin and cuticles, heal acne blemishes and scars, reduce wrinkles and fine lines and restore split ends.

As professional hairdressers, we always strive for the best products for our clients’ hair. We have noticed a significant improvement with the health of our clients’ hair like spit ends, over porous/processed hair and dry hair/scalp. I have also personally tried this product as an after shave in the mornings and I no longer have irritation from shaving.  The vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acid that it contains is also amazing for your skin. The Moroccanoil Treatment will completely transform and repair as its formula transports lost proteins for the strength of the hair. It will absorb into the hair to fill in gaps created by hot styling tools and environmental damage. The best way to use it is to apply a small amount (the size of a dime) and work throughout damp hair from mid length to ends. You can blow-dry or let it dry naturally. You can add it after your hair is dry to tame fly aways or frizz and it also adds more hydration and moisture. There is also a “light” Moroccanoil Treatment that has been made for fine hair. Check out the video in the link below for a step by step instruction to healthy hair with this amazing product! INSTUCTIONAL VIDEO 

Hair Extensions

Hair extensions can be the most natural looking. Silk tresses and long luscious waves can be summed up as soft, sexy and irresistible. Truly, your hair can be “a woman’s glory”. Why is good hair such and important aspect of a woman’s appearance? Self-worth, social acceptance and beauty all seem to be tied into every woman’s hair. What can you do with your hair, you may ask? You can tie it, you can braid it, color it, perm it, wave it, curl it and of course straighten it.
As of recent, you can also add volume, add length and add different colors. We are talking about hair extensions. In North America, we often look at celebrities for hair trends and what we observe is mostly long beautiful shiny hair. Interestingly enough, Europeans watch the fashion runways for hair trends and direction.
So, for those of us who want glamorous and sexy hair…what do we do to get it? Its not as difficult as you may think.

Great Lengths

Since there are so many extension techniques available out there we decided to talk about the best system available; Great Lengths. When you talk about having hair extensions in for up to 6 months then we assume that you would want the best quality. Great Lengths hair extensions will give you the most manageable and ease of styling. Some clients find the extensions are easier than their own hair to work with. The style lasts longer because of the quality of the hair.

Getting Inside the Hair

Hair extensions from Great Lengths are made from 100% Indian virgin hair with natural texture. Great Lengths utilizes only “remy” hair which means that the cuticle layers are all facing the same direction from root to end and, therefore, do not tangle. This also ensures that the extensions behave exactly like your own hair, blending in superbly with yours and looking super natural! The polymer bond mimics the human hairs’ molecular structure acting like a glue. This method utilizes heat to soften the bond so the bond can be moulded to the group of natural strands that the bond is attaching to. Therefore, this method is virtually impossible to detach from your hair. It is also great for growing out an existing style or to create an entire new look instantly! Add highlights or blocks of color without having to bleach or damage your own hair as well!

Maintenance

To maintain a consistent service for the client, Great Lengths makes sure that the extensions are only done by fully licensed hair stylists who have completed the certification program and that the salons are approved to keep it a professional company. Meaning no “basement salon” can offer this system. If your dream has been to have long luscious locks or beautiful volume and shine, come in for a consultation and have this dream become a reality.

Top 5 Foods for Healthy Hair

We all know that good quality haircare is essential for maintaining beautiful hair and scalp. What goes into our bodies is as equally important as what we apply topically. Consuming whole foods rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and biotin may help promote healthy scalp and hair.

  1. Dark green leafy vegetables like swiss chard, kale, spinach are great sources of Vitamins A and C. Another nutrient dense choice are dandelion leaves. You will benefit from the calcium, Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Vitamin K when enjoying these greens raw or steamed. These vitamins help produce sebum which is a natural conditioner for your hair.
  2. Salmon is a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Try to buy wild Alaskan salmon which is also a good source of protein which is also beneficial for your scalp. For those who don’t like fish then choose a good quality fish oil supplement or two tablespoons of ground flaxseed. You can add flaxseed to your breakfeast very easily in a nutritional shake (Vega One is an excellent choice) or on top of cereal or yogurt. We recommend buying fish oil at a good health food store.
  3. Beans and legumes. These delicious staples are a good source of protein and very easy to cook if you soak them overnight. Protein, iron, biotin and zinc can help promote hair growth. Sometimes biotin deficiencies can result in brittle hair.
  4. Nuts. Delicious anytime of the day. Great for snacking on and easy to take with you to work or when you are running out the door! Some varieties can promote the health of your scalp. Brazil nuts are a good source of selenium. For a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts are a perfect choice. Again, you can throw these into your nutritional shake first thing in the morning. Nuts contain vitamins and minerals with many benefits including conditioning of your hair from the inside out. Choose the raw nuts to maximize the healthy aspects. (Add Zinc and Silica to your diet if you are experiencing hair loss)
  5. Eggs. A good source of protein, which helps prevent dry, weak and brittle hair. The omega 3 in eggs is beneficial for your hair and you will find that most grocery stores and health food stores sell good quality fresh organic eggs that come from cage-free hens.

For beautiful hair… make sure these top five foods land in your grocery basket!