Gettin Wiggy With It!

Nothing is worse than a wig that LOOKS like wig.

Too shiny, too bulky, too.......wiggy.

Here are some key steps to making your wig look natural.

1. Tone down that shine... Nothing says "wig" like a mega lusterous wig.

Natural hair has a sheen- not a synthetic gleam. To tone down the shine (especially on synthetic hair) dust the piece with a small amount of talcum powder and then brush it off.

2. Find a color one shade lighter or darker than your hair color.

3. Taking your wig to a stylist to shape and thin out the wig to fit your face just right.

4. Protect your own hair by always wearing a wig cap, not wearing one can lead to breakage and thinning at the sides and nape.

5. Human hair wigs look the most natural and last the longest.

6. Lace front wigs can destroy your hairline, the glue can cause the hair to fall out, and shaving your edges and applying adhesive can clog the follicles and retard the growth of your own hair. Also, pay attention to how the hairline is constructed, no real hairling is razor sharp and precise, we all have "baby" hair, and there are no straight lines. Cheaper Lace Fronts tend to leave a "cookie cutter" hairline, therefore it looks fake.

7. Half wigs let the front section of your own hair blend in with the wig, and leavng your natural hairline visible- therefore ppearing even more natural.

8. Ensure your wig is put on and worn in the correct position. Make sure it has a snug fit over your entire head. Not pulled onto the forhead or pushed too far back from the hairline (unless its a half wig). You want the wig to sit just as your own hairline does.

9. Dont use oil sheen, oils, gel, on a sythetic wig- its not human hair so it does not enter the strands of the hair, it simply sits on top of the wig and looks greasy and or dirty. It also shortens the life of the wig.

Choosing the Best Stylist.

Communication is the key!!! Developing a good relationship with a stylist is important. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or bring up concerns. He/She is the professional, but you are the paying client. Remember the stylist can’t serve all your needs and wants if he/she isn’t aware of them.

Scheduling a consultation before you book an appointment is ideal. Take this time to discuss your hair’s health and your goals for you hair. You can also take this time to discuss prices for services, and products used. Remember to always be honest about what has been done to your hair previous to your first visit. The more information you give the stylist the better they can serve you.

Ask questions!!! “how many years in the industry?” or “how long can I expect to be in the shop?”

Feel free to ask if they have cancellation policies, what is their specialty, and how they implement price changes.

Make sure you are comfortable with the location of the salon. You may think that you will be willing to drive a long distance for a good stylist, but sooner or later it may become bothersome.

Just like you would want the stylist to respect your time and schedule, please do the same for the stylist. Something a small as fifteen minutes can set your stylist back severely. A 24 hour notice of a cancellation is ideal, this gives the stylist time to fill the spot.

Decide what you are and are not willing to accept. There is no perfect stylist, but know what qualities you MUST have and what qualities you can compromise on.

When getting a cut for the first time with a stylist, bring a photo. Your stylists hair lingo and yours may differ, and a picture bridges that gap. Also, ask if the style is conducive to your life style, and face shape. Find out how high the maintenance of the cut is.

Unless you are completely dissatisfied with you hair, give the stylist a second chance. Sometimes it may take a little time to become acquainted with your hair.

If you are not happy with your stylist and decide to leave, ask the stylist if he/she would like to know why. Don’t be afraid to tell him or her what the problem is. A good stylist will appreciate your honesty, and embraces constructive criticism, and may be willing to make changes.

Remember, you have to develop a good professional relationship with your stylist, he or she will be taking care of your crowing glory- finding the hairstylist with the right skills and persona is imperative to a great salon experience!

Hair Color Tips and Hints.

Finding the right color for your hair isn't as easy as you think. There are many factors to be considered. I will always recommend a professional stylist for chemical services, but I know many of you like to go down that hair color isle and venture out alone.

Your complexion should determine the shade you choose.

Dark or Olive Skin:

If you want to do an auburn color- cool colors fit best- anything too warm can make you appear orangey.

Rich browns and cool reds will look great on deeper complexions.

If you want to go blonde- visit your stylist! This is a pro-job only!

Medium Tones:

Keep cool and ash browns in mind when selecting a shade.

Lighter eyes? Cool reds look fabulous! If they are darker, think of mahogany hues or mocha highlights, cinnamon shades too!

Fair Skin:

Honey Blondes, neutral blondes. Warm colors.

Warm Brunettes, warm reds- avoid cool reds on fair skin.

• Don't ignore the shade guide- trying to go too light on dark hair will lead to brassy, copper penny hair. Pale blonds will absorb color very differently than brunettes.
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• Don't go too drastic- very light hair going dark brown or black can be shocking and will require professional help to correct.
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• Don't change your color right before a big event- give yourself time to adjust or if need be- time to get it fixed.
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• Don't run out of product- it's better to have too much than not enough- trying to stretch one bottle of color on thick long tresses will result in blotchy uneven color.
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• Don't try to change color on previously colored hair- Go to a professional. Saving money on that $10.00 color can lead to hundreds with color correction.

Holiday Glam

Its getting colder and evenings are getting darker earlier but regardless, it’s the holiday season and there will be plenty of parties and events. All the more reasons to have a few tricks up your sleeve to get your glam on!!!!

I LOVE all the new holiday collections- its my favorite time to stock up- I am such a packaging junkie- and the holiday season is when the cosmetic companies go all out!!!!

Glittering eyes, glowy skin, lush glossy lips- tis the season to be sparkly!

This season the color palate is soft and sultry- grays, pinks, plums, golds, and greens dominate the holiday makeup collections. Take these colors as deep or as bright as you wish.

Holiday makeup tips for those special occasions:

• Match your makeup to the party’s dress code – the more formal the event the more dramatic you can be with your application.
• Buy a shimmer stick or bronzer with a good sheen to use on cheekbones to brighten your look before the party begins.
• For a quick pick up, use a cool washcloth or makeup remover cloth to remove leftover foundation. Then apply a sheer new layer to even out your skin tone.
• Avoid overdoing your foudation as it can easily look caked and tired.
• BLEND BLEND BLEND your makeup as you want others to notice a sexy you and not your makeup.
• Feel free to try some dramatic looks during the holidays, now is the time to step out of your norm.
• Consider wearing faux lashes! Strips or individuals can really open up the eyes- not to mention gives you a sexy gaze!!!!
• Sexy red lips are ALWAYS a holiday classic- Don't fear red- embrace it and watch what happens!

Often at holiday parties, there isn't time to sneak away for a retouch- or your having so much fun you forget! Make your makeup last for the whole party by using these holiday makeup tips:

• Prep with foundation or primer before you apply color. Even to Eyelids- to make colors "pop" and stay all night long!
• Always set your look with a powder. Whether it be a colorless powder as an overall finish or shadow powder over liquid eyeliner, powder will help your makeup stay put.
• Pat products into your skin to ensure adherence.
• Always carry your lipliner, lipstick, or gloss- retouching your lips can revamp your whole look. ( and you can do it with out a mirror)
• Fill in brows with a pencil & brow angle brush- the brow powders tend to get darker and don't look crisp throughout the day/evening.

Winter Hair Care.

The dry and cold winter can be very damaging to your hair, especially in high altitude dry climates. Hair easily becomes dry during this time of year from the dry indoor heating and the dry cold weather outside. Proper preventative steps need to be taken during the winter season to ensure that your hair stays moisturized and eliminate damage.

Hot oil treatments are very helpful for a dry flaky scalp. Moisturize your hair/scalp daily with either a leave in moisturizer or a nighttime moisture treatment. Weekly deep conditioning treatments are essential this time of year, and professional protein treatments are very beneficial as well. Washing you hair with warm instead of hot water prevents your hair from being stripped of its natural oils and thus becoming even dryer (this applies to your skin as well).

A silicone based serum used while styling your hair and provides good moisturization. Argan oil (Moroccan Oil) is a very good moisturizer and can be used with out the worry of a greasy feel on the hair.

Keep your hair wrapped in a scarf or a wear a hat when out in the elements- the cold wind and freezing temperatures can cause the hair to be dry and brittle. Remember to wash the hats/scarves periodically to avoid oily build up.

Internally- staying hydrated will help as well. Drinking plenty of water and nourishing your body will reflect in your hair and your skin. A good hair/skin vitamin regime is great for your hair and skin. Check with your doctor before you take any supplements.