Trend Alert: Re-Textured Hair

If you have a head full of tight curls and have always wanted to go straight, or if you’d like to permanently relax some of the energy and frizz out of your waves, hair re-texturing might be a perfect option for you. Unlike a perm, re-texturing is an advanced procedure that can last for months or even longer. This is a hot new treatment that’s taking the style world by storm, but it’s not for everyone.

Is Re-Textured Hair Right For You?

Here at my salon, before a re-texturing treatment, we arrange a customized consultation between the client and stylist to discuss options and talk about expectations. For clients who want stick straight hair, softened curls, or anything in between, we use Aveda Smooth Infusion re-texturizing treatment in a process that takes between three and four hours. We recommend a haircut after your treatment to help you make the most of your new look.

What’s Involved in Re-texturing?

Our treatment contains jojoba oil, meadowfoam seed oil, coconut, ylang ylang and tourmaline to loosen frizz, kinks, curls and waves. It soothes the senses and leaves hair permanently smooth and shiny. Retexturing works on color treated and chemically processed hair, but not hair that’s been treated with sodium hydroxide relaxers.

When the treatment is complete, you’ll find your hair easier to style and manage. But the treatment takes patience, and for at least 72 hours afterward, you’ll need to skip clips and ponytails and avoid tucking your hair behind your ear. You’ll also need to keep your hair from getting wet. So schedule an appointment during a time when these things are possible.

For more information about products and treatments that can help relax hair and simplify the styling process, feel free to contact the salon or take a look at our website.

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Vitamin C and Glycolic Peels: What are They, and are They Right for You?

As skin cells grow and divide at a natural pace, new cells are formed and come to the surface, replacing the older dead cells on the outermost layer of our skin. These older, damaged cells typically fall away with time and regular cleansing. But several things can interfere with this process, including sun exposure and environmental pollutants. When dead skin cells are produced too quickly or fail to slough off at a natural pace, the skin surface can start to look aged and dull.

Facial Treatments and AHAs

Enter the magic of AHAs, or alpha hydroxyl acids. This family of molecules includes, among others, lactic acid (derived from milk products), citric acid (from fruits) and glycolic acid (often derived from sugar cane). All of these natural products provide a very gentle acidity that helps loosen and slough away the outer layer of aged and damaged cells on the surface of our skin. This reveals the new cells beneath and exposes them to oxygen, which encourages healthy growth.

Shedding away the dull outer layer of skin with a very gentle peel can even skin tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and help the skin regulate its production of oil.

Who Benefits from a Glycolic or Vitamin C Peel?

Everyone! But especially those with large pores, age spots, acne, or oily, uneven, or sun damaged skin. A single treatment can restore a healthy bloom, but regular treatments with a high concentration of AHAs can actually help encourage the regeneration of collagen and elastin and reverse some of the natural effects of aging.

Vitamin C and glycolic peels are most often recommended for adult men and women, but here at my salon we also offer a one-hour mini facial treatment for teenagers. A mini-facial can bring out the natural radiance of young skin and help control acne problems.

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Men: Manage Your Winter Scruff

Even though spring is around the corner, this is still the season of the beard, the time of the year when men can feel free from the constraints of formality (within reason) and let their facial hair express its natural inclinations. Easing up a bit on your shaving routine can be manly and appealing to the ladies, and it can also help you stay in touch with the natural patterns and habits of your facial hair. Here are some general tips that can help you keep your winter scruff in a balance between out of control and under control, between edgy and just plain lazy.

Fuzz

Every two to three days, take a hot shower to open your pores and soften your skin. Then use a stubble trimmer to keep your scruff active, but cut close to the skin. Dry your skin with a towel first (don’t stubble-trim a wet face) and use plenty of moisturizer. Don’t neglect the skin beneath your fuzz.

Scruff

For a little bit more length then the pirate stubble, use a beard trimmer on a low setting every four days. Pay special attention to your neckline. Make sure the line is tapered for a natural look, not sharp.

Full Beard

For longer, thicker beard growth, use a heavy-duty beard trimmer twice a week. Before trimming, comb your beard against the growth to fluff and detangle it. Between trimmings, wash your beard with beard wash or gentle organic hair care product instead of just facial cleanser. Again, you’ll need to pay special attention to the areas where you’d like the beard to end. A natural line is the key to a handsome bearded face. So is good grooming. Keep your beard combed and free of cookie crumbs.

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Sunscreen: Is it Necessary in February?

When clients come to see me for facial treatments like glycolic and vitamin C peels, a few common skin care topics tend to come up over and over again. Some of the questions I hear every day deal with winter skin care, and since these issues are important, I thought I’d share them here.

My freckles are increasing and I seem to have uneven patches and sun damage. But it’s February. What does this mean?

It means you’ve been in the sun! Winter sun in Michigan has the same UV rays as a Florida beach sun in July. It’s the same sun. And if you plan to be out and about during the day, you’ll need to use the same protection, no matter the season and no matter where you live. Don’t neglect your skin. Sunglasses and felt hats on the streets of Manhattan are just as important as big shades and floppy beach hats in Miami.

Okay, okay, I get it! I’ll take care of my skin, I promise. What sun protection products should I use?

Add years to the resilience and even tone of your skin by applying PABA free sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Every day. I recommend skin care products by Aveda and Intelligent Nutrients.

Should I protect my hair as well?

Of course. Have you ever seen a plastic awning or an old poster in the window of an ice cream shop? Have you seen how the surface cracks and the colors fade after just a short period of exposure? The same forces are at work on your hair. Of course, sun damaged hair can’t cause serious health problems like sun damaged skin, but dryness, dullness and fading are all part of the package. Try Suncare Protective Hair Veil, by Aveda. This product contains UV filters derived from natural plant oils and green tea extract, and it forms an invisible shield that helps sun-drenched hair retain its moisture and vibrancy.

Valentine’s Day Styles for 2012: Sweet, Messy, Edgy, Romantic

Valentine’s Day is just a week away, and romance is already in the air! Can you feel it? Here at the salon, we sure can. We’re already being asked about styles and products that can take a romantic adventure to the next level. Choose your Valentine’s style carefully and remember: hair that flows beautifully and catches the light of the moon can turn your evening out into a night to remember.

The hottest romantic styles this year are just a bit messy, and they temper soft sweetness with a dangerous edge. If your hair is long, consider a few subtle highlights to capture the glow of candlelight, and then choose a style that brings out your mysterious side, your fascinating duplicity. A loose curl or soft wave can go from honey sweet to sexy and sly with a bit of product to produce a wet, sleek shine. And a tight updo can become a mesmerizing puzzle if it’s messy, pulled apart, or tossed into a careless tangle. Try braiding some of your hair before pulling it back, or pinning curls to let them dry before styling.

For short hair, the same rule applies. Temper gentle softness with a piecy or razored edge. Try a glossing treatment for an ultra-smooth straight look, or let short curls come apart slightly. Bobbed hair is in now, but the bob of the moment is unpredictable, asymmetrical, surprising, and a bit off-center. Make this look work for you by playing up the romance. Bangs that are just a millimeter too long will have your companion staring into your eyes, and a single out-of-control lock demands to be touched. As always, remember that no matter what you’re wearing, your hair is the defining element of your look.

Aveda’s Smoothing Treatment Service

Beautiful hair comes in every texture and every natural style. And as many of us know, the most fascinating hair in the world can be the thickest, the strongest, and the most sensitive to environmental conditions like humidity.  If your hair is rebellious, temperamental, very fine, or very coarse, be grateful. Your hair is full of life! It’s radiant, just like you. But you should also know how to bring your brilliant locks under control when you need to.

Here at my salon we offer a wide range of soothing and smoothing products that can tame stubborn kinks, frizz, and fly-aways. Our services are available to help you add gloss and weight and even re-texture your hair for a radical, semi-permanent change when you feel like trying something new. Since we support Aveda and recommend their line of healthy, natural skin and hair products, we can also tell you a bit about their treatment services, and the Aveda Smoothing Treatment is one of my personal favorites.

This keratin-infusing treatment involves a special technique using Aveda’s Smooth Infusion products and a single procedure that can leave your hair smooth, relaxed and humidity-proof for up to two months. 83 percent of the ingredients in your Smooth Infusion treatment come from plant based and non-petroleum derived ingredients. This safe, ecofriendly procedure relies on natural tourmaline to loosen curls and waves and make the styling process easier, even after months of washing, daily styling and exposure to all kinds of weather conditions.

If you’re interested in putting Aveda’s Smoothing Treatment to the test, visit the company website to find a location in your area. Meanwhile, feel free to contact my salon for more information about smoothing treatments, Aveda products and our own range of services that nourish your hair and make the most of its unique beauty.

Fight Winter Skin: Stay Smooth and Hydrated for a Springtime Glow in January

Here in Florida, winter doesn’t take much of a toll on delicate skin; Local concerns are focused more on sun damage. But I often have clients who migrate north or have spent much of their lives trying to hold back the effects of New York and Chicago winters, which are often accompanied by dry indoor air, smog, and day-to-day stress.

No matter where my clients come from, seasonal skin care presents challenges, and we’re all searching for ways to keep skin protected and hydrated under changing conditions. Here are a few general skin care tips that can help:

1. Skin produces natural oils that protect and hydrate better than any available product. So let these oils do their work. Wash your face with water, never soap. To remove makeup, use gentle cleanser, but don’t scrub, and don’t rub your face aggressively to dry it. Just pat with a soft cloth.
2. Skin thrives on organic, plant-based nutrients, not harsh chemicals. The delicate skin cells of the face also respond well to retinol, or concentrated vitamin A. Look for skin products that contain actual retinol, not derivatives like retinyl or retinyl palmitate.
3. For the sake of your skin, try to limit sleepless nights, hectic scheduling, and excessive alcohol consumption. Eat plenty of leafy green vegetables, carrots, and colorful fruits.
4. Baby your skin when you can. Schedule regular facials, including a glycolic or vitamin C peel at least once every few months.  For daily moisturizing and protection, we recommend Aveda Balancing Infusion for dry skin, and the Aveda Botanical Kinetics Skin Care Starter Kit for dry-to-medium complexions.
5. No matter your age, where you live, or how the seasons affect you, always protect your skin from the sun. Use a daily moisturizer or foundation with sunscreen, and wear sunglasses with UV protection.

Men’s Hair: What to Ask For and How to Maintain

Many men (and women too) often settle into a comfortable routine when they find a style they like. It can take a few hits and misses, but people are creatures of habit, and once we develop a steady relationship with a look, it can seem risky or unnecessary to make a significant change.

But change is necessary. And it’s also fun. If you’ve been wearing the same style for more than five years, it’s probably time to start looking for something new. Begin by paying attention to celebrities and other men with styles you admire. Consider your overall look, including your bone structure and clothing preferences, and keep an eye on men who make the kind of impression that you’d like to create when you walk into a room.

Note how different lengths, part placements, and textures have different effects. And when you’ve narrowed down your options, find a way to describe your intentions to a stylist. (For a completely new hairstyle, it’s probably a good idea to visit a professional stylist rather than your regular barber. Go online or get recommendations from friends if you aren’t sure how to choose.) Once your stylist understands what you want, ask questions as he or she conditions, cuts and sculpts your hair.  Most salons will be more than happy to provide tips on maintaining your look, and if you ask about products, your stylist can easily give recommendations. Some products are only available or accessible through high end salons, but feel to ask about alternatives and substitutes.

If you leave with a new style and find that you can’t perfectly reproduce the look by yourself, don’t worry. Just make the style your own and wait to see the changes it brings into your life.

Men’s Hair: Current Celebrity Looks

Both men and women often come into my salon with a specific celebrity look in mind, and I’ve decided that movie stars play two important roles in our society: 1. Acting in movies, and 2. Providing inspiration and ready descriptions for those of us in search of a new look.

For men, this is especially true right now. This is partly because celebrity looks are very accessible this season. Popular red carpet styles for men have never been more attractive, laid-back, and easy for regular guys to wear and maintain. The look of the moment is short and messy, and it’s a look that compliments almost every age and every type of masculine bone structure.

For the longer end of this look, stars like Johnny Depp and Bradley Cooper let the hair grow out in front and fall almost to the collar in back. The long version requires a bit more attention and product than the shortest end of the spectrum, where we see a look just barely long enough to show life and motion. Stars like Zac Efron keep the top and sides well controlled, but still able to be tousled and shaped. The midrange short messy cut has been seen recently on almost everyone from David Beckham to Josh Duhamel. This cut allows a variety of looks that can change with your mood. It can be combed out for serious occasions or artfully deconstructed with product for outings that are fun and relaxed. Whether it’s dressed up or down, the short cut always stays within a safe range between professional and outgoing.

A healthy, well maintained head of hair that looks a little (just a little) out of control will always be a crowd pleaser. But for now, keep it short. Wait until spring and summer to see the return of longer styles.

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Women’s Hair: Hot Style and Sculpture Trends for 2012

When it comes to hair, fashion is capricious and moody, and some years the hottest looks seem to come and go every time the wind shifts. 2012 is shaping up to be one of the most variant years ever. Tight, sleek cuts are in, but so are messy knots and romantic tangles. New York and Paris Fashion week have already shown us a few very different looks that are now making their way to the street.

The Wet Look

Slicked back hair with a tight, minimalist approach is very in right now. This look is sleek and glamorous, but simple and easy to put together, especially if your hair is naturally straight and your cheekbones are slightly flared.

The Postmodern Bob

Bobbed hair and bangs are making a comeback this year, but the 2012 version has its own geometric, not-so-pixie-like elegance. The new bob is fierce, not sweet, and it’s slightly or severely asymmetrical. The look depends on razor-sharp edges and smooth texturing, so it may require high maintenance if you’re accustomed to waves or loose ringlets.

The Tangled Twist and Messy Knot

The slightly disheveled, early-morning-rock-star look never quite goes out of style for those who wear it well, but this year the look will be everywhere. Wayward pieces falling from an updo, tangled strays, messy curls, loose pins and clips, and a lack of structural soundness will turn heads this season.

Center Parts and Angular Bangs

The center part will play a role in each of the looks above, and will work for both razor straight sleek cuts and more disheveled styles. The part will appear often with the season’s most popular trend: a carefree, natural style that looks just in from a hike or outdoor adventure. Like the center part, angular bangs can finish either a sleek style or a dreamy, tossed-together collection of loose waves.

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