Friday, September 30, 2011

Friday Link Love 9/30/2011

I missed last week's Link Love so this week is extra special. Have fun!



Did you see anything cool online this week or last? Let me know!

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Hair Accessories

The hair accessory industry has been really innovative these past few years. It used to be the only thing available to wear was a headband. That is, unless you were a little girl. Then there were about a thousand things you could put in your hair. But now!


 Cue hair accessory montage...


U9vY5j on Make A Gif, Animated Gifs
All photos courtesy of Google Images

Hello hair accessories!

Who knows why the influx of hair accessories has hit the world. Maybe it's because of recent shows, like Gossip Girl, who feature loads of them. But you know what? I'm okay with it.

Want to sport a hair accessory? Here are some things you should know.

  • Make sure your accessory matches the occasion. For example, don't wear a giant pink bow to a funeral. 
  • It's okay to make your peacock feather the focal point of your outfit. But if you do, maybe don't wear that lime green eye shadow you have in the back of your drawer. 
  • Hair bows are awesome. But if you're over the age of eight, make sure you're buying the ones that are made for adults. 
  • But most of all, if your a little unsure about the accessory in your hair, don't let anyone else know that. If you're wearing it, own it girl. Don't let that girl across the room with the bad highlights, giving you a weird look ruin your mood. Because let's face it, aren't we all a little happier with a flower in our hair?


What are your thoughts on hair accessories? Let us know in the comments below!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Product Review From a Non-Stylist: Sebastian Drench



Sebastian Drench shampoo 8.4oz: $13.96,  Sebastian Drench conditioner 8.4oz: $14.96  

My name is Jackie and I’m taking over Cassidy’s blog today to review one of the many
products offered at On Stage Salon.

When I received my very first product, I peered in to the box and was skeptical. I mean, how
much difference do your shampoo and conditioner really make, once your hair is clean, dry
and styled? But I agreed to take on the challenge of using Sebastian® Drench shampoo and
conditioner for a week and sharing my results.

I was warned by Cassidy to be conservative in my use since the products are concentrated, so,
since my hair is shoulder-length, I used about a nickel-sized dollop of each. My hair texture is
pretty average, sometimes on the dry side, so I was excited to see if Drench would help with the
dryness and frizziness. But one other aspect of this product interested me too. The Sebastian®
website claims Drench helps to add “body and bounce” to your hair. Hmm. We shall see.

I lathered up the shampoo like normal, but when it came to the conditioner, I flipped my head
over and just spread it through the ends, trying to avoid the roots. As with any moisturizing
conditioner, rubbing it into your roots can sometimes weigh your hair down or make it seem
greasy. I also rinsed it with my head flipped, just to make sure. Both shampoo and conditioner
rinse easily and cleanly.

At first I wasn’t sure I could tell a difference, but then, after doing my hair in the same fashion I often do, blow-drying it then curling it away from my face in big waves, finishing it with hairspray, I noticed that, indeed, my hair did seem to have more body. I find that sometimes using a really hot iron, either flat or curling, can make my hair flat as the day goes on, even with hairspray. But my hair held the volume all day at work.

I got more compliments on my hair than usual, one memorable comment coming from the
armored car driver who picks up the money from my store. He said my hair looked “prom-
ready…” I’m not quite sure how I feel about that, but I took it as a complement nonetheless
since prom up-dos are usually pretty pricy and I spent approximately 10 minutes on my hair that
morning. I attribute most of my hair’s recent celebrity to Drench.

Another plus worth mentioning is that my husband has now commented twice that he likes the
way it smells. That’s huge.

Overall, I think Sebastian® Drench shampoo and conditioner are totally worth every penny,
especially since using less of this concentrated product makes it last longer than your usual
drug store brands. I encourage everyone to stop in to On Stage and give Drench a go. I know
you’ll love it!


Have you tried Drench? What are your thoughts on the product?

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

How To Tuesday: Giving Yourself a Bang Trim

Google Images

So, today's tutorial is more of a cheat sheet rather than a full on tutorial. Here's why...

There are about a hundred different ways someone can have bangs. Side bangs. Full bangs. Choppy bangs. Straight bangs. So trying to tell you how to cut your specific set of bangs would be almost impossible. But, what I can do is give you a general guide to trimming those pretty puppies at home.

First of all, let me tell you that I don't suggest trimming your own bangs unless it is a dire situation. It can easily turn disastrous. But there are sometimes that you just can't get into the salon and it would be a danger to everyone on the roads if your bangs were too long for you to see.


That being said, here's what you need to know:

  1. NEVER, never, ever pull your bangs up or out to trim them. This might help you see them better, but it won't make them look any better. 
  2. Always trim your bangs dry. When they are wet they don't take the shape of how you wear them, so it makes cutting them more difficult. Which brings me to..
  3. Trim them while they are in your normal style. If you wear them as full bangs, don't trim them if they are swept to the side.
  4. Don't hold your scissors horizontally, instead cut at an angle.  
  5. Start with small sections. You can always cut off more, but you can't put it back. 
  6. It could help to split your bangs into sections, then bring each one down when you're finished with the last one. 
  7. Also, keep you're eyes open. That helps. 
But like I said, bang trims are really something that you should leave to a professional. I've seen one too many accidents when it comes to DIY haircuts. So keep these guidelines handy for emergency situations only. 


Thursday, September 22, 2011

What You Need to Know About Curly Hair and Haircuts

I feel like curly people dread getting their hair cut. I haven't conducted a random survey or experiment or anything, but whenever someone who has curly hair books an appointment, I almost inevitably get asked, "And they know how to cut curly hair right? Right?".

And curly hair people have a right to ask that, because curly hair is difficult to cut. This is something that anyone who's ever had a bad cut because their stylist didn't know how to cut curly hair knows.

So if you have curly hair and want to avoid a hair disaster here's what you need to know to tell your stylist. And don't worry about hurting your stylist feelings. Tell them what you want.


  • Don't freak out if your stylist wants to cut your curly hair wet. This is actually a better method than dry cutting for you curly-headers. The stylist should be able to tell where the curl will lay while it's wet. 
  • Ask for more of a square structure. Curly hair tends to already be round enough without the extra bulk with a round cut. 
  • Sometimes, it isn't the stylist's fault when curly hair is out of control. If you're a curly-header, you need to know what products to use to keep your mane nice and tame. 
  • If you have a finer texture hair, go for a mousse. But if your hair is more course and unruly, opt for a gel instead.  

Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Sculpting Foam 6.8oz, $9.50
Aveda Confixor, $17.00
  • Use a diffuser while blow drying. Don't touch the curls with your hands, so that you're not disturbing your natural curl pattern. Then hands off during the day! Touching will only cause more frizz.

But really, you and your stylist need to communicate. You can tell your stylist want you want, but you also need to listen to what they are saying. Sometimes we want things that our hair just won't do. I know I do. coughpixiecutcough. It's a two-way street y'all. Not a one-way. 


Do you have curly hair and don't have a good stylist yet? Book an appointment with one of our expert stylists. See that little button above that says "appointment". Well just click on that my pretties. 


Wednesday, September 21, 2011

3 Simple Steps to Looking Younger

Looking younger. Isn't that what we all want? That is, unless you're 13 and a half, and that extra 6 months makes the world of a difference. But for the most part, we are all trying to feel 5 years younger and look 10 years younger.

Well, the lucky thing about it being 2011 is that science has been very progressive in this area of research. There are face lifts, breast lifts, and tummy tucks. But for the other 90% of the population, there are these 3 simple things.


1. A Good Hair Color


This is one of the easiest ways to make yourself look younger. Why? Because when your gray hair is showing, so is your age.

If you're like me, a girl in her 20s, and have gray hair, then a good hair color is a must. My "natural highlights", as I like to call them, are a menace to my otherwise perfectly brown hair. I can get away with going 6 or even 8 weeks without color, but if you're 50, 75, or 100% gray, then 3-4 weeks is your color time frame.

Don't know what percentage gray you are? Check out the handy chart below.



2. The Right Size Bra


Ladies, this is some serious business. Back in 2005, Wacoal, a bra company, discovered that 8 out of 10 women were wearing the wrong bra size. In case your math skills aren't what they used to be, that is 90 million women over the age of 18!

Even if you think you're wearing the right size bra, you might not be. So get fitted, and give your ladies the support they need.

3. Retinol


Now that summer is winding down and we are spending less time in the sun, it's time to break out the retinol.  Most people have at least heard of retinol, but if you haven't here's the rundown.

Retinol is another form of Vitamin A and essential to a lot of things in your body. But for our purposes retinol helps with skin regeneration and to build collagen, thus reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.

The reason that retinol isn't good to use during the summer time is because it will cause increased light sensitivity, even if you're applying sunscreen. But not only that, slapping on some retinol and then laying out by the pool could actually have the opposite effect than desired and deepen your wrinkles. So applying retinol before you go to bed during the wintertime is the best time.

Here at On Stage, we recommend Skin Ceuticals Retinol 0.5 or Retinol 1.0.


Retinol 0.5, $54.00
Retinol 1.0, $59.00



Tell us your favorite age defying trick in the comments below!

Monday, September 19, 2011

Featherlocks: What Are They Exactly?


Feathers seem to be the newest craze in hair accessory fashion. Feathers, you ask? Yup, feathers. Interesting, right? But I can definitely see the reason why these have become an overnight sensation.

Featherlocks are in fact a feather hair extension. An actual feather that is dyed to one of the 40+ color selections and shipped out to the salons. The feather is then attached to the hair using a microbead that clamps into place. Simple really.

But the best part about these feathers, they cause zero damage to the hair. Starting to understand the appeal yet? Instead of bleaching my hair out then dying it a vibrant color, which could leave my hair dry and damage, all I have to do is clamp in a feather and voilĂ ! Instant color! 


At first I wasn't so into the whole feather thing because, hey, they have to come from somewhere right? And I read too much into what animal activists groups say sometimes. But I'm here to tell you now, that while there are some feather extension companies that are not cruelty free, Featherlocks are cruelty free. I have personally verified this with a Featherlocks representative on the phone and on their website. Don't believe me? Check it out for yourselfNo one likes animal cruelty, and here at On Stage we are proud to tell you that we remain cruelty free.


So come in and check out how a couple of simple feathers can transform your entire look. And only for the low, low price of $15 a feather. That is of course unless you want to feather out your hair with 5 feathers or more for only $10 a piece. 




Do you have Featherlock extensions? Tell us why you love them in the comments below.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Friday Link Love 9/16/2011

  • Also a really cool and different nail look is water marble. Here's a tutorial on how to do it
  • I love ...love Maegan. She already has awesome hair, and then she does things like this to make it even better. 
  • Bethany Frankel's Skinny Girl empire is expanding to workout videos
  • With Fall knocking at our doors, it's time to break out your scarves. Check out these 12 ways to wear them. 
  • I don't know what the Band of Outsiders is, but this DIY skirt is super cute. 
  • In case you didn't follow every show during NYFW like I did, here are 10 of the best ones courtesy of Refinery 29. 
  • Want a new look for the Fall? Try one of these instant style updates
  • I've never heard of it, but apparently unicorn hair is a real thing. 
  • Did you try getting on Target online this week and get a busy message? Well it is because of the Missoni line they just launched. 
  • Ever wonder what part of the eye an eyeshadow tutorial is talking about? Well check out this awesome--and complicated-- diagram. 
  • I hate when my makeup powder breaks! But here's a tutorial on how to put it back together
  • Dying to wear a smokey out when you go out, but don't know how? Fear no longer! Classy Cosmetics shows you how
  • Even though these are summer hair looks, I think they would still look great this Fall. 
  • This nail polish tutorial is amazing! 
  • I've been in love with the fishtail braid for a while now, but adding yarn takes the look to a whole new level.

Did you see anything online this week worthy of Link Love? Let me know in the comments below!

Crackle Nail Polish

About 7 years ago I used to be obsessed with crackle paint. I did crackle paint picture frames, crackle paint boxes, crackle paint everything. And then I kind of forgot about it. So you can imagine my delight when the new big thing is none other than crackle paint nail polish!

I've been seeing it everywhere. If you surf the internet as much as I do you've probably seen it too. But if you haven't here's the rundown.


It's just like crackle spray paint, but for your nails. You use a regular polish as a base coat, then apply the crackle polish for a top coat. The top-crackle coat will crack and show the bottom coat through. Just like in the picture above.

I tried some crackle polish last night. Here's what I thought about it. 

I used a dark purple almost black color as the bottom coat and a dark pink for the crackle top coat. When I put the top coat on, it was difficult to see the pink color very well. There weren't any directions on the bottle so I didn't know if I was suppose to do a second coat. But, I did one anyways since I could barely see the color. 

And let me tell you, when the polish starts to crackle it is cold! It must have some kind of science behind it on why it makes you nail cold, but who knows? I don't. I think with the other side of my brain.


O.P.I Pink Shatter

The end result was pretty cool. The pink didn't show up as well as I thought it would, like it does on the cap to the bottle. But overall I'm fairly impressed with this new nail trend.


Have you tried crackle nail polish? What do you think of it? Love it? Hate it? Meh? 

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Day to Night Makeup

So, apparently I've been doing it all wrong. Nighttime makeup that is. This is the type of thing you learn when you work at a hair salon. You see, there's not much variation in my day time makeup verses my nighttime makeup. Maybe a little bit thicker liner, but hey I'm a simple girl. It doesn't take much to please me.

But you know what? I love a good smokey eye just as much as the next girl. And although, it's not something I would wear during the day. I can rock that look at night like no other.

Here are some tips that I have picked up about day verses night makeup:

Day:
  • Keep it simple. That doesn't mean no makeup, but less is more during the day.
  • Only do baby wings on your winged-out liner.
  • Don't forget your bronzer!
  • Shimmery eyeshadows are a great way to still have fun with your makeup during the daytime.
  • Stick to lighter, earthier tones.
Jane Iredale Eyeshadow Kit


Night:
  • This is when you can be as dramatic as you want. Do a smokey eye, put on that red lipstick. Just have fun!
  • This is when your matte eyeshadows come in handy.
  • For blush, stick to pinker colors.
  •  Jewel tones make great nighttime eyeshadows.
Jane Iredale Nighttime Eyeshadow Kit


What are your daytime and nighttime looks? Let me know in the comments below!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

How To Tuesday: Victoria Secret Model Waves



Yup, those waves. It's the tutorial you've been waiting for. But before we begin I need to let you know that all of these models have pretty much the same type of hair. I know right, perfect body, perfect skin, and perfect hair. It's almost too much for one person. Can't they share the love?

So these ladies, most all of them have the same cut and the same thickness. Now that doesn't mean that when you try out these waves on your hair that it won't work. It just means that it might not look exactly the same.

Take my hair for example. I have about 3x the average person's hair on my head. It's really, really, thick. But, it will work just as good with someone who has thinner hair.

I took some time the other day to learn how to make these waves--tough job right?--so that I could teach you what was taught to me.

Here's what you need to know.

You're going to need a 1.5" curling iron. It has to be that size otherwise you won't get the same results. Also, your curling iron needs to get hot, like 400Âş F hot. You're also going to need a light hold hairspray. I used Paul Mitchell's Hold Me Tight.

So here's me before I curled my hair...



And here's how you do it.

Step 1: Section the hair


Like I said, I've got a ton of hair. If your hair is thinner you might not need to do this step. But if you do, just section off the top part. 

Step 2: Spray hair.


Pre-spray your hair with your hairspray.

Step 3: Curl

animator gif

The basics of this curl is that you're going to curl everything the same direction: all away from your face. This creates the big "s" shape that the models normally have. 

Curl hair in 1-2" sections. I like to start at the top then twist downwards. That way, even the top will get curled. 

Because your curling iron is set at such a high heat, you don't need to hold it on the curl for very long. 3 seconds max, I would say.

Step 4: Spray again.



After you finish with all of the curls, spray your hair again with your hairspray. Then run your fingers through it, slightly separating the curls. 

Then you're done!


Here's how mine turned out. Pretty good I must say.



This is Stephanie. She has a lot less hair than I do, so we did hers as well to show you that it can be done with thinner hair as well.




That's it y'all. Super easy. Super pretty. Now go strut that runway girls. 

Friday, September 9, 2011

Friday Link Love 9/9/2011



What interesting things did you see online this week? Let me know in the comments below.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

September's Spotlight Stylist

Every month here on the On Stage blog, we want to recognize one stylists from one of the three On Stage salons. Our stylists are pretty much amazing. They all work so hard, are constantly taking classes, furthering their education, and keeping up with the current hair trends.

This month I want to introduce you to a wonderful lady over at On Stage Three in Magnolia: Monica. Just this week Monica was moved up a level and is now at our highest stylist level of director. This isn't an easy feat. It takes years, lots of education and requirements, and a test out to get to where Monica is today. And she does it all with a two-year-old. She's pretty much superstylistwoman. It's easy to see why she's this months spotlight stylist.

Monica and her son Jacob


I talked to Monica this week about her career and life as a hair stylist. Here's what she had to say.

How long have you been cutting hair?  
This October will be five years

 What you consider yourself a specialist in? 
 I am pretty much a well rounded stylist, I can do a little of everything, except men's fades scare me to death!!!

What do you have the most fun doing? 
I love haircutting, I love that I can see how it's coming together instantly.  I love the fact that I have the talent to make people feel good about themselves.

What awards have you won?  
I won a BEACON award in hair school, it was a contest put on through the Professional Beauty Association to see the talent of young and new stylist.


What kind of special classes have you taken? 
I've attended a class with Nick Arrojo, Nick Berardi, and an intense two day color class with Alexandra Matiz.

What do you think is your favorite fall look? 
Long layered copper red hair or long layered rich chocolately brown!

 What is your least favorite hairstyle of all time? 
 Oh by far the mullet, what was the person thinking when they said...oh this would look good if I just cut the top off and left back really long!  Seriously???

How would you describe your personal style and hair style?  
Simple.  My hair is simple (I'm trying to grow it out), my closet is simple.  I have a lot of solid colored clothing and a lot of staple pieces.  I love the accessoried look but it's just not me.  I love to be comfortable in my clothing.  When I'm not at work, I'm a tshirt and jeans type of girl!

If you could have anyone's hair instead of your own, who would you have? 
 Any of the kardashian sisters.  I know it's fake but man is it gorgeous...one of these days!

Do you have a message that you would like to tell all your clients? 
 First of all, thank you for all the support and loyalty of my clients.  Without them I would have no career, a lot of my clients are like my family.  I want my clients to come to me and have full trust in me, I'm not going to give them something that I know they can't pull off or won't have time to fix.  I just want them to feel good when they leave my chair!



Check out some of Monica's work









Want to make an appointment with Monica? Well, that's easy. Just call (281)259-1222 or click on the appointments tab above. 

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

AskAlzy: Smelly Hair

Alzy,

I've recently noticed an issue with my hair and scalp that I'm hoping you can help me to address. My scalp has slowly begun producing a faint musky smell, which has perpetuated and worsened through the past week or two, regardless of washing. Even after trying a baking soda scrub and rinse, the smell came back. Not only that, but my new motorcycle helmet didn't fit the way I wanted, and it makes me look like a bobble head. Would appreciate your input!


Sincerely,

Bobblehead



Dear Bobble head,

Think about how often your hair stays in a wet/damp state. After you shower you let it air dry, which obviously stays wet longer opposed to when it is blow dried, from working out and sweating, when your hair is still wet you pull it back or even put a hat on, which in turn cuts off an air flow to your scalp, and rewetting it throughout the day, etc.

Another thing that could be an added cause to this faint musky smell is if you produce a lot of oil and have white flakey dandruff looking skin particles.

Along with these things getting built up on your scalp and the fact that your hair stays in a damp matter for the greater percentage of the day, has formed into a (mild) form of fungi.
This is not something that doesn't happen over night, it has been building up to this point. Address the issue now before it turns into something more serious.
In order to correct what has been going on you are going to need a few key ingredients in your shampoo/conditioner (no, not just any shampoo will do the trick!):

sulfu and silicylic acid.

The sulfur is what helps get rid of the nasty fungus that causes the odor. The keratolytic properties of salicylic acid works in synergy with the sulfur to cleanse the oil from your scalp that the fungus thrives on.

Paul Mitchell Tea Tree line: $6.00-$25.00

Paul Mitchell's Tea Tree line does WONDERS!

Start washing your hair everyother day, and when shampooing leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing. The reason being for 'everyother day' is that it gives your hair a chance to breath and actually be dry for a little length of time and it will eventually help control the oil that you naturally produce. Did you know that the reason you feel so oily the day after washing your hair is because you washed out the natural oil it produced so that it has to reproduce what you just took out? Once you start washing your hair everyother day and your hair gets use to the new change you've made, it will slow down!

Just know that the smell and fungi will not go away over night. It takes a little time, just like it started. Keep using the Tea Tree Shampoo/Conditioner and you will notice the change.

I hope that you have a better understanding for what is going on and what is causing the smell and that you are able to put a stop to it. :)

-Alzy

P.S. I wish I could help you out with the helmet issue, but alas that is not my specialty . . . Maybe in the winter it won't look so awkward seeing you'll be wearing a lot heavier and bulkier clothing. Rock the new look, eh?



Do you have a question for Alzy? Email it to askalzy@gmail.com

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

How To Tuesday: The Top Knot

The top knot seems to be a newish trend. I've been seeing it everywhere, like here, here, and here, and I have done it myself on several occasions when I *cough* don't wash my hair *cough*. This simple updo is my go to when I don't feel like doing much to my hair. And after seeing how to do, you'll see why.



Step 1: Gather hair on top of head



Flipping your head all the way over works best here. Then run and brush through it to remove any bumps.



Step 2: Ponytail

Pretty straight forward. Secure your hair on top of your head with a pony.



Step 3: Tease it just a tad


Teasing here helps to get the bun volume. But don't make it too messy, unless of course that's your thing. Don't know how to tease? Well, go here. We will tell you.


Step 4: Pin away!





Just like it sounds. Wrap hair around, creating a bun then use bobby pins to secure.

Step 5: Hairspray

Use your hairspray to keep down any frizzies or flyaways.



Voilá!


There are a lot of other ways to do a top knot, and about a thousand different tutorials online. But I have found that this is the easiest and quickest way.

So go now my padawans and top knot away!

Friday, September 2, 2011

Friday Link Love 9/2/2011

Whoa. September already?? Time flies. Oh well, I'll get on to what you're really here about. Link love, y'all.



Did you see anything share-worthy online this week? Let me know in the comments below!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

AskAlzy: Curl Crazy

Dear Ali,

Everytime I curl my hair, my curls always stick together and form one giant curl? How do I keep them separate and looking perfect like the celebrity curls do?


Sincerely,

CurlCrazy


Dear CurlCrazy,

There are a few things that you can do to help prevent your hair from turning into one giant curl.

1. Curl your hair in all different directions. (towards and away from your face)

Whiteny Port


2. Surprisingly, hair spray is not always the best answer! Put a few dops of oil in your hand and work through the curl. You may run your fingers through some of the curls while others you can twist with your fingers to really define and smooth it with the oil. You may at this point lightly hairspray the end results.

Sebastian Liquid Gloss: $18.96

Best of luck,

Askalzy

Have questions? Send yours to askalzy@gmail.com