Friday Link Love 12/30/2011

Last link love of 2011.

• Braids have been everywhere, but have you tried a twist? They are just as fun! 
• And hello, end-of-the-year jackpot! 101 hairstyle tutorials. All on one page. 
• Last week, I showed you the 2011 trends we didn't want to go away. Now, here are the ones we can't wait to see go. Except for maybe the owls...I love owls. 
• Also from R29, an updo in less than a minute.
• Another updo, but this one is Audrey Hepburn inspired. Who couldn't love that?  
• This braided updo is amazing. And, just so you know, we tried it today and it looked fabulous! 
• Some 2012 New Year's resolutions that think about adding to your list. 
• Also on New Year's resolutions, how to make and keep them. 
• A girl came into the salon with one of those waterfall braid. It was amazing. Everyone should learn how to do it. 
• I love Jeff Bridges and what he has to say about perception is interesting...
• Must try this "brown with a twist" makeup look.
• Maiden braids and how to style them! 
• These are perfect NYE nails!
• In case you're as stopped up as the rest of us...how to clear a blocked nose. 

What did you guys see this week? Any cool end of the year things?

Salon Etiquette

If you're new to the salon scene, or even if you're a veteran, you should know that a salon, like any other establishment, has it's own etiquette. 

Please, be on time.

And on time means early. Your appointment starts at the time that you are given, so it is always polite to arrive a couple of minutes early. Things happen though, of course. If you know you're going to be running late, call the salon to let the stylist know. If you're going to be more than 15 minutes late, ask if you need to reschedule. Some stylists only book half an hour appointments. If you're 15 minutes late, you've already missed half of it. 

Talk about prices before your stylists begins.

I once had a nightmare that I got my hair done and went to pay and the price was almost $1,000. Luckily that has never happened to me in real life, but I always ask my stylist how much something is going to be before they do it. Getting to the counter and hearing a price twice as much as you thought it was going to be is not very fun.

Patience is a virtue.

Sometimes, things happen during an appointment that unforeseen to cause the stylist to run behind. Try to be patient if this happens. That is, of course, if it is a reasonable time. If your appointment is almost already over and you haven't even sat in the chair yet, please talk to a manager and see what is going on. 

Tipping.

Ah, tipping. That thing that no one likes to talk about. Typically, like the food industry, at least 15% is normal. Also, don't forget to ask how your salon tips the shampoo techs. Sometimes, you have to tell the front desk to split your tip so that those lovely people behind the bowls get some love too.

Redos

Most salons have a redo policy. No one wants you to go around hating your hair. If this has happened to you, call and find out what can be done. The stylist won't be upset, promise!

Stylist Etiquette

It isn't just the client that needs to be nice. The stylist has some rules to follow too.

• The stylist should guide you to your perfect color and cut. Since it isn't the stylist who will be wearing the style, they shouldn't push anything on you that you're not comfortable with.
• The stylist should give you their full attention. Not play on their cell phone, or walk away to go chat with some friends unrelated to work.

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How To: Use a Bobby Pin

I have a lot of trouble with those little pieces of zig-zag metal. They open, bend, break, or that little rubber piece comes off and I poke myself. Not fun. But the most trouble I have is trying to get them to hold my hair. 

It's been said, several times, that I have some funky hair. It's thick and coarse and is picky about the stuff I put in it. So needless to say that when I put a bobby pin in my hair, it rebels and chunks the bobby pin out screaming, "leave now and never come back!" 

And then I met Lesley, who can pin like a pinning master. I bet she could put my entire head of hair up with just one pin. So I decided to learn the art of pinning from her and the other stylists around the salon. And now, I share the knowledge with you. 

• People say to put the zig-zag side down. But I say put that zig wherever you'd like to zag! It doesn't really matter. Just do what feels better for you.
• The best thing to do for extra hold is to push the pin back on itself. Push in, then twist into opposite direction. See the video below.

Bobby pins are easy to use if you just play around with them. Try putting them in and twisting in different directions. You can be a professional in no time!

Friday Link Love 12/23/2011

• Everywhere I go I see something about Glee, and you know what? I can't get enough! Glee has forever impacted the music world. 
• Need the perfect style for that holiday party? Try using hot rollers. 
• I love the idea of loving wine, but I just can't seem to actually love it. But if you do, here a nice chart that shows you all about it. 
• The new Facebook timeline threw me for a loop when I first saw it. If only these 90's heartthrobs used these banners for their page.  Oh JTT. How I miss you.
• This leather and canvas satchel is probably the cutest DIY bag I've ever seen. 
• Another DIY project. Earrings from string and paperclips. Way cuter than you would think!
• Everyone with a cat knows that it's dangerous putting up a Christmas tree, but did you know these other pet hazards? 
• Dancing GIFs. That's pretty much all that needs to be said, except, did you notice who made the list twice? 
• Just discovered this new blog, She Lets Her Hair Down. Girl's got a ton of awesome tutorials. 
• Apparently oatmeal not only helps with exhaustion, but also acne.
• This is absolutely hilarious, and absolutely true. Don't forget to watch episode 2!
• The 10 most talked about beauty moments of 2011. You go Jenna Lyons!  
• Also from R29, the best holiday movies and fashion lessons from them. 
• How are so many girls so good at doing their own nails?
• An awww moment. A little boy designs a fireplace with Santa in mind. 
• 2011 beauty trends that should never die. 
• Shopping resolutions for 2012! I definitely need to do some of these. 
• Sometimes wearing red and green together can look too Christmasy, but Fabsugar shows you how to do it right. 

The Brazilian Blowout

The Brazilian Blowout has been out for a while, but there are still some people who don't know about it or who are on the fence about it. So here's what you need to know.

The Brazilian Blowout is a smoothing treatment that, according to the website, actually improves the condition of the hair by creating a protective protein layer around the hair shaft to eliminate frizz and smooth the cuticle.

Now, I've seen the Brazilian Blowout firsthand. The girls in the before and after photos haven't sat for hours while a stylist meticulously blow-dried and flat ironed their hair. The hair actually looks like that after the treatment with just a simple blow dry. 

Don't get me wrong. You do have to sit for hours. The treatment takes a while because you have to be shampooed, then the product is combed through your hair, then you're blow-dried, flat ironed, washed, and blow-dried and flat ironed again. You can see if you have a lot of hair like I do how it could take a while. 

But afterwards, you've got sleek, frizz-free hair that lasts for many weeks! If you ask me, it's well worth the sitting time. 

The blowout is really a revolutionary process in my opinion. It isn't permanent, so your natural curl will come back after so many weeks. Plus it doesn't damage the hair in anyways. In fact, since you'll use your flat iron a lot less often, you could almost say that the blowout helps your hair. Like I've said before, it is isn't permanent, why not try it?

If you have questions about the blowout, how it works or what is in it, ask your hair care professional. 

Have you had the Brazilian Blowout? Tell us how you liked it in the comments below! 

 

Hair Myths: The Truths Revealed!

When I was little I watched as Marcia Brady brushed her hair 100 times on each side to make it shinier. I, in turn, had to brush my hair the same. Because I wanted straight, flat, and shiny hair like Marcia (Marcia, Marcia!) 


Alas! It didn't work.

1. 2. 3....100. Done!

Myth: You don't have to have dirty hair for color to work.

This is so not true. Color will take on clean hair just the same. The only thing you need to make sure you do when you come into the salon is have dry hair. 

Myth: You can repair split ends.

No matter what Pantene Pro V tells you, you cannot repair split ends. They must be cut off. Now, you can prevent split ends. But there's no repairing. 

Myth: If you pluck out a gray hair, more will grow in it's place.

This is what they call an old-wive's-tale folks. While you're not going to suddenly have a patch of gray hairs in one spot, I don't encourage plucking them out. If they are bothering you, talk to your stylist about color options. 

Myth: Switching shampoos can make your hair look healthier.

Your hair doesn't discriminate against a professional shampoo. I emphasize professional because a regular drug store shampoo can coat your hair in wax to trick you into thinking it is healthy, when really it is not. But I digress. The dullness that you're seeing after using a shampoo for so long is probably just a buildup of product. Use a clarifying shampoo a couple of times a month, and violá! Good as new. 

Myth: For your hair to grow, you have to cut it every new/full moon.

Well...I'm not really sure how to answer this one. But yeah...it's not true. 

These are all myths that I've heard while in the salon, and they are all not true. There are probably about a thousand others that I didn't touch on, so if there is something you've been wondering, send it in an email to askalzy@gmail.com

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How To Tuesday: The Fishtail Braid

It is in interesting thing working in a hair salon. Most of the time I don't know what a stylist is taking about, since I'm not one myself.

/00, 6/77, 20 volume. uhh..what?


I was an English person because I didn't like math, so all of the numbers and the formulas that the stylists spout off go right over my head. But there are times like today when I can say, "Why don't you let me show you how to do that?"






Have you tried the fishtail before? I find I like it better than a regular braid on lazy days. What do you think?

Friday Link Love 12/16/2011

• a. steed's. life shows you how to get your natural curl back. But I warn you...it could get greasy. 
• 25 ways to wear a scarf, and oh.my.gosh. are they amazing. 
• Hello Giggles brings you newspaper nails!
• I'm currently growing out my bangs and boy is it awful! But here's a handy guide on how to to it properly.  
• Just another reminder that not everything is as it seems.
• InStyle gives you the best at-home hair tricks. Although, I'm not sure how many of those I would actually try. 
•  Dear 16-year-old me. Something everyone should remember and tell their kids. 
• Hair bows. Yeah! 
• I don't know what mermaid curls are, but they look pretty cool. 
• Umm...can I marry this guy?
• Are turtlenecks cool now? Refinery 29 apparently says so! I'm down! 
• Eco-friendly wrapping, yay!
• Is modeling a dying industry? H&M must think so. 
• An easy way to waste your time. 
• 2012 beauty resolutions!
• Jimmy Kimmel is hilarious. And so are this kids. "I gave my kids a terrible present."  

What did you see online this week? 

Men's Products

It's easy to get caught up in thinking about products just for women, but the truth is a lot of products out there can really be used for both men and women. Yes, it's also true that there are lines out there made specifically for men--like Paul Mitchell's new Mitch line--but hey, what's a world where things are only black and white and never gray?

"Oh, that I were a glove upon that hand/ That I might touch that"...hair. 

So men out there. Here are a couple of things to know about the products that you're putting in your hair, or about the ones that you should be.

First and foremost, shampoo and conditioner. It seems pretty simple, but I've know some guys with super short hair that use the same soap on their hair that they do on their body. I can tell you that their scalp wasn't very happy at them. Happy hair=happy scalp, which in turn means no flakes on your shirt.

Mitch Double Hitter: the man's one stop shop

Then it can get a bit complicated with creams, pomades, hairsprays, waxes, muds, fibers, and the like. Though they may vary in name they are all styling products.

Choose your weapon wisely. 

Each different styling product can offer you a variety of looks from messy, just-rolled-out-of-bed-look to a sleek finish. Talk with your stylist to decide which one will work best on your hair.

So men, the lesson of the day is that it's okay to use products. In fact, it's encouraged. Just look at Mr. Dempsey up there.

And women, don't shy away from men's products just because they are men's products. Depending on what type of cut and hair you have, they could work just as good.


Class dismissed.


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Disney Gave Me Unrealistic Expectations About Hair

and men. But since this blog isn't about men, I'll stick to the part about hair.

I saw that picture above on Pinterest the other day, thought, yeah Disney, thanks a lot. Why is it that when I try to run a fork through my hair it gets stuck and doesn't slide right through? Or how exactly did Belle have a bun, but also have her hair down? These are the questions that I want answers to! 

I may not know the answer to those questions, but working at a salon has taught me a few tricks of the trade. For instance, did you know that even if you're growing your hair out you need to get regular trims to get your ends healthy?

Having hair like a princess isn't so hard to achieve if you know how to take care of it. Here are a couple of tips to help you reach your princess goal.

• Always condition.Always. 
• It is essential to use a heat protectant when you're blowdrying, flat-ironing, or curling your hair. 
• I know it sounds quite simple, but always brush your hair. Some people just need to be reminded. 
• Keep up with your haircuts. Don't go months between them or you'll hair will never be like Rapunzel.
• Never experiment with at home color. Here's a true story, I once tried to bleach my friend's entire head out. It looked like a rainbow when we were done.

Getting the princesses color is easy, it's the style that could be hard. But just remember your friend the round brush and all will be okay.

Which princess has the best hair in your opinion? Tell me in the comments below!  

Friday Link Love 12/09/2011

• I pretty much can't get enough of DIY bracelets--they make great Christmas presents!-- so you could imagine my excitement when I saw these 10 DIY tutorials for the most fashionable bracelets.
• Apparently researchers have found a new "Early-like" planet. Humph, I just miss Pluto. 
• This is apparently from last month, but I just discovered it. A DIY dry shampoo. A must try!
• This article about 5 foods that you think are healthy but aren't seems a little misleading to me. Check it out, but make sure you read it all!
• Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, this video of kids acting out The Christmas Story is adorable! And such high quality!
• Winter weather not only dries out your hair, but also your skin. Make sure your eating these foods to help combat it! 
• I found the drawing of how to wear your jeans with different shoes while surfing the web, and I find it surprisingly helpful! 
• Don't know what you get your mamma for the holidays? A Cup of Joe helps! 
• In case the VS Fashion show inspired you to become more in shape.
• A little bit more serious that I normally am, but inspiring none-the-less. The 45 Most Powerful Images of 2011.  
• Rounding out Link Love this week: Disney Princess Cover Models. Ah-mazing! Make sure you read the cover stories! 

What did you see online this week?

Spotlight Stylist: December

It is fitting that this month's spotlight stylist is Lynsey Robbins from On Stage III in Magnolia. Because you see, she loves the Christmas season as much, if not more than, I do.

I first met Lynsey a little bit over four years ago when I was leaving On Stage for college and she was just starting, and already I was impressed with her resume. After graduating from Baylor University, she decided to make her way into the beauty industry, and flew to California to attend Westmore Academy of Cosmetic Arts. There she studied the art of makeup, but it wasn't enough. So she came back to Texas to attend hair school, and has been with On Stage ever since.

Lynsey Robbins

Maybe you don't know Lynsey like I do, so here are a few things you should know about her.

How long have you been with the company?
It's been just about 4.4 years.

What are your specialities?
I can do it all! But I am the go-to-girl for airbrush makeup, and of course, you can't forget my charming personality.

What do you have the most fun doing?
I came into the beauty industry because I wanted to make people feel good about themselves, and that is exactly what I get to do everyday.

Have you taken any special classes?
I've taken a ton of classes but the ones that stand out are airbrush makeup, wedding makeup, and "These ain't your mamma's perms".

How would you describe your personal style?
I like to think of it as classic casual, with a little bit of country. I love my cowboy boots want to look professional, all while still having my own style.

What made you want to be a hairstylist?
I have always loved the industry: hair, makeup, and fashion.

If you could have anyone else's hair, who would it be?
I'm absolutely in love with Ginnifer Goodwin's hair right now.

Do you have a message that you would like to tell all of your clients?
It has been a great pleasure serving you these past four years and I'm so excited about the new year ahead. Thank you for your patronage, I am so blessed and thank God for each of you!



Do you want to book an appointment with Lynsey? Call (281)259-1222 or click the button up top!

The Perfect Stocking

I love Christmas. I love Hanukkah. Basically I just love the winter holidays. They mean laughter and lights, singing really loud, and the new season of Doctor Who. The only thing that would make it better would be snow. But as I've said before, Texas isn't quite known for its white Christmases.

If only!

But one of the best parts about Christmas is the Christmas stocking. My mom always know exactly what to put in it for me. But in case you don't, here's Cassidy's guide to stocking stuffing.

1. Lip Gloss: Aveda's Nourish-mint Rehydrating Lip Gloss. The color goes on your lips looking almost exactly like it does in the tube. And really, how often does that actually happen?
2. Gift cards: These are probably the best thing to put into a stocking. For an adult that is. I get giftcards for every member of my family to stuff with.
3. Travel size lotions: Aveda Hand Relief. This stuff will save your hand's lives. Seriously. It works miracles.  
4. Nail Polish: OPI. You can't really go wrong.
5. Magazine Subscriptions: I love magazines. For a while I was loving reading them on my Nook Color, but now I'm all about buying the actual magazine again. It's a dying industry that I would like to save. Plus, who can refuse 24 magazines for $12.00? Not me.
6. Candy: No stocking is complete without a bit of candy.

Stocking stuff should be small and cheap. That's the way of the stocking.

Stockings roasting over an open fire...

What is your favorite item in a stocking?



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How To Tuesday: Cheek Bone Contouring

I've seen some pretty amazing face contouring on YouTube. I've already told you about that girl who can make her face look like pretty much any celebrity. She does it all by contouring her face. It's pretty cool to watch.

It's fun for photos, what she does, but I wanted to take something away from it that I could use in everyday life. So I did. And so I give you...

Cheek Bone Contouring. 

Basically, this will make your cheek bones look higher. And we all would love a higher cheek bone right?

1. Bronzer

Bronzer is pretty much the key to this whole look. Apply your bronzer at the very bottom of your cheekbone. When you suck in your cheeks you should be able to see exactly where to put it. 

      2.  Blush

Then you apply your blush on top of your bronzer.

Done.

It's a super simple process, but one that not everyone knows about. Try it tomorrow. You won't be sorry! Unless you are. And then I'm sorry that you're sorry.

What other tutorials would you like to see? Tell me in the comments below!

Friday Link Love 12/2/2011

• I love how different eyeliner shapes can make your eyes have different appearances.
• Driving around and looking at Christmas lights is one of my favorite holiday things to do, so looking at these lights around the rest of the world is amazing.  
• A couple of random life tips, including one about bobby pins! 
• Is this really necessary? I guess some people just love Facebook a lot.
• DIY shellac nail polish! 
• Now that it is starting to get cold, here are a couple of hairstyles to try this season. 
• Related: Winter celebrity hairstyles to try. 
• A holiday gift guide brought to you by The Beauty Department. 
• The evolution of Miss Piggy's style. Her hair just keeps getting bigger. 
• I know it's Christmas time when the Victoria Secret fashion show comes on. But here's a look at the rest of the Angel's year. 
• Related: I thought these photos of the VS Angels from back when they were younger would make me feel better. Everyone goes through an awkward phase right? Guess not. 
• It's not wonder that society feels the need for perfection. There's a new computer program that shows exactly how photos have been photoshopped. Celebrities aren't as perfect as we think. Except for the VS Angels, they came out of the womb strutting it. 

What did you see online this week? Tell me in the comments below!

Stress Is Stressful

The holidays are suppose to be a happy time of year, with family, traditions, presents, food, and Santa. But you know what? If you've ever been to Black Friday you know that sometimes shopping for the holidays is stress-ful!

Yeah, no thank you.

But what you might not realize, whether your stress is coming from the holidays, or school finals, or cooking a dinner for you in-laws, stress can be super harmful to your hair and skin.

According, some experts, there are three different types of stress-related hair loss. .

• Alopecia areata.
 A variety of factors are thought to cause alopecia areata, possibly including severe stress. With alopecia areata, white blood cells attack the hair follicle, stopping hair growth and making hair fall out.

• Telogen effluvium.
 In this condition, emotional or physical stress pushes large numbers of growing hairs into a resting phase. Within a few months, the affected hairs may fall out suddenly when simply combing or washing your hair.

• Trichotillomania.
 Trichotillomania (trik-oh-til-oh-MAY-nee-uh) is an irresistible urge to pull out hair from your scalp, eyebrows or other areas of your body. Hair pulling can be a way of dealing with negative or uncomfortable feelings, such as stress, anxiety, tension, loneliness, fatigue or frustration

But don't worry. Stress-related hair loss doesn't have to be permanent. Getting your stress under control is key. Get a massage or facial, take a long bubble bath, cater your dinner instead, or do absolutely nothing for a night. Treat yourself and your hair will be happy.

And just a reminder, always see a professional if you're having sudden hair loss. We just want y'all to be happy and healthy.



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