Friday Link Love 3/30/2012

• I'm always being yelled at in my house about the constant film of hairspray that covers everything in my bathroom. Well, not anymore! 
• If you're as obsessed with The Hunger Games as I am, here's a hair tutorial for you on how to do Katniss' now iconic braid. 
• Also THG related, and highly disappointing, an article on how there have been racist remarks about the movie. 
• The Gloss tells us how to wear flowers in our hair without looking like a kid. Thank you Gloss!
• Check out this list of the most expensive handbags ever. Most of them aren't even cute, except for the Birkin. Can't really go wrong there. 
• I'm still amazed by some bloggers DIY skills. For example, check out these super cute chevron earrings that are made out of bobby pins.   
• A vegan/vegetarian lifestyle can be hard when your short on time. If that's you, check out this article on how to make food at fast food restaurants work for you!
• And, the obligatory how to waste time link: canvas pinball.   Enjoy. 
• Watching this video almost had me crying about Up all over again. Some really cool people actually made a house fly with ballons. 
• Have you tried "accent nails"? They seem like a great way to spruce up a normal mani. 
• Also nail related, how to get that spill polish off almost anything.

That's all this week. Did you see anything online that I should have included in link love? Send it to cassidy@onstagehairdesign.com and I'll put it in next week's!

Gentlemen, it's okay to...

groom your brows. 

No one likes a unibrow, or overly bushy brows. So don't be embarrassed. Get those puppies waxed!

use more hair product than your girlfriend

Most days, I use exactly one product...and it's hairspray. So don't worry if your a two or even three-stepper gentleman. Sometimes it's easy to use more products than your girlfriend.

get a mani/pedi

If you've never gotten one. Go get one. They're fantastic, and they leave your nails looking clean...and ladies like clean.

share your woman's skin care products

Eye cream, toner, anti-aging product, sunscreen...especially sunscreen. It's all okay to use. Your skin works the same as a woman's, so it's okay to use the same products. 

spray tan

Laying outside or in a tanning bed is bad for your skin. So to get that summer tan, opt for a spray tan. Plus, they make you look leaner and give your muscles more definition. Who doesn't want that?

What else do you think is okay for men to do that they are sometimes hesitant to do? Tell me in the comments below!

photo 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Long Hair Upkeep

"I'm cold, but it's no problem, I'll just use my hair as a jacket."

Having long hair is a whole other ball game than short hair. First of all, you've got to use more shampoo. And have you ever gotten your hair stuck under your armpit? Or in the car door? Well...those are things you experience with long hair. So naturally there are a different set of rules in hair care.

Long Hair Rules

1. You need regular trims. Just because your hair is long doesn't mean that you don't need a trim just as much as Joe Smith over there. Because you do. In fact, you need one every eight weeks. Otherwise, your hair is just going to break off and you will lose your length anyways.
2. Deep conditioner meet hair. Hair meet deep conditioner. You two are going to become the best of friends. 
3. Pulling your hair back while you sleep is okay, but make sure that you're using a soft hair tie and keeping it very loose. Pulling it too tight or using rubberbands can cause breakage. 
4. When shampooing, try to keep the shampoo off the ends. It could dry them out.
5. When conditioning, try to keep the conditioner off the roots. It could cause excess oil. 

There are more long hair care tips. These are just the few that I live by. Although, maybe one day I'll be telling you my short hair tips, since we all know of my obsession with pixies. 

What are you long hair care tips?

How To Tuesday: Winged-Out Liner

Oh wings. Cat eyes. How I love you. In fact, I love you so much I pretty much wear you everyday. Now, it took me a long time to figure you out. You're complicated you see, and I'm an amateur. But I've mastered you now. And I'm telling all my friends how so they can master you to.

 Step 1:

Start by drawing a line from the corner of your eye up toward the end of your eyebrow. The longer the line, the bigger the wing will be.

Step 2:

Bring the line back in toward your lash line.

Step 3:

Fill in your outline and line the rest of the lash.

That's it! Three easy steps. Now here's a little tip: use a liquid or cream liner, because it is way too hard to try to do this with pencil. 

You know what goes good with wings? Red lipstick.

Giveaway Winner: Jane Iredale Powder Me SPF

It's time for the winner! Yay!

Congratulations Sharon R! Email me at cassidy@onstagehairdesign.com :)

Friday Link Love 3/23/2012

Hello link love, it's been too long.

• I love learning new "trade secrets", and learning some makeup school secrets was fun! 
• Boy blazer into a girl blazer. Genius. 
• My obsession with top knots grows with this braided one.
• Cleaning your makeup brushes is such an important thing to do, and to know how to do! 
• I loved reading the answers to these fashion questions. Some of them I wanted to know myself!
• Not that you'll need it this weekend, but here are some good hairstyles on rainy days.
• The story of the Twitching Teenagers in Le Roy, NY is such a strange and fascinating one.  
• This updo is perfect for your next date night. 
• While I love me some Disney Princesses, is it better to be a Disney villan? 
• The title is deceiving (any heat will damage your hair a bit!), but it was some good tips nonetheless: How to straighten your hair without damage.
• File this under adorable: Ronald Dahl once wrote a letter to a little girl saying the coolest things.

What did you see online this week?

Giveaway: Jane Iredale Powder Me SPF

It's almost summertime and that means it's almost SUNmertime. And while everyone should wear sunscreen all year round (skin cancer doesn't discriminate against season, y'all), it's especially important to wear it during the summer when you're out by the pool or the ocean.

And if you're like me, when you lay out you don't want to wear your entire face worth of makeup. However, you don't necessarily want to go naked. Jane Iredale's Powder Me SPF is the perfect solution.

It's a powder sunscreen formula that you dab on your face. It comes in two different colors, tanned or translucent, but it provides just the slightest amount of coverage. Perfect for poolside.

Also, in case you were wondering, that's the Skin Cancer Foundation's seal of approval! Yay for preventative care! 

To enter this giveaway, all you have to do in leave a comment below telling me your favorite SUNmertime activity. Then Tuesday, I'll randomly draw a winner. 

May the odds be ever in your favor.

Homemade Remedies: DIY Pore Strips

If you read Link Love you know all about my obsession with DIY things. But here's a little secret...I hardly ever actually do anything DIY. Shhh!! I know, I know, super lame right? But I hardly ever have time to do anything DIY. It's so much quicker for me to just pop into the store and buy whatever it is I was going to DIY. Yes, I spend more money, but I gain knowledge. Wait..no..I guess that saying doesn't really apply here.


But to appease my inner DIYer I decided to try out some pore strips. Easy to start off with right? Then I asked myself...do they actually work better than the store bought kind? And boom! Blog post idea. 


So here we are:

homemade pore strips vs. Biore pore strips


The recipe I'm using (or stole from these people) for the DIY portion of today's show is as follows:

• combine 1tbsp. honey with 1 1/2 tbsp. milk
• microwave for 10-15 seconds
• apply to face where desired

I put the Biore on my nose and the homemade on my chin and forehead area.

15 minutes later...


Biore Pore Strip

Let me first start off by saying, don't ever google image search Biore pore strips. Ew.

I always forget that these things never work the way I want them to. I expect them to pull out every blackhead in my nose, leaving it perfect like a baby's bottom. And let me tell you what it does not do: leave my nose looking like a perfect baby's bottom. There are still tons of blackheads up in there and I can't tell if the little things that the strip pulled out are small little blackheads or tiny hairs that I had on my nose. Some of them are probably blackheads. I can't have that much hair on my nose.

rating: B-

Homemade Pore Strip

When I put it on (using a cotton ball) it smelled so delicious I wanted to eat it. But then I put it on and was instantly deterred from eating. It was just this giant sticky mess on my face. Yes, it went on in a film like manner, but it just looked shiny and gross when it dried. 

Then I tried taking it off. Tried. Because that stuff wasn't coming off. It is suppose to just peel right off like a normal pore strip, but the mixture must of really liked my face because it stayed on really nicely. I ended up having to rewash my face and in the end, there was no blackhead difference. 

rating: F

I'm not sure why the DIY version didn't work out for me. Maybe I mixed it wrong, or didn't apply enough, I don't know, but there are a couple of other recipes for homemade pore strips out there that I might try next.

Do you DIY? What is your favorite homemade remedy? 

How To Tuesday: Set Your Curls

Sorry for the absence of posting the last week or so. I've had the flu. It was my first time getting it, and somehow it felt like a right of passage.

Me: Have you ever had the flu?
Random person: Uhh...no.
Me: Then you're not a proper adult.


Now back to your regularly scheduled how to post.


The women of the 40s and 50s were like superheroes. First of all, do you know how hard it is to cook in flats, much less heels? It's hard I tell you. But these ladies not only did everything around their house, they did it looking flawless. And they looked flawless because they probably set their curls every single day.

I woke up a little bit early the other day to prepare for this tutorial. I was thinking, how much extra time could it take for me to set my curls? Well...an almost late to work amount of time. So those housewives were waking up early, looking flawless, and cooking dinner. Superheroes. 




Here's what you need:

• Alligator Clips, double or single pronged

Double pronged

single pronged

• Curling iron
• Hair spray

Here's what you do:

• Curl your hair like normal, but when you pull the curling iron out of your hair, twist your hair up to the scalp in the shape of the curl you just made. You should have a circle on your head
• Use an alligator clip to pin the curl to your head. Try to weave the clip through the curl so that you don't crease your hair. 
• Do this for your entire head

That's me! 50s superhero style

• Hairspray
• Let it sit. I suggest putting your makeup on, getting dressed, or eating breakfast during the time.
• Pull it out, and you're done! 

You may wonder what the advantage of setting your curls is...

Well, allowing them to cool while in the shape of the perfect curl will help them stay longer. If you have a lot of problem with your curls falling out before the end of the day, then you should try this for sure. 

Also, setting your curls gives you a completely different look than allowing them to fall the second you take out your iron. It's a fun change in the world of monotony. 

Do you set your curls? Or maybe you have a different method than this? Tell me in the comments below!

Color Safe VS Color Saver Shampoo

In one corner we've got "Color Safe", weighing in at a impressive 8.4 ounces.

In the other corner we've got "Color Saver", weighing in at an unbelievable 33.8 ounces!

Who will win? Read on to find out.

Color Safe

Color Safe! In fact, the whole Sebastian line is color safe!

You hear a lot of talk about whether or not a shampoo is "color safe". Well, at least I hear that a lot. But then again, I work in a hair salon. So what exactly does color safe mean?

Well, it pretty much means exactly that. The shampoo that you've picked up is safe to use on your color. Meaning, it won't strip out the color that your stylist worked so hard to put, or more importantly, the color that you just spent all that money on. Remember a long time ago I talked about clarifying shampoos? Those my friends are, for the most part, not color safe. Because they're stripping your hair of whatever impurities it has in it, and poof! out comes your color with it.

So if you have colored hair, you always want to make sure that your shampoo is color safe.

Now, what makes it a color saver? I'm so glad you asked.


Color Saver

Color Conserve, see it's right in the name

A color saver shampoo is different. It is specifically designed to preserve the color that is in your hair. There are a ton of color saver shampoos out there, and chances are your favorite brand makes one. The best part about them is that they're easy to spot. Most of the time the word "color" is in the name. Easy as pie.


How to choose:
Here's what I ask color clients: what is your biggest concern? If they answer, "my color" (that's me!) then I give them a color saver. If they say moisture, volume, shine, or anything else other than color, I give them a color safe shampoo.

priorities people, priorities. 




What is your favorite color safe or color saver shampoo?

March Spotlight Stylist: Ali Boman

When I think of up and coming artists at On Stage, I automatically add Ali Boman to that list. Why? Because in the short amount of time that she has worked at On Stage, she has made her from from a stylist's assistant to an Associate and now a Stylist. That's a lot of work and a lot of passion.

And boy do her clients love her! She stays constantly booked and always has a full wait list. That's how you know she's as good I as I say she is.

But hair isn't the only thing that Ali is passionate about. Once you meet her, you'll fall instantly in love with her quirky personality, her unique style, and her ability to go weeks without washing her hair. (gross? no. jealous? yes.)

You need to meet Ali. Like right now.

How long have you been in the industry? And at On Stage?

I've been licensed for a little over 5 years, but have only been actively doing hair going on 3 years. I've been at On Stage for just over a year.

What is your favorite part about your job?

Everything! I love all of my clients and enjoy spending time with them. I love creative colors and cuts, correctional color...I love it all!

How would you describe your personal style?

Fashion forward and very unique.

Who inspires you?

God and everyday people who do the little things that go unnoticed and who go above and beyond.

What are your specialties?

I am a well rounded stylist, but the things that excite me are creative looks whether that be updos, color, cut, or even color correction.

Have you taken any special classes?

Creative color placement, precision cutting with Redken, an updo class, and lots of little classes throughout the years. 

Do you have a personal mission statement?

I am a believer that success comes from within and my attitude determines how successful I will be. I try to motivate and inspire people to reach their potential and see the best within themselves. 

There you go people. Remember her name. 

Want to make an appointment with Ali? Call (281)259-1222. 

Ask Alzy: Frizzy Frenzy

My hair is ALWAYS frizzy...I feel no product in the world could tame it! It's frizzy when it's straight, curly (natural), or up in a pony tail :(

Dear Frizzy Frenzy,

You are not alone my friend.

Frizzy hair is caused when it is lacking moisture and oil. In humid climates, or even hot showers, the cuticle (the outer layer of your hair strand) opens and allows moisture to reach the cortex. The steam and hot water opens the cuticle, but it never gets closed. You can rinse your hair with cool water to close the cuticle, and also refrain from towel drying your hair which roughens up each strand.

There are a few things your can try: 

• ring out excess water instead of roughly towel drying 
• get regular haircuts
• use a leave-in conditioner or other moisturizing/anti-frizz products
• run a dryer sheet over your hair when dry and straight to reduce static that your hair is reacting to from in the air

You can always come in and talk to your stylist about these options or maybe even a different one that would work better for you!

Hope that helps!

As always,

Alzy


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


photo 1

How To Tuesday: Men's Styling

I do a lot of tutorials on things that are primarily for women. Okay, let's be realistic, I do every tutorial on things that are primarily for women. Well...look at me shaking things up.

Today's tutorial comes from the experts over at Aveda. Never heard of Aveda? Well basically they're a company that sells products for skin, hair, and your other beauty needs. But the kicker: They use as many organic compounds as possible when they make their products. All their products have this nice nature smell. Pretty cool right?


Plus, I like a man to smell outdoorsy.






So all you men out there...tell me, what kind of tutorials would you like to see for your lovely XY selves. Nerd humor...too much?

Friday Link Love 3/2/2012

• I think we can all agree that I'll post anything 90s related, therefore, 48 pictures that perfectly capture the 90s. 
• Those of you following the Sex and the City prequel will be excited to know they've cast the young Carrie Bradshaw. 
• This video of a man on crutches dancing makes my heart sing. Don't let anything keep you from doing what you love. 
• YES! YES! YES! Thank you R29. Why they love The Hunger Games' Katniss (and why she kicks Bella's butt). Strong females, ladies!
• 7 ways to look beautiful without makeup. I bet you a million dollars one of them is confidence. 
• Adult acne is real and it is something that a lot of adults are suffering from. You're not alone. 
• Although award season has come to a close, that doesn't mean you still can't steal celebrity secrets for the red carpet. I bet we could find a way to use them in our everyday lives. 
• Related: the 30 best Oscar dresses of all time. Did your favorite make the cut?
• The worst part about a DIY manicure is the mess I make around my nails, but here's a great way to clean up easily!
• The Luck Mag how-to page is almost as good as ours. almost. 
• My goal in life: the perfect red lip. 
• These 54 uses for binder clips blew my mind, especially #27
• Something we all need sometimes: banish a bad mood in 15 minutes.
• I'm guilty of it, but The Soapbox explains why we shouldn't snark on Angelina Jolie's thin body, and I kind of agree with her.  
• Filed under celebrities being awesome: 16 celebrity photobombs.
• Need another site to waste some time? Attack of the cute. There goes your productivity.  
• Cuteness not your thing? Try this one.
•  R29 shows you how to spruce up your jeans and tees. 
• Sometimes I need these 33 ways to remind me to stay creative.
• Oh my goodness, this site is fantasticly hilarious. 
• That little spot of fat underneath the belly button that will never seem to go away is super annoying. Hopefully some of these workouts can help with that. 

What did you see online this week?

Good Hair Day, Every Day

When I flip through the pages of celebrity magazines, all I can think is, "does she really look that good everyday?" And then I cry myself to sleep, because, yeah, she probably does look that good everyday.

Then I snap back to reality and remember that all those celebrities have full time hair and makeup artists to make them look that way and I think, "HA! When I look good, it's because I did it all by myself!" Small wins, my friends, small wins.

As you get older I think that you learn tricks to have a good hair day everyday. Granted, of course there are always days when your hair just doesn't want to do anything, we'll just call those the dark days.

dark days for sure

Here are your steps to success:

• The biggest tip I can give you is to work with what you've got. If you're hair is just laying flat, then pull it back in a sleek pony. If you can't seem to get rid of that sleepy-head-bump (an actual term, thank you) then curl your hair and wear it big. Don't try to force your hair into something, instead let your hair guide you. 
• Figure out your best shampoo cycle. I always shampoo at night, then wear it for two whole days before I wash again. For example: I wash on Monday, wear on Tuesday and Wednesday, then wash on Wednesday night. I love the way my hair looks after I sleep on it, but maybe you don't. So wash it in the morning instead. 
• Try new techniques or ways to wear it. The other day I was playing with a coworkers hair and pulled it back into this super simple updo. She said she didn't think she looked good in an updo, but totally changed her mind after I showed her how it could look. There are a thousand tutorials online for different things to do. You can check out our tutorials here. 
• Own it. That is pretty much with everything. Remember that time Bjork wore a swan dress to the Academy Awards? Well it was a bit out there, but she owned it. So if you've got messy bed-head, then own your messy bed-head girl!

So try some of these things out next time you look in the mirror and think, oh no, not one of those days.