Product Cocktails

Remember that time I talked about using too much product? Today I'm kind of on the opposite end of the spectrum, because I want to tell you about product cocktails.

What's a product cocktail you ask? Why, let me tell you!

product cocktail [prod-uhkt kok-teyl] noun: any various sort of mixed products, consisting typically of one or more hair products mixed with another hair product.

Need something simpler than my fancy, made-up definition? Basically a product cocktail is just as it sounds, when you mix two or more products together in your hair. Because let's face it, one product is just never enough, nor is just one pair of shoes. The key is discovering what products to mix. 

Mixology 101:

• light hold mousse + straightening cream = the perfect round brush combo
• curl enhancer + anti-frizz cream + gel = perfect curly hair cocktail
• heat protectant + hair spray + shine serum = your curling iron's best friend

Those are just a few combinations. There are thousands out there I'm sure, but just be aware that some products don't mix well together. So if you get any clumping, color change, or just weirdness in general, ask your hair care professional about it. Or just ask your stylist in the first place. Chances are they used a cocktail on your hair and can recommend the perfect one for you.

Currently I'm loving Aveda's Smooth Infusion Style Prep-Smoother and Glossing Straightener. They come from the same line and practically scream, mix me! What are your favorite products to mix together?

Ask Alzy: Summer Time Blues

Yesterday on our Facebook page , we asked about your hair challenges. Here is what our fans had to say:

For the next three weeks, we'll be answering these lovely ladies questions. First up:

 The gray in my hair grow out too fast, and I really like to wear it long. But during the summer all I ever do is put it in a pony. Suggestions for how to wear longer hair in the summer, without just putting a pony on it and tricks to get the gray at bay, until I get to the salon. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Dear Summer Time Blues,

They make hair mascara in 3 colors that you can put on your part line and around the face. It washes out with shampoo, so it will have to be reapplied on a regular basis. However, it has a wax base so do not use it on the day you get your hair fixed up at the salon because it will resist the color.

Pony's aren't bad, but they do get old! Simple braids, buns, or headbands can be a fun way to spruce it up. You can always call the salon and see about setting up an appointment with a stylist for a lesson on a few quick ways to wear your hair and braiding techniques!  

Hope this helps!

As always,

Alzy

Do you have a hair challenge or a question? Send an email to askalzy@gmail.com

Photo 1, Photo 2

How To Tuesday: Braided Headbands

They say the braided look is going out, but I disagree. I'm still in love with a good ol' braid. So I thought I'd show you a couple of braided headband looks.

Hopefully you know how to french braid...




See? Simple and pretty!


What are your favorite braided looks?

Friday Link Love 2/17/2012

• Homemade hair removal wax. Ouch. Let me know if you try this and if it goes well...
• I laughed a long time at this...and then I realized there were 10 more pages. The most entertaining notes to neighbors. 
• Working at a desk all day isn't fun, so try some of these ways to stay active while at your desk.
• It's Girl Scout cookie time! Don't worry if your on a diet, here at the healthiest ones. 
• This website is fantastic and adorable. It shows you a new picture of a kitten after you write so many words. Kittens are enough motivation for me. 
• I haven't heard of using strawberries as a facial toner before, but it sounds interesting! 
• And just for you 90s lovers out there: 10 things 90s kids will have to explain to their children. 
• This bohemian updo is brilliant, and as a bonus, it looks super easy! 
• Cooking mistakes are frequent in my life. I might just have to print out this list of common cooking mistakes. 
• This week, news came out that the FDA found lead in over 400 shades of lipstick, but think it isn't a concern. Not a concern? hmm...
• Filed under "open when bored": catastrophic, and sometimes funny, things that have happened to Reddit readers. 
• All you experienced DIYers out there: how to make your own perfume. 
• Beauty techniques made easy. Thank you Woman's day!
• This website will create any text you want in a "ransom style" note. You know, magazine clippings? Pretty awesome.

What did you see online this week? Send me your link loves to cassidy@onstagehairdesign.com 

The Perfect Cut For Your Face Shape, Part Deux

After reading my post from yesterday, I hope that everyone went home--or to their bathrooms--and measured or drew their way into discovering their face shape. If not, well that's okay too. You get an E for effort. Or is it A for effort? I can never remember.

Now it's time to determine the perfect cut for you and your new face shape.

Oval

All you ovalers out there rejoice! Because having an oval face means you can pull off almost any haircut or any length. Congratulations, you won the face shape lottery. 

But if you want the perfect cut, try something with long layers that enhance your natural body. When your hair is too flat to your head it can make your face look even more elongated. 

Want something more bold? Cut yourself some full bangs! The bangs cover part of your face, which automatically makes it look shorter. 

Round

Rounders, here are the rules:

Way above the jawline, or below it. Cuts that hug the jaw can make your face look wider, but if your hair hits around the collarbone than it helps slim your face down.

Or if your up for it, cut a super cute pixie like Ginnifer's. Choppy pieces on top can help lengthen your face.

Square

Sqaure-ies...think feathered layers. The feathered ends keep things from being too blunt and bringing attention to your sharp features. 

Also, try some side bangs like lovely Salma up there. They soften up your look.

Heart

Hearts, you're going to want to keep things moving and fun. Much like the Square-ies, your jaw is prominent and that is something you'll want your hair to compliment.

Bangs can help conceal the wideness at your forehead and to offset the narrowness at your chin.

A chin length bob that flips will create the illusion of a wider area around your chin as well.



There you have it my friends! Are you following these face shape rules? Or do you make your own rules like I do?

The Perfect Cut For Your Face Shape, Part 1

I hear this a lot: "Is 'x' cut good for my face shape?", and you know what I tell them?

I have no idea.


Mainly I say that because I'm not a hair stylist, but also a little bit because I've never understood exactly how to determine what face shape people have. I makes buying sunglasses a problem.

But I've discovered a couple of ways to figure it out.

Method #1: measure

Measure your face, yes with a ruler, in these four places: brow, cheekbones, jawline, and the length of your face from forehead to chin.

if you're...

• oval: your brow, cheekbones, and jawline will all be roughly the same length
• square: the width will be nearly the same as the length from your forehead to your chin
• round: the width will be nearly the same as the length from your forehead to your chin, but your forehead and jaw are curved at the corners
• heart: your wide at the brow and not so wide at the jawline

Method #2: trace your outline

Look at yourself in the mirror, then grab that lipstick that is always at the bottom of your drawer but never use and trace the outline of your face in the mirror (don't forget to pull your hair back!). Then take a step back and look at your outline. What shape do you see?

Extra Tips:

• You might be a combination of two different shapes. For example, I'm oval with a slight heart shape. So don't try to fit yourself into just one category.
• Get a friend to help! You can measure or trace each other's outlines. Friends make everything more fun!

Now that you know what face shape you have, your ready to pick a cut that works best for you! But... you'll have to wait to tomorrow. Stay tuned to see Part 2 of "The Perfect Cut For Your Face Shape"!

How To Tuesday: Valentine's Updo

Happy Valentine's everyone! Many of you might be running around frantically trying to get ready for your big date tonight. But don't worry! On Stage has you covered for your hair!

Lesley did this look today in under 20 minutes. So you can too! 

The best part about this look is that it can work for almost any hair length. Take Lesley for example. She's got short/medium length in the front, and short in the back. But I on the other hand, have long hair. But both of us could do it. If your hair is longer like mine, you'll just have to loop and curl your hair around a bit more in the back. It will create the perfect chignon.

Enjoy your night my friends.