Category Archives: Hair Care

True Colors…

There are two types of beauty personalities…those that play it safe, never deviating too far from what they know works well for them and those that try every trend and switch things up as often as they can. This little gem of a book is for the later.

Maybe you like having a lot of fun with your hair or have a secret desire to be the coolest mom or aunt around. Maybe you’re a “hair virgin” and are ready to take a walk on the wild or semi-wild side.  DIY DYE: Bright and Funky Temporary Hair Coloring You Do at Home will help you do just that. It gives you lowdown on how to create different looks with chalks, food coloring, hairspray,  Kool-Aid packets and then some. You might just find that pushing the envelope works for you. If not, your “back-to-basics” is just a shampoo away.

DIY DYE: Bright and Funky Temporary Hair Coloring You Do at Home by Loren Lankford @ barnesandnoble.com.

 

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Help for Thin Hair

I’ve noticed that when it comes to hair so many of us would prefer to have something very different than what we’ve been given. If you’re not blessed with gorgeous, thick, healthy-looking hair and would like to do something about it, try the beauty supplement that many actors and models swear by. Used by Reese Witherspoon, Karlie Kloss, Miley Cyrus and Miranda Lambert, Viviscal’s  proprietary ingredient, AminoMar, nourishes and promotes growth from the inside out.

Celeb stylist, Randy Stodghill says, “I always recommend my clients start taking Viviscal because it makes a big difference. The hair grows faster and gives more oomph, while leaving a healthy shine and soft finish. You end up having more volume because it is thicker and gives an all-around healthier appearance.”

Viviscal, $49,99 for a one month supply at viviscal.com. *Expect to take it for two months before you start to see results.

Award-Worthy Hair!

We asked Jenny Balding, NYC Cutler/Redken Styling and Grooming Expert for her favorite Oscar hair and tips for getting the look at home. Here’s what she had to say:

Olivia Wilde – “This is a stunning, swept up, Brigitte Bardot inspired style and compliments her gown beautifully.  Her graphic black eyeliner adds a 60’s inspired feel to the whole ensemble.” – Jenny Balding
To Do:
  • Start by blow drying hair with a round brush to create body, volume and slight wave to the ends.
  • Separate into two sections.  Take the crown and front section and pin to one side then leave the underneath section out.
  • Sweep the underneath section into a chignon that hugs the curve of the head.
  • Take the top section and back brush under the crown area to create padding and volume and twist lightly and secure into chignon.
  • Finish by gently loosening some shorter pieces to frame the face and mist with a light hairspray –  I love Redken fashion work 12 and it is very versatile and light to work with.
Cate Blanchett – “This beautiful, classic vintage Hollywood style is refreshing as it isn’t a faux bob or very long but it’s just right, at the shoulder.  The key to this look is to create the wave just through the front section and throughout the perimeter of the hair.” – Jenny Balding
To Do:
  • Create a deep side part wherever works best for your face shape and hairline.
  • Blow dry smooth and keep to just a natural volume for this look.
  • Mist hair with a light and versatile hairspray like Redken fashion work 12
  • Use a medium size curling iron and start by creating the front section first as this will set the tone.  Create the wave from underneath the cheekbone.
  • Hold the iron vertically and wrap from mid-length to the ends.
  • Finish by setting the hair with a stronger hold hairspray.  Redken control addict 28 is perfect for this as it holds and creates shine.
Charlize Theron – “Charlize is simply stunning with her sleek, smooth, grown out pixie which complimented her sleek gown with clean lines.  If you have a shorter hairstyle you can style it in so many ways, this, being one of them.” – Jenny Balding
To Do:
  • Apply a smoothing, straightening balm, Redken align 12, to clean wet hair.
  • Blow dry smooth and wrap the hair back and forward to prevent creating volume.
  • Create a deep side part which works best for your face shape and hairline.
  • Sweep and tuck behind ears.
  • I love Cutler Flyaway stick which is perfect for keeping your strands sleek and glossy all over.

 

(photography courtesy of Michael Buckner/Getty Images, Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

Hair Pro Secret

Everyone knows that when it comes to an updo you want hair that’s a bit dirty to give your style some staying power…another trick is dry shampoo. Simply spray it onto your bobby pins to create a bit of friction between your hair and the pin and your style will last and last and last.

Try Bumble and bumble Pret-a-Powder, $26 at sephora.com.

 

(photography courtesy of Pinterest)

Top 10 Beauty Products for 2013

If it’s good enough for David Letterman, Amazon and Billboard it’s good enough for The Beauty Wall! Here, my Top Ten Favorite Beauty Products that I wrote about this past year…
Tarte Glamazon Lipstick…because it stays put for hours.

Dermalogica Skinperfect Primer…because flawless looking skin is always in style.

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage…because nothing covers as well while still looking natural.

Cane + Austin Miracle Pad…because why look older when you don’t have to.

Lamas Botanicals Pumpkin Spice Polish…because it cleans, sloughs and polishes and it smells amazing.

Lather Vanilla Bean & Shea Soap…because it smells sooooo good.

Korres Shower Gel…because this is way better than the next best thing.

Arrojo Defrizz Serum…because frizzy hair should be someone else’s problem.

Ouidad Wave Create Sea Spray…because on some days less is more.

21 Drops…because it helps cure whatever ails you and the packaging is so damn cute.

Want Healthy, Shiny Hair?

Product Review: Lissea Smoothing Conditioner for Unruly Hair

I hope you all had a wonderful, long Thanksgiving weekend. In the spirit of Thanksgivukkah, my family and I have been stating what we’re thankful for each time we light the menorah. Things like family, friends, good health and our pets top the list, but we’ve also mentioned cupcakes, Harry Potter, football games, rainy nights, British accents, long hikes, great books and even products that do what they promise to do (clearly, that one came from me!).

Lissea Smoothing Conditioner for Unruly Hair is one of those products that does what it promises so if your hair has been a bit more naughty than nice of late you’ll want to try it. Ideal for medium to thick hair it has a nice fresh scent thanks to Ginger, Jasmine and Vanilla plus it also contains Alkekenge extract to smooth and control volume and frizz, Avocado oil to nourish and moisturize, a Thermal protecting complex for anti-humidity protection, Cationic complex and polymers for static control and detangling.

Post-shampoo, comb through and leave on for 2-3 minutes before rinsing for hair that’s smooth, shiny and silky-soft. You’ll be thankful you did!

To purchase:  Lissea Smoothing Conditioner for Unruly Hair, $30 at dermstore.com.

Nancy Answers: How can I prevent flyaways?

Dear Nancy, What is going on with my hair? Whenever the temperature drops my hair sticks up in every direction. Help! Sincerely, C 

Dear C, ‘Tis the season…for flyaway hair that is. Cold air, low humidity and the process of one thing rubbing against another is the perfect storm for static electricity. When you run a brush or comb through your hair or remove a hat that’s been on your head, electrons are transferred from one surface to another giving your hair a negative charge and causing your strands to repel each other like the ends of a magnet. But fear not…you don’t have to keep your hat on all season.

  • A humidifier is your best friend right now. Keep it running in your home and/or office to cut down on dry air.
  • Yes, you need to be groomed and warm but do keep brushing, combing and hat wearing to a minimum.
  • Use conditioner after every shampoo and deep condition weekly.
  • Add a leave-in throughout the day if necessary.
  • Hand or body lotion will work in a pinch. Too much and you’ll end up with the greasies so only apply a small amount to your hands and rub them together before lightly running them over hair.
  • Spray hairspray or Static Guard onto a brush before gently brushing to tame flyaways. You can even spray them onto a toothbrush, perfectly sized for those tiny, broken strands by your part.
  • A dryer sheet works well. Simple run it from roots to ends.

xoxoNancy

(photography courtesy of Pinterest)

 

Step in to the BlowOut Bar

There’s just something about a great blowout. Yes, you look a whole lot better but it’s that addictive extra boost of confidence that makes you strut your stuff until your next shampoo.

I recently attended Blow In Blow Out’s grand opening event and felt pampered from the moment I stepped inside this cool, modern, gorgeous salon. I was offered a drink and something to eat while I eyed the apothecary jars full of hot pink, white and black gum balls. Drinks, food and candy don’t hurt but I came for the beauty and needed to find out if this blowout bar was worth spreading the news. I’m happy to report that it is!

Usually, my favorite part of a salon visit is the head massage while being shampooed and this one did not disappoint. Then, I got lost in conversation with another writer while under the dryer as a deep-conditioning Argan Mask replenished my dry, frazzled ends. Shown illustrations of six possible styles I opted for “The Glam Girl”…who wouldn’t want to rock a sexy vibe with a bit of wave and lots of movement?!! I couldn’t have been happier and better yet, my hair looked as great on day 3 as it did on day 1. Besides the skilled stylist I think it had something to do with Blow In Blow Out’s new line of haircare products, used in the salon and available for purchase. There’s a sulfate free, moisturizing Extreme Cream Shampoo, a clarifying Peppermint Shampoo and Conditioner, Leave-In Conditioners, a Detangler, Hair Polish and even a light-hold Hair Spray.

Thanks to Tara Galatt’s new Blow In Blow Out in Summit, NJ I  predict the local ladies of Summit and those living in the surrounding towns will be strutting their stuff a lot more often! Priced at just $35, a blowout session is something I’ll be booking again and again. It’s located at 330 Springfield Ave. in Summit, NJ. Call 908-273-4947 for more information, to book an appointment or party, buy a series of blowouts or inquire about their products.

*If you happen to be in the area from now through November 28th please stop by Blow In Blow Out to participate in The Gratitude Graffiti Project. Neon markers are available outside the store windows for you to contemplate and express what you are thankful for. For more info. contact blowin-blowout.com or thegratitudegraffitiproject.com.

 

Nancy Answers: What can I do about bedhead?

Dear Nancy, I wash my hair at night and end up pulling it back in the morning because of crazy looking bedhead. Any suggestions? Sincerely, K

Dear K, Pillowcase friction is the culprit! Since you’ve been pulling it back I’m assuming you don’t want to just shake it, add a little product and own it, sometimes a good decision. Either way, you do have options:

  •  You can invest in a silk pillowcase. It won’t rub hair the wrong way so you’ll wake up with smooth, like-you-just-styled-your-hair in the morning hair. Check out the LovaSilk Pillowcase set, 2 for $75 at amazon.com and the NK Home Silk Pillowcase, $30-$60 each at cuddledown.com.
  • Pulling it back might not be such a bad thing to do if you switch things up a bit with ponytails, braids, chignons and topknots for a bit of variety.
  • If your hair is naturally curly, get rid of the morning frizz by using mousse to get back some control. Comb it through your hair and scrunch or twirl it and allow to air-dry before touching.
  • If your hair is straight or wavy and and on the shorter side you might wake up with it sticking in every direction. Rub a bit of gel in the palm of your hands and gently work it through your hair into your desired style.

Good luck! xoxoNancy

 

(photography courtesy of pinterest)

Got Grease?

Product Review: Klorane Dry Shampoo with nettle, $18 at Klorane.com

My friends with oily hair can’t imagine that I only wash my hair twice a week. It just doesn’t get greasy (even on day 3 or more) but that’s when it starts to feel dirty so I know it’s time for a shampoo. For those with oily hair who spend an awful lot of time sudsing and styling, dry shampoos can be a game-changer!

Klorane’s new Dry Shampoo with nettle, $18 at Klorane.com instantly gets rid of the grease. You simply spray it on the hair, leave it on for two minutes and then brush through for clean, refreshed hair. It contains corn and rice starch (powerful cleansing agents), silica (an absorbant microsphere) and the standout ingredient nettle extract (a sebum regulator). Nettle’s quick oil-controlling power is clinically proven to normalize sebum production after just 3 months of continuous use! How’s that for game changing!

You’ll want to use Klorane Shampoo with nettle, $18 at Klorane.com regularly and switch to Klorane Dry Shampoo with nettle, $18 at Klorane.com between washings.

If you’re like me and your hair doesn’t get greasy, you’ll still want it for its volume-boosting abilities. Use it on clean or dirty hair. A quick spray at the roots plus a quick brush through equals instant va va va volume!!!!

 

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