Fall 2009 Hair Color Trends

As we enter the fall season today, it’s important that we do what we can to help prevent further damage that’s already been done over the summer. Luckily, the color trends we will be seeing this fall are conducive to rehabbing your hair – it’s going to be all about giving your natural hair color a chance to shine and staying away from the harsh colors and bright platinum shades that are most damaging to your hair.

“The days of striking, contrasting colors are gone this season,” explains Celebrity Stylist for Pantene, Hallie Bowman. “This fall people will be going back to their roots, or at least making it look that way. We’re going to see natural-looking tones to balance the more extreme hair styles that are going to be big, including mixed textures and nods to the 80s shapes.”

The Color Trends:

Blonde: Platinum blonde is out and warmer, neutral tones are in. If you’re blonde Bowman recommends shades of sable, vanilla or mink. However, if you’re not ready to let go of your platinum locks, soften the look by adding some golden highlights.

Brunette: Reddish or bluish browns are out and warmer browns are in. Shades like deep chocolate and chestnut are going to be all-the-rage; it’s all about making your shade believable.

Redhead: Two words – true red. The key is to ask your stylist to stay away from blue and copper undertones, both of which reflect orange in the sunlight. One way to avoid orange is to add some highlights to cool down the shade.

Black: Stay away from blue undertones and go for ebony to keep the shade natural-looking.

Maintaining your Hair Color :

Once you’ve achieved the shade you want, keeping your color looking fresh can be a challenge, but it doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot! Bowman recommends using a shampoo and conditioner system that is developed for color treated hair, such as the ones from Pantene

“I love the Pantene Expressions collection because it keeps hair color looking fresh, and helps reveal the three facets of hair color: tone, depth and vibrancy,” explains Bowman

The Pantene Expressions shampoos are formulated with a patented liquid crystal technology that helps repel water and condition hair to keep color radiant. The five collections are custom designed by shade – blonde, brunette, red, midnight and highlighting – to help color-treated hair maintain its vibrancy and multi-dimensional shine in between colorings.

The Pantene Expressions shampoos and conditioners retail for just $5.49 apiece at national food, drug and mass merchandisers, and online at drugstore.com.

Health over Length

When I first started this blog I always said I wanted healthy hair, not necessarily long hair. Longer hair would have been a plus, but the focus was always on health. I finally feel like my hair is healthy, but it could always improve because I still have my problem areas. My number 1 problem area is my nape. I can never seem to get that area to grow in like the rest of my hair. My grandmother always says, "if you nape grew like the middle of your head, your hair would be down your back." I think in my few years of blogging, researching, and learning about hair care I've tried just about everything to get it healthy like the rest, but no real success. I've asked stylist after stylist, who always have a tip or trick to share (obv. none have worked) to a stylist who told me that's normal for that area and it will never grow in and be like the rest. That stylist will remain nameless, and I have to say that I hope that stylist is wrong.

This has been a long standing hair goal of mine: Healthy nape that catches up with the rest of my hair. Check out that picture of Beyonce's hair pulled up into a simple ponytail. It looks like the nape of her hair is the same length as the rest of her hair, weave or no weave... that is my goal. With a fresh relaxer, my nape should look like that. If not, I have yet to make my goal.

What about you? Do you have nape troubles? Share in the comments section.

Fall Must Do: Avoid Heat Damage

This fall hair care must do is a bit harder than the rest, especially with temperatures cooling down. Instead of washing and going multiple times a week, I tend to switch over to a once weekly wash and set. This means more heat and less conditioning essentially. Sounds terrible right? I know, but lately I've been dabbling into using ApHogee products. Whenever I see that brand's name, I think super harsh proteins and it just seems super scary. That is up until lately, I've been using ApHogee's Keratin and Green Tea Restructurizer with ease and I've been having amazing results. It's as simple as a few sprays and a comb through to insure that breakage is a thing of the past, but that doesn't mean you can OD on your blowdryer or flat iron either.

I know, personally I can't stay away (permanently) from my heat styling tools so instead I use heat protectant products. Here are a few of my current faves:

1. ApHogee's Keratin and Green Tea Restructurizer ($6.95)

and

2. Redken Extreme Line of Products (more on this line at a future time, but let's just say it's AMAZING for relaxed hair!)

Natural 'Do: Solange

Solange has been sported out and about with a cropped do for some time now. What do you think?

I love it! Solange rocks her TWA with pride and she looks hot! The number one thing you need when rocking a TWA is fabulous eyelashes. That's just my thoughts, some people might say large earrings but I'm sticking with fabulous eyelashes. What do you think, what is a must have when rocking a TWA (tiny weeny afro)?

Solange sure has come a long way! Check out this throw back pic.

Back to School Hair Care Regimen

The first day of school can be both exciting and hectic for most mothers. Getting their daughters dressed is stressful enough, but mornings can be frantic when tangled, unruly hair is added to the mix. Comprised of maintenance and styling products, along with relaxers, Soft & Beautiful  Just for Me! ™ can make hair care easy and enjoyable for both moms and their loved ones. Salon owner and Soft & Beautiful spokesperson Roslyn Baker shares her tips on achieving shiny, and manageable back-to-school hair.


The Weekly Cleanse
“It’s important to shampoo a little girl’s hair no more than once a week,” says Baker.  “Otherwise it can become very dry.” Just for Me! Hair Milk Shampoo is specially formulated with soy milk protein, honey and essential nutrients like vitamins C, E and calcium. It gently cleanses hair and provides nourishment, leaving hair easy to condition and virtually tangle-free.


Nighttime Hair Care Regimen 


“Do all the preliminary work at night,” says Baker. Below are a few of her timesaving tips onhow to get your little one’s hair morning-ready overnight:
• Step 1: Lay out all the necessary hair accessories, from bows to clips.
• Step 2: Before bed, apply a moisturizing crème around the edges of her hairline and throughout the hair. Just for Me! Hair Milk Styling Crème moisturizes locks whileproviding a gentle hold.
• Step 3: Style hair in ponytails, twisting and braiding the remaining loose sections of hairto avoid tangling.
• Step 4: Cover tresses with a satin scarf to prevent drying overnight.Voila! In the morning all mom needs to do is take out the ponytails and braids, and style as desired.


Just for Me! products are available at food, drug and mass market retailers nationwide, with asuggested retail price of $2.99 - $7.49

Revive Your Hair This Fall

Harry Josh, stylist to the stars and John Frieda’s International Creative Consultant, takes over Glamour’s guest editor page this month to share his secrets on how to revive your look this fall. Here are the tips I co-sign:


Harry says: Deep-Condition Weekly!


Sometimes it’s all you need to give hair new life-especially if you have a codependency on hot styling tools. “Hit the drugstore for John Frieda Frizz-Ease Crème Serum Overnight Repair Formula. Formulated to repair breakage and split ends while deeply nourishing to replenish essential moisture – all while you’re getting your beauty sleep!”


AHS says: I totally agree with this, deep conditioning should be done at least weekly. Whether it's coarse, curly, kinky, relaxed, or natural hair deep conditioning is a vital step to obtaining and maintaining healthy hair, it should be part of your healthy hair care regimen. I prefer to deep condition (or DC) under a dryer to get the most out of my conditioners, but if I'm in a pinch for time I will do the overnight thing. If you have the extra cash splurge on Redken Overnight Treat from the Real Control line, if not the John Frieda Overnight Repair Formula is a good drugstore cash saving option.


Harry says: Hit the Hot Rollers!


“Bouncy waves are always sexy, and rollers are the best way to make them last. For some women, they’re also easier to master than a round brush.” Scrunch a volumizer like John Frieda Luxurious Volume Lavish Lift Root Booster into damp hair, blow-dry and wind in large rollers. Once they’re cool, remove and run a paddle brush through to loosen the curl but keep the body.


AHS says: Roller sets are a hair care regimen staple during the cooler months, it's way better than trying to use a round brush to dry and curl your hair. Have you every seen women with awesome straight hair but then you look closer and there are short broken hairs standing up everywhere? That's the result of too much round brushing. Roller sets are a great way to get the same look with the broken hairs. I'd just skip the volumizer and use a setting lotion instead because my hair has even volume on it's own.

Mega-Tek Hair Update

Way back in September of 2008, I wrote about Mega-Tek Rebuilder and how you use it on hair for extra growth. If you missed that post, here is a link. I have such a problem, with being consistent so I tried to challenge myself, here. Naturally, I failed miserably at that too. I'm not sure what it is about the stuff but I can't seem to make myself use it on a daily basis. Every time I visit LHCF and happen to see someone raving about their results and boasting 1/4 of an inch in a 2 weeks time, I say I'm going to start using it again... only to forget until the next time I read a comment about it.

The main reason I start and stop is that if I don't see immediate (like the next day) results (which I know are ridiculous expectations) I kind of forget all about it. Another reason I'm not good with it, is the scalp build-up. Once I use it for a few days, I feel like it's building up on my scalp. This may or may not be a mental thing, but I can't shake it. Anyway, I've been bitten again by the Mega-Tek bug, but I'm putting it off until October. I'm planning a bun challenge for myself, (this I know I can do) and I plan on using Mega-Tek nightly to my scalp during that challenge.... we shall see and I'll be sure to post the specifics when the time comes, if you want to join in the challenge.

Frizz Causing Ingredients

You might want to check the ingredient list of your favorite hair product to make sure it's not causing frizz instead of fighting it like it claims. Mahisha Dellinger, curly hair expert and creator of the CURLS helps you decipher the list.

1. Silicone - Silicone products can smooth down the cuticle, making it appear smoother. However, the negative effects (build up, dryness, brittle hair) of regular use of heavy silicones far outweigh the temporary benefits. Look for silicone replacements instead (e.g. bean tree and jojoba oil). CURLS products contain both. Dryness is the culprit of frizz.

2. Drying alcohols - there is a difference in drying and fatty alcohols. You want to avoid the alcohols that are bad for your hair. Fatty alcohols such as cetyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol and stearyl alcohol are actually good for the hair. They are natural and derived from coconut. Bad alcohols are the stuff in hairsprays like isopropyl alcohol and denatured alcohol. They basically help the product to dry quickly and also end up drying out hair.

3. Protein – while protein is great for chemically altered hair, especially after a chemical treatment. Too much protein can cause an adverse affect…dry tresses that frizz out of control.

Rihanna's New High Lights

Rihanna was spotted out and about NYC with a new hair color. What do you think about it? My first thoughts are that I'm would not dye my hair like this, instead I would use clip in hair to rock the look. This way it's not a permanent thing, because I would get tired of it super quick. I'm especially loving the purple lips and nude nails.

Stylist Spotlight: Tracey Cunningham

Have you ever wondered about who colors the celebrities hair? Well, Tracey Cunningham is a major player behind the scenes. Just this month she got a bunch of her celebrity clients ready for all the major happenings around New York City, like Fashion Week & the VMA's.

Here are a few of the celebs she worked with recently and what kind of colors they got.

Molly Sims: Tracey highlighted with Redken Up to 7 de-dusted lightener and also conditioned with Redken Chemistry Extreme Shot Phase which contains a concentrated dose of protein fortifies chemically distressed hair and helps reinforce the internal fiber. Molly always keeps a beautiful natural looking blonde hair color, I love it.

Giuliana Rancic: Tracey highlighted with Redken Up to 7 de-dusted lightener. This product lifts hair up to 7 levels and protects as it lightens with an exclusive conditioning agent. I'm usually Pro-Dark hair for people who naturally have dark hair, I think it looks healthier, shinier, and just over better but this look on Giuliana is wonderful. The color looks great and her hair is still healthy looking too.

Miranda Kerr: Tracey deepened Miranda’s color with Redken Shades Equalizing Conditioning Color Gloss 07G Saffron, 07NB Chestnut, and 06WG Mango – Shades EQ is a demi-permanent brand providing healthy, shiny results, incredible conditioning. Whenever I see this girl in the Victoria's Secret catalogs, her hair always looks shiny and the color is amazing. Now you have the secret, a mix of Saffron, Chestnut and Mango.

Michelle Tratchtenburg: Tracey relied on Redken Shades Equalizing Conditioning Color Gloss 06NB Brandy for healthy, shiny results, incredible conditioning.

Sarah Paulson: Tracey highlighted with Redken Up to 7 de-dusted lightener. This protects as it lightens with an exclusive conditioning agent. She also used Color Gels, part of Redken’s permanent color family, and is a reliable and dynamic haircolor brand for any shade of pigmented hair to brighten, darken, change or correct, highlighting and creative color effects.

More on Tracey: Tracey is co-owner of the Byron & Tracey salon based in Beverly Hills. Her impressive client roster boasts A-list Hollywood names including Jennifer Lopez, Ali Larter, Nicole Richie, Molly Sims, Rebecca Romijn, and Kate Beckinsale and many other bold faced names. Tracey is featured both editorially and behind-the-scenes in publication including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Allure, O, the Oprah Magazine, InStyle, and Entertainment Weekly.

Roller Set Weather

I'm announcing that it is officially ROLLER SET WEATHER! Gone are the super hot days and even hotter nights and rolling in are the cooler days and crisp nights. If you follow my tweets you would know that just recently I was at the salon getting my first roller set of the season. During which I was prompted to think about whether or not the size of the roller selected has anything to do with the lenght of time a roller set seems to last on relaxed hair.

Personally, for time's sake, I always instruct the stylist or doobist (totally made that word up) to use the grey rollers. The grey rollers are a larger and in turn my hair dries quicker. That is until I was having a chat with my girly T (remember her review of the Phyto Relaxer System?) and she told me that she always chooses the purple rollers, even though her hair is probably BSL by now, because the style last longer. So this time, I had her use the smaller purple rollers. My hair came out just as straight, but my hair has more body than normal. Time under the dryer? 1 hour. Not too bad, but remember I recently had an awesome haircut and my hair is not even APL now.

How to: Use Cinnamon Oil for Hair

(Cinnamon Oil, $12.00 Amazon.com)

Cinnamon oil is said to help with hair growth. My thought on this is simple, the cinnamon oil has the ability to tingle the scalp, causing an increased flow of blood to the area. Increased blood flow is always good for hair growth.

Now if you want to try and incorporate the oil into your hair care regimen, I would start by using the oil prior to your shampoo as a pre-shampoo or pre-poo treatment. Just a few drops combined with a carrier oil then applied to your scalp and then massaged in for a few minutes prior to washing is enough to start, the tingle might be rather intense to some people.

Another way to use cinnamon oil in your hair care regimen is by using it as your scalp massage oil, that is if you like the scent of cinnamon and want an oil that will stimulate the scalp. I used to do scalp massages all the time, just for the sake of relaxation but when times tight it's the first thing I stop doing.

More on where the cinnamon oil thing got started? You might be surprised to find out who put me on! Check Here.

Frizz Fighting Tips

A few common frizz fighting tips straight from Mahisha Dellinger, curly hair expert and creator of the CURLS

1. Keep your hands to yourself. Avoid touching your hair, especially when wet, doing so only induce frizz.

2. Heat it up. While it is common knowledge the conditioning your hair reduces frizz, it isn’t as widely known how long the conditioner must be left on to be truly effective . Allow the conditioner to penetrate the hair shaft for at least 10-15 minutes. Heat conditioning from the shower’s mist - good. Heat conditioning while in a sauna - exceptional! Recommended conditioner, Curl Ecstasy Hair Tea conditioner www.curls.biz $20.

3. Human Sebum, or the Closest Thing to It. Sebum, the natural oil produced in the sebaceous glands in the scalp, is truly the best oil for our hair and fighting frizz. Jojoba oil is the closest to human sebum than any other natural oil. You can use it as a hot oil treatment or leave in. It is an effective frizz fighter and is moisturizing yet non greasy and light enough for fine hair.

4. Curly hair becomes too dry and frizzy if shampooed too often, as doing so robs your hair and scalp of its natural oils. Always use a moisturizing cleanser that is sulfate free to gently cleanse your hair and scalp.

How to Style Curly Hair

An Easy way to Style Curly Hair!

Relaxer Update: 9 weeks post

I'm debating if I want to stretch my relaxer a bit longer than usual this time around. My last relaxer was on July 20th (monday) and that makes today (September 21st) exactly 9 weeks. So far, so good. I have a bunch of new growth, but it's soft and so far not a problem. I'm considering a bun challenge after my relaxer, this way my edges will be straight and I'll be able to bun longer.

We'll see and I'll keep you posted.... how many weeks post are you?

Fight Frizz - Naturally

Mahisha Dellinger, curly hair expert and creator of the CURLS is back and this time she is sharing tips to fight frizz. In fact, she'll be back a few more times this week to share tips on how to get rid of hair's worst enemy ... Frizz!

Sweet and sour – honey and vinegar – the key to frizz free hair.

Pucker Up – a distilled white vinegar rinse is a great in the shower frizz fighting technique all hair types can add to their regime to banish frizz. The technique is fast and easy and requires 1 common household item. Rinse hair with warm water to remove product. Skip shampooing. Apply vinegar directly to hair and scalp. I like to use a bottle with spout top for easy distribution. Gently massage. Rinse. Condition as usual. Not only is vinegar great at reducing frizz by sealing the cuticle by restoring it to its natural pH balance, but it also removes build up and adds sheen, leaving tresses feeling soft as a baby’s bum. WORD OF CAUTION; avoid over indulging in this quick fix, straw like tresses will be the result. Do so 1x every 2 weeks for the best results.

Sweeten the Deal – Honey is also a great natural remedy for combating frizz. Mixed with a little conditioner (for fine hair) or applied directly to your hair, after shampooing and before conditioning, for medium to densely textured hair; honey

Aveda Sale

I know a bunch of my readers are Aveda fans and the rest of you might want to take note because Aveda creates high-performance, botanically-based products that are safe for the user as well as for the planet. Now with that said, if you shop now, you can Receive a $15 Aveda gift card with online purchase! The first 350 people to make a $100 purchase on aveda.com will receive a complimentary $15 gift card with their purchase. To receive your $15 gift card, please enter code 15forFall at checkout*.

*Offer ends on 9/30/2009 at 11:59 pm EST. Offer available to U.S. residents only on Aveda.com. The applicable purchase amount does not include shipping, handling, sales tax or gift wrap charges. Only authorized orders will be processed and shipped. Offer is limited to one per online order and available while supplies last. Aveda Gift Card redeemable at participating Aveda locations.

Fall/Winter Hair Care Regimen

Now that the weather is starting to break and this are beginning to cool off, it's time to change up your hair care regimen. With the cooler weather comes less moisture in the air, leaving to dry hair, static cling, and other hair nightmares. By changing up your hair care regimen you can avoid these problems and transition into the fall/winter seasons with beautiful hair.

With the weather cooling off, I have no choice but to limit the amount of co-washing I do. This means that wash days must included gentle shampoos with great moisturizing qualities. Conditioning every single time I wet my hair is a must, conditioning and deep conditioning my hair is one of my favorite things to do.

Typical Fall Week: My FALL Hair Care Regimen

Sunday:

Rinse with Shikakai-Amla Rinse

Follow with VO5 Moisture Milk Conditioner (co-wash)

Deep Condition with heat for at least 30 minutes

Style via Rollerset

Mid Week:

Spritz hair with a leave-in conditioner

Do a braid out or twist out and wear hair pinned up for the rest of the week

Every 3rd Sunday:

Since I'm using the Ayurvedic Hair Care Regimen I will shampoo every 3rd week to avoid product build up. The night before I will do an oil treatment overnight complete with scalp massage and possibly a little heat depending on my mood. Then I will conditoner and deep condition like normal.

Shikakai Swirl Bar Review

Remember in August when I let you know about the fabulous sale Hairveda was having? Anyway I told you guys what I was planning on purchasing, the Shikakai Swirl Shampoo Bar. Well, bad news guys... I really didn't like it one bit. I do have hard water, so let me just say that now and let you all that once you get the bar home it does have a little paper that says if you have hard water it might leave a film on your hair. I have never had a problem with any build up, products leaving film and/or anything like that so I was surprised that my hair felt like a hot mess after using the bar. I ended up leaving the bar in my shower and when I went back to try it again it was mostly gone, my family used it like it was a bar of regular soap! LoL oh well... I didn't even tell them it was shampoo. I wonder if it left a funky film on their skin?!?

DIY Hair Conditioner: Milk & Honey Tress Smoothie Treatment

Mahisha Dellinger, curly hair expert and creator of the CURLS has created a luscious sounding treatment that is sure to bring those dull tresses back to life or give some much needed CPR to dry hair.

Mahisha’s At-Home Milk & Honey Tress Smoothie

· 1 can of pure coconut milk (rich moisturize - hydrates, conditions and de-frizzes hair)

· 1 ripe avocado (natural source of protein - chlorine robs the hair of protein)

· 2 tablespoons of pure honey (conditions and adds sheen)

· 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Directions: Add ingredients to blender. Mix at high speed until your concoction reaches a smoothie consistency. Store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can warm up your hair smoothie in the microwave before next application.

Instructions for Use: Section hair into 4 segments.Generously apply evenly to hair, from root to ends concentrating on ends...as they are the most prone to damage. Smooth hair into a protective style (e.g. braided ponytail, or bun).

Fashion Week Fix: Spring 2010 Runway Hair

I bet you are as tired of Fashion Week as I am! But here are the last few Spring 2010 Fashion Week Runway Hair looks from various different shows.

Didier Malige, lead stylist for Frédéric Fekkai was inspired by the California surfer girl at the Proenza Schouler show. He created beachy, tousled waves by prepping hair with Fekkai Beachcomber Leave-in Conditioner and then spritzed hair with Fekkai Coiff™ Oceanique Tousled Wave Spray. He finished the look by pulling Fekkai Coiff™ Magnifique Ultra-Light Finishing Crème through the hair with his fingers. The result was natural, sexy and sun-kissed.

*I thought the look was messy and unkempt, this is a look I will not be rocking this Spring.

Renato Campora, lead stylist for Frédéric Fekkai, created an ultra shiny and striking look for the Marchesa Spring 2010 show. Campora mixed the Fekkai COIFF™ Extra Control Styling Gel with the Fekkai COIFF™ Strong Hold Volume Mousse to slick hair into a ponytail in the middle of the back of the head. He then wrapped the ponytail into a tight bun. The look was completed with Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Cream for added shine and brilliance.

I'm all for buns, but this just isn't special to me. The hair certainly doesn't take anything away from the dresses.

Fall Hair Must Do: Switch up your Regimen

Fall Hair Care Must Do: # 3

The weather is switching up, which for me means an increase in shedding. Does anyone else experience increased shedding with the change of the season? I feel something like my puppy Prince a 3 year old pomeranian (yup, that's really him) who sheds with the change of each season. Anyway, to combat shedding this season, I'm going to add a Garlic shampoo into my regimen.

I'll use a little bit of Garlic oil prior to using the shampoo and conditioner, to help curb some of the shedding.

How will you change your hair care regimen for the fall season?

Fashion Week Fix: Costello Tagliapietra Spring 2010 Hair

Sebastian joined forces with famed designers, Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra for the Costello Tagliapietra Spring ’10 runway show at Milk Studios in Chelsea, NYC last night. From the clothes and accessories to the beauty look, the designer duo went for a very fresh, youthful and romantic effect. Lead stylist for Sebastian Professional, Thomas Dunkin and his team created a ‘40s inspired faux bob that was feminine and elegant yet also playful and not too “done”.

Rock the Look:

To put a modern twist on a ‘40s staple, Sebastian Professional lead stylist Thomas Dunkin recommends a method of building texture and shape with techniques that keep the hair looking soft, romantic and not too “done.” Finish with an elastic touchable texturizer or flexible shine spray to create a look that’s elegant yet playful. Here’s how to create your own ‘40s inspired faux bob:

1. Apply Sebastian Professional Texturizer to damp hair; distribute evenly throughout.
2. Blow hair out straight with a medium to large-sized round brush.
3. Spray hair with a flexible hairspray for added texture, section hair, curl it with a medium-sized barrel curling iron and set.
4. Take out pins, gently brush out the curls and then roll hair under, section by section, fastening it under at the neck with bobby pins.
5. Apply Microweb Fiber to hands and gently work through the front of the hair to create an imperfect, lived-in effect. Finish by misting with a strong-hold hairspray.

Fashion Week Fix: Spring 2010 @ Alice + Olivia

Alice + Olivia wants you to embrace texture when planning your Spring 2010 hairstyles. Channel your inner wood nymph and recreate this look at home. Andre Rodman, lead stylist for Frédéric Fekkai added a fun, punky edginess to the sweet, girly looks at the Alice + Olivia show. To channel your inner wood nymp, twirl crimped hair around a double barreled iron in a figure eight pattern. Then, pull the front piece to the side, smooth it with Fekkai Coiff™ Magnifique Ultra-Light Finishing Crème and secured it neatly with jeweled pins.

Cheap Chic: DIY Headbands

This is too cute!  I wouldn't do it personally with a shopping bag, I might splurge on some fabric but I would use the same steps to create it!  

Brand New Anti Hair Slave

Ladies and Gentlemen (okay maybe not gentleman...do any guys really read this?)! I'm so pleased to finally unveil the brand new and improved Anti Hair Slave - Healthy Hair all the Time! The website has been completely overhauled design wise, everything from the logo to the overall design. I really hope you love it as much as I do! I have a bunch of little projects I'm working on especially for AHS and one of those is increased giveaways. I love hosting giveaways because it's a way to give back to you guys, I know some of you have been reading since the very beginning and I really appreciate that. Too all my newbies, thanks for your interest I hope to keep you engaged and maybe even share something that will help you along in your hair care journeys.



I know lately you guys have been dealing with slow load times and other wacky things, but thanks a million for sticking it out. I'm hoping that with the changes I've made that those problems are a thing of the past. Here's what's not changing - The Anti Hair Slave prides itself on giving 100% honest reviews of products, hair tools, and salons.... that will never change. If you have anything you want to ask ... shoot over an email and I'll do my very best to answer it as soon as I can (please understand this site is a hobby of mine and I do have a full-time job outside of this).



Please, let me know what you think of the changes? I hope you love it as much as I do!

Fashion Week Fix: Spring 2010 Hair @ Yigal Azrouel

The hair for Yigal Azrouël is a sleek take on an edgy, punk-rock look. The top is textured with tousled volume, and the sides are smooth, and slicked back, with a straight-yet-messy knot at the nape of the neck.

Want to Rock the Look?

Rock the Look:
Step 1: Dampen hair with water and brush through.
Step 2: Divide hair into four sections: the bottom hangs loose, side sections along the parietal ridge (from ear to ear) are each pulled back with clips, and the top/front of hair is clipped into a loose bun.
Step 3: Spritz the bottom section of hair with water, keeping ends dry. Massage a generous amount of Aveda Light Elements™ Texturizing Creme into wet half of hair to add texture, light hold, and minimize flyaways. Layer Aveda Brilliant™ Humectant Pomade over the Light Elements™ Texturizing Creme for shine and moisture. Comb hair through, leaving ends dry, and tie into a clean, tight ponytail with a bungee elastic.
Step 4: Divide the ponytail into small sections and straighten each piece using a flat-iron, from elastic to ends. Once each piece is straightened, run the flat-iron through the entire ponytail to create a perfectly straight, sleek edge.
Step 5: Repeat the above steps with side sections of hair. Layer Aveda Light Elements™ Texturing Creme and Aveda Brilliant™ Humectant Pomade on the top half of hair, leaving ends dry. Slick sides back tightly, criss-crossing the right section of hair over the existing ponytail and wrapping it under the elastic string. Wrap the left section of hair over the elastic, so that the string is no longer visible.
Step 6: Secure a clear elastic band over the entire section to form a larger ponytail. Iron new pieces for a straight, sleek pony.
Step 7: Remove top section of hair from clip. Spritz with water, leaving ends dry, and rake hair back with Aveda Light Elements™ Texturizing Creme and Aveda Brilliant™ Humectant Pomade. Hair is damp, rough and textured.
Step 8: Pull all hair back, including top section, into one ponytail. Secure together with a clear elastic through. Straighten new pieces of ponytail with a flat-iron so that the entire pony is stick-straight.
Step 9: Wrap a final clear elastic around the ponytail and pull hair halfway through into a loose chignon. Leave pieces of hair astray to add rough texture, creating a punk-rock, edgy look.
Step 10: Finish by smoothing flyways above the elastic with Aveda Light Elements™ Texturizing Creme and misting slicked back sides with water.

Fall Hair Must Do: Deep Condition

Fall Hair Care Must Do: #2

Deep conditioning the hair is a must do in any season, but I especially like to deep condition at the start of the fall season to pamper the hair from any sun damage. Whether you use heat to make your deep conditioning experience extra deep or just apply and leave it on for 20+ minutes, deep condition your hair and it will thank you.

Favorite DC's (deep conditioners)

Miss Keys 10 en 1 Super Conditioner

Redken Real Control Treatment

Una Bomba Conditioner

Protective Style Giveaway Winners!

Thanks so much to everyone who entered to win the Protective Style Giveaway!

Now without further ado here are the winners!

Congratulations to Evanny (#17) & Ronaka (#2). Ladies, you have until Friday to send me your address! Everyone else... stay tuned for another fabulous giveaway coming up very soon!

Fashion Week Fix: Spring 2010 Hair @ Christian Siriano

This is a low, sleek ponytail adorned with a textured bouquet of waves; a play of smooth versus rough. Hair is sleek and groomed on each side of the head and through the ponytail, with a slightly rough, matte finish on top and elegant, textured waves pinned above the pony. The finished look is chic and contemporary with a bit of attitude.

I call it a funky low pony. I'm not sure it's not real life wearable, but it sure is funky.

What to rock the look? I can help you!

Rock the Look:

Step 1: Create a deep side part. Draw a horseshoe-shaped section of hair along the top of the head, from each brow-line. Isolate this section of hair and pin in place with a single-pronged hair clip.
Step 2: Pull the bottom half of hair into a ponytail and secure with a bungee elastic. Divide ponytail into sections with fingers and spray with Aveda Air Control™ Hair Spray for workable hold.
Step 3: Use a flat iron to straighten the ponytail section by section, creating a smooth, sleek finish.
Step 4: Unclip the top section of hair and comb it back and over the ponytail. Sprinkle Aveda Pure Abundance™ Hair Potion and massage into hair to create volume and matte, rough texture.
Step 5: Working with the same top section, divide hair into smaller pieces and spray with Aveda Air Control™ Hair Spray. Wrap each piece of hair around a ceramic Curl Rod, creating spirals, until the entire top section of hair has been curled.
Step 6: Brush through spirals, loosening curls into soft waves. Loosely backcomb waves to create fullness, volume and texture, and shorten the length of hair.
Step 7: Pin the sides and ends of wavy hair against the head, close to the base of the ponytail. Hair is sculpted into a voluminous, undulating chignon adorning the ponytail.
Step 8: Work Aveda Light Elements™ Texturizing Creme into palms. Smooth hair along the sides of the head and above the ears to create a sleekness and shine.
Step 9: Finish the look with Aveda Air Control™ Hair Spray for shine and hold.

Fashion Week Fix: Spring 2010 Hair @ Thakoon

The hair at Thakoon's Spring 2010 show is described as “warrior-surf” and reflects a hard/soft, natural/artificial dichotomy with organic construction or armoring of the body, contrasting with patterns cut around the body as a canvas with soft draping. The palette can be described as muted watercolors with an array of nudes, blues, pinks and aquas.

To achieve this “sumo wrestler meets surfer” inspired look, Thakoon Panichgul, Eugene Souleiman, and Eva Scrivo collaborated for a finished style that demonstrates the contrast between tight and loose elements, which the collection encapsulates. A sleek, tight-to-the-head “seventh samurai” ponytail is sculpted on the top half, while leaving out loose, textured ends in a knot. Free-flowing, beachy waves left down in back, allows the look to exude a variety of contradictory elements that don’t blend, but balance. Colored extensions add dimension and life to help form the overall shape.

The colored extensions, were created with by Wella Professionals. Wella Professionals colorist, Eva Scrivo, directed a team of Wella stylists to create customized extensions for 35 models. Using Wella Professionals Color Touch demi-permanent hair color for exceptional dimension and shine, the extensions reflect a spectrum of shades highlighting the overall look with a subtle color contrast that naturally complements the models’ hair color. Blocks of color add depth to the look, while a finishing glaze blends and integrates the contrasting light and dark tones into a beautifully, cohesive color palette of natural shades.

Rock the Look: Rachel Bilson @ MBFW Spring 2010

TRESemmé, the official haircare sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2010, welcomed fashionista Rachel Bilson to their booth at Bryant Park this morning. From her days as Summer on the hit show ‘The O.C.’ to her upcoming flick, New York, I Love You, Rachel has stayed ahead of the fashion curve setting trends on and off the red carpet. I am totally in love with this dress and her sleek hair compliments it perfectly.

TRESemmé celebrity stylist Jeanie Syfu created a sleek style for fashion maven Rachel Bilson.

Learn how to Rock the Look:

1. Apply TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Sculpting Spray Gel to towel-dried hair, and blow dry using a round brush.

2. Once dried, distribute TRESemmé Thermal Creations Straightening Gel throughout hair.

3. Flat iron, and finish with TRESemmé Anti-Frizz Secret Smoothing Crème to smooth away any fly-aways.

Rock The Look: Gabrielle Union @ Spring 2010 MBFW

Tracy Reese showcased a fabulous new 2010 Spring Collection this morning at Mercedes- Benz Fashion Week in NYC. However, celeb attendee Gabrielle Union, was the real show stopper when she arrived with gorgeous soft waves, courtesy of TRESemmé! Tyler Laswell, TRESemmé stylist, shares his secrets on how he created the look for the stunning star:

1. Prep hair with TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray all over.
2. Separate hair into four sections; sides, back of head and top of head.

3. Wrap 1” sections around the curling iron, holding the ends. Alternate between a 1” curling iron and a 1 1/2” iron.

4. Once entire head curled, blow dry using fingers to stretch and soften the curls into waves. Finish the look with TRESemmé No-Frizz Shine Spray to create a natural sheen.

Check out this front row! Gabrielle Union, Kim Kardashian, Ciara, and Kelly Rowland. How glad are you that Kim Kardashian gave up this fake blond hair? Plus, Ciara is rocking some fabulous long hair, I'm glad she switched up she was starting to look like a fairy from that movie FernGully.... what do you know about that movie?!?

Fashion Week Fix: Spring 2010 Hair @ Diego Binetti

Thomas Dunkin led the Sebastian Professional stylist design team at the Spring ’10 Diego Binetti show. Thomas and team created a modern, textured twist on structured braids echoing the unique individualism and carefree youth inspiration in Diego Binetti’s Spring ’10 collection.

Diego Binetti’s Spring ‘10 Collection is for the romantic. Her steadfast elegance, poise and confidence are a constant for all who know her, but she’s not without a coy rebellious side. Much like Peter Lindberg’s strikingly beautiful black and white photos of the ‘90s, Binetti’s women compel admiration and awe.

Rock the Look:

To develop the imperfectly perfect Grecian-inspired updo, Sebastian Professional lead stylist Thomas Dunkin adds a touch of disarray to structured braids for a modern twist. The asymmetrical pattern and haphazard positioning of the braids represents unique individualism and carefree youth.

1. Apply Sebastian Professional Thickefy Foam to damp hair; blend evenly throughout
2. Blow hair out straight with a medium to large-sized round brush, spray hair with flexible hairspray for added texture; section hair, and set with large velcro rollers
3. Take out pins, apply Microweb Fiber to hair, focusing most of the distribution towards the top of the head for lift and malleable texture. Clip top half of hair aside.
4. French braid bottom half of hair starting behind left ear. Pull down top half of hair and pin pieces into french braid updo for playful positioning. Finish look with Shine Define for shiny finish and lasting hold.

Tee Shirt Drying Method

So I finally tried the T-Shirt method to dry my hair and I must say I like it.  I did a variation on the traditional method so I will post a video when I get around to it, hopefully within the next two weeks.  Anyway, I left the T-Shirt on overnight and my hair was soft, slightly damp, and bouncy in the morning.  It also had this full natural looking curl to it, I will be doing this method overnight in the winter on days when I don't have to wake up and go right into work or outside.  

Ladies, tell me do you use the T-Shirt method to dry your hair?  If so, what are the results?  

The T-Shirt method is fantastic for days when you know you want to create some sort of down do, because the T-Shirt smoothes down your edges even without product and then the rest of your hair doesn't get flattened out, so you have the perfect full texture for something fabulous!  

Fashion Week Fix: Rachel Roy 2010 Spring Hair

Unlike the hair at Rag & Bone, the 2010 Spring Hair look at Rachel Roy was very beautiful. It's carefree and stylish.

Andre Rodman, lead stylist for Frédéric Fekkai created two looks at the Rachel Roy Spring 2010 show – both over top voluminous looks, one with a modern edge and one more classic, both big on glamour. For the classic look, a center part with soft, bouncy waves starting beneath the chin, Rodman used Fekkai COIFF™ Strong Hold Volume Mousse, then sprayed hair with Fekkai COIFF™ Defense Pre Style Thermal UV Protectant and curled it around a one inch iron. He used Fekkai Au Naturel Sheer Styling Gel for the modern look; short hair with either a severe side part tucked behind the ears or brushed straight back.

I love how they 'preserved' the curls backstage!

Fashion Week Fix: Spring 2010 Hair @ Rag & Bones

Teddy Charles, lead stylist for Frédéric Fekkai, created a rough and tousled look full of texture and volume for the Rag & Bone Spring 2010 show. After a few spritzes of Fekkai Tousled Wave Spray he rolled hair to make it piecey. He then wrapped and teased the hair into messy tendrils with Fekkai Full Blown Volume Lifting Hairspray. He completed the look with the Fekkai Au Natural Dry Shampoo to create a matte finish.

I'm totally not at all inspired by this look, I guess this one goes down as a one of those 'runway' looks I just don't get. How about you?

Fall Hair Must Do: Trim

Fall Hair Care Must Do #1

At the start of every season, I like to trim the ends for my hair. After the summer months, I like to get rid of the weakest part of my hair and start new and that means trimming off the ends.

When I get my ends trimmed I always go to a professional to get it done. Sometimes, stylists get a bad rap because people go expecting a trim and the stylist trims off more than what the client expected. You can avoid being upset with communication - It's important that your stylist understands that a trim is just that a trim. Usually, with a trim the stylist will only cut off about an 1/8 of an inch. It's important that you communicate with your stylist and let her know you do not want a cut, just a trim otherwise you may be disappointed. On the other hand, you may need more than 1/8 of an inch cut off but still your stylist should be open and let you know prior to cutting it off.

Relaxed to Natural

Design Essentials recently hosted its second live Chat for Fans of their Facebook page. The "Relaxed to Natural Chat" was a real-time discussion allowing fans of the brand to have their questions answered on transitioning out of the use of relaxers. Hosted by Design Essentials Natural Hair Expert Candace Walls, Fans were able to post their questions pertaining to styling methods, product recommendations, suggested tools and customized regimens for healthy hair. Design Essentials will hold additional chats throughout the year. Below are some snippets from the conversation!


Smoothing the Transition: Some women seek to achieve a curly look, but their natural texture isn't as manageable as they would like. Walls recommended the Wave By Design system, which permanently restructures the natural curl pattern into the desired style. She recommends that users apply Wave by Design Define & Shine 2N1 Dry Finishing Lotion and Mist & Shine Dry Finishing Spray daily to keep permanently waved hair hydrated and visit a Design Essentials Stylist for a full consultation. Another option is the Design Essentials Low Lye Relaxer with Shea Butter, which acts as a texturizer, gently loosening one's natural curl pattern to make the transition smoother.


Moisture Rich: A key component to having fabulous natural hair is moisture! Walls recommends a seven to 10 day regimen of shampooing and conditioning with moisture-rich products. Two great ones from Design Essentials are the Moisture Retention Conditioning Shampoo and the Express Instant Moisturizing Conditioner.


Better Styling: With natural hair being deceptively fragile, one Fan wanted to know what styling tools to use to avoid breakage. Design Essentials recommends ceramic styling tools that hydrate the hair while straightening and styling, such as the pHusion line of irons. It was also suggested that Fans use heating tools that enable them to customize the heat setting to their hair type and texture, along with using a thermal protectant-such as Design Essentials' HCO Leave In Conditioner or Silk Essentials-to reduce the effects of breakage and dryness when styling.


Wash and Wear: To cut down on frizz for a natural with wash and wear hair, Walls suggested a recipe of shampoo, conditioner, plus HCO Leave-In Conditioner for additional strength. For styling, the recipe continues with Compositions Foaming Wrap Lotion and Mousse to define natural curls along with Silk Essentials to smooth hair strands and prevent frizz. A final mist of Reflections Liquid Shine offers additional sheen, topping off the recipe!


Finding a Natural Hair Stylist: Making the switch from relaxed to natural takes guidance and support. Those looking for a new stylist to help them embark on the natural hair journey were given the following directive: Know what you're trying to accomplish with your hair. Once you determine what your style goals are, make sure to ask what percent of stylists' clients have natural hair; how many of them wear it straightened vs. in non-heat styles; and what are some of the goals of their clients when pursuing manageable natural hair. Questions like these will help establish confidence that the stylist will be a good partner along your natural hair journey!

Visit Design Essentials on Facebook to view the entire archived chat.

Fall 2009 Hot Hair Styles

Even though the world is buzzing about Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Spring 2010, we are just now hitting Fall 2009 don't want you a recap of what's hot right now? Me too, that's why I turned to Erin Anderson, notable editorial and celebrity stylist who is often a part of the backstage action during Fashion Week. She shared some of her favorite looks from the Fall 2009 runway shows and now I'm letting you in on the styles.

3.1 Phillip Lim Fall 2009 - Backstage Hair
Think Outside The Box…Cut

The most important part of this sleek and bold look is to start with a great cut from your stylist (choose a length and look that will best suit you)
Style with a light blow-drying spray such as, Bumble and bumble Styling Lotion (SRP: $23)—it provides hair with shine, body, and light structure.
Finish with a flatiron and a shine spray like SACHAJUAN Shine Spray (SRP: $28) which will intensify the look leaving hair bold and beautiful.

GIVENCHY Fall 2009 - Backstage Hair
Bringing Back The Crimp

Taking inspiration from the Givenchy show, it’s easy to create a modified more wearable version of this look.
Add a product such as Bumble and Bumble Gelac (SRP: $24) to the top portion of hair to create a slick “wet” texture, then take random pieces below the temple and crimp. This look would also be great in a ponytail. After crimping, pull hair into a ponytail in the center of the head.

ERDEM Fall 2009 - Backstage Hair
The Topknot

As seen for Spring ‘09 the topknot finds its way into fall….
Blow dry hair upside down getting the perimeter of the hairline to go “up” in one direction—this will make creating the ponytail much easier
Hair can be dried smooth or with a more “beachy” texture accomplished with a product such as SACHAJUAN Ocean Mist (SRP: $28). This style is versatile and different textures are encouraged. Make it your own!
Secure ponytail on top of the head slightly set to one side so it’s not dead center.
Depending on your face shape you may want to change the location of ponytail. Those placed on top of the head will lengthen the face; slightly to the side will shorten the face
Wrap the ponytail into a bun formation, using hairpins to secure. Have fun with the shape, and use Bumble and bumble Spray de Mode Hairspray (SRP: $25). to finish and set any little strays in place

CHLOE Fall 2009 - Backstage Hair
Brush It Out

Begin by applying SACHAJUAN Mousse (SRP: $28) all over hair along with a drop of SACHAJUAN Shine Serum (SRP: $30) on the ends. Blow-dry straight with a medium sized round brush. Once hair is dry, use a 1 and 1/4 inch curling iron. After each section has been curled wrap and clip to cool down. Apply a light working spray such as SACHAJUAN Hairspray Medium (SRP: $28) to set. Take down hair from clips and brush gently with a Mason Pearson Brush. A strong parting will help give this look more structure but still keeping it loose and sexy