My Ponytail

There was a time when my ponytail was a protective style.  It fell right at the middle to base of my neck and did not brush against my clothes, fast forward to now and it's brushing against whatever clothes I have on.  My ponytail is no longer a protective style!  

Oh well, I'm sure I'll get over it.  I rarely wear ponytails anyway, I prefer low buns.  

Merry Christmas

Get Some Help with your Top Knot

The top knot is the hairstyle of the moment!  Reese Witherspoon rocked an amazingly perfect looking top knot to the LACMA's Art And Film Gala.  

Feel like your top knot falls flat every time?  Get a donut bun maker in your hair color shade to get that extra boost!  

Get your's at Amazon.com for less than $5.00!  

What Happens When You Abuse Color

This is exactly what happens when you abuse color, especially when you go from dark hair to super blonde... a drastic cut is in the near future.  Both Shakira and Katy Perry have been spotted with bobs, both are cute cuts but I can't help but wonder if it was unavoidable due to damage from using too much color.  

Lifestyle Leak: Yummy Juice Recipe

So I've been experimenting with my juicer and I've come up with a good juice recipe that I wanted to share.  


4 red apples
4 carrots
handful of parsley 
1 pear (not pictured because I added it at the last minute)
1/2 pound of strawberries 


Next time I make this juice I'll add in some more greens, like maybe spinach but that's a good base that's sweet but not too sweet.  I do not even taste the parsley and I think I'm beginning to like the taste of carrot juice.  

The Best Way to Shampoo

Shampooing highly textured, kinky, curly, even delicate relaxed hair can be a handful.  With these tips you will be able to get your scalp clean without a tangled mess and broken hairs.  

First things, first.  Start with a pre-poo treatment.  Not only will this help coat your strand and make detangling easier, it can help strengthen hair and promotes shine.  Next, fully saturate your hair.  I always shampoo in the shower because I prefer to not flip my hair over my head into the sink, that results in more tangles.  When I say fully saturate I mean at least 2 minutes in the shower under the water.  You can your hair to be totally soaked.  Now, add a small amount of whatever shampoo your using in your hands and start to shampoo your scalp.  Do not pile your hair on top of your head like a pineapple.  This will just make tangles in your hair.  Instead, only shampoo your scalp do not even worry about your hair the shampoo will inevitably run down the length of your hair.  When you shampoo the focus is the scalp and not the hair.  

After you shampoo, do it twice if you want, follow up with a instant conditioner.  Be generous and apply this to the length of your hair, don't worry about your scalp.  If you have a clip, clip your hair up and do your shower rituals.  Once you finish that, un-clip and detangle while you rinse out the conditioner.  The conditioner adds the slip you need to detangle without breakage.  You might choose to use a wide tooth comb, your fingers, whatever you like is good enough.  Done!  Now your hair and scalp are clean and detangled.  Now you can decide to deep condition (that's what I would do) or you can style how you want.  

Photo Credit 

Redken All Soft Argan-6: A Hard Working Oil

Part of the new release of the Redken All Soft collection included the new All Soft Argan-6 Oil, which to me is more like a serum than an oil but regardless of what we call it, it's one super hard working product and I'm loving it.  My hair is more on the finer side of things and this product does not weigh it down one bit, granted I'm not heavy handed when it comes to application.  


Product Description:  All Soft Argan-6 Oil is a multitasking oil treatment comprised of fair trade Argan oil that intensely nourishes and protects all types of hair especially dry, brittle hair.  Enriched with Omega-6, provides concentrated softness, deep conditioning and lasting suppleness.  


AHS Official Word:  When I say this product is hard working, I mean it.  This product can be used 6 different ways!  

1. A pre-poo treatment
2. Pre-blow dry for increased shine and protection
3. Post-blow dry for reducing frizz
4. As a shine booster anytime
5. As a conditioner booster, just add a few drops to your conditioner
6. Or, use it as an overnight treatment 

My favorite way to use this product is after I apply some of the All Soft Supple Touch cream spray, to help seal in the moisture and add shine.  Find it where Redken products are sold.  

Purple Instyler Giveaway

You guys know how much I love my InStyler, so as a Holiday Treat I'm giving away a brand new sugar plum InStyler! With the InStyler you can create a bunch of different hairstyles including a sleek straight look and beautiful curls! 


Product Description: The secret to the InStyler lies in its rotating polishing cylinder and four rows of precision-aligned bristles. As you hair glides through the InStyler the gentle heat and rotating barrel polishes each hair strand individually, giving you incredible shine and style! 


The InStyler features: 

• Straightens and Curls.
• Adds Volume and Shine.
• Styles in 1/2 the Time.
• Will not Crush or Damage Hair.
• Breakthrough Design Aligns Hair Evenly for Smoother Straightening.
• Patented Motorized Rotating Barrel with Heated Polishing Cylinder and Precision Aligned Bristles
• Professional heat, 410º F.
• Ceramic Heater for Instant Heat Recovery
• 30 Second Rapid Heat-Up.
• Computerized Heat-Control with 3 Temperature Settings.
• Automatic Safety Shut-Off.
• Swivel Cord. 

ENTER BELOW: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Holiday Hair Idea: High Wrapped Chignon

If you've picked out a super sparkly dress or something with an eye catching back, this is the perfect style for you!  The high wrapped chignon that Lauren Conrad was seen sporting.

1. On towel dried hair, apply Goldwell StyleSign at the root area to encourage weightless volume, blow dry and tease. Through the mid length and ends, massage a palm size amount of Goldwell StyleSign Top Whip styling foam and blow dry with a large round brush

2. With a flat styling brush, away from the face, brush into position and gather hair at the crown. (if the head and neck are positioned back while doing this, it ensures no bunching on the outside of the up sweep)

3. Emulsify a pea size amount of GWSSign Mello Goo to lightly smooth hair. Brush and gather the pony tail and lightly twist to the right starting from base to ends. This will start the coiling of the bun

4. While twisting, spray Goldwell StyleSign Sprayer hair lacquer to encourage style and finish. (Spraying as you build your style allows you to have a brilliant finish vs. a sticky bun). Twist and pin as you go to create the look.  

This hairstyle would look best with a dress that is very eye catching, whether it's the low back, unique neckline, or detailing.  You want the dress to be center stage and the hair to just compliment the look.  

Holiday Hair Idea: Retro Glamour

You've pick out your dress now what will you do with your tresses?  Goldwell Art Director John C. Simpson breaks down the Retro Glamour look.  


Rock the Look: 


1. Start with clean hair and apply Goldwell StyleSign Flat Marvel balm to the mid length and ends for sleek control. Spray scalp to ends with Goldwell StyleSign Hot Form to add shine, color enhancement and superior movement.


2. Blow-dry and tease at the root, working the nozzle in an up and down movement horizontally, to encourage volume. Then dry through the mid length and ends vertically with a medium round brush


3. Spritz hair with Goldwell StyleSign Sleek Perfection for heat and color protection then vertically curl and ribbon the length with a 1” inch curling iron – even tension through the middle to ends


4. Part the hair into position of choice and with a flat (Denman or Mason-like) brush, lightly brush in long strokes from scalp to ends. This will loosen and soften the curl and wave.

5. Finish the look with Goldwell StyleSign Magic Finish Hairspray to enhance shine and hold in place

Holiday Hair Idea: Ballerina Bun

Wella Professionals Celebrity Stylist, Andy LeCompte suggests a timeless, weather-proof ballerina bun to compliment your holiday look this year – like the style he gave Wella Professionals Celebrity Ambassador Rebecca Romijn at the CFDA / Vogue Fashion Fund Awards in New York City.

“The best thing about this look,” says Andy, “is that it can balance out the most intricately adorned holiday dresses, while adding a modern twist to your classic cocktail dress.” Not only is it quick and easy to create, but with the holiday season being hectic, this look leaves room for those days when you just don’t have the time to perfect your blowout, or if the weather has other plans for your supposedly sleek end-look.

Rock the Look:
1. To start, Andy applied Wella Professionals Velvet Amplifier to damp hair before blow-drying straight with volume.

2. Gather hair in to a high ponytail, using a brush to smooth out strands on top, and then secure with an elastic. Insider tip: Andy suggests tilting your head back to make sure you gather any strands that might be lingering at the nape of your neck.

3. Brush dime size amount of Wella Professionals Pearl Styler through the entire ponytail to make it super sleek and then twist hair and wrap it around the base of your ponytail to create the shape of the bun.

4. Tuck the ends of the ponytail under and then insert bobby pins along the base of the bun to secure it to your head, making sure the pins are hidden by the hair.

5. Andy suggests shaking your head gently from side to side before going to ensure it’s really secure. Keep the style from looking too prim and proper by gently teasing along the bottom of the bun.

6. Spray all over with Wella Professionals Stay Essential Finishing Spray to get rid of any fly-aways.

Because this hair style is more demure, pick a dress that matches that.  This is the perfect style for an office or work gathering.  

SofnFree Milk Protein & Olive Oil Really Deep Treatment

The Sofn'Free Milk Protein & Olive Oil Really Deep Conditioning Treatment that was only available in packet form is now available in a huge 16oz. tub.  This is awesome for someone like me who likes to use way more of her deep treatments than she really needs.  


Product Description:  Mother Nature's recipe for healthy, beautiful hair.  Milk Protein: soothes the scalp, strengthens & adds shine.  Olive Oil: Promotes a healthy scalp, repairs damage & adds even more shine.  Omega 2: rebuilds, strengthens & protects hair from within.  

AHS Official Word:  I chose to use this treatment 1 week after my relaxer because of the Omega 2 and Milk Protein.  We all know relaxed hair needs more strengthening type of ingredients, especially right after a relaxer.  Once the conditioner was applied, I sat under a hooded dryer for about 10-15 minutes.  While under there, my scalp felt all cool and tingly, a plus for me.  A closer look at the ingredients label showed that menthol was the source of this lovely feeling.  Another thing I really like about this conditioner is that every tub has an expiration date on it, so you know when it's time to get rid of it.  Overall, my hair felt great once it was rinsed out and my scalp got an invigorating treat as well.  


Looking for this product?  Amazon.com has the packets

Lifestyle Leak: Starting to Juice

For some time now I've been reading about the benefits of juicing.  For those of you who don't already know, juicing is when you use fresh fruits and vegetables to make juice.  There are tons and tons of health benefits associated with juicing like better overall health.  When you are healthy on the inside you look better on the outside too.  I'm going to start juicing!  I do not exercise as much as I should and I know that I can do better in the nutrition department too, so I figured a juicer is a good way to get in more fruits and veggies on a daily basis.  

Basically, all I got to start out was a Breville Juicer (the compact one) and $37.00 worth of veggies and fruits from my local farmers market.  The juicer came with a book of different juice recipes, so I'll be sharing my experiences and favorite recipes from time to time.  

True Waist Length Hair

I spotted photos of China Chow at the Louis Vuitton Party for Art.sy and thought, Now this is waist length hair!  Her hair is half the length of her entire body and it looks great.  The ends are perfect and it appears to be blunt cut, my favorite.  Her hair must take a long time to dry, imagine sitting under the dryer with hair this long.  Forget it!  

Linziclip by Scunci

So the Goody Glam headband I sported last week may have been a miss, but the new Linziclip by Scunci is a hit!  Basically a Linziclip is like a typical claw clip only better, it has the same springs and teeth to grip the hair, but they are hidden within a sleek cylinder exterior that comes in a variety of sizes, colors, and finishes. 

But my favorite feature is the unique flat bottom, it rests flatly against my head so I don't feel like anything is poking and I can lean my head back when I drive.  



Available at Amazon.com and where Scunci products are sold.  

Alter Ego Curativ Cren Drops

(Alter Ego Drops, $25.00 Amazon.com)

I don't know about you, but when I'm in the hair salon I always scout out new products.  I keep my eyes open and I look and see what brands people are bringing in with them, but one particular product I've been seeing are these Alter Ego drops.  Both of the women who I saw using them had longer than APL length hair, so of course I my interest was piqued.  


Product Description: A treatment formulated to stimulate cellular metabolism, nourish and restore energy to fine and weak hair. Its formula contains the natural active principles (Cren) extract of Horseradish, and an amnino-peptide complex derived from hydrolyzed Soya proteins. The extract of Horseradish stimulates the micro-circulation and the Soya nourishes and revitalizes the scalp. As the product may cause scalp reddening, it is recommended that you try a small amount first. 


Product Ingredients: Agua, Alcohol Den., Hydrolized Soy Protein, Propylene Glycol, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Parfum, Hydrolyzed Wheat Gluten, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Methyl Nicotinate, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Cochlearia Armoracia Extract, Limonene, Tetrasodium Edta, Benzyl Salicylate, Propylparaben, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Isoeugenol, Coumarin, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Eugenol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citral, Simethicone. 


I haven't tried it (yet), have you?  If so what are your thoughts?!? 

December 2011 Length Check

Throughout the month of November I pretty much stuck to the original Operation Wedding Hair plan.  The only thing I really didn't do was wear my hair in a protective style for the most part.  I wore my hair out more than I probably should have, so after my most recent relaxer I asked the stylist to give me a protein treatment.  

It has been three months since I started Operation Wedding Hair and so far I'm pleased with the progress I've made.    The side by side comparison photo from September (left) to December (right) really helps me see exactly how much progress I've made.  It's still growing in a V shape, but that's just the way my hair grows and once I get to a comfortable length (not sure exactly what that will be) I'll cut it back so that it's blunt cut.  Until then the V stays.  

Milk Protein & Olive Oil Relaxer Review

(Milk & Protein Olive Oil Relaxer, $7.49 Amazon.com)

So it's finally relaxer time, I waited 12 weeks and a few days to relax my hair.  Keeping to my healthy hair care regimen I always wait at the very least 10 weeks to relax my hair.  This time I used Sofn'Free GroHealthy Milk Protein & Olive Oil Relaxer.  It's a no lye box style kit that comes with liquid activator, relaxer cream, neutralizing conditioning shampoo, and a leave-in conditioner along with the instructions, plastic gloves (the cheap kind), and a spatula.  


What I like about this relaxer is the extra ingredients to help keep hair healthy even though it's been chemically treated.  All of the original Sofn'free GroHealthy treatment products, which complement a women's hair care routine after the relaxing process, contain a third nourishing ingredient in addition to milk protein and olive oil. Omega 3 derived from the Sacha Inchi nut from Peru is abundant in each formula. This oil limits the hair's dehydration to help make it stronger and to rebuild its natural barrier; it acts as a nutritional compound to the hair to help give it a smooth and shiny look; and it emits no fish smell like other Omega 3 ingredients.  


Overall, I like this relaxer.  It got my hair straight and so far I have not experienced the dry flaky scalp that I sometimes get after a relaxer.  As an added bonus, I asked the stylist to use a protein treatment after this relaxer.  It's just something that I felt my hair could use.  I've been experiencing a little bit more shedding and some very minor breakage, so to prevent a set-back I'm listening to my hair.  I'll keep you guys posted if I experience anything new within the next few weeks.  Also, be on the look out for my December Length check!  

Willow Smith Chops it all Off

Willow Smith has a new hairstyle!  It looks like she chopped off all her hair in the back just leaving a long face framing bang.  What do you think of her new style? 

Chanel Iman rock Ombre Locks

So it looks like the Ombre trend is not dying down any time soon!  Chanel Iman was recently spotted at the unveiling of the million dollar DKNY perfume bottle with a long curly Ombre hairstyle.  We can add her to the list of women of color rocking the ombre look.  

Ceramides & Winter Skin

Those with sensitive skin know that winter weather triggers or intensifies a host of skin issues, from extreme dryness to eczema, itching and sensitivity. Truly treating your skin means going beyond the symptoms to address the source—a compromised barrier depleted of ceramides.  We all know that our hair loves ceramides, this winter, prevent and treat irritation with Curél’s breakthrough moisturizers—all formulated with Curél’s exclusive Ceramide Complex.


25 years in the making, Curél’s proprietary Ceramide Complex is formulated with a more stable form of natural ceramides to optimize water-holding capacity for maximum moisture. The proprietary formula mimics the effect of skin’s protective barrier, locking in the moisture already in the skin while keeping irritants out—effectively preventing winter skin irritation while deeply hydrating.


Curel can be found at your local drugstore or my favorite place to do online shopping, Amazon.com!

Scissor Happy, Almost

Just when I was starting to feel a little bit scissor happy, I got the official Save the Date for my besties wedding!  Operation Wedding Hair is full steam ahead.  If you have no clue what I'm talking about, go back and find out!  I can't wait to frolic on the beaches in the DR!  


Image Credit 

Dove Nourishing Oil Care Collection

Dove has a brand new hair care collection, the Dove Nourishing Oil Care Collection.  This collection is well suited for natural, relaxed, and more highly textured hair because it's very moisturizing and works to soften and reduce frizz.  The collection includes, Dove Nourishing Oil Care Shampoo, Conditioner, Leave-In Cream and Anti-Frizz Serum.      

All you guys know when I do my hair, I wash, condition, and I must always deep condition as well.  This collection has, a shampoo, conditioner, and a special Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment Conditioner.  I used the Treatment Conditioner as a deep conditioner and it worked out well, but I won't be swapping my true deep conditioners for this product.  It's good, but it's not that good.  The items from this collection that really stole the show are the leave-in smoothing cream and the anti-frizz serum.  I like the leave-in smoothing cream as a moisturizer when I'm wearing an air-dried or not perfectly straight style and the anti-frizz serum is perfect for use before blow drying.  Plus, all the products have that signature dove scent that I love.