Hair and How To's

ok...here it is everyone. I've explained the process to many, but TODAY a co worker of mine came into the office with a new do and said that I had inspired her and she wanted to show me. I had explained to my curly haired co worker the process that I will explain here:
how to make curly hair, a little more styled and under control. I was 'blessed' with very thick, very curly hair and it is a challenge to manage. My personal style is not the crazy, enormous, untouchable, kinky curls that I was born with. PROBLEM! My style is more flexible, conservative and more versitile.

Over the years people have asked me how I transform my mass of dark curls into the soft waves and straight hair that I wear on mostly a daily basis. *Note: this process WILL damage your hair! Set temperature settings to low or medium if your hair is fine or thin! Get hair cut frequently and use hair-healthy products!

CLEAN
Wash your hair with a good shampoo that really cleans the hair of all the muck. I like the brands Goldwell and KMS. Then use a conditioner that does not weigh the hair down at all but that really does soften the hair. Nothing with shea butter, olive oil or anything heavy like that.

STYLING PRODUCTS
It's important to use a styling product BEFORE you style to prep and protect the hair from the heat. The heat will kill your hair. I use Moroccan Hair oil (just a teeny bit) and switch it up with Esuchen NPPE RD Protein Creme. Both are available online and at some salons. There are tons of great products on the market though...just pick one you're comfortable using that does what you need it to. I need frizz control and shine. When finished styling use a little more product or an additional product (NOT SILICONE BASED).

STYLING TOOLS
1. Round brush (I prefer boar bristle)
2. Hair Dryer
3. Flat Iron (ceramic or better, unfortunately with flat irons, you generally get what you pay for) Make sure the plates go either to edge of the iron or curve around the edges on both sides.
folica.com carries some of the best.

HOW TO:
1. Separate hair into small sections
2. Using round brush, blow dry hair straight. Make sure it's completely dry
3. When all the hair is dry, separate into sections again.
4. Watch this video to see how to use the flat iron to make curls and waves:
http://www.kewego.com/video/iLyROoafYHke.html

Naturally Curly
Styled with Waves

I'm not buying the Turquoise trend

I read in my local paper today that Turquoise is the new 'it' color for 2010. I don't agree...nope, not at all. I'm not sure who the fashion 'forecasters' are but I am willing to BET that this color does not pan out to be a hot trend for the new year. Do we go for bright new colors in the spring and summer, of course. Is this color going to dominate our wardrobes, I think not. I anticipate sale racks to be clogged with tanks and tops in this color because we really don't want it and it only looks good on a few of us. Lily Pulitzer designer Jane Scoenborn claims that, "Turquoise is universally appealing. It puts everyone in the same state of mind-on vacation." Thank you Jane, but I disagree. When I wear clothes I am not transported to another place. I aim wear clothes that look good on me and are appropriate for my lifestyle. Color trends are silly and I hope to not make the same mistakes as I did earlier this year with 'salmon'

Photo below from early 2009 when 'salmon' was the color being pushed on us.

Check Out Nylon Magazine

While in a waiting room, I can't remember where, I discovered Nylon. This magazine is fresh, edgy and different. I loved the look and feel to start with and the articles were informative, but not preachy or fluffy either. Amazing photos too. I'm not yet a subscriber, but I don't subscribe to any magazines so that means nothing. I would buy this magazine if I saw it for sale at the grocery store and I definitely would read it while in a waiting room, cover to cover.

http://www.nylonmag.com/