Why you Should Layer up for Summer

Don't let the title throw you off, we do lots of layering for summer.. layer on sunscreen layer on moisturizer, so what are you doing to protect your hair?

There are two things you can do-  to battle the scraggly ends summer blues:

Nourish and Protect with the Triple Threat: a Deep Cleansing Shampoo, a Deeply Hydrating Conditioning Mask and a Leave-In Solar Protectant. Here's How: Shampoo away build up with a Clarifying line (or even do a Vinegar rinse if you don't mind the aroma), towel blot and apply Mask, Leave in for at least 10 minutes. After rinsing out mask, again towel blot and apply your Leave-in Protectant.

Layer Up: Visit the salon for a Shiny Gloss Treatment Service to Seal in all your hard work. Not only can a gloss treatment seal in moisture, it can also be used to enhance your existing color and add an extra layer of protection from the dry elements.

3 Extra Tips:

For swimmers: wet hair before going in the pool, this dramatically reduces the amount of chlorine your hair absorbs

Oil: Don't be shy lathering on Sun protectant Hair Oil before playing in water or on land (Davines and Morrocan Oil make a good one). You might even designate a brush to use to press the oil deeper into the cuticle layer by means of a good brushing!

If you tie your hair up all summer, be mindful what you are tying it up with, and how gently you pull it out, no ripping please. Here's a good example of a suitable hair tie on wet and dry hair: http://www.amazon.com/Rosallini-Black-Telephone-Wire-Elastic/dp/B008X0OUIC

What is Balayage Anyway?

You may think the word Balyage is the French word for highlights, but in France you would actually ask your hairdresser "Puis-je avoir mèches?" 

The art of Balyage began in Paris in the 70's. The word originates from the meaning “to sweep” or “scan” and has a very different approach from traditional highlighting. Envision how sunlight sweeps across the hair, and imagine painting it on!

Not just reserved for blondes, this technique can be applied to all shades of hair.

Since foils are not used to separate the hair, The Parisians use cotton, and sometimes, plastic wrap. The Italians have been known to use prosciutto paper. A specialized brush may also be used to apply the lightener or color.

The Balyage technique arrived to the US in the 90’s, and has been slowly gaining fans in metropolitan areas since. Currently, many stylists offer some form of "Balyage". Many create the ombre effect with it; where the roots are left dark while the mid to ends are lightened, and don't separate the highlights at all, or even use foils. That is definitely an American adaptation.

Those who have gleaned from the original french technique, know there are ways to do a beautiful classic highlight that get as close to the roots as foil!                                                   

One of the best at this technique is Muriel Mastey at Point De Vue Salon in West Hollywood. Muriel grew up in Paris and is considered to be a master of the technique. During our years working together at Point De Vue Salon, she was so kind as to share with us her beautiful technique (Her version of Balyage that she has applied to many of her a-list celebrity clientele). 

The thing we personally love about Balyaging is the creative leeway. We can create effects ranging from              a child’s-hair-kissed-only-by-the-sun, to peek a boo panels in a geometric haircut.

Although we do utilize foils, many of our clients prefer Balyage for the soft effect that allows them to stretch out their appointments a little further.

  It’s ok, we don’t take it personally!

Link to Muriel: http://pointdevuesalon.com/83725/index.html

  

Considering Bangs?

Bangs can be a love hate relationship; You want them, you get them, you love them and soon after, you hate them. What went wrong?

Afraid to try bangs because of the above scenario, and confused if they would look awesome or terrible?

What dictates if you're suited for bangs anyway?

Although there is no hard and fast rule, there are parameters which you need to discuss with your stylist before committing to bangs.

Your Styling Ability vs Hair Texture:

Sometimes the newness of any hairstyle doesn't sink in, until the first time you have to style it yourself. With bangs, your muscle memory of habitual-getting-readiness is of no help, actually it bites you in the butt because it is no longer applicable, and you are left panicking. How did my hairdresser tell me to do this again?!

Tip: If your talents in the world do not include hair styling, ensure your bang styling regimen is simple. If achieving your bang style require you to alter your natural texture beyond your ability, you're probably going to fall under the hate bangs category.

Your Forehead:

A short forehead can be a sign you probably won't be happy with bangs. It can close down the face. If you've got a huge forehead you want to hide, or feel you are average, you might be a candidate.

Your Jawline:

A strong jawline dictates what shape of bang will look best. If you have a pronounced square jaw, you probably won't be successfully rocking a blunt straight square bang.

A successful approach in this case would be one incorporating balance (the universal truth, even when it comes to the short little tufts of hair, framing your face!) hard square jaw = soft rounded bangs.

Haven't a clue what your head is shaped like? Check out this link to discover more than you ever wanted to know about the shapes human heads generally come in.

http://michellephan.com/beauty-school-finding-your-face-shape/

Your Lifestyle:

People who get a little panicky when they can't pull all their hair off their face into a pony tail, need to know they will have to use a bobby pin to pin up their Fringe (as the Brits call it).

People who are lazy, may have to accept they might have to wake up and actually wash and style their bangs! (It's ok, you can tie back the rest of your hair and shampoo at the sink. And the blow dry only takes about 4 minutes, so you're good).

Commitment-phobes need to understand that most bangs are a statement that will be made daily, and trying to hide them probably won't look right.

Bangs are a commitment, so set yourself up for success by doing a little soul searching and by considering the above points.

Hair Undone

As we've been advising our clients for a while now, the Undone Hair movement has become a thing. No longer do we want a really contrived hair style. We want to look effortlessly beautiful, and the knowledge to achieve it is becoming more widespread. 

                                  

Just as our knowledge of health has expanded and put us more in control of our wellness than ever before, hair chemicals (or lack thereof), shampoo/conditioners, and leave-in styling products and hair cutting and dressing knowledge have put us in control of how our hair air dries.

Some people need to feel in control of their hair, and undone hair will probably not be their thing. If you are hoping that your hair looks decent enough to NOT have to break out your blow dryer or curling iron, then this look might be for you! Here are some tips to nailing it: 

Embrace your hair in its natural state (or pseudo/semi-natural) 

The embracing factor might only come about after getting some hair coaching and a great cut, or perhaps you have already embraced a controlled chaos hair situation and are always in search of additional tips. Either way it happens, it is an important step. You have to be willing to adopt a new routine to have success!

Get it Cut

                             

Today, it's all about having a great cut. You should not have to create shapes with your blow dryer, your cut should be doing the work for you.

Also, keeping the ends from fraying by getting regular trims will allow you to wear your hair in more of a natural state.

When I cut hair to be undone, I focus on working with the natural movement of the hair. I edit what I don't like and accentuate what I do. (Simple, right?)

-For Finer textures I recommend a stronger outline with just a few purposeful surface layers.

-For Medium textures the wave pattern is of primary concern, to ensure the hair falls naturally in place, and is generally air dried and cut dry.

-Super rebellious curly or frizzy hair is cut with lots of hair editing tricks to balance over zealous areas into one unit, being mindful to create space without completely shattering the ends. (It takes a professional, people)

Maintaining It:

                             

You didn't get an undone haircut to put in a lot of hours at a blow dry bar!

Most of the styling is in the Prep Work..

Cleansing

Squeaky clean shampoo looks aren't in, so why would shampoo that leaves your hair squeaky clean be? Shampoo-free regimens, sulfate-free shampoo and 2-in-1 Cleansing Creams are addressing this need. As a general outline, your hair texture and individual oil production rate will determine which method might be the best shampoo alternative for you. Preserving the correct amount of your own oils is key.

Styling

Finer straighter textures are usually in need of roughing it up products, such as Salt Sprays paired with light textured pastes or creams for just the very ends whereas, Kinky Curly hair would need to preserve the most amount of natural oils and also layer on the most dressing products such as creams and oils.

To achieve the correct aesthetic, your goal should (mostly) be to air dry. Polish off your style by round brush blow drying a few strategically scattered sections on the top and sides.

Still on the fence about undone hair? Ask your stylist to help you strategize how you might work some of this effect, while controlling "priority" areas.

-Alina

A New Colour

 Just over a year ago, the environmentally responsible Italian company Davines launched an inspiring new color line that is PPD (a petroleum based product) and Ammonia free. Most natural dyes can’t even make that claim, and even henna often times contains lead.

‘A New Colour’ delivers incredible shine by infusing their color with antioxidants derived from carrots and date palms. Also strengthening and moisturizing with Castor Oil and Caranuba wax, this new color line is truly inspired by nature.

A New Colour offers a wide range of color nuances and is practically scentless, which should please even the most discerning clients.

For A New Colour consultation, contact Alina at edenzadehairdo@gmail

Redhead on Fire

Throughout history there is one hair color that screams just slightly louder than blonde, and that our friends; is the redhead. 

The red haired persona in particular has intrigued us with its representation as those who are loose and wild with their feelings, and who are inclined to shrug off society's expectations of them.

Let's explore a little history, lore and trivia to impress your friends with:

 -In earlier times, the Egyptians were rumored to have sacrificed redheads. (Cleopatra herself has been said to have been a natural redhead, who naturally enhanced the hue with henna and inspired a favorable feminine outlook among her people)

-During their migration to the United States, the predominantly red headed Irish clashed dramatically with Americans, and were subsequently categorized as people of ill character.

-Marilyn Monroe's natural hair color was light reddish brown as a matter of fact. Other mentionable female stars include tap dancing partner to Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers (who shunned her natural auburn locks, dying them brown), sex symbol and film star Raquel Welch, Molly Ringwald (who embodied the firery spirit of her natural red hair in most of her roles) and believe it or not, Elvira (aka Cassandra Peterson).

 - Surrealist painter Van Gogh definitely lived up to his persona by being quite the dramatist (especially in his later years). Italian composer Vivaldi, Colombus, Thomas Jefferson and Mark Twain were all also redheads.

NOWADAYS Red, or even the ‘attitude of red’ is allowed to come to its full glory, and we have definitely seen an increase in women wanting to try this look on themselves. 

Within the different medias, we are seeing examples of our desire for a more edgy female model versus the conventional beauties of yesterday (the beginnings of this can be seen with Musicians Shirley Manson and Tori Amos). 

In our professional opinion a considerable percentage of women have been inspired to go red hoping to enhance their chances of hitting it off with rocker Jack White.

(Just kidding...)

Redheads have inspired a  range of intense feelings throughout history, and we are glad to observe this positive upsurge of attitude and esthetic!

The Beach Wave Effect

In hair trends, controlled chaos is very of-the-moment and Beach waves are a beautiful example.

The name originates from the effect salt water has on the hair after a day at the beach; tousled and chaotic yet piecy and controlled at the ends.

Locate your hair type below and follow the tips to fine tune your technique:

 

If you have STRAIGHT HAIR:

Option 1 if you have time to let it dry in a set, Option 2 is more work but a faster option

OPTION 1:

-Towel blot hair after washing and part to desired parting

- Apply Davines Strong Hold Creme Gel or Sebastian Mousse Forte focusing on mid-length to ends.

-Section off your hair into 6 sections (three sections on the left, 3 on the right) and braid them. OR, if you suck at braiding, twist into two Princess Leia buns and secure with pins

-let dry completely before unbraiding (or untwisting)

-break apart the waves by tipping head upside down and shaking with your hands from underneath (this allows the hair to expand without disheveling the top sections too much)

OPTION 2:

-While damp, prep the hair with a heat protectant, such as Davines Melu Spray and tousle dry completely.

-To create the perfect undone curl, use a curling iron, but leave out the last inch of the ends.

 *Rule of thumb: the larger the section, the looser the curl. Adjust section size accordingly.

-Finish with hairspray, and sea salt spray.

-Flip upside down and shake shake shake!

* To amp up the volume from here, spray more Sea Salt Spary and diffuse dry upside down*

FOR NATURALLY WAVY TEXTURES:

-While damp, prep the hair with Davines Oi Oil and Sea Salt Spray.

- Flip your head upside down and scrunch hair with a towel

- Re-twist any areas that need tidying at this point

- Diffuse dry or Air dry

- Define ends with Davines Medium Hold Pliable Paste

- Finish with Oribe Dry texture spray, to create more roughness and texture or Beach Wave Spray, to decrease frizz.

CURLY GIRLIES:

Like your curl? Option 2's for you. Your natural curl's no fun, choose option 1.

OPTION 1: 

-Prep damp hair with Davines Melu Spray for thermal protection

-Blow dry by twisting off the round brush to achieve loose barrel curls OR Diffuse Dry and use a curling iron, leaving out the last inch of ends to create the perfect undone curl

* Rule of thumb: the larger the section, the looser the curl

- Flip upside down and shake shake shake!

OPTION 2: While damp, apply Davines Curl Building Serum. Twist into little segments to tidy.

- diffuse or air dry

- Flip upside down and shake out any areas that need to be broken up.

- Finish with Oribe Beach Wave Spray to decrease frizz, or Scrunch with Davines Sea Salt Spray to increase texture and roughness