Rain Rain Go Away or Give Us Relief from a Rainy Hair Day?!

bad_hair_day_2101367300So let’s face it, those of us that live in the City of Angels don’t exactly know what to do when it is raining outside. We have a hard time driving, going to work, and we especially have a hard time when it comes to styling our hair. Here in L.A. we are so spoiled by the lack of humidty, which as a gal from South Mississippi, I know that humidity makes everyday a questionable hair day.  I have noticed that living in Los Angeles these past six years, is that “almost” everyday in this climate and weather conditions is practically a guarantee for an outstanding hair day.


Not to sound ungrateful for this much needed rain, but in an unprepared city we need to find solutions on how to deal with the rain when it comes to our hair – and fast. 

 

First we can start with product usage. Thank goodness that major hair care companies have found ways to combat weather conditions with products.  They help improve our hair when the hair is suddenly moist.  One of my favorite “can’t-live-without” rainy day products is the Oribe Hair Care – Impermeable Anti-Humidity Hair Spray.  This ultra-luxe range keeps hair looking beautiful and healthy for6a00e5504d1b2f88330120a523cc55970b-500wi simply gorgeous hair. This anti-humidity finishing spray shields hair from frizz on the sultriest of days (and nights), protecting sleek blowouts and perfect curls alike.


061008_hair11_sp08_400x400Another thing to consider on these rainy humid days is hair frizz! Bumble and bumble gives us their “Defrizz” product. It does what it says (and more): protects against frizz, acts as a barrier to humidity and leaves hair soft, silky and flyaway-free.  Bumble and bumble also has their signature Surf Spray. This spray provides that beachy texture that you get on the beach. Sexy, salty, sun-dried, windswept styles – whenever, wherever. Perfect for weather, giving the hair an awesome texture. With these sorts of products anyone can tackle even the gloomiest of days.


Now that we’ve talked about product, let’s talk about some basic DIY styles. I would like to start with the messy low bun, it’s simple, it’s easy and the key is that it is MESSY. You don’t have to be a rockstar hair pro to achieve this look, you can simply apply product, rough dry your hair for natural texture and put our hair in a low pony tail either in the back or on the side. Twist the hair and pin it. This look is also so current, we have seen tons of celebrities strut their stuff on the red carpet wearing this modern, chic, and simple style.mk-braid


Braids are also making a huge comeback! Even if you don’t know how to french braid, the standard american braids are all over the top runways and in the pages of the current Vogue magazines. Messy hair with a braid looks good and keeps your look current and fresh. Remember y’all, it’s the imperfections that make the hair perfect!


emma-roberts-hair-messy-ponytail-bunAlso, texture is in right now! Even just applying a little anti humidity product, the surf spray, or a little defrizz, or cocktailing all 3, you can finger through your hair and let it air dry, and still manage to have a fierce hair day. You can accompany this style with barrettes, headbands, or a cute hat  (also huge trends). 


Basically y’all, the ultimate goal is to embrace the rain, embrace the humidity and make it work for you! Rain definitely puts a damper on things like hiking, and outside dining, but it doesn’t have to interfere with your confidence and appearance.

How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?


We have all been asked or have asked the following hot button question at least once in our lives:


“How often should you wash your hair?”


Well, perhaps, hot button is a bit much, but it is my experience that everyone is curious about the answer to this question.  And everyone has their own opinion. Whether it’s your hairstylist, your friend or your favorite celebrity, everyone has a theory that they are ready to share.  Well, I’m here to say there is no easy answer.


Let’s break it down a little so maybe we can come to at least a reasonable one.


First of all, the right answer is different for everyone.  As my mama used to say, “There are many ways to get downtown.”  We are motivated to wash our hair for many reasons: to remove debris, to make it smell good, to get a desired style, or simply out of habit.  Mostly people tell me they wash their hair because of how oily their hair or scalp feels.



What people don’t realize is that these oils are actually very beneficial.  The natural oils excreted from the scalp is what moves down and actually nourishes your strands, protecting them from our everyday environment. If you wash it away every single day, it has less time to do its job and therefore can knock this delicate balance out of whack. The longer your hair has time to soak up these natural oils, the better. 



“But Danielle, won’t this give us all dreadlocks and a foul smelling scalp?” Au Contraire, ma soeur (that’s french for ‘On the contrary, sistah’), I am not saying you should never wash your hair.  Please do and my goodness please brush it regularly. All I ask is that you find balance in your grooming.


You should begin by gauging your own personal timeline. If you currently wash everyday, push it to every other day. If this seems feasible, push it to every two days. Now let’s say you wait four days to wash your hair, and it starts to look greasy, limp and lifeless.  Suddenly, it is hard to style!  Well then,  four days may be too long for you to wait. Scale it back a day and wash your hair every three days.



magic-group-shot

A girl I know shampoo’s  her hair every three weeks. And guess what? She has great looking hair, every single day! Like I said, the answer is different for everyone. A little trial and error can be fun, so give it a try - your friends will definitely tell you when you err.  You will begin to see and feel the difference between overwashing and a balanced washing regimen (especially if your hair is curly or chemically treated).



“But what if I like my scalp to feel fresh? And I want my hair to have that just clean feeling, every single day?” 



Well, let me introduce you to your new best friend. Sidlab Hair Couture has just come out with a product called “magic spray”.  It does just what it says: magic. This is a cold spray that you can put on scalp and strands, that feels refreshing without leaving an ounce of buildup. It adds a slight bit of volume while cleansing away odor and last nights pillowtalk.  Its not a powder, its not a mist, and its not a figment of your imagination. It is real, and it works. Oh yeah, and its paraben free too. Use it on those days you’re not shampooing, and try to stretch your “non shampoo days” even longer. Hey, it’ll even give you more time to relax in the mornings before work, now that you don’t have to spend all that time washing and blowdrying!!!! Trust me.  Your tresses will thank you.

Buyer Beware?!

My clients are always telling me how excited they are when they find their favorite Bumble and Bumble, Kerastase, Schwarzkopf, Wella, etc products at their neighborhood grocery or drug store. They are so excited for the newfound convenience.  I am here to tell you that consumers who purchase professional salon products anywhere other then a professional salon, are not getting the great “deals” they might think! Products found at these major retailers, grocery, or drug stores are often times conterfeit, stolen, or outdated. Companies such as Paul Mitchell, Sebastian, Wella, Bumble and Bumble assure us that they NEVER sell their products to thesKerastase Salon Exclusive Labele establishments.


I am so frustrated as an industry professional to see my friends and clients being taken advantage of by these businesses, and often times the products aren’t even discounted. Consumers are getting ripped off by purchasing products that do not have a salon guarantee and they remain unaware of the harm that purchasing these products is doing to the beauty industry. Buying these products supports a crime which is called Diversion.  Our salon and most participating salons sign agreements that we will not sell our products wholesale, nor will we sell our products to anyone other than our direct clients. 


Salon Exclusive Label on MoroccanOil Package

Salon Exclusive Label on MoroccanOil Package

Therefore, no online sales, no partner sales and no trade show sales.


Most people then ask if it is illegal for these retail stores to sell these products. If you look on your favorite bottles most of them have some sort of label that states the products are only guaranteed when purchased in a profesional salon. So although at this moment it isn’t illegal for products to be sold in these establishments, there is a place on each package that states that the company does not stand behind any business other than a salon selling their product.


The issue of diversion is a fast and growing problem for the beauty industry.  Salons are losing tons of business because stores like Target and Rite Aid are able to offer more convenience with products that “mysteriously” end up on their shelves. People need to be aware that in this case convenience definitely compromises quality.


I am a firm believer that if you are going to spend money on getting your hair professionally cut or colored, then you should pay the additional cost for professional product to keep your look maintained in between seeing your stylist. I never push products on clients, but I am always telling my clients “Don’t you put the expensive gas in an expensive car? Isn’t that what keeps the car running to it’s optimum potential? Isn’t that the same with your hair?.”


So next time you see your favorite plus size bottle of shampoo at the drug store and you think you have hit the jackpot, think again. Purchase the right products, the ones that you need, the ones that only your personal stylist knows how to recommend.  And take advantage of the opportunity to review the instructions for use with your stylist.  That is part of the service they should provide.


Professional products are only to be sold in professional salons.

Eyelash Extensions with Lavish Lashes

Courtney Peters - Microzone, Waxing and Eyelash Extensions

Studio DNA is thrilled to introduce a new service at our Broadway location.  EYELASH EXTENSIONS.


Courtney Peters, our resident skin care specialist, has undergone extensive training with Lavish Lashes to provide a quality service with an exceptional product.  The service is normally $300 for a full set of lashes.  However, for our loyal Studio DNA customers, we are offering the service for $250 until the end of January.  Just in time for the holidays and awards season.


Lavish LashesTM


Beyonce's Lavish LashesLavish Lashes is an exciting new product and technique for thicker, longer, and naturally abundant looking eyelashes. Eyelashes are made thicker and longer through professional application of an individual synthetic eyelash extension directly attached to the natural eyelash with their specially formulated Lavish Lashes bonding agent.


Lavish Lashes Professional Eyelash Extensions are semi-permanent eyelash extensions that can last up to 4-6 weeks depending on the life cycle of your own natural eyelashes and other factorsLavish Lashes - Ashley Jones your Lavish Lashes Professional will review with you at your first eyelash extension consultation/appointment. Though the average cycle of a single lash is about 90-120 days, factors such as your eyelash characteristics, lifestyle and general care of your eyelashes will affect how long your Lavish Lashes will last.


Natural Look


If you look up close you can see that these individually applied synthetic eyelash extensions actually appear to have a root. If you would like to see a larger version simply click on the image on the right. Lavish Lashes have a natural looking curve so there is no need to use eyelash curlers. Lavish Lashes eyelash extensions come in various lengths, colors and thickness to create a beautiful and natural look. Lavish Lashes eyelash extensions also come in brilliant colors, such as blue, green, violet, purple, red and blue to accentuate the natural beauty and color of one’s natural eye color and natural eyelashes.

Natural Feel


When professionally and properly applied, you cannot feel any difference after having your eyelashes enhanced with Lavish Lashes Professional Eyelash Extensions. If you do feel a difference, then your eyelash extensions were not properly applied and you need to contact your professional immediately or call our offices.

 

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