NEWSWORTHY BEAUTY: SECRETS OF AN ANCHORWOMAN

photo by

Veronica Reeve

You may recognize this beauty from your TV screens- Jen Stagg is well known in the news & media world, especially here in Utah. She's an accomplished reporter and anchor, but she's also a new momma and the voice behind the blog

withHeart

. I first discovered her blog when I came across this nursery photo online while I was looking for ideas for my own little cuties' nursery.

I LOVE photo walls, and this one really grabbed my attention. Anywho, I wound up on Jen's blog and immediately felt inspired by it.  The voice behind the stories is genuine and offers a welcome breath of fresh air in the sometimes-stuffy world of blogging. You can see the rest of Jen's nursery 

here

.

I've always been fascinated with on-camera beauty. It is another world that most of us will never experience, but it's fair to say that we have all seen some not-so-good hairstyles and eye shadows on TV at one point or another! Luckily Jen has got it all figured out- so I wanted to ask her about her tips and tricks for looking flawless even at 4am!

M- What is your beauty mantra in five words or less?

J- Classic, modern, simple, pulled together

M- Your routine usually starts WAY early in the morning (or late at night!) on news days- do you have any time saving tips for getting ready quick?

J- It's an odd thing to put on full makeup at either 4 in the morning or 10:00 at night, and I usually have only a few minutes to get ready before it's time to step in front of the camera.  I think it's important to start with a fresh palette.  In the morning, I always wash my face with a gentle cleanser.  Believe it or not, Oil of Olay is my fave.  And it's cost friendly, which is great.  If it's night time, I use a rice paper to get rid of extra oil and dirt.  I think great makeup brushes also help with quick application.  A quality foundation brush is a must.  Mine is from

Chanel

.

M- What are your must-have on the go mommy products that we would find in your purse?

J-You'll always find chapstick on me!  I can't stand dry lips.  My favorite is

Burt's Bees

.  I also always keep a hair elastic.  I'm pretty low maintenance when I'm not working.  I believe in natural beauty.

M- On Camera vs. Off Camera- what are the differences in your beauty routine?

J- Off camera, I usually wear moisturizer, some powder, a little mascara, and some lip gloss, unless I'm going out.  It always feels so good to do less.  When I'm working, I still keep it fairly simple, but add blush, eyeshadow, and some eyeliner.  It's important to know which products work for you every time.  Shimmers and sparkles are a no-go for on camera.  I want people to pay attention to what I'm saying, not wondering what the weird glow is on my eye lid.

M-Favorite?

Shampoo and Conditioner: J-

Bumble and Bumble

.  I love love love the way it smells and I always have a good hair day when I use it.

Perfume:  

Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue

.  It is so fresh and has a hint of citrus.  It's a happy scent.

Lip stick/gloss:  

Nars

Up All Night.  Goes with everything, and lasts a long time

Flat iron/curling iron:  I use

Hot Tools

.  It heats up quickly and does the trick.

Mascara:  I've tried a million and I always come back to Loreal Voluminous.  It thickens and lengthens, and it's cheap!

M- Any other tips/tricks or favorites you want to share with our readers?

J- I try to just enhance what the good Lord blessed me with, rather than changing the way I look.  My hair is black.  My skin tone is what it was meant to be.  I've embraced these things about myself, and I believe in celebrating our differences in appearance.  Can you imagine me as a blonde?  Gasp!

***

Isn't Jen's approach to beauty refreshing? I love that she knows herself and decides to enhance rather than change. I made this same New Years Resolution this year and challenged you guys to do the same, read about it and join the movement 

here

.

Thank you Jen for taking us behind the scenes with you! Be sure and check out her

blog

, you will not be disappointed. Do you have any on-camera beauty products that you love? Let me know in the comments below, and follow along so we can stay in touch.

5 THINGS YOU SHOULD NEVER DO WHEN WASHING YOUR FACE AT NIGHT

I am sure you've all heard the importance of washing your face at night- it is an absolute must. But you may not know that washing your face incorrectly can do damage on its own. So be kind to your skin and follow these steps to be sure you are getting the best results possible.

1- NEVER USE HOT WATER

Hot water is the enemy of all things beautiful: Skin, Hair, and Clothing. Hot water causes hair color to fade, clothes to lose their shape, and skin to dry. Using hot water leaves the delicate skin on your face too tight and dry, which in turn will cause more oil production to compensate. This may mean skipping the face cleanse in the shower if you are a hot water lover. Instead wash with cool/warm water- the results of this alone will change the state of your skin.

2- NEVER USE A TERRY WASH CLOTH

Terry cloth is great for absorbing, and is a standard when it comes to bathroom amenities, but its' rough texture is not ideal for skin or hair. Wash cloths can also harbor lots of bacteria that you don't want to spread around your face. Cleanse the face first with a splash of water and your favorite

wash

. Use your finger tips to swirl the cleanser in upward motions around your face and remove makeup. If you feel as though you

must

use a tool to help with this, trade in your wash cloth for

Konjac Sponge

 that are designed to cleanse and are made from anti-fungal materials. After a thorough rinse, you can use a facial wipe to gently clean up any excess makeup around your eyes, and don't forget under your jaw and behind your ears.

3- NEVER OVER EXFOLIATE

Over using exfoliating products such as

scrubs

or

sonic brushes

, can lead to sensitized skin which can cause breakouts, dryness and redness. I suggest you limit exfoliation to two times a week, and if you're sensitive only once a week. Although it is tempting to use your favorite sonic brush every day, this will cause more harm then good. Your cells simply need more time to turn over and replace the moisture that is lost with these deep cleanses. So use self control and put that fun little gizmo away to avoid using it too often.

4- NEVER TUG ON YOUR SKIN

Your facial skin is more delicate than skin on other parts of your body, and your eyes are even more so. It is essential that you treat this skin with as much care as possible to avoid aging and damage. When applying products use a light touch and never scrub aggressively. Use your ring finger to apply eye products above and below the eye- it has less strength then your other fingers and in turn will not be able to apply too much pressure to the area. As with the above mentioned terry cloth towels, use a patting motion to absorb moisture instead of a swiping motion that can cause tugging and agitation.

5- NEVER FORGET YOUR FOLLOW UP

Once you've cleansed your face properly, you are only half way there. Applying follow up products is crucial- start with a

toner

 to restore the proper pH in your skin. Next apply your

eye cream

 or

serum

, and then finish with your moisturizing

night cream

. Drink 6oz of water to replenish dry skin from the inside, and you'll wake up looking hydrated and ready to apply makeup.

*Remember that I am not a dermatologist, so if you have skin health issues be sure and visit your doctor. My opinions come from my esthetics school education, my 10+ years in the beauty industry, research, and my own trials. 

Above in the links are my go-to products for my nightly routine. Do you have a a favorite I should try? Let me know in the comments below, and be sure to follow my blog by email or Bloglovin so we can stay in touch.

Here's to glowing skin! xoxo

5 REASONS YOU HAVE SPLIT ENDS- AND HOW TO FIX THEM

The bottom line is that everyone will have split ends at some point in their life, but you can take steps to prevent them if you are armed with the knowledge about what causes split ends in the first place.

1- You don't keep up on your trims

The only real way to eliminate split ends is to cut them off. A scissor leaves the hair with a blunt end, which gives the appearance of healthy and shiny hair. Blunt ends will endure heat styling and coloring better than frayed ends. On average I recommend my clients get a trim every 8-10 weeks, but if you have curly or textured hair, I recommend you bump it up to 6-8 weeks.

2- You use heat styling tools more than twice a week

Everyone knows the benefits of heat tools for perfecting your style, but they should be used sparingly and cautiously. Gone are the days of flat-ironing your hair into oblivion- thank goodness! Opt for a style that complements your natural wave patterns a textures. Natural hair is happy hair- and todays' world is embracing 'natural' like never before. Instead of wrapping every strand around your curling iron, try letting your waves air dry, then selectively perfect a few curls near the crown and around your face. Or loosely braid damp hair, let dry, and wear a messy wave instead of straight locks. Small styling changes will make a big difference in the health of your hair.

3- You wash your hair with HOT water

I love a hot shower like the rest of the world, but HOT water is drying, causes fading, and dullness to your hair. By simply using cooler water during your wash- you'll close down the outer layer (the cuticle) which gives the appearance of smoother shinier hair. Better yet after you've finished your shower, turn the tub faucet back on and run the ends of your hair under COLD water for a few seconds. Your body will stay warm, but your hair will get a blast of shine and protection.

4- You repeat your color or highlight application

If you are a color connoisseur, you are most likely touching up your color every 6-8 weeks. But you should not be reapplying color to your whole head every time. Layering color on top of previous color will cause more drying and damage in the long run. Talk to your stylist about applying color only to the root area as much as possible, and avoid pulling highlights all the way down the hair shaft on previously lightened locks. This is especially important if you are doing your own color at home. At home box color is formulated with very high levels of ammonia to ensure coverage on the majority of the public. But you may not need such a strong formula- so repeat use of these dyes will lead to over-pigmented, dry and brittle hair.

5- You don't use moisturizing hair products on your ends 

If you can only afford to buy one professional quality product for your hair- it should be a repairing and protecting styling aid. The bottom line is that the ends of your hair will always be drier than the rest of your hair. If you don't take care of them, you'll have more split ends then necessary. Whenever hair is washed, you should be applying an aftercare product that will protect and moisturize the ends. My favorite that I always recommend is Monoi Repairing Split End Sealer. It's AMAZEBALLS! Apply to damp hair and use a wide tooth comb to release tangles and spread the product throughout the hair.

I hope these tips will help you achieve healthier hair and avoid split ends. Little changes add up to big results, and I know you can have your best hair yet! Like this post? Be sure and share it with your friends, and of course sign up to get updates from me through email using the sign up bar on the left.

Thanks!

FINALLY, YOU CAN GET JENNIFER ANISTON'S HAIR

Jennifer Aniston has been known for her gorgeous locks just as much as for her comedic acting, and I have been a fan of both for as long as I can remember. I patterned my 90's haircuts after hers along with thousands of other women, trying to have a little piece of the

Rachel

look. Today, Jennifer is the co-owner of the

Living Proof

brand of hair care products, and I couldn't be happier about this partnership. I am a big fan of the line, and I know that Jen will bring an extra spotlight to it- so that more women can experience the amazing results that I have. If I have to pick one product to recommend it's the Prime Style Extender. And here's why: 

I am a big advocate of washing hair as little as possible (within healthy reason of course) Especially as a colorist I know the damage that water and detergent can have on hair. So whenever I hear about a product that can make non-washing more plausible for more people, I get excited about it. I received this one as a sample from Sephora a few months back, and after the first use I was sold. I have been purchasing the full size bottle ($20) ever since- and have recommended it to clients and friends. Here are my findings-

Living Proof 

Prime Style Extender

 offers a unique solution to extending the life of your hair style. It is a weightless cream that claims to weather-proof and speed up the time it takes for you to style hair.

Why you'll love it:

- Fresh scent *Aaamazing scent actually

- Light weight cream

- Smooth texture spreads easily

- Gives a smooth finish to your style

- Extends style additional one+ days

- Fights frizz from humidity

The down side:

- Can be slightly drying on fine or damaged hair

The Snoop investigators have all been pleased with the results offered by 

Prime Style Extender. 

It is a product that layers well with other styling aids and provides a great base for heat styling. We were especially pleased with the results it offered to those who have a keratin straightening treatment on their hair such as Brazilian Blowout. Simply apply a nickel size dollop to hands and rub them together to heat the product through. Next finger through the lengths of hair first and finish with a light application at the roots. Apply additional styling products and style as usual. I found that my curls lasted an additional day, I just added my fave dry shampoo and I was good to go in the morning.

Snoop Score: 5 Stars

Available for purchase at 

Sephora

Hope you find this helpful- and be sure to follow along with me on

facebook

and

instagram

.

HAIR PARTS 101: THE OL' SWITCHEROO

One of the easiest and fastest ways to make your hair style look new is to simply change the part! I cannot tell you how many times I have had a client sit in my chair and show me a picture of a hairstyle they love... only to have me say 'you already have this cut, you just aren't parting your hair in the right place!' It really is such a simple change and anyone can do it at home. *If you have an extreme cowlick or widows peak you may not be able to rock all three looks, but with some training your hair growth pattern can change.

Take a good look at the images above- notice how drastically different my face looks in each one, simply by switching the parting. My curls, makeup, and clothes did not switch, but my look is altered for sure. Pretty amazing right?

Now it's your turn- Here are the steps:

1- As soon as you've stepped out of the shower and towel dried your hair, apply your styling products

in this order

and start combing to get the hair going in the direction you want it to stay (especially important with the extreme side part, otherwise you'll end up with hair in your face all day).

2- Once your all parted off, use your blow dryer and blast the parting with heat to start the drying process and lock in the parting.

3- If your hair is resistant to the change use an alligator clip to hold the parting in place while you finish getting ready and the hair fully cools.

4- Finish with a touch of spray to give hold, and then it's hands off! Touching throughout the day may be a temptation because it

feels

different- but refrain from touching to keep hair from getting greasy or breaking down the hold of the hairspray.

*Bonus Tip- the first few times you try and wear a new part, you may be faced with a rebellious piece or two. Carry a 

Goody

 bobby pin in your purse just in case, and try again the next time you wash. Hair training takes time, but stick with it and you'll be able to wear any look.

Which part it your favorite? Let me know and thanks for following along! For more fun join me on

instagram

@beautysnoop

RECOVER FROM STATIC HAIR THIS WINTER

We have all been there; you come in from the cold and take off your cozy winter hat and coat, only to find that your hair has reached new heights... static heights!

Annoying is an understatement- but you

can

 take steps to prevent static electricity in your hair. And I'll also give you some tips to combat hat hair if you're prone getting it during the winter months.

Steps to prevent static hair

1- Up the moisture! In dry months you'll want to up the level of moisture in your products starting with your conditioner. If you usually use a 'normal hair' version, you'll want to swap it out for a 'hydrating' version. If you are already using a moisturizing variety, you'll need to switch to a heavier cream or balm based masque. ( Be sure and experiment with the amount and frequency of use with deep conditioners, you may only need to use it 1-2 a week to get great results.) You can also use moisturizing styling products like Pureology Blowdry Cream and MoroccanOil Treatment Oil- two of the best products on the market.

2- Pick hats and scarfs that are made from natural fibers. Fabrics with polyester, nylon or other man-made fibers are more likely to build up a static charge and pass it along to your hair strands. Choosing cotton, silk, or wool will help your chances of avoiding palm-tree like hair after you've removed your layers.

Steps to combat static lift-off

1- Add a little dry shampoo to your roots. Squeaky clean hair is much more prone to static- so if you've freshly washed your hair, add a few dashes of dry shampoo to your roots. This little bit of 'grit' is just enough to weigh down hair and help prevent fly aways. My favorite is by Oscar Blandi and it comes in a small travel size perfect for your purse or car.

2- Dryer sheets aren't just for laundry. Keep a handful of these puppies in a zipper bag at your desk or in the glove department. When static plagues you, simply rub a sheet in smooth strokes from roots to ends to help neutralize the electric charge in your hair.

3- Spritz, Spritz...ahh! Evian Facial Spray (Evian® Facial Spray Traveling Companions Pack) is a great tool for a little pick-me-up when your on the go. It's designed to moisturize skin, but it also works great for blasting that pesky static. Keep a travel size in your purse and give a light spray to your hair when static has found its' way in to your plans. *This one is my favorite and gives the best results. Just use the mist lightly- you can always add more, but you can't undo it if your head suddenly looks like you've run through a rainstorm.

Hopefully these tips find you with gorgeous locks this winter!

Keep Warm-

INSIDER STYLIST SECRETS: BOBBY PIN TIPS

You've probably got a drawer full of them, or used one in a pickle to tame an unruly ponytail... But you may not know the BEST ways to use the

bobby pin

.

As a hair stylist I cannot say enough about my love for bobby pins- they really are a

stylist's best friend

! So here are my best tips for using them:

Always use a 'bobby buddy'...

Single pins aren't usually strong enough to give a secure hold. By simply adding a second pin next to the first, running in the opposite direction, or criss-crossing the two pins- you'll more than double the staying power

Tacky pins hold fine hair better...

Add a spritz of hair spray to the pin before inserting it into the hair. This gives a little extra grip to the pin and works great on super fine hair where pins tend to slide out of position. Simply lay a few pins out on a paper towel with the side of the pin facing up. Using an aerosol hairspray, give a few spritzes to the pins and then let them dry to a tacky finish. Presto!

Change the way you insert your pins...

When holding a braid or twist in place most people insert pins perpendicular to the direction the hair strand is running and lay the pin across the braid or twist. This will work temporarily but after time the pin will slip. By running the pin parallel with the braid you'll get a tight hold that lasts all day. Simply straddle the pin prongs over the braid and then angle forward and push the prongs back up through the center of the braid length wise. The pin will disappear into the design and you'll get a secure hold with one pin.

Secure large sections with the pin turned on its' side...

If you are securing a large bun or twist; open the pin prongs wide, turn the pin on it's side and insert at the base of the bun. As you push forward, angle the pin down towards the head so you'll incorporate some of the hair at the scalp. This method is similar to using hair pins, but the bobby pin is thicker and stronger which will give a tighter hold. Repeat this step using a second pin at angle so the to pins criss-cross and give a secure hold.

When experimenting with different size pins, you'll really find what works for your desired results. The golden rule is

less is more

- so always use as few pins as possible to get a secure hold. Too many pins will most likely give you a headache. And of course in these photos I used contrasting pins, but you'll want to pick pins that are a close match to your hair color.

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THE 10 COMMANDMENTS OF CURLY HAIR

1- Thou shalt shampoo less and condition more. 

Bottom line- shampoo the least amount possible. On non-shampoo days rinse hair thoroughly with warm water and massage the scalp with the pads of your fingers to loosen oil and dirt. Then saturate the mid-shafts and ends with high quality smoothing conditioner.

2- Thou shalt only use Sulfate-Free shampoo.

Sulfate is just a fancy word for 'salt'- enough said. Invest in high quality products if you want high quality results.

3-Thou shalt deep condition once per week.

4-Thou shalt avoid muss-drying hair with terry cloth towels.

Instead use a micro fiber shammy, an old cotton T-shirt, or cut up a soft cotton/flannel bed sheet (that one is my favorite). Squeeze out excess water in downward motions from root to tip- this keeps the cuticle closed and smooth.

5-Thou shalt sleep on a silk pillowcase every night.

6-Thou shalt trim your hair every 8-10 weeks.

7-Thou shalt only use a wide tooth comb or fingers to detangle wet hair.

8-Thou shalt apply curl enhancing products to damp hair... scrunch or defuse- 

then it's HANDS OFF!

Once you've applied your product and set your style, avoid touching your hair for the rest of the day. The more you touch- the more you'll frizz and poof.

9-Thou shalt avoid heat tools as much as possible.

Curly hair is naturally more dry- so keep heat exposure to a minimum. When you must use heat always apply a thermal protectant spray first

10-Thou shalt love thy curls and embrace your unique look.

My curl product picks: Deva Curl Low-Poo Shampoo and One Conditioner

Moroccan Oil Treatment Oil (enter 'Moore Hair Design' as your salon referral to purchase)

Miss Jessie's Curl Pudding Styling Cream

Miss Jessie's Creme de la Creme Conditioner

SachaJuan Ocean Spray

Betty Dain Satin Pillowcase

Monoi Split End Sealer

Thanks for reading! Be sure you sign up for my email posts or follow along on facebook.

5 WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR LOOK WITHOUT A TRIP TO THE SALON

There comes a time in every woman's life where she just feels 'blah'. You know what I'm talking about; you're bored with your look but you're not ready to make a major change. Well here are a few ways to update your hairstyle without a trip to the salon. Step away from the scissors!

Switch up your part line

Seems too simple to be true, but this is one of the most effective ways to update your style. For proof check out my post on

partings

. If you don't have major cowlicks or a widows peak try a center part. It will open up your face and make your eyes a standout feature. Just be sure you give yourself lots of volume in the crown so you don't look too 70's. If you wear a side part, try flipping it to the other side. This often causes the hair to fall more forward onto the face giving a swoopy-bang effect across the forehead. Or try an ubber-exaggerated side part just a few inches above one ear. This looks great with a low sleek ponytail and feels much more 'formal'.

Roll the opposite direction

If you normally wear your hair curled under- do an 'about face' and roll your hair outward. By simply rolling your round brush in the opposite direction, you'll get drastically different results. Your layers will lie differently and you may look like you have a completely new haircut. And of course, if you already wear your hair flipped outward- switch to an under roll for a softer bouncy look. Same goes for your curling iron looks... Wrap the hair around your iron away from the face to get a beachy look, and wrap hair towards the face for a vintage wave look.

Wear your natural texture

It may have been some time since you let your hair air-dry or even used a diffuser to enhance your natural curl. But there is no time like the present to start embracing a less-fuss look. Luckily for you, a more 'natural' look is in style these days, and people are no longer trying to straighten their hair into oblivion. Try a soft wearing curl cream, (I love PUREOLOGY Illuminating Curl) and twist your hair away from the face in 2-inch sections. Then it's HANDS OFF! Let the hair air dry and embrace your natural curl.

Bust out the old hot rollers

You remember those old things right? It's time to re-visit the hot roller but in an updated way of course. For a beachy wave, use 1.5-2 inch rollers. (These are my fave 

Remington T Studio Ceramic Pearl

 Rollers) Place the roller in at the scalp and wrap a 2 inch section of hair around the outside of the roller. Hold the ends firm while wrapping, which will cause the strand to twist as you go. (Instead of the traditional roll where you place the roller at the ends and roll up towards the scalp.) Let the curl set and release, finger through the waves and finish with a setting spray.

Opt for an updo

If you are a pony-tail kind of girl, try dressing up your locks by adding a braid or a twist. There is lots of inspiration on our pinterest board

here

. Or make it sleek and go for a polished wet-look pony by smoothing strands with a boar-bristle brush and finishing with lots of lacquer. Try a side style like a loose messy fishtail braid or a low side-chignon (fancy french work for bun) Side styles look more polished than a traditional center style, but they add more interest and are super easy to do.

Give these tips a try and get yourself out of that hair rut!

5 THINGS YOU SHOULD NEVER DO WHEN WASHING YOUR HAIR

You have probably done it a million times... or darn near close to a million times- shampoo your hair, that is.

Next time you are in the shower, remember these rules- your hair will thank you for it!

1- Never wet your hair before brushing out the tangles.

Wet hair stretches, knots and breaks. Dry hair is much stronger and releases from tangles better. So avoid breakage by pre-treating your hair to a good ol' brush-out before the shower. (This stimulates your scalp and encourage blood flow too... double bonus!)

2- Never apply shampoo until you've loosened up your scalp

and thoroughly saturated your hair with water. Go ahead and get in there with the pads of your fingers (not your finger nails) and vigorously massage the scalp. Not only does it feel good, but it loosens up the oils and buildup on your scalp so that the shampoo can lift away the buildup and carry it down the drain.

3- Never apply shampoo to the ends of your hair.

Shampoo is designed to clean the scalp and roots of hair where natural oils buildup. The mid-shaft and ends of the hair will get cleaned by default as the shampoo is rinsed out, so focus on the roots and avoid drying out the ends with excess cleansing.

4- Never apply conditioner to the roots of your hair.

Conditioner is designed to rebuild the moisture in your hair that is lost with heat styling etc. However the natural oils from your scalp will do the job at the roots, so focus the conditioner from the mid-shaft down and you'll get a lasting style with more volume.

5- Never wash hair with hot, hot water.

Think of your hair as fabric, let's say it's your favorite shirt... Now imagine what would happen to your shirt if you washed it with harsh detergent and HOT water every single day. The shirt would fade, loose it's shape, and loose it's luster- right? These principles apply to your hair as well- cooler water and higher quality shampoo will protect the color and luster much longer.

*Bonus-

Never use a towel to muss-dry your hair. You know what I'm talking about... quickly rubbing the towel in back-and-forth or in circular motions to remove moisture. This type of drying just causes breakage and knotting- so don't do it! Gently squeeze excess water out in downward motions to keep the hair cuticle going in the downward (closed) position. This will lead to shinier and healthier hair.

Here is to your best hair health!

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BANGS 101

One of the most often-asked questions I get as a hair stylist is; 'What do you think about bangs?' This is usually followed by- 'I am scared'... 'not sure' and... 'I haven't had bangs since I was a child'. 

If you have ever wondered about bangs (or fringe, as some called it) then take a minute to study my bang curriculum, Bangs 101.

Who is a good candidate for bangs?

- Someone who enjoys styling their hair and often spends upwards of 20 minutes on their style daily.

-Someone who is free from major cowlicks on the hairline and who has at least 3 fingers widths (horizontally) between the eyebrows and hairline

-Someone with straight to slightly wavy hair that can quite easily be straightened

-Someone who has normal to heavy density hair and good scalp coverage

-Some who gets regular haircuts about every 6 weeks

Who is a bad candidate for bangs?

-Someone who only washes their hair 1-2 days per week and does not spend more than 20 minutes per day styling.

-Someone with strong cowlicks, a deep widows peak, or a strong natural parting at the hairline

-Someone with a very 'short' forehead; less than 3 finger widths between hairline and eyebrows

-Someone with very curly hair

-Someone with very fine density hair where the scalp is visible

-Someone who only gets haircuts 1-2 times per year

What type of bang is best for my face shape?

While there is variation with each candidate, consider the following guidelines:

Square face - side swept with soft texture at ends, with a rounder finish shape

Round face - light piecey bang that splits to both sides above one eyebrow

Longer face- full fringe with a blunter texture on perimeter over eyebrows

Things to remember:

*Your haircut should help dictate the type of bangs you have- for example; a long-layered bouncy style would not pair well with a choppy piecey bang. They aren't cohesive and it looks like two styles fighting each other. Stick with a cohesive theme

*Work with your natural partings and growth patterns. Trying to fight them only leads to frustration so embrace your hairs' natural tendencies and pick a bang style that is complimentary

*Bangs should be blown dry first when styling so they don't have a chance to go wayward

*Avoid using too much styling product on bangs- they will fall flat and look greasy by midday

*Avoid touching your bangs with your hands throughout the day- again greasy is not good

*Schedule a bang trim halfway in between your haircut appointments. Most salons offer a free bang trim and you'll avoid cutting them yourself if you know you've got an upcoming appointment already on the books

*Be sure you are committed before you take the plunge- growing out bangs can be tedious, so be sure it's a look you want to wear for at least 6 months

Class dismissed!

7 WAYS TO BE A BLOWDRY NINJA

If there is one thing that makes the salon experience heaven on earth... it's the shampoo massage at the bowl. (even I can't deny that!) BUT the next best thing is a professional blowdry that leaves your hair bouncy and smooth for days.

To get the same results at home, you need to grow an extra pair of arms-

Since that may not be an option, let's look at the 7 ways you can become a blowdry ninja at home.

1-

It starts in the shower

. Make sure your hair is clean by shampooing twice at the scalp only. The rest of the hair will get clean by default, so focus on the roots and really get in there and loosen the scalp. Clean hair is bouncy hair! Next finish with conditioner on the mid-shaft to ends- avoid the scalp and focus on the dry/damaged areas.

2-

Next up- the towel

. I recommend a

cotton turkish towel

versus your traditional terry cloth version. A pure cotton will absorb just as much water and the smoother texture won't roughen up the cuticle of your hair as much, making less work for you when styling. Leave the towel on for 10 minutes while you get dressed etc followed by 10 minutes of air dry time.

3-

Apply the proper styling products

- follow my prescription for the correct order

here

4-

Blow out the curliest parts of your hair first

- this usually includes the bangs, temple area, and nape of the neck. These places that have more wave will need to be bone dry to maintain their shape without reverting back to curl or frizz. Section off a circle around the crown of your head (imagine placing a cereal bowl on your head- the hair under the bowl should be clipped out of the way, and the outer circle is left down), using the nozzle on your dryer blow in a downward (meaning

with

the direction of the cuticle) air stream. Work through the remaining sections finishing with the crown for the most volume.

5-

Use the correct brush

. If you have lots of curl or frizz you need a round brush with stiff natural bristles that will give plenty of tension on the hair as you pull it through. The larger the diameter the straighter the finished style will be- smaller barrels will give more curl or flip to the look. If your hair is mostly straight you can work with a flat paddle/cushion brush or a round brush depending on your preference. Remember you want tension, but not breakage so be sure your hair is tangle free first.

6- Again,

focus on the roots

. The key to a style that lasts and has volume is all in the roots. Make sure they are bone dry before moving on to the next section. The ends will dry by default since they are whipping around in the wind and they let go of moisture much more quickly. Come back to the ends to smooth and direct them only after the roots are finished. You can set the roots at the crown for volume on top by leaving the round brush in at the roots for a few minutes while the hair cools- or blast it with cool air for about 30 seconds.

7-

Use the wrapping technique

. Think of your head as an ironing board that you can lay your hair against as you brush and flatten the hair on. The best way to do this is to over-direct the hair in the opposite direction than it naturally lays, and smooth the brush over it while blowing the air. For example, take the hair by your right ear and wrap it up and over the top of your head- now you have a surface to press the brush against while you brush. Make sense? You've probably done this before without even knowing it, when you flip your head upside down and brush the underside of your hair towards the crown of your head while drying.

Finish with a quick curl or flat iron, but hopefully you won't need much more work after following the above procedure. And of course keep your look fresh by applying dry shampoo on day two.

I hope these kung-foo tricks help you achieve your perfect blowout at home!

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THE RIGHT WAY TO APPLY HAIR PRODUCTS

Turns out there's a rhyme AND a reason to the way stylists apply hair products...

Follow the above order when applying your products and your styling results will be

that

much better. By layering the products correctly they work better and your style will last longer. On top of the tips above I would like to expand a little on my top recommendations. 

1-

Shampoo really should only be applied to the roots

- it's where the oil and dirt lie. The ends are typically drier so avoid stripping natural oils and your ends will love you for it.

2-

Blowdry creams and oils are for the ends

- rebuild lost moisture and protect from heat. Your style will last longer and keep more volume if you avoid the root areas when applying these. 

3-

Dry shampoo is a girl's best friend

- you'll shampoo less and therefor your hair will be in much better condition. 

4-

Nothing helps split ends like a trim

- products really do make a huge difference- BUT regular trims are the centerpiece to healthy looking hair. 

Here's to YOUR beautiful hair!

BRIGHTEN YOUR HIGHLIGHTS WITHOUT A TRIP TO THE SALON

Although Summer brings a plethora of benefits to our lives, it is also a big contributer to lack-luster hair color and texture. When you find yourself oog-ling the shiny locks of any Victoria's Secret model- remember the biggest causes of dullness, and more importantly the steps to combat it.  

The Culprit: Build Up

Your hair is made up of a layered structure that absorbs much like a sponge.  Regular shampooing doesn't always purge the build-up found deep

within

the layers of that sponge. Pollutants like chlorine or hard water, sweat and oil, and styling aids all add to the dullness your hair experiences. This buildup creates weight on your hair causing a loss in volume and the ability to hold style, as well as a film that darkens the vibrancy of your hair color- both natural color or artificially pigmented hair color.

My recommended pureology products

to clarify and hydrate

The Solution: Clarifying Shampoo and Conditioning Masque 

Clarifying shampoos are meant to open the outer-most layer of the hair shaft- the cuticle, and remove the build up that has attached to the hair. Ingredients in these types of shampoos often include witch hazel, tea tree oil, and baking soda that gently remove dulling residues. When the hair is stripped of buildup it will behave better, hold a style longer, and overall be more vibrant. Use of these shampoos is usually recommended once every 2-3 weeks.

Follow your clarifying treatment with a moisture repair masque. This will soften the hair shaft and help to close the cuticle which gives hair a shinier appearance. Pliability will be restored and your locks will be ready for their close up! Look for ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, and jojoba oil to restore moisture and shine. Most masques are recommended to be applied for 5-10 minutes before being rinsed thoroughly.

Here's to a fabulous Summer and radiant tresses! New here? Let's be friends on facebook