BREAK UP WITH FRIZZ FOR GOOD!

Posted on: May 15th, 2012

Frizzy hair days – a relationship we could all do without. Whether with you from the very beginning or in a sudden mid-hair crisis, we think it’s time to break up with frizz for good. The best way to get over a bad hair relationship? Find something new; and do we have the perfect match for you in the bye.bye.Frizz Keratin Smoothing Collection. Smooth, sleek and best of all long term.

No more hiding under hats, pulling into a pony, or overdoing the flat iron. The daily bicker with frizz ends here.

 

HAIR THERAPY – WHAT MAKES FRIZZ TICK?

We can’t just say goodbye to frizz without discovering what makes it tick. Let’s take a deeper look.

It all began with the cuticle…

The cuticle is the outermost part of the hair shaft made up of dead cells that protect the inner structure of the hair and give it strength. It looks very much like overlapping layers of roof shingles. When the cuticle is lying flat or closed it looks smooth and allows light to be reflected off the surface for a natural sheen. When the cuticle is open hair appears frizzy, dull and coarse. Many factors can contribute to a frizzy cuticle.

  • TEXTURE: Some hair textures inherently have a cuticle that just won’t lie flat; curly hair being one of them.
  • DAMAGE: Stress from daily styling, hot tools, chemical processing and the elements can roughen the cuticle.
  • DEHYDRATION: Dehydrated hair becomes brittle causing the cuticle to rise. The problem compounds since the open cuticle lets even more moisture escape.
  • HUMIDITY: Alternatively, when hair encounters humidity the inner layers of the hair begin to swell creating breaks in the cuticle, making it jagged.

It seems that frizz has a lot of issues and some things therapy just can’t fix. Time to move on to a date with a smoother hair destiny. Try these frizz fighters on for size…

MOVING ON – THE LOVE AFFAIR WITH SLEEK

FOR LONG TERM FRIZZ CONTROL TRY…

BYE.BYE.FRIZZ 30-DAY NO FRIZZ KERATIN SMOOTHING TREATMENT

With just one us, this at home Keratin Smoothing Treatment takes frizzy hair to a level of smooth you never thought you could achieve for up to 30 days. It removes frizz from curly or straight hair and softens the texture of curls and waves for faster, easier straight styling.

The heat activated Hydrolyzed Keratin formula penetrates the cuticle to smooth the surface layer. Humidity is blocked, moisture is retained, strength is restored, damage is alleviated and shine is boosted. Plus, it reduces blow drying time by laminating the hair surface, sealing in moisture and preventing additional moisture from diffusing into the cortex. You can spend less time styling and more time enjoying your newly found frizz-free love affair. 

 

FOR FRIZZ CONTROL STARTING WITH YOUR WASH TRY…

BYE.BYE.FRIZZ KERATIN SMOOTHING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Keep your smooth relationship fresh with this Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner. Formulated with K-Silk Complex (Hydrolyzed Silk and Keratin) and an Amino Acid Blend, it forms a coherent cuticle smoothing layer while improving strength, repairing surface damage and binding moisture. Soft, silky hair with incredible shine; what more could a girl want from beauty soul mates.

 

FOR DAILY FRIZZ-FREE STRAIGHT OR CURLY STYLING TRY…

BYE.BYE.FRIZZ KERATIN SMOOTHING BLOW DRY CREAM

Get a perfectly smooth blowout every time with this dual purpose Blow Dry Cream. It can be used on straight or curly hair for a fool-proof sleek blowout or for defined scrunching and diffusing. K-Silk Complex (protein that occurs naturally in hair) forms a ‘protein shield’ on the cuticle to absorb damage caused by external factors (styling, hot tools, UV rays, etc.), leaving your own cuticle intact. It smoothes the cuticle, preserves moisture and protects your hair’s natural Keratin. Your hair will never feel this soft or look this glossy. Now, aren’t you just smitten?

 WATCH VIDEO TUTORIALS ON 30-DAY NO FRIZZ AND SMOOTHING CREAM

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SULTRY, SEXY, SUMMER WAVES… SINFULLY SIMPLE

Posted on: May 8th, 2012

For 100s of years the mermaid has tamed even the naughtiest of pirates with her siren voice and big, sexy, wavy hair. Ladies, you’re on your own for singing classes but we have those voluminous beach waves down and are willing to share the secret.

Our DREAM WAVES brings you its new AMPLIFYING COLLECTION – designed to give you HIGH VOLUME WAVES for extreme beach goddess hair.

The hidden treasure… special Conditioning Polymers help to add BODY to limp hair, create an EXTRA WAVY BOUNCE and BLOCK HUMIDITY for longer lasting style. Hydrolyzed Silk and Provitamin B5 add MOISTURE and high SHINE. Powerful UV Protectors absorb ultraviolet light to save your mane from harmful sun exposure, dehydration and color-fade. You’re left with manageable, touchable waves.

WASH & CONDITION: Start with the Sulfate Free AMPLIFYING SHAMPOO and CONDITIONER to prepare your hair for a full day of volume and texture.

VOLUMINOUS & DEFINED:  For a voluminous, defined wave apply AMPLIFYING LOTION on damp hair and scrunch to boost volume. For maximum fullness and bounce, blow dry with a diffuser.

TEXTURED & DISHEVELED:  For a super textured, disheveled wave use BEACH SPRAY on damp or dry hair and scrunch. Let hair dry naturally or use a diffuser for even more texture and wave.

Soft, flowing, extra volume waves… sinfully seductive.

CLICK HERE FOR A BEACH WAVE VIDEO TUTORIAL 

 

 

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THE GRAMMYS – WHO MADE THE TOP 5 MANE GRADE?

Posted on: February 13th, 2012

 

Reporting Live from the Red Carpet

We love the Grammys because you just never know what to expect; and that is what makes it so fun. From chic and sophisticated to the bizarre and inspired, the 54th Annual Grammy Awards had it all. Celebrity Hair Stylist, Marc Anthony walked the Red Carpet to give you a quick peek at his 5 favorite manes from the festivities.

What a quiet year for the awards show that we count on to entertain us on many levels. The look was mostly sophisticated and understated. Though we missed the madness of a bevy of crazy outfits and zany hair and makeup moments, it was beautiful.  Perhaps it was the passing of Whitney Houston that gave us a very subdued fashion mood this year, but whatever it was, it was lovely. One of our favorite looks this season is the trend toward younger talent embracing their youth and easing up on the ‘done’ vibe of the last few years.

1.RIHANNA
 

 

  

Wow! We love her as a blonde. Everything about this is so elegant yet super sexy. She captures the fashion culture of the 70’s with this new look while keeping it current. Think ‘Farah’ hair for the new millennium or the modern ‘Tina Turner’. The loose curls and beach vibe works so well with the dress. To get the look try a texture boosting product like Dream Waves Amplifying Lotion  – it will let you rock this look with little effort.
 

2.ADELE

 

 

Adele looked like a totally modern bombshell – Très Marilyn. We are so happy, not only to see her back but, to see that she is back to her glamour tricks. A perfect blowout and a perfect look. We love that she has grown the front out and cut a few inches off the ends. For this look, a bit of thickening product like Instantly Thick Hair Thickening Cream helps to keep the volume full and high.
 
 

3.KATY PERRY

 

 

 

Even Katy Perry looked all pretty and grown up. Her ability to take blue hair and make it, not only look modern but, avoid the grand-mamma trap is sheer fashion genius. This look had a sort of 50’s vibe but the super slick sides and bouffant top kept it fresh. Coupled with the dress she shone brilliantly.  An easy way to get a bit of extra volume is to give it a good spray with 2nd Day Clear Dry Shampoo, which is perfect for any hair color… including blue.

4.TAYLOR SWIFT

 

This is such a simple but modern up-do. She seems to be shifting her image and is finally looking her age. The messy high bun is perfect for the formal dress and, by pushing her new fringe back, the look is all about the bun. She has never looked better.  A bit of mousse, like Instantly Thick Volumizing Foam, helps this look to keep its shape and a politely disheveled vibe.

 

 

5.CARRIE UNDERWOOD

 

 

Image credit to Getty Images

A modern, softly bouffant, faux pony. We love the pulled back, almost ponytail feeling this has. With a dress like this it is easy to appear contrived, but by keeping the hair soft and sexy with a modern sixties feeling the entire look is kept fresh.  For this look, a blowout with a product like Style Straight Instant Straightening Cream helps it to stay smooth.

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Sisterhood of the Travelling Hair Part 5 of 5

Posted on: January 25th, 2012

Sydney Waves – Quick Tips for a Mane on the Go

Mother was right, yet again. First impressions do count. Unfortunately nothing looks sadder than an unprepared glamour girl after a long and tedious flight. This little tête-à-tête reveals how to exit a train, plane or automobile looking old school glamorous and how to revive your mane on-the-go.

In Transit…

Wavy hair travels well, so you have several options. Before nodding off on the plane, gently TWIST your waves around your fingers toward the back of your neck and bobby pin into place to hold the wave. Alternately, you could make two loose BRAIDS on either side of your head.

Before it is time to disembark, remove the twists or braids and use your fingers to comb them out.

On-the-go…

STRAIGHT TO BONDI BEACH PARTY… No time to unwind at the hotel – you’ve got a beach party to hit. It’s time to add some TEXTURE to your wave. Spray DREAM WAVES BEACH SPRAY into your hair and scrunch to amplify the wave. Even if your hair is naturally straight, you’ll get a nice boost of texture so it looks like you’ve been relaxing in a cabana instead of snoozing on a plane.

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Sisterhood of the Travelling Hair Part 3 of 5

Posted on: January 23rd, 2012

Kenya Curls – Quick Tips for a Mane on the Go

Mother was right, yet again. First impressions do count. Unfortunately nothing looks sadder than an unprepared glamour girl after a long and tedious flight. This little tête-à-tête reveals how to exit a train, plane or automobile looking old school glamorous and how to revive your mane on-the-go.

 

In Transit…

Curly hair is the most difficult type to sustain while travelling on a train or plane, but not impossible. It can become dry quickly so start with OIL OF MOROCCO Argan Oil – it wraps around strands to prevent moisture loss.

Clip your hair loosely, HIGH ON THE CROWN with a large butterfly clamp (yes we know it’s not your finest fashionista moment). Cover the pillow with a SILK SCARF to keep hair from knotting. The silk scarf is also less likely to absorb your hair’s moisture.

Once you arrive tousle your hair lightly to revive any crushed curls.

On-the-go…

DIRECT TO THE SAFARI… Put the bags in the back of the Range Rover because you’ve got a date with some zebras and lions. Take a bit of STRICTLY CURLS CURL ENVY PERFECT CURL CREAM and rub it into your fingertips. Gently tousle and SCRUNCH your hair to wake up your curls. Safari has never looked so glam.

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New Year, New Extensions

Posted on: December 29th, 2011

image from missmymylacewigs.blogspot.com

With every New Year brings a fresh new verve for life with resolutions abound. Pledges to find a new job, new financial wealth, new body image, new style and yes… even new hair, literally. What better way to get a new look than with hair extensions. We talked to one of our Senior Master Stylists, Ceilidh C., to get the skinny on everything extensions. First, things first… let’s talk in general about blending.

 
 

 

 

Blending Basics

The way you blend your extensions can make or break the look. According to Ceilidh, you must blend your extensions to match your hair color, hair texture and to create natural looking length and movement. Extensions look their best when you cannot tell they are extensions at all.  

Clip-on extensions are by far the most versatile and cost effective. They come in sections or ‘tracks’ so you can add as many or as little as you like to each area of your hair and layer them to blend seamlessly. Perfect for those who like to change it up, or don’t want to commit long term to a particular look. Many first time extension seekers can be discouraged with the task of finding ready-made extensions that work with their hair but don’t despair; your stylist can make it look like you’ve grown that ‘Amazon’ hair all on your own.

 

Texture Blending

If you have a hard time matching your wave/curl/straight, find the closest to your natural texture. You have to purchase ‘real hair’ extensions for proper blending (we do not advocate faux hair extensions, they never work out…trust us).

  

Curly

image from hairextensionsexposed.com

There is no difference in theory when adding extensions to curly hair vs. straight; the secret is to ensure the hair you purchase is the same size curl as your own hair. If the exact curl pattern cannot be found, look for extensions that are a bit tighter and you can use a curling iron to loosen some of the curls. Not all of them though; you want to keep it looking natural.  Girls with a bit of wave can find straight extensions and add more wave with a curling iron.

Having them properly fitted is also important; your hairdresser can cut them so they blend with your own curly layers and ensure a perfectly natural finish.

  

Thick

image from womenshair.about.com

According to Ceilidh, thick hair is pretty tricky. She says, “no matter how few you put in, if done incorrectly, you may end up with a big heavy mess… not the best look”. When going for added length, you will more than likely have to double up on the extensions so that it matches the thickness of your natural hair. Placement is very important; each section should be very evenly spaced to avoid creating bulk.  You will also have to keep a few bits for the front since super thick hair tends to look fake when the extensions do not make their way to the front sides of the head.
 

 

Length Blending

As for the length, Ceilidh suggests having your stylist cut the extensions to blend with your layers so that you don’t see an abrupt stop where your real hair ends and your extensions begin. If we can’t say it enough, keep it natural.

  

Long and Thin

image from hairfinder.com

Long, thin hair is why extensions work so well for so many. The intension is not always to add length, but sometimes just to add volume. When done correctly they can add fullness without looking false. The trick is to avoid clipping them too close to the crown, otherwise the clips will show through your thin hair. The first layer should be a bit longer so that the clips can begin a bit further down (about 1 ½” from the center part). You can add a bit of length but, with very fine hair, if you add too many extensions the look will not be natural.

 
 

 

Short

image from handbag.comWhen it comes to extra short hair clip-on extensions don’t work as well. It is very difficult to hide the clips if your hair is too short. The top layer of your natural hair should be at least 3 inches long. The goal is to avoid creating a ‘weight line’ that will be visibly noticeable once the pieces are in.

  

Color Blending

image from picgif.com

Natural hair is full of shade variants that sometimes extensions cannot duplicate. If you can’t find the right color match, find the closest color and bring it into your salon; they can dye the extensions to match to your own hair color.

If you’ve always dreamed about changing up your shade, but are a bit color shy, extensions are definitely the way to go.  “You want to keep it simple so that it still looks natural”, says Ceilidh, “we suggest using two colors – your current color and a color to ‘highlight’ with”. You can also purchase smaller tracks and add them here and there for a very natural effect. If you do this make sure the extensions are the same length as your current hair.

The no-fail way to incorporate extensions into your beauty repertoire – begin by consulting your stylist. Especially if you are a first-timer.

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Mad Last Minute Holiday Rush

Posted on: December 21st, 2011

Why does everything happen at once? Last minute shopping mixed with a mad amount of functions and baking (yikes) all while trying to look like you ‘tried’, but in a casual ‘did not try’ way. Here’s how to get your final holiday rush complete without looking like you’ve been through a war zone. 

Last Minute Shopping Hair

image from artisticthings.com

 

We love the sexy messy braid. What better way to keep it out of your way as you dash about last minute shopping. 

First, get some texture: Spritz your hair with Strictly Curls Curl Booster, give it a good scrunching and flip your hair over. Twist it into a towel; this will help the wave to form and remove excess water. Once partially dry, remove the towel and spritz again lightly all over. Blow dry with a diffuser while gently scrunching some wave into your hair. Once dry add a bit of Moisture Gloss Daily Drops to your fingertips and tousle your hair to break it up a bit. 

Standard braid: The quickest way to finish this is to do a simple braid. Divide hair into three sections. Take an outside section and weave it over and into the center to meet which ever section is in the middle. Repeat with the other side and continue with each section until the braid is complete.  

Fishtail braid: If you have the inclination or a bit of extra time you can ‘fishtail’ for a fancy finish. Divide hair into two larger bunches. Take a thin piece from the bottom of one section and bring it over to the other side to meet the opposite section. Repeat this with an underneath piece from the other side. Continue weaving pieces from the underneath alternating from one side to the next until you have finished the braid. Here’s a quick freehand diagram for the fishtail braid. 

  

This look is so simple yet it keeps you tidy and not looking like a fashion reject. 

Hair for the Party you Thought you Could Avoid

  

image from black-women-beauty-central.com

 

Just when you thought you had a night to yourself that little soirée you thought to avoid rears its head once more. This look says you spent a bit of time, though really it takes a moment to create. 

Curl up-do: Add a bit of Moisture Gloss Daily Drops to your fingertips so your curls not only shine but don’t get frizzy. With a comb, pull back your hair tightly. As you pull back to a place that you find attractive, pin it in place with a bobby pin; we suggest you begin at the front and move to the sides leaving the back for last. Once hair is in place tug gently to ensure the bobby pins are hidden. Pin up any stray bits of curls that may be hanging loose. Give a quick spray with Pro Finish Hairspray and voila!…instant fashion moment. 

 

Hair for the Tree Trimming Get Together

  

image from glamour.com

 

Mamma said she had it covered but when the relatives all show up, it is suddenly an impromptu holiday gathering. 

Top knot bun: Give your hair a bit of a refresher with 2nd Day Clear Dry Shampoo. Take your hair and brush it tightly to the crown area and secure it in a ponytail (this also works lower towards the nape of the neck if you like). 

Gently back brush the ponytail to give it a bit of texture. If your hair is super fine you can back brush with a bit more vigour to add some volume as well. Starting at the base, wrap the pony around itself stopping to pin occasionally. When finished tuck in any stray hairs that don’t look like they belong and give it an all over spray of Pro Finish Hairspray. A red lip will finish this look nicely for holiday glam.

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Part 2: Hair’s Getting ‘Pretty Messy’ for the Holidays

Posted on: December 1st, 2011

No matter where you are, what you are wearing or who you are with, the one thing we all have in common this holiday season is sexy hair. Welcome back ‘va va voom’! This season is not about the ‘femme fatale’; it’s about a full blown flirt who knows that she is. Vive la femme. Here is part 2 of 2 holiday hair trends for 2011.

THE SIREN – STAYING HOME

 

image from styleguidecapetown.blogspot.com

Full blowout madness and loving it! The evening will not be as lavish as Peter Sellers’ movie “The Party” but we love the idea of throwing a big fancy bash without leaving home.  This look is perfect for playing either hostess or guest at a smaller intimate gathering.  The vibe is quiet sexy; full hair that is ‘big roller’ smooth and tousled just because it looks sexier that way. 

Get the look:

This needs a full-on blowout to work best.

  • Round brush blowout: If you have fine hair, add some Instantly Thick™ Hair Thickening Cream before blow drying. A large barrel round brush will help to give fine hair the extra volume that sexy hair needs. Hold the brush high if you like volume at the roots. Roll up each section after you have finished and pin in place to set the volume.
  • Tousle and back-brush: Once you have finished unclip hair, add Oil of Morocco onto your fingertips, flip over and tousle hair gently to break it up slightly and add shine. Flip back over and very lightly back-brush the root area for extra body.
  • Finish: A quick all over spray of Pro Finish Hairspray and voila, you are ready to welcome your adoring public looking holiday gorgeous.

Curly haired girls should use Style Straight™ Instant Straightening Cream to tame the curl into holiday smooth. The same rules apply (large barrel round brush); however this blowout is not about volume – it’s about smooth – so you don’t need to hold hair high, just hold it taut.

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Bang On! How Anyone Can Wear a Fringe

Posted on: August 26th, 2011
We are not talking about the haircut that is immortalized in your grade 1 class picture. That bang was your mother’s way of keeping your hair out of your eyes, which is why they were usually wide and frightfully short (though for some reason the artsy girls can get away with this look forever).
As a matter of fact, a common industry term for ‘bangs’ or ‘fringe’ is ‘the French facelift’ and it is so true; a bang can completely change your face giving you a sexy younger look.

Image from vorlighcucan.blogspot.com

CURLY FRINGE

Firstly we debunk the idea that super curly haired girls cannot wear bangs…you can!!!! Super curly hair fringes need to be blended into the rest of the cut for it to work properly, otherwise they are just hanging there, with nothing to connect to.

Image from hrhairstyles.com

THICK HAIR FRINGE

Extra thick hair can look ‘all bang’ if too much is cut. It is better to start with a narrow band and add another section of hair to cut if needed.

Image from virtual-hairstyles.com

FINE HAIR FRINGE

Fine hair needs a larger piece of fringe to make a statement but keep in mind that the further back you cut the harder it is to grow this look out.

SQUARE FACE FRINGE

Square shaped faces do well with longer ‘C’ shaped bangs (longer on the sides) that sweep to the sides.

Image from bravoangelstephanie.edublogs.org

ROUND FACE FRINGE

For rounder faces a narrow fringe, ending at the corners of the eyes, is a great shape as it lengthens and narrows the face.

Image from fiononscirwitch.blogspot.com

THE SAFE FRINGE

When in doubt we love to recommend a long side swept fringe. It makes a bold statement that can be grown out quickly if the maintenance of it is too much.
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A Frizz Free Summer for the Curl Girl

Posted on: July 27th, 2011

We actually love summer curls; there is a bit more life and shine in them, plus they have better movement (they seem to lack a certain something during the dryer winter months). Alas the problem you have now is that they frizz from the extra moisture in the air.

The goal: to keep the moisture you want in while keeping the extra frizz-inducing moisture out. A little bit of humidity can add a bounce. Too much makes hair go limp.

Here’s a fool proof regimen to keep your curls frizz free all summer long.

Never use a brush outside of the shower. Actually never use a comb either. This type of hair works best when left on its own. After washing, comb out tangles while your conditioner is still in your hair (Strictly Curls™ Frizz Sealing Conditioner), then rinse with cool water. This should be the last time you use any like minded tool until the next time it is wet.

The secret to a frizz free summer is layering hair products. Once you are out of the shower apply a bit of a gloss or oil product (Oil of Morocco Day / Night Repair) to wet hair and flip your head over before wrapping it in a towel. The gloss/oil adds ‘good’ moisture and stops frizz while the towel removes excess moisture.

Once your hair is partially dry remove the towel and add a generous amount of a Cream or Lotion into your hands (Curl Envy Perfect Curl Cream for heavier curls or Curl Defining Lotion for less dense curls). Flip your head over and using your fingertips gently run the product along your curls. Flip back upright and add a bit more product if needed. The Cream/Lotion blocks ‘bad’ humidity, thus protecting from frizz. Gently Scrunch to pump up your curl.

Now, for those bits of frizz that will not settle down, curl/twist them around your fingers with a bit of Cream or Lotion.

Once hair is dry (you really should let it dry naturally for the best look) add more gloss/oil to your fingertips and gently break up the ‘set’ look of your curls.

If you must use hairspray (Pro Finish™ Ultimate Hold Hairspray) for a bit of hold, please only use a tiny amount.

Keep some gloss/oil with you throughout the day as it makes a wonderful refresher if your frizz gets a notion to reappear at any point.

Click here to watch videos on getting perfect Strictly Curls!

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