How To...Use a Beach or Ocean Spray: Hint, it's not just for the beach

Summer is officially here!  We've had 80 degree days and it's past June 21st!  That means beach spray, sometimes called ocean or salt spray, is having its moment.  According to Allure Magazine, ocean spray started before the Emmy Awards in 2000 when Jennifer Aniston's hair stylist filled a bottle with water from the ocean and spritzed it in her hair.  But now, even if you're not near the ocean or spending the whole day at the beach you head to your local beauty salon and grab a bottle of beach spray for yourself!  Not sure how to use it?  Don't fret, read this blog to get you going!  Here are some tips for using beach spray:

• First thing is first: beach spray is not JUST for applying at the beach.  Sure, you can use it to freshen up your locks if you're on the beach, but you can use it anytime, all year long.
• Apply it on damp or dry hair and scrunch it with your fingers.  Pair it with a great bodifying mousse for extra oomph.
• For curl or wave challenged ladies, dry your hair for a few minutes with a hair dryer fitted with a diffuser to bring out the curls.  Flip your head over so your hair is upside down for part of the drying time.
• If you want a little extra texture, after it dries pull a dab of sunscreen through the length of your hair.  "You're basically faking what happens to you at the beach," says Jennifer Aniston's hair stylist Chris McMillan.
• Mess up your part and let waves take their natural shape to really mimic the beach look.  You can also pull your hair into two uber low pony tails for an unkempt, yet playful look.

My favorite beach spray - okay, confession...the only I've used, but I love it - is Sexy Hair's Soy Renewal Beach Spray (read all about my first time in this "I tried it" here.) You can use it wet or dry and it adds texture without getting sticky.  Bonus?  It comes in a small, travel size bottle too - perfect for touch ups.

What's your favorite beach spray?

3 Ways to Use Hair Oils

Photo credit

If you're like me, when you first saw hair oils in the beauty aisle you just skipped over them because you didn't know how to use them.  But after getting to know argan oil, it's really nothing to be afraid of.    Moroccan Oil was the first to burst on the scene and gain popularity, so a lot of people are using it or an argan oil.  If you just know people who use oils, change that and try a bottle today.


Here are three easy ways you can use a hair oil today:

1.  As a Leave-In Conditioner
As long as your oil contains argan, jojoba, olive, or sunflower, it's going to be hydrating.  A little goes a long way though, so two or three small drops will do you.  Run it through the length of your damp hair and then style as usual.  If your ends need a little extra tlc, you can rub an extra drop over the bottoms.
2.  As a Protectant
If you're undergoing a hair repair challenge (like I did earlier this year), you'll want to protect your strands as much as possible.  Slick on a little hair oil before taking a dip in a pool!  It will create a thin barrier that protects your hair from uber-drying chlorine.
3.   As a Shine Enhancer
Love shiny locks?  Oil will make your hair a little healthier and a little shinier.  Jojoba oil is said to be the best at creating shine as it contains the same lipids as your scalp's natural oils, so it can create a natural, healthy looking sheen.

If you're not sure what oil to start with, check out this blog by Beautylish that breaks down oils by hair type.

Other things oils can do?  Hydrate skin, calm redness, and treat acne.  Try creating a sugar scrub with an olive or grapeseed oil, sugar, and lemon juice.  You won't believe how smooth your skin will be when you rub it off.

Have you tried and loved any oils for your hair or otherwise?

4 Ways to Beat Summer Hair Frizz

Warm summer nights, longer days, al fresco dinning, frizzy hair...one of these things doesn't have to be involved in your summer!  Try these tricks for maintaining frizz-free summer hair.

• Always apply anti-frizz: There are some wonderful anti-frizz products out there, so slather some on after you get out of the shower and before you dry or style.  Oils like argan or Moroccan also can help smooth your hair strand and strengthen your locks.  Always apply anti-frizz products on damp hair whether you're letting it dry naturally or using heat.
• Blow-dry down: After using a heat protectant spray, angle the blow dryer down towards the ends of your strands instead of up.
• Embrace your natural texture: When all else fails, just go with it.  If your hair gets frizzy and wavy when it's humid and you try to straighten it, spritz in some curl spray and go for that wavy, unkempt look.  
• Create an updo: If your hair just isn't working, save yourself the stress and pull it into a messy ballerina bun (like this one, tips here).  Or try two low, messy pigtails.  If you keep them low, pony tail elastic at or below your ears, you'll look grown-up instead of girly.

How do you beat summer frizz?

Photo from: No More Dirty Looks Blog

Duck Bill Clips for Healthy Curls

Perfect for summer...a curled style that doesn't require a hot curling iron!  You know those silver clips the hair salon always uses?  If you head to your nearest Sally Beauty Supply or beauty store, you can grab a package for yourself and create stress free curls for your hair.  If you set them damp and let them air dry, you'll get a casual and cool look or old hollywood style finger waves.  Give it a try, following these three simple steps from Self Magazine.

For Casually Cool strands

1. Mist clean, damp hair with a salt-based texturizing spray to get that full, rumpled look and to keep strands from falling flat, says Jen Atkin, a stylist for Clear Hair in Los Angeles.

2. Lift top sections, spritzing underneath at the roots. This gives hair "windblown" body without the help of actual wind.

3. Secure hair in two low pigtails. Divide each in half and twist the two pieces around each other, tying ends. Wind; pin twists against head. (Check out this picture at the right -- this is how your mane should look. Tip: Try securing strands with fabric hair bands, which won't leave weird ridges.) When hair's dry, unravel and run fingers through it.

For an old hollywood feel, follow these three steps:

1.  Rub a quarter-sized blog of medium hold hair gel between your hands, then rake fingers through damp strands, starting an inch below roots and pulling to ends.  Create a side part.

2.  Twist 3-4 inch sections of hair around your index finger, pinning coils to your head with duckbill clips until all your hair is up.

3.  Let hair air-dry, then remove the clips and "brush" through the coils with your fingers, pulling gently to loosen the curls.

I Tried It: Silky Sexy Hair's Conditioning Styler & Soy Renewal Argan Oil

As part of my ongoing quest to repair and strengthen my hair, I tried two new products: Silky Sexy Hair Conditioning Styler Lite and Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Argan Oil.  I'd used the agran oi for a couple weeks and then swapped it out with the silky sexy product for a few days to see how I liked it.  And of course, I used the "lite" version for my thin tresses.  Here's what Sexy Hair says about both products:

Conditioning Styler Lite is a lightweight leave-in conditioner with styling properties for fine/normal hair types.  Its silk-infused formula delivers a lightweight hold and conditioning properties to leave hair soft and silky.

Soy Renewal is a nourishing styling treatment made with Moroccan Argan Oil that addresses moisture, frizz, smoothness, elasticity and shine concerns.  Also protects from environmental stresses and reduces drying time.

The verdict?  I liked them both, but the conditioning styler not as much as the argan oil.  It's easy to use and glides on easily.  It also works well with other products and doesn't build up a residue, but it just didn't feel as nourishing as the soy renewal.  It's really nourishing and helps with frizz and the same time, although is can be greasy, so I'm always careful to apply only a small amount.

Both products would be great for giving your hair an extra dose of tlc.  Which one do you prefer?

Getting a New Hair Cut: The Consultation (what to know before you go)

Patrick during a new client consultation.

Getting a new hair cut can be exciting.  A new look often gives you a new lease on life, but it can also be scary.  Fortunately, if you have a fabulous stylist (like Patrick) they'll ask the right questions to make sure you get a hair cut that looks great and is easy to maintain.  

A couple months ago, I took my mom to see Patrick for a new hair style.  She'd wanted something a little different and since her last hair stylist retired (literally...retired.  She moved into a retirement home), I convinced her to come to the city and give Patrick a try (spoiler alert: she loved it!).  Since I went with her, I was able to watch her consultation and pass on the questions Patrick asked her.

So here's what to know before you go: These questions are all things you should be able to answer when you're getting a new hair style or switching stylists.

• What is your daily hair routine? (Think how do you usually wear your hair, how often you shampoo, how often you blow dry, etc.)
• What products do you usually use to style your hair?
• How long do you spend each day doing your hair?  How long do you want to spend?
• What is your goal: what do you want your hair to do for you?

And if your stylist doesn't ask you some questions before your first cut or color with them...run!  Wondering how my mom's hair turned out?  She loved it.  Patrick listened to all her concerns and ideas and created a new style she was totally happy with.  Here it is:

He recommended two products to style her light weight, low maintenance 'do: Short Sexy Hair  Rough and Ready Styling Gunk and Shatter Finishing Spray.

Do you have any successful consultation stories?  Any first time new stylist horror stories?  Leave a comment and share your story!

Healthy Hair Swap: Hairpins instead of bobbi-pins

If you've been following the blog this year, you know I've been undergoing a "hair repair challenge," in an attempt to get healthier, happier locks.  You can check out the rest of the healthy hair posts here.  The major rules were no wet updos and no more bobbi pins.  According to Patrick, bobbi pins smash hair follicles by clamping down on them which causes breakage.  Using them on wet hair amplifies the bad effects, which was the bad habit I was used to doing: Hi, I'm Kirsten and I'm a bobbi pin addict.

So what was this updo loving girl to do?  I made a healthier hair switch - to hair pins.  Those little "U" shaped open pins that are a wig and hat attaching necessity back stage work pretty well as a bobbi pin substitute.  It took some getting used to, but they do work and feel much better when sliding them into your hair.   For things like buns, they actually work better and give you more control while pinning up a curly, loose style is a snap.

Patrick gave me the all clear to use a bobbi pin or two, so on occasion I'll pop one in if I'm having trouble keeping things in place.  Mini bobbi pins work wonders too if you only need to tuck a small section, but hair pins have made me happy.

So next time you're at the store, grab a package and give hair pins a try if you're looking for a healthier alternative to bobbi pins.
~Kirsten

I Tried It: A (Healthy Hair) Pinterest Updo

As I've been embarking on my Hair Repair Challenge, I've been trying to wear my hair down as much as possible, but as I was headed to ballet class, I needed an updo.  Since I created a Pinterest board to help me with some healthy hair style and updo inspiration (check it out here) and I decided to take a stab at creating one of my pins.  The style (shown at left) seemed simple and looked great.  Here were the instructions that came with it:

Try this. 2 elastics. 1 at the scalp: high pony second at the end of the hair. Join the ends into the center of the first and pin. Do this all too often, get compliments all the time.

Seemed easy enough.  So I grabbed two elastics and some hair pins and got started.  After drying my hair I used an anti-frizz serum and spritzed the pony tail with some dry shampoo and a few sprays of beach spray to give it some texture, then did a touch of back combing at the base with a small, packed bristle brush for volume.  I used five hair pins (the open, "U" shaped kind, NOT bobbi pins...Patrick has banned me from those).  Since I would be dancing, I wanted it to stay in-place, but if you're creating this look for "normal life" you could get away with one or two at the point you tuck it in. Then I sprayed the crap out of it with hair spray.  It was easy enough to create, but didn't look as fabulous as the photo.  I think the model in the photo was blessed with MUCH thicker hair than I (at least that's my 
excuse). 

Here's what I ended up with.  See, the blonde chick above has WAY more hair than I do.  But, it's not too bad don't you think?  Have you ever tried a hairstyle you found online or on Pinterest?  How did it go?  Leave a comment and let me know! 
~Kirsten 

Hair Repair Challenge: Week Three

Photo from

So you've made it through the first two week's of Kirsten's Hair Repair Challenge!  Congratulations.  Pat yourself on the back, buy yourself something pretty, then dive into week three!  Need a product refresher?  Check out this post.  

Week 3 Schedule

Day 15 - Use Masque to clean and condition, use the CAT for 3-5 mins. Use Anti Snap and Iron Repair cocktailed and blended together as a leave in and style as usual.

Day 16 - Go without cleansing and conditioning. Leave hair dry and utilize the dry shampoo.

Day 17 - Go without cleansing and conditioning. Leave hair dry and utilize the dry shampoo then add [NEW PRODUCT ALERT] a dime size of Healthy Sexy Hair's Soy Renewal, emulsify the Soy Renewal and place on scalp and through midshaft and ends.

Day 18 - Go without cleansing and conditioning. Leave hair dry and utilize the dry shampoo then add a dime size of Soy Renewal, Emulisfy the Soy Renewal and place on scalp and through midshaft and ends.

Day 19 - Use Masque to clean and condition, use the CAT for 3-5 mins.

Day 20 - Go without cleansing and conditioning. Leave hair dry and utilize the dry shampoo then add a dime size of Soy Renewal, Emulisfy the Soy Renewal and place on scalp and through midshaft and ends.

Day 21 - Go without cleansing and conditioning. Leave hair dry and utilize the dry shampoo then add a dime size of Soy Renewal, Emulisfy the Soy Renewal and place on scalp and through midshaft and ends.

A note from Patrick: By this time your hair will be used to not having used detergents to cleanse. You will find after the 4th week, that it will be very hard to go back to using a detergent to cleanse (Shampoo). Once you have gotten to the 5th week, we will revisit and provide you with an alternative to use inplace of regular shampoo and conditioner.

How is it going for me?  Well.  I haven't really been as disturbed by not using shampoo and conditioner as I thought I would be.  There's only been a couple days I've felt my hair wasn't clean enough and I love the Pureology Masque!  It's been a challenge to find new and exciting hair styles as I'm discovering how thin my hair is.  Plus the intensive routine is adding tons of extra time to my morning makeup and hair time, but I feel my hair getting healthier!  Hopefully when I check in with Patrick he'll think the same thing! 

Are you taking the challenge too?  How's it going for you?
~Kirsten

I Tried It: Goody Spin Pin - Spiral Hair Pins

As you know, I'm venturing on a hair repair challenge, ie - operation anti bobbi pin, which means I can't use bobbi pins anymore.  So Patrick handed me a box of these spiral hair pins to try.  He said it's the clamping action of the bobbi pin that makes them bad for hair, so these would be just fine as long as I used them on dry hair.  I'd seen the Goody Simple Styles Spin Pins before but never been tempted enough to try them since I had been successfully creating buns with bobbi pins for year, but I decided to give them a go.  

Here's what they claim to do:

The Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin allows you to easily achieve three chic updo styles.  Simpley twirl your hair up and spin the two spin pins in for a perfect undone bun, side bun or double bun!  Does the work of 20 bobbies.

My verdict?  A fail.  Here's what I managed to create with them:

While I was able to create a small bun and get it to stay in place with the spiral pins, it didn't stay that way for too long.  It definitely doesn't do the work of 20 pins...more like 2-4 pins worth of work.  I'll give them this though, they stayed in place, it was just my hair that slid out.   I have fine hair and even though I dry shampooed and beach sprayed it, after about an hour my hair just slipped out into sort of a limp, lame, non-puffy bun...and all I did was go to the grocery store.  It definitely wouldn't have made it through a dance class!

What I did like about them?  They're textured and incredibly easy to slide in.  Maybe some of my thick haired friends will have better luck.  I wouldn't recommend buying these to anyone with thin or fine hair, but with some thicker hair or lots of product and teasing they could work.  Maybe I need to try the mini size?

Have you tried the spin pins?  What did you think?

~Kirsten

Hair Repair Challenge: Day by Day Instructions Week Two

Congratulations!  We made it through the first week of our Hair Repair Challenge!  Are you participating?  Make sure to upload your photos to Patrick's facebook page so we can see how you're doing!  As for me...my hair is feeling softer and silkier already!

Here's what's on tap for week two:

Day 8: Rinse hair very well and then use the Anti Snap and Iron Repair cocktailed and blended together as a leave in, style as needed

Wed- Leave the hair dry and use the dry shampoo

Day 9: Use Masque to cleans and condition, use the CAT for 3-5 mins. Use Anti Snap and Iron Repair cocktailed and blended together as a leave in and style as usual

Day 10: Rinse hair very well and then use the Anti Snap and Iron Repair cocktailed and blended together as a leave in, style as needed

Day 11: Use Masque to cleans and conditon, use the CAT for 3-5 mins. Use Anti Snap and Iron Repair cocktailed and blended together as a leave in and style as usual

Day 12: Rinse hair very well and then use the Anti Snap and Iron Repair cocktailed and blended together as a leave in, style as needed

Day 13: Leave hair dry and use the dry shampoo

Day 14: Rinse hair very well and then use the Anti Snap and Iron Repair cocktailed and blended together as a leave in, style as needed

Need some inspiration?  Check out this horrifying photo of a damaged hair strand:

Inspired yet?  
How are you doing?  Following any of these tips or using any of these products?
~Kirsten

Hair Repair Challenge: Day by Day Instructions, The 1st Seven Days

Are you ready to get healthier hair?  Do you want to go on Patrick's hair repair challenge with me?  Then get ready to get started!  As a recap, here are the rules: No bobbi pins, no wet hair styling/updos, no shampoo, and limited heat styling.  Above, a little hair care inspiration board to keep me motivated.

We talked about products on Monday, so using those, here are the first seven days worth of instruction:

Day 1:  Get an awesome blow out and styling from Patrick!
Day 2:  Enjoy yesterday's awesome blowout using a little dry shampoo as needed.
Day 3:  Use your Masque to clean and condition followed by the CAT for 3-5 minutes.  Rinse out then use Anti-Snap and Iron Repair cocktailed together as a leave in and style.
Day 4:  Rinse hair very well and use the Anti-Snap and Iron Repair cocktailed and blended together as a leave in, style as needed.
Day 5:  Use Masque to clean and condition, the CAT for 3-5 minutes, rinse, follow with Anti-Snap and Iron Repair as a leave in.  Style.
Day 6: Rinse hair very well and then use the Anti-Snap and Iron Repair together as a leave in and style.
Day 7:  Leave hair dry and use dry shampoo.

So far so good, I haven't broken any rules and am figuring out how to style my hair without it being wet and pinned up.  And although sometimes I forgot to mix the products together and the extra shower time gave me dry skin, I think it's going pretty well!  At left, my 'do from day two.

~Kirsten

Hair Repair Challenge: Operation Anti-Bobbi Pin

I went to see Patrick yesterday for some color touch up, and having looked through some old photos of myself I decided I wanted to go longer with my hair.  So I inquired about getting more length and Patrick informed me it would be a long, difficult journey.  Why?  My bad hair habits.  I'm Kirsten and I use too many bobbi-pins.  Plus, I usually wear my hair up and style my updos when my hair is still wet.  These two things are apparently B.A.D. for my tresses.

Uh oh.

But Patrick said all is not lost.  With a lot of tlc and some habit changes, I could restore my hair to its former glory and start the process of growing it out.  Since it's still early in 2013, I'm going to give it a go.  So Patrick gave me some new products to try (at left) and strict instructions: no more wet updos, no more bobbi pins, and invest in better hair ties (flat with no braiding or ridges).  It's going to be a challenge...but if you to want to give your hair some TLC, I invite you to come on a journey with me!  Kirsten's hair repair challenge!

Check back soon for instructions, products recommendations, and nice for your hair styling.  I promise to be totally honest.  Case in point, it's 9pm on Tuesday night and I'm dying to pin my hair back in a bobbi-pin!  It's going to be a long journey!
~Kirsten

Historical Beauty Icon Inspiration: Marie Antoinette

Femme fatale of the 1700s, Marie Antoinette was renowned for her fabulous style and trend setting beauty.  She picked her fashions for the day with a pin in a special book and changed the trends in France forever...what better inspiration for a real life beauty look.  You can copy the bright pastel trends of the Sophia Coppola movie staring Kirsten Dunst, but if you're looking for something a little more down to Earth, try these ideas:

• Jazz up your beauty space by converting vintage looking frames into gorgeous counter top trays and stack your prettiest beauty essentials there to start your day on a sweet note.
• Create luminous skin (especially in the winter when you need extra oomph) by mixing a highlighter in with your foundation or applying it directly to your face after foundation (on areas that need shimmer like your brow bones, cheek bones, nose, cupids bow).  I like Tarte's Illuminating Moisturizer.
• Define your eyes.  For an ultra glam look, play up your eye line by finishing and filling in your brows, apply a neutral beige from brow to lash line, contour the socket area with a darker nude, and then apply a heavy eyeliner.  L'Oreal's HIP Studio Secrets gel liner is one of my favorites for making an impact.  Apply it with an angled eye liner brush and apply several coats of mascara.  Keep lips a pretty, neutral pink.  (I've always wanted to try this pretty eco-friendly color by Juice Beauty).
• Create a volume rich bouffant.  Marie Antoinette was all about the hair, so grab your teasing comb!  Start by spraying dry shampoo on the underside of your hair, then flip it up and apply Sexy Hair's What a Tease: Backcomb in a bottle to the top layers around the crown of your head.  This gem of a product is made with a special combination of resins that give hair instant height.  Backcomb to get more height and then sweep everything to the side with a chic black ribbon.

Who's your historical beauty inspiration?

Winter Beauty Tips

Cold weather brings on all sorts of problems when it comes to hair and makeup.  Instead of looking glossed and gorgeous we turn into a dry, static-y, and frizzy mess!  Don't let winter win though, fight it with the right products and a few tricks!

• Wear a hat!  If you'll be out and about running errands and dealing with wind and the changing temperatures of inside and out, pop on a hat.  It's an instant way to look chic and put together.  I'm currently digging the 20s style cloche.  If you like to wear your hair up a lot, buy a hat that's a touch larger or try on your hat with your hair pinned up.
• Embrace the texture nature gives you.  If it's snowing and you know wet snow makes your naturally wavy hair frizz like mad, start with your hair that way.  Or pop a bottle of a beach spray or mini flat iron in your bag so you can change the texture and look of your hair if your style starts going south.  Feeling the frizz before you walk out the door?  Start your style with an anti-frizz product, run a dryer sheet over your hair, or finish with a shine spray to tame frizzes.
• Hydrate!  The best way to ensure you have shinny hair and smooth skin is to hydrate.  Start from the inside out by drinking plenty of water.  For skin, use a moisturizing cream on any dry spots before applying your makeup and wear a night cream to bed!

Do you have any tricks for looking fabulous in the winter?

See the product links and photos from Polyvore.

2013 Hair and Beauty Resolutions

Photo from Beautifully Superfluous

Happy 2013!  Have you made your New Year's Resolutions yet?  How about including a couple of hair and beauty related ones?  Need some to get started?  Here are five things to start doing, stop doing, and vow to try in 2013:

• Try new trends in hair and makeup!  Have you always stared longingly at that display of purple eyeliner pencils or continuously dog eared the same type of hair styles in your magazine pages? Now is the time to try them!  If a trend looks interesting and suits your coloring or faceshape: go for it!  There's no time like the present.  Need an extra incentive?  Challenge yourself to one beauty dare each month where you try something you've never tried before.
• Stop picking...everything.  Do you pick at your nails, your pimples, or your split ends?  Now's the time to stop!  Need some help?  Check out Allure's Solutions for 7 Emotional Skin Issues here.
• Stick with what works.  Go through your facebook photos....do the ones you look most fabulous in have any patterns?  Your killer winged eyeliner, curly hair, or that great green top?  Make an effort to repeat those looks.  If you love the way you look with tousled hair, wear it that way more often.
• Moisturize!  One of the easiest ways to look glowing and fabulous is to keep your skin moisturized.  Hydrated, happy skin is healthy skin.  Apply a moisturizer right after you get out of the shower and for double duty make sure it includes SPF.  Don't forget to hydrate from the inside out too - drink plenty of water.
• Upgrade your routine.  When you clean out your makeup bag, take a look at your products.  Are you using the same face cream since 1997?  It may be time for an upgrade.  Visit your local beauty counter for a consultation.  Looking for a new hair style....call patrick for an update to your look.  Even a simple cut change or some highlights can instantly change the way you look and feel.  

As for me?  I vow to toss out my expired beauty products (including that half empty eye shadow palette at the bottom of my drawer) and take better care of my nails ( ie - more frequent manicures).  What are your New Year's Resolutions?  

~Kirsten

Holiday Hair Product Essentials

As we all know, December is usually host to a couple of celebrations that require you to look fabulous for all those facebook photos...holiday soirees, charity galas, office parties, dinners with friends, not to mention New Year's Eve!  Not sure what to do with your hair?  Don't frett!  I've gathered up all the essentials for stocking your cabinet.  If you're prepared with great products, deciding how to do your hair will be a snap!  And now is the time to make sure your cabinet is stocked!  You don't want to wait until two hours before you head out the door to realize you're out of hairspray.

Here's what products you'll need: assuming you already have a great shampoo and conditioner, you'll want a dry shampoo for days when you don't feel like getting wet.  We like Big Sexy Hair's Volumizing Dry Shampoo.  If you need more oomph for day after dirty hair, tap a few sprinkles of Powder Play on your part line and massage into your scalp for an instant lift.  Going curly?  Don't forget the Soy Renewal Beach Spray (this product is a favorite of mine!  It's also a great travel buddy as it works well in any climate).  For styles that need some texture and hold, or if you have short hair, you'll need Short Sexy Hair's Rocked Out, it's a great product that's build-able, mixable, and not sticky!  Pureology's Anti-Split Blow Dry is a great product (that replaced their Nano Glaze) to have in your arsenal too.  And last but not least, you'll need a hair spray.  For a down-do hairstyle try Pureology's Strengthening Control Zero Dulling Hairspray which has a nice build-able quality, but if you need hard hold for an updo Patrick likes the Big Sexy Hair Line.  My pick?  Patrick will kill me, but for extreme updos a little Aqua Net never hurt.  

Here are some little extras to have on hand.  A killer blow dryer, curling iron or flat iron is a must of course, but hair accessories are a good idea to keep around too.  Grab a sparkly hair clip, pin in flower, and don't forget the bobbi pins!  Check out my post on Holiday Hair Add Ins for ideas.  I love having Goody's full size and mini color collection pins by the hundreds on my counter too.

Need more info on the products above?  Call Patrick at the Styling Studio or leave a note with a question on his facebook page.

~Kirsten

Holiday Hair Add Ins

If you're looking for an instant way to add some oomph to your updo, you're in luck!  Pretty pieces to slide and clip into your hair are easier to find than ever.  Sliding a glittering clip or fluffy flower into your hair is an easy way to take your pony tail from ho-hum everyday to extra special or special occasion.  I use hair add ins as secret trick to fix updos that go up slightly off center.  Bun not quite round enough?  Stick a flower next to it and it will look just fine.  Did you curling pull your pony tail to the right?  Slide a jewel encrusted stick next to the base and no one will notice.

Haven't ever indulged in an extra hair accessory?  Now that the holiday season is upon us it's the perfect time to try.  I've rounded up some of my favorite ideas for adding a little extra sparkle and special-nesss to your next hair occasion.  Find these pieces online or in stores...but don't forget to check your jewelry box (you can pin in a brooch with a handful of bobbi-pins) and check your childhood jewelry stash.  You never know what you'll find, I found a pair of cute red and white "Kirsten" barrettes.  If you want to buy though, check these out:

Shabby Chic Hair Flower  - These small flowers are super easy to work with.  Just pop in place with the attached prongs and pin down any layers that are sticking up.  Great for sides of buns/pony tails, nestled in curls, or fixing off center work.

Glam Girl Baretter Flowers - If you don't want to deal with prongs, these snap barrettes are a "snap" to put in.  If you have a pony tail, wear on on each side of it so the flowers touch at the top of your head.  If you're sticking them both near a bun or messy up do, wear them side by side so they look like one piece.  These are also great for pinning back bangs.

Softies Stars These new soft barrettes from Goodie promise to "make hair styling fun and easy for girls to use too.  Softies are free of snaps and clips delivering a comfortable, no-fuss styling experience."  I've never tried them, but they seem to go on almost like velcro.  They would make a fun, playful addition to just about any hair style and since they're flat can go almost anywhere.  Just be careful pulling them out.

T-Shirt Headband - I'm not a big fan of headbands, but these cute DIY t-shirt ones are easy to use and you don't have to worry about pinching.  Don't want to do it yourself?  Check out this cute satin wrapped headband from Forever 21.

Glitter Bows - Bows are back!  Curl your hair and pop these in for a totally cute effect or add one to a super sleek 'do to take the edge off.

Swooping Feather Hair Clip - This Urban Outfitters piece has a decisively vintage feel and would be perfect for a holiday party.  Clip back your bangs, or let it peek out from an updo or next to a French twist.

Adorn Jewelry Bobbi Pins - Want to go simple and chic?  Try these little gold bobbi pins.  You could also create your own version by gluing crystals of glittery baubles or beads to your own bobbi pins...just make sure the glue is dry before you try it!

Multi Flower Head Wrap - Head wraps are like the chic-er sister of the headband.  They'll look perfect and slightly flapper inspired with sleek strands, but don't be afraid to tuck the band part underneath the flowers and pin it in place at the back of your head for a more fascinator feel.  What is a fascinator?  Check out this blog post I wrote a few years ago here.

Debbie Lee Long Comb - If you have an extra special event, like a wedding, charity gala, or black tie ball, you'll want to spend a little bit more to get a piece with staying power.  Look for pieces made with real crystals and metal combs (the plastic ones are easy to break).  Smaller combs are easier to work with while longer ones look beautiful coming out of French twists.

Need some help with creating your updo?  Check out this post.

~Kirsten

An Interview with a Hair Stylist

Elle magazine often interviews hair stylists and makeup artists and I always love reading it!  So I thought it would be fun to interview Patrick and learn a little bit more about him and his hair styling technique!  So I ripped the page out of my magazine and asked Patrick the questions!

Kirsten's questions are in bold and Patrick's answers are below!

Is there one beauty tool every woman should own?
Yes, a proper teasing comb!

What have you been using it for lately?
I use it to define and give volume behind the chair. I have been using it lately on all of the session work I do for photo shoots and editorials.

Elle Magazine always talks about "expensive hair."  What's the best way to achieve "upscale hair" or get a posh look?
The best way to achieve this look is all in the Cut, Color and Style your stylists gives you. The right product choices make all the difference in the world. If you want expensive looking hair, it is a great opportunity to ask your stylist for a styling lesson and to learn what products give you the expensive look you want.

And for volume?  What's the easiest way to get great volume?
The right blow out and the correct product choices. A few of my favorite products are Sexy Hair's "Big Sexy Hair," Big Volume Shampoo and Conditioner, Root Pump and Root Pump Plus, Powder Play and Spritz and Stay. The products you choose make a huge difference in how to get awesome volume. Don't be afraid to use a lot of product to achieve volume. The right product choices will give you volume without a sticky or heavy crunchy feel. Use your new found teasing comb to achieve this look while styling.

You've done your fair share of weddings and black tie evnts, do you have a go-to updo?
I don't have a go to Up-do or Up-style. I design each look for the person I am styling according to the event they are attending. I like to give a one of a kind style that is unique to each individual. This sets them apart at the function and places my signature on their fabulous locks.

What are your tricks for getting fresh looking locks on days you don't have time for a blow-out?
One Product! Sexy Hair's "Big Sexy Hair" Volumizing Dry Shampoo. This is my "go to" product. Not only to keep hair looking fresh between shampoos but for creating volume on 2nd and 3rd day hair.

If a woman came to you wanting to invest brand new hair style, what would your pick be?
My pick would be, what would work best for them, and their daily styling regimen. I would base this decision according to their lifestyle. It would include a cut tailored just for them and a creative color. It would also include a styling lesson as I am blowing out their hair so they can achieve the same look at home.

What do YOU think?  Love Patrick's advice?  Loathe it?  Let us know, we love comments!

Getting a Drastic Hair Cut

Decided you want a new 'do?  Planning on chopping off a good portion of your locks?  Allure magazine offered up some tips for "how to get a major haircut" in their September issue.  We've mixed some of theirs with some of ours.  Here are some things to keep in mind if you're planning on drastically altering your hair-do at your next salon appointment.

Think about it
Change can be good, but when you're talking about your hair, it's okay to take your time.  We've all had the tears after cutting more hair off than we thought we wanted, so if you're going drastic, take your time.

Time it right
Never get a seriously different hair cute in the midst of a major life change or if you have an important upcoming event.  You may think getting bangs two weeks before your wedding is a good idea, but trust me, it's not.

Try it on
Allure suggests visiting a wig shop and trying on a style similar to the one you want.  "It's the only way to really see what you'll look like with super short hair or without bangs to cover your face."  No wig shop nearby?  Wear your long hair up for a whole week to see if you like the way it changes your look, if so, you might be ready.

Bring a picture
Make sure there is no confusion about the length you want by bringing a picture.  Just keep in mind the photo is for inspiration only,  your hair texture and color may not lend itself to the look you've brought in.  Make sure to talk to your hair stylist about what you want and listen to his opinion about the styles and cuts that will work with your hair type.

Chat about your lifestyle
Talk to your hair stylist about your life routine.  How much do you work out?  How often do you like to wash your hair?  Do you wear your hair up in a pony tail often?

Get a hair lesson
If you're going from crazy length to uber short, you'll need a lesson or two on how best to style it.  Ask your hair dresser to show you a few tricks or ask if he offers classes (some stylists have classes....ask Partick about his blow-out classes!)

Have you had a major hair change recently?  What's been your most drastic hair cut?  Leave a comment and share your story!

~Kirsten

Photo from: gaylordradioauction.com