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?

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!

Color of the Moment: Turquoise

Need a little color inspiration?  Try turquoise.  It was Pantone's color of the year in 2010 and brings to mind frothy oceans, summer time, and robin eggs.  Wear it as a pop of color on your eyes with a liner or easily on your nails.

Not feeling turquoise makeup?  Use it as an accessory!  Ulta put together a cute collection of turq-cessories complete with lip balm, makeup brushes, card cases, and oh, what's that...one of our favorite products: Healthy Sexy Hair!   Who knew your hair products could double as color of the moment accessories!  

What are your thoughts on turquoise makeup?

Want to learn more about the products shown above?  Click here.

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

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.

10 Beauty & Hair Stocking Stuffer Ideas

Need a tiny gift or cool products to stuff your friend or loved one's Christmas stocking?  There's a reason beauty products make great stocking stuffers - they're small and everyone wants them!  Here are some great little presents for any beauty lover in your life.  Best yet?  They al fit in your stocking or purse (except for one!) and are budget friendly!  Everything is under $30!

Stocking Stuffer Ideas (Clockwise from top left)
1.  An oh, so cute Owl Contact Case for your friend no longer called "four eyes."
2.  Luxe feeling hand cream in pretty designs by L'occitane.  These make perfect tie ones for gifts too.
3.  A jumbo wand of lip colors from Sephora is fun and functional.  Gift the whole thing or break them up into six mini gifts.
4.  For your friend who always wants more volume, a Kirsten and Patrick favorite: Big Sexy Hair's Powder Play.  A few sprinkles instantly lifts roots and adds texture and volume.
5.  This one probably won't fit in the stocking, but it's super cute.  E.L.F.'s Nail Cube contains 14 nail colors for $10.
6.  Another fashion and function gift - a cute key chain lipgloss from Victoria's Secret.
7.  Makeup brushes are the perfect shape for fitting in a stocking or being tied on top of a gift as a gift topper.  A brush everyone is sure to love (it's my personal favorite) is the Expert Face Brush designed by European makeup artist Samantha Chapman for Real Techinques.
8.  Another Real Techniques brush, this Stippling Brush is sure to be new to even an advanced makeup buff.  Plus, it's flat bottom means it stands on the counter during makeup application time.
9.  Here's a perfect gift for the girl that's always reaching in her bag for chapstick or lip balm, Sugar's mini lip trio feels ultra luxe and is packaged in these holiday only set of three.  Available at Sephora.
10.  Diamonds are a girl's best friend, but faux ones are just as good.  Grab a pair of cute fake sparkle studs in a fun shape like these bow stud earrings from Charlotte Russe.

What's your favorite stocking stuffer of this bunch?
~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

Popular Pinterest Hair Styles

Pinterest in full of popular and unique hair styling and beauty ideas, tips, and tricks.  So I picked a few of the most popular ones to share with you!  Has anyone tried any of these ideas?  Leave a comment and let us know.

This sweet, romantic vintage inspired style (at left) seems simple enough to do.  Just grab your cans of dry shampoo and Sexy Hair Powder Play!  The photos show you step by step instructions.  See the original pin here.

Braids seem to be all over, as this Double Braided Headband post shows you or this side pony tail with a braided twist.   If you prefer to start your hair designing at night, check out this article by Yahoo Shine, 3 Ways to Wake Up with Gorgeous Hair.  They show you ways to wake up with more volume, less frizz, or waves without a curling iron.

This updo (at right) is simple and chic, and while it's listed as a glamorous wedding style, you can rock this look for everyday.  No reason to save your best hair for one day only.  You can also check out my post on Secrets to Updo Success here.

Another look we've see all over Pinterest is the DIY beachy waves with a rolled pony tail and a hair straightener.  Check the post out here.  I haven't tried it, but I'm a but skeptical.  The after photo doesn't seem worth the hassle, I'd say grab your Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Beach Spray and make waves that way!  Here's a quick way to create them overnight.

Have you seen any Pinterest pins of hair styles you'd like to try?
~Kirsten

Short Sexy Hair: Products for women and men

This He Tried/She tried post packs double the punch!  While most Sexy Hair products can be used on women and men, these two work particularly well on both the sexes: Short Sexy Hard Up and Short Sexy Rocked Out.

Short Sexy Hard Up Hard Holding Gel

He Tried/Patrick: Kirsten approached me about a show she was going to be doing over the summer. One of the items that we needed to trouble shoot for her was the awesome humidity we were having, and taming her fly away's around her hairline. I knew that Hard Up would be an awesome choice for her as long as she cocktailed it with the right product. I chose Rocked Out as an option. The hold and shine factor of Rocked out works fabulously with the hold factor of Hard up and allows for a softer feel. You don't lose the strength of the Hard Up Gel while cocktailing you gain more control.

This is a prodcut that I also use on myself on a daily basis. It is my "go to" product of choice to tame my unruly curls. I love it on it's own in my hair and enjoy the hard hold.

She Tried/Kirsten: Patrick gave me this bottle of gel to tame my hair during an outdoor show - which meant it had to hold up to lots of movement and glistening under hot show lights.  It had great hold, especially when it was paired with the Rocked Out Molding Clay (below).  I really enjoyed that it worked well without feeling sticky, but the blue color made it feel a little manly.  The cap closure was also hard to keep looking pristine, as it got messy if you weren't careful.  It served a purpose, but I wasn't blown away by this gel over any other ones I've used before.  The next product though...I really liked!

Short Sexy Rocked Out Molding Clay

He Tried/Patrick:

I had Kirsten use this product for a show she was doing. I knew that it would be the best choice to keep her fly away's around her hair line in place with out the crunch. I explained that it's use is vast and doesn't need to be just on short hair. I love the versatility in the product. I use it on all hair types and lengths.

She Tried/Kirsten:  This product was the perfect solution to my problem!   I used it a bit differently than the package instructions since sometimes when styling my up-dos, my little hairs right by my part that haven't grown out yet are a problem.  The Rocked Out Molding Clay was spot on, it had awesome hold, but wasn't too crunchy.  It's a great buildable product and it doesn't get sticky to the touch when applied.  A word of warning though...don't use too much!  It gets clumpy if you over apply and you'll have to towel it off, but that's only when you're plagued by user error.  Otherwise it's great!  I would definitely keep this product in my arsenal.  

AND He Tried/Kirsten's Husband Chase:  That's right, Patrick handed this product off to my husband too!  I remember scooping an old jar of hair clay out of my husband's drawer when we moved in to our condo in 2007, but it was clear it hadn't been used in quite a long time.  So it was really impressive when Chase came home with product after his hair cut with Patrick.  Patrick gave Chase a jar to use with his new hairstyle, which was slightly longer on top than usual.  Guess what?  He actually used it!  On his head it looked natural and didn't feel sticky or clump at all during the day.  That's a product promotion if I've ever seen one.

Product Cocktails: How to mix and match your hair styling products

Good hair products can work in perfect harmony together, and in fact, are often created to layer with one or more from the same line.  Mixing products at first can be scary, but you shouldn't worry!  Patrick says: "You can play around with the use each day to find what works best for you. You have a base of products that will last a long time. Don't be afraid to try new uses for each product." 

Here are seven common products and how to use them with each other for the best effects:

Moroccan oil shampoo and deep conditioner

Maintain use when cleansing and conditioning hair

Sexy Hair Root pump plus spray mousse

Use this product when styling, spray on to the base of hair near the scalp. You can air dry with this or add heat with a blow dryer by breeze drying or styling with your brush. You can also let it airdry and then use your new curling iron as your heat addition after hair has dried. This spray mousse is designed to be placed at the root of the hair at the scalp. 

Pureology Texture Twist

Texture twist can be cocktailed with the Moroccan oil to add volume to the root when touching up in extreme humidity. It is designed as a finisher to add texture. This product can be cocktailed with any of the listed products.

Rusk Wired

This can be used as a refresher alone to maintain control of the hair with out a lot of weight added to the hair when dry styling. A little goes a long way!  This is a great product to add control when dry styling to give texture and movement. You can cocktail this with Moroccan Oil for a lighter weight air dry as well.

Big Sexy Hair What a Tease

This productis designed to have backcomb in a bottle. A little goes a long way.  Spray at the base of hair where ever you feel you need extra volume. This will be used once you have airdried, blow dried or curled hair, prior to using any finishing spray. This product is not meant to be used on a daily basis, it's more of a twice a week addition. You will use this prodcut when first styling, after you cleanse and condition and then again a day or two later to refresh the hair.

Big Sexy Hair Powder Play

You can couple this with what a tease for extreme volume by placing it on the base where volume is needed, remember to rub this into the hair at the sclap so it activates the product. Then spray the what a tease over it. Once what a tease has been sprayed you can then seperate hair in four different directions to get the backcombing effect. 

Moroccan Oil Hairspray

This is a finishing spray that can be used daily for hold and pliability of styling when finishing the hair. This product can be layered over all your products for extra control.

Short Sexy Hair Play Dirty 

This product can be used as a layering product when you want an edgy finish with a lot of peiceyness and movement. You can use this product up to 3 times a week. This is a product that you don't need much of. A little goes a long way and works well in humid weather when using the weatherproof as a protectant.

Big Sexy Hair Weather proof

This is your absolute last product to use after styling the hair or retouching the hair. This product will last for a couple of days at a time. When in extreme heat and humidity you can use this everyother day as your last product to place a protective shield over the hair.

Want seven days of hair ideas with these products?  Check back Thursday!

~Kirsten & Patrick

Pre-Fall Hair Idea: Slicked Back Center

This hairstyle is technically a fall trend, but the slicked center look is perfect for poolside drinks when you have no intention of getting in.  Although the look was called "edgy," "severe," and "rock and roll," backstage at fashion week, Allure Magazine declares them to be quick, easy, and practical.

For the look in the photo, shown from Versus, the trick is to slick back just the center of the hair.  This gets rid of the face framing layers allowing you a low maintenance style when you don't want to fuss with your hair.  Hairstylist Guido's inspiration for the Versus model was a 1970's look popularized by Catherine Deneuve.  To copy the look yourself, section off and pull back the center of the hair.  Use a gel to keep everything in place.  Patrick likes Short Sexy Hair's Hard Up, a super strong gel with a bit of shine.  Hold the hair in place with two bobbi pins or a cute barrette (like the "Glam Girl" ones shown above from Goody.)  You can then flat iron the rest of your hair, put it in a low pony tail, or just let it do it's thing.

What's your go to hairstyle for going out?
~Kirsten

He Tried/She Tried:Finishing Touches

Today's He Tried/She Tried focuses on the final finishing touches of your hair style: hair spray, shine spray, and anti-humidity spray.  We all know that styling your hair is half the battle, what you put of when you've finished is what will help you keep your hair looking fabulous for hours to come.  Read on for three of Kirsten and Patrick's favorite finishing products from the Sexy Hair line.

Sexy Hair All Nighter Hairspray
Patrick:  When Kirsten told me she had a show to do in the summer heat, I knew this would be the Hair Spay that would work best for her. It has a strong hold and is used to create strong memory and remains in tact during an all nighter perfomance. I explained the usage to Kirsten and let her know that it would hold her hair in place and give it a solid finish. I explained that she wouldn't have to worry about her hair falling out of place once styled and finished.
Kirsten: Hair spray is crazy important to me, especially when I'm doing shows, so when Patrick asked me to swap out my Tresseme 24 Hour Body hairspray for his bottle of Sexy Hair Hairspray, I wasn't sure.  My fear proved to be unfounded though, as the All Nighter spray did just what it advertised.  It kept my hair in perfect place.  It does get a little crunchy when you pile it on, but it brushes out quite easily.


Sexy Hair Big Shine Spray
Patrick:   This product is amazing and I knew Kirsten had to try it. It has a hold factor of a 1 and a shine and pliability factor of 9, and places a shine over the hair after, you have styled and finished with hair spray. This is a non-greasy, non-oily shine spray that does not break down product that has been used to finsih. It has a lightweight feel and will not weigh down the hair. Even the most delicate fine hair will benefit from this shine product.
Kirsten:  There's not much to say about this product, it's easy to use, smells pleasant, and leaves your hair with a perfect finish and extra shine!


Sexy Hair Weather Proof: Humidity Resistant Spray
Patrick: This is one of my "go to" products to fight humidity and frizz during the late spring and summer seasons here in Chicago (and all year round too).  This revolutionary product places a protective shield over the hair after you have finished your style.  Because of the technology used to create this product, it can be used to guard against these elements, it will wear on the hair very lightly and not produce a hard feeling.
Kirsten:  Frizzies be gone and stay gone!  This product goes on the hair light, non-sticky, and magically seems to keep your hair in perfect place regardless of rain and humidity!  A must use for outdoor updos.  See more of our thoughts on Weather Proof here.


~Patrick and Kirsten

I tried it: Curly Sexy Hair Shampoo

I was in the market for some new shampoo, so Patrick handed me some bottles of Curly Sexy Hair Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner.  I'm a fan!  The pretty blue bottles are slim and easy to open and contain the sweet smelling shampoo and conditioner.  I've only used it a couple times, so I'm not sure how much it helps my hair curl, but it lathers well and makes my hair feel squeaky clean and soft!  I'll definitely keep it my collection!

What's your go to shampoo?

~Kirsten

Overnight Hair Styles: Beachy Waves

Want no fuss hair in the am?  Try this trick Patrick told me.  Take clean, just washed hair (I washed mine with SexyHair's Curling Shampoo), towel dry so you're not dripping, and then spritz with Soy Renewal Beach Spray.  Put your hair up in pin curls and then go to sleep!  In the morning when you let it down, you'll have soft, bouncy waves.

This worked well for me, my hair was soft and fluffy, but here are a few tips.
-Be careful with the placement of the front pin curls.  This area of my hair is very easy to curl, so it was a little hard to tame with my haphazard pin curl placement.
-Use a few, big pin curls for loose waves, or lots of smaller ones (like in the photo above) for tighter curls.
-Spritz again with the beach spray and scrunch your hair for a little definition.  I also used some spray mousse for extra oomph.

Try it and show us how it went!  Post a picture of your style on our facebook page, we'd love to see!

~Kirsten

He Tried/She Tried: Big Sexy Hair Weather Proof

Need a perfect summer frizz solution?  Check out Weather Proof: Humidity Resistant Spray.  It's the latest product to get the He Said/She Said stamp of approval! Read on for the stylist/client point of view of this great product.

Partick - The Stylist
Kirsten called me prior to her trip to Michigan to see family and asked that I style her hair for her fabulous weekend. I agreed and thought about elements that could possibly affect her hair style: Humidity!

I knew that I could get into my styling kit and utilize Sexy Hair's Big Sexy Hair Weather Proof as a finishing solution to avoid humidity. This is one of my "go to" products to fight humidity and frizz during the late spring and summer seasons here in Chicago (and all year round too).  This revolutionary product places a protective shield over the hair after you have finished your style.  Because of the technology used to create this product, it can be used to guard against these elements, it will wear on the hair very lightly and not produce a hard feeling.

I asked Kirsten to take Weather Proof with her on her trip and let me know how it held up. I also let her know that she didn't need to overuse the product for protection. This is definitely one of those cases where "less is more."  Over use of this humidity spray may produce a build up that requires a clarifying shampoo to remove.  Although I have yet to meet anyone that has had this issue, I wanted Kirsten to be prepared. With a lot of professional products, a good use of thumb is "the smaller the bottle, the less you use.  The larger the bottle, the more you use."
Cheers,
Patrick

Kirsten - The Client
Patrick sprayed me up with Weather Proof for the first time when he blew out my hair for a weekend long surprise party on a rainy day.  Take this bottle, he said, and use it again if it gets humid.  But, I was to be careful because overuse would have to be clarified to remove.  Armed with my sample bottle and a slight fear of over application, I went on my way.  It was amazing!  My curly hairstyle lasted and looked lovely through a three hour car ride and a rainy walk into the restaurant.  Frizzies be gone!  I used it once more that weekend a couple days later, and although it wasn't particularly humid, my hair-do stayed perfectly in place and frizz free.  Check out the photo (left) of my fabulous hair-do from Patrick - snapped nearly 8 hours after the original styling - when I was orchestrating a family gift.

I definitely recommend this product.  You'll feel like you aren't putting anything on - the mist is fine like hair spray and it goes on top of your finished style, but it works somehow.  Combine this product with hair spray and you'll be good to go!
~Kirsten

Have you tried Sexy Hair's Weather Proof?  Leave a comment and let us know what you thought.

Hair Tip of the week: Blow it up!

For those moments when you need a little pick me up, use Sexy Hair's Short Sexy Hair Blow it up.

Place a dime size - for shorter hair - and about a nickel size - for medium length hair - in the palm of your hand.  It will come out as a gel and then transform into a mousse. Emulsify (which means disperse) and apply evenly from scalp to ends.

Tip: Comb through for even distribution and blow dry with a round brush or your hands. This product will add shine and hold well during the day. Perfect for creating styles with great lift and texture.

Hair trick: Use a pin size amount and emulsify to add great texture to a dry style.

Enjoy and let us know what you think. Grab a bottle for yourself at The Styling Studio in Chicago's South Loop.

-Patrick

The Return of Mousse: All About Using Mousse

Photo from Bean's Beauty Blog

A recent article about mousse in June 2012 Allure magazine caught my eye, Whip it Good.  It made me wonder: How much do we really think about mousse?  And do we use it as much as we should?  According to hairstylist Adir Abergel, whom they interviewed for the piece, no.  He claims many women shy away from mousse because of its crunchy reputation, but he reassures us "mousse has evolved.  It's no longer as sticky and drying as it was in the era of hair-metal bands."  Another hair stylist called it a "miracle product."

SexyHair has two mousse products Patrick likes: Root Pump Volumizing Spray Mousse and  Root Pump Plus Humidity Resistant Volumizing Spray Mousse.  Both have a medium hold and can be used on dry or damp hair.  Allure gave 7 tips for mastering mousse, here are some of my favorite pieces of advice for using mousse:

• Shake the Can - A lot.  "You want it as fluffy as possible, so it's easier to distribute and won't weigh down your hair," says hairstylist Chris McMillian.  Fluffy is key, if you don't shake the can the mousse will come out a thick mess.
• Think Big - If you have fine hair like me, mousse should be your new BFF.  You could use it almost everyday.  Working some into your roots and letting it dry naturally before brushing out can give you the illusion of volume.  Medium length hair? A gold ball sized amount can add bounce and boost to your average pony tail.
• Blow it Out - Adding some mousse into your hair before blow drying can give you extra lift.  Many stylists have their clients flip their heads upside down after applying mousse and then dry their hair with a diffuser.  This is the technique Patrick used on my last visit when we tried the new Soy Renewal Beach Spray.

How much mousse should you use?  Most women don't apply enough - a palmful of mousse can look excessive, but don't forget mousse is mostly air.  It's not like a gel, so you'll need more than you think.  A golf ball sized amount is usually a good guide for short hair while if you have long hair, opt for two lemon sized mounds.

Challenge yourself to add mousse into your hair routine (It's a great base to layer other products on top of), I think you'll be pleased with the results.

Mousse - it's not just for 1980 anymore.

~Kirsten

He Tried/She Tried - Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Beach Spray

Welcome to our first He Tried/She Tried blog! We're bringing you the male/female, stylist/client view and review on different hair products. It's a dual blog post with both sides of the story. Our first product? Healthy Sexy Hair's Soy Renewal Beach Spray.


He Tried-Patrick's Take
Introducting: Sexy Hair's "Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Beach Spray". A wonderful addition to your collection of products for wavy and curly hair. (Professional secret, It is not just for curly or wavy hair, Stay tuned for a blog post on how to use this after curling the hair with a big barrell curling iron.) For Kirsten's appointment, I wanted to try something different out on her hair. Normally I blow it out smooth, but because spring was in the air, I decided to try out Healthy Sexy Hair's Soy Renewal Beach Spray and diffuse it to giver her natural wavy texture a boost and a naturally undone texture.

Kirsten has a wavy pattern to her hair and I knew this product had enough hold in it to do the trick. When I styled her hair, I sprayed the Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Beach Spray from root to ends and diffused it with a low setting and medium heat. I was careful not to overwork the hair. Curl can be very tempermental when overworked and this product was a great choice to produce the results I wanted: undone texture and a feel likened to a day at the beach.

I explained to Kirsten how to use the product at home and let her know that she could renew her style each day without the need to shampoo. I let her know that she could spray the product into her hair and add a little water the next day to revamp her curls. (Stay tuned for a later blog post about how to extend the longevity of your style without the need to shampoo everyday). Read below to get the full detail of her week with the product.

What is Soy Renewal Beach Spray?  Here's a direct quote from Sexy Hair:

SOY RENEWAL BEACH SPRAY creates undone texture that looks and feels like you’ve spent a day by the sea. Helps nourish, protect and heal hair damage with the power of Argan oil. Cures winter blues by giving your hair the look and feel of a day at the beach.
How to use:  Spray on damp hair and let dry naturally or blow-dry with a diffuser for all over texture. Use on dry hair for detailing or to add volume to the roots without having to wet hair.

She Tried - Kirsten's Take
When I went to see Patrick for a trim and some hair tlc, he told me he wanted to do something different with my hair, wavy curls.  Fun!  He showed me some of his favorite products from the Sexy Hair line and gave me a homework assignment: try out the new Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Beach Spray.  Patrick gave me a mini bottle to take home and play with.  Here's my weekend journey with the Beach Spray...

Day 1: Friday - My hair always looks fabulous when I leave Patrick's salon, but today I had a little extra bounce in my step.  I left the salon with super fun and bouncy, loose curls.  What impressed me the most?  How product free my hair felt!  I could run my fingers through my hair and not feel any snarls or stickiness.  It was great.  I looked pretty fabulous if I don't say so myself.  The product even smells a little beach-y.  I like

Day 2: Saturday - I had just pinned my hair up with a single bobbi pin the night before, so when I left it down in the morning it still had some curl.  I reapplied the Beach Spray, shook out my hair, added a touch of water to scrunch the top and it instantly gave my roots back texture.  I may have over applied the product though. Day two of using the beach spray didn't have the touch-ability my hair had yesterday.  That product free feel was gone.  It still looked great for the morning and into the afternoon, after a couple hours though, my hair started to loose the curl.  So it seems that using a curl agent in my hair is a must.  Left: artsy instagram photo I snapped of myself.

Day 3: Sunday - I rinsed my hair this morning as it had gotten a little frizzy and sad, let it air dry, and then applied more of that awesome beach spray.  Touch-ability, still there.  Even after my hair dried (I didn't wash it) my hair still felt silky smooth.  I let my hair air dry a bit and then added the spray, it still gave good texture, but I had to add a little curl cream that I had in my stash and scrunch like crazy to get my hair to curl a little, a diffuser would have helped.  I pinned up the front and wandered off to the Art Institute.  Left: my hair on Sunday cropped out of a fun photo a friend snapped.




My verdict?  A definite do over.  I love this product.  It smells pretty, adds instant texture, and works wonderfully with other products.  Patrick - you can't have your sample back, I'm stealing it.  It will be perfect for adding some texture to my early summer getaway at Lake Michigan.

Have you tried this product?  What did you think?  Leave a comment and let us know!

- Patrick & Kirsten