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Ole Henriksen

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Scream Worthy Salon Experiences

How do you handle leaving the salon looking nothing like you'd hoped? The color is no where close to they picture you discussed - the style is laughable.

How do cope?

First, check your hair out in natural light - those salon lights are better for working, not for showing your true color. Step out into the sun. You'll be surprised how different the color looks in natural lighting.

As far as the cut & style: while you can't reattach hair that's already been cut, you CAN go home and style your hair yourself. I cannot tell you how often I have left the salon and went straight home to style my hair myself. And that's OK!

But if you still aren't happy with your color or your cut after a day or so, go back! Let them make it right - it is they job and most take pride in their work. They want you to be happy!

Monday, October 15, 2012

Meaningful Beauty

Ok let's face it, ladies. We should all be so fortunate to look like Cindy Crawford - my lord, does that woman ever age?? It just doesn't seem fair to the rest of us, does it?

Well, when a box of her line of skincare Meaningful Beauty arrived at my doorstep to review, I must confess, I sorta snubbed my nose at it at first. After all the celebrities who have smacked their name on label for this or that, I just wasn't sold.

So the poor box sat. And sat. And occasionally, I'd open it up and see what Cindy had to say about her miraculous products filled with this rare melon extract. And then I'd close it back up and go back to whatever I was using at the time.
And it's not that I have "bad" skin or "troubled" skin - but I want that "lit from within" skin. So a few nights ago, as I was taking inventory of my stock in my bathroom, deciding what to keep and what to toss, I decided to give Meaningful Beauty a try.

This is what true love feels like! I look forward to washing my face everyday now - this formula removes makeup without causing my skin to become stripped. Skin just feels clean and soft after using.
Combine that with the Créme de Serum, Skin Brightening Décolleté and Neck Treatment SPF 15 and my oh my will your skin feel amazing.  I can't speak to the anti-wrinkle effects of the line, as I don't have any wrinkles, but I will say that your skin will feel healthy and moisturized while using this line and that, I believe, is half the battle!

I did not encounter any sensitivity issues nor did I break out at all while using Meaningful Beauty - in fact, I noticed a decline in hormonal breakouts! I would definitely recommend this line to anyone looking to change up their skin care routine.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Moringa What?

No really. What is Moringa, you ask? It's an oil, from the seeds of the Moringa tree. And it does amazing things for your hair. Matrix has bottled the Moringa Oil in a treatment called ExquisiteOil that is good for any hair type and provides several proved benefits:

The ExquisiteOil Replenishing Treatment alone can be used to:
  1. MASSAGE before shampooing for a smoothing treatment.
  2. RESTORE dry mid-lengths and ends for immediate luster.
  3. REPLENISH extra-dry ends by using as an overnight treatment.*
  4. DETANGLE after shampooing for additional manageability.
  5. PROTECT during blow-drying or prior to flat ironing for softness and shine.
* When using as an overnight treatment, wrap hair to avoid transfer.
 

You can also combine Matrix ExquisiteOil Replenishing Treatment to other Conditioners and Masques to:
  1. CUSTOMIZE with any Biolage treatment for added brilliance, softness and manageability.
  2. ENHANCE 3-step service by adding to either Micro-Oil Shampoo or Oil Crème Conditioner.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

TLC for skin during travel

Traveling isn't easy on your skin, but there are some easy steps you can take to keep your skin looking its best during long flights so you land looking refreshed! Dr. Peredo, M.D., F.A.A.D has compiled some easy ways to take care of your skin in even the most cramped of quarters.

Take care of your skin during flight!
Long Flights in Coach: 
  • Keep your skin hydrated by drinking lots of water. It also helps with fatigue, dizziness and light-headedness. 
  • Bring a travel sized moisturizer for your face and hands to prevent skin from drying, accentuating fine lines, wrinkles and tiredness due to low humidity and cabin pressure.
  • Swipe on a hydrating lip balm. Recirculated air tends to dry out lips. 
  • Take along a travel size illuminating eye cream to camouflage under eye circles, darkness and puffiness.
  • Avoid salty snacks and alcohol which retain water and cause further dehydration. 
  • Try not to wear mascara - the dryness causes the mascara to flake and can irritate your eyes. 
Long Flights in First Class:
  • Same as above, plus:
  • Ask for a cool wet cloth to lie over your face before you moisturize.  Moisturizing while your face is damp will help to lock in hydration.
  • Avoid lowering your seat all the way back.  Fluid may retain in your eyes, causing bags to develop. Instead, sleep with your head elevated on a pillow.
Caring for skin in humid weather:

Unlike the havoc humidity wreaks on our hair, it is great for the skin, delivering tons of hydration. Skip heavy moisturizers and opt for a lightweight lotion. Always keep skin protected in hot, humid weather – be sure to slather on SPF, especially when exposed to the sun.

Caring for skin in cold weather:

Use an exfoliating cleanser to slough off dead skin cells that are created when your skin is dry and brittle. Wear a heavier moisturizer with a sunscreen to protect your skin from cold winds.

About Dr. Marina Peredo

Dr. Peredo, M.D., F.A.A.D, is a nationally recognized board certified dermatologist with over 20 years of experience.  Dr. Peredo has successfully treated patients with skin-related conditions and is also regarded as one of the leading dermatologic experts for non-invasive/minimally invasive cosmetic procedures.  She participates in many key professional organizations, conducts numerous clinical studies, is a national trainer, speaker and educator for prestigious dermatologic companies and does pro-bono work for beyond our borders. 
www.marinaperedomd.com

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Five Steps to Flawless Hair

Ladies, we all know that having a great hair day means we're having a great day! These five tips will help ensure that you have more great hair days!

As women, we are always searching for new and interesting products to give us flawless, luscious locks. While there are certainly treatments and tools that can aide us in unlocking the secret to perfect hair, it’s important to have the basics down. Here, Gocha Hawkins, celebrity hairstylist and owner of Gocha Salon, shares her top five tips for getting the look you want, and keeping hair healthy at the same time.
 
1. Get a Great Hair Cut
As Gocha puts it, “A good cut means that even when hair dries naturally, and despite all of the environmental factors, your hair will always look presentable. However, a lot of women forget that regular trims are needed to maintain the desired style. Professionals recommend trims every 6-8 weeks for a reason; when ends become split, it hinders hair health and creates frizz.”
 
2. Apply Product Prior to Styling
Gocha explains, “Using a humidity blocker like Alterna’s Bamboo Smooth Anti-Humidity Spray ($18) can go a long way to preventing issues due to heat in the warmer months. But it’s also important to use product every time you style in order to create a buffer zone between hair and the extreme heat of your tool of choice, whether it is a blow drier, straightener or curling iron. Watch which product your hairstylist uses prior to blow-drying, and pick it up from your salon.”

3. Use the Right Shampoo & Conditioner for You
“It’s important to know your hair’s texture and to consider whether or not you’ve had color treatments or other recent stresses that can damage your ‘do. Talk to your hairstylist about which products he or she would recommend. In addition, using too much shampoo and conditioner can dull hair; use a drop the size of a quarter. Over-doing it on conditioner and shampoo leaves hair greasy and limp,” says Gocha.
 
4. Make Time to Pamper Your Hair
As Gocha articulates, “If there is one thing I tell all of my customers, it’s to make time to deep condition hair. Check with your hair professional to see which particular treatment is right for you and apply it at least every two weeks, though once a week is best. This goes a long way to keep hair healthy and shiny, as well as strong, preventing breakage and allowing you to experience the best hair day possible. One of my favorite deep conditioners is Aveda’s Damage Ready Intensive Restructuring Treatment ($26); this is great for women who flat-iron their hair often.”

 
5. Be Prepared
“Don’t leave the house without a hair tie or a hair clip if your hair is long. There’s no way to avoid every mishap, and having the option to style differently can be your saving grace on a difficult hair day. The longer your hair, the more likely it is for you to encounter obstacles that damage your look. Another fashion forward option is the headband, which allows you to accessorize in addition to hiding less-than-perfect hair,” explains Gocha.
 
Gocha says, “Having healthy hair is the key to avoiding a bad hair day. Keep in mind that preventative measures are always preferable over damage control. If you treat your hair well, it will reward you with one great hair day after the next!”
 
Images courtesy of EuroManicure.com, HQHair.com, Kronstantinople.blogspot.com, LuxuryParlor.com, and StyleBlueprint.com.
Information courtesy of Gocha Hawkins, www.GochaSalon.com

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Fool Proof Spring/Summer Hair Trends!

Information courtesy of Gocha Hawkins, www.GochaSalon.com.

While some may argue that winter never truly arrived, there is no doubt that for most of us, spring has sprung. With a new season comes new trends, and the world of hair is no exception. From recent red carpet events to runway shows, celebrities and style trendsetters alike are blazing the trail of the most sought-after looks for the warmer months. The question becomes how to make them work for everyday wear. Here are fool-proof versions of hot spring and summer looks from celebrity hairstylist, makeup artist and owner of Gocha Salon, Gocha Hawkins, with emphasis on low-maintenance styling, also known as a woman’s best friend.

Tight Top Knot
The updo is back this spring, and arguably the most popular style of the moment is the upswept top knot. “More than ever, we see people taking more chances with hair. The top knot has been a favorite of celebrities for a long time, and now more women are looking to capitalize on this easy, yet impactful, trend. One thing to remember when doing the top knot is that your hair should be shoulder length or longer; anything shorter, and your style will be much more difficult to achieve. When you add too much product, it can be sticky and unflattering,” says Gocha.

·         Gather hair as if putting up in a high, slicked-back ponytail. If hair is thin and does not have a lot of natural volume, tease gently and pull back, securing with hair elastic.
·         Divide hair into two sections, winding them around one another from the base of the ponytail.
·         Using hairpins, secure hair by pinning the base and then any additional loose hair. The key is to keep most of it contained so the look emphasizes the knot, like Jennifer Lopez’s look at this year’s Academy Awards.
·         Spray with hair spray to keep in place throughout the day or night.

Effortless Waves
While for some of us, beachy hair may be easier to achieve, for those without a natural wave, it takes a little practice to get the right look without overloading on product. As Gocha explains, “One of the biggest mistakes with the beachy-haired look is to utilize products without understanding your hair type. For all hair types, you’ll want to avoid products that are sticky or that make your hair feel hard. Overdoing it on gel or spray can make hair appear stiff, and often, it doesn’t solve the issue of frizz. If your hair is prone to frizzing, use a serum; they are most easily absorbed into hair.”

·         While hair is still wet, apply a volumizing spray; after all, the desired effect is a little bit of a boosted, “heavy-with-saltwater” wavy style that requires some volume. Kate Hudson’s look is the perfect mix between carefree and careful, deliberate face frames.
·         Blow-dry with hands; don’t brush hair while styling.
·         Choose random groups of strands and twist with fingers; particularly those around the face.
·         Finish with hairspray if needed.

High Volume 


With humid months around the corner, it’s helpful to have a few styles in the repertoire that lend themselves well to high volume. As Gocha puts it, “Why fight it when it’s humid outside? It’s a losing battle, unless you want to spend your day doing countless touch-ups, and who has time for that? I usually suggest going for trends that are low-maintenance and work well for women with thicker hair that changes texture in heat. Achieving a bigger look is simple, and contrary to popular belief, does not require a trip to the salon for a professional blowout!”

·         If hair is thin, use a shampoo that specializes in producing volume.
·         Use volumizing spray, and then flip hair until upside down. Blow-drying this way produces natural heft and allows closer access to roots that may need teasing. Like Beyonce, don’t straighten bangs, but blow dry them so that they keep the same texture.
·         If needed, use a three inch curling iron (make sure all hair is dry first!) to add more control to waves.
·         Not big enough? Tease hair at the crown. Then, using a large flat brush, comb out and seal with hairspray.

Short and Chic
There is no time more popular for short hair styles than spring and summer. And with more and more stars embracing the pixie cut, the moment to go short is now. “Not only are short hair styles the most low-maintenance and easiest to style, but they’re also increasing in popularity as more and more celebrities embrace them. It’s important with a short haircut to trust your stylist to give you the right look; this isn’t something that I would suggest trying at home. It takes a certain personality to pull off this trend, but it’s worth it to be on the cutting edge of what is chic,” explains Gocha.

·         With short styles, keep in mind that they look best on women with square, oval or heart-shaped faces and hair with a certain degree of texture. Not curly, but wavy, is the best for short hair, though thin can also work if layered well. Not ready to go for the full pixie? Take a cue from celebrity Sienna Miller and keep hair longer in front.
·         While many women think that a pixie cut is a “one-trick pony,” there are certain cuts that can be very versatile. For example, a short pixie cut can be styled into choppy bangs, a deep side part, spiked up for volume, or tousled.
·         One of the best go-to products for any type of styling for a pixie cut is a wax-based product, which adds volume and also separation for sectioning hair. Use this as an alternative to hairsprays for keeping the style in place.
“Spring and summer are the prime seasons for women to be more confident in changing hair. I always suggest going for whatever look you’re considering, because it is hair, and it grows back! These easy styles are great for women-on-the-go who seek low-maintenance, yet trendy, looks. And isn’t that all of us, after all?” Gocha says.

For more information about Gocha Hawkins and Gocha Salon,  visit www.GochaSalon.com.

Images courtesy of PageDaily.com, HairstyleIdeas.net, WomensBeautyLife.com, and BestHairstyle.us.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Oh My! I don't know what I had been waiting for! I got my nails shellac'd yesterday and it's amazing! It's similar to the gel nail polish in that in lasts for up to two weeks and uses your own nails. No acrylics needed! And it gives the nail strength which is a God-send for me, because I'm so rough with my nails and break them all the time! I am hoping this will help that problem and that I can keep it up to have a nice, manicured hand all the time now.

It's a little more expensive than a regular manicure, but only by about $5. And with the extra time you get between visits to the salon, I definitely think it's worth it. While there aren't TONS of colors to choose from, they have a variety of colors and shades that will appeal to most. For me, red was perfect, though I'm already planning my next trip and the color I will get!

Have you tried this yet? What was your experience?

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Dry Hair Faster!

It's one of my daily rituals that I hate. Drying my hair. It's gotten so so long I was hoping to donate it, but that's another story.

I shrieked with joy when this Goody Quik Style Paddle Brush showed up at the office. Anything that would cut down on drying time is a must-try in my book. So I packed it up and brought it home.

Oh my, am I thrilled! The brush has these little soft sponge like fibers in between the bristles that soak up water and help dry the hair faster. It works. I have definitely cut 5-10 minutes off my dry time. And you don't have to do anything different. No special products for your hair or anything. Just dry as usual using the brush.

Pick one up at Target and try for yourself. You won't be disappointed!

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Best Beauty Tool

Have you tried to get flawless makeup application, only to have lines of demarcation that you were trying to avoid?

Never fear, Beauty Blender is here. With its bright pink color, and odd egg shape, this is one tool you won't want to be without.

Stipple on foundation for smooth, seamless application and cover imperfections easily.

Under eye circles are no match for the Beauty Blender. Just use the smaller end to cover up that delicate eye skin.

Comes with its own bottle of cleanser, so you'll always have a clean tool to work with.

Give it a try. Once you do you'll understand what all the fuss is about

Http://Www.beautyblender.com
 
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