Wedding Wednesday....Bridal Hair Tip

In the process of wedding season, I always get asked to do the #1 Bridal hairstyle, the side-swept one...you know which one....

Styled by Me 

Styled by Me

This style is beautiful and universal for any bride. It can be styled a few different ways and it transitions easily. You can wear your hair side-swept for the ceremony and then pin it up for the reception.

I highly recommend a pinup after the ceremony for brides that intend on having a reception involving dancing. It's nothing worse than sweating and having hair sticking to your neck and back. 

You want to have a good time without worrying about hair. 

With this style you can get 2 hairstyles within one. 

After taking pictures and greeting your guess, your curls would have fallen so pinning it up is the best option. 

The Tip is of you're planning to wear this style on your Big Day then make sure you factor in pinning it up for the reception. That's if you are planning to party after dinner. 

If no dancing and drinks are present then this style is perfect for the whole day and night. If you plan to wear this style for the whole day then get wand curls. They last longer than the loose curls. 

My favorite hairspray is by Redken. It's called 'Control Addict 28' . It's amazing. It preserves the style and it's easy to comb out.

Wedding Wednesday...Holiday hair

It's that time of year again.... The Holidays! During this time we are trying to finish up last minute shopping, solidify travel plans, but most importantly trying to become a better self.
So what's the best way of doing this than with a new look. I get more request for color and cuts than any other time of year.
Usually my clients are trying to hold on to their hair but tis the season to whack it all off.
Some clients are wanting a minor change while others are seeking an overhaul.
I for one love this time of year because I get to create masterpieces and not to mention
I get some really cool gifts.
Whether you're looking for a drastic change or a minor one, make sure it's a decision that you can live with as you go into the New Year.
Below are a few transformations.
*To see my work follow me on Instagram. @tressarthair

^ This is not my work, but I loved the cut and style. I may test this style out... in a weave of course.

Wedding Wednesday... Show-Stopping, Sultry Hair!

Last night was the GQ awards took place in London. Kim Kardashian "West" (and Don't you forget that!) stole the show in her body hugging Ralph and Russo couture look, which she paired with Tom Ford heels.
I noticed her hair initially. It was by far the sexiest hairstyle that I've seen her wear. The sultry
side-swept bang with the voluminous soft waves was jaw-dropping. No wonder Kanye couldn't keep his hands to himself. She was a knockout!
I love how her hair didn't take away from her overall look. However it still made a statement.
Hair can make or break a look. That's why it's important to have the right look for your wedding day. You want your husband-to-be, to look at you like "Damn that's my woman, I'm a lucky man". It's kind of the same feeling you get when a man has a fresh haircut and fresh shave. I don't know about you but for me that's enough to stop me in my tracks. I love a well-groomed man, especially a confident one.
For a woman hair shouldn't overpower your face but it should frame it. A subtle amount of volume and body goes a long way. When you are deciding what look is best for you on your wedding day, step out of your box a little and try something different. You just may like it!

Wedding Wednesday...Flower Girl Hairstyles

I woke up today and thought to myself, I've never done a post on kids wedding styles. Today is the day. It can be difficult to decide on styles for little girls because kids are active and there are concerns with practicality. 

It seems that for special occasions kids always have a way of ruining the style before they even get to the special event. 

I recommend buns for girls only because it's practical and if they sweat out their hair then it's still tamed.  When you deal with kids, it's only natural to want to give them curls and straighten their hair, but you don't want to waste money on something that's only going to last for the day, if even that long. Texture also has alot to do with what style you choose. I personally feel that a bun works for any texture of hair from fine-coarse. If the hair is fine, you make need to altar the bun (It may need teasing to give it more volume, and fill in the gaps). 

 Sometimes little girls wear braided hairstyles. A bun can still be achieved with certain braided styles as well. 

If you are seeking to soften your little girls curl pattern, a relaxer or keratin is not the answer. I don't believe in applying chemical straighteners to kids hair but I do believe in a pressing comb, blow dryer, or flat iron.

 If the texture of the hair is curly but on the fine side, all you need is a good blow dryer and maybe a flat-iron. A heat protectant is recommended as well. I like Paul Mitchell "super skinny" and also Kerastase' "elixir ultime". For edge control try Tigi Bedhead's wax stick. It's a miracle worker. 

Wedding Wednesday... A Barn-Style Wedding

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of styling hair for a beautiful bride named Alix. After months of trial appointments, she decided to wear a classic and sleek bun. We went through 6 variations of bun styles and decided on a simple look.
Her wedding dress had alot of detail and she didn't want her hair to be a distraction.
Again this is why trial appointments are extremely important. It really takes the stress away, at least when it comes to hair. That day is already emotionally draining, you want to have as many things in place as possible.
Something else that's really important is, when you seek out vendors, make sure you get people who are professional and accommodating to your needs. Everyone is not going to be as nice as you would like, everyone isn't going to go above and beyond to make sure that your needs are met. This is when having great vendors really matter. It makes all the difference in making sure things go smoothly on your wedding day.
I'm pretty patient and I make sure that I do my best to accommodate my clients. It's not always easy but it's worth it. You don't let anyone disrespect you however  you want to make people comfortable.

Alix had a barn-style wedding, which had a rustic feel. Her guest ate BBQ and had the opportunity to take-in beautiful country views.
Congratulations to the Mr. and Mrs.!

Below are the looks from the Wedding Day. Styled by Me

By Serena J.

Partial Sew-in Extensions (U-shape leave out)

Haircut, Natural hair (no relaxed) Pressed,
Color previously done by Me

Natural Hair Pressed, Soft Up-do

Wedding Wednesday.... Does length matter?

All Styles done by Serena 

I was on Facebook yesterday and my friend Yodit (Favored by Yodit Events) raised the question "Does size really matter" referring to wedding rings.
So the inspiration for this post was from her post.
I started thinking about hair and how fixated people are with length.
I've personally had a woman tell me that she didn't feel pretty without her extensions. I've had women tell me they felt bald, unattractive and out of place without extensions.
It's really sad that society puts pressure on people to be something they aren't.  I know women that are very comfortable in their skin. They happen to love their natural hair, flaws and all.
 I love extension but I also wear my natural hair. Is it perfect? No, as sometimes I feel that my hair is thin.  I wear clip-in extensions as well as partial sew-in extensions. Sew in extension when done properly can be a protective style. It's good to give your natural hair a break from chemical, environmental and heat damage. I feel as though hair extensions are an accessory not a substitution for damaged hair.
I do whatever I can to make sure that my natural hair stays healthy. I never want to be in a position as to where I have to wear extensions because my hair is damaged.
Of course, when I take the hair out I feel like I have no hair because I had 2 bundles of hair extensions sewn in (usually down my back, ha!). It's all mental.
It's so bad that the girls that have naturally long hair, are accused of having extensions. If your hair is thick and has body people think it's a wig.
 If you are African American and you have long hair, people assume you must be mixed with something else. Technically we are all mixed with something, but that's another topic.
I know most of you know a girl that decided she was going to go for the BC (Big Chop) and after cutting it short went and put extensions in it.
So I raise the question, Does length matter?

Golden Globes 2014... Best Hair

I compiled my favorite hairstyles from the Golden Globes. Let me just say it wasn't the best year for hair. I feel that the majority went with understated hairstyles. I don't think that was a bad thing, just unexpected. I predicted sleek ponytails, big soft curls and soft waves. The looks that I predicted were minimal on the red carpet.
I could appreciate understated hair if the dress is making the statement but....that wasn't the case. I was able to sift through and pick my Top 11 (Random right?! I couldn't decide so...11 it is! ha!) favorite hairstyles.

Lupita Nyong'o

Camila Alves

Amber Heard

Taylor Swift

Emma Roberts

Cate Blanchett

Monica Potter

Margot Robbie

Maria Menounos

Louise Roe

Tina fey