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.... How to maximize your Extension installation

Are you bored with your extensions?
I have the perfect solution, switch up your look without having to get a new installation. I like to call it the 2 for 1.
When I wear extensions I usually get bored after about 6 weeks. I want a different look. I usually cut into it or I'll apply color to it. Normally my change consist of a haircut.
Some people spend a nice amount of money on their extensions and may not want to cut it so color may be the best option if you want to reuse the hair.
I don't normally spend $200-300 per bundle on my hair so I am always doing something new to my hair.
If you are someone who likes to reuse your hair, you can cut the hair when it's time to buy new hair. If you invest in really good hair it can last for 3 installs.
The client below has had her installation for 6 weeks and she decided to go for a big chop. Her natural hair is long and she's never worn short hair in her life so she wanted to try a new look and what better way to achieve a different look then with extensions.
The hair that she used is called 'Genesis' by Bobby Boss.

First install (2 months ago) 

The big chop

"Hairfinity" through my eyes

I'm sure most of you have heard of this new supplement on the market called "Hairfinity".

I heard about this product a few months ago and I decided to wait and see how "real consumers" were taking to this new supplement. I am pretty knowledgeable in trichology (study of the health of hair and scalp), so I know that it takes more than a pill to grow hair.
I know that hair growth is based upon the way you eat and how well you take care of your body. This is in addition to how well you take care of your hair. The fact of the matter is that you can't expect to continuously abuse your hair and expect it to grow overnight. Just think, If you destroyed your hair for 10 years, what makes you think it can be repaired overnight?
Your hair has to be nursed, and that takes time. More often than not people put way too much stress on their natural hair. Between braiding, extensions, color, keratin treatments, blowouts and chemical straighteners, you damage the hair follicle and the shaft.
I'm not saying that everything is damaging to your hair. You can wear protective styles, you just need to be mindful that your hair is getting the natural nutrients that it needs.
As well as realizing that too much of anything isn't good. If you are wearing braids or even ponytails everyday, then your hair will thin over time.
More women are wearing their hair in it's natural state and not putting chemicals in it. I think that is a great way to go, if you you want to see the best results in rapid hair growth.
I have read a lot of the reviews and some people think it's a great product and others have experienced some side effects from using.
Some people have specified that growth has occurred after use. Others have complained about skin breakouts from use.
I have never heard of a vitamin causing skin breakouts before, however there is a first for everything.
As you can see I am not a believer in this product. I think that it has been marketed very well. I also feel as though the celebrity endorsements have given this product an advantage. Many celebrities are endorsing this supplement from the Kardashians, Moncia, Keisha Knight-Pullium, Emily B and more.
All I say is make sure you thoroughly research this product if you are thinking about using it.
If you want to take a vitamin, I recommend Biotin or Pre-natal vitamins.
I also highly recommend eating healthier as well.

Wedding Wednesday.... Versatility

Who doesn't like versatility when it comes to hair?
I know I want to be able to do as much with my hair as possible. Especially when I'm wearing extensions, I want to wear it up, down, to the side, etc. I want as many options as possible. I don't want to put excess amounts of heat on my hair so versatile extensions help give you different ways that you can wear your hair so that you don't damage your natural hair. There are a few options that I recommend. You can either choose, versatile sew-in extensions or micro bead extensions. Both are a healthy ways of achieving the perfect look. Micro bead extensions are more maintenance than sew-in extensions, so it just depends on what is best for you.
I usually recommend micro bead extensions for my brides because you will have more options for the wedding day and then it works out well for the honeymoon as well.

Sew-in versatile extensions-

Before Extensions

After extensions (Indique hair used) -Ponytail 

After-Bun

Wear it to the side 

After-With ceramic curls

Micro-bead Extensions-

First look

Client is natural. Hair is pressed, precision layered cut, and ceramic curled. Extensions are from Indique hair. 

Before 

After extensions are applied, hair can be worn up or down

Beads are barely noticeable

After

Hair is flawless

Second look

Client is relaxed. Hair was relaxed a week prior to micro bead application. Extensions are from Wagmans.

Hair is ceramic straightened, precision layered cut, and ceramic curled

Before

Wedding Wednesday... Heatless hairstyles Kinky/Curly/Thick Hair Edition

No matter what your hair texture you have, you can create heatless hairstyles. You don't have to be a professional in order to use a comb and brush. There is always a low maintenance style that can be achieved. You usually need product to manipulate the desired style in place. One of my favorite products for taming hair is 'Tigi Bedhead wax stick'. 

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod4750117

No matter what hair texture you have, this product can be used. It's miracle worker. Since it is wax I normally like to melt it a bit because it sometimes will leave residue. If you do just rub it on your hair directly then make sure you comb or brush it well. 

Here are a few styles that I feel are easy to achieve if you are having a bad hair day, wanting to keep the heat out, or if you just want a low maintenance style. 

All photos are from Pinterest.

Wedding Wednesday... Oil series...The benefits of Flaxseed oil

I remember when I first heard about flaxseed oil. I had a client that was into the holistic lifestyle and she introduced me to flaxseed oil. She raved about how great it was for the hair as well as your skin. Her name was Ms. Millie; she was such a sweet woman, who was from England. She would tell me how I reminded her of her German childhood best friend Serena. A strange coincidence because my name is Serena and I was born in Frankfurt, Germany.  I digress… Her love of flaxseed oil intrigued me to try it for myself. I went to wholefoods grocery store in search of this flaxseed oil that Ms. Millie spoke so highly of.  I found it in liquid form (cold-pressed) , gel capped, and also as a seed. I didn’t’ know which one to get so I chose the gel-caps. The gel-caps had the oil within them. I know that it’s best to get liquid form in most things because you want it to enter your system rapidly.

Tress tip: Flaxseed oil gelcaps are great in smoothies. Put them in the blender/juicer with your veggies and fruit. I usually add 2 gelcaps, but the more the merrier.:)

Flaxseed oil (which is derived from the same plant as Linseed oil) is often used as a substitute for fish oil because of the high levels of omega 3 fatty acid. As I researched this oil, I was amazed by the benefits that it holds. Not only is Flaxseed oil great for your hair but for your body. It literally nourishes every system in your body from your nervous system to cardiovascular system (and so on). It's been known to aid in curing cancer, obesity, and skin problem (eczema, acne).
It's great for Dandruff. I know alot of my clients suffer from dry scalp. It prevents dry scalp and flakes. Flaxseed acts as a good moisturizer, which keeps hair follicles hydrated and eliminates dryness which in turn stops breakage. Here is a solution ladies and gentlemen. Especially with the winter coming, the air is dry and this becomes a huge problem. Infuse your body with flaxseed oil. For those of you that are health nuts, add a dose to your smoothie, take a flaxseed oil shot, put it in your fave dish. If you want healthy hair it starts with a healthy body.
The omega 3 fatty acids form the base of cell structure which is crucial for cell growth. The fatty acids are a part of hair cells as well, which are extremely beneficial to hair growth. The fatty acid maintains cell structure in the hair which smooths the hair follicles. This assures that hair has a healthy foundation.
The road to healthy hair is a journey. It doesn't happen over night. Healthy hair starts from within. You must realize if you aren't taking care of "you" then everything else is effected.
I want to provide tools to help you take care of not just your hair but also your body. This Wedding Wednesday post is dedicated to people taking care of their mind, body and soul. If you aren't taking care of you, then how do you expect to benefit your significant other?

Wedding Wednesday....The Advantages of Lavender Oil

I'm going to do a series on different oils that are beneficial for promoting healthy hair.
The first oil I'm going to focus on is Lavender oil. Not only is Lavender one of the prime essential oils, it also has awesome benefits for your hair as well as your body.
Lavender oil can be used to reduce stress and anxiety through aroma therapy. It can also be used as an antiseptic and pain reliever (great for bug bites, minor burns).
Ladies, when you are on your honeymoon on that beautiful island, make sure you have your lavender oil just in case you need a pain reliever or antiseptic. The aroma therapy is also great for upper respiratory infections.
Say you just want to inhale the sweet smell of Love, why not vaporize your honeymoon suite with Lavender?.
For the mothers and future mothers it's also been known to treat head lice. However I hope that none of your children would be subjected to them. Just passing information.
Lets dive into the hair benefits. I'm super excited to do this series because of the things that can be done to promote hair growth, can be done by anyone at very little cost. You don't have to be a professional to maintain healthy hair. There are things that you can do at home to produce healthy hair. However I still recommend that you see a professional for cuts, straightening, chemical service, and intense treatments. It's still very important to use good products when you are caring for your hair at home. If you are natural, I recommend sulfate free shampoo/conditioners because it doesn't strip your hair of it's natural oils. For fine to normal hair I recommend body enhancing shampoo/conditioners.
Lavender should Always have a carrier, meaning it has to be mixed with another oil or product. Using it directly can cause scalp irritation. It's too potentate to be used alone.
Lavender has many benefits for the hair. It's great for your scalp in that it keeps it moisturized, it prevents dandruff/dry scalp. Which in turns creates a healthy scalp, where blood is circulating and hair growth can then take place.
In order to have healthy hair, you need blood circulation and a healthy scalp.

*Tress tip:Sometimes when you are sitting on the sofa watching tv, massage your scalp. Scalp massages generate blood flow.

Experts suggest a couple different combination:
Lavender, Clary sage, Cedarwood
Lavender, Jojoba
Lavender, Olive oil

You only need to mix a couple of drops of lavender oil and add 2 ounces of the carrier oil. You can also add the drops into your conditioner and massage it into your scalp.
Whatever combination you decide upon, oil needs to be thoroughly rinsed. Keep in mind these are oils and that oil weighs your hair down and makes it limp. If you are hoping to maintain body after using these concoctions, you won't.
I recommend applying oil before a salon visit (night or 2 before), or if you are maintaining hair at home a couple days prior to a shampoo or co-wash.
The women who are natural, know how hard it is to keep hair moisturized especially if you live in area with cooler climates. It may not be an issue to keep some oil in your hair.
Especially Lavender, it has great benefits for keeping your hair moisturized.

You can order Lavender oil from vitacost. I've done a little research and this particular one has great reviews.
http://www.vitacost.com/vitacost-100-pure-lavender-oil

Credit:
Webmd.com
urbanbushbabes.com

Wedding Wednesday! Eat your way to Healthy Hair

 

Most brides to are trying to eat their way into a smaller dress size for their big day. However, did you know that the foods you eat not only have an effect on your waistline but also on the way your hair grows? As I did research for this post, I learned so much about different foods that have a beneficial effect on hair growth and overall health. Everyone wants healthy hair and in turn healthy hair that is growing. I'm going to share some ways that you can achieve both with changing or incorporating certain foods in your daily diet.
I happen to eat salmon (Wild caught of course, which has more nutrients than farm-raised salmon) on a weekly basis, so imagine how happy I was to find out that it also has essential omega 3 fatty acids in it.  Salmon is also a great source of Protein and Vitamin D. If you aren't a salmon lover, don't worry, there are other fish that are great substitutes. They are herring, sardines, trout, or mackerel.
Cinnamon which is a spice I often use in my oatmeal or on french toast, happens to be rich in antioxidants and stimulates blood circulation.
Sweet Potatoes are a good source of beta carotene. Your body turns beta carotene into vitamin A, which produces oil that sustains your scalp.
Cantaloupe is great for hydration, vitamin C, as well as a source of beta carotene.
If you happen to be a nut lover, Walnuts are the only nut that has a significant amount of omega 3 fatty acids. Walnuts are rich in biotin and vitamin E, which helps to protect cells from DNA damage. Not enough biotin can lead to hair loss. Walnuts have copper in them, which keeps your natural hair color rich and lustrous. Another nut that is great for your hair are pistachios which have high levels of monounsaturated and polysaturated fat which helps nourish hair/scalp.
If your hair is dry and flaky, try eating Oysters which are rich in zinc. Only 3 ounces has 493% of your daily value. You can also eat zinc fortified cereals or whole grain breads.
Eggs is a food that many of us have heard is good for you because of the protein that it stores. What most of us didn't know was that eggs have 4 key minerals in them. They are zinc, sulfur, selenium, and iron. These minerals are important because they help cells carry oxygen to the hair follicle.
Now let's get into the Mean Greens!!! I love my greens!
Spinach keeps hair follicles healthy and scalp oils circulating. Spinach has iron, vitamin C, folate, and beta carotene in it, which is what keeps your follicles healthy. You can also substitute spinach for broccoli, kale, or swiss chard.
I'm not the biggest fan of lentils, but they aren't bad in soups. They are a great source of protein, iron, zinc, and biotin. It's also a staple for vegans and vegetarians. You could also substitute lentils for soybeans, edamame, or kidney beans.
Greek Yogurt is high in hair-friendly protein, Vitamin B-5, Vitamin D, and pantothenic acid (ingredient often found in haircare products).
Blueberries are a great source of vitamin C, which is critical for blood circulation to the scalp. It supports blood vessels that feed your hair follicles.
Other great substitutes for blueberries are kiwi, tomatoes, and strawberries.
Lastly we have something for the carnivores. Meat is also beneficial to hair health.
Poultry has not only protein, but also zinc, iron and B vitamins, which keep hair strands strong and plentiful. For those who aren't aware, your hair is made up of 97% protein and 3% keratin. It's essential to eat foods rich in protein because it gives you the building blocks for your hair.




Source- www.webmd.com
Lisa Drayer. NA, RD, Nutritionist. New York
Cybele Fishman. MD, Dermatologist. New York