How Often Should I Wash My Hair?

I get asked this a lot.  There are many different opinions on this.  Some stylist will recommend that you go as long as you possibly can between shampoos.  Some people will go a week or more without washing their hair.  To most of us this seems crazy.  How on earth can one go that long without their hair looking greasy?

 Well, here is how...

Your scalp produces oil constantly.  The good for you kind that moisturizes and protects your hair and the dirty, stinky kind.   Shampoo doesn't know the difference and strips away both kinds.  Every time you shampoo your scalp, your oil glands work in overdrive to replenish the good oil that has been stripped away.  Your scalp gets used to being shampooed everyday so it is used to producing a generous amount of oil regularly.  So when you skip a day shampooing, since your oil glands are so active, they produce what they are used to producing resulting in oily hair.

So how do you fix this?  It is't a quick fix.  It takes time to train your scalp and oil glands to not produce as much oil.  But if you endure the process, eventually you will be able to go longer between shampoos.

Why should I not shampoo my hair as often you ask?  Well, even the most gentle shampoo can be very abrasive to your hair.  As stated earlier. the chemicals in shampoo strip your hair of all natural moisture- drying the hair out.  Shampooing too often can also strip your hair color over time.  So by going longer stretches in between shampooing, you will notice that your hair is shinier and less dry and also a bit healthier and your color will last longer too.

Here are a couple things you can do with your hair on the "non-shampoo" days.  Keep in mind that it is totally cool to rinse your hair and even condition the ends on the off days.

1. Use a dry shampoo.  Here is a blog post listing my faves.  Dry shampoo is great to spray on your roots to absorb any unwanted oil.

2.  Wear your hair up to conceal any unwanted shine.

3.  Wear a stylish hat.

I usually go the first day by blow drying it out nice.  The second day I will curl it loosely with my iron and use some dry shampoo if needed.  On the third day (if I go a third day), I may touch it up with the curling iron or wear it up in little updo or wear a hat.

Hopefully this helps.  Keep in mind that it's okay to do what you have to do in regards to shampooing your hair.  For instance if you work out every day or if you are outside a lot and work up a sweat often.  It's okay to wash your hair if you need to.  Just keep in mind that giving your hair a break from time to time is good too.

Ashley's Wedding

So this past weekend I got to do my sweet friend Ashley's hair. The wedding took place in Orlando, Florida. It was beautiful! It was a joy to see some old friends and to have a small part in such a special event in Ashley's life!

How to Fix and Prevent "Chlorine Green" Hair

It's pool time again!  Many of you know exactly what I mean when I say '"chlorine green".  Typically this happens with younger girls with lighter hair.  It's when the hair turns a dull greenish hue due to extended times swimming in a chlorinated pool.  Well, this can be fixed!  It can be prevented to.  And even if you don't have blonde hair, these prevention methods are really great for anyone who swims a lot and would like to protect their hair from that yucky chlorine build-up.

How to fix it:  So your little mermaid has green hair from the pool.  Here's what ya do.  Shampoo hair like normal and while the shampoo is lathered up, pour about a tablespoon of baking soda in your palm and add it to the lather.  Work it in through out really well.  Rinse and condition.  It may take a couple treatments of the baking soda to get it all out depending on how much build up there is.  BTW- This is also a great treatment to do if you have serious product build-up in your hair, like after having an up do where there are layers and layers of hairspray.

How to prevent it:  The best thing you can do to protect your hair is to wet it really really good with tap water before getting in the pool.  When your hair is saturated with the clean water, it won't absorb all the chlorine in the pool.  Another thing that you could do would be to wet it and add just a little conditioner through it.  Don't rinse it out.  The conditioner will be a barrier.  You could even keep a spray bottle on you with watered down conditioner to periodically spray in your little one's hair.  This is a good idea especially if you're planning a day at a water park or something of that sort. Think of the watered down conditioner as lotion for your hair.  It's really good for anyone being out in the sun.  There are even conditioners out there with spf to help prevent color fading.

Stay tuned for more summer hair tips!


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1920's Inspired "Faux Bob"

I actually made this video a while ago.  I wasn't sure if I was going to post it or not.  But since to craze of "The Great Gatsby" in theaters (which I have yet to see), I thought it would be fun to post this inadvertently "gatsby" or 1920s inspired do.  It's a fun, easy look.  It's also fun to let your friends think you chopped your hair off. :)

My Favorite Products for Volume

Keep in mind that products alone will not magically make your fine, thin hair suddenly thick and full and luxurious.  The truth is, these products are only aids to be combined with the right styling technique.  Same thing with smoothing/anti-frizz products.  They help.  But using the products alone will not automatically make your hair suddenly straight and sleek.  You need to use styling tools and sometimes a little effort...I know :(

So for volume if you are willing to put in the work to blow dry your hair and use a round brush, these products can really help assist you in your volumizing quest.  If you would like, I can post a video of how to blow dry your hair for volume.  Please send me some feedback if you'd like that.

1.  Thicken Up, by Paul Mitchell

-This is a great serum that you apply to damp hair before you style to add a little thickness and grit.  This is great if you ultra fine hair and just want to add a touch of volume or thickness.  You can layer it with a mousse if you'd like.

2. Extra Body Sculpting Foam, by Paul Mitchell

- A good over all mousse to be applied wet before you style.  Gives flexible hold and lift throughout hair.

3. Sea Salt Texturizing Spray, by Aquage

- This product is great to put in your hair before you style or even if you want to leave it and let it air dry.  It adds serious volume if you use it to blow dry but if not, it adds that beachy grit, especially if you have wavy hair.

4. Your Highness Root Boost Spray, by Tigi Catwalk

- Okay, so if you're so if your wanting serious lift and volume, apply this to your scalp liberally before you blow dry.  It gives mega grit and lift.

5. Powder Play, by Big Sexy Hair

- This product is so cool! It is one that you actually use after you style.  Works really well with teasing. You can watch a teasing tutorial here if you'd like.  You literally sprinkle some of this powder right at the root where you want the must volume, and it actually does magically give your hair serious volume!  I use it a lot for up-dos and weddings.

6. A really good hair spray.

How to Keep That Color From Fading

Here are a few tips on how to keep that beautiful color from fading.  Whether brown, red, or black, these tips can help your rich color last longer.  Now, I can't do anything about your roots from here...I actually had a client complain to me once about how quickly she saw here new growth come in at the scalp as if it was my job to keep here hair from growing out...Also, this doesn't necessarily pertain to blondes (although all of these steps are good to promoting healthy hair for anyone). Keep in mind, blonde hair doesn't "fade". Blonde is actually the absence of color.  Now, if you have lightened hair. and have had a toner or corrective glaze applied to adapt your shade of blonde, then follow these steps as well to help make that shade last longer.

1.  Shampoo with cool to tepid water.

Hot water actually opens up the fish like scales on the strands of hair, giving those color molecules a chance to escape and run down the drain. Cold water actually seals the cuticle down.

2. Try to shampoo your hair less often.  

You may have to get creative here.  Think carefully about how you want to style your hair and when.  For instance, I wear my hair straight or curled on the first day after shampooing, and on the second day, I'll throw it into an up-do or something.  Also, make good use of dry shampoo which you can learn more about here. Use your own discretion as to how long to go between washes.  Not only will it help preserve your color, it is just good for your hair and scalp in general.  Even moisturizing, gentle, "sulfate-free" shampoos can tend to be abrasive and harsh to the hair and scalp.

3.  Stay clear from any shampoo that has the words "clarifying" or "purifying".

These shampoos are particularly abrasive.  Designed to strip away oil and grease.  But the also strip your hair of the natural "good" oils.  And wash away your beautiful color. Try to use one that specifically says "for color treated hair".  Moisturizing shampoos and conditioners are generally color safe, as well.

4. Wear a hat whenever you're out in the sun.

The sun can lighten your hair and dry it out, too.

5.  Consider a tinted conditioner.

There are several professional product lines that carry conditioners with subtle pigment to help preserve your color.  Ask your stylist about this.

Hope these help!

McKenna's Wedding

A couple weeks ago I had the honor of doing the hair for sweet Mckenna's wedding.  McKenna and her now husband, Matt, are true testimonies of what happens when you hold out for God's best.  True examples of purity!  They wanted to honor God by sharing their first kiss on their wedding day.  The day was definitely special.  Such a peace and a real sense of the presence of God throughout the whole day.  Ladies and gentlemen- that is how it should be when God is in it.

Here are just a few pics of some of the hair, courtesy of Mindy Kerr Photography.  There will be more pics to come!

The Dirt on Dry Shampoo

What is it?

Dry shampoo is a powder like substance that you put into dirty hair to absorb the unwanted oil (aka "grease").  It's nothing new.  Dry shampoos have been around for quite some time.  They were more often used to help ladies who were ill or elderly and unable to wash there hair in a sink.  It's basically doctored up cornstarch.  In fact, you can use straight-up cornstarch in your hair if you'd like to absorb any unwanted shine.  Baby powder works, too.  The thing is with these, is that it can get messy.  If you have darker hair, it can leave a chalky, whitish residue that you'll have to brush out really well.

Now days, the new thing is the dry shampoo in the aerosol form.  This is wonderful because now the product can be distributed evenly without a mess.  I love this product for those second or third days after washing when I want to freshen my hair up.  I spray it right where there is  any greasy shine, and it goes away instantly!  It is also a great product to put in your hair even when it is clean to add in texture and volume. There are many brands out there now jumping on the bandwagon, coming out with their on version of the product.  I have a couple favorites, even though I have not tried all that are out there.  Some work, but smell weird.  Some aren't strong enough and feel like I'm just spraying air in my hair with no effect.  Here is my all time favorite.  It works great and smells great, too.


Dirty Secret from!  "Rockaholic" line.

Runner up...

KMS Hairplay Makeover spray.

This one is a little lighter...not quite as potent as the first one, but still good.
Give dry shampoo a try!
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Mastering the Curling Wand

Here ya go!  My take on the curling wand.  It's a little lengthy, but I wanted to give you as much info as I could.  Hope it helps!

Curling Iron 101

I thought I'd create a little visual to show the results of different sized curling irons.  With each look, I held the iron vertically.  Soon I'll make a video tutorial so you can see exactly how I use each iron.  Until then, hopefully this helps!

Glamah Shots with Mindy Kerr Photography!

My sister, Mindy, is an amazing photographer!  Last weekend I had the opportunity to join her for a photo shoot to do some hair!  I think it came out purty. My sister does photo shoot packages that include professional hair and makeup. If you live in the central Florida area, check her out here!

Look at this beautiful head of hair!

What Should You Tip Your Stylist?

This is a question that will forever be debated...10%? 15%? 20%?

Let me share my thoughts as a stylist who is not currently working in a salon.  I am not writing to boost my tip income.  I'm writing to help explain a stylist's perspective on behalf of all beauty professionals out there. So here we go.  Ultimately, what you tip your stylist is up to you as the client.  You are not legally bound to pay it. I always considered tips from a client were like a special gift that I always appreciated, whether great or small.  But, with that said, your stylist works very hard.  Long hours on his/her feet.  Sometimes going all day without a chance to eat or use the restroom.  Kind of like a server at a restaurant.  Also, if your stylist is an independent contractor, or booth renter, there is a great deal of overhead.  Private health insurance, cost of hair color and product, rent, assistant fees, and many other business expenses. Your stylist will only pocket a percentage of what you are charged for the service. So keep that in mind when you leave your tip.

What's common etiquette to tip your stylist is 15-20%.  If your stylist uses a shampoo assistant, it's customary to leave a dollar or two for him or her.

I was asked if the tip should be more or less depending on the level of detail and difficulty of the service. A light trim as opposed to a total new look. Well, in my humble opinion, that is up to you as the client.  But bear in mind that you're not only paying for the service itself-  you are also paying for the level of trust and confidence in your stylist to do what you want them to do, whether that be a baby trim or an asymmetric bob. That is worth something.  And whether you're getting a little cut off or a lot, the same amount of time is allotted for each service.  A good stylist would (should) put forth the same professionalism,  effort, and skill set in either situation.  Now, if you want to leave a little extra for your stylist for their extra time or input, then by all means!  I just look at it as being a blessing to that stylist.

Teasing Tips

Here is a tutorial on how I like to tease my hair.  I hope this helps you on all your teasing endeavors. Enjoy!  And pardon my awkwardness...

Low and to the side loopy do

Here is a new video of a style I wear often.  It's pretty easy, but could take a little practice.  Best when done when hair already has some curl to it.  I often do this when I have "second day" hair and don't feel like washing it. :) I hope this video helps you get those creative juices flowing when putting your hair up.  Have fun with it!

How to Communicate with Your Stylist

We've all had our bad experiences at the salon.  Maybe you tried to explain what you wanted but felt like you're stylist just wasn't getting what you were trying to say. I have found that the main reason for disappointment after a salon appointment is poor communication.  It could be the stylist's lack of understanding and ability to ask the right questions. It could be the client's inability to articulate what they have in mind for their hair.  But, bottom line, it's poor communication.  And there are times when you just simply need to find a new stylist.  Communication is key.  I can admit to times where I have missed the mark with a client's happiness simply because I didn't listen carefully.  Lessons learned.  So through my experience I have had to develop my listening and communication skills.  But I thought I might share a stylist's perspective on how to help a client tell the stylist what they want.

1. Schedule a consultation

    When wanting to do something different with your hair, whether cut or color, or when your starting out for the first time with a new stylist, ask the stylist for a few extra minutes to consult when booking your appointment.  You may even want to book a consultation by itself.  Most stylist will not charge for this (I never did). This will give you an opportunity to feel out your stylist (if it is your first time), while also ensuring plenty of time to make sure the two of you are on the same page.  A separate consultation will also provide the stylist with a little extra time and preparation when you schedule your appointment for a change.  I highly recommend doing this even with your regular stylist when you are wanting to do a dramatic change with your color.  This also allows the stylist to know how to book your color service properly.


2. PICTURES

    I always LOVED when a client brought in pictures of what they were wanting.  You see, when you use words to describe cuts and colors to your stylist, your stylist could interpret those words totally different.  Here's an example..."long layers"...do you mean layers that are long? Or do you mean long hair with lots of layers?  Another, to a stylist, a "reddish brown" could be flaming red to the eyes of the client or vice verse.  Lingo means something a little different to everyone, so pictures help show the stylist what you are desiring.


3. Realistic expectations

    Now when you show your stylist the picture of Catherine Zeta Jones or Jennifer Aniston, please know that these celebrities have stylist following them around constantly making sure ever hair is placed perfectly.  Also, keep in mind the hair type of the person in the picture may not be the same hair type as you.  Hopefully your stylist will be honest with you in how he or she can deliver what you are wanting.  And sometimes certain desired looks may take a series of salon visits to achieve.


I encourage you to not give up on your stylist.  Be willing to give them second chances.  But, if you have tried to communicate properly, have had realistic expectations and still left the salon disappointed, then perhaps it's time to move on.  It doesn't mean that stylist is a bad one, just maybe not the one for you.  

Best Hairsprays

In the world of professional hair care products the options are endless.  Choosing the product for your hair can be overwhelming at times because of the amount of choices!  I have tried so many products in so many different product lines and I have formed my favorites.  What I like may not be what you like so I encourage yo to try out different stuff and form your own opinion.  With that said though, I thought I might share some of my favorites in the hairspray family.  Here is my professional opinion on the performance on not only my own hair, but on my diverse clientele as well.

In no particular order...

1. Kenra Design Spray 9

    This is a very light hold, soft spray that to me is great for spraying on before doing any curling iron work or flat ironing.  It gives the hair just a little bit of control to help you style.  It's what we in the biz refer to as a "working spray". Smells AMAZING too.  I also use this when working with little girl's hair because of how light it is.  Great for fine hair.

2. Paul Mitchell Extra Body Firm Finishing Spray

    Though the label says firm, I found this to be more of a medium hold.  Another great working spray.  Great for using when curling, up-styling, etc.  A great overall spray.

3. Bed Head Masterpiece

   

    Medium to firm hold.  What makes this spray special is that it adds a great shine/sheen to the hair.  I use this a lot as a finishing spray (a spray to use when you are completely finished styling) for up-dos. 

4. Sebastian Re-Shaper

    All around great spray.  Says a firm hold, but again I find it to be more of a medium hold.  I use this as a finishing spray after flat ironing or blow drying.  This spray is soft enough, though to be a working spray when using a curling iron.

5. Paul Mitchell Freeze and Shine

    A hair styling classic.  This is a pump spray with a very firm hold.  Use it for finishing only because it may flake up a bit if you try to work with it.  This is great for shorter textured cuts.  It's nice for some natural curly styles.

6. Big Sexy Hair Spray and Play Harder

    Now this is a firm hold spray.  If you do not want your hair to move at all, this is the one for you.

7. Kenra Design Spray 25

    I saved the best for last!  This is my all-time absolute favorite hairspray.  It's a firm hold without building up. It dries fast. Holds wonderfully. Never flakes. Brushes out if you need it to.  I love this as a finishing spray for volume and hold with out a plastered down look.

HAIR COLOR: When to see a professional...

Though I am a professional hairstylist who has made a good living on coloring hair, I am am not so snobbish to criticize or dress down a client who has resorted to drugstore box color when times are tough. I understand that getting your hair colored by a professional is a luxury and when the finances are tough a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do when it's time to cover those roots.  But with that said, there are a few instances where I would urge you emphatically to PLEASE SEE A PROFESSIONAL.  Here goes...

~When going lighter~

In the world of hair color there are laws- laws that cannot be broken. Scientific laws actually.  One law- a colorist rule of thumb, is color doesn't lighten colored hair.  If you went to walmart and got a box of color and dyed your hair chessnut brown and then two weeks later decide that you want to be sandy blonde.  SEE A PROFESSIONAL.  The lighter color will do nothing to what has already been colored, while at the same time lightening the new hair growth at the base (root).  Maybe you've experienced this??  So unfortunately, the only thing that can lighten color treated hair is the B word...bleach.  In the hands of a trained professional, this is nothing to fear.  We actually don't like to call it bleach to clients because we know it can sound scary.  We call it "lightener". And professional hair coloring products are so much more gentle and conditioning than others.  A colorist will know how to gently lighten your hair and then tone it to the desired shade of your choice.  A colorist will also be able to assess the condition of your hair and know what your hair can handle. A box can't do that.

~When wanting highlights or dimensional color~

This shouldn't need an explanation. You can pull your hair through a cap. Painful. Messy.  You could comb color through your hair. Risky. Stupid. Messy. 

~When going dramatically darker~

Again, there are laws in the hair color world.  Rules that a box just doesn't understand.  If you have blonde hair and you are wanting to go significantly darker. SEE A PROFESSIONAL.  There is a lot of hair dresser talk I could go into, but I won't go into at this time. Just know if you want rich, vibrant, deep color. Go to a colorist.  Other wise you could end up with flat, ashy "bronde".  Trust.  

Top 5 Products for Blondes

Top Five Products for Blondes

I'm a blonde. Always have been. Always will be.  I like playing around with different shades, but I have decided that blonde is me.  It took some experimenting in beauty school for me to accept it. I had a fellow student turn my hair green in an attempt to be blonder.  In the correction process I was left with dirty, ashy, dish water blonde hair.  Sometime later (after my blonde-ness was restored) I decided it was time for a change- a break up may have had something to do with it. Side note- don't ever make any dramatic changes to your hair post any type of emotional/hormonal trauma.  Just a word to the wise.  Anyway, I went a golden brown. It was a pretty color, just not me. All this to say, I like my blonde hair.

So throughout my years as a blondie and my years as a professional stylist I have compiled a list of some of my favorite products that are great for those with blonde hair.

1.  Blonde Glam color enhancing conditioner in Perfect Platinum, by Redken
      This conditioner is great if you are trying to brighten your hair up a bit.  There are many products out there with a slight violet tint to aid in canceling out yellow tones in the hair.  This one though, adds a very nice condition and moisture.  A great treatment post highlight job.  Smells great, too.

2. It's a 10 Miracle Leave in Treatment for Blondes
    Spray this stuff in your damp hair and style.  It's a great detangler and adds just a little bit of extra condition and protection.  The original It's a 10 leave in is great, too.  This one just has a little bit of a violet tone to help with the dreaded yellowing.

3. Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum
   This is a great smoothing serum for anyone, but what makes it great for blondes is how light it is since a pretty good percentage of blondes have finer hair.  Apply it to wet hair and actually helps speed up your drying time.  Apply it to dry, styled hair and it helps to smooth fly-aways without adding any weight.

4. Dirty Secret dry shampoo by Bed Head
     I LOVE this product. I have tried many other brands of similar products but this is by far the best.  It does the job, leaves no residue, and has a light citrus scent.  If you are experiencing a little unwanted "shine" or greasy-ness in your hair, this is the product for you.  We all have used baby powder or corn starch to absorb the oil, which is great in a pinch, but this is an aerosol so it sprays on finely and evenly. Love it!

5. Quick Tease by Redken

    Okay, this product is so cool.  Again, not just for blondes exclusively, but since a lot of blondes I know struggle with flat hair, this product is an awesome volumizer.  It is a finishing spray that adds some grit to your hair to aid in volume.  I like to blowdry my hair smooth and then take some sections in the crown and spray this at the base (roots) underneath.  It gives that extra umpf that we all love.