A Friendly Rebuttal: Lie #3 explained

Today's topic is a little more controversial. We continue our series with the discussion about hair texture and layers as addressed in the refinery29.com article, "10 Lies Your Hairstylist Tells You". Let's face it, all things in life, especially art, fashion, and beauty are subjective. As they say "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" and therefore this topic is anything but cut and dry (pun intended). 

Lie #3: Layers Make Hair Look Thicker

Who among us doesn't daydream about one day obtaining that perfectly beautiful Victoria's Secret hair? What do we love most about it? I'd venture to say the volume has a lot to do with our love for the look. The hair is full and thick with just the right amount of volume and texture. The soft waves give us just enough texture to help us feel "made-up" but not enough to make us feel "over-done". It's elegant and fun making it the perfect hairstyle for any occasion. And no one appreciates this style more than someone who feels they cannot obtain it for themselves.

The following is an excerpt from the rebutted article, "10 Lies Your Hairstylist Tells You", that I actually agree with and find helpful:

According to Croft, when done correctly (correctly being the operative word), layers can add the illusion of more volume by creating space between each hair. "No layers on super-fine hair pulls everything down to the same line, drawing attention to the thinness and flattening the top," says Croft.  

I agree with Croft in this instance but would like to add too many layers can make the perimeter, or the ends, of the hair look sparse and stringy. When a guest of mine, whether they have full-thick hair or fine-thin hair, complains about volume, I recommend internal layering. Don't worry, I won't bore you with the details and technical mumbo-jumbo...I could geek out on techniques all day but I'll spare you for now. What you should know however is that internal layering can help add the illusion of more volume by creating space between each hair as Croft suggests. A clean, blunt perimeter can also give the illusion of fullness to fine hair. My secret weapon: pair a blunt perimeter with internal layers to help boost volume and fullness for any hair type.

Knowing your hair type, texture, and density can help you determine the best and most flattering style. This is where it's super helpful to have a stylist you can trust and really respect their opinion. Build a strong foundation with a properly executed haircut and you're well on your way to obtaining Victoria's Secret perfection!

Check out this youtube video from Beauty by Cassie for a great tutorial on how to get Victoria's Secret hair in just 5 minutes.

Have questions? Don't hesitate to ask! Never be afraid to educate yourself. After all, knowledge is power and that my friends is a beautiful truth.

be YOU. be BEAUTIFUL.

A Friendly Rebuttal: Lie #2 explained

I continue today with my rebuttal to an article on refinery29.com, titled "10 Lies Your Hairstylist Tells You". Today's topic: Trimming your hair. Whether you've jumped aboard the pixie train or are in the process of growing your hair down to your waist, today's topic is a must read. So let's get this party started!

Lie #2: You Must Trim Every Six Weeks

I know how absurd this sounds and like most of you, I too have wondered if getting my hair trimmed this frequently is actually necessary or just a ploy to steal my hard earned money. So, what's the answer? As annoying as this is, the straight answer: it depends.

I know I know, that doesn't really clear things up, does it? The truth is, there is no "one-size fits all" answer to how often you should be getting your hair trimmed. There are several factors that need to be taken into consideration. Factors such as hair health, texture, styling desires and goals, and length just to name a few. Discuss these factors with your stylist for a better idea on how often you really need to get a trim.

In the meantime, here are a couple popular styles explained to help give you a better idea as to why your stylist may be suggesting frequent trims.

Julianne Hough

You don't have to look very far to see a celebrity who took the plunge and decided it was time to rock the pixie. Short styles can be freeing and so empowering! Daily styling is rather low maintenance and usually takes less time than longer looks but don't let that fool you into thinking the style itself is low maintenance. Short hair should be trimmed more frequently; my professional opinion, 4-6 weeks. With short hair it is important to maintain the shape. Once the hair begins to grow out, the cut begins to lose shape making it more difficult to style. Frequent trims helps keep the overall shape of the cut eliminating the "why won't my hair do what I want it to!" frustration.

Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian definitely has envy-worthy hair. Blonde or brunette, love her or hate her, you can't deny the woman has gorgeous locks. A long style like her's can stay away from the salon a little longer; my professional opinion, 6-8 weeks is recommended. Of course you must take into consideration the health of the hair, whether it's prone to split ends, and the desired long-hair-style. Like short styles, long hair with layers styles best and (let's be honest) looks best when the style (aka shape) is maintained. However, unlike short hair, long layers can extend their vacation from the salon a little longer because the growth is not as noticeable. 

Bottom line, ask your stylist why they recommend the time-frame they've given you. It's good to be informed and honestly, you know your hair better than any one. If you disagree with your stylist's recommendation discuss potential alternatives. For instance, if you heat-style using a thermal protection spray or lotion can help keep hair healthier which can help extend the life of your cut. Keep an open dialogue with your stylist about anything they do/say that you question or don't understand. Again, trusting your stylist is essential. Asking questions and understanding their methods can help build trust and confidence in one another. 

Have questions? Don't hesitate to ask! Never be afraid to educate yourself. After all, knowledge is power and that is a beautiful truth.

be YOU. be BEAUTIFUL.

A Friendly Rebuttal: Lie #1 explained

Knowledge is power and knowing the facts, regardless of the subject, is essential. I recently came across an article on refinery29.com, titled "10 Lies Your Hairstylist Tells You". I usually find great joy in reading articles from refinery29.com but after reading this particular article, I respectfully disagree with just about everything written. There is a lot of misinformation in this short article that I felt the need to expose and correct. For fear of information-overload I will be writing a series of posts to clear up these misconceptions. Prepare to feel powerful my friends!

Lie #1: Drugstore Products are the Devil
I spoke in great detail about the difference between professional and drugstore products in my last post. Therefore, I will not bore you with the same old information; however, I will reiterate that there truly is a difference. I will also say that from the bottom of my heart and with full confidence I strongly believe the majority of hairstylists are not trying to nickel and dime our beloved guests! Check out "Get the most BANG for your BUCK" for my full opinion on the matter.

I would also like to expand on the following excerpt from the article:

The most important thing, according to NYC hairstylist Nora Croft, is knowing your ingredients, and actually reading the label. "Even more expensive products will list their 'star ingredient' (such as argan oil), as the sixth ingredient, following a bunch of un-pronounceable [ones]." Just because a product is expensive doesn't necessarily mean it's going to work better for your hair.

I FULLY agree with stylist Nora Croft when she says it's important to know the ingredients; however, I believe the most important aspect of any shampoo or conditioner is the pH. Ingredients are important, yes, but if the chemistry is wrong it won't matter how incredible the ingredients are.

Know your hair type and know the ingredients that will work best for you. Ask your stylist for recommendations and never be afraid to ask why they recommend one product over another for your particular hair type.

Most importantly, trust your stylist and believe they have your best interests at heart. If you don't, it may be time to find a new stylist!

Have questions? Don't hesitate to ask! Never be afraid to educate yourself. After all, knowledge is power and that is a beautiful truth.

be YOU. be BEAUTIFUL.

Get the most BANG for your BUCK

When it comes to purchasing haircare products, the saying "you get what you pay for" comes to mind. Like many of you, I do not budget for my shampoo and conditioner needs and even though you may feel it necessary when purchasing from a salon, here are a few tips and tricks that helped me realize I was actually saving money by purchasing professional quality products from a salon.

Did you know when you purchase professional product from a salon or certified retailer, it comes with 100% satisfaction guarantee?? Any professional who truly believes in the quality of their product will stand behind it and make sure you are 100% satisfied or your money back.

Don't let the price of professional products from a salon intimidate you. It's true, the average salon shampoo sells for around $25; whereas, shampoo from a supermarket, on average, sell for only $12. I know this seems like a no-brainer but don't be fooled! Professional products tend to cost more at face value because the ingredients and chemistry used to create these products tend to be of higher quality.

Even though you may see professional named products on the supermarket shelf, this doesn't always mean you're getting what you pay for. Many times these products are victims of diversion and, sadly, sometimes certain product lines will sell their bottles to supermarkets giving them license to fill as they see fit. There is NO quality assurance when purchasing from the supermarket shelves.

In all honesty, professional products can save you money when purchased from a salon or certified retailer. How could this be? Remember that part about "NO quality assurance" when purchasing from a supermarket? Well, most products purchased from the supermarket are watered-down and diluted. Why would this be? By diluting the products you're forced to use more at each use therefore running out faster which then contributes to purchasing the product more often. Also, because the ingredients and chemistry are not professional grade, you are forced to wash your hair more frequently to keep it clean. Again, using more product and running out more frequently.

Most professional products are more concentrated with higher quality ingredients allowing you to use less and shampoo less frequently because the hair tends to stay cleaner longer. However, because professional products are more concentrated and now, most do not contain sulfates (the lathering agent), it's important to use the products properly to really get the most bang for your buck.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• When using professional products, less is more because of the higher concentration.

• Professional products tend to only lather when the hair is clean. If you do not get the lather you like, add water before adding more product. If you still are not satisfied, leave the shampoo on your scalp for 2 minutes, rinse out completely, and repeat. Once the hair is clean you will get a better lather.   

• When shampooing, place a quarter-sized amount in the palm of your hand and emulsify. Apply to the scalp. Massage your scalp well then work the shampoo down the rest of the hair shaft.With shampooing, your main focus is cleansing the scalp!

• When conditioning, place a quarter-sized amount in the palm of your hand and emulsify. Apply to the ends of your hair and massage the conditioner from the ends of your hair to the mid-length. Avoiding the scalp can help reduce oily build up and keep the hair cleaner longer. Your main focus when conditioning is the length of your hair!

I use Sojourn Moisture shampoo and conditioner. My hair is deceptively thick and tends to be on the oily-side. With Sojourn Moisture, I am able to extend the life of my wash shampooing every third day. My routine includes using a quarter-sized amount of shampoo apply to the scalp and massage really well. Leave in for 2 minutes, rinse, and repeat. I then apply a quarter-sized amount of conditioner to the ends and work up towards the mid-length, leave in for 2 minutes and rinse. Out of the shower, I towel dry really well and spray Sojourn Leave-In Detangler all over the hair. I then spray a nickel-sized amount of Sojourn Thermal Protection in the palm of my hand, emulsify, and apply mostly to the ends and mid-length avoiding the scalp. The leave-in and thermal protect helps bring my hair back to its natural pH, closing the cuticle and holding the moisture in my hair to help with static and unwanted frizz, as well as, protecting my hair during thermal styling. 

With this routine and sharing with my husband, we are able to use the same Sojourn Moisture Shampoo (150ml) for 5 months!

The financial break down:

Professional Shampoo: $25 every 4-5 months ($50-$75/year) vs.

Supermarket Shampoo: $12 once a month ($144/year).

Don't just take my word for it! Try it for yourself. Give it a try at your next appointment. Visit www.tyreeward.com to schedule!

Sojourn Moisture Collection

www.sojournbeauty.com

be YOU. be BEAUTIFUL.