Style, Fashion and Life

Inside Out Beauty

 

 

A guilty pleasure for me was the fun, wildy revealing reality show, True Beauty.  The show showcases an outer beauty challenge such as a photo shoot, or fashion show and secretly records the models for an unbeknownst to them inner beauty challenge as well.  These are challenges that measure psychological factors such as honesty, compassion, integrity and kindness. 

 

So what really is true beauty?  And how is it measured?  While there is some science behind what is widely thought of as beautiful, beauty is actually a subjective experience- hence the term of “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”  It’s a gentle balance of harmony, nature and what makes us feel. Most of us are familiar with the beautiful person who skates through life with everything supposedly handed to them and the confidence they have that makes us envy them: when usually the truth is somewhere in the middle. And we all know the beautiful person who acts so ugly it erodes their beauty like a rusty nail.  And my favorite- the at first glance, not as attractive person whose soul just shines through their skin and with every kind word or good deed becomes more and more beautiful.

 

  So whether or not we were born with that perfect face, we all have the potential to become beautiful people.  As a “personal artist”, my goal in life is to help others reach that potential.  It is my job to turn your beauty inside out.  Our inner traits do show on our outer being.  I recommend searching your soul and bringing those traits to light.  What I mean is, if you are witty and full of expression, wax those eyebrows to give them a shape that allows your expression to be seen.  Or maybe we tend to laugh a lot with an open mouth, keep those teeth whitened and maybe kissed with a little gloss so that your laugh becomes even more infectious. Maybe you are always a little flustered, or blushing.  Try and make it part of who you are instead of being embarrassed.  Invest in a medium toned powder and learn to use bronzer so you always have the look that you are a beautiful cherub.  Trying to hide that can make you look silly, so work with it!  If you’re the type of person who loves to use their eyes, to look deeply in to people, or to flirt or smile with, definitely play them up.  Decorate your flirt with eyeliner, full lashes and shimmer powder.  Laughlines are a very endearing trait.  They are the sign of a happy person so don’t try and kill them with fillers until you’re older.  Use great nightcreme and go to sleep with the knowledge that no one can see your laughlines while your smiling.    I have no qualms with plastic surgery, I feel its our right to change our bodies but keep in mind you don’t want to erase what makes you you.  I am saddened when I see my clients take the light out of their faces, so fill in your face slowly and gently so that your inner beauty continues to have a way to express itself.  We can work on our bodies, work on our minds and even work on our souls.  But unfortunately our soul isn’t showing so we must use our bodies as a vehicle.  So, look in the mirror- or ask a family member – to find what makes you YOU?  Is it your quirkiness, goofiness, sensitivity, or sarcasm?  What trait expresses its self the most?  Find a make up artist and ask them the best way to bring out that feature, for men, use your facial hair or hairstyle.  How do you see yourself in your dreams?  You deserve to let that show.  Maybe find a dermatologist for your skin, a dentist so that you may smile or even a personal trainer so you can remove parts of you that keep you inhibited.  We all deserve to shine and be perceived as beautiful.  And remember, it doesn’t matter what you look like while you are volunteering at a homeless shelter, helping someone rebuild after a storm or working in a hospice.  It just helps us feel more whole and when we are more whole we spend less time searching for our other parts, and we can begin to help others find theirs.  And that, to me, is true beauty. 

New YOU in 2010

 

Many people find the beginning of the New Year to be a bit bleak.  We are broke, worn out, cold and cleaning up messes.  But I find the new year to be very refreshing, and I take advantage of this time to clean out my wardrobe, my house and my head.

 

  Going through your closet and preparing your fashion statement for the next year can be quite rejuvenating.  Find some time to go through your wardrobe and rid yourself of things you haven’t worn in two years or more.  If you haven’t touched those “fat pants”, (or “skinny pants” for that matter…) for more that a few years- ditch ‘em.  This really helps recharge you and give you new ideas for outfits. 

 

  Begin by pulling everything out of the closet, I know that sounds scary but if you begin with a clean slate you will really streamline things nicely and it will keep you from putting junk back in.  Take out all the things that are not wardrobe related such as luggage and sports gear and find a home for them in another closet.  Start sorting and get your clothes into 3 piles:  One for charity, one for the garbage (stained or ripped)   and one for clothes that fit well and are keepers. 

 

What to keep:

·    Your favorite black dress

·    Classic fitting black pants

·    Classic button down white shirts

·    Blazer that fits your body type

·    Your favorite jeans

·    Fun fitting dresses

 

These items can usually be dressed up or down and go with anything.  You always to need be prepared in case you get invited to something last minute- whether it be an afternoon tea party….or a funeral.  There is nothing worse than searching the planet in a panic for something to wear to an event.  

 

Your closet should resemble a chic boutique- the one with all the tempting displays that encourage you to try new things.  I love to tear out pictures from magazines of cute outfits I can piece together and hang them on my mirror.  It really gets my imagination going.  This will also help you to ditch things marring your view. 

 

  Organize your closet into like items….pants with pants, skirts with skirts, boots with boots and then arrange them by color going lightest to darkest.  This is actually very easy to maintain and makes your life a little easier in the mornings.  Go through your shoes and get rid of those that are broken, out of style or dirty.  Arrange your purses and shoes nicely for viewing.  One of my favorite items in my closet is actually a big plastic tool drawer that I use to organize my jewelry by color!

 

  Purge your bureaus and drawers next.  Ditch old underwear, socks and swim suits.  Those things are fun to buy new anyway.  Throw out those super low waisted shorts because this year things will be a little higher waisted.  Toss your old gym clothes and use that as an inspiration to buy new things- and USE THEM!

 

  Lastly, use up all that bath gel, lotion and perfume before it goes bad!  We love to buy these things so use them up.   You will feel like a million bucks applying it, and when you run out you will feel the same treating your self to something new.

 

  Have fun going shopping and blessing yourself with some beautiful new duds!

Hot Boots, Cold Nights

 

    One of the best things about cold weather is the emergence of winter boots.  And right now, all different types of boots are on the forefront, and smoking hot!!!  And how does one pick out the perfect pair of knee high stunners?  First consider if you need day or evening boots.   During the day a flatter boot is in order but when the evening comes don’t be afraid to pull out all the stops and go for a sexy heel, or imaginative print.

    Boots can hide flaws, make your legs appear thinner and keep your legs warm all while looking incredibly high fashion.  Here are some of the boots that are blazing trails on the runways…..

Belted Winter Boots: Straps can be found on all varieties of boots and add just a touch of verve to a neutral color or simple cut.

Winter Boots with Fluffy Collars: Ankle, mid-calf, and knee-high boots can all be found with fluffy collars this season. From faux fur to shearling, its all about the luxurious trim!

Slouch Boots: Slouch boots might resemble a Sharpei but they can be very versatile.  Dressed up or down slouch boots are very urban and hip.

UGGS:  Love ‘em or hate ‘em, the ever popular UGG has swept the nation. Worn by celebrities across the globe, these casual boots can be paired with a funky top so you can still feel hip while keeping warm.

Boots are flattering for virtually all body types, but the trick is finding the right pair for your legs.  For larger legs, find a tighter fitting stretch boot or wear a chunkier heel.  Even bigger legs look great with jeans tucked in to the boot.  Just be sure to find a skinny jean so that the jeans do not bunch up.  Thicker heels and pointy toes will make this type of leg look longer and leaner.  Women with thinner legs might like a boot with a little more structure to it.  A chunky heel will make thin legs look even thinner, so opt for a slender heel for evening boots. 

Top tips:

Don’t be afraid of the skinny jean!  Its back and hotter than ever!  Even if you have curvy hips skinny jeans paired with the right knee high boot can beautifully extend your legs all the way to there!!!  Throw on a fluffy belted tunic or empire waisted top, and viola!  Heidi Klum!

A brown or black boot will go with everything!  Avoid bright colors unless you have a well stocked wardrobe.

Want the best haircut you ever had?

How many times have you left the salon feeling like your hair is too short or too long, or that you got the exact opposite of what you wanted?  The most important part of a haircut is a great communication between the client and the stylist.  Stylists are not mind readers, but should be good enough at fishing out enough information to give you a great cut.  The following are some steps you can take to do your part in ensuring your haircut is perfect and most suited to you!

 

1.  Before your appointment, note “Whats Bothering You…” This helps us define things more clearly.  Or, note what you like and didn’t like about your hair and your last haircut.

 

2.  When indecisive  remember there are only 3 haircuts…Bangs, layers, length….

3.  Never be afraid to bring a picture!!!!  This defines your vision more than words

4.  If your hair acts a certain way when cut, say so!  Be leary of a stylist that doesn’t listen to how your hair responds.  You know best.

5.  Inches are an Illusion!!!!  Where do you want it to fall?

6.  If you are seeing a new stylist, tell them why.  That way the stylist knows what is important to you.  A good stylist will easily adapt to your needs and learn to relate on your terms!

7.   If you are open to suggestion, say so!  Keep in mind any “comfort zones”.  IE. “you can do anything but give me bangs!!!”

8.  Don’t ask the stylist, “What would you do?”  This question makes no sense because we aren't wearing your hair, and styling every day. 

9.  Don’t say, “Do whatever you want”  unless you really, really mean it!

10.  Lastly, remember hair is not an exact science!  We do our best to rock your world, but people AND hair  have their limitations.  Getting to know your stylist and having an open communication with him/her will allow you to be more creative and personalized with your look J  Never trust a stylist that doesn’t listen.

You can have the best and most expensive stylist in the world do your hair, but if you hate it, its not worth it!

How Much Should I Really Spend on my HAIR?!

Celebrities don’t become famous because they were born with great hair!  Enormous amounts of time and money were spent to nurture, protect and condition hair that sees many different colors, styles and extensions on a regular basis.  Don’t sell yourself short on your hair products or tools.  You can also have hair like a superstar as long as you know the secrets.  Learn why spending money on your hair can actually make your life EASIER, and make your hair look fabulous too!

    First, let’s have a lesson in product development.  Cheap hair products use lower grade ingredients which can “weigh” down and build up on the hair.  For example;  silicone, which is simply melted sand, can be sold at any price.  When added to hair it creates intense shine, like glass. When a company buys a cheap grade of silicone the molecular weight is heavy.  So what was once supposed to add shine has now made the hair heavy and greasy.  The more expensive the silicone, the lighter the molecular weight.  So, generally a more expensive product will contain a better grade of ingredient; which will automatically make the hair look more lustrous.

    Products that contain caviar extract, sea algae, omega 3 fatty acids, white truffle oils (along with many other enriching ingredients) actually nurture the hair AND the follicle, which encourages healthier hair from the start.  Also, enzymes break down ingredients into smaller, more usable forms that penetrate further into the hair and scalp than regular shampoos.  This technology is more expensive, but the hair will rejoice!  Super cheap shampoo can be equivalent to dish detergent - which can dry out or build up on the hair, and fade your expensive salon hair color, too!

    I am often asked about styling tools, such as blow dryers and flat irons.  Should I really spend $150 on a flat iron??!!  Well, the fact is, in the hair industry you really do get what you pay for in your styling tools.  YES, a better blow dryer or flat iron will be BETTER for you hair, make your styling regimen easier, and make your hair look better.  Right now the hot topic is ionic blow dryers.  These also come in a wide range of prices and with ionics, the more expensive the better.  Ionic dryers work by electricity passing over pins of stainless steel – oxygen drops an electron, making it a negative ion.  Negative ions break down water globules into smaller ones that can be quickly absorbed into the hair shaft.  This reduces drying time drastically and with less heat, resulting in smoother, shinier, healthier and more manageable hair.  You can pay less for an ionic dryer, but the cheaper technology only allows the dryer to produce limited ions- sometimes as little as 5 or 10!!!!!  Better dryers will have an actual ion generator inside, or the inside might be coated with tourmaline and produce thousands of ions.    So you ask, what is the minimum to spend?  I would personally recommend spending no less than $80 on a hair dryer.  And yes, the more the better!

    Most flat irons these days are ceramic technology and the price has come down since they first blasted onto the market.  You can now get a great every day flat iron for around $100.  Spending less means you are not paying for today’s technology.  More expensive flat irons have more bells and whistles that will, again, make your life easier and your hair prettier!  An iron with a temperature control is great for people who need a cooler iron (damaged or highlighted hair), and computer chips allow the iron to stay the same temperature even on wet hair.  Spring - loaded plates allow for bigger and uneven sections so the job gets done quicker.  Tourmaline flat irons will make the hair so soft and shiny its amazing, but you will pay extra for this.

    Stylists make your hair beautiful because we spend time, use professional products and tools and have a wealth of information that is vital to you and your hair.  Celebrities depend immensely on the expertise of their stylists and spend good money to look the way they do.  Using the right things on your hair can make your hair cut and color job last much longer as well. Cheap tools and products can actually work to your detriment, damaging your hair and making it look WORSE!  Trust your stylists, and support them by purchasing your items professionally. Grocery stores are no place for your hair advice.   Don’t put your Rice-A- Roni, your kitty litter and beauty products in the same basket!  So don’t be afraid to treat yourself to good tools and products.  Your hair will be easier for you to manage and look like a million bucks!  And for all those husbands and boyfriends out there cringing, don’t worry, professional products last MUCH longer than the cheap – a great blow dryer should last for years.  The gift of beauty is the greatest gift of all, so TREAT YOURSELF!

Ed Hardy

Marketing Genuis

If you haven’t been hanging out in a cave, then surely you haven seen an Ed Hardy T-Shirt or two draped around a friend or acquaintance!  I am often asked- Who is Ed Hardy?  Well, the actual man Don Ed Hardy is the Godfather of Tattooing.  Born in 1945 in Southern California he has tattoed most of his life.  He and his wife Franscesca lived in Japan while he mastered his craft and have also written over 25 books on alternative art.  In 2004 Christian Audigier licensed the rights to produce the high end Ed Hardy line which is based on Hardy’s work.  Frenchman Audigier as a designer worked his way through the trenches at the likes of Diesel, Bisou Bisou and Levi and started his meteoric rise at Von Dutch.  This label catapulted the truck hat onto the heads of college kids and celebs alike, making it a household name.  He left in 2004 to create his own empire. Under the Audigier umbrella falls Ed Hardy, Smet, Crystal Rock, CBAR-A, Paco Chicano and CA.  He has become a marketing genius whose name also finds itself shockingly on jewelry, skateboards, wine, water, vodka and even, WOW, a nightclub inside Vegas’s Treasure Island.

    Adam Saaks is a designer at Audigier and is most know for his custom couture one of a kind T-Shirts. He travels the country working shows and events to showcase his cut shirts.  He has provided shirts for the likes of Mariah Carey, Eva Longoria, Justin Timberlake, Carmen Electra and many many more world famous celebrities.   He loves to perform live and give each person an Ed Hardy shirt designed to show off individual assets.  I got to experience the thrill of getting my own custom couture shirt and getting up close and personal with Adam Scissorhands himself!  His proudest moments are watching people walk away in his shirts, which retail between $700-1000, with couture dresses going into the thousands of dollars.  Here is an excerpt from our interview:

1. When did you first discover that cutting up shirts this way was your niche? 

In 2001, the very first cut into the very first shirt is when I knew I was on to something. It drew a huge crowd of people around me, they were wondering what I was doing and when I finished that first shirt, the applause hit me like an atomic bomb! I was hooked..

2. Who or what has been your greatest inspiration?

Metallica. I love their whole attitude and their grass roots success story. it reminds me of my experience I’m going through now.

3. What is the funnest part of your job?

The fun-nest thing about my job is looking at my finished creation on the subject and seeing it walk away into the world to become a part of our culture. That’s a pretty cool feeling.

4. Who is the coolest person you have ever designed a shirt for?

The coolest? Hard to say, I’ve cut over 7000 custom pieces over the past 7 years and to be honest, not one sticks out to me. I think anyone who gets a shirt by me is cool. It’s a cool experience for everyone, the customer, the audience, and of course myself. It’s just cool!

5. How long have you been involved in fashion?  Was it a childhood dream or did you fall into it?

I’ve been in fashion for 17 years now, whoa, did I say 17? Its unbelievable to think its been that long and I’m still loving it. I never had a childhood dream, I’ve just always believed in loving whatever I chose to do.  That’s really most important..

6. Where do you see yourself in five years?

The five year plan? That’s a funny question.. I’m a very in the moment type person and don’t believe in 5 year goals because what you see yourself doing five years from now can sneak up on you in a week. Life is funny like that.

7. What is your best advice for aspiring fashion designers?

This is the best advice I can share with aspiring designers. DO WHAT YOU LOVE!! 

8. What is your wildest "on the job" story?

There are a lot of them but unfortunately I never cut and tell. hehe

9. In five words or less, how would your friends describe you?

Some people have A-D-D, my friends say I have A-D-A-M! 

Chicago Beauty Show

America’s Beauty Show in Chicago, IL

America’s Premiere Beauty Show “ABS”  made its way to Chicago on March 28-30^th this year to exhibit thousands of new beauty products, new techniques, styles and trends in the beauty industry.  As any type of beauty professional, this is the event not to be missed!  Every hair and beauty vendor in the nation has a booth at this event so it draws about 60-70,000 beauty professionals each year.  Stylists can expect glitz, glam and pizzazz while they shop, frequent workshops and attend posh V.I.P. events. 

One of the big draws to attending the extravaganza is meeting celebrities in the hair industry- and learning their techniques.  Big-wigs include Nick Arrojo from What Not to Wear, Kim Vo, celebrity stylist and regular on Shear Genius, Kim Kimble, stylist to Beyonce, John Paul DeJoria, Angus Mitchell and Robert Cromeans of Paul Mitchell

Systems, Luis Alvarez, noted photographer and co-founder of Aquage hair care products and many, many more with extensive resumes in fashion, movies, t.v. and video.  Many of the reality stars of Shear Genius were on board to draw in crowds and take pictures. 

The casting agents of Shear Genius were in McCormick place auditioning hundreds of hopefuls for the third season of the reality hit.  Stylists stood in line to film a 10 minute video doing a hair cut and showing off their personality.  Chicago was all abuzz with wired and inspired industry professionals!

The V.I.P evening consisted of a huge event- boasting about 2,000 attendees in the beautiful ball room at The Palmer House.  The evening hosted performances from the major hair care companies of today- including Joico, Aquage, and TIGI who had amazing models sporting the latest in trends as well as avant garde hair work.  My favorite- and most unique was Ann Bray’s collection with Aquage.  Models paraded her finely woven hair work that looked like giant headress’s made of spider web.  The collection was months in the making and really made a bang at this event. 

Trends of 2009 varied widely from company to company but some of the common threads were braiding, disconnected haircuts and bangs.  Braids woven throughout the surface of the hair and soft piecey texture were popular at Aquage while TIGI rocked the spikey, rocker multi color do’s.  Make up is BACK.  Color was seen everywhere and included really wild applications reminiscent of the 80’s glam rock style.  Geometric hairstyles are coming back into season, matched with short bangs and curling iron texture.  Dust off those curling irons and hot rollers and get ready for summer with flowing, organic texture! 

Beauty Q a A

Beauty Advice Q and A…

    Nothing gives me the warm fuzzies as much as seeing the lightbulb go off over someones head by providing them with a piece of advice that can change their life.  The “A-HA!” moment is what drives my passion.  If I don’t know the answer, I most certainly can find it.  When I can help someone have less frizz, or change the way they wear their make up for the better- it really makes me happy!

I extended the invitation for a Q and A, and due to the overwhelming response we will probably have to do another article!  But I got some really great questions- and here are some of the most common:

I recently got a flat iron and have been seeing so many “heat protectant” products on the market.  Do I really need one of these?

                -maricarmen

Yes!  Heat protectant products are mandatory if you are going to be using a flat iron on a regular basis.  These irons can run any temperature from 200-500 degrees.  Imagine laying out in the hot sun with no sunscreen- bad news!  You most definitely damage your hair if you do not use something to protect it.   Aquage even makes a shampoo that is the ONLY heat protecting shampoo on the market.  Double this with a really great heat styling spray and you will not only have a great protective barrier on the hair but you will also be able to protect your color.  I recommend Aquage Beyond Body Thermal Styler.  Spray this on in the direction of the cuticle for every section of hair for maximum benefit.

How long should you keep your make up before you throw it out?  I hear it can “go-bad” over time?  

                    -jessica

Absolutely!  Don’t worry, your face won’t rot off if you use old make up, but what it does do is place bacteria into the skin which is yuk yuk yucky!  If your eyes tear up or feel irritated immediately after applying shadow or mascara then throw it out!  Bacteria can irritate the skin and cause break outs. Fresh new make up is always the way to go.  Most packaging is designed for about a 3 month use, though some last longer. 

Mascara and liquid eyeliner ; 3months

Liquid foundations- 6 months

Powder foundations, blushes and eyeshadows- 12-18 months

Lipsticks and Glosses

Just remember the more moist and dark the product the quicker bacteria grows.  Powders do not contain moisture, but over time you place the oils from your skin onto the product.  Besides, isn’t it more fun to shop for NEW make up that to use that old yucky stuff your sister gave you?

Here are a few tips to keep your make up clean:

·     Wash make up brushes every 2 –4 weeks

·     Don’t put your fingers in your products without washing them

·     If you have a cold sore, or any irritation- don’t use your product

   

Why do I look like a raccoon in mascara at the end of the day? I have tried everything!

                    -meggan

Well, Meggan, you may hate to hear it, but more than anything- its your mascara choice.  There are a few things you can try though. Most of the runny mascara problem comes from your upper lashes blinking throughout the day.    If your lashes are straight, be sure to curl them to keep them off of the skin.  If you wear a creamy foundation try and keep if off of that eye area, and place powder underneath the eye.  Also, I prefer to use eyeshadows for eyeliner instead of waxy pencils that just mix with oily skin and run.  Use a fine smudge brush to apply shadows under they eye.  Afternoon touch ups with powder will be in order also.  But, the mascaras that take the cake for no runs are usually waterproof.  Waterproof mascara won’t run, but can be hard to remove.  Use a special oil/water phase mascara remover to take it off.  They are super easy to use and hydrate the eye area.  Everyones skin is different, so you may have to try a few different kinds to find one for your particular type.  I recommend Heavenly Lavish Lash, or Waterproof Lash.

Please keep the questions coming and I will do my best to get you the answers!  I pray that one of you will have an “A-HA!” moment today!

Drastic Measures!

Drastic Measures

 

    When is the last time you tried something totally new with your image?  What is holding you back?  Believe me, I loved the blonde hair I sported for 10 years but I was beginning to get stuck in a Dolly Parton-esque time warp.  Sometimes, its nice to have an overhaul!  When my clients come in considering a drastic change with their hair, it’s so easy for me to stand behind the chair and convince them to go for it.   I am not always there to see the consequences of big changes, how they feel during the process and how it changes their outlook on themselves.  New haircuts and colors can have a powerful impact on you, and the way you feel about yourself.  I often forget about this poignant part of the process- well until I did it myself.  

I don’t know what happened to me.  I arrived at work one day and simply asked my co-worker to color my hair brown.  I picked his chin up off the floor and tried to dissuade his disbelief by smiling largely.   I told him to leave me some highlights and make the rest a rich dark brown.  I was numb to it, though, as he placed the color on each section of hair I felt nothing.  I didn’t know what was to come.  When it came time to rinse everyone stood around the bowl and poked and prodded my hair. As I was blow drying I thought, well this is what you wanted, and it’s going to be grand.   Afterwards my co-workers stood staring at me in shock and horror.  I had dark brown- almost black hair. 

     

My first thought was, Hm.  My second was Holy S*&%!  It was done, and I just stared.  I did not recognize myself and almost thought maybe it would be gone tomorrow.  I caught glimpses of myself in the salon mirrors and was fascinated.  I peeked around corners, shook my hair and wondered what everyone would say.  As I went to bed that night I forgot about the days events and drifted off to sleep.  The next morning I popped out of bed only to nearly scream when I saw myself in the mirror!  I had a panic rise in my stomach and I almost shed tears.  What have I done?!  It was still there.  I analyzed it, wished I had done something different.  Maybe a different shade, or rinsed it sooner.  The blonde was all gone.  But by about the second shampoo it had set in so nicely, and was beginning to grow on me.  I felt different: I couldn’t put my finger on it.  I felt empowered to have made a big decision to change my image.  I loved the way my clothes now contrasted next to the dark hair.  It was fun to change my make up and go from the golds I used to wear to pinks and purples.  People noticed that my eyes popped out a little more.  I loved hearing what people had to say.  My favorite comment was, “Wow!  It looks better!.”  I love it now, I took a risk and it was awesome, powerful and motivating.

So, even though I am a stylist I am not immune to getting stuck in my ways and lacking a vision for myself.  I encourage you to do something different this year, to take drastic measures.  There are some things in life you cannot change so have fun with the things you can.  I might not be able to lose those last ten pounds but if I make a big enough change somewhere else maybe no one will notice!

My guide for a drastic hair make over:

• Find a dream picture and take it to your stylist.  He/She should be able to combine your vision with theirs and give you something YOU can manage.
• Don’t be afraid to just GO FOR IT!
• You WILL freak out.  It’s okay.  Your going to look different, after all, isn’t that what you paid for?  You might freak out in a good way!
• There WILL be a grieving period.  Even though you may have wanted your hair cut forever, you will still mourn the loss of it.  Phantom hair will haunt you. All of the sudden everyone in the world has your old hair color.   The day after is the worst. 
• You WILL have to make changes in the way you style your hair, wear your make up or wardrobe.  Make sure you fully understand these changes by asking your stylist.
• You WILL get used to it, and love it.  Say thank you when people notice or comment, and be confident in it.  If you love it, so will everyone else.
•  Lastly, even if its not exactly what you had envisioned, just know that hair is not an exact science and there may be a small adjustment period with your hair.  Sometimes you need to cut a little more here or there, or let the color fade a touch.  Just be patient and relish in your power to make change.

Got Hair? Donate it to Locks of Love

If you have 10 inches or so of extra hair length and are in the mood for a drastic change or makeover, consider shedding that spare hair for a charitable cause.  Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hair pieces for children who are under the age of 18 and are financially disadvantaged.  These children are suffering from hair loss caused by various conditions such as alopecia areata, radiation damage and severe burns.  These conditions often have no known causes or cures so the hair prostheses’ are often a miracle to these kids.

The mission of Locks of Loves is “to return a sense of self-confidence and normalcy to children suffering from hair loss by utilizing donated pony tails to provide the highest quality hair prostethics to financially disadvantaged children.”  Children who have been affected by hair loss often suffer a loss of self.  They are often teased by classmates and are embarrassed by the attention baldness receives.  These pieces offer relief and allow kids to get on with their normal lives.  Most wigs and other hair pieces are often made for the adult sized head and require adhesives to keep in place that many children find irritating.  Locks of Love offers custom made pieces that go on with a vacuum seal so that only the wearer may remove it.  This allows the child to play, swim, shower and do gymnastics.

Locks of Love was founded by Madonna Coffman after she developed alopecia in her 20’s due to  receiving a hepatitis vaccine.  Fifteen years later her 4-year old daughter developed alopecia and lost all of her hair.  Madonna has said it was very difficult to deal with her own hair loss, but found it heart breaking to watch her little girl suffer from the very same problem. It’s a misconception that most of the pieces are given the children with cancer.  A limited number are, but many children with cancer are able to grow hair again at some point.  Children with alopecia and other various conditions are not.  They often outgrow the wigs quickly so they are eligible to reapply for them every 18 months.  Because of the recipients being growing children and needing several pieces, the need for hair is very great. 

   

        If you are interested in donating to the cause, here are a few guidelines you must follow:

• Hair must be 10 inches in length and may be color treated or permed.
• Hair that is bleached or highlighted is NOT acceptable due to the chemical process the hair must go through.
• Hair MUST be bundled in a ponytail or braided and secured with a rubber band.
• Layered hair IS acceptable if the longest layer is 10 inches.  The shorter hair will be separated out and sold which greatly offsets the cost of making the pieces, which can run anywhere from $3500 to $6000.
• They cannot accept dreadlocks, extensions or synthetic hair.
• Grey hair is also accepted, but will be sold to offset costs as well.
• Hair must be completely dry and placed in a plastic bag and then inside a padded envelope.  Please refer to LocksofLove.com for additional details and for a donation form.

When getting your hair cut, consult with your stylist to agree on the length that will remain.  Find a great picture and go for it!  Cutting such a huge amount of length can be freeing and invigorating!  You will feel light, fresh and renewed going into the fall season.  It’s also exhilarating to know that every time you look in the mirror, you'll know that you've made a real difference in the life of a sick child.  And every time they look in the mirror, they see themselves as they do in their minds, which allows them to get on with life without being self-conscious.  So cut your hair, cure a soul!