Where it all happens

My industry, is so exiting, invigorating, competitive and art filled. The people who create the haircuts, the colorist that gets inspired by a birds feather and the make-up artist that interprets shapes and shades of a face. These are some of the most amazing artists I've have ever had the pleasure of crossing paths with. I have been so fortunate to have worked and trained with a variety of them. A true stylist/cosmetologist "aka" image enhancer is the one, that when sharing a meal grabs your (off white) napkin and looks outside to spot a UPS truck and says "there"... is the (chocolate brown) that will go great with these highlights as she/he waves the napkins in front of you. Ever though of how they come up with the hairstyles for a runway show? and how is it that the make-up artist raps it all up with eyes and lips the perfect color. The artist knows what the other artist sees in an artist mind. Beauty is art and the art of it all is where it all happens.

Testimonial on the Keratin treatment

Brazilian keratin treatments promise sleek, healthy locks

THE NEW YORK TIMES NEWS SERVICE
August 28, 2007 - 10:58PM
After 14 years of relentless highlighting, bleaching and chemical straightening, Deborah Epstein, 32, a law student from Forest Hills, Queens, New York City, had ruined her unruly brown curls. Dull, brittle and difficult to style, her hair was so fragile a ponytail holder could snap it off. Moreover, all it took was a molecule of moisture and her hair frizzed. And no amount of expensive products, deep-conditioning treatments and weekly salon blowouts could tame her mane. But in April, Epstein tried the Brazilian Keratin Treatment at the nuBest Salon and Spa in Manhasset, N.Y. The results were so spectacular, she wept. “I got very emotional,” she said. “It was mind-boggling how beautiful my hair looked: straight, shiny, sleek and more important, healthy. I have no products in my life now. I wash my hair, air-dry it and then the last 10 minutes, I blow it and it’s pin-straight.” Such a gushing testimonial is not unusual, stylists say. “For a woman who had a thorn bush for hair and now it’s like silk, well, we’re talking revolution,” said Mark Garrison, who offers the treatment at his salon in New York. Originating in Brazil, the treatment has become widely available here only in the last six months. While it appears that no major American hair or beauty companies are now selling it, a cottage industry of hairdressers has emerged, importing the product from Brazil or creating their own formulations. So far, the brands include Brazilian Keratin Treatment, Brazilian Hair Straightening and Brazilian Blowout. “Right now, it’s blowing everything away,” said Meryle Nemeth, the nuBest stylist who administered Epstein’s treatment, one of about 500 she’s done since February, when it became available at the salon. “I’ve never seen anything take off like this as far as relaxing hair. Everyone wants it for summer, for affairs, for weddings. I’m talking all ages, 12-year-olds to 70-year-olds.” Sarah Brown, the beauty editor of Vogue, said the treatment is perfect for those with tumbleweed hair who are trying to simplify their lives. “For people who can’t master a salon blowout at home or go get a weekly blowout, a treatment like this is seriously liberating,” she said. Technically, it is neither a relaxer nor a straightener, both of which use caustic chemicals to change the texture of the hair. The Brazilian can be used on most hair types, even the previously color treated, without causing harm, proponents say. Treatment takes 1 ½ to 4 hours, and costs $150 to $600, depending on the length and thickness of the hair (Colorado salons cited prices ranging from $150 to $200). A stylist applies a solution made with active keratin, a protein akin to a component of human hair. Using a 450-degree iron, the hairdresser seals the formula onto the outer layer of the cuticle. The formula adheres to the cuticle’s inherently rough edges. Thus, it is said, it traps moisture, hydrating the hair, and adds a glossy veneer. The results last six weeks to a few months, depending upon how frequently the hair is washed. There are risks. There’s the hot iron. And the formula often contains formaldehyde, a known carcinogen that can irritate the eyes and lungs if the fumes are inhaled. Go to www.brazilian keratin.com or www.brazil ianhairstraightening.com to find a salon. Uncurliness comes with a caveat. Emily Dougherty, beauty editor at Elle, warned: “You need to do due diligence and challenge your stylist. Ask questions about where this chemical cocktail is coming from.” Only two Colorado salons currently offer Brazilian hair straightening, according to the two Web sites mentioned in the story: I. Cappelli Salon in Parker (1-303-773-3315) and Salon Belvedere in Denver (1-720-904-0330).



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Micro Links Extensions

This technique is great for many reasons. One, you can re-use the hair (if done right), Two, they hang on quite well for up-to four months. Three, it is a lot cleaner to remove than keratin. Like anything else in our industry beware of copycats. Euro Locs & Lord and cliff, are my favorites because of quality. Not only do you need to be aware of the hair but the cylinders ass well. I've purchased and tested (just cause) some online doodle from different websites and boy am I not surprised. How ever the technique has it's science one of these is there has to be enough hair through the tube or the extensions will slide eight out on the first brushing. The problem most commonly found is the "crinkle" effect it leaves behind after removal. The do tangle something fears when not properly maintained. Now a days however there is a new concept that seems to work well and that is keratin "cushed" tubes. They coat the inside of the tube to avoid sliding and crinkling. Some one's been thinking.

Japanese straight Vs Nanokeratin

OK... People here it goes. The difference between getting a Japanese straightener (JS) Vs the Noncorroding (NK) treatment. The JS is a chemical that once processed properly it will dry straight and without frizz. Now if a JS is not properly process is will be a disaster. In that case the Nanokeratin treatment could be a blessing. What this treatments does, is fill the damaged cuticle with evaporated keratin and seals it with a Silicone base polish also in a vapor form. The treatment will last ONLY until your next chemical treatment, It WILL NOT act as a straightener. If not properly process it will only last you until your next shampoo. Now, The NK treatment has worked miracles for many of my clients. The more you get the treatment done the longer the results will last and your hair will respond much better under humidity. On average the treatment last about two months and unlike the JS the entire head has to be process again. The JS will last up to four months on the tightest curl I've used it on. The hair is"heavy" when straightened so it kind of tugs on the natural curl giving the illusion that is straighter than normal. Hope this clears the waters for many of you out there.

Club Vogue / Vogue Australia

Club Vogue / Vogue Australia

Braided Extensions

Hair braiding is one of the oldest methods of hair addition. In this technique a section of the hair is parted separated and parted in two. Using the additional hair as the third leg on a braid , lacing between the natural hair and continue to separate into three legs until the entire braid is done. Using this same method to get it started, a quarter of an inch from the scalp gets braided , then glued or hand tied with thread or Brazilian string. Leaving the entire extension loose results in a natural look Vs braiding it all the way to the ends. On the other hand braiding them all the way to the ends makes for no maintenance while they last. This is a great method for Afro American due to the growth pattern of the textured hair. On hair that is of looser texture as in Caucasian texture this method wont last as long. the hair tends to untangle. The longevity of this technique is about two months maximum.

Japanese Straight hair

What is the process, what to expect from your technician and what exactly is this chemical doing to your hair. Fist of all you should know that this process is NOT REVERSIBLE. Secondly your technician needs to do a thorough analyzes of your hair. Then the technician needs to perform a test strand. Why? because the longer the strand the more history there is to consider on that strand. Example: If you blow dry, flatiron, shampoo with hot water, use the wrong shampoo, wraps hair while wet, color yourself, level of peroxide, not enough elasticity, too porous, and on and on I can go. The final procedures to provide you with your straightener service is a combination of everything that applies to you. There is not one head I've process that I can honestly say it was done the same. The application on some people has been where I apply the entire head and the "baby soft" hair line is applied for only five minutes. The timing on each individual is determined my the strand testing performed every three to seven minutes starting after the first 7 minutes of processing. Most of the time the first Quad applied on the hair has to be rinsed before the last. Also this chemical or any straightener CANNOT GO ON SCALP. It will brake the hair at the scalp feeling like it's been buzzed off with a cutting razor. This can also happen if the flat iron is not 100% ceramic. I personally use CHI by farouk. (that's is just me)
OK, on we go. First a liquid to stabilize the strand and protect overly stressed areas is applied. After the application of the straightening potion is done and processed it needs to be rinsed well and blow dry up to 80% of the moisture. flat iron section by PAPER THIN section. at this point NO CLIPS, duckbills, butterfly clips, etc. Help your technician at this point by holding your hair. By the way this is that moment when you feel this was a huge mistake and you are permanently ruined, relax your hair is now receiving the order of "now you will live the rest of you life straight". After it looks fabulously straight it needs to be soaked with neutralizing solution which will now seal the deal. A restructuring treatment is then applied and finally styled. You cannot touch this hair with shampoo for a minimum of two days three is awesome. Also no clips, head bands. glasses on to of the head, or even pulled behind the ear.

Enjoy no more hassles.
Japanese straight hair.