The Dos & Don'ts of Hair Extensions from Celebrity Hairstylist‏

Hair extensions have increased in popularity over the years, especially as hair has become a tool for celebrities to express their own perceptions of beauty. With stars switching between short and long styles, and the utilization of extensions during Awards season and Fashion Week, more women everywhere are looking to be a part of this transformative trend. However, most of us don’t understand the pitfalls of this style or how to maintain healthy hair in the process. Here, Gocha Hawkins, celebrity hairstylist and makeup artist and owner of Gocha Salon, shares her insight and gives the lowdown on all things extensions.

Be In the Know
Before getting extensions, know the facts. It’s important to take all information into consideration before making a decision, and learning from a professional is the best way to know that you are not making a mistake.

• Most all experts agree that hair must be between three and five inches long for effective extensions to be applied. If hair is shorter, allow more time for growth; be patient, it’s worth it!
• Maintenance calls for appointments every six to eight weeks. Know when the extensions should be removed; monitor for dryness and general wear and tear.
• Treat extensions like real hair. Most women are hesitant to apply products or wash synthetic hair, worried that they may end up damaged. Extensions need to be maintained, just like natural hair.
• DON’T: “Whatever you do, don’t apply your first set of extensions yourself. No amount of YouTube videos can do justice to the amount of work associated with the task, and you should entrust your hair care professional with the job. No reputable hair stylist would ever glue extensions to the head, so keep that in mind as a red flag,” Gocha explains.

Take Care
This goes for both real and synthetic! One thing that women forget when using hair extensions is to take care of their real hair. Extensions are for added length and body, and will last a long time if they are treated correctly. However, they can also cause damage to real hair if they are carelessly applied and removed.

• Extensions: Comb and brush extensions gently. Always apply and remove carefully. When it comes to products, treat extensions as real hair. Don’t be afraid of hair spray! Using professional hair care and styling products keeps them in better condition for a longer amount of time.
• Real Hair: Always make sure there is enough time to apply and remove extensions without damaging hair; carelessness is unacceptable. Keeping natural hair healthy should always be top of mind. Misuse of extensions can lead to baldness.
• DON’T: Gocha points out, “Neglecting your natural hair for the sake of synthetic hair seems a little silly, but many women don’t consider the damage they are doing to their own scalps because they are covered by the extensions. Keep in mind that for extensions to look healthy and natural, your real hair needs to be in prime condition, not just for aesthetic purposes, but for overall health.”

Information courtesy of Gocha Hawkins.

Fight Hair Frizz: Tips from Nick Arrojo‏

Frizz: we all fight it, no matter what hair type we have and with April showers upon us, we will try anything for smooth hair. Nick Arrojo, owner/founder of ARROJO studio in NYC and formerly seen on TLC's What Not To Wear, has some great tips for taming flyaways and maintaining beautiful hair no matter what the weather is doing outside.

To banish frizz, follow these simple and effective tips from Nick:

Get the right haircut: go for a strong shape that is easy to maintain on a daily basis. Any cut that is short to mid-length with a good solid shape will suit extremely frizzy (either curly, straight or grey) hair perfectly. These cuts won’t alter your hair texture, but the strong shapes will get you looking polished and pulled together, and controlling frizz will be much more manageable, making your styling quick and simple.

Style using a silicone based defrizz serum: the smoothing properties of silicone defrizz along with a moisture-based styling or curl crème to lock in curls without the dryness and without the frizz. Make sure to focus the defrizz serum towards the mid-lengths and especially the ends Frizz occurs on the oldest, and therefore most damaged part of the hair, which is of course towards the ends. Focusing your serum application in this way ensures you keep the frizz at bay.

Retro Salon Tip: This is on the of the best solutions for fighting frizz and is a bit of a throwback to old school salon tricks, but it still works better than any newfangled product I’ve seen. Pack a shower cap with leave in conditioner (a little more than you would normally use). Keep the shower cap on damp hair for 10 minutes, then remove the cap and style as you normally would – no need to rinse. This is a great way to lock-in the moisture-giving benefits of the product into the hair shaft for added support. Your hair will be richly moisturized, soft, smooth, shiny, and have more malleability, making it much easier for you to style. You can even add a little styling crème into the mix, which will give your hair added hold and texture.

Hair: Changing Your Routine From Winter To Spring

Even with blizzard conditions recently hitting the upper Mid West, there are signs of spring popping up around us. We're seeing fashions and swimwear beginning to emerge teasing us that warmer temperatures will be emerging soon. New hair style looks are another indicator that a seasonal change is in the midst.

To ensure your hair is ready for shift from winter to spring, award-winning hair stylist Joey Noufal has outlined a few recommendations to help combat winter dryness and take you into spring moisture.

1. Change your hair products. Switch to a moisturizing shampoo during winter months. Profound, Goldwell and Redken all have great moisturizing hair products. You need this added moisturizer for your hair due to the added dryness in the air...both inside and out. You will not need as much moisture once the air conditioning kicks on later in the spring or early summer.

2. Use a frizz eliminator product: A frizz eliminator is great year-round to control all over hair or specific problem areas. In the winter, this product helps reduce static too resulting from heat. For fine hair, only use on the ends as if you use too much or all over, you can result with an oily look. For thicker or curly hair, use 2-3 drops all over to smooth out and control the frizz year-round. Be sure to continue to integrate this product into warmer months for this type of hair. One great frizz eliminator product is CHI's Silk Infusion.

3. Leave conditioner in longer: When washing your hair, leave your conditioner in for 2-3 minutes for maximum winter benefits and to trap in the much needed moisture during these harsh months.

4. Special conditioning treatment at salon or at home: By applying a treatment such as Loreal's Power Dose, hair regains a natural, soft and silky feel. This treatment can be applied year-round.

5. Shed the length: Going into spring and summer, shorter styles will emerge from hibernation. Lengths around the shoulder featuring big curls featuring lots of movement and big waves will be the style of the season.


"Hair is changing really fast moving from season to season," says Joey. "From a color perspective we will see big chunks under the hair with not too many on top resulting in a more natural look yet brightening the face."

Recreate Oscar 2011 Hair -Styles

Stars at last night’s Academy Awards brought on a flourish of stunning hairstyles, from the glam to the modern to the sexy. René Fris reveals insider tips on how to pull off these sought after looks effortlessly!

REESE WITHERSPOON
Presenter Reese Witherspoon’s retro ponytail evoked Sixties mod fashion on the red carpet. To begin, apply a texturizing and lifting spray to hair and blow dry using a large round brush. Make sure to really lift hair at roots, creating epic volume which is essential to the look. Next, use a 1 and a half-inch curling iron to create loose waves and movement. Gather the hair up into a ponytail high up at the back of the head. As you do this, push hair forward to create lift at the crown. Use bobby pins to keep the ponytail in place. Set the whole look off with a coat of maximum hold hairspray.

MILA KUNIS
Black Swan star Mila Kunis looked positively gorgeous in this prom-esque do. Begin by parting the hair deeply to the side. Use a ¾-inch curling iron to create a wavy, tousled texture throughout hair. Allow a top section to drape loosely across half the forehead, gather the rest of hair together at the nape of the neck. Twist hair up and into a loose bun underneath its base, securing with bobby pins. Apply a shine boosting hairspray to finish the look.

GWYNETH PALTROW
Best Song performer Gwyneth Paltrow’s sleek hair complemented her shimmery form-fitting gown perfectly. The star’s modern style looked sensational on the Red Carpet, but is also versatile enough to rock virtually anywhere. For this look, apply a shine serum throughout wet locks and blow dry straight with a concentrated nozzle attachment on the blow dryer. Part hair down the middle and style hair in sections with a 1-inch flattening iron. Finish the look with a shine boosting hairspray for a polished look.

JENNIFER LAWRENCE
20-year-old best actress nominee, Jennifer Lawrence, looked hip and sexy with long layered waves. This look is simple but the results are head-turning. Begin by running a thickening lotion through damp hair. Blow dry using a paddle brush. Use a 2-inch curling iron to create sultry loose waves. Feel free to use hands to create more body and movement. Finish the look off with a medium-hold hair spray.

Share My Fashion Addictions Interviews Celebrity Hairstylist Amoy Pitters

From sleekly styling the tresses of such stars as Naomi Campbell, Alicia Keys, Sheryl Crow and Rihanna, to crafting the hair designs on runways of such legendary fashion houses as Christian Dior, hairstylist, Amoy has established herself as an authority on all things beauty and style.
Today, her impressive clientele includes Iman, Kerry Washington, Mary J. Blige, Joy Bryant, Selita Ebanks and Maggie Rizer.

Setting herself apart from others in the industry is Amoy's hands-on method to developing her techniques- unlike many stylists, Amoy practices her styling techniques on herself before applying them on clients. Following such an approach allows Amoy to develop and discover new cuts, shapes and colors, ensuring that her style and vision are always evolving.

One of Amoy's most sought-after signature styles is extensions. Amoy's expertise also includes editorial, bridal, celebrity, blow-dry, cut and color styling.

Share My Fashion Addictions had the chance to interview this highly sought after hairstyling genius:

Which celebrities have you worked with?
I have worked with a number of celebrities, including Naomi Campbell, Ashanti, Sheryl Crow, Alicia Keys, and Rihanna.

How did you get started with your career and what do you love about it?
My career started in salons after graduating from hair school, and after a few years, I began working the fashion show circuit. I got introduced to industry icon Odile, and worked with her on the Haute Couture shows. I loved working in hair because I get to go to such fabulous places and meet wonderful people.

When is your specialty?
Well, I am known for my extension work. I have worked on so many celebs and models, and they all primarily get extensions.

Do you have any hair tips healthier hair/managing "difficult" hair?
I tell all of my clients to make sure their hair is clean. That is the most important tip, especially for black women. You should wash your hair at least once a week, and take care great care of your scalp to maintain optimal hair growth. You should also invest in quality tools, such as a powerful hair dryer and flat iron. In terms if hair products, I don’t think you should spend a lot of money. Wrapping your hair in a silk scarf is also a great way to protect your while you sleep.

What are your favorite haircare brands and styling products?
But I do love my Rene Furterer dry shampoo, especially for those women who work out a lot—it sops up so much oil and leaves your hair smelling fresh. I am also partial to my own Amoy Couture Hair serum to add shine and to protect your hair from the elements.

How can clients arrange appointments with you?
I work in the salon 5 days a week, and always welcome new clients!

Contact information:
Amoy Couture Salon
Amoy Pitters
974 Lexington Avenue
NY NY
Ph: 212 529-5153
http://www.amoycouturehair.com/

Valentine's Day Hair Tutorials & Styles

If you're looking for different feminine options and ideas for styling your hair this vday, you've come to the right place. Here are a variation of looks to choose from, all Valentine's Day appropriate.

Romantic updo (messy hair bun) - suitable for formal ocassions too:(P.s. you may want to skip passed the intro and curling straight to 5:35 in the video)


Victoria's Secret runway hair (voluminous waves):



Sideswept waves / ponytail (with a flower pin):


Fishtail braid (flower pin optional):


Kim Kardashian style waves :

Tips to Winterize Your Hair & Skin‏

1. Assess Your Hair Style:
Depending on your hair type, you might need to change your hair style from your summer hair style to a more appropriate winter cut and length. If you wear bangs, they can be worn shorter in the winter compared to summer due to lack of humidity. In the winter months, the bangs as well as rest of hair will not shorten due to hair soaking up the humidity. If you have curly hair, your curls will be looser in the winter months again due to absence of humidity.

2. Change Your Hair Products:
In the summer months, you might tend to use a smoothing shampoo to control the frizz, but as you move into the winter season, you will need to switch to a moisturizing shampoo. Profound, Goldwell and Redken all have great moisturizing hair products. You need this added moisturizer for your hair due to the added dryness in the air...both inside and out.

3. Increase Facial Moisture:
In the summer, the humidity is a natural moisturizer for the body and face. As you notice in the dryer, winter months, your skin seems to soak up applied moisturizers in a higher quantity than summer. In the winter, you need to boost up the moisturizer. Lancôme has a great facial moisturizer that keeps your face supple all day long.

4. Ensure Moisturizer is Dry:
Allow at least 5 minutes after moisturizer application before applying foundation. If you are short on time, then you can blow dry your face on a low setting to quicken the process. Particularly this winter season I am seeing the growing popularity of powder bases...if you apply these on damp moisturized skin, the foundation will crack.

5. Hair Tools Might Change:
Depending on your hair type, you might be able to put the flat iron away for a few months and switch to a large barrel iron, giving the hot loose big round curl look.

6. Reduce Hair Product Quantity:
In the winter, you don't need to use as much hair gel or other products to get the same effect as in the summer. The summer humidity interferes with your top layer of your hair and this barrier is removed in the winter, allowing you to use less.

7. Time Saver When Blow Drying:
It takes less time to dry your hair in the winter compared to summer. In the summer, I recommend blow drying twice to ensure all moisture is removed. In the winter, due to eliminated humidity, you can skip the second blow through, hence saving time. Of course, rainy days are an exception. I recommend using an ION blow dryer to further save time.

8. Use More Makeup:
As with a moisturizer, your skin seems to absorb more and you cannot get away with the light, airy, summer make up look. Concentrate on adding more lip color (be sure your lips are moisturized and not cracking) and cheek color this season. MAC offers a great variety in its palette of colors.
Source/Image

6 Fashion And Beauty Trends For 2011

Harper's Bazaar has made a compilation of their predictions for 2011 hottest trends to come, and here are a few of my favorite picks to look out for:

1. Must-Have Polish

Chanel's latest home-run nail shade (in 513 Black Pearl) is the equivalent of a shimmery smoky eye for the fingertips. We love its light-reflecting iridescent quality, which flatters all skin tones.

2. Tom Ford Returns

Tom Ford's highly anticipated comeback ushered in fabulous fashion. Get the look with his retro-futuristic shades.

3. Splashy Shoes

When Jimmy Choo celebrates, it's done in style. For its 15th anniversary, the brand has released a set of chic crystal-studded shoes.

4. The New It Girls
Here's a cheat sheet of the latest crop of pop culture's It girls: Ten-year-old Hollywood royal Willow Smith is rocking her way to the top, while up-and-coming French starlet Léa Seydoux is winning the hearts of audiences everywhere. Redheaded actress Jessica Chastain is a newbie on the film circuit. A-list arrivistes!

5. Scarlett Johansson's Bob
We're predicting Scarlett Johansson's modern, choppy bob will be the hottest cut of the spring season.

6. Neon Brights
Turn it on. Striking shades appeared everywhere, from the hot-pink lips at Jil Sander to the lacy acid ensembles at Christopher Kane.

How Justin Bieber Styles His Hair

If you ever wondered how to make your hair look perfect like Justin Biebers, here's a tutorial of singer himself doing his hair routine.

It seems simple enough only involving a hair dryer and flipping.

Bieber also got a new haircut in November 2010 during the promotion of his book, which looked slightly shorter and more "mature".

Classy 50's Hair Waves - Megan Fox Style Tutorial

Looking to create a sexy, glam wavy look? This look reminds me so much of the 50's and women who wore it like Marylin Monroe or Jessica Rabbit. Here's a tutorial that show's how to get this wavy look- which by the way would look perfect for cocktail parties.



What you'll need for this look:
- heat protectant
- hair spray
- dry shampoo (optional)
- 1 1/2 inch curling iron
- hair clips
- hair brush

3 Heat Defense Sprays Compared

If you use a dryer or flat iron your hair is exposed to alot of damaging factors. It's always best to protect it as much as you can. I've used 3 different (budget friendly or "drugstore") heat protecting products on my hair and decided to do a comparative review:

• Herbal Essence Dangerously Straight ($4-5)
• Alberto Vo5 Heat Protect Styling Spray ($4-5)
• Toni & Guy Iron-It Heat Defence Spray ($10.50)

Herbal Essence Dangerously Straight Heat Spray weighed down my hair extremely and left it sticky. It smelled good, but that's about it. I didn't use the whole bottle and eventually just threw the rest out - so you can get a good idea how much I disliked it.

I like design of this Alberto V05 bottle though, because it reminds me a bit of window cleaning sprays- kinda fun. The fragrance of V05 was also fresh, without smelling too strong. It's an alcohol free formula which also contains 5 vitamins and a UV filter.
Though I found it better then Herbal Essences heat protecting spray it still left my hair weighed down and slightly sticky.

You guessed it, my favorite is the Toni & Guy Iron-It Heat Defense spray, even though it costs double- I got it on sale when I was in London (at Boots). Though my hair needs to be washed 2 days after I use it, I still feel this product leaves my hair feeling the least sticky of the 3. It also leaves my hair straighter and less wavy before I even use my flat iron, without weighing my hair down one bit.
I bought it together with the finishing shine spray which I rarely use.

What's your favorite heat protecting hair product?

Celebrity Inspired Wedding Hair Styles

I was sent an article about celebrity inspired wedding hairstyles and trends and decided to share. No wedding attire is complete without the right hairstyle and even this can be a daunting task.

Inspired by some of our favorite Hollywood starlets who have tied the knot this year, Latrice Strader, Master Hairstylist and Owner of Destiny De’Ve Hair Salon in Washington, D.C. explores the bridal styles of five celebrity newlyweds who mastered their wedding day hairstyles.
“This year the top celebrity bridal hairstyles each exuded a look of elegance and grace while maintaining a glamorous edge,” says Latrice. Whether you are looking for a classic, glamorous, or sexy bridal hairstyle, the hairstyles below will surely suit your fancy for your special day.
Latrice explains how every woman can find the celebrity bridal hairstyle that fits them best.

Regal beauty:
America’s favorite first daughter tied the knot in a beautiful dress and ceremony, in addition to a classic feminine French twist. “The twists and braids are perfect for Chelsea since she is young, vibrant, and is a part of American royalty” says Latrice. “For any bride desiring a classic look with a lot of volume and texture, this French twist is a top bridal hairstyle—perfect for any princess fairytale wedding” Latrice continues.

Foxy and simple:
Transformers star Megan Fox shows off her shiny jet-black hair on her big day by keeping it straight and simple for her wedding. “Straight hair is definitely a sexy way to highlight natural beauty,” says Latrice. “For any bride who desires a sexier and more natural look, straight hair is the perfect hairstyle” Latrice continues.

Gold, Elegant Waves:
Khloe Kardashian’s perfectly crimped locks are highlighted by her luscious golden highlights for her big day. Khloe’s gold streaks bring out her glowing fair skin as well. “Gold and/or deep brown highlights are a great way to highlight your natural skin tone if you have naturally dark hair,” says Latrice. “Shades of lighter colors for those with naturally lighter hair can also bring out beautiful glowing skin as well.”

All-American girl updo:
Carrie Underwood’s beautiful smile and voice aren’t the only things touching hearts all around the nation. Carrie’s golden tresses are gathered into an elegant updo with loose curls that are easy to work with. “Carrie’s side swoop bangs complement her loose curls perfectly and add a fun yet beautiful look to her style,” says Latrice.

Fit for a queen:
Grammy award winning Alicia Keys continues to set trends even on her wedding day. Incorporating a diamond encrusted tiara with an elegant chignon tucked and pinned away from her face, Alicia exudes a regal look on her big day. “Alicia’s beauty is radiant with this simple yet glamorous hairstyle,” says Latrice. “It’s a super chic and classic look that highlights her beauty well, especially with the added touch of the tiara.”

How to choose the best flat iron

There's so much contradictory advice and information out there about straightening irons.
How wide should it be?
What is ceramic plated and does it work?
What are tourmaling crystals?
What characteristics to look out for?
Which is better? Chi - Ghd - Or another brand?
Check out this Youtube video and review from one of my newly discovered make up guru's - who has previous experience working at a salon.

Heat-free way to get gorgeous curls and volume

Here's a tutorial for achieving lovely curls without heat. I stumbled onto it since I don't own a curling iron yet. Plus I try to avoid heat-styling my hair unless there's some special ocassion.

All you will need are:
-Slightly damp hair
-A bunch of bobby pins
-A little hairspray
-Blowdryer with "No Heat" setting (I think this is optional).

Home-made: High Protein Scalp Conditioner

This is a home made recipe I got from Thriftyfun.com. Check it out for some more home made hair miracles.:)

This high-protein, all-natural hair conditioner will help to dislodge any debris or pollution that may be clogging the tiny openings in your scalp. This conditioner will open the tiny openings for better passage of nutrients into your hair. This scalp conditioner also enriches the hair, helping to make it stronger and more lustrous.

Blend together, preferably in an electric blender:
1 cup fresh skimmed milk
1 egg yolk (separated from the egg white)
2 capsules of wheat germ oil contents (you may have to open up capsules and squeeze the contents out)
1 Tbsp. of fresh wheat germ
The contents of 1 Tbsp. of lecithin granules (you may need to open capsules)
1 Tbsp. natural wheat bran (available in bulk also)

Note: You may find all of the above ingredients at a health food store. It is unlikely that your local grocery store will carry most of the ingredients other than the milk and eggs.

Slowly and firmly massage the mixture into your scalp. Leave the mixture on for about 10 minutes. If you cover your head with a shower cap or you drape a towel around your head and lie on a slant board while the conditioner does its work, you will benefit even more because of the gravity effect. After 10 minutes, thoroughly rinse the conditioner from your hair with warm (not hot) water. Follow with your usual shampoo and conditioner.

Tutorial: Vanessa Hudgens messy updo

Easy hair style: build volume while you sleep

This is more for those of you with straight/wavy hair who want to add a kick of volume. I'm usually too busy  when I first wake up and have to rush to work/class. So I decided to take a tip from Heidi Klum's stylist and get a red-carpet worthy look... while I sleep!

All you do is spray your hair with volumizing spray before you get some shut eye. Create some braids at your nape, crown and bangs. Flipping hair over adds more volume. Then fasten the braids in a bun at the top of your head.

Come morning: voila! Just shake down your braids and you're set to go. They're also pretty comfy to sleep in.

John Frieda root lifting hair spray for blondes ($7.99)
Sunsilk Daring Volume hairspray ($3.99)

Paul Mitchell volumizing spay ($10.35)

Easy, Messy Hair Updo/Hairstyle

I love this idea. Great for days when you're having a bad hair day, or just want to try out a new look for an ocassion.

Tips For Shiny Hair

Here are some tips I put together for those of you who want to get shinier, better looking hair.

• DRY HAIR: Mix mehandi/henna powder , coconut milk and coconut oil to get a paste. Apply it to your hair and massage gently. Leave it for one hour. Then wash your hair to get shiny silky hair. It also prevents hair fall. Do this twice a week.

• For BLACK HAIR: Dry curry leaves for one day (in the sun), heat coconut oil and add dried curry leaves to it. Leave the oil for one day. Now its ready for use. For health hair add curry leaves to your food. (My dad actually read about this and recommended this for people who are trying to stop their hair from falling excessively!)

• Use STRAWBERRY HAIR MASK: mash eight strawberries with one-tablespoon mayonnaise. Massage this into washed but damp hair. Cover it with a shower cap and then a warm towel. Wash out with a shampoo and then condition. It's meant to give your mane a glossy sheen.

• For BLOND HAIR use a few tablespoons of lemon juice to your rinse water. This will make your hair shiny.

• For BROWN and RED HAIR: add a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to your rinse water.

• For SHINY HAIR you can also mix one teaspoon of honey into 4 cups of warm water. After shampooing, pour the mixture through your hair, but do not rinse. Dry as normal.

Victoria Beckham's Pixie Cut

Victoria Beckham debuted a spiky new pixie cut at the Marc Jacobs Spring 2009 show at Fashion Week. During the past year Victoria introduced the angled bob trend which was seen on everyone and their mother. This time she's gone shorter and edgier. Still sexy as usual.

What Do You Think Of Victoria Beckham’s new Pixie Cut? Was it better before?