Saturday January 28, 2012
It's been a while since I've answered reader mail on my blog. This email from Sarah is, I'm sure, one that many of you can relate to.
Sarah writes: I'm playing around with the idea of getting a perm, so I've been trying to do a bit of research on the subject. Your article has been the most helpful and informative so far, so I'm reaching out to inquire specifically about "multi-textured" perms. When I google "multi-textured perm", I get website after website of the same vague description, a variation of "This type of perm is used to create a natural look to the hair. To create this look, large and small rods are used to lock the curls in place." That doesn't really tell me anything, so I'm a bit frustrated. The popular image used in reference to this perm is this which looks great, but I'm skeptical that more than simple layering and a curling iron was used to achieve the look in this image. I would feel totally confident about this type of perm if more than one image was available that confirms the specifics of the way this looks. Perhaps I'm using the wrong terminology? If you have any articles or advice about different perm styles, knowing which is right for you and most importantly, how to ASK FOR the kind you want in the clearest terms possible, I would greatly appreciate it. -Sarah
First of all, thanks to Sarah for the great letter. Finding photos of great perms on the internet is hard, because perms (especially on long hair) are just not a common service in the salon any more. Heavy coloring and highlighting are among the first reasons to say no to a perm, and quite honestly most women are coloring and highlighting their hair these days.
As to your question on "multi-texture" perms. Texture, in this case, refers to curl size. A mulit-texture perm would use various (likely two) different size rods to create a more natural curl pattern in the hair. When you look at someone with naturally curly or wavy hair, the size of the curl or wave is typically not 100% consistent. Curl may be tighter in places and looser in others. It's a way to mimic that natural look.
In the photo you have referenced, the style may be the result of a perm on a partial level. As you suspect, artful layering and styling have played a big part in the final look. If a perm was performed on the woman in the photo, the perm rods were likely very large, creating more body and wave than actual curl. Likely two different sizes of large rods were used, thus the terminology "multi-texture".
Depending on your own natural hair texture, this look could be achieved with styling and the right cut. A perm may help if your hair is pin straight and doesn't hold body or curl. Be sure to read over my article on red flags to consider before you get a perm, and check out this new article with advice on how to get a perm that you won't hate if you decide a perm is the answer for you.
Thank you, again for your question. I hope this answer helps in your quest to achieve that look.
Tuesday January 10, 2012
Wen® Cleansing Conditioner
Photo © Kendra AarhusA lot of my clients and readers have emailed me about WEN Haircare, wondering if it really is a miracle hair solution. As you've likely seen on television, this non-shampoo hair cleanser makes promises for frizz management, body enhancement, and healthier hair conditions. Does it actually measure up? Read my review, and then check out the dozens of reviews that readers, like you, have submitted. If you've tried WEN, you can submit your own review here.
More Frizz Fighting Product Reviews
Friday January 6, 2012
Before Photo
Deanna Bean's American Beauty Entry
Great Lengths Challenge 2012
Photo © Deanna BeanIt's easy to overlook the talent that surrounds us. I wouldn't say that I was surprised when my friend, and fellow hair stylist, Deanna Bean posted that she was entering some hair extension contest on Facebook several weeks ago. People enter contests all the time. Big deal. So, even though I was in the midst of the holiday rush, I made an effort to check out her entries and "like" them. I knew she'd do the same for me if I asked.
In all honesty, I was quite taken aback by the makeovers she entered in this contest. I mean, they were really good. I got to poking around contest details and soon discovered that this was a legit contest put on by Great Length Extensions every year, with legit (and big) prizes. I figured I should see what Deanna was up against. I started looking around the rest of the entries and it wasn't long before I realized that Deanna had a real shot at making it to the next round. Of the over 160 entries that were submitted to Great Lengths, Deanna's were, frankly, the best. And I wasn't just saying that because I like her. I remember thinking, this chick has some serious talent.
Apparently I wasn't the only one with this opinion. During the first round of the contest entries were submitted and the judges nominated their favorites. Only the top three in each category (American Beauty, Socialite, and Fasionista) would advance to the next round. Did I mention that the judges include Steven Tyler, Ted Gibson, and Kim Vo? Great Lengths wasn't messing around, and my friend Deanna's talent and experience was certainly confirmed awesome.
After Photo
Deanna Bean's
American Beauty Entry
Great Lengths Challenge 2012
Photo © Deanna BeanPublic voting in this phase of the contest is underway. You can take a look at all the judge's nominees and vote for your favorite on the Great Lengths Facebook page. Voting is easy. You can vote once every 24 hours. The winners of this portion of the contest will advance to the final phase, recieve a trip for two to Chicago, tickets to America's Beauty Show and a place of honor at the Stylists Choice Awards where the overall winner will be announced.
The contest is an excellent way to expose stylists and and potential clients alike to Great Lengths. Experienced Great Lengths experts get an incredible opportunity to show off their best work and aspiring artists can really see what the Great Lengths opportunity has to offer their clients. Of course, if you're looking for an extension artist, what better way to see the work of experienced stylists that are excited about the work they do.
Best of luck, Deanna. I'm looking forward to hearing that you've made it to the next round and seeing pictures of you on stage at America's Beauty Show.
Learn More About Deanna Bean
Keep Up With Women's Hairstyle News on About.com
Tuesday January 3, 2012
Emma Watson
Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty ImagesYou may have already read that Emma Watson's pixie haircut was declared the most influencial of 2011 by the Wallstreet Journal. I have to agree. After all, while not completely inspired by Miss Watson, I joined the thousands of women that followed Emma's lead and chopped my hair into pixie cut in the fall of 2011. It was an excellent decision. Of all the hair cuts I've discussed over the year, whether it was here or in my salon, it seems that Emma's name as been repeated more than anyone else.
The pixie cut may not be your idea of a great way to start 2012, but I would encourage you to embrace the idea of shorter hair. It's trendier than ever, and let me tell you how liberating (not to mention time and money saving) it is to not have a mane of hair to tend to on a daily basis.
What else is on trend? Say goodbye to the super sleek, super straight, overly flat ironed hair that the last decade brought us. Natural texture, beachy waves, and curl are making their mark on the heads of women everywhere. From bobs and crop cuts to long and layerd locks, texture and curl are not only trendy but beautiful and simpler to style as well. Is it because we like texture, or has everyone's 400 degree flat irons finally burned our hair down to a hot mess and we just can't take it any longer. Honestly, I love a natural wave, texture, and movement in hair. The flat, straight, no personality style is so two-thousand-late.
Color trends for 2012 are on both ends of the spectrum. Bright, bold, almost "out there" color is, while not exactly practical, making a statement. Think Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, and Lady Gaga.
For the rest of us, natural color is in. Bayalage and ombre highlights are becoming mainstream. Softer blondes, more natural reds, and rich chocolate browns are the color of choice from the red carpets in Hollywood to office spaces throughout the midwest. These color choices and techniques are not only pretty, but less distracting, less damaging, and require less maintenance than the bolder, blonder highlights of years past. Let's face it, the economy isn't exactly in the best condition and most of us are looking to save more, not spend more in the new year.
More Advice for Great Hair in 2012
