Brian Atwood Resort 2012 Shoes

Brian Atwood Resort 2012 Shoes are nothing short of brilliant. In fact, these Brian Atwood shoes may just be the prettiest among the collections for the upcoming pre-spring season.

What makes this collection stand out are the bold colors that only somebody like Brian Atwood can pull off. True that not everything in the collection is perfect but it would be enough to call this a very solid Lineup for the resort 2012 line.

Meet The Sylist Oscar James

Oscar James' calm demeanor and classic styling skills have made him one of the top hairstylists in the world. Since entering the industry over 10 years ago, he has amassed a client list of supermodels and celebrities such as Iman, Tyra Banks, Vanessa Williams, Beyonce and more. His work can be seen on magazine covers and the editorial pages of Vogue, Glamour, Essence, InStyle and Cosmopolitan. Yet, he proudly refers to the highlight of his career as styling Halle Berry's signature 'do for the 74th Annual Academy Awards.

It was in his hometown of Florence, South Carolina, that Oscar began developing an affinity for hairstyling. It wasn't long before he considered the possibility of making it his life's work. Eagar to enter the professional world, he attended high school and beauty school simultaneously, graduating with a diploma and a cosmetology license to pursue his dreams.

Having briefly lived in New York as a child, his memories of style and glamour never faded. In 1987, he returned to New York City. Almost immediately, he started working at some of the finest salons and began placing himself in settings that would showcase his styling ability. In no time he met other industry professionals and was soon recommended to work with his longtime favorite, Vanessa Williams.

A decade later, Oscar continues to travel the world, working with television and film stars, recording artists and more. He remains a defining force in both print and advertising and has become the first African-American spokesperson for hair authority John Freida. He has also embarked upon opening salons in Florence, South Carolina and New York City respectively.

Oscar James currently resides in West New York, New Jersey.

What Are the Best Hair Care Products for Extensions?

Getting hair extensions is an investment. Although the longevity of your hair extensions also depends on the type of hair and installation method used, how you maintain the hair also plays a crucial role. If you nurture your hair extensions as if it was your own hair, expect to have those extensions looking good for a while. However, if you neglect the investment you have made, you can expect to be disappointed with your purchase.

Brushes/Combs

Because gentle care is required, you should choose quality combs and brushes to untangle and smooth the hair. Combs should be wide-spaced. Before washing your hair, brush it with a soft-bristle brush to prevent further tangles. When brushing, always start at the ends, then work upward toward the extension weft. Never yank at your hair extensions, as this can extract them and damage your own hair.

Shampoos/Conditioners

Always use a gentle shampoo to cleanse your hair extensions. The stylist who installed your hair extensions can also give you recommendations on the proper shampoo to use. As for conditioners, opt for one that is moisturizing. Deep condition your hair extensions at least every two to three days to give them optimum moisture. Ask your stylist to recommend the best conditioner. Use a light hair extensions moisturizer every two to three days so the extensions do not dry out and form ratty, split ends.

Styling Products

Hair extensions can be a costly investment; therefore, you must choose the right styling products that will not damage them. Before applying any heat, always apply a thermal protectant to shield the hair. Ceramic or ionic styling tools are better choices for hair extensions. They are designed to control heat more effectively. The less heat used on the hair, the better. Avoid using chemicals on the hair; instead take the hair extensions to a professional who can process them appropriately.

June Ambrose, Celebrity Stylist Set To Debut Reality Show And Fashion Collections

June Ambrose, celebrity stylist extraordinaire, has spent her career transforming some of the hottest names in Hip Hop and Hollywood. Her impeccable taste and eye for all things fabulous keep stars like Jay-Z, Kanye West, Mary J. Blige and Sean “Diddy” Combs, Kelly Ripa and Mariah Carey coming back for more.

Named one of the Top 25 Most Powerful Stylists by the Hollywood Reporter, Ambrose is also a style icon in her own right. Her signature turbans, red lips, over-sized sunglasses, killer shoe collection and captivating personality has earned her legions of fans, including 334,500 (and counting) Twitter followers.

The married mother of two just wrapped up a three-month gig in Los Angeles as the “style architect” for CBS’s reality talent show “The X Factor.” Creating the image and style for all 17 contestants has been Ambrose's biggest project to-date.

And though her work and personal style is revered amongst those in the entertainment industry, she still hasn't become a household name. But, that will all change next month when Ambrose hits the small screen as VH1's new reality star in her very own TV show.

"Styled By June," which debuts on February 27, promises to be an entertaining journey through Ambrose’s fun, frantic and fashion filled world--what she likes to call the “Juniverse.” Viewers will get a glimpse at how Ambrose works her fashion magic on a host of celebrities all while juggling a family life.

And that’s not all. This year Ambrose is set to launch a capsule collection of sunglasses for Selima Optique and plans to start accessories (turbans included), apparel and home furnishings collection.

Quite a stylish start to 2012!

Meet Celebrity Stylist Nicola Augustine

 One of the "most sought after hair extension stylists", Nicola Augustine, "The Hair Transformist", has successfully styled from CEO's to rock stars, high profiled clients around the world, using her powerful hair extension and cutting techniques to get them looking great and unbelievably natural.

Originally from Grenada, Nicola's love affair with hair was evidence early on when she routinely orchestrates hair makeovers with childhood friends. Nicola has worked in LA and New York, where she quickly established a reputation for her customized, versatile and fresh styles. Nicola has worked side by side with some of the top stylists in the business. Today, Nicola spends her time creating custom natural looking wigs, undectable hair extension, and lace front wig hair extension, and cutting hair for her fabulous clients, doing celebrity events and fashion shows, and contributing to television and video segments.

She has appeared in numerous magazines as a hair expert, writer, professional speaker and radio personality on nationally syndicated shows. Among numerous network television appearances, Nicola is continually sought after for her expertise in the world of hair and beauty, and is regularly featured in popular magazine, website and newspaper articles.

Her public presentations focus on topics from her wildly successful hair care program that she uses in her coaching work with her clients. Her work and editorial expertise has been featured in magazines such as:

Vogue, Essence, Source, Trace, Heart & Soul, MTV's Brandy Wannabe, Glow by Linda Lopez, Good Day New York.

Among her client list of top CEO's, Rock Stars, and Hollywood elite, an musical superstars notables include Alicia Keys, Roberta Flack, Mya, Faith Evans, Stevie Wonder, Qtip, Rah Digga, Ciara, actress Angela Bassett and Ben Vereen.

Nicola Augustine Braidless Extensions on Kelly Rowland

She has also worked on projects for a number of different product companies like Spartan Brands and Proline. Her work has adorned many mediums and persons.

Rather than listing all her talent she has styled, she insists, let my work speak for itself, she believes all her clients are stars.

Follow her on twitter @nicolaaugstine or visit her online at http://nicolaaugustinehair.com/

 

Jazzy Girls Luxury Hair Collection: Want Super Model Naomi Cambells Look?

Jazzy Girls Luxury Hair Collection: Want Super Model Naomi Cambells Look?: We have hair in 40" like shown here on Naomi The mission of Luxury Hair Online.com is to help every women look and feel their most beaut...

Want Super Model Naomi Cambells Look?

We have hair in 40" like shown here on Naomi

The mission of Luxury Hair Online.com is to help every women look and feel their most beautiful. Hair is an essential part of the beautifying experience. Luxury Hair Online.com brings beauty to your fingertips.  With just one click, you can own the look that you desire. At Luxury Hair Online, we know that when we look beautiful, we feel beautiful.

  Here at Luxury Hair Online, we offer a variety of luxurious virgin hair extensions and wigs from around the world.  We personally travel to such far off places an India and Brazil to make certain that the product that we offer is the most luxurious of 100% virgin hair. Your satisfaction is our desire.

 We import hair from around the world! It is our pleasure to offer you our exclusive blend of ethnicities known as our “Luxury Elite Collection.” This blend offers more texture and volume than the standard single ethnicity. However, in order to please our clients, we do offer standard Indian, “Native Collection” and Brazilian, “Rio Collection.”

In 2009, Allure magazine named Luxury Hair Online the top supplier of Indian hair extensions.  This is an accolade that we are especially proud of.  Our desire is that every woman wear our hair with pride and confidence.

Shoegasm Inspired By Giuseppe Zanotti Shoes

Today’s shoegasm has been inspired by Giuseppe Zanotti shoes!! Ladies I know how you all love your red bottoms but you CANNOT deny the unique versatility that is Giuseppe.

Here’s a gallery of some personal favorites from the Fall/ Winter 2011/ 2012 Giuseppe Zanotti ad campaign from Million Looks and spotted over at NB some fabulous Giuseppe Zanotti Curved Wedge Booties worn by Kelly Rowland and Nicole Scherzinger (and also the pump version worn by Alicia Keys) who the designer said the style was inspired by an African woman from the 70′s and his new line will contain a lot of African details as well as colors and shapes from the 70s, those along with a few more sneak peek photos are apart of the Spring/Summer 2012 collection. 

Enjoy!!!

Meet Celebrity Stylist Hadiiya Barbel

Hadiiya Barbel's hairstyling and expertly crafted wigs have been seen on Mya, Iman, Pepa, Ciara, Star Jones, Keri Hilson, Ashanti, Taraji Henson, Angela Bassett, and many more fashionable celebrities.  She is a self-made woman of enigmatic personality, who has earned and cultivated a prestigious reputation among some of Hollywood's elite as the stylist to see. Barbel is a true rebel at heart, and her creative beginnings and deep-seated personal belief of seeing beauty in all forms allows a greater understanding that her love for what she does goes much deeper than just hair, and how it transformed this vivacious mother of three outlooks on life.

 In her formative years, Barbel, a Bronx New York native, sought to achieve a career in fashion as a designer. Dutifully creative, her visions often included the full profile of her subjects, and the attraction to the detail of hairstyling gracefully began to engulf her approach to fashion design.  Recognizing a burgeoning talent, her teachers and advisors at High School of Fashion Industries (HSFI) provided the young student with her first major challenge; to create all of the hairstyles for the various school shows. She embraced the opportunity to showcase her newly discovered talent, and this early taste of success convinced Barbel that her imaginative flair was best used to pursue a career in the hair industry.

She went to work at a Time Salon in Brooklyn, under the tutelage of her mentor Heather OKeefe. Barbel trained and learned O’Keefe’s high standards, and in return OKeefe provided the early foundation for Barbel to achieve a goal in her long-range vision, one which has come true to have a premier salon destination called The Glamour Suite, located in the Soho District of New York City.

A Hadiiya Barbel hairstyle is influenced by wild, soulful and hip styles of the 60s and 70s, but these iconic looks take on a completely future-forward flair with her no-holds-barred, radically different approach to cutting and styling. 

A Hadiiya Barbel style is unmistakably her own, and for all the work that goes into it, she describes it as effortless beauty, where the styles are done, yet undone, she says. These styles are epitome of cool, as evidenced by her specialty in creating shapes, these are individualized visions for her clientele that are created to perfectly flatter their features, their lifestyles, their way of being.  A style by Hadiiya Barbel is guaranteed to turn heads.

 How she spends the private hours of her life are equally as important to her and provide the balance for her to create and maintain her personal brand. Barbel is an avid fitness buff who is an extremely health conscious person. She works out, rides her beloved bicycles and nurtures a happy home for her three children.  Barbel believes that being fit, healthy and treasuring her family’s happiness is the key to her ongoing success.

Know When It Is Time To Take Your Weave Out

I would like to address the 5 most important signs that it is time to take your weave out.  As a woman who wears weaves I suggest leaving it in no longer than 2 months, however, everyone is different. So with that being said let me get started!

1.     Is That A Wig Or Weave?

When you scratch your scalp, and the weave moves, like there is a wig on your head. This means the braids under the weave have completely grown out which is great because who doesn’t want their hair to grow…Right? With that being said though the new growth needs to be washed deep conditioned and combed. So if the weave is moving around its time ladies to take it down.

2.     Your Weave Stinks!

The weave smells, you can smell it and so can those around you. This is especially true for those wearing a curly or wet weave. When wearing a weave shampooing your own hair is limited because after all it’s braided. After 1-2 months the hair will begin to have an odor.

3.     Hey Girl, You Lost About 2 Ounces Of Hair While Brushing That Tired Weave This Morning.

Severe shedding is a sure sign it’s time to say good-bye to your weave. Not the shedding of your own hair that is braided but the weave hair off the track. This goes for the hair that is not the “Indian human hair” but, because all the hair nowadays says 100% human hair chances are if the pack says that, it isn’t true and that the hair I’m talking about. Now I’m not knocking that type of hair because if it all you can afford… but keep in mind it does not have a life span and once used cannot be reused. So if you’re Milky Way, Capelli, Bobby Boss, Dena Cali etc, is shedding its time to take the weave down. If you invest in Jazzy Girls Luxury Hair Collection, our hair is 100% Natural Virgin hair; it does not shed and can be reused up to 1 yr.!

4.     If I Was Your Stylist I Would Charge You An Additional Fee.

I say this because it has become a project to style this kind of hair. I have seen women from time to time that just can’t say goodbye to the weave and to create a miracle out of mayonnaise to get the weave to look like it did 2 months ago with their new growth hanging out all over the place. Is this fair to you or your stylist? No, take it out now!

5.     No One Not Even You Remembers When You Got Your Weave Put In.

When your hairstylist asks, “Girl when I put this weave in your hair?” If your own stylist can’t remember chances are she’s hinting that your weave has lived its life and nature has taken its new growth course. It’s time to take it down get a much needed shampoo, deep conditioning and trim.

So ladies you if you have any of these five signs TAKE OUT YOUR WEAVE!!!

SCALP SUPPORT

While caring for extensions is important, you should not forget about the foundation under the weave!

• Treating your scalp before you get extensions is th emost important thing.  We reccomend a hot oil treatment ad cholesterol treatment to make the foundation nice and soft.  You have to start with a healthy foundation before you do anything to your hair.
• When you shampoo the hair once every two weeks you want to get in between the tracks and scrub your scalp very well.  Just make sure to rinse the hair completely and sit under the dryer until your whole head is completely dry.  If you leave the hair wet, it can develop a sour smell.
• If your prone to a dry itchy scalp, try doing a scalp relief treatment every time you shampoo. There are liquid spays you can apply to the scalp in a few places.  But don't use too much or your hair will become too oily.

Meet Celebrity Stylist Marcia Hamilton

Like any tremendously talented hair stylist in the industry who is worth their salt, Marcia Hamilton has achieved all the prerequisite accolades. With that said, these awards amass her credibility, but it is her aptitude, edgy and passionate approach to hair creations where fashion photographers, makeup artists and fashion stylists agree, Marcia is one of the most inspiring hair artist of the next century!

Marcia is consistent in her ability to convey pre-determined looks effortlessly. When challenged to create with no direction, Marcia has the ability to immediately recognize what is needed and deliver the perfect hair art contribution. She is definitely the go to “it girl” of hair!

 Not only has Marcia mastered her approach to creating fashion from hair styling but based her personable style, she has come to be known as a trendsetter. So much so, that industry insiders have cast her as a fixture in music videos and sitcoms. Most recently Marcia was cast as a celebrity hair stylist on Style Networks number one rated show, “Split Ends”.

Marcia has created looks for, Jada Pinkett Smith, Pink, John Legend, Kim Kardashian, Kelly Rowland, Minnie Driver, Serena and Venus Williams. Marcia’s radically expressive styles have been seen in editorials for; InStyle, Jane, Flaunt, Essence and ESPN magazine. She works regularly with fashion photographers; Giuliano Bekor, Mike Ruiz, Kwaku, Raquel Olivo, Ellen Von Unwerth, and Chris, Voelker. On many occasions Marcia is enlisted to create make-overs for NBC, HBO, The Today Show, The Ellen Show, ABC and E Entertainment.

Jazzy Girls Luxury Hair Collection Showcase at Bronner Brothers International Hair Show

Jazzy Girls Luxury Hair Collection, the company raising the bar for trends with the latest human hair technology, today announced it will launch an online hair and beauty boutique allowing consumers, for the first time, to purchase Jazzy Girls Luxury Hair Collection™ fine, virgin, hair.  Additionally, Jazzy Girls Luxury Collection will be exhibiting at the Bronner Bros. International Hair Show, a global event to be held Feb.18-21, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Ga.  Jazzy Girls Luxury Hair Collection representatives will be available for meetings in booth #1528.

JAZZY GIRLS LUXURY HAIR COLLECTION LAUNCHES ONLINE HAIR AND BEAUTY BOUTIQUE

Previously Available Only In Salons, Jazzy Girls Luxury hair Collection, The Industry’s Finest Virgin Hair Extensions Are Now Available Direct To Consumers Through New Web Store; Jazzy Girls Luxury Hair Collection Attends Bronner Bros. International Beauty Show

January 12, 2012 – HOUSTON Jazzy Girls Luxury Hair Collection, the company raising the bar for trends with the latest human hair technology, today announced it will launch an online hair and beauty boutique allowing consumers, for the first time, to purchase Jazzy Girls Luxury Hair Collection™ fine, virgin, hair.  Additionally, Jazzy Girls Luxury Collection will be exhibiting at the Bronner Bros. International Hair Show, a global event to be held Feb.18-21, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Ga.  Jazzy Girls Luxury Hair Collection representatives will be available for meetings in booth #1528.

“Jazzy Girls Luxury Hair Collection is the finest hair in the market and has been steadily gaining popularity with stylists and their customers who desire premium virgin hair to complement their look,” stated Velma Trayham, founder and director of Marketing, Jazzy Girls Luxury Hair Collection.  “With the launch of our online hair and beauty boutique, Jazzy Girls Luxury Hair Collection makes it easier for consumers to enhance their look with our straight, wavy and curly textures. We are thrilled to offer this exceptional product direct to consumers online and to debut our Jazzy Girls Luxury Hair Collection at Bronner Bros. International Hair Show, one of the largest hair shows in the world.

 In addition to the Jazzy Girls Luxury Hair Collection, the online hair and beauty boutique will feature styles, beauty tips, featured stylists and an online style consultant. The online boutique will also expand to include additional beauty and accessory products such as eyelashes, hair products, salon wear and more.

Jazzy Girls Luxury Hair Collection extensions are unparalleled because the virgin hair used has all cuticle layers running the same direction from root to end. This ensures that the extensions behave exactly like a woman’s own hair and guarantees natural wave, fullness, luster and remarkable usability. Both light in weight and supple, Jazzy Girls Luxury Hair Collection hair maintains a natural flow and movement. Chemical free, Jazzy Girls Luxury Hair Collection enhances the length, color and texture of natural hair for a flawless and refined weave or hair extension style. Additionally, Jazzy Girls Luxury Hair Collection can be reused up to a year and can be washed, blow dried, curled, flat ironed, colored and permed. 

Hair in the Jazzy Girls Luxury Hair Collection is available in 10” to 40” lengths and in rich, virgin hair color.  Not only will consumers be impressed with the quality of Jazzy Girls Luxury Hair Collection extensions, but the presentation of the product was also given much consideration. Jazzy Girls Luxury hair Collection is carefully arranged in special packaging, the first of its kind in this industry, to offer a visual impact of its luxurious nature.

For more information about becoming a distributor, to purchase Jazzy Girls Luxury Hair Collection products or to meet with representatives attending the Bronner Bros event, call 1-800-393-8060 or visit http://luxuryhaironline.com.

About Jazzy Girls Luxury Hair Collection
With a winning combination of hair experts and stylists, and more than 15 years of industry experience, Jazzy Girls Luxury Hair Collection provides 100 % virgin human hair that is natural and of the highest quality. Jazzy Girls Luxury Hair Collection unique virgin and natural human hair extensions are lustrous, and tangle free. Jazzy Girls Luxury Hair Collection is the only company that produces hair extensions at the source, with headquarters in South America, Jazzy Girls Luxury hair Collection has sales offices in Atlanta, New York, Miami and Texas. For more information contact our sales department by phone at 1-800-393-8060 or visit http://www.luxuryhaironline.com

Long before she graced the faces of many of your favorite entertainers, Atlanta native, Latasha Wright paid her dues managing some of the top department store brands such as MAC and Bloomingdales. Honing her skills and giving clients cutting- edge, individualized makeovers allowed her to coin her signature “Wright Look.” Latasha then decided to build upon her brand, one that has ultimately become a familiarity within the entertainment industry.

As a young girl, Latasha began experimenting with color and makeup on her mother, an incredible beauty who undoubtedly served as her muse. Motivated by her mother, an evangelist, and father, a physician, Latasha pursued an education in business administration. However, feeling unfulfilled, Wright began to abandon her inner passion for art, makeup and hair. After realizing her hearts true desires and with encouragement and inspiration from her parents, Wright soon put aside her business education to pursue her ultimate dream, exploring the power of make up.

 A makeup consultant to numerous national print outlets, her professional credits and cover work include magazines such as; Allure, Essence, Ebony and a host of other national publications. The peripatetic Wright also has television network credits, working for, Bravo, Turner Broadcasting Systems, FOX and BET. A household name in face glamour, she is frequently commissioned by legions of entertainers and private clients, who host special events such as weddings, listening parties, and fundraisers. 

A licensed esthetician, Wright attended the International School of Skin Care in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2009, she joined Taylor- Ector Studios, a full-service boutique offering photography, wardrobe, makeup, and hair styling. Wright enthuses, “I am inspired to teach women that makeup is an accessory, just like your purse and shoes. When women say, “I don’t wear makeup,” oftentimes they just don’t know how. Once they have been taught the “Wright” way, they will have the “Wright” look every day.”

For Bookings:

booking@taylorectorstudios.com

Phone: 770.895.0621

Christian Louboutin Spring/Summer 2012 New Arrivals!

Christian Louboutin Daffodile 160 in Cork Lucido Natural, $1,075

Christian Louboutin Daffodile 160 in Panama Geometrico Black, $1,075

Christian Louboutin Lady Peep Spikes in Black Nappa with Gold Spikes, $1,395

The first of SS 2012 has arrived at Christian Louboutin boutiques and our favourites thus far include the Daffodile 160 in 2 colourways we have never seen before!

THE DO'S AND DON'T OF WEARING HAIR EXTENSIONS

As everyone pretty much knows, a lot of women love wearing hair extensions.   It can be easy to manage and it also is very helpful to your real hair because depending on what type of hairstyle you're wearing, you can go weeks and months without putting heat on your actual hair and that can help give your hair much needed rest. The downsize of wearing extensions is that if you do not take proper care of your extensions and real hair you can risk damaging your hair and having hair loss. These are some do's and don’ts of wearing hair extensions.

Do's & Don'ts of Extensions

Treat your hair well

Just like with your real hair, your hair extensions will last a long time if you treat them well. Comb and brush them gently, apply and remove them carefully, and use products to enhance e.g. hair spray, conditioners, etc. Some hair extensions can be quite expensive, so get your money’s worth by using them for as long as possible.

Choose wisely

Just because hair extensions are fake, it doesn’t mean they should look that way. Bold rainbow colors are not the way to go unless you’re going to a party. If you can, try on the extensions before purchase. Consider how well they mesh with your skin tone, height, body weight, and lifestyle. Don’t assume that the fabulous wig on the mannequin will look fabulous on you too.

Express yourself

Remember to show your personality when you wear hair extensions. Go for the extensions that reflect a part of you and/or your lifestyle. When you bring home your new extensions, style them in a unique way. This reduces the chance of you bumping into someone wearing the same hair.

DON’T

Neglect your real hair

Dressing up your hair extensions is like playing with dolls again, but, unlike Barbie, you have real hair underneath it. When you’re wearing various extensions, and applying and removing them, don’t be rough. Respecting your extensions and disrespecting your real hair will lead to baldness.

Pretend it is real

There is no shame is wearing hair extensions, but there is when you pretend that your genes produced the amazing creation on your head. Be honest. You will fool some, but not all, so there’s no point in lying. If someone asks, be upfront, and- assuming they’re good- don’t forget to recommend the hair company and shop who produced your new investment.

Let the extensions overstay their welcome

Eventually your hair extensions will be worn out. All the washing, drying, and styling will take it’s toll, leaving your hair extensions a shadow of their former selves. Don’t be the embarrassment of the town. Throw your extensions out! If you can’t afford to buy a replacement yet, wear your natural or chemically processed hair until you have saved up enough money. Yes, you will have to spend more time doing your real hair than you did with your extensions, but you will look better for it.

Glue to your scalp

Hopefully this sounds obvious to you, but I have seen it done before. This method of applying hair extensions will lead to hair loss, because the glue will take off your hair with it, and skin irritation is a possibility.

Judge others

Some women are determined to see celebrities without their hair extensions, yet these same women have hair extensions on their heads all year round. Why should Beyonce remove her lacefront when you haven’t removed yours? Focus on yourself and your head. If you interfere in others’ business, expect the same nosiness in return.

CELEBRITY STYLIST URSLA STEPHEN

 

About Ursula Stephen

Ursula Stephen, Celebrity Hairstylist and New Image Beauty Expert is the hairstylist of choice for many of today's high profile celebrities, including R&B recording superstar Rihanna, platinum recording artist Keyshia Cole, Michelle Williams (of Destiny's Child) and America's Next Top Model Winner - Saleisha Stowers. Ursula is repeatedly requested for her expertise in "new image" hair makeovers, and for her impeccable product and styling knowledge. While her work speaks volumes for itself, Ursula has been called upon to provide expert tips and her personal "trade secrets" for many of the leading fashion and beauty publications including InStyle, Essence, Glamour, Us Weekly, In Touch, LA Times, and People Magazine - which recently named "The Rihanna Cut"; as The Most Coveted Haircut of The Year.

How to Take Care of Hair Extensions

To Get Hair Like JLO Try Our Jazzy Girls Luxury Elite Colletion

So you've either decided to get those extensions or you're intrigued enough about them to learn more. Well, you have come to the right place. Whether synthetic or real, all hair extensions need to be cared for properly to extend the life of them. For what people pay to lengthen their locks, keeping them around for as long as possible is very much desirable. Our goal is to help you get the most bang, or bangs, for your buck.

Let's start with the basics-shampooing. Be sure to use a rather gentle shampoo and conditioner and don't skimp on the quality. Don't ruin your hair and/or extensions by trying to save a couple of dollars on the super cheap stuff. I have read in a couple of places that some of the really high priced shampoos may actually speed up the rate at which the bonder is broken down. If you do start to have extensions falling out far before their "expiration date", take a look at your shampoo and give your stylist a call. It may be as simple to fix as using a non-conditioning shampoo or simply a different brand. Now, if your extensions are sewn in, you do not need to be as concerned about this type of reaction occurring. After your shower, feel free to dry your hair the same way you would have dried your own natural hair. I would highly recommend an ionic dryer, I personally love mine and have had many people say that they won't dry their hair with anything else.

As far as coloring your hair and extensions, plan ahead. Color your natural hair the desired color before your extensions are applied. Your stylist will then color match your extensions, whether synthetic or real, to your new color to make your purchased hair look like the real thing. Highlights can even be added by adding different colored extensions in the same randomness as highlights applied to hair pulled through a cap. If your roots need a touchup before you need to change your extensions, play it safe and leave the coloring to your stylist.

 When it comes to styling your hair it totally depends on the type of lengthener you have. If you have real hair, most of your styling tools can still be used in the same fashion. However, with some types of synthetic hair extensions, more care needs to be taken. As with everything else, talk to your stylist. He or she will be able to tell you all of the styling rules specific to your type of extension. Also, feel free to put your hair in ponytails, braids, buns and barrettes as you would have normally.

   With summer coming you will not want to miss out in dips in the pool or ocean because of your new hair. Be sure to always wear a swim cap made of latex. Carefully comb out any tangles that may be present starting from the bottom and working your way up. Once the hair has been detangled braid the hair in two braids to ensure that all of the hair is protected and tucked neatly under the cap. Following your dip, be sure to wash your hair immediately to remove any damaging chemical that may have snuck under your cap. Use your creativity and make your cap your own. Add some sparkle or bling so your swim cap shows your personality.

Now, when it is time to remove the hair extensions you can do it in a couple of different ways. The quickest way would be to cut them out, however, that would leave with quite a short do. A more preferable method, most likely, would be to let your stylist take them out. If you have synthetic locks, the area that is bonded will be heated up slightly which will loosen the glue's hold on the hair. With natural extensions a special solvent is applied to the connection which helps to release the bond. From there the ball is in your court. If everything was done properly and your natural hair and scalp is still in good condition, you may choose to have new extensions added on the same day. If there is damage to either, it would be advisable to fix the problem before adding more hair.

  I hate to sound like a broken record, or should I say a skipping CD, but talk to your stylist a lot and often to ensure a good experience with your journey into Rapunzelville. There are many things that could go wrong so do your homework and find a stylist that you know is experienced and one that you trust. I would also strongly suggest asking for references, see if you can speak to clients who have had hair extensions applied and ask to see pictures. A picture is worth a thousand words. If you look at an "after" picture and like the "before" look better-move on to another salon. Remember you are paying the salon so make them work for you!

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM JAZZY LUXURY HAIR COLLECTION

CELEBRITY STYLIST AMOY PITTERS

A New York beauty industry veteran with over sixteen years of experience, Amoy has a passion – and natural talent – for the worlds of hair, beauty and fashion since the start of her career. Following her enrollment in beauty school immediately upon high school graduation, Amoy launched her impressive career as a sought-after hair stylist in the fashion industry, Amoy booked her career-first fashion show in Paris, styling the locks of the runway models for the Christian Dior couture collection in January 1998. There, recognizing her unparalleled skill level, Amoy was asked by the show’s production team to style the house’s legendary designer John Galliano’s own hair for his final bow. Soon after, Galliano himself began requesting Amoy as his personal hairstylist. Fashion maven Donatella Versace was next in line, after taking notice of Galliano’s newly styled locks.

From there, mentored by industry icon, Odile Gilbert – and later featured in the famed work Her Style – Amoy was in-demand worldwide, styling hair for editorials and fashion shows, and transforming the looks of supermodels, Hollywood starlets, iconic fashion designers, Grammy award-wining musicians and, of course, her everyday clients who occupied the chairs Amoy rented in various salons before opening a salon of her very own for the first time in New York City’s East Village. Now, Amoy is set to open the doors of her second beauty outpost, located in the Upper East Side of Manhattan— Amoy Couture Hair. Additionally, Amoy has produced an exclusive collection of Amoy Couture Hair products, featuring a range of hair goodies— from shampoos to conditioners, hydrating silicone serums to leave-in conditioners and curly balms.

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.

Amoy’s long list of celebrity clientele includes the likes of Naomi Campbell, Iman, Sheryl Crow, Joy Bryant, Maggie Rizer, Selita Ebanks, Rihanna, The Pussycat Dolls, Jessica White and Mary J. Blige, to name a few.