Product Review: LiLash

Normally I only post about things pertaining strictly to hair, however, I have gotten quite a few requests to post reviews about other products in the beauty world. So, starting with this post I've decided to take my blog in a slightly different direction and incorporate more from the beauty industry as a whole.

One product I have received review requests for is the eyelash growth serum I have been testing out called LiLash. LiLash is a concentrated eyelash stimulator that not only helps you grow longer, thicker lashes, but also strengthens and conditions your lashes as well. Applied as you would a liquid liner, you only need to apply once a day to the lid only (do not apply to the lower lashes). You don't want to get it on the lashes themselves, as this can cause irritation. Once you've reached your desired results, you only need to apply the serum 2-3 times a week to maintain them.

I have been using this product for a little over 3 months now and have been extremely pleased with the results. I have always had good lashes naturally, but was given this as a sample from my rep and decided to give it a try and see if I could notice a difference. Within the first 2 weeks I noticed my lashes felt stronger and softer. I was surprised to notice a difference so quickly.

By about 8 weeks I felt like I was really noticing a difference in the length and thickness of my lashes. I also noticed that I wasn't losing as many lashes at a time as I had before. I didn't feel like I needed to curl my lashes as much either, as they looked long enough with out it. My clients (who didn't know I was using it) started noticing my lashes as well and commenting on them. Now I have gotten to where I only apply about 3 times a week to maintain my lashes. I usually apply it in the morning as part of my make-up routine. Because the serum is so concentrated, you only need to use a little bit and it is absorbed in just a couple of minutes.

In the way of side effects, I haven't really had any problems. You really do only need to apply it once a day; applying it more will cause irritation. Sometimes I feel like my lids are slightly more sensitive to rubbing, so I try to be a little more gentle when removing my eye make-up. Other than that, I haven't had any other negative side effects. All in all, I have been really impressed with this product. It is definitely something I will continue using on myself and recommend to my clients. If you have been looking into trying something to enhance your lashes, I would get LiLash.

Loving Ombre!

I have been LOVING the variations of ombre I've been seeing lately. Using reds instead of browns, pulling the blonde up higher or keeping it more towards the ends. Even using louder colors such as bright pinks and purples. I like the ombre technique (darker at the roots moving to lighter at the ends) because of the soft, natural, grown out look it creates. Additionally, it is nice when it comes to maintenance for the client because they only need to get their roots colored after the initial color service for their next 2 or 3 color services until the blonde needs to be brought back up. I also think this could potentially help in maintaining the integrity of the hair because it is not constantly being bleached, but allowed to rest and rejuvinate (if you are using a shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for repairing color treated hair) through your next few color services as you are only touching the new-growth with color. Definitely a color technique to try if you are bored with your current style and looking for something new.

Product Cocktails To Try: Motion.Lotion + Hair.Resort

One product cocktail that I have been liking for wavy or curly hair recently is Kevin.Murphy Motion.Lotion and Hair.Resort. I like this duo because you get the frizz control and curl enhancement of the Motion.Lotion with the added beach texture of Hair.Resort. This mixture gives you those beachy locks you want, without having to visit the beach.

Put a small amount of each (I like to start with a pea to dime size, depending on the length of the hair) into the palm of your hand and mix them together with your finger. Sometimes I like to add a little more Hair.Resort than Motion.Lotion because the Motion.Lotion can be a little heavy. After mixing the two together with your finger, rub your palms together to disperse the product evenly on both hands before scrunching the product into towel dried hair. Depending on the length and density of your hair, additional product may be required.

After scrunching in the product, you may choose to either diffuse the hair or let it air dry. When the hair is mostly dry, I like to comb through it with my fingers or a Kevin.Murphy Texture.Comb to break up the curls and create a softer look. You can polish off the look by scrunching a small amount of Easy.Rider into the ends of the hair. Scrunch in a little extra Hair.Resort for added texture.

Loving Braids

      Braids have been super popular lately, and I am loving it! They
      are a great way to pull back or put up your hair in a simple,

      classic, and creative way. I also like how they can add interest to

      a seemingly boring style. You can make them as simple or

      complex as you want, it just depends on how creative you want

      to be. Braids are great for summer as well when you want to put

      your hair up, but don't want to always be wearing a ponytail.

      Looking to add something new to your style? It may be time to

      brush up on your braiding skills and let the creative juices flow!

Kevin.Murphy Education: Class with David Bamford!

This weekend I had the opportunity to attend my first Kevin.Murphy class on styling featuring David Bamford, stylist, salon owner, and educator with Kevin.Murphy. David Bamford owns a salon in Houston, Therapy Hair Studio, which he works in 6 days a week. Additionally, he finds time to do session work and has been featured in magazines such as Vogue and InStyle. Aside from all this, he also somehow finds time to educate.

One of the things that really inspired me about David was that he was a genuine person; he wasn't there to put on a show, he was there to teach and help us become better hairstylists. He made a point to really make sure he was teaching things that we could take back and use in the salon, not something that was runway only. I really appreciated this because the whole point of me furthering my education is so I can go back into the salon and use my newfound techniques in a way that can benefit myself and my clients.

Another thing that inspired me was his passion about hair. When he's not in the salon with clients, he is somewhere else doing something involving hair. I feel like people with his passion are some of the best educators and people I learn the most from because they want to share their knowledge so others can be successful as well.

Needless to say, I left his class feeling inspired and excited to go back to the salon and incorporate what I learned. I think continuing education is not only important in helping to stay up to date on new techniques, but to rekindle your passion. Without this, I think you start to fall into your everday routine and forget to think outside the box and try something new.

I think David is an amazing hairstylist, and hope to be able to attend another event featuring him. You can also bet I will be sure to check out his salon when I'm in Houston. I love finding new people to draw inspiration from. People like him make me fall in love with my job all over again.

Vidal Sassoon: In Memory Of

This week the hair industry lost one of it's most influencial people, Vidal Sassoon. Vidal was a huge part of shaping the way the hair industry is today, and an inspiration to so many, including myself. It is amazing how one person have such a great impact. He will continue to live on in our hearts and be a constant inspiration.

From all of us in the hair world, we will miss you, Vidal Sassoon.




A Reminder To Stylists: Keep On Top Of Your Game

Something that I have been thinking a lot about lately is how important our job is as stylists to make sure we are listening to our clients and addressing their needs, as well as giving them new ideas when it comes to cut, color, or styling. The past couple of weeks I have had some clients who really drove home how much they rely on me as a stylist to share my opinion, as well as listen to what they have to say and give appropriate feedback. As I have been thinking about this, I just felt like I needed to share this with my fellow stylists out there.

Sometimes I think we forget how much trust our clients put in us to give them a style that is going to suit them, as well as suggest new styling options if they are feeling like they are stuck doing the same style every day. A new client I had recently told me, "I look to you as a stylist to tell me what new ideas you might have for my hair. If you can't tell me, then who can?" This was why she had left her past stylist, because she felt like she always gave her the same haircut and never seemed to listen when she said she wanted to try something different. I was shocked, and at the same time hoping that I had never made a client feel as though the only way they were going to get the change they wanted was in finding a new stylist. Lesson learned: when your clients ask what ideas you have for their hair, they are serious.

Another thing clients are always noticing is your sense of style. Making sure you have a style going on with your hair is important, as well as being stylishly dressed and make-up done. Again, I recently had a new client who told me that she booked with me because she liked my style and felt that I would be able to give her a cut she would like. I had another client tell me that as soon as she saw my hair and that it was in a cute style, she felt reassured that I would give her a good cut. Because we are in the fashion industry, clients are always aware of our appearance, and judging the work they think we would do based off that. Even if you are an amazing stylist, a client may be more likely to go to someone they feel is more put together because if you don't have any style yourself, why would they want to trust you with theirs?

As stylists, it is extremely important that we are always on top of our game and being sure to be aware of our clients' needs. Additionally, it is important that we our keep ourselves up to date on current trends so we are able to suggest different looks to our clients when asked. Keeping our own style up to date is also important, as clients are more aware of this than we may think. Some of the best stylists I know have a loyal clientele because they are able to meet these demands. Don't be the stylist that someone leaves for a stylist who they feel will better meet their needs!