PRODUCT REVIEW: Kevin.Murphy Fresh.Hair Powder

I have kind of become obsessed with dry shampoos and trying different ones to see which ones work the best. The newest one I have tried and have really started loving is Kevin.Murphy's Fresh.Hair Powder. Naturally, I knew I needed to write a post about it and share it with those of you who are also users of the dry shampoos or are interested in trying them.

First, I love the smell! It's a very light scent, which I like. I also like that even though it is a white hair powder, as long as I make sure to shake it really well it doesn't come out all white in my hair. Since my hair is dark, I don't want it to look like I am using dry shampoo and if the powder comes out too concentrated it does. So, I like that this one doesn't do that.

Another thing I have noticed is that this powder really lasts; I can use it two days in a row and my hair still looks great by the end of the day. The point of a dry shampoo is to extend the days you are able to go between washes and if you use it in the morning and it looks great but by the end of the day it looks as if you never even used it, that is a problem. The fact that I can use this more than one day and extend my wash that much longer is a huge plus to me.


One thing to be aware of: they recently had a batch that had a seal defect, to where once you use it and break that seal, it slowly leaks out so after a couple times of use your powder is gone. If you happen to purchase one of these, simply return it to your stylist and they should trade you for a new one (this happened to me and they replaced it with no problem). Kevin.Murphy is working to identify the batch so they can pull the defective cans off the shelf.

If you are in the market for a dry shampoo, I would suggest you give this one a try. It is $25 which is a slight investment, but still less than Bumble and bumble's $35 hair powder which I am always comparing to. The only thing I do wish was that it came in different colors. Other than that, I really have no complaints and feel that it is a great product that I will continue to use myself and suggest to my clients for their dry shampoo needs.

Brushes: My Blowdry Favorites!

When it comes to creating a great blowdry, my brushes are one of my biggest tools. Needless to say, I am very particular when it comes to which brushes I use. So, for anyone out there wondering what they need to bring their blowdry to the next level (whether you're a stylist or not) I ask, what kind of brush are you using? 

The two main brushes I use are a flat brush and a round brush, depending on the look I am going for. A flat brush is going to give a straighter, sleeker look where a round brush is going to give a fuller look with more movement. I usually don't go in with either of these brushes until I have gotten about 80 percent of the moisture out of the hair, depending on the hair type and texture.

My flat brush. I use a flat brush that has both natural boar and nylon bristles. The combination of the two create good tension on the hair which is essential in creating a beautiful, smooth blowdry. The nylon bristles also help with detangling. This is also my go-to brush when in comes to bangs. I feel like I can get the perfect amount of bend on the hair, whether I'm doing straight across or swoop bangs. Because of it's flat base, this brush is perfect for getting a sleek, straight look with minimal volume. This is especially nice for clients with lots of hair that tends to get a good amount of body on it's own without product. I also use this brush when blowdrying bobs and want to achieve that smooth, modern bob look. 

My round brush. As with my flat brush, I use a round brush that has both natural boar and nylon bristles. I use this brush when I want to give more body and movement to the hair. Because of its round shape, this brush naturally gives more lift at the roots which is good for clients who are finer and are trying to achieve a fuller, more voluminous look. Additionally, this brush gives a great bend on the ends of the hair which is perfect for giving natural movement to the hair. After I have finished round brushing a section, I like to twist it as I am releasing it from the brush, or just with my fingers, so that as the section cools it is forming into a very loose curl almost. This is a great technique to use on long layered hair.                  

I am a strong believer in that a great blowdry goes a long way. It is a rare occasion that I will pull out my flat iron to finish someone's hair because I am able to get the style I want with my brush, dryer, and product. In my eyes, a blowdry gives a much more natural looking style than any flat or curling iron will give to the hair; those tools have their place, but not to be used to replace a good blowdry. If you feel like you need that little extra something to really boost your blowdry, consider what brush you are using and maybe it is time to invest in a new one. If you are in the market for a good brush, give one of these a try. You'll see the difference, and so will your hair!

Color Ideas for the Financially Minded

There is just something about the feeling you get when you have freshly colored hair that makes you feel like you are running the town. It is also a great way to update your style in a short period of time. The problem? Coloring your hair can be a bit of an investment. For some, this may not be an issue but for those of you who are thinking of turning to the color on the shelf of your local store, let's talk about some different options you can discuss with your stylist that will help keep some money in your pocket AND great looking hair on your head.

Dimension without maintenance. Adding dimension to your hair is great for breaking up a solid color and giving a different look to your current color. Many dimensional placements are creative, and can be placed in the hair in a way that won't leave you feeling like you signed up for going to the salon more than you are wanting. Your stylist can section off a section of hair around your part and leave this as your natural or to just be touched up at the roots (if you have an existing color other than your natural). Dimensional pieces (whether light or dark) can then be added and will essentially be under the section of hair taken around your part; this section will lay over the dimension to where you will still see the dimension but won't see the regrowth. This is great because again, though the intial first service may be a little more, you will be able to go longer between color services because you won't feel like you have roots that need to be touched up.



Melting. The word melting has been going around the hair world for the past couple of years. For those of you who may not be familiar with the term, melting is a technique that gives that grown out highlight look, with the roots being darker than the ends and looking as if you haven't had your hair highlighted in at least 6 months. There are a couple advantages of this technique. One advantage is that you can (depending on the existing color of your hair) ask your stylist to choose a root color that is close in level to your natural color so as it grows out there is not a definite line. This will help you feel like you don't need to go to the salon every 8 weeks to cover your roots. Another advantage is that even though the initial first service may be a little pricier, your next two services (at least) will be less because you will only need to have your roots touched up.

The grey factor. Having grey you want covered can be hard because grey can feel very high maintenence. Well, it is! So, one way to make your life a little easier and make you feel like you can last a little longer between salon visits is to stay lighter rather than go darker. Going darker is going to make your grey regrowth stand out more. However, if you stay lighter with some nice highlights and lowlights, your grey is going to be more camouflaged as it grows back in; there won't be a stark contrast of the light grey versus the dark color. This will help you feel like your grey is less noticable and that you can go further between colorings. Additionally, you can opt to just get your roots touched up with your chosen base color every other time which will also help you save because a touch up is less than foiling.

If you love how your stylist colors your hair but are needing to see them less due to personal finances, talk with your stylist about what could work with your hair and style that can keep you in their chair but less frequently. As professional stylists, we are always happy to talk with our clients about new ideas that will work to suit their changing needs. Great looking color can always be affordable, it's just about finding the right look.

Preparing Your Hair For Summer Loving!

Summer is around the corner, and with it comes beautiful highlights and fun in the sun. So, now is the time to start preparing your hair and making sure it is in the best condition possible to be ready for its summer demands. Here are a couple of tips to get your hair on the road to recovery.

Invest in a good deep conditioning treatment. I think sometimes we forget what a difference a deep conditioning treatment once a week can make. They go in and help rejuvenate the hair shaft from the inside out. A couple I would recommend would be Kevin.Murphy's Born.Again Treatment and Masque or Bumble and bumble's Mending and Quenching Masques. Start your shower routine by washing your hair and then applying the deep conditioner. Let it sit on your hair for about 10 mins as you go through the rest of your routine. You will be sure to notice the difference, and so will your hair.

Try to cut down on flat iron use. Flat irons are very hard on the hair; two hot plates are directly touching the hair. Try getting your hair as straight as possible during the blow dry. With the right brush and product, you can get the hair very sleek and smooth. If you must go back and iron, make sure you have your flat iron set on the proper temperature for your hair type. I think people often have their flat iron set much higher than what is necessary to straighten their hair. For fine hair, you should have it set at about 180 degrees. Coarser hair should have it set somewhere around the mid 200's. Anything higher than 300 is really for ethnic hair or extremely resistant curly hair. Start your flat iron on a lower temperature and slowly raise it until you find the appropriate temperature for you hair, keeping these guidelines in mind. Having it set too hot will damage the hair and cause it to become weak and start having breakage.

Before bringing on the highlights and sun-filled activities, make sure you prepare your hair. Though these tips are great for any time of the year, they are especially important when getting your hair ready for everything summer brings for it. Start now, your hair will thank you later!

Styling Tips: Styling Curly Hair

I love curly hair! Probably since my hair is naturally straight, I always wanted naturally curly hair. Anytime I meet someone with beautiful, natural curl and they feel like their curl is more of a burden because they don't feel they are able to style it properly so they opt to straighten it, it makes me sad. Any opportunity I get to educate people on how to properly style their curly hair I take. So for all of you curly hair people out there who feel like they struggle getting good curl and style out of your hair, this post is for you.

I feel the two tools that are key in achieving your optimal amount of curl and control of your curl is the proper product and a diffuser. It is amazing what a little a product and a diffuser can do to enhance your curly style, as well as make you feel like you are in control of your curls rather than feeling like they are in control of you. So, let's talk product!

In my experience, most people who are scared of their hair tell me how when they were growing up their hair was so frizzy and out of control. My response: now there is product for that! It is amazing the product they have out there for curly hair. One of my favorites is Bumble and bumble's Defining Creme. This product is great for getting the most curl out of your hair. It has enzymes in it that makes your hair want to curl more, similar to what they put in mascaras that make your lashes curl. Another great product is Kevin Murphy's Motion.Lotion, which is similar to Bumble's curl creme. These products also help to eliminate frizz.

Apply your curl creme (talk to your stylist about which one they think may be right for you, or research the two I mentioned above) to damp hair. If you are in a hurry, scrunch it in a little and you can be on your way. Or, if you have a little time pull out your diffuser. Diffusers are great for getting a little more curl out of your hair. The curls wrap themselves around the prongs on the diffuser and dry into place. Place the diffuser into your curls and let it sit for a minute. I like to set my dryer's heat setting to cool so you don't burn your scalp while you are letting the diffuser sit in your hair. Remove the diffuser from that section of hair and place it in another.

Continue this, moving around your head. For more body, you can flip your head over when you are diffusing the top. This will dry your hair away from where it usually lives and give you more lift and body on top. For more defined curls, you can take sections of hair and twist them around your finger into more defined pieces prior to diffusing. Try not to touch your hair too much while you are drying it. Touching curly hair too much while it is drying will add more frizz.

After you have gotten your hair to your desired dryness, apply a finishing product. One of my favorites is a little  of Bumble and bumble's Styling Wax. Take a small amount, rub it into your hands, and scrunch it into the ends of your hair. Another great one is Bumble's Brilliantine. This will just help add some polish and shine to your curls.

Embrace your curls! Take some time to play around and practice styling them. If you need to, set up a wash and blowdry appointment with your stylist and ask them to walk you through the different steps of styling. I believe with the right tools and knowledge of how to properly use those tools, every curly haired person can love the hair they wear.

 

 

LOVE KEVIN.MURPHY

Curious to know more about Australian product line Kevin.Murphy I blogged a product review about? Check out their blog:   
LOVE KEVIN MURPHY - Official Blog of Kevin Murphy International

or Facebook page:
Love Kevin Murphy

Although I am still an avid Bumble and bumble lover, I feel that Kevin.Murphy is a comparable line. I am really excited to be learning and working with this product line. So far I have really liked all the products I have tried; the more I use them the more I like them. Stay tuned for more product reviews on this line as I continue to get my hands on and use the different Kevin.Murphy products.

Dimensionalizing Dark Hair

Feeling bored with your dark hair? Want to do something different, but don't want to lighten it? Adding darker dimensional pieces is a great way to change up your look without adding maintenance. Whether you are naturally dark, or artificial, this technique can be exactly what you need to make you feel like you have a whole new style.

When talking to your stylist about adding dimension, you can decide whether you want to add one or two different colors, as well as what levels and tones you want those colors to be. For example, I would recommend adding a color that is at least two levels darker than your current hair color. In order to ensure you can tell that you colored your hair, it is essential there is enough of a level difference between your existing color and the color you are adding. You can also add a color that is between your current color and darkest dimensional color but has different total qualities, such as something that has more of a red or gold tone to it.

Placement is also something you may want to talk with your stylist about. See what ideas they have about how you may want to place the colors in the hair to best compliment your current style. You can also find pictures before your appointment as examples of elements you like and would hope to be able to achieve as an end result. Remember, though, that pictures are just referrences and visuals to help you and your stylist be on the same page as to the direction you are wanting to go with your hair. Don't come with the expectation that you will be leaving looking exactly like a particular picture. Coming with this expectation may be setting yourself up for disappointment since there are many factors that could come in to play such as hair type, texture, current color, etc. which may need to be addressed when deciding on your final style. 

Don't think that dark hair has to be one boring color. Dark hair can be fun and eye-catching, too. Next time you are feeling you need a little change but don't want to cut, think color!