Spring has sprung and now Fall is now upon us. The big question once Fall comes is "what do I do with my hair"? Should I go with a new color altoghether, should I stick with my beautiful blonde highlights, or should I "fall" into a new dimensional color for the new season? While these are all good questions, it should be kept in mind that your "new fall look" may be something you will want to just do for the Fall season or continue to stick with it for the seasons to come.
There are several options to go with when you want a new look for a new season. If you are wanting to do an extreme look and you have heavy blonde highlights, you may choose a chocolate base color with a few caramel face-framing highlights.
Another option for someone who has heavy blonde highlights and wants some dimension to the hair is to do two or three different color lowlights. This offers the intense dimension with the lowlights while still keeping some of the brightness of the existing highlights.
For those who want a drastic change for the new season, an overall deep rich red brown color will make not only the hair look amazingly shiney but also give hair just enough warmth to brighten the hair without looking "opaque" and dull.
Lastly, for those who aren't too sure they want a completely drastic change but still want a subtle difference, there is the demi-permanent gloss or adding a few highlights to someone who has never had any. This adds a subtle, overall change in the tone or depth of the color. By taking these baby steps, they will see a difference but it won't be jarring if she is not ready for something more extreme.
Ultimately it is your decision as to what you personally are looking for in changing your look for the Fall Season but whatever it is, you can visit my website at http://www.marbellahair.com/ and send me an email to request an appointment or just to ask for my suggestions.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Big News: Brazilian Blowout is now HYDE-FREE!!!
CLICK HERE to go directly to the blog.
I have to say that the Brazilian Blowout is one of the most amazing treatments out on the market. So, what is
it, you may ask?? The Brazilian Blowout is a protien treatment that eliminates frizz and reduces your natural curl up to 50%. It puts a protective layer around each and every strand of hair to smooth the cuticle down. As you do color, highlights, relaxers, straighteners or any other chemical treatment on your hair, you begin to loose protien.
So who benefits from this treatment?? Actually anyone, but especially those who have chemically treated hair. It sounds funny to say, but, the worse condition the hair is in, the better this treatment works. It leaves the hair silky smooth, soft and extremely easy to manage. So no matter if you have a soft wave, extreme curl or just frizz from the horrid Austin, Texas humidity, anyone can benefit from Brazilian Blowout treatment. It is called a treatment for a reason, because it treats the hair with protien and amino acids to strenghten the hair. The more often you do this treatment the longer it stays in the hair and the better the hair becomes.
So what is the deal with being "HYDE-FREE?? It is the best thing next to sliced bread. What it means is it has ABSOLUTELY NO chemicals from the hyde family including FORMALDEHYDE , aldehyde and glutaraldehyde. It is huge for anyone who has a sensitivity or is allergic to any one of these chemicals or for those who simply don't want to be putting any of these chemicals on their hair or body.
Stay tuned next week to read about how to care for the Brazilian Blowout.
For more information please visit http://www.brazilianblowoutaustin.com/
CLICK HERE to go directly to the blog.
I have to say that the Brazilian Blowout is one of the most amazing treatments out on the market. So, what is
it, you may ask?? The Brazilian Blowout is a protien treatment that eliminates frizz and reduces your natural curl up to 50%. It puts a protective layer around each and every strand of hair to smooth the cuticle down. As you do color, highlights, relaxers, straighteners or any other chemical treatment on your hair, you begin to loose protien.
So who benefits from this treatment?? Actually anyone, but especially those who have chemically treated hair. It sounds funny to say, but, the worse condition the hair is in, the better this treatment works. It leaves the hair silky smooth, soft and extremely easy to manage. So no matter if you have a soft wave, extreme curl or just frizz from the horrid Austin, Texas humidity, anyone can benefit from Brazilian Blowout treatment. It is called a treatment for a reason, because it treats the hair with protien and amino acids to strenghten the hair. The more often you do this treatment the longer it stays in the hair and the better the hair becomes.
So what is the deal with being "HYDE-FREE?? It is the best thing next to sliced bread. What it means is it has ABSOLUTELY NO chemicals from the hyde family including FORMALDEHYDE , aldehyde and glutaraldehyde. It is huge for anyone who has a sensitivity or is allergic to any one of these chemicals or for those who simply don't want to be putting any of these chemicals on their hair or body.
Stay tuned next week to read about how to care for the Brazilian Blowout.
For more information please visit http://www.brazilianblowoutaustin.com/
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Saving the World, One Shampoo Bottle At A Time.
CLICK HERE to go directly to the blog.
Recycling and going green. Great concept, and many are doing their part, but are we? More and more we are seeing hair salons that are promoting themselves as "Green" Salons using products that are "Sulfate-Free". So the big question is what is Sulfate and why be free of it and which of my products have it in them?
What is SLS-FREE?
SLS is short for Sodium Laurel Sulphate…and is also often referred to as “sulfate-free shampoo”. It is a surfactant - a cleanser - used in shampoos. It is what creates the “bubbles” and the lather.
Surfactants are used in many cleaning products…dish washing liquid, clothes detergent, carpet cleaner, car wash, etc. Interestingly, your daily shampoo may have more in common with carpet cleaner than you might expect or like to know.
Why Should I Care?
Put simply, there are several options to make the foaming lather in shampoos. The two most commonly used for hair cleansers are Sodium Laurel Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate. Though they look and sound the same, they are not. “Laurel” is considered harsh - being harmful to the biology of the follicles and scalp as well as stripping color, perms and chemical treatments, and creating splitting and general damage.
If you take a look at the ingredients on your bottle of shampoo and you’ll notice the surfactant and liquid base are one of the first ingredients on the list.
The course, for hair health and for the environment, is to use less harmful cleansing agents that biodegrade quicker and help protect the follicles and scalp while still providing adequate cleansing action. The result increasing popularity of Sulfate-Free shampoo; essentially products that do not have Sodium LAUREL Sulfate.
What are the Advantages?
The benefits and advantages are easy to see. Those who have used Sulfate-Free Shampoo's have noticed their hair is less dry and able to retain moisture and hydration. Still others have pointed out that damage is experienced less often - especially when using heated styling appliances while others have reported improved volume, body and control. The BEST advantage is that hair color lasts much longer.
It is helpful to know that cheap(er) shampoos will generally use LAURETH, or worse. Why? Because the ingredient is less expensive - much less expensive. As you might know be considering, there is some truth to “cheap supermarket” products being bad for your hair and the “professional salon” products being good.
For more beauty tips please visit our site at http://www.marbellahair.com/. For more information on any other beauty concern or to schedule an appointment, please feel free to call me at (512) 653-3773.
Recycling and going green. Great concept, and many are doing their part, but are we? More and more we are seeing hair salons that are promoting themselves as "Green" Salons using products that are "Sulfate-Free". So the big question is what is Sulfate and why be free of it and which of my products have it in them?
What is SLS-FREE?
SLS is short for Sodium Laurel Sulphate…and is also often referred to as “sulfate-free shampoo”. It is a surfactant - a cleanser - used in shampoos. It is what creates the “bubbles” and the lather.
Surfactants are used in many cleaning products…dish washing liquid, clothes detergent, carpet cleaner, car wash, etc. Interestingly, your daily shampoo may have more in common with carpet cleaner than you might expect or like to know.
Why Should I Care?
Put simply, there are several options to make the foaming lather in shampoos. The two most commonly used for hair cleansers are Sodium Laurel Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate. Though they look and sound the same, they are not. “Laurel” is considered harsh - being harmful to the biology of the follicles and scalp as well as stripping color, perms and chemical treatments, and creating splitting and general damage.
If you take a look at the ingredients on your bottle of shampoo and you’ll notice the surfactant and liquid base are one of the first ingredients on the list.
The course, for hair health and for the environment, is to use less harmful cleansing agents that biodegrade quicker and help protect the follicles and scalp while still providing adequate cleansing action. The result increasing popularity of Sulfate-Free shampoo; essentially products that do not have Sodium LAUREL Sulfate.
What are the Advantages?
The benefits and advantages are easy to see. Those who have used Sulfate-Free Shampoo's have noticed their hair is less dry and able to retain moisture and hydration. Still others have pointed out that damage is experienced less often - especially when using heated styling appliances while others have reported improved volume, body and control. The BEST advantage is that hair color lasts much longer.
It is helpful to know that cheap(er) shampoos will generally use LAURETH, or worse. Why? Because the ingredient is less expensive - much less expensive. As you might know be considering, there is some truth to “cheap supermarket” products being bad for your hair and the “professional salon” products being good.
For more beauty tips please visit our site at http://www.marbellahair.com/. For more information on any other beauty concern or to schedule an appointment, please feel free to call me at (512) 653-3773.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Dry Hair in Dry, Cold Weather??
Dry Hair in Dry, Cold Weather??
CLICK HERE to go directly to the blog.
This year is arguably the craziest for nasty weather. Some days are dry and downright cold with very low humidity. This low humidity mixed with colder, dryer air creates static electricity which results in fly-away hair which is difficult to style and control. This is just the kind of weather that reminds you of how dry, cold weather treats your hair. Here are some tips in managing your dry, fly-away hair as the temperatures begin to drop:
• Try to avoid blow drying with high temperature settings if at all possible. Heat further robs the hair follicles of moisture.
• Leave-in conditioners can help control fly-away. We suggest spray-on, leave-in conditioners that have some heat protect. Heat-activated “Thermal Protector”-type sprays help keep your style in place while protecting from flat irons, etc.
• Use a moisturizing shampoo. Products with panthenol, jojoba oil, or emu oil are great for retaining moisture. If your hair is extremely dry (but not dirty), you might consider skipping shampooing for a day or two or try to minimize your shampooing to 2-3 times a week. For some of us with oilier hair, this might sound out of the question, but for many with acute dryness, it helps because dry hair is especially prone to breaking.
You might also consider these other recommendations as well:
• Add some emu oil to your favorite shampoo or conditioner. Many use it by itself - rubbing into their hands and massaging into the scalp.
• Try Moroccan oil. An argan oil blend which features vitamin A to improve hair elasticity; vitamin E, to protect against free radical damage; and phenols to guard hair from environmental stressors. This has become very popular the past several years. It will give your hair a lot of shine and it will also nourish the scalp. It is used either before or after you style.
For more beauty tips please visit our site at http://www.marbellahair.com/. For more information on any other beauty concern or to schedule an appointment, please feel free to call me at (512) 653-3773.
CLICK HERE to go directly to the blog.
This year is arguably the craziest for nasty weather. Some days are dry and downright cold with very low humidity. This low humidity mixed with colder, dryer air creates static electricity which results in fly-away hair which is difficult to style and control. This is just the kind of weather that reminds you of how dry, cold weather treats your hair. Here are some tips in managing your dry, fly-away hair as the temperatures begin to drop:
• Try to avoid blow drying with high temperature settings if at all possible. Heat further robs the hair follicles of moisture.
• Leave-in conditioners can help control fly-away. We suggest spray-on, leave-in conditioners that have some heat protect. Heat-activated “Thermal Protector”-type sprays help keep your style in place while protecting from flat irons, etc.
• Use a moisturizing shampoo. Products with panthenol, jojoba oil, or emu oil are great for retaining moisture. If your hair is extremely dry (but not dirty), you might consider skipping shampooing for a day or two or try to minimize your shampooing to 2-3 times a week. For some of us with oilier hair, this might sound out of the question, but for many with acute dryness, it helps because dry hair is especially prone to breaking.
You might also consider these other recommendations as well:
• Add some emu oil to your favorite shampoo or conditioner. Many use it by itself - rubbing into their hands and massaging into the scalp.
• Try Moroccan oil. An argan oil blend which features vitamin A to improve hair elasticity; vitamin E, to protect against free radical damage; and phenols to guard hair from environmental stressors. This has become very popular the past several years. It will give your hair a lot of shine and it will also nourish the scalp. It is used either before or after you style.
For more beauty tips please visit our site at http://www.marbellahair.com/. For more information on any other beauty concern or to schedule an appointment, please feel free to call me at (512) 653-3773.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Keratin Smoothing Complex vs. Yuko Permanent Straightening, which one is better?
CLICK HERE to go directly to the blog.
For years many women have longed to have that Barbie straight, smooth hair. It was about 10 years ago that the YUKO Permanent Straightening came into play for women of all nationalities. I’ve had clients ask me, “is this treatment only for African-American hair?” My response to them is “No”. In fact it’s for women of all races who have extremely curly hair and have a very difficult time managing it. Since then there have been a variety of different Straightening systems that have tried to reach the top without the certain success of the YUKO. One contender that is fighting to become top dog in the hair straightening world is the Keratin Smoothing Complex Treatment by Coppola.
The Keratin Smoothing Complex Treatment is relatively new to the hair smoothing world. It is a semi-permanent way to straighten hair. It uses keratin to tame even the curliest locks. But while it may be taking the world of hair by storm, it does have its drawbacks…
If you are considering straightening your hair for more than just an occasional night out, you may be thinking of a permanent hair straightening system. Here is the best – and the worst – of the two most popular systems currently on offer. Remember, success will depend not only on your type of hair and how rigorously you adhere to its upkeep, but also on the skill of your stylist – as well as the products they choose to use.
Keratin Smoothing Complex Treatment. It was introduced in 2007. The stylist applies active keratin, a protein found in the top layer of our skin which makes it both waterproof and tough. The formula is then sealed into the hair using a hot iron, taking away frizz, curls and unruly waves. It takes about two hours, more for longer or more unruly hair. All Keratin Complex treatments and styling products are specially formulated to contain natural keratin protein, which rebuilds, restores and rejuvenates all types of hair. Using the shampoo and conditioner will help maintain the longevity of the treatment.
PROS: It will fade away gradually, meaning that it will eventually grow out and leave you with natural waves once more. There is no new growth to retouch or painful growing out stages if you decide to grow it. It takes less salon time and generally costs less than the Yuko system. It leaves the hair with more body than the Yuko and it can be used on dyed, bleached, heavily highlighted hair as well as virgin hair. It’s perfect for the client who is not looking for that pin straight hair. It eliminates frizz while it maintains a smooth yet silky feel.
CONS: It’s not permanent. The effect doesn’t last as long as Yuko– about four to five months. It will not perfectly straighten the hair. Depending on how curly your hair is to begin with, you may still have curl to deal with. A blow dryer may have to be used to straighten out the remainder of the waves or curls.
The Yuko System. It was created in the 1990s in Japan and can make any type of curly hair straight in about five hours – for about six months or so, depending on hair. After a consultation with your stylist, your hair will be washed and divided into segments. The application will be put on for roughly 20 minutes, depending on hair length etc. It will then be flat-ironed and a neutralizer will be put on to reset the bonds of the hair. It will then be rinsed, followed by a blow-dry, style and perhaps a cut.
PROS: It lasts forever, meaning you won’t see any curly hair until new hair grows in.
CONS: It lasts forever. That means that when new curly hair grows in, you will have a ring of frizz or curl on the top followed by dead straight hair. The only way to look “normal” is to have your hair redone, in about six months’ time, or to straighten the top bits with a flat iron. Also, repeated application of the Yuko system can cause extensive damage or breakage to hair –if not done properly by a certified stylist. It’s not recommended for use on bleached or heavily highlighted hair as it will damage it too much. It is preferable to have virgin hair.
If you decide to go the permanently straight route, it’s important to find a salon you trust. Take heed if your hair is colored or highlighted, even if it hasn’t been done for 6 months, as this may affect the outcome of the straightening process!
Please keep in mind that if you want the versatility of wearing your hair sometimes curly and sometimes straight, this is probably not for you. Your best bet is to do the Keratin Treatment since there is absolutely NO damage to the hair.
Remember, also, that all chemically straightened hair will require a good hair-care routine to keep it looking good. This means using a protein-rich shampoo, conditioner and other anti-frizz products, as locking in all the moisture possible will be crucial in maintaining that salon style.
For more beauty tips please visit our site at www.MarBellaHair.com. For more information on any other beauty concern or to schedule an appointment, please feel free to call me at (512) 653-3773.
For years many women have longed to have that Barbie straight, smooth hair. It was about 10 years ago that the YUKO Permanent Straightening came into play for women of all nationalities. I’ve had clients ask me, “is this treatment only for African-American hair?” My response to them is “No”. In fact it’s for women of all races who have extremely curly hair and have a very difficult time managing it. Since then there have been a variety of different Straightening systems that have tried to reach the top without the certain success of the YUKO. One contender that is fighting to become top dog in the hair straightening world is the Keratin Smoothing Complex Treatment by Coppola.
The Keratin Smoothing Complex Treatment is relatively new to the hair smoothing world. It is a semi-permanent way to straighten hair. It uses keratin to tame even the curliest locks. But while it may be taking the world of hair by storm, it does have its drawbacks…
If you are considering straightening your hair for more than just an occasional night out, you may be thinking of a permanent hair straightening system. Here is the best – and the worst – of the two most popular systems currently on offer. Remember, success will depend not only on your type of hair and how rigorously you adhere to its upkeep, but also on the skill of your stylist – as well as the products they choose to use.
Keratin Smoothing Complex Treatment. It was introduced in 2007. The stylist applies active keratin, a protein found in the top layer of our skin which makes it both waterproof and tough. The formula is then sealed into the hair using a hot iron, taking away frizz, curls and unruly waves. It takes about two hours, more for longer or more unruly hair. All Keratin Complex treatments and styling products are specially formulated to contain natural keratin protein, which rebuilds, restores and rejuvenates all types of hair. Using the shampoo and conditioner will help maintain the longevity of the treatment.
PROS: It will fade away gradually, meaning that it will eventually grow out and leave you with natural waves once more. There is no new growth to retouch or painful growing out stages if you decide to grow it. It takes less salon time and generally costs less than the Yuko system. It leaves the hair with more body than the Yuko and it can be used on dyed, bleached, heavily highlighted hair as well as virgin hair. It’s perfect for the client who is not looking for that pin straight hair. It eliminates frizz while it maintains a smooth yet silky feel.
CONS: It’s not permanent. The effect doesn’t last as long as Yuko– about four to five months. It will not perfectly straighten the hair. Depending on how curly your hair is to begin with, you may still have curl to deal with. A blow dryer may have to be used to straighten out the remainder of the waves or curls.
The Yuko System. It was created in the 1990s in Japan and can make any type of curly hair straight in about five hours – for about six months or so, depending on hair. After a consultation with your stylist, your hair will be washed and divided into segments. The application will be put on for roughly 20 minutes, depending on hair length etc. It will then be flat-ironed and a neutralizer will be put on to reset the bonds of the hair. It will then be rinsed, followed by a blow-dry, style and perhaps a cut.
PROS: It lasts forever, meaning you won’t see any curly hair until new hair grows in.
CONS: It lasts forever. That means that when new curly hair grows in, you will have a ring of frizz or curl on the top followed by dead straight hair. The only way to look “normal” is to have your hair redone, in about six months’ time, or to straighten the top bits with a flat iron. Also, repeated application of the Yuko system can cause extensive damage or breakage to hair –if not done properly by a certified stylist. It’s not recommended for use on bleached or heavily highlighted hair as it will damage it too much. It is preferable to have virgin hair.
If you decide to go the permanently straight route, it’s important to find a salon you trust. Take heed if your hair is colored or highlighted, even if it hasn’t been done for 6 months, as this may affect the outcome of the straightening process!
Please keep in mind that if you want the versatility of wearing your hair sometimes curly and sometimes straight, this is probably not for you. Your best bet is to do the Keratin Treatment since there is absolutely NO damage to the hair.
Remember, also, that all chemically straightened hair will require a good hair-care routine to keep it looking good. This means using a protein-rich shampoo, conditioner and other anti-frizz products, as locking in all the moisture possible will be crucial in maintaining that salon style.
For more beauty tips please visit our site at www.MarBellaHair.com. For more information on any other beauty concern or to schedule an appointment, please feel free to call me at (512) 653-3773.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Do Brunettes Have More Fun?
CLICK HERE to go directly to the blog.
I recently came across this article in USWeekly about Nicole Richie going from Blonde to Brunette. It only serves to reinforce what I have been blogging about.
Nicole Richie ditched her blonde locks to unveil a new brunette look at her House of Harlow 1960 Holiday Collection jewelry launch at the weekend — and the chocolate locks already has the party girl-turned-serious mom’s I.Q. rising:
“I went brunette. I feel smarter already,” Nicole Tweeted Sunday.
"I did it about a week-and-a-half ago," the mother-of-two, 28, told Usmagazine.com when asked about her new look. "I change my hair color all the time, and I hadn't done it in a few years. With the babies, I just really hadn't had time. I'm so used to having that change all the time, and I hadn't done it in about two years, so I was just ready and sick of being blonde! I was ready for a change!"
For more beauty tips please visit our site at www.MarBellaHair.com. For more information on any other beauty concern or to schedule an appointment, please feel free to call me at (512) 653-3773.
I recently came across this article in USWeekly about Nicole Richie going from Blonde to Brunette. It only serves to reinforce what I have been blogging about.
Nicole Richie ditched her blonde locks to unveil a new brunette look at her House of Harlow 1960 Holiday Collection jewelry launch at the weekend — and the chocolate locks already has the party girl-turned-serious mom’s I.Q. rising:
“I went brunette. I feel smarter already,” Nicole Tweeted Sunday.
"I did it about a week-and-a-half ago," the mother-of-two, 28, told Usmagazine.com when asked about her new look. "I change my hair color all the time, and I hadn't done it in a few years. With the babies, I just really hadn't had time. I'm so used to having that change all the time, and I hadn't done it in about two years, so I was just ready and sick of being blonde! I was ready for a change!"
For more beauty tips please visit our site at www.MarBellaHair.com. For more information on any other beauty concern or to schedule an appointment, please feel free to call me at (512) 653-3773.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
A New Look A New Year
CLICK HERE to go directly to the blog.
Should I change my hair color? Do I change it dramatically or is there a way to enhance what I have without looking like I am trying too hard? There is an easy answer to these questions.
Highlights and Lowlights
Highlights and lowlights are better options at providing a new look without major color change. With so many complimentary hues to apply, there are plenty of choices. Coffee browns, honey blondes, and light blondes are just a few great complimentary colors. Highlights and lowlights add flair to regular hair color by infusing it with colors to heighten the style and for adding depth and varying color appearance. These methods are all great ways to change up the hairstyle for the new year. The color change helps create a different look without the need for major additions.
Hair Color Tip
Frequent variances from darker shades to lighter ones or darker ones to lighter ones can really damage the hair cuticle and cortex which can cause the hair to become damaged and not be able to hold color. Sticking to a hair color for a while, using highlights or lowlights for color options, or choosing colors near natural color are better options that opposing color reversals.
Stay tuned next week to read about Thermal Reconditioning (YUKO) vs. the Keratin Smoothing Complex Treatment.
For more beauty tips please visit our site at www.MarBellaHair.com. For more information on any other beauty concern or to schedule an appointment, please feel free to call me at (512) 653-3773.
Should I change my hair color? Do I change it dramatically or is there a way to enhance what I have without looking like I am trying too hard? There is an easy answer to these questions.
Highlights and Lowlights
Highlights and lowlights are better options at providing a new look without major color change. With so many complimentary hues to apply, there are plenty of choices. Coffee browns, honey blondes, and light blondes are just a few great complimentary colors. Highlights and lowlights add flair to regular hair color by infusing it with colors to heighten the style and for adding depth and varying color appearance. These methods are all great ways to change up the hairstyle for the new year. The color change helps create a different look without the need for major additions.
Hair Color Tip
Frequent variances from darker shades to lighter ones or darker ones to lighter ones can really damage the hair cuticle and cortex which can cause the hair to become damaged and not be able to hold color. Sticking to a hair color for a while, using highlights or lowlights for color options, or choosing colors near natural color are better options that opposing color reversals.
Stay tuned next week to read about Thermal Reconditioning (YUKO) vs. the Keratin Smoothing Complex Treatment.
For more beauty tips please visit our site at www.MarBellaHair.com. For more information on any other beauty concern or to schedule an appointment, please feel free to call me at (512) 653-3773.
Labels:
Austin Texas,
highlights,
lowlights,
MarBella Hair Studio
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)

