Doing makeup on myself or on my guests, is my therapy, I hope to help others feel that kind of comfortable with doing thier own makeup.

I love to see how makeup makes my client feel little more confident by enhancing many of the natural features that a woman has. A good blush can help to make the prominent cheeks a little more noticeable and dynamic in style. Overall, makeup can be an important tool for enhancing your appearance, boosting your confidence, and expressing your creativity.

However, it's important to remember that makeup should be used as a complement to your natural beauty, and not as a way to hide or cover up who you are!

The tea on K-tip extensions

In this blog I am going to give you an insight to Keratin hair extensions. Also known as K-Tips. Keratin hair extensions are a type of hair extension that uses a bonding material made of keratin protein which is the same protein that hair is made of. The keratin bond allows for a seamless and damage free removal. The extensions come in individual strands that are attached to the natural hair using a specialized tool that heats up the keratin bonding material allowing it to fuse with the natural hair.

Keratin hair extensions are becoming very popular .They can be styled just like natural hair and can be washed, blow-dried, and straightened without damage.

One of the biggest advantages of keratin hair extensions is that they are virtually undetectable, even when styled in a high ponytail or updo. They create a seamless and natural-looking transition from the natural hair to the extensions.

Keratin hair extensions are suitable for many people who want to add length, volume, and fullness to their hair. K-Tips might be right for you if you have thin or fine hair and want to add volume and fullness or you have short hair and want to add length.

Don’ panic; Shedding is normal

Did you know the average person sheds 100-150 hairs each day? Of that number, 80% happens when we're washing or brushing out hair. If you have long hair, that clump of shed you clean out of your brush or the shower drain can look like a dramatic amount. Unless you start to see bald patches, your hair loss is most likely normal!

If you're concerned about excessive hair loss, talking to your doctor is always the best choice, they can run tests to check your thyroid levels, which is the most common cause of excessive shedding.

Healthy hair starts internally. A diet rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids, zinc, iron, and minerals give your hair, skin, and nails the best nutrients to grow and be healthy!

Why get your brows done…

Have you been thinking about getting a brow service, but don't know where to start? Do you have brows you feel like are always out of your control? What about brows you feel like you have to put makeup on everyday?

Getting the right services for your needs is key to having the best brows around. Eyebrows do so much for your face and your look overall, even the slightest change could make all the difference.

But where do you start?

The most basic service you can get would be a shaping service. This involves waxing and tweezing to purposefully rework your brow shape. I always recommend when you are getting this service that you get your brows mapped as well! Eyebrow mapping is when your artist measures the perfect brow shape for your unique facial structure. It can also help the brows look more symmetrical. All eyebrows are sister's not twins, but while they will never be 100% identical, your brown artist can help bring out the best in them both!

If you've been shaping your brows for a while and you want to step up your brow game, there are 2 different options you can try depending on what look you’re going for:

Laminate your brows. Lamination is perming the brows to either make them lay flat or make them look longer. It gives your brow the brushed up look of using a brow gel without having to use one. It lasts between 1 to 2 months depending on your brows and your care routine. And can help give you That natural “ready-to- go” look. I would recommend this service to anyone with thinner or over plucked brows, as well. It will instantly make them look fuller and longer. If you have naturally thicker brows this may not be the service for you unless you are going for more of a "boy brow" look.

Get your brows tinted. We use a henna based color to darken or warm up your brows with a very natural feel. This service is great for you if you are looking to color match your brows to your hair or you want them to look fuller. The henna slightly stains the skin beneath your brow hair, which helps fill in those gaps like makeup would. Meaning you need to do less during your morning routine! This service also lasts between 1 to 2 months depending on care.

But if you want the ultimate brows, then you should get all of the above done! Doing all 3 services shaping with mapping, lamination, and tinting will give you brows that are easy to maintain and allow you to spend less time on them in the morning! A great eyebrow can bring more focus to your eyes and help lift your face. Your eyebrows help guide your facial expressions, you want them to be doing it with style!

As always I am a huge advocate for you doing you, and how you choose to express yourself through your brows can be a fun journey! Looking good on the outside can truly help you feel good on the inside. And getting your brows done can be a small bit of self care that puts a little extra pep in your step!

Why your curls need moisture

Think of a strand of hair.  Most people picture a cylinder shape.  Unless we're talking about stick straight hair, the strand isn't going to be so round.   The curlier your hair is, the more flat and ribbon like the hair actually is.  Which is one of the main reasons curly hair tends to be so dry.  There just isn't as much structure for moisture and oils to live in.  If you have curly or even wavy hair, you should probably be using shampoo and conditioners that are labeled Hydrating or Moisturizing to keep your hair less frizzy.

Why, Handtied sew in extensions

OK it’s been a moment. Life gets busy and things get put on the back burner. But I’m back, and we are going to talk about beaded

sew in extensions. I would have to say this type of extension install is for pretty much everyone. There may be a few people who wouldn’t be able to do it but for the most part it’s for everyone . so basically there are different ways to install your extensions with this method it is all based on your type of hair, the way you wear it, and what your stylist thinks would be best for you. But the common thing with this type of install that every stylist uses no matter the technique is that beads are put in your natural hair and the extensions are sewn in using the beads as anchors. Typically, when having this method installed the average person would get two rows put in their hair, but in some cases they can use one row or they may need three rows , again that is totally up to your stylist, yourself and what you are looking for as an end result. There are also different types of hair extensions that can be used for this method, you have your machine extension Wefts which are a little thicker at the top and I would say would be best for somebody with thicker hair. Then you have your hand tied extensions which are very thin at the top and can be layered which pretty much everybody can use, but they’re best for thinner hair because they are so thin at the top. Then you have your hybrid extensions which is your hand tied and your machine in one and they are a little thicker than your hand tied but definitely thinner than your machine. I do also feel that most people can use this type of extensions. Typically with this method you are going to want to be in the salon every 6 to 8 weeks to have them moved up. One nice thing about this install is that you can wear your hair up in buns , ponytails and in braids. You’re at home care is pretty much the same as it would be with any other type of extension install. You definitely would want a sulfate free shampoo and conditioner, a paraben free shampoo and conditioner. you want to brush your hair a few times a day with an extension brush. You definitely want to put a good oil through the ends of your extensions a couple of times a day to keep them hydrated. You don’t ever want to go to bed with your hair wet or let it air dry. When you going to bed you need to braid your hair and sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase. Well, I hope this helps give you a little insight to this type of hair extension install.

Why I love color so much.

The first reason I always tell people is because It's a mixture of art and science which are two of my favorite things! Growing up art class and science class were some of the best times for me. Hands on learning that let you create things. People don't often think of science as a creative field, but Ive always found it to be. Creativity breaks barriers.

And just like science the haircolor field is always changing and growing. There are always new methods of application and new technology in hair color. It's exciting to ba able to try something new or add to your repertoire. What's gonna be the next big thing? I'm excited to find out.

I also love that I get to help people express themselves through hair! I've talked about this before, but I think self expression through your hair is so powerful. When you feel like you are completely yourself you are more confident and passionate. You can tell when your looking at someone who is living thier best self and just how much of an impact it has on thier mood and thier energy. You should always change your hair for you!

Everyday haircolor options get closer and closer to being endless! Hair color is sort of like a painting you get to wear on your head everyday. Which is so neat! My goal with hair color is always to achieve my clients dreams in the safest way possible. I keep growing my skills, learning new techniques, and trying new products to be able to be the best hair artistI can be.

Hair Expression

In my last blog I wrote about hair color and how it can impact your life. As a stylist and a human something that has always been important to me is outward self expression. Hair color is just one of many ways someone can express themselves ,and for me it has always been vital. I have struggled with anxiety all my life and it always made me appear as a very shy and demure person. From a very early age I started using clothes, hair, and jewelry to express myself in a way that I couldn't with words. That's one of the reasons I became a hairstylist. My main goal is to help other people express themselves to others through their hair. In whatever color or cut that takes! Our outward appearance is the first impression we give the world. We should make it just as magical as we are on the inside. The sky is the limit so let's make your hair shine with the stars!! 

Hot Temps = color fade

Did you know that using styling tools at temps higher than 385° will break down artificial pigment molecules in your hair strand?  You could be fading that gorgeous color you spent good money paying for!

Most people have a "hotter is better" mentality when it comes to iron work.  I've even seen irons that you can set at 500°!!!  The truth is, there's not a person on the planet who has hair that requires that high of heat.  No, not even Asian hair or Ethnic hair.  425° is the MAX anyone needs, with most Caucasian hair being more in the 350° range.

If you're sitting there thinking, "No, my hair needs hotter" what you should probably be doing is taking smaller sections.  If the section you're feeding into your iron is so thick that you can't see through it, the heat isn't going to be able to reach the center of that section.  Take smaller sections, turn your irons down, and your hair will thank you!

Secret to perfect curls

There is no secret to great curls! Stop fighting your curls. Listen to your curls. Feel them. Fall in love with them. Your curls are only just a  little bit of what makes you, YOU! You are so much more than just a curly haired-lady! The thing about curls is there is no one method. There isn’t a golden product that solves all curly girls problems. Everyone’s hair is different. Everyone type of curl needs different things. Just because one method doesn’t work for you doesn’t mean another won’t. Don’t give up! Even when you want to cut all of your curls off. Keep pushing through bad hair days and frizzy hair months. I promise when you find what works for you, it’ll all be worth it in the end! 

If you don’t know even where to start, here is a method that can put your “PERFECT CURLS” in the right directions! 

L.O.C method-

It is a method in which you layer products to ensure enough moisture to help combat frizz. 

L - LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

Start with a leave in conditioner. If you have really thick hair apply and comb through in the shower. Finer hair towel dry and comb through. 

O - OIL 

The use of oil keeps the hair moisturized and soft. If you go more than a few days in between washes reapply to dry hair mostly scrunching in at the ends. For finer hair focus the oil on the ends. For thicker hair mids to ends of the hair. 

C - CURL CREAM OR GEL 

Curl creams use technology to encourage curl as you apply. Make sure it has no sulfates or parabens.  Thicker textures work really well using a curl cream, but not limited to only curls creams. If you chose to use a gel, DON’T BE SCARED! Gel has come a long way from VO5. Curl gels are great for maintaining a longer style out. They control the frizz and helps hold the curls in place. If you are crunchy when your hair dries, just take the oil you have on hand and scrunch it into to your curls. It will break up the product cast and soften that crunch. All the crunch is the product sitting on the outside of the hair once you loosen it up, the crunch is gone! 

Curls can be a uphill battle! Especially if you are transitioning to curly hair. With patience and the willingness to try new things YOUR idea of PERFECT CURLS is achievable!

Lets talk tape-in extensions

Let’s first talk about tape in extensions and if these are the best type for you and your hair. Tape in extensions are generally used to fill in areas of the hair, add pops of color or length and fullness. These type of extensions are best for people with fine/thin hair as they don’t put as much stress on your natural hair as other hair extensions . Typically clients who wear tape in extensions do not wear their hair up. Tape ins typically take 30 mins to and hour to install depending on what you are trying to achieve. After having tape in’s installed you don’t want to wash your hair for 48 hours so that the tape can completely adhere to your natural hair. You also want to use a sulfate free shampoo and conditioner. When brushing you typically want to start at the bottom and work your way up while being gentle brushing so that you don’t accidentally pull them out damaging your natural hair. If tape ins aren’t your cup of tea, stay tuned while I talk about other types of extensions in future blogs.

A Turkish girl from Russia

Hi, my name is Chinara. I am Turkish and I grew up in Russia. I specialize in Lash extensions and Makeup. Makeup has always been my passion! As a child I was always stealing my moms makeup bag and doing crazy looks on my sister and myself, it is then I decided this is my dream. I attended makeup school in Russia, I have been professionally doing makeup now for over 5 years. I love the ability to make someone look in the mirror and see themselves as beautiful and confident. I look to enhance the natural beauty of my clients without completely changing them with makeup. I look forward to sharing makeup tips and tricks here on this blog .

Color and You

Color has always been something that I have really connected with. The subtleties and variations that can be contained in a single color are so interesting to me. Something that comes in handy when formulating colors in the salon. Knowing color theory is a key pillar to being a good Colorist. Knowing some color theory can be helpful to the client as well, when trying to pick the right hair color. Whether it's going from blonde to brunette or blue to pink. The color you pick impacts your self expression and overall outlook. It can be hard to choose a new color when you are looking for a change. Of course you want a color that is going to be flattering and look the best on you, but what if you chose a color based on what it could promote in your life?There is a part of color theory which suggests that different colors and undertones affect your mood and life in different ways. People often take this into account in interior design or fashion, but what if you choose hair color like this?Below are the different colors and how they correspond to hair color ,and the different things they could bring to your life!

Red: example- Red hair, Strawberry blonde hair, Red-brown hair

Promotes- Energy, Strength, Motivation, Attention, Action, Courage

Orange: example- Copper hair, Caramel highlights/ balayage, Orange vivid hair

Promotes- Adventure, Happiness, Instinct, Resilience, Optimism, Youth

Yellow: example- Gold blonde hair, Warm highlights/ balayage, Golden Brunette hair

Promotes- Knowledge, Hope, Cheer, Fun, Friendship, Excitement

Green: example- Ash Brunette hair, vivid Green hair, Mushroom Brown hair

Promotes- Harmony, Perspective, Growth, Restoration, Safety, Healing

Blue: example- Ash Blonde highlights/ balayage, Gray hair, Vivid Blue hair

Promotes- Honesty, Responsibility, Reliability, Calm, Confidence, Freedom

Violet: example- Violet Red hair, Icy Blonde hair, Purple hair Promotes- Imagination, Introspection, Luxury, Power, Openness, Kindness.

There are so many positive things you can get from a hair color other than just looking really good. Which of course is a bonus. Next time you want a color change maybe consider what this color may promote in your life! I hope this brought a little more interest to your hair.

The random facts you need to know

Hi!  I'm Sarah, the one with the "h" in her name.  I've been a stylist at Headcases for 15 years, 22 years total in the industry.  I love what I do, and I love learning everything about it.  My nickname at the salon is "the human google", so I've decided to focus my blog on all the random bites of knowledge.  I'll try to keep it short and sweet so it doesn't get boring!

My first random fact I want to share is about shampooing frequency.  

Did you know it wasn't considered unusual to only wash your hair once a week until the 1970s?  Social norms in America have you believe that you're dirty if you don't wash head to toe every day.  That is a direct result of a marketing campaign that was launched by Prell shampoo.  They aired commercials telling us to wash daily, and wash until your hair "squeeks".  All because they wanted to sell more product. It even expanded in the 1980s when instructions were printed on every shampoo bottle to "lather, rinse, and repeat"

 While this benefits companies looking to sell more product, it's not good for our hair and scalp.  

You should shampoo, at most, every other day.  If you feel like your scalp gets too greasy, that's a sign that your body is overcompensating for all the natural oils being stripped away.  Try using a dry shampoo instead of washing!  Your color will last longer, your products will last longer, and your hair will be less dry!

The value of the consultation

Why do we ask so many questions? And why do we KEEP asking the same questions in different ways??

Well this is called the consultation, and in my humble opinion it is the most important part of your salon visit!

This is where we get to climb into your head and dig around . What are we looking for? ?

I want to find what it is that you want to say to the world. What you want your look to express. Often times I find it’s not clear to my guest, and that’s what I am here for…if I can help you define and visualize what is inside that you want to let shine through, that’s where the magic lives.

My goal is to help you discover that light in you. Help bring it out for the world to see. And see that little added pep in your step leaving the salon knowing you are shining your brightest,and ready to conquer your dreams.

Why do We ask so many questions?

Well this is called the consultation and in my humble opinion, is the most important part of your salon visit.

This is where I get to climb into your head and dig around until I find. what it is that speaks to you, that you want to say to the world through your look. What you want your look to express to the world.

Often our words are different, this is when I break out the pictures.

My goal is to find out what is inside you that you want to let out and shine, and then I want to help get you there.

And since I can't litterally climb up into that brain of yours it takes a bit of talking.

Most times I don't think we ourselves are aware of what it is we want, and that's what I am trying to help with

If I can help you define that and visualize it, I can set us both up for success.

My curly story

Relax, pressed, and finished! Relaxing my curl until there was  NOTHING! All I heard was “her hairs too unmanageable, she’ll never be able to wear her natural curl!” I hated my hair unless it was straight or styled, permed and fried! I can still smell the scent of the perm. The tingle on my scalp from the product working it’s witchcraft! 

“When all I could really think was where do I belong in this world?I don’t look like my white mom and I’m not as dark as my black dad.”Yet I had curls that are “too unmanageable!” 

My hair became my identity crisis…I remember thinking the only way I could fit into any race is by relaxing my hair. So perm on! Every 8 weeks! Like clockwork. By 18 I’ve had two handfuls of stylist telling me what they thought needed to be done to my “unmanageable curly hair” situation! My hair had be fried , broken off, grown again…and yet there was this part of me who never felt like my true self 

Fast forward a couple years and I’m no long relaxing by curl. “How long does it take to blow out your hair?” My response in a low toned under my breath “COUGH-three hours-COUGH” .. .my internal monologue is yelling at me at this point“Is my curl just too unmanageable?!” I must’ve spent hundreds of hours blow drying and flat ironing. I was tired and I still didn’t know where I belonged with my “unmanageable curls” It wasn’t until these very inspiring women said to me “Wear your natural curl!!!!”Again my head is spinning. Isn’t my curl too unmanageable? My curls could never be beautiful. Too frizzy. Too dry. Too coily. TOO UNMANAGEABLE!” 

My life change drastically after succumbing to my curly hair. Letting it be natural. I tried every product. I tried every method and through learning my curl I learned about myself! That my hair whether curly or straight, relaxed or natural didn’t define me. That I could love my “unmanageable curls!” I could be beautiful even if my straight hair wasn’t flowing down the middle of my back. I began loving my curls and finding out who I was because of my curls! By no means are curls ever going to perfect. They won’t ever lack frizz. Sometimes I’ll wake up and hate my hair. No one curl will ever be the exact same , But I learned to fall in love with what I was told was “ unmanageable curls!”

Hair extensions…

Are you considering getting hair extensions but you’re not sure if it’s worth the expense? Hair extensions are a great option to add volume, fullness, length or a pop of color to your natural hair. There are many different types of extensions and installation methods. You can transform your look within minutes to a few hours. Hair extensions are an investment and you need to think of them that way and take care of them. I will be going into depth on different types of extensions and types of hair they work best with and also maintenance and aftercare in future blogs.