The Hair and Makeup Blog

Getting Your Makeup Ready for Fall

No one looks forward to the first day of fall more than me. It’s my favorite season. I love  the crisp air, falling of the leaves and fall fashions. And just like every season, it’s time to update your makeup for a new season of fierceness. Here are some tips to get your makeup ready for fall:

• First off, clean out your makeup bag. That’s right. Every season you should be making sure that any old, out of style or just wrong makeup hits the trash can. Check out our previous makeup posts for more info.

• Sunscreen isn’t just for summer. You need to protect your skin all year round. Don’t think that just because your beach days are numbered that you can go without sunscreen.

• It’s time to get into deeper, richer colors. Fall is all about the plums, coppers and classic blacks. You can also go on heavier than the light flowy looks you were rocking this summer.

• Heavier makeup can be harder to pull off and get to stay put. But if you stock up on a makeup setting spray like Model in a Bottle, you can be sure that your look will stay in place all day and night long.

For the best beauty tips and latest beauty news, sign up for the Look Hair and Makeup Boutique’s monthly newsletter.

So You're New to Hair Extensions

Last week was the premiere of this season’s America’s Next Top Model. This year, like nearly all the rest, Tyra and show’s producers made changes to each model’s look based on  what could take her modeling to the next level. For some that involved coloring or cutting their natural hair, but for many that meant hair extensions.

Every year I watch Tyra give these young girls hair extensions and watch how some of them struggle to cope with their new looks. Some adjust beautifully and begin working their new hair extensions immediately. But others show up looking worse each week with tangled, nappy hair. I can’t help but wonder if no one sits these girls down and explains to them how to care for their new ‘dos.

Well, I can’t take it anymore. Whether you’re a new model or just new to hair extensions,  here are some quick bits of advice for first time extension wearers:

• Just say no to tight braids. Crying in the beauty chair is a sign that those braids are too tight. That’s also true if you suddenly become Asian after the stylist is done. Too tight braids can damage your hair, irritate your scalp and drive you crazy.

• Avoid tangles by any means necessary. Put your hair in a loose braid and tie it up at night to avoid waking up with nappy extensions.

• Do your best to avoid scratching at the braids underneath. It will just irritate your scalp.

• When you wash your hair extensions, allow the shampoo to seep down into the braid underneath. Let that sit for a bit and then rinse them thoroughly. Washing your extensions at home is just fine but you may want to have a professional do it for the most thorough job.

• You may really like the way you look with hair extensions. More than one woman has gotten addicted to the full, fierce look that comes with them. When it’s time to get them redone, be sure to buy premium human hair extensions for a longer lasting look.

Whether you’re new to wearing hair extensions or you’re an old pro, for all the products you need to glam up your look, head over the Look Hair and Makeup Online Store.

Tips for Wearing Braid Extensions

One of the most overlooked areas of hair extensions is hair braiding. Hair braiding allows you to have an ethnic look with all the benefits of wearing hair extensions. Here are some tips for wearing braided hairstyles.

Buy Quality Hair

We cannot say this enough. Whether you are wearing hairpieces, sew-ins or microbraids, you have to buy quality hair extensions if you expect your style to be versatile and long lasting. Cheap hair will never give you the glam style you are going for.

Don’t Go Too Tight or Too Small

Just because you’re wearing hair extensions doesn’t mean that you don’t love your real hair, too. That said, you need to protect it. If you get your microbraids too small or too tight, you run the risk of damaging your own hair.

Keep Your Scalp Healthy

Use a light oil product on your scalp to keep it moisturized and avoid flakes or buildup. You may also consider getting a scalp massage after you take your braids out to

Choose Your Products Carefully

Heavy gels, pomades or shampoos should be avoided when you have your hair braided. They can cause buildup and leave residue in your braids, giving you a flaky scalp. Use Morroccan Oil for styling without the buildup.

If you want the scoop on beauty tips and news, check out the Look’s monthly e-newsletter.

Solange Knowles Makes a Bold Hair Change

August was full of celebrity hair news, but none has been so shocking as Solange Knowles being photographed with a nearly all of her hair gone.

Best known for being Beyonce's little sister, Solange has been establishing herself in her own right with movies, clothing lines and two albums.

When asked about going all natural, Solange tweeted that she's not making a statement, just a change. She's done this twice before and wanted to spend a little time without her hair extensions. The later summer weather probably didn't hurt either.

Well, we here at The Look Hair and Makeup  give kudos to Solange mixing it up with her look. One of the great things about wearing hair extensions is that you have the ability to change it up any time you want.

And Solange was probably using the highest quality tangle-free, reusable hair extensions like the ones we sell. So when she's done with her nappy and happy phase, she can reuse her old extensions again.