The Hair and Makeup Blog

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.

Get Your Hair Extensions Ready for the Beach

We’re more than halfway through July and if you haven’t hit the beach or spent a little time poolside, you’re wasting the summer away. Whatever it is keeping you away from having a refreshing dip, it shouldn’t be your hair extensions. Sure, chlorine and salt water are big no-no’s when it comes to quality Remy hair extensions, but you can protect your hair from the elements by taking a few precautions.

The best way to protect your Remy hair extensions is by wrapping it up under a swim cap before you hit the water. Make sure that the swim cap is waterproof. For the ladies who want the added protection, wrap the hair in saran wrap under the swim cap. (Yes, you will look like Conehead in the water. But when it’s all said and done, your hair will be fabulous at the poolside bar afterwards!)

For the divas who need to always look photo ready even in the water, there is another way. After you’ve put on your swimsuit, rinse your hair extensions with fresh water and conditioner. (This will prevent your hair from absorbing so much of the chlorinated or salty water in the ocean or pool.) Then braid your hair into a loose braid and secure with a hair tie to keep your hair from being matted or tangled while you swim.

After the swim, wash your hair extensions immediately with a clarifying shampoo to get rid of all of chlorine or salt from the hair shaft. Follow that up with your normal washing routine. And if you can’t wash the hair extensions right away, at least rinse them with fresh water and put a little leave-in conditioner in until you can perform the whole wash/shampoo routine.

Did you ruin your hair extensions with an impromptu dip in the pool? Did the ocean’s salt water turn your weave into dreadlocks? This time buy quality reusable Remy hair extensions at The Look Hair and Makeup online store. And for more tips on how to keep your look luscious, sign up for the Look Newsletter.

Wash Your Hair Extensions the Right Way

Recommended Shampoo and Conditioner for your Hair Extensions

Let’s face it, quality hair extensions are not cheap. You get what you pay for. And if you’re paying very little, you’re probably getting very little in return. But If you’re buying Remy 100% tangle free extensions, you’re definitely getting your money’s worth so taking care of them should be at the top of your list.

The first thing you should know about maintaining your quality Indian or Brazilian hair extensions is that you have to wash them carefully.  Don't use harsh products on your hair extensions. Washing your own too much can strip the natural oils from the strands and dry it out. You should wash your own hair no more than once a week and your extensions are no different.

Before you start to wash your extensions, make sure that there are no tangles in them. Tangling is the most common way to ruin your hair extensions. So start the washing process by brushing out your extensions with a soft tipped brush.

Use the gentle Bain de Terre Balancing Shampoo and concentrate on massaging it into your scalp, and gently rub shampoo in hair extensions. Be sure not to agitate your extensions while you’re massaging the shampoo into your scalp.

Then rinse your head completely with warm water and make sure that all the shampoo is completely out of your hair and your extensions. Then smooth Bain de Terre Balancing Conditioner through all the hair, from the scalp to the tips of the extensions. Rinse the conditioner out with cool water.

You can dry hair as you normally would with a hair dryer but try avoid rubbing it dry because that can lead to tangled extensions. The beauty of human hair extensions is that you can use heated styling tools on them and style them the same way you do your own hair.

Remember, your hair extensions are an investment. If you don’t think you can care for your hair extensions yourself, ask for a stylist’s help. And don’t forget to check out The Look Online Store for Remy 100% tangle free human hair extensions and the beauty products you need to keep them looking great.

Hairstylist To The Stars Robert Ramos On Summer Hair Care Tips

The Hair And Makeup Blog had the pleasure to sit down with Hairstylist to the Stars: Robert Ramos at the salon to discuss some of our favorite topics hair and hair care products.  Robert is very warm, personable and knowledgeable about hair.  This is why so many women trust him with styling, coloring and cutting their hair.

Robert Ramos is part owner of the chic West Hollywood's Estilo Salon. Estilo Salon is located on swank Beverly Ave in West Hollywood.  Estilo is The House of Style for hair.  The salon provides all major hair services and provides additional Brazilian Keratin hair treatment, Japanese hair straightening, traditional sew-in hair wefts and keratin hair extensions. 

Robert is the much publicized hairstylist for Jessica Alba and Eva Mendes.  However, Robert has been in the business for many years and has worked with celebrity legends Bette Midler and Pam Grier.  In fact Bette Midler has been Robert's client for 20 years.

Celebrities have been fascinated with Robert for some time but the latest industry buzz is Robert Ramos fresh clean haircare line.  The shampoo is paraben and sulfate free. The styling spray was featured in fall/winter 2009 LA's Fashion Week. It is ideal for people who want hold and touchable tresses.

One of my favorite Robert Ramos product is the leave in conditioner which provides added moisture for the hair. An extra benefit to the leave in conditioner is that it works great on weaves and human hair extensions.  It makes wavy hair extensions look new, provides sheen and helps define curls. The Robert Ramos conditioner has hair friendly ingredients such as silk amino acids, spirulina, ginseng and UV protection.

Here are some of Robert's tip for summer hair:

1. Keep yourself hydrated
2. Eat a healthy diet - what you do on the outside is as important as what you put on  your hair
3. Buy one to two hair care products you know is gonna work
4. Use a daily leave in conditioner - check out Robert Ramos leave in conditioner- great for vacation hair
5. When out in the sun for extended periods use a hat to cover up your hair
6. You are not bound to a ponytail - create a low messy knot instead. A knot provides a stylish summer look

Robert Ramos products are eco friendly and old school inspired.  You can purchase Robert Ramos products online at  http://www.robertramos.com or in select salons.

To book a hair appointment with Hollywood Celebrity Hairstylist Robert Ramos visit Estilo Salon http://www.estilosalonla.com or contact 323-936-6775

Celebrity Short Hair Styles

There’s an old Italian proverb that says if you want to change your life, you should cut your hair. Maybe that’s not true all the time, but cutting your hair will instantly update your look. A-list celebrities have all been rocking the short styles forever and with summer coming, short hair is one of the hottest trends right now.  And if you ever get tired of short look, you can always pop in a few hair extensions to mix things up.

Low maintenance is a big perk of short hair. You’re automatically cooler in the summer months. You also get to spend less time on your hair everyday. Over time you spend less money on hair products and services. Sienna Miller has often said in interviews that convenience was one of the reasons that she got her her long locks into a short shag.

Although Paris Hilton is a big fan of luxury hair extensions, her real hair is usually styled in a short bob with side swept bangs. There are times when Paris’s style has been a little trashy but her sleek bob upgrades the whole package with just a few snips of the scissors.

Short hair can also give you edgy look that’s hard to pull off with longer locks. Rihanna fohawk is a perfect example. When she was sporting a long look, she was just another C list pop star. Fast forward two years and her new hair has turned her into “a good girl gone bad.”  Pink is another celebrity that sports a short, edgy look. Spikes, fohawks and piecey layers take any short cut to rocker chick chic with the help of a little hair pomade or mini flat iron.

Girls with particularly strong facial features, unusually colored eyes or good bone structures wear short cuts particularly well. Short hair also automatically brings all the attention to your face. A face framing pixie cut can show off all your best features, like Nia Long and Michelle Williams.

For short hair, long hair and everything in between, you can find products and hair care tools at The Look Hair and Makeup ® online store.

Weave Hair Care Tips From Celebrity Stylist Tara Copeland

Celebrity stylist for the stars and red carpet events Tara Copeland shares with The Look Hair And Makeup Blog readers tips for keeping your own hair healthy while wearing weaves.

Hair extensions are here to stay and more and more women of all ethnicities are wearing hair extensions.  Ms. Copeland views "weaves and hair extensions as a woman thing and not a black or white thing." I could not agree more.  Weaves are a way for women to enjoy the spice and variety of being a woman.   Don't think you are the only one noticing that many women are rocking hair extensions. The biggest trend we are seeing  now in the hair industry is that more companies are investing in hair care products specifically designed for weaves.  Do you believe major  consumer products corporations would be investing $$$$ in weave hair care products if human hair extensions and hair weaves were not so popular?

What type of hair extension should I purchase?

Should I purchase hand tied or machine weft?

Tara recommends for her clients to purchase Indian hair extensions.  Tara prefers working with the hand tied hair extensions but for clients who are looking for cost savings Tara suggests that they purchase half machine weft Indian Hair Extensions and half hand tied Indian hair weft extensions.  Tara says that the hand tied weft extensions provide a more natural look.  Tara uses the hand tied Indian hair wefts for the top portion of the weave and for closures.  When working with European textured hair Tara likes using the fusion method and works with Brazilian European textured keratin pre-tipped extensions.

How should I care for the human weave hair?

1. Curly and Wavy hair weave needs hydration, use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners
   
2. Comb weave hair before washing to prevent tangling
3. Treat weave hair like you would your own hair

How should I care for my hair when wearing a sewin weave?

1. Weave wearers need to maintain their scalps: use tea tree oils and tea tree cleansers.
2. Keep hair hydrated
3. Wear sewin weaves for up to 8 or 10 weeks max.  Wearing hair weaves for 3 months or longer may lead to tangling, matting or worse locking.
4. Use a hair steamer for a steam treatment after coming out of a weave. You can also get the same hydrating benefit by steaming hair in a wet steam room.  While you will have tremendous hair growth wearing weaves because your own  hair is not being manipulated.  However, your own hair will need a good hydration treatment after removing the weave.  This is why Tara's clients have been able to grow their own hair is because of this routine steam treatment after removing a weave.
5. It is perfectly fine to go back into a weave after removing a weave so long as your own hair gets the necessary hydration steam treatment.  Tara also recommends that her clients alternate between full weaves, partial weaves styles and non weave hairstyles

Tara's hair care product picks for hair care while wearing a weave

• Avlon KeraCare Dry and Itchy Scalp Moisturizing Shampoo

• Avlon KeraCare Dry and Itchy Scalp Moisturizing Conditioner

• Avlon Humecto Creme Conditioner

For more on Tara Copeland, please visit http://www.taracopeland.com or call 310-422-8532 for appointment.  Tara works in El Segundo, Los Angeles area just minutes from LAX airport.

Tara Copeland LA Celebrity Stylist on Hair Care and Hair Growth Part 1

Tara Copeland El Segundo and Los Angeles, California Celebrity Hair Stylist

The Hair And Makeup Blog sat down with Emmy Award winning Celebrity Hair Stylist Tara Copeland to discuss some of our readers pressing hair care questions. 

Tara Copeland is a well known celebrity stylist in the industry and has won a number of awards and received two Emmys for her work on The Tyra Bank Show.  Tara works many red carpet events. Ms. Copeland has worked with Keisha Cole and countless celebrities.  With a very busy schedule Tara also has her regular celebrity and non celebrity clients but don't tell that to Tara because for Ms. Copeland "Everyone is a celebrity who sits in my chair." Tara is passionate about making people feel beautiful and equally passionate about healthy hair.  

Tara provided so much material that we decided to dedicate three posts on Tara's hair secrets and tips for hair growth, hair care, human hair weaves, natural hair, as well as hair care products for curly  and wavy hair.

Use Hair Care Products For Your Hair Texture

Tara has a diverse client base with various hair textures ranging from African hair textures, Hispanic hair textures, Middle Eastern hair textures  and European hair textures.  Tara recommendation on hair products is to use to products designed for your hair texture.  People with curly hair should use products designed for curly hair likewise people with wavy hair should use wavy hair care products.  Tara explains that Curly hair products may weigh down wavy hair or make straight hair limp. 

Hair Growth and Healthy Hair

Let's face it women of all age want full, beautiful healthy hair.  Tara believes healthy hair and hair growth is determined by what you do on the  external as well as what foods and nutrients you put in your body.  Tara is a big fan of prenatal vitamins for women and not just for pregnant women. Many of Tara's clients experience tremendous hair growth with Prenatal vitamins.  

The Hair Steamer

One of the reasons Tara's clients have such healthy hair is because of the steamer.  The hair steamer provides the moisture that curly hair and wavy hair so desperately needs.  Tara regularly steams her weave clients whenever they come out of a weave.  Tara recommends steaming natural hair and steaming relaxed hair as part of a deep conditioner regimen.

Below is counter top hair steamer that can be used at home and salon hair steamer.

Jessica Simpson Co-Washing hair

Conditioner Washing

MSN Entertainment and the "Beauty and Fitness Blog" website is reporting Jessica Simpson only washes her hair three times a month.  Some are making a big fuss over infrequent washing or use of shampoo.

Ken Paves recommends co-washing to celebrity client Jessica Simpson. 
"She only washes her hair three times a month.  I told Jess a long time ago she should only wash her hair a few times a week and in between, rinse and condition it.  And her hair looks fantastic all the time" shares Paves. 

But if Simpson is co-washing her hair with conditioner only what's the big deal?  She is still shampooing three times a month and conditioner washing in between.  I personally feel that some of these shampoos have too many drying detergents that damages and robs the hair of moisture.  Right on Jess, continue with your co-wash.  Many of the hair boards have been recommending the benefits of conditioner washing.

Jessica has flawless hair extensions that's the real reason her hair is always on point.  The Bain De Terre balancig conditioner works great with human hair extensions. 

 

 

Protecting Your Edges and Your Hair Line

Protect Your Edges

Hair care while wearing hair weaves

Hair Weaves can help your hair grow and is often worn as a protective style.  Many women wear human hair extensions to give their hair a break from chemicals and heat.  However, while taking a break from damaging chemicals and heat, many women neglect their hair line or their edges.  

The hair line needs special attention and care  Women must be mindful of their edges when wearing  braids, hair weaves, hair extensions and lace front wigs.  Now some people reading this blog may not understand the concept of edges.  The Edges is your hair line. For a lot of people the hair line is the most fragile or weakest part of the hair.  Yet, many women place a lot of unnecessary stress on their edges when when wearing certain hair styles. 

Here are Six ways you can protect your edges when wearing weaves and hair extensions

1. Avoid glues and adhesives around the hair line
2. Leave your edges out when wearing a sew in weave (this includes hair around the entire hair line)
3. Don't apply daily heat to your edges
4. Stay away from gels containing protein that can be hard and drying.  Consider using the Tancho Tique (Tancho Stick) pomade the perfect gel alternative.
5.  Minimize ponytails and definitely avoid tight ponytails
6. Take a two week break after coming out of weaves and human hair extensions by wearing alternate hair styles.

Remember, you can grow your hair while wearing remy hair extensions with proper hair care and including the Tancho Tique pomade in your hair regiment. 

The Tancho Tique is a staple in my hair care regiment.  The Tancho Tique is a universal hair product and works with taming fly aways  and laying down all hair types.  Great for African American, Multiracial, Hispanic, Asian and European hair texures.Shop Tancho Tique and quality remy hair extensions, Indian hair extensions and reusable human hair extensions.

Check back for more posts on taking care of your own hair while wearing human hair extensions. We love to hear from our readers.  Let us know if you found this article  helpful or if you have any additional tips you would like to share.

Shampoos, Conditioners and Your Human Hair Extensions

Just like your own hair needs appropriate hair care products so do your Remy hair extensions.  Select the right products whether you are wearing European hair extensions, Indian hair extensions or Brazilian hair extensions. 

Some people have the misconception that any products can be used on hair extensions. That kind of cavalier approach can leave you singing the hair blues.  Trust, been there done that and don't want anyone having a bad hair day.  Protein based shampoos and conditioners should be avoided as they can leave your hair looking dull and feeling dry.  So before you reach into your bathroom cabinet for your regular shampoo and conditioner consider using a balancing shampoo and conditioner.  We love the Bain De Terre Green Meadow balancing shampoo and conditioner. What we love is how well the Bain De Terre line works with color treated hair extensions, virgin Remy hair extensions as well as your own hair.  We can go on about the benefits.  Bain de Terre shampoo and conditioner provides new life to hair extensions. The balancing shampoo removes buildup and the conditioner detangles.  These Green Meadow botanical products have a refreshing smell.  The shampoo and conditioner  leaves hair revitalized, shiny, soft, and manageable.