A Field Guide to Hair Brushes

Do you ever wonder how your hair stylist is able to give your hair such volume and bounce, while you can never achieve the same effect at home? You might have the right hair products, and know every blow-drying tip in the book, but the secret to hairstyling lies in the brush. Without the right brush, your hairstyle will be nearly impossible to perfect. Furthermore, you might be actively harming your hair with a subpar brush. Below is a field guide to PIN Salon’s top three brushes. We’ve broken each brush entry down with a physical description and a purpose so you can find the right brush to fit your hair needs.

Di Prima Brush: Round brush for volume and shine

 These luxurious, long-lasting round brushes are created in Spain, and are a must-have for hairstylists all over the world. The Di Prima Brush is the perfect combination of high-quality boar and synthetic bristles. The boar bristles bring out noticeable shine in hair, while the synthetic bristles activate volume. Another deluxe feature of the Di Prima Brush is the cork handle, which doesn’t catch the hair when you roll it over the brush as you blow dry. The final feature we love in the Di Prima is the solid wood body that protects hair from getting overheated, much unlike a plastic version. The Di Prima brush is an essential tool for those who round brush their hair on a regular basis, and for everyone who is pining for voluminous, high-shine hair. The Di Prima Brush is available for purchase at PIN Salon in three sizes (s/m/l).

Olivia Garden Ceramic Round Brush: Round brush to create a hot roller effect

The Olivia Garden Brush is another one of our favorite round brushes. The brush is enhanced with Tourmaline Ion Technology, has a smooth plastic handle, and is endowed with the best synthetic bristles on the market. These bristles are responsible for hydrating the hair cuticle, adding shine, and repelling static. The difference between this round brush and the Di Prima round brush is that the Olivia Garden has only synthetic bristles. If used regularly for a long period of time, the synthetic bristles can cause damage to the hair. One of our favorite features of the Olivia Garden is its ceramic body, which gives you an even distribution of heat while blow-drying, and thus protects hair better. This round brush is ideal for creating a hot roller effect, because the shape of the tool allows you to heat each section of hair from both sides simultaneously. The Olivia Garden Ceramic Round Brush is well suited to those who want to create unmatched body, and long-lasting hairstyles with their brush, or for those who simply want more control of the brush while blow-drying. The Olivia Garden brush will soon be available for purchase at PIN Salon.

Wet Brush: Flat brush to easily detangle wet or dry hair

Everyone with long to medium hair should have the Wet Brush in their beauty arsenal. Regardless of hair type, the Wet Brush works wonders on tangled hair. Most breakage in hair occurs when you brush through knots. This brush, however, will help you avoid this issue completely and detangles hair with ease. Use it on yourself with wet or dry hair, or on your kids to quell those inevitable tangled-hair-meltdowns. The Wet Brush is available for purchase at PIN Salon.

Written for the PIN Salon blog

Service Review: Blownaway App

This weekend, to prepare for a black-tie event, I tried out Dallas’ latest on demand beauty service, Blownaway. Blownaway was launched just this July, and is the love child of instant gratification and the Drybar/Blushington experience. Using mobile technology similar to transportation game-changer Uber, Blownaway instantly delivers blowouts, updos, professionally done makeup, and spray tans straight to your door.

Scheduling an appointment is easy. Download the Blownaway app from iTunes, and from there, you can shuffle through several blowout, makeup, and spray tan looks. A blowout and makeup can be done in the same sitting, each service taking only 45 minutes. It is suggested that the spray tan be completed separately, not only because it requires a different stylist, but because it should be finished two days before an event so the color has time to mellow out.

Things you should know before scheduling your first appointment? Blownaway asks that you book at least two hours in advance, and have your hair freshly washed before the stylist arrives if you are scheduling a blowdry. Also, for girls who are sensitive to certain product ingredients, or simply want to stick with an eco-friendly beauty product regimen, this request can be entered into the “notes” section upon mobile scheduling so your stylist can prepare accordingly.

For my Blownaway appointment, I booked two days in advance, and the same stylist was scheduled to do both my hair and makeup. Immediately after booking, I got a confirmation text with the stylist’s name, and 10 minutes before the appointment, the stylist confirmed once more. The entire booking experience was professional and painless.

Bianca, my Blownaway stylist, was incredibly prompt and upbeat. Most stylists come from a Drybar background, and become certified Blownaway stylists after background checks, an intense interview process, and comprehensive training. Bianca listened to all of my needs and suggestions regarding hair and makeup, and was both confident and easygoing.

One huge perk about Bianca’s blowout was that she knew exactly how to manage my thick, coarse hair. With her own hair as thick and long as a Disney princess’, she used the perfect technique and products on my hair to make the blowout last for over three days. Her number one tip for creating the perfect blowout at home is to rough-dry the hair 85% before going back through with a round brush. This allows you to save both time and energy.

Blownaway is quickly becoming every Dallas girl’s beauty go-to, whether it is to prep for a major business meeting, a wedding, or date night. A Blownaway tip from us to you?  Great discount rates are available for party and group orders, meaning that Blownaway is an ideal and fun solution for bachelorette parties, or just a glam evening in with girlfriends. While services for one are best booked on your mobile phone, book services for a party online.

Pricing:

Blowouts start at $65

Makeup starts at $70

Spray tans start at $65

Written for DFW Beauty Guide

Interview with Danielle Marie, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader

This Sunday, the Cowboys play the Packers in hopes of getting one step closer to Superbowl glory. However, even when the tension runs high at my house as the ‘boys fight it out, I can’t help but notice the expert hair flips happening on the sidelines. My friend Danielle Marie is a third year on the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders team, which is undoubtedly the cutest, most talented squad in the NFL. In our interview she shares a useful DIY beauty recipe, secrets for getting Texas-sized hair, and tips for getting fit in the New Year.

TS: On a daily basis, what is your beauty routine to keep your hair, skin, and nails in tip-top condition?

DM: My daily routine is pretty simple. If I don’t have to put on a full face of make up or put heat on my hair with curling irons and whatnot, I won’t. You need to let your skin breathe and give your hair a break sometimes. However to care for my dry, damaged ends that were caused by excessive heat, I use Kérastase Cristalliste Cristal Dual Sculpt serum. Just use 1 pump and apply it to the ends of your hair to add shine – it smells amazing, too!

TS: Do you do have any DIY beauty recipes you’d like to share?

DM: I love anything DIY! My favorite DIY beauty recipe of all time is my homemade makeup brush cleaner. This is so easy to make and so important to do in order to keep your brushes clean and your face fresh. The recipe uses distilled water, lemon witch hazel, grapefruit essential oil, and 1 tbs of your favorite hair conditioner. The witch hazel cleans and disinfects your brushes and your face, the conditioner softens the brushes, and the essential oil makes it smell awesome! I loved this brush cleaner so much, I made a bunch of it and put it in little spray bottles to give to some of my teammates to try.

TS: What is your number one beauty splurge?

DM: My number one beauty splurge is definitely getting as much sleep as I can. Between working a full-time job, maintaining a hectic schedule with DCC, and being a good mommy to my little French bulldog named Lulu, rest and relaxation is a MUST! During the work week if I have no rehearsal I will probably be in bed by 9pm.

TS: On game day what is your beauty routine? Do you do your own hair and makeup?

DM: On game days we all do our own hair and makeup. Everyone has their own routine when it comes to getting “game day ready.” We’ve all got our hot tools on, blowdryers blowing, hair spray flowing, and makeup everywhere. Since our game day is usually a 9-10 hour day, my beauty routine along with the rest of my teammates consists of A LOT of reapplying makeup and re-curling hair.

TS: What is the secret to getting that DCC-approved volume in your hair? Are there any beauty tips you picked up from DCC vets?

DM: I use rollers when trying to get big Texas-sized volume. I curl my hair normally and then quickly roll it up and pin it in my Velcro rollers while it’s hot. When I’m done, I’ll spray some hairspray and let it sit in the rollers for a while. Once I take the rollers out my hair is bouncy and voluminous. If you want to go for extra volume, tease your hair at the root when you take it out of the rollers. Va-voom!

TS: In season, do you do anything fitness-wise other than practicing the dance routines for the game? When the season ends, how do you stay in shape?

DM: Although free time is limited during the season, I try to make time to workout when I can. I am a runner and I enjoy running outside and getting some fresh air. I also LOVE boxing. I have been taking boxing classes for a few years now and it is such a great work out. I guess you can say I love cardio! On occasion I enjoy a hot bikram yoga class too. When offseason comes around, I have more time to switch my routine up and fit all of these activities into my schedule.

TS: Lastly, do you have any advice for people who are trying to get back into a healthy routine after becoming lazy during the holidays?

DM: We all splurge a little bit during the holidays, it’s understandable! It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to get back in shape, but don’t let it get the best of you. What works for me is setting small goals for myself each week. One week, I will focus on my diet and eating as clean as I can. The next week, I will focus on exercise and make it a priority to work out a few times a week. Remember a little goes a long way – start with small, achievable goals and stay with it!

Photo courtesy DCC

Stay current with Danielle on Instagram!

2015 Beauty Resolutions

Once again, the time has come to write your New Year resolutions. If you’re not yet sure what to commit to in 2015, get inspired by the following 10 ideas. Whether you have a vision of the way you’d like to reinvent yourself come January 1 or not, basic beauty goals like adequate sleep, water consumption, and vitamin popping are good additions to anyone’s resolution list.

1. Convert to green beauty products. Not only will you be doing yourself a favor by avoiding non-toxic products (whether it’s skincare or makeup), but you’ll also be endorsing brands that don’t test on animals. To make a complete conversion, you’ll have to do your research on companies that are green. Keep in mind that many of the big beauty companies – M.A.C., Neutrogena, L’Oreal are bad guys when it comes to chemical use and animal testing.

2. Drink more water. Hydration is key to everything from weight loss to glowing skin. As for how much to drink? Aim for eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.

3. Take beauty-enhancing vitamins. Probiotics, biotin, vitamin D, vitamin c, and fish oil are all good go-tos for beautiful hair, skin, and nails. As always, do some research and talk with your doctor about supplements for specific ailments.

4. Stop picking your skin. Regardless what you pick at, whether it’s your lips, your nails, your face, or pesky ingrown hairs, picking only makes the issue worse! Head over to Into the Gloss for some expert advice on underlying anxiety issues and how to dissuade yourself from this obsessive and harmful behavior.

5. Quit biting your nails. Not only is nail biting not cute to watch, but it also leaves you with stubby nails and chipped polish. If you’re ready to take action and end this bad habit once and for all, try out a miracle product called Bite It. This matte-finish polish has a bitter taste to discourage nail biting, and simultaneously promotes nail growth.

6. Schedule regular haircuts. Your hair and friends alike will thank you. Even if you’re working on growing your hair out, getting a trim every few months will help keep your hair in shape. While you’re in the salon, get a conditioning treatment as well. Unshapely hair and split ends aren’t flattering on anyone.

7. Cut out dairy (or consume in moderation). Digesting milk as an adult is a genetic adaptation – no other species besides from humans drink milk after infancy. Survival of the fittest, sure, but we are not baby cows and therefore should not eat like them. Even if you think you can digest cow’s milk just fine, cutting out milk will drastically (and quickly) improve skin, help you lose weight, and generally make you feel less sluggish. By the way, almond milk has more calcium, potassium, and vitamin D than the milk sitting in your fridge right now.

8. Initiate Meatless Monday. If you’re not vegan or vegetarian, but nonetheless disagree with the obsessive meat consumption in our society, commit to Meatless Monday – one day a week in which you don’t eat meat. Cutting out meat, even for one day, is good for your health, your wallet, and the environment. If you’re feeling inspired, consider a Wheatless Wednesday as well.

9. Make time for breakfast. It is easy to fall prey to the cup of coffee and nothing else habit in the morning, but eating a healthy breakfast is important to starting your day on the right foot. Weight loss, improved concentration, and physical endurance are only a few benefits to consistently eating a well-rounded breakfast in the morning.

10. Get at least 8 hours of sleep. Ahh, sleep, the magical cure-all. The benefits of sleep are numerous, from improved memory to better moods. As for beauty benefits of 8 hours of sleep every night, expect weight loss, less inflamed skin, and a more youthful complexion.

Happy New Year!

Last Minute Beauty Gifts: Holiday 2014

If your main gifts have been bought, but you’re still looking to even out the number of things everyone has to open, take a look at these beauty products. Super cute, super effective, and all under $40, these products are crowd-pleasers to the highest degree. Below find everything from jasmine hair powder to beard balm.

Thayers, Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner, $9.95

I’ll trust any product that has been on the market for over 150 years. This witch hazel, alcohol-free toner comes in a variety of aloe vera infused formulas, from rose petal to peach to lemon. Everyone on your list, including the hard-to-please-boyfriend and the conservative grandmother, will be pleased to receive a bottle of Thayers delicately scented, highly moisturizing toner.

Santa Maria Novella, Antique Calming Water, $14.00

The historian in me totally loves this kooky gift, which is sure to spark a debate or two upon opening. Back in the days when women wore tightly laced corsets, the extreme discomfort and lack of oxygen often caused hyperventilation and hysteria. Ingestible formulas made with essential oils, such as this one, were meant to be taken by hysterical women for a generally calming effect. Santa Maria Novella’s “Anti Hysteria Water” was first prepared in 1614 by Dominican friar, Angiolo Marchissi. Gift with caution.

Herbivore Botanicals, Orchid Facial Oil Roller, $24.00

Ever heard of a facial oil roller? Me neither! Give the gift of innovation with this well designed, highly potent exotic flower oil. This face oil formula is a mouth-watering blend of orchid extract, jasmine sambac, and Japanese camellia flower oil. The combination of these three ingredients increases elasticity, restores beneficial vitamins, and defends skin against free radicals. Overall effect: a youthful, hydrated, lit-from-within visage.

18.21 Man Made, 3-in-1 Wash, 16oz, $24.00

When buying for men, you can never go wrong with a 3-in-1 wash. As a shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, this powerhouse product will help your man stay clean, smell good, and keep his shower organized. 18.21 Man Made is Texas local, with a man-approved, sweet tobacco scent, and packaged in what seems to be a whiskey bottle. Head to their website to check out complementary hair styling products as well. It’s safe to say 18.21 Man Made products leave nothing to be desired.

Beauty Counter, Routine Clean Cream Cleanser, $24.00

While it can be tricky to buy everyday beauty products as intimate as a face wash for someone other than yourself, this cleanser is a well-priced, best seller at BeautyCounter. Routine Clean Cream Cleanser is perfect for an adolescent little sister, beauty product maven, or anyone who needs a soothing cleanser for the winter season. This cleanser gently removes makeup with organic coconut oil, and hydrates skin with witch hazel. In conclusion, if it’s good enough for goop, it’s good enough for us.

Olio E Osso, No. 1 Clear Balm, $28.00

This is one of those items that should be on your list of “3 things I’d take with me to a deserted island.”  Olio E Osso produces four highly effective balms (all of which you should give a whirl), but this one in particular is well suited to those who don’t need the added cheek and lip color – i.e. dads, brothers, boyfriends, babies, and the makeup-intolerant. Use the clear balm on everything that needs conditioning: cracked lips, split ends, unkept beards, scary eyebrows, and dry cuticles.

Lulu Organics, Hair Powder 4oz in Jasmine, $30.00

I came across this amazing, organic jasmine hair powder while standing in line at Anthropologie. At Anthro, they sell tiny, 1oz capsules of the silky powder, but these larger 40z sizes are available at the source – Lulu Organics – in a variety of intoxicating scents. The original dry shampoo, hair powder is perfect to style and spruce up unwashed hair on the go. To use, put a dime size amount of powder in your hands, and rub through the roots of dry, unwashed hair. In my book, the art nouveau packaging is reason enough to purchase a capsule – or two.

L:A Bruket, No. 050 Petitgrain Face Scrub, $32.00

My darling mother is the mastermind behind Dallas’ Flower Road Natural Therapies, and let me tell you, I have smelled every essential oil and absolut under the sun. That being said, my favorite essential oil is still petitgrain, one of the first essential oils she ever imported. L:A Bruket, a Swedish skincare company, has combined this increasingly rare essential oil with jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, vitamin e, and fine sea salt, for a gently exfoliating, highly moisturizing facial scrub you won’t want to part ways with. L:A Bruket products were created to address skincare issues associated with coastal living conditions in Sweden – so as you can imagine, this line is particularly well suited to the harsh winter climate.

Beauty Bundles: Holiday 2014

When it comes to beauty products as holiday presents, sometimes giving (and getting) a single products feels insignificant. This year, impress your beauty queen friend or family member with one of these kick-ass bundles. Instead of rushing around town trying to throw together a few little things to comprise a well-rounded gift, give the gift of beauty – and not in the intangible, Sleeping Beauty kind of way.

kai

 

Several years ago, I was introduced to kai fragrance by my good friend, California Carter. To this day, the scent still reminds me of clean air, beachy calmness, and eternal sunshine. Even if you’re a fragrance snob like me, kai does not disappoint. The scent is a fresh melee of exotic white flowers, which is not only found in the roll-on fragrance, but also throughout the product line. A kai bundle is perfect for those who are still struggling to find their signature scent, because it is hard not to like this delicate, floral aroma. All kai products are paraben, sulfate, phthalate, phosphate, and cruelty free.

Perfume Oil, $48: http://www.kaifragrance.com/shop/perfume-oil-p-3.html

Body Buffer, $40: http://www.kaifragrance.com/shop/body-buffer-p-113.html

Body Lotion, $37: http://www.kaifragrance.com/shop/body-lotion-p-23.html

Dr. Hauschka

Dr. Hauschka began in Germany in 1935 as an avant-garde company that developed natural medicines. Today, Dr. Hauschka has a line of both natural skincare and makeup. The bundle here is suggested for mature skin (40+), but I’ve found that it also works well on dry, winter-beaten skin that doesn’t respond well to thick creams. The products here go on thinly, absorb quickly, and don’t clog pores. If your mom is looking to switch up her skincare routine, or even if holiday party season is getting the best of you – these three power products will make someone happy come Christmas morning.

Cleansing Cream, $26.95: http://www.dr.hauschka.com/en_US/natural-skin-care-products/cleansing-cream/

Daily Hydrating Eye Cream, $51.95: http://www.dr.hauschka.com/en_US/natural-skin-care-products/daily-hydrating-eye-cream/

Firming Mask, $52.95: http://www.dr.hauschka.com/en_US/natural-skin-care-products/firming-mask/

Weleda

 

Weleda is the brainchild of philosopher Rudolf Steiner, proponent of anthroposophy. This skin care product line was developed to support the human body as it healed itself. Healing is the key word – as a matter of fact, the company was named after Weleda, Celtic goddess of wisdom and healing. The following three products have become a part of my daily skin care routine. A thin layer of the body oil on damp, freshly washed skin packs a major punch, and the skin food resides in my purse, where I can quickly use to cure my dry hands or wind-whipped face.

Wild Rose Creamy Body Wash, $12: http://usa.weleda.com/our-products/shop/wild-rose-creamy-body-wash.aspx

Wild Rose Body Oil, $26: http://usa.weleda.com/our-products/shop/wild-rose-body-oil.aspx

Skin Food, $19: http://usa.weleda.com/our-products/shop/skin-food.aspx

Kevin.Murphy

 

These products were recommended to me by the hair gurus at PIN Salon – and now I can’t see myself living without them. My hair is dry, thick, and color-treated, with a frizzy section at the back, and I use all three of these products together. I start the process with the Luxury.Wash shampoo, and follow up with the Born.Again.Masque which stays on for 10 minutes. The masque deeply penetrates hair, and works to repair damage and rebuild strength. After thoroughly rinsing the masque out, I apply the Young.Again Oil from the mid-length through the ends. The weightless oil visibly tames fly-aways, smoothes split-ends and adds some overall shine. I spoke with a hairstylist that has thin, short hair, and she uses this light oil everyday too for styling purposes. Once my hair is completely dry, I apply the Smooth.Again Cream to the frizzy spot in the back. This product not only makes hair silky, and smooth – again – but offers heat protection as well. Paraben free, cruelty free.

Born.Again.Masque, $39: http://kevinmurphy.com.au/product/born-again-masque/

Young.Again Oil, $39: http://kevinmurphy.com.au/product/young-again/

Smooth.Again Cream, $32: http://kevinmurphy.com.au/product/smooth-again/

S.W. Basics

 

Conveniently, the three S.W. Basics products that I most highly recommend already come in a packaged set this holiday season (and with a $10 discount). For those who have had it with harsh chemicals, irritating exfoliants, and frustratingly clueless dermatologists, this is the brand for you. I turned to S.W. Basics when no one and nothing was making a difference in my skin. S.W. Basics products are made from scratch using simple and high-quality ingredients. The bundle below includes a non-foaming liquid cleanser, ACV toner (my favorite!), and an unscented, all-natural cream. This combo is perfect for either normal or acne-prone skin. If you have dry skin, just try the cleanser and cream.

Everybody’s Faves Bundle, $81: http://store.swbasicsofbk.com/products/cleanser-toner-cream-chris-uphues-bag-bundle

5 DIY HOLIDAY HAIRSTYLES

Hark the herald angels sing – holiday party season has arrived! I’m always tempted to buy the novelty clothing that hits the racks this time of year, but I always regret my purchases come January 2^nd. While this tendency has left me with sequined harem pants (and other odd things) hanging in my closet, starting your bank account off on the right foot in the New Year is also important … or so they say. This year, instead of breaking the bank with an expensive outfit you’ll only wear once a holiday season, replace that annual sequin-harem-pant-purchase with a free, eye-catching hairdo.

In early November, I attended a style session hosted by Fave4 and featuring beauty expert, Jessica Scantlin (known on instagram as @jesssouthern). During the two hours of live demonstrations, Scantlin covered three different holiday hairstyles, and how to achieve them with the right tools and Fave4 products. Scantlin cautioned at the beginning of the session that her signature look is voluminous, bedroom hair, which for the most part spring 2015 runways agree with.

DVF Spring 2015 RTW Runway

The foundational look at the style session was a head-full of messy, beachy waves. To get this kind of look, which is a useful steppingstone in crafting pretty, textured updos, you’ll need a reverse curling iron (iron is small at the base and big at the end) and Fave4 Texture Takeover hairspray. This hairspray is not sticky, but has serious hold, allowing you to maintain a loose wave for up to four days. Put Texture Takeover onto sections of dry hair, and it will feel and act like dry shampoo. To get Jessica Scantlin-approved waves, wrap sections of hair around the reverse iron, leaving a good amount of hair unwrapped at the end (up to four inches!). As you go around the head, curl pieces of hair in different directions, make some loose wraps and some tight for as much variation as possible. Curl pieces away from the face, and wiggle the curler as you are working with these face-framing pieces so they don’t look too overworked. At the end, brush out the curls that are too defined for a sexy, disheveled wave that is sure to impress any and everyone at a holiday party.

From this foundational look, Scantlin created a simple Celtic knot (also known as a pretzel knot). This look can be hard to do on your own hair, so you might need a friend’s help. See the tutorial online to best understand the steps: http://www.fave4.com/#!What-We’re-Loving-TwoStrand-Knot-Tutorial/c4xl/044CE13B-D9EC-4713-A010-7C4484549165

Make this hairstyle even more festive with a bit of sparkle. Charmsies are iron-on sequins for your hair. Adhere a few onto your strands before pulling it back into the Celtic knot for a mesmerizing effect. http://www.haircharmsies.com/collections/shopcharmsies/products/silver-stars

Taking a cue from our 2015 hair guide, interesting braids are appropriate in any social situation. This romantic, messy braid from the Barefoot Blonde resembles Mara Hoffman’s spring 2015 runway look. To get the look, you can begin with the beachy hair foundational look above, or with unbrushed, air dryed hair. Spray a dry shampoo on for a matte, dry texture, then divide hair into three sections. Secure the center back section with an elastic, then braid it however you choose, and tie it off at the end. Starting on the right side, wrap this loose section around the base elastic and pin with bobby pins. Do the same on the left side. Gently pull pieces out at the front to frame the face, and finish the look by spraying hairspray into your hand and softly patting the surface of the hair. Rough up the braid or fishtail by brushing it backwards with a (new) dry toothbrush. A messy braid is the perfect home for DIY hair accessories. Have a sprig of holly, a stem of pine needles, or a few inches of tinsel on hand? Pin or weave it through your hair!

If you love how chignons look, but have always been too intimidated by the bobby pin bonanza and hair manhandling, then this tutorial is for you. Start by flipping your ponytail inside out – remember that trick? To do this, make a loose ponytail, then take the tail and put it through the center of the hair just above the base elastic. Tighten the elastic a bit, then loosely braid the tail and secure at the bottom with another elastic. Pull the end of the braid through the twist above the first elastic, wrapping it around until the shape becomes bun-like. Secure the bun with bobby pins and spray with hairspray. For a step-by-step photo tutorial: http://www.bloglovin.com/viewer?post=3027503399&group=0&frame_type=p&blog=3974050&frame=1&click=0&user=0

Go all Russian ballerina and add a thick, knotted headband to the mix: http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/accessories-hair/33914912.jsp#/  If you don’t want to spend the money on a bejeweled headband, create the same look with a square, silk scarf. Make a square knot in the center of the scarf, place the knot on your hairline in the center, then wrap the scarf around your head, over your ears, and tie the scarf at the nape of the neck. Pin the scarf in place if necessary.

The look you’re going for…

Compared to the braided chignon above, this French twist is a bit messier and pulls the hair (and face) up and back. Like the Celtic knot, the how-to is hard to describe, so check out the video tutorial here: http://www.twistmepretty.com/2014/03/textured-french-twist-day-7.html

If your hair is fine or slippery, be sure to texturize your hair with dry shampoo before you try the twist. This hairstyle is elegant, looks complicated, and can dress up any basic holiday ensemble. Take the feminine style to the next level with decorative hairpins. Either use a few pins to secure the twist itself, or tack them on the side of your head for maximum visibility: http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/accessories-hair/34317115.jsp#/

If leftover tinsel isn’t going to cut it, here are some additional lust-worthy accessories to up your hair game.

Jewel Blush Headband: http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/accessories-hair/34346726.jsp#/

Crystal Queen Crown: http://www.freepeople.com/accessories-hair-beauty/crystal-queen-crown/

Pave Antlers Headband: http://www.bcbg.com/Pave-Antlers-Headband/WOASB690-8C3,default,pd.html?dwvar_WOASB690-8C3_color=8C3&cgid=accessories-novelty#start=37

2014 Guide to the Best Salons in Dallas

In the last month, we’ve searched the metroplex far and wide for the best hair salons Dallas has to offer. Here you’ll find our four favorites, determined to be the best based on quality of cut, color, or blowdry, degree of customer service, products offered, and overall salon vibe.

PIN Salon 

In June 2013, hair veterans Rainer Schneck and Billy Irby founded PIN Salon, naming it after the oldest hair styling tool known to man – a hairpin. When walking into PIN, you’ll always be greeted by name and with a smile. PIN is located in Inwood Village near University Park, and feels personable and relaxing, yet modern and professional. The team is small and family-like, and the head massages (and shampoo chairs) are unmatched. Every hairstylist is highly trained, easily trusted, and specializes in either cut or color.

This holiday season, trends at PIN salon include rich colors and bangs. The color trend is about adding warmth and vibrancy to bleached out summer strands, in order to bring out a natural glow. As for the bang trend, PIN stylists say they customize fringe based on each client’s style and face shape. Products carried in-store include Kevin.Murphy, Kérastase, and Aquage.

5450 W Lovers Lane #229, Dallas, TX 75209

(214) 654-9600

http://www.pinsalon.com

Dear Clark Salon

Dear Clark Salon was opened in 2008 by Holly Dear and Kaycee Clark in Uptown Dallas. The Dear Clark team is a highly educated but laid back group; their aim is to never make their clients feel as if they are trapped a snooty or posh salon. The customer service is great, and the environment feels creative, energetic and young. At the salon, hairstylists are full service. For those who live in the area, don’t forget about the blowdry lounge, which is the perfect, quick solution to a bad hair day.

For holiday hair, Dear Clark predicts braided ‘dos for festive parties, and short crops to ring in the 2015 with style. Products available at the salon include the Moroccan Oil line, as well as their own naturally based, cruelty-free line, Dear Clark.

3317 McKinney Ave #101, Dallas, TX 75204

(214) 397-0700

http://www.dearclark.com

Volver Salon 

New on the salon scene is Volver, which opened last February in downtown Dallas. Volver means “to return” in Spanish, and promotes a collaborative and artistic atmosphere. The salon boasts seven full-service, but team-oriented stylists. The Volver clientele is largely made up of downtown professionals and out-of-towners from the nearby Joule Hotel. The salon is distinct in its support of other local businesses, both serving (complimentary) local Texas beer, and displaying contemporary art from a nearby art gallery on their walls. Be sure and mark your calendars with the once monthly Volver happy hour.

Color trends Volver stylists are seeing this holiday season include ashy blondes, rich chocolates, and balayage technique as opposed to ombre foils. In the salon, 18.21 Man Made and Kevin.Murphy products are available for purchase.

1517 Main Street, Dallas, TX 75201

(214) 699-7824

http://volverdallas.com

ERA Salon

ERA Salon opened its doors in (YEAR) in the heart of Oak Lawn, where Park Place Motors once was. Maleiah Rogers, founder of Era, leads a team of hairstylists whose goal is to have every client experience luxury, comfort, and walk out feeling fabulous. The clientele is wide ranging, from business professionals to gym rats, but all enjoy the Hollywood glamour meets modern chic vibe. Era offers complimentary lavender paraffin hand treatments, and hot eucalyptus towels that are not to be missed.

Trends at Era this holiday season include low lights for blondes, dark chocolates for brunettes, and the asymmetrical lob for cuts. In general, clients are said to be going for warm and natural tones. As for products, visit Era to purchase hair care lines including Shu Uemura, Oribe and Hot Tot.

4023 Oak Lawn Ave #120, Dallas, TX 75219

(214) 520-6767

http://www.erasalon.com/

Beauty History: Origins of the Pompadour/Bouffant Hairstyle

Spring 2015 runways confirmed that 1960s beauty trends are indeed on the rise. Besides from winged eyeliner, one of my favorite 1960s beauty looks is the bouffant. A bouffant is raised high on the head, not dissimilar from the pompadour hairstyle, in which the hair is once again worn high on the head, swept away from the face, and sometimes upswept around the sides and back.

The origin of the pompadour and the bouffant overlap – both derived from 18^th century France, Versailles in particular. These hairstyles were developed in synchronicity with the rococo; a late baroque artistic style that held flowers, seashells, and all things feminine in the highest regard. The rococo is characterized by asymmetry, ornament, elegance and pastel colors. The pompadour was named after Madame de Pompadour (1721-1764), King Louis XV’s mistress and cultural advisor.

Madame de Pompadour, Boucher

The bouffant, on the other hand, was supposedly crafted to fit the needs of Marie Antoinette, who had thin hair and wanted to create the illusion of a full head of hair. In 18^th century paintings, aristocratic women are almost always wearing a hairstyle somewhere between a pompadour and a bouffant.

Marie Antoinette, Vigée-Lebrun

After the French Revolution, big, bouffant hair fell out of style (along with the aristocrats who loved it). The style, however, was revived in the 1890s with the iconic Gibson Girl look, and remained fashionable until World War I.

The Gibson Girl Prototype

Then, once the bob came and went, this romantic, extravagant look returned in 1940s, and again in the 1960s with First Lady Jackie O.

To get the look, which gives you Texas worthy volume and height, tease the hair at the front and sides of the head, then comb up and over the teased hair, fastening it in back. Pull the front hair back, and the sides towards the center, pinning them if necessary, to give it a neat look. While an 18^th century pompadour would have ended in a long curl at the nape of the neck, modernize your bouffant style with a full, low ponytail, or a messy bun or chignon.

3 DIY Hair Masks

Stuck in a never-ending era of bad hair days? Shake up your strands with a DIY hair mask that you can make and apply in under 10 minutes with ingredients sitting in your kitchen. Don’t see a mask that applies to your hair situation? Let us know – we’ll experiment and concoct one for your specific hair ailment.

Banana Hair Mask: This mask moisturizes winter hair, strengthens strands to delay breakage, and maintains natural elasticity for a head of hair that looks and feels healthy. If you like how it works, reapply once a month for optimal results.

Ingredients:

2 overripe bananas

1 tablespoon coconut oil

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon of honey

Directions:

1. Blend the bananas finely in a blender until there are absolutely no chunks of banana left.
2. Add to the blender honey, melted coconut oil, olive oil and blend again.
3. Slather the mixture on your scalp down to the lengths of your (dry) hair and let it sit for at least 5 minutes.
4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Egg Hair Mask: This is a simple treatment, and can be adjusted to fit those with normal hair, dry hair or oily hair. Why does it work? Egg yolks are rich in fat and protein, thus naturally moisturizing, and the egg whites contain bacteria-eating enzymes that remove unwanted oils. The egg white only treatment can be used twice a month, the others can only be used once a month.

Ingredients:

For normal hair – ½ cup of raw egg (yolk and whites)

For oily hair – ½ cup egg whites

For dry hair – ½ cup egg yolks

Directions:

1. Apply the egg mixture you are using to clean, damp hair from the scalp to the ends.
2. Leave the mixture on for 20 minutes and rinse with cool water.

Baking Soda Treatment: Sometimes a string of bad hair days is a direct result of product buildup. Baking soda is both gentle and powerful on product-ridden hair, as it is made of sodium bicarbonate, which breaks down anything acidic. This treatment can be reapplied every two weeks.

Ingredients:

1-2 tablespoons baking soda

Filtered water

Directions:

1. Mix the baking soda with small amounts of water until a thick paste forms.
2. Massage the mixture into damp hair and let it sit for 15 minutes.
3. Rinse baking soda out of hair with warm water, then shampoo hair.