Got plans this weekend?

Change them!

This year’s America’s Beauty Show will include a screening of Vidal Sassoon the Movie, Stylist Choice Awards, Salon Owner Business Forum, and stylist training courses to advance your career.

We are at Booth 3431 with the hottest new brands for your salon (Stop by to see what they are!). You will also have the opportunity to sign up for stylist training classes, which include:

• So.Cap hair extension certification training – Now available with a special financing program
• All-Nutrient Keratin+ Smoothing Classes – The perfect solution for your curly haired clients who long for straight, frizz-free locks. 100% formaldehyde free.
• All-Nutrient Foiling Trainings – Before beach season is here, take this course to learn how to give your clients the most natural looking highlights, just in time for spring.
• Salon Girl Cosmetics Workshops – Master the latest and greatest new techniques and trends for makeup this spring. Also, you will receive credit towards Salon Girl cosmetics when you register!

Register at booth 3431, or if you can’t wait, sign up for training classes online today. Also, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for your daily dose of hair and beauty.

We’ll see you there!

Create sexy fun, beach waves with a flat iron

If you’re like me, you’re ready for winter weather to be over. Spring is just close enough that we can finally start imagine sunny weather and beach-ready looks. One way to put some spring in to your look is wearing loose, sexy waves. To create beachy waves you can use your flat iron.

Creating waves with a flat iron may seem counter-intuitive to you if you have only used yours to create ultra sleek hair styles. If this describes you, read on.

Curling irons are great for giving you tight curls and sophisticated up dos, but for a more relaxed, beach look a flat iron is your best bet. Remember to be extra gentle when recreating beach waves if you are wearing hair extensions. Also, make sure you are using 100% human hair extensions because synthetic hair melts with heating tools.

The trick with a flat iron is starting about an inch away from the root of your hair and gently winding the hair around the plate. It takes a little practice and most people wind up with odd kinks in their hair the first few times. Keep at it- You will get the hang of it and have an easy, fast way to get sexy, loose, beach waves.

Have you ever used a flat iron to create fun beach waves, if so, sound off in the comments. Also, make sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter today.

Don't avoid it- Embrace it. Liquid liner is quick and effortless once you practice!

The cat eye look- with bold, liquid liner has been a timelessly chic makeup look for decades. Unfortunately for a lot of people (even some makeup artists), liquid liner is a dreaded task to overcome.

The truth is, liquid liner does take a steady hand and some practice, but with these simple tips you will master the cat eye look in no time!

Follow these simple tips to become a pro at liquid liner:

• Smudge-Proof Your Look- If you are having problems with your liner transferring to the top of your lid, apply an eye shadow primer first and dust a small amount of power over the top. This will help keep your liner on longer and mattify the eye area so it does not bleed or smear.

• Prevent Cracking Eyeliner-If your liquid liner is cracking after only a few hours of wear, it is either old or a bad formula. Also, keep in mind that if your liner is older than 6 months it is time to toss it out.

• Check out the Tip- There are doe-tipped, felt-tipped, and paint brush style liquid liner applicators. Paint brush style liquid liners are the hardest to control, whereas a doe- or felt- tipped applicator, it is easier to get a straight, even application.

• Start from the Outside In- You will have the best luck starting from the outer corner of your lid and working your way in. Make a dot on the outer corner where the widest point of your liner will be and make a few dots all the way to the inner corner to guide you through the process.

• Liquid on the Top- To create the cat eye look, you will not apply liner on the bottom lid. However, keep in mind if you are using a liquid eyeliner, only use it on the top, use a pencil or gel to line the lower lid.

Do you have any tips or tricks for creating a flawless cat eye with liquid liner- If so sound off in the comments! Also, if you haven’t already done so, make sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook today.

There are so many different options to choose from when picking a hair extension brand. As a trusted intercoiffure member, So Cap hair extensions are a favorite brand among successful, high-end salons across the US and even worldwide. Here are the top reasons YOU should upgrade to So Cap hair extensions for your salon:

• Highest Grade 100% natural Remy Hair: So Cap hair extensions are just like your clients natural hair, because they are made from 100% natural human hair of the highest grade. Unlike synthetic hair extensions that look fake and shed after wear, these extensions are virtually undetectable even to the wearer!
• Pre Bonded Keratin Tips: Many extension processes damages the hair cuticle, which leave  the hair damaged after applying hair extensions. Unlike other competitor brands, So Cap extensions have the most gentle application and removal process-It does not rip or damage the clients natural hair.The extensions come pre bonded with keratin so there is no need for messy glue or adhesives. When extensions are taken out, it is done so with a remover gel that does not leave residue or damage hair.
• Longest Wearing Hair Extension: Most other extensions shed or begin to fall out after only a couple months or even weeks. Whether your client chooses Extensives, Clip-In hair, or original So Cap hair extensions, they will last up to 6 months saving them both time and money!
• Widest Range of Options: We know that each client lives a unique lifestyle with different individual needs, which is why it is so important to provide options that are customizable to each person. With 81 colors, two-toned shades, and fantasy colors, your clients are guaranteed to find the perfect hair color match. So Cap hair extensions also come in 3 lengths and three textures and, of course, they can be dyed and cut to truly customize the client experience.

Are you already using So Cap hair extensions in your salon? If so, sound off in the comments about how you like them and what your experience has been with clients- We would love to hear about it!

For more great tips from one stylist to another, follow us on Twitter (we always tweet back!) and be sure to like our Facebook page!

Kate Middleton's Royally Fabulous Hair and Makeup

Want to recreate this Princess-to-be’s hair and makeup? Get over your style envy and read further for a tutorial on how to get Kate Middleton’s look.

Hair Care

To achieve Kate Middleton’s va-va-voom volume and curls, long hair is a must; if you don’t have your own, consider hair extensions. You can get the same bouncy, full hair with or without Kate’s rich chocolate hair color, but to truly emulate her look opt for a single process hair color professionally applied. To maintain your hair’s color, choose a shampoo that protects color treated hair and revisit your colorist every 4-6 weeks.

Kate Middleton has probably never heard of dull or lifeless hair- as for the rest of us we need to try harder to maintain our hair’s shine and moisture. A shine serum is a great quick fix or dull hair but to truly fix the problem you need to treat it. As a long term fix to dull, lifeless hair, start incorporating a weekly hydrating hair mask to your routine and use a leave-in-conditioner daily.

Hair Style

Kate’s blowout is one of the best we have ever seen. To emulate this, you need hot rollers with extra large barrels. After thoroughly washing your hair, apply a small amount of mousse to hair roots and a leave-in conditioner to the ends of hair. Use a round brush to control your blow out and put hot rollers in once hair is completely dry. Once you take the rollers out, your hair will be VERY curly- shake your hair, brush it out,and wait about a half an hour for the curls to calm down.

Makeup

Kate wants to look polished and she wears enough makeup to complement her eyes and face shape without overpowering her facial features. Foundation is a key player in achieving Kate’s dewy, youthful look- Dilute your regular foundation by mixing it in with your daily moisturizer. For her eye look, Kate lines the whole eye with a dark grey pencil liner and applies eye shadow slightly above the liner. A cheek stain/cream blush applied to the apples of the cheek will give you Kate’s glowy look. For lips, Kate stays pretty sheer but never opts for a true nude- Instead try a gloss with a subtle wash of color.

Lara Croft rocks the girl-next-door-hair

Lara Croft – She is the ultimate girl-nextdoor of the video game world. Who else could wear cargo shorts, a tank top, and a braid down the middle of her back and still look sexy? And we are dying to ask her what brand of hair extensions she wears!?!

Faith Connors – We love her shag bangs and blunt bob. This light and breezy hairstyle is ideal for her day-to-day acrobatics and roof jumping.

Rubi Malone – This videogame gal has high maintenance hair considering her every day habits of using machine guns, crossbows, and scaling walls. We give her extra credit for being able to do it all, while having great hair.

Nariko from Heavenly Sword – Her bright red hair reminds us of Rihana’s most recent hairstyle. We love Nariko’s hair, and have to wonder is it real or does she wear extensions?

Did we forget to mention your favorite character; if so sound off in the comments about who your favorite video game vixen is and why! Also, make sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for your daily dose of all things hair- and beauty- related.

Keep reading for hair color techniques like highlighting

Single Process Color- This process involves one color being applied all over to the hair to darken it.

Double Process Color- This process is necessary when the hair is being lightened more than two shades. Double process color involves first bleaching the hair to remove any color and then adding the desired shade with the correct dye. This is not recommended for people with very brittle or damaged hair and it should never be tried at home.

Ombre- This hair style is one of the hottest trends among celebrities like Rachel Bilson, whitney Port and Drew Barrymore. Ombre hair color describes when the hair is very dark at the roots and gradually lightens towards the ends.

Lowlights- The lowlighting technique adds depth to hair- Adding lowlights is the opposite of highlighting the hair; it is adding darker shades to soften and add dimension. Lowlights are ideal for blonde and light brown hair.

Highlights- Not all highlights are the same: there are several different highlighting techniques that create very different results. Chunking is a kind of highlighting that creates larger “chunks” of color throughout the hair- Don’t be fooled though, depending on what colors are used, chunking doesn’t have to look harsh- This technique can either look very natural or a very dramatic. Balayage is another type of highlighting where the highlights are applied so that they look more natural as they grow out- Balayage is ideal for low-maintenance people who don’t want root touch ups every 4-6 weeks.

Attend one of our training classes to find out more about the latest hair coloring techniques. Also, you should follow us on Facebook and Twitter for your daily dose of all things hair and beauty!

The truth about mineral makeup...

First of all, mineral makeup is an umbrella term used to describe eye shadow, foundation, face powder, blush, and eyeliner made of minerals, and is formulated without irritants found in most cosmetic products, like waxes, chemicals, and preservatives. There is a difference between organic and all-natural- A product can be all-natural but not made from organic material, and vice versa. For most people, mineral makeup actually improves their complexion.

Look for these ingredients on the cosmetic label (these are the best for your skin’s overall health and radiance):

·      Mica – highly pigmented mica that gives a wide array of shimmering hues

·      Titanium Dioxide – A natural SPF

·      Silica – not to be confused with silicone-Silica wicks away unwanted oil

·      Kaolin – clay

*Note that minerals do age or decompose, which means your products have an infinite shelf life!

Often times, people with chronic skin conditions like acne and rosecea will see drastic improvements in their complexion. The reason for this is because the skin begins to clear up after being freed from exposure to irritants and harsh chemicals found in other makeup.

Mineral makeup is weightless and silky to the touch- It allows you to have a flawless complexion while letting your skin breathe.

With that being true, there is absolutely no product on earth that will be allergy-proof for everyone. A small number of people are still allergic to many products, even natural ones. If you have sensitive skin, before applying any product to your face, it is still a good idea to spot test on the back of your arm to see if you have an allergic reaction.

Another common misconception about mineral makeup is that it is not long-lasting, because it is made of natural ingredients. This is far from the truth. When applied correctly, your mineral makeup will outlast other products you have used before.

So how do you apply mineral makeup properly? Mineral makeup is best applied with a *natural bristled brush (animal hair, not synthetic bristles), in small circular motions, an application technique known as “buffing”. When buffing the powder, the minerals are activated by the heat of your skin- That is what gives you a natural glow and keeps your skin looking flawless all day.

Do you have any questions about mineral makeup or how to apply it? Sound off in the comments with any tips or questions you have for us! And you should follow us on Twitter and Facebook for daily updates about hair and beauty.

Photo courtesy of beutifulmagazine.com

For all my fellow glee-ksters…who tune in religiously on Tuesday nights, call up your best friend to discuss every little detail of the latest episode, and occasionally hold Glee watching parties…this one is for you. Here is how to get Lea Michele’s coveted hair style and makeup look:

HAIR

Lea’s hair is usually slightly tousled and full of body- It is fun, natural-looking, and fresh. To recreate her hair style, start by blowdrying your hair with a diffuser to create waves. Scrunch dry hair with your hands, run a light styling lotion through hair, and apply a small amount of shine serum to ends and all over to recreate her look.

Lea’s hair color is very vibrant and never dull looking. To keep your hair color fresh like Lea’s, it is important to take good care of it daily. Use a a color protecting shampoo and conditioner and choose styling products with SPF to protect your hair from environmental danage.

MAKEUP

Lea’s makeup is very natural but polished looking. Don’t overdo it on the foundation- Choose a light tinted moisturizer for a satin finish like Lea’s that will enhance your complexion instead of look cakey. Lea plays up her flawless complexion with a shimmer-free highlighting powder along her orbital bone (above the cheekbone and under the hollow of the eye). For her cheeks, Lea applies a stain to the apples of her cheeks.

For eyes, it is all about the lashes to get Lea’s doe-eyed look. Apply a small amount of champagne colored shimmer until slightly above the crease in your lid, follow with individual lashes interspersed among your own, curl, and apply a coat of black mascara.

Line the lips with a dark nude liner- Focusing more on the outer edges and lightly filling in the entire lip. Lea wears a pale pink lip gloss with a slightly violet undertone- Her lips are always glossy.

What do you think about Lea Michele’s naturally polished makeup and hair look on Glee, sound off in the comments!

Get long, thick, healthy hair

When you are feeling stressed out, your body overproduces cortisol which, over time, causes unsightly and embarassing hair thinning and hair loss. Hair grows an average of half an inch per month, and over the course of several months, cortisol levels can be detected in a single hair follicle; often times the appearance of cortisol is the forewarning of a heart attack.

If you are experiencing hair loss, it may or may not be because of high levels of stress. If you think stress may be the culprit to your hair loss, it is important to address this issue immediately before it causes serious health concerns. Along with working to relieve the internal effects of stress and preventing serious health consequences, hair can be rejuvenated by addressing the outer signs of hair loss.

You don’t need to live with the embarrassment of hair loss. Many celebrities are turning to hair replacement treatments. We recommend a more affordable process for hair loss, Osmotics Cosmecueticals- A revolutionary three-step regimen proven to effectively rejuvenate dormant hair follicles and stimulate hair growth when used regularly.

We also recommend hair extensions to fill in thinning areas. Adding hair extensions will give you long, thick hair and you will no longer have the embarrassment of fine, thinning hair. Most certified hair extensionists offer free consultations to discuss length, texture, and maintenance. We recommend consulting with a hair extension pro before getting extensions put in!

Make sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for your daily dose of hair and beauty.