A springtime update!

Ahh. Spring! It actually feels so much like summer this weekend I pulled out dresses and wedge shoes and I felt amazing! Unfortunately it doesn't look like the heat is going to stick around, but man is it nice while its here. Can't wait to enjoy it some more! It has definitely taken my mind off of some things that I really needed to think about and absorb, and now I'm feeling a little more refreshed and capable of getting through the next little while!

Anyway, unfortunately I have had to take a small blogging hiatus from my blog series due to some unforeseen things to do with work and what not. This week is also super busy as its Alex's birthday and our anniversary, and so I have to take a breather and try to enjoy these next few weeks and try not to get overwhelmed. Basically, my only goal is to survive, which means not stressing myself out over trying to get blog posts done! They shall return, but I need to deal with many things before I get myself back into the groove of sitting down and writing! So for that I apologize! I really love writing them, but for now I just have to take a deep breath and try again later!

Anyway, I hope you are all enjoying this awesome weather as much as I did this weekend! Back to a busy week tomorrow! Just remember to breathe!

Blog, and be happy!

Kyleigh

From the Mouth of a Hairstylist: Hairbrush 101

These next few posts are going to be about the tools you should have at home, and how you know that you have the right ones! I've decided to start with brushes, as I feel like lots of people out there are using the wrong brush type for their hair - so, here is my Hairbrush 101!

There are TONNES of hair brushes out of there, and it's always hard to tell which one you should have. Round or flat? Plastic or natural bristles? How ever are you suppose to know what one is right for your hair? So, I've come up with an easy to follow way of determining what sort of brush is best!

Types of bristles:

There are basically 4 types of bristles that you can consider - Boar bristle, Nylon bristle, Mixed bristle or porcupine, and Ionic bristles.

Boar bristle is exactly what you think it is - a natural bristle made from the hair of boar. It's soft, and really the most ideal type of brush that you can buy. Boar smooths the cuticle of your hair and leaves you with soft, smooth and shiny hair. They don't pull and tangle as much as some other brushes can, which makes them great for people with easily tangled hair. While it is best to look for 100% boar bristle brushes, they tend to be quite fragile and tend to be better for finer hair, but a mixed bristle brush with mostly natural bristles are great all around brushes for everyone!

Nylon bristle covers basically everything from plastic to nylon to rubber bristles. You see them a lot on flat brushes, but they can really be on any type of brush. Nylon brushes are great because they are sturdy and, depending on how close the bristles are together, can offer great control over the styling of your hair. Never use nylon brushes where the bristles are at two levels on the brush. These brushes pull the hair and create more problems than they solve - always find brushes with even length bristles when it comes to synthetic! Nylon brushes can sometimes become tangled in hair, so I never recommend them for people with exceptionally fine hair, but when used in flat or cushion brushes they work great as an every day brush for most hair types!

 Porcupine bristle, or a mixed bristle brush uses both synthetic and natural bristles placed together in the same brush. They are really the best of both worlds, and typically are the strongest of all the brushes. They are great all around brushes for both fine and thick hair, and offer great control for styling. When looking for porcupine brushes, look at the base of the bristles and make sure there are multiple bristles coming out of the same starting point. This allows the mixed bristles to pass through the hair more evenly!

Ionic bristles are ceramic coated bristles that speed drying and help to smooth out frizzy hair. They are typically only found on round ceramic or tourmaline brushes that are designed to speed up drying times, but I've noticed the technology moving into other forms of brushes too. They are also fantastic for creating volume in hair, so if you are looking for a great volume brush this is the way to go! Sometimes you can find these bristles mixed in with natural or synthetic brushes, and they are a great way to increase drying time and help with smoothing out hair!

So, now that you are educated on the types of bristles, the next step is to figure out what shape of brush you need for your hairstyle. The best way to figure it out is to determine what your style goal is. Are you looking for smooth and straight or for lots of volume? Ask your hairdresser or pay attention to what they are using when they are blowdrying your hair. They are often using a brush similar to the brush you should have at home to help you recreate your style.

There are several shapes that brushes come in: round, flat, cushion and denman or radial.

Round brushes are pretty straight forward. Used most often to create volume, they are great for people with fine or limp hair. The best type if you can find it are vented which allows the heat from the blow dryer to pass through the brush and dry the hair faster, which means less damage to the hair. Often you can find round brushes with ceramic or tourmaline centers which are awesome for smoothing hair as the ceramic heats up. Available in all sizes, these brushes are great for anything from short to long hair!

Flat or paddle brushes are great every day brushes for people with long hair. They often have a huge surface area which allows the job to get done faster, and work well for getting the tangles out, especially if made with boar bristles. When using as a blowdry brush, they work best for smoothing hair and dont provide much in the way of volume.

Cushion brushes are probably the most common brush people think of when they think of a brush. With the bristles lifted up off the handle of the brush by way of a soft plastic backing, these brushes have a lot of give and are great detangling brushes for fine and normal type hair. As a blowdry brush they are used mostly for smoothing and tend to work best for medium length hair.

Deman or Radial brushes look like half a round brush but should not be used as such. They are a classic styling brush that works best for smoothing bobs and bangs, and don't have a huge amount of use away from smoothing out shorter haircuts. Men with short styles really enjoy using this type of brush. If you want to use a Denman brush, I recommend you talk to your hairdresser about the best way to use them. They are a very hard bristle brush and can be hard to use, but once you know how they are a great tool in your brush arsenal!

Brushes are very crucial to your ability to keep your hair with minimal damage from heat styling and pulling at your hair, and they are also very important for your daily style.

The reality of it is, you could probably use one of each kind of brush. I don't think that one brush can do it all! If you are really looking to have one,great all around brush, it is actually worth spending a little extra money on one that will serve multiple purposes and help you style your hair. Dollar store brushes are often not the best thing for you hair, so consider looking for something a little bit higher quality.


All of the brushes pictured above are made by Denman Brush Inc which is absolutely my favourite brush company. I have slowly been converting all of my work brushes over to denman brand because I just love them, but there are tonnes of other fantastic companies to consider too. Look into companies that you trust like the brand that makes your blow drier or flat iron. Those companies often sell companion brushes for their hot tools and are generally great products!

Anyway, I hope I've taught you a little bit about brushes and what you should look for in a brush for your hair type!

For the love of your hair,

Kyleigh.


All photos above are from www.denmanbrushus.com and are used for educational purposes only. All credit goes to the company Denman Inc. and the photos are not used maliciously. No copyright infringement is intended, and all photos link back to the original site.

Happy St Patrick's Day!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day! It is absolutely beautiful outside, which of course means I'm at work, but it's still lovely to see the sunshine!

Is it just me or is it only on this day that you realize you don't own anything green to wear? I would have sworn that I had a few green shirts, but turns out I don't! If you're like me you should really go out and get some green stuff, Emerald is the colour of the year, so green is going to be all over the place! I actually really like green too, and being a redhead (well... A faux redhead) green has always looked good on me. Time to go on a green shopping spree??... Maybe not! :)

I hope you all have a fantastic and lucky St. Patrick's day! :) Drink some green beer and kiss someone Irish! ( I am not Irish unfortunately, but Scottish! Oh well!)

From a redhead with a green flower in her hair...

Blog and be happy!

Kyleigh.

From the Mouth of a Hairstylist: Hair Damage and How To Prevent It!

I know I said I was going to talk about hair colour this week, but I changed my mind! Instead, please enjoy this post on hair damage and how you can prevent it! =)

I have a lot of friends who have extremely long hair. With extremely long hair comes the reality of damage - but this isn't just a problem for the long hair folk. There are also those of us who are chemical junkies, heat styling addicts or, worst of us all - the triple threat. Long hair who can't stop colouring and require a blow dry & flat iron every single morning!

So, I've come up with a list of things you can do to help your hair through the toughest of times!

Hair How To: Hair Damage and How to Prevent it!

1. Regular Hair Trims

The absolute best thing you can do for your hair is to see your hairdresser for regular hair trims. This is especially important if you are trying to grow out your hair. While I know you don't want to lose the length you have worked so hard to gain, getting rid of the broken ends will help with having longer, stronger hair!

2. Rock Second Day Hair

Some people can't do this, I get it. I struggled with it too at first, but learning quick hairstyles that allow you to not wash your hair every single day makes a big difference in the damage done to your hair! I don't wash my hair every day, and I work in the hair industry! Learn how to pin back your bangs and do braids. I often curl my hair on the second day... you already have product built up in there from yesterday and the oils from your scalp will help protect your hair from the heat. Try a dry shampoo, there are lots on the market that work really well, and if you really must wash it before work every day, try to give it a day of rest on the weekend! Your hair will thank you!

3. Shampoo

I actually have a post all planned out on how to pick the right shampoo, but this is really important! Using a shampoo that is for your hair type is important, and it's the basis for your daily style! Always make sure you are only scrubbing at your scalp. Rubbing shampoo into your ends roughs up your hair making it seem more damaged than it already is, and if you have coloured hair, it fades it much faster! Roots and scalp only!

4. Conditioner.

Along with shampoo, using the right conditioner is important too. Make sure to use a wide tooth comb to coat every strand while you're in the shower to seal down all the rough parts of your hair. Conditioner doesn't only apply to your daily rinse, but make sure to try and do a repair mask once in a while (once a week is best if you are ambitious enough!) Also consider a leave in conditioner for your after shower routine - find one that is light and moisturizing, and only apply it to your ends, especially if you have fine hair!

5. Don't Over Colour

If you are like me and you are a colour addict who can't stop going from light to dark and back again, be prepared for the consequences. If you can help it, try not to change your colour every 6 weeks and stick to changing it with the seasons - or just summer and winter. You need to let your hair rest between colourings, and going overboard with highlights and colour does a number on the health of your hair. Also, try to avoid colouring your hair at home if you can, this does substantially more damage than getting it done in the salon!

6. Learn To Use Your Hot Tools

Teach yourself, or get your hairdresser to teach you, how to curl and flatiron your hair. There are ways to use your hot tools that prevent more damage than necessary. When possible, allow your hair to air dry, and if you must use hot tools every day use a product that protects your hair from heat before you blow dry and before you use your irons! (If you are really stumped on how to use your hot tools, don't fret, I've got you covered with picture tutorials for how to curl and flatiron your hair in the coming weeks!)

7. Sleep With Your Hair Up
I was talking to some friends about this the other day, sleeping with your hair up or braided really makes a difference, especially if you are a toss and turner like I am! Pile it up on top of your head and it won't get in the way! I've been doing it for years, and not only is my hair not a huge disaster in the morning, but I don't have to spend 10 minutes trying to brush it out and creating more breakage than it already has. If you really can't sleep with your hair up, try to find a satin pillow case. It's one of those urban myths that's actually true!

8. Brush Your Hair Right.

To prevent breakage, never brush wet hair. Always comb wet hair and brush dry. When brushing your hair, make sure to start at the ends and brush working your way to the roots. If you do have chronically knotty hair, try using a spray in conditioner or detangler, they can really make a difference in the fight for smooth hair!

9. Keep it Out of the Sun
While I know that we all love the natural highlights that the sun gives us in the summer, wearing a hat not only protects your scalp from burning, but protects your hair too. The UV light from the sun (and tanning beds too!) damages the outer layer of your hair, and can lead to frizzy, dull hair. Blonde and grey hair are the most susceptible to damage from the sun, but remember if you are a bottle red or brunette that the sun fades out your colour too!

10. Be Healthy
Being healthy changes your hair dramatically. Things like stress, eating poorly and not exercising can lead to unhealthy and brittle hair. Medications can also affect your hair's health, and while we can't all avoid medications, taking only what you need when you need it can save your hair (and skin) from unnecessary stress! If you find your hair seems more damaged than it should be, try to change your diet and see if that helps!

Nothing feels quite as good as soft, smooth, healthy hair! Try these ten tips, and see how healthy your hair can be!

For the love of your hair,

Kyleigh.

All photos used in today's post come from www.sxc.hu and are used under their CC license. Their license waves me from any liability due to copyright infringment. No copyright infringement is intended. 

Upcycled T-Shirts - My New Quilt Adventure!

When I was in highschool I was always involved in something... I was part of the art shows, I was in the choir and the band, but most of my time was spent rehearsing for about 3 plays a school year. I loved to act, and in commemoration and promotion of the shows we would always get t-shirt made!

Needless to say, I have a LOT of t-shirts from this era of my life, probably around 20. I love them, but they aren't really wearable anymore other than as lazy day shirts or gym shirts, and even then I don't tend to wear them that often.

It's frustrating because they bring back great memories, but I really can't afford to keep them in my drawers any longer... they are taking up valuable drawer and closet space that I could be using for all the clothes that really don't have a home and end up... well... you know... living on the floor...

So, being a Pinterest addict like I am, I decided that I was going to try and find something I could do to upcycle some of my old shirts and still be able to use them. I saw lots of things from grocery bags (which are genius in our world of not wanting to buy plastic bags whenever you go to to the grocery store!) to underwear (which I really don't need!) and I came across my new project.

I don't know if you watch the show Rules of Engagement, but there is an episode a season or two back where Audrey makes Jeff a quilt out of all of his old shirts.

I always thought that it was such a cool idea, and I never really thought about doing it with all of my shirts that I don't wear! So, the other day when I was on pinterest and saw a similar quilt, I realized this is the way I'm going to be able to keep my shirts, but upcycled into something even better - a nice warm quilt!

I have never quilted before, so it's going to be an adventure to say the least. I've made blankets before as I am a crazy crocheter, but this is totally different! I am super excited to get it started though and I'm sure it's going to be a long project, but I can't wait to show you guys what I come up with!! =)

Blog, and be happy!

Kyleigh.

(P.S. Stay tuned for the second post from my blog series... it's only a couple of days away!)

From the Mouth of a Hair Stylist: How to Get the Haircut You Want

Well, I suppose I should start by saying: Welcome! Welcome to my blog series 'From the Mouth of a Hair Stylist!' I am seriously so excited that I am here, and that you are too! So, without any further ramblings, please enjoy part 1 of my 10 part blog! =) 

Haircuts are really the start and finish of everything to do with hair. While hair has moved into more complex chemical services over the years, haircuts really do remain the staple of the salon industry. Everyone needs a haircut, and thus it raises a lot of questions for people. Should you jump on that new haircut trend, or stay in your haircut rut?

With long waves and short pixies, undercuts and bobs all popular right now, how ever can you possibly choose between everything that's out there, and more importantly, know if it's going to look good?

That is why I hear this question more than any other:

"Okay, so I have no idea what I want my hair to look like... you're the expert! What kind of haircut should I have?"

I'm not going to lie to you, it is my most loathed question, which is why I've chosen to start here.

The reason that I find it so difficult to answer is mostly because there isn't one haircut that is the be-all end-all for your face shape and hair type. While of course there are cuts that work best for hair types and face shapes, with the plethora of hair products and tools available to the every day person, not to mention that everyone has different problem spots with their hair, there isn't really a clear cut answer to what sort of hair cut you should have.

To top it all off, the haircut you "should" have varies from hairdresser to hairdresser. What I think you should have could be very different from the cut "that terrible hairdresser" you use to see thought, and it could also be very different from that cut your "very favourite hairdresser EVER" gave you - and we could all be giving you 'textbook' hairstyles for your hair type!

So, I've come up with the top 5 things you need to think about before you head to the salon so you can get the haircut you WANT rather than the haircut you "should have"!

How to Get the Haircut You Want:

1. Ask people you know (including your hairstylist) what they think would look best on you. Almost everyone knows someone with great fashion sense, and they can often offer you wonderful ideas you never thought of. Always run big changes past people who will be honest with you, and consider them for longer than 5 minutes. Cutting of 2 feet of hair on a whim almost always ends in tears. If you have a big change in mind, they will always be the ones you can trust to tell you if it's a good or bad idea! Make sure to trust your hairstylist to tell you honestly what they think too, and don't let anyone, including your stylist, bully you into something you aren't comfortable with!

2. Come in with a style in mind. I'm not asking you to come in with a folder in your phone of pictures of your perfect haircut from all angles (although that's always helpful, us stylists are generally very visual people!), but consider how much length you are willing to part with, or if you want bangs or not. Even something as simple as knowing you "just can't part with anything more than an inch" is helpful! Your stylist will tell you if they think it's not going to work, so let them help you find something similar that will, and always make you sure you feel comfortable with the final decision before the cutting begins! (Oh, and always physically show me with your fingers your idea of an inch. My idea of an inch and your idea of are often different!)

3. Look at pictures, but don't look at pictures of your favourite celebrities. If you are going to bring in pictures, consider trying to find people with a hair and face shape that looks similar yours. If you have thick, unruly, curly hair and a very round face, trust me when I say you aren't going to be able to have Anne Hathaway's cute pixie cut without a LOT of work in the morning. Try to block out who you are looking at and look just at the hair - you have to remember you don't look just like Kim Kardashian or Jennifer Aniston (and you don't have their daily stylist either). Lastly, consider looking back at old pictures of yourself. If there is a time when you thought "yes, this was absolutely the BEST haircut I ever had - I felt amazing!" it's probably something that should be considered again! (unless, of course, it's a mullet. Never consider that again.)

4. Consider your daily routine. Are you a wash and wear kind of person, or do you have an hour every day to do a serious styling routine? Do you have specific fall back styles you can't let go of like the sock bun or braids? Are you skilled with a round brush or does the idea of having to put product in your hair every day scare you? All of these things are very important to consider! Be honest with yourself, and be honest with your stylist. If you sleep in every single morning, a high maintenance style is not for you. Your routine is also important to consider when it comes to thinking about your future haircuts! If you are going to get that super short pixie cut, are you going to be willing to come in every 4-6 weeks to get it re-shaped, or are you a haircut once every 8 months kind of person?

5. Remember - you know your hair best. We are the professionals, but you have lived with your hair your whole life and know what it is like! You know all the problem areas, and you probably already have a good idea of what types of cuts will work best for you. Trust your instincts, you are more knowledgeable about your hair than you think!

Your haircut should make you feel great, and if it doesn't you need to say something. While we will always try to provide you with the best haircut we can, everyone has bad days and this is an industry where we are always learning. If you leave with a haircut you hate and you never say anything, we don't continue to learn and grow as stylists - but be constructive and don't lose your cool. Sitting there and saying "I just hate this", pulling at it and crying, or playing the blame game is not at all helpful, so be specific. "I hate my bangs because they are too long" gives me an idea of what you see and why you aren't happy. Specificity is key! This goes for when you are getting your hair cut as well, not just after. Saying "I want this piece shorter" is not as specific as "I want my layers to start right below my ear" or "This piece needs to be 2 inches shorter." But please don't micromanage your stylist. Trust them and don't ask them to explain in technical terms every single snip!

Oh, and never, ever, ever, ever, EVER cut your hair yourself. You aren't 4 years old, you are a grownup. I don't want to have to scold you when you come in because you have chopped your bangs too short! Most salons do bang trims for a few dollars, so drop in for a few minutes and see if someone can trim your bangs for you. When you've worked so hard to find a haircut that works for you, trimming it yourself is just asking for trouble!

My last point on this matter is this: Save yourself some money and the chance of disappointment by finding a stylist that understands what you are asking for. This goes not only for haircuts, but for every facet of your salon experience. If that stylist down at the 15 minute haircut place isn't getting it done, stop going. Ask your friends and family, check reviews online, or even ask that lady with the great hair at the bank who their stylist is, and stick with the one you like once you've found them! Trust me when I say that it will save you lots of unnecessary tears and money if you take the time to find the stylist that gives you what you want!

While I can't provide you with all the answers when it comes to getting haircuts, I hope that I have given you some tips on how to make your haircut experience the best it can be! Keep those 5 points in mind before you leave for your appointment, and it will save yourself (and your stylist) a huge headache when you get to the salon!

Next week: Hair Colour!

For the love of your hair:

Kyleigh.