As the Chair Turns - August 2021

​Those lazy, hazy, crazy days of Summer are here.

I hope this finds you healthy (and maybe a little sassy, too).

July “seems” like summer, although August is the time we tend to squeeze in those last bits of rest and relaxation. Summer vacations have been planned and many of you will be heading out for those long postponed family events. Wherever you are headed or planning on going this Summer, please stay healthy and travel safely.

I shouldn’t need to mention this to you, but I will. Please, please, please get vaccinated if you haven’t done so already. There is no beating around the bush, this COVID-19 pandemic is still raging. Vaccinations (and face masks) are really the only way we are going to beat this virus.

I personally got a Moderna “booster” shot last month. I know one hasn’t been recommended “yet”. I got the J&J one and done vaccination and was not feeling confident with its efficacy. After doing some research and reading several studies, I knew it was something I must to do. Luckily the clinic where I got my shot knew so, too. If you are having any concerns about the protections of the J&J vaccination (or any of them for that matter) do not hesitate to follow up with your health care provider. I am not a doctor so please do your own research.

Regarding vaccinations and masks, it is being highly recommended that both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals wear masks indoors. While wearing face masks indoors is not yet mandatory, I will be requiring that you wear your face mask at all times while in the salon. Nothing has changed from what I’ve stated previously. This is just now something I’m requiring, not requesting.

If you haven’t done so already, I highly recommend getting your California Digital Vaccine Record to save on your smart devices. The free system essentially digitizes the paper vaccination cards you’re given after you get your shots. It includes a QR code that can be scanned as proof of vaccination. It’s recommended you keep a screenshot of that code in your phone - which may be increasingly handy in the Bay Area as a growing number of restaurants and bars require proof of COVID-19 vaccination as the delta variant drives a new coronavirus surge. I have the “Smart Health Verifier” so I'm able to scan and verify your vaccination status. If things progress as they have been, I may find it necessary to also start asking for proof of vaccination.

Bottom line, GET VACCINATED and stay healthy.

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This month I have quite a smorgasbord of articles for you.

Let me just start by asking: “Are you emotionally stable enough to get bangs?” 🤔If you’re not sure, I have a questionnaire for you. Bangs can be a risky decision so you’ll want to make sure you won’t be needing therapy after making the cut.

You may have heard of the K-POP group BTS. Their hairstyles have been setting tends for several years now. I have a step-by-step guide on how to achieve their looks. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be in a boy band to wear trendy hair.

Lather, Rinse, Repeat? Maybe not. You might need to take a step back from so much hair washing. I have 9 helpful steps on weaning yourself from the shampoo bottle.

Sun bleaching and chlorine do not make for happy hair. Sun may “bleach” your hair but it will cause damage. Chlorine damages your hair, too. There are a couple articles below on what you can do to keep your hair healthy this summer.

Yes, stress can turn your hair gray. The research has been done. In some cases it may even be reversible. Oh, and chronic stress also leads to hair loss. So, stop all that stressing already. Easier said than done, isn’t it.

READ YOUR LABELS: DMDM hydantoin is listed by the FDA as one of the preservatives found to cause the most allergic reactions from the use of cosmetic products. It works as an antimicrobial agent and preservative in cosmetics and personal care products. It's also a “formaldehyde donor.” That means it releases a small amount of formaldehyde over time to help keep products fresh and free from contaminants. The FDA requires certain products to contain an ingredient declaration, but some ingredients may not be specifically identified and instead listed as “fragrance” or “perfume.” There are several class action lawsuits against personal care companies using DMDM Hydantoin. I have those listed below.

That’s just some of what I have for you this month.

As always, I am available by email, text or phone if you have any questions or concerns.

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

#MASKUP
#GETVAXED
​
Be well. Take Hair!

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What's Inside This Month

The "Need to Know” Stuff
​

• Ways to Rock Bangs with Curly Hair
• Questionnaire: Are you emotionally stable enough to get bangs?
• Men: Step-by-Step Guide to Achieve 4 "oppa" hairstyles from BTS' V to Hyun Bin
• 9 Steps to Washing Your Hair Less
• The Sun will bleach your hair, but you probably shouldn't let it
• How to Protect Your Hair from Chlorine Naturally While Swimming
• What is Coarse Hair and 7 Tips to Style It the Right Way
• It's True: Stress Does Turn Hair Gray (and it's reversible)
• Episodes: Tokyo 2020
• My "Gettin' Through" playlist
• "Follically Challenged": How Chronic Stress Leads to Hair Loss
• The Hunt to Replace DevaCurl, every curly girl's fallen savior
  Hair by Brian's Recommendations
• Recipe: 30-minute Mini Meatloaves
• The Story of Hair: Blonde & Blonder: How Women in the 70's Got That Hair-Lightened Hair Look
• In The News: DMDM Hydantoin Class Action Lawsuits