I hope this finds everyone reasonably safe and content. ​

​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!

Is it really July already?
 
Are you as excited about things opening back up as I am?  I know we still need to be very mindful and taking precautions, but boy howdy, it sure is nice to see sporting arenas full of cheering fans again.  Not to mention seeing concerts and other events being scheduled once again.  Watching clips of recent games and events and seeing those empty arenas is a stark reminder of where things were just a few short months ago.  

I’m a little late getting this out this month.  The excitement of heading to Colorado and spending time with my Mom took priority this month.  

I hope you’ve had a safe 4th and enjoyed the extra days with family and friends.
 
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Summer is here and I am here to help you (and your hair) make the best of these lazy days of summer.

First off are essential tips for summer hair care.  Cover it up, wear it loose, wash less often, and condition, condition, condition.  You might even want to consider following a no shampoo method.  

With summer, comes the Summer Trends.

• For you ladies: “Looks from the early 2000s are definitely coming back. Chunky highlights, colorful streaks and especially rose gold and pink are some of the top requests in the salon today.”
• For you guys:  Looks are leaning toward longer, looser locks—think variations of mullet shapes (yeah, I know) and shags, heavily ’70s-influenced.  Much of this trend can be attributed to men visiting their groomers less often in pandemic times—but, that reality places even more of an emphasis on the quality of the cut.

​I’m sure you’ve heard of purple shampoo, right.  But did you know there are blue shampoos, too?  It’s all about the color wheel. Opposite colors neutralize, or cancel each other out.   Purple shampoo and blue shampoo work in a similar way, canceling brassy tones in your hair color. Because purple and yellow are opposites on the color wheel, violet pigments cancel out brassy yellow tones, which makes it great for making blonde hair more neutral. However, the purple shampoo will not work as well for caramel highlights or ash brown hair, as brassy orange is best neutralized by blue pigments.

Have you put your summer reading list together yet?   Audiobooks are prefect for road trips or lounging by the pool (or not).  There's no better place to check out that audiobook you've been meaning to "read" than your local library.

Have you ever wondered why people started wearing powdered wigs?  And why we don’t anymore?   

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

I know I’m probably sounding like a broken record, but I really do appreciate you.  It’s because of you that I’m still here for you and your hair needs.

As always, I am available by email, text or phone if you have any questions or concerns.
 
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
​
Be well. Take Hair!

First and foremost…

I want to thank you for all the support you’ve given the last several months.  Your being there, even if just virtually for now, has kept me afloat more ways than you could imagine.  

I was reminded of the struggles other hairstylist and salons are still facing just a few days ago.  I saw that someone I went to Cosmetology school with and has their own salon (barbershop, actually) has a GoFund Me page.  My friend is fighting to stay open. Others haven’t been so fortunate.  This isn’t just true of salons and barbershops, we’ve seen so many other local businesses struggling and relying on our patronage.  I know you’re happy salons, barbershops, restaurants and bars are opening back up and you might think you’re just grabbing a meal or getting your haircut, but every dollar you spend with these local businesses is another day’s work and another days wages.  I know it is quite a lot to ask of you, but please know we are so very grateful. 

I still do not know what tomorrow will bring, but for today I’m here and able to do what I love, which is cut and style your hair.  Again, all thanks to you.

We are not through this pandemic yet.  What is happening throughout the world is a constant reminder of how diligent we must continue to be for a while to come.  There is a light at the end of the tunnel, though.  I think we can all feel a shift and can exhale, even if just a little.  I do know it is not for me (or you) to dictate what anyone else should do in terms of getting vaccinated.  It is a complicated decision for many people.  For me, though, not catching COVID or at least reducing the chances of life threatening complications was enough for me to get vaccinated this last month.  One and done and 2 weeks later feels pretty good right now.  Whatever your decision, I just want you to be happy and healthy.  

This might seem early, but I need to let you know I will be taking a few days off the begging of July, July 1st through the 10th to be exact.  I'm heading to Colorado to see my Mom.  Look at your calendars and plan out your next couple appointments.
 
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I never thought I’d say this, but Mullets are a thing for women right now.  Done well, a modern mullet looks pretty darn good if I have to say so myself.   Check out a few of the looks below.

If you haven’t noticed, guys are embracing their curly locks, too. If you’re looking for a some inspiration check out the article I have for you on getting those curls (and you) noticed.  There is some curly haircare advice below, too.

Last month I shared about “The Rachel”.  Apparently, “Farrah Fawcett Hair” it trending BIG TIME.  What’s old is new again, right.  If you have long, layered hair check out the styling tips below so you can get the look and the flip.

Hyaluronic Acid has been a key ingredient in skin care.  It’s hydrating and temporarily plumping up the skin to lessen the appearance of superfine lines — but did you know that it could benefit your hair as well?  I’ve been on this new hair-apy treatment for a month now.  It may be too soon to notice any real benefits but I do know my hair and scalp feel healthier and my hair is less brittle (yeah, us fine hair people have very sensitive hair).  I’ve also steered away from shampoos and have gone the No-Poo or Cleansing conditioner route.  I have a few articles for you below on the benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for your hair and scalp.

So, apparently 7 in 10 individuals have “that friend” who has a reputation of tardiness.  And by tardy they mean at least 13 minutes late. Yeah, 13 minutes is late.  Are you “that friend”?  
 
That’s just some of what I have for you this month.

Oh, check out my "Gettin' Through" playlist while you're reading this.

Again, I really do appreciate you.
 
As always, I am available by email, text or phone if you have any questions or concerns.
 
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Be well. Take Hair!
AND #MaskUp 😷