Carve and Slice

This method entails cutting wet hair in vertical sections, where the stylist pulls the hair outward before "carving" or "slicing" through the thicker portions. Carving is employed to remove a greater amount of hair, suitable for tighter, denser curls, while slicing is used to take away less hair, ideal for looser, finer curls.

Consultation

Prior to the haircut, Stephen will assess your hair to identify its curl pattern, density, thickness, and moisture content.

Styling

Following the haircut, the stylist will apply a tailored styling technique to enhance your curls.

Ouidad haircuts are exclusively offered at Ouidad Certified salons

Where I Stephen possess specialized training and expertise in managing curly hair. While many appreciate Ouidad cuts for their ability to reduce bulk in heavy curls and create dynamic shapes, it is noted that they may not grow out as gracefully as other styles.

To help you organize these tips and make them easier to reference as you start your new journey, I’ve summarized the key takeaways into a "Hair Health Cheat Sheet" below:

1. Internal Nutrition

A healthy mane starts from within. Focus on these three pillars:

• Protein: Aim for ~45g daily (lean meats, beans, fish). Hair is primarily protein, so this is your "building block."

• Zinc: Prevents shedding. Load up on leafy greens, fruits, and nuts.

• Omega Fatty Acids: Improves scalp health. Incorporate flax seeds, yogurt, or cold-water fish.

2. Washing & Conditioning Strategy

• Frequency: Wash less often (a few times a week or month depending on type) to preserve natural oils.

• The "Ends Only" Rule: Only apply conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends. Your scalp already produces enough natural oil!

• Ingredient Check: Look for "clean" shampoos with shorter ingredient lists to avoid buildup.

3. Damage Prevention

4. Maintenance & Protection

• The Sun/Pool: Use a leave-in conditioner or mask before you jump in or head out to create a barrier against chlorine and UV rays.

• The Trim Schedule: * Short Hair: Every 3–7 weeks.

  • Textured/Curly Hair: Every 8–12 weeks.

  • Long Hair: At least every 12 weeks.

Quick Tip: If you're cutting back on heat, try "heatless curls" using a silk robe tie or soft rollers at night. It pairs perfectly with that silk pillowcase advice!

Where I Stephen possess specialized training and expertise in managing curly hair. While many appreciate Ouidad cuts for their ability to reduce bulk in heavy curls and create dynamic shapes, it is noted that they may not grow out as gracefully as other styles.

It's just us now...Chris and Steve

We provide a personal 1 on 1 experience with our clients and specialize in creating modern, sophisticated hairstyles and colors for busy professional women and men who want a consistent look that reflects their confidence and authority, whether their hair is straight or curly! We cater to the needs of women and men seeking hair color and styles that suit their active and professional lifestyles. Our clients value a polished, consistent and effortless look that can transition seamlessly from the office to the evening. Serving Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Wellington and surrounding areas.

He says that you should remember these simple color rules, regarding face shape. Which I think you'll find that the color rules are as easy as 1, 2, 3:

1. Lighter colors in the crown region can give the illusion of volume and height.

2. Color that is 1 to 2 shades lighter in the temple area will give a more youthful appearance.

3. Light colors draw eyes toward a certain area and a darker shade works to draw eyes away from that area.

If your face is round/square…

Those with wider face shapes and larger features should stick to lighter colors on top and ends with tonal highlights and variation, with deeper colors around the sides of the face as this will give the face a slimmer appearance. According to Chris, a single, flat hair color can widen the face and draw unwanted attention to certain facial features. If you’re worried that lighter hair won’t suit your skin tone, she’s got some suggestions for you. For creamy skin tones, she recommends golden, honey, and beige blonde colors, while subtle versions of these shades also suit olive and golden skin tones and can be incorporated as highlights for brunettes looking for a seasonal change.

If your face is diamond/oblong…

One long length of hair will draw the face down, further elongating features. The solution? For the haircut, create layers throughout the hair to break up the length. For the color, the roots and the underneath hair should be colored deeper, while lighter pieces frame the face and hairline. Try weaving different shades of color throughout your hair to soften your face and create more roundness. For blondes, a mixture of creamy blonde, caramel, and golden brown will help soften your features, and those with darker skin tones and hair will find that natural lighter brown highlights will do the trick.

If your face is heart/triangle…

Smaller features and squarer faces can get away with wearing solid, glossy hair colors such as a rich black, a warm brown, or even a platinum blonde. To spice it up and really accentuate your best features, Chris suggests, using a deeper color on the top of the head and crown area while keeping it lighter on the mid-lengths and ends and around the hairline. In other words, an Ombre hair coloring technique would work magic for you. He also suggests hairstyles that are all one length for those with smaller features. Side note: This type of color and cut looks awesome with beach waves.

If you are unclear as to your face shape and are in need of a color consultation, call your favorite salon. Your perfect color could also be as easy as 1, 2, 3.

Here are 10 tips for keeping your hair healthy and happy after age 50, courtesy of Salon Blue Artistic Director Lisa Abbey.

1) Keep it nourished! Our younger generation clients care more about healthy hair – and it shows! In addition to eating a well-balanced diet, both Biotin and Niacin are important for hair and nail health. Vitamin stores sell over-the-counter hair & nail supplements that really work.

Tip: Get a hair treatment regularly. Everything we do to our hair (coloring & chemical straightening, products, heat tools & sun exposure) dries out the hair. Feed its need for inner moisture with a treatment ritual at least every other haircut or color service.

2) Go for the shine! Young-looking hair has lots of natural shine. To keep your hair looking shiny & vibrant get a color gloss at least every other time you do your roots – colored hair fades, resulting in dry, dull & lifeless-looking locks. Color gloss refreshes the color, seals the ends for a healthier look and adds tons of light-reflecting shine.

Tip: avoid dulling hair products like mousse and aerosol sprays-they have too much alcohol which dries out the hair and adds a matte finish. Update your products: stick with a light volumizing spray (at the roots only) and a drop of serum for shine, and/or pomade or light wax for hold.

3) Keep it current! Nothing dates your look like wearing the same hairstyle you did in your thirties and forties. (You wouldn’t do it with your clothing or shoe style, either).Women get too comfortable with an ‘easy’ hairstyle and are afraid to embrace change if it means they may have to work at their hair, but the right hairstyle for your hair type & texture should fall into place with minimum effort.

Tip: Talk to your stylist about options that will freshen up your look and fit into your lifestyle!

4) Go fuller & softer! Soft volume and styling full on the sides or toward the face rather than away is more flattering – severe styling or away from the face highlights every fine line.

Tip: Try Velcro rollers for quick and easy volume! After blow styling with a volume spray, pop the rollers in, lightly spray with a setting mist at the root and let set for 15-20 minutes. Remove and fluff.

5) Keep it moving! Stiff or flat hair is an aging no-no. Texture and layers add youthful movement. Shorter layers around the face & hairline fill-in the areas women naturally thin as they age.

Tip: Razor and texturizing haircuts add soft, natural looking volume and flatter the face.

6) Go shorter (or short!) As hair ages, it gets wispier and thinner on the ends. Even if you like to wear your hair longer (and it’s healthy enough to do so) keep those ends trimmed every 6 weeks! Shorter layers around the face & short hair are super flattering, and easier to manage if you’re short on styling time.

Tip: for really fine hair, try a shorter and ‘stacked’ blunt cut to help hair look thicker.

7) Keep away from the middle! Avoid a middle part, which accentuates vertical lines in the face (forehead 11’s, marionette lines around the mouth and nose). Wear a style with no part, an offset part or to the side for a more flattering, youthful look.

Tip: Adding full bangs or a side-swept bang or fringe is an easy styling solution. Full bangs work best to hide deeper horizontal forehead wrinkles.

8) Go lighter & brighter! (and & disguise that grey while you’re at it!). It’s not a mid-wives tale that you should go lighter as you age – in most cases, too-dark hair color truly ages and makes the skin look garish. Unless you have deep olive skin (which looks great with both black and all-white!) you should soften your color (and the regrowth line that comes along with it). Blondes and lighter browns can brighten up with a few strategically placed highlights around the face & part line; darker shades should think rich chocolate or soft cocoa browns.

Tip: Keep it your secret by retouching the roots every 3-4 weeks.

9) Keep it dimensional! There’s no way around it; no matter what they promise, one-box over-the-counter hair colors are flat and unnatural looking. Having professional coloring services helps add dimension and shading, just like natural healthy hair has.

Tip: Ask your colorist to use two (or even three) shades in your formula, and get highlights or lowlights at least every third visit to keep the dimension fresh through the ends.

10) Keep it fresh! Product laden, slept on hair can also look dull, lifeless and old. Hair should be shampooed lightly every day if your scalp is super-oily; every 2^nd or 3^rd day is the rule of thumb for healthy hair and normal scalp conditions. If your ends are dry, avoid the shampoo, and simply rinse well & recondition every other time.

Tip: Try a sulfate-free shampoo to keep hair fresh without stripping the natural oils.

Credit: New York CBS Local 

Christopher Stephens - Wella Master Color Experts

The American Board of Certified Hair Colorists is a Standard by which to Measure the Competence of a Hair Colorists.

Becoming an American Board Certified Hair Colorist means Setting a Higher Standard of Professionalism in Hair Color Formulation and 
Application within the Cosmetology and Beauty Industry.

Board Certified Hair Colorists have the ability to perform practical and Complex Hair Color Applications and Hair Color Correction.  They 
have knowledge of Hair Color Chemistry and Technical Terminology.

There are currently only just over 1000 Board Certified Haircolorists in the entireUS at this time and we have one of them!


What is a Board Certified Haircolorist?
A Board Certified Haircolorist is an individual that has passed a stringent test mechanism established by a committee of his/her peers. The 
test mechanism is established to measure the competence of the applicants hair coloring skills.

Why is there a need for certification?
The purpose of establishing certification is to recognize those individuals with a greater degree of competence from those that have not yet 
reached a higher level. Clearly, there are various levels of competence in hair coloring. The goal is to recognize those individuals who have 
gone the extra mile to become the very best in their craft. To the consumer, the term "Board Certified" is recognized as being a higher level 
of competence.

Why should someone go to a Board Certified Haircolorist?
The Hair Colorists who are Board Certified (would never compromise the condition of your hair for the sake of being creative) are the Most 
Educated and Talented in the World. They have passed a stringent Examination by a panel of Certified Master Hair Colorists. They have the 
Ability and the Knowledge to Keep Your Hair Healthy and Vibrant looking while maintaining a Beautiful Natural Hair Color.

If you live in the West Palm Beach Florida and are looking for an American Board Certified Hair Colorist click here. 

1. Slicing- Taking small sections and slicing straight down at a 45 degree angle from the mid-shaft to ends. This technique will allow your hair to move more freely by removing excess hair, making it easier for you to style and it will also help to eliminate that stacking out or "Christmas Tree" effect that all people with loads of thick hair complain about, Ashley notes.
   
   
2. Texturize- Texturizing will break up the thickness and give you a lot of movement and the highly sought after "Bed Head" look. Your stylist will use texturizing sheers, a razor or will point cut with regular scissors to strategically eliminate weight in your layers; making the hair more wispy on the ends and allow the hair to move more freely and naturally.
   
   
3. Internal Cutting- This technique is reserved for excessively thick hair. Your stylist will cut small sections of hair from the mid-shaft to the ends of your hair. Generally this technique removes hair form the occipital bone (the curve of the back of the head) to the nape area. Internal cutting will remove a lot of bulk, but don't worry, you won't be able to see the shorter pieces as this form of hair weight removal, Ashley says, if done correctly the look is seamless, even when you put your hair up in a ponytail.
   
   
4. Slithering- Your stylist can perform this technique by dragging open scissors along the hair shaft, opening and closing them gently. Your stylist will start with a one inch section of hair at the nape and working up the head dropping and slithering one inch sections until the entire head of hair is texturized. This will add tons of movement to very thick hair.
   
   
5. Under-Cutting- This is the most Bold method of hair weight removal and the most aggressive as well. You should note however, if you want to change your hair style after this technique is done you must be prepared for an awkward grow-out phase. Under-Cutting is done by removing the underneath hair from the occipital bone to the nape of your neck by buzzing it off with clippers. After this technique is performed your hair will lay and look much more sleek and appear half as bulky as before. One more downside that Ashley notes is that this cut is very noticeable when you wear a ponytail, so it's definitely not for everyone.           

Q: What are the common causes of hair loss in women?

A: Most research on hair loss in women links it to hormonal imbalances. In particular, one of the most commonly studied hormonal causes of female hair loss is high levels of the male hormone, testosterone. A woman's body naturally produces testosterone, and much of it is normally converted to the key female hormone, estrogen. If this conversion is not taking place efficiently, testosterone levels can become too high relative to estrogen. This hormonal imbalance is thought to affect normal hair growth and cause specific types of hair loss.

Q: What causes the hormonal imbalance that leads to female hair loss?

A: There are likely many causes. In some women it appears that genetic makeup plays a significant role in predisposing them to hair loss. Poor nutrition also might be a major contributor. The most common nutrition problem in pre-menopausal adult women is iron deficiency. Physicians studying female hair loss report that many cases improve with iron supplementation even when initial blood values for iron status are within normally acceptable ranges.

The link between iron deficiency and hair loss makes sense from a biochemical perspective. It turns out that iron is an essential player in the chemical reaction that converts testosterone into estrogen. So, if iron levels are low, then it makes sense that iron deficiency could lead to the hormonal conditions that cause hair thinning and hair loss.

Q: Are other nutrients related to female hair loss?

A: There are many types of hair loss that appear to be unrelated to nutrition. However, many nutrient deficiencies have the potential to affect hair growth. Hair is composed mostly of protein, and poor protein nutrition is known to adversely affect normal hair growth. Studies have found that one component of protein called lysine can enhance the benefits of iron treatment in reducing hair loss.

A commonly used drug for treating hair loss, cyproterone acetate, appears to deplete vitamin B-12 levels. Doctors recommend evaluating B-12 status before using this treatment and combining a B-12 supplement with the drug when indicated. Many other nutrients could potentially affect hair health. Consequently, a balanced diet that meets nutrient needs overall is critical for long-term maintenance of attractive hair.

Q: Can excessively high doses of any dietary supplement affect hair health?

A: Excessive vitamin A intake is known to cause hair loss along with many other serious problems such as bone loss and liver damage. High intake of other nutrients has the potential to affect hair, but other adverse effects would be of greater concern.

There are many potential causes for hair loss in women that weren't discussed in this article, to include thyroid imbalances, but a proper diet of wholesome foods can help prevent nutrient deficiencies from playing a role. Also remember that these are common reasons for hair loss listed. It's always best to consult with your physician if you see any changes that are abnormal, just to rule out the possibility of an underlying medical condition.

• To keep stray hairs at bay, spray hairspray onto a clean brush and then just brush away any misbehaving hairs.
  
• Growing out your hair? There are certain foods that will help your hair grow faster, like salmon, yellow peppers, eggs and more. There really is something to be said about, "you are what you eat."
  
• Never use a stiff bristle brush on wet hair to detangle it. Instead, stick to a wide toothed comb to avoid breakage when your hair is wet. If you insist on using a brush on wet hair you can use a "Wet Brush", they won't break your hair like other brushes will.
  
• The textured side of the bobby pin is actually the side that should rest against your head for optimal hold. (I bet you never knew that.)
  
• To make your blowout last longer, hit your hair with your blow dryer on the cool setting once you’re done styling. Heat styles hair, but cool air sets it.
  
• Dry shampoo not only absorbs excess oil in your hair, it also gives it volume. Even if your hair is squeaky clean, apply dry shampoo at the root to give it an extra lift.
  
• Help protect your hair color and make it last longer, by using a UV-protection hairspray and use it before heading outside year-round, not just in the summer.
  
• To get your bobby pins to really stay in place, spray them with hairspray before putting them in your hair.
  
• When applying hair serum, stick to the ends of your hair, not the roots. By applying at your ends, you’ll help smooth out any dry, split ends.
  
• Sleeping on a silk pillowcase can help to decrease the amount of breakage happening to your hair when you toss and turn throughout the night.
  
• To keep blonde hair color pure, use silver shampoo. Silver shampoo also helps to eliminate yellow tones in grey hair.
  
• When styling your hair, keep in mind that dirty hair holds style better. If your hair is clean, use products like texturizing gel and a root booster to give it better hold.
  
• A low heat setting on a hot styling tool can be just as dangerous as a high heat setting. Reason being is that on a lower heat setting you’ll be passing over your hair more frequently. Set your tools on a medium temperature and try not to use them every day.
  
• When using a flatiron on your hair make sure to release pleasure and open the iron before it goes over the ends of the hair. Repeated passes of a flatiron with tight tension on the ends of the hair will lead to frayed and split ends.

Product Summary: 

• Designed for professional results
• Seamless thermal barrel (even heat distribution & no snagging hair)
• Tourmaline and Ionic infused bristles
• Heat resistant, static free design
• Built-in sectioning pick stored in handle 

Brush Sizes: 

• Brush 400 = 2.5 inch diameter
• Brush 390 = 2 inch diameter
• Brush 370 = 1.75 inch diameter
• Brush 350 = 1.5 inch diameter
• Brush 330 = 1.25 inch diameter
• Brush 310 = 1 inch diameter
• Brush 300 = .75 inch diameter

"What exactly is a corrective color anyway?" you may ask. "Is that just a term that salons throw around like some sort of scare tactic to get you to cough up big bucks?" Some may think so, but that is not the case. Typically, the average person thinks that just because they have been coloring their hair dark brown for three years and are now bored with it, they can just pop into a salon and walk out as a platinum blond with no effort, no consequence and for very little money, not taking into consideration the that it is a very long process to remove dark colors, it's very damaging to the hair, in some cases, to do such a drastic change and many situations require more than one visit, not to mention the cost....

We pride ourselves in our craft and strive to not only give you the best possible results, but to also save the integrity of your hair and not destroy it. Generally, corrective color can be quite serious and most likely will have to be done in steps so that your hair remains in the best possible condition. It is hard to present a single definition of what constitutes a corrective service, so let’s see if we can sum it up in a sort of “hair-color nutshell”.

Corrective color usually means change…
Sometimes a corrective service is needed when a client decides to make a drastic change. That’s cool, that’s what we’re here for. Whether you’re a lifetime brunette fantasizing about blonde locks, a blonderexic yearning to be a sultry brunette, a regular girl that's just dying to become a fiery redhead, or, God forbid you need help to fix the mess that you and your girlfriend did after a couple of margaritas, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s what you need to know:

The basics…
Not to sound like a broken record, but most corrective services will need two or more steps. I must stress that, because sometimes single visit corrective colors are not possible. Additionally, most corrective services result in a noticeably different look for the client. The vast majority of corrective color services requires a series of steps, over a few appointments. Every corrective service is dramatically different, so a complimentary consultation is required to get the best end result for you.

When you want to go light…
If you have all over permanent or semi-permanent color on your hair and you want it a lighter shade but without highlights, you need a color cleanse to remove the old color. Permanent and semi-permanent hair color cannot be removed without using some sort of color remover. This can be quite harsh on the hair structure. We would most likely recommend that you begin with fine highlights in the early stages of correcting.

When you want to go dark…
Say your hair is light, either naturally or highlighted. You were hoping you could  go significantly darker. Depending on the porosity of your strands, we would saturate your hair with two different formulas on the same day for a longer-lasting end result and less fading. The first step will put warm tones in your hair to create a base that supports the additional process. The second step will balance or enhance those warm tones to give a rich and even end result. Not following this process could create green, blotchy or muddy end results. That is less than desirable.

When things are just totally out of hand and you need some major help…
Let's go with the scenario that your hair is a hot mess! It’s already blotchy, green, faded, orange or a little of all of the above. Did you do it yourself or were you the victim of someone posing to be a professional colorist? Professional salons take this process of corrective hair color very seriously. All you need is a little bit of time consulting and some patience with the process. With commitment from you and professional colorists, you can get that fantastic new color you are looking for.

But remember, corrective color is more expensive. And, as we have explained, it can be quite the process. So, now that you know what to expect, we have one question: What are you waiting for?

Don't trust Instagram: "Clients bring in a picture that's taken in a nightclub; emphasis on the word night, and they think their hair color looks red. What they don't realize is that there are different types of lighting that can make your hair appear red or blue, and the flash of night club lights can change the appearance, too. Dim lighting usually gives a warmer effect. But that's not what your hair actually looks like," says Travis.

At a loss for words: "Clients try to describe what they want with words like 'auburn,' but then say they don't want any red in their hair. Or they'll say they want 'gold' hair, but they don't like yellow. My best advice is to rely less on words and instead bring photos of the color you like or of celebrities or friends with the hair color you like. You'll be much more likely to end up with something closer to what you want," he says.

Light can trick the eye: Most salons, including ours, have white lights in every fixture. The reason being is that white light will show your true color. Sun light is yellow to red light, depending on the time of day, so when you go outside your hair will typically look warmer. Now, when you get home and look at yourself in your bathroom mirror your hair may appear even warmer. That's because most bathrooms are equipped with warm light bulbs, so the combination of the darker surrounds and the yellow lights your hair will typically reflect the warmer colors.

Summing it up:  With so many light sources, whether incandescent, florescent, halogen or good old fashioned sun light your hair will always look different; not bad, not good, just different. Travis recommends, "After you get your fab new color and high lights and just before you take that first selfie to show off to your friend, remember one small detail that every photographer and cinematographer knows; and that is, remember the "Golden Hour". The Golden Hour in photography is the period just after sun-up or just before sun down. That is the time when the sun is at its most flattering for photography. Towards the  middle of the day sun light becomes more red and less flattering.   

I’m now fifteen; I love no one, but me. I grew my hair long for the entire world to see. Mom and Dad on my back, God, they never get me. Next, I’ll turn it to dreadlocks and then they’ll both freak!

Three years went by; all grown up now; a man. Traded in my blue jeans, now I’m wearing Army greens. “Dear Mom: They shaved my head today. I miss you and Dad so much! Love, Jody”.

Her hair is light blonde and shines bright in the sun, like the rarest of gold. Jenny Miller’s the one! I’m now thirty-two; it’s time for a wife. Now I surely do see the true meaning of life.

 I hold in my hands the most precious of gifts. Not a stitch of a hair, not even a strand. I look at our son, the wonder to be, and dream of his fate. What things will he see?

The years have flown by, our kids have now grown: My true love, my Jenny, God rest her soul, her once long, blonde hair, turned grey, is now gone.

“What’s this?” I laugh, “This bundle I see, it’s my newborn grandchild, here laying with me.” As she then wraps her fingers and twirls on my hair, all comes into focus, I truly can see! The love affair with hair does not end here with me. ©

-An Original Poem by Stephen Ramsey

If your curls are healthy, choose a shampoo based on the benefits you want. Need to wash away buildup? Try a clarifying shampoo. Want to control frizz? Opt for an anti-frizz formula. A cleanser targeted to your curl type’s needs is always a good bet—for example, kinky curls are best cleansed with a co-wash, while loose curls benefit from a volume-boosting shampoo and conditioner combo. For classic curls, look for a shampoo and conditioner that balances moisture; for tight curls, a more deeply hydrating regimen is ideal.

“If most shampoos leave your hair feeling too squeaky clean and dry, try Ultra-Nourishing Cleansing Oil – it has fatty acids that cushion your curls, and it’s great for all curl types (even fine hair).” –Jason Hallman, Ouidad Curl Advisory Board

How often should I wash my hair?

"It depends on your curl type. Loose and Classic curls can lather up two to four times a week. Kinky curl types can co-wash weekly, and deep cleanse with shampoo once a month. Tight curls fall somewhere in between – shampoo or co-wash every few days to a week. A good rule of thumb: If your curls feel dry, try washing less frequently." That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wet your hair. “Rinse and condition more often; shampoo less,” Hallman advises. "If you work out daily, rinse and co-wash your curls instead of shampooing every day."

How do I prevent tangles?

“Don’t shampoo in a circular motion, which tangles the curls,” Hallman advises. “Instead, use a gentle back and forth motion, and avoid bunching up your curls.” Massage your shampoo or co-wash into your roots, and work the lather down the mid-lengths and lightly on the ends. If your curls are very knotted, carefully break up the tangles with your fingers before wetting your hair – but don’t dry brush your curls. “Because curly hair stretches so much, you’ll get less breakage if you detangle wet,” Hallman says.

What’s the best way to condition curly hair?

"Choose a conditioner based on how much moisture your hair needs, then let your curl type guide your application. If you’re a loose or classic curl type, apply your conditioner from your hair’s mid-lengths to ends, “so you don’t weigh down the roots and create a pyramid,” Hallman says. "If your curls are tight or kinky, you can condition closer to the scalp as well as through the ends. Use your fingers to detangle as you distribute the conditioner, or if your curls are especially prone to tangling, comb through with a wide tooth comb or Ouidad’s Double Detangler. Let your conditioner soak in for between two and five minutes; the longer the better,” Hallman says

If your goal is elongated curls, don’t rinse out all the conditioner – leave a light coating on the hair to add weight to the curls. For further information please contact a Ouidad certified curly hair specialist.

1. Let your hair air-dry as often as possible. Blow drying your hair daily just sucks all the moisture out of it.
   
   
2. Shampoo your hair every third day at the most, because frequent washing's remove that natural layer of oil from your scalp that nature put there to moisturize your hair and scalp. In between washing's you can use a dry shampoo to freshen up your hair.
   
   
3. Minimize exposure to the excessive heat of a flat iron. I know they are a quick fix for unruly hair, but daily use will do more harm than good in the long run. If you insist on using heat on your hair don't skip the use of heat protecting sprays and serums.
   
   
4. Minimize exposure to the Sun by wearing a hat. There are also products that can be applied to your hair that have UV protection in them.
   
   
5. Minimize exposure to chlorine and salt when swimming in a pool or the ocean. Just like the sun exposure, chlorine and salt are very drying on the hair with repeated exposure. Furthermore, just like with Sun/UV protection, there are also products that can be applied to your hair prior to swimming to protect your hair from the drying effects of chlorine and salt. You can also wear a swimming cap, just like a professional swimmers do.
   
   
6. Never color your hair yourself at home. People that color their hair at home typically can't apply color to the roots of the hair where it is actually desired. Instead, home color jobs are generally done root to end on every application. The results of repeated, monthly root to end application of color is overly dark and damaged end with much lighter roots. Please, for the sake of your hair, leave your hair color to the pros.

I hope these tips were insightful and helpful to you, but remember, damaged hair will remain in a damaged state until it grows out and gets cut off.  These tips will merely help with the growing out process and minimize further damage. In the meantime you can use a deep conditioning treatment for 20 minutes once a week along with the other tips that I just listed to help you get back on track. If you want lifelong healthy hair, however you have to commit to a strict hair regimen. Please contact your stylist for further assistance. 

Here’s how:

Buy a stretchy hair band. Getting a chic, fashionable hair band is a great idea because it can be worn at any stage of the re-growth process. Put it right at your hairline, or push it back a little further to grab and hold any strays. As a side note, hair bands can also hide that pesky grey re-growth around your hairline when you're due for color.

Use hairspray: 

Using hairspray will keep your bangs back as well as tame any fly-a-ways. So if you’re sick of having them in your face, use some bobby pins or barrettes to pin back the hair and follow up with some hairspray.

Do different parts: 

You can always experiment with different parts, which is probably the best way to grow out your bangs. You can divide your bangs right down the middle and use bobby pins to make them stay put, or use some gel to slick them straight back off the forehead for a chic, no-part look.

They're in my eyes:

So, you're bangs are growing out, but now they are in your eyes? An easy trick to help with that is to get some layers around your face by a qualified hair stylist. have the stylist start the layers at about bottom lip length and angle down; blending into the rest of the hair. After the hair is blown dry and texturized, your bangs should blend with your new layering to make a not so "in your face" side bang.   

Be patient: 

Although these tips will keep your hair away from your forehead and speed the growth process, it will still take time. If you recently got bangs and you’re already thinking about trading them in, wait about 3 weeks, after which the hair will be much easier to style and then you can start using the above steps.

I hope these tips have helped you. If you need more help, give us a call; we'd be happy to help.

The added benefits of less frequent hair washing includes less damage to the hair, caused by chlorine in tap water, less dry scalp issues, more spare time since it saves you the hassle of washing and blow drying your hair, which in turn results in less heat damage to the hair and scalp. Best of all, with less frequent hair washing your hair color that you spent so much money on will not fade so fast. It's a win, win all around.   

If you'd like to try great, top quality dry shampoo and experience the difference for yourself try Christopher Stephens dry shampoo Freshen Up.

These 3 simple at home techniques will ensure the perfect look.

Keratin Complex's natural smoothing therapy encases the hair follicle with a keratinous bond to promote healing, block the effects of humidity and to prevent environmental toxins from entering the hair.  Unlike other salon services, the more you treat the hair, the healthier it becomes.  It is safe for and recommended for all hair types including: color treated, chemically processed, bleached or highlighted hair and even pre-straightened or relaxed hair.

Keep in mind that Keratin Complex is not a chemical straightener, nor is it a relaxer. So if you have excessively curly to kinky curly hair it will not straighten your hair, it will merely help with frizz. This product works best on wavy to lightly curly hair as a long term smoothing agent.    

Keratin Complex is formaldehyde free so that means no harmful chemicals to breath in, unlike other Keratin treatment products, it is gentle on the hair and lungs.  So, cheaper and/or quicker is not always the best answer.

Results will vary depending on hair type. Please, contact your stylist for further information.

The sun’s light waves are categorized by their intensity. There are three categories of light waves. These are UVA, UVB and UVC. The UVA and UVB can both damage the hair in a variety of ways. The UVA rays can burn the hair cuticle which is the outer hair layer. The cuticle contains a web of tiny overlapping scales. Then the scales are damaged they cannot lay flat, like they are supposed to, and will look lifeless, brittle and dry. UVA rays can also burn and damage unprotected scalp. It is even possible to burn the part of your hair where scalp is unprotected. UVA rays can damage the skin on the scalp in many ways and activate free radicals, which accelerates aging. Severe sunburn on the scalp has even been known to cause some cases of hair loss.

Sun damage to the hair can manifest it's self as faded hair color, brittle, dry hair shafts and split ends.   

 
Check out the following ways to prevent damage to your hair:

• Start by avoiding trouble. Minimize your hair's exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the rays are the most potent. If you must be out during those times, wear a cover-up, such as a baseball hat or a straw hat, to shield your strands from sun exposure. 
   
• Start the summer season with a salon trip to eliminate split ends and handle hair repairs. If your hair normally dries out during summer months, consider having a preventive professional deep conditioning treatment to ward off potential damage.
  
  
• Bring a spray bottle filled with mixture of water and conditioner to pre-moisten your hair before going into the pool or ocean. It not only minimizes drying and discoloring damage from chlorine and salt water, but it also acts as a mild sunscreen for your hair and scalp
  
  
• For at home sun care for your hair and scalp, click here.

Many factors can determine your unique skincare regimen. With the large variety of skincare products IMAGE Skincare offers, it can be a bit overwhelming to figure out which ones are right for your skin type. We’ve put together a list of just some of the products you can mix and match from the Image Skincare collections based on your skin’s unique needs.

Aging Skin:

At IMAGE Skincare, they use the most innovative anti-aging ingredients available, in the highest percentages allowed by the FDA. They’re serious about anti-aging. After all, their philosophy is to "Age Later". Below are 5 products you can use to create a complete anti-aging skincare regimen.

AGELESS Total Facial Cleanser- A daily, universal body and facial cleanser that exfoliates, gently removes makeup and tones for ultimate skin balance. This cleanser is the perfect first step to your anti-aging skincare regimen.

VITAL C Hydrating ACE Serum- An advanced polypeptide/antioxidant formula of vitamins A, C, E to promote hydration and reduce signs of aging. In the colder months, especially, our skin can become dry and sensitive. This serum will help bring your skin back to life this winter, keeping your face hydrated and healthy.

The MAX Stem Cell Eye Crème- This next generation revolutionary day and night eye crème contains high concentrations of growth-factors derived from plant stem cells to protect skin cells and prevent aging effects caused by free radical damage. It reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and puffiness and prevents cell aging with grape, alpine edelweiss and argan stem cells.

AGELESS Total Repair Crème- An anti-aging cream that diminishes wrinkles and firms skin. Antioxidants nourish and hydrate to promote healthy, more youthful skin. Great to use right before bed, giving the crème time to do its job overnight.

PREVENTION+ Daily Ultimate Protection Moisturizer SPF 50- This ultra-sheer, lightweight moisturizer with a built in broad-spectrum high UVA/UVB sunscreen provides your skin with ultimate protection and prevention against free-radical damage and environmental exposures.

Acne Prone Skin:

Acne is a very personal, troubling skin condition for many sufferers. Our acne products provide a powerful dose of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid to remove impurities and clear acne quickly. Combined with soothing botanicals to calm irritated acne lesions as it heals, you will notice a difference in your skin the very first time you use these products.

CLEAR CELL Salicylic Gel Cleanser- This foaming, salicylic-based gel cleanser gently removes makeup and eliminates excess oil while lightly exfoliating dead skin cells and keeping skin smooth, soft and shine free.

AGELESS Total Retinol-A Crème- A highly concentrated blend of retinol and polypeptides that resurface, rejuvenate, and repair aging and acne prone skin. This powerful crème will leave your skin feeling smooth and properly exfoliated.

ORMEDIC Balancing Gel Masque- An ultra-gentle, organic gel masque developed to soothe and hydrate unbalanced skin. Formulated with organic aloe vera, green tea and arnica montana this masque immediately quenches the skin with hydration, nutrition and super antioxidants.

CLEAR CELL Medicated Acne Lotion- Use this as a daily, oil-free lotion to control over-production of oil and bacteria and naturally lighten the redness of acne lesions. The antioxidant blend improves the hydration and health of acne-prone skin. Plus, the lightweight formula soaks into your skin in seconds, leaving your skin smooth and hydrated.

PREVENTION+ Daily Hydrating Moisturizer SPF 30- Finish your routine with this long-lasting, deep moisturizer with a broad-spectrum high UVA/UVB sun protection. Its sheer formula spreads easily and evenly without any residue. Enriched with a blend of antioxidants, vitamins and green tea as anti-inflammatory agents.

Dry + Sensitive Skin:

Dry, sensitive skin needs a little extra TLC than other skin types and needs targeted ingredients to combat redness and dehydrating in the skin. See below for our lineup of soothing, hydrating products that will help reduce redness and return a youthful glow to your skin.

ORMEDIC Balancing Facial Cleanser- An organic-blend gel cleanser that lifts away makeup and impurities, balances the pH of your skin and eliminates the need for a toner. Its harmonizing blend of organic chamomile, green tea and oat kernel extract delivers essential nutrients to restore the skin’s natural balance, leaving skin soft, hydrated and clean.

ORMEDIC Balancing Antioxidant Serum- A silky, ultra-hydrating botanical lactic acid serum infused with organic Japanese green tea, polyphenols and a copper-complex peptide. Continuously balances your skin from within and lastingly restores its ideal moisture level, leaving your skin intensely hydrated with a healthy glow.

VITAL C Hydrating Eye Recovery Gel- A super-hydrating, anti-aging eye gel with a blend of nourishing antioxidants and peptides that reduces the appearances of fine lines and diminishes dark circles.

VITAL C Hydrating Repair Crème- This ultra-hydrating antioxidant repair crème with vitamins A, C, E nourishes and protects skin daily for ultimate hydrating benefits. As an added benefit, this crème smells so good, you’ll never want to go without.

IMAGE MD Reconstructive Moisturizer SPF 50- This lightweight moisturizer with a built in broad-spectrum, high UVA/UVB sunscreen provides skin with ultimate protection and prevention. Transparent zinc oxide, in combination with effective antioxidants, as well as plant derived stem cells, prevent free-radical damage and delay the aging process of skin while keeping it properly hydrated.

What are your favorite IMAGE Skincare products to mix and match?

Purchase on our website or go directly to the new Christopher Stephens Professional Hair Care website! 

In choosing the right hairstyles for your face shape, it's important to know your face shape in the first place. While your hair stylist can help you determine face shape and create a hairstyle that compliments your specific face shape and features, the guidelines below will help give you some insight on things to consider before going to the salon. Let's take a look at face shapes and adjustments which can be made to the haircut to provide balance and enhance your look.

A Square Shaped Face:

Balance is key in this face shape. Keep the sides leaner and short, while wearing the top longer and styled a bit higher. Keep the hair clean around the ears and make sure the style mirrors the square shape of the face - this will help make the square face shape pop.

Characteristics of a square shaped face: square jaw line, almost as wide as long, straight sides, jaw and cheekbones the same width.

A Heart Shaped Face:

For the Heart face shape, the goal is to minimize wider cheekbones and balance out a narrow chin and forehead. To do this, opt for a style with bangs to minimize the forehead. Longer shag hairstyles also work well for the diamond face.

Characteristics of a heart shaped face: cheekbones are widest part of the face, forehead and jaw line are narrow, long pointed jaw line.

Triangular Shaped face:  

Forehead and cheekbones are narrow with a wide jaw line. Inverted Triangle face shape Similar in appearance to the heart shape, but more angular. Oblong shaped face Face is longer than it is wide with a long straight cheek line.

Characteristics of a triangular shaped face: cheekbones are widest part of the face, forehead and jaw line are narrow, long pointed jaw line.

A Rectangular Shaped Face:

A style which is longer on the sides and short on top will make the face appear less long and provide better balance. Go with a cut that has some layers and is worn so the front hairline is disguised. A neatly groomed beard can help provide additional balance on men. Don't allow the facial hair to become too long as this will lengthen the face. Glasses can also provide balance by dividing the face and drawing attention away from the length of the face.

Characteristics of a rectangular shaped face: face longer than it is wide, often rounded jaw line, cheekbones and jaw the same width.

An Oval Shaped Face:

Most any style is suitable as this is considered the ideal face shape. That said, attention should be paid to other prominent features such as the nose and position of the eyes and ears. If you fall into the Oval category, consider yourself lucky as almost any style will look good on you.

Characteristics of an oval shaped face: considered the ideal shape, slightly rounded jaw, no unusual characteristics (e.g. large mouth, nose or eyes), face shape resembles the shape of an egg.

A Round Shaped Face:

Similar to the square shaped face, balance is also key with this face. Stay away from full or round hairstyles as they will make the face appear more rounded. Keep the sides leaner and style the hair a bit higher at the top and front to provide balance. An off-center part or some waves at eye level will help minimize roundness. Round faces are better with more square hairstyles.

Characteristics of a round shaped face: jaw line is round, face almost as wide as tall, round cheekbones.

If you are unsure as to your specific face shape refer to the diagram below. Your stylist should also be able to give you some guidance. If you're in the West Palm Beach area give us call any time.

It makes sense and would explain why I can never make my hair look as good as it does at the salon so I asked him what vital questions we should be asking.

Before the Haircut:

1. Will this work with my hair type?

2. Will this flatter my face shape?

3. (If you're coloring your hair) Will this work with my skin tone?

During the Haircut:

4. What shampoo and conditioner do you recommend?

5. How often should I wash my hair?

6. Should I use conditioner at all? Just on my ends?

After the Haircut:

7. What styling products should I use?

8. How much of them should I use?

9. Where should I apply them (roots, ends, all over)?

10. When should I apply them (right after I shower, once hair is somewhat dry)?

11. What styling tools should I use?

12. How should I use them? (Ask her to walk you through the styling processes step-by-step.)

13. What are some other ways I can style this cut? Any tricks for days I'm feeling lazy?

It simply isn't possible to appreciate the importance of hair in our daily life without examining its role in a sexual context. Whether we realize it or not, when we smell, touch, fondle or caress someone's hair, the behavior is a sexual act.

Regardless of how much money we have, what we do for a living, or how perfect and flawless our body and attire might otherwise be, when our hair isn't right, we don't feel right. How our hair is cut, colored or styled, telegraphs to the world our sexual aggressions, insecurities, confidence and personal feelings. Hair, for better or worse, is the single most important part of our anatomy affecting our psyche. We will readily reschedule an appointment with our attorney, doctor, or accountant, before we will risk losing an opening with our favorite hairstylist.

Female hair is usually viewed as seductive with the color and length being used to categorize. Redheads are labeled as spoiled and playful, brunettes as aggressive, and blondes as submissive. Long hair is an indicator of fertility and availability, and short hair as independent and forceful. The thinning of female hair implies loss of sexuality and femininity. Lack of luster and body indicates poor personal grooming.

Male hair is symbolic of virility and strength. Thus the loss of hair can represent the loss of virility, strength and stamina, a symbolic castration of a man's masculinity.

If that were not reason enough to keep one's hair in the best possible shape and condition, in addition to dating, hair also determines our careers, promotions and friendships. We not only love hair and covet the hair of those that are blessed, we often shun and avoid those with hair lesser than our own and view ourselves as superior as we use our hair to attract, flaunt, and seduce.

(By the way, head lice are most active starting September thru January.)

Start from “scratch”: (Get it?) 

Before school begins, check your child for lice and nits. If your child has lice, a close examination of his or her hair and scalp will reveal white or grayish crawling forms, about the size of a sesame seed with legs (lice), and yellowish-white eggs (nits) attached to the hair shafts close to the scalp. The eggs can sometimes be mistaken for dandruff or shampoo residue that will not wash off. However, unlike dandruff, which moves when touched, nits and lice will stick to hair. You may also see red bite or scratch marks on the back of the neck. 

If you find lice don’t panic:

Wash your and your child’s hands and nails thoroughly, getting under the nails, as some lice may be found there due to scratching. Treat infested family members at the same time. There are many over the counter treatment options that may be found at your local drug store. Your pharmacist can give you many recommendations; however, it is important to know that the current leading lice treatments contain toxic chemicals that can be potentially harmful. If your child has a lower immune system or any other health risks please consult with your doctor. One last note; if you do find head lice on your child don’t make a scene that may potentially embarrass the child. I’m sure you are carrying around an embarrassing memory or two that your parents gave you; well this could possibly be “one of those times”.

Prevent re-infestation:

To prevent the spread of head lice, you should ask your child to not share personal items such as combs, brushes and hair accessories, and to not try on hats that belong to other children. Also, all used bed linen, bath towels, wash cloths, etc. should be washed in hot water immediately. As far as carpet and furniture go, giving them a thorough vacuuming will suffice. There is no need to spray those toxic chemicals around your house that are sold along with a lice kit. They’re bad for the environment and they’re a waste of money.

 
Other myths and facts:

• 
  Experts used to suggest bagging items such as stuffed animals for a number of weeks to help bring infestations under control.  Since lice cannot survive without human blood, this is unnecessary.  Once again vacuuming is a sufficient safeguard for any questionable areas or items that may be in contact with those who are infested.  You can also put bed linens, stuffed animals and other items in a dryer for 30 minutes. Save your physical and emotional energies for screening and thorough lice and nit removal.
• 
  Head lice can survive on a human host for approximately 30 days.  They generally cannot survive longer than 24 hours off the host. A female louse lays 3-5 eggs a day.  The eggs hatch in 7-10 days and it takes another 7-10 day for the louse to mature and lay their own eggs.
• 
  Head lice cannot be "caught" from pets and cannot survive on pets.  They are human parasites and require human blood for survival.
• 
  Even though African Americans may be less susceptible to infestations, this should not be grounds for complacency; African Americans can, and do, get head lice.
• 
  Homes or schools don’t get head lice – people do.  Head lice are human parasites and require human blood to survive.  Vacuuming is the safest and best way to remove lice or fallen hairs with attached nits from upholstered furniture, rugs, stuffed animals or car seats – wherever someone with head lice may have rested their head.  Pesticidal sprays are unwarranted and may pose personal and environmental hazards.  Vacuum and save your time and energy for what benefits you the most – thorough nit removal.
• 
  Head lice can be spread whenever there is direct contact of the head or hair with an infested individual.  Lice can also be spread through the sharing of personal articles like hats, towels, brushes, helmets, hair ties, etc.  There is also a possibility of spreading head lice via a pillow, headrest or similar items. Head lice do not jump or fly and generally cannot survive longer than 24 hours off the host.
• 
  Head lice do not come from nasty people, poor people or immigrants. I’m sure that if you had them as a child you heard these myths; well it is simply not true. The head louse is a social parasite that bridges the divide between social, economic and cultural boundaries. As a matter of fact, head lice prefer and will typically flourish even more prolifically on the cleanest of scalps.
  

In closing, I would like to say that shaving a child’s head to aid in the removal of head lice is humiliating for children and also unnecessary. And, while cutting you daughters hair shorter would make it easier for lice removal, it is against state sanitation codes, nationwide, for a professional hair stylist or barber to treat or cut the hair of a child with head lice, they could lose their license. Not to mention it’s embarrassing and awkward for both parties to discuss these facts.    

The remedy for treating dandruff is to use an anti-dandruff shampoo, followed by a moisturizing conditioner, preferably from the same product line. An anti-dandruff shampoo will slow down the cell regeneration cycle and eliminate the dry or seborrheic dermatitis dandruff conditions. A good anti-dandruff shampoo will also purify the scalp and calm down any itchiness resulting in a flake free head and above all else a flake free collar.

Greasy hair on the other hand is caused by an over production of sebum or natural oils of the scalp. This tends to result from a hormonal imbalance. Again an excess of oil can lead to scalp irritation and flat dull hair. A sebum regulating shampoo and conditioner, designed for oily hair, will rapidly normalize the level of sebum secretion, with regular use, leaving the hair looking healthier and cleaner in appearance.

Quite simply, it’s because they look so good. Celebrities make their livings by being flawless and trendsetting from head to toe. They have to maintain their glamorous public image practically every moment of every day. Many celebrities have individuals on their payroll whose sole purpose is to make sure that they look good and often that means changing their hairstyles each season, or more frequently, this subsequently setting hairstyle trends. Deep down each of us wants a small piece of that glamorous lifestyle; to be beautiful, admired and sought after. So we look to the famous to decide our hairstyle trends and try our best to emulate them.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with celebrity emulation. But there are just a couple of things we may want to keep in mind while we follow celebrity hairstyle trends from one year to the next. First, we want to make sure that we continue to maintain our individuality. Each of us is a unique person and we shouldn’t lose our personal style in trying to keep up with trends. Second, we have to make sure that whatever style we do chose fits our age and circumstances. It would not do to show up in the corporate world with a Mohawk just because it’s the trend right now.

Let the celebrities do their thing; you are unique and should choose a hairstyle that looks good on you and that you can easily maintain. Feel free to try the latest hair styles and get a fresh new look, but stay true to you!