Age-Defying Hairstyle Ideas—They Exist!

Sometimes, no matter how extensive your skincare arsenal is, nothing can make you look and feel youthful than a flattering hairstyle. I understand that looking young isn’t the end-all-be-all of life, but if switching up your hairdo can make you feel 10 years younger, I’m here to help.

You want to consider length, color, and style when choosing a hairstyle. The right cut can open up your face or accentuate features that weren’t that visible because of your current hairstyle. Whatever suits your vibe, be sure to communicate it to your stylist so that they have a clearer vision of what you want.

Forget the fountain of youth—opt for the crown of youth instead (your hair!).

Wavy Lob

There’s a reason why lobs are a favorite of many. It’s the sweet spot between long and short, with its shoulder-length layers grazing the decolletage and framing the face. It’s also so easy to style. Adding soft waves or curls can elevate this classic cut further and give it a relaxed, edgy vibe.

Feathered Shoulder Length

This is similar to a lob but a few inches shorter. It has more noticeable layers that frame the face beautifully. I love this hairstyle because it is customizable, meaning you can work with your stylist (or me!) to create the best layers for your look.

Textured Pixie

If you were a cool girl before, you’re a cool girl now with this cut. Pixie styles bring out your best features because it opens and brightens up the face. Whether it’s on the longer or shorter side, pixies offer volume that is effortlessly flattering for any age.

Bob With Wispy Bangs

Like its cooler counterpart, the lob, bobs are perfect for any age. They’re incredibly easy to style, plus they’re suitable for any hair type. A bob with wispy bangs gives off a youthful vibe because it hides lines and frames the face tightly. Coordinate with your stylist to get the correct length for you.

Big, Voluminous Curls

This hairstyle is a no-brainer. Go for over-the-top volume paired with a deep side part to get that dramatic look. Any woman who can carry big curls exudes youth, exuberance, and confidence. You can also style it into a messy bun for a laid-back look.

Full Bangs

We have Anna Wintour to thank for making full, blunt bangs acceptable for any age. This fringe style may look dramatic, but if it works for you, go for it! It’s perfect for hiding lines and drawing attention to your eyes. Here’s a quick tip: If you have a round or oval face, it’s better to ask for a softer fringe that’s slightly feathered.

Long and Layered Beach Waves

Think of this hairstyle as a modern take on Farrah Fawcett’s iconic waves. Depending on the season, you can opt for loose waves for spring and summer and amp up the volume for fall and winter. You can also ask your stylist to choose a flattering hair color to make your waves pop more.

A flattering hairstyle truly can shave years off your look. Come over to ShineForth Salon and let me help you find the perfect cut for you.

Main photo by Polina Tankilevitch from Pexels

These Hair Colors Are Ready to Take Over This Spring

Spring is in the air, and I’d be lying if I said I’m not excited. It’s a season that brings forth new beginnings, from watching flowers bloom to spring cleaning. Spring is also a great time to debut a new look. If you’ve been waiting all winter to give yourself a hair color makeover, now’s the time! Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance tone or a full 180-degree switch, there’s a color for everyone. Read on to see the shades that will rule this season.

Retro Copper

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A post shared by Jessica Chastain (@jessicachastain)

Reds made a huge comeback in 2021, and it looks like the color is here for spring, too. Warm tones are definitely in this year, and celebrities like Jessica Chastain and Zendaya have proven that it’s flattering for everyone. 

Care Tip: Use a sulfate-free shampoo to keep your hair color vibrant, followed by a moisturizing conditioner to improve shine. Try Innersense Color Awakening Hairbath and Color Radiance Conditioner.

Balayage

This technique is elevated to the ‘ring light balayage’ for 2022. It’s called as such because it creates strong face-framing highlights similar to the effect of a ring light shining on your face. Unlike the old balayage, the lighter hue is applied delicately to the roots as it gradually gets thicker and brighter towards the ends.

Care Tip: If you have dark roots, make sure to schedule touch-ups (at least every four months) to maintain your balayage. Try to deep condition your hair every week to keep your locks soft and moisturized.

Luxe Warm Brown

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A post shared by Hailey Rhode Baldwin Bieber (@haileybieber)

The ‘expensive brunette’ look was big during winter, and it seems like the trend continues this spring. Rich, dark tones give an edgier look, but for spring, add some lowlights for a brighter vibe. The color gives a youthful look, too—the perfect choice for women in their 40s and 50s.

Care Tip: Since brown is a low-maintenance shade, you don’t need to touch-up every few months. Using a sulfate-free shampoo also helps in keeping your color vibrant.

Auburn

Meet copper’s edgier sister. Auburn reminds me of the 1920s when women dressed in sparkly flapper dresses and they wore their hair coiled to perfection. It’s an unexpected tone to try for spring but chic nonetheless. I personally think this shade looks great on textured hair, so I recommend you try it!

Care Tip: For reds, using a toning glaze will keep your hair looking shiny and moisturized between appointments.

Ash Blonde with a Dark Base

Of all the blondes, ash blondes are the most popular this season. This spring twist is best for those who want to go lighter but want to keep a dark base. You can also ask your stylist for a balayage to achieve this look.

Care Tip: Add hair oil, like Ever Recovery Hair Oil, to your hair care routine to make your highlights last longer and keep them from fading.

Spring is the best time to get colorful. If you’re ready for a hair refresh, book an appointment at ShineForth Salon and let’s get the perfect hair tone you have been longing for!

Disclosure: Some of the links on this post contain affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. Please keep in mind that I included these companies and their products because of their quality first and foremost. The buying decision is always yours.

Main photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash.

Happy 2019

photo by brooke-lark @unsplash

I am thrilled to bring in the new year. This time of year is all about envisioning what I want my life, my business and focus to be about. How about you?

This year, my focus and commitment continues to be about bringing you the best attention I can by taking care of myself, and sustaining good, positive energy and health.

In looking for hair color and hair design inspiration I came across this article: "Negative Space" Hair Is the Coolest Winter Color Technique Every London It Girl Is Wearing.

And if you are looking for those hues that speak to the more colorful, Blue seems to be it. The image that captures my heart is this well-executed color. and this one I love! Blush tones are a softer way of playing with hair color. These all require lightening the hair first, then toning with an overlay of color. I use the Balayage technique to achieve these looks. sometimes less is more.

Noah Silliman @ Unsplash

Celebrate this new year trying something fresh, whether it be growing out your hair color, or coloring with something pushing the edge a bit.

Hairstyle Ideas For Teen Girls

Have you or your daughter, niece or granddaughter given up on trying to style their hair, or don’t have many ideas themselves on how to style their hair. The hairstyle ideas for teen girls below will help jumpstart your styling just in time for school. Share this article with them, print it out. Most of all, have fun.

Medium Base Ponytail

This hairstyle will always make you look fresh and youthful. This is one of the easiest and best hairstyles that you can try. You can try this hairstyle with ease at home and never feel out of step, as it is classic and so versatile.

How To Style

1.    On clean, dry hair, apply serum or pommade gently through the mid-length and ends of your hair. This will help add shine and secure the hair.

2.    Slightly tease the hair at the crown of your head to give it a tousled look.

3.    Use your fingers to gather all hair at the back of your head.

4.    Now, from the gathered hair, take a thin section of your hair from underneath the pony and leave it out as you secure the pony.

5.    Twist and wrap the separated section of hair around the base to hide the band.

6.    Use a bobby pin to secure the wrapped piece of hair.

Tight Knit Side Braid

This is one of the most popular teenage girl hairstyles. This hairstyle will make you look graceful and sophisticated. This hairdo is a good option to give your hair a new and different look.

How To Style

 1.     Part your hair on one side.

2.    Tease the hair at the crown with a comb. Apply Infinium #3 hairspray lightly.

3.    Gather all your hair to the side.

4.    Now start tying your hair to the side.

5.    once you have a grasp of all your hair, tightly braid the entire length into a regular braid.

6.    Use elastic to secure the ends. Spray again. You can use a little serum through the ends, like Lumi Control.

Dry High Ponytail

This hairstyle is perfect for you if you want to make your hair look more voluminous.

How To Style

1.     Apply a thickening spray, like Densite, throughout your hair. Blow-dry your hair to give volume to your hair, focusing on lifting roots away from the scalp with your fingers.

2.    Gather all hair at the back of the head and use elastic to tie your hair.

3.    Finger comb your ponytail to get rid of any knots.

Long Side Ponytail

Here’s how you can sport this hairstyle.

How To Style

1.     Make a deep side part.

2.    Now, take a brush and move all your hair in the opposite direction.

3.    Use a bit of Sleek and Swing on dry hair and use a flat brush to blow dry hair smooth.

4.    Use a flat iron to straighten your hair.

5.    Apply Mythic Oil through the ends to create shine.

6.    Make a ponytail by twisting the thin strand of hair and wrapping it around the rest of your hair.

Loose Ponytail

Give your hair a gorgeous look with this special trendy hairstyle. This dramatic hairstyle is great for everyday and special occasions.

How To Style

1.    First, spray the dry hair lightly with Beach Waves.

2.    Separate your hair into upper and lower sections by making a U shape parting from temples to crown.

3.    Now, pull out sections from the front and both the sides of the upper section.

4.    Gather the remaining bunches of hair in the upper section with a clip and secure them out of your way.

5.    Make a side part.

6.    Twist the side sections and secure them with bobby pins near the nape of your neck.

7.    Now, make a slight pouf after removing the clip by backcombing the hair in the crown to give height.

8.    Now, gather all the sections and tie them a couple of inches below the nape of your neck.

9.    Leaving a gap of about three to four inches, secure the hair with another hair elastic.

10.  Scrunch it up to create a bubble effect.

11.  Create one or two bubbles, depending upon the length of your hair, and you’re all set!

Side Braid With Bangs

This is a fun look and is still very popular. Braids are not going away anytime soon. So have fun with is look. 

How to Style

1.    Create a part on one side of your head.

2.    If you want a clean, polished hairstyle, use a serum, such as Nutrifier Balm, brush through and brush your hair to the other side, and braid it loosely.

3.    Now, tease your hair with a light touch to create a tousled effect.

4.    Pull out the bangs to frame your face.

Subtly Tousled Blonde Braid

Do you have light-colored hair? Then this hairstyle will make your natural highlights stand out and look fabulous, as well as adding more interest to the braids.

How To Style

1.    Apply a little Volumetry to dry hair and blow-dry a bit. Brush your hair backward.

2.    Tie your hair into a fish braid, starting a couple of inches below the nape of the neck. You may need to bring it to the front to finish off.

3.    You can loosen up the braid once you have it banded.

4.    Pull out a few thin sections of hair to frame your face.

Take your time with these the first time you play. If you get frustrated, take a deep breath, and try again. Sometimes it is helpful to have these styles shown to you by your stylist. Don't forget that your hair needs to be trimmed regularly, and good products are worth the investment for your hair to really show off these styles.

Hairstyling Tips Every Girl Should Know

Have you ever wondered how the hairstylists working backstage at fashion week make their fabulous styles last under the heat and clothing changes? Here are a few tips that will help you feel more masterful in your hairstyling efforts.

When curling, start with the mid section of your hair

Do you want your hair stay wavy for longer time? Spray your hair lightly with Infinium #3 about 12” from the head, spraying with the grain of the hair. Then start rolling from the mid section of your hair to the ends. It will help you get long lasting waves, and keep your ends healthy.

Keep your bobby pins in place with hairspray

You must use hairspray if you have sleek straight hair, and you are using pins. Spread out your hair pins on a towel and apply dry shampoo, such as the Volumetry SOS or Infinium #3 to them. This technique will help your hair pins hold in your sleek hair.

Use aluminum foil to help curl straight hair

If you hair cannot hold a curl, then try using aluminum foil. Spray the Infinium #3 Hairspray lightly as described above. Then wrap a section of hair with a long strip of foil, fold and coil the hair into a curl and tap, tap, tap with a flat iron. Let it cool in the coiled foil till you finish the whole head or where you desire curl. You will find your hair holding the curls better throughout the day. The hair gets really hot in the foil, so watch your fingers and don’t hold the heat too long.

Use dry shampoo before you go to bed

If any day you don’t get time to wash your hair in morning and you know your hair need a wash. You can apply dry shampoo such as the Volumetry SOS at night before going to bed. This technically is not a dry shampoo, but works wonderful. The shampoo will work itself into your strands overnight, resulting in healthy-looking hair in the morning with some texture and body.

Try hair extensions for temporary added length and color

You can use hair exertions if you have mid length hair and looking to add some extra length, color or volume to your hair. The option is good if you are going to any special occasion and provides many style possibilities. Hair extensions are not ideal for long term but are an easy and convenient option to get longer, fuller, or highlights quick.

Keep your brushes working optimally by giving them a good cleaning

Cleaning of your brushes is very important and help your brushes last. Much like your shoes needing a polish to make them last, so is true for brushes. In order for them to perform, you need to clean the hair out first, then use shampoo with another bristle brush or nail brush. Shake out the moisture, them rest them bristle down on a towel to dry. Take time from your busy schedule to get your brushes clean.

Use your bobby pins as graphic hair accessories

Bobby pins are a great way to play. They come in so many colors now. Try a triangle shape to give your hair, or line five of them in a row to give your hair a modern look. This can be done in the fringe, nape or sides of your head. This is a simple trick that you can try any time easily and get many different and amazing looks. Let your imagination run wild.

 

Get your hairstyle to stay using cool air

You don’t need to remain dependent on hot air always when you style your hair. If you want to set your hair style best, then set dryer to cool and alternate between warm and cold air.

Pat moisture out of wet hair with a towel

Remove extra moisture from your hair with the help of towel when you come out from a shower, make sure you don’t rub your hair and scalp, simply pat dry.

Leave the last half inch of hair unwrapped when curling

If you’re curling straight hair, leave the last half inch of hair out of your curling iron to get a more natural-looking, modern look.

Use the ponytail tricks for quick curls

This trick works well if you don’t have enough time to style your hair. Spray a little Crepe De Chignon in your hair. Put your hair in a ponytail anywhere that you want and divide in two three sections and twist into little buns, and pin or band. Set your ponytail free after sometime to get curly hair.

Another trick to getting a fuller ponytail: Use a butterfly clip

Butterfly clip helps you get a fuller look instantly. Spray your hair lightly with Second Day Hair. You just need to place butterfly clip underneath your ponytail to get a fuller look.

Create the perfect twisty bun

Spray your hair lightly with any of the sprays mentioned above and with your head upside down, pull all your hair to the crown of your head, and twist, then swing your head up, and band. Separate the hair is bun to get a little messiness to the bun.

Flat iron your braids to get curls.

If you don’t have time to intricately curl straight hair, lightly spray your hair with any of the sprays mentioned above, and separate your hair into six or so braids and then heat the braids with a flat iron. Undo the braids, and you’ll now have curly hair.

Use your hands to apply hairspray

The best way to use hairspray is to rub on your hands and then use on your hair for better results.

Know your brushes

Do you know the purpose of each type of brush you use? Each brush has different purpose. So you must know which brush to use at what time.Large brushes are commonly used for straightening, small for curling purpose and paddle brushes are used for making your hair smooth.

Happy styling!

Styling at Ma Jolie Salon in San Ramon

Ma Jolie Salon in San Ramon hosted L'Oreal Professionnel and invited other salons to participate in this Hands-On workshop led by Sean Metcalf-hair colorist at Grasshopper Salon in Sf, and yours truly got to style these waves.

It's incredibly satisfying to educate in the field and help other hairstylists strengthen their skill set in styling. Here we used various texture-building products on dry hair, then we protected the hair against the heat of the curling wands and irons and sprayed in the sets with Infinium #3 and #4.

I love the flexibility of the L'Oreal Professionnel styling products for photo shoots and weddings. These products are classic, but we used them differently than you might think or how the directions say to use them. "You can break the rules when you know why you are breaking them," I always tell my students.

The vibe was friendly and welcoming at Ma Jolie. since we colored the hair, we had the opportunity to start the styling with a blow dry. As you can see in the photos, with long hair, it is essential, so I can dry accordingly with round brushes in the direction we want the hair to go. From the get-go, I could build the texture and smoothness from the beginning and establish where the partings would go.

I finished the hair using the curling iron, parting the hair in sections following the direction of the fall of hair, pinning as we went along. I finished by spraying the hair, and then I let the hair cool down so that it would hold better.

I pinned hair in place for the up style, and because of the set with an iron, it held much better. 

Overall, it was a fun and enjoyable day.

Poppy and Bordeaux

Katerina's new look- Poppy and Bordeaux is an excellent example of what I can achieve with the new demi permanent hair color products by L'Oreal Professionnel.  Katerina is a great joy to work with, as she is open yet has clear ideas about the direction for her look.

Spring Green

After a year of letting my natural color show, I decided to color my hair.  Mostly, themetamorphosis came about because of the count down to NAHA.  We used powder lightener with 20 vol, and level 4 Luo color with 25Vol as a base, then toned with P01-P02, creating a bit more drama.

I thought, "Hm, I am going to be surrounded with my peers, and the idea of showing some creativity on my own head felt right. The extreme is always so invigorating.  I tell myself, "Just as long as you work that out on your head, rather than in your life."

Sometimes I look at myself, and think it looks great. Or, "too dark against your aging skin." I'll say.  Does it look to severe? My clients remarked, "You look less tired," as if my own questions lined my forehead.

Overall, I feel it is a nice change.  Color feels like a fresh start.  And this new be- ginning seems to be popping up in a lot of areas of my life, like the green of Spring emerging from the tilled soil.

And now, the maintenance begins.  I already feel like I need a toner.

However, the expectations of women are at an all time high.  More on that later.

Inspiration at Sassoons

 Okay, I'm breaking the mini-chronological order I had going.

I just found some photos, from November of last year.  A few of us from Keter Salon went down to LA for Sassoon's 2009 Fall Collection Release. 

Very Inspirational to say the least.  

Like I said, masters of any trade, make it look effortless, but the actual skill level takes years to develop.  I love the texture and the soft colors on some of the blonde models.  Of course, the execution by this team is nothing less than phenomenal

HairColor Maven in Once Again

Miss Cordelia DeVere, as generous as always, brought me a cappuccino before we began to the all-too-fun task of creating a new color for her.  The window was open at my new station, the summer fog had lifted allowing the sun to light up the greenery out my window, the breeze a nice welcome in the heat of the afternoon.  She exclaimed joy at my short hair, and congratulated me on my new spot in the salon. Inspiration percolated inside of me, as she spoke about wanting her hair richer, deeper in color to allow for the fadage.  As I conjured up her color combination, level 4, with some red violet, with some accents no doubt.   I applied slices of lightener with 9% developer.  We talked about what other artists are sculpting, painting, and her staging.  We talked about her thoughts on color. 

She is still making her creative, fun, and extremely sassy Gissy Dolls too.

It's always a pleasure to create for Cordelia. The accent colors were candy apple with a couple of squirts of pimpin' purple, and some orange.

She called a couple of days later, and said, "I just wanted to let you know, I love my #@*#%& hair!"

Here are some other Cordelia works of art. 

     

Intuition or Practice

What part of coloring hair is intuitive, and what is years of practice?  As I worked with a new assistant yesterday, she said she used to work with Logics hair color, and where she worked before, they couldn't look at a color chart.  They learned by knowing the boxes of color, the color level, and the tone.  As we talked, I realized I trained myself in hair color, and that has its pluses and minuses, right? Knowing levels and tones of hair color without a chart is a definite must because it is about training the eye to see color.  Some stylists have this gift, this natural ability.  Since I did train myself, and with practice, it is intuitive and knowing what level and tone is second nature.  And, I still refer to a chart to get a visual strongly placed in my head, and it happens within minutes.

We are playing with Dia hair color now.  I like it.  The range of tones, flexibility, and shine is wonderful.  The other day, I saw a new client for a weave and haircut.  I liked her, she seemed to respond to my ideas, our communication felt on track and we articulated a plan.  She had a natural level 5, and she was heavily highlighted.  We decided to not go that light. So I highlighted her hair with slices of Blondor and 9%.   Then I went back through with a thin slice of light brown, with a bit of copper, and a bit of gold.  I like that you can add a squirt of this and a squirt of that.  I thought after I shook the formula in the jar that maybe I needed to add more gold or natural to the formula, but I didn't.  but I did at a toner for the blonde of Richesse 9.3, which undid the shine, I am sure.  Next time, I would see what the Dia equivalent would be. 

The color was beautiful, with definite coppery lowlights, but not brassy.  The overall look had a zing to it.  I loved it, and she was happy.  The finesse of color formulating is to see what the gut says, and listen, or to follow through with what you worked up, and take a risk.  To me being a great colorist is not a perfect formulation, but knowing how to get back when you've gone too far.  Some of it is intuition and some of it is practice.

Hot Topics in the Chair

Topics were all over the board yesterday, all the while, awesome hair color of magenta and Special Effects yellow on Anne, level 3 and Special Effects yellow on Frankie, and cutting a client's hair, then needing to be in dialogue about, her still wanting it shorter.  And yet, I thought we were growing it out.  One needs to be flexible.  And in the end, the client needs to be happy, and sometimes this translates to me letting go of my vision. Suicide of a 24-year-old on one side, people thrilled about Obama and the possibilities he represents on the other.  How is it our youth want to take their lives?   Overworked, overwhelmed, over-achieving women, women shaming men, pathos in full living color in the chair, and promotion of small business owners...also how women are afraid of calling attention to themselves, so they dress frumpy.  Why does anyone want to put out that kind of energy into the world?  It's for us that we dress.

The owner and I went to a book reading for another client, but we had the day wrong.  So, we walked to a restaurant a client recommended.  This fabulous Cajun restaurant, Angenline's in Berkeley, has created an authentic, fabulous, inviting ambiance.  The restaurateur, Robert is friendly and loves talking about the menu.  The food was delicious, and the music added the finishing touch!  We talked about business and possibilities for the salon.

Hair and Politics

Everybody I saw today had lots of hair. They all had hair that needed more attention than most or didn't have much hair, but they decided today was the day their hair did need attention—lots of color, lots of focus, lots of foils. And only one client and I talked about politics.

How can that be? The rest of the world is waiting. How will the American people vote? We are making history now, no matter how the election turns out. Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama have people talking. Will they decide to work together for the better of the Democratic Party and the country? Will they choose to work together for the better of the Democratic Party and the country? Will the Clinton constituents realign with Obama?

Politics, writing, moves, changes, good stories, music, suicide, friendships, Squaw Valley Writing Conference, the economy, and loyalty were discussed in the chair today. I felt fatigued at the end, and yet I couldn't stop. I had to race to pick up my daughter. She reminded me she was almost the last one to be picked up(thankfully, it had been a long time since that happened). I needed to leave my previous client with my assistant to finish the blow dry. Unfortunate situation, even though I trust my assistant to treat my client well.

When I walked past the newsstand to get a cup of coffee, I read the headlines as I always do. Today was the first day I had bought a newspaper in at least a year. The front page of the San Francisco Chronicle caught my eye. I wanted to read the paper; this was highly unusual behavior. I don't know if you call it real news, but it was the first I'd read beyond the online news through moveon.org or truemajority.com. It provoked conversation.

Clients seem to be excited or entirely in fear and still anxious about politics. The campaign is not over until it is over. Will the American people be willing to move beyond their fear and small minds and allow the white patriarchal to rest? Whoops! What does this have to do with hair? A regular client sometimes sits in my chair and wants to talk politics and not hide.

Baby Green Steps

Okay, so I'm taking a moment out of the presidential campaign flurry of interviews, and updating you on what changes are occurring in the salon. It's amazing, that hairdressers can actually change their ways. I voiced the opinion that there ought to be three plastic, same-size bins for the break room. One for trash, one for plastic/bottles, and one for paper.  One day they showed up, and, they are actually being used, not only that but filled up. The color boxes are being recycled, instead of ending up in the trash. I've encouraged the use of bringing your own cup to get coffee. I overheard Wayne, say today, "You may as well have asked me to walk with books on my head." Milky white, hot liquid spilled over his chapped hands. It was filled to the brim, I might add. Savanna has actually instigated a trend of bringing a bowl to get her lunch in. I just love it! Nick has asked Kerastase to please stop their waste of shipping products with a huge amount of paper, and boxes.  Stay tuned for their response.

There are still issues to work out, like light bulbs(I'm not even sure why we haven't changed over). We still use toxic cleaning sprays. And I have to say, as I hilite clients’ hair, I am more sensitive to the waste produced by all the foils. Adding to the problem is becoming more difficult to ignore. Could I offer less toxic means of coloring the hair? Could I give up an enormous part of my business income because of this sensitivity? Can one person's actions change all that much? Probably not, but what else do we have, but living our own truth? I've got to be able to live with myself and my choices.

As I ponder nontoxic thoughts, I ponder the idea of cutting my hair off and exposing my grey hair. Radical thought in radical times. There is something about just letting it be that sounds attractive, knowing full and well it doesn't mean that I'm interested in being frumpy, or not feminine. But this idea counters the general philosophy of the beauty industry.

Back to the green conversation, though.  We are taking baby steps in the direction of being conscious, but we have still, a long way to go.  I acknowledge the great job my colleagues have done arriving to this point.

The Cellist and Fire Spinner

Laura is a unique being, and a client.  I usually see her not long after the sun comes up on Saturday mornings, every ten weeks or so.  When we see each other we either chat it up, or drift into a silence, both of us okay with what is so. 

Her piercing, but loving blue eyes contrast her level 5, red mahogany hair color.  Her hair is straight, and we are growing it out to one length, it seems to take forever.  The seasons pass, and we wait patiently, only trimming her fringe.  We are getting there.

Last time she was in, we captured her thoughts on creativity.  Check it out. 

She's not only interested in fire spinning, but she is a cellist, playing in an all girl jazz band.  www.girltalkband.com.  Laura comes from a family of musicians, all playing together at get togethers.  I love the picture it conjures up for me.

One thing you don't know about Laura is that she is committed teacher in the Alameda School District.  Teaching now, in California specifically has much to be desired, she has similar issues as when she taught in Oakland.  Apparently, our state doesn't value education.   How painful is that?

Back to Laura.  When she is not teaching, she explores her creative side; salsa dancing, music, and fire arts.  She is a delight to be with, and always willing to laugh.  Thank you Laura.  Being with you makes my job most interesting.

To Go Grey or Not

I finally understand why some people look better without their grey hair showing.  Year ago, I was trained in a salon that believed no one should color their hair...I went with it for awhile.  But then I grew as a stylist and trained myself in hair color, I liked to learn, and frankly would get bored just cutting.  Providing hair color services in the salon created variety and more range in my skill level, a stream of income I wouldn't have had, and a whole world of creativity opened up for me.  Even so, I am very open to people showing their grey hair.  I've never said, "you must color your hair." It took a long time to understand the nuances of hair color shades, and tone, in short, I made a lot of mistakes and learned from them.  But it's not until recently, that I learned why some people absolutely should color their hair.  I never put together why some people look amazing with grey or white hair.  I knew it had some to do with these people usually were Winter types.  I never asked myself, why?  Winter types, or Summer types, or people have cool tones in their skin.  Grey hair, in all its varying tones, is cool in tone.  You put the two together and it's fabulous, especially when they have a great hair cut as well.  The look is congruent.

But, then you take a person who has warm tones in their eyes and their skin, and they are wearing grey hair, it's all wrong.   The warm tones in their skin and the cool tones of the hair, don't mix, so the person wearing it feels "Off" somehow.  These are the people that really ought to color their hair.  Warm, or natural tones look best on them.  This realization is allowing me to look deeper into the question, should I grow my hair color out?  And, if a client has been coloring their hair for a long time, and they don't know what they have underneath, I suggest they grow it out to see it.  Then reevaluate.

I don't buy that everybody should color their hair, and I don't think it necessarily makes a person look old.  If there is a vibrancy going on inside, a youthfulness, a positive attitude, a person will shine even more so, if their color is right for them, even if it is grey.  It is a look of elegance and simple beauty on the right person.

Sometimes the obvious takes awhile to sink in.