Prom Hair!

Prom was this week! Something must be in the water. These girls are gorgeous!
For several years I didn't do special occasion hair. After moving to a new town a few years ago, i decided it was time to get my hands back into bobby pins,  curling irons and hairspray. Prom is a special day for these girls so i always want to do my best. I go to Youtube to watch how-to videos. I also go to classes when I can. One of my favorites is stylist Martin Parsons also known among hairstylists as "The Up-do King". These are great ways to keep up to date with things that are going on. There's always things to learn.

Below I have a list of products that I love and some reminders for you as you are planning that special day. You will be glad and so will your stylist.

Rachael's messy twisted side up-do

 Most my clients bring in a picture of a style that they like.... Pinterest or Google Images are both great sources. Find other styles on my salon page, The Hair Parlor.

Most importantly, my clients give me creative freedom to do what their hair wants and needs to do to be at it's best.  (Girls, this is the best way for you to walk out of the salon happy)
Here are pictures of my girls from this weekend. Rachael, Eryn and Hannah.  They were great clients and turned out beautiful.




If you want or need lots of curls, plan for around 1hour. Especially if you have long hair. This will help you to be sure to plan your time so you can get ready with a little time to spare in case, well you know "things" can happen.

Eryn's blond bombshell curls

Hannah's Blonde curls partial up-do

Things to remember!
#1 Shampoo hair the night before.
#2 Wear a button up shirt
#3 Have an idea of what you want. Pictures are great.
( unless of course, you're leaving 100% up to your stylist)
#4 Arrive on time
#5 SPEAK UP! Stylists can not read your mind.



Products I love using for special occasion styles:

Kenra Hot Spray

Kenra #25 firm hold Hairspray

New fav, Aquage Hairspray

Thank you to my sweet girls for allowing me to post their pics. It was a great day. I know they had fun at their Prom.... (I saw their pictures).

Happy Hair Day!! Shannon Keel The Hair Parlor Facebook page

Gray Gray Go Away!

Being a Hair Colorist at The Hair Parlor in Lee, FL. I know the struggle that many of my clients have. Their hair grows fast. I apply the color and I get every one of those gray hairs. Soon 3 weeks arrive and so does the regrowth of their hair. The silver is shining. There is no way to stop it. So, I decided to do some research. I knew there are some products out there to help you get by without being a beacon in the night. I know some of you know what I mean. Here's a few that seem to have good reviews.

#1 Joan Rivers Great Hair Day

Joan Rivers Great Hair Day

Feel More Confident!

Transform Your Hair from Thin to Thick Instantly!

• Hides hair loss, thinning hair, bald spots, and root growth
• Eliminates shiny spots from exposed scalp
• Gives the illusion of thick, full hair
• Formulated to stay on the scalp
• Guaranteed even color distribution

One of my clients brought Joan Rivers Great Hair day in for me to keep and use on her every week when she comes in for a shampoo & style. I use it between her color appointments it seems to blend the gray away and also makes hair look thicker. It comes in a few colors. It's sold at  Soft Surroundings website . Their catalogue  offers beautiful soft  well made clothing , home interior and beauty products. Have a Great Hair Day costs around $29. It can also be purchased through  QVC Here's the link to read more about it ......Click on Joan Rivers Great Hair Day 

#2 Rita Hazan

Rita Hazan

Rita Hazan Root Concealer

Master colorist, Rita Hazan, spent more than three years solving the biggest problem for every woman who colors her hair—how to cover up roots, especially those roots that start to come in just a few weeks after permanent color is applied. Root Concealer is water- and sweat-resistant and won't stain the face or clothing or bed linens. With just four shades personally developed by Rita and tested for over a year in her 5th Avenue salon, every woman can find a shade that perfectly blends with her hair color.
To me this one is the best one. I've never used it, but I'd sure love to get it to try on a few of my clients. This one can also be purchased on QVC for a little more money at $35. The best price is $24 at Sephora. Here's the link Rita Hazan Root Concealer at Sephora

 #3

Buttercream Cosmetics Shampowder

There's not always time for a shower, but there's always time for Shampowder!

Shampowder dry shampoo allows you to have freedom between washings and will revive, volumize and deodorize your hair. By absorbing the oils that weigh down unwashed hair - lifeless hair is transformed into full, more manageable hair while the pigmented powder blends seamlessly, disguising the fact that you skipped a washing. The lightly vanilla scented powder is available in THREE shades. To apply, dab - dab - dab the specially designed all-in-one applicator brush to generously apply powder directly to your hairline and scalp.

Shampowder is perfectly purse-sized for women on the go and the handy all-in-one applicator is compact enough to drop into your handbag or travel bag.

• Instantly freshens hair
• Absorbs oil
• Adds body
• Pigmented powder blends naturally with all hair colors
• Exclusive brush applicator delivers the perfect amount of product exactly where you want it
• Enhances manageability
• Light vanilla scent deodorizes hair
• Less washings equals healthier hair

I must say I love the website and packaging. It's super cute and the price is only $15.99.   The only drawback is they only have 3 colors. Click here to read more about this product and purchase. Buttercream Cosmetics Shampowder

Have a Great Hair Day!
Shannon Keel

The Hair of Adele

This past Sunday Adele won each of the six Grammys for which she was nominated, including the awards for Album, Song and Record of the Year. She also performed for the first time since canceling a tour last year to recover from throat surgery.

As I watched Adele win it all at the Grammys and sing her heart out to "Someone Like You". I just couldn't help but notice how beautiful she is.  Later that night on Facebook I noticed quite a few nice comments about her hair (see below pic). I decided to find a picture of her from that night. I couldn't help but notice all the beautiful styles she's had since her career started. Look through some of the looks Adele has worn. What is your favorite?  

#1 Grammy night

#2 STUNNING!

#3 Fantastic style. Deep brown color. LOVE

#4 Classic

#5 classic loose

#6 side swept bang with bun

#7 swept up light beehive

#7 short and loose

#8 stunning with red hair and choppy bangs 

My favorite looks are #2 and #8. Maybe it's just because the #2 photo is just amazing in general and the red is stunning on her. Either way. She really is beautiful and has a wonderful voice. You must check her out if you haven't.

What is your favorite look? You can comment below.

No More Salt!

Over the past 6 months I have been suggesting sulfate-free shampoo to my clients. I was doing some of the keratin de-frizzing treatments and this was one stipulation in making it last longer. The more I read the more I realized that sulfates in shampoo is basically a type of salt. Also it's used in shampoos to cause it to suds up.

 

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate ( SLS) ........This inexpensive detergent is commonly used in cosmetic cleansers, hair shampoos, bath and shower gels, bubble baths, etc. - It is probably the most dangerous ingredient used in skin and hair-care products. In the cleaning industry SLS is used in garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers, car-wash soaps, etc. It is very corrosive and readily attacks greasy surfaces.Click here to read more. Article on Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 

Basically, all those wonderful bubbles that show up when you're shampooing your hair happen because of SLS. Of course we typically think "the more the better" right? I know I do. There are times that we have to remember "less is more".

As I started suggesting going sulfate-free, I noticed my clients hair looking better. One of my clients always has struggled with that halo of frizz.  The last couple of times she came in I noticed a huge difference. She said she has been using the shampoo. Many others have come in excited about what it's done for their hair.

As much as I've suggested it, I hadn't made the switch myself. This week I made a point to purchase my very own sulfate-free shampoo.  I bought Kenra Platinum Sulfate-free Shampoo for normal- medium hair and the  Kenra Platinum Mango Butter Moisturizer  to go with it. WOW! My hair felt great. Not to mention it had a wonderful smell. Another thing I noticed, my scalp wasn't itchy. I've been struggling with this for a while. 

Color treated hair? Sulfates strip, before you know it your color has faded. 

Oily hair? Sounds crazy, but sulfates ( salt) strips oils away, which sounds like a good thing. Unfortunately, your body will produce more oil to replace what is lost. 

Dry Frizzy Hair? Need I say more? Sulfates once again..... STRIP, causing frizz.

Sulfates in shampoos just aren't helping you. This is why in the last few years  the "no-Poo" products like Wen or Deva Curl have become so popular. They have gotten away from this one ingredient that seems to be the culprit. It really is worth a try for any hair type. 

I say NO MORE SALT for me.

Happy Hair Day!

Shannon

Cowlicks and Animal Instincts

Animal Instinct : When applied to human beings, this term refers to those of our urges that are not really logical. 


That being said, lets talk about "Cowlicks". 

 As my friend and Hairstylist Heidi Grether said. "How did our sophisticated career get such a down home on the farm term as THAT?"  Well, here it is...... drum roll please. The term "cowlick" dates from the late 16th century, when Richard Haydocke used it in his translation of Lamazzo  "The lockes or plaine feakes of haire called cow-lickes, are made turning upwards." 

    

This kid has cowlicks!

I think most of us know what a cowlick is. Most of us have one.  It's that bit of hair that grows in a circular direction or in the opposite direction of the rest of your hair. It's found in either the bang, crown or nape section of your head. Most of us HATE  it with a passion. This is where the "animal instinct" comes in. ( I can picture you nodding your head YES! ). It  truly has a mind of it's own. 


Some have been fortunate enough to have discovered a style that work with their cowlick and it looks fabulous. Vidal Sassoon was a master of creating styles that work with the natural hair growth. He cut Mia Farrow's hair for the 1968  film Rosemary's Baby.

Mia Farrow

As a Hairstylist I try to look for cowlicks before I cut one of my client's hair shorter. Most times it can be cut to lay right. Every now and then after one snip that cowlick shows up waving at me like a child that hasn't seen me in a long time. I have one in my crown. Although I love my hair short hair, the cowlick , MY cowlick makes me crazy. I want to fight it! I want to scream! (See the picture below). This is how it looks when I do nothing to my hair. Trust me, I get those hairs up before I get to work. (See the after picture further down).

My crazy cowlick

Here are ways to deal with a cowlick:

#1 Keep the area a bit longer to give it weight. 

#2 Have it cut short to blend. When I do this, I look like I'm chiseling out a design in a piece of wood.

#3  Hair product like medium hold gel and light teasing to manipulate it.

#4 Plastic surgery? Yes, I actually read about this! I guess when that "animal instinct" kicks in and you want to pull your hair out...... I can sort of understand.

With a little work, VIOLA!

Take a deep breath and try to go with the flow of your hair. Your stylist should be able to help you. Don't be afraid to ask. That is what we're here for.  There is a cut and style that will work with your cowlick. If you just learn how to use it to your own benefit. Don't let that animal instinct get ahold of you. It's just not worth it. Do I still struggle and fight with it. I sure do.
Here's another way to think of it.  A cowlick is a part of your make-up, distinctly YOUR design. Much like a finger print or even a southern accent.  Realizing that God created that as a part of you is just neat!

My dear sweet husband, Jeff Keel suggested I blog on this subject. What a great subject.
Also, If you love music, check out Jeff's blog. He finds great music to review. Click here  40 Year Phone Call

Happy Hair Days!

Shannon

“Getting Older Ain’t For Sissies"

Now, I don't know what your style is, it could be natural, funky or maybe even a little "out there". Me, well I'm pretty conservative. Still I LOVE to see a woman dress with finesse. I will say living out in the country does not promote the "out there" stylings of New York and London. One might be looked at  with the thought "she's crazy". But really, to see a woman wear what makes her happy and not worry about what people think.... hmmm that's a thought.

 I came across a blog I love called Hairdresser On Fire. She blogged about chatting with  Iris Apfel a 90 year old Make-up artist at a MAC store in Times Square. I was thinking to myself,  "wow she's a little "out there".  Yes, I thought it! Who am I to think such things? This woman owns it! After reading the blog I wanted  to read more about Miss Iris. In the article Into The Gloss ( click here to read article Into The Gloss ) she says,  “Getting older ain’t for sissies, I’ll tell you. It’s very funny."

Iris Apfel

Since then I saw on Hairdresser on Fire, you should really check out her blog. She posted that since her mention of Iris Apfel, someone told her about a Documentary coming out this Summer called Advanced Style.  Ari Seth Cohen the creator or this film roams the streets of New York looking for the most stylish and creative older folks. He says, "respect your elders and let these ladies and gents teach you a thing or two about living life to the fullest." Advanced Style offers proof from the wise and silver-haired set that personal style advances with age. 

Are these ladies a little "out there"?..... maybe they are, but so what. It's all how you look at it. They came from a time of Glamour and they want to hold on to it. We don't see that as much anymore. Maybe we should get back to it. At least a little. "Dig into your closet and start dressing again." That's what these women talk about  in this trailer.  One lady says "I love to dress for the theater of life".

Book available

  As I watched, I just couldn't help but smile. This time I thought, " I hope I'm like that when I get to my "silver years", enjoying fashion, having fun with it. It will be here before you know it. Like Miss Iris says, "Getting older ain't for sissies". 

Shannon Keel

Just Do It!

I'm a Hairstylist, I have been for several years. I own my own salon. I help make my clients look and feel beautiful. By that sometimes, I have to direct them in the way that I know is best. Sometimes they agree and sometimes they don't. Somehow when it comes to myself, it's not so easy. I will get bored just as easy as any woman does and get scared to change. I've been wearing my hair with blonde hilights for a few years now. A year ago I  was about to turn 40 and needed a new look. I called my good friend Heidi Grether in Pensacola, FL. She cut it short and I felt great! I was SASSY, ok at least my hair was.

Now a year has passed and I've decided to let my hair grow and I tell you, as most of you know that has grown or tried to grow..... that in-between stage is TOUGH. I was feeling blah with my in-between hair, I decided it's time to change my color. I've seen so many beautiful redheads in Pinterest......It's just my  time. I've been deciding to go red for, I hate to admit, MONTHS.I need to just do it!

picture from Pinterest

 I have several clients that make a decision in minutes. My client Patti was in my chair for the first time ever. She wanted blonde hilghts like she always had. I was in the color room with my assistant Mauri. I mentioned to her, "Patti needs to be red!" I could see it on her. I went to speak to Patti about my idea for her. She say "OK"..... OK??  She said OK!  We went back with a new plan of action. Patti's hair turned out beautiful. More than anything she had the belief in me that I knew what was best and she took that leap with me.

Patti, my brave trusting soul. 

If only I had the "guts" to do the same  for my own self as some of my clients.
 I finally did.
I feel like a new person!! I may not get past this growing out stage, but I feel new and fresh again. It's amazing what color can do for someone. Why not take that leap?

ME! Finally RED!!

Last thing......Do not attempt this at home! Going from Blonde to Red is tricky and takes a lot of knowledge of your Hairstylist. If you do, you may turn out with funky colors in your hair. Then you will need to call your stylist to fix it. Save yourself the trouble. If you're ready for something new, maybe some hilights, brown, gold or red like I did. Just do it!

Shannon Keel

Cool hair finds on Etsy

I came across Three Bird Nest on Etsy.com. They have such cute stylish hair accessories. If you knit then some of these are things I'm sure you could make. Unfortunately i'm not one of those people.  Here are some great ideas when it's chilly outside, rainy or just having a bad hair day. Maybe just maybe you just feel like adding a little flair. (link for Three Bird Nest below) Prices aren't bad.


Three Bird Nest

Rainy Day Frizz Go Away!!

Since it's raining here in Lee, FL today I thought I'd post a little article on some ways to tame that "Rainy Day Frizz". I have curly hair too and have struggled with it pretty much since I started to care about what I looked like. I won't lie, even though I live and breathe hair, it's still not easy dealing with frizz. Some days it does great others not so good. That's when I'm glad I got to my salon early and have all the things needed right at my fingertips. Don't get me wrong, I'm so thankful for the rain, I think it's my hair that's not thrilled. Below are some tips..... if all else fails, stay inside.

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Straightening cream
• Blowdryer
• Round brush
• Flat Iron
• Anti-frizz serum
• Mousse
• Strong hold hairspray

1. • 1
     Apply a quality straightening cream from root to tip. Blow-dry your hair straight by pulling 2-inch sections of hair taut with a round brush. Flatiron the same 2-inch sections once hair is dry. Finish by applying a dime-sized amount of a quality anti-frizz serum and of shine serum to your hair, again from root to tip. Get a recommendation for hair products at a respected salon. Be sure to rub each product in between your palms before applying. This method is the best way to prevent frizz, but also takes the most time.
   • 2
     Wash and condition your hair. While still damp, apply a tiny bit of mousse to your entire head. Scrunch your natural curls up toward the roots, by grabbing two-inch sections into the palm of your hand. Let the natural part emerge. Let hair air-dry. Once dry, apply a liberal amount of a quality anit-frizz serum to your hair from tip to root gently without rubbing the strands together.
   • 3
     Wash and condition your hair. Apply a very small amount of mousse. Style you hair in an updo while the hair is still damp. Let your style air-dry. Once dry, spray with a strong hold hairspray, and finish with your anti-frizz serum and a touch of shine serum.
   • 4
     Prevent frizz by being prepared. Carry a small container of anit-frizz serum with you throughout the day in case you are forced to be in a humid environment or get caught in the rain. Be sure you have an umbrella always stashed in your car in case of a sudden downpour. Check the weather ahead of time, and wear a raincoat with a waterproof hood attached.

Read more: How to Get Rid of Frizzy Hair When It Rains | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4761023_rid-frizzy-hair-rains.html#ixzz1j9oRm1Ba







http://www.ehow.com/how_4761023_rid-frizzy-hair-rains.html