Friday, July 20, 2012

Clark Russell the salon VIP Cards

It's the card you have to have and can't afford not to carry!




With every referal you send in with the VIP card, you will save 25% off your services!Come in to the salon and pick up some cards and share the best kept secret in the Bay Area... your stylist! It is your Black Card for a passport to style! You don't have to have an appointment to pick up the cards. Let your great style work for you!

Thursday, July 19, 2012

The late 80's Buzz is Back... but is it well received?

The late 80's we certainly an interesting time in history and fashion. Rap music started hitting in the suburbs on MTV, Madonna still was on the top of the charts,the Berlin Wall came down, Mall Bangs were in and so was shaving half of your head. The ultra tall mall bangs have not made their comeback yet, but the trend of buzzing half your head is now back in trend.

From the 80's


To 2012....




Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Brushing 101.. Are you Brushing your Hair Correctly?

Hair brushing properly is one of the important hair care technic you should practice very well. What is hair brushing? This in my understanding is the act of caring for your hair by smoothing, styling or grooming with a brush. As you already know that hair brushing is always done with a device called brush. What is a hair brush? This is an object made of short stiff hair (called bristles) or wires with a handle used for grooming hair. To keep up hair growth you need a blood circulation and a clean scalp ( i.e no dirt or oil products build-up on your follicles), that is where brushing your hair comes in. Brushing your hair increases blood circulation as it massages your scalp and hair. Brushing your hair is very important because it’s one of the ways to keep it healthy and shiny. Make sure you’re using the right brush for your hair type or a certain hair style because different types of brushes are made for different purposes of hair care, so always use the right brush according to your need. Using the right hair brush at the right time or at the right hair care can do so lot more good to your hair than any hair products. Brushing your hair cleans it and also polish it as the oil has been distributed to your hair from the scalp. You have to know that brushing works very well when you must have detangle your here first. Brush morning and night to help stimulate your scalp and using a clean brush is very important. Always buying a good brush can be a good investment because if you take good care of the brush it will definitely last for years.

How to properly brush your hair

■Massaging your hair with your finger can be the best way to get it ready for brushing.
■Apply any good product that work for you when detangling to moisturize your hair for smooth brushing e.g detangling lotion, leave-in conditioner, serum or oil. Any of these will make hair easier to brush and less likely to break.
■Section your hair with hair pick or what ever you have. You can section your hair in 4 or more sections, again depending on the thickness and length of your hair.
■Clip all the sections with your hair clips.
■Take one section of your hair with the clip removed and start combing gently from the ends to the root with a wide tooth comb. Comb it untill it’s free and clip it back. Repeat this to all the sections and do it gently.
■Brush your hair gently from the tip to the scalp first and then from the scalp to the tips. Take one section at a time and use the right brush.
■Unclip all the sections and style with the right brush.

Tips for brushing hair
■Always brush your hair gently.
■A good natural boar bristled brushes can be good to your hair than a synthetic one. But a synthetic bristle brush can help you dry your hair faster. This all depend on what you want.
■Too much of brushing your hair can cause damages such as split ends.
■Don’t use brushes that are too stiff, thick, harsh or hard to your scalp or hair, rather use the ones that are flexible.
■Use brushes depending on your hair texture and length for easy styling and to avoid breakages.
■Brushing your hair with natural bristled-brush or boar bristle brushes can be very nice to your hair and make it healthy and this type of brushes also help to spread your hair products e.g oil on the scalp to the ends.
■You can massage your hair, remove dirt and products build-up from your hair and also distribute natural oil from your root to all your hair by brushing it.
■Brushing can stimulate the scalp.
■Don’t brush wet hair to avoid damaging through breakages.
■Short hair can be brushed without much detangling.
■Brushes are very good for styling hair.
■Wide bristled brush can be good for all hair types. Read ‘Hair Types’ posts here .
■Brushing your hair gently at night can make it to be a bit shiny in the morning ( but you have to also put your hair together).
■Clean your brush every day to remove all the dirt and oil build-up and you can do this while in the shower ( this is applicable if you use your brush daily).
■ Never brush your hair with a dirty brush because the dirt will be deposited back to your hair and this can cause damage to your hair.

How to Clean your brushes

■After brushing your hair, always remove the hair in the brush.
■Fill the sink or bucket with warm water.
■Add a tablespoon of your shampoo and two drops of ammonia.(You can buy a cheap shampoo for washing your brushes).
■Put in your brushes in the mixture.
■Leave it for 10-15 minutes.
■Drain the water.
■Rinse them several times, untill you feel its clean.
■Dry them with a towel.

OR
■Fill the sink or bucket with hot water.
■Add 1 table-spoon of baking soda, wait a few seconds for the soda to dissolve.
■Stir the mixture.
■Add your brushes to the mixture.
■Wait for 30 minutes or 1 hour.
■Rinse them with a clean warm water, untill it feels clean.
■Dry them with a towel.

OR
■Fill the sink or bucket with warm water.
■Add white vinegar.
■Put all your brushes in the mixture.
■Rinse it with clean warm water.
■Dry it with a towel.
■Cleaning your brushes with vinegar doesn’t only clean it but it also remove the oily deposits from your hair.

OR
■Fill the sink or bucket with hot water.
■Put your brushes in the water for 10 minutes.
■Put a mild detergent or shampoo.
■Take out the brush from the water and use the rat-tail comb or hair picks to clean it thoroughly.
■Soak it for five-minute in a new clean hot water.
■Rinse it with a lot of luke warm water.
■Dry the brushes with a towel.

How to clean natural brushes
■Always remove hair in your brushes.
■Fill the sink or bucket with warm water.
■Add mild detergent or shampoo.
■Dip the bristles in water for 2 minutes (hold firm the handle as you do this). Don’t put the wooden part of the brush in water as this can damage it.
■Use your pick to remove any dirt or hair on the brush.
■Repeat this about 5 times.
■Rinse with a luke warm water.
■Put it on a towel to air dry.
■You can add anything you want in the water to wash your brush but don’t wash the handle or wooden part, wash only the bristle part you use in brushing.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

The Importance of Protein for Healthy Hair.


Even if you are not having a bad hair day, the quality and quantity of your hair is a major component of self-confidence for men and women. Your hair grows about 1/4 to 1/2 inch every month if you have an adequate diet with healthy nutrients. Hair care products often advertise the use of protein for increased hair strength, but it is difficult to know if these claims are accurate.




Protein and Hair

Protein is essential for every organ in your body. It is particularly involved in healthy hair. Keratinocytes are responsible for making keratin, a type of protein essential to hair growth. If you do not take in enough in your diet, hair loss can occur or hair can become dull and brittle. Loss of protein due to various hair care products or even medical conditions will lead to damaged hair. Protein also affects hair texture. According to a study published in the "Journal of Investigative Dermatology" in February 2011, IGF-binding protein 5 affects whether hair is curly or straight, so even the shape of your hair is protein-based.


External Use of Protein


Many hair care products have added protein. The use of protein in the products is for strengthening the hair shaft, adding shine and even for anti-static purposes. If your hair is fine, protein-based products will not thicken the hair shaft but they can make it healthier. Also, some products with protein will coat the surface of the hair but not penetrate the hair shaft. For true hair health, the shaft must take in the protein. Using heat in combination with the protein-based products will help with penetration, according to T.J. Kittelson, a hair care professional who operates a salon in Colorado.

Internal Use of Protein

There is some evidence that ingesting certain types of whey protein can be beneficial for hair. Dr. Lawrence Shapiro, a hair transplant surgeon based in Florida, conducted a study in March of 2010 on the effects of ingesting a whey protein beverage made from concentrated whey protein and other nutrients. His website, Shapiros's hair institute lists the results of this study. One hundred individuals participated in the study and 94 percent noted improved hair condition. Those who participated also noted that use of whey isolate -- a more processed type of whey protein that has little fat -- caused damage to their hair.

Protein-rich Foods for Hair Growth

According to Andrea Giancoli, a dietitian and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, you need enough omega-3 fatty acids for a scalp that will support healthy hair growth. Fish such as salmon are rich in this nutrient. If you do not like fish or are a vegetarian, supplementing with flaxseed oil will provide the protein you need. Eat lots of legumes such as kidney and navy beans to get complete proteins. Other good sources of protein in the diet are lean chicken and eggs.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Had a Late Night?... Some tips to un-puff those eyes!

Home Remedy Treatments for Puffy Eyes

So maybe it was a late night 4th of July or another special occasion. Here is some tips on how to get rid of puffy eye...



From the Home Remedies Cupboard

Tea. Green tea or black? Both work well to soothe puffy, irritated eyes. The difference? Not much. Caffeinated teas help constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling, while herbal teas (especially chamomile) contain anti-irritants that soothe redness and inflammation. Steep 2 bags of your choice of tea in hot water for three to five minutes. Let cool until the bags are comfortably warm to the touch. Lie down, close your eyes, and place a tea bag over each eye; then cover with a soft cloth. During hot months, put the cooked tea bags in the refrigerator and apply to eyes when needed for a refreshing, eye-opening experience.

From the Home Remedies Drawer

Spoons. Teaspoon-size spoons are just the right utensils for temporarily helping your eyes reduce to normal proportions. Place 4 or 6 spoons in the refrigerator. When you need to deflate those eyeballs, lie down, close your eyes, and place one spoon (curved side down) on each eye. As the spoon warms, replace it with a cold one from the fridge.

From the Home Remedies Refrigerator

Cucumbers. From the vegetable bin comes the well-known cucumber remedy. Cucumbers aren't only deliciously cool and soothing to the touch, but their astringent properties cause blood vessels to constrict. Lean your head back, rest a slice on each closed eye, and relax for five to ten minutes while the cukes cure your puffiness.

Egg whites. Call this kitchen cure a souffle for the face. Whip up 1 or 2 egg whites until stiff, and apply with a brush or soft cloth underneath your eyes. The skin will feel tighter and look less like puff pastry.

Potato. The common potato also pampers puffy eyes. Tubers are tried and true in European folk medicine as a means to soothe painful joints, headaches, and other inflammatory conditions. Potato starch acts as an anti-inflammatory agent to ease irritated eyes. Start by pretending you're making hash browns. Peel one potato, then wash and dry it. Grate the potato as fine as possible, then instead of frying it up with butter, place the pulp in a clean cloth and fold to make a poultice. Place the poultice on your eyelids for 15 minutes.

From the Home Remedies Sink

Cold water. Eyes seem to puff up on workday mornings when you have 30 minutes to get ready. There's no time to luxuriate with tea bags and cucumber slices --but don't despair. Cold water will work in a pinch. Rise and shine, and rinse your face with several splashes of cold water. This may be a rude awakening, but the coldness will constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling. Plus, it only takes ten seconds. Repeat throughout the day if possible.

Drinking water. Water is the saving grace when it comes to reducing eye puffiness. Be sure you drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day, and don't substitute sodas, coffees, or sugary drinks. When the body is dehydrated, it acts much like a camel, storing water for the long haul across the desert. Instead of a camel's hump, you'll develop water reserves around the eyeballs. By keeping yourself adequately hydrated, the body isn't put into survival mode and won't puff up in all the wrong places.

From the Home Remedies Spice Rack


Salt. Jumbo fries, pepperoni pizza, and other salt-intense foods can cause puffy eyes. However, salt by itself does the eyes good. Get rid of the puffy eyes by mixing 1/2 teaspoon salt into 1 quart warm water. Dip cotton balls or facial pads into the solution, then lie down and apply pads to the eyelids. Rest in this position for at least ten minutes while keeping the pads in place. You'll arise with deflated eyes.

Do Remember
•Enjoy a light self-massage, which can help relieve puffy eyes. Close your eyes and gently press your ring finger underneath one eye, moving in an arc shape from the inside corner to the outside corner. Massage 10 to 15 times. Then repeat on the other eye. This is a great massage to do before jumping out of bed.
•Use two pillows to keep your head elevated while sleeping. Fluid won't accumulate underneath the eyes.
•DON'T vigorously rub your eyeballs in the morning. Avoid touching them throughout the day.
•Watch what you wear. Do your eyes puff up midday? For women, beauty products may be the culprit. Many fingernail polishes, hair sprays, and makeup contain formaldehyde, which can cause eyes to swell. Luckily, the fashion industry is wising up and new formaldehyde-free beauty products are hitting the shelves. Use the process of elimination, avoiding each product for one to two weeks, to determine which is causing the blow-up.
•Give your eyes a break! For every hour you are on the computer, take a five- to ten-minute rest. Stare out the window, close your eyes and meditate, or stroll to the water cooler. While working on the computer, try to look away every few minutes.
•Keep your bedroom free from dust, pollen, and animal dander. Remove all dust-collecting objects, wash sheets once a week in very hot water, cover the mattress and pillows with dust-mite protective coverings, and bar pets from the bed. During pollen season, wash your hair before hitting the pillow, and use air conditioning instead of opening the window.
•Use hypoallergenic soaps and fragrance- and color-free detergen.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Eye am Patriotic...


Want an easy and beautiful way to show just how patriotic you are? Try a smokey blue eye for Independence day! Here is how:

Eyes
1.To create a smokey eye line, use an angled eyeshadow brush to apply a black liquid liner under the lower lash line.
2.Using a flat brush, press purple eyeshadow over the existing lower lash eyeliner.
3.Apply a purple eyeliner pencil over the mobile lid as a base for your shadow. Blend out softly above the socket line.
4.Using a large, flat shading brush, set the eye pencil base with your purple eyeshadow.
5.Apply a black eyeshadow to the outer edge of the eye to create a unique smoky shade, blend just past the socket line.
6.Add a splash of color to the inner corner of the eye using a shimmer of blue shadow.
7.Using a contour brush, sweep a beige / neutral eyeshadow through the socket line.
8.With a fine brush, apply black liquid liner to the upper lash line. Create a crisp line, from the inner corner of the eye and tapering at the outer corner of the eye.
9.For added intensity, apply black eyeshadow to the outer edge of the eye line.
10.Apply two coats of mascara to the top lashes and one coat to the lower lashes.
11.For a bold lash boost, add false lashes to the top lash line.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Seeing Red... A couple of Red Heads who may have fooled you...

Did you know Red hair occurs on approximately 1–2% of the human population.[1][2] It occurs more frequently (2–6%) in people of northern or western European ancestry, and less frequently in other populations. Red hair appears in people with two copies of a recessive gene on chromosome 16 which causes a mutation in the MC1R protein. With so few "gingers" running around, there are certainly many in hollywood... of are there? Here are a few "gingers" or red heads who had us fooled...

Amy Adams. This is completely shocking, right? You know what's even more shocking? Amy was working in Hollywood as a blonde, staring in movies like The Wedding Date. It wasn't until she dyed her hair red that people started noticing her.




Christina Hendricks. This Mad Men star is known for her fiery tresses, but they are not her own, color that is. (and yes, that is her on the left)


Nicole Kidman. When we first met Nicole she was a redhead, which would lead you to believe that was her natural color. She's actually a blonde.




Alyson Hannigan, who's naturally brunette. Who saw this one coming?



Laura Prepon. The producers of That 70s Show asked her to dye it from brown to red.



Emma Stone. We recently saw Emma dye her red mane blonde, but as it turns out, she was going back to her original color.



Have you always wanted to see red... or something like it? We have some incredible specials with Jeffrey and Sherri! Book June 21-23 and get multi-dimensional color, highlight and haircut for just $220.00! See who you can fool.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Did you Know How Stretchy Hair Can Be...Plus tips to strengthen

Did you know hair is super stretchy and scientists have found that it can almost extend to one fifth of its length before it breaks. But when wet, it can stretch to almost double its length – so be extra careful with knots when wet!


Do you have weak hair? Stop envying those with thick, strong hair – you can make your hair a lot better looking with hair care products containing Omega 3 fatty acids. Often, weak hair can be restored with hair strenthening products thta add moisture and enhances the protein bonds that build the follicle. Vitamins and supplements can help also by ensuring the proper amino acids and minerals are in your system that promote strength and healthy growth.

Strong Things for Weak Hair

If you have thin, limp, droopy hair, you can use a volumizing shampoo which will help a lot. There are a range of them available on the market, which add body and bounce to weak, lifeless hair that could do with a ‘pick me up’. . .

It’s a good idea to use a scalp stimulating shampoo at least eight times a month that nudges away sebum that may be blocking the hair follicles and preventing thick hair growth. Make sure such a shampoo is a non-irritant, and won’t cause dryness.

There are some organic botanical extracts that can do a lot for weak hair. Herbal wonders such as jojoba and comfrey make removing knots easy (thus preventing damage to the weak hair) and prevent split ends from forming. Things like Amino acids too, are great for weak hair, giving it body and thickness, while keratin makes hair stronger. A great product to use with jojoba, amino acids and keratin is the be Clarked "quench" shampoo and conditioner. The shampoo, infused with jojoba and 10 other amazing botanicals ensure optimal shine and moisture, while the conditioner offers the strength and repairing qualities from complex protiens, including keratin.




More Good Stuff for Weak hair

There are various ingredients found in a good shampoo that do weak hair a lot of good. So look for these elements in the shampoo you’re planning to buy. For example, hydrolysed rice protein makes hair stronger and creates a full look, as it expands the hair itself to make the whole head of hair look thicker. The be Clarked "replenish" shampoo and conditioner offers hydrolysed rice protein plus other amazing proteins and herbal extracts. The conditioner actually conditions and strengthens hair like a deep conditioner treatment in just 60 seconds.




Moisturizing emollients such as aloe and argan oils get rid of unsightly split ends, while Vitamin B5 and Vitamin E make hair stronger and healthier, as well as making split ends vanish. The be Clarked "revive" shampoo and conditioner offer the superior moisturizing elements with argan oil and orange oil infused in the shampoo and the conditioner.



Causes of Weak Hair

Weak hair can be caused my a number of things like poor diet, hormones or chemical treatments. The hair becomes weak and starts to crack and will eventually fall out. You can remedy this by a slight change in diet, and staying away from harmful hair dyes and perms. As mentioned, hair is comprised of proteins that are chained together. These "chains" are called bonds. Bonds are created by amino acids, vitamins and minerals.

If...there is a deficiency in these nutrition requirements, or...if the bonds have been broken or damaged by straightening, heat, perms, coloring, relaxing, etc., or...if follicle moisture has been depleted by heat, harsh hair products, sun damage, chlorine, etc....then, the hair will become weak and damaged and prone to breakage, split-ends, frizz, and loss of styling control. When styling you can add a leave in protectand like be Clarked "straighten up". It acts as a leave in conditioner and straigtening blam in one, while adding shine, protecting from UV damage and heat damage.




How you strengthen hair is by supplementing your diet with hair vitamins, using a moisture shampoo, use a penetrating moisture conditioner, and periodically applying a deep conditioning moisture treatment. It is also helpful if you use a thermal hair protectant to help avoiding steaming when using a flat iron or curling iron.

Check back on our next blog for more beauty trends and tips!

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Happy Father's Day- Interesting Facts about the Day Dedicated to Dad

Father's Day is one of the most awaited holidays in the world. It represents the day when we tell our dad how much he means to us and how lucky we are, to have him in our life. Though you don't need a special occasion to convey all this to him, telling it on Father's Day can make your daddy feel all the more special. While all of us know that Father's Day is a day dedicated to dads across the world, not many people are aware of the fact that it originated in the United States of America, that too owing to the efforts of Sonora Smart Dodd. Apart from this, there are many other interesting facts related to Father's Day, almost all of which have been listed in the lines below. Go through them and increase your knowledge about the special day!

Interesting Trivia On Father Day
In most of the countries around the world, like USA, UK, India, Canada, China, France, Greece, Japan and even Hong Kong, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June.

The person credited for inventing the concept of Father's Day is Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd, an American whose father had raised his six children single-handedly.

The first American president to support the concept of Father's day was President Calvin Coolidge, who did so in 1924.

It was in the year 1966 that President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation that resulted in the declaration of the third Sunday of June as Father's Day.

The declaration of 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day was signed as a law, and made permanent, by President Richard Nixon, in the year 1972.

Father's Day originated in America. The first Father's Day celebration (unofficial) was held in Spokane, Washington, on 19th June 1910.

One of the most common gifts associated with Father's Day comprises of a necktie, followed by flowers.

Rose is the official flower for Father's Day. Wearing a red rose signifies a living father, while white one represents deceased father.

It has been claimed by Hallmark, the renowned greeting card maker, that Father's Day makes up the fifth-largest card-sending holiday in the world.

Greeting cards make up the number one gift item on the occasion of Father's Day.

It has been estimated that more than one-third of the cards sold on Father's Day are funny in nature.

A study came up with the fact that female shoppers spend approximately 50 percent more than men, while buying gifts for their dad.

It is believed that the word "Dad" dates back to as early as the sixteenth century.

In Australia, the first Sunday of September is observed as Father's Day, while Finnish people celebrate the festival on the second Sunday of November. In Thailand, 5th December is observed as Father's Day every year.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Getting the perfect Blow Out

Ahhhh, the perfect blowout. How is it you never really look as put together as you do when you leave the salon after a professional blow dry? Is there magic to hair care and achieving the perfect blowout or is it possible, just possible to do it yourself? Actually, it is as long as you follow the right steps.
A good blowout can last several days. Once you learn how to do it the right way and you take your time, you should be able to keep the look for several days. If you find hair is getting greasy, a bit of baby powder along the crown not only soaks up oils, it adds body.

Difficulty: Average-Hard

Time Required: 15-30 minutes for short hair, 45 min plus for longer or thicker hair

Here's How:
1.Start with freshly-washed hair.
If you have dry hair, condition in the shower. If you have fine hair, condition only the ends. Blot hair -- never rub -- with a towel to get rid of excess moisture. You can't do a blowout with super wet hair or it will take forever.


2.Apply product to towel-dried hair.
A good styling product is key to the perfect blowout. It adds body to fine, limp hair, while women with thick, curly hair need to keep the frizzies at bay. The secret is to coat every strand of hair with product.

If you have curly or dry hair, work in be Clarked "straighten up" and "shine envy". Start by coating the ends, working your way up the hair shaft. Finish by combing the product through hair.

If you have flat, limp hair, spritz be Clarked "ego boost" volumizing spray to maximize your haircut volume.


3.Break out the blowdryer.
If hair is still pretty wet, use a dryer to remove excess moisture before you start the blowdry or let hair airdry for a few minutes.


4.Separate hair into sections.
Divide combed hair into sections and secure with clips or ponytail holders. I find winding hair into mini buns -- two in the back and one on each side -- works best. If you have super thick or heavy hair, try dividing each of your sections. One above the other helps manage the blowout. Leave out a section to start with.


5.Start with your fingers.
Stylists know the secret to the perfect blowout is to start with your fingers. Pull your fingers through hair starting at the roots. Pull hair out a few inches and hold it while you use the dryer to shoot air at the crown on down. We call this powerdrying. It will save your arms in the long run. We don't recomend this with very curly hair though, it may start to frizz before you get to the round brush part.


6.Move on the round brush.
Now that your roots are dry, it's time to move on to a round-barreled brush, we preser a ceramic ion brush. Pull the brush through hair as you blowdry, pointing the nozzle downward onto hair (this helps with frizz).

7.Pull hair super taut as you dry.
As you pull the brush through hair, follow the brush with the dryer. Imagine there's a point six inches in front of your nose. Stretch the hair toward that point as you dry. It sounds crazy, but when you're done, the tips won't flip under or up -- they'll just sort of fan out over your shoulders.


8.Lock in style with the "cool button."
The last step for each section is to pull hair taut with the brush and blast it with cool air from your dryer. You can also each dried section up in a Velcro roller.


9.Continue through all sections until hair is dry.

10.Finish off with a be Clarked "shine envy".
Weigh down random frizzy bits with a shine serum or balm. Skip this step if you have limp, oily hair.



Don't want to be bothered with the trouble of doing this at home? We have a great deal this week for blow outs. Purchase 4 blow out styles with Brenda for just $100.00 and have great hair without the fuss. Must be purchased by Friday June 15.

Miss Bobbi Pinn performance for Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

Come on out to WPLJ's "The Main Drag" Hosted by Vivian Lee on June 14th for a night of fun & girl power as we celebrate LIFE! Plus see Jeffrey from Clark Russell the salon as the fabulous Miss Bobbi Pinn, and help raise money for Avon Walk for Breast Cancer



Celebrity Stylist Clark Russell & his team will be in the house doing $10 pink extensions will all proceeds going to the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer so get there early to get your pink on! PLUS Bobbi Pinn will be doing some fabulous raffles throughout the night with great prizes also all going towards the walk!

Aside from our regular cast featuring Vivian, Bobbi, Anjie & Saki, we will be joined by our extra special guest Vicodonia, a show not to be missed!

WPLJ's - 2112 N. Main St, Walnut Creek CA
21+ $5 cover
Door at 8pm, Show at 9.



Dad's Haircut... Top 12 looks and the Deal of the Week!

Men's Hairstyles: 2012 (according to Ask Men Magazine)

Double Slick

Classic:

In some form or another, a sleek slick has regularly appeared in men’s hairstyles over the past few years, largely due to the popularity of period dramas such as Mad Men and Boardwalk Empire. This year, the twist is two slicks instead of one. To wear the double slick in a more classic way, like actor Chris Hemsworth, you’ll need to grow your hair to medium length. Next, create a center part close to your forehead using your fingers, but don’t be too precise about it -- you’re going for a wavy look that combines refinement with roguishness. Lastly, use a minimal amount of gel or styling cream and a wide-toothed comb to gently maneuver your front hair slightly upward and toward the side.

Trendy Take:

To adopt 2012’s double slick in a less traditional way, check out the style sported by actor Michael Pitt. Reminiscent of the sharp hairstyles favored by men in the early 20th century, this cut is characterized by hair that is significantly longer on the top than it is on the sides. To get this style, visit your barber and ask him to trim the hair on the crown of your head to a medium length and to remove weight from the sides of your head -- the more daring you are, the shorter the bottom layers can go. At home, comb all of your hair back with a touch of styling product and run your fingers through your hair to achieve the double slick. This hairstyle works best with straight hair.


Indie-Rock Front
Classic:

The cool, mod-ish look that has become synonymous with indie rock was highly influential in determining men’s hairstyles for 2012. Whether you love this genre or your musical tastes lie elsewhere, this hairstyle is incredibly easy to wear. A classic version of this cut, like the one worn by Lionel Messi, simply involves asking your barber to snip some piecey layers into your hair and then brushing the front forward before you leave for work.

Trendy Take
:

Given that 2012’s indie rock hairstyle is largely about a full head of hair that women will want to run their hands through, your focus should be on choosing products that will help you get strong, shiny strands. For a hipper variant of the indie front, add a volumizing mousse to your hair-care routine to get some lift like Jimmy Fallon's, and then finger-style your hair for a purposefully undone look. This style lends itself beautifully to naturally wavy hair.

Short Buzz
Classic:

Last year, an ultra-defined buzz cut was the go-to hairstyle for black men. This year, the square-shaped cut remains the leading style for a good reason: It makes any man’s face appear more masculine, it’s easy to maintain and it’s sharp and sexy at the same time. Cam Newton and Drake have both recently been photographed sporting classic examples of this cut.

Trendy Take:

In 2011, the unique way to wear this cut was by incorporating asymmetrical designs. For 2012, however, trade the fancy hairstyling that no one will see unless they’ve got a bird's-eye view of your scalp in favor of stylish sides that will get everyone’s attention. You’ll notice Ludacris’ style, for instance, deviates from the perfectly square. Alternatively, shearing off most of your locks like Don Lemon is another fashion-forward way to wear this style.

Rockabilly
Classic:

Originally pioneered by musicians like Johnny Cash and Elvis, the ’50s pompadour is in the midst of a revival. As long as you go with a toned-down pomp, as seen in the Dolce & Gabbanna and Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2012 runway shows, this hairstyle works even in a conservative environment. Achieve a low-key pompadour by using mousse to coax only your front strands into standing up, then brush them slightly backward and to the side.

Trendy Take:

If you are employed in a creative field or it’s your day off from your suit-and-tie job, consider rocking a refined quiff, which was also showcased in a variety of major 2012 shows. Begin by working mousse throughout your entire head, and then have fun playing around. Just remember to keep the biggest lift in the front of your head and finish with a misting of hairspray to ensure your style stays put.

Messy curls


Classic:

It’s a fact that curly hair tends to have a mind of its own. The trick to working with this hair type is to get a great cut and then let your curls do their thing. In 2012, that means having your hair cut much shorter on the sides than on your crown. With buzz-cut sides and a peaked front, Oscar Pistorius’ ‘do is the gold standard for a classy, office-appropriate look. To keep everything polished, remember to use an anti-frizz product to control fly-aways.

Trendy Take:

Curly haired guys with an artsy side and a devil-may-care attitude will favor James Franco’s interpretation of this hairstyle, in which locks are still longer on top than on the sides but are overall longer everywhere. Another notable feature of this easygoing style is that while it may appear messy, curls are actually well defined, so you’ll need to throw a curl-controlling cream or shampoo into your grooming routine.

Chin-Length Layers

Classic:

Surf culture past and present has been a major theme in fashion as of late, with models being sent down runways sporting rash guards with blazers and long, natural hair. For a sleek option, model your hairstyle on Viggo Mortensen’s gradually layered locks. As you can see, medium to long layers can work well on straight hair regardless of your age, but what really counts here is a top-notch haircut that will air dry to perfection.

Trendy Take:


To wear chin-length layers in a very of-the-moment way, see Ashton Kutcher’s fresh take on the ’90s grunge-surfer look. The actor’s locks are only lightly layered and his part has a somewhat haphazard appearance that’s straight out of the '1990s. What keeps Kutcher’s hairstyle fresh, however, is its healthy (not greasy) shine. If you opt for this natural style, too, avoid scraggly locks by not making the mistake of skipping haircuts.

Short And Even

Classic:

An all-over short cut of a uniform length, as recently seen on Justin Timberlake, will emerge as one of 2012's favorite men’s hairstyles. In addition to being a wash-and-go style that’s ideal for active dudes, this look exudes clean-cut American charm that will pair well with the minimalist ensembles you’ll be seeing in stores throughout 2012.

Trendy Take:

Take the good-boy edge off this cut, as Michael Fassbender has done, by leaving your front just a little longer than the rest of your hair and using a smidge of wax to get a piece-y effect. This style is particularly recommended for men in the early stages of hair loss. Also, if you’ve got a rounder face or soft facial features, consider growing some scruffy facial hair to bring a strong, masculine vibe to this style.

Get the perfect Fathers Day Gift for your Dad by purchasing a Father's Day Haircut Deal with Jeffrey at Clark Russell the salon! For just $100.00 you get 4 haircuts with Jeffrey for the Fashionable Dad in your life! Must be purchased by Friday June 15th!

Friday, June 8, 2012

Veiling the Bride to be

There are many stories of the origin of a bride's veil. Some say that the veil was introduced in ancient Rome. People of that era believed that evil spirits would be attracted to the bride, so they covered her face with a veil in order to conceal her features and confuse them. The definition of veil is to "obscure, shroud, mask or cover, so perhaps that is how the bridal "veil" got its name.

It's also said the in medieval times, the veil was used to protect her from "the evil eye" and was a symbol of purity, chastity, and modesty.

Others say the the origin of the bridal veil was due to the circumstances of an arranged marriage. In days past, men bargained with an eligible young lady's father for their hand in marriage. AFTER the ceremony, the veil was lifted to reveal the brides features. This was to keep a groom from backing out of the deal if he didn't like what he saw.

Some say that the veil was used in days past as a symbol of a bride's submission and willingness to obey her husband.

Certain lengths of bridal veils got their names from how or where they were worn. At one time, Cathedral Veils were only worn in wedding that took place in cathedrals.

Well, times have changed the meaning of the tradition of wearing a bridal veil! Now, wearing a bridal veil:
•signifies a special event - A Wedding!

•signifies joy

•highlights the bride's appearance and features

•is the final crowning touch! Bridal Gowns are transformed with the addition of a veil.


The past history of wearing a bridal veil has given way to new traditions. Over the past 20 years, traditions surrounding the bridal veil have changed even more. Veils were worn more frequently over the face (a blusher). Now, you don't have to wear if over your face all all if you don't want to.

Brides of our day are making their own wedding veil history! Star Jones of the popular Television show "The View" wore a 27' FOOT long Veil--the longest known veil in history. It's dubbed the "Star Cathedral Veil". Her veil was two feet longer than Princess Diana's Bridal Veil.

It also used to be that brides marrying for the second time were not supposed to wear a veil, especially a white veil. Nowadays, it's perfectly acceptable to wear a veil (even a white one) for a second marriage if you want to! (Don't let anyone try to tell you different. It's YOUR day! If you want to wear it, go ahead!)

The wearing of a bridal gown and veil is one of the big days in a woman's life--Choose what YOU feel comfortable in and enjoy your special day! JUST DON"T OVER DO IT!



DO
-Wear a simple veil (i.e., single layer of tulle with either raw edge, pencil, or ribbon trim no wider than one inch) for an outdoor or daytime wedding.

-Opt for unique veils: a mantilla for a church or synagogue ceremony, to coordinate with and highlight the lace on your gown.

-Wear a cathedral veil at a traditional gown-and-church ceremony.

-Choose antique lace for a romantic, vintage feeling.

-A hat with netting works well with a City Hall white suit or cocktail dress.

-Keep with current trends and wear a veil lower in your hair.

-Wear a blusher for a traditional church ceremony.

DON’T
-Don heavy lace or embroidered veils at outdoor weddings.

-Wear the veil for the duration of the reception. Most brides take it off right after the ceremony, though some keep it on until the first dance.

-Have such a long, detailed, or complicated veil that it competes with the dress. Don’t go overboard with crystal trim, sequins, or embroideries.

-Fall victim to a crooked or messy veil. Put your maid of honor in charge of fluffing throughout the ceremony.

-Do tiaras unless they are very understated. Mikimoto makes simple pearl-and-diamond combinations.

-Wear a veil to your bachelorette party, please.


Try resources like www.theknot.com and "here comes the guide" for more advice!
Remember we are here for consultations and advice too, just book an appointment.


Accessoring your Wedding- What to do and what not to do

Accessories can pull together a look or make you get odd looks if you go a little overboard. Unless your a part of the Gypsy clan, and those of you who watch My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding know what we are talking about, you may want to consider something that is classic rather then overly trendy.

Bridal Extensions
It is your dream day and you want your dream hair. Extensions are a great for adding a little bit of weight and volume to your hair without making you look like a completely different personm, if you style them correctly that is.

Adding volume and texture for updos can be easy with the use of extensions. Clip in's are affordable and you can always used them after the wedding. You don't want to go over board with the volume though
Great example of how to wear extenions in an updo

A Great example of how not to wear extensions in an updo


Adding fullness and length by wearing extenions is also great for wedding styles. You Don't want to go overboad with the length and end up with an odd style though. The hair should match your color and texture and compliment your look, not put all the focus on obsurdly long hair.
A great exmaple of how to wear extenions for a down bridal look

A Great exampe of how not to wear extenions for length


Adding Flowers,Hair Accessories and the fower girl
Adding some decorative pieces to your hair can add or take away from your look as a bride. You don't want to add pieces that will make you look like a walking satelite dish, so blingy that you can flag down an aircraft or have so many flowers you look like a walking garden. The idea is to draw attention to your face, not take away from it. You also want to keep your flower girls looking age appropriate, not like part of a pageant.


Check back on tomorrows blog when we break down the veil...






Thursday, June 7, 2012

Fish Scale Lipstick and the perfect pucker for the wedding

Did you know that most lipsticks contain fish scales... Not a great throught when choosing a lipstick for your wedding day but we will explain this. The ingredient under discussion is called pearl essence. (Some sources give this as "pearlescence.") It's the silvery stuff found in fish scales that's used in some lipsticks, nail polishes, ceramic glazes, etc., to make them shimmery. Pearl essence is obtained primarily from herring and is one of many by-products of large-scale commercial fish processing. Synthetic versions have been developed, but to what extent they've supplanted the natural variety I hesitate to say. The cosmetics companies were not forthcoming and I got contrary stories from different industry observers. Fishermen still collect the stuff, though, and one presumes it's being put to good use.




Now on to How to acheive the perfect looks for your kissable wedding day lips:

Lip makeup plays a crucial role in all the makeup process, as if it is not done properly it can ruin your entire appearance by making you look ridiculous. When it comes to lip makeup there are a few tips and tricks in order to choose the right lipstick color or redefine their shape and make them look thinner or fuller according to the result you are searching for.




Whenever talking about lip makeup, there is one important and essential principle. Lip makeup has to be lighter if you have emphasized your eyes. In this case a lip gloss would do. On the other hand, if you want to bet everything on your lips, here are some useful tips.

•First, choose a lipstick color that suits you. For this, the draping step cannot be ignored. However, rules say that dark-haired women should go for red or maroon shades, blondes should choose lighter colors in pink hues, while for red-haired the best option is orange.


•Women having thinner lips should avoid dark red lipsticks that will only make their lips look even thinner than they really are. Dark colors are known as volume reducers, that's why women with thin lips should go for fair colors.
If you want to make them look thicker, pick a lip liner close to the color of your lipstick and make an outline outside your natural lip. Also, a shimmery lip gloss can add plumpness to your lips. Apply the lip gloss on lipstick or alone. Therefore, you should avoid lip gloss if you have thicker lips. Lipsticks can be matte, glossy, creamy or frost. You should know that a shimmery lipstick is better than a matte one as it makes your lips look fuller.




•If your lips are too thin or too fleshy, a good makeup could give the illusion of magnifying or diminishing you lips' size. For this, you need foundation, a lip balm, a lip liner, a lipstick and a gloss. Start by smoothing out the lip contour using foundation.

Afterwards, it will be much easier to redraw the contours of your lips, going beyond your natural contour if you have thinner lips, or on the contrary, making an outline inside the natural lip line if your lips are fuller. In both cases start in the middle point of your lips and go towards the corners of the lips. For thin lips, apply some lip gloss in the middle of the lower lip for thickness effect.


•If your upper lip is narrow, choose two lipstick colors, a darker and a lighter one. Apply the darker one on the lower lip, and use the lighter one for the upper lip. You can also apply a lip liner but only on the upper lip, and try to pick a shade that is close to the one of your lipstick. If your lower lip is narrow apply the same trick but doing everything upside-down.





•For shapeless lips, use a lip liner and make a "V" so you define the bow area going beyond your natural lip line, and then draw more curved lines to the corners of the mouth. It is preferable to apply lipstick using a lip brush.



•Lip makeup for mature women. It is a normal thing that as the years pass by the color and the shape of a mature woman to change. A lip liner is the answer in order to keep the lipstick from bleeding. Choose one that is close to your natural skin color. You can also put on a lip gloss over your lipstick so your lips to look fuller. Avoid matte or glossy and go for creamy lipsticks.





More Tips

•You should never use a darker liner with a light lipstick.
•Women having full lips should avoid glossy lip colors and they don't really need any lip liner.
•Don't apply a thick coat of lip gloss over the lipstick. Apply it instead in the center of the lips and even it starting from there.
•If you want to make your lipstick long-lasting, you should apply two coats of lipstick. After the first coat, press the lips on a tissue paper and then apply the other coat.
•If you want to hide yellow teeth, lipstick with blue undertones such as plum, pink, or violets.
•Use special lip creams with vitamins A, E or C so you can boost the amount of collagen in your lips.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Top Ten Wedding Hair & Make-up Mistakes

When getting ready for the big day many brides make the mistake of over doing the hair and make-up or under doing the hair and make-up. You want to be able to look back on photos years to come and not say to yourself what the hell was I thinking.We cam eup with the top ten lists of Wedding hair and make-up mistakes to avoid.

10.Too Much Make-up and Too Much Products
You want to stay away from overly heavy make-up and hair that won't move. On your wedding day less if more. You don't wnat to walk down the isle looking like a las vegas show girl.

9.Stuck on Trends
You want to stay away from trends crazy and colorful trnds. Bright colorful make-up, over exagerated updos, over the top braids ext. Unless your a gypsy that is...

8.Stay True to You
Go with a style that represents who you are, not what you want to prove to people. In otherwards you don't want to go with an over the top high fashion look if you are a simple girl. Or make it a whole production. Remember why you are there to get married.

7.Look Alikes
You don't the wedding party to be confused on who is actually getting married. The bridal party should look different from the bride. An understated different. If the bride in going simple, the bridal party shold be even more simple.


6.Forcing the Unwilling
Try not to over do a bridal party look with someone who isn't comfortable dressing up and getting dolled up. With these friends and fmily, simple is better. Let their personality show.

5.Change is good, just not before your wedding
Don’t try to tackle too many changes and repairs just before your wedding day. One week before the big event is not the ideal time to try a new hair color, get peels, teeth whitening, or different types of tans. You may end up with color you hate, acne flair-ups, sore gums or blotchy tan marks.

4.Don't Over shine your hair or over gloss your lips



The last thing you want on yur wedding day it to look greasy and over gloss your lips. You want to avoid looking greasy on camera.

3. Don't Overshine

Many brides want a “dewey” shining cheek. Careful because it can look super oily in photos. Opt with a small bit of highlighting on cheekbones or eyes, but not your entire face. This is the time to ditch the mineral makeup look as well - shimmer is not your friend for pictures. Pro brands are your friend and a professional makeup artist will know these particular brands (not retail, generally).

2.Un Touch-Able

Any great makeup artist will tell you that you do need a touch up or two. You will need blotting papers or powder to control face shine before photos, lipstick to reapply. Have a designated "beauty helper" to keep an eye out for you if they see you may need a little something and touch up.

1.Don't Forget your Stylist

We get a lot of last minute, frantic wedding day makeup inquiries. Please look at least 6 months ahead or so to find and book your wedding makeup artist and hairstylists - if you're spending a small fortune on wedding photos - do hire a professional to be a part of your "team". Compared to florals - which don't last past the week (don't get me wrong, florists are essential too) - your makeup and hair will be showcased in your photos for life. Just a consideration. :)

Clark Russsell Salon offers great packages for brides and bridal parties. Call ahead though.... we book up fast!


Check back on the next blog when we talk about adding extensions and hair accessories to your look!