Dancing With The Stars Summer Hair Trend Report

Now that the weather is hot and humid, women everywhere are tossing their heat-styling tools and opting for the usual ponytail, just to beat the heat. Here are some new hair trends to try this summer – so you can look hot – not just feel hot.

Platinum Highlights: Create the ultimate sun-kissed highlights without ever visiting a salon this summer. Simply clip-in extensions like the Dancing with the Stars Starlights Extensions ($49: ULTA.com) in a sun-kissed hair shade (such as Swedish Blonde) and in an instant you have non-committal highlights.

(From left: Spring/Summer 2011 runway at Peter Som; Dancing with the Stars Starlights Extensions)

Ballerina Bun: Instead of tying hair up into another boring ponytail, opt for a chic knotted ballerina bun instead. Simply wrap hair into a low bun, securing with bobby pins to keep hair in place. Add volume to the bun by attaching the Dancing with the Stars Glamarama Extensions ($20: ULTA.com) to complete this look.

(From left: Spring/Summer 2011 runway at Ruffian; Dancing with the Stars Glamarama Extensions )

Braids: The braid has managed to stick around for another season and we know why! It’s easier than ever to create this trend-worthy style at home –without a stylist. Wearing hair up or down, simply incorporate the Dancing with the Stars Bellissima Braid Band ($10: ULTA.com) into any look.

(From left: Spring/Summer 2011 runway at Lacoste; Dancing with the Stars Bellissima Braid Band)

Enjoy!

Nourishing and Protective Products for Summer Hair

It’s funny that although I don’t really style my hair in the summer, I use a lot of hair products to get the “natural” look.  But, the products that I use are as good for my hair as they make it look good. Here are a few that I have been using regularly and recommend to help hair stay healthy in the heat.

Nick Chavez Plump ‘N Thick Leave-In Thickening Creme Conditioner ($22.00 USD) — an exceptional leave-in conditioner for all hair types that maximizes your hair’s body and volume creating richer, thicker, fatter hair. May be applied to dry, wet or damp hair. Special thickening agents have been added to super hydrate and expand the cuticle.

What I think: This is perfect for two reasons; if you want extra conditioning in the summer for dry and frizzy hair, plus if you need to plump up your limp hair, this is the perfect product.  I usually air dry my hair in the summer so I mostly use this on wet hair after a shower. It helps my hair dry softer and thicker.  Visit www.nickchavezbeverlyhills.com to learn more and purchase.

Crack Leave In Hair Cream ($19.99 USD) — Crack is a leave-in hair cream made with Acai Extract and Silk Protein to moisturize and protect hair from dryness.   This is a unique multi-tasking leave in treatment AND styling aid in one, that instantly and effectively transforms, keratin-depleted, stressed, frizzy, curly hair to a sleek, smooth, healthy, shiny dimension.  Sophisticated micro proteins and power peptides instantly infuse deep into the hair cuticle and encase the hair follicle with a keratinous bond, to promote healing, block the effects of humidity and eliminate up to 95% frizz and curl, leaving hair smooth, shiny and luxurious. This can be purchased on www.folica.com and several professional beauty supply stores near you.

What I think:  LOVE the Crack!  I have been using this almost every day since I have received it. I put just a little in my damp hair and run it through to the ends.  It makes my hair shiny, less frizzy and strengthens it.  This product also protects from the sun and chlorine which is perfect for the summer, and the rest of the year.  Try it, you’ll be addicted, too!

Redken Extreme CAT Protein Reconstructing Treatment for Distressed Hair (14.95 USD) — is an extreme treatment dedicated  to strengthening and healing distressed hair. Part of the Redken Extreme Collection (for hair that is up to 4 times stronger!) this restorative spray contains patented Taurine Technology and Cationic Proteins to help reconstruct damaged hair while preventing future damage or weighing the hair down. Silky, spray formula increases manageability, comb-ability, body and shine. Redken’s  exclusive Interbond Conditioning System delivers unique Proteins, Ceramide and Lipids that provide internal strength to the hair’s structure, reinforcement of the cuticles, and a protective resurfacing to every strand. Hair becomes healthy looking and shiny again. Dry, damaged hair is no longer a CATastrophe with Redken Extreme CAT Reconstructing Treatment.

What I think:  I love this whole Redken Extreme line, but this is the product that I have been using the most.  I love that I can use this on wet or dry hair; I especially love that it is perfect as a detangler for my daughters crazy hair wet or dry.  My 7-year-old loves to run outside in the morning with knots in her hair so I grab her and spray this in her hair and the knots come right out!  I like it for myself as well as it is a great wet hair or dry finishing spray.  NICE!

Join Me in The John Frieda At Home Hair Colour Challenge!

John Frieda Precision Foam Colour

Hi All! I’m looking for five readers who want to join me in trying John Frieda’s hair colour. I will send you a box of hair color in the shade of your choice, and all I need is before and after photos to include on my blog.  Here are the details:

Recently John Frieda® launched their first-ever permanent hair colour –Precision Foam ($12.99 USD). Easy to apply, the non-aerosol foam formula spreads evenly through hair, saturating every strand completely—even the back of the head, roots and hairline. The 20-shade palette collection was developed in conjunction with the John Frieda® Creative Colour Director, and sought-after U.K. colourist, Nicola Clarke, who is responsible for some of the most iconic hair colours in Hollywood. With an array of options for blondes, brunettes and redheads, the collection brings a salon shade spectrum home.No mess, no drips,no stains—just gorgeous hair from every angle. The revolutionary colour even provides 100% grey coverage and vibrant shine with long-lasting results, offering salon precision at home.

HOW TO USE:Squeeze the center of the bottle to dispense foam into a gloved hand and apply directly to hair. Simply massage foam into hair with fingertips to thoroughly cover each strand from root to tip. The foam easily coats even the most hard-to-reach areas, including the back of the head. Let stand for 20 minutes (30 minute for grey coverage) and rinse with lukewarm water until water runs clear. Apply conditioner and leave in for 2-5 minutes before rinsing.

I can only accept readers from the United States and Canada.

Are you interested in trying it? If so, leave a comment or email me at lorena.emerson@gmail.com telling me if you want to color your hair to cover greys or change your color (I want a selection for the review).  Also let me know what shade you would like to try.  If I choose you, I would need you to color your hair within a week of receiving the product and I would like before and after photos that show your transformation that I can use on my blog. I would also like your thoughts on the process.   

Find your perfect (or super fun) shade at:  http://www.johnfrieda.com/en-US/homecolour/shade-selector/ 

So let me know if you wat to join me in this challenge!

Bath and Home Fragrance Ideas For Mom!

Avon Naturals Banana & Coconut Milk Hydrating Shampoo ($4.00 — $1.99 on sale, 8.4 fl. oz) — I love this extremely moisturizing shampoo. It makes my hair so soft and smells amazing! There is also a conditioner, body lotion, body spray and other bath products that you can purchase from the Naturals line.  Place a selection together in a basket for Mom. She will love it!   To purchase visit  www.youravon.com/brittbowman.

Antica Farmacista 100 mL Home Ambiance Diffusers ($25.00 USD). A miniature version of the signature product in the collection, these diffusers are a unique and beautiful way to fragrance and decorate your home. The delightful fragrances permeate the air through the bottles’ open neck and white birch reeds that are inserted to further diffuse the scent. Simply uncork the bottle and place the reed bundle into the neck. You can enhance the scent by inverting the reeds every few days or as desired. The fragrance will infuse the air and provide a lasting and beautiful scent without ever being overpowering! This petite size is available in thewse Antica scents: Acqua; Ala Moana; Champagne; Grapefruit; Green Fig; Lemon, Verbena & Cedar; Magnolia, Orchid & Mimosa; No. 11; Orange Blossom, Lilac & Jasmine; Sakura; Sandalwood Amber; Santorini; and Vanilla, Bourbon & Mandarin.  They are available at www.AnticaFarmacista.com.

bodycology® Warm & Cozy Sock Set ($4.99 USD) is a delightfully thoughtful gift set for mom that includes a 2oz body cream, 2oz body mist and a pair of cozy socks. The sock set is available in a variety of soothing and uplifting fragrances that will indulge her senses, such as Sweet Petals, Cherry Blossom, White Gardenia, Cucumber Melon, Sunshine Daisy and Brown Sugar Vanilla. You can Purchase this at Walmart stores or www.walmart.com.

TIGI Bed Head Style Shots Epic Volume Shampoo and Conditioner

Big hair is a hot trend this Spring. How to achieve the look? Start with adding volume with TIGI Bed Head Style Shots Epic Volume Shampoo & Conditioner.

For thick, voluptuous hair, start your styling in the shower. With volume boosting shots for gravity-defying root lift and incredible body, use Epic Volume Shampoo ($15.95 USD) and Conditioner ($16.95 USD), a new volume-enhancing product combination that primes your style while you wash. The super-charged, sulfate-free shampoo provides light to moderate cleansing and improves hair’s strength while preventing colour from fading, while the nourishing conditioner provides style memory while using a volume boosting shot to explode your style from root to tip.

I find that this delicious raspberry scented shampoo and conditioner not only volumize, but seem to thicken the hair all the way down to the roots.  As with all TIGI products, this is a luxurious experience and makes hair big, healthy and shiny! Add a little root volume spray and hair will be huge!

Available at www.tigihaircare.com and fine salons nationwide. Enjoy!

Protect Your Hair With JOICO K-PAK Color Therapy

JOICO’s K-PAK Color Therapy collection is a dual-benefit system that strengthens strands while doubling the life of color’s vibrancy.  The newest member of JOICO’s K-PAK “family,” well-known for deep-conditioning and hair reconstruction, K-PAK Color Therapy contains the revolutionary QuadraBond Peptide Complex.  This complex resurfaces and reconstructs hair to ensure that damaged strands maintain color intensity twice as long when compared to ordinary shampoo and conditioner.  At the same time, even the weakest, most fragile or structurally impaired hair feels softer, silkier and more manageable, and looks shinier and healthier.
 
The K-PAK Color Therapy Science
The QuadraBond Peptide Complex features four key elements that work together to help repair the outer surface and inner core of each strand.  As a result, hair is stronger, more “fit” and better able to repel the water that diminishes the intensity and vibrancy of haircolor.  These four elements provide essential protection to hair’s “B-Layer”—the hair’s first line of defense against damage—which is disrupted and compromised by environmental aggressors, styling and chemical services:

Quadramine PEP, the next generation of JOICO’s signature Quadramine conditioning complex, which contains peptides that attach themselves to damaged sites of hair to provide targeted, long-term repair.  Arginine, a consequential amino acid found naturally in the hair, which restores silkiness and shine.  Arginine works to strengthen the hair surface, equipping it to repel water, which in turn minimizes color loss/fading. AUnique Polymer System bonds to torn, lifted cuticles, thereby locking in color molecules and producing significant moisture and shine.
Ultra-hydratingAfrican Manketti Oil moisturizes and replenishes damaged hair, and provides lasting shine, vitality and softness to hair.
 
Thanks to this unique complex, K-PAK Color Therapy is poised to become the first choice for clients in search of a premium professional regimen that will protect and prolong their color “investments” and significantly improve the overall look and condition of their hair.
 
The unique, three-part K-PAK Color Therapy regimen is a complete color preservation and hair repair system:

K-PAK Color Therapy Shampoo ($13.95):  Gently cleanses while enhancing elasticity, strength, color vibrancy and shine.  The rich lather won’t disrupt the surface B-Layer, so color molecules are discouraged from escaping.
K-PAK Color Therapy Conditioner ($15.95):  This daily formula fortifies, reconstructs and strengthens as it protects color integrity.  It calms surface disruptions, and helps smooth, detangle and eliminate frizz.
K-PAK Color Restorative Styling Oil ($19.95):  This weightless formula is equally effective as a treatment and as a styling product.  Rich in an exotic blend of Manketti, Argan and Evening Primrose Oils, itseals and nourishes the hair cuticle, which discourages premature color fading.  As it helps regenerate hair, it also conditions hair for incredible softness and smoothness.  As a styling aid, it reduces styling and drying time and provides vibrant shine without weight or build-up.

What I think:  This is a pretty fantastic system. Using the shampoo and conditioner is a fab experience because they both make hair soft and easy to detangle when wet. I add a little of the styling oil when hair is damp, and once I dry it my hair is soft and sleek. The oil can also be used on dry hair to smooth. I have noticed that while using this my color is lasting and is very rich (my hair is dark).   
 
JOICO K-PAK Color Therapy is suitable for all hair types and is available at professional salons. Enjoy!

Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Hair Care Products

My hair is certainly beginning to show its (my) age. It is thinner, dry and living in Kansas City has made it frizzy.  I love the idea of anti-aging hair care, because the needs of our hair change as we get older. Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Line was created to hydrate dry, brittle hair and help combat the signs of aging. Some of the products in the line are innovative and extremely helpful in making any hair look it’s best. My favorites are:

Caviar Anti-Aging 3-Minute Shine Boost ($25.00 USD) — A shine-enhancing hair treatment. Inspired by salon glazing services, this weekly shine treatment acts like a lip gloss for your hair giving it an instant blast of high-definition shine. For those with processed hair, this product instantly recharges faded color between salon visits and gives hair reflective brilliance while sealing the cuticle with a moisturizing layer.

What I think: This does give hair a nice shine, but you do have to use a lot to achieve this. To use, shampoo, condition and squeeze out excess water from you hair, then apply an ample amount of the cream. Leave on for 3-5 minutes and rinse out.  Style as usual and you should get a nice sheen to your hair. 

Alterna Caviar Perfect Blowout Creme ($25.00 USD)  is a hydrating styling creme that provides gentle control. It reduces frizz and minimizes static while providing you with the perfect blow dry experience. Alterna Caviar Perfect Blowout Creme provides a sleek, smooth blowout with radiant shine. It tames frizz to keep hair smooth, shiny and moisturized.
 
What I think: I applied this creme to my hair by rubbing a dollop in my hands to emulsify it, then I applied it through my hair with my fingers. I then did a complete blow out, by sectioning my hair and blow drying using a round brush to smooth the hair. It turned out well. My hair was shiny and smoothed. I used a little shine serum to finish the look off. Very pretty!  

Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Overnight Hair Rescue ($35.00 USD) — A deeply penetrating overnight treatment for damaged hair that repairs while you sleep. This powerful treatment repairs and replenishes damaged hair, restores and reinforces hair strength, and prevents future breakage. It absorbs instantly and won’t leave greasy residue on pillows or sheets. The more you use it, the healthier your hair becomes.

What I think: This is a brilliant concept because you can sleep while treating your hair! I like that this is not greasy and doesn’t ruin pillows or sheets! In the morning, rinse it off and style as usual.  Your hair will be soft and healthy-looking!
 
Visit www.alternahaircare.com to learn more and to find a retailer near you. Enjoy! 

 

Add Some Volume to Your Hair With Clip-In Extensions by POP and HairDo

Wonder how the dancers and  celebrities in Dancing with the Stars plus pop sensation Jessica Simpson get their great voluminous hair? Clip-in extensions! These allow easy changes in hair styles — you don’t have to commit to one style! So much fun!

Bango Tango by Dancing with the Stars ($22.00 USD) is a very blunt bang that allows you to achieve a prominent fringe without any cutting of your natural hair combined with Heat-Friendly synthetic fiber that can be styled using a flat iron or curling iron, up to 350 degrees. It also features 3 pressure sensitive clips; two that tuck into the front hairline and one to attach to the back of the piece.

What I think: Thinking about getting bangs? I was. Bango Tango is a great way to try a cute full fringe without committing to a hair cut. I found out that it is not the look for me, but my bang-less hair is still in tact!

I love the Bump Up the Volume by hairdo ($99.00 USD)! This is a one piece clip in volumizing extension made with heat-friendly synthetic hair. The overall length measures 21 inches from top to bottom and can be cut and styled to blend with hairstyle. Instantly create lift and volume at the crown where you need it most. Created by celebrity stylist Ken Paves and tested on Jessica Simpson herself, you can take your hair to new heights, without teasing and using hairspray. The half-circle base has 4 pressure sensitive clips which secures firmly in place without damaging your own hair. There are also flexible wires built-in to the base which allow you to push up for extra height.  Available in 11 salon inspired colors.

What I think: This is so easy to use! I love how easy it is to apply and that you can adjust the size of the bump that you want by pushing up the bottom of the piece and clipping it in. It looks really cool in a ponytail — my hair is thin and it gives me extra thickness. You can also curl it or wave it and wear it loose.

Go! Go! Girl by Dancing with the Stars ($49.00 USD) is a 19″ V-Shaped 1 piece clip-in extension that offers incredible volume and layers, yet has a compact, comfortable fit combined with Heat-Friendly synthetic fiber that can be styled using a flat iron or curling iron, up to 350 degrees. It features 6 pressure sensitive clips for easy, secure attachment.

What I think: It looks extremely natural under a layer of your hair —  smooth your hair over it and the layers look like they are yours! The only downfall is that it is a bit heavy.

Visit www.hairextensions.com and www.hsn.com to purchase these amazing hair pieces.

The Award-Winning White Sands Curling Iron

White Sands Curling Iron

 

White Sands, a professional hair care manufacturer rated as one of Hollywood’s most requested product lines, is proud to announce their Spring Marcel Curling Iron ($110.00 USD) as the recipient of Best Curling Iron for Essence Magazine’s 2011 Beauty Awards!
 
These innovative and now award-winning curling irons are one of the first in the beauty industry to fuse the Marcel and Spring Load curling iron methods into ONE tool. Utilize the professionalism of a Marcel curling iron to create beautiful waves or switch to the direct control of a Spring Load without the need for multiple irons.
 
Available in 3 sizes (1″, 1.25″, & 1.33″), this light weight Professional Titanium Iron is the secret to achieve beautifully designed and polished curls.  Maintain total styling control with a smart tool providing an instant and even heat with a Digital LED Temperature Setting ranging from 122 – 410°F. As the smoothest surface available for tools, tresses will effortlessly glide over the Titanium barrel for styling free of unwanted tugging, snags, or breakage. This cutting edge material produces the iron’s even heat distribution, emitting negative ions to create soft, silky hair.          

What I think: This is a great curling iron! I tried the 1.25″ size and it gave me big curls that I brushed out into soft waves — very pretty. I used it on my 6-year-old daughter and created fun barrel curls. She looked so cute! And it was so easy to use. I love that the barrel can rotate, which made it easy when I switched hands and directions of curl, the rotating barrel made the transition easy. It also heated extremely quickly, which is important for curling children’s hair — they do not want to wait a long time!

This curling iron is available at fine salons & www.whitesandsproducts.com.

Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Collection

Argan Oil is currently my favorite ingredient for hair care.  It makes hair shiny and manageable without it being greasy. I especially like argan oil treatments. I know that oil in hair can be scary, but if you put the right amount in, you get incredible shine and softness!

Organix has recently come out with an affordable Argan Oil Collection that includes the following benefits:

  • Sulfate and Paraben Free
  • Organic Active Ingredients
  • Amazing Scents
  • Safe For Color-Treated Hair
  • Safe for All Hair Types

The products in the collection are:

Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner ($7.99 USD) — Indulge the senses with this precious blend of Moroccan argan oil which instantly penetrates the hair shaft restoring shine and softness while strengthening.  This renewing formula is free of sulfates and parabens, and is safe for color-treated hair.  Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner will restore moisture to dry hair, protect from styling heat and UV damage while creating soft, seductive, silky perfection

Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Penetrating Oil ($7.99 USD) — This rare, ultra light weight formula is nature’s secret to silky perfection!  Derived from the southwest region of Morocco, argan oil instantly penetrates the hair shaft to seal in shine and protect from styling heat and UV damage.  Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Penetrating Oil fights frizz, strengthens and moisturizes dry, brittle hair to give you smooth sexy tresses.

Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Renewing Treatment ($7.99 USD) — Renew your hair’s inner health with argan oil nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamin E.  Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Renewing Treatment is a deep conditioning, exotic formula to add brilliant shine and create lush softness without leaving any heavy residue which can weigh hair down.

These are great products for the price. Visit www.organixhair.com to learn more and you can purchase at drugstores and mass market retailers