Posted on: December 28th, 2011 by Becca No Comments
From pomades to weaves, the buzz surrounding African American ladies’ hair continues to grow. Celebrity hairstyles fuel the fashion debate about natural hair as more and more women begin to embrace their roots, swapping their chemicals for more natural products.
For black women, natural hair simply means that it has not been processed or chemically altered through the use of products designed to straighten, soften, or cause it to relax. Smooth, straight hair has been in vogue for years, but this trend is starting to reverse.
Products, wigs, and weaves make up a more than $1 billion industry revolving around African American hair. Fashion, politics, and personal preference are behind this push to go natural.
From 2010 to 2011, the number of women who admitted that they do not use any type of chemical relaxer on their hair increased by 10percent. Over the past five years, relaxer kit sales have taken a 17 percent hit. These numbers may not seem so large now, but give it a few more years, and the market may shift entirely.
Numbers like these have caused hair product manufacturers to give ear to what the women want. Companies will have to begin developing products that cater to this expanding market of naturalists. Already, several companies, such as Soft-Sheen Carson, have taken advantage of this trend and introduced some new hair care products that meet the needs of this growing population. This change will be beneficial for smaller companies who specialize in natural hair care.
Chemical relaxers have been shown to damage hair, leaving it dry and lifeless. Constant heat from irons, dryers, and pressing combs leaks to breakage. Braids that are too tight not only cause headaches but also may lead to hair loss. Weaves and hair extensions that make use of heat and glue are extremely harmful to hair’s health. Natural oil is essential, while rubbing oil on the scalp can actually clog pores and lead to hair health issues. Spritzed hairstyles that leave hair feeling crunchy and stiff are losing popularity. Women are rebelling against the looks and styles that do more harm than good, as they look for ways to boost hair’s health and strength.
A definite shift can be observed in the African American community, as women want to go as natural as possible. For those who want to tame their mane without the use of harmful chemical products, dozens of books, blogs, and websites, including YouTube, offer advice on hair care as well as natural styling tips.
The celebrities may be the most prominent faces of this trend, but black women everywhere are taking their hair back to its natural roots and embracing its unique style.
Posted on: December 23rd, 2011 by Beauty Schools Directory No Comments
Here at BSD, we love to celebrate the holidays with Christmas tunes. We know you probably have some favorites of your own, but we want to share our top 10 favorite Christmas carols that always having us turning up the radio or belting out the verses, and since tomorrow is Christmas Eve, what better time to get in the spirit than now?
10. Santa Claus is Coming to Town
What top Christmas song list is complete without one about Santa? Maybe we’re long past the point of believing in him, but this carol brings us back to childhood and all the excitement we felt this time of year.
9. Jingle Bells
Sure, hearing the eighty thousandth version of it on the 24/7 Christmas radio station probably gets old, but it’s a cheerful, joyful classic!
8. Sleigh Ride
Kind of a counterpart to Jingle Bells, Sleigh Ride is another upbeat, happy winter song that gets us bouncing. Oh, and it totally makes us wish we had an old-fashioned sleigh to go for a ride in.
7. Holly Jolly Christmas
Who can resist this jovial Christmas song? We can’t! Holly Jolly Christmas spreads the cheer around, whether you’re listening to Burl Ives or Johnny Marks version.
6. Let it Snow
Okay, listen to this song – whichever version you want – and then look us right in the eyes and tell us it doesn’t make you want to snuggle up with a cup of hot cocoa and warm up in front of the fireplace.
5. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
This song brings a bit of tradition and a bit slower of a pace. Judy Garland made this song famous in 1944, but our favorite version is Karen Carpenter’s, whose velvet voice makes us feel super-cozy.
4. Jingle Bell Rock
Jingle Bell Rock is just one of those tunes you can sport some jazz hands to that really gets you in the Christmas mood. Bonus points for being a feature in holiday classic Home Alone.
3. Winter Wonderland
While Winter Wonderland was originally recorded by Felix Bernard in the early 1900s, artists from Elvis Presley to Michael Buble (swoon!) have their own version of this song, and it’s enough to turn our frowns upside-down when the snow starts to fall.
2. All I Want for Christmas is You
You didn’t expect us to miss this one, did you? Mariah Carey’s new classic (and no, we do NOT acknowledge the new version with Justin Bieber) is all about love, and we just love to love around the holidays. We can’t belt it out like the diva herself, but we sing along within the safety of our own homes.
1. White Christmas
It’s not the Christmas season until we’ve listened to this song multiple times. And you can pick whichever cover you want, but we stick to the original from the Crooner himself: Bing Crosby.
Posted on: December 21st, 2011 by Becca No Comments
The first of January will not only bring in the new year, but will also usher in some of the season’s newest styles and trends. Designers from New York to London have already forecasted the latest spring fashions, and fashionistas are super excited to begin wearing new Spring 2012 designs. If you’re looking to upgrade your wardrobe with some of the spring’s best styles and freshest trends, take a look at our runway beauty recap to start your season off right! Women can look forward to delicious pastels, tailored clothing and a variety of bold patterns and prints.
Fitted Tops
One of the most interesting Spring 2012 trends seen on runways from New York to London were fitted tops. The bra top, which was featured by several designers including Dolce & Gabbana and Viktor & Rolf, was a favorite piece that was paired with jackets and cropped pants. Vivian Westwood featured a series of denim bra-tops and jackets in her Spring 2012 fashion show held during London Spring Fashion Week. Bra-tops were also spotted as the edgy accent for long maxi skirts and sweet, floral A-line skirts.
One of the most popular 2011 trends that is expected to carry over into 2012 are peplum accents. This spring, several designers are marrying the bold and sexy fitted top with peplum accents, which both accentuate the waist and further define a woman’s shape.
A Pop of Color
True to form, the spring will reintroduce soft colors to the fashion landscape. The bold, bright color trend will carry over into 2012 via bright colors like magenta, aqua and tangerine. But while loud colors will remain popular, the spring will also usher in cooler shades that have just a whisper or tint of color. During Spring Fashion Week, runways were speckled with pastel colors. Soft yellows, greens, pinks and oranges ruled the roost and were often used as a spot-color accent for cream and khaki. Subtle color can also be achieved through the use of iridescent color and sequence.
Texture
Another trend that will carry over to 2012 is fashion’s recent love affair with leather and lace. Leather has been one of the hottest fabrics in fashion and has been used for hair accessories, clothing and jewelry. Lace, naturally, will remain en vogue, as it is the perfect complement to edgier leather pieces. This spring, lace will remain in style, but will be revamped as an overlay fabric. Look for tops and dresses featuring lace laid over sequined fabric or under burnt-out leather.
Prints
One of spring’s most exciting trends are prints. Printed fabrics – big and small, neutral and bold – are making their way back onto the fashion scene. While some designers like Diane von Furstenberg are beloved for their focus on printed fabrics, other designers are now showcasing prints and featuring pieces created from classic floral designs and zany food prints.
The animal print trend will continue into the spring, buffeted by the current industry preference for snake and leopard prints. DKNY and Emilio Pucci each featured a variety of fun and striking prints in their collections. In addition to animal prints, and prints of animals, designers have also tapped into sea prints featuring seashell and sand designs. Sea-inspired prints capitalize on bold, blue tones such as cerulean and aqua, which are also favorites this spring.
Vintage Silhouettes
While some might have imagined 2012 ushering in futuristic style, don’t be surprised by the return to vintage style. Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani, Roberto Cavalli and Gucci created a variety of spring pieces inspired by vintage silhouettes. Rachel Roy featured Asian-inspired details like the Mandarin collar and a 1930s-style Japanese kimono while other designers produced A-line skirts and fitted tops reminiscent of the 1940s and 50s.
Posted on: December 19th, 2011 by Becca No Comments
We touched on this in our holiday hair trends post, but it deserves a closer look: 2011 has been the boom year for the braid. Formerly regulated to the pigtails territory, the braid has bounced back and been integrated into a number of timeless, classy looks that look chic and effortless.
The Messy Bun-Braid
Taylor Swift wowed the crowd with her messy yet sophisticated bun-braid at the New York launch of her latest fragrance, Wonderstruck. This classy look is so easy that anyone can master it.
To pull off the bun-braid, begin by dividing your hair into three sections, with the outer side sections being smaller than the center section. Next, secure the middle and left sections into ponytails. Braid the right section, and wrap a band around the bottom. Repeat on the left side. You should now have two side braids with a ponytail in the middle.
At this point, you have several options for the center ponytail. You can opt for one loose braid or several smaller braids. Be sure to secure them at the bottom. Twist this center section of braided hair into a low bun. Allow it to be loose and slightly messy. Don’t worry about making it super tight. This helps to create a more romantic look. Finally, take the right braid and wrap it loosely around the messy bun. Do the same thing with the left braid. Secure your hair with bobby pins and spray as needed.
It is best to use clear, elastic bands at the bottom of the braids, as they blend in perfectly with your hair. You have a big more wiggle room with the bobby pins. Choose pins that match your hair color or add some flair with jeweled bobby pins that sparkle and shine.
Fish Ponytail Braid
This braid looks complicated but is actually quite simple. Start by securing your hair in a high ponytail. Next, divide your locks into two sections. Then take a small bundle of hair from the right, and pull it across to the middle. Do the same thing on the left side. Repeat this process all the way down the length of your ponytail.
The biggest challenge with this style is splitting the halves into smaller strands for braiding. Use a smoothing gel or paste to aid with this step.
Wraparound Headband Braid
This whimsical braid brings out your inner princess. You will need to separate your hair at your ear and running across the top of your head, brushing the top half toward your face and over to the side. This section is used to create the wraparound braid.
Braid your hair starting from your ear around the front of your head. Make sure that the braid is tight and close to your scalp. Using smaller strands of hair will help here. Once the braid reaches the opposite ear, secure it with bobby pins.
Bohemian Side Braid
Chic defines this versatile braid. Simply pull your locks to one side and braid away. You can use a fishtail or regular braid. Get fancy with multiple braids. The point is not to braid to tightly to maintain the “I didn’t spend much time getting ready” look.
Posted on: December 19th, 2011 by Heather No Comments
We joined professional makeup artist Mandy McKenna at The Last Tangle Salon to put together this tutorial for you about how to do a 1940s pinup makeup look! The look includes the lightly shadowed eye, cat eye eyeliner and of course ruby red lipstick! This video covers the vintage pinup makeup look, and then shows the final product at the very end. The video is a little long, but trust me – you’ll want to watch it start to finish. The professional makeup artist gives tons of valuable insider tips and advice you won’t want to miss! I also ask Mandy about her experience in cosmetology school and her career as a makeup artist, and she has tons of valuable information to share.
If you like what you see here and you’re interested in becoming a makeup artist, look for makeup schools near you.
Here’s the final look!
“How to Do a 1940s Pinup Makeup Look Tutorial” Video Transcript
Heather/Beauty Schools Directory: Hey there, this is Heather with Beauty Schools Directory. I’m at The Last Tangle Salon in Overland Park, Kansas. We’re going to go in and talk to some of their very talented hairstylists and makeup artists about doing a pinup hairstyle, as well as pinup makeup for the vintage holiday party tonight. We’ll ask them a little bit about how they got into beauty and cosmetology, and see what interesting tips and advice they can offer us. So come on in!
Heather: We’re inside The Last Tangle Salon in Overland Park, Kansas and we’re going to meet our makeup artist of the day. Would you like to introduce yourself and tell us who you are?
Mandy McKenna/Makeup Artist at The Last Tangle Salon: I’m Mandy McKenna, and I’m a hair and makeup artist here at The Last Tangle Salon.
Heather: And what are we doing today Mandy?
Mandy: We are going to give you a nice 1940s pinup makeup look.
Heather: And what is all this over here?
Mandy: Well these are my brushes. You gotta have a good eyeliner brush because they really concentrate on the cat eye eyeliner. It’s very important to have that, and a nice contouring brush, too. Though it doesn’t look like they wore a lot of eye shadow, it’s mainly contouring with nude looks.
Heather: So is this your standard kit? You have this on you at all times? This is what you use?
Mandy: Yes, this is for the salon, then I have a kit for on-location.
Heather: What’s the makeup style you tend to do most often?
Mandy: The smokey eye. Everyone wants the smokey eye!
Heather: So what do you say we get started?
Mandy: Sure, grab a seat!
Heather: What just happened there?
Mandy: That’s just alcohol. We like to be nice and sanitary. Any time you see me spraying this I’m just sanitizing.
Mandy: Because I can’t put liquid foundation over powder, it’ll get cakey. I’m actually a MAC Artist, MAC Cosmetics. I’ve been doing that since 2008.
Heather: About 3-4 years now?
Mandy: Yeah.
Heather: Have you been doing makeup for just the three years, or did you do makeup even before you got into cosmetology schools?
Mandy: Well I’ve been an artist my whole life, so it kinds of coincides.
Heather: An artist like paintings and other creative stuff?
Mandy: Yeah, I like watercolors and charcoals.
Heather: So is that how you knew you wanted to be a makeup artist?
Mandy: No, I actually wanted to be a vet.
Heather: Really? What happened? What changed?
Mandy: I don’t like needles or blood, so that was the realization I came to. And I actually have my degree in computers.
Heather: Interesting – what a strange place to end up then! So what happened or changed that made you want to go to cosmetology school instead?
Mandy: I ran a salon for three years when I was in college, and I just really liked watching him. He was a world renowned hairdresser. He’s actually a judge of competitions internationally and he trains the U.S. Olympic Hair Team. So it was fun watching him create things and he was just very inspiring. And there was another lady who worked there who was a Miss Missouri Pageant Consultant for 12 years, so it’s just fun to watch people create. People always feel a lot better going out than coming in.
Heather: So that’s probably why you stick around? It makes people feel good?
Mandy: Yeah.
Heather: So do you feel makeup allows you to be as creative as you are as an artist already?
Mandy: Yeah, actually this weekend Jen (the owner) and I did a creative thing. It was like Carnivale and the masks. So she did some crazy hair and I actually created with makeup masks on the face. Ok, this is an eye primer, for the eye shadow. You want a nice primer to give you a nice base since there are a lot of blood vessels and stuff throughout the eye, and the skin is very thin there, so you want to camouflage all that with a nice primer. You can see the difference.
Heather: When you do event makeup do you typically do makeup first and hair second?
Mandy: It really depends. It depends because I do their hair, too, but it depends on what they’re doing with their hair. I do spray tanning, lash extensions – I do it all.
Heather: How long did it take you to finish cosmetology school?
Mandy: About a year and a half, because I actually worked while I was going, too. I worked 30 or so hours a week. Usually it will take a year if you’re not working, too. cosmetology school is basically worknig but not getting paid, because you’re behind the chair, but you’re only getting tips.
Heather: Or if you’re a makeup artist you’re in front of the chair!
Mandy: So we’re going to do a nice neutral eye, with this kind of vanilla color. I’m going to put this all over your lid. And that’s going to create a base for your eye shadow.
Heather: I have blue eyes, so she’s going to do an orange.
Mandy: I’m going to do an orange undertone, so it’s going to make her eyes even more blue. Yeah, it looks gorgeous right now. [Laughs] Kind of dust the brush off and we’re going to blend it.
Heather: I heard that blending is the most important thing you can learn as a makeup artist . Is that true?
Mandy: Yeah, it is. It’s very important. I’m blending that on the outer corner and the inner corner. For the ’40s makeup they really had a highlight over the middle of the eye. And then blend it in the crease.
Heather: I’m the worst client ever, I’m opening my eyes half the time. I want to see!
Mandy: Dab a little here, a little there. And just to show you the color I’m using, it’s this color right here (a bronze orange hue)
Posted on: December 15th, 2011 by Becca No Comments
Though the weather outside is frightful, your nails can be delightful. You might not be sporting your fancy flip-flops; you may need your mittens more often than not, but that does not mean that your fingernails and toenails can’t look great year round.
Due largely to the economic decline, women are opting for more budget-friendly splurges. Many women are willing to sacrifice expensive haircuts and highlights in order to treat themselves to something less pricey. For the first time in recorded history, nail products are outselling the ever-popular lipsticks and glosses. Trendy talons are all the rage this year!
As the holidays approach, it is time to step up your game with glitter and glitz nail designs. Nail art, including gems and tattoos, have taken the market by storm. Once a luxury afforded only to those who regularly visited a nail salon, DIY manicure sets and at-home accessory packs make glamorous nails a reality for everyone this holiday season.
A new season means new nail polish. Greens, golds, silvers and reds are the colours vying for the top spots this time of year, though taupe nail polish and earthy tones are making a comeback. Glitters and crystal gem nail designs add that extra sparkle and eye-catching appeal.
Prime up your favourite pumps with metallic flash. Exude class and sophistication with matte black. Use your nail colour to make your party dress pop. Nails are the ultimate accessory when creating your perfect outfit and flashing your unique flair.
This season marks a return to the prim and proper of traditional times with nail colours that not only match your lipstick but also your clothing. However, unlike the hushed tones of our sisters in the Forties, extravagance is the word of the day.
Special effects that shimmer and shine are the hottest trends; the bolder the better. Elaborate designs, ombre fades, stellar studs, and magnetic polishes catch the oohs and ahhs of the crowd. Your nail polish provide the ultimate opportunity for risk-taking. Nothing is permanent. From the crazy to the classic, nails are the place to let your personality shine through.
Watch the runways to confirm the latest trends of richly jeweled colours. Keeping your nails short paired with sleek colours guarantees to have you party-ready all day long. Abandon the idea of matching. Mixing and contrasting hues, shades, and tones sends the message of glamour and style.
Make a statement with two-toned nail nail polish. Try glossy nails with matte finish lipstick or vice versa. Don’t be afraid to experiment with a variety of colours and textures.
For a new twist on the French manicure, try painting the tips with a metallic sheen that glimmers in the light. Blending colors and varying tops coats are other great ways to achieve a unique look.
It is no secret that your nails can tell a lot about you. Your nails are like your personal canvas of expression, ready to display your true colours. Be sure that your nails are sending the right message with shapely nails that are sporting this seasons hottest colours and styles.
Posted on: December 13th, 2011 by Becca No Comments
With the holidays fast approaching and all of the stress of the season, you could probably use a little pampering to mellow out. We’ve got some great DIY pampering ideas that make relaxing treats for you this winter. Bonus: They also double as fun gift ideas!
Facial Masks
Strawberry Oat Supreme
Mash or purée about seven large strawberries. Add two teaspoons of honey, one tablespoon of whole oats, and one tablespoon of plain yogurt. Mix and apply to your face for about twenty minutes. Rinse with warm water.
Egg White Delight
Mix two egg whites with two tablespoons of plain yogurt. Apply the mixture to your face and leave on for five to ten minutes. Rinse with warm water.
Pumpkin Paste
Purée half a cup of fresh pumpkin with two eggs. If you have dry skin, add one teaspoon of honey. For combination skin, use two teaspoons of almond milk. Oily skin will benefit from two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar or cranberry juice. Mix ingredients and apply to your face, leaving the mask on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with cool water to tighten your pores.
Hair Treatments
Avocado Authority
Combine one mashed avocado with half a cup of coconut milk and three teaspoons of olive oil. Warm the mixture on the stove. Be sure to massage it on your scalp as you apply it from root to end. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes and then shampoo as usual.
Cider Silky Shine
Nourish your locks with two tablespoons of honey mixed with a tablespoon of almond oil and a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. For optimal results, leave this mask on for at least an hour before shampooing.
Beer Banana Booster
Boost your hair’s volume with a mashed banana blended with an egg, a tablespoon of honey, and half a cup of beer. You’ll want to soak in the tub for this one, as it requires at least an hour.
Skin Enhancers
Shea Sugar Scrub
Mix two to three cups of raw sugar with half a cup of jojoba oil, one tablespoon of shea butter, and four tablespoons of honey. Massage all over you body and rinse for an exfoliating and moisturizing experience.
Citrus Corn Refresher
Squeeze every drop of juice from an orange, and mix it with four tablespoons of cornmeal. Mix it into a paste and apply after cleansing your skin for an invigorating burst of refreshment.
Honey Lavender Milk Bath
Place three tablespoons of dried lavender flowers in a blender, and process until the leaves become powdery. Whisk one to two cups of whole milk cream with half a cup of honey, and then add the lavender powder. Pour half of the mixture under warm running water in the tub to soak away your stress. Cover and store the remaining mix in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Want to use these as gift ideas? Here’s how:
Combine the needed ingredients in decorative jars. Attach instructions using cute paper and ribbon. Include a note about how much that special person deserves to relax and be pampered. These DIY pampering gifts sets are guaranteed to be a much-appreciated hit for all of those special people on your shopping list.
Pamper Yourself:
In the mad rush of the holidays, don’t forget to spend a little time on yourself. Set aside a day to treat your hair, face, and body to these delightful pleasures of pampering bliss.
Ditch the chemicals and expensive concoctions. Pamper yourself and those you love with all-natural, not to mention inexpensive, ingredients this holiday season.
From pomades to weaves, the buzz surrounding African American ladies’ hair continues to grow. Celebrity hairstyles fuel the fashion debate about natural hair as more and more women begin to embrace their roots, swapping their chemicals for more natural products.
