Images are Everything!

Photo of Jessica Willis
Owner of J. Willis Photography.

When it comes to "image", I think we all struggle with how we want people to view us. Our profession, our personality, our creativity...they are all strikingly different ways of presenting and promoting ourselves. We are taught both in beauty school and in life, to highlight our assets and camouflage our flaws. Confidence at all times and show no fear. Still, perfection is highly uninteresting and wholly unrelatable. I, myself, find most "flaws" beautiful and can appreciate a dose of self-deprecation here and there!

On that note, today I am having my photo taken by Jessica Willis at J. Willis Photography! For this shoot I have a clear vision of some specific images I'd like to produce. We have a plan though I'm excited to see what extras we come up with once Jessica is behind the camera! I'm trying to take my own advice when it comes to "image". When discussing wedding hair with a client, for example, I always stress the importance of looking like "you". Styling that makes you look great, but like a totally different person, is not always what we're going for. When I play dress up this afternoon in preparation for my shoot, I'll be going for more authentic than perfect. Although I do hope I can muster just a hint of adorable. :)

Keepin it cozy in February!

At the risk of sounding like everyone else in this part of the country, I too am very ready for Spring to roll in! So, while hiding inside from the harsh winter, my favorite projects often involve making things as cozy as possible. Lots of candles within reach, soft blankets (maybe even a Snuggie), and plenty of warm drinks in the evening. Here at the salon, "cozy" has taken over in a major way! Softening the look and feel of my studio while keeping it clean and simple. Paired together on the wall is a romantic oval mirror and a trash-art piece made from a salvaged window frame and empty hair product bottles! I've also traded in my shiny metal wire shelves for funky, stacked, wood tables.  I couldn't set up all these pretty little things without having plenty of our favorite products to cover them with, so I stocked up big time! As always, the full line of Deva Curl products are available as well as select favorites from Redken, Healthy Sexy Hair, Marakesh, Alterna and more. When you're downtown shopping, playing or just cruising through, remember the Cutting Crew for your hair product needs :)

Trim-Trim, Bang-Bang! The A.R.T of D.I.Y Bangs

Always go long. Even if the look you're going for is super short, blunt or severe, why not whittle away at the length rather than hacking it all off at once? It's just like cutting a plank or hemming pants...you can always take more off as you go but once it's on the floor it's too late.

Rather than cutting straight across your hair with a horizontal scissor, try cutting INTO the edge of your hair to create a softer, staggered edge. This is a great way to hide any mistakes while also promoting a smoother grow out process. Simply hold your shears upright, pointed towards the ceiling. Using only the very tips of your blades, nip small pieces of hair away, removing just a little at a time. You can do this by holding your hair in front of your face or by looking in the mirror if that's easier. How about both! Take your time and go slow. Now is NOT the time to have that 2nd glass of wine ;)

Think about "spring factor". DIY (do it yourself) bangs should be done dry for a few major reasons. Wetting hair down, putting tension on it with a comb and then cutting the edge will result in shorter bangs than you want, almost guaranteed. Instead, leave your bangs dry to keep an eye on how much your hair wants to bounce up once weight is removed. *Caution Curly Girls* bangs are beautiful and you can totally rock them! Still, beware of wanting a bang that doesn't work for your texture. Be realistic and be willing to experiment with different ways to wear your new best accessory. Bangin'!

"How can I make MY curls look their best?"

Want to see how incredible your specific type of curls can look? Whether they're Corkscrew, Wavy, Swavy (sort of wavy), or even just frizzy and fuzzy, this innovative way of shaping and caring for curls is exactly what you need!

As an experienced Curl Specialist and a Curly Girl myself, I've both battled and embraced all types of textures over the years. I've invested in countless products to use on both clients and my own curls and until discovering the Deva Curl line, had always been left wanting more. That all changed when I learned the simple yet revolutionary secrets to frizz free, bouncy curls: Hydration and Shape!

Hydration:

• Think of each single hair on your head like a limb (picture your arm).
• For those of us with curls, each bend in the single strand of hair represents a joint (picture your elbow).
•  Our joints are often the driest parts of our skin (elbows, knees, knuckles) and that is because of the "bend" in the skin. The same is true with CURLS!
• Hair with bend (or curl) experiences more moisture loss because of the joints in each strand.
• Loss of moisture ='s dry hair and dry hair ='s FRIZZ!

Keys to retaining that very important moisture:

1. Gentle, minimal washing with a conditioning, sulfate-free cleanser.
2. Luxurious hydrating with a botanically based cream conditioner.
3. Stop "blow-frying" your curls! Drip-drying naturally is always preferred and gives the best results. When that isn't an option, keep all drying efforts to a minimum by using low heat and low pressure air through a diffuser attachment. Better yet, get one of those fancy hooded dryers like I use at the salon! It gently speeds up the drying process without disturbing your delicate tendrils!

Shape:

• This part is up to your Stylist to create and maintain. Finding someone who knows and loves curls can be hard, so ask around and be patient if there's wait time for an appointment. A full schedule means a talented Stylist who is in high demand! Take this opportunity to begin using the hydrating Deva products to prepare for your new cut.

• A "Curl Specific Cut" is a pretty revolutionary way of approaching hair design. The concept takes each separate curl into account, as most of us have varying curl types throughout our hair. In order to do so, I most often will cut your hair DRY, in it's NATURAL state! 
• When preforming cuts on curls, I rarely use a comb at all! Just a curl rejuvenating lavender spray, a few gentle clips and my shiny little shears! I create the overall shape of the hair style by "pruning" the curls as if trimming a precious bonsai tree. :)
• No surprises at the end, no flat ironing, no urge to go home and "wash out" anything phony or over styled. Just natural, hydrated curls that spring and bounce like your never knew they could.

No-Poo Cleanser, AnGEL Styling Gel & On- Condition Hydration! 

The 3 Core Products from Deva Curl.

After your cut I will cleanse, hydrate and style your curls while sharing with you every tip and technique I know.  Questions are encouraged and experimentation is allowed! This is more than a hair cut, this is a Curl Experience!