Nexxus Opens 1st High-Tech Salon

nexxus-hair-salon

Earlier this week I paid a visit to the new and first ever Nexxus hair salon in Tribeca for a blowout and cocktail party with Cosmopolitan.  The salon is gorgeous.  With 12 foot ceilings, the pristine white space has seven styling stations and perhaps the most comfortable wash chairs I ever sat in (they're made by the same company as dentist office chairs – smart), Creative Director, Kevin Mancuso's vision is brought to life.  The most impressive part, however, is the touch screen interactive mirror, which offers personal hair diagnoses.

Nexxus

The interactive mirror allows you to upload your photos before you get your hair cut, colored and styled and walks you through a texture matrix based on the type and diameter of your hair.  Based on your answers, it helps you choose a color, style and product regimen.  I've seen this type of technology used online to help people shop for products, but never actually in a salon.  The best part is that it saves your photos and data so next time you come, you can get exactly what you're looking for or have a better understanding of what you want to tweak.

Nexxus

Nexxus

jeannine-morris

While the salon officially opens in June, they're doing a soft launch now so you can schedule an appointment privately by emailing nexxusnycsalon@nexxus.com or calling 212-219-8635.

The Nexxus Hair Salon is located at 39 N. Moore in NYC.

*This is a sponsored post, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

Behind the Look: Ted Gibson

We're excited to introduce Ted Gibson, celebrity hairstylist, salon owner, and beauty guru! Ted is known for working with celebrities such as Jessica Chastain, Angelina Jolie, Lupita Nyong’o, and Idina Menzel (or shall we say Adele Nazeem).  Honored to have him do my hair several times, I'm excited to introduce you!  Warning: You might think twice about washing your hair after you read.

What’s your beauty philosophy?

My tagline is “Beauty Is Individual” and I always say #HairChangesEverything. I believe in both of these philosophies so much that I’ve built my business around them.

What's a must-have in your kit?

I MUST have my Mason Pearson boar bristle brush, curling irons in multiple sizes, baby powder, French hair pins and extensions in different colors and lengths for my Gibson girls.

Have you discovered any new products lately that you find impressive?

I’m loving Nutrify Skin Type 1-6 Universal Tonic. It makes my skin feel AMAZING!

Spill your best beauty advice.

Beauty is THE best pick-me-up. If you’re feeling a little down, you’ll be surprised at how much a new hairstyle and a little lip color can make you feel so much better!

What’s the one tip or trick that you think all women should know?

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – do not wash your everyday! This season’s hair is all about texture – which is hard to achieve with freshly shampooed hair! Plus, over shampooing your hair can also cause your scalp to produce more oil. You should shampoo your hair no more than 3x per week.

Want more Ted? Be sure to follow him on Instagram for updates of his latest beauty adventures!

Runway Trend to Try: Embellished Pony

Backstage during New York Fashion Week, we spotted the embellished ponytail, which proves that adding a little interest to a classic style makes it exciting.  Jeanie Syfu lead the Tresemme team at several shows this season and is the queen of the fancy pony.  Here's her advice on getting the look.

All you need is a strip of fabric.  Jeanie suggests adding a strip of leather to the base of your ponytail by wrapping it about 2" down from the base as seen at Carolina Herrera.  You can also create two small ponytails and secure with gold ribbon then tie the lengths into a knot on top of your ponytail at your nape which I created for Erin Fetherston.

Which style do you like better?

Backstage DKNY: A Conceptual Look

We’re back in the NYFW swing of things. Backstage at DKNY we talked to some of our favorite beauty veterans and got the scoop on the conceptual beauty look they created. From the cobweby hat-hair created by Eugene Soueliman to Yadim's quirky graphic eye. See how they created these memorable runway looks.

Textured Cobweby Hat Hair

“We’re doing a hairstyle that’s as if a hat has been on it and it’s squished down," explains lead Wella hairstylist, Souleiman. And the key to getting this sans hat? Tension, which he created by French braiding two sections of hair beginning behind the ear and bring it down the back of the hairline. Then, using the small end of the back of a comb, he pulled out a thin layer on both sides along the center part, brushed them until full of static, giving the cobweb texture. After spraying them with dry spray, the static hair hung as a veil over the sleeked down flat hair. To keep it pressed down while backstage, the girls wore bandanas while finishing up backstage.

Quirky DIY-Looking Graphic Eye 

“When I talked to the team they said they wanted something quirky and eccentric,” Maybelline lead make artist Yadim explains. Well, he nailed it with the imperfect non-straight line around the eye replicating a shape found on the fabric on a piece in the collection. “It was a bit of a flower print but you wouldn’t really know it because it’s so abstract,” he explained.

Interested in how he created this squiggly graphic eye? He drew the lines using Maybelline Master Precise and Master Graphic, meeting the top and bottom on the outside corner. "You can't make a mistake because it's done purposefully." To get the lines this perfectly imperfect, smear them out with a makeup wipe and then go around and cleaned it up with a dry Q-tip. It still will leave the squiggly effect without initially creating it on purpose.

"The Fast Pass" Mani 

Keeping with the conceptual, DIY theme, lead Essie manicurist Michel Saunders gave each model what she called "The Fast Pass," manicure. It's simply one swipe of nude-colored polish called "All Eyes On Nudes" down the center of the nail. Also looking as if the model quickyldid it herself. "Leaving a little bit of the sides out to show that it's ok to be imperfect," explains Saunders.

Grammys: Red Carpet Ready

Last night was #amazing.  Did you watch the Grammys?  Between Kristen Wig in a leotard, Katy Perry's lavender lob, and Beyonce's angelic performance, it was a fun show and I'm so thankful to have been in on the action.  If you were following my social channels, you'll know that I was completely obsessed with my hair.  One of the highlights was collaborating with Herbal Essences Celebrity Stylist, Charles Baker Strahan, on a look that perfectly complimented my Donna Karan gown.

"I was initially inspired by the movement and softness of the drapery in your dress," my stylist, Charles Baker Strahan.  With a bit of lift in my crown, my signature side swept bangs and articulate movement in the back, it was perfect.

Dress: c/o Donna Karan Shoes: Steve Madden Clutch: House of Harlow Earrings: Stella & Dot

Did you happen to catch my Herbal Essences promo during E!'s Live from the Red Carpet?  Tune into Fashion Police tonight on E! to catch another one! This one has footage from the red carpet!

Behind the Look: Charles Baker Strahan

Besides coifing celebs and models like Leighton Meester, Kathy Griffin,  Lauren Conrad, Lily Aldridge and Molly Sims, I've also had the privilege of having my hair done by Charles Baker Strahan, Celebrity Hairstylist for Herbal Essences.  He's one of the most genuine people in the biz and truly, I mean truly, knows his craft.  His beauty philosophy is so well thought out, it might make you think twice about your hair the next time you leave the house.

Describe the most exciting project you’ve worked on lately. There are so many varied experiences that I have had and that I am truly grateful for. From being the celebrity stylist for Herbal Essences, to being on the E! Series "Scouted" and other on-camera experiences, and even the transformational color/cutting work I get to do in the salon - it's all so exciting.

My current highlight is working with Kathy Griffin on set for the E! Fashion Police.  We have had a relationship for over four years now, which is hard to believe how fast time flies, but our relationship has evolved and she gives me a lot of freedom to change her color and cut and style her hair in so many different ways. The show gives me the license to kill and I'm determined to make her hair different every episode!

What’s your beauty philosophy? Beauty and truth are constantly evolving. The greater the relationship I have with my clients and the more that I know them and their "essence,” the easier it is for me to open up their esthetic and show them how the physical expression of beauty is the truth of the moment they are in.

I love showing people how far they can stretch themselves and how varied they can be in that expression. Beauty and your physicality are your unspoken ways of telling the world around you who you are and how you would like to be received. Be intentional in your choices but open to the possibilities of how you can change. Being fluid with your identity lends to being graceful and that is truly beautiful in any situation.

1. What are your top five must-haves in your kit and why?  Herbal Essences Naked Volumizing Soufflé – it is an ultra-light and flexible mousse ideal as a base product to do just about anything
2. Herbal Essences Wild Naturals Illuminating Dry Oil – helps to restore taxed and tired follicles needing shine and softness
3. Boar bristle round brushes - they polish the cuticle and create shape that allows hair to have life and movement which is essential
4. GHD Air Blowdryer - the tri-zone technology provides even heat that reshapes the hair but doesn't "cook" it. So, if you straighten the hair you can go back and add curl after
5. Marcel Irons Hot Tools – you can be more dexterous with them – I can do almost anything with these

Have you discovered any new products lately that you find impressive?

The things most important to me and impressive are the ones that have been around forever. However, I do love it when they take a product and update it, like dry shampoo. Dry shampoo has changed SO many people’s “hair life” in the last few years!

Spill your best beauty advice. The thing I tell EVERYONE is not to try too hard. If you have a look that you are going for, use it as inspiration but leave room for the unexpected. Watch how your hair is responding to what you are doing without judgment and you might suddenly find that what's happening is better than what you were initially going for.

Also, my favorite aha moment is when someone was caught in the rain or they are running late and don't have time to “do” their hair so their hair has the chance to just do its thing and ends up looking great. Be easier on yourself - chances are you'll learn to embrace your uniqueness instead of lamenting why you don't look like someone else. You're always going to be you!

What’s the one tip or trick that you think all women should know? If you just took a hot shower and turned your bathroom into a tropical rain forest, don’t try and style your hair in that environment!

Put your product in your hair while it's still wet. Use the water in the hair to give you an even distribution and wring out the excess moisture before letting it dry. If you are spending most of your effort blow drying really wet hair with a round brush, you are mostly just wearing yourself out. Let the product do its thing and this will likely cut your styling time in half.

It’s also important to remember heat changes the shape of hair and coolness sets it in. So when heat styling, let your hair cool in order to lock in your style.

Keep up with Charles Baker Strahan on Twitter and Instagram.

Behind the Look: Rita Hazan

Meet the Celebrity Colorist who's responsible for Beyonce's highlights, Rita Hazan. Most recently she brightened the songstress's hair with honey and platinum shades.  In this interview, she proves you don't need to spend a lot of money to have good hair.

What’s your beauty philosophy? Healthy hair keeps color longer.

What are the top five must-haves in your kit and why?  a. Root Concealer b. Weekly Remedy c. Shu Umera Shampoo and Conditioner d. Ultimate Shine Color Gloss e. YS Park Y3 brush

Have you discovered any new products lately that you find impressive? Deesse’s Elujuda (Mo) Mellow Oil. You put it on hair while it’s wet, and it makes it easy to blowdry and keeps your hair shiny.

Spill your best beauty advice. Take care of your hair, use good products, and if you’re spending a significant amount of money, do so on your color because your hair is the focus of your look. If it’s not right you can’t take it off and put it to the side – it’s part of you.

What’s the one tip or trick that you think all women should know? If you have gray hair, you have to try the root concealer. Spray it around your hairline and you’ll never have roots again. This is amazing for women with brown hair especially.

Describe the most exciting project you’ve worked on lately. My newest launch, Weekly Remedy. It took a long time to create a conditioning treatment that is strong enough to make a difference without going to the salon.

Pre-Shampoo Hair Treatments, Get On Board

Have you ever thought about nourishing your your hair before you shampoo?  Yes, it sounds nuts, since you're just going to wash it out, but pre-shampoo hair treatments are popping up everywhere and the benefits are worth the extra effort.  Incorporate them into your beauty routine once a week or as needed and trust me, you'll love the results.  Here are three pre-shampoo treatments on my radar.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer, $49 at philipkingsley.com

This pre-shampoo treatment helps to increase elasticity, bounce and shine in your hair.  When your hair's wet, it stretches.  Leave this light-weight cream on your strands for 10-20 minutes before shampooing to ensure your hair's moisturized and won't break when combing it out after washing.

Hair Essentials Nourishing Hair Oil, $29.99 at hairessentials.com

This hair oil is made with a combination of oils like coconut, rosemary, lavender, cedar wood to help moisturize and nourish your scalp and hair.  Apply a small dollop on dry hair and massage it into your scalp and take it all the way down to your ends.  Leave it on for an hour before shampooing.

Kerastase Metamorph'oil, $44 at kerastase-usa.com

A combination of six different oils, oriander, coco, rice bran, argan, cranberry and rosemary, this pre-shampoo treatment acts like a purifier for your hair.  Think cleanse.  It helps to remove dirt, oil and product build up before you shampoo.  Apply a quarter size amount to dry hair and massage it into your hair shaft. Leave in for 2-3 minutes before rinsing and shampooing.

Stop Damaging Your Hair

Remember when I chopped my hair into a bob?  It was a like a fresh start and felt so good to get rid of all of that damaged length.  Now that my hair's grown out though, I love it long, but unless I get a blow out, it looks thin and stringy.  Therefore, I'm a blow dry addict (not to mention curling iron obsessed), which only leads to more damage on my freshly grown out strands.  Oh, you heat style your hair, too?  Of course you do!  Well, I found a way to prevent damage, which makes torching my hair almost OK.  

Besides using a heat protectant spray, I added a shampoo and conditioner to my haircare regimen that protects my hair against styling damage.  (Yes, this too, can start in the shower.) CLEAR has a new collection called Active Damage Resist, which is formulated with vitamins and oils to make your hair fibers stronger and help restore your hairs luminosity and smoothness.

So if you're anything like me, blow out obsessed or just heat style your hair often, I strongly advise using the proper protectant products so you don't damage your hair.  Unless of course, you're ready to make a serious chop!

Clear Scalp & Hair Active Damage Resist Ultra Nourishing Shampoo & Ultra Nourishing Conditioner are available at drugstores for $4.99-$5.99.

*This post is sponsored by Clear, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

Get Her Look: Reese Witherspoon

How stunning did Reese Witherspoon look at the Critics Choice Movie Awards? While most were caught up with the fact that Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie were at the same event (God forbid!), I was obviously paying attention to Reese's clean makeup and soft bombshell waves.  Here, her makeup artist, Molly Stern and hairstylist, Adir Abergel, gave me the step-by-step so you can recreate it.

Makeup

1. Even out your skin tone with foundation (Molly used a bit of Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation on Reese.)
2. Contoured the hollows of your cheeks blending upward and add a pop of color with an apricot blush like NARS in Orgasm.
3. Give your eyes a natural smoke by applying Christian Dior Fusion Mono Matte Baked Eyeshadow in 761 Mirage into the crease of your eyelids and then NARS Eyeshadow in Blondie.
4. Line and smudge your upper and lower lash line using a black liner like Jillian Dempsey Khol Eyeliner in Jet Black.
5. Add two coats of jet black mascara.
6. Apply a lip balm with a hint of color.  Reese is wearing Burt's Bees Lip Crayon in Sedona Sands.

Hair

1. Spritz John Frieda Luxurious Volume Fine to Full Blow-Out Spray on damp hair from mid-shaft to ends to create a foundation for optimum volume and hold.
2. Part your bangs in the middle and blow-dry your hair smooth with a medium round brush for a full, sexy blowout.
3. Take  a 1” inch curling iron and loosely curl your hair, leaving the ends out.
4. Use John Frieda Beach Blonde Sea Waves Sea Salt Spray to break down the waves and give them separation.
5. Tease the crown area.
6. Finish with a light weight styling cream like John Frieda Frizz Ease Secret Weapon Touch-up Crème on the ends for perfect detailed texture.

Katie Holmes Turns It Up at the Golden Globes

Draped in an eggplant Marchesa gown, Katie Holmes looked stunning on last night's Golden Globes red carpet.  Her dramatic deep side parted pony paired with intensely lined eyes stood out from all of the other hair and makeup.  Overall, she was a picture of perfection.  Agree? Her makeup artist, Genevieve Herr, and hair stylist, DJ Quinterno, filled me in on how to get her look along with the exact products they used to create it.

Skin

“The most important step to looking amazing on the red carpet is to take care of your skin, and Katie has great skin,” said Genevieve. “Makeup artists cannot work wonders without a great foundation.”  That being said, Genevieve prepped Katie's skin with Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum and Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream.

Eyes

Because it's soft and smudges easily, Genevieve always uses kohl pencil.  On Katie, she used Laura Mercier in Black Violet.  Then, using the Lancome Violet Sweetheart set, she applied a dark amethyst color on the lids, and blended in a smokey black eye shadow.

Pony

With the words, "clean" and "modern" in mind, DJ started her dramatic side ponytail by applying Alterna Haircare Bamboo Smooth Pure Kendi Treatment Oil and letting it soak for 10 minutes before shampooing.  Then, on damp hair, DJ mixed a small amount of the Alterna Haircare Caviar Seasilk Oil Gel with the Alterna Haircare Caviar Anti-Aging Omega (+) Nourishing Oil and brushed it through with a Mason Pearson brush.

After side parting and blowdrying with a round brush, DJ used a thin Sedu Revolution Diamond flatiron, from root to tip, to create a super smooth look.  Securing her hair at the nape of her neck with a bungee, he also wrapped several small pieces of hair around the bungee to hide it, and secured those strands with bobby pins.  DJ finished by spraying a supple amount of finishing spray to the top of Katie’s head, and applied a dime-size amount of Alterna Haircare Bamboo Smooth Kendi Dry Oil Micromist to her ends.

4 Ways to Step Up Your Beauty Game This Year

Yea, yea... new year new you.  Right?  Right!  Well of course I posted about fitness goals for 2015, but here are some easy ways to take your beauty regimen up a notch, too – without even really trying.

1. Remove Your Makeup Before Bed, Really

Whether you do this via a Ponds face wipe or actually take the time to properly wash your face at night, you’re already a step ahead of the game. Ready for the challenge?  Take cleansing to the next level and try using a brush like the new Clarisonic Smart Profile.  I'm obsessed with my Clarisonic and use it nightly.  This brush cleans your skin 11 times better than washing just with your hands.

2. Step Out of Your Makeup Comfort Zone

Always wear the same shades? It’s time to take risks! Try a new colored eyeliner or texture of blush. Believe me, you’ll be amazed by the trial and error process.  It's my job to try and test everything, whether it's in my comfort zone or not, and I always end up surprising myself as I apply new finds.  Purple eyeliner is now my new go-to.

3. Work Out Topically, Too

Because the stair master doesn’t help fight cellulite.  We all have it and even though there's no way to rid it for good, we have the power to try to minimize it!  Once a week before showering, stand in your tub and use a body brush like this one from The Body Shop.  Yes, it gets rid of dry skin, but also helps with cellulite.  Then of course, lather on that cream!  I like Nivea Skin Firming Cellulite Gel Cream and Bliss Fat Girl Sleep.

4. Master At-Home Hair Color

This can literally save you hundreds of dollars per year.  Now with modern technology, doing your hair color at home is really easier than ever.  For some fun colors like blue and purple, try Rita Hazan Pop Color, which washes out.  You can even ombre your own hair with this kit from L'Oreal.  But for your everyday, single process, Clairol Nice N' Easy makes it just that – easy.

Get the Look: Kate Hudson's Waves

Kate Hudson looked stunning at the People magazine awards with her signature beach waves. Hairstylist David Babaii, created what he calls, the “classic Kate."  Want to get the look? You’re in luck, because we got the how to.

To start off, tousle your hair upside until dry to add volume. Once dry, mist a heat protectant spray evenly throughout. Then, grab a two inch section of hair and using the ghd Curve Classic Curling Iron, wind the hair around the iron while keeping the iron open. This technique creates a soft, bouncy wave. After you’ve curled your hair to that Kate Hudson effortless perfection, separate a few strands with your fingers and gently tousle your hair at the roots with your fingertips.

Stubborn flyaways ruining your look? Babaii says to use the iron to smooth at the root. Start at the root of the two inch section, run your iron through the first four inches of your hair two times. If you have thick hair, try doing smaller sections.

5 Styling Products No Short-Hair Girl Should be Without

When you decide to cut your hair short, you're deciding not to allow yourself the option of up-dos anymore, which means in order to create different looks, you need to get creative.  As a former long hair to short hair girl myself, I can tell you styling different ‘dos is tricky, but that’s where these products come in. Here are our favorite styling products for short hair.

Jonathan Product Dirt, $26

Calling on all pixie cut ladies out there, this texturizing paste separates hair with great control and hold. Not only does it allow you to control the texture of your hair, but it also provides a luxurious shiny finish.

Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil, $69

Serums like this are important in any hair routine due to their nutrients and moisturizing benefits. But those of us with short hair can't risk the stringy effect some of these products provide. It can weigh down the style and hide those layers, angles and fringe that make short hairstyles so desirable. That’s why we love Shu Uemura’s serum so much. Its formula absorbs into hair so quickly that it does not allow for the oil to create lanky undesirable hair.

Toni & Guy Texturising Glue, $14.99

Providing similar results as Dirt, this texturising glue works best for those longer-short- haired-girls for separating layers and fringe. While it provides hold, it looks soft within the hair. Just rub it in your palms and message up through the ends of hair to make those gorgeous layers in your bob pop.

Living Proof Instant Texture Mist, $26

This product is great for girls with hair from chin-length bob to a lob and anywhere in between. It sprays lighter than other more powerful texturizing sprays dispense, allowing you to build to the desired amount of product. Not only does it separate hair to give you gorgeous tousled look, but it also adds volume. And major plus, it works on damp hair or dry, so you don’t have to worry about showering before using it.

Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray, $23.80

No one likes when the hairspray hardens in your hair. But us girls with shorter hair simply just don’t have enough hair to counter the hardening effects (actually, does anybody?). Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray makes it easy to brush through hair without frizzing and damaging hair. In fact, the infused argan oil makes it healthy for hair, especially during the dry winter months.

How to Create A Dutch Headband Braid

In honor of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, we must discuss braids.  Obvi.  I'm loving headband braids as they're "as practical as they are chic."  I turned to Jackson Simmonds, the Lead Stylist at the Julien Farel Salon at the Langham Place on Fifth Avenue, to get the step-by-step on how to create the look.  Turns out, it's easier than you think and makes for a great holiday hairstyle.

1. Prep the hair. Damp or dry hair works for this braid, just make sure it's well brushed. Remove all tangles and if fly-aways are present mist with water. Brush hair straight back with no part.
2. Gather your hair, starting with a piece from the top front. To include bangs, begin your section directly above forehead, otherwise start behind the bangs. Gather a piece ranging from 3-5  inches wide, and 1 inch thick.
3. Cross the right strand under the center strand.
4. Cross the left strand under the center strand.
5. Repeat the pattern and cross the right strand, then the left strand, under the center strand.
6. Cross the right strand under the center and pick up another small section from the right side of your head.
7. Cross the left strand under the center, and pick up another small section from the left side of your head.
8. Add more hair to your braid by picking up small strands every time you cross pieces under the center strand.
9. Continue the Dutch braid to the nape of the neck.
10. Finish your braid with a regular under braid when you run out of hair to add. Either secure with a small elastic or, to avoid the damage of a hair elastic, use my special trick - tease all the way around the end to lock in place.

Get Inspired: Jenna Dewan-Tatum's New Cut

Looks like Khloe Kardashian gave her favorite hairstylist, Jen Atkin, a break this week. Jen instagramed a pic of Jenna Dewan-Tatum debuting a shorter style (pic above) with the caption, a "blunt ends long layered-straight out the salon" cut earlier this week.  Have a similar length?  Here's a step-by-step on how to style it from stylist, Derek-Peter Williams, who experimented with the fresh cut this weekend at the Hollywood Film Awards.  It may even inspire you to make the chop.

"Jenna had just cut her hair short and we were so excited to style it for The Hollywood Film Awards. We wanted it to be sophisticated, but still a little edgy and undone, " says Williams.

1. Apply volumizing products like Oscar Blandi's Volumizing Spray and Hair Lift Mousse to your roots and blow out your hair with a round brush for lots of fullness and body. Once dry, use a large curling iron and wave your hair, leaving the ends straight.

2. Go over random pieces with a flat iron to keep the waves undone and not so uniform. Set a side part and rubbed a dime-sized amount of texturizing paste in between your hands and run it through your hair to break up the waves and keep one side sleek behind your ear.

3. Finished with a texturizing spray like Pronto Texture and Volume Spray from Oscar Blandi to add lots of long lasting texture.

My Wedding Day Hair Inspiration

It's wedding week on BeautySweetSpot!  I told you about my wedding day glam squad before I got married (today marks four months!), but now, I'm excited to show you the behind the scenes of the beauty prep and inspiration.

Up and off the neck was the direction I gave my bridesmaids for their hairstyle on my wedding day.  Inspired by a ballet, they chose their own style Amsale chiffon and lace dresses.  Since their necklines were all different, it only made sense to show them off as they walked down the aisle and stood by my side.  My hairstylist, Liam Carey, assisted by Jan Marie Arteca, crafted all of their updos as well as doing my hair for the biggest day of my life.  With the help of extensions, I ended up with the Angelina Jolie inspired look I envisioned.  Enjoy the photos. Oh yea, my final look will be shown at the end of the week!

Liam Carey and Jan Marie Arteca can be found at the Jeff Chastain Parlor in NYC. How did I choose my stylist you ask?  Great question.  I go to both Liam and Jan regularly for my cut and color and did my first and only hair trial with Liam.  Because I was comfortable with them and knew their level of talent, it was only fitting for wedding hair.  My trial was perfect and having friends there on my big day was a lot of fun for all of us.  Their positive energy added to the environment and all of my bridesmaids were happy with their hair.

3 Tips to Tame Flyaways

Flyaways may just be little baby hairs, but they can be a big pain in the you know what. They can completely ruin the sleek look you’ve been working for hours to achieve. Frustrating, we know. Luckily, using just three of simple but effective techniques, we can make sure those baby hairs will never pop out of your desired sleek hairstyle. Try these tips and we promise that frustration you feel for your little baby hairs will go away just as quickly as the flyaways.

1. Hairspray on a toothbrush

Take a brand new toothbrush, spray a little bit of hairspray on the bristles and lightly brush over any areas with flyaways. The toothbrush doesn't disrupt the hairstyle, but it is tough enough to force the baby hairs down. This is also a great way to use the hold of hairspray without applying too much and getting that crusty look we all try to avoid.

 2. Dryer sheets

Tested and approved. This little hack is such a unique trick for taming those pesky baby hairs. Just take a single dryer sheet and gentle rub it over your hair. This will eliminate the static that causes those hairs to come up. You can also rub them on the brushes and combs to eliminate static pre-use.

 3. Lotion on your hands

You obviously do not want to apply straight lotion to your hair because, gross. But it you lotion your hands like you would normally do then run them through your hair. It will provide the hair with some moisture without over doing it. This works best for down hairstyles.

Help Him Get Fuller Looking Hair

Ladies, one of the touchiest subjects when it comes to men's grooming is balding. Yes, receding hairlines and thinning... the whole nine yards.   Is your man starting to go down that path?  Well, I talked to a derm, Dr. Ilyse Lefkowicz and stylist to the stars, Sunnie Brook to find out how you can help him out.  And I know you're wondering, but my man is blessed with hair I could only dream of having!  Read the scoop in my latest AskMen article.  You're welcome.

Everything You Need to Know About Hair Extensions

As you saw at the Emmys (did you even recognize Breaking Bad's Anna Gunn let's just say she went a little over board), hair extensions can do wonders.  For me, they add fullness to my hair, which is essential for on camera work.  When I wrote about Kelly Ripa's extensions, you all went nuts, because those were done right! Well, now, NYC's master extension artist (my girl), JanMarie Arteca, gave me the scoop on everything you need to know about bonded hair extensions.  You know, in case you're interested in making a commitment.

The Bond...

Great Lengths uses a Keratin bond that is molded to the hair strand. Keratin is a protein that your hair naturally has so that is doesn't cause damage or irritation when applied. The machines used to apply the extensions can be adjusted so there is no heat damage done to the hair either. There should be just enough heat applied to make the keratin bond pliable to the hair.

The Damage or Lack There Of...

When attached properly there will be no damage to your hair. I find that any damaged caused by extensions usually happens in the application stage (not being done properly) or in the maintenance and removal stage.

Bonded extensions can be damaging if they are not maintained properly. The recommended time on these extensions is usually 3-4months. Some clients will keep them in longer than that. The risk in doing so is matting of the hair (think dreadlocks), which can cause problems in the removal of the extension sometime involving hair loss or breakage. Brushing the extensions with a boar and nylon bristle brush will help prevent that. Sleeping with your hair in a loose bun or braid will also help prevent matting.

The Extension Artist...

If you are interested in extensions do some research. Find a salon that is certified in the extensions that you want to have. Go for a consultation, feel the hair, see the machine and get to know your extension artist. Most stylist also have a portfolio of their work, ask to see it! Make sure you like what you see. Lastly, ask for referrals. It's the best way to find someone to do your hair.

The Protection Factor...

Some clients have fine, brittle hair (think hair that just snaps at the touch) or work in fields where their hair is constantly being worked on with heat tools (models/actresses/fashion) applying extensions can help protect your hair from over exposure to heat tools that can cause damage to the hair. When applied they can actually protect your natural hair from being over processed since all the styling work is being done on extension hair leading to less damaged hair.

The Use...

Think outside of the box with extensions. They don't have to be used for just achieving Kim Kardashianesqe volumes of hair. A few bonds can help to enhance a bob or can be used to fill-in a fine hairline. Pastel color is also a major hair trend right now, if you aren't sure you want to commit to the color change ask your stylist about applying a few lilac strands to your look. Having fun with color without the risk of damaging or staining your hair with certain products. Men are also getting into extensions (Steven Tyler) adding a few strand to thinning hair can make all the difference guys!

Jan-Marie Arteca works at the Jeff Chastain Parlor in NYC.  Email her at janmarteca@gmail.com to schedule an extension consultation.