Beauty Maverick

Swept Away

A simply swept back chignon is universal for no-fuss chic. Moving the twist higher up on the scalp, increasing the size, and letting it get a little messy, is an update to the style that works as a cure-all for any hair dilemma from now through spring.  Think Louis Vuitton’s fall ’09 show—minus the bunny ears—or Lanvin’s spring ’10 show for the height, size, and unkempt updo that transitions seamlessly from day-to-night, work-to-play.

For best results try the following on second-day hair:

• Lightly spritz roots with dry shampoo to remove any grease.
• Brush hair straight back, eliminating any natural hair part, into a very high ponytail (the kind you may have rocked in 2^nd grade) and secure with an invisible hair elastic (Goody makes a good one).
• Twist hair in a clockwise motion, wrapping around the base of the ponytail until it coils on top of itself.
• Secure with bobby pins of your hair color.

— Daisy

Q5 with Sally Hershberger

From her ability to create trendsetters out of celebrities, to the long list of award-winning products she's helped to develop (think John Frieda's Sheer Blonde, Brilliant Brunette...), Sally Hershberger has become synonymous with innovative, papillon-like transformations, as well as lengthy wait lists and Manolo-priced haircuts. She's simply that good.

I recently had the chance to interview Sally on her new product collection, the famous 'shagg', and how little we can really get away with trimming.

Q1: Do you think the average girl needs to splurge on high-priced hair care products, or are drugstore finds just as good?

My favorite products have often been things I find at the drugstore. But I also think it's OK to splurge on luxury items every once and a while, too. The most important thing is to find products that work well and have high quality ingredients, and those come from both the drugstore and a high-end boutique or salon. Regardless of where you buy the product, if the ingredients are cheap, you’ll be able to tell in the performance of the product. That’s why it was really important to me when developing my new haircare line, Supreme Head, to only use the best ingredients, even if it cost a little more.  In the end, I was able to produce products that are affordable for all women and available at your local drugstore, but that still deliver great style.

Q2: As you're the leading source for all things 'shagg', do you feel it's a look that anyone can wear?

Yeah, for the most part I think a very layered haircut, long or short, is a great look for most people... It adds an easy sexiness to your style, and I love that. It's probably not ideal for an aristocrat or the first lady – no one in a conservative position — but otherwise I think its a great look for most women, and even some men!

Q3: Many women leave their salon in a tizzy because their stylist decided to trim-off more length than desired. If someone is trying to grow their hair, or keep it long, what's the absolute minimum you feel can be taken off ?

Generally speaking, an 1/8 of an inch should keep hair healthy without taking off a noticeable amount of length.  If your hair is really damaged, you may want to take off a little more than that.

Q4: Which facet of your career is the most exciting at the moment?

Developing products is definitely one of my most exciting projects at the moment... I really love coming up with new ideas for products and testing them out and all that. I developed products for years with John Frieda, working on both the Sheer Blonde and Brilliant Brunette lines, so it's nice to be able to do it for myself now and have complete control over the finished product.  I’m also working on opening two new salons — one on the Upper East Side here in NY, and one in Los Angeles — so that’s also very exciting.

Q5: What's the one haircare tool you simply can't live without?

Definitely a blowdryer! I tend to use my hands a lot why styling, but having a blowdryer is an absolute must to get out any kinks or reshape small sections.

For additional information on the Supreme Head haircare collection, Sally's salons, or to view her fabulous 'how-to' instructional videos, visit SallyHershberger.com.

The (Right) Way to Rock Hair Extensions

I can't seem to avoid the frightful sight of bad hair extensions; They're lurking around every corner. Frizzy roots, visible tracks, mismatched textures- it's a jungle out there.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for playing with color, length, and style; Hair is an accessory, after all. But if you're looking to garner attention for your beauty (and not your fillers), there are a few golden rules to live by...

To get these key tips & techniques, I called on two of my favorite hair care experts, Ken Paves and Oscar Blandi. Memorize their mantra of dos/donts (below), and you're sure to master the art of extensions.

Tips for Temporary (Clip-In) Hair Extensions from Superstylist
Ken Paves

Do:

- Choose a texture that matches your natural texture or the texture you want to achieve, as well as a color that blends.

- Use your extensions as an accessory to your look, for example, HairDo allows you to try shorter, trendier styles without making a permanent commitment.

- Try a shade lighter or darker, which still blends with your color, to test a new shade.

- Only wear hair extensions with confidence.

Don't:

- Go to the extreme...too long, too thick, too light, too dark, too something your hair is not.

- Let your hair wear you, you wear the hair.

- Take on more than you can handle.

Tips for Semi-Permanent (Woven-In) Hair Extensions from Renowned Celebrity Stylist Oscar Blandi

Do:

- Always use human hair.

- Go to a professional at a salon. They'll be able to place the extensions in the best locations possible, so they will lay more naturally.

- Always buy wavy extensions if your hair is naturally wavy, so you can leave it natural if you choose.

- Use a curling iron to achieve big sexy curls or a loose beach wave, so the extensions blend in with your own hair. Oscar Blandi Wave Enhancing Spray is great to use for both these looks, as it’s a light mist that won’t weigh the hair down.

Don’t:

- Wear your hair half-up to avoid being able to see the woven track where the extensions are laid.

- Wash them too often because then the tracks will loosen. The less you wash your hair, the longer it will last.

- Keep them in longer than a month to six weeks (maximum) before changing them out.

- Use too much product with extensions because it can cause a greasy effect. Hairspray will work, as will the Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo Spray (but be sure to still rub it in gently to avoid a powdered look).

The New Chignon: Win This Look

I'm loving the hair from J.Mendel's F/W '08 show, it's youthful yet refined. You could easily wear this chic chignon to the office, to a wedding, or on a date; It's just that versatile. And the best part? It's so much easier to do than it may seem...

Get the Look:

To start, blow-dry your hair then spray it with Warren-Tricomi Flexible Hairspray and brush through.

Next, double-part your hair and pull the center section into a small ponytail, wrapping a thin strand around the hair elastic to conceal it.

Finally, take all of your hair and put it in a low ponytail. Then braid the tail, wrap it into an oval-shaped chignon, and secure it with several hairpins.

Finish with Warren-Tricomi Flexible Hairspray, and that's it- you're ready for the runway (...or a night out with the girls).

The Giveaway

Enter for a chance to win the fabulous Warren-Tricomi hair products used to achieve this look. One lucky Beauty Maverick reader will win their:

PureStrength System
This revolutionary 3 pc. set includes a Cleanser, Close, and Conditioner. For all hair types.

Blow-Dry Serum
An oil-free protective serum that tames frizz and smooths flyaways.

Flexible Hairspray
Finish any look with this lightweight, shine-enhancing spray.

Simply leave a comment on this post with your name, email address (which will remain private), and  the correct answer to the trivia question below, and you could win this wonderful prize (valued at $110). The winner will be drawn at random, from the eligible entries, on Friday, February 29th.

Trivia Question
Name two of the three founders of the Warren-Tricomi Salons.

Best of luck! xx

---CONTEST NOW EXPIRED---

Contest open to US residents only. Some restrictions may apply. Contest ends 02/29/08.

Celebrity Hair Secrets

Click here to check out my recent piece on 'Celebrity Hair Secrets' for Lifetime TV...

Hope you enjoy! x

Fekkai Technician Color Care Shampoo & Conditioner

I've had a love/hate relationship with Fekkai products in the past so, naturally, I was a bit hesitant to try his Technician Color Care collection when I received it for a piece I'm working on.

As it turns out, I was worried for nothing- Fekkai's TCC products are actually quite impressive. I've been using the Shampoo and Conditioner daily for a week now (in addition to Ted Gibson's Goodnite Hair Serum every other night), and am loving the boost in shine and volume. My (fine) hair now feels full of body
and soft to the touch. Highly recommended.

Retailer: Sephora.com
Cost: $22- $32.50 each

Serge Normant Downtown

After years of trying every ‘it’ salon in the city, I’ve finally found a stylist I can trust.

Meet Sebastian. Approachable, charismatic, and (perhaps more importantly...) extremely talented, he's one very good reason to visit Serge Normant Downtown.

What impressed me most about Sebastian was his ability to give my hair a dose of (much-needed) volume by simply working with its natural texture. No product necessary. Thanks to him, I've now got a style that's as effortless to maintain as it is beautiful. I'm in love.

If you'd like to check out the salon before committing to a cut/color, book a blow-out with Chris, a charming stylist who's quickly becoming one-to-watch. If he doesn't put you at ease, I don't know who will.

UPDATE: I've been back since, and sent a few girlfriends too, and it's just confirmed my initial reaction- Sebastian is definitely en route to becoming the next SuperStylist. I have yet to hear about, or see, anything less than perfection from him. He's genius.

Serge Normant at John Frieda Salon
825 Washington Street
(nr. Little W.12th St.)
212- 675-0001

Q5 with Rita Hazan

With a lengthy client list that includes the beautiful locks of Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Biel (even Oprah's a fan...), it's no wonder why Rita Hazan is quickly becoming one of America's most sought-after colorists.

Check out our Q5 session below for Rita's thoughts on (intentionally) visible roots, common color mistakes, and who can really go red. 

Q1: What do you find to be the most common mistakes women make with hair color?

Doing color to the extreme. Going from light to dark or not lightening the base enough.

Q2: Do you have any general tips/tricks for extending color between visits?

Use a shampoo for color treated hair and stay away from cleansing shampoos. Try not to shampoo too much and use a shine serum, this will make the hair appear more healthy.

Q3: Can anyone go red or do you feel that color works best with certain skin tones/hair types?

Not everyone can be a redhead. Red only works for light, pale, freckled skin with light eyes.

Q4: What are your thoughts on the current trend of showing a little more regrowth?

Hate it. Roots are never sexy, it just looks unkept and unmaintained. I love fresh bright color.

Q5: Are you currently addicted to any at-home conditioning treatments? 

Phyto Phytonectar Oil. I love it! You put it on dry hair and leave it for 30 minutes, or even overnight.

Fekkai Complete Kit Collection

I've been a devoted fan of Fekkai's Glossing Cream since it first launched, so when I had the chance to try the Complete Kits, I was beyond excited.

Of course, I don't have every hair type the Kits are created for (the Complete Kit collection includes Full Volume, Glossing, Luscious Curls, Protein Rx, and Technician Color Care product bundles), so I enlisted the help of a few girlfriends to assist in reviewing the collection.

The results were not at all what I expected, leaving me a bit confused as I've always thought quite highly of Fekkai products.

See below for our thoughts...

Protein Rx Complete Kit
Includes: Protein Rx Reparative Shampoo, Deep Nourishing Conditioner, & Anti-Breakage Treatment Mask.

"My hair is long, frizzy/wavy and tortured from curling, straightening, teasing and coloring. A dose of moisture was needed. What I got was a lump o' grease. I started off with the shampoo and conditioner. Even after the final rinse, my hair felt not so much moisturized as greasy. It took a long time to dry and when it did my hair looked flat and well, at the risk of sounding repetitive, greasy. That said, it did feel soft. But, I had to fight the temptation to wash my hair again immediately. I tried Fekkai's Protein Rx Mask three days later, and like a glutton for punishment, ended up with an Exxon Valdez situation on my head. Grease is the word! This time I washed my hair again. Bottom line - my hair may be fried, but you would need some seriously parched strands for this trio to become part of your beauty routine. Too heavy and it seemed to smother my hair rather than pamper it. Did I mention it was greasy?"
- As reviewed by my girlfriend, C., model/writer.

 Glossing Complete Kit
Includes: Glossing Shampoo, Conditioner, & Cream.

"I've been using the Glossing Shampoo, Conditioner and Cream for over a week now, and although I've been following the instructions carefully (including the three very painful seconds of cold water rinse after conditioning...) the truth is that I haven't really seen any major changes, or more precisely, any at all. I do like the softness that the Shampoo and the Conditioner have given to my hair, but I haven't seen any improvement in the shine department. Out of the three products included in the Kit, I think the Glossing Cream is by far the best. I've been handling my hair much more easily, in less time and with less frizz. It doesn't leave the hair feeling heavy at all".
- As reviewed by my girlfriend, M., fashion stylist.

Luscious Curls Complete Kit
Includes: Luscious Curls Shampoo, Conditioner, & Cream.

"Overall, I didn't like the Luscious Curls products. I have to say that during the first week my hair looked okay, but not great, and felt heavier and oilier (I had to wash my hair everyday instead of once every two days). I thought maybe the initial outcome was because I had short hair, so I kept using it for another week, but my hair didn't improve and looked 'sad' and dull. I wouldn't recommend these products".
- As reviewed by my girlfriend, L., art director/designer.

Full Volume Complete Kit
Includes: Full Volume Shampoo, Conditioner, & Mousse.

I'm one of those girls that craves lots of volume, but also has to watch out as anything too aggressive leaves my hair in mess of tangles and knots. Unfortunately, the latter happened every time I used the Full Volume Shampoo and Conditioner. Their scent was also a bit off, smelling more like dish detergent than luxurious hair care product. All that aside, I did really enjoy the Full Volume Mousse and would definitely purchase that again on it's own. It was easy to work with and gave my hair a noticeable lift at the roots.
- My review.

Retailer: BathandBodyWorks.com
Cost: $29.00 each

A Cut Above

I'm always up for trying new things, so when a girlfriend (with great hair) recently told me about the wonderfully hidden SoHo salon she frequents, I couldn't resist making an appointment for the very next day.

NY Mag best describes Aurbeautica's beautiful loft-like space, but their talented team of stylists (sans ego or attitude) is what truly distinguishes this salon from the rest. From the moment I arrived, I felt an intoxicating level of tranquility that put me to ease and allowed me to actually enjoy my time at the salon.

As it was only my first visit, I decided to go for a clear glossing treatment (amazing!) and a much-overdue haircut by Aurbeautica owner Jessica Nash, both of which turned out brilliantly. And, as an added bonus, they also use/retail the Davines product collection I was raving about earlier this week. It must be a sign.

Cost: $65 for a glossing treatment (which lasts up to six weeks) and $65- $120 for a cut.

Aurbeautica
594 Broadway
(b/w Prince and Houston St.)
Ste. 903
(212) 334 1004