Are You OK With Second-Day Hair?

Dirty hair can be a touchy subject, I know. While most think that it isn't for everyone, I will always recommend that my clients do not wash their hair every day. If you have super fine hair that gets greasy within mere hours of blowdrying and styling, I've got some tips for you too! Fear not, I'm here to help.

I have a pretty standard mop in the hair realm. I hate using the word "normal" to describe anything (because what the hell is normal anyway?), but I've lucked out with no-fuss, strong, happy hair. My strands are fine, but I have a whole lot of them, making my hair super dense and as most would say, thick. I can usually go a week (here's the part where we all gasp in horror) before washing my hair, but I do a few important things in order to maintain it each day!

Follow along for some easy tips and tricks to make your blowout last for days, and still feel comfortable leaving your house!

Fall 2015 Hair Color - Trend Report

Hi, my name is Katie and I am a hairstylist. I'm a hairstylist that never colors her hair. I know, I know. You're all thinking I'm crazy to be yapping away about hair color trends, but never taking the plunge myself. Well, let me say this - I happen to love my natural strawberry blonde shade, and I also happen to be very low maintenance when it comes to my hair. I love keeping up with all of your double process blondes every 3 weeks, but me, I'll stick with what I have.

Even though I'm not changing up my locks, read on to find out what I wish I was doing in my Fall 2015 Hair Color Trend Report!


Icy Blonde

Image courtsey of industrieonline.com
Works best on fine, naturally light-ish hair. Take a look at this post discussing the 2016 TIGI Bed Head Collection where TIGI Worldwide Creative Director Anthony Mascolo explains this amazing formulation.


Rose Gold

Image courtsey of paulmitchell.com
According to this Paul Mitchell post, I'm late to the rose gold party. BUT! I will argue that this trend is here to stay for a bit longer. I'm still getting requests left and right for this fun, but-not-too-crazy shade.


Pumpkin Spice!

Image courtsey of metro.co.uk
Last but not least, Fall 2015's biggest trend in hair color is pumpkin spice hair, because well, duh. A few years back, I worked at ARROJO Studio in SoHo, and one of my coworkers was featured in this Bustle article for her PSL hair color. Call it what you will - red, copper, etc. - I am actually obsessed with this trend. Probably because I natually have (some sort of iteration of) #pumpkinspicehair. I'm rolling with this one, don't try and shoot me down!

Hair Kates HELP!

I get SO many hair questions on a daily basis, I thought it might be a good idea to not only address them in person when asked, but bring them here as well! If YOU have a question you're itching to get answered, tweet me with #hairkatesHELP and I'll be sure to make a post about it. Hooray, let's jump right in!

Probably the most common question that I get asked is "How do I properly use dry shampoo? Where the hell do I spray it?!"

I think a common misconception about using dry shampoo is that you spray it all over your hair. Not true. Your root area, closest to your scalp, is the part of your noggin that will get the oiliest, the fastest. Let's get to it!

1. When using dry shampoo, I always recommend taking a slightly diagonal back section from the temple back to the crown. This is generally where you'll need it the most.

2. Direct the hair up, and dry shampoo the heck out of you hair at the part!

3. See below for a super silly shot of me getting dry shampoo-clean!

Guys, it really is that simple. Here's to (faux) clean hair!

Stay tuned for a post talking about my favorite dry shampoo products. It'll be a good one, I promise. Remember, don't forget to tweet #hairkatesHELP to get your burning hair questions answered!

Monday Hair-Spiration - Wedding Hair!

Planning a wedding is TOUGH. I was absolutely sure I would love going through the planning process, having a total pinterest-worthy wedding, making all of the decisions on my own. Well, I was wrong. We have very large families, lots of important friends, high expectations, a picky bride -ahem- and a tight budget. Mike and I are very practical when it comes to spending, and although we want the badass dream day, spending $30,000+ is just not us. It's been very tough finding a non-traditional wedding venue in New Jersey that fits our style, and food for less than $125 per person. It seems like as soon as you say "wedding" the price skyrockets.

Maybe venue and menu planning isn't my thing, so I've stopped focusing on that and started honing in on hairstyles. Obviously. Time to take a deep breath, stop stressing about this being the perfect day (because, no matter what, it will be), and enjoy some beautiful hair.

1. http://www.stylemepretty.com/vault/gallery/27126
2. http://www.oncewed.com/diy/french-braided-twist/
3. http://www.hairromance.com/2015/03/gingertwin-mohawk-french-braid-updo-tutorial.html
4. http://bellamumma.com/2015/05/weekend-hair-twisted-crown-braid.html
5. http://hairpush.com
6. http://www.hairpush.com/2015/06/how-to-make-a-easy-doing-wedding-updos/3/

Let's Talk Texture

Everyone loves that just-woke-up, bedhead look. Well, at least, I love that just-woke-up, bedhead look. The best part about it, is that if I take the time to do my hair on Monday, with the right arsenal of product, I can go the rest of the week (don't judge me!) effortlessly waking up 30 minutes later than usual, shaking my head upside down, and running out the door to catch my train.

Another great thing about these products is that I really believe that they are universal, and can be used on fine hair, limp hair, frizzy hair, or thick hair to help perk up and refresh any style.

Here are my top three texturizing products

PARLOR by Jeff Chastain Moisturizing Sea Salt Spray If you want to save your strands from heat damage, this sea salt spray is a great product to let your hair air dry with. The best part? It won't give you that crunchy look you can get from other sea salt sprays! Fun fact: this is my number one favorite hair scent to date.

Oribe Après Beach Wave & Shine Spray I love this spray thanks to its 2-in-1 benefit: texture and shine. While I would love to run away to the Caribbean simply for the beachy hair, alas, I am stuck in New Jersey and Oribe will have to do. And honestly, I'm okay with that!

Amika Un.Done Texture Spray Amika has this amazing, uplifting, fresh scent across their entire line that I cannot get enough of. Now let's get to the nitty gritty - although there is no gritty feel left behind with this powerful little baby. I love spraying this all around, not just at the root, for an effortless style that stays all day. Also, having this packing on my bathroom shelf just makes the whole room prettier.

Monday Hair-Spiration!

Back on track love birds! Today is beautiful here on the east coast, and I'm feeling inspired. Here are some of my favorite looks right now on pinterest -  go check out my good hair board for more lovely styles!

1. http://wethepeoplestyle.com/2014/01/glass-house/
2. http://hartandsew.blogspot.com/2011/02/braids.html
3. http://fiftyshadesofhair.tumblr.com/image/55838716139
4. http://thenletitbe.tumblr.com/post/42318152841
5. http://alwayschoosejoy.tumblr.com/post/59427681795/borninboots-op-we-heart-it
6. http://hitchcockblonde.tumblr.com/post/26343715975
7. http://indulgy.com/post/kHpW9J4Mf1/hair-style

Monday Hair-spiration

Oh my! How am I letting this blog get away from me for a week?? I know...because I am crazy busy and have exciting prospects on the horizon. Back to work...

Image: weddingbells.ca

Does anyone have the luxury to be able to wear a flower crown on the reg? I would love to be walking through the grocery store and spot a beauty looking like this... le sigh.

Photo credit, clockwise:


1. http://www.vogue.es/novias/galerias/una-novia-de-inspiracion-rural/10407/image/793006
2. http://www.hairandmakeupbysteph.com
3. http://www.tumblr.com
4. http://www.pinterest.com
5. http://www.pinterest.com

Monday Hair-spiration

Does anyone else feel that a new season always has to be welcomed with a new hair style? I'm getting edgy this Monday and thinking spring! Everyone is embracing pastels lately, and while I can't say I'm  that edgy (yet), I'm so in love with this trend! Here are some of the loveliest spring-ready pastels I've found. Happy Monday, beauties.

Photo credit, clockwise:

1. tumblr.com
2. http://savphillips.tumblr.com/image/62786400261
3. pinterest.com
4. http://www.inthefrow.com/2014/02/illamasqua-hollow-pigment.html
5. pinterest.com
6. https://www.obaz.com/lookbook/902

Monday Hair-spiration

This Monday hair-spiration is all about the blondes. Spring is in the air people, and I cannot wait. I love my natural strawberry blonde color, but when the weather starts getting warmer, I'm going to add some natural painted highlights and embrace the beautiful season!

Do you like to switch up your color with the seasons?


Photo credit, clockwise:

http://www.pinterest.com
http://www.annesage.com/blog/2013/08/easy-updo-hair-tutorial.html
http://www.misteranhcotran.com
http://www.unique.dk/female/models/jude-rea/

3 Things I Learned from Pinterest

I can spend an entire day on Pinterest. Or maybe an entire week…am I really the only one? I don't think so. Pinterest has a way of sucking you in until your eyes are blood shot, you have a new hairdo, tie-dye nail polish, and have made 5 delicious deserts. All in a day's work.

I am honoring my crazy busy week/weekend with a tribute to my love affair with Pinterest. You learn something new everyday, right?

1. The Kitty Cat 
www.thebeautydepartment.com

I hate to admit it, but I am yet to master the cat eye look. I have a (surprisingly) shaky hand when it comes to makeup, and I'm fair, so I tend to go light on the eyes. But this, holy cow I need to master this one. Not to mention I love kitties. A lot.

2. How to fake bigger lips

blog.hairandmakeupbysteph.com

Definitely trying out this bigger pout at work next week! PS did anyone else see Stephanie's feature in Behind the Chair magazine this past issue? I love her!

3. Chop chop

www.thebeautydepartment.com

Okay, okay. The Beauty Department always wins. Like, always. I obviously admire what they do, and they are a huge inspiration behind this blog. When I chopped my hair recently I was sad to give up my favorite hair style - milk maid braids. Well worry no more Kate! TBD saves the day, as usual.

Monday hair-spiration

After my very first hairspiration feature, I got the itch and decided to chop my hair! I've always had short hair, and this just feels like me. As I've said, I always want that long mermaid hair, but once it gets past my shoulders I feel like I have a mop on my head. People seem to think that when you have short hair, it's just down all the time. Not true! And thanks to The Beauty Department, a girl never has to worry about her style for the day. This is one of my favorite go-to styles with short hair!

3 ways to avoid damaging your hair

Avoiding hair damage is so much easier than you think. There are a ton of simple ways to save your locks, so let's get to it! Here are my top 3 tips to avoid damaging your hair...

1. Keep with with your trims! Make a date with your hairstylist each season change. Three months is a pretty decent time to be able to maintain healthy hair. And a fun perk of this rule, you get to greet each season with a fresh do! I know that seems like you'll always be cutting your hair, but think about it this way: hair won't seem like it's growing if the ends are constantly breaking off. Maintaing about a half-inch or so each time you visit the salon will allow for maximum growth potential!

2. Switch up your standard shampoo with some alternatives, like a raw honey no-poo (I loved Free People's diary about using honey to cleanse!), or using an avocado & olive oil hair mask. Depending on the level of damage, a heavy mask like this one can be done up to three times per week. Be sure to keep your focus on the midshaft to ends in order to keep greasy roots away. Using natural alternatives will keep heavy sulfates and detergents at bay, thus avoiding over drying your hair. Your strands will thank you, I promise!

3. Calm down with the heat styling! Ladies (and guys), let dry shampoo become your new best friend. Again, not washing every day with harsh shampoos that may contain lots of potential heavy metals and detergents, will let you avoid unintentionally drying the crap out of your hair. Holding off on washing every day will cut back on your heat styling time; bye bye blowdrys, less curling irons, and fewer flat irons. Less heat = less breakage. It's that simple.


What are you best secrets to avoid breakage? Leave your tips in the comments below, I'd love to hear them and build up my healthy hair arsenal!

Monday hair-spiration

Sometimes we need a little inspiration to get our glam going. Mondays can definitely be a drag, so in honor of that, each Monday I will vow to brighten everyone up with some hair-spiration! I've always been one to want beautiful, long, mermaid hair, but as soon as it gets past my shoulders, I am sick of it. I never have the patience to do my hair when it gets a bit longer, and I end up tossing it up into a bun or ponytail. Well, let me tell you, that gets boring. So cheers to not being boring! Rummaging through Pinterest, I can never get enough of all the amazingly gorgeous hair. Here are some styles I'm loving recently. Let me know what you think! 

These images are not claimed as my own. All images found on Pinterest, if credit is known please share!

Trim your bangs at home!

It's Saturday night, and guess what I'm doing? Trimming my bangs, of course! (I like to live on the edge guys, what can I say.) Everyone loves a good video tutorial, so I decided to do a fun spin on the typical trim your bangs at home video. So without further adieu, let's get to it!

Music: Bron-Yr-Aur Stomp by Led Zeppelin

Are there any other video tutorials you'd like to see? Let me know in the comments!

Bloglovin!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Alright beauty birds, I think the time has come for me to get going on Bloglovin! Feel free to follow along with the link above, or sign up for email updates on the side bar.

I'm excited to celebrate beauty with you all!

Working with brides

Some of my favorite clients are (yes, you guessed it thanks to the post title) brides. I love working with brides. It's such a beautiful experience, and I'm so lucky to be able to have a career that makes me feel great every single day. Over the past few years, I've come into my own as a hair stylist, and I've learned that it is SO important to go above and beyond for your clients. I want a bridal party to shriek with excitement when I come waltzing into the room with champagne and strawberries, little survival kits for everyone, and a smiling face to ease any nerves. I make myself available until the minute a bride walks down the isle, tending to any of those absolutely necessary last minute touch-ups. I find that this little bit of extra love truly makes a difference, and referrals come pouring in afterwards.

What would you want or expect from your hair stylist on your wedding day? Do you as a stylist, or has anyone gone above and beyond to make your wedding day amazing? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Fight frizz, naturally

The beauty industry is HUGE. There are so many shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, curl enhancers, dyes, chemical treatments...well, you get what I'm trying to say. You have SO many options. When you want to break away from the potentially harsh chemicals (even if only for a day!), there are totally do-able options right in your kitchen cabinet to fight frizz and make your strands smile. You probably wouldn't think about putting carbonated water on your hair to increase shine, huh? Avocado, coconut oil, carbonated water, and apple cider vinegar are just a few of the options at your fingertips. Although in the north east we're battling 4+ feet of snow, these super easy DIY hair treatments will help you beat humidity and say goodbye to frizz!


1. Carbonated Water

Let's talk chemistry here for a minute, beauty birds. Carbonated water has a lower pH and is slightly more acidic than purified water. Mildly acidic products can be used on the hair to harden the outer layer, flatten the cuticle, and shrink the diameter of the hair. Trying not to get too nerdy here, the ideal pH of hair is between 4.5 and 5.0. Giving your hair a final rinse with carbonated water will bring the pH down a bit, resulting in smooth, shiny locks. You can also try an apple cider rinse after shampooing for similar results! After shampooing and rinsing thoroughly, pour carbonated water or ACV and let sit for about 30 seconds. Rinse and love!

2. Avocado & Olive Oil Mask

Avocados are full of the good kind of fatty acids to help fight frizz, and olive oil has amazing hydrating benefits. This is a super simple mask! Mash one ripe avocado with 1 tbsp of olive oil. Make sure to whip them up into an easily-spreadable consistency. After shampooing, wring hair to get as much moisture out as possible. Apply the mask and let sit for 30 minutes. Shave, sing, do anything you'd like to pass the time! Be sure to fully rinse the mask out and be prepared to enjoy the softest hair ever!

3. Coconut Oil Treatment

Coconut oil is my all-time favorite. After shampooing, rinse hair completely and taking a small amount of coconut oil, apply to hair from ends to about two-thirds of the way to the scalp. Make sure not to get too close to the scalp (you don't need all that extra oil up there), let sit for about 30 minutes.  Feel free to sit with a cap on and shamelessly enjoy that juicy gossip magazine. Rinse thoroughly and embrace that I miss you summer feeling with delicious smelling and hydrated hair!


These three easy at-home treatments will keep you looking beautiful, even on the hottest days. Let me know how they work for you, and if you have any dream treatments I should try!