Inspiration...

Ever felt like you were in a make up rut?
Check out this fabulous blog to feel inspired and educated.

myheartistry

You won't be disappointed.

This is going to a fabulous night!
I'll be there ready to answer any questions you may have about color, cuts or extensions.

Platinum Studio is just north of the Costco parking lot off of 8th South in Orem.
Call if you need more directions.

Justin Hackworth, noteworthy.

Last spring I stumbled upon an amazing photographer, Justin Hackworth's website. For you cjane readers, he was the photographer behind The 30 Strangers Project. There was always a hope and dream that I would be able to make use of his skills and talents. That dream came true and my family was captured by his lens. I love these photos, love them. Here is a small sampling of the magic.

Everyone go check out his website and blog.
You will not be disappointed.

To go Dark or not to go Dark

I'm not going to lie, I'm a little sad summer is coming to an end but I need to look at the positive. For example, I won't need to worry about burning my hands on my car's hot steering wheel or planning my pool days around wash hair days, but alas these are the stresses of life.

There are so many great things about autumn; crisp autumn air, fall foliage crunching underfoot, and cute jackets you've been longing to wear all summer. Autumn also brings with it a season of change. One of the most popular requests for change that I see is "I want to go dark for fall". There's nothing like a rich, chocolate brown, a deep mahogany or a golden chestnut to bring in the cozy days of fall. I love dark hair color, I have dark hair. With this season fast approaching I want to share my Guide to Dark... the tips and tricks, as well as the, are you ready to make this kind of commitment checklist.

Commitment Checklist:

• How long have I wanted to make this change? If you just broke up with your boyfriend, had a baby or completely changed your life, think about it a little bit longer.
• Do I have blond hair but need a change? Going dark is fabulous but going back blond is not easy and takes a long time, to keep the strength and integrity of your hair in tact you won't be your original blond again for at least 9 months to a year. I would rather be cautious than careless. Come in to see me and we'll discuss ways to spice up your blond without the commitment.
  
• I've been wanting to go dark for a long time now and have really decided that I would like to be dark for a while and I'm not too emotionally attached to my lighter hair and love change. Call me, make an appointment and get ready for some gorgeous hair.
  

Tips and Tricks

• To get an even, rich, consistent color when going from blond to dark a fill color will need to be used. When hair is lightened the natural pigment in the hair is lost and needs to be replaced before dark color is applied. Don't try this at home or you could end up with muddy, green hair. Let the professionals handle this one.
• Darker colors are sometimes a process. A few layers of color will need to be deposited to achieve the ultimate in richness and depth.
• Depending on the condition of the hair to start with, there may be some fading after the initial visit. (See above)
  
• When hair is changed significantly, other things need to change too. For example, make-up color palette and clothing colors, etc. Something that worked for you when you were uber blond may not cut it when you are strutting your stuff as a brunette.

Whether you decide to take the plunge and go dark this fall or not, that's up to you. Either way, your hair reflects you. Are you sharing with the world your ultimate self?

Curls 101

I live in South Carolina, where the humidity, heat, and ocean waves are the ruler of my naturally curly, and unfortunately frizzy, hair.

I seem to have a pretty decent cut, but would love some tips on how to manage it and product recommendations.

Thank you!

Ann in SC

Curly hair can be a beautiful thing or it can be a beast because there are so many factors that contribute to the overall outcome. For example; humidity level, how much conditioner didn't get washed out, how long you left the towel wrapped around your head, how long it air dried while you fixed breakfast or how much product you used or didn't use. Truth be told, naturally curly hair will never look the same two days in a row. There are a few tips and tricks that can help in the plight of controlling and accepting curly hair.

Do moisturize (Shampoo, Condition and leave in) Even in humid climates curls need moisture to stay shiny and frizz free.

Do be gentle. Curls need a soft touch, too much handling disrupts natural curl pattern.

Do apply product evenly. When using desired product dispense in hand and rub hands together like you are putting on lotion. Then use fingers as applicators and the palm as the reservoir for more product.

Product Recommendations

Short to Medium Length hair
Cocktail* MOP defining cream + MOP glisten

Long hair
Schwarzkopf Bona Cure Moisture Kick spray conditioner
Cocktail* OSIS text it gel + OSIS buff styling cream

*mix together in hands before applying

Do tilt head while diffusing to allow hair to dry off scalp to create volume.

Don't rub hair with towel when getting out the shower. Instead, gently wring hair to remove excess water, leave hair wet but not dripping, then apply product.

Don't touch too much. Fussing, creates frizz. Try to keep natural curl pattern intact as much as possible.

Don't over-dry when using a diffuser. Leave a little moisture in the hair to air dry, this will decrease frizz and the "crunchies." Focus on drying roots to create lift and movement.

Hopefully these tips and tricks can come in handy when dealing with
the Beauty and the Beast of curly hair.

Man Made or Natural?

Thank you for checking out hairdidbyashlee, here are a few questions I've received and will answer for the benefit of all.

Question 1: What can I do to have my strong thick hair I had before I permed it?? now is stringy and dry and ugly...HELP!!!:)
M

Perms can be a very good and a very bad thing, depending on how well they are performed. Sounds like M might have gotten a pretty bad one.

Here's perm 101: For a perm, hair is wrapped in perm rods, then a solution is applied which literally breaks down the Hydrogen bonds in the hair, hair is rinsed and then a neutralizer is applied which fills in all the missing H-bonds and sets the hair permanently in the new curl pattern. Neutralizer is rinsed and rods are taken out.

There are several places in this process where something can go wrong resulting in unfavorable results. Condition of the hair before perm, wrapping technique or lack thereof, processing time and amount of time neutralizer is left on the hair. My guess is that M may have been over processed or the neutralizer was not rinsed soon enough.

Solution to M's problem: Since her hair was permanently, chemically altered it won't be back to "normal" until it grows out and is cut off. Sorry, but there are things that can help the hair feel better and closer to "normal". A few regular salon visits to get protein treatments and deep conditioners would be helpful. These treatments will help restore protein and moisture that was stripped from the hair during the perm.

Question 2: I have naturally curly hair which is usually not too frizzy and normally I love it. But I recently got an A-line sort of cut. IT DOES NOT LOOK GOOD. It's super frizzy to the point it doesn't even look curly anymore. I know she razored it and thinned it out a lot but it looks like a big triangle shape on my head. What gives??
Bethany

I have naturally curly hair as well so I totally understand where Bethany is coming from. In my experience I've learned that its better to not razor naturally curly hair. This thinning/texturizing technique shreds the ends too much for that type of hair texture. Curls need substance from root to end and when the ends are thinned out too much the natural curl collapses and ceases to exist, leaving behind frizz and no shape.

Solution: Regular trims to slowly get rid of the ends that have been over texturized and trying a few different styling techniques to combat the frizz. Styling the hair straighter by round brushing and smoothing with a flat iron might help you get through the grow out.

Good luck to M and Bethany, I hope these answers to the questions were helpful. As always I'm here to help. Let me know if any more help is needed.

AW