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.

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.

Celeb Stylist, Mark Townsend on Achieving Sexy Hair

Last month I posted about an exciting project I was working on with celebrity stylist, Mark Townsend for Dove®.  To put things into perspective, sitting in his chair is as exciting as a fashion enthusiast shopping in your fave celeb stylist’s closet.  In the video above, Mark gives me tips on how to go about growing my hair out for my wedding and shows me how to create sexy bends.

Throughout my time with him filming, there was a lot of laughs, but even more gossip!  Of course, we'll save that for another time, but what you should know is that I realized that whenever I style my hair or even go for a blowout I know now that I want "bends" and not loose waves, which is something I was always able to visualize, but never knew how to describe.  If you're seeking a more edgy style, then this is for you, too.

Also, like I mentioned in my previous post, I'm really into the Dove® Style+Care Nourishing Amplifier Mousse. My hair is really fine so it's difficult to find products that don't weigh it down.  Mousse is a must-have foundation product for me whether I'm leaving my hair straight or bending it.  This one is lightweight and gives it playful bounce.

*This is a sponsored post by Dove® and the Style Coalition, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

Inspiration to Make the Chop

Two weeks ago, I announced that a BeautySweetSpot reader volunteered to join me in NYC to chop her hair for Pantene's National Donate Your Hair Day.  Well, Punam, my reader was a rockstar and brought a few friends for support, one of which, was so inspired by the cause that she made the chop as well!  Take a look at the before and after pictures and yes, you can donate anytime too, if you're inspired by their stories as well. Stay tuned, because they'll also be featured in Pantene's vine-umentary about making the chop.  (Instant celebs!)

Punam, who's donated her hair before, chopped 10" and brought along an extra ponytail that she's been saving to donate to a good cause.  It takes eight ponytails in all to make a wig.  "I'll be a nurse and in the future I want to work as an oncology nurse and I'll see girls all of the time who will lose their hair because of cancer so this is just another way that I can help," Punam says.

Her support system, Kristie, who walked in with hair down her back, chopped about 9" and left with a clean, yet still long style, was in a similar situation.  Her aunt is a breast cancer survivor and she too, will soon be a nurse.  "Talking to Danilo and learning about where the hair goes and thinking about my aunt convinced me to do it," she says.  "When I work with cancer therapy patients, I'll be proud to say that I donated my hair.  I feel really good about it and I love my style."

If you are looking for inspiration for your new haircut, the September issue of Seventeen includes a special feature on National Donate Your Hair Day, which has a variety of cute cuts and styling options for those planning to donate.

As a thank you to those who donate, Pantene Beautiful Lengths is running a special promotion at Walmart offering donors a rebate of up to $30 in the form of a VISA gift card by mail to cover the cost of their salon haircut. Beginning September 3, 2013, donors can access the rebate by following three easy steps: 1) Request a donation kit from http://gotobeautifullengths.com/2) Visit any salon and cut a minimum of 8 inches of hair – remember to follow the guidelines for hair donation! 3) Head to your nearest Walmart to purchase any Pantene product to style your new ‘do, then mail in your salon receipt, your Walmart receipt, and most importantly, your ponytail using the pre-paid envelope in the donation kit. Here are complete terms and conditions.

For more information about National Donate Your Hair Day or the Pantene Beautiful Lengths program visit www.beautifullengths.com.

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

How to Fake A Big Bun, No Props Needed

Recently at a wedding my best friend (who has hair as fine) as mine donned this amazing bun and believe it or not, it was all her real hair.  No sock bun, no donut. The only prop needed was an elastic (oh, yea and some bobby pins)!  Of course I semi-freaked out when I saw it and had to get the step-by-step so I can tell all of you! Here it is courtesy of U by Kotex. You may be wondering, what the heck does this style have to do with tampons?  Well, funny enough, U by Kotex comes with free Goody hair elastic at Target, which at the end of the day makes sense.  They're two essentials every girl needs!  And like I said, all you need for this style is an elastic.  Text KOTEX to TARGET to get a coupon today.

Here's the breakdown:

1. Pull your hair back into a high ponytail above the crown of your head securing it with an elastic
2. In 1/2" sections, pull your hair up from the elastic and tease the front (outside) of the root
3. Take that piece and fold it over the teased section
4. Secure with a bobby pin
5. Repeat with 1/2" sections all the way around the pony tail until you have a teased out bun
6. Spray with a light weight hairspray

#ubykotex #ubykgoody #hairtutorial #hair

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

Video: The Secret to Creating Loose Waves

Hi, I'm Jeannine and I'm addicted to blow outs.  Prior to creating this video, the only way I achieved "loose waves" was by getting my hair professionally blown out and strictly instructing my stylist, "Not prom curls!"  Still today, now that I have Bob (yes, my bob is a character and deserves a capital B), I want to achieve the same texture, loose waves.  Sassoon Salon’s Creative Director & Sassoon Expert, Michael Forrey, showed me how to do it at home and we created this video to show you, too!

Destiny's Child Hairstylist, Tippi Shorter, Talks Game Day Prep

Over the weekend I saw one of my favorite hairstylists, Tippi Shorter, tweet that she was working at the Super Bowl.  To be exact, she said, "Is it wrong to be working at the Super Bowl tomorrow and not know who's playing?"  This only meant one thing.  She was either working on Beyonce, a member of Destiny's Child, J Hud or Alicia Keys.  I reached out to her immediately and got the scoop, not only on how she made Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland's hair so straight and shiny, but also on what it was like backstage before the big reunion! What was the vibe like behind the scenes as you prepped Kelly and Michelle for their Super Bowl half time show?

They are true professionals and able to jump into action when needed, so they were their usual fun selves.  It was all hair and makeup talk.

Who did you work with to collaborate on their look?

I spoke to both Kelly and Michelle to find out what they were thinking.  They then trusted me to deliver my own touch to their idea.

Were their leather costumes part of the inspiration behind their sleek strands?

Yes, absolutely.

What's their natural hair texture like and how much prep work went into achieving their straight hair?

Both of the ladies are chemical free, so it makes it easier for me to create a sleek look with body. We worked with a lot of color, so that was time consuming.

What key products were used?

I used the Pantene Truly Natural Shampoo and Conditioner and the Aveda Brilliant for shine and the Control Force Spray for hold.

Can you paint the picture of the backstage scene before they performed?

The three ladies prayed and took the stage for an amazing performance.

How to Rock Beachy Waves in the Fall, Nicole Kidman Style

What's easier than sporting beachy waves all summer long?  Nothing.  According to celebrity stylist, Oribe, the undone style can be worn well into the wintertime and he proved it by styling Nicole Kidman for the September issue of V magazine.  Have you ever seen her like this?  Hot.  Here's how to turn your tousled, care free hair up a few notches into polished, sex kitten waves.

1. Apply a light weight gel to 2-inch sections of wet hair and use your fingers to style creating waves and texture.
2. Diffuse it or let it air dry.
3. Spritz a beach spray like Oribe Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray from mid shaft to the ends for shine and separation.
4. Smooth a light weight serum through for added control.
5. Curl two inch sections with an iron in random places for added drama.

Thinking About Layers? Things to Consider Before You Chop: Thanks to My Intern, Who's New 'Do Welcomes Her Into 'The Industry'

At only 19, I was still sporting a fun, long straight blonde hair look . Since I am young, I was able to pull it off, but now that I am beginning to work in the beauty and fashion industry, I felt it was time for a more mature look.  Enter long layers, a real style.  I received an invite for a complimentary haircut from the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa, and knew this was my chance to make a big change with a stylist I could trust.   I sat with my stylist, Billy Deewillians and explained how I saw long layers in my future.  Here are his tips for women, like me, who are seeking out a new style with layers. Tip 1: Know Your Face Shape

"Haircuts are always all about complimenting the shape of your face," Deewillians commented.  "Before you even decide what your hair style will be, you want to make sure it suits you." Layers compliment women with round facial features instead of enhancing features on the women with angular shaped faces. Angular faces tend to go for the softer haircut instead of intense layers.  This is not to say if you have high cheek bones and a sharp chin you can't have layers.  Just instead of such angles and layers around the face like mine, go for a cut that has the front fall around the face.

Tip 2:  Less is More

It is also important that you steer clear from stringy layers and don't lose the ends, which is the effect you'll get if you add too many layers. For my haircut, Deewillians kept the length in the back and cut it shorter in the front for the style. He explained that with my hair shorter in the front, it creates more opportunities to play with different looks.

Tip 3: Style with Hot Rollers

My main concern was having to wake up earlier in the mornings to style it. I knew I wouldn't be able to go from rolling out of bed and just brushing my hair to having to spend an hour styling it. Deewillians swears by hot rollers. "It's a way for you to style your hair without a lot of heat and time," he remarks.  You can shower the night before, put a little bit of mousse in (he recommends Kerastase Resistance Volumactive Mousse), and let it air dry, or even sleep on it wet if you need. Then, when you wake up, pop in some jumbo rollers and go on with your morning. They don't have to add a lot of curls, but it will give your hair a lift at the roots.

Not only are curlers convenient and time-saving, but according to Deewillians, it works best for my hair type. "It's the go-to for fine hair," he explains. Hot rollers create the saloon looking effect more so then a curling iron.

"At the end of you day you want volume in every part of your hair, not just the top" explains Deewillians. "Therefore, you want to create thickness throughout." Well, mission accomplished because I have never felt like I had so much hair to play with.

While I may have started my summer as an ambitious 19-year-old with pretty long straight hair, I will be leaving as an accomplished 19-year-old with a sexy new hair style to prove it.

Oribe Talks Scarlett Johansson's Vogue Cover Look

There's one word to describe Scarlett Johansson on the cover on May Vogue: Stunning (yes, with a capital "S").  I chatted with Oribe, her on set hairstylist and friend to find out what it was like to work with one of the sexiest women alive and how to get those even sexier, Hollywood waves he created throughout the two day shoot in at a theater downtown in LA (at the same place "The Artist" was shot).  I always try, but somehow end up with separated pieces.  This interview will surely put an end to that nonsense!

How was her hair before you started?

The color of Scarlett’s hair was really beautiful.  She had finished shooting “The Avengers” and had gone back to being blonde.  The length of her hair was perfect and it was this amazing clean blonde.   She looked great, I love her blonde.

How did you come up with the look?

Absolutely, I’ll always collaborate with photographer and the stylist.  For this shoot, the inspiration was “Bringing Up Baby,” a classic movie with Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn.  It’s hysterical and really chic, so we were going for a late 30’s glamorous look.  It was an amazing shoot, I loved it.

 Did Scarlett have any preferences? 

Scarlett is a very smart, intelligent girl, and I always love to get her opinion.  I’m sure she helped me tailor the style to make it work for her face.  She’s very open and loves to look great.

How did you use hot rollers on Scarlett to start creating the wave?

I did the set with small hot rollers almost like a regular set. I divided hair into 2 inch sections, set it in a finger wave with a part.  The rollers went in before makeup and I left them throughout the makeup process. Afterwards I took them out, brushed hair flat and put clips in until Scarlett was dressed.  Finally, I took them out, brushed through the curls and misted hair with my Impermèable Anti-Humidity Spray.

What type of brush did you use to brush through her curls to achieve the wave? 

Always use a Mason Pearson Mixed Bristle Brush.  It glides through the hair really well for a smooth texture and brushing the curls will help them to look less contrived.  I think the result is beautiful, glamorous and reminiscent of the style of movie stars from the 30’s 40’s.

The Hunger Games Beauty: Katniss Approved Braids from the Spring 2012 Runways

I have to admit, I've haven't been posting as much as I should be lately because I've been a bit preoccupied.  Once I tell you why, I'm sure you'll excuse me.  It was The Hunger Games! For the past week and a half the triology has completely consumed my life!  Every aspect of it: social, work and sleep.  The only positive side of finishing is that I can get on with my life now, but I'll never find a story that compares (and as a dorky English major, I've read a ton!). In honor of the time I devoted to the Games and my new found relationship with the main character, Katniss, here's a collection of haute braids I'm sure she'd approve of. Even though Katniss always simply braided her hair straight down the center of her back, a variety of braids popped up through the novels just as they did on the Spring 2012 runways. From fishtails to halos, designers like Michael Kors, Vivienne Westwood, Valentino, Moschino, John Galliano, Sass and Bide and Ruffian all incorporated braids into their final looks.  Check them out and make sure you read The Hunger Games before the movie comes out!

My Latest Go-To for Waves

Now that I have hair extensions I can no longer wear my hair straight because they're so long I'd look like Cousin It. Naturally, the hair is wavy and I normally embrace it, but occasionally I'll blow dry it and enhance the voluminous blow out with waves made by a curling iron.  As of late, I've been using a new styling tool that I have to tell you about –  the Remington T-Studio Pearl Ceramic Styling Wand $29.99. Instead of having a clamp this curling iron is just the wand.  I wrap a strand of my hair around it, hold for a second and just let it go.  It's quick and easy.  I learned (after half of my head was already curled) that if you use bigger sections of hair, the curls will come out bigger and look more like waves (which is what I was going for).  If you want tighter curls, use smaller sections of hair around the iron.  I like the no clamp style because I'm a fool with a curling iron and often get a clamp mark.

Speaking of being a clutz with a curling iron, this iron comes with a heat-proof glove so you can wear it on the hand that you're wrapping the hair around it with so you don't accidentally burn yourself.  I ignored the glove thinking I had it under wraps.  And I did.  I didn't burn my hand at all, but I did singe my neck!  Yes, I got a hickie from the curling iron, never fail.  I need a heat-proof scarf and possibly head band!  I'm the worst at doing my own hair.  I'll admit it!

Summer Style: The Top Knot

I'm absolutely loving the chic, effortless look of the top knot. From a red carpet event to a casual day of brunch and shopping, it works.  Antonio Prieto gave me the scoop on how to master the ballerina bun so you can don one this summer. First prep your coif with mousse and blow dry.  Then, pull your strands straight up into a high ponytail at the top of your crown using your fingers.  This will give more of a loose, messy effect. Twist the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic securing with bobby pins as you go.  Create extra looseness by pinching out pieces of the tucked bun.  Finish with a matte hair spray.