ALL POSTS | HAIR CUSTOMERS | HAIR PROFESSIONALS

ALL POSTS | HAIR CUSTOMERS | HAIR PROFESSIONALS
HAIRLOOKS - WHAT WE DO
Hair Customers Learn More
​This post gives an overview of what we do, why we're passionate about hair, and how we're changing the way people have their hair done. Read on to learn more.
DETOXING YOUR HAIR
October 12th, 2022
Products like shampoo, conditioners and styling aids add shine and manageability, but they also build up on our hair over time. The results of this build up are brittle hair, discoloration (especially on lighter strands), frizz and tougher tangles. Minerals that collect in our tap water compound this problem. Read on to learn more about what to do about it.
​THE PUSH FOR SUSTAINABLE BEAUTY
September 26th, 2022
Without fulfilling the need for more sustainable processes and packaging, the beauty industry will face challenges satisfying their customers' growing desire to shop green. In this post we cover two topics every eco-conscious beauty shopper should be tuned in to: carbon neutrality and packaging. Read on to learn more. ​
HOW TO USE A DIFFUSER
August 24th, 2022
A diffuser is an attachment for your blowdryer that many people end up losing or throwing away because they have no idea what it is or how to use it. Its job is to spread out and soften the force of the air flowing from your blowdryer, a technique that works best when you want to shape your hair into a curly (as opposed to straight) texture. In this post we'll focus on how to use a diffuser, plus other options for styling curly hair.
PRODUCT FRAGRANCES
August 18th, 2022
When it comes to product fragrances, my preferred ingredients are semi-synthetic and plant-based (i.e. natural). In addition, I prefer all of the brands I use to be committed to animal cruelty-free practices. Although natural fragrances expire faster than synthetic ones, my nose and skin are less sensitive to them. It should be noted that this is not true for everyone. A study done in 2009 posted on the National Library of Medicine cites 30.5% of people in the US having reactions to product fragrances, which means 69.5% of people do not have this problem. For those like myself that do, finding beauty products that only use natural fragrance ingredients is challenging due to laws around trade secrets.
CAN YOU TRAIN OILY HAIR?
August 11th, 2022
For years I've heard people talk about "training" the scalp to be less oily, with the training method being focused on washing your hair less frequently. However, this theory was disproven in 1982 by Kligman and Shelley, who showed that washing your hair has no effect on the amount of oil produced by your scalp because it is the result of hormonal and genetic factors. Additionally, your sebaceous glands have no way of responding to more or less oils being present on the surface of the scalp.  In this post, I outline who should consider washing their hair daily, along with methods/schedules for doing so. ​
HAIR COLOR CORRECTIONS
July 26th, 2022
You may need a color correction if you're unhappy with your latest color job. Whether it's a DIY mistake or one caused by a professional, it's stressful to make a change to your hair and then to regret it. Unfortunately, it can be a complex process to reverse a change once it's been made. It's almost always better to have a hair professional conduct your color correction to avoid digging yourself into a deeper hole should a second attempt also fail and require an even more expensive procedure to fix it. Read on to learn more.
REACTIONS TO HAIR PRODUCTS
June 29th, 2022
Shampoos contain cleansing agents, preservatives and fragrances that can sometimes cause irritation. This can occur simply because they were not rinsed out well enough, if you have sensitive skin or if a certain ingredient causes an allergic reaction. People who have experienced the latter two scenarios may also find that some hair styling products irritate their skin as well. In this post, I give an overview of common ingredients that cause irritation and what to do when it happens to you. Read on to learn more.
HAIR SLUGGING
June 20th, 2022
Initially, in the context of beauty routines, the term "slugging" referred to a skincare tip. The tip suggested applying a layer of petroleum jelly (for example, Vaseline) to your face as the last step of a skincare routine. The intended effect is to prevent dryness by sealing in moisture. Now, the hair care community is buzzing on TikTok with the term "hair slugging", which can be used interchangeably with the term "hair oiling".  Read on to learn more.
HAIR LIGHTENING SPRAY
June 19th, 2022
For decades, sun or heat activated lightening sprays (a.k.a. sun-in) have promised sun-kissed hair. These sprays have a soft brightening effect that ideally results in a natural looking highlight that you’d get from sun exposure. Many people opt for these sprays when going for a DIY approach, but are unfortunately unaware of the repercussions of unwanted outcomes, which can be worse than expected. Read on to learn more about how sun-in works and what to be aware of if you want to try it.
HAIR PODCASTS TO CHECK OUT
June 9th, 2022
Listening to podcasts is a great way to stay up to date on relevant trends and insights while driving, making dinner or working out. With so many passionate creatives in the hair industry, it should come as no surprise that there are many hair and beauty podcasts to check out. In this post, I've highlighted some well known and up-and-coming podcasters that share interesting hair and beauty insights via audio content.
HAIR TIPS TO CONSIDER
May 31st, 2022
We hear so many hair care recommendations, but which ones are right for you? Everyone's hair is unique and will respond plus adapt differently to a hair care tactic. In this post, I've given an overview of different recommendations I often give to clients, along with a comparison of why it does or does not work for different hair types. Use the overview to adjust your hair routine as needed. 
HAIR SUN & WATER GUIDE
May 23rd, 2022
With the summer season coming up, I've been thinking about how sun and water in swimming environments impacts the health of your hair and scalp. Sun, salt and chlorine can make your hair dry. On top of exposing your hair to the pool or ocean (maybe both on a good day), your hair is additionally susceptible to the sun's damaging UV rays, which have the ability to lighten the tone of your hair. Read on to learn about ways to protect your hair.
DEEP CONDITIONING YOUR HAIR
May 12th, 2022
Deep conditioning is a best practice to incorporate into your hair routine. Even if you feel your hair is not damaged, deep conditioners still help maintain healthy looking hair over time. Choosing how often to deep condition and which products to use can be a challenge. Deep conditioners go by many names, but are often thicker and heavier in their ingredient concentration. Read on to learn more.
CALIFORNIA-BASED HAIR CARE
May 10th, 2022
When thinking about California, images of surfing, sun and Hollywood glamour come to mind. It comes as no surprise that the so-called "Golden State" is the starting point for many successful beauty brands, often launched via partnerships with famous stars and starlets that call the area home. I've highlighted some of the hair-specific brands I've been following below. Read on to learn more.
HAIR GROWTH & RETENTION
May 2nd, 2022
​Wondering what scientists are recommending when it comes to providing the best environment for hair growth? I was when I started drafting this post. First and foremost, hair growth is determined by genetics plus your state of health, and then, secondly, it is moderately impacted by hair care routines that maintain strength and reduce damage. The scientific community agrees on those primary and secondary influencers, but they have yet to agree on the best way to help hair grow faster. Read on to learn more.
HAIR STRUCTURE 101
April 22nd, 2022
Hair has been a part of the human body since the earliest days of our evolutionary history. The structure of a human hair is something most people don't often think about, but there are aspects of it that make it one of the more unique parts of your body. With this in mind, I wanted to do a post on the structure of hair. Read on to learn more.
SCALP BUILD UP
April 13th, 2022
​Another term for "scalp build up" is dandruff, which can cause flakes to appear in your hair, on your scalp and on your clothing. More than 50% of adults are affected by this condition. Outlining the differences between scalp conditions is helpful when trying to understand problems you may be having, and that's what I've done in this post here. 
THE SCIENCE BEHIND GRAY HAIR
March 31st, 2022
Gray hair is a visible sign of the natural course of aging that affects all populations. It occurs due to a loss of melanin, a pigment found in the skin, eyes and hair. Today's methods of combating gray hair consist of coloring it. However, the medical community is becoming confident that there could be ways to slow the process of going gray through new forms of medicine. Read on to learn more.
FORMALDEHYDE-FREE STRAIGHTENERS
March 22nd, 2022
​By making smooth, manageable hair attainable, hair straightening services have become a popular practice in salons around the world. In this post, I wanted to sort through some of the marketing hype, plus regulations in the EU and US, to take a closer look at things consumers should consider when receiving formaldehyde-free straightening services.
HAIR SCHEDULES
March 19th, 2022
In this post, I outline schedules for different types of hair goals and hair types. The list includes routines for: (1) Growing Your Hair Out, (2) Dry, Damaged, Tangled Hair, (3) Flat, Fine, Oily Hair, (4) Flat, Fine, Highlighted Hair, (5) Full, Thick, Course Hair and (6) Need to Wash Hair Daily (ex: gym-goers). Use them to plan your weekly hair routine.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A CURLY HAIRCUT
February 28th, 2022
Getting a bad haircut is a real bummer. This is especially true for someone with curly hair. It takes longer to grow back, and it's harder to tell if you'll really like the cut until after you wash and style it yourself afterwards (often several days later). Arming yourself with the right communication strategy can help you relax before, during and after your next haircut, and that's what this guide is for.
PROTECTING YOUR HAIR FROM HEAT DAMAGE
February 24th, 2022
Products that claim to reduce damage to your hair when used during styling with heat tools like blow dryers, curling irons and flat irons are considered heat protection. They can come in the form of sprays, creams, lotions and/or serums. In this post, I break down how to think about the temperature of your heat styling tools and the product ingredients that are best for heat protection. Read on to learn more.
SEVEN HAIR YOUTUBERS TO WATCH
February 16th, 2022
​According to Statista, during 2018 YouTube "beauty-related content generated more than 169 billion views on the video platform". Today, that content broadly consists of channels talking about hair, skincare and makeup. Considering the abundance of information on YouTube,  I wanted to highlight some YouTubers that, as a hairstylist, I think give the best advice on hair care. 
RECOMMENDED PRODUCT INGREDIENTS
February 11th, 2022
​I always have clients review their hair care routine with me during appointments, which helps me recommend better products for their needs. The most common issue people share is experiencing a loss of effectiveness in their products over time. This results from a need to balance cleaning your hair with moisturizing it. Read on to learn more.
HAIR OILS
January 30th, 2022
People have used oil in hair care regimens for thousands of years. One of the earliest recorded use cases was of the ancient Egyptians, who applied castor oil to their hair. In this post, I help you understand the different types of oils and which ones you should be using on your hair.  Read on to learn more.
BEAUTYTECH
December 20th, 2021
Welcome to the apex of technology and beauty, where breaking changes are being made around how beauty products and services are made accessible to the right consumers. The shift in demand for innovation across multiple product and service categories can be seen in 2021. Covid-19 may have hit certain beauty sectors hard, but it has also accelerated the demand for innovation. In this post, I write about the tech advancements that have stood out to me as both a hair professional and a consumer.
HAIR CHALLENGES PART II
December 12th, 2021
This is part two of a guide meant to enlighten you about what is really going on with your hair. Move the product marketing aside and step into the mind of the hair professional by learning the science behind your strands, which are fluid and, at times, inconsistent. They can be changed with heat, weather, and chemicals, all agents that can be manipulated to achieve your desired look. As a third-generation hair professional, I'm excited to share this knowledge to give you more control over your hair challenges.
HAIR CHALLENGES PART I
December 2nd, 2021
This is part one of a guide meant to enlighten you about what is really going on with your hair. Move the product marketing aside and step into the mind of the hair professional by learning the science behind your strands, which are fluid and, at times, inconsistent. They can be changed with heat, weather, and chemicals, all agents that can be manipulated to achieve your desired look. As a third-generation hair professional, I'm excited to share this knowledge to give you more control over your hair challenges.
FACE SHAPE GUIDE
November 11th, 2021
I recommend thinking of your face in two sections: (1) upper face and (2) lower face. Doing this will help you understand if you have characteristics from two different face shapes, which is common. Also, remember that the real world is 3D and the shapes in this guide are 2D, which means they can only tell you about the portrait of your face. Read on to learn more. 
BANGS HAIR GUIDE
November 3rd, 2021
Looking for a more impactful way to change your hair? Bangs can create softness or add edginess to your look, and the types to choose from are endless. In this post, I give you some guidelines around bangs to help you decide what could work for you. 
INGREDIENT LISTS
October 19th, 2021
Over the last few years, there has been an increase in the annual variety of cosmetic products sold. For some of these new products' ingredients, there is little information available to support safety and efficacy. To help categorize all cosmetic ingredients, the FDA uses a system called the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI). Learn more about it in this post.
FALL TRENDS - LIQUID HAIR
October 8th, 2021
I'm always on the hunt for timeless trends. In fashion, the little black dress’s qualities are classic, essential and elegant, but wearable. Like the LBD, sleek shiny hair at any length is an ongoing trend that we've see renditions of over time. The overall effect is reflective, healthy and straight hair. Today it's known as "liquid hair". Learn more in this post.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I SHAMPOO?
September 28th, 2021
As a stylist, the most frequent question I get is “how often should I shampoo?”. My response always is "first and foremost, it's important to know how to shampoo properly so when you do, it counts".  From how shampoo works to the most common ingredients, I answer all of your shampoo-related questions in this post.
HAIR DISCRIMINATION UPDATE II
September 16th, 2021
The CROWN Act is a bill founded in early 2019 that prohibits race-based hair discrimination in the form of denying employment or education opportunities because of hair texture or preferred style. "CROWN" stands for "Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair". An update on the progress of this critical bill is included in this blog post.
​2021 HAIR TRENDS
August 24th, 2021
​In this post I give an overview of the top hair trends for 2021. They include (1) Curtain Bangs, (2) Hair Dryer Brushes, (3) Brad Mondo, (4) Money Piece, (5) Dimethicone, (6) Hair Plopping and (7) the Wolf Haircut. Read on to learn more. 
STYLING GUIDE FOR MEN
July 1st, 2021
This step-by-step guide is designed to help men figure out which products and styling tools to use. If you want to learn more about products beyond the overview I give here, you can check out my posts on Simplifying Hair Products and Simplifying Hair Products II. Read on to learn more.
HYGRAL FATIGUE
June 9th, 2021
Hygral fatigue is a phenomenon thought to occur when you over-condition your hair, leading to excessive damage from moisture entering and exiting your hair’s cuticle too many times. However, there is technically no concrete scientific evidence that hygral fatigue exists. That being said, a balance between protein and moisture in your hair is important. Read on to learn more. ​
SHOULDER LENGTH HAIR GUIDE
May 26th, 2021
In this post I break down the concept of "shoulder length" into three categories: (1) just above the shoulder, (2) on the shoulder and (3) collar bone length. Use it as a guide to help you plan what your next haircut will look like, and to learn what transitioning from short-to-long, or long-to-short, hair will be like. 
POST-WORKOUT HAIR
May 4th, 2021
Matching two of my major obsessions in one blog: hair and the gym. With my own major hair color and length changes, I've had to navigate leaving the gym with polished hair in creative ways that shorten styling time plus avoid damage. Read on for options that daily gym goers can take advantage of, whether you wash your hair daily or don't. 
DMDM HYDANTOIN
April 23rd, 2021
Consumers are searching for shampoo and conditioners that do not contain DMDM Hydantoin, a popular preservative. At the beginning of 2021 there was a trend on social media linking this ingredient with hair loss. People are being advised to check not only their drugstore hair products, but also ones from high end salons, to ensure it's not on the ingredient list. Read on to learn more. 
GET THE CUT YOU WANT IN 2021
April 13th, 2021
I wanted to write this post to help people enter into 2021 with a splash. Everyone is spending time and money on their hair right now to make up for all the haircuts they missed and bad hair days they had in 2020. Check out my last post on this topic, titled How to Get the Cut You Want, to get ideas on how to talk about length, layers and texture. Then use this post to figure out what you're looking for and expand your haircut description verbiage. 
TEXTURED BOBS
March 27th, 2021
I've always believed in becoming the master of one core skill in your profession, and using that to differentiate yourself from the rest of the market. For this reason, I chose to specialize in haircuts around one year into my hairdressing career. I recently had the chance to do a haircut on influencer Aimee Rancer, who you may remember from our blog post in ​August last year titled Q&A with Aimee Rancer. Understand more about her look through my run down below!
HAIR PRODUCT LABELS
March 19th, 2021
According to the the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) webpage on cosmetics labeling, there are no requirements in the U.S. for cosmetic manufacturers to print expiration dates on the labels of cosmetic products. However, companies (and individuals) who market cosmetics have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of their products. This shows in the symbols used on their packaging, which is what this next post is all about.
PURPLE SHAMPOO
February 23rd, 2021
During COVID Google searches for purple shampoo have increased. The salon industry, having limited opportunity to tend to the warm shades in lightened hair that show up in between maintenance, have people searching for solutions. Sharing some info here on purple shampoo and conditioner to help our blonde, silver and white haired friends out.
HAIR PRODUCT DIVERSION
February 4th, 2021
For decades there has been a silent battle waged between salons and big-box retailers when it comes to selling professional hair care products. Read on to learn more about the diversion of hair products and to understand the key types of players in the ecosystem. 
AT HOME HAIR COLOR
December 16th, 2020
If you're looking to change your hair color, you'll need a personalized formula, and it's often best to leave this to hair professionals. Stylists take your hair's health, starting color, tone, density, texture, plus desired result into consideration to come up with the perfect color formula for your hair. However, if you're considering a DIY drug store solution, here are some things to think about.
MYANMAR'S HAIR MARKET
December 4th, 2020
Myanmar is a leading source of human hair, and part of a delicate network that services the global demand for products like extensions and wigs. According to CNN, much of the sourced hair from Myanmar is sold to China, put through manufacturing processes, and then exported to the west. Check out CNN's Google AMP Story on this here. 
APPLYING HAIR PRODUCTS
November 13th, 2020
Hopefully my earlier blogs on simplifying hair products (Simplifying Hair Products I and Simplifying Hair Products II) cleared up any confusion about hair products and their ingredients. Now let's review how to apply hair products. The application technique and amount of product used have a big impact on attaining the desired results. Consider your starting point, or the state of your hair before applying products, by asking the following questions.
KEEPING YOUR LENGTH
November 5th, 2020
You may remember one of my most popular blog posts, titled Shoulder Length Hair Guide. If you're in love with your long hair then this new post is for you. Here we'll explore your options for maintaining your length while switching it up a bit to give you a change during your next haircut. 
THE GLOBAL DEMAND FOR HAIR
October 30th, 2020
It is surprisingly difficult to learn where hair extension brands source their hair from. As I dug deeper into the global supply chain behind hair extensions, I was inspired to write a post detailing where these products come from. It’s the first in a series of posts I’ll be working on related to the global supply for hair.
Q&A WITH AIMEE RANCER
August 13th, 2020
Aimee is an Instagram Influencer and blogger in San Francisco. She also works as a Creative Strategist at Pinterest deploying lighthouse creative activations for some of the world's most admired brands. She’s constantly on the lookout for brands that have inspiring stories, which is the drive behind her loyal Instagram following. In this post, we interview Aimee about her hair journey since moving to San Francisco 8 years ago. 
YOUR HAIR + STRESS
July 30th, 2020
People are undergoing one of the most stressful times of the 21st century to date. In response to COVID-19, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has dedicated a page on their website to dealing with this titled "Coping with Stress". Your hair is likely feeling some pressure from the pandemic as well. Telogen effluvium is temporary hair loss caused by chronic stress or a traumatic event. Hair typically has three cycles: (1) a growth phase, (2) a transition phase and (3) a resting phase. Read on to learn more. 
HAIR DISCRIMINATION UPDATE
July 18th, 2020
The CROWN Act is a bill founded in early 2019 that prohibits race-based hair discrimination in the form of denying employment or education opportunities because of hair texture or preferred style. "CROWN" stands for "Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair". An update on the progress of this critical bill is included in this blog post. 
SUSTAINABLE HAIRCARE
July 5th, 2020
The products we use to beautify ourselves also unfortunately decay the earth, particularly our water systems. Certain sunscreen ingredients have been proven to deplete coral reefs. Micro-beads and micro-plastics are scattered throughout the ocean, with the former commonly used in face wash and the latter constantly shedding off our clothes in the wash. Hairspray and fragrances containing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCS) evaporate in the air and dissolve in water. Read on to learn more. 
POST-PANDEMIC HAIR TRENDS
May 11th, 2020
Hair trends shift with major world events as they alter the habits of those that are impacted. As a result, a haircut can become less functional, socially acceptable or trendy as people seek to express themselves in response to the shifting environment. In this post, I'll share some of the hair trends that occurred at that time. Is hair history destined to repeat itself in the wake of COVID-19? 
SIMPLIFYING HAIR PRODUCTS II
April 26th, 2020
I want you to take a look at your hair products, and get rid of anything that is expired. Check out this video on why throwing away, and avoiding, old hair products is a must. Now, determine if the product "expands" or "condenses", and whether that is working for the way you currently style your hair. Most products can be classified under one of those two categories. Read on to learn more. 
A DAY WITHOUT A HAIRDRESSER
April 15th, 2020
COVID-19 has led to Shelter-in-Place mandates across the USA, and is preventing stylists/barbers from providing services to their clients. The idea of not getting your hair done for a while may sound like torture, but you're better off waiting and trying to take advantage of the time you have out of the public eye. Read on to learn how to cope, and what your hair professional is doing during your time apart. 
SIMPLIFYING HAIR PRODUCTS I
April 8th, 2020
I want you to take a look at your hair products, and get rid of anything that is expired. Check out this video on why throwing away, and avoiding, old hair products is a must. Now, determine if the product "expands" or "condenses", and whether that is working for the way you currently style your hair. Most products can be classified under one of those two categories.
ZOOM CALL HAIR
April 2nd, 2020
Grab your coffee. During the days of “Shelter-in-Place" it seems like everyone is “phoning it in” to work. My favorite of the conferencing apps is Zoom. Since we all need a laugh right now, I'm sharing a few funny stories about Zoom below, plus tips on getting your hair ready for video calls.
HOW TO GET THE CUT YOU WANT
March 10th, 2020
If you've ever raced out of a salon with tears in your eyes, you already know it's hard to explain to a stylist exactly what you're hoping to get. While it's not always this dramatic (and possibly good for your personality to have at least one bad haircut in your life), rest assured the struggle is over. In this post, I'll explain haircut verbiage and give tips for communicating the haircut you want.
CLEANING YOUR HAIR TOOLS
February 24th, 2020
Both hair professionals and customers should clean their hair tools on a weekly basis to keep them working as long as possible. Professionals also need to use disinfectant to be compliant with California State law. The majority of this article gives advice for customers on how to care for their tools at home.
HAIR DISCRIMINATION
February 13th, 2020
As of January 2020, in the United States it is not illegal to discriminate against someone's hair type at school or in the workplace. Only California, New York, and New Jersey have passed laws protecting employees and students from this blatant form of bias. The CROWN Act is working to change this. Read on to learn more.
WHAT'S YOUR HAIR ERA?
January 13th, 2020
Have you been looking to change your look? Are you looking for something modern but true to your style? Enjoy this quick quiz that will help you find out a little about what decade inspires your style most. When you get to the end, we'll suggest a modern style that embodies your era!​
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ALL POSTS | HAIR CUSTOMERS | HAIR PROFESSIONALS

ALL POSTS | HAIR CUSTOMERS | HAIR PROFESSIONALS
HAIRLOOKS - WHAT WE DO
Hair Customers Learn More
​This post gives an overview of what we do, why we're passionate about hair, and how we're changing the way people have their hair done. Read on to learn more.
DETOXING YOUR HAIR
October 12th, 2022
Products like shampoo, conditioners and styling aids add shine and manageability, but they also build up on our hair over time. The results of this build up are brittle hair, discoloration (especially on lighter strands), frizz and tougher tangles. Minerals that collect in our tap water compound this problem. Read on to learn more about what to do about it.
​THE PUSH FOR SUSTAINABLE BEAUTY
September 26th, 2022
Without fulfilling the need for more sustainable processes and packaging, the beauty industry will face challenges satisfying their customers' growing desire to shop green. In this post we cover two topics every eco-conscious beauty shopper should be tuned in to: carbon neutrality and packaging. Read on to learn more. ​
HOW TO USE A DIFFUSER
August 24th, 2022
A diffuser is an attachment for your blowdryer that many people end up losing or throwing away because they have no idea what it is or how to use it. Its job is to spread out and soften the force of the air flowing from your blowdryer, a technique that works best when you want to shape your hair into a curly (as opposed to straight) texture. In this post we'll focus on how to use a diffuser, plus other options for styling curly hair.
PRODUCT FRAGRANCES
August 18th, 2022
When it comes to product fragrances, my preferred ingredients are semi-synthetic and plant-based (i.e. natural). In addition, I prefer all of the brands I use to be committed to animal cruelty-free practices. Although natural fragrances expire faster than synthetic ones, my nose and skin are less sensitive to them. It should be noted that this is not true for everyone. A study done in 2009 posted on the National Library of Medicine cites 30.5% of people in the US having reactions to product fragrances, which means 69.5% of people do not have this problem. For those like myself that do, finding beauty products that only use natural fragrance ingredients is challenging due to laws around trade secrets.
CAN YOU TRAIN OILY HAIR?
August 11th, 2022
For years I've heard people talk about "training" the scalp to be less oily, with the training method being focused on washing your hair less frequently. However, this theory was disproven in 1982 by Kligman and Shelley, who showed that washing your hair has no effect on the amount of oil produced by your scalp because it is the result of hormonal and genetic factors. Additionally, your sebaceous glands have no way of responding to more or less oils being present on the surface of the scalp.  In this post, I outline who should consider washing their hair daily, along with methods/schedules for doing so. ​
HAIR COLOR CORRECTIONS
July 26th, 2022
You may need a color correction if you're unhappy with your latest color job. Whether it's a DIY mistake or one caused by a professional, it's stressful to make a change to your hair and then to regret it. Unfortunately, it can be a complex process to reverse a change once it's been made. It's almost always better to have a hair professional conduct your color correction to avoid digging yourself into a deeper hole should a second attempt also fail and require an even more expensive procedure to fix it. Read on to learn more.
REACTIONS TO HAIR PRODUCTS
June 29th, 2022
Shampoos contain cleansing agents, preservatives and fragrances that can sometimes cause irritation. This can occur simply because they were not rinsed out well enough, if you have sensitive skin or if a certain ingredient causes an allergic reaction. People who have experienced the latter two scenarios may also find that some hair styling products irritate their skin as well. In this post, I give an overview of common ingredients that cause irritation and what to do when it happens to you. Read on to learn more.
HAIR SLUGGING
June 20th, 2022
Initially, in the context of beauty routines, the term "slugging" referred to a skincare tip. The tip suggested applying a layer of petroleum jelly (for example, Vaseline) to your face as the last step of a skincare routine. The intended effect is to prevent dryness by sealing in moisture. Now, the hair care community is buzzing on TikTok with the term "hair slugging", which can be used interchangeably with the term "hair oiling".  Read on to learn more.
HAIR LIGHTENING SPRAY
June 19th, 2022
For decades, sun or heat activated lightening sprays (a.k.a. sun-in) have promised sun-kissed hair. These sprays have a soft brightening effect that ideally results in a natural looking highlight that you’d get from sun exposure. Many people opt for these sprays when going for a DIY approach, but are unfortunately unaware of the repercussions of unwanted outcomes, which can be worse than expected. Read on to learn more about how sun-in works and what to be aware of if you want to try it.
HAIR PODCASTS TO CHECK OUT
June 9th, 2022
Listening to podcasts is a great way to stay up to date on relevant trends and insights while driving, making dinner or working out. With so many passionate creatives in the hair industry, it should come as no surprise that there are many hair and beauty podcasts to check out. In this post, I've highlighted some well known and up-and-coming podcasters that share interesting hair and beauty insights via audio content.
HAIR TIPS TO CONSIDER
May 31st, 2022
We hear so many hair care recommendations, but which ones are right for you? Everyone's hair is unique and will respond plus adapt differently to a hair care tactic. In this post, I've given an overview of different recommendations I often give to clients, along with a comparison of why it does or does not work for different hair types. Use the overview to adjust your hair routine as needed. 
HAIR SUN & WATER GUIDE
May 23rd, 2022
With the summer season coming up, I've been thinking about how sun and water in swimming environments impacts the health of your hair and scalp. Sun, salt and chlorine can make your hair dry. On top of exposing your hair to the pool or ocean (maybe both on a good day), your hair is additionally susceptible to the sun's damaging UV rays, which have the ability to lighten the tone of your hair. Read on to learn about ways to protect your hair.
DEEP CONDITIONING YOUR HAIR
May 12th, 2022
Deep conditioning is a best practice to incorporate into your hair routine. Even if you feel your hair is not damaged, deep conditioners still help maintain healthy looking hair over time. Choosing how often to deep condition and which products to use can be a challenge. Deep conditioners go by many names, but are often thicker and heavier in their ingredient concentration. Read on to learn more.
CALIFORNIA-BASED HAIR CARE
May 10th, 2022
When thinking about California, images of surfing, sun and Hollywood glamour come to mind. It comes as no surprise that the so-called "Golden State" is the starting point for many successful beauty brands, often launched via partnerships with famous stars and starlets that call the area home. I've highlighted some of the hair-specific brands I've been following below. Read on to learn more.
HAIR GROWTH & RETENTION
May 2nd, 2022
​Wondering what scientists are recommending when it comes to providing the best environment for hair growth? I was when I started drafting this post. First and foremost, hair growth is determined by genetics plus your state of health, and then, secondly, it is moderately impacted by hair care routines that maintain strength and reduce damage. The scientific community agrees on those primary and secondary influencers, but they have yet to agree on the best way to help hair grow faster. Read on to learn more.
HAIR STRUCTURE 101
April 22nd, 2022
Hair has been a part of the human body since the earliest days of our evolutionary history. The structure of a human hair is something most people don't often think about, but there are aspects of it that make it one of the more unique parts of your body. With this in mind, I wanted to do a post on the structure of hair. Read on to learn more.
SCALP BUILD UP
April 13th, 2022
​Another term for "scalp build up" is dandruff, which can cause flakes to appear in your hair, on your scalp and on your clothing. More than 50% of adults are affected by this condition. Outlining the differences between scalp conditions is helpful when trying to understand problems you may be having, and that's what I've done in this post here. 
THE SCIENCE BEHIND GRAY HAIR
March 31st, 2022
Gray hair is a visible sign of the natural course of aging that affects all populations. It occurs due to a loss of melanin, a pigment found in the skin, eyes and hair. Today's methods of combating gray hair consist of coloring it. However, the medical community is becoming confident that there could be ways to slow the process of going gray through new forms of medicine. Read on to learn more.
FORMALDEHYDE-FREE STRAIGHTENERS
March 22nd, 2022
​By making smooth, manageable hair attainable, hair straightening services have become a popular practice in salons around the world. In this post, I wanted to sort through some of the marketing hype, plus regulations in the EU and US, to take a closer look at things consumers should consider when receiving formaldehyde-free straightening services.
HAIR SCHEDULES
March 19th, 2022
In this post, I outline schedules for different types of hair goals and hair types. The list includes routines for: (1) Growing Your Hair Out, (2) Dry, Damaged, Tangled Hair, (3) Flat, Fine, Oily Hair, (4) Flat, Fine, Highlighted Hair, (5) Full, Thick, Course Hair and (6) Need to Wash Hair Daily (ex: gym-goers). Use them to plan your weekly hair routine.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A CURLY HAIRCUT
February 28th, 2022
Getting a bad haircut is a real bummer. This is especially true for someone with curly hair. It takes longer to grow back, and it's harder to tell if you'll really like the cut until after you wash and style it yourself afterwards (often several days later). Arming yourself with the right communication strategy can help you relax before, during and after your next haircut, and that's what this guide is for.
PROTECTING YOUR HAIR FROM HEAT DAMAGE
February 24th, 2022
Products that claim to reduce damage to your hair when used during styling with heat tools like blow dryers, curling irons and flat irons are considered heat protection. They can come in the form of sprays, creams, lotions and/or serums. In this post, I break down how to think about the temperature of your heat styling tools and the product ingredients that are best for heat protection. Read on to learn more.
SEVEN HAIR YOUTUBERS TO WATCH
February 16th, 2022
​According to Statista, during 2018 YouTube "beauty-related content generated more than 169 billion views on the video platform". Today, that content broadly consists of channels talking about hair, skincare and makeup. Considering the abundance of information on YouTube,  I wanted to highlight some YouTubers that, as a hairstylist, I think give the best advice on hair care. 
RECOMMENDED PRODUCT INGREDIENTS
February 11th, 2022
​I always have clients review their hair care routine with me during appointments, which helps me recommend better products for their needs. The most common issue people share is experiencing a loss of effectiveness in their products over time. This results from a need to balance cleaning your hair with moisturizing it. Read on to learn more.
HAIR OILS
January 30th, 2022
People have used oil in hair care regimens for thousands of years. One of the earliest recorded use cases was of the ancient Egyptians, who applied castor oil to their hair. In this post, I help you understand the different types of oils and which ones you should be using on your hair.  Read on to learn more.
BEAUTYTECH
December 20th, 2021
Welcome to the apex of technology and beauty, where breaking changes are being made around how beauty products and services are made accessible to the right consumers. The shift in demand for innovation across multiple product and service categories can be seen in 2021. Covid-19 may have hit certain beauty sectors hard, but it has also accelerated the demand for innovation. In this post, I write about the tech advancements that have stood out to me as both a hair professional and a consumer.
HAIR CHALLENGES PART II
December 12th, 2021
This is part two of a guide meant to enlighten you about what is really going on with your hair. Move the product marketing aside and step into the mind of the hair professional by learning the science behind your strands, which are fluid and, at times, inconsistent. They can be changed with heat, weather, and chemicals, all agents that can be manipulated to achieve your desired look. As a third-generation hair professional, I'm excited to share this knowledge to give you more control over your hair challenges.
HAIR CHALLENGES PART I
December 2nd, 2021
This is part one of a guide meant to enlighten you about what is really going on with your hair. Move the product marketing aside and step into the mind of the hair professional by learning the science behind your strands, which are fluid and, at times, inconsistent. They can be changed with heat, weather, and chemicals, all agents that can be manipulated to achieve your desired look. As a third-generation hair professional, I'm excited to share this knowledge to give you more control over your hair challenges.
FACE SHAPE GUIDE
November 11th, 2021
I recommend thinking of your face in two sections: (1) upper face and (2) lower face. Doing this will help you understand if you have characteristics from two different face shapes, which is common. Also, remember that the real world is 3D and the shapes in this guide are 2D, which means they can only tell you about the portrait of your face. Read on to learn more. 
BANGS HAIR GUIDE
November 3rd, 2021
Looking for a more impactful way to change your hair? Bangs can create softness or add edginess to your look, and the types to choose from are endless. In this post, I give you some guidelines around bangs to help you decide what could work for you. 
INGREDIENT LISTS
October 19th, 2021
Over the last few years, there has been an increase in the annual variety of cosmetic products sold. For some of these new products' ingredients, there is little information available to support safety and efficacy. To help categorize all cosmetic ingredients, the FDA uses a system called the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI). Learn more about it in this post.
FALL TRENDS - LIQUID HAIR
October 8th, 2021
I'm always on the hunt for timeless trends. In fashion, the little black dress’s qualities are classic, essential and elegant, but wearable. Like the LBD, sleek shiny hair at any length is an ongoing trend that we've see renditions of over time. The overall effect is reflective, healthy and straight hair. Today it's known as "liquid hair". Learn more in this post.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I SHAMPOO?
September 28th, 2021
As a stylist, the most frequent question I get is “how often should I shampoo?”. My response always is "first and foremost, it's important to know how to shampoo properly so when you do, it counts".  From how shampoo works to the most common ingredients, I answer all of your shampoo-related questions in this post.
HAIR DISCRIMINATION UPDATE II
September 16th, 2021
The CROWN Act is a bill founded in early 2019 that prohibits race-based hair discrimination in the form of denying employment or education opportunities because of hair texture or preferred style. "CROWN" stands for "Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair". An update on the progress of this critical bill is included in this blog post.
​2021 HAIR TRENDS
August 24th, 2021
​In this post I give an overview of the top hair trends for 2021. They include (1) Curtain Bangs, (2) Hair Dryer Brushes, (3) Brad Mondo, (4) Money Piece, (5) Dimethicone, (6) Hair Plopping and (7) the Wolf Haircut. Read on to learn more. 
STYLING GUIDE FOR MEN
July 1st, 2021
This step-by-step guide is designed to help men figure out which products and styling tools to use. If you want to learn more about products beyond the overview I give here, you can check out my posts on Simplifying Hair Products and Simplifying Hair Products II. Read on to learn more.
HYGRAL FATIGUE
June 9th, 2021
Hygral fatigue is a phenomenon thought to occur when you over-condition your hair, leading to excessive damage from moisture entering and exiting your hair’s cuticle too many times. However, there is technically no concrete scientific evidence that hygral fatigue exists. That being said, a balance between protein and moisture in your hair is important. Read on to learn more. ​
SHOULDER LENGTH HAIR GUIDE
May 26th, 2021
In this post I break down the concept of "shoulder length" into three categories: (1) just above the shoulder, (2) on the shoulder and (3) collar bone length. Use it as a guide to help you plan what your next haircut will look like, and to learn what transitioning from short-to-long, or long-to-short, hair will be like. 
POST-WORKOUT HAIR
May 4th, 2021
Matching two of my major obsessions in one blog: hair and the gym. With my own major hair color and length changes, I've had to navigate leaving the gym with polished hair in creative ways that shorten styling time plus avoid damage. Read on for options that daily gym goers can take advantage of, whether you wash your hair daily or don't. 
DMDM HYDANTOIN
April 23rd, 2021
Consumers are searching for shampoo and conditioners that do not contain DMDM Hydantoin, a popular preservative. At the beginning of 2021 there was a trend on social media linking this ingredient with hair loss. People are being advised to check not only their drugstore hair products, but also ones from high end salons, to ensure it's not on the ingredient list. Read on to learn more. 
GET THE CUT YOU WANT IN 2021
April 13th, 2021
I wanted to write this post to help people enter into 2021 with a splash. Everyone is spending time and money on their hair right now to make up for all the haircuts they missed and bad hair days they had in 2020. Check out my last post on this topic, titled How to Get the Cut You Want, to get ideas on how to talk about length, layers and texture. Then use this post to figure out what you're looking for and expand your haircut description verbiage. 
TEXTURED BOBS
March 27th, 2021
I've always believed in becoming the master of one core skill in your profession, and using that to differentiate yourself from the rest of the market. For this reason, I chose to specialize in haircuts around one year into my hairdressing career. I recently had the chance to do a haircut on influencer Aimee Rancer, who you may remember from our blog post in ​August last year titled Q&A with Aimee Rancer. Understand more about her look through my run down below!
HAIR PRODUCT LABELS
March 19th, 2021
According to the the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) webpage on cosmetics labeling, there are no requirements in the U.S. for cosmetic manufacturers to print expiration dates on the labels of cosmetic products. However, companies (and individuals) who market cosmetics have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of their products. This shows in the symbols used on their packaging, which is what this next post is all about.
PURPLE SHAMPOO
February 23rd, 2021
During COVID Google searches for purple shampoo have increased. The salon industry, having limited opportunity to tend to the warm shades in lightened hair that show up in between maintenance, have people searching for solutions. Sharing some info here on purple shampoo and conditioner to help our blonde, silver and white haired friends out.
HAIR PRODUCT DIVERSION
February 4th, 2021
For decades there has been a silent battle waged between salons and big-box retailers when it comes to selling professional hair care products. Read on to learn more about the diversion of hair products and to understand the key types of players in the ecosystem. 
AT HOME HAIR COLOR
December 16th, 2020
If you're looking to change your hair color, you'll need a personalized formula, and it's often best to leave this to hair professionals. Stylists take your hair's health, starting color, tone, density, texture, plus desired result into consideration to come up with the perfect color formula for your hair. However, if you're considering a DIY drug store solution, here are some things to think about.
MYANMAR'S HAIR MARKET
December 4th, 2020
Myanmar is a leading source of human hair, and part of a delicate network that services the global demand for products like extensions and wigs. According to CNN, much of the sourced hair from Myanmar is sold to China, put through manufacturing processes, and then exported to the west. Check out CNN's Google AMP Story on this here. 
APPLYING HAIR PRODUCTS
November 13th, 2020
Hopefully my earlier blogs on simplifying hair products (Simplifying Hair Products I and Simplifying Hair Products II) cleared up any confusion about hair products and their ingredients. Now let's review how to apply hair products. The application technique and amount of product used have a big impact on attaining the desired results. Consider your starting point, or the state of your hair before applying products, by asking the following questions.
KEEPING YOUR LENGTH
November 5th, 2020
You may remember one of my most popular blog posts, titled Shoulder Length Hair Guide. If you're in love with your long hair then this new post is for you. Here we'll explore your options for maintaining your length while switching it up a bit to give you a change during your next haircut. 
THE GLOBAL DEMAND FOR HAIR
October 30th, 2020
It is surprisingly difficult to learn where hair extension brands source their hair from. As I dug deeper into the global supply chain behind hair extensions, I was inspired to write a post detailing where these products come from. It’s the first in a series of posts I’ll be working on related to the global supply for hair.
Q&A WITH AIMEE RANCER
August 13th, 2020
Aimee is an Instagram Influencer and blogger in San Francisco. She also works as a Creative Strategist at Pinterest deploying lighthouse creative activations for some of the world's most admired brands. She’s constantly on the lookout for brands that have inspiring stories, which is the drive behind her loyal Instagram following. In this post, we interview Aimee about her hair journey since moving to San Francisco 8 years ago. 
YOUR HAIR + STRESS
July 30th, 2020
People are undergoing one of the most stressful times of the 21st century to date. In response to COVID-19, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has dedicated a page on their website to dealing with this titled "Coping with Stress". Your hair is likely feeling some pressure from the pandemic as well. Telogen effluvium is temporary hair loss caused by chronic stress or a traumatic event. Hair typically has three cycles: (1) a growth phase, (2) a transition phase and (3) a resting phase. Read on to learn more. 
HAIR DISCRIMINATION UPDATE
July 18th, 2020
The CROWN Act is a bill founded in early 2019 that prohibits race-based hair discrimination in the form of denying employment or education opportunities because of hair texture or preferred style. "CROWN" stands for "Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair". An update on the progress of this critical bill is included in this blog post. 
SUSTAINABLE HAIRCARE
July 5th, 2020
The products we use to beautify ourselves also unfortunately decay the earth, particularly our water systems. Certain sunscreen ingredients have been proven to deplete coral reefs. Micro-beads and micro-plastics are scattered throughout the ocean, with the former commonly used in face wash and the latter constantly shedding off our clothes in the wash. Hairspray and fragrances containing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCS) evaporate in the air and dissolve in water. Read on to learn more. 
POST-PANDEMIC HAIR TRENDS
May 11th, 2020
Hair trends shift with major world events as they alter the habits of those that are impacted. As a result, a haircut can become less functional, socially acceptable or trendy as people seek to express themselves in response to the shifting environment. In this post, I'll share some of the hair trends that occurred at that time. Is hair history destined to repeat itself in the wake of COVID-19? 
SIMPLIFYING HAIR PRODUCTS II
April 26th, 2020
I want you to take a look at your hair products, and get rid of anything that is expired. Check out this video on why throwing away, and avoiding, old hair products is a must. Now, determine if the product "expands" or "condenses", and whether that is working for the way you currently style your hair. Most products can be classified under one of those two categories. Read on to learn more. 
A DAY WITHOUT A HAIRDRESSER
April 15th, 2020
COVID-19 has led to Shelter-in-Place mandates across the USA, and is preventing stylists/barbers from providing services to their clients. The idea of not getting your hair done for a while may sound like torture, but you're better off waiting and trying to take advantage of the time you have out of the public eye. Read on to learn how to cope, and what your hair professional is doing during your time apart. 
SIMPLIFYING HAIR PRODUCTS I
April 8th, 2020
I want you to take a look at your hair products, and get rid of anything that is expired. Check out this video on why throwing away, and avoiding, old hair products is a must. Now, determine if the product "expands" or "condenses", and whether that is working for the way you currently style your hair. Most products can be classified under one of those two categories.
ZOOM CALL HAIR
April 2nd, 2020
Grab your coffee. During the days of “Shelter-in-Place" it seems like everyone is “phoning it in” to work. My favorite of the conferencing apps is Zoom. Since we all need a laugh right now, I'm sharing a few funny stories about Zoom below, plus tips on getting your hair ready for video calls.
HOW TO GET THE CUT YOU WANT
March 10th, 2020
If you've ever raced out of a salon with tears in your eyes, you already know it's hard to explain to a stylist exactly what you're hoping to get. While it's not always this dramatic (and possibly good for your personality to have at least one bad haircut in your life), rest assured the struggle is over. In this post, I'll explain haircut verbiage and give tips for communicating the haircut you want.
CLEANING YOUR HAIR TOOLS
February 24th, 2020
Both hair professionals and customers should clean their hair tools on a weekly basis to keep them working as long as possible. Professionals also need to use disinfectant to be compliant with California State law. The majority of this article gives advice for customers on how to care for their tools at home.
HAIR DISCRIMINATION
February 13th, 2020
As of January 2020, in the United States it is not illegal to discriminate against someone's hair type at school or in the workplace. Only California, New York, and New Jersey have passed laws protecting employees and students from this blatant form of bias. The CROWN Act is working to change this. Read on to learn more.
WHAT'S YOUR HAIR ERA?
January 13th, 2020
Have you been looking to change your look? Are you looking for something modern but true to your style? Enjoy this quick quiz that will help you find out a little about what decade inspires your style most. When you get to the end, we'll suggest a modern style that embodies your era!​
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HEADQUARTERS
5214 Diamond Heights Blvd.
San Francisco, CA 94131
CUSTOMER SERVICE
415.236.0280
customerservice@thehairlooks.com
© 2022 HairLooks Inc.
HEADQUARTERS
5214 Diamond Heights Blvd.
San Francisco, CA 94131
CUSTOMER SERVICE
415.236.0280
customerservice@thehairlooks.com
SOCIAL MEDIA
HEADQUARTERS
5214 Diamond Heights Blvd.
San Francisco, CA 94131
CUSTOMER SERVICE
415.236.0280
customerservice@thehairlooks.com
© 2022 HairLooks Inc.