Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Michelle Obama ROCKED Her Hair!

I must acknowledge the hair magnificence on the podium last night at the Democratic National Convention. Mrs. Michelle Obama's hair during her speech at the convention was gorgeous! The speech was amazing but I would like to discuss the bouncy flowy shiny hair of hers she had. It looks like there could be some possible extensions in there just for thickness but whatever is in there is definitely workin' for her!

Before and After


That hair was rockin! We don't know for sure if she had some additional hair last night but sometimes adding a little bit "extra" can just enhance the style you already have. This works great for the supafly bobs people are wearing these days. Don't want to cut your own hair into a short bob? Let the weave handle it! Check out some pictures of my bob last winter:



Short and sassy is oh so classy like Mrs. Obama ;).

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Sweet Style Shortcuts - 5 Steps to Wavy

Ever have a lazy hair day? Maybe you don't want to call it a bad hair day because you still want a fly-fabulous hairdo. With weaves you can be very versatile with the texture EVEN IF you wear straight hair. The hair I wear is 16 inches of beautiful Indian hair. However, there are times after I wash it where I don't feel like going through flat ironing or curling it so here is a quick shortcut for getting wavy texture in straight hair:

  1. After washing and conditioning your extensions, make sure the braids underneath are dry. You can use a blow dryer or sit under a hooded dryer.
  2. The extensions will be dry for the most part, but this can still work :). Part your hair in 4 sections. You may want to spritz a little water on each section to dampen it but just lightly. You don't need soaking wet hair for this to work. You can also use a small dab of Biosilk on each section.
  3. Braid each section into an old school visit your grandma plait. Secure the ends with a rubber band.
  4. When you are done gather your braids and tie your hair down with a scarf to sleep. The braids can stick out of the scarf.
  5. This is best done overnight so the waves have time to set. In the morning, take those braids out and get read for lovely waves!
This is a pretty easy style to keep up with also. Each night before bed just re-braid your hair, securing the ends with a rubber band, and tie your hair back down with a scarf. You can add more braids if you want even more waves in your hair. Another option is to braid your hair soaking wet and then sit under the dryer for deeper waves. That is a little too much work for me though! Here are a few pictures to help you out:

Before with braids


After with waves


Enjoy the waves and post pictures of your own if you try it out!

Smooches XX!

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

The Hills is Back with New Hair!



The Hills is back on MTV starting off season 4. If you missed the premiere last night check it out
here. Ok so this post is not a rehash of the premiere, even though, it was EXCELLENT! This post is about the hairdos...and yes my friends, most of them were weaves ;).

Some of the cast members went from short to long from the last season to the new season. There was only about a 2-3 month time period between season 3 and season 4. Check it out!

Lauren
(Season 3, Season 4 and Season 4)


Heidi
*the older image of Heidi is from season 1
(Season 1, Season 4 and Season 4)


Holly
Heidi's little sister - Season 4 is the first time I have seen her but she got some weave installed!
(Before during and after weave install)


So my friends, don't be fooled by the increased hair growth between seasons. It's a weave! I am not knocking them at all because it's all about instant gratification when it comes to your hair...sometimes! Hair extensions are very much an accessory just like a pretty new shiny red handbag. ;).

Friday, August 15, 2008

To Weave or Not to Weave?

That is the question many of us ask ourselves. Weave can be good for many reasons and I have listed two major ones below:

  • -Growing out your hair, a relaxer or color
  • -Versatility - You can go from a Rihanna boy cut to Beyonce locks in moments without making any major changes to your own hair!
I made the "weave conversion" change about three years ago and my hair has probably grown about four to five inches every year since then. I wanted to grow out my relaxer and some bad color I had. My hair underneath the weave is the strongest it could EVER be. Now don't get me wrong, any 'ole weaving technique won't get you the growth results you want so here are some good tips to remember.
  1. Choose a good stylist! - You are going to have to invest good money in a good stylist who specializes in weaves. There are some stylists out there who ONLY provide weaving services so the good ones are definitely out there. If you need recommendations let me know! The foundation of your weave is in the braids underneath so this has to be right before any long Rapunzel Locks are sewn in.

  2. Care for your own hair! - Even though your weave is the main attraction, you must still care for your hair underneath. WEEKLY washing and conditioning is a must! I recommend getting a hair color squirt bottle, putting some scalp cleansing shampoo in it with mostly water and using that to get to the scalp. As far as conditioning goes, try to use one that will soothe your scalp. Remember, these products you use on your scalp don't have to be for the weave hair itself. They should be formulated to treat your scalp for moisture and cleansing. Something with peppermint in it is excellent. I recommend a few shampoo's and conditioner's below, that add some tingle to your scalp, in the Hair Sugar Must Have's section.

  3. Take good care of your hair extensions! - Moisture, moisture and more moisture! Your hair extensions need moisture. Since the hair is not growing from your scalp, you need to supply it with the same vitamins and minerals your real hair gets. I highly recommend Dove, Pantene or Nexxus products for your extensions. Also a light leave in conditioner can help with detangling. OIL ALERT: PLEASE DO NOT PUT GREASE OR OIL IN YOUR HAIR EXTENSIONS!!!! If you wear Indian hair, the hair only needs moisture from deep conditioning. You can use a silicone-based product such as Biosilk for in between shampoos. Oil will make the hair stringy and overly shiny in a Grease Lightning type of way. Please, no oil!

  4. Choose your extensions wisely! - This is probably one of the most important items you need to invest in. You must invest in premium quality human hair. Indian hair is one of the best types of hair extensions you can buy. The textures are very versatile and can blend with the kinkiest of hair textures. You can go between straight and curly with a flat iron and if you take proper care of your hair, it could last you up to a year. Why pay $300 for hair extensions and put $20 hair in? Indian hair does cost more than your normal beauty supply hair however, it will last you way longer. You do the math :). Hair Sugar specializes in selling premium Indian human hair. Our store will launch in the late fall so check back often for updates.

Hair Sugar's Product Must-Haves







Rosemary Mint Shampoo With Sea Moss by Carol's Daughter








Nioxin Cleanser & Scalp Therapy System 3

I hope you take the weave plunge! Stay tuned for weave and hair growth challenges!

XX - H.S.

Need a Mobile Hair Stylist?

In need of a personal hairstylist who can come right to your home in the Atlanta, GA area? Visit http://studioelle.blogspot.com/! Elle can come to your home and provide you with a multitude of services. Check her site out and give her a call at 404.539.7372.

Happy hair styling dears!