A little inspiration?

I found this great video today, so many fantastic haircuts for those of you with short hair and are stuck for a new idea!

Another wedding season over, so many blushing brides. Here's one of my favorites...blissful...

Photo by Maurice Fitzgerald

" The Amazing Maurice Fitzgerald Does It Again! "

Woman's styles for winter are reminiscent of the 1930's and 40's. New films such as Coco Chanel's biopic "Coco avant Chanel" are inspiring these adorable flapper-esque styles.

Photo by Maurice Fitzgerald (of Jessica "Lil' Pin Up" Murphy)

The latest styles for men are inspired by the 1940's and 50's. This fashion is brought about by the sensational TV show called "Mad Men". Men's cuts for this season are more structured with very clean lines. Finally, the messy, unkempt look is moving aside for a modern version of this classic 50's style.

Photo by Maurice Fitzgerald (of the magnificent Patrick Squires)

www.carterfitzgerald.com

Mad Men!

Photo by Maurice Fitzgerald (Jessica Murphy & Patrick Squires)
Styling by Jenn Ghaney
www.carterfitzgerald.com

Dreadlocks

Ah dreadlocks... a sure sign of a free spirit, world traveling, neo-hippy who grows organic food on their back patio while drinking local brews. Or a sure sign of someone who wants maintenance-free, versatile hair forever!

Whatever reason you want to have dreads, welcome to my blog. You are in luck - creating dreadlocks has always been one of my favorite creative outlets. Since I have been back to Newfoundland I have been asked a lot of questions about them at the salon. This week, I'll attempt to answer some of those questions.

Dreadlocks, much like people, come in all shapes and sizes. You can create hairstyles with them, color them any color in the rainbow, wear them up or down, long or short. No matter what type of hair you have, dreadlocks can be 'created' either naturally or artificially (by me!). A lot of people have naturally curly, coarse, or textured hair that if left to it's own devices will dread naturally. However for the rest of us, we need a little help.

For those of you whose hair needs a little coaxing into dreadlocks, I use a backcombing and knotting method. Don't worry if your hair is not naturally wild and crazy, I've dreaded together even the most fine, silky hair. Through various prepping techniques, your hair can virtually always be dreaded. The only limitation could be length, where your natural length shrinks up by about half (!) once the dreads are in (quite reminiscent of Sonic the Hedgehog in some cases).

By booking a consultation, we can figure out if you have long enough hair for dreadlocks.
Most new sets of dreads take from 4-9hrs to create. This is a permanent service, which means you never have to get haircuts again! Think of all the money you'll save on haircuts :)

After we create your dreads, it can take several months to a year before you have those perfectly formed, tight dreads reminiscent of surfers and backpacking Australians. This time is very rewarding and is great fun - think of it as a time to "care" for your dreads. You can nurture them, watch them grow and even decorate them with beads, wiring, threads, etc.

Now, to dispel any myths about how dreads are dirty and smelly - it is very important to keep your hair clean as this not only encourages friendship and dating, this also encourages your growing hair to dread naturally into the dreads you now have (and love and worship).

As for hair products, I highly recommend the brand Knotty Boy for all your dreadlock care. They make great shampoos that promote a healthy scalp. We've all seen nasty dreads - there's just no need!

Photo courtesy of Shane Kelly (of Renee Lethbridge)

Congratulations on your Arts and Letters win !

www.shanekellyphotography.com

Summer Blonde Care Tips

Summer is Blonde Season!

Now that summer is upon us, it's time for the brightest blondes. After a winter of cool, icy tones, summer hues are much warmer this season - think Cameron Diaz, Kate Moss and Scarlett Johansson as perfect examples of golden tresses.

Along with the longer days and warmer weather comes our desire to show off our golden locks. Adding a few extra foils will make your hair look fabulous in the height of summer, but can cause extra dryness. And the summer activities that we love (swimming at the pool and beach or lying in the sun) often result in dry and damaged hair. It's very important to give your hair extra TLC during the summer months.

To combat any dryness caused, use a deep treatment twice a week (such as Goldwell's Kerasilk Rich Care Treatment) to keep your tresses nourished and loved.

For further protection from the sun and water moisten hair with tap water and spray locks with a light leave-in conditioner before swimming to buffer your hair cuticles from salts and chemicals in the water. After your daily dip, be sure to use a gentle shampoo containing little to no sulfates, which is more gentle than a shampoo containing sodium lauryl sulfates (sodium lauryl sulfates strip color and nutrients from your hair).

My personal favorite summer products belong to the KMS Sol Perfection line of hair care. The products contain extremely gentle and light conditioning agents and a great SPF. 'After Sun Shampoo' provides a gentle cleanse and removes any chlorine residue. The 'Survival Creme' is a leave-in conditioner that not only conditions but is great to keep curls calm and controlled. A huge perk is that it keeps your new hair color bright and shiny!

Enjoy the sun!

Photo by Kevin Clark (of the lovely Abigail Thom)
http://www.kevinclarkheadshots.com

I had the absolute privilege of working with photographer Stefan Hoyer of Leipzig, Germany. This was our entry to the German Hairdresser of the Year photo competition.


I'm very excited for my next photo shoot in July with Maurice Fitzgerald - a fantastic local photographer! Stay tuned for images from this shoot!

Curly hair mania!

Learning the art of cutting curly hair has been one of my personal obsessions in my profession. From years of experience working with curly clients, I have come to understand the different needs of curly hair texture. No one curl is the same; above all the cut must be unique to you and your curls.

Here are some helpful hints to work with (and certainly not against) your curls:

At home:

1. Don’t shampoo everyday – it will dry your curls out and cause frizziness. Sulfates in your shampoo stay in your hair long after the shampoo is rinsed out, only further drying your hair.

2. Be sure to use a diffuser on your hair dryer or air dry – using your hairdryer without a diffuser will literally blow out your curls.

3. Use a moisturizing product to help you manage your curls. My personal favorite is Renu "Controlling Creme". A perfect amount of moisture and protein to protect your curls from the elements and provides a natural, soft hold.

4. If you fear those humid days because you know your curls will be at their worst, try KMS Anti - Humidity seal. Simply spray this light, no-hold mist as your final product. Complete blocker against humidity!

At your appointment:

1. Arrive with your hair clean, dry and styled with whatever product you normally use. Feel free to bring these products to the salon with you, you may not be using the best products you could be. (Frizz-eez is NOT the product for everyone :)

2. Bring pictures or ideas with you of how you would like your hair to look, particularly of what shape you would like it to be.

3. Come with an open mind full of optimism and speak your mind.

Saving the world - one curl at a time.

Photo courtesy of Eric Ticnor