A Cut Above The Rest
23 Jan 2010 Leave a Comment
in Hair care
Throughout the course of a week, I find myself in a lot of different chairs: the driver’s seat, my office chair, my love seat, maybe even a waiting room chair. It’s a special treat, though, to sit in my hairdresser’s chair as she cuts and styles my hair. I love getting my hair cut so much (it’s absolutely, hands-down as relaxing to me as a massage), I’ve joked with my hairdresser, Shanna, that as soon as I win the lottery, I’ll be sitting in her chair every day. A girl can dream, right? Even though I’m not seeing her on a daily basis, I appreciate her guarantee: you don’t leave her chair until you can style your hair the same we she does. Using her expert advice, I can now officially do my hair. If you’ve ever had unruly hair, you know this is equivalent to winning the lottery! Today during my haircut, I interviewed Shanna because I wanted to know what being a hairdresser is really like.
When did you start your business?
I’ve been a hairdresser for 23 years. I did stage hair and makeup in high school, plus my cousins owned a salon. I knew from about the time I was 16 that I wanted to go into this profession.
What is your most memorable work moment?
I learned how to and became certified to do hair extensions. This knowledge changed my career.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
Cuts, color, and extensions
What is your least favorite thing about your job?
Perms, but I still do them.
What’s the craziest thing that’s ever happened at work?
One of my first jobs was to cut hair in a salon that was upstairs from a Gentleman’s Club.
If I want to become a hairdresser, how do I get started?
Pick a good school, take school seriously, and then go assist at a reputable salon. Also, learn the business side, too.
What’s your best advice on picking a hairdresser?
Look at her or his reviews and Web site.
What’s the thing you wish clients knew about their hairdressers?
Even if you want a particular cut or style, it may not be possible because your hair texture or density may prevent it. Also, hairdressers are humans, too–just because we might be quiet while we’re working doesn’t mean something is wrong.
If you are in the Austin area and need a hair cut, give Shanna Arciniaga a call at 512-789-5630. You can read more about her here: http://www.shannashairtherapy.com/
-Whitney
Product Review: It’s a 10! Miracle Leave-In Product and Aquage Curl Defining Creme
09 Jan 2010 4 Comments
Raise your hand if you have thick hair.
Raise your hand if you have curly hair.
Raise your hand if you have a demented cowlick in the lower left corner of your scalp.
Good, good. Just as I imagined. I’m not alone.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I appreciate my thick hair. On a good hair day, my mane allows for a multitude of different ‘dos. If all else fails, I can always use the extra thickness to cover my ears–they stick out a little too far for my taste. And, if you’re on Team Thick Hair, you know a little secret of the hair styling world–if you can convince your stylist to “thin out” your hair, a process whereby he or she uses thinning shears to shed the extra bulk of your hair, you’ll not only leave the salon with a healthy cut, but you’ll have lost weight. I assume I’m not the only girl out there who makes a hair appointment when she needs to drop 5 lbs. stat.
As for my demented cowlick, we’ve reconciled our differences. I’ve grown my hair out past my short, high school boy cut, and it pretty much stays hidden. Outta sight, outta mind, I say.
But the naturally curly hair. Wow. I’ve spent years battling the curls. I’ve seen multiple stylists in different cities, searched high and low for styling products, and spent hours straightening my hair. Hours of my life. So last year when I found a stylist, courtesy of one of my best friends, Rebekah, who knew what to do with curly hair, I thought I might have gone on to heaven. This stylist guarantees you’ll leave her salon knowing how to style your own hair the same way she does, or she won’t let you leave. (She’s so amazing, she warrants her own future post.) My stylist introduced me to two life-changing hair styling products, and today I’m extending that introduction to you, too.
Readers, meet It’s a 10! Miracle Leave-In Product
The It’s a 10! product label says this: “Does 10 Things Instantly:
- Repairs dry, damaged hair
- Adds shine
- Detangles
- Controls frizz
- Seals and protects hair color
- Prevents split ends
- Stops hair breakage
- Creates silkiness
- Enhances natural body
- Flat iron spray and thermal protector”
Readers, meet Aquage Curl Defining Creme
The Aquage Curl Defining Creme product label says this: “Lightweight styling creme enhances curl definition without increasing hold or volume. Ideal for coarse or curly hair to provide moist, emollient curl control without a crisp feel. Leaves hair soft, supple and natural feeling.”
Basically, I step out of the shower, towel dry my hair lightly, brush it, and spritz the It’s a 10! and Aquage on my hair. Five minutes of blow drying with a diffuser, and I’m literally done with my ‘do. These products aren’t cheap, but the It’s A 10! is a leave-in conditioner, so I have stopped buying conditioner. I’ve found buying them in bulk online is the way to go–I don’t need much, so the larger bottles last me forever. In the end, I decided the cost was worth it since I no longer spend hours trying to style my hair. Check with your local salon; it’s possible a stylist in your area has free samples. If you or someone you know has curly hair, I recommend these styling products!
–Whitney
