To Bang or Not to Bang: A Question For the Modern Day Woman.

Oh, get your minds out of the gutter!!!  I recently read a blurb in Cosmopolitan called, "The Little Bang Theory" and that blurb got me thinking about bangs and current hairstyles.  If you read my blog or even perused my last post, you know that bangs are a current trend this spring.  Spiky, stylized, highly processed bangs were seen on models during this years' runway but the bang itself has been around as long as the bible.  Really?  Yup!  I even bet Mary Magdalene rocked a set of bangs back in her day! Oh the blasphemy!!!

Today, modern women follow hair trends as close as they follow hem lines.  However,
bangs should actually be considered a loop hole in hairstyle fashion because there are so many factors women need to consider when they decide to "bang or not to bang."  First, how does the bang effect your overall hairstyle?  If you consider yourself a purist, then you follow a style to the letter and maybe the bang is not for you.  Not all styles want a bang to overshadow the simplicity of the style.  Second, how do bangs look on your overall facial shape?

Those who use the bang to flatter their facial features tend to lean in this direction and don't follow the tenants of fashion to the letter.  Everyone is born with a unique a facial structure therefore, the bang helps some but hurts others.  Magazines such as, "In Style," have published articles on bangs so this is not a new discussion but is still actually a controversial topic!  Do you follow the trends, follow the path to your true self, or do you follow the runway to copy a couture style?  If you follow this edict you are lot alone, One of the most infamous fashion mavens, Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of American "Vogue,' has been wearing bangs for decades!  She's stylish and in touch with current couture but elects to fall back on a look SHE feels flatters her face.  "In Style" recently did an article on bangs and took the self-help stance offering bang types most attractive for particular facial structures.  For example, long eye-grazing bangs tapered on the sides look best on square face shapes because they add a soft element.  Since round face shapes can be top heavy, sideswiped bangs can provided balance and draw attention to the eyes.  Swingy bangs tend to help those with sharp angled faces as they work to conceal the forehead and provide a gradual opening to the cheakbone and jawline.  Oval shaped faces seem to be the face de'jour because you can go sans bangs or arrive with a little fringe and still accentuate tghe prettiest parts of your face!  How lucky to be you!

So, regardless if you follow trends or work with your facial bone structure, bangs are not for everyone.

 My personal recommendation?  And this is not a huge surprise … pick a style you LOVE and that looks FANTASTIC with your face!!  Your hair is only as fabulous as you feel about it!!  Be comfortable with your choice and own your style.  The combination of personal style and self-confidence is the only magical elixir that will turn your hairstyle into a killer look!!  Choose wisely but be adventurous; you will be surprised at the outcome!!

The Cycle of Life: The Hairy Truth About Your Shampoo And Conditioner

Ok, the truth!  When I started out developing my E-products, I realized that not one single shampoo and conditioner combo was ever going to be the magical elixer for the longevity of healthy hair.  In the beginning, my goal was to create a shampoo and conditioner that not only maintained a healthy hair shaft but concentrated on the follicle as well.  I knew the follicles needed as much attention as the hair, as these are the portholes for a healthy scalp.  In my many decades (really, not wanting to admit how MANY decades!) of experience, I know what my clients want: thick, shiny, youthful hair that everyone gushes over but they also needed a product that focuses on the things they didn't see!  Even today, I can't find a product on the market that rivals my E-shampoo and E-conditioner;  but as magical as they are for the hair, any daily shampoo and conditioner, alone, cannot sustain consistent, quality hair over time!  WHAT?  Why am I dissing my own product?  Well, I'm really not!  I'm imparting a little realistic wisdom.

As we get older and God willing we all do, our hair also ages and loses it's natural nutrients.  I always tell my clients, you can't stick with one shampoo and conditioner for ever and expect your hair to maintain it's youthful look or even keep a style together between cuts.  Just like your skin, your hair needs a regiment in order to sustain it's beautiful, lush look.  Let me put it this way: when you wash your face do you just use soap or a facial scrub and then apply your makeup?  If you are savvy, your answer is absolutely NOT!  We use makeup removers, facial cleansers, facial scrubs, daytime moistuizers, mineral makeup primers, and nighttime facial creams.  AND if you are very smart, you started this skin regiment in your 20's so that when you turn 40, your skin still looks 30!  The same thing applies to your hair.

Get Out! Clarifying Shampoo

Everyone needs a quality daily shampoo and conditioner; obviously, I recommend my E-products because of it's duel purpose of hair and follicle enhancment.  However, in addition to daily products, I always tell my clients to think about hair like skin.  Regardless if you twirl with a curling iron, straighten with a flat iron, or just blowdry, chances are you use hair products.  Mousse, gel, paste, moulds, and aerosols all build-up on your hair over time and even if you wash your hair everyday, your hair will retain a certain amount of product residue wash after wash.  So if you wonder why your hair doesn't shine or bounce, you may want to look to these products as the culprprits of your problem.  Anyone who likes to use products to style needs to have a hair regiment that includes a clarifying shampoo but be very careful with this choice because you want to strip the products from your hair but not it's natural nutrients.  In my salon, I recomment my "Get Out!" with invigorating, healing tea tree oils.  "Get Out!" also includes the higest quality, pure peppermint oils that along with the tea tree oil, invigorates your scalp and cleans the hair of all product residue without stripping the hair of it's natural oils.  Using a clarifying shampoo once a week, will help your hair keep it's shape longer.

Pink Restoration Mask

But what you take out of your hair you must also put back into it!  Huh? What?  Ahh ... the tangled web we weave to look fabulous!  Regardless if you color, highlight, lowlight or just sport a shank of electric blue in your bangs, your hair needs to be fed!  Similar to hair products, hair color also takes away the natural nutrients and moisture which makes your hair shine, bounce, and healthy.  A daily conditioner DOES feed your hair but when you color your hair, you are putting exra strain on the shaft.  I always tell my clients to use some sort of hair conditioning mask.  WHAT THE HECK IS THIS?  Well, within my line, I have a deep conditioning hair mask called "Pink."  It contains shea butter, among other nutrients, which helps keep your hair from becoming dry and brittle.  "Pink" works into the ends of the hair to help prevent split ends and thinning caused by the color process.

So, yes, just like your skin .. your hair needs a regiment.  Regardelss if you choose mine (which is my preference) or another line of products, you will find your hair will love you more if you treat it with the  respect it deserves and stop treating it like it's a 15-year old teeenager with endless verve and youthful glow.  With your hair, like your skin, a youthful glow is something you work at year after year!  But this is just my nugget of advice to you!

2014 Style Trends: The Year of The Hair Products!

April Shine

Every year starts out with a fashion foercast based on previous years' trends and stylists all over the world Googling the last runway shows looking for hair and makeup trends that strike a collective, creative cord with the public.  In 2013, we saw the braid reach an apex of popularity and the deconstruction of the ponytail.  Shaggy, spiky pixie cuts were all the rage in the final months of 2013 and have rolled into the new year with an edgier feel.  Hair products have a major role in the style you chose or the trend you follow in the year to come.  Natural Keratin straight hair is kickin' it up a notch with slicked back, product heavy hair styled close to the scalp.  Curls are also huge this year and not just curls but the PERFECT curl.  Sure .. good luck with that one!  I can only imagine all the OCD meltdowns by hairstylists around the globe coiffing the perfect curl but more on that later.  Root fillers and aerosols that reduce frizz will be the "go to" styling products as well as styling moulds and hair pastes.  Something not on anyone's radar yet but sure to be infamous by New Years' Even 2014 will be hair with high shine.  WHAT?  Yup, I thought the same thing.  Those tricky editors at "Cosmopolitan" and "In Style" always come-up with something we never knew ever we needed!  My personal philosophy this year will be this, "regardless of WHAT you put in your hair make sure the products are still promoting HEALTHY hair!"  A little less chemical and a little more natural ingredients.

High Shine is a huge trend of the year.  On the runway, models strutted with glossy, slicked, almost wet hair swept back from the root and flat to the head.  They kind of reminded me of the 80's music video, "Simply Irresistible" by Robert Palmer, but that's just me!  So I guess, if you are rekindling that 80's

vibe this year, you may want to take a look back at this video for a good laugh and a little motivation.  There are several products to help you live out your Robert Palmer fantasy.  Start with a root filler, I suggest my "Ocean Air", then make sure your hair gets that high shine.  I have a product called "April Shine", which is a spray laminate that is alcohol free so it won't strip your hair and still remove frizz, smooth hair, and provide the hair wattage necessary to finish off this look.

As I mentioned earlier, the pixie turns an edgy curve into product heavy spiky bangs or a barely on the shoulder bob.  Again, products are key for this look so find yourself a quality paste or moulding gel that helps exaggerate the ends of the hair or bangs.  This trend is all about an over the top look while

bypassing big, wildly teased hair.  Products will be crucial to create definition, make a statement, or hold a style in place.  If you are using my products, I would recommend my "Twist" to help define the ends of the hair for that haute couture look.  Finish off this look with some "Freeze Frame" to hold your coiffure into place for hours!

Curls have returned!  But stylists beware … be sure to take your medication before going to work.  Glossy mermaid waves will be popular this spring and were showcased on bleached out blondes strutting their stuff on the cat walk.  Retro 70's curls are also springing into a huge comeback for spring and summer.  Of course, couture stylists added a modern twist to this 70's coiffure by sweeping them to the side with a low side part and coiffing the curl completely FRIZZ FREE!  Yup.  The new curl is a frizz free curl with a perfect a glossed looked.

 Again I recommend starting with my root filler, "Ocean Air", and instead of a flat iron, use my "Straighten Up" with a curling iron.  "Straighten Up" is an aerosol spray with humectants that reduce frizz while creating a light weight curl.  Again, finish with my spray laminate for that high shine look!  Voila!  The perfect curl!

Androgyny is the word of the year.  Greta Garbo showed us an androgynous look before we even had a name for it and in the early 90's, we saw the grunge look take a gritty spin into this erogenous, androgynous zone.  This year, fashionistas will attempt to recapture the 30's inspired comb overs using fingers instead of a clean part.  I'm even betting we will see some trendy take on the slimline, black silk, suit on the red carpet this year from those avante guarde celebs who like push the envelope.  Regardless of the couture, again high shine will be key to finishing this look.

So, regardless if you tune up Robert Palmer, or stike a Greta Garbo pose this year, remember to take some time keeping your hair healthy and use quality products.  With all my clients I recommend my e-shampoo and e-conditioner as it keeps your hair healthy and continues to maximize the ability for the hair follicle to grow hair.  In addition, a clarifying shampoo is important to wash all those products out of your hair without stripping the roots.  My "Get Out!" is an invigorating shampoo with healing tea tree oils and the hightest grade of pure peppermint oils to wash out product residue.  Another recommended addition to your regiment should be a quality deep conditioner; "Pink" is a shea butter hair mask to transition your from this year's trends to next year's style.  So go into this year with a healthy approach to your style so that when you ring out 2014, your New Years Eve resolution WON'T be to find a quality wig for that bald spot!  Just sayin'

That's A Wrap! The Trends & Styles of 2013

... AND REMEMBERED!

This was the year of revival and modernization!  Time after time, we saw glammed-up versions of traditional hair styles: from blunt bangs and messy buns to the chameleon ponytail and of course the BRAID!  Color took center stage in 2013; celebrities and mainstream, alike, sported various versions of the fade out, the fade to color, and made bold color choices causing hair to make a major impact on style this year.  So join me in a retrospective of just a few trends that made up a very artful year in hair!

Modern Finger Wave

Glamorous Hair Accessories

One of my previous posts talked about about how Hollywood found themselves caught up in the old world elegance of "The Great Gatsby" at the beginning of the year.  Pin curls, shingle cuts, and finger waves cropped up on the red carpet and graced some pretty famous faces.  Messy side buns helped make a faux finger wave bob for many starlets during a fortnight of premieres. This glamorous revival also showcased often overlooked hair accessories.  This revved up, finger wave opened doors to over-the-top jeweled headbands, hair clips, and bobby pins while some opted for long silky scarves to showcase their coifs.  An overall roaring good job reinventing the 1920's!

Blunt Bangs

Other popular trends this year were blunt bangs, a softer, version of the shag, and the pixie.  These styles are not new on the scene but yet another reinvention of traditional haircuts.  Bangs have been around since Cleopatra woo'd Marc Anthony in Egypt.  This year, stylists used bangs as an exclamation mark!  Blunt, fringed bangs were a trend though the year, teasing onlookers with them brushed slightly over the eyelash.  Celebrities with the names Selena, Reece, and Taylor all sported this sexually charged simplicity.  Bangs are a personal choice but this year they were a fashion statement and I believe stylists will continue to transform bangs to fit the next fashion

Layered Bob

fad.  Another decade proven style that made a comeback this year was the shag.  The shag?  You read correctly!  Many know the style as the layered, choppy shoulder length bob made popular this year by Heidi Klum, Jessica Alba, and Katy Perry.  This sexy, "just rolled out bed" hairstyle is an oldie but a goodie!  Originally fashioned by Raquel Welsh and Jane Fonda ( in "Klute" ) during the70's, the shag has transitioned from decade to decade evolving into a soft, sexy haircut which looks good on pretty much anyone.  This fall we watch break out star, Jennifer Lawrence, crop her long tresses into a an edgier version of the 60's pixie. No, JLaw wasn't the first celeb to crop her hair but she certainly received the most publicity.  Pam Anderson, Jennifer Hudson, and Kristen Chenoweth also left their long hair on salon floors and stepped out in this trendy, sexy style.  Hollywood stylists managed to re-brand a crop cut made famous by Twiggy into a fresh, modern cut that could transition like a chameleon into spikes, edgy bangs, or a simple, swept back style by just adding a little product. Where Hollywood dares to tread so, eventually, so does mainstream style. 

The Sophisticated Braid

Both the ponytail and the braid charged out of the gait and into the spotlight this year and never left. As stylists modernized the braid into sophisticated and complicated chignons it became the go-to-style for both runway and red carpet. There are so many versions of this simple hair knot, stylists have given in to naming some of the more popular braids: the reverse French, the Mermaid, the Milkmaid, and the Fishtail to name a few.  Some proponents say braiding "caught fire" at the premiere of "Hunger Games" in 2011.  Katniss Everdeen sported a simple long, angled braid though out the movie and a trend was born.  This maybe true but regardless of when the braid reemerged, it is here to stay and I anticipate many a prom date or bridal party flouncing around with braided locks for many years to come.

The Deconstructed Ponytail

While stylists worked the braid into complicated, frenzied knots, the ponytail saw what I can only describe as a deconstruction.  Gone are the sleek pulled back ponytails of year's past.  In 2012, stylists vamped things up with the ponytail by giving it some volume, curls, and a saucy, over-the-shoulder coif.  This year, stylists shook things up and offered us a low slung, sexy ponytail, using hair products in the front for that tousled, messy look. Like other runway celebs and fashionistas, Carl Lagerfeld clinched the ponytail's longevity by showcasing the hairstyle during Chanel's recent runway show in Dallas.  I anticipate we will see more of these tussled tresses pulled back at the nape with an additional feather or two for good measure; start looking out for hair clips with long Native American inspired feathers mixed with natural elements as the hot accessory to have for 2014.  

Daring Color

Fade To Color

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, hair color took center stage during 2013.  Terms such as the fade out or the fade to color were used by bloggers around the globe when describing this stylish sensation.  A fade out or fade to color is a muli-step process where the hair goes from dark at the root to mid-scalp then picking up lighter highlights as it progresses down the hair shaft.  An entire head of hair can be colored with a fade out or just around the face or even fanned out through out.  The fade out gives dimension to long hair, curls, and flatters jawlines.  Those wanting to push the boundaries added a rainbow of hues and sported a fade to color.  But if that wasn't enough edge .. pink, lavender, electric blue and crayon red were part of the color wheel when it came to tinting hair.  Temporary or permanent, streaks or full on VahVahVoom, color ruled the roost from runway models to music industry royalty and red carpet strutters.  Another trend in 2013 albeit a more subtle trend was the blonde bombshell.  

Warm Blond Braid

Warm Blonde Layered Bob

The old saying goes, "blondes have more fun." Blondes still have fun but they did it coiffed in warmer, buttery colors. This year, blondes made the transition from ice princess with light, platinum streaking to softer sunny shades of golden. This year we said,"adios" to the bleached out, solid colored palate and welcomed a color blending making blonds less frosty and colorless.  Stylists warmed up the blonde by using shades of honey blonde hues and soft carmel colors in combination to warm up blonde shades for winter.  Who knows what will show up on the red carpet or between the cover of Vogue in 2014 but what I do know is that this was the year hair ran the gamut of edgy reinvention and rode the bullet train to color town!  

Emu Oil: Fact, Fiction, & Buyer Beware!

There are few things that strike fear into our self-confidence more than hair loss.  Hair follicles go through three separate phases.  The first stage, hair begins to grow from the root and works its way to the end of the follicle. This is actually the only time that hair is considered "alive".  During the next phase, the hair has fully grown.  The hair follicle is coming closer to the surface of the skin and the hair is getting ready to be shed; hair color doesn't change, the length remains the same, and preparing for new hair growth.  During the last phase of hair growth is when the existing hair falls out, a new hair follicle grows, and the process starts all over again.  These continuous phases are the reason why you see hair left behind in the sink, on your brush or comb, or as you notice your hair growing long again. Shedding is a natural phase in the hair growth cycle, but what happens when you start losing more than the  average 50-100 hairs per day?  There are many causes for increased hair loss: child birth, stress, diseases, and medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, can exaggerate normal hair loss. So what can we do to help create a healthy "canvas" to promote hair growth?  

One proven, natural, proponent for hair growth is Emu oil.  Emu oil isn't a magical snake oil concocted by the Great and Powerful Oz, but actually a carefully calculated refinement of fatty acids from the Emu bird.  Emu oil is an all natural tissue nutrient. When applied to hair follicles it invigorates regrowth. When correctly processed, this oil is almost 100% triglyceride in nature which makes it an almost completely neutral lipid and the property that gives Emu Oil it's ability to penetrate the barrier of the skin and "awaken" hair follicles.  The pure, natural form of Emu oil is recommended because it has the ability to reduce the inflammation of hair follicles. Inflamed hair follicles do not allow for the development of new hair growth. Inflamed hair follicles are usually responsible for hair loss, commonly referred to as baldness.  As the components of the Emu oil penetrate your skin, they reduce inflammation, allowing the hair follicles to grow new hair.  Emu oil enhances blood circulation, improving the growth conditions for new hair.  Emu oil softens the scalp, making it easier for new hair to emerge.  The new hair will be softer, and less prone to breaking.   Because it's a natural enhancer, Emu oil doesn't irritate the scalp like some laboratory synthesized products such as Minoxidil.

Due to the increasing popularity of Emu oil for hair loss, buyer's need to beware of “rendered,” unrefined emu oil which is finding it way into the market; this oil has only been filtered, and may still contain contaminants.  Additionally, there are different means by which emu oil can be refined. One method, for instance, uses caustic chemicals such as lye.  The best suppliers will use an all-natural means of refining that relies on clays to filter the oil. Check the label before purchasing to make sure your brand of Emu oil has been properly refined and purified.  Good quality 100% pure emu oil has proven effective for so many applications that again, It was only a matter of time before this would happen. Before you purchase Emu oil, always verify where they get it and if its mixed with other chemicals.  

So stop fretting over a few extra hairs in the sink! You have a natural, successful option to restore your hair.  Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamin E, omega-3, and biotin plus buy products which have pure emu oil as a major ingredient .. before you know it, your hair will return strong and healthy!

GREAT Gatsby! The Hair Diary of Daisy Buchanan

Baz Lurhmann's film adaptation of "The Great Gatsby" blew into theaters earlier this year as a kaleidoscopic carnival of stylized, shingle cuts and pin curls.  But you don't have to bob your hair to glam out over the holidays with the "Gatsby Look."  As Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year's Eve approach, Let's take a step back and talk about the ease and elegance of this modernized, roaring 20's chignon as a glamorous option for a holiday party hair twist.

Earlier this year, we saw photo ops of stars posing on the red carpet with various versions of the Daisy Buchanan finger wave style with the look of old world elegance; but the finger wave isn't just reserved for the expertise of the super stylists.  The Internet provides plenty of tutorials and videos that offer the inside, trade secrets to this chic coif.  

There are several schools of thought on how to best create the Daisy Buchanan's finger wave.  Start with wet or dry hair? Flat Iron or Curling Iron? Hairspray or styling spray? Instead of rehashing what so many other articles and blogs have already offered, my advice to you is to use the products and tools that work best on your hair.  

After reviewing some of the online tutorials, the only thing I would caution any novice or non-professional stylist would be the overuse of hairspray!  You don't need to coat or necessarily prep hair with hairspray to achieve the effect you want.  There are several

Ocean Air

products available, like my "Ocean Air" which provide the necessary volume and flexibility to act as the base for this style.  "Ocean Air' is a salt-infused spray that acts as a non-greasy foundation to hold curl and lift hair at the root.  In my opinion, The Daily Mail offered one of the best tutorials for the finger wave technique by using a medium barrel curling iron.  The article broke the artistry down to a simple step-by-step instruction as well as providing helpful photos to guide you to that perfect look:  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2317314/Great-Gatsby-fever-Give-hair-Roaring-Twenties-twist-FEMAILs-online-tutorial.html 

Once your coif is complete, finish it with my humidity resistant, thermal friendly "Triple Take" hairspray to keep your waves looking fresh through the evening. Never forget to return a little shine back into your.  My "April Shine" is a spray laminate giving your hair instant, brilliant shine.  It will also smooth any frizz and and dries clear.

April Shine

"April Shine" is alcohol free and won't weigh your hair down.  Your finger wave will look fresh and shiny without looking over worked with too much product.  After all, you want your hair to look natural and effortless!

The "Gatsby Look" always needs some bling, so roar into this 20's look with a vintage style headband, a barrette, or a long, flowing scarf.  Hairstyle-Blog.com provides some fresh accessories ideas to finish a style that even Daisy Buchanan would be jealous of: 
http://www.hairstyle-blog.com/gatsby-hair-accessories.html

For more information or to order the products mentioned in this blog post, follow the link to www.suzetteaudia.com/products.html.

Hair Styles & Suzette Audia Hair Products Line ...

I'm not one to often repost another's blog but I found the information interesting and the post relevant to my products line.  Regardless if you straiten with a flat iron, coif with a curling iron, spike & twist your tresses, or even finish with shot of shine.  I have a product to help you style with confidence!  

This blog post is all about hairstyles .. it's worth the read:
http://www.thehairstyler.com/features/articles/hair-care/shiny-hair-secrets?ref=homepage

To buy Suzette Audia products on-line: 
http://www.suzetteaudia.com/products.html

Suzette Audia Hair Products