Expensive Hair Dryers……Are They Worth It?

Having beautiful hair is never as effortless as it looks, although we women try our very hardest for it to look that way.  Most consumers have less problem spending more cash on flat irons or hair products, because they rationalize the regular use of those items.  However, when it comes to a hair dryer, women are not as likely to pay more for a better quality dryer.  My clients constantly question the differences between an over-the-counter dryer and a professional one.  “Why is it so expensive?” “Does it really make a difference?” “What’s wrong with the regular one that I have now?”  Here are the answers to all your questions.

Most normal dryers, which cost between $10 -$30, are made of an electric motor, a fan and

copper wires.  Air is generated by the electric fan which is heated by the copper wire - creating hot airflow.  A low-quality dryer does not produce an even and consistent airflow, which increases the chance of damaging the hair.  Using a low-powered dryer takes longer to fully dry the hair, and with an unstable heat source, the damage can be quite substantial in the long run.

A professional dryer, which can cost anywhere from $60-$250, is usually ceramic, ionic or a combination of both.  With a ceramic dryer, the heating component of the motor produces an airflow that is more constant without over-heating.  This decreases the chance of heat damage or hot spots on your hair.  These dryers are a little more affordable and available at any beauty supply store or online site.  I would recommend a Solano, Elchim or a CHI dryer if you’re not trying to break your bank.

Ionic dryers are more expensive because they are made of components which generate negative ions only, as opposed to ceramic dryers which generate both negative and positive ions.  Negative ions are beneficial to your hair because they seal the cuticles of each hair shaft, locking in more moisture and providing more shine.  Ionic dryers are also supposed to shrink water droplets, leading to shorter drying times because of faster water evaporation.   You can have the best of both worlds when combining the two elements together: an ionic-ceramic dryer. 

Tourmaline hair dryers, an ionic-ceramic combination, contain 100% crushed tourmaline minerals, providing the benefit of constant infrared heat production to heat hair particles from within.  More heat is rendered in the hair shaft instead of the surface, reducing heat damage.  Just to name a few, the T3, Bead Head, and Babyliss dryers all great choices for the ionic-ceramic option.

So at the end of the day, a professional hair dryer is important and really does a make a difference.  Not only will it save time in your busy schedule, but your hair quality will be better maintained with less heat damage.  The next time you shop for a hair dryer, just remember you get what you pay for.  Always opt for the professional quality tool if you desire professional results!

-Christine

Best organic exfoliator!!!

It is crucial to use the best products and ingredients on ourselves, especially when it comes to our skin. We are only getting older, but that doesn't mean we have to look or feel it. I will go over some important factors that maintain the skin's youth and also share with you my own skin regimen.

 The Josh Rosebrook organic exfoliator is chemical free and will leave you looking fresh with a youthful glow. Apart from being an amazing hairstylist, Josh has created the most amazing skin care line.


This exfoliator has worked wonders for me. Besides using it twice a week to dissolve dead skin, I use it as a mask and leave it on when I have blemishes or break outs. What I love most about this product is that it combines the most important blend of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and amino & fatty acids which make skin look it's best.

 Vitamins and minerals help strengthen the skin while keeping us healthy. Vitamins protect our bodies against the negative effects of free radicals.  Vitamin E is a great source of preventing free radicals and reduces UV induced damage to skin cells and tissue.

Antioxidants are substances that can protect your skin and fight free radicals. Free radicals are reactive  molecules resulting  from sun damage, smoking, pesticides, pollution and mostly stress. Antioxidants work in the body to help reduce and repair damage caused by elements. They provide the electrons needed to neutralize free radicals.

 Amino Acids are the building blocks of proteins and make up 75 percent of the human body. Essential fatty acids such as omega 3 and 6 are good fats that should be consumed to prevent aging skin by providing compounds of collagen and elastin. Collagen breaks down as skin ages causing sagging skin and wrinkles.  Amino acids and fatty acids help maintain and provide moisture in skin.

The Josh Rosebrook active enzyme exfoliator will:

• stimulate skin cell growth
• ignite collagen & elastin production
• reduce fine lines, age spots & sun damage
• tighten, tone and shrink pores
• dramatically improve overall radiance

I've been using the Josh Rosebrook active enzyme exfoliator that we sell at The Parlour. It has botanical extracts which help restore skin's health and fight free radicals.  It will leave you looking fresh and rejuvenated.

Gently apply the exfoliator in circular motions to scrub away dead skin. Set 10 minutes to 1 hour, rinse with warm water and towel dry.  I normally leave on exfoliator like a mask for about 20 min twice a week.




I usually never leave my house without make-up. I have to admit that since using Josh's exfoliator, my skin looks so good and luminous that I no longer feel insecure without foundation.

Thanks Josh! For once, I have found a product that really works and it's organic, which is a plus!

  

  Order a sample online at theparlourlosangeles.com or just come by and visit us for a free sample.

                                                                                            



 

                                                                                                   -Leeya

                                                                                                                  

Slimey Hair? 3 Ways to Clarify!

We are halfway through the summer and your hair is most likely parched, brittle, brassy or all of the above from the endless pool parties. This can be a nightmare for blondes since the color now looks orange or yellow and feels like straw…..horrifying! Build-up on the hair can be one reason for this awful texture. If you have been in chlorine or salt water more often lately than usual, your hair may have absorbed layers of build up over time. Using normal shampoo may not be as effective, so here are 3 simple ways to rid your hair of slime and bring back the shine!

1. Strong Clarify Shampoo

This is the most common solution to rid build-up from hair. Consumers often buy the wrong product which can create more problems. Most people will end up buying Head & Shoulders or Suave, which a no-no. Here’s why:
a. It’s an over-the-counter product. That automatically means the detergent levels are super high, which is great for clarifying but terrible for the hair texture.
b. Products such as Head & Shoulders have medicated ingredients meant for dandruff, dry scalp, etc, which you may not need. It will actually over cleanse your hair, stripping off the much needed natural oils.
You need to have active conditioning agents in the products which will nourish the hair while detoxifying. One great product is the Sunday Shampoo by Bumble and Bumble. You use it once a week only, and it will leave your hair soft and shiny with the squeaky clean feeling. The Davines Detoxifying Enviromental Damage Recovery Shampoo is also wonderful. It smells great and is very gentle. (www.davines.com)(www.bumbleandbumble.com)

2. Baking Soda

This home remedy is gentle yet effective for very oily hair types. All you need is 1 Tablespoon of baking soda per 8 ounces of water. The easiest method would be to mix together in a squeeze bottle, available at anything beauty supply store, and apply as you would shampoo. In the shower, wet your hair first and then squeeze the baking soda solution on a little at a time, mostly on the scalp. Emulsify as you distribute, concentrate mostly on the roots and mid-lengths. Let it sit for a few minutes to deep cleanse and rinse out. You may apply a light conditioner if needed, but it isn’t necessary. This can also be done once a week or right after pool or ocean activity.

3. Vinegar

This method usually sounds bizarre since vinegar is not an appealing scent but I promise it works wonders. Vinegar is a mild acidic, and also very gentle on the hair. In fact, it is more conditioning than most over the counter conditioners. You only need a little so use 1 tablespoon of vinegar to 8 ounces (1 cup) of water also. The vinegar detangles hair easily, leaving the texture silky and smooth. I definitely recommend using organic/unpasteurized apple cider vinegar as opposed to regular white distilled vinegar. Distilled white vinegar sold in supermarkets is considered "dead" vinegar with none of the live enzymes contained in the raw, unpasteurized vinegars. Your hair will feel so great, you’ll never let it have residue on it ever again.

So there you have it! With these 3 easy ways to clarify your hair, you should get rid of the mid-summer build-up in no time!

Christine

$100 Beauty Giveaway! Need a New Look? Tweet To Win!

It’s That Simple!

Join The Hunnies LA
“Bad Hair Day” Give-a-way!

Every Hunnie has had a bad hair day. Summer is upon us and it’s time to look your best.  That’s where we come in!  Win $100 toward the hair service(s) of your choice with The Hunnies LA at The Parlour on 3rd Salon in West Hollywood…

Here’s how you qualify:

1.    Follow @theparlouron3rd Stylists Christine and Shelby @TheHunniesLA on Twitter
2.    In one Tweet or less, tell us about your worst bad hair day or why you deserve to win.
3.    Funniest Tweet wins!
4.    Remember to include @TheHunniesLA in your Tweet so we can find you!

It’s that simple. Tell your friends; tell everyone! We’ll choose the winner!

Service must be received from one of The Hunnies LA (Shelby or Christine). If you’re already a client of another Stylist at The Parlour on 3rd the prize is transferrable! Make someone’s day! (But don’t tell them you gave it to them because of their bad hair ;)

Contest entry ends Friday!

Glamology Review of Josh Rosebrook's Exfoliator

Sexiest hair of the summer!

 Summer Lovin! 

Look and feel sexy this summer by rockin' one of my signature styles!

Let me introduce you to my beautiful client  Sommer! This fabulous lady is one of the reasons I love what I do. She allows me to be creative and have fun with her hair. I have created this look by combining some of my favorite trends of the year.

Take your favorite hair color trend and combine it with your favorite cut and style to create your signature look! You can even combine a few colors to enhance depth and add contrast which always looks more natural.

Golden beige tones are very popular this year. They can vary in level of darkness or lightness depending on your skin tone and base color. They can be mixed with some red tones to add warmth for those who like a touch of auburn.

For Sommer, I have combined the very popular 'ombre' technique with some painted on highlights starting half an inch away from her roots. This combo gives the illusion of roots without looking like you need a touch up immediately. I love the 'ombre' look but i find that it looks better if you have some painted on pieces coming from the roots as well for more of a classy yet sexy look.

Loose waves are the way to go this summer. With the right haircut, you can just scrunch up your hair using cream based products and let your hair dry naturally for an effortless look.
For Sommers' haircut, I did lots of layers while maintaining the fullness around the length and added some face framing layers to open up her cheekbones while enhancing her features. 
Have fun with your hair by changing up your style. Choose from differnt styles trending from behemian to glamorous and sexy sleek.
For a more finished look, use a large curling iron or some hot rollers to create smooth loose waves.

Don't miss out on my earlier blog post on Kim Kardashian style blow-dry at home. It will take you step by step through creating a voluminous and sexy blow out.

I would like to thank Sommer for doing me proud by taking her hair to the full potential and making it look so amazing. Have fun and be playful with your hair ladies. I believe that although hair is the exterior, it reflects who you are on the inside. Be sexy and confident and love your hair!

                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                 -Leeya

Photograpy By

Top 3 Summer Red Carpet Hair Trends!

 This summer has been all about beach-y, sun kissed waves and sleek styles. These popular summer trends even made it through to the red carpet at the MTV movie awards.

Selena Gomez shows off a classic half up,  yet casual do. To get this look, curl your hair with a one and a half inch curling iron to create loose waves. Tease the crown area for some volume and height and accessorize by using a small clip or hair pin to hold the top portion in place. Leave the bangs or side layers out to frame the face. This effortless style looks amazing with smokey eyes and nude lips.

Blake Lively went for a sleek and straight style . Who would have thought a casual ponytail can look so sexy and put together. This is my favorite hairstyle for any occasion. I love the fact that you can dress it up or wear it casual and still look sophisticated and fresh. Get this look in 3 easy steps. Start with flat ironing your hair to smooth out any frizz you may have and use a hairband to create a tight ponytail. Finally, finish with some hairspray around your hairline to tame fly-aways.

Ombre, Ombre, Ombre!!! Leighton Meester rocks this popular hair color trend. Sun-kissed hair looks effortless and chic at the same time. From the beach to the red carpet! Get this low maintenance look by curling your hair with a flat iron (instead of a a curling iron) and run your fingers through it to get a undone yet finished style.

Hope you enjoyed my top 3 red carpet hair trends and tips! Try to creating these simple and sexy looks at home!

                                                  -Leeya Alvandi