Nothing feels better than washing your hair first thing in the morning, curling it up with some product and going out the door feeling fresh and clean from head to toe.
Here is another alternative to wet curl if the curling gets a tad boring.
So, here are some tricks to changing up the wet curl:
1. Flexi Rods; yes I said it. Those aren't just for grandma to keep her thin hair curly and full. You can do just the same with your already full set of hair. For big full curls choose large flexi rods for tighter curls choose smaller rods, the width of the rods also has to do with the length of your hair.
Take a dab of any styling creme you have handy for curly hair, and apply all over your hair gall the fly aways are tamed next part your hair from the bottom up taking about two inch thick parts, split that in half and roll. Keep parting and rolling until all your hair is in rods. Leaving an inch or two or hair at the root unrolled will give you more of a relaxed look.
Go about your morning routine leaving hair for last. Unroll, toss and go.
2. Tiny Buns; apply styling creme or styling oil for extra luscious waves or curls all over the hair. Depending on hair length and tightness of curls desired part hair smaller or larger. Part hair on desire side and comb with a wide tooth comb and start twisting into a small bun secure with a band. Continue to part comb and twist until the entire head is on buns.
You can leave over night for an extra tight curl. If you do in the morning leave in for 20, 30 minutes or while you get dressed.
TRICK- If your hair is extra thick and straight and need a little more help curling, take each bun and unroll then take a flat iron on low medium heat and press all over the twisted part, do this for each individual bun, then finger comb and done.
3. If you have thicker roots and they tend to curl more then your ends, wash hair apply some leave in conditioner, tie your hair in a pony tail and let semi dry. Tying the hair make sure the roots lay flat and while drying taming them down, while the ponytail dries curly. Now loosen the ponytail apply some styling creme style as usual and go.
The best part! All of these tricks can be used on baby girl, of course omitting the things that would be uncomfortable depending on age.
Hope it was helpful! :)
Happy healthy peaceful living :)
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Friday, July 20, 2012
Quick tip for mommies stressed skin
All mommies deserve some pampering time.
Thanks for taking time to read this post. Hope it helps you relax so you can continue enjoying your little bundles of energy and joy.
Happy healthy peaceful living.
With this economy and the time consuming mommy duties, pampering is not always feasible, but often necessary. The stress is showing and you need to take a load off. Here is a quick way to still pamper yourself, without blowing your pocket and you can squeeze in anytime after putting the kids down for bedtime.
What you will need:
For face mask
- 1 Tbsp of Bragg's raw apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tbsp of distilled water
- 1 spoonful of Bentonite clay
Mix the cider and water together, then pour in the mix onto the clay, until the mix is of pancake consistency not too runny.
If more liquid is needed add distilled water not more cider.
For body
Lemon honey Brown Sugar Scrub
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of virgin coconut oil
Do to the salt in this recipe, I would not use it on my face.
Mix all ingredients together until fully saturated with one another.
Now that your face mask and your body scrub are ready, make sure you set a couple of candles and leave the lighter handy.
1. Apply face mask all over face, (avoid the delicate parts of the inner eye) since mask needs to fully dry do this first. You will feel a slight tug on your skin as it tightens and your skin may become slightly red as you will feel it pulse! Once that's applied, in the shower or tub, gently massage your body, with the scrub. Pay special attention to dry, rough areas, like your knees and elbows. Rinse.
2. While skin is damp, smooth with a body oil, Argan oil or moisturizer. Kneading any knots you can feel in your shoulders, massage the oil onto your arms and legs slowly, don't forget your feet. Once you are fully moisturized go ahead and fully rinse your face with an abundance of warm water, massage the clay off removing all excess and dead skin. Make the water a little colder and rinse some more, pat dry tone and moisturize.
3. Wrap up in a warm towel. Give yourself permission to relax for 15 minutes. Brew some tea, grab a book and sit in the couch in your towel. Enjoy.
*The tub or shower may become slippery, as sugar scrubs do contain oil. Watch your step!
*Make sure you aren't allergic to any of this ingredients before use.
*Slight redness after cider clay mask is normal, your skin will pulsate. Sensitive skin please patch test before use.Thanks for taking time to read this post. Hope it helps you relax so you can continue enjoying your little bundles of energy and joy.
Happy healthy peaceful living.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Argan Oil natural moisturizer for babies and mommies
We have so many options when it comes to moisturizers for our families it can all be very overwhelming, between expensive products who promise miracles to cheap products who offer nothing but thick invisible barrier to medium price products who sometimes performed better than the expensive items, and some who are just mediocre, so one has to try and try and keep trying until you successfully find one who barely does the job. The issue I have with all of these is not the price point, whether pricey or cheap, is the added stuff that is just THAT! stuff. I don't know or can even read half the ingredients on the label, and some of the ones I do know or can read are still not so great for us.
My rule of thumb was this, less than 10 ingredients 6 of which I need to know right of the bat for body moisturizer, less than 5 ingredients for facial moisturizer, which meant I was always shopping for cosmetics at Whole Foods and those did not always deliver.
Then I started getting an imbalance in effectiveness with the same product depending on the season and I couldn't deal with having to purchase a different product for each season of the year or even two for that matter, hot and cold.
So the research began and I stumbled upon Argan Oil.
Pure Organic unadulterated Argan Oil.
And my life was changed :D
With the hype of the "Golden oil", I know by now most of you have either heard about or used some form of Argan Oil, either in a Shampoo, Conditioner, Lotion or in its purest form.
However you have used it, I'm sure you have read all the wonderful benefits the oil is packed with, but I'll tell you again just as a reminder:)
Packed with Antioxidants, highest in Vitamin E, with 80% unsaturated fatty acids Omega 3 & 9 perfect as an anti-aging agent. Amazing skin protecting benefits, reduces inflammation and promote excellent skin moisture retention, helps reduce wrinkles, prevent and minimize the look of stretch marks.
It is widely used for many skin ailments such as eczema, psoriasis, acne and chickenpox. And I have one friend using it for a rash on her chest called Grover's disease and it doing wonders for her.
It is also reputed to have many medicinal properties.
Argania Spinosa (Argan Oil) is in fact one of the most highly effective oils I have ever come across, and I can say that based on my own judgement, having used it everyday for almost two years now and will not change it.
How I use Argan oil, every day morning and night. After a shower a couple of drops over my face and entire body, specially my growing belly. For my son and husband, same thing day and night, a couple of drops all over their face, body and hair as they wash their hair more often than I do. During the summer months, when we are the beach, park or anywhere where the sun is over us I make sure they do not leave the house without it.
I have discovered Argan is great as sun protection. I cannot claim is an SPF as I have read in some websites but I do know first hand it protects by not allowing sunburns or extreme tanning, if that makes any sense. For example, last weekend we were at the River for at least 8-10 Hours under the sun and my husband who did not wear Argan that morning burned where as my son and I did not. I also notice every time we are under the sun we will tan but will not burn. Even under Caribbean sun :D which I particularly love, one because I don't see why you have to be in pain for a couple of days before you see a great tan and because I am not into conventional SPF s.
Now here is the thing, next time you're faced with the huge array of Argan options at the drugstore or online, just go with the purest form you can find. Be extra careful with brands who promise to be "Pure" or "Just Argan Oil" and are of a questionable price. Always check for the ingredients posted on the website, hopefully they will be accurate. 100% pure Argan Oil is the best way to go and if is mixed with any other oils let them be high grade oils which are also beneficial for you, such as Grape seed, Jojoba, avocado and many other oils, always making sure 50% or more is Argan of course.
The price point for 100% Pure Organic Argan Oil should average
$16-$25 for an ounce or two.
Bottom line, when it was time for me to choose a moisturizer I narrowed it down by this simple but very important rule.
The moisturizer has to be 99% natural if not organic, what that means to me is I can slather it all over my child, my husband and myself and recommended it to friends and families without any worries of allergies or adverse reactions.
A negative reaction would put a damper on my busy life so I choose to go as natural as possible to avoid any unwanted surprises or trips to the doctors office.
Happy Healthy Peaceful moisturizing.
My rule of thumb was this, less than 10 ingredients 6 of which I need to know right of the bat for body moisturizer, less than 5 ingredients for facial moisturizer, which meant I was always shopping for cosmetics at Whole Foods and those did not always deliver.
Then I started getting an imbalance in effectiveness with the same product depending on the season and I couldn't deal with having to purchase a different product for each season of the year or even two for that matter, hot and cold.
So the research began and I stumbled upon Argan Oil.
Pure Organic unadulterated Argan Oil.
And my life was changed :D
With the hype of the "Golden oil", I know by now most of you have either heard about or used some form of Argan Oil, either in a Shampoo, Conditioner, Lotion or in its purest form.
However you have used it, I'm sure you have read all the wonderful benefits the oil is packed with, but I'll tell you again just as a reminder:)
Packed with Antioxidants, highest in Vitamin E, with 80% unsaturated fatty acids Omega 3 & 9 perfect as an anti-aging agent. Amazing skin protecting benefits, reduces inflammation and promote excellent skin moisture retention, helps reduce wrinkles, prevent and minimize the look of stretch marks.
It is widely used for many skin ailments such as eczema, psoriasis, acne and chickenpox. And I have one friend using it for a rash on her chest called Grover's disease and it doing wonders for her.
It is also reputed to have many medicinal properties.
Argania Spinosa (Argan Oil) is in fact one of the most highly effective oils I have ever come across, and I can say that based on my own judgement, having used it everyday for almost two years now and will not change it.
How I use Argan oil, every day morning and night. After a shower a couple of drops over my face and entire body, specially my growing belly. For my son and husband, same thing day and night, a couple of drops all over their face, body and hair as they wash their hair more often than I do. During the summer months, when we are the beach, park or anywhere where the sun is over us I make sure they do not leave the house without it.
I have discovered Argan is great as sun protection. I cannot claim is an SPF as I have read in some websites but I do know first hand it protects by not allowing sunburns or extreme tanning, if that makes any sense. For example, last weekend we were at the River for at least 8-10 Hours under the sun and my husband who did not wear Argan that morning burned where as my son and I did not. I also notice every time we are under the sun we will tan but will not burn. Even under Caribbean sun :D which I particularly love, one because I don't see why you have to be in pain for a couple of days before you see a great tan and because I am not into conventional SPF s.
Now here is the thing, next time you're faced with the huge array of Argan options at the drugstore or online, just go with the purest form you can find. Be extra careful with brands who promise to be "Pure" or "Just Argan Oil" and are of a questionable price. Always check for the ingredients posted on the website, hopefully they will be accurate. 100% pure Argan Oil is the best way to go and if is mixed with any other oils let them be high grade oils which are also beneficial for you, such as Grape seed, Jojoba, avocado and many other oils, always making sure 50% or more is Argan of course.
The price point for 100% Pure Organic Argan Oil should average
$16-$25 for an ounce or two.
Bottom line, when it was time for me to choose a moisturizer I narrowed it down by this simple but very important rule.
The moisturizer has to be 99% natural if not organic, what that means to me is I can slather it all over my child, my husband and myself and recommended it to friends and families without any worries of allergies or adverse reactions.
A negative reaction would put a damper on my busy life so I choose to go as natural as possible to avoid any unwanted surprises or trips to the doctors office.
Happy Healthy Peaceful moisturizing.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Hair care for baby and mommy
Sometimes, babies have the same or very similar type of hair as their mommies. The older they get the more we become aware of this. Especially baby girls since we like to keep their hair long. If your baby girl happens to have your hair texture or similar good news is your haircare regimen could be the same as long as you go for the more natural and healthy way to care for your hair.
Having medium length extremely curly hair myself, and a large percentage of my clients, families and friends having a variety of long to short but mostly Spanish wavy hair, thick curly hair and extremely curly to coily hair, I find myself often doing research online or hands on, on how to care for curly hair and hair in general. Curly hair tends to be more porous so it gets dryer, splits and breaks easier without the proper care.
The most important step to good looking hair is HHF (Healthy Hair first)
For a long while now my to go and my number one recommendation to everyone and anyone for hair/skin care and nourishment is Pure Organic unadulterated Argan oil. Rich in unsaturated Omega 3 & 9, highest in vitamin E and many other vitamins and nutrients, sun protecting, non oily, highly hydrating. Argan oil is perfectly efficient in healing hair damaged by excessive heat, chemical process, everyday wear, split ends, dry scalp and great for nourishing the hair to keep it healthy and luscious.
I use and recommend 1106 hair nourishing serum it contains Pure Argan oil, Jojoba oil and Avocado oil nothing else. It can be perfectly used as a styling oil; for braids ponytails twist or anyway you style your and dear daughter or son's hair.
As a hot oil treatment; if baby girl has a thick set of hair shampoo as usual and warm up the oil making sure it is not hot, apply all over her hair and wrap in a small lukewarm towel for 10-15 minutes, make sure you let it cool off well before rinsing it off.
For a wet look; shampoo as usual condition detangle then apply the oil all over and style. This wonderful oil has many positive uses, and can be safely used by moms and children as long as is Pure and unadulterated. My son Ethan has my same type of hair and when he lets me fix it, I always go for the Argan oil to style it, it keeps hydrated and healthy.
I always chose to go Organic or as natural as possible when it comes to my child, that way you know you're being good to them and you have less possibilities of an allergic or negative reaction.
More on Argan oil and all it's positive uses on the next blog.
Happy peaceful healthy living.
Having medium length extremely curly hair myself, and a large percentage of my clients, families and friends having a variety of long to short but mostly Spanish wavy hair, thick curly hair and extremely curly to coily hair, I find myself often doing research online or hands on, on how to care for curly hair and hair in general. Curly hair tends to be more porous so it gets dryer, splits and breaks easier without the proper care.
The most important step to good looking hair is HHF (Healthy Hair first)
For a long while now my to go and my number one recommendation to everyone and anyone for hair/skin care and nourishment is Pure Organic unadulterated Argan oil. Rich in unsaturated Omega 3 & 9, highest in vitamin E and many other vitamins and nutrients, sun protecting, non oily, highly hydrating. Argan oil is perfectly efficient in healing hair damaged by excessive heat, chemical process, everyday wear, split ends, dry scalp and great for nourishing the hair to keep it healthy and luscious.
I use and recommend 1106 hair nourishing serum it contains Pure Argan oil, Jojoba oil and Avocado oil nothing else. It can be perfectly used as a styling oil; for braids ponytails twist or anyway you style your and dear daughter or son's hair.
As a hot oil treatment; if baby girl has a thick set of hair shampoo as usual and warm up the oil making sure it is not hot, apply all over her hair and wrap in a small lukewarm towel for 10-15 minutes, make sure you let it cool off well before rinsing it off.
For a wet look; shampoo as usual condition detangle then apply the oil all over and style. This wonderful oil has many positive uses, and can be safely used by moms and children as long as is Pure and unadulterated. My son Ethan has my same type of hair and when he lets me fix it, I always go for the Argan oil to style it, it keeps hydrated and healthy.
I always chose to go Organic or as natural as possible when it comes to my child, that way you know you're being good to them and you have less possibilities of an allergic or negative reaction.
More on Argan oil and all it's positive uses on the next blog.
Happy peaceful healthy living.
Hair for the mommy on the go
As soon as the sun is up so are our babies and so are we, sometimes even before that, as I was this morning. As much as we would love to have a couple of minutes in the morning to get ourselves together before we can tackle our days, it's a bit tough, as our little ones already have our morning scheduled for us. Is Friday and I would like to show up to work presentable, although I am a hairstylist my hair doesn't always look the best, I have medium length layers, and always go for the toss and go, so I thought maybe I should change it up and I did.
Remember always HHF (healthy hair first). Sun protection for your locks I always go for Pure Argan oil which is a natural sun blocker, it also moisturizes and keeps fly away tamed.
Here are some quick tips on hair on the go.
1. Unless you're an expert forget the braid; just apply some leave in conditioning cream(NO gel, hair spray, anything containing alcohol etc HHF) to tame the fly aways, part your hair on your favorite side an at the root begin twisting making sure to grab a good amount of hair each time you twist for a thick easy going look. Twist around your head until you reach the nape on one side, do the same to the other side tie with a elastic band you can leave the ends down or put in a bun and voila, hair out of your face and out the door you go. Don't forget sun protection for you and the little ones.
2. Messy bun; again if you have unruly fly away and they bother you, apply a moisturizing styling cream and toss all of your hair forward than pick up high on the crown and tie up nicely, a couple of twist around the elastic band, leave ends loose or tuck under band and done.
3. Ponytails; the classic ponytail, doesn't have to be messy or does it, however you like it, ponytails are always an easy and cute way to go. Styling cream for the tame look, slick back and tie with an elastic band, for an alternate look slick back and take a handful of the crown hair and push forward to give the top some texture, tie with an elastic band, slick both sides of the temples back again and presto.
4. If you ARE a braid expert or can pull it off in no time; by all means the braid is always a way to go. The popular side braid can be done in so many ways, start by parting your hair as usual then start braiding at the beginning of the part toward one side finish at the nape( the chunkier the better) then continue on the other side when both braids meet tie and braid the remaining hair together left or right. If hair is not long enough put in a bun, tuck under with a couple of pins or roll around and fasten with another band.
5. or Leave your hair loose; just tame the fly aways by putting styling cream or oil and tuck hair behind your ear, for a short pixie cut, or use one of the many stylist headband available now to keep the hair out of your face if you have long bangs or very layered hair.
However you find it easier to carry your hair just make sure it's fun and it's you.
If you have any questions about hair or anything else I'll be more than happy to try and help you figure it out, just shoot me your concerns on the comments below. Happy Friday.
Remember always HHF (healthy hair first). Sun protection for your locks I always go for Pure Argan oil which is a natural sun blocker, it also moisturizes and keeps fly away tamed.
Here are some quick tips on hair on the go.
1. Unless you're an expert forget the braid; just apply some leave in conditioning cream(NO gel, hair spray, anything containing alcohol etc HHF) to tame the fly aways, part your hair on your favorite side an at the root begin twisting making sure to grab a good amount of hair each time you twist for a thick easy going look. Twist around your head until you reach the nape on one side, do the same to the other side tie with a elastic band you can leave the ends down or put in a bun and voila, hair out of your face and out the door you go. Don't forget sun protection for you and the little ones.
2. Messy bun; again if you have unruly fly away and they bother you, apply a moisturizing styling cream and toss all of your hair forward than pick up high on the crown and tie up nicely, a couple of twist around the elastic band, leave ends loose or tuck under band and done.
3. Ponytails; the classic ponytail, doesn't have to be messy or does it, however you like it, ponytails are always an easy and cute way to go. Styling cream for the tame look, slick back and tie with an elastic band, for an alternate look slick back and take a handful of the crown hair and push forward to give the top some texture, tie with an elastic band, slick both sides of the temples back again and presto.
4. If you ARE a braid expert or can pull it off in no time; by all means the braid is always a way to go. The popular side braid can be done in so many ways, start by parting your hair as usual then start braiding at the beginning of the part toward one side finish at the nape( the chunkier the better) then continue on the other side when both braids meet tie and braid the remaining hair together left or right. If hair is not long enough put in a bun, tuck under with a couple of pins or roll around and fasten with another band.
5. or Leave your hair loose; just tame the fly aways by putting styling cream or oil and tuck hair behind your ear, for a short pixie cut, or use one of the many stylist headband available now to keep the hair out of your face if you have long bangs or very layered hair.
However you find it easier to carry your hair just make sure it's fun and it's you.
If you have any questions about hair or anything else I'll be more than happy to try and help you figure it out, just shoot me your concerns on the comments below. Happy Friday.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
A bit about me
As a young hairstylist and mommy I often get a lot of questions from my clients, friends and family about hair and motherhood, so I thought I'll create a blog just about that, although I have a feeling it will be about a lot more.
A little bit about me, I am currently 24 weeks pregnant with my second baby boy Logan James, I have been a wife for 7 years and a mom for 4 and 1/2 to my dear son Ethan James, a full-time hairstylist at my humble shop Lake Alitha Hair Studio in New York City. I have been doing hair for close to 7 years with a lifetime of experience, as my dear mom is a hair stylist herself.
I just love hair, nature, food trucks, wine(which I miss) and DIYs but most of all my young growing family :)
Hope the info in my noggin is helpful to a few of you.
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