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Your hair is the one fashion accessory that you wear everyday.  Like the finest of cashmere or silk, it is imperative that you choose to care for it delicately.  With so many haircare products on the market, and the advancement of natural/silicone free products, bathing your locks has moved leaps and bounds since 2 in 1 shampoo in a green bottle.

Everyone is different and each head of hair is unique, which is why manufacturers have produced specialized haircare products prescribed for the individual.  Your stylist will recommend to you a regimen that will consider your hair texture, overall condition and   desired end result.  Often, haircare brands carried in the salon work in synergy with the colour lines and other chemical services they offer.

We think that the shampoo process or ‘bathing your hair’ is a mundane task that happens in the shower to make us smell good: wrong!  This important part of your beauty regimen ensures that the health of your scalp, and the length and colour of your hair are maintained between professional services.

Naturally, our body produces sebum, an oily substance secreted from glands all over our body.  This is a natural moisturizer that creates protection from outside aggressors and aging.  The more of the sebum we can preserve on our scalp, the healthier the scalp.  For this reason, it is recommended to shampoo your hair only every other day.  This ensures the maximum amount of protection for your scalp and it also moisturizes your hair.

When you begin to shampoo your hair, ensure that you have fully saturated all the strands in the shower.  Always lather a quarter -sized amount of shampoo in your palms and begin the application at the back of your head and working your way forward.  There is more hair at the back of your head than at the front, so naturally you would begin there.  Massage the shampoo at the scalp over your entire head, using small circular motions.  Remember, shampoo is used to cleanse the scalp and hair of any products or dirt collected over time.

Once the scalp has been completed invigorated by the nimble pads of your fingers, use your hands to gently massage the lather down the mid-strand and lengths of your hair,  working always from the root, in circular motions to the ends.

Rinse thoroughly. An easy way to tell when you are done is to ensure the water runs clean without any bubbles going down the drain.  Long thick hair requires more rinsing time in order to completely discard the unwanted shampoo. Depending on the formula of the shampoo, leaving excess shampoo on your scalp can cause irritation and dryness from the cleansing agents.

After any cleansing process, always utilize a conditioner specific to your hair type to reenergize the vitality of your lengths.  Here we will begin by working a hazelnut size amount of product through the ends, up to the mid-strand.  Avoid applying conditioner at the root (especially with fine hair) as this is where the hair is the healthiest and it does not require as much moisture.  Leave your conditioner to rest for 3-5 minutes to ensure maximum results.  Rinse thoroughly, as described previously.

I also recommend a ‘Sunday routine’, which is not restricted to one specific day of the week, but rather a day off when you have a little extra time to dedicate to yourself.  On this day, use a scalp cleansing shampoo to remove any further build-up of product (hairspray, gel etc.) that a gentle shampoo may not remove.  Follow up by spoiling yourself (and hair) with an ultra conditioning masque (applied the same as conditioner) for added moisture and softness and allow it to sit for 10 minutes.

Always remember that the professional services received in the salon are best followed by a strong at home maintenance regimen.  After all, you would never throw your new cashmere sweater in hot water with Tide, would you?

Hair Loss 101
Castanet
By: Loyal Wooldridge

One of the most feared changes that many go through in their lives is the loss of hair density.  The impact of losing this very important fashion accessory could be compared with a confident lion that’s losing its mane, for our luscious locks provide us with great confidence too.  This does not need to become your reality, unless you choose to ignore the important messages from your body.

Our bodies send us messages which directly reflect what we are doing to them. The body can tell us where we have created imbalances in our lives and can guide us towards making positive changes. When we begin to listen to the messages from our bodies, and take proactive steps to better ourselves, it becomes possible to reverse some of the worst ailments, including those that come with aging. 

Through experience, I have discovered simple steps which can help promote a healthy flow of energy within your body, and in turn, promote longevity- including the longevity of the hair on your head: 

Balance- Everything in life reverts back to the simple, yet challenging concept of balance. Create awareness around your Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual balance and begin to reflect on what each means to you.

Stress- Stress reduction in your life is ultimately created through balance.  The majority of the population is fueled by fear which creates the reaction of ‘fight or flight’.  By colouring each moment with experiences from the past, and with a fear of the future, we diminish the gift and the opportunity of this moment.  Stress creates tightness of the scalp which affects blood flow to your hair follicle, and limits hair growth.

Lifestyle- The food we eat, and the water we drink is fuel for our body.  It has been proven that nutrition is the primary key to ensuring you operate to your full potential.  Avoid trans-fats and processed foods and you will notice your energy level and your ‘emotional breaking points’ change significantly.

Clean Environment- Like spring seedlings, your hair requires a fertile environment where it can flourish.  Cleansing your scalp of excess oil, dirt and free radicals promotes increased oxygen and blood flow through your skin.  Choose a shampoo from your haircare expert that is designed specifically for scalp care.

Hair loss is simply the body’s way of indicating imbalance in your life.  This imbalance can be due to a combination of the above, and/or due to the inevitable hormonal changes which occur as we continue on the journey of life.  Now’s the time to take the opportunity for growth- educate yourself and awaken the power within so that you can create positive change in your life.

The Okanagan is a renowned destination wedding location for many happy couples to officially tie the knot.  With the backdrop of our pristine lakes, mountains and gorgeous wineries it is no wonder why we could possibly be the nuptial capital of Canada!  Choosing the right salon and stylist for your wedding is so important to ensure that your gorgeous locks are curled, pinned and placed just the way you want them.

Inspiration for special occasion up-styles can be found on any red carpet, fashion magazine or popular television show.  This year, we are seeing the usage of textures combined with added volume to compliment the shapes of modern gowns.  Looks inspired by Angelina Jolie and Jessica Biel are simply curled and loosely pinned away from the face.  Haute Couture shows vary in technique, from smoothed bun-like shapes to alternately created textures pinned to accent designer jewelry and of course: the dress.

Every girl has been dreaming of this day since they read the story of Cinderella and her glass slippers- but what exactly did Cindy have to tell her mice servants when it came time to communicate her hair?  Right! She never had to, she had a mystical woman with a magic wand to grant her wishes.  Well darling, you may not have a Fairy Godmother but I’m here to simplify your beauty decisions in hopes of reducing Bridezilla Syndrome. 

The Dress-  This is your showcase piece, the item that encompasses the majority of a bridal budget.  When you fall in love with that one of a kind dress take pictures of it’s finest points, like detailing, neck line, the back detail and of course a full view.  Take your pictures before it is sent for final alterations so that you have hard copies of photos to show your styling team.  Some bridal shops may also be able to provide fabric samples to aide in your discussion as well.

The Mood- You are the star on the red carpet for your special day, and you are choosing the overall feeling and tone that you want set.  Write down in point form some descriptive adjectives that encompass the experience you are creating.  Decide whether  your day is classically inspired or modern elegance.  I am such an avid fan of photos to be used for inspiration in the consultation phase, although I will stress that hair texture, density and growth patterns dictate what exactly your hair is capable of.

The Jewels- It might seem like your prized jewels can simply be thrown on at the last minute after your Stylist and Make Up Artist finish their job, but these are important items to be discussed in your initial consultation.  Often, veils and tiaras are not created by hairstylist’s and might need minor adjustments to affix them into your hair.  If you are wearing specific earrings it is essential that your hair not cover your ears- again discuss this in your initial consultation.

Consultations are key to getting exactly what you desire, this is where you are able to effectively communicate your every wish- leave nothing out.  If you are the type of girl that needs a trial run, expect to pay full price your your beauty team’s time- but a complimentary consultation is usually more than enough.  If you are from out of town, or aren’t familiar with the skill of your chosen salon inquire about their portfolio or ask if they have past work on their website.  

The final questions in your consultations should uncover what exactly you need to do to prepare your hair and skin prior to the big day.  Colour, facials (especially microdermabrasion) and haircuts should be completed a minimum of one week in advance-just in case your body decides it isn’t in favour of a specific treatment.  My number one tip: wear a button up shirt on your big day, you don’t want to cut off your shirt as to not disturb your hair.

You are well on your way to planning your special day- it will be amazing, so remember to breathe and know that your thorough communication is a true recipe for success.  One final thing, make sure that the groom knows it is not okay to sky dive the week before the wedding!

Do you actually believe that 2009 is going to be a year full of doom and gloom as reported on CNN?  Well snap out of it honey, it’s time to break those self-limiting belief systems and embrace a year of change- always for the better.  It’s a positive mindset and willingness to step outside of the status quo that will prove to make this year a successful one.  Alright, I’m not a Financial Planner or an Accountant but I do have some feel-good suggestions to aid you on breaking out of your change-phobia.

No industry changes faster than fashion and beauty.  Our collections and inspirations usually begin one year prior to their runway debut.  So, when was the last time you changed your cut, colour, style or make-up application?  As I was chatting with Lana, my L’Oreal Professionnel Consultant, we discussed how during some of the darkest financial hours in the world red lipstick was a highly sought after commodity among women desiring to break out of the bleak depression of the 1930’s.  Amazingly, these crimson-glazed lips became etched in our minds as timeless beauty- all beginning with a desire to look and feel fabulous.

The technologies now utilized in professional salons are astounding.  Gone are the days of fried, dyed hair of straw. Today is a world of brilliant shine, and silky strands of gorgeous hair.  When you consider a colour change for your hair, always communicate this with your stylist in pre-booked consultation-  they will require more time to allow for the extra steps in cleansing out previous artificial pigments.  Some of the common steps for a colour change are as follows:

• A Colour Remover is applied to ‘scrub’ previously applied artificial colour pigments out of your hair’s internal structure.  Colour does not lift colour, and therefore when your desired end result is lighter than your existing colour, this step is essential.
• The hair is then left in its raw state, where existing undertones (usually yellow and orange) are shown to the naked eye.  Your stylist will formulate your colour based on what undertones are showing.  Don’t panic, the orange will be gone before you know it!
• Dimensional colouring is usually added in the form of highlights or lowlights, to better blend the base colour to the rest of your hair.

L’Oreal Professionnel has recently launched Rubilane, a colour technology offering clients a chance to experience the ultimate in luxury red hair colour- what better way to break out of these winter blues.  Not only is your hair left feeling like the finest silk linens, but your spirit has been renewed with a fresh new look daring to be different. 
You can’t control the world, but you can control you.  Find a way that you can embrace change and break out from any past beliefs that may be hindering to your spirit and happiness.  What better way than visiting your stylist for a fabulous chat!

As humans our lives are directly impacted by our belief systems and ultimately the energy that we put out to the world.  These belief systems are imprinted deep within our minds and bodies often beginning at the start of our existence on earth.  These belief systems which turn into energy and intent can stem back to upbringing, social programming and self-judgment based on our own perceived reality.  Belief systems can be progressive, stagnant or quite toxic to our development.  Ultimately, these thoughts will translate into the energy that you exude every day.

My journey down this path began about five years ago, when I began to work with a life coach with a background in kinesiology that uses muscle testing to determine what is really going on inside your body.  Dr. Rose Backman enlightened me to a realm of consciousness that allowed me to trust my body’s messages and effortlessly get over my ‘stuff’.

 Personally, my self-sabotage took its toll on my hair, which I deemed to be genetic at the time.  I noticed that over a rapid amount of time I was losing hair and could not understand why, especially at the age of 22. This physical ailment stemmed from beliefs I formed at the age of 8 about not feeling good enough, emotional stresses and nutrition.  In order to stop these affects I had to recognize this wake up call (or as I like to call it ‘a universal 2x4’) and break free of my beliefs to change the intention of my energy.  Along side of this emotional work, it was required for me to recharge my body with natural whole food supplements.

Often times, we blame our physical, emotional or even financial state on circumstances, people and genetics because it is the only way we have been taught to cope.  But now that you are halfway through my column you should know that the only thing you could inherit through genetics is your mindset.  Do you have it in yourself to let go of how you have always done something or thought about something in order to move forward at unbelievable speed?  It requires you to acknowledge the overwhelming ego we each have and know that our biggest critic is reading this right now- It’s yourself.

To begin to reach a state of harmony within our lives, you must make a commitment to yourself that everything we experience is a lesson.  Instead of making an emotional response at the spur of a moment, a small amount of inner reflection will allow you to see the truth behind the experience.  You may find that statements or actions that you engage in relate directly to something you are starving on the inside for (attention, acknowledgment or love).  You are the cure to these feelings, claim your power and learn how to give yourself what you need.

Hair loss for me was a wake up call that I needed.  It taught me that I need to acknowledge myself for my progression, feed my soul and show myself true love.  I credit this mindset and law of attraction to my decision to grow and learn from every moment in the day.  Gone are the days of the blame game or dark shadows or sorrow there is no place for those in life- take your life’s happenings and turn them into the most progressive lessons.

We all know about ‘The Secret’ or ‘The Law of Attraction’ but are we practicing it every moment of the day?  This is my challenge to you- step a side and let yourself through to your own desired success and progression in life.