Mischo Beauty School: Haircuts 101

I continue to receive the same question with regards to how to go about achieving a great haircut. It's actually a perfect time to revisit this topic- with the arrival of Spring in a few weeks, it's a great time to consider reinventing your look!

And just so you know, every haircut is made up of a combination of basic techniques used to create varying shapes and effects on the hair. Before having your haircut, I recommend the following:

- Consultation with stylist (discuss face shape, hair texture and lifestyle)

- Review haircut pictures with stylist

- Consider home maintenance requirements

- BE REALISTIC

Taking the above into consideration will ensure that you and the stylist agree on the best direction and that the stylist has adequate information to achieve the desired end result. Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions. Oh, and I'd love to hear your haircut stories! Love your hair.

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In Pursuit of My Fantasy Hair

For weeks the excitement ate me up inside. Ready to do more than have long hair for the heck of it, I let myself be carried away with anticipation - this curly pouf of fluffy goodness was about to get whipped into shape, and a sensually sweet one at that. I. could. not. wait. Cut day came and by the end of it all, my grand New Hair New Me dreams were living on a wing and a prayer. Had you seen me at 59th St. and Columbus Circle, you would have either pulled me into the nearest bar for some good, stiff drinks or let me the hell alone.

(before haircut)

Y'all know how I have raved about Hair Rules - the products that I use live up to their promises (the no-suds cleanser is so moisturizing that I almost forgot to condition my hair on more than one occasion); Anthony Dickey, a co-founder of the brand, has styled the hell out of some hair - celebrities and non-celebrities alike - I've seen the gorgeous results with my own eyes; and the salon specializes in "textured" hair, and if nothing, I've got plenty of texture all up in here. It was a no-brainer that my cut should be done at their salon. Dickey himself sheared me up and the resulting style looked good, though not great (the haircut inspiration photo I shared with Dickey is the first photo at the top of this post). My inner voice kept an interventionist dialogue going with the rest of my disappointed, then angry and frustrated self. My stated request was to keep my length while being given the shape illustrated in the inspiration photo that I dutifully brought along. I'm still wondering where our lines of communication crossed.

I was on a personal hair growth mission - testing my limits and figuring out how long I could let it grow (this challenge has been akin to figuring out how many licks it takes to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop. Like the owl, it seems I will never know). I was coveting the luscious, glorious afro-extraordinaire of the model who appeared on my Body Shoppe discount card about six years ago. I could have been a contender!

I arrived at the salon a few minutes early for my 6:00pm appointment to find I was not on the schedule. RED ALERT. What is really going on? Now, journey with me; I don't want to be unfair. The appointment was made weeks beforehand and confirmed, but stuff happens, and I didn't want to judge harshly so I kept on keeping on. I get to the chair, and because curly styles are cut on straight hair, I am blown out. The benefits of this method are far from lost on me, especially after an experience with a Moroccan stylist who was truly gifted with shaping curly hair, but whose work looked like an Edward Scissorhands swagger-jack when blown out straight. I occasionally wear my hair straight, so it is important that a cut has some sense of symmetry.

(the diffusing process)

Dickey begins to cut and my worry grows as he takes his third pass with the shears. "This man is a celebrity stylist with a great reputation," I said to myself, "and I let him know clearly that I wanted to keep my length. It will be fine." I should have been all over it once he hit on the second pass, but once he began the third it was already too late. On my way to the sink for cleansing, conditioning and curly whip application, I caught a glimpse of my hair from the side and felt all verklempt. Sweet Jesus, it was so much shorter than I asked for. At this point I could only hold out and see how it translated into the curly look.

(final haircut)

After sitting under the dryer for about 15-20 minutes to let the curly whip dry a bit, I was diffused while lying down. The curl definition was serious business, people. I do not exaggerate when I say there was no frizz. He shook it out with his fingers to separate the curls and give it more volume and still no frizz. I kept pulling at the hair at my nape, asking if there was a way to elongate the curl back there (code for: What the eff??? Why is this so short?? Can I get some of it back? No? Wahhhhhhh!)

(three days after haircut)

Needless to say, I left the salon with conflicted feelings. My hair was cute but not what I asked for or imagined. If you've ever had a cut gone wrong, then you know what I mean. In an attempt at self-soothing, I told myself that my hair would look as good as Marsha Ambrosius' once given three months or so to grow out. I was alarmed by the lack of body, but Dickey assured me that it would fill out and by day three it had. Day three was a very good day. Redemption!

(what I hope my haircut will resemble in 3 months!)

In a nutshell: I highly recommend their products, but the jury is still out on styling. If you go, make sure you call ahead to re-confirm your appointment. Bring photos and not only stipulate the shape you would like, but also be explicit regarding length. My hair is MUCH shorter than I wanted it to be, though if the cut necessitated this length, I would have accepted that. Clear communication is necessary to avoid such situations. I thought that was understood, but clearly I was not. Dickey has a long and loyal roster of clients (I told you, I've seen some beautiful hair birthed by his hands) so I am at a loss as to what happened the night that I visited. I am chalking this near-debacle up to distraction and misunderstanding, and waiting three months for my happy ending. -Zee

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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What are your thoughts on the Brazilian Blowout controversy?

You all know that my undergraduate degree is in Chemistry- and yes, I analyzed the chemical composition of "Lye" and " No-Lye" relaxers as a project for my Analytical Chemistry course. What we found was that the chemicals listed in the ingredients were definitely in the product! And yes, I got an "A"!

So when WWD broke the news about the Brazilian Blowout controversy, I had to know your thoughts! Just in case you haven't heard- "Brazilian Blowout" a professional hair smoothing treatment claimed to be formaldehyde-free, was exposed after an Oregon hairstylist, with the help of Oregon Health & Science University, found between 4.85 percent and 10.6 percent formaldehyde in samples. Not cool - at all!

Let me know your thoughts. Have you had the treatment? If so, how was the process and what were your results? Has your salon now pulled the treatment from their service menu? Do you rely on your hairstylist's product knowledge/expertise before considering a salon treatment? Or, do you do your own research?

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What are your "hair plans" for the summer?

With summer quickly approaching (of course, not fast enough), I'd love to know what your plans are for your hair! Are you planning to cut, color or add extensions? Will you be wearing it curly or rocking a "no-fuss" style (if so, tell us what it is!). Whatever your plans might be, please share!

My new beauty editor, Ayanna, recently colored her hair (inspired by Queen Latifah's haircolor in the new CoverGirl Queen Collection ads! Click to see the before and after (click on her profile pic)!

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Mischo Beautyliciousness...

I'm cutting my hair! Well, maybe... What do you all think of Halle's haircut? It's got me thinking "new year = new decade = new look = new haircut"! I love, love, love this look on Halle the best. I know it's not new- she's been wearing a pixie haircut off and on for years now. But, I guess this works for her best because it looks so chic and sexy!

Or, is it that it compliments the shape of her face (bringing more attention to it) and accentuates her flawless skin (I know she's wearing makeup, but she does have great skin!)...

What do you think? Love this look on her? Should I cut my hair? Tell me, tell me! LOL.

Photo Credit: WireImage

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Mischo Beauty: ARROJO Education Needs Hair Models

I'm sharing this with you because I know how hard it can be to find hair models! This is perfect for those of you in need of a new look, or for those wanting to reinvent themselves for the upcoming new year:

"The ARROJO artistic team is making a new range of educational DVD's to teach our techniques, ideas, and inspirations to fellow hairdressers. Accordingly, we are looking for hair models willing to have their hair cut, color, and styled on camera.

We need male and female models between the ages of 18-26. You must be open to a new cut and/or color and you must be comfortable on camera. The cuts include classic styles like bobs, layers and graduation, cuts and colors based on the latest trends in modern hairstyling, and men's haircuts.

We will also be holding model calls on: Wednesday November 26th @ 10:30 AM -11:30 AM and Friday November 28 @ 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM. All potential models must be free to attend one of these casting dates. Filming days are Sunday November 30th to Thursday December 4th. You must be free on at least one of the days.

To apply, please send a short email including your preferred hairstyle (a classic bob, graduation or layer cut, a trend-focused cut and color, or a men's hair cut), the dates you'll be available, and a recent headshot to: adrian@arrojoeducation.com.

You may also include brief details of any modeling experience you may have. All models chosen receive $100 and an ARROJO product goody bag. Please be aware that due to the large amount of submissions we are only able to respond to eligible candidates."

Please let us know if you're selected! Enjoy.

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Mischo Beauty School: Haircuts 101

I continue to receive the same question with regards to how to go about achieving a great haircut. It's actually a perfect time to revisit this topic- with the arrival of Fall, it's a great time to consider reinventing your look! But, just last week I had my own hair cut and hated it! I know exactly why my haircut went wrong. Though I've been seeing the same stylist for about a year now- I guess I've just gotten too comfortable with her. There was no consultation and no discussion of haircut photos, and I ended up with a lopsided haircut. For those that read my FHI Heat Platform 1" Special Edition review last week, you know that I went home and washed my hair out in an effort to try to fix my bad haircut!

At any rate, every haircut is made up of a combination of basic techniques used to create varying shapes and effects on the hair. Before having your haircut, I recommend the following:

- Consultation with stylist (discuss face shape, hair texture and lifestyle)

- Review haircut pictures with stylist

- Consider home maintenance requirements

- Be realistic

Taking the above into consideration will ensure that you and the stylist agree on the best direction and that the stylist has adequate information to achieve the desired end result. Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions. Oh, and I'd love to hear your haircut stories! Love your hair.

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Mischo Beauty: The Beauty Ideal

I'd like to invite you all to check out the April issue of The Beauty Ideal. It's an online beauty magazine founded by celebrity makeup artist Elke Von Freudenberg. This month's issue focuses on beauty myths. While most beauty myths are harmless, this month's issue clears up misconceptions that are passed from generation to generation- all in the name of beauty! Yours truly contributed a piece on haircutting myths. Enjoy!

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Mischo Beauty School: Haircuts 101

I’ve recently received the same question with regards to how to go about achieving a great haircut. And, just last week, a friend of mine decided to have her hair cut at the little shop she goes to for eyebrow threading in Manhattan. She asked the stylist for a trim and then changed her mind and asked for a few layers. There was no consultation, no discussion of haircut photos and to top it off- there was a language barrier! Let's just say that she wasn't very pleased with the results, so this post is dedicated to her as well.

Every haircut is made up of a combination of basic techniques used to create varying shapes and effects on the hair. Before having your haircut, I recommend the following:

- Consultation with stylist (discuss face shape, hair texture and lifestyle)

- Review haircut/style photos with stylist

- Consider home maintenance requirements

- Be realistic

Taking the above into consideration will ensure that you and the stylist agree on the best direction and that the stylist has adequate information to achieve the desired end result.

Love your hair.

Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions! Oh, and I'd love to hear your haircut stories, so please share!

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Because You're Worth It!

Edris is an AMAZING hairstylist! Treat yourself to a new haircut with her for spring! You're totally worth it!

Has anyone had services at this salon?

P.S. She now has a blog. Be sure to check it out!

(photos courtesy of edrissalon.com)

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Beautiful hair needs an expert.

I'm not a Katie Holmes fan and I never really even paid her any attention until I saw Tom jumping up and down on Oprah's couch professing his love for her. Now you can't help but notice her new chic bob haircut - I love it! Her styling team completely reinvented her look and I must say it's fabulous! Here are the products and tools to maintain her look.

(Katie Holmes photo courtesy of vogue.come.au)

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Because You're Worth It!

Haircut at the Ted Gibson Salon.

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Mischo Beauty School: Haircuts 101

I’ve recently received the same question with regards to how to go about achieving a great haircut. Every haircut is made up of a combination of basic techniques used to create varying shapes and effects on the hair. When choosing a haircut, I recommend the following:

- Consultation with stylist (discuss face shape, hair texture and lifestyle)
- Review haircut pictures with stylist
- Consider home maintenance requirements
- Be realistic

Taking the above into consideration will ensure that you and the stylist agree on the best direction and achieve the desired end result.

Love your hair.

Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions!

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Loves: Sienna Miller

Mischo Beauty loves Sienna Miller. October is definitely the new "Month of Love". Mischo Beauty loves everybody and everything this month! LOL! Next up- Sienna Miller. She was first brought to our attention a few years ago when she cut her hair into the short, disconnected bob- we loved the cut on her and we practiced that cut until we perfected it... resulting in winning a haircutting competition. Fast forward to 2007- she's now the first celebrity spokesmodel for the Italian luxury brand, Tods (Fall/Winter 2007-2008 ad campaign).

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Because You're Worth It!

Haircut at Edris Salon.

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