Beautiful hair needs an expert: Mason Pearson Hairbrush

So today's expert is Ted Gibson, hairstylist to the stars and owner of the Ted Gibson Salon in New York. He recommends handmade Mason Pearson brushes as necessary tools for maintaining healthy hair. They stimulate the scalp and spread the hair's natural oils from roots to ends.

I own the "Detangler" with nylon tufts in white/ivory, which is recommended for very thick hair and as a detangler for wet hair. This was an investment- I know my hair is totally worth it- and I think it's a must in maintaining the health of Nia Long's hair!

Do you own a Mason Pearson brush? If so, do you recommend it?

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Beautiful hair needs an expert: Carol's Daughter Hair Milk

I guess I'm still mourning the end of "Girlfriends" (yes, another post with Tracee Ellis Ross) - cancelled without a proper finale, a proper farewell. I'm left not knowing if "Joan Carol Clayton" played by Tracee Ellis Ross, ever finds her true love...but such is Hollywood. At any rate, I love Tracee Ellis Ross' hair! It always looks so healthy and full of life- and because she wears it natural, she easily transitions from full, curly styles to straight, sleek looks.

To keep her hair thoroughly moisturized, I suggest Carol's Daughter Hair Milk. It contains soy oil, sweet almond oil, cocoa butter and lemongrass oil which all work to condition, strengthen, moisturize, soften and protect the hair. I'm also recommending the Rosemary Mint Herbal Shampoo because it conditions and detangles and the Mimosa Hair Honey for it's ability to control frizzy hair and add shine.

Have you tried Carol's Daughter products?

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Beautiful hair needs an expert: Silk Pillowcase

My recommendation this week is simple- invest in a silk pillowcase. With the arrival of winter, you might find yourself challenged with unusually dry hair. One way to prevent this problem is to use a silk pillowcase.

Certain fabrics, such as cotton, deplete the hair of moisture and cause friction on the hair's cuticle (outermost layer of hair), leaving it dry and prone to breakage. Not only will a silk pillowcase keep your hair soft and smooth, but it feels so good on your skin! I'm recommending that Beyonce add this to her packing list as she travels around the world promoting her new album.

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Beautiful hair needs an expert: Bumble and Bumble Sumo Wax

I was just reminded of how great Bumble and Bumble's Sumo Wax is! I actually haven't used it since first discovering it while working in a salon in San Francisco about six years ago- but I definitely still recommend it for all hair types. It's great for those with short haircuts seeking texture and definition and it's also great for those with longer styles because it removes the frizz and adds shine. Of course the amount you use is based on your haircut, hair type and hair's needs. Just remember, a little goes a long way! I think it's the perfect styling aid for Beyonce's sleek flat iron finish- no worries about flyaways or dull looking hair.

Have you tried it? What are your favorite Bumble and Bumble products?

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Beautiful hair needs an expert: Davines Wizards No. 9 Structuring Mist Finishing Spray

I love Davines products and you all know how much I love the Lovely Smoothing Shampoo & Conditioner. Well another Davines product that I'd recommend would be the No. 9 Structuring Mist Finishing Spray. My experience with this spray was always for finishing purposes- updos, half-updos, blow-outs and flat iron finishes.

What I loved most about it - along with the shine- was that the hold was flexible which meant that if my client wanted to restyle or run her fingers through her hair, she could with no issues. Believe me- not an issue with me- due to the fact that I'm always one to leave my stylist's chair, get into the car and restyle my hair in the rear view mirror! I think this hairspray is perfect for the jet-setting Beyonce, who's been wearing a half-updo on the promotion tour for her upcoming album.

Have you tried this hairspray?

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Beautiful hair needs an expert: Sebastian Professional Re-Shaper

I've recently rediscovered Sebastian products since attending a reception during Fashion Week sponsored by Sebastian and being given the opportunity to try the Re-Shaper, Potion 9 Light and Whipped Creme. And now, it just so happens that the salon where I'm completing my apprenticeship uses the whole line of products on it's clientele.

Well I must tell you all how fabulous the Re-Shaper is! It's a humidity resistant, strong hold hairspray. It's perfect for all hair types and it's so great because it will allow you to style and restyle your hair with no issues. I've seen it used in the salon for Updos, Half-up Updos and for the basic hold of any style. Now I think this is the perfect product for Beyonce, who's been seen wearing a Half-up Updo since the launch of her new video "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)", and I'm recommending it for you as well!

Do you have any Sebastian favorites?

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Beautiful hair needs an expert: Rene Furterer Complexe 5

I've had the opportunity to use almost all of the Rene Furterer products during my apprenticeship at Elizabeth Arden Red Door. I was always very impressed with how nurturing the products were and the fact that this line contains essential oils and plant extracts formulated to keep the scalp healthy and strengthen the hair. I love that there is a full treatment regimen which can be prescribed, depending on your hair type and needs.

For Tamia's color-treated hair, I'd recommend the Complexe 5 Regenerating Extract which is a pre-shampoo treatment. It's a blend of essential oils which work together to stimulate and invigorate the scalp, prior to shampooing. This ultimately prepares the scalp for ultimate penetration of the shampoo and conditioning treatments, leaving both the scalp and hair revitalized, strong and healthy.

Pair this treatment with a scalp massage and you're in heaven. I know because I've both had and preformed the service!

Anyone using a pre-shampoo treatment you love?

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Beautiful hair needs an expert: FHI Heat Hot Sauce

Thanks to ELLE magazine I learned a while ago that the hairstylist responsible for Rihanna's chic and sexy haircut was Ursula Stephen. I was surprised to find out that Ursula swears by FHI's Heat Hot Sauce thermal protector. She completely coats Rihanna's hair with it before flat-ironing. I'd actually seen this product at a hairshow a few years ago and was turned off by the packaging, along with the inclusion of "hot sauce" in the name- hair and "hot sauce" just didn't mix well for me. According to the FHI website, "heat-activated jojoba crystals penetrate the follicle, leaving the hair shiny, soft and silky". The fact that Rihanna's hair looks healthy ALL of the time (and it's probably styled and restyled mutilple times daily) has convinced me to give this a try! Just ordered it! I'll let you know my thoughts.

Have you tried it?

Source

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Beautiful hair needs an expert: Kerastase Reflection

If you've been following my blog, you know by now how much I love Kerastase products! I've had the opportunity to work with just about every Kerastase product over the past three years. My recommendation for color-treated hair is the Kerastase Reflection regimen. The Bain Miroir shampoo eliminates build-up and provides protection, while smoothing the hair's cuticle. The Chroma Reflect Masque smells sooooo good! It's always the top deep conditioning treatment of choice used in the salon. It's perfect for adding much needed moisture to the hair and extending color. Finally, the Chroma Protect is great for styling. It's applied to damp hair and provides protection, smooths the hair shaft and adds shine.

The Kerastase Reflection regimen gets my "Sexy, Healthy, Beautiful" stamp of approval!

What are your favorite products for color-treated hair?

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Beautiful hair needs an expert: SET by HairPlay Salon

I guess you all know how much I love Estelle! I promise no more posts (for a while at least ;) Anyway, I love her haircut so much that it makes me want to cut my hair! I need a new look for the fall, maybe this? A style like this definitely requires that the hair be sculpted/molded into place before sitting under a hooded hair dryer, and for that I'd use HairPlay Salon's SET. It's a setting lotion that acts as a detangler and thermal protectant. I used it to blow-dry my hair straight and had no issues with it making my hair heavy or with flaking. You can use this for blow-drying, roller-sets, molding/sculpting hair, or as a leave-in for natural/curly hairstyles. What I liked most about this is that it comes in different holding strengths - such as "Light Hold", "Medium Hold" and "Extra Hold" for use on every hair type. For those of you in the San Francisco Bay Area, check out the salon!

Has anyone been to HairPlay Salon?

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Beautiful hair needs an expert: Elasta QP Design Foam

By the time I finished cosmetology school I'd mastered finishing a roller-set in 8 minutues! I was the fastest and earned the crown of "roller-set queen"! It's funny, I know, but you're taught that "time is money" and you shouldn't spend all day sectioning, applying product and rolling a client's hair- plus, you need to factor in drying time, especially if a client has thick hair. The bottom line was that you won't make money if you're slow!

Anyway, I love this cover of Beyonce in a roller-set and I'd recommend Elasta QP's Design Foam for achieving a soft set with lots of body. This foam doesn't make the hair feel hard once it's dry and a little goes a long way, so be sure to use only what's needed based on the texture/length of your hair. It helps to detangle hair, making it easy to section off. I also love how it leaves the hair soft and shiny.

Do you roller-set your own hair- or does your stylist do it?

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Beautiful hair needs an expert: Hana Professional 1" Flat Iron

If you've been following my blog, then you all know that I'm a hairstylist and was taught the proper way to flat iron hair during my apprenticeship at Vidal Sassoon. I own about six flat irons- a few of which I bought while in cosmetology school and a few more when I'd started apprenticing. Right now I'm using the Hana Professional 1" Ceramic Flat Iron and I'm loving it! First I love the fact that the ceramic plates are infused with tourmaline, so I can count on an even distribution of heat and a smooth finish with lots of shine. And because I'm always doing my hair on the go (which means I'm wrapping up a hot flat iron and throwing it in my bag- dangerous, I know!) I'm loving the fact that this comes with a heat proof storage pouch and a heat proof silicone mat. And by now we know how important a temperature dial is! I've said this before- not everyone can flat iron their hair on the same temperature setting, without causing damage. This includes a temperature dial, allowing you to set the temperature based on your hair's texture and needs. This is perfect for the jet-setting Beyonce and I recommend it for you!

Any questions?

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Beautiful hair needs an expert: Kerastase Serum Oleo-Relax

If you've been following my blog, then you know that I post about Kerastase products quite often. I grew to love them during my apprenticeship with Vidal Sassoon, and had the opportunity to work with just about every product. A great blow-drying serum I loved using on my client's hair was the Kerastase Oleo-Relax. A few pumps added to wet hair, before blow-drying, were all that was needed to control frizz- and because it's formulated with Shorea & Palm Oils, your hair is left soft and smooth- and shiny! T

This would be perfect for Zoe Saldana and her many red carpet appearances. This would not weigh her hair down, nor would it leave it greasy. It makes for an easy flat-iron finish, and with hair this silky, she definitely needs to make sure she's sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase!

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Beautiful hair needs an expert: Kerastase Volumactive

Of all the "Sex and the City" premiere photos I've seen thus far of Sarah Jessica Parker, this is my favorite and I'm especially loving her hat! She's been traveling all over the world for premiere showings of the movie and her hair must be in need of TLC from all the styling. My recommendation for full body, volume and protection is Kerastase's Volumactive spray. It's a leave-in treatment, applied to the hair when wet, and formulated with the Vita-Ciment technology- which strengthens the hair from the inside (medulla, cortex, cuticle) out. The perfect protection for heat styling, when volume is needed.

What's your favorite Kerastase product?

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Beautiful hair needs an expert.

I'm sure by now you all know I'm a huge Kerry Washington fan! She'd been wearing a bob haircut, until this most recent photo of her with extensions. My guess is that her stylist used a two inch barrel curling iron to create the soft, flowing curls. My recommendation to seal the hair's cuticle and ensure that her curls are smooth and full of shine would be to use Elasta QP's Elucent Power Drops. The drops are formulated with squalane (oil derived from olives) and vitamin E which work together to provide maximum moisture. A few drops are all you need and your hair is infused with a great conditioning treatment, as well as shine!

Do you have a favorite gloss for your hair?

(photos courtesy of instyle.com & elastaqp.com)

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Beautiful hair needs an expert.

I love Davines products and you all know how much I love the Lovely Smoothing Shampoo & Conditioner. Well another Davines product I'd recommend- especially for Scarlett Johansson's red carpet appearances- would be the No. 9 Structuring Mist Finishing Spray. My experience with this spray was always for finishing purposes- for blow-outs and flat iron finishes.

What I loved most about it - along with the shine- was that the hold was flexible which meant that if my client wanted to restyle or run her fingers through her hair, she could with no issues. Believe me- not an issue with me- due to the fact that I'm always one to leave my stylist's chair, get into the car and restyle my hair in the rear view mirror! LOL.

Anyone have a hairspray favorite?

(photos courtesy of instyle.com & davines.com)

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Beautiful hair needs an expert: Rene Furterer Complexe 5 Regenerating Extract

I had the opportunity to use almost all of the Rene Furterer products during my apprenticeship at Elizabeth Arden Red Door. I was always very impressed with how nurturing the products were and the fact that this line contains essential oils and plant extracts formulated to keep the scalp healthy and strengthen the hair. I love that there is a full treatment regimen which can be prescribed, depending on your hair type and needs.

For Tamia's color-treated hair, I'd recommend the Complexe 5 Regenerating Extract which is a pre-shampoo treatment. It's a blend of essential oils which work together to stimulate and invigorate the scalp, prior to shampooing. This ultimately prepares the scalp for ultimate penetration of the shampoo and conditioning treatments, leaving both the scalp and hair revitalized, strong and healthy.

Pair this treatment with a scalp massage and you're in heaven. I know because I've both had and preformed the service!

Anyone using a pre-shampoo treatment you love?

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Beautiful hair needs an expert.

Celebrity hairstylist Jamal Hammadi, whose clientele includes Kirsten Dunst, is the creator and founder of Hamadi Beauty, a line of hair products and lip balm made with 100% organic extracts and essential oils. They are biodegradable with no artificial ingredients, perfumes or colors. I love the slogan on his website "Tested on Actresses; Never on Animals", and after chatting with friends who've experienced great results with the products, I've decided to place an order! I'll let you all know my thoughts.

Is anyone using Hamadi Beauty products?

(photos courtesy of hamadibeauty.com & miumiu.com)

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Beautiful hair needs an expert.

As I'm well aware of the fact that Beyonce's hair is in the BEST of care, I still can't imagine the intense regimen she had to adapt in order to care for her hair through all the rehearsals, perfomances, appearances and traveling. I'm sure her stylist is well versed in haircare, color, cutting, weaving, and wigs because we never see her with the same hairstyle- ever! At any rate, I think her hair is fierce in this photo and I love the fact that Ted Gibson has launched a "Brazen Brown" shampoo and conditioner formulated to not only preserve the haircolor we all invest so much in, but it also accentuates the highlights in both color-treated and natural hair. Perfect products for Beyonce's rich, chocolate brown color!

And as we all know, haircolor is a chemical process that needs extra special care and maintenance to both prolong the color and ensure the hair remains healthy. Ted Gibson's "Goodnite Hair Repair Serum" is an intense treatment for chemically-treated hair that not only strengthens the hair's cuticle, but is strong enough to penetrate and strengthen the innermost core of the hair (the cortex and medulla). Now this treatment sounds like a must-have and since it was created by Ted Gibson- celebrity hairstylist and former Aveda education director, I'm convinced that this product does what it says it's supposed to do!

Has anyone tried any of Ted Gibson's products? Has anyone been to his salon?

(photo courtesy of beyonceworld.net)

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Beautiful hair needs an expert.

The beautiful Rashida Jones has naturally straight and very fine hair. I’m sure all of the hair touch-ups, while taping episodes of “The Office”, as well as her many celebrity appearances take a toll on her hair. My recommendation to keep her hair full and healthy is Frederic Fekkai’s line of lightweight, Full Volume products. The Full Volume Shampoo, according to Fekkai, “is formulated with yarrow, oak root, kukui, and cherry bark which provide nourishment to the hair”, while “a special fortifying agent adds noticeable body and volume”. The Full Volume conditioner is impressive because it’s a lightweight gel-based conditioner that smooths the hair’s cuticle while adding volume, and it doesn’t weigh the hair down. To complete Rashida’s look, I would round-brush or roller-set Rashida’s hair using the Full Volume Mousse. This will give her a nice lift at the roots while providing enough hold to ensure her style will last.

Do you use Fekkai products? If so, which are your favorites?

(photo courtesy of style.com)

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