Ask Mischo Beauty...

I'm starting a new series on the blog where I'm inviting readers to send me their beauty questions. If you follow me on Twitter, then you know that the invitation already exists there (I tweet it daily!) and so naturally it should exist here as well. And so this week's question comes from a follower on Twitter, who says:

"My hair is damaged really bad from all the times I bleached and dyed it. What can I use on it?"

Well I'd first suggest stepping away from the bleach and haircolor. Your hair needs a serious break! A series of deep conditioning protein treatments, along with very special care and attention, should have your hair back to health in no time. In case you didn't know, hair is 91% protein (which is it's foundation) and so protein conditioning treatments will help to rebuild and strengthen the hair's structure. When using a protein treatment, be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions - overuse could result in breakage. A few of my favorite protein treatments include:

- Wella Power Mask
- Aveda Damage Remedy
- MoroccanOil's Restorative Mask
- Joico K-PAK
- Kerastase Voile Nuit or Serum Nuit

Also, be sure to follow the protein treatments with a moisturizing conditioner - your hair will appreciate all the hydration it can get! When your hair is back to health, trade the protein treatments in for moisturizing treatments and establish a healthy haircare regimen. Oh, and I'd suggest staying away from heat styling (flat irons, curling irons, blow dryers, etc.) for as long as you're able. I hope this helps. Please stop back by and let us know how it's going! Love your hair.

If you have beauty questions you'd like answered, please send them to mischobeauty@gmail.com.

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Mischo Beauty School: Hair Porosity 101

I've received a few emails asking me to discuss the reason(s) why hair becomes damaged and dry after certain chemical services. Well, there could quite possibly be hundreds of answers to those questions depending on the history of services performed on the hair, and the home care regimen. I will say that if your hair is damaged and overly dry, then your hair's porosity has probably been compromised.

So, what is porosity? Porosity is simply the ability of the hair to absorb and retain moisture and is used to describe the condition of hair. Generally, it falls into the following categories:

a. Very porous
b. Porous
c. Normal
d. Resistant

A “normal” porosity will mean that the cuticle (outermost layer of the hair shaft) is closed and smooth. Healthy hair will usually have a normal to resistant cuticle, depending on the texture. ”Porous” to “very porous” hair will have a roughened cuticle meaning that the hair is probably damaged. It usually loses moisture very easy and is easily damaged.

To determine the porosity of your hair, feel it - both when it's wet and dry. If it feels like straw and it's rough when it's dry, or if it feels gummy or slightly rubbery when it's wet, then you probably have a problem with porous to very porous hair. You should definitely talk to your stylist before receiving any chemical services in order to prevent further damage. Haircolor, perms and relaxers will process much faster on porous to very porous hair and may cause even more damage.

Porous to very porous hair can be caused by:

1. Over coloring
2. Bleaching
3. Permanent Waving
4. Relaxing
5. Flat/curling irons
6. Improper blow-drying
7. Environment (sun, salt/chlorinated water)

I hope this gives everyone a little more insight into the hair's porosity. Please feel free to e-mail me with more questions! Love your hair.

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Mischo Beauty Alert: Kérastase's "Our Treat" Event - Complimentary Hair Services!

What: Kerastase aficionados will have the opportunity to indulge in complimentary treatment rituals and blow outs at participating salons.

When: May 26th (East Coast) & June 23rd (West Coast)

Where: Check out participating Kerastase Consultant Salons and print your own invitation: www.kerastase-usa.com/ourtreat

If you decide to take advantage of this offer, please let us know how it goes!

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Mischo Beauty Alert: The Jane Carter Solution Target Launch

You all already know how much I HEART the Jane Carter Solution, and in case you haven't heard, they're launching in Target soon (I hope the formulations don't change!). And to celebrate this exciting news, there's a party tonight (details above). Unfortunately I'm unable to attend, but if you're able, please be sure to stop back by and let us all know how it was! Enjoy!

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Do You "Pre-Poo" (Pre-Shampoo)?

I'm the queen of mixing up a "hair cocktail" and recently shared with you all what I'm currently using as my pre-poo treatment. After reading various hair forums on the internet, I'm amazed at the variety of products people are using...

So my question for you today is: Do you "pre-poo" (pre-shampoo)? And if so, what do you use and why?

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Mischo Beauty: Kerastase Oleo-Relax Slim Discovery Kit (Special Offer)

I'm a huge Kerastase fan, as most of you already know, so it was only natural that I pass along to you a great offer. The newly launched Oleo-Relax Slim Discovery Kit (includes Oleo-Relax Slim Masque and Creme, Bain Oleo-Relax Slim Shampoo & In-Salon Treatment Card for a Kerastase in-salon hair treatment) for volume and frizz control is now available for $98 ($149 value) through December. For more information, visit a Kerastase Consultant Salon or www.kerastase-usa.com.

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Mischo Beauty: Rene Furterer's MYRRHEA Collection

Rene Furterer products were introduced to me during one of my apprenticeships and I fell in love with the Okara 2 Phases No Rinse Conditioner (great for color-treated hair), Complexe 5 Regenerating Extract (pre-shampoo treatment), and the complete Karite regimen of products (for very dry scalp/hair). With that said, naturally I was excited about trying the newest launch of the Myrrhea regimen of products (Silkening Shampoo, Silkening Mask and No Rinse Silkening Fluid).

Now I personally don't consider my type 4B/C hair to be "unruly and rebellious". It's simply thick and tightly coiled- and needs tons of TLC. But, I know that when it comes to describing or characterizing type 4B/C hair, the haircare industry would include my hair type in that category.

At any rate, the shampoo and mask didn't soften, moisturize or detangle my hair as I had hoped it would. But, I do like the No Rinse Silkening Fluid, which I used as a leave-in/blow drying serum. It worked to detangle my hair, and left it soft and smooth after blow drying.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this collection, especially if your hair type is different from mine!

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"Summer Hairstyles" & Giveaway on SheBreathes!

You're all invited to visit SheBreathes.com and check out my pick for a chic summer hairstyle that will hold up against the heat/humidity of summer! And we're still celebrating summer, so be sure to get entered to win the Soleil Collection of haircare products by Kerastase (I use them- have you seen my hair photos on my blog lately?)! They're FABULOUS products that will provide you with all the protection your hair needs this summer.

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Mischo Beauty: Herbal Essences "Tousle Me Softly" Collection

Herbal Essences recently released their "Toulse Me Softly" collection of products which includes a shampoo, conditioner, mousse, spray gel, hairspray and finishing touch cream. And while I've been wearing a "tousled" look as of late, these products aren't for my hair type (4B/C). But, I do think they're perfect for those of you who can "shampoo & go" because you have a naturally curly or wavy hair texture.

I'd also recommend these products to those of you who dry your hair using a diffuser. The consistency/weight of the mousse is very light and should not weigh your hair down- and I'd use about a pea-size of the finishing touch cream just to smooth away flyaways or frizz.

The scent of the collection is a fusion of wild violet and pomegranate and I'd agree that the smell is luscious! For steps on how to achieve a variety of "tousled" looks, check out the videos over on www.herbalessences.com.

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Mischo Beauty Pick: Sebastian Professional Drench Shampoo & Conditioner

Recently, I've received a few emails with regards to product suggestions for relaxed hair. And in response to those emails, I've decided to revisit Sebastian's Drench Shampoo & Conditioner. I mentioned having used both in the salon on clients and I've also used them on myself.

The products are recommended for dry/frizzy hair and, based on my experience with them, are great on both relaxed, natural, color-treated hair- and on extensions and weaves. Now if "dry/frizzy" isn't your hair type/issue, then visit www.sebastianprofessional.com for additional product offerings.

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Mischo Beauty Giveaway: Kerastase Soleil Collection

I can't begin to tell you all how much I'm still so excited about being named the resident beauty expert over on SheBreathes.com. Thank you again so much, Ms. Shoo! I'd like to thank you all for checking out my latest post, "Summer Haircare Protection", which featured the summer haircare collections from Kerastase, Aveda and Frederic Fekkai.

And because I love the Kerastase Soleil Collection so much (remember this post?), I'm excited to announce a giveaway of the following:

- Bain Apres-Soleil
- Masque UV Defense Active
- Creme UV Defense Active
- Brume Nuit Apres-Soleil

So here's how you can win this collection (valued at over $150!). Leave a comment letting me know why you'd like to try this collection and also tell me (like you did over on SheBreathes!) what fun in the sun, in the pools, or at the beaches & lakes you have planned for the summer.

The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and unfortunately, I can no longer accept "Anonymous" comments. You must leave either your first & last name, first name and last initial or first initial and last name. A winner will be chosen at random and announced on Friday, June 26th.

**UPDATE: I've extended the giveaway, and will announce a winner on July 3rd!**

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Mischo Beauty Review: Hana Mini Flat Iron & ShineShield

I must admit that Hana's Mini Flat Iron has to be the cutest little flat iron I've ever used- and it actually works! It's perfect for travel because it easily fits inside a purse, gym bag or carry-on luggage - making hair touch-ups possible almost anywhere.

It comes wrapped in a silver case- similar to a makeup bag. And like the Hana Professional 1" Flat Iron I told you about a while ago, it is also made with tourmaline ceramic plates, so no worries about frizzy hair!

The temperature is fixed at 410 F for general styling and touch-ups. The flat iron measures 5 inches when collapsed, but extends to standard length (as shown below) for ease of use.

I would recommend that you extend the flat iron to standard size before turning it on- the plates heat up quickly and get very hot!

I used the ShineShield on my wet hair as a leave-in treatment for protection against heat styling. After flat-ironing my hair, it left my hair soft and smooth- but be careful, a little goes a long way so you don't need much to achieve your desired results.

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Mischo Beauty: Nexxus Nourishing Botanicals

In continuing to reinforce the fact that Earth Day should really be every day- I had to introduce you to Nexxus' new Nourishing Botanicals collection. It's a 3-step collection which includes the Botanoil Nourishing Botanical Shampoo, Botanphuse Nourishing Botanical Conditioner and Botanluxe Nourishing Botanical Leave-In Conditioner. All are formulated with natural ingredients and are free of parabens and dyes. Feel free to visit www.nexxus.com to learn more.

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Mischo Beauty: ARROJO Product

I'm inspired by Nick Arrojo's accomplishments- a salon and color studio, academy, cosmetology school, Arrojo product concept store, a host of educational materials (books, DVD's, etc.), and the fact that he's the resident hairstylist for What Not To Wear! He's doing exactly what I'm planning to do and I was more than excited to learn about his new haircare and skincare collection.

The haircare collection includes shampoos, conditioners, styling and finishing aids. For my hair type, I chose to try the Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner, Hair Repair Masque, Frizz Control and Shine Spray. I loved the Hair Repair Masque, it both hydrated and softened my type 4B hair.

The skincare range includes products for both the face and body. The daily face wash is a gel cleanser which contains moisture beads which help to gently exfoliate the skin. I loved the scent which is a blend of bergamot, daisies and white cedar wood.

The selection of body washes include Refreshing Rhubarb, Sweet Patchouli and Floral Citrus. To learn more about the Arrojo products and the Arrojo beauty empire, please visit www.arrojoproduct.com.

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Mischo Beauty Giveaway: Cantu Shea Butter Products

"Since its inception, Cantu Shea Butter has been committed to providing quality, cost-effective hair and skin care products, each formulated with pure Shea Butter. Today, the brand underscores its commitment to revolutionary beauty with the introduction of three new products including":

- Clear Conditioning "Extra Hold" Shine Gel
- Nourishing Body Oil
- Body Butter

The products are perfect for the beach and I'm so happy to announce that 5 readers will win this set of products! Simply visit cantusheasoft.com and name a product (not listed above) that you'd love to try and tell me why. Winners will be chosen at random on Tuesday, June 2nd!

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Mischo Beauty Loves Miss Jessie's

I've had love and admiration for Titi and Miko (founders/owners of Miss Jessie's) for years now. You see they've been a inspiration to me (they're doing exactly what I'm working to achieve!) and were the subject of my very first post on this blog. At any rate, they opened the doors of Miss Jessie's Salon in 1997 to respond to the demand for expertise in curly, kinky and wavy hair.

The Miss Jessie's product line (named after their grandmother) was inspired by their grandmother's spirit for finding solutions. And most recently they've launched the Creme De La Curl shampoo (sulfate free) and the Creme De La Creme conditioner. I found the Creme De La Curl shampoo to be gentle and very moisturizing. There's no lathering and definitely no suds involved, so no worries about dry/stripped hair. I'll admit that it's taken some getting used to, but I love it!

The Creme De La Creme conditioner is just as gentle as the shampoo and it is recommended for a range of hair types/issues - natural, dry, color and chemically treated. I highly suggest using it as a follow-up to the Creme De La Curl shampoo.

My type 4B hair is currently chemical-free, but I don't use the curly products because I usually wear my hair straight. But, I've told you all before how much my mother loves the Curly Buttercreme and Curly Pudding. My favorite product is the Rapid Recovery Treatment. It's an intense deep conditioning treatment that works wonders on the hair. And, a product that can detangle my hair in its natural state is definitely a MUST-HAVE for me! Seriously!

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Mischo Beauty Alert Reminder: Kérastase's "Our Treat" Event - Complimentary (FREE!) Hair Services

I wanted to remind you all about the Kerastase "Our Treat" Event happening now! Be sure to check out the Kerastase blog for photos, stories from clients and updates from events in New York City, Chicago and San Francisco. Enjoy!

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Mischo Beauty Alert: Kérastase's "Our Treat" Event - Complimentary (FREE!) Hair Services

What: Kerastase aficionados will have the opportunity to indulge in a complimentary (FREE! yes, FREE!!) signature treatment and blow dry at participating salons.

When: Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Where: Participating Kerastase Consultant Salons (the list will be available May 15th on the Kerastase website). For salon locations please call 877.748.8357 or visit www.kerastase-usa.com.

Also, Mark Garrison in NYC, Maxine Salon in Chicago and Joseph Cozza Salon in San Francisco will be treating clients like true VIP's. Clients will walk in on a red carpet and receive catering and refreshments upon entering the salon.

Why: Well you all know how much I love Kerastase- I've only blogged about it here, here, here, here (you get the point! *smile*), and also because these aren't the best of times for everyone and everyone deserves to be pampered. So treat yourself and please take advantage of this offer!!!!!!!

Photo Source: Butterfly Studio

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Mischo Beauty Loves GEORGIA Beauty Boutique & Salon

I hope you all had lovely weekends. I know I did - especially since learning about a flagship boutique and salon called Georgia. It's described as "the ultimate boudoir for the modern woman" and I think I've fallen in love with it!

The stylish boutique and salon is owned by Jodie Patterson whose background includes fashion and entertainment, and sister-in-law/finance expert Kiara Ellozy. Their love of beauty and obsession with healthy hair and skin naturally led them to open Georgia. The intimate space, designed by Serge Becker and Christian Wassman, includes aged foundation walls, sleek brass-rimed shelving, marble counters, antique wooden doors, floor-to-ceiling linen drapery and 10 foot windows.

I'm loving the boutique's "inspiration wall" which includes photos of the owners, as well as photos of family, friends, artwork and beauty icons we all know and love.

I about died when I saw the black tiled heart-shaped shampoo area! So unique- and the perfect signature touch- I love it! The private salon is tucked away in one corner and staffs six stylists, trained to care for all hair types. Specialties include cuts, color, extensions, weaves, braids and dreads. And those of you with textured hair (wavy, curly, kinky, etc.) should know that the salon has become the go-to for your specific hair type!

The boutique offers 40 select brands of products from all over the world, including drugstore brands as well as your high-end brands. They also carry styling tools, hair accessories from France and hair extensions. I was so happy to learn that they carry a few of my personal favorites such as Davines, Phyto, Jane Carter Solution, Mixed Chicks and Hair Rules.

In addition to the jewelry, lingerie and skin and body products carried by the boutique, they also carry their own signature line called G & Company. It includes a body cream (top seller), body wash, hair brushes, silk pillowcases (you all know how I feel about silk pillowcases! If you don't have one you need to get one ASAP!) and candles.

So now you all know why I've fallen so hard! This is a dream come true for a beauty lover!!! I'd love to know your thoughts. Do share!

You may visit Georgia at:

89A East Houston Street
(between Elizabeth and Bowery)
New York, NY 10012
T: 646.827.2428
W: www.georgiany.com

Photo Sources: Georgia, DanielKrieger.com & Racked.com

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Mischo Beauty: FHI Heat's Professional Digital Curling Iron

I recently learned that FHI Heat's Professional Digital Curling Iron won BRIDES Magazine's 2009 Beauty Award. Like all of FHI Heat's styling tools, it features the Nano Fuzeion Technology which creates a shinier, smoother finish and protects hair's moisture.

What makes this curling iron different from most is it's digital LCD temperature control display, which adjusts from 212 degrees to 410 degrees F. It has a cool touch tip and built in safety features to prevent it from overheating.

The curling iron is available in the following sizes: 3/4 inch, 1 inch, 1 1/4inch and 1 1/2 inch. To learn more please visit www.fhiheat.com.

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