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. Read More......
Posted by Mischo Beauty , Thursday, November 11, 2010 at 11:23 AM
Labels: bleached hair, cortex, cuticle, damaged hair, hair, haircare, medulla, Mischo Beauty School, porosity
Mischo Beauty Alert: PHYTO Friends & Family Sale
What are your favorite Phyto products? Read More......
Posted by Mischo Beauty , Monday, November 8, 2010 at 12:22 PM
Labels: beauty tips, hair, phyto, Phyto Universe, Phytophanere Dietary Supplement, phytospecific
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.
Read More......
Mischo Beauty Loves Beyonce's Bangs
As I write this, I'm seriously considering bangs for the summer. My only issues are the heat/humidity and my workout schedule, which could possibly result in a high maintenance hairstyle (my hair type is 4B and I don't have a relaxer)... so we'll see.
Anyway, I can't not mention how much I'm loving her Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Double-Platform pumps! FIRE!
Are you planning to reinvent your look for the summer? If so, do tell!!
Photo Source: Getty Images Read More......
Mischo Beauty + Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2009 Collections • February 13 - 20, 2009 • New York/ #NYFW
Posted by Mischo Beauty , Friday, February 6, 2009 at 12:53 PM
Labels: #nyfw, Fashion Stylists, Fashionista, hair, Hairstylists, makeup, manicurist, mercedes benz fashion week, nails, New York City, new york fashion week, skin
Beautiful hair needs an expert: Big Sexy Hair's "Spray and Play"
Any Sexy Hair fans out there? Read More......
Posted by Mischo Beauty , at 10:17 AM
Labels: beauty, Fashionista, Girlfriends, hair, Keesha Sharp, sexy hair products
Beautiful hair needs an expert: Kerastase Noctogenist
Both are formulated with vitamin E, which provides protection and moisture; and amino acids, which help to strengthen and revive the hair. In case you didn't know, hair is 91% protein and protein is made up of amino acids! The best part of the Noctogenist line is that, according to the Kerastase website, it leaves no residue on pillows! I recommend this for the jet-setting Sienna Miller and I recommend it for you too!
What's your favorite Kerastase product?
Read More......
Posted by Mischo Beauty , Friday, January 30, 2009 at 10:08 AM
Labels: beauty, conditioner, conditioning treatment, deep conditioner, hair, kerastase, Kerastase Noctogenist, leave-in conditioner, sienna miller
Mischo Beauty Award: 2009 SAG Awards
Who was your favorite? Read More......
Posted by Mischo Beauty , Monday, January 26, 2009 at 11:47 AM
Labels: beauty, Fashionista, hair, makeup, sag awards, viola davis
Mischo Beauty Review: Sedu Revolution Nano Tourmaline Ionic 1" Styling Iron
So after hearing my beauty blogging friends, Urbane Girl and All About The Pretty, rave about the new Sedu flat iron, I couldn't wait to try it! Well my test for a new flat iron is always whether or not it will straighten my type 4B hair, without burning it or drying it out. After shampooing and deep conditioning my hair, I choose to sit under my hooded hair dryer, as opposed to blow drying. Oh, and I used my FHI Heat Hot Sauce as my thermal protectant.
After training with Vidal Sassoon, I learned that the key to a successfully flat ironing the hair is to first section the hair for organization, and then flat iron sections no thicker than 1/2 inch (if not smaller, depending on the texture of your hair). I used the highest temperature setting on my natural hair, due to the fact that it's coarse and tightly coiled. Shiny, silky, and soft hair was the end result for me- and yes, I was very pleased.
A few other facts about the Sedu that I love are:
- The Sedu comes with a heatproof mat (I often style my hair on the go, so the mat makes
traveling with the Sedu easy!)
- The adjustable temperature control allows me to set the temperature based on my hair's
texture (in case I decide to relax my hair) and needs
- The Nano Tourmaline plates ensure an even distribution of heat and a smooth finish
- The curved edges of the plates allow for easy curling of your hair, and the Sedu comes with an
instruction DVD with easy to follow steps for achieving curls, waves, etc.
Oh, and I love the packaging (very sleek and chic), which made me excited about trying what was inside. Overall, the Sedu is a winner and I recommend it!
Read More......
Posted by Mischo Beauty , Friday, January 23, 2009 at 3:45 PM
Labels: beauty, Fashionista, flat iron, hair, haircare, hairdresser, hairstylist, Salon, sedu
Mischo Beauty: Kérastase Friend's & Family Discount to Help Dress for Success
To celebrate this season of giving, for every purchase you make, 5% of the amount you spend will be donated to Dress for Success worldwide! Just enter GIVING at checkout. Also, enjoy complimentary shipping on all orders!"
Enjoy!
Posted by Mischo Beauty , Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at 2:22 PM
Labels: Fashionista, hair, holidays, Kerastase Serum Oleo-Relax, kerastase soleil, Kerastase Substance Constructive, Kerastase Volumactive
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.
Posted by Mischo Beauty , Friday, November 21, 2008 at 7:32 PM
Labels: beautiful hair needs an expert, Beyonce Knowles, breakage, color-treated hair, damaged hair, Dry, dry skin, fine hair, frizzy hair, hair, satin bonnet, silk pillowcase, silk scarf
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?
Posted by Mischo Beauty , Friday, November 7, 2008 at 4:44 PM
Labels: beautiful hair needs an expert, Beyonce Knowles, bumble and bumble, flat iron, frizzy hair, hair, Pomade, Salon, san francisco, sumo wax
Mischo Beauty School: Haircolor 101
Since completing cosmetology school and haircolor apprenticeships at Vidal Sassoon and Red Door, I've become very passionate about haircolor and yes, I'm writing about it again! I've done root touch-ups, highlights, gray coverage, bleach & tones, highlift blondes, and single & double haircolor processes. Believe it or not, I was always able to find a model that needed one of these services and the results always left me amazed and excited about the next challenge.
With that said, let's discuss haircolor. It falls into four categories: temporary, semipermanent, demipermanent, and permanent.
1. Temporary haircolor coats the hair shaft and is easily removed by shampooing. Examples include: color rinses or color-enhancing shampoos.
2. Semipermanent haircolor partially penetrates the hair shaft and slowly fades with shampooing. It doesn't lighten the hair and is usually used to enhance fading haircolor.
3. Demipermanent haircolor doesn't lighten hair and, like semipermanent haircolor, it is used to enhance fading haircolor. It penetrates the hair shaft and lasts longer than semipermanent haircolor.
4. Permanent haircolor is used to lighten hair and also to cover grey. It remains in the hair shaft until the growth of new hair.
Any questions? Feel free to ask away! Love your hair. Read More......
Posted by Mischo Beauty , Monday, November 3, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Labels: beauty, cosmetology school, demipermanent, hair, Haircolor, Mischo Beauty School, permanent, semipermanent
Mischo Beauty School: Wella Professionals Fun Stats On Haircolor




Good morning everyone! This week again, I'm turning today's lesson over to the experts at Wella and here are a few fun facts on haircolor that they've compiled:
Did you know?
70% of women agree that hair color products used in salons are better quality
32% of women chose "good friend" as the best way to describe their relationship with their colorist
29% of women said that blonde is the hair color they most wish they could pull off over 23% who picked red (I'm a natural redhead- go redheads!!) and 21% who picked brunette
55% of women know how permanent hair color works
45% of women surveyed are interested in the science behind how hair color works
If you've been following my blog, then you're probably familiar with my "Mischo Beauty School: Haircolor 101" post, and at the very least, you now understand that haircolor falls into four categories.
Well, here's your chance to learn more! Please send me your haircolor questions and I'll get back to you with answers!
(photos courtesy of wellausa.com)
Posted by Mischo Beauty , Monday, October 27, 2008 at 7:48 AM
Labels: color-treated hair, hair, wella, Wella Professionals
Mischo Beauty School: Wella Professionals Debunks Popular Haircolor Myths



I'm so excited about today's post because as you all know, my love of hair is what started all of this! I love haircolor. With that said, it's my goal to educate you as much as I can so that you are able to make educated and informed decisions when it comes to your hair.
You might remember my "Mischo Beauty School: Haircolor 101" post, where I discussed the four haircolor categories. Well most recently, Wella Professionals recently shared with me what women are really thinking when it comes to coloring their hair and here are the results from the survey:
1. For the best color advice, talk to your friends.
False: Most women surveyed- 69% said that they got most of their hair color advice from a colorist/stylist. From the remaining women surveyed, 4% chose to get most advice from a friend and 7% chose articles in magazines. Having a consultation with your colorist is crucial as he or she is the most knowledgeable source in hair color theory and can give the best recommendation on which color compliments your skin tone, eye color, fashion style, and personality.
2. Highlights are taking the salon industry by storm.
True: 46% of women surveyed chose highlighting as the service they most frequently request at the salon, over full-head haircolor at 35%, fashion/bold color accents at 4% and color gloss/glaze at 1%. Being in touch with the industry, Wella recently launched a new highlighting technique called Cosmic Blonde, which uses state-of-the art lightening technology to create a unique, shimmering "cool-warm" effect to highlights, making everyone's favorite salon service even trendier. Be sure to ask your colorist about the latest techniques, as trends and color services are constantly evolving.
3. Coloring your hair makes it appear less healthy.
False: Actually, coloring your hair can add a lot of benefits including leaving hair shinier (91% of women surveyed agreed) and well-conditioned (89% of women surveyed agreed). Plus, 29% of women surveyed said the overall health of their hair was actually healthier after hair coloring. Only a professional colorist knows how to best apply color correctly in order to leave your hair shiny and beautiful.
4. The main reason women don't color their hair is because they don't want to change their natural color.
True: 55% of women surveyed said they haven't colored their hair in the past year because they like their natural hair color. Only 3% said they don't color because they have no gray to cover. However, if you love your natural haircolor, that's all the more reason to get a professional service to enhance it! Everyone can benefit from a demi-permanent color, such as Wella Professionals Color Touch, because its gentle formula actually leaves hair shinier and well conditioned, thus enhancing your natural color and improving the condition of your hair. Additionally, it doesn't leave a demarcation line because it washes out.
5. Consumers don't know the difference between semi, demi and permanent haircolor.
True: 47% of women surveyed said they didn't know the difference. However, knowing what to ask from your stylist or colorist at the salon makes the difference between fabulous color - or months of regret. Semi permanent can last 1-3 weeks, demi permanent can last 4-6 weeks, and permanent is, well, permanent and lasts until it grows out. So a proper consultation process is important to determine what you're looking for out of your color treatment.
6. Consumers don't think it's important to get to know their colorist.
False: Actually 73% of women surveyed think it's important for their colorist to know their personality and to make small talk at their appointments. In fact, 38% of women surveyed even said that if they were throwing a party, they would invite their colorist/styist! The more your colorist gets to know you and your style, the more insight they'll have on what you might like, what color will be easiest to maintain, and what best suits your lifestyle.
7. Professional products designed for color-treated hair help maintain color between salon visits.
True: 79% of women surveyed agreed that professional products will help keep haircolor from fading in between salon visits. Wella Professionals Color Preserve Care and Styling collection protects and preserves up to 78% more haircolor (as compared to leading professional products).
8. Everyone must color their hair every four weeks.
False: 22% of women surveyed color their hair every 2 to 3 months and 18% of women said they color every 4 to 6 months. It really depends on individual hair color needs, the level of technique performed on the hair, and whether you're using a semi, demi or permanent color. For example, natural looking highlights often require more frequent maintenance than single process color. (On average, colorists may recommend follow-up visits every 6-8 weeks in order to keep color looking fresh and natural).
9. Celebrities and magazines are most influential in what new service or technique a consumer might try.
False: 74% of women surveyed said that a recommendation from a stylist or colorist would be the most influential in determining if they tried something new. A good number of stylists and colorists attend educational seminars, which means they are constantly learning new techniques and gaining knowledge on the latest trends. Who do you think styles celebrities in the first place? They don't color their own hair, that's for sure! In order to stay ahead of the trends, stylists and colorists can enroll in Wella trend and styling seminars at The Studio.
10. Haircolor can make you feel better about your appearance.
True: 69% of women surveyed said they feel attractive immediately after having their hair colored and 61% feel confident. Whether you're changing your hue to something more bold and adventurous or just touching up the roots, haircolor adds richness and vibrancy so that your hair appears healthy and shiny, making everyone around you take a second look!
Questions? Let's discuss!
(photos courtesy of wellausa.com)
Posted by Mischo Beauty , Monday, October 20, 2008 at 12:32 PM
Labels: beauty, hair, haircare, Haircolor, professional haircare manufacturer, salons, tips, wella, Wella Professionals
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. 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.
So, 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 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)
Please feel free to e-mail me with more questions! Love your hair. Read More......
Posted by Mischo Beauty , Monday, September 29, 2008 at 7:43 AM
Labels: hair, Mischo Beauty School, porosity, Rene Furterer
Mischo Beauty Fashion Week Coverage: Davines Backstage at Geova Spring 2009 #NYFW
I was given yet another backstage opportunity and it was to cover Davines backstage at the Geova Spring 2009 runway show. I'm a HUGE fan of Davines products since learning about and using them during my apprenticeship at Vidal Sassoon. My favorites are definitely the Lovely Smoothing Shampoo & Conditioner. I also love the No. 9 Structuring Mist Finishing Spray.

The Defining Volume Mousse was actually mixed with the Defining Texturizer to add lift at the roots through to the midshaft, protect the hair from the heat of the curing irons and add shine.

The Defining Texturizer is heat activated and provides lift at the roots, while strengthening the hair.

The No. 9 Structuring Mist adds shine to the hair, as well as a flexible hold. So, if the designer were to change the direction for the hair, the hair can easily be re-styled.
The inspiration for the look was "1920's Surrealism" and the final look consisted of a deep side-part, with hair curled, waved,teased and effortlessly swept to the side.



What do you think?
Posted by Mischo Beauty , Thursday, September 11, 2008 at 1:48 PM
Labels: Davines, hair, mercedes benz fashion week, new york fashion week
Mischo Beauty Fashion Week Coverage: Hair Backstage at Tracy Reese Spring 2009 #NYFW
For the very first time- I bring you Mischo Beauty TV! I was able to get live footage of the TRESemme hairstyling team, lead by Nathaniel Hawkins of Project Runway, backstage at Tracy Reese. Please bare with me- my hands were a little shaky from all the excitement! Each models' hair was styled into an effortless, carefree chignon. In the first video you'll see Nathaniel prepare a hair extension for a model with short hair in order to create the foundation for the chignon.
The Big Boost Root Lift spray was used to create volume and thickness at the roots before securing the hair into a ponytail.
In this video, Nathaniel fully explains the look.
The Therman Creations Heat Tamer spray was used on the mid-shaft and ends to protect the hair from the heat of the curling iron before being braided.
The final video is another demonstration by a TRESemme hairstylist on how to achieve the runway look.
I know I haven't really said too much about the runway show itself, but it was truly AMAZING. After the show I looked at my friend and she had tears in her eyes- and then of course I was teary eyed...we were a mess! LOL! But, it was truly amazing!
Posted by Mischo Beauty , Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Labels: #nyfw, hair, mercedes benz fashion week, nathaniel hawkins, new york fashion week, project runway, tracy reese, tresemme
Beautiful hair needs an expert: Murray's Superior Hair Dressing Pomade
To tame any flyaways and as a finishing touch, I use a little of Murray's Superior Hair Dressing Pomade. Before applying the pomade, I rub about a pea size of it between the palms of my hands and then run my fingers through my hair. It catches each and every stray- and doesn't weigh my hair down! And I know- it's so old-school, but it works and it'll cost you almost nothing ($3)!
Have you tried it? Read More......
Posted by Mischo Beauty , Friday, August 15, 2008 at 7:24 AM
Labels: Cassie, hair, Murray's Superior Hair Dressing Pomade








