BRAND PROFILE: Loma

Loma - Seeking to re-imagine the way we experience naturally inspired, organically infused hair care, founder and cosmetic chemist David Hanen has done just that - dedicating his career to the art of beauty and hair. From his beginnings as a salon stylist and a successful salon owner, David's passion for product formulation is what makes him an innovator for his pure, organic and sustainable beauty products. Loma sets themselves miles apart by creating, sourcing, manufacturing and filling all their own products for hair care as it should be, naturally.

Loma Science
Clean Water

The Loma mission begins with the cleanest water, sourced and filtered from one of the purest water reservoirs in the world combined with the purest ingredients, clean and free of hidden hazards. To create high-performing products with naturally healing raw materials and essential oil-based fragrances that are good for your hair and skin.

BEAUTY SCIENCE: Polyethylene glycol "PEG"

PEGs (polyethylene glycols) are petroleum-based compounds that are widely used in cosmetics as thickeners, solvents, softeners, and moisture-carriers.  PEG is not a specific chemical, but rather a mixture of compounds, of "polymers" that have been bonded together. Polyethylene is the most common form of plastic, and when combined with glycol, it becomes a thick and sticky liquid. PEGs are commonly used as cosmetic cream bases. In cosmetics, they function as emollients (which help soften and lubricate the skin), as emulsifiers (which help water-based and oil-based ingredients mix properly), and as vehicles that help deliver other ingredients deeper into the skin.

Sun's Out, Buns Out

3 Super Simple Buns For Summertime 3 Easy Steps

LOW KNOT

@hairbysashasmith

1. Rake a dime-size drop of leave-in smoothing serum

Apply serum to damp, towel-dried hair. Then, using a round brush, blow-dry hair until completely dry.

Take the Hair Moisture Test

Test your hair to see if it needs moisture or extra moisture:  Take a strand of hair (dry, not wet) and gently pull both ends to stretch it. If it breaks easily, you don't have enough moisture in your hair. Did you pass? If not, let's see what ingredients you should be looking for!

Weekly Trending Product: Loma Nourishing Duo

Did You Know Aloe Vera is the First Ingredient!?

What better way to make a fresh start? Paraben, Gluten, Sodium Chloride and Sulfate Free is the ONLY way to go! Which is exactly why Loma is catching fire throughout the beauty industry. 

@thehealinghairstylist

" It's not just about style, but healthier, stronger, shinier hair."

The Right Way to Trim Your Bangs

If you have bangs, then you know how fast they seem to grow! While the rest of your hair may not yet need a visit to your hairdresser, your bangs always seem to be in need of a trim. Here's the best way to make the needed repair to your hairdo yourself.

Step 1: Start with clean, dry hair, styled as you usually wear it.

Step 2: Gently grasp a section of hair between your fingers (don't pull!). If your bangs go straight across, keep your fingers horizontal. If they are more slanted, your fingers should be at an angle, too.

5 Surprising Habits That Could Be Ruining Your Hair

Mistakes Happen, We'll Help You Fix Them!

When it comes to hair maintenance, the little things really do add up. More than likely you had no clue that things you thought were good for you are actually causing all the damage. We thought we'd step up with a little damage control to get your mane back on track. Here's how...

BAD HAIR HABIT #1: Boar Bristle Brushes, the triple B.

Many people don't realize that using a boar bristle brush while your hair is wet is horrible for your locks. Soaking wet hair is extremely vulnerable to breakage. Boar bristles grip the hair tightly and

BRAND PROFILE: Surface

Surface -  Determined by their passionate commitment to developing superior, all natural professional products that respect the surface of our Earth while creating a strong surface of success through growth, education and personal health. Family owned and operated, Surface is inspired by salon owner and international Hair Stylist Wayne Grund, founded on the promise to give back and make a positive difference in the world.

Surface Science 

 The Surface mission is to incorporate sustainably harvested ingredients and certified organic botanicals in all Surface products for salons and their guests to thrive upon. Three of the primary active ingredients found in most of the Surface products include :

BEAUTY SCIENCE: Linoleic Acid

Hear the word "acid" and we automatically think "danger".   Doing without Linoleic Acid, however, is the real danger.  Linoleic Acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid and is part of the Omega 6 fatty acids, found in many vegetable oils.

One of the most important roles for Linoleic Acid is caring for your skin's barrier functions - protecting against water loss and keeping invading allergens and bacteria out.  Linoleic acid

How to achieve stronger, healthier nails

We all want strong, healthy, gorgeous nails but some of us can't seem to strengthen, grow or maintain them without having them break, crack or get flimsy. So what's the deal?

Whatever the reason may be, no one can achieve strong and healthy nails without a little help and TLC.

Here we will share some tips, advice and information on how to strengthen, take care of and maintain strong and healthy nails.

Avoid Summer's Makeup Melt

Summer is coming, and with it comes the humidity and heat perspiration!  And, there goes the makeup.  So, what can you do to ensure your face stays flawless all day?  It's called face primer! If you've never used make-up primer, then you are really missing out.

Weekly Trending Product: Baxter Oil Free Moisturizer

Huge trending ALERT! Donald Glover was recently spotted last week at the 2018 Met Gala looking dapper than ever! Gotta give much credit to celebrity groomer, Erica Sauer and her Baxter of California tools of choice. He was definitely keeping it fresh and clean! 

Armie Hammer and Zayn Malik can teach dad a thing or two about skincare! With Father's Day

Designer Nails anyone can create!

When we do a nail art article, there is usually a comment "looks so good, but I'm just not that artistic" or another similar version.  We all admire those gorgeous manicures.  Now we can all have them...and no artistic or creative talent is needed.  Morgan Taylor Designer Plates introduces her Nail Art Stamping Kit.  There are three different kits - Flirty Florals, Geometric and Celebrations,  Each kit has 28 different designs.  Just watch the video and see how easy it is to give your manicure the professional touch!

Eye Shadows perfect for your Eye Color

Achieving the perfect eye look can take a bit of trial and error, but we've got some great tips for you so you can get your shadow colors just right!

Brown

For all you brown-eyed beauties out there, get ready for some fun! Brown eyes are probably the most fun color to have when it comes to doing makeup. Brown has a mixture of all the primary colors, meaning most colors compliment them. One of our favorite brown eye tricks is using metallic colors. theBalm Shady Lady Racy Kacy or Jane Iredale Eye Shere Gold Silk is an easy and perfect way to make your eye stand out and shine. Here's a trick special for brown eyes; use a white eyeliner with your

Fade Away those Dark Spots

Looking to fade dark spots, zap sun damage and even out the color of your skin overall? Skin lightening creams do help. Most products work in the same manner. They stop the enzyme that makes the cells that generate the color in your skin -- otherwise known as melanin. A few key ingredients can accomplish this: hydroquinone, arbutin, and kojic acid. Both Clinical Care (Skin)Solutions Go Spot Go  and glo Skin Beauty Lightening Serum work well.

BEAUTY SCIENCE - Parabens

What are parabens?

Parabens are the most commonly used preservative in the world of cosmetics and personal care products as well as in the food and drug categories. Paraben is an inexpensive mix of acid and alcohol of p-hydroxybenzoic acid that effectively extends the shelf life of a product by preventing harmful bacteria and mold growth. You can find them everywhere in your daily life; in soap, face and body

Face Shape TIPS & TRICKS for your best hairstyle.

What's your FACE SHAPE?

Knowing your face shape is crucial when deciding on a new hairstyle that will actually complement your features. You will want to first start off by pulling your hair straight back away from your face. Next, you'll want to identify the overall shape of your face.

Ombre...not just a look for your hair!

Ombre...a gradual blending of colors...so popular for hair today.  But, how about getting the look for your nails.  Believe it or not, it is so simple!  The only "extra" you need besides two polish colors is a make-up sponge!  If you can "dip and dab," you can create the look.  The video shows two shades of pink, but you could use 2 shades of blue, violet, orange or any other color combinations you can image!  Count on Essie to make it easy!

Weekly Trending Product: Dermalogica AGE Smart Skin Care Kit

AGE smart skin kit 

Get your kit here

Don't let aging age you! Practice self-love daily, your body, mind, and soul will thank you! If you don't believe us just ask @oliviarink and @annie.vtrann,  They know what it means to take time for

Bridal Makeup Trends for 2018

Don't be "so last year". Here are 2018's hottest bridal makeup trends you'll want to make sure to include in your big day. Bridal Fashion Weeks lists the hottest styles this year from bold brows to natural makeup. So, if you're tying the knot this year or know someone who is, be sure to have this guide handy!

Get those feet summer ready!

It’s that time of year again; the warm evenings gaze upon us, the beach is calling our name and so are our feet for some major pampering! 

We all can’t afford to get pedi’s at the salon every couple of weeks, (though we would all love that!), so here we will share some steps and tips to take care of your feet to make sure they're always summer ready.

Zoya & the 2018 MET Gala

Stars and celebrities graced the stairs of New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018 for the annual MET Gala, and it was gorgeous! This year's theme of Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination was received with controversy; after the event though most of us are glad it was what it was. The costumes were elegant, daring and very original! Celebrities were adorned with ornate crosses, elaborate beadwork, and amazing headpieces. To match all these great looks also came some simply stunning manicures.

BEAUTY SCIENCE - Phthalates

What are phthalates?

We hear the word, but what exactly does it mean?  Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and harder to break. Some phthalates are used as solvents (dissolving agents) for other materials. They are used in hundreds of products, such as vinyl flooring, adhesives, detergents, lubricating oils, automotive plastics, plastic clothes (raincoats).  They are also used in personal care products such as soaps, shampoos, hair sprays, and nail polishes - which is why we care.

Originally, the primary phthalates used in cosmetic products was dibutylphthalate (DBP).  It was used as a plasticizer in nail polishes (to reduce cracking by making them less brittle);

NEW Brand Feature : Zenagen

Brand Profile:

Zenagen

Zenagen - Has a uniquely scientific perspective on hair loss. Creator Jared Reynolds found his hair thinning when he was a medical student and soon began his research for hair loss solutions. Jared discovered the key to creating effective & natural solutions to hair loss is high-quality nutraceutical ingredients paired with an advanced delivery system. From this knowledge, Jared created Zenagen, where the first-hand frustration of his hair loss inspired his company's commitment to the fusion of beauty and science for revolutionary results. 

Tips & Tricks for Luscious Lips

Lips! They come in many unique shapes, colors, and sizes. Some have lips with a peaked cupid's bow while others may have an undefined cupids bow. Some may have full lips while others have thinner lips. Whatever your case may be, who says you can’t have big & juicy, kissable lips?

Don’t worry; there is no need for lip fillers and lip implants to get your lips looking beautiful and plump! We will discuss a few of many hacks and simple tips to easily make your lips look and feel bigger.

Weekly Trending Product: Saints & Sinners Divine Dry Finish Texture Spray

Divine Dry Finish Texture Spray

So rad you won't know what to do with your hair! The styling options are limitless. Second-day hair, don't care! Give your locks instant volume, texture body and fullness. Flake-free and anti-static formulated; this Divine Dry Finish Texture Spray can multi-task like a mother for all hair

How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?

There are many questions about hair that arise repeatedly in the beauty industry, but none so much as this one - How often should I wash my hair? You have probably heard many answers, including, "if you wash every day you're destroying your hair".

The truth is there is no right answer, as a true blanket solution to this burning question has yet to be discovered. How often you wash your hair depends on many factors & your hair type is a big one.  It also depends on your activities, age, and hair styling products. Texture is king when it comes to wash day decisions. So, if you find yourself washing your hair daily because your hair turns greasy quick or your fine hair just isn't the same without a fresh wash, know that it's okay to shampoo this often. Below are some handy tips for every hair type, along with some general helpful tips.

Top Wedding Hairstyles for 2018

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If you are planning a summer wedding, or if you know someone who is, we've put together some pix of the hottest styles for this year.  (Tip: take a few idea images to your hair stylist when you discuss what you want.  It will help them to visualize what you have in mind and will help them succeed on your big day.)  Of course, up-dos are still on-trend, but brides are also choosing loose waves and headpieces.  Take a look!

OPI Grease 40th Anniversary Collection

Who can forget that timeless musical romance about teens in the 50's - GREASE, where good girl Sandy & Greaser Danny fall in love at the beach over the summer then have to face the harrowing dramas of their friends & High School.

BEAUTY SCIENCE - Why?

We recently began a series of articles (they appear each Wednesday) called "BEAUTY SCIENCE".

Courtney Kardashian meeting with federal lawmakers

in support of legislation to give the FDA the power to 

investigate and prevent the sales of dangerous cosmetics.

Why?  Because it is important to your health!

So many people are concerned with what they put in and on their body and more and more are carefully checking the ingredient list.  But...beauty product ingredient labels are very difficult to decipher unless you are a chemist!   And...no one is regulating the ingredients or monitoring long term effects of some of these chemicals on our overall health.

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act defines cosmetics by their intended use, as "articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body...for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance". Among the products included in this definition are skin moisturizers, perfumes, lipsticks, fingernail polishes, eye and facial makeup preparations, cleansing shampoos, permanent waves, hair colors, and deodorants, as well as any substance intended for use as a component of a cosmetic product.

Spring Clean your Make-up Bag

Ah Spring!  All living things renewed.  It's also a great time to review your cosmetics and other beauty products.  Using products that may be past their prime can cause them to appear streaky or not look the way they should, but even more -- use beyond the expiration date can actually cause serious health risks.  Another benefit of a good cosmetic spring clean???  It gives you more space in the drawer for something new!!!