Extensions

Extensions are one of the most magical hair tools a hairstylist can have. Short hair can instantly become long, toned hair can have streaks of bright purple, and thin, flat hair can turn into voluminous locks. If you can’t grow your dream hair, you sure can buy it.

I exclusively use Hot Head Tape In Extensions. I have stuck with this brand because of their dedication to quality hair. They use real human hair, which means it is the best quality hair that can be bought. The hair is attached to a piece of industrial strength tape and that is sandwiched between two extensions around the actual hair. This gives long, lasting extensions that look natural and leave the least amount of damage. They don’t pull or tug out your hair and requires no heavy weaves or wefts.

As I always say, with great hair comes great hair responsibility, and as you might expect, there is some maintenance that comes with extensions. Here are my recommendations:

• For long-lasting extensions, use Hot Heads shampoo and conditioner. It is the ideal product to keep your extensions at their best.
• When you get your extensions, braid them every night when you sleep to keep out tangles and dreads.
• Don’t sleep with wet hair. Over time, long sitting wet hair can cause mildew to grow in the extension.
• If you have finer hair, you may not need to wash or style your hair as often.

With anything there is positive and negatives but I truly believe there are more plus with these extensions.

Extensions are an investment; they are a little pricey but the hair lasts a good amount of time if properly taken care of. To give you an idea on timeline, the extensions get moved up every six weeks and your hair last 3 move ups. That means gorgeous hair for four and half months before you have to buy new hair.

How do you feel about using extensions to get your dream hair? If interested, book a consultation with me to further discuss the possibility of extensions. 

Love, Paige Noelle

Part 1: So You Wanna Grow Your Hair Out

We’ve all been there. We’ve all done the chop at one point and felt instant regret afterwards. About two years ago, I got off the plane from my month-long trip to Spain and chopped off the locks, and luckily that time around, I loved the chop. My short hair was sassy, cute and easy to style. Despite that, the chop regret is slowly catching up to me. My desire to grow my hair back has been provoked by none other than long hair itself. I looked back on old photos from cosmetology school and high school and was in awe of my old length, and let me tell ya, that’s the easiest way to provoke chop regret.

As a hairstylist I am a little impatient with my hair growth. I am also a cancellation away from getting chopped.  So here’s what I’m thinking: First, I am going to make you guys keep me accountable, and second and more importantly, I am going to try a new system of products or tricks every month to grow my hair. I will be detailed in my weekly routine so you can decide what works best for your personal hair schedule.

What is my plan this month?

I will be trying the “Don’t Despair, Repair” hair masks from Briogeo. The purpose behind these hair masks is to protect and repair my hair, because as we all know, to grow long hair it needs to be healthy. I am going to use this hair mask once a week. Luckily enough, four come in the pack. There are a few unique things about this mask:

1. This mask is a two-step system. First, you slather your hair in the mask. Second, you place the prepackaged cap on your hair.
2. The cap has the second part of the mask infused to the inner lining. The cap traps the heat from your head and opens up your cuticle, which lets the mask repair your hair. A big bonus is that you can wash out the cap after you are done and can reuse it.

The other product and the biggest change I will be making to my routine is incorporating shampoo back into my hair care plan. I will be using the “Scalp Revival” shampoo from Briogeo. The purpose of bringing shampoo back into my routine is to experiment with the benefits of scalp exfoliation. This specific product has charcoal and coconut oil, which I am hoping this will stimulate my scalp and encourage hair growth. I’m also betting that this will be a huge game changer for the change of season dry scalp that happens to me every year.

The final product I am adding to my hair care routine is the one I am most excited about! I will be trying the Briogeo “Scalp Revival” scalp treatment. This is an oil treatment formulated with charcoal, tea tree, biotin and witch hazel that you put in your hair after you shower. These ingredients add up to one happy and healthy scalp.

The combination of all these products I am hoping will give me a healthy scalp, healthy hair and eventually the mermaid hair of my dreams. Keep following along for updates and don’t be shy and feel free to ask questions in the comments or direct message me. 

Love, Paige Noelle

2017 Must Haves

Friends,

This year I am going to save more, spend less. Finally get organized. Sound familiar? If so, this blog is for you! One of my resolutions was to clean-out the graveyard I have under my sink. We all have one… it’s the place where beauty products go that you can’t quite bring yourself to throw away, yet you really don’t ever intend to use.  

So, my gift to you is an honest, unbiased, sponsor free review of what I bought this past year that didn’t end up in the graveyard. I hope this saves your sink cabinet some space and helps you save some of that moola for a nice trip. To the Bahamas.

Pacifica Skin Care

When I started 2017 I was using my good old trusty Cetaphil. It worked and it was cheap. I then discovered the “ Think Dirty” app and found out how harmful some of the ingredients were. After several failed attempts to find something that had more natural ingredients and didn’t make my face look like a hormonal teenager, I found Pacifica skin care products at… TARGET! I have tried their wipes, cleansers, moisturizers, and masks. I love almost every single one of their products.

Davines Shine Wax

I have always had thick unruly hair. I would complain some more, but I know you gals with thin hair are probably throwing daggers at me through your screens right now. I love my hair and realize it has a lot of good qualities to it, but I have always wanted shiny silky hair. I thought it wasn’t in my cards until the Gypsy and Oak ladies went to a Davines show. In our goody bags was shine wax, I wasn’t all that excited to try it, but once I opened that adorable little can it was love at first pat. The texture is thicker than the serums we are used to and it is a great fix-it for those pesky fly aways.

Brioego

The scalp exfoliator fights off nasty dandruff, especially  in these dry months.  A clean scalp is a healthy scalp which means you grow healthy hair.

A Man Called Ove, written by Fredrick Backman

This isn’t a beauty product, but a lifestyle product & the best book I read in 2017.   If you have sat in my chair I probably have raved about this sweet book to you. It was an easy read with a beautiful story, it will forever have a home on my bookshelf.

Peeps

No, not those glorious marshmallow bunnies.  More important than surrounding yourself with stellar products is surrounding yourself with stellar people. I have found wonderful group of clients and they made 2017 my best year yet.  Thank you all so much for the laughs, the tears, and all the fun I got to have with your hair. Every year I can’t believe I get to have a job I love but also work with people I enjoy. Thank you for another year.

Love, Paige

Going Darker?

Hey Y’all,

We are in the midst of winter, which means it’s time for darker tones and lots of warmth! In my previous blog posts, I have talked a lot about the process and steps it takes to go lighter, and just the same, going darker is just as much of a process.

When you lighten your hair, you remove your natural pigment, so in order to get to a natural brunette, you must put the pigment back. These pigments have the underlying colors of red, orange, and yellow tones. It sounds a little scary but if you don’t put these pigments back, the result will be muddy and grainy color.

When you go darker with pre-lightened hair, the cuticle is already lifted so you may loose your color quicker then you expect. Each time I take my hair darker, the fading process is my favorite because it brings warmth and a natural sun kissed glow to my face. And who doesn’t want this in the dead of winter?

If you are wondering about going darker and embracing your winter glow, the first step is to contact me for an appointment. One important step I recommend is coming in every 6-8 weeks for a gloss if you take the leap towards darker hair, so we can maintain fading. We can talk about what the process looks like for you and any extra steps that need to be taken in the future.

Love, Paige Noelle

Aloe Vera

Hello beautiful people!

When you think of aloe vera, you probably don't think about your hair, but I have made it a goal to change that. Aloe Vera is a natural way to moisturize and repair your hair. And it makes sense - if it can repair your damaged skin, why can't it repair your damaged hair?

Aloe Vera has a protialytic, which is what repairs your skin after a sunburn. It is also what can help give you a healthy scalp and it has a lot of benefits! Here's what you need to know:

Protialytics...

1. Aid an itchy scalp
2. Help get rid of dandruff
3. Conditions and moisturizes a scalp just as it does for dry skin
4. Assists in removing dead skin cells
5. Rejuvenates your hair follicles which helps with hair loss

Sometimes I think we forget that we need to moisturize and care for our scalp in the same ways we care for the skin on the rest of our bodies. But remember, a healthy scalp means healthy hair!

A bonus to aloe vera is the amino acids that tame frizzy hair and add an immense amount of shine.

How I use it?
Aloe Vera gel can be purchased at many major department or grocery store, but I prefer it straight from the plant and use it in various forms. A small amount of the gel is amazing for my natural curls and gives great hold. I also use aloe vera for hair masks and like to add a little extra to coconut oil or my personal favorite, a peppermint and pumpkin seed oil mask. And lastly, it can also be used before a shower to moisturize the scalp before it gets damaged in hot shower water.

I hope ya’ll enjoy this post! If you have any questions comment below and I will try
to get to them as soon as possible.

Love, Paige

Hair Trend Alert

Hey Y’all,

You may have noticed and/or even participated in the recurring hair trend that happens every year when the cold seasons roll around. Yep, I'm talking about how we take our hair a few shades darker as the days get shorter and the sunshine stays hidden longer. Well I want to let you in on the real trend that has been happening this past fall and upcoming winter season. It is called “Root Beer Hair” and it has been seen all over the runway and on celebrities such as Sarah Hyland, Olivia Munn and even Beyoncé.

This look involves a warm, dark brown base. The warm tones are a warm red, and these
keep you glowing even after a long winter. Following the rich-colored base, highlights and lowlights are added. If you have pre-existing blonde, warmth can be added or your hair can be toned down to create a beautiful sandy light brown color. You can also bayalage in a small amount of light brown to bring dimension back into to warm brown hair.

With my help, we can work with your skin and eyes to find your perfect root beer hair that will keep your hair glowing into the New Year and through 2018.

Dirty Hair

Dirty hair is my favorite hair because it shows me that you are taking care of your hair. I know, I know that sounds like the exact opposite of what you would expect! But everything your body does is for a reason, and the oils

your scalp produces are made for your hair. The sebum (oil produced by the sebaceous glands on your scalp) protect and moisturize your hair strand and scalp, so shampooing too frequently strips the hair of this.

Let’s get down to the science of it. When your hair is in water, the ph of water is 7 and the ph of hair is 4.5-5.5. Water raises the cuticle of your hair, and when shampoo, which is a surfactant, is added, the oil clings to the water. Cheaper shampoos use harsh sulfates that are chemically based, while more natural products are coconut based. This is why your shampoo is extremely important.

I suggest shampooing every 3 days. However, keep in mind that it also depends on your hair texture. Curlier hair types always need more conditioning and moisture. The more texture you have the longer you can go without shampoo.If you shampoo your hair every day and stip it of its needed oils, your scalp will start to produce more oils to compensate. You have to train your scalp to stop producing as many oils. The key to this is being patient. You will start with oily hair but over time that will decrease. The best way to start that process is to try rinsing and conditioning every day.; it gives you the satisfaction of washing your hair without stripping the oils. From here, you can eventually start washing every two days.

As this process goes on you will create healthier hair; your heat styles will last longer and so will your color. It is a great way to save your hair and your time.

For more information, look at my “Why I Stopped Shampooing Hair” blog.

Coloring your hair for the first time

Are you excited?! This is always my first question to a virgin hair guest who is about to make a hair transformation. It is exciting but can also be nerve-racking.

I want to tell you all how hair coloring works and how to be prepared for your first color appointment. If I don’t answer all of your questions, please comment below and I will do a follow-up blog.

How long will the appointment take?
I always prefer to give myself two and half hours per client, however, this varies depending on length, thickness, and what we will be doing with your hair. For virgin hair, I tend to move slower as I want to make sure the client doesn’t feel rushed and is happy with the finished product. More time means more opportunity to perfect every strand of hair.

Should I wash my hair before or leave it dirty?
If you have read any of my other blogs, you will know that I am partial and love dirty hair. However, it truly doesn’t matter! Dirty or clean, the color will stick. I only request that your hair isn’t wet or damp so I can see it in its natural state prior to coloring it.

If you are doing any lightening on the root, I recommend not washing your hair for three days before. The less irritated the scalp, the less the bleach will bother it. Typically, the first time coloring your hair won’t be a coloring job that big, but it is something to keep in mind for future color appointments.

Should I bring in pictures?
Yes, please! Pictures are great! I can’t read my clients’ minds or envision what they see, so a visual aid is incredibly helpful to determine what the goal of the appointment is.  For instance, what you consider to be a warm blonde and what I consider to be a warm blonde could be very different, so bringing in visuals is often more helpful than verbal descriptions. Beyond that, I just love to see pictures of the styles you like and dislike. Having a clear understanding of the direction my clients want to go with their hair makes for a successful hair journey.

What type of maintenance are we talking about?
In my dream world I would see every client at the most every 8 weeks. However, like  I said, that is in my dream world! I understand that life is busy and demanding, and our hair isn’t typically our top priority. Despite this, keeping up with color and cuts is important for all hair, but especially hair that has big color jobs. I always say hair is the one accessory that you can’t take off ;)

Here’s a breakdown of how often you should come in for an appointment depending on your color job:

• Natural Bayalage: 12 weeks
• Bright Bayalage: 6-8 weeks
• Highlights: 6 weeks
• Root lightening: 4 weeks
• Grey coverage: 4 weeks
• Demi-permanent gloss: 12 weeks
• Cut: 8-12 weeks

Is it going to damage my hair?
I don’t usually recommend making several dramatic changes in one appointment because it can lead to damage, but there are solutions we can do to limit the damage. One of these is using a bond builder. My favorite is Olaplex. When hair is lightened or colored, its bonds break down so the color can penetrate the hair strand to remove its natural color. Olaplex is added to your color to build the bonds back up and seal them down. It makes hair feel healthier and thicker. I recommend it even when simply lightening the hair a few shades. It is an extra charge because the product is extremely expensive, but I find it to be worth it and never color my own hair without it.

For all you virgin hair folks out there, let me tell you that coloring your hair is a blast. I love being able to change and highlight certain features about someone with just a change of hair color. The possibilities are endless with some patience and a whole lot of lightener. And just remember, life is too short for boring hair :)

Love, Paige

Are my ponytails damaging my hair?

Hi, beautiful people!

Nobody loves a ponytail like I do, but as a stylist, I understand and realize how much damage they can cause. I have figured out a few hacks to enjoy ponytails worry free.

Let's first dive into why it is damaging to your hair. The hair that grows out of your scalp is fragile; it is already dead and needs to be treated gently in order to maintain healthy hair. When your hair is pulled from tight ponytails it is called “traumatic alopecia.” I know, this sounds dramatic, but it's true - it really is dramatic! Tight ponytails can cause your hair to rip from your scalp and break in half. I hope this scares you into taking my advice.

Here is what we can do:

• Instead of wearing a ponytail to bed, try a soft braid. The tension is evenly distributed and when you move around in your sleep, you won't force your hair to pull. If you want to take it a step further, tie your hair with a soft hair tie.
• You go to the gym and need your hair pulled back... I get it. Ponytails matter! An alternative to the classic pony could be a topknot or even a cool braid. I found on my runs that if I wear a hat and pull the ponytail through the loop my ponytail is held in place, and the hat blocks sweat from going down my face.
• Toss your rubber bands, please! Those are notorious for causing an immense amount of breakage. We have quite a few options but my personal favorite is the creaseless hair ties.

I hope you guys enjoy these tips and use them. Let me know if you have any questions.

Love, Paige

Grow your Hair Fast!

Here is what I believe to be every girl's dream: to cut her hair and have it grow back in a month. I agree that would be ideal, but unfortunately, I don’t have the magic potion for that. Instead, I have something a little different! Today I will share about my favorite hair mask that quickens hair growth. 

A pumpkin seed oil and peppermint essential oil mask is my favorite for hair growth.

Let's break down why this works:
Pumpkin seed oil is one of the most underrated miracle hair growth supplements; it encourages fast hair growth and the thickening of hair. Pumpkin seed oil can actually be used for many health benefits and can be taken in a pill form. I prefer to use it directly on my scalp for hair growth, but for those of you with thinning hair who are looking to thicken it, the supplements would be recommended. Because it has many mineral antioxidants and nutrients including vitamin E, magnesium, zinc, and iron, pumpkin seed oil not only helps with hair growth but also nourishes healthy hair follicles, which are the root of all hair growth. With hair loss or Androgenic Alopecia, pumpkin seed oil or peppermint oil will help with dandruff or clogged hair follicles, giving you a clean scalp - something that is necessary for hair growth.

Peppermint oil.. talk about tingly! When placed on the scalp, you will feel tons of tingling that is really just stimulating your scalp. That is what encourages hair growth. During this tingling, the peppermint oil is also balancing your scalp's PH. And keep in mind that a healthy scalp is one that produces healthy hair, so these natural ingredients will help not only help hair growth but will keep your hair healthy as well.

How to make the hair mask:

1. I like to measure out about half a cup of pumpkin seed oil and 5-6 drops of peppermint oil. You want it to be at room temperature. Combine the two oils to make the mask.
2. Place the mask on your scalp and massage it in. I usually flip my hair upside down and take my time brushing my hair gently while the brush massages my scalp.
3. I wear a shower cap while I sleep, and sometimes I tie on an old headband to keep the oil from dripping.
4. Shower the next morning. When washing out the mask, remember that the peppermint oil will diffuse into the steamy shower air, so I recommend keeping your eyes closed (trust me, I learned the hard way).

You can do this as many times as you like, but I only do it once a week.

This is the first of many things you can do to help your hair grow. Be on the lookout for another blog coming soon that will continue on this topic! Until then, I hope you all have beautiful hair days!

Love, Paige