Dita Von Teese told Vogue that her glamorous vintage look is no more high maintenance than other women’s supposed low-key “effortless” looks. “I have a lot of friends that have a very natural look and it takes just as long,” Dita says. “They straighten their hair, wear all that bronzer and beige lipstick and apply 50 coats of mascara to make themselves look natural. I’m doing the same thing just with different colors. I set my hair which is actually quicker than a blow dry. I get ready just as quick as any other woman I know.”

A while back I went to a makeup event at the the W Hotel in Westwood. Remember? They were filming The Hills with Heidi’s sister and mom? That totally made it into the second to last episode! Anyway. At the event, I met Bare Escentuals makeup artist, Amber Blasco. She did my makeup and introduced me to some amazing Bare Escentuals products that I cannot live without, like all their mascara, lip glosses and eyeshadows. (By the way, do you recognize who Amber is makeup in the top pic? That’s my looove Jennifer Carpenter from Dexter!) When Amber did my makeup, she made my eyes look better than I have ever seen them look–she is a true artist! We talked a bit about wedding makeup and I knew I had to do a full-scale HOTB interview with her! So check it out: Amber answered all of my annoying wedding makeup questions, but seriously, this advice is great for everyone! Not just those about to head down the aisle, like I am about to do in exactly 8 1/2 hours. ;)

Hair On The Brain: For cry-prone brides, do you have any tips for keeping your eye makeup from running and smudging?

Amber Blasco: Definitely test out waterproof mascara prior to your wedding day to ensure it doesn’t run. I’d recommend putting it on at 7am and wearing it until at least 10pm that evening to see how it performs. Lash Builders help to extend mascara wear and give the appearance of full, feathery lashes. They are worth the investment.  It’s also important to wear a waterproof or water-resistant lash liner. Again, testing it out prior to your wedding day is key. If you don’t want to spend the money testing products, or don’t have the time, just let your makeup artist know that this is important when discussing your look for the wedding day. She or he should know exactly what you use during the trial run and then you can test it out to see how it works for you.

HOTB: Lots of brides are stressed out and tired right up until their wedding day. What can you do to help diminish or hide under eye circles and puffiness?

Amber: There are a few tricks. Avoiding alcohol the night before is a big one. It can lead to fluid retention and puffiness around the eyes. Also, if an eye cream has a rich texture, the delicate eye area can absorb too much product. As a result, you can potentially end up with an overly hydrated and puffy eye. Using an extremely lightweight eye cream the night before will help. I love the RareMinerals Active Triple Treatment Eye Cream. It was engineered not only to gently hydrate, but also to de-puff the eye area.  I swear by it.

As far as makeup goes, it’s important to select a peach based concealer to correct the appearance of a dark under eye. That way you can apply a lot less product, and, in turn, achieve a more natural finish. Just don’t go outside the darker under-eye area with a peach based concealer, or else you will see a demarcation! If you still feel like you look tired, try dusting a luminizer around the outer portion of the orbital bone, such as bareMinerals Flawless Radiance, to add an instant boost and lift to the eye.  One last big one that will “wake up” the eye area is filling in the brows. It will lift the focal point of the eye makeup up about an inch or so, giving the eye area a youthful, open and fresh look.

HOTB: Summer is prime wedding time, but it’s also the time of the year when greasy skin is most prevalent. How do you keep skin flawless, glowy and non-greasy?

Amber: I think a lot of women accidentally use the same skincare year round. If your makeup tends to melt off in the summer, it’s a good time to update to a more lightweight moisturizer and eye cream. I find foundation and eyelid primers are a huge help as well. It seems like an extra step in the morning, but it takes a lot longer to touch up mid-day when makeup is starting to look worn. For a glowy, yet non-greasy effect, it’s all about proper placement on the face with your favorite luminizer. Avoid applying it on your T-zone, but definitely use a luminous blush and lip gloss. This will make your overall look radiant, but not greasy looking.

HOTB: What are your favorite blotting papers?

Amber: I feel like they all pretty much perform the same. It’s better to use an oil control primer before applying makeup to help prevent oil break through. It’s less work, and it keeps makeup in place rather than smearing it around or disturbing its appearance like oil blotting sheets tend to do.

HOTB: Stress often leads to breakouts. How should you deal with a last minute zit?

Amber: If you have times when you know you’re going to be stressed and you’re also very busy, place a good acne preventative exfoliator in your shower to use in the morning. It will help slough off dead skin cells and prevent break outs. If you wake up with a zit or constellation of zits (ugh, don’t you hate it when that happens?), use a gentle, healing concealer, such as bareMinerals multi-tasking concealers. They won’t contribute to further breakouts or irritation. Applying the concealer with a taklon brush will give a smooth, natural finish, but also a lot of coverage if you so desire. If you want to heal the blemish during the day, Blemish Therapy works great when used in conjunction with foundation; or it can be used before bed to heal you while you sleep. That way you can have 24 hours of treatment on your skin and get rid of the zits more quickly.

HOTB: What’s the best way to make sure your makeup stays put all night?

Amber: Primers will change your life forever! Foundation and eyelid primer help more than you think. It’s essential to use both products for flawless extended wear.

HOTB: In your opinion, spray tan or no spray tan? It would be nice to have an all-over glow of  color… But not so nice to be orange or have the tan rub off on your dress!

Amber: I say do whatever makes you feel confident and beautiful! If that means getting a professional spray tan, go for it. If you feel great about rocking out your fair skin, go for it! Celebrities themselves go either way on this sort of thing. It really depends on what you’re wearing and what look you would like to achieve.

HOTB: What makeup tricks would you recommend to really make your eyes standout in photographs?

Amber: There are a lot of ways to accomplish a stunning eye for photos and it starts with filling in your brows to frame your eye makeup. Proceed by brightening your eye lid with your under eye concealer. Using a blending brush, place a medium toned matte crease color (preferably close to the color that you use to fill in your brows) slightly above your natural crease line for a natural doe-eyed look. If you don’t feel like dealing with the application of false lashes, lining the lash line with a gel liner that matches your mascara (brown, black, or navy; Buxom Lashliner is great for this) will lend a false lash effect. Finish with a volumizing mascara and you’re set. This is a more user friendly and less time consuming way to make your eyes pop without a lot of effort on your part. If you have extra time, line the lower waterline with the same gel liner used on the upper lash line.  Finish with highlighting the outer 3^rd of your brows and the inner corner of your eyes with a matte eye shadow that is three shades lighter than your foundation shade. It’s all about appearing natural and fresh with wide doe eyes. You don’t want to look like you’ve tried too hard.

HOTB: Any recommendations for brides when looking for a makeup artist for the big day?

Amber: Makeup artists adore making brides feel amazing for one of the biggest days of their lives! If you’re happy, then we’re happy. With that being said, it’s a good idea to shop around and ask your friends for recommendations, or check online for someone who specializes in bridal makeup. Just like with hair, if you dig his or her own personal makeup style, you will probably like how he or she applies makeup. Don’t be afraid to show the artist magazine clippings of what you are looking for. This helps to specifically clarify how you want to look, and any makeup artist can modify this idea to what fits your features best.

HOTB: And do you have a favorite makeup trick you would like to share?

Amber: Sure! I love giving out tips. Are you tired of buying the same lip gloss and lipstick over and over? The best way to update your lip color and get out of a rut is to shop for your lip products without any blush on your cheeks. People tend to purchase the same lip products over and over because they are typically trying it on with the blush they normally wear. Blush and lip products should be in the same color family; so if you want to change your look, you’ve got to change both products. For example, applying a plum-based blush and wearing it with a peachy gloss looks off. There are no real rules with what you can or can’t pull off as far as colors go; it just comes down to coordinating it properly. Have fun with it, and experiment! If you aren’t sure if certain colors coordinate, don’t be afraid to ask the makeup artist for suggestions. If there isn’t a makeup artist around, striping the color on your wrist will be sufficient. You’ll know right away if the colors work together or not.

Are you looking for an amazing mascara and never can find the perfect formula that does it all? If that’s the case, don’t be afraid to layer different formulas together after curling your lashes. I like it when a thickening mascara is used for the first coat, and then a volumizing mascara is applied for the second coat. The overall finish is total dynamite! If you feel tired, apply a navy mascara on the tips of your upper lashes for the third coat. This will instantly make you look more crisp and awake.  Want even more drama? Line the upper waterline with a gel liner to further add to the effect. This is an unassuming way to accent your lashes in a dramatic way.

There are so many great makeup tips here, Amber! Thank you so much! Amber is a National Makeup Artist for Bare Escentuals and she works in Los Angeles. If you would like to contact her for wedding makeup or any professional makeup application, her email is ablasco@bareescentuals.com.

Hair On The Brain: I know I did my consultation totally late. When should bridez really do their wedding hair consultation?

Kristen Gaby: A bride should be “stylist shopping” for her wedding approximately 2-3 months before her wedding date. It is important to at least book a consultation to get to know the stylist and understand their approach to hair, style, and availability. The consultation should include a ball-park quote and a trial run. A trial run is the stylist giving you a preview of how your hair will look on your actual wedding day. It also helps the stylist account for how much time they will need to work with your hair day of.

HOTB: What specific things should you ask your stylist?

Kristen: Ask your stylist if she has any suggestions for creating a unique look for you on your wedding day. Ask when a color and cut should be done and how soon before the wedding. Ask if the stylist has price packages to include your wedding party. It is always great to ask if the stylist can travel to you on your wedding day. It may cost a little more, but not having to worry about the commute or leaving the salon on time is priceless.

HOTB: I totally agree with that! You don’t want to have to drive around on that day, especially in LA traffic. Do you have any advice on how to pick the right hairstyle for your wedding?

Kristen: I find that many girls get attached to a certain hair style and forget that their hair needs to compliment and work with their overall look. Some things to take into account are the shape of the dress, your facial bone structure, and if you are wearing earrings or a necklace. Other things to consider are the neckline of the dress, the time of the wedding, and if it’s an indoor or outdoor ceremony. In your trial run with the stylist, don’t limit yourself to one look. Try several different looks. The one you pick might surprise you!

HOTB: It is good to be open minded when in the chair, especially when your stylist is just trying out different looks. Do you have any tips specifically for short haired women on their wedding day?

Kristen: Short hair brides do not despair! I have worked wonders with temporary extensions on the day of the wedding, especially with updos. If the hair is too short to wear up at all, consider a simple wave with an accent in the hair such as a beaded headband or a vintage jeweled clip. I would stay away from trying to do a “half-up” look with bob length hair, it tends to look school-girlish and not very sophisticated.

HOTB: Should you bring along any hair accessories and veils you will be wearing?

Kristen: Because you want the most accurate idea of the look you will get on your wedding day, I highly encourage bringing your veil and/or any hair accessories (no matter how silly or glittery you think they are), a picture of you in your dress, and any pictures of hairstyles that you like. Also, bring a digital camera and have your stylist take a picture of all angles of your hair so that you can see how it photographs. It is also important to bring the veil so that the stylist can anticipate what kind of hair comb they are working with or around.

HOTB: Oops. I didn’t do any of that! Any other tips for brides when working with hair stylists?

Kristen: Be sure to ask your stylist if they would prefer your hair washed the day of or the night before. That can sometimes make a difference. Be sure to relax and be patient during the trial run because your stylist is “getting to know” your hair. Understand that it is a creative process. Don’t be afraid to speak up if their is something that you don’t like: “Can we make this piece higher?” or “Can we make this sleeker?”

HOTB: I agree. Don’t suffer in silence, but please don’t be bridezilla either!

Kristen: Right. And if you do not have good energy with your stylist during your trial run, WALK AWAY! You do not need any negative energy around you on your wedding day, and you definitely don’t need a stylist with a diva complex. Find someone that calms you and is confident in their skills and it will be a great fit.

HOTB: Very true, Kristen. Not every stylist is cut out to do bridal hair. How do you make sure your curls/waves stay put throughout your wedding day and night?

Kristen: To ensure that your curl will last through your big day, is largely up to your stylist. For hair that is being worn down here is my golden rule: NEVER rake your fingers through your set curls! If you feel they are losing their bounce, simply mist with a light hairspray and do a soft scrunching motion with your hands to encourage bounce.

HOTB: Any tips for beach brides?

Kristen: I know beach brides just love the beachy wavy hair that’s worn down. It’s beautiful in magazine, but there are some things to consider. It’s usually very windy on the beach and the air is usually quite moist. If you don’t want to constantly be tucking your hair behind your ear or pulling it out of your mouth during your vows, then I suggest a happy medium. Consider wearing your hair half up and half down with the loose beach wave. I have seen even the most “curl friendly” hair fall out and frizz at beach weddings. If your ceremony is indoors after the beach ceremony, consider asking your stylist to style your hair in such a way where you can take out the half-up pins and give you head a shake and rock a beautiful all-down style for the reception.

HOTB: Do you have any specific hair products that you couldn’t live without when doing wedding hair?

Kristen: My updo/styling secret weapon that I am absolutely obsessed with is Bumble & Bumble’s Thickening Spray. It is a fantastic thermal product that ensures long lasting curl and great hold! I also wouldn’t go anywhere without hair powder/dry shampoo. Dry shampoo is my secret to long lasting updos that do not slip. It gives hair great volume, moldability, and hold.

HOTB: I can’t live without dry shampoo either–it’s amazing stuff. What’s your favorite wedding hairstyle?

Kristen: My current favorite style right now is a textured, loose, un-done updo. I find that look to be so beautiful. Braids and waves are very in too, and that gives a soft romantic look for any bride. Accenting this kind of updo with a vintage pin or small feather is absolutely stunning!

HOTB: Oh, that sounds so pretty! Any other wedding hair tips you would like to add?

Kristen: Some great points to remember for creating harmony between hair and dress: If the dress is very detailed, beaded, and ruffled, the hair should be more simple and sleek so that the eye won’t be distracted with all the bead work and a huge main of hair. If the dress is simple, smooth and sleek, try doing something soft and curled to contrast the simplicity of the dress.

Thank you so much for all this great advice, Kristen! I’m so excited to see you soon.  :)

To book an appointment with Kristen Gaby, you can email her directly at kristen.gaby@gmail.com and check out her Facebook page.

Friend of the Blog and fellow extension-obsessed writer, Katrina Spencer just published her second novel, Unbeweaveable. The name of which totally cracks me up and I try to fit into everyday conversation as much as possible. It’s about a tough New York woman whose life takes a turn, forcing her to move back home to Texas… and remove her weave. It’s funny and lighthearted, just like Katrina. Check out our interview where we discuss her new book, celeb hair, and of course, extensions!

Hair On The Brain: A hot topic of conversation on HOTB is extensions. Obviously, that’s something you love so much you decided to write a book about it. How did you come up with the idea?

Katrina Spencer: I’m a former hairstylist that was forced to retire due to health reasons. Going down to one income, I couldn’t see myself spending so much money on my hair weave, so (insert tear here) I had to remove my weave. I was surprised by how vulnerable I felt wearing my natural hair. I was totally addicted to my weave. So I thought, “Hey, I bet tons of other women feel like this.” And Unbeweaveable was born.

HOTB: What did you learn when you removed your weave?

Katrina: My career for over ten years was hair, hair, hair. So when I removed my weave, I learned that–yes, looking your best is important–but you don’t need a weave to do that.

HOTB: Can you talk about your transition from hairstyling to writing?

Katrina: I was never the healthiest person growing up, and I knew that doing hair would only last me so long, that eventually I would have to find something less demanding. When my sister dared me to write a novel better than the one she attempted, I thought, “Okay, I can do that.” After a few trial and errors I wrote my first novel Six O’clock. After placing in a few short story contests, I realized I loved writing just as much, if not more, than my love affair with hair. SO I set out to make it happen.

HOTB: Styling hair and writing are worlds apart. How did you prepare to write a book?

Katrina: Actually, they are more similar than people think. As a hairstylist, you have to work really hard on your craft to gain clients, and you always have to hustle. You’re constantly promoting yourself and your salon to gain more. The same applies to writing. I had to take a few writing courses, gather as many books as I could to study the craft, and started writing. I do think I have a natural talent for both. Growing up, I loved to read as much as I loved to style my Barbie’s hair!

HOTB: What’s one thing you learned as a hairstylist that helped your writing?

Katrina: Dealing with rejection. Styling hair is an art, and art is subjective. One client may love a style I give her, while another could cry in my chair. You learn early to separate yourself from your work and not to take it personally. If you didn’t like your hair I would try to fix it, but if I couldn’t I had to move on to my next client. That discipline has really helped me in my writing. Not everyone is going to love my books–and that’s okay. Either way I’m moving forward to the next one.

HOTB: Unbeweaveable’s main character Mariah deals with self-esteem issues. Is that a theme in your writing?

Katrina: It looks like it is! In Six O’clock, Yolanda felt inadequate in her thin body in this, ‘bootylicious’ society. In Unbeweaveable, Mariah grew up with a sister who had light skin and long hair–what her standard of beauty is. In both books, both of them were teased mercilessly in school, but where Yolanda internalized her pain, Mariah became a bully, her way of protecting herself from getting hurt.

HOTB: What advice would you give aspiring authors?

Katrina: To read, read, read! Read widely and across genres. Reading helps develop your voice, and teaches you what styles you want to emulate and want styles you want to avoid. Plus, it’s fun.

HOTB: What celebrity hair do you currently love?

Katrina: I’ve got several! I love Salma Hayek,’s hair. Her bob on the cover of the June InStyle magazine is something I’m gearing for this summer. I’ve always been a fan of her style. Jada Pinkett’s hair is always styled beautiful and her hair on the cover of the July issue of Essence magazine describes easy, breezy summer style. Beyonce’s hair stays flawless. Now that’s a true Weavy Wonder, (a woman who rocks a weave regularly). And Victoria Beckham. Does she ever have a bad hair day?

HOTB: How are you currently wearing your hair?

Katrina: I’ve tried just about every style out there, but I have to say that I either prefer my hair really short, or really long. This summer, I plan to give my natural hair a break and rock a textured wavy weave. Don’t worry; I’m not addicted–I do take several breaks wearing my real hair. Healthy hair is really the best look for every woman.

Thanks so much for the interview, Katrina, and good luck with Unbeweaveable.

If you guys want to learn more about Katrina, go to katrinaspencer.com and stop by her blog, Curl Up and Write, where she dishes about writing, hair and more.

You know I love Cameron Diaz when she’s not speaking, so what’s better than a photo spread of the ever-smiling, booty-shaking, leg-alicious, blonde movie goddess? In the August issue of Harper’s Bazaar, Cameron Diaz reveals that she is more focused than ever on her career, her friends, and dating men, not boys. In the interview, Cameron opens up about dating bad boys, working with her ex, Justin Timberlake, and her “juicy booty.” (Ugh. Let’s skip that part.)

While Cam doesn’t dish about who she is dating, she does say, “I grew up with the Dodgers, but now I’m a Yankees fan.” So you can draw your own conclusions…. Cameron also says she’s always loved men and boys. “I don’t get hung up on what boys do. I don’t have a nagging nature. I feel like I can be a woman but also relate to a man. . . Who doesn’t like the bad boy, until you grow up and realize bad boys are not the way to go? I’m done with that.”

She’s also a woman who can stay friends with her exs, like Justin Timberlake. They are working together in the upcoming comedy Bad Teacher. “Justin and I have laughed together for years,” she says. He is the funniest guy.”

The August issue of Harper’s Bazaar hits newsstands July 20th.

Photo credit: Terry Richardson

Now that 4th of July has come and gone, summer is officially in full swing! It’s time to get gorgeous for beach days, summer vacations, and BBQs. M∙A∙C Cosmetic’s new limited edition To The Beach Collection is here to keep you glowing and gorgeous. And I got to dish with Tiffany Johnston, M∙A∙C Senior Artists, on some summer beauty tips and trends. Check it out…

Hair On The Brain: What’s a quick & easy way to transform your makeup to a summer look?

Tiffany Johnston: The easiest way to take your look to summer time is to sweep some bronzer around the perimeter of your face. It gives you a beautiful bronze halo. M·A·C has a powder bronzer that comes in different shades to coordinate with your skin tone. Use a big fluffy brush like the #150 to make sure it doesn’t look like blush.

HOTB: How do you keep your makeup “melt proof” during hot summer months?

Johnston: In order to keep your makeup melt proof during the hot summer months, you need to check out M·A·C’s long wearing eye products. There is a product called Paint Pot that dries down and sets on the skin to become virtually smudge proof, water resistant, and transfer resistant for like 12 hours! You could do your makeup in the morning, run some errands, attend a yoga class, take a nap and wake up looking fresh and new! Who doesn’t want that ease in their life? And the Paint Pot isn’t where it ends; they have long wearing eyeliners, and of course their entire line of M·A·C Pro Longwear Lustre Lipcolour.

HOTB: What are some of your favorite new M·A·C products this summer?

Johnston: My favourite M·A·C products for summer are the Lustre Drops from To the Beach. They give me that perfect sun kissed, drenched, dewy look that makes me just want to show off my skin!

HOTB: Is there a makeup product that you should ditch during summer months?

Johnston: I’m a fan of ‘must have’ beauty products, so there is rarely a product I would ditch during the summer months. I’ll tell you what I’d stock up on though: SPF! In the summer, the sun is out and delivering more than just the required amount of vitamin D. We need to be smart and protect ourselves, not just from aging but from harmful long term effects. I love the Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50. It’s double duty as a primer and sunscreen makes it invaluable.

HOTB: Do you have a favorite makeup tip that you would like to share?

Johnston: For summer months my favourite tips would be “less is more”. Experiment with less foundation and apply powder where you need it. If your foundation is a bit more see through, the makeup takes on a fresher appearance without any effort from you at all. Let your freckles show a little. It’s their time to shine!

Serena Williams just won her fourth trophy on Centre Court of Wimbledon, beating Russia’s Vera Zvonareva 6-3, 6-2. It’s Serena’s 13th Grand Slam singles title, which moves her one ahead of mentor Billie Jean King. But before Wimbledon, Serena showed off her stylish side in a stunning spread for the August issue of Harper’s Bazaar, on newsstands July 20th.

In the spread Serena sports a Fendi dress and a swimsuit by Eres opens up about dating–revealing the reasons behind her break up with rapper/actor Common. Plus, she discusses coming to peace with her naturally curvy, gorgeous body: “I was 23 when I realized that I wasn’t Venus,” Serena says. “She’s totally different. I’m super curvy. I have big boobs and this massive butt. She’s tall and she’s like a model and she fits everything. I was growing up, wanting to be her, wanting to look like her, and I was always fitting in her clothes, but then one day I couldn’t. But it’s fine. Now I’m obviously good, but it’s a weird thing. … To this day, I don’t love my arms. People want more fit arms, but my arms are too fit. But I’m not complaining. They pay my bills.”

And on her new short hair, Serena says, “Since I don’t look like every other girl, it takes a while to be okay with that. To be different. But different is good. I feel so much sexier with short hair. I wanted to reach inside me and feel better. I don’t want to hide behind a facade of hair.”

Aw, I love Serena’s new short hair and love Serena!!

Photo Credit: William Klein

Remember my obsession with Karla’s hair from Karla’s Closet? I even interviewed her Karla’s stylist Irene from Hairroin Salon! Well, in case you’re wondering, Karla’s hair is still totally badass and I am still obsessed.

She has such a great short cut–perfect summer hair inspiration…

And I adore her style. She dresses like such a lady.

Of course, the coolest lady ever.

Image Source: Karla’s Closet

Hair On The Brain: You sort of painted highlights onto my hair instead of using foils, what is that technique called?

Alfredo Lewis: The technique I used is called Balyage. It means “to paint”.

HOTB: What is the benefit of Balyage vs. the traditional foil method?

Alfredo: I have been doing Balyage for over 15 years, and I feel that it gives the hair a more natural sun-kissed look, like when you see children with those amazing, natural highlights. As we get older, we lose that look, and I try to recreate it hat withBalyage highlights. Using that process you can also get closer to the scalp and there is less over lapping.

HOTB: What are your tips for caring for highlights and extending their life?

Alfredo: Try to not over wash your hair because washing your hair too much strips it of its natural oils. Use color safe shampoos and conditioners. There are several that I like, but my favorite is Oribe Beautiful Color Shampoo and Conditioner. If you’re out in the sun a lot, use a leave-in conditioner with UV protection. Rene Furterer has a great one. If you swim, the Smoothing Serum from Brazilian Blowout is great to protect your hair from the elements. And lastly, getting a “Smudge” in-between highlights is a great way to extend time between full highlights, and it keeps your highlights looking fresh and shiny. A “Smudge” is a color process where you bump up the roots 1/4 of a shade to a full shade using a color with 20 to 30 volume for five minutes. You are in and out of the salon in less than 30 minutes!

Find out when to time your Brazilian Blowout if you have highlights, and how often to touch up your color, after the break!

HOTB: What about having highlights with a Brazilian Blowout?

Alfredo: Brazilian Blowouts are fantastic for highlighted hair. The only rule of thumb is that you color the hair before the Brazilian Blowout. If not, then you need to wait 10 days before coloring or highlighting. The Brazilian is a smoothing and conditioning treatment that eliminates frizz and gives the hair incredible shine, so doing one after highlights/color just intensifies the shine and seals the color. I like to do the Brazilian the same day because I think it locks in the color and reconditions, but it is fine to do it on different days if you want.

HOTB: How often should you touch up your highlights?

Alfredo: Everyone’s hair is different. It depends on how dark your natural base color is as well, but usually between four to eight weeks.

HOTB: Anything else highlight-y you would like to add for the Hair On The Brain readers?

Alfredo: We spoke a lot about Balyage highlights, but I also do foil highlights and lowlights. I think both have their purpose and both can be beautiful when done skillfully and properly. Foil is more uniform where as Balyage is more freestyle. With foil you are highlighting the whole strand where as with Balyage you are highlighting the outer strand. I chose Balyage for you because you had such a gorgeous base to work with, and for the look I wanting to create I felt that Balyage was best suited for you. A lot of colorists only do one or the other. Personally, I feel that it is important to know how to do both and do them well.

Thanks so much, Alfredo! If you are in the Los Angeles area and want your hair colored, highlighted, or would like a Brazilian Blowout, run on over to the Argyle Salon & Spa and visit Alfredo.  :)

Argyle Salon & Spa
8358 Sunset Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 623-9000

The Brazilian Blowout™ (BB) is the only smoothing treatment with ZERO downtime, that means no three day wait to wash your hair like with the keratin based treatments! The minute you leave the salon with your BB, you are good to go. The main question I have been asked about my Brazilian Blowout, is if it damaged my hair, but it is the exact opposite–it seemed to improve the health of my hair, totally eliminated the frizz and added shine. It just adds a protective protein layer around each hair strand. And BB are cumulative, so your hair’s condition will improve with each treatment. So now I am totally hooked, as are celebs like Ashley Tisdale, Nicole Richie, Stephanie Pratt, Rachel McAdams, Jen Aniston, Halle Berry, Salma Hayek… The list goes on! Check out these FAQ for everything you want to know about the BB.  :)

Q. Who is the best candidate for the Brazilian Blowout?

A. It has been our experience, that good candidates for the Brazilian Blowout are anyone who has frizzy, damaged or processed hair. We have performed the treatment on every hair type (fine/course/frizzy, curly), as well as hair that has been permed, Japanese straightened and extensions. In doing so, we have found that with proper communication and a well considered application, everyone can benefit from the Brazilian Blowout smoothing treatment.

Q. What kind of look will you get from the Brazilian Blowout?

A. The hair will be left totally frizz-free, shiny, effortlessly manageable and with plenty of body and bounce. There will still be the option to wear hair curly/wavy (depending on the hair type) and the freedom to blow dry hair smooth and straight in a fraction of the time invested prior to receiving the treatment.

Q. Can I still receive a Brazilian Blowout if I have highlights and/or color?

A. Yes, the Brazilian Blowout will actually improve the health of color-treated/highlighted hair by conditioning the hair while sealing the cuticle for enhanced color, reduced frizz and radiant shine.

Q. Is the Brazilian Blowout going to make my hair straight?

A. If your hair is wavy, the Brazilian Blowout will make your hair appear naturally straight and healthy. If your hair is very curly, it will minimize frizz while enhancing the appearance of the natural wave/curl. If you have straight, frizzy hair, this treatment will eliminate frizz and promote radiant shine.

Q. How long does the Brazilian Blowout last?

A. The Brazilian Blowout will last for 10-12 weeks if the Acai After-Care Maintenance product line is used. The Brazilian Blowout is a cumulative treatment, in that the more you receive it, the healthier the hair will be and the longer the result will last.

Q. Can you apply the Brazilian Blowout directly on top of other relaxers and strengtheners?

A. Yes. The Brazilian Blowout actually works best on chemically treated hair, and helps to improve the hairs condition by fortifying each strand with essential amino acids. The Brazilian Blowout works great directly on top of a relaxer. Perform the relaxer first, Brazilian Blowout next, and then neutralize at the very end of both treatments. The Brazilian Blowout is great to perform when someone is trying to move away from having relaxers or Japanese straighteners.  It puts movement back into the hair, allowing the hair to look its best.

Q. Will my hair lose volume if I receive the Brazilian Blowout?

A. No, your hair will not lose volume as a result of receiving the Brazilian Blowout. Your hair will maintain its natural volume and you will still receive great bend and memory when blow-drying and/or using a curling iron.

Q. Will my hair return to its original state after the Brazilian Blowout treatment has completed its life cycle?

A. Yes, the hair will revert to its original state once the Brazilian Blowout treatment has completed its life cycle of 10-12 weeks, however, the condition of the hair will actually improve as a result of the fortifying and conditioning nature of the product.

Q. Can you color your hair the same day you receive a Brazilian Blowout?

A. Yes, however, you must color your hair prior to having the Brazilian Blowout smoothing treatment. If you are coloring hair dark brunette or red, you will want to color the hair a shade darker than you otherwise would, as the hair color will experience fading during the Brazilian Blowout treatment.

Q. Can you swim in the pool or ocean after you have the Brazilian Blowout treatment?

A. Yes, you can swim in either the pool or the ocean after you receive the Brazilian Blowout treatment, however, the treatment may be slightly compromised if you swim on a regular basis. We recommend that you apply the Brazilian Blowout Smoothing Serum on the hair prior to swimming in order to act as a protective barrier to maintain the smoothest possible result for the longest period of time.

Q. How soon can you touch up your color after you receive the Brazilian Blowout Treatment?

A. You should wait at least two weeks to administer color to the hair after you receive the Brazilian Blowout, as the color will not deposit as effectively with the protein protective layer provided by the smoothing treatment. If you need to touch up color/roots in between treatments, this is ok, as the hair being touched up is new growth and does not have the treatment on it. If you need to highlight or pull the full color through the entire head of hair, make sure you use the Brazilian Blowout masque at least once or twice a week to fortify the treatment back into the hair.

Q. How soon can I wash my hair after the Brazilian Blowout treatment?

A. You can wash your hair immediately after the Brazilian Blowout treatment, or as you would normally.

Q. Can I receive the Brazilian Blowout if I have over-processed blonde hair? What if my hair is platinum blonde?

A. It is important for every stylist to assess the condition of the client’s hair to make sure it is in a healthy enough state to apply extreme heat through the use of a flat iron. If it is felt that the hair is in questionable condition, the recommendation is to turn the flat iron down from 450 degrees to approximately 380-420. The stylist will have to determine the appropriate amount of heat to apply.

Q. Can you perform a Brazilian Blowout on extensions?

A. Yes, the Brazilian Blowout performs perfectly on hair extensions. It would be best for the stylist to perform the Brazilian Blowout separately on the extensions prior to putting them into the hair. If you wish to perform the treatment on extensions that are already in the hair, the stylist will need to be extremely careful when applying the solution to the bonded area. Brazilian Blowout solution acts as a conditioning agent, and may create slip resulting in the extensions separating from the hair. If the stylist is careful and works to first separate the extension hair from the client’s own hair, a great result can be achieved.

Q. Can I receive a Brazilian Blowout if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

A. There have been no clinical tests performed on the safety of performing the Brazilian Blowout on pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding. As a result, we do advise against pregnant or breastfeeding women receiving the Brazilian Blowout treatment.

Q. How soon can I receive a Brazilian Blowout treatment after I receive my first treatment?

A. The Brazilian Blowout is just like a conditioning treatment, so you will not harm the hair by performing them too soon or too much, however, please remember that you can only fill the cuticle to its capacity. If a client wants to come back for another treatment, or it did not take to he hair the way it should have, you can have the client come back in 10 days following the first treatment.

Q. What is the active chemical in the Brazilian Blowout solution that makes it work so well?

A. This is a proprietary system that we are currently in the process of patenting. This treatment is 100% salon safe. What makes the Brazilian Blowout treatment effective is our use of the Super Nutrient Complex in conjunction with a proprietary polymer system. This combination is what rounds the follicle, smooths the cuticle and repairs any preexisting damage.

Q. How is the Brazilian Blowout different from the Japanese straightening method many people are familiar with?

A. Japanese hair straightening changes the actual structure of the hair. In doing so, there is an obvious difference between the new hair growth and the hair that has been treated, resulting in a life-long commitment to continuing the straightener or cutting hair off (if client is unhappy with the result). This service can also leave the hair flat, too straight and with little to no shine or luster. The hair’s integrity seems to be compromised, and after a few treatments, the hair appears to be in an unhealthy state.

Check out more posts on Brazilian Blowouts! And go here to find a BB stylist in your area.