Here are some pictures of a photo-shoot I participated in on Sunday, April 22. I love creating every kind of updo... both funky and classy! Wardrobe styling: Mina Lee Make-up: Vanessa Quinteros Hair: Akiha Imazu Photographer: Dan Kutler Model: Nicole Whittaker/JE Model Management (These pictures were taken by Akiha's iPhone)[gallery link="file"]
cherry blossom festival
At the San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival on Saturday, April 21, I volunteered at a charity booth to raise funds for the victims of the Northern Japan Earthquake that tragically occurred last year. I decorated hair with feathers and flowers. We raised $5379.50 in total, and 100% of the proceeds will be sent to The Ashinaga Fund and The Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund. I also created an updo for the Cherry Blossom, Hawaiian beauty pageant princess Nicole Kinney. It was such a fulfilling experience to be able to help others by doing something with my own skills. [gallery link="file"]
electric rouge
For the 2012 Spring/Summer season, make way for yummy orange lips! They are the season’s essentials! Some of my personal favorites are Guerlain’s Rouge G Gypsy #41 and YSL’s Rouge Pur Couture #21. Both colors will give you a vibrant orange tone with a touch of electric tangerine. I love to partner these with a pop of color on the cheek with Guerlain’s Terracotta Bronziing Powder #1, which is a gorgeous mosaic of almond and peach hues, or YSL’s Blush Radiance #2, which is a natural blend of corals. Have fun playing and enjoy!
morphing pinterest
If you are hearing about Pinterest for the first time, you may want to stop reading this now, because if you are anything like me - someone who is easily sucked into the cyberspace of social media, then add Pinterest to your list of internet addictions. The thing I love about Pinterest is that I can make my own digital vision board with pics on the web and with pics from my own personal collection. There is no more organizing magazine clippings and searching around the house for scissors, glue and poster board.
Together, Mishi and I have morphed our way onto Pinterest creating our own customized hair archives. We have begun to create galleries of Mishi’s personal work, to iconic hair vixens of the century that have paved the way to modern day hairdressing. As a way of creating inspiration for a full head-to-toe look, we have begun to create archives of makeup and clothes that are in for the season. It is a great place for ideas when you are in need for a little refresher the next time you step into the salon or go shopping! Check us out and enjoy!
advice from a curly girl
As a gal who received my curly hair genes from my Dad, growing up I had no idea how to make my hair look decent. In fact for most of my pre-teen years, it resembled a cropped poof ball on my head...it was bad. Mom was no help - with her pin-straight hair, she simply didn't know what to do with it.
Taming my hair took years of trial and error, but I finally found my miracle product: Frizz Ease by John Frieda. Even today it is my staple product. No matter what other alternatives I try, nothing compares to this frizz-fighting miracle in a bottle. Since finding the right product and techniques, my spring ringlets now regularly inspire “Oohs” and “Ahhs”.
Since I now have my regime perfected, and curly girl rules to live by, I thought it would be nice to share:
Rule 1: Shampoo infrequently, or better yet, use a vinegar rinse such as Rene Furtererʼs Fioravanti in place of your regular shampoo. Regular shampoos are often too harsh on curly hair. Even though curly hair is typically thick, it is naturally fragile and dry.
Rule 2: Use deep conditioners OFTEN. The key to curls sticking together, and thus looking beautiful, is more moisture.
Rule 3: Always use a wide-tooth comb in the shower to comb out your hair. This allows you to use the conditioner as a detangler and save your hair the damage done by brushing it out.
Rule 4: After you have detangled your curls, allow your conditioner to sit for at least 5 minutes, then rinse with cool light water pressure. This light water pressure will allow your hair to keep its natural curly shape and prevent frizz from starting.
Rule 5: Don’t use a towel to “towel dry” your hair. Instead, use a cotton T-shirt because it creates less friction. Simply blot your hair with the T-shirt rather than rubbing it. Less friction equals less frizz.
Rule 6: Add your Frizz Ease serum and lightly twist sections of your hair.
Rule 7: Either let your hair dry naturally or use a diffuser to partially dry it. And don’t be afraid to try other finishing products along with your frizz serum!
Last, but not least, be sure that you go to a hairdresser that is not only great at cutting, but specifically great at cutting curly hair. I love working with Mishi because she cuts according to how my curls fall naturally. She's the best!
Enjoy your ringlets!