Do Yourself A Favor...

With the economy in the state that it is in, many are cutting back on their spending.  Let's be real...  Getting your hair done on a weekly basis can become pretty expensive.  But who are we kidding? 
We all like to look good right?  Of course we do!!!  When it comes to your hair, my advice to the penny saver is to think things over before deciding on what to save on.  If you can not afford to do your hair every week, you should decide what is affordable to you.  Even if you attend the salon once a month, at least you're making an                                                       effort  to get some proper haircare. 

(Picture Credit: instructables.com)

Let's talk about what should NOT be done at home...  CHEMICALS.  If you DID NOT attend Cosmetology school, you should not be applying chemicals to your own hair or someone else's for that matter.  THIS IS SERIOUS BUSINESS!!!  I can not stress this any more.  You would not go to your best friend to pull out your wisdom tooth or give you a pap smear now would you?  I REST MY CASE.  I do not care how much someone thinks they know about hair or the chemicals used to relax or color, if they have not studied it and possess the proper certification, they can not apply a chemical to my head.  Point, Blank, PERIOD.  I don't know about you, but I like "my" hair.  Below you will see a picture of someone who has been chemically burned and scarred for life.

(^^^Picture credit:  healthylocsblog.com^^^)

There are dangers associated with the procedures such as overlapping, overprocessing, chemical burns, scarring of the scalp, just to name a few.  Which is why if you want to skip a salon visit, skip your in between visits.  You know, the ones in between relaxers or color appointments.  That is where you will save the most.  How, you ask?  Well, it'll save you from the cost of repairing damaged hair.
The chemicals in relaxers are so strong that they have been compared to Drano.  Yes, Drano.  It has gotten to the point where so many African-American women have decided to go natural (chemical free).  I've even given it some thought.  I think that it's a beautiful thing to see these beautiful women embrace their natural kink. (Picture Credit: myhairisme.com >>>>>>>>>>>)

I Prefer To Tweeze...

Lately, I have been so busy that I had been neglecting my eyebrows.  Anyone who knows me, knows that my eyebrows have become very important to me.  Normally I tweeze.  However, due to my neglection, I believe they were too far gone and decided to go get them waxed; then I would continue to keep them clean from there.  I was basicly starting over.  The only place I could get them done after 7pm was in the mall, so I made my way there. 

                                                        Picture Credit: purespamobile.com

To get to the nail salon that does the waxing, I had to pass the booth that does the threading.  Now keep in mind that I have never been threaded, but after doing research, it appears to be the same as tweezing... just a little faster.  Just from my observation, the young lady getting threaded had to hold her own skin taut.  Ummm, okay... I'm not interested in doing work when I'm spending my money for someone else to do the work.  Just my opinion.

                                                            Picture Credit:  dailyer.com

So, I get to the nail salon and I am told to wait my turn in a chair in the back.  The chair was actually facing the table where another young lady happened to be getting waxed.  Keep in mind that I am a licensed Cosmetologist who went to school for this same exact thing...  As I wait my turn, I noticed that the technician is using the same stick over and over again.  WHA DA WHAT?!  Double dipping is not sanitary and definitely not acceptable.  Of course I had to let her know when it was my turn to get in the chair that I noticed that she double dips.  Let's just say she didn't care to hear what I was saying.  She agreed to use different sticks while waxing me, which defeats the purpose if the wax is contaminated. Right?!  The saying "When you know better, you do better" goes great in this sentence.  Let's just say no more eyebrow waxing for me, unless I'm performing it on myself.  People fail to realize how sensitive the eye area is.  That is just a chance I don't think I want to take.  I'm sure you're wondering what I ended up doing...  You guessed it!!!  Tweezing.  I've actually became really good at it.  Some of my clients are convinced and have converted to tweezing as well. 

                                                    Picture Credit:  beautynewsnyc.com

This is not to persuade you to do either/or...  I just had to share my experience with you guys.  Whatever you choose to do, choose not to walk around with a bushy brow.      wink wink :)

Wishing you Beauty and Blessings in 2011,

Tamara "PinkDymunz" Mott

www.coloredprettybytamara.com

~FINDING THE RIGHT HAIR STYLIST~

It is said that "your hair is your glory."  Women who are serious about keeping their mane together are normally the "loyal" client.  These same women would probably vouch and say that finding the right hairstylist isn't an easy task.  The last thing you want is someone experimenting with your hair, so I've combined a few tips that may be helpful...

ASK.  See someone with a nice hairstyle?  Ask her who is her hair stylist, where the salon is located and what other styles the stylist is known for.

STOP.  Check for salons in your daily route.  With it being in your route, makes it convenient.  Stop in and advise the salon owner or manager that you're in search of a new stylist and you'd like a tour of the salon.  While you're there, it's the perfect time to ask about their best stylists for your hair type.  If you're not comfortable, it's okay to express that.  The manager may have a recommendation in the area.

RELATE.  Once you've decided to give a stylist a try, treat your first visit like a first date.  As we all know, in the dating process, you look for chemistry.  Look for connection in addition to talent.  Also, ask questions while in the chair (think of questions in advance and write them down).  A professional will be able to answer your questions with ease.

RELAX.  Your visit is over and you're now at home replaying it in your mind.  Take into account the total experience.  Was your wait time extremely long?  Did you enjoy your shampoo?  Is the environment inviting, comfortable or peaceful?  Did the stylist try to get to know you or did he/she just do your hair and take your money?  Are the services within your budget?  Location?  Payment options? And last but not least, do you LOVE your hairstyle?  If you can answer these questions and be at peace with your answers-- then RELAX...  this is the stylist for YOU!!!!

Beauty & Blessings in 2011

Tamar "PinkDymunz" Mott

http://www.coloredprettybytamara.com/

Salon Etiquette 101:

~IT'S YOUR APPOINTMENT TIME~

-YOUR STYLIST...

         Let's face the facts...  You not only chose your stylist because you love the way he/she styles your hair, but because you saw something in him/her that you liked.  I say that because I'm more than sure that there is 5 other stylists in your area that can create your hairstyle.  Maybe you are a referred client.  None the less, If your stylist is a good stylist, he/she will ALWAYS tell you the truth.  If a haircut is not fitting to your face or a color does not go with your undertones, you'll know up front.  If and when you're unhappy with your hair, say so immediately.  A stylist who takes pride in their work will do what is necessary to correct it.  This is the type of stylist you'd want to stay loyal to.  After all, you are their walking bill board!

-BE ON TIME...

        Arriving late for your appointment can throw off every other client scheduled after you.  In most cases, a stylist will reschedule for being more than 15 minutes late for your scheduled appointment.  You pay your stylist not only for their talent and knowledge, but for their time as well.  Scheduling an appointment and not showing up is not only a waste of time for the stylist, but also a waste of money.  You then occupied a time slot that someone else could have had.  Cancelling your appointment at least 24 hours in advance is common courtesy.

-BE PATIENT...

         If the stylist is running behind (which can happen if your stylist does not have an assistant), politely ask for an estimated time he/she will be able to get to you.  Sometimes, a client can get in the chair and ask for more services than were scheduled.  Your stylist may offer you a discount or free product/service.

-YOUR VISIT...

        During your visit, you should try NOT to bring your kids to the salon unless they are getting serviced or it is an absolute must.  For most clients, their salon appointment is the only time they get out of their day to relax.  The last thing a hard working woman who has come to the salon after a long hard day of work wants to do is watch your kids run around the salon. 

         Beauty shops are known for a place to hear all the latest gossip.  This takes away from the relaxed environment.  This is the number one reason to limit your "shop talk."

-TO TIP OR NOT TO TIP...

         It is good manners to tip anyone who have serviced you, whether it is your waitress, bartender or yes, your hairstylist.  Your stylist provides you with a service, and if you keep coming back, that may mean that you are a satisfied client. 

        What's standard you ask?  Assistants  5-10 percent, Stylists  15-20 percent is the norm.  How satisfied you are should determine which percentage you are comfortable giving.

-REBOOK...

         Last but not least--  If you're satisfied and think that you'll be back, be sure to rebook.  Book your next appointment before leaving the salon.  Book a tentative date/time if you're not sure.  You can always reschedule or cancel if you must.

~Beauty and Blessings in 2011

Mrs. Tamara Mott       

UN-BE-WEAVE-A-BALD

I had to bring this to my sistah's attention!!!  Yes, we all want the pretty long, flowing hair.  You know what I'm talking about...that Remy hair.  Many of us want to try that Quick Weave that the waitress in the restaurant wears, or that Sew-In the chick on the third pew wore in church last Sunday.  One thing is for sure, we all would like to look our best.  For some of us, that may mean adding hair, or colored contacts, or acrylic nails, etc.  Whatever it takes for you to feel comfortable in your skin, baby, I don't knock you!!!  However, some of our decisions may cause long term consequences.  In the pictures above, you can see how Traction Alopecia has become a part of these young ladies lives.  Traction Alopecia is only reversible if caught in the early stages, and if not, it leads to permanent hair loss and there is nothing that can be done about it.

Traction Alopecia is a hair losss condition caused by damage to the dermal papilla nd the hair follicle by constant pulling, tugging or tension over a long period (i.e., braids, cornrows, ponytails, etc).  There are many different styling techniques that put women, especially African American women at risk for alopecia.  Overprocessing of the hair, such as, chemical treatments like dyes, bleaches, relaxers, excessive use of heat and hairstyles that pulls or put tension on the hair root will cause alopecia to begin to take place.  Ladies, pull a switch-a-roo...switch up your style every now and then. 

If your stylist is telling you that there won't be any damage to your hair or scalp due to a weave, HE/SHE IS LYING!!!! 

Naomi Campbell has the money to get the "best of the best" to style her hair...Alopecia does not discriminate.  Have fun and try new styles, but I wouldn't suggest that you make it a habit.  People that don't have a choice, then I understand.  When a client sit in my chair, I give her what she wants, but I also tell her what she needs.  If for some reason, what she wants is damaging, then I let her know that she will have to get it else where.  Some may say that it's not right, but guess what?  I don't care!  I refuse to be the reason my sistah is walking around bald.  I am all about natural, healthy hair.

If you have hair, and you're constantly wearing someone else's, then shame on you.  The saying "You reap what you sow" or in this case "You reap what you sew" is cliche'.  Being beautiful is also about being healthy.  That goes for your hair as well. 

Wishing You Beauty & Blessings in 2011

~Tamara "PinkDymunz" Mott

http://www.coloredprettybytamara.com/

Nature's Best Kept Secret: Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Have you ever thought about all the benefits you can get out of olive oil?  Olive oil is nature's best kept secret.  It can be used for so many things.  For instance, cooking with olive oil opposed to vegetable oil or canola oil is much more healthier.  It's better for your blood pressure and even helps fight cancer.  You can eat olives, add it to salad dressings and what not.  When rubbed on skin, you can achieve soft, supple, healthy looking, glowing skin.  It's also great to pour about 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1/2 cup epsom salt in a foot bath and relax your tired feet.  Light an aromatherapy candle and get taken away. 

What else can olive oil do for us you ask?  These are my favorites...Apply a dab on your cuticles and pow...You've got yourself a cuticle softener.  Need to treat your hair?  Looking to have healthy, shiny hair?  Want your hair to grow?  Extra Virgin Olive Oil Does The Trick!!!!!!!  Stimulate your scalp by massaging the olive oil into your scalp to get your blood cells moving.  This promotes growth!!!  So does brushing from roots to ends!  Apply from roots to ends and wrap head with a steamed towel or cover in a plastic cap and sit under a hooded dryer for 30 mins for a great treatment.  You can even add it to your favorite conditioner for soft shiny hair.  Mix olive oil and a cup of brown sugar in a bowl to create your own sugar scrub.  Take it to the shower and experience amazing skin that your significant other won't be able to keep their hands off you.  Don't forget the lips...apply that sugar scrub to your lips and let it set for a few minutes then remove with a damp towel.  Now that's what I call kissable lips!!!

I've heard of olive oil helping with acne.  However, this is something I have yet to try.  One thing's for sure, olives are nature's best secret and I just let the secret out the bag!  Go to your nearest grocery store and get you a bottle of that good ole extra virgin olive oil.  You'll be getting your money's worth. Ciao Dymunz!!!!

WoW!!!!

Ok, let me keep it real.  It's been a while since I've been here, because for the life of me, I couldn't get this blog thing down.  However, I plan to give it another try.  If any of you bloggers are reading this post and you feel the need to share your wisdom...PLEASE DO!!!!  To my readers, I will only do posts once a week.  Being a newly wed, with a newborn baby, a full time job, and trying to start my own business, it doesn't leave me much time.  Posts will either happen on Saturday's or Sunday evenings...  Stay tuned!!!! ~TOODLES~