A Secret to my beach hair

June 4th, 2013 4 Comments

My friend, who shall remain nameless, who occasionally visits those crazy reblogging sites, tells me my nickname has become “MMBH” which stands for Mare Mare Beach Hair. First of all, that’s hysterical. I think it stems from my days living in Playa del Carmen with this particular friend and posting pics where I didn’t have a stitch of make up on or any product in my hair.

Tons of you wrote in asking “how do you make your hair wavy like that?” I had a method back then. I never posted it. (Sorry!)

Recently, since I’ve been doing nothing really but spinning, I don’t do my hair or my makeup. I feel like a ragamuffin (as my mom would say). So you can understand my surprise when I get consistent compliments on my hair! I should say, EVERYONE likes my hair better this way.

Well, I don’t! <<stamp my foot with a pouty face>> I prefer it straight, I feel better when it’s straight, and it’s easier to manage when it’s straight.

That being said, to straighten it is a process and time consuming. In order to get this wavy look everyone loves….I don’t have to do a THING to it.

The secret I’ll offer you is this: DON’T BRUSH YOUR HAIR after the shower.

Throw it up in a towel to let it dry and then shake it out with your fingers 10 minutes later. Then you have a wet head until it dries. The wait can be a little annoying if you’re trying to get out the door, but if you’re not doing anything to it, your hair will just dry on the way. I always bring a rubber band in case it falls flat so I can just throw it up in a bun or pony tail.

My friend Lily actually has long thick beautiful hair that couldn’t get curly if she tried, but she refuses to brush it an so she has this nice little wave going on.

You can try a light gel product to scrunch into it. Just make sure the weight of the product it’s heavy because it will pull your hair flat. I’m going to look into a few other kinds of products and I’ll report back.

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I’m secretly jealous of….

April 2nd, 2013 2 Comments

…Women who look super cute wearing their hair on top of their head. Doesn’t Renee and all of her long hair tied up look adorable…and sexy, all at the same time?! It’s such an “easy, breezy” look as my friend Kim would say. It’s a little grunge and a little glamor all in one bun. It’s the PERFECT post-workout do!

After years of trying to twist my hair into the bun, I thought I was incapable of achieving the look. But as you can see, I can do it, even with my short, thin hair. Thanks to Renee Herlocker, a sports and social personality I met on twitter and contacted for coffee (which turned into SoulCycle and smoothies) when I moved out to LA. As you’ll see in her hair tutorial, she’s amazingly cute. I can’t wait to hang out with her more when I get back.

I keep telling people they should reach out to new people on social media. What’s the worst that can happen? They say, “No thanks.” Big deal. The best part about it is you make a new friend or contacts. I met my BFF Sarah for the first time when she introduced herself as a tumbr reader at a concert. That night changed my life!

I digress. Fun hair, cute girl. Watch the video!

You can find Renee on twitter, facebook, instagram, etc @ReneeHerlocker.

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11 new tricks for fabulous hair

January 8th, 2013 No Comments

Rinse apple cider vinegar through your hair after you’ve shampooed and conditioned to seal down the hair cuticle. (via GarnierUSA)
Use a vented paddle brush to dry your hair faster (this Goody one looks awesome!) and then a medium-sized round brush with boar and nylon bristles.
Wipe down your flatiron plates with Windex or a damp cloth so styling products don’t form residue that will diminish the iron’s capabilities on your next use.
Splurge on a dryer that has lower heat and higher wattage. You’ll get a stronger wind for a quicker dry without hair shaft swelling from intense heat. (My two favorites here.)
Wrap a silk scarf around curly hair that has been blown out straight for 10 minutes to maintain bounce without getting the curl back.
Apply a dollup of “nurishing” or “hydrating” hair oil to your hair BEFORE you shower. Let it sink in for 10 minutes and then hop in the shower. This will give you a sleek blowout. (I like Moroccan products and use the LIGHT oil, but usually AFTER my shower….)
Use a lightweight aerosol shine spray instead of hairspray after you blowdry to tame flyaways and keep out moisture. (I use Biolage by Matrix Color Care Sheilding Shine Mist.)
Seek out finishing spray with UV. Just like your skin, your hair and color treatments need protection. (The Biolage spray above has UV.)
Opt for a root booster instead of mousse for extra volume. (I like Catwalk Root Booster by TIGI)
Keep your eye out for products to try next. Your hair will become accustomed to your favorite products and no longer respond to them after a while.
Eat healthy to improve your hair. Foods like Salmon that is high in omega 3 fatty acids, turkey supplies protein, green leafy veggies with vitamin A and C helps follicles produce a natural conditioner. (Read the full list here.)

(Info gathered from Allure Magazine, GarnierUSA, and my own experience.)

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Sun burn solution and more from Dr. Oz

June 6th, 2012 1 Comment

Yes, I know, it’s embarrassing I watch Dr. Oz. I just have the tv on in the background and he comes on! But, as I suffer through it, I pick up a lot of great tips. Yesterday, there were so many I couldn’t type fast enough to keep up. Here are the ones I thought would be most helpful for you:

1. Sun Burn Remedy

Slice a fresh potato in half or blend one up in water. Apply to the sunburn and then rise off. He says their phytochemicals will help ease your pain and heal the burn.

2. Split Ends.

Give yourself a beer rinse! Let your hair soak for 5 minutes and then rinse with shampoo and conditioner.

3. Weight Loss.

Dr. Oz referred viewers to the 7 day crash diet from Dr. Joel Fuhrman. The lady who they had give reactions to the rules of this diet seemed very uncomfortable with it (and giving up sugar on everything!), but it sounds reasonable to me. Eat 90% fruits and veggies and 10% meat and dairy. They advised lean breakfasts, belly-blasting bean lunches, and “skinny” shakes. Try to include BOMs in your meals. That is, eat more berries, onions, and mushrooms to help shed pounds. Click the link for all the details.

4. Dog Care

There were a bunch of different topics regarding dogs. Most of his answers I already incorporate into Mason’s life, like mixing wet food and dry food to keep your dogs happy and their teeth clean. For more detailed tips, click here.

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So jealous of her just-threw-it-up ‘do.

April 3rd, 2012 1 Comment

I saw this girl sitting on the curb as we were waiting in line for Fiona Apple at SXSW in Austin (where boho chic thrives).

When I asked her how she did it, she looked at me and said politely with her eyes, “Is she serious,” and actually responded, “I just threw it up.”

Well, of course she did! Ugh, I can never pull this together, no matter how long I try.

The best part was when I asked if I could snap a few pics and the guys next to her started laughing. Then when they realized I was serious they were all impressed with her. She was graceful about the whole thing, which is why she is truly a natural beauty :)

Long story long. Love her hair. Great look for spring. If you make it happen, let us know how you did it please!

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Reuniting with a reliable NYC love

October 4th, 2011 No Comments

I am soooo tired of picking up random shampoo and conditioner because of the promises printed on the front. Every time I’m disappointed when it doesn’t deliver. My solution: go back to what I know and love. Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Lavender and Mint Conditioner and I had a long love affair when I lived in NYC and my locks were desperate for moisture. Then, as with most products (and people) we overuse, it stopped working. After years apart, I thought it was time to reunite. As expected, it feels so good.

Want some of this moisture love? Browse prices here or pick up a bottle of PM Lavender Mint Conditioner at your local salon.

(Full disclosure: At one time PR did send me free bottles, such is no longer the case.)

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A hair straightener worth its plates and weight

September 27th, 2011 5 Comments

For the last year or so, I’ve been buying straighteners at Marshall’s, telling myself they’re all the same. We all know that’s not true.

On my recent trip to Mexico, I used Lisa’s Paul Mitchell ProTools (on Amazon for $162 down from $225) and was determined to splurge on a good one.

Then, by the grace of the PR goddesses, this GHD straightener was included in a beauty swag bag I received! (Love it when that happens.) I’d never heard of the brand, but I was going to give it a shot.

After using it for a week, I can tell you it’s worth every penny I didn’t spend, but absolutely would. It’s much lighter than the others, gets hot but not scorching, and straightens the relentless curls and waives out of my hair. Bonus: my hair stays straight for at least a day, even in the humidity. That, my ladies, is worth $240. I couldn’t care less about the “limited edition” clutch it comes in. But from what I read, they did streamline the design and made the plates smoother for the limited edition. (The standard is $225.) Either way, I’d highly recommend the brand. Their product works wonders over the Marshall’s ceramic ones I bought and even the Paul Mitchell.