Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Stress 101




From the CEO to the kid in the mailroom, the recession has left no job unturned. Employers are searching for ways to cut back and employees are overworking themselves to make sure they’re not the ones on the chopping block. In a situation as serious as an economic recession unlike any historic financial crisis in its’ past, stress levels are at their highest. Question is, what happens when the stress starts to appear on more than just the face?

One of the symptoms of a heightened level of stress is hair loss. It’s not uncommon so don’t feel bad if you’re in your 20s or 30s and it’s happening sooner than you expected. There is hope for preservation of the hairline. View it as an indication that stress management needs to kick in. It would still be recommended to see a doctor just to make sure stress is the culprit of hair loss. Here are some ways to manage the stress in your life:

1. Make positivity #1- Well…yes, it’s number one on this list but make it number one in your life as well. Whether it’s refusing to wallow in your disappointment about being passed over for a promotion or pressing ‘Ignore’ when that one friend calls to dump all her issues on you (and yes, we all have one of those friends), it’s time to let go of negativity and move forward. Encourage yourself when you wake up. Make a decision that you are going to conquer the day! You can do it! You’ll feel better for it!

2. Learn to say “N-O!”- Think of the D.A.R.E. program when we were in school. The slogan was “Just say No!” Why? Because drugs are bad for your body! Stress is bad for your body too! Prioritize what’s important and move accordingly. You’re not a bad person if you say no! You’re extremely wise once you get this one down pat!

3. Break a sweat!- Seriously, stress can be reduced with a simple 30 minute walk around the neighborhood. Breathe the fresh air and allow yourself time to become energized and in tune with your thoughts all while toning those legs for that skirt you want to wear at that party next month! In the summertime, the sun sets later so take some time after work and just go! Just make sure to hit the showers after the workout and shampoo all the dirt and sweat out of your hair with Organix shampoo and conditioner!

4. Treat yourself!- Have some sort of reward at the end of an arduous task. “Once I finish cleaning my room, I will treat myself to a bouquet of lovely tulips!” Think of something that will help make the work seem less like work so that you’ll look forward to completing a task. It makes life a little sweeter!

5. Phone a friend!- Have a least one friend that you can confide in and let your guard down with. After a while, talking to yourself or your imaginary friend can only do so much. It’s nice to have someone to bounce things off of over dinner and get some sympathy and solutions (and perhaps a free meal) out of!

Remember stress can only beat you if you let it! Use these tips and you’re well on your way to becoming the stress management queen for good!!!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Fashion 911


Ever had a wardrobe malfunction? We’ve all been there… whether it is a run in your pantyhose, a broken heel, or just that dreaded static cling, these things happen. But sometimes it turns into a FASHION EMERGENCY!!! Imagine you have a presentation to give in front of a room full of people or an interview for your dream job, what do you do?

Here is an idea that has been a lifesaver. Grab a makeup bag or a pencil box and fill it with these common household items and store it in your car or office.

Sewing Kit - Use to darn holes or replace buttons or snaps.
Super Glue - A thin layer will reattach a flapping sole, broken heel or nail.
Baby Powder - Hair greasy? Sprinkle a bit on the roots to absorb excess oil.
Lint Brush - Got lint? Make it disappear in just a few quick rolls.
Pencil Eraser - Have an earring back go missing? Pop off an eraser or use it to remove scuff marks from shoes.
Nail File - Use to smooth rough nail edges to prevent snags on your pantyhose and clothes.
Dryer Sheets - Rub over tights and clothing to banish static cling.
Clear Nail Polish - Stop a run in pantyhose or affix a loose button with a drop of nail enamel or hey… add a top coat.
Candle- Plain wax can mobilize a stuck zipper.
Rubber Bands - Loop one through a buttonhole and attach both ends to the button to get breathing room in a tight waist.
Permanent Marker - Color in blemishes on footwear.
Safety Pins - Can stand in for a broken necklace clasp or make a quick fix.
Hair Spray - Use to tame flyaway’s or remove ink from clothing.
Spot Remover - Just a dab will do ya when you spill mocha latte on your blouse.
Double Sided Tape - Use this to help bra straps stay put, re-attach hems, manage plunging necklines, close gaps between buttons, and repair split seams.

This easy to assemble fashion first aid kit will allow you to avoid the next fashion disaster and keep you looking absolutely fabulous at all time. Enjoy!

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Cheap Trick


Straight from the Spring 2010 Catwalks of Fendi, YSL, and Lanvin and on to the Red Carpet, this spring trend is popping up everywhere. Here is a cheap trick to achieve this hot new look. Pick up a round mesh pot scrubber from your local grocery store for about $2, this makes the perfect base for your bun. Cut a hole in the middle, then slide your ponytail through the center. Next, wrap your hair all around the scrubber, fasten the ends with a hair pin and viola!

Monday, May 3, 2010

Summer is Almost Here

Summer is almost here... which means beautiful tans, sunscreen, brightly colored pedicures and perfect, wind-tossed hair! Hair care maintenance in the summertime is crucial. Whether you choose to let the sun work for you or against you is your choice but here are a few tips to have fabulous, healthy summer hair:

1. Drink PLENTY of water!!! Water is hydrating not only for your body but for your hair. It flushes out all the bad guys and keeps your hair looking fresh! So carry around your 64 oz. jug w/ a little lemon for convenience. If that doesn't work, find a routine that works for you. Schedule in water breaks. It's worth it! Your health is your wealth!

2. Befriend the Scissor!!! It's so important to trim ends. Hair can easily become more dry and brittle depending on the climate you live in. Add in the frequent visits to the beach/pool and more shampooing and conditioning than normal; without proper maintenance, you could have a disaster on your hands (or in this case, head). Trims should be done every 6-8 weeks or sooner, depending on instructions from a personal hair stylist.

3. Condition! Condition! Condition!!!! Chlorine, salt, sand, sun, hair dyes: these are elements that can destroy hair. That's why it's important to use a conditioning agent before getting in the water so that the hair has a protectant against the elements. For ladies who are ready to color and dye, know that the blond highlights will not be lovely if not properly conditioned! Organix Shea Butter, Coconut Milk, or Teatree Mint Shampoos and Conditioners are great protein-rich options that will protect the hair and keep it silky and soft!

4. Keep it as NATURAL as possible!!! Lots of hair products contain sulfates and parabens which can dry out hair and leave it brittle! Organix hair care products are both sulfate and paraben free so the hair follicle isn't stripped of unnecessary nutrients.

All it takes a couple smart lifestyle changes like opting for water instead of soda, reading the labels on beauty products, and a walk to your nearest beauty supply aisle for healthy, glowing summer hair! In the quest to keep hair lovely, go with Organix!

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Spring 2010 Trends

What’s hot this season? There are several new looks heavily influenced by the 2010 Spring catwalks and the good news is that they are super easy to master at home.

One style that was featured this year on the runways of Alexander Wang and Prada's Miu Miu was the long side braid. This style works best on medium to long hair and must be done with a side part (not a center part) that will be opposite the braid. Gather your hair to one side and then braid all the way down to the tips. Use a hair friendly rubber band to fasten and that’s it! Easy right?

The fabulous 40’s are back again this season with waves that are firm but not curly. Channel your favorite pin up with this look that is timeless. This throwback was seen at Christian Dior and is best on medium to long hair with a side part. For retro curls, use a large barrel curling iron or large rollers. Make sure to wind the hair around the tool of your choice starting at the tips. After all the curling is complete, use a hair brush and curve the curls around your hand so they roll inward. Brush the curls lightly, you want to soften them without creating too much separation.

Think 70’s Cher. This ultra sleek style definitely works on super long hair. Done with a side or center part, use a flat iron to get hair stick straight. Seen on the runway of Anna Sui, 1970’s inspired long hair. Disco!


Gel slicked hairstyles. There are three variations to this trend. The first is a look that is slicked straight back. Start with wet hair and then apply gel to the palm of your hands, rub together and smooth hair from the front of the forehead all the way back to the crown. Use a wide tooth comb to provide the texture and go with the wet look. This style screams attitude and was seen on the runways of Alexander Wang and Thakoon. The second look is a gel slicked side. It is a mutation of the 2009’s side shaved head made famous by Rhianna. This style is best suited for short hair. Simply apply gel to the sides of your hair and slick from the temple to behind the ear. This was popular at the Roberto Cavalli show. Last but not least is this gender bending look found on the runways of Gucci. Known as masculine or androgynous slicked hair, this style goes great with this years fashion trend, the female dandy and works best on short hair, especially those pixie crops. Start with a strongly defined side part that is as far over to the side as is suitable to your face. Use gel to slick everything down, not back.

Karl Lagerfeld went with a chignon, originating from the French word (of course) chignon du cou, meaning nape of neck. The chignon translated, is an elegant bun or twist that sits at the nape of your neck. This look is so perfect for day or night and can be neat or messy. Carolina Herrera chose a unique version and entwined silver and bronze beads for the embellished effect. Classy!


Another neat or messy trend is the top knot. A playful look on the streets in 2009, made its way onto the Nina Ricci and Marc Jacobs Spring 2010 stage. Theirs, a sleek version, was a tidy bun stacked on the tip top of the head, it is also really cute slightly off to the side and best for straight hair. If you are wearing your hair curly these days, try the messy version seen at Lanvin, YSL, and Fendi. Think beautiful birds nest and sweep your hair up in a haphazard fashion, then spin, pile, and twist. Volume is key, so teasing and hairspray will help you create this look.

Finally, from Zac Posen comes the rope twist, yet another carelessly thrown together look. Simply take two strands, twist each of them and then wind both together to form a rope. Use the rope to make any form or creation that you wish. You can leave them cascading down, tied up into a bun, or twist around your head, the choice is yours!


From buns to braids, the designers invented, concocted and resurrected all sorts of hairdos to represent their collections, now you can rock all of the hottest Spring runway trends to make your season a little more fabulous!

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Glamorous Curls


To get curls as glamorous as Taylor Swift’s start by shampooing and conditioning with your favorite Organix flavor!

If your hair is baby fine you can skip the conditioner as it might make your hair too flat. Instead, try using Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Leave-In Nourishing Milk. If you think conditioner is a must, then just use a small amount and start in the middle of your head and work through to the ends. To increase shine, rinse with cool water.

Gently towel dry your hair by blotting not rubbing. Hair is the most vulnerable when it is wet. Use a wide tooth comb to remove tangles and start combing at the ends, working your way to the roots.

Use the Organix Mousse of your choice to add body and volume. Again, when applying, start in the middle (just above the ears) and work the mousse through to the ends. Does your hair tend to be a bit on the frizzy side? If so, apply a small amount of your favorite Organix Serum.

Next, apply a small amount of your favorite Organix Blow Dry Cream to protect your luscious locks from the heat of styling tools. For those with naturally curly or wavy hair, make sure to use a diffuser when you blow dry. To prevent frizz, avoid touching your hair as much as possible. If your hair is naturally straight, then it is going to be all about building some volume. Try flipping your head over while you are blow drying and aim the air up toward the roots. The air will be working against the cuticle and will open it up instead of making it lay flat, this will give you the extra fullness you need. To finish both styles up, give it a blast of cold air to set the style and add more shine!

After drying, use a small barrel curling iron to either create the ringlets or enhance your natural ringlets by making them more defined. Once complete, arrange your curls with your fingers into the desired pattern. To maximize shine and tame fly-a-ways, put a small amount of your favorite Organix Shine Serum into the palm of your hands and rub together, then lightly brush your palms over the top of your hair, gently! Finish with a light holding spray and voila!

Monday, March 22, 2010

And the award goes to… Sandra Bullock.



And I’m not talking about her Oscar worthy performance in The Blind Side, but for her version of an Old Hollywood, Veronica Lake. BRAVO! With the red carpet floating in a sea of updos (boring), one stood out from the rest at this years Academy Awards held on Sunday, March 7th.

According to her stylist, Adir Abergel, Sandra’s Marchesa dress had such a beautiful sparkle and reflection, he wanted to bring out that mirror finish to her hair. Well done Sir! I mean her hair was so shiny you could practically check your lipstick in it.

So how exactly does hair even get that shiny? It all begins with the right shampoo and conditioner. To achieve Sandra’s blinding shine (couldn’t resist), start with Organix revitalizing pomegranate green tea shampoo and conditioner. This sensual and exotic antioxidant rich formula targets dry and brittle hair, while awakening follicles to create a clean and rejuvenating experience, adding a brilliant and luminescent shine.

Make sure to allow the conditioner to remain on your hair for at least five minutes before rinsing with cool water. Brrrr, its cold you say? Using cold water at the end of your shower can make your hair appear shinier because it temporarily helps the cuticle flatten down onto the hair shaft.

Now while we want the hair as smooth as possible, we still need a little body for those big gorgeous waves in the ends. Add a bit of Organix revitalizing styling mousse and a small amount of Organix revitalizing pomegranate green tea anti-frizz serum. Then, use the arch of your eyebrow as a guide for making that side part.

When blow drying, place the brush underneath the first section of the hair, positioning it at the roots. Keeping the tension on the hair taut, move the brush down towards the ends, directing the air flow from the dryer so that it follows the downwards movement of the brush, this smoothes the cuticles.

Feeling glamorous already right? Next, use a flat-iron, moving it in a steady, single stroke to prevent ridges. Again, this process will close the hair cuticle to create sleek and highly reflective strands. When the cuticles are completely flattened they will reflect light and that’s the secret to the mirrored effect.

Last but not least, using a 1 inch curling iron, make a bunch of small curls at the bottom of your hair by putting the ends in the iron and then twist it up a few inches. Once the curls have cooled, brush all of the little curls into one big 1920’s wave. To finish the look, use Organix revitalizing pomegranate green tea styling whip to smooth flyaways. This is also fabulous if you have bangs that you want to sidesweep and secure behind your ear like Sandra’s. Tucking front sections will keep your face in the spotlight.

And that’s it! Now you are ready for your close up with this understated, elegant look.