Body Image

Our body image is the mental representation of how we see ourselves. Our idea of how we look on the outside, believe it or not, determines how we feel on the inside. We presume the perfect image in our minds of what we should look like in order be beautiful through interactions with other people, the media, and society. These images of ourselves influence our thoughts, moods, and emotions.

In the 17^th century, woman were perceived to be beautiful if they were well rounded physically. The more rounded a woman's figure not only showed her status in society as being wealthy, but it was also believed they were the most fertile. In the 18^th century the ideal colonial woman would have been muscular, big, tough, and strong. These were important assets to have for her own survival as well as desirability for marriage, motherhood and a worker of the land. Toward the 19^th century, idealistic body image drastically changed. Woman were expected to be slinky, frail, pale, and as small as possible. This is when the corset came into play in history. It was used to achieve the perfect hour glass shape and was used all the way up into the later part of the 20^th century. Today, in the 21^st century, woman are revolutionizing they way body image is accepted in society. We are standing up and making a stand. All shapes and sizes are beautiful and we are expressing it in a big way.

As a stylist , I still see the struggle we have with body image everyday in my chair. Someone comes in with a picture of what they want their hair to look like, even though it may not be what is right for them, they perceive the picture to be what they think is acceptable and beautiful. As a woman, a mother, and a member of todays society, I see the effects this has on woman everyday. I believe we are starting to come out of this era where we have to be “perfect” and skinny. Guess what? Curves are coming back in a big way! Embracing who you are and the beauty you have to offer the world by feeling confident and sexy in your own skin is the new “In”. I don't believe there are any ugly women out there, rather their attitude is ugly. Every woman has within them what it takes to not just feel beautiful and confident but BE beautiful and confident. It's just a matter of bringing it out in the right ways. When we look at ourselves in a mirror we instantly absorb our thoughts internally, developing our self image. When we look good on the outside, we feel amazing on the inside and we feel we can concur the world. There is a quote I once read that says “a man would rather be with a woman who is fat and has confidence, then a woman who is a skinny supermodel that is insecure.” Men find us woman sexy by our confidence not what we look like on the outside. However, as women, we get our confidence on how we perceive our exterior beauty.

Reflecting how you feel on the inside to the outside can be a challenge for most women. Maybe you don't know what styles look good with your body shape, therefor you hate shopping for clothes because nothing seems to fit right. Maybe you don't know how to wear your make up or how to apply it so you've given up all together. I not only offer classes in my salon but I also offer home visits to help women overcome this challenge we all have. I have spent the last decade dedicated to helping woman every where feel amazing regardless of their preconceptions of themselves. I love helping women feel beautiful thats why I got into the beauty industry. We all deserve to feel beautiful. Beauty doesn't cost a fortune when the satisfaction is priceless!

I invite you to my free class on January 19^th, 2013 from 2pm until 5pm. We will be discussing a variety of topics from skincare, makeup, hair styles and more! I am offering a free brow shaping to every attendee as well as gift certificates if you bring a friend! Check out the details below for more information. If you would like to attend the class please RSVP as soon as possible because space is limited! And remember, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!

Common Winter Hair Nuisances SOLVED!

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Common Winter Hair Nuisances SOLVED!

As the weather changes so do our lovely locks. The winter brings on the cold, the wind, and the rain. Here are some tips to keep your hair under control.

1. FRIZZ. Ugh a curly girl's worst nightmare! Start with a Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner after towel drying add a leave in conditioner followed by a shaping lotion to smooth out your cuticles and seal in moisture. Try to avoid blow drying, curling irons, and flat irons because artificial heat damages the cuticle and causes more FRIZZ.
2. DRY/ FLAKEY SCALP. From cold temperatures outside to central heating inside can strip skin cells of moisture. You can avoid the embarrassment of brushing off flaky skin cells and dandruff by investing in Tea Tree Oil. You can add a drop or two of the oil to a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to improve dandruff and relieve dry, itchy scalp. You can also slightly warm up some olive oil and gently massage it into your scalp for 30 seconds. Follow with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.
3. LIMP FLAT LOCKS. With hats and scarfs on the up not just for fashion but also to keep us warm during winter months, they can leave our hair limp and flat. To help with volumeless locks, keep a travel size volume hairspray in your purse for those quick lifters. You can also start your day with a volume shampoo and conditioner with menthol in it. Menthol helps blood flow to your hair follicles, energizing them and bringing on the volume. Style using a voluming mouse or root booster.
4. SPLIT ENDS. With a combination of cold temperatures and heat styling hair can become brittle and the ends begin to fray. You can cut back on shampooing as often to keep your hair from drying out and giving it a chance to absorb your natural oils. You can also treat your hair to a deep moisturizing treatment, which you can apply conditioner to clean wet hair, wrap in a shower cap and sleep in over night or I like to warm a towel in the dryer and wrap it around the shampoo cap for 15 minutes before rinsing it with luke warm water.

Are Hair Extensions Right for You?

Are Hair Extensions Right for You?

Sometimes a small change in our appearance can make a big difference about how we look and feel about ourselves. One of the easiest ways to make a change is to our hair. Even the smallest change can make the biggest differences. Maybe you wish your hair was longer, or fuller, or maybe you wish your hair would hold a curl. With the latest and fasting growing trend in the beauty industry these days being hair extensions, you now can have it all overnight. Have you wondered and even contemplated getting hair extensions but don't know much about them? How do you know if hair extensions are right for you? When it comes to choosing the right hair extensions for you and your hair type, there are several possibilities.

What are hair extensions?

Hair extensions are lengths of real or synthetic hair that are attached to your hair to add length, volume, or texture. Extensions are placed as close to the scalp as possible but still comfortable. Depending on the type of extensions you choose they can last from four to eight weeks with proper extension maintenance. There is a wide rang of colors including highlighted colors to choose from as well as lengths of up to 22”. ( I ONLY use 100% Remy hair. Remy means that all the cuticles go the same direction as natural hair would when it grows out of the scalp. This is extremely important so you are not ending up with a big “matty patty” at the back of your head.)

Are Hair Extensions affordable for the average person?

Yes! Here is the key to making sure you get the most bang for your buck and have your extensions last. First you have to make sure you are buying quality hair. I only endorse and use Babe Hair Extensions because I know exactly where the hair is coming from and how it is being treated before it touches my client. If you try to save your money here, you will end up being very unhappy with your extension experience. Once you purchase quality hair you can get 2-4 uses out of it before needing to buy new hair as long as you use the proper home care. So essentially the initial start up cost can be a little pricey but maintenance is fairly reasonable considering you don't have to buy new hair every time.

Types of Hair Extensions I endorse and offer:

Micro link or I-Tip: The hair is attached with a thin tube towards the base of the hairline and then fused shut with pliers. Since this technique does not involve heat, it is great for those afraid of damaging their hair, and depending on how quickly your hair grows, it can last for months.

Tape-Ins: T he Tape-In Hair Extension method is a revolutionary system of installing hair

extensions without the use of beads, clips, or glues. Tape-In Hair Extensions are installed by placing the client’s hair in between two individual extensions that lay exactly on top of each other. The extensions are bonded to the hair using medical grade tape. The extensions are gently removed using acetone-free Bond Remover .

Maintenance for hair extensions:

Because of the importance on use of high quality hair, maintaining the natural look of your extensions is easy. The importance of using quality Shampoo, Conditioner and Styling products is just as high to maintain the health and beauty of your new hair. You also need to move the extensions up every four to six weeks as needed depending on the type of extension.

Get the hair of your dreams!! To schedule a FREE consultation call Mandy B. at Legends Salon and Day Spa in Atascadero at 916-225-3971 (direct) or 805-461-5207 (salon). Also available once a month at GS HAIR in Carmichael, Ca. if you are from the Sacramento area.

How to get the Best Salon Experience

How to get the best Salon Experience
Ever had a bad experience at the Salon? Your hair was cut too short or it didn't come out the color you were hoping for? Well here are some pointers and questions to ask your stylist before you end up in another salon horror story.

First, you want to make sure you get the most bang for your buck. You wont find quality at a “chain” salon so do your homework. You can check out reviews of salons in your area online at www.yelp.com or even on google. If you see someone in the grocery store and you like her color or cut, ask her who
does her hair. Ask your friends and family who you admire their hair. While researching the particular stylist or salon you can try going to their salon website or Facebook page to see portfolio pictures.

Second, before your appointment find pictures of styles and colors you like to take to your next appointment. Hairstylists, like the rest of us are not mind readers, so we LOVE pictures and visuals.  Your idea of chocolate brown may be completely different to your stylist. Also remember to be realistic. If you have a ton of curly hair don't pick short bobbed haircuts unless you are going for the
Q-tip look or you straighten your hair when styling. (Which is bad to do everyday, anyway, so stay away!)

Is your hairstylist asking questions? Your stylist should have a complete and full consultation with you EVERYTIME you see them! Whether you have been going to the same stylist for years or finding a new stylist a consultation is REQUIRED for every service even if you do the same color every time. They should be asking you questions like; How do you style your hair everyday? What products do you like to use? You know your hair better then anyone and these are important questions. If you have curly hair and like to wear soft curls and not “wet” curls then you wont like your hair styled with gel. If you are wanting a short bob cut and you have long hair then your stylists should ask you questions
like; Do you wear your hair in a pony tail? How do you feel when your hair is pulled back from your face? Do you like your face, neck, and/or shoulders, to be exposed? Your stylist should always make sure what you are asking for is also going to be flattering to you. Your face shape, skin complexion, and bone structure, as well as lifestyle, all have a part in the right hairstyle for you.
Last but not least, here are some questions you can ask your hairstylist to be sure you are getting exactly what you are asking for.
• Will the cut/ color look good on you? Just because you love Jennifer Aniston's cut this year doesn't necessarily mean it will look good on you, which is why your stylist should be asking questions as well.
• What are your Credentials? Asking your stylist where they went to school, if they apprenticed afterwards, or what kind of continuing education they have done or are doing . Its important that you have a stylist who is not only already skilled but also keeps up on continuing education. Just because they have been a stylist for fifteen years doesn't mean they know how to get to where you are asking them to take you. The science of hair is always changing and we
are always discovering new thing whens it comes to hair. Chemicals we use, the way we texturize the hair and even color applications and patterns. Styles are always changing. Your stylist MUST keep up or they will fall behind in the times!
• How do I style it myself? Take this opportunity to pick your stylist brains! Asking how to style your hair opens a gateway of information for your stylist to share with you. They have helpful tips and styling aids to help you achieve your desired look.
• Whats included in the price? If you call for a highlight and are told it “Starts at ....” ask what that means. Generally if you have a ton of hair or its extremely long then it will take more then one bowl of color or lightener therefore you could end up with a bigger bill then you thought. You want to know if the haircut includes a wash and style. If not you could end up paying twice the amount then originally planned.

Some of my favorite products on the market

Ok so last time I posted I told you about the importance of professional hair care.  Since then a lot of people have been asking me about the products I use or prefer.  Here is a breakdown of what I personally use as well as some of the products I like to use in the salon.

As a basic shampoo and conditioner I like Thermafuse professional products.  I also like Enjoy as well.  Making sure you get the proper type for your hair is equally important. Example: if you have flat straight hair then you need a volumizing shampoo and conditioner.  If you have a perm or color treated hair then you need to use the color/chemical type.  I keep my locks happy and voluptuous by clarifying and deep conditioning twice to three times a month.  You can also do this at home by following these steps:
First deep cleanse your hair using a clarifying shampoo.  I like Provana or Kenra Clarifying shampoo. 
Next use a deep conditioner.  I like Loreal Deep Reconstruct.  Put shower cap over your hair and let sit for 10-15 minutes.  I also like to put a towl in the dryer for a few minutes and get it nice and heated up and wrap the towel around your head over the shower cap.  The heat helps open up your cuticle allowing the deep conditioner to penetrate your hair. 
Last when you go to rise out the deep conditioner use an apple cider vinegar and water mixture.  I put on capfull of ACV to a gallon of water.  Rise out all the deep conditioner with the water mixture.  The vineger smell will go away after you blow dry your hair.

Next it is very important to use a leave in conditioner EVERYTIME you wash or get your hair wet.  A leave in conditioner evens out the pH of your hair sealing that cuticle tight.  If you prefer to blow dry your hair make sure to use a blow dry or thermal protectant spray.  I like to use Kenra Blow Dry Spray.  Once you get your hair all the way dry, I like to finish with Moroccan Oil.  You cannot subsitute the Moroccan Oil with cheaper "like" oils.  Morroccan oil has a patented formula allowing it to actually penetrate the hair and not lay on top of it.  Other oils lay on top of the hair and get stuck in between the cuticle openings, leaving the hair worse off then it would be to not put anything on it.

These are the products that I personally use on my hair.  Here are some of my favorite products to use in the salon....

Kenra Working and Finishing Spray- This hairspray is unlike any I have ever seen before.  If you have resistant hair that doesnt hold a curl, spray this on before you curl each curl and guarenteed your locks will stay into place!  Doesn't leave a sticky residue AND you can brush through your hair and it will curl right back up because this spray has a memory hold that goes right back into a curl regardless of the type of hair you have!

Thermafuse One Pass Flat Iron cream- If you have natural curly hair or thick course hair and want that smooth sleek look, this product is amazing!  Pulling each section down use one pump over each section and flat iron as usual making sure to go slow.  Fast rapid motions when flat ironing doesn't do anything but fry your hair!!

I hope this helps some you that had been asking me about the products I use on my hair.  Stay tuned for tutorials and more free education!!!!

No more bad hair days! How to get your hair to cooperate everyday!

The economy is tough and money is tight.  We find ourselves giving up our favorite beauty products for drug store discounts and knock offs of our favorite shampoos and conditioners.  Yet most of us don't realize what we sacrifice because we are thinking we are saving a few bucks.  The most important part of your hair care regimen is your home care in between salon visits.  By caring for your hair properly at home will not only save you money at the salon but also save you from those awful "bad" hair days!  The most important part of your home care regimen should start with your shampoo and conditioner.  For example you cant build a house on solid ground and expect it to say a complete structure throughout all the elements.  How can you expect your hair to stay structured if you are not giving it the proper foundation before styling?  Your hair is the most vulnerable and at its weakest state when it is wet.  Most drug store products are made with mostly water as its main ingredient and then are filled with paraffin waxes and drying alcohol agents.  Leaving your hair soft and shinny for the first couple of weeks until it builds up and starts to get dry and ultimately breaking the hair.  While you may feel like you are saving money with great discounts you are paying for it with the loss of integrity of your hair. Professional salon products are concentrated and therefor you use less of them and you aren't paying for the water you add yourself at home!  Even though salon prodructs may seem more expensive consider this breakdown the next time you go to purchase new hair care products. 
Average cost of one drug store shampoo $10 (usually you are buying one every month because it is not consintrated and you end up using more to compensate.)
Average cost of one bottle of salon product shampoo $20 (usually you only have to buy one bottle every 2.5-3 months).  By breaking it down, essentially you will pay $30 total for drug store products over a course of three months compared to the professional product that you buy once at around $20.  Over the course of the three months you are saving an average of $10. May not seem like much of a savings but while the integrity of your hair stays healthy and beautiful only makes it easier to train and style your hair on a day to day basis.

 For more information on products and services please feel free to visit my website http://www.wix.com/kozmocrazy85/mandybuechner