the fresh perspective...

PERMANENTS

It seems to me that there are quite a few of you lady folks out there that are getting your locks permed.  We have had at least 3 perms in the last few weeks and because of this I decided to see how everyone feels about permanents.  So funny how the name means long-lasting because they actually aren't that long-lasting for most people...

Why would anyone want a perm?  Maybe you're lazy.  Maybe your hair is *limpy pimpy.  Maybe you've always had straight hair and dream of beautiful waves...  The fact is, if done well, perms are very nice.  You get body, volume, and an easy wash and wear style.

You may not be the best candidate for a perm if your hair is heavily highlighted or chemically damaged.  If you're not sure, just ask your stylist.  Some stylists are anti perms because it's not to easy to guarantee a great permanent look.  Some hairs don't take perms well, some hairs don't curl (they just frizz), some hairs look chemically damaged after the perm.

The best way to avoid any of these things is to make sure your hair is in great shape (preferably virgin) and the stylist perming you is comfortable.  My one tip to you curious perming virgins is, make sure you get a good strong curl pattern.  When you've decided the type of texture you want, it's okay to make it a little tighter.  I have found that if a client wants a loose body wave and no curl it's best for them to leave the salon with curly hair because shampoo tends to loosen up curls.

If you wanted a beachy wave and left the salon loving the looseness, in a month you may have nothing.  It's better to have it curlier than you would like, because then at least, as the perm starts to relax you'll have more longevity.  Does that make sense?  If my client says, "oh! it's so curly...wow...".  I am secretly doing back flips inside because then I know they will love it later on when it relaxes because folks, permanents aren't that permanent.  That's the fresh perspective...

[polldaddy poll=6439350]

*limpy pimpy- no body and very limp and life-less.

FYI- We just got a new organic perm in and are itching to try it on people.  If you're interested, reply to this post with your inquiries, we might be able to make it happen for you...  Also, I should say that some people's hairs love perms and they look great and last a while.  Just a little disclaimer...

the fresh perspective...

The Curling Iron In this day and age the flat iron gets all the love.  Intermittently I've been using my curling iron, and I forgot how great it is.  Don't get me wrong, the flat iron is a great all around tool and can do so much, but the curling iron?  The curling iron does not get enough love in this era.

The curling iron has the ability to give more of a full look.  It also makes giving texture to hair quite easy.  The flat iron does take some skill to use as a curling tool.  You need to be be swift with your movements as not to put a 90 degree kink into your locks.  The curling iron is simple and basic and doesn't require much dexterity.  That being said, the curling iron can be a little complicating.

How does one begin to make a decision about the type of iron to get? Well, you can always start by asking your stylist.  He/she will be able to guide you down a good path and should offer all the advice and tips that they know.  There is pretty much an iron for just about any length of hair and any type of hair.

The lovely curling iron is also a bit gentler than a flat iron because they are less hot and don't have two continuous heated plates squeezing the sweetness out of your hairs.   Any type of regular heat styling may leave your hair looking dull and unhealthy so keep that in mind when deciding your styles.

I'm looking forward to this upcoming week of hair.  I'm going to get a few curls into some of my clients hairs and start a revolution!!! That's the fresh perspective...

[polldaddy poll=6422757]

the fresh perspective...

  FACIALS

I recently received a facial service from the one and only Renee at the shop!  I fell asleep and it felt remarkable!  We chatted a little about how everyone should take the time to get a facial.  She suggested that a facial once a month could keep your skin in the best condition.  A monthly facial would include some extractions and some masks.  Whether  you are an oily type or a dry type, there is a mask for you.

Being one of the oily types, I had a deep cleansing facial with a few extractions.  My skin looked and felt AMAZING!   Why is it viewed as vain when people put a real effort into taking care of themselves?

How much care do you take?  Do you watch your diet?  Are you concerned about your hair, skin, and nails?  Do you exercise?  When was the last time you had a massage or gave your hair a deep treatment?  Does your dentist see you twice a year and your optometrist as well?  Is it important to you to look well put together day in and day out?  These are some funny questions, but the answers tell of how you treat your physical body.

How important are you to yourself?  I know that I like to push myself physically and enjoy sweating, but I neglect little things like facials.  I don't have regular appointments for massages and I could pay more attention to my hands and feet.  Thanks Renee for a great experience, you'll be seeing me in four weeks!  That's the fresh perspective...

[polldaddy poll=6405960]

the fresh perspective...

A little food for thought...

This is an adult

These days are beginning to feel very tight.                                                                      It's seems like there is no space to squeeze anything else into the 24 hours I'm given.  

Why do I feel like I must be so productive? Why do I feel like I must always be doing something and everything?                                                                                                 

I have so many questions and I might have some answers.                                           

But, this is what being an adult is.

-P

****************

I've been struggling a little bit with the harsh realization that I am not young anymore.  Youth to me is freedom and allowance.  When you're young you aren't tied down with mortgage and car payments.  When you are young you can move across the universe and start fresh.  When you are young you are allowed to fail, and fail again.

Then you become an adult and suddenly everything they told you in your twenties makes sense.  Suddenly you are so much more aware of how you make decisions and what the future holds.

Being an adult is not easy, because it requires maturity and competence.  In so many words, being adult is very grown up...I think adding a few children really amplifies things as well.  That's the fresh perspective...

the fresh perspective...

I really love this song and as a musician, Marvin Gaye is one of my all-time faves.  This song was released in 1971.  That was many years before I was born and the issues he wrote about in this tune are things that concern me today.  It's funny how the real important things in life never really change...

Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)

Oh, mercy mercy me Oh, things ain't what they used to be No, no Where did all the blue sky go? Poison is the wind that blows From the north, east, south, and sea Oh, mercy mercy me Oh, things ain't what they used to be No, no Oil wasted on the oceans and upon our seas Fish full of mercury Oh, mercy mercy me Oh, things ain't what they used to be No, no Radiation in the ground and in the sky Animals and birds who live nearby are dying Oh, mercy mercy me Oh, things ain't what they used to be What about this overcrowded land? How much more abuse from man can you stand?

-Marvin Gaye

Just a different way to look at the world we live in.  That's the fresh perspective...

the fresh perspective...

In light of our new Esthitician and trying to equip her with the best products,  I've run into a few problems that have been making me think a lot about the performance of green products.

I wrote about ingredients and our certification on tfp in may, but I didn't cover performance.  Many of us want to use products that WORK even if they aren't great for us and now with the ability to research EVERYTHING,  we can decide to keep using harmful things or not.  I have decided for myself that maybe 'eco-beneficial' (made that one up) nail polishes aren't for me.

I've tried a few types and I am just about to give up.  It's just that because the products are staying directly on my nail bed I am a tad concerned.  I will see Renee in the next few days and she will give me a proper manicure and a proper polish and we will see.  I don't want to have to be painting my nails every two days because my water-based polish that cost me $20 doesn't stay on, whereas my $9 (3-free) bottle delivers for about 5 days before it begins to chip.

One of the company's, Scotch Naturals, added a wee disclaimer to their brand saying that when you make the switch it does take some time for your nails to adjust.  Keeping this in mind I keep on, but for those of you who have tried a 'better' polish and have noticed that it's performance was not as good as your 'regular' polish, be patient.  Take the time to think about what bothers you more and be happy with your decision even if it may mean sticking with your regular bottle.  There are other ways to eliminate toxic products from your life and if the polish you love is not the 'best', so be it!

I have not yet made up my mind.  That's the fresh perspective...