Guest Blogger: Michael Jacobson

How to Make Your Color Last and Keep Your Hair Healthy in the Summer Sun

Keeping your hair healthy and your color from fading in the summer sun can be a challenge.  Here are a few tips for keeping your hair looking its best. 

First, it is essential that you use color safe hair products – especially shampoo and conditioner.  Most upscale salon brands are color safe.  Most drugstore brands are not.  Spend the money on good products that won’t strip your color and will keep your hair healthy.  After all, if you’re spending money on your color, you should also spend some money to protect it.  Your colorist can recommend what products would be best for you.  As a general rule, stay away from products with a high alcohol content.

Second, consider using a UVA protection spray leave in conditioner during the summer months.  Especially if you’ll be spending extended time in the sun (swimming, boating, playing tennis, etc).  This will go along way in preserving your color.  I recommend Essential Repair Anti Fade conditioner by Pureology used on a daily basis.  In fact, I recommend throwing a bottle in your beach bag and combing it through your hair several times a day when you’re spending the day in the sun.  And, of course, if you really want to protect your hair, consider wearing a hat or scarf when in the sun for an extended time.

Regardless of how careful you are, by summer’s end your hair will undoubtedly need a boost.  Many salons offer protein and keratin treatments that can significantly help restore depleted hair by infusing it with omega 3 fatty acids and other important nutrients to bring back bounce and shine.  The overly cautious may even opt to receive these treatments periodically throughout the summer to keep hair healthy and looking good.  Consult with your Colorist or Stylist for a plan that’s best for you.

-Michael Jacobson, Hairstylist & Partner - Michael & Michael Salon

Guest Blogger: Michael Jacobson

Perfect Hair for Weddings & Parties

When doing your hair for special events and parties, remember that your hair is just another accessory – like your belt and shoes – it should go with the outfit.  Nothing too formal for a more casual outfit or occasion and vice versa.  For instance, a traditional, more elaborate upstyle (like a traditional french twist) rarely looks right with a summery garden party dress and sandals.  In contrast, something entirely different may be called for when wearing a Vera Wang gown.  You always want your hair to complement your outfit, not compete with it.  For in salon do’s – always let your stylist know what the event is and what you are wearing so that he can give you just the right look for you.  For more formal occasions like weddings, I recommend having your hair done in the salon, if possible.   For more casual events, and if you’re doing it yourself, keep it simple.  Pulling your hair back into a low, soft and loose bun (chignon) may be a good choice.  For straight, longer hair, a small braid in the front bang area pinned back with simple bobby pin or festive hairpin can also be a good look (think Jennifer Aniston).  Browse through fashion magazines (and even celebrity rags!) for ideas you like and can easily imitate at home.  Just remember, it’s about the whole look – and your hair is your most important accessory!

-Michael Jacobson, hairstylist - Michael & Michael Salon

Guest Blogger: Michael Jacobson

Be a Curls Best Friend!

Having trouble with those curls turning to frizz in Chicago summer humidity?  A few simple tips will help you stave off the frizz on even the muggiest of days.  First, don’t over condition –too much conditioner weighs down curls, adds weight and depletes shine.  But the real trick to beautiful curls is in the styling and finishing of the hair.  Apply a lightweight, cream-based product to towel dried hair and give your curls a light scrunch while lifting roots from ends up.  Let hair air dry completely or dry it using a bowl-shaped diffuser, from the ends up, being careful not to disturb the curl (the more you move curl while drying, the more frizz you’ll have).  When curl is completely dry, apply a small amount of moisture-based pomade on the edges and gently run fingers through your hair, or simply shake the curl out.  Curls spread themselves out when dry, so don’t try to achieve volume when drying or you’ll just create more frizz. 

Throw the pomade in your purse, and re-apply small amounts on the ends throughout the day if the frizz starts to creep up!

-Michael Jacobson

Guest Blogger: Michael Jacobson

I love having the support of talented and caring friends who have agreed to help me out with my blog and share some advice in their areas of expertise - guest-bloggers if you will.  To kick off this new feature, I have asked my friend Michael Jacobson (above), of the award winning  Michael & Michael Salon in Chicago, to share some of his hair-styling wisdom with us!  Every Monday, for the next 4 weeks, Michael will be chiming in with a few "tips of the trade" to help keep your hair looking great - think of it as a visit to the salon without the cost!  

Recessionistas Unite!  Hair Tips for a Tough Economy

Beauty treatments can often be the first things to go when watching your budget, and I am often asked what a girl can do to save money and still look her best.   First, I always think a good cut is worth paying for because the shape grows out much better and can last longer -- allowing you to significantly extend the time between cuts. Do some research online and talk to friends to find the best salon in your area. Go to one of those top salons -- even if you see the least expensive stylist or colorist, they will be talented if the salon has a serious training program.

If you can't stomach the price tag for even a junior stylist at a top salon, here's another option -- find out if the salon offers workshops as part of their training program for stylists and colorists. Advanced workshops in serious salons are supervised and taught by senior stylists with years of experience. Those salons are always looking for workshop models and the cost is nominal -- usually between $10 and $20. You'll still walk out with a better cut or color than you would get at a salon of lesser quality. 

 Tightening your purse strings never means you can't still look and feel great!

-Michael Jacobson