How often should I cut my hair?

As Coco Chanel said.. "A woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life." 

Lets say I agree, but also find it a tad dramatic. ;) 

Haircuts are a necessity...whether you are blessed with hair that grows like a weed or locks that struggle and break off, a haircut REALLY can be life-changing. 

I hear this question a lot.. "How often do I need to come in for a cut?" Do I really need to cut my hair every 6 weeks?"

My short answer: No. 

But there are many exceptions. I'll try and keep it simple, but I find the two main goals of a haircut are:

1. To keep your hair healthy, clean and structured in shape.

2. To revive style and customization for your current look. (This includes enhancing techniques like weight removal, texturizing, etc.)

To break it down even further, I will put a few categories people tend to fall into for haircut maintenance:

Short hair to medium length hair: Varied texture

-Client needs to gain structure back into her cut, the front length may be too long or too bulky, etc. Short hair tends to require more frequent visits, but less is removed. Quick edits tend to do the trick in refreshing the cut. Time frame: 4-7 weeks

Medium to long hair length: Fine to medium texture

-Client tends to loose the density (thickness) on her ends, creating a wispy see through effect. "Dusting" the ends is a wonderful way to maintain the structure of the haircut while allowing hair to grow at a healthy pace.  Time Frame: 6-12 weeks.

Medium to long hair length: Thick & highly textured.

-Client tends to love "weight removal" from the hair, haircuts makes styling easier. Texturizing changes her overall hair shape and can tell when she is ready for a cut by how heavy or "bulky" it feels. Time Frame: 8-12 weeks. 

Now if you are a frequent hair color and hot tools junkie you may need "dustings" more frequently. I recommend coming in between highlight appointments (about every 6-8 weeks) for a add on gloss and haircut, completely reviving your hair mid way. This allows your hair to gracefully transition to your next appointment - sans ridiculous dead ends or brassy color freak outs.

Remember, haircuts don't have to be dramatic! a little shaping goes a long way in keeping your hair AND your style polished... you never know, it may be life changing.  ;)

See you ladies for your gloss and cut maintenance! 

For scheduling-

Email: info@bmastershair.com

Call: 650-416-6408

XO,

Brittany

grey hair already?!

Have those pesky whites been creeping up all over? Below I've listed a simplified overview of handling the new found greys on your beautiful head of hair. 

• First: Figure out your stance on coverage. Would you want full coverage color? Or are you comfortable with subtle “sheer” coverage via the “blending” route? 
• Second: Figure out your budget and available time in your schedule for maintenance.

Your maintenance schedule per service breakdown:

• Grey Coverage-Root touch up for complete grey coverage: Span of time between touch ups 2-6 weeks which varies per percentage of grey. This will create the most visible line of demarkation (grow out) using permanent hair color.

• Grey Coverage- Root Touch up for sheer grey coverage: Same process as above, but with a “softer” line of demarkation by using a demi permanente formula. Appointment span pushed to 6-8 weeks.

• Grey Coverage- Highlight Blending: Fantastic option for light brown to dark blondes. This allows you to weave in a variety of formulas for coverage, allowing a subtle dimension to blend your grey with your remaining natural color. Maintenance is between 7-10 weeks.

• Grey Coverage- Lowlight blending: Great for women with medium to dark brown hair. This is someone who is committed to minimal lines of demarkation and wants to deposit color on their white/grey hair. Bonus- This can also be a unique way to have fun with the opportunity, creating as bold or as subtle dimension you feel comfortable with. Maintenance varies between 7-10 weeks. 

• Embracing the grey: Figured you would just work with what nature gave you? I salute you, and truly hope my hair turns a fantastic pure white like my Grandma was blessed with(Fingers crossed genetics!) 

Hairstylist standpoint for embracing greys: Maintenance is still necessary. An add on gloss will polish off the cuticle of the hair while correcting or enhancing any tones that allow for light reflection (healthy shiny looking hair.) Maintenance varies but a good time frame would be every haircut between 6-10 weeks.

Not so daunting is it? There are multiple options of coverage approaches, so make sure you check in with yourself to find a solution that feels most appropriate for your lifestyle. Still unsure? Schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss in detail. Feel free to email info@bmastershair.com or call 650-416-6408 for availability. 

Consultation 101--Tips to make your hair appointment seamless.

Consultation 101-How to effectively communicate to your hairstylist

Seeing a new stylist for the first time? Ready to make a change with your cut or color? Have a bad repertoire of hair disasters? Below I’ve listed some simple, but often forgotten tips to guarantee a successful hair appointment.

1)Get clear on the direction you would like to go with your hair. 

-Come prepared with a basic idea of what you would like done with your hair. This is surprisingly overlooked and can result in your appointment time being shortened due to a long consultation or improper service requested, pushing your appointment to another day when your stylist has time to properly perform the look desired. At a loss for ideas? Schedule a complimentary consultation prior to your appointment, allowing your stylist to communicate some ideas and insight.

showing some hair inspiration from www.pinterest.com/bmastershair/

2)Bring photos of what you DO and DON’T like.

-There is no better way to get clear on what you would like to achieve than a photo. Spend 15 minutes on Pinterest or Google and search for different styles, color placements, length and tones. Find three photos you love, and three photos you dislike. Be prepared to verbalize what you see in the photos, allowing the stylist to clarify if your idea of carmel brown is really a honey blonde. We all see color differently! 

3) Have you ever had a hair disaster? Remember what went wrong? What about what went right?

-I know those may be painful moments, but those memories provide us stylists valuable information. We use as much feedback as possible to listen and try and reproduce something you will be ecstatic with! Take a stroll down memory lane and collect what you can so you are prepared when your stylist asks “what was your favorite haircut you have ever had….and why?” 

4) Be honest.

-For any chemical service, we need to know EVERYTHING that has been on your hair. This is vitally important. To properly toubleshoot, we need as much information possible about your chemical history. So those perms or brazilian blowdrys? Keep us posted. Coloring your roots at home every 3 weeks? Give us the details. This way, we can avoid any major roadblocks during our processing. 

5) Unhappy with the end result?

-Please PLEASE let your stylist know. This has always been my belief, as I am sure many stylists feel the same. Our goal is to make you happy, plain and simple. We do our best but there may be a time where something was off and you wish you were blonder or your layering is too heavy etc. 

We want to know! If your unhappy,  we want to find out how to make it right for you. This takes another round of communication and a further in depth consultation so be prepared for some questions so we can get it just right.

PS. Don’t ever feel bad to not like something! I firmly believe feedback is necessary for growth, so if you feel comfortable communicating respectfully, know that you are providing your stylist ample growth opportunity! 

We are not magicians, but we can do some pretty nifty things with hair! Communication and observation is a huge piece of the puzzle. Spend that extra time and I guarantee you will feel more confident in your consultation and appointment!

xo,

Brittany 

Red Lips, check. Dirty hair, check. Hairspray, check.

You know when you have a product that you literally use every. single. day. That one that when you run out of and kinda have a freak out moment of “What the hell do I do now!?” 

I had one of those mornings last week. and I’m making peace with my freakout moment and turning it into a blog post. ;)

So what was the crucial product in my morning routine? The seriously amazing AVEDA inner light mineral tinted moisture. I am OBSESSED. So I thought I'd share a few more of my must haves.

Below are the top products that I replace ASAP when they run out. 

Aveda Inner Light Mineral Tinted Moisture Broad Spectrum spf 15:

color: beechwood

AVEDA Mineral Tinted Moisture

It’s the greatest thing in my book. Do you have those days when you really where you are short on time to get ready, but need something on your face? This is it. Build-able coverage, but sheer enough you don’t look like your wearing a mask. SPF, good moisture, this is my base EVERY single morning. I highly recommend. 

Bumble and Bumble Brilliantine:

Bumble and Bumble Brilliantine

So this is that product that just polishes your hairstyle on day one, two and three ;) (dirty hair blog post coming soon!)

 This is quite versatile and can be used on curled locks needing that finished polish or a super cute short bob looking for some texture and definition. I LOVE this stuff. 

How I use: Most of my clients are familiar with the fact that my hair is curly 95% of the time. I like waves and texture on me! So when I finish adding my curls I put a dime size amount of Brilliantine on my hands and work through my hair, shaping and focusing on any piece that looks frizzy or unrefined. Day two and three I repeat as needed.

This product is wonderful for those naturally wavy haired ladies who are looking for a beachy texture, just apply throughout, scrunch a bit and let it air dry! 

Aveda Air Control:

AVEDA Air Control

This is literally the holy grail of hairsprays. I have 6 bottles in my house, you know…just in case. 

What makes it so fabulous? Such workable hold and texture. You can spray and build this product into the hair and it still feels touchable. No stiff crunchy hair here! I use this on every client that allows me to. 

How to use? To add definition to a voluminous blowdry, to control frizz on the hairline, add volume and hold to a beach inspired texture, tame fly-aways on the part, the list can go on. 

If you are scarred from a white rain spray bottle hairspray experience, I understand. BUT this is a beautiful solution! Try it, you won’t regret. 

MAC Cosmetics Dubonnet:

Mac Lipstick in Dubonnet

I am a huge fan of a good red lip. It’s a go to for when I need a pick me up or I'm in a rush and want to feel instantly put together. The color I always go back to is Dubonnet from MAC. Described as deepened claret, this color is the perfect depth of red, feeling classy and balanced. Perfect for day or night! 

There you have it! A few of my can't live withouts. Do you have any products that are complete must haves? Any favorites that I may need to try? Send them my way! I’m always on the lookout for new favorites. 

xo,

Brittany

5 reasons YOU should try balayage highlighting

What is Balayage? 

Vogue Australia nailed it with their definition…

—“The word translates as ‘to sweep’ and for the non-Francophiles it has distinct French origins dating from the 1970s. Bleach is applied in horizontal strokes freehand, usually to the ends and around the face to emphasize movement and create depth and dimension.”

#bmastershair painting balayage highlights

So why should you jump on the balayage train? Below are my top 5 reasons why it may be the perfect choice for you and your hair. 

1. Relive the good ole’ days.

Were you a blondie as a child but finally realized one day your childhood lightness is now quite a dark blonde? Good news is you can recreate a similar look by painting strategically placed highlights. Balayage will create a gradient lift and lightness, reminiscent of your childhood sun kissed locks.

2. You are a hair color newbie.

Never colored your hair? So many people hold off on coloring their hair, fearing an obnoxious change that just doesn't fit their style. Balayage is all about enhancing what is already existing by magnifying what the sun would naturally do, if you were lucky enough to spend the summer lounging in the Côte d’Azur…

Wonderful thing about balayage is it can be as deliberate and bold as soft and effortless, all in the hand of the stylist sweeping color onto your hair. 

Subtle balayage by #bmastershair

3. Do you have grey hair?

If you are starting to feel like your base color touch up every 4 weeks is getting overwhelmingly flat and monochromatic, balayage is a beautiful way to revive your locks.

Painting on some subtle highlights adds dimension and depth into your color. Monochromatic hair is replaced with movement of tonality. This dimension also helps distract the eye, meaning less focus on the root grow out and more throughout the mid and end lengths. 

4. Are you scared you’ll look like a calico cat? 

You have dark hair and you DREAD the brassy orange tones.

Chances are you’ve heard a horror story from a friend with luscious brunette hair who tried to get highlights…and she left with orange hair, or worse..Yellow/blonde highlights terribly clashing with her natural coloring. 

So you have decided against coloring your all natural hair, for fear of a similar story. I totally get it, I hear it all the time. BUT I am here to tell you, there is a way around it. 

Most color lines have multiple options to lift your natural hair color into beautiful, balanced and neutralized shades. Translation: easier to avoid bozo the clown hair color. 

They tend to be labeled as High Lift Color. Do your research and ask your stylist about ALL other options to reach your desired result. Photos are a wonderful way of translating what you would like for your ideal outcome. 

Soft, tonal balayage highlight. Using hair color only! Rich and natural looking. #bmastershair

5. You can’t commit to a high maintenance look.

Confession. I am a hairstylist, I color my own hair…about every 5 months.! 

Truth is, us stylists are busy bees as the rest of you I am sure are. I need my hair to look good from month 1 of coloring all the way to that 5th month if I push it. The beauty of this technique is the application allows for a soft root if you choose. This means I won’t have a patterned head of foils growing out all together…Allowing me to move into a more effortless "rooty" golden blonde. 

There are many wonderful benefits to balayage. The key to a successful hair appointment is strong communication on both ends so don’t be afraid to bring photos, ask questions and get as much feedback from your stylist! Ask for an extra 15 minutes at the beginning of your service to discuss your options as it will allow proper time for application and processing. 

Interested in booking an appointment? Have any questions about your hair? I’d love to help you out. Email me at info@bmastershair.com and we will connect soon. 

xo,

Brittany 

Soo you paint hair?

"Sooo you paint hair?"

"I mean, you literally paint hair with a product that allows true lift for saturation?!"--I apologize for the industry lingo above-this is my hair brain FREAKING OUT!

As a stylist who has been playing around with balayage for 4 years and experimenting with different products, this is music to my ears. I feel like my tool box has seriously tripled in size...how so? I took a fantastic class with Aubrey Nelson.

Aubrey Nelson is an incredibly talented hair colorist who specializes in the art of hair painting..and she is seriously good. 

Aubrey working her magic! Thank you for sharing your knowledge! 

I was so excited to be a part of her San Diego Hair Color Workshop this past weekend. It was like the icing on the cake for me, a hair nerd who just LOVES balayage and effortless looking hair.

The Color Workshop was the perfect blend. Enough time to talk details about the technique of hair painting and two models to practice on.

Kinda scary right?? Wait till you see the after photo...

So whats this mean for you, my clients? 

- I will warn you this product is a bit messier than we are use to so you will feel like your hair is covered in white paste..but don't fret! I've got you covered and you'll leave with something like this: 

Model #1 the lovely Kensey. #bmastershair

Total babe, right?? 

We will be having lots of fun transitioning your color or just adding new dimension into your existing color. Hair painting is allowing me to customize EVEN further, creating beautiful and dimensional looks.

New clients, interested in experiencing hair painting for the first time?

I’d love to have you join me in the adorable Downtown Burlingame.

contact:    

info@bmastershair.com for appointments. 

- Take some time, get your hair all fabulous and meet up with a girlfriend or two for drinks after..I mean, Pizza Delfina and cocktails at Barrel House seem like a pretty good ending to a fun, pampering hair appointment. 

 Who wouldn't want to show off their new locks when they could look like this:

Model #2 Miss Molly with the long luscious locks.

Ladies, I'll be seeing you soon.

xo,

Brittany 

A Day at the Nine Zero One Castle...

All about Blondes in West Hollywood

Click on any hashtag #balayage #sunkissed #901girl and you will likely find some gorgeous envy worthy hair by Nine Zero One Salon...I mean, the kind of hair us girls obsess about and stylists geek out trying to figure out HOW in the world it was achieved.

I stumbled across their Instagram page about a year ago, and have been closely observing how well they execute their craft and was SO excited when the opportunity came to take a class with their very own in house educator, Nicole Leal and Stylist Tauni Dawson.

Rundown:

Class was “All about Blondes” and it went over just that...A bit of theory, highly used products, a live demo model. We also were able to work on models ourselves, always a favorite of mine for the real implementation of the techniques. 

Nicole working her blonding magic.

A bit of a whirlwind trip, but so well worth it. Nine Zero One Acedemy is opening up I believe next year, where stylists can go and take advanced education. How amazing is that? You better believe I’ll be a regular. ;)

As always, I left ready to get my hands into some hair and utilize some of these new tips, tricks and techniques. Below is a blonde I created once I was back in the salon, inspiration in tow. 

Looking forward to the next visit! In the meantime, blondes...I've got your back. Lets brighten you up for summer. ;)

-Brittany 

so it begins..

  Gratitude is prevailing in my emotions and perspective lately. I am writing my very first blog post on my very first website to my generous clients, friends, and family....and to each I am grateful.

I’ve had a seed planted in my mind for quite some time now to make the leap to being an independent stylist. My family has already heard my dreams and aspirations, and now I’m actually stepping up and making them a reality. The steps have literally been placed right in front of me, like a walking path. Quite scary, but easily accessible. 

 Clients, thank you so much for trusting me with your gorgeous hair and your time. I literally could not have done this shift without your willingness to drive the extra 10+ miles to see me. It means the world to me. 

So why the change?

Change is difficult but it is also necessary for growth. I’ve chosen an avenue of the industry that I am feeling fortunate for. It will allow me more flexibility to travel, take more classes and geek out about hair (as usual), to blog, and to take better care of myself so I can deliver 100% to each client. 

With this new adventure I plan on utilizing all possible resources. Summertime is coming up, and blondes I've got something special for you! It is definitely time to brighten up. This weekend I will be attending a Blondes Class at an amazing salon in West Hollywood...updates will be posted when I return!

So here we are! I am up and running in a wonderful little AVEDA salon in Burlingame.  I’ll be seeing you soon.

With love and gratitude,

Brittany