Roz Mackay

Roz Mackay

Urbanity the Hair Salon

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Don't Fret. Your 30's-40's are your new 20's!

Celebrate Your Age!

     Any woman can be a trend setter, career women, wife, girlfriend, or mother. In fact, they can be all of the above! 


   I may still be in my twenties but I know what I am talking about. Gorgeous women sit down in my chair and hate who they see in the mirror. They say " I need a change, an update... make me beautiful again!".  I can assure you all of these women are beautiful. A new hairstyle can only enhance this beauty. We are only as old as we feel.  I feel that optimism and happiness exude youth and attractiveness!


   Hair and fashion should be about having fun and/or enhancing what you already naturally have. As we increase in age, or responsibilities seem to correspond. I know I get in the routine of go, go, go. I find it extremely hard to step out and take a pause. I think it is always important to take those few minutes for yourself. Even if its just to get your hair done or go to the gym. I always enjoy a peaceful and grounding yoga class!


   An old boyfriend of mine used to watch me get ready and say " Why do you need to put on make up and spend so much time on your hair, you are beautiful just as you are." Where I always reply " Because it's fun and I enjoy the time I spend on myself!". So whether its 5 minutes or 50 minutes make sure to have fun being you at any age!


The ABC's on keeping your Youthful Glow...


  • Get your beauty rest! The old expression packs a lot of truth. An over strenuous life coupled with little sleep can lead to an increase in blood sugar and high cholesterol. The body needs time to repair itself.
  • Water, water, and more water!
  • If you are starting a new family or advancing in your career I think you can still get away with most styles. The important key fact is that you have to pick a style that fits your life style.
  • Shorter hairstyles can be a trendy new addition to your life. They look sleek, cute, and professional. If you are a 'wash and go' girl sometimes a short haircut and a good product and cut down on time. Although, short hair is a commitment... You must style it everyday!
  • A common misconception- You can't have longer hair when you are older. This is not true. I have many guests that look stunning with longer hair that is shoulder length or just below.  However, you MUST maintain it. Scraggly long hair will make anyone look run down. 
  • Take care of your hair! Hair becomes more coarse and brittle as the years go on and must be trimmed at least every 6 weeks. 
  • As you approach your 40's, 'classic shape' hair styles and face shape are things to keep in mind. Soft layers are always an instant face lift. 
  • Go for color! *Bare in mind, as you age your skin tone changes and your natural color can look too dark or harsh. If you have darker hair try going a shade or two lighter, or highlights. 
  • For all you silver foxes... Grey IS sexy! In fact, this season grey is the new blonde. If you want a change go for highlights to brighten or low lights to add more dimension!
  
 I am my own worst critic and (sometimes) slightly over analytical. It's a challenge everyday to balance that with my 'no worries, be happy' mantra. My best advice is to keep things light and fun. We can't take ourselves too seriously...  stress is poison :)


Thanks for reading! More tips to come!!

Please book an appointment with me at www.urbanitysalon.ca.  

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Rainy Days

   Rain, Rain, Go Away... Come again another day!!


   I do not know about you but when I wake up in the morning and flat iron my hair... the last thing I want to see outside a few hours later is MIST!!!! Or any of its accompanied moisture friends. I have decided to start off my blog talking about the trials and tribulations of having curly hair.

    The first thing I can recommend is to always be prepared and check the daily weather forecast. On days when I know its going to rain I usually try and leave my hair as natural as possible. If you have curly hair like I do then it is important to use a good product that will attract moisture. This will leave your curls smooth and defined. But most of all... no frizzies!!


Products that I recommend are:


KEVIN MURPHY Leave-In.Luxury- Silk proteins soften frizzy, grey and dehydrated hair while mango butter and extracts of Peruvian Bark moisturize and protect normal and color treated hair. I like to use a small amount of this product... a blob the size of a nickel and massage it through my hair when it is wet. BEWARE a little goes a long way, too much and your hair will feel greasy!


KEVIN MURPHY Hair.Resort- An oil free texturizer that creates a messy beachy look that defines long and fine hair. I use this as a curl enhancer applied to wet hair. Apply to dry hair to add body and texture for all hair types. I also like to rub the product into my roots for more oomph! LOVE the surfer look this product gives.


  Key Ingredients...


Honey Extract (Mel)
A natural emollient that seals in moisture and softens the hair to add flexibility.


Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Extract
Promotes hair growth and is cellular regenerative. It also provides beneficial treatment for oily skin and hair.


Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil
Helps lock down the cuticle for natural shine. Antioxidant vitamins A and C protect against stress :)


Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil
Balances sebum production.


Melaleuca Alternfolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract
Helps to penetrate the scalp to relieve dry, flaky skin, promoting long, healthy, shiny hair.


www.urbanitysalon.ca
www.kevinmurphy.com


If you prefer hair with maximum definition and shine, not a messy surfer girl look use...


AVEDA Brilliant Humectant Pomade- Attracts moisture to eliminate frizz completely and adds a luminous shine to the hair. Enhances and activates curl and is especially effective in dry climates i.e. malls, airplanes, heated or air conditioned environments. This is one of the best finishing products I've used with curly hair and the smell is to die for! Just scrunch into dry hair or twist into individual curls... again, a little goes a long way :)


Key Ingredients...


Aloe
Possessed of strong soothing properties, this desert succulent is a source of moisture.


Flax
One of the oldest plants in cultivation. Flax seeds yield an extract that is a natural holding agent.


www.aveda.com


 HANDY TIPS!!!
  • Less touching means less frizz and nicer curls!
  • Use a comb and fingers, not a brush 
  •  Apply desired product, tip your head upside down and scrunch
  • Separate individual curls that are not cooperating and twist them around your finger clock and counter clock wise. Do this because it creates definition and no curl is ever uniform
  •  If diffusing (which I suggest) only dry your hair 80%... anything after that will only irritate the cuticle and create fluff and frizz
  • Blow dry on a low, warm setting. Curls are sensitive so don't blast them with the dryer
  •  Most important, don't fight with it!! Crazy curls and big hair are supposed to be fun :) At least you will be able to stand out and show off your hair, not hide under that umbrella or hood! 

 If you would like to book an appointment or consultation with me please go to www.urbanitysalon.ca or call 902/446.4100.