Heat-less Waves

For years, I struggled with my soft, fine hair trying to get it to hold a curl for the entire day.  From curling irons, hairspray and mousse, I tried it all.  Finally, I found a great solution!  Heat-less waves!  Yes, you read it right... No heat applied and your curls will last all day even in misty or breezy weather.  Try it for yourself and I'd love to hear how it worked for you!

What you'll need:

• Comb
• Brush
• Bendy rollers/flexi rods (size of your choice)
• Spray bottle filled with water
• Holding spray (optional)

How to get heat-less waves:

1.     Lightly mist dry hair with water (you can add a little holding spray if you'd like)

2.     Part hair into about 5-8 sections depending on how full you want your waves.  The more sections, the fuller your hair will be when finished

3.     Brush or comb through the first section while damp from root to ends

4.     Starting at the middle of each section, wrap the hair around the rods through the ends 

5.     Once the ends are secure on the rods, roll from the middle of the hair to 1-3 inches away from the scalp

6.     Go to sleep or sit under a dryer for 30 minutes

7.     Once the hair is completely cool and dry, remove the bendy rollers and use your fingers to blend the waves

I hope you love this look as much as I do!

Healthy Hair

I always get people mentioning how nice and long my hair is.  As soon as I get the compliment, they follow up with, "Don't cut it!"  What's funny is that what they don't know is that I cut my hair often.  No matter how many times I do, it sprouts right back out.  I believe the reason is partly genetics but I always tell people a healthy foundation of cleansing and conditioning regularly makes a huge difference.  I wash my hair every other day and spend a healthy amount of money on good shampoo and conditioner. One that I've recommended for the past 5+ years is Biolage normalizing shampoo and Biolage detangling solution.  The normalizing shampoo literally feels like it pulls out all of the grime and dirt while the detangling solution conditions and makes your hair feel silky smooth.  It smells great too!  As far as regular day to day products, I use either olive oil or wild root cream if I plan on wearing my hair up for the week.

Here are a few tips on taking care of your hair:

• Avoid harsh chemicals if possible - Relaxers, perms and straightening systems are hard on your hair.
• Limit use of heat - after washing your hair, let it air dry rather than blow drying.  Roll your hair or wrap it at night so you don't have to curl it or straighten in the morning.
• Don't over-wash - Shampooing daily is drying to your hair and scalp.  Aim for two to three times a week - and on off days, rinse with water and condition only your ends.
• Deep condition - Deep condition at least once a week.  You can add a mask or oil to your hair, wrap your head with a steamy, hot towel and sit for 30 minutes.  It works wonders for your hair.

Remember, healthy and strong hair is the foundation to great hair extensions.  So take care of what you got!

Why hair extensions?

With so many different options and the stories floating around out there, it can be quite a task making the decision to wear hair extensions or not.  I hope this article helps to give you clarity on what's out there so you can make the best decision.

First of all, what are hair extensions anyway?  The short answer is that it's the method of lengthening or thickening your hair by adding human or synthetic hair to your own.

A few common reasons why people get hair extensions are:

• their natural hair is hard to manage 
• desire for fuller or longer hair
• versatility - you can have the latest hair trends without damaging your own hair
• special events such as weddings, prom, vacations, etc.
• to fix a bad haircut (I know this sucks but it happens more often than you'd think)
• growing out your natural hair

Of course there are many other reasons however when I get the call, these are the most common reasons why people want hair extensions.  Depending on the condition of your hair and what you'd like to achieve, there are a few different methods that you can utilize to add hair extensions:

Sewn In Method:  Your natural hair is braided and wefts are sewn to the braids using a needle and thread.  Some stylists cover the braids with a net prior to sewing in the hair for added protection to your natural hair. Most of your hair is braided up so you mainly work with the extensions.  I'd suggest the sewn in method for those that don't want to deal with their own hair much.  And I should note that if you decide to go with this method, take an aspirin prior to your appointment because depending on your level of sensitivity, pulling your hair into braids may cause discomfort and pressure for a few days after the procedure. This method usually lasts 2-3 months with regular maintenance and care.

Bonding Method:  Your natural hair is parted and wefted hair is attached near your scalp with hair bonding glue.  With this method your hair is loose and mixed in with the extensions.  It's perfect for those that simply want to add volume and length to their own hair.  Depending on the type of glue used, this can last up to 2 months.   But beware!  This method can be VERY damaging if you don't remove it properly.  So make sure your stylist has accompanying remover to go with the adhesive.


Fusion Method:  Your natural hair is sectioned off in small, plug-like sections and human hair is bonded to those plugs using a durable adhesive which lasts 3-6 months.  Fusion allows your hair to move more naturally which makes it appear more real.  It's fantastic for fixing the haircut you regret, uneven ad damaged hair.  this method is quite time consuming and a more expensive service.  I'd recommend this method for someone who wants to add fullness and length and is going for a more natural look.  Or as I mentioned, if you need to fix your do.


Microlinks Method:  Just like the fusion method, your natural hair is sectioned off in small, plug-like sections and pre-tipped human hair is added to those plugs using a small ring which is clamped near the scalp.  In general it lasts 36 months depending on how fast your hair grows.  Microlinks also allows your hair to move more naturally however it is bulkier at the scalp.  I'd recommend this method for someone who wants to add fullness and length or if you'd like to highlight your hair and play with different colors without the commitment of changing your natural hair color.

These are the most popular techniques out there and I hope this article has helped to give you and idea of which technique may be best for you.  Ultimately, it's important to find a great stylist and they'll help you to make the best choice.  

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, visit www.dela-antoinettes.com

I wish you the best on your hair extension journey!

Healthy Skin - Exfoliation over 30

Do you remember the day when your elders told you that you wouldn't be young forever so take care of yourself while you’re young?  I heard that so many times growing up and never took heed.  Why, you ask? Because I was young!  Everything happened automatically from great hair to great skin.  Now, here I am in my mid 30’s repeating the same message my elders told me in hopes that unlike me, they take heed to the message pertaining to skin care.

For most people under 30, your skin naturally sheds daily to reveal healthy, soft, glowing skin.  Once you hit 30, that process slows down and you’ll have to work a little harder to get the same results you did in the years prior.  A simple solution to helping exfoliation along is dry brushing.  Prior to bathing or washing my face, I get a firm brush and brush my skin in a circular pattern starting from my feet up to my head.  The result -- teenage skin only without the acne.

There are a slew of other great benefits you get from dry brushing.  You also:

• Eliminate dead cells

• Unclog pores

• Encourage elimination of waste

• Help to detoxify your skin

• Mobilize fat/Reduce appearance of cellulite

It's important to take care of yourself in every way possible.  You'll not only look better but you'll feel better about yourself.  I encourage you to try this as I did.  It’s a cheap, simple solution that really works!