Beauty, Hair Care, That girl in the red coat, Women

Monday Motivator – Goldwell Sleek Perfection

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I know, I know. It’s Monday. I too did not want to face the morning. In my part of the world, the temperature was below zero and I knew the hardwood floor would be cold. Alas, there are mouths to feed and bills to pay, and hair to do. Thanks to a new found favorite from Goldwell, my Monday morning became a little less manic, and yours truly is having a good hair day. Yep…a good hair day, on a Monday. Let me introduce you to Goldwell Sleek Perfection

20150723_100721 …a Thermal Spray Serum to be used with your flat iron.

For those of you familiar with my Salon Tales, you know that yours truly has fine hair, is a blonde (bottled, but blonde none the less) and is a die hard fan of aerosol flat iron sprays…until now. Goldwell Sleek Perfection is a non-aerosol spray that dries in an instant – you would swear it was an aerosol. Fast drying = no sticky residue or wet spots that sizzle when your flat iron makes contact. Goldwell Sleek Perfection reduces hair breakage up to 50%, leaves your hair feeling soft, silky and frizz free for up to 24 hours. ….and it smells wonderful.

The secret to this FAB! product are styling polymers enriched with Bamboo proteins that form an elastic film which is enhanced by their exclusive elastomer. *the polymer film also contains an integrated protection complex that consists of UV-A & UV-B filters, Pathenol and the agents that trap free radicals = long lasting color protection and hair that has a smooth, glossy surface with a natural feel and flexible hold.

For best results, apply to dry hair before using your flat iron. *That Girl in the Red Coat tip – flat iron your hair, section by section. Use a clip to keep excess hair out of the way, spray the section of hair you are going to flat iron and continue. I find this technique ensures an even coverage of spray and protection and I achieve a smoother look.

 

Beauty, Hair Care, health and wellness, That girl in the red coat

The KEY to Curls

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Today’s tale is for all the Girls with Curls …and the gents too. As you know, every person with curly hair, be it fine, thick or coarse, has one thing in common – a desire to be able to control their curls. To achieve a frizz free, controlled and defined curl. Well Beauties, you are in for a treat. Yours truly comes bearing great news! Let me introduce you to a lovely line created especially for you and your curls. Meet Curl Control by SarynaKEY.

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Curl Control contains a humectant that will retain moisture so it is suitable for hair that is curly, frizzy and dry. Curl Control hydrates and defines your curls by giving back some volume (bounce) all the while maintaining a natural, soft appearance. The complete Curl Control line is color safe, nourishes and strengthens the hair and leaves your hair manageable and vibrant. The line offers 6 key products;

Curl Control Pure African Shea Shampoo – created with Shea Butter, it enhances curls, rejuvenates and strengthens your curls, restores shine and helps to control frizz. *curls remain defined even in humid conditions

Curl Control Pure African Shea Conditioner – created with Shea Butter, proteins and amino acids that strengthen the hair and helps to control frizz and further damage *TIP – towel dry your hair after shampooing to remove excess water in your hair, then apply the conditioner making the conditioner more potent.

Curl Control Pure African Shea Butter – Curl Control’s answer to a Conditioning Treatment, contains a high concentration of Shea Butter, vitamins A,E,F amino acids and natural keratin. It leaves your hair nourished and softened and the anti frizz properties keep your curl definition. *TIP – for best results, remove excess moisture from hair, massage through hair, leave in for 2-5 minutes, rinse then apply Curl Control Pure African Shea Oil. ** for a more intense treatment, apply heat and leave in for 10-15 minutes

Curl Control Pure African Shea Oil – contains Shea Butter, natural keratin and amino acids. This easily absorbed oil  provides instant moisture, protects your hair from UV rays, defines curls, helps to control frizz and adds shine. *TIP – a little goes a long way. Dispense a few drops, smooth throughout your hair – before or after styling. Can be used on dry or damp hair.

Curl Control Pure African Shea Cream – a styling cream that helps to nurture unmanageable curls, control frizz and adds shine. This cream protects your curls from climate damage. *TIP – when applying cream, focus on your ends. Can be applied to damp or dry hair.

Curl Control Gloss Spray – a lightweight treatment spray for curly and wavy hair with UV filters to protect the hair from sun damage. Contains Shea Butter, vitamins, amino acids and proteins that help to maintain moisture. Can be used on damp or dry hair.

 

Curl Control offers various leave in moisturizers, liquid and cream. As all those with curls know, each curl is different, as are the desired styles, looks and hold factor of the products being applied. Curl Control offers a choice of 4 styling creams and 2 styling liquids that offer control/hold factors from soft to firm, well defined curls to voluminous soft defined curls…and always a lovely shine.

20150930_075133-1                 One of the many FAB! Leave in moisturizer’s bestowed on yours truly. Curl Control Mixed Shea 80% Cream & 20% Hold is the perfect choice for soft waves and loose curls. The result is well defined, voluminous soft curls.

For those looking for a way to unlock your glorious curls, you have now been given the key.

 

Beauty, Hair Care, health and wellness, That girl in the red coat, Women

Monday Motivator – Schwarzkopf BC Color Freeze CC Control Cream

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It’s Monday. Again. The days are getting shorter, the wind is getting colder. Many people I run into are pretty glum. Well Beauties, for today, I can turn that frown upside down. I was given a FAB! product last week and as I received it I also heard my favorite phrase “Sara, give this a try and tell me what you think.”. Well, here’s what I thought…

 

For anyone who colors their hair, and loves their reds, purples and vibrant shades, meet your new bestie.

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Schwarzkopf BC Color Freeze CC Control Cream

First and foremost, the scent is heavenly. I found myself shaking my head like the girl in the “Gee, your hair smells terrific” commercial just so I could smell my hair. (for anyone over 40 – you get me.). This gem of a product is a weightless leave in cream that offers complete control with the added bonus of heat protection. BC Color Freeze CC Control Cream adds moisture while improving your hair’s elasticity and strength. Oh yes…and it offers 48 hours of frizz control – I knew that would grab your attention. For best results, apply evenly to damp/towel dried hair, apply desired styling products then style and blow dry as usual. Color Freeze CC Control Cream creates an even surface on your hair for an even distribution of your styling products – much like Schwarzkopf’s BC Moisture Kick Beauty Balm

Monday Motivator – Schwarzkopf BC Moisture Kick Beauty Balm

 

Schwarzkopf Bonacure has always offered a Color Care line. For all those who are die hard BC fans, no need to worry. The Beauties at Schwarzkopf wanted to create an even better product line to protect your investment in yourself and your hair color with their new pH Balancer Technlogy. Working with Lactic acid and Calcium Hydroxide, pH Balancer Technology tightens and stabilizes the hair’s matrix at it’s optimal pH of 4.5 = locks in color pigments for ultimate color perfection and anti -fade effect. Check out http://www.schwarzkopf-professional.ca for more tips and information.

The BC Color Freeze family of products also includes;

Color Freeze Sulfate free Shampoo – for long lasting color retention & vibrancy.

Color Freeze Rich Shampoo – for over processed tresses.

Color Freeze Silver Shampoo – for our blonde and silver Beauties

Color Freeze Conditioner – perfect for daily use.

Color Freeze Spray Conditioner – a leave in spray that helps with tangles and adds brilliant shine.

Color Freeze Treatment – a weekly conditioning treatment that provides in depth care that strengthens and smooth’s the hair’s surface.

Color Freeze Gloss Serum – revives dulling color, reduces frizz, helps to prevent breakage and adds instant shine. Can be used in damp hair or on dry hair.

Beauty, Hair Care, That girl in the red coat, Uncategorized, Women

Monday Motivator – Joico Tint Shot

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Hello Beauties! I know…I know. It’s been a while. August was a CRAZY month so my tales were placed on the back burner. The summer of 2015, filled with sunshine, hard drives crashing, new hires, trips to the E.R., and more! It’s safe to say that yours truly was more than happy to greet September and feel the change in the air. Being that a new season is upon us, I thought it fitting to introduce you to a FAB! new product from Joico. Drum roll please…….

Meet Joico Tint Shot!

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The latest addition to Joico’s family of styling products. These gems will cover up your pesky grey’s and can also cover any thinning area’s throughout your scalp or hairline and give the illusion of thicker, fuller hair. Tint Shot was created with a Humidity Resistant formula so not only does it cover up your regrowth, it helps to eliminate frizz! Tint Shot contains Joico’s  Bio Advanced Peptide Complex – which repairs hair damage and can prevent further damage up  to 25 shampoo’s.

* Another Perk! Tint Shot contains Willow Bark which offers a cool, clean, soothing scalp sensation.

For best results, apply Tint Shot to dry hair. Shake well and hold 4-6 inches away from your hair. Spray in a light stream to desired area and allow to dry for  a minute before touching your hair, or applying your finishing touches with your styling products. * I recommend that you use your flat iron/curling iron before you apply Tint Shot.

* Another Perk! No worries of getting caught in the rain and your color running down your back or your cheek – Tint Shot stays put until you wash it out with your next Shampoo.

 

Available in four shades; Black, Dark Brown, Light Brown and Blonde, Tint Shot will soon become your best kept secret, and new best friend.

 

 

 

Beauty, communication, health and wellness, That girl in the red coat, writing

…I was just being nice

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It’s been a while since a new tale, I know. Thank you for your patience and continued support. It’s safe to say that after the past couple of months, yours truly has many a tale to tell and that I am graciously happy to see the arrival of September. Change is a good thing, and do I ever need a change of scenery, as do many of those I hold dear. In the next weeks I will have tales of woe, tales of truth (everyone’s favorite), tales of business and of pleasure. Today’s tale is of a different sort. I am not sure what category it falls under…is “reality T.V. is not real life” a category? I think it is, and so today’s tale falls under said category.

I am not sure when it happened. Maybe I missed the email. Did I miss a mass Facebook invite? Was it trending on twitter and I was a twit who missed it? I have been racking my brain trying to figure out where and when it all began….when did being polite and courteous of others become misconstrued as flirtation and foreplay? I hold the door open behind me at the bank for a couple, the gent smiles and thanks me, the lady (being polite…minding my manners) scowls at me and grabs a holder tight on her gent’s arm. Honey, the only withdrawal I am after  is my $100.00 from the ATM. I have a customer that I have had to stress at great lengths that I am quite content in my marriage, all because I told him that I thought his grey hair was dashing and really suited him and he shouldn’t color it.

Maybe it has something to do with social media. Lets be honest here folks…it’s kind of  narcissistic. It is. Most of the time we are posting “about me”. Sure, we mention our loved ones, our destinations, etc… . In the end, it comes down to “look at me”. Yes, I know, I am writing a blog about my thoughts and idea’s…believe me, the irony is not lost. In the age of Reality T.V. , selfies and pelfies – a little term I made up for my single friends who are sent pictures of penises from men they have not yet met, only typed hello to on a dating site. Since we are on the topic, if you are a gent who likes to post his significant other or “you know a guy” who does, first – don’t do that. Second – seriously, don’t do it. Third – if you must, try being a little more artistic ok? Having your Mom’s crocheted plant holder with a dead plant in it while you have a  superman towel over your shoulders needs to be rethought…as does the idea of posting that pic…just sayin’. Back to the tale at hand.

Being me, I had to make a list. Those of you familiar with my tales know it’s kind of my thing.

– When you look upset and a co worker asks if you are alright, it does not mean that they want to sleep with you. …maybe, just maybe, they are empathetic.

– When someone compliments your new pants, it does not mean that they want to get in them. ….wait for it…there you go.

– When a man other than your husband notices your new hair’do, that doesn’t mean that your husband is having an affair, or that you should begin one with the complimentary gent.

– Just because someone tells you something about themselves, like “I prefer Coca Cola over Pepsi”, this does not mean that they see you as a better confidant than their spouse.

– When a woman over forty shows her cleavage, it does not automatically mean she is a cougar. Trust me, being a woman with a killer rack – yeah I said it, and you surpass the DD’s…your gonna have cleavage, even in a turtle neck.

– When you think someone of the same sex is good looking, you don’t need to start rethinking your sexuality and start posting status updates about it. Some people are just meant to be looked at, plain and simple and like a work of art, they are admired. …Have you seen P!nk lately? Don’t get me started on Jon Bon Jovi…

– Porn is not real life. If you are looking for a police officer to “frisk you” – the  only way that’s going to happen is if you get arrested. Stop basing your bedroom ideals on literature and film. It’s not fair to you or your partner.

– Ladies, when a married male coworker gives you a birthday gift, 9 out of 10 times – his wife bought it and told him to give it to you. …so you may want to re-think the flirty thank you texts.

Here’s the deal. When someone is being kind to you, it doesn’t mean they want to run off with you. I am 43 and I know that there are player’s out there and that yes, getting it on is the motive of some people, but not all. Once and for all, when I show concern, consideration or kindness, I really am just being nice.

 

 

Beauty, Hair Care, health and wellness, That girl in the red coat, Women

Perfectly Pai-sHau

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It seems every where you look, all your favorite hair care brands have an oil, or an oil enriched serum, all with the promise restoring our beautiful shiny hair. Some deliver for a moment or two, most leave a lot to be desired.  Well, ladies and gents, boys and girls, there is a new kid in town you gotta meet.

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Pai-sHau – a hair care system that delivers on all of it’s promises. Pai-sHau is restorative and reparative – leaving your hair with an extreme shine and healthier look from your first use and is created for all hair types. Yours truly was given the line to try, and after using these gems, I had to let you all know about this FAB! line. There are two features that make Pai-sHau different from all other lines out there. One –  is it’s Signature Exotic Tea Complex. With a blend of concentrated steeped teas from around the world that provide powerful rejuvenating benefits that strengthen, nourish and protect the hair. Two – Biphasic Infusion – Pai-sHau’s answer to an oil. Pai-sHau’s Biphasic Infusion is a potent rejuvenating concentrate – it’s advanced binary technology drives the Signature Exotic Tea Complex deep inside the hair cuticle to nourish the the hair’s structure by attracting moisture and locking it in. Antioxidants and amino acids surround the hair with a sheer veil of shielding properties known to provide thermal and environmental protection. (U.V. ect…)

Pai-sHau is a little line that packs a lot of punch! It consists of 5 products;

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Replenishing Hair Cleanser (shampoo) – concentrated with the highest grade ingredients making this undiluted formula “water seeking” = a gentler way to clean your hair. Lather then rinse.

Replenishing Cream Conditioner (conditioner) – designed to rehydrate dry and lifeless hair. Adds moisture without weighing down your hair. For best results, leave in for 1 minute then rinse.

Supreme Revitalizing Mask (conditioning treatment) – a potent yet weightless conditioning treatment. Infuses the hair with moisture with an added bonus of adding an anti-static barrier! For best results, leave in for 5 minutes, then rinse.

Biphasic Infusion(oil) – I cannot stress enough how FAB! this product is. I have fine hair and am weary of oils – they can make my hair greasy and lifeless in the blink of an eye. Pai-sHau’s Biphasic Infusion made my hair soft and shiny, it did not weigh down my hair nor was I left with a greasy residue – in my hair or on my hands. For best results – ALWAYS shake the bottle until well blended and apply to clean, towel dried hair. *Can be applied to dry hair after styling to smooth ends and control flyaways.

Style Souffle (styling cream) – a weightless styling agent that nourishes, repairs and styles your tresses. Formulated for all hair textures, infused with antioxidants to retain moisture during the styling process while offering control and manageability. For best results – apply to dry hair. Emulsify a small amount in your hands and apply scalp to ends, adding extra product for extra control if desired.

 

As you all know, I have fine hair and I can honestly say that not one product weighed down my hair, nor did the Biphasic Infusion (oil) leave a greasy residue. As I said before – it is FAB! The scent is unforgettably delightful, every product delivers on it’s promise and your hair looks, feels and smells beautiful -what more could a girl want?

Beauty, Business, Hair Care, health and wellness, That girl in the red coat

Monday Motivator – Joico Kpak Color Therapy Dry Oil Spray

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…and here we are once more. It’s Monday. I know, Monday’s in the summer seem to be more of a chore than the rest of the year. Your coffee doesn’t seem to have the same pick me up. Facebook status updates of your friends “living the cottage life” remind you that the only cottage you have on your agenda is your cottage cheese and toast breakfast…and it’s just not the same. The Humidex is always on the rise taking your frizz & flyaways along for the ride. Your hair doesn’t seem to want to cooperate. As always, yours truly is here to help ease the manic and mania of Monday. Today, I have a gem of a product that is for all hair types. Yep! Fine to thick, straight to curly – you are gonna love this product….drum roll please….

IJoico Kpak Color Therapy Dry Oil Spray

Meet Joico Kpak Color Therapy Dry Oil Spray!

This weightless finishing spray protects your color, creates silky tresses without leaving a greasy feel or wet look and fights those pesky flyaways. It is color safe,even for the most delicate of Blondes = no brassy residue or tones. It is a lovely shine spray that leaves your hair with a natural silky sheen and with it’s weightless formula it is perfect for those of us with fine hair.

The secret to this FAB! spray you ask? Natural oils (Sunflower, Jojoba & African Mankett) replenish lost lipids and Joico’s Bio Advanced Peptide Complex and QuadraBond technology seal the hair’s outer layer and works as a protective shield against color fade and moisture loss.

For best results, apply to dry hair, once your style has been achieved. Joico Kpak Color Therapy Dry Oil spray is a great finishing spray to keep your straight sleek strands frizz free with a lovely shine.

*That Girl in the Red Coat Styling Tip;

Tried, tested and true – while using your flat iron, be sure to use a flat iron spray to protect your hair, like Joico’s IronClad flat iron spray for instance. Once you have your tresses as sleek as desired, apply Joico’s Kpak Color Therapy Dry Oil spray to lock out frizz and flyaways.

 

Beauty, health and wellness, That girl in the red coat, Women

Miss. Understanding

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My Birthday was this past weekend. Yours Truly is 43. My Birthday was as close to perfect as I had wished. I woke to a Happy Birthday smooch & smile from my beloved before he was off to work. I strolled into my kitchen for my morning brew to find a lovely hand written letter from my girl. I drove over to my parents home and had some morning coffee on the back deck, the sun shining on my shoulders and laughter filled the air. The forecast all week was for rain, yet not a drop fell. During my lovely lunch with my girl I received word from my beloved that he was coming home early. All day loving messages appeared via Facebook and text. We ordered my favorite pizza and caught up on our favorite show with our new found time – stolen time as I like to call it. I sipped my vodka & lemonade, with my feet up. It was a great day.

The next day, I woke up in a funk that I could not shake. I found myself on the verge of tears more than once. I found myself being nit picky over the smallest of things and my mind was not on my side – bringing up moments from the past that are best laid to rest and forgotten. At first I blamed the good ‘ol hormones (may have had the stupid cut out – hysterectomy – but still have the ol’ ovaries). Then, as anyone battling anything, I went through the list of people, places and events that were the true cause of my anguish. Once my mental temper tantrum was over I had a realization. Well, that and calling my hubby to see what wine he wanted with dinner and upon hearing his voice choked up and started to cry. My realization you ask? I have not been taking care of me. I was making time for everyone else. I was worrying about everyone else’s happiness and contentment. I was being the understanding ear for everyone’s issues and problems…and I had reached my fill. My funk and my angst was on me, and me alone. (…anyone who knows me knows how much I love that…). As I sat pouting on my front porch I realized why I had been so happy on my Birthday. On my Birthday I had made myself a priority, done what I wanted, spent my time with the people of my choosing and enjoying the gift of time. I had a funk the next day because I wanted more and deserved more. In short, I was kicking my own ass. Kicking my own ass for knowing better, but not doing better.

The reason for this glimpse into my personal life, you ask? To save you a mental temper tantrum (they’re exhausting and bad for the face) and to save your friends and loved ones wincing wondering when your head may begin to spin around. To remind you and myself that we are just as important as those we make a priority in our lives. A reminder to take a minute and take a breath. A reminder that cleaning and washing can wait until tomorrow. A reminder that no amount of dusting and polishing your living room can clean a tarnished spirit. A reminder that understanding the plights of others is a good thing, as long as you don’t begin to misunderstand yourself in the process. A reminder that although the truth may not always be pretty, there is nothing uglier than a lie and not being true to yourself is the biggest lie of all.

Take a moment for yourself when you can. Do what makes you happy. Celebrate yourself, everyday. Plain and simple.

Beauty, Hair Care, health and wellness, That girl in the red coat, Women

Monday Motivator – Joico Texture Boost

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So it’s Monday…and what a Monday it has been. Between waking up 7 times through the night for no apparent reason, spilling my coffee…twice and then arriving at the shop to be a witness to our computer monitor’s demise…all before 9:30 a.m., it’s safe to say, yours truly was not impressed and certain phrases were being thought….and uttered. The only saving grace of my Manic Monday was my hair. Thanks to Joico and their FAB! Texture Boost, at least I was having a good hair day.

Joico Texture Boost Joico Texture Boost

This gem from Joico is a Dry Wax Spray. Yep, you read that correctly, a Dry Wax Spray. Joico Texture Boost delivers the pliability and texture of a wax without the sticky residue – in your hair and on your hands. With it’s ultra fine finishing mist (that smells wonderful), you can achieve movable texture with a flexible clean touchable hold. Joico Texture Boost is a styling agent that can be used on all hair types, from fine to thick, straight to curly. *It’s an awesome styling tool for achieving that tousled, beachy wave for curls. As you all know, yours truly has fine hair. This product did not weigh down my hair at all. I also live in South Western Ontario and the Humidex is at an all time high this week, and in my experience all waxes made my ‘do become a sticky matted mess or my textured tresses gave up the battle against the humidity and I looked like I hadn’t styled my hair at all…until Joico’s Texture Boost.  For best results, use on dry hair.

 

Beauty, Hair Care, That girl in the red coat, Women

Monday Motivator – The WET Brush

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Happy Monday Beauties! I know, I know, it’s Monday and you’re thinking what’s there to be happy about? Well, let me tell you. Today product in my Monday Motivator series is going to put a smile on your face and silence the whines and screams of your children…and before you ask, it’s not a vodka and tonic. Let me introduce you to…drum roll please,

Wet Brush The WET Brush!

This gem is a life saver and a sanity saver. With it’s trademarked Intelliflex bristles this brush glides through knots and tangles with ease, no matter your hair type- fine or thick, curly or straight. The WET Brush can be use on wet hair or dry hair. There is no pulling or tugging on the hair or scalp. I own one. My daughter owns one. My girlfriend’s own one. Their daughters own one. Some of the gents in my life own one as well – it’s a gem to use on beards. Every woman that has bought one from me at the shop has come back to purchase one for her sister, her bff, her neighbor, you name it. My first experience with this brush was over 2 years ago, when all my reps. (10 of them) were talking about this new brush and only one of them, Sylvie Balan from KAO – a FAB! rep. if I do say so myself offered me a brush to try out in our Salon. After using it on our first client, we were sold. It used to take our stylists 30 – 40 minutes to comb out this client’s hair. With the WET Brush – 5 minutes.

Mondays are tough enough, why not start it off with a little less pain and frustration. Save your mascara from watering eyes due to a nasty tangle, silence the screams and end the morning and evening tears of your children when they see you approaching them with brush in hand, do yourself a huge favor and get yourself a WET Brush. Plain and simple.