From Washed-Out Blonde to ...
Chelsee Lowe, an assistant editor with TravelAge West magazine, has a 2-year-old daughter and most recently got her hair cut in March. "I wanted to go darker; I've done so before and found it to be a great change when I want a fresh look that's something different."
Follow Chelsee on Instagram if you don't mind a barrage of cute kiddos and food photos in your feed!
Brunette Beauty
Chelsee's hair cut and color was by Corey Chambers of Nelson J. Salon. For women looking to go from blonde to brown, Corey recommends experimenting with a wig before going dark to find out exactly what shade looks best and how dark you want it. When hair is colored dark, it is very difficult to go light again. Also, be prepared for hair color to fade in the first few washes. And follow up with hair color gloss two weeks later. The best way to preserve the color is to use a non-foaming shampoo or a sulfate-free shampoo, in addition to a color-pigmented conditioner to use after shampooing to protect it.
For those moms who just haven't made time for themselves as far as beauty treatments? Chelsee says, "It's all too easy to forget to treat yourself and take care of yourself when you have kids, but I find that even small things—going on a solo hike, getting your nails done, making a coffee date with a girlfriend—gives you an oh-so-necessary breather from the mommy routine. Not only do you deserve it, chances are that taking regular breaks, no matter how short, will make you a better parent. When I get some time to myself, I'm a more patient and solution-oriented parent."
For more information about Nelson J. Salon, check out Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.
From Curly to ...
Natalie Myers, an interior designer and proprietor of Veneer Designs, is a mom to two kids (ages 5 and 2). Like most busy working moms, she typically only gets her hair trimmed every couple of months.
Her naturally curly hair is fluffy and has a mind of its own, according to Natalie. "If I go to sleep with it wet and loose," she adds, "I am scared to see what it looks like in the morning."
Sleek & Sophisticated
The Brazilian Blowout is a 90-minute hair treatment that creates a protective protein layer around the hair shaft, smoothing and sealing the cuticle and completely eliminating frizz from root to tip. The expert at Giuseppe Franco Salon took Natalie's hair to fabulous, smooth, healthy, frizz-free lengths with radiant shine.
Want to know what's so special about this treatment? The Brazilian Blowout is the only treatment on the market with no restrictions, as the service is completed in the salon. The minute you leave the salon, you can exercise, put your hair in a ponytail or clip with no worries. It is absolutely perfect for moms on the go and lasts for up to 12 weeks when using proper products. Plus it works on all types of hair.
The salon suggests finding a certified Brazilian Blowout salon in your area. Visit the salon locator at Brazilian Blowout.
Natalie loves the results. "My hair, with the Brazilian, still has some waves in it but it looks like my hair on its best hair day ever, every day. I air dry it without worrying. No frizz or kink with nice soft waves. It's been quite liberating," she adds. Her advice to moms who just haven't made time for themselves as far as beauty treatments? "It doesn't take as long as you imagine and if you do it infrequently, then the cost is justified. The bounce in your step and improved confidence after the treatment is done is totally worth the effort," she says.
Visit Giuseppe Franco Salon for more information about this and other services.
From Long & Untouched to ...
MarieSam Sanchez, a wedding and portrait photographer and freelance journalist, has two daughters—one is 19 and the other is 5 months. Her last treatment was in April 2013, so she was particularly looking forward to a new 'do.
For more information, check out MarieSam's Photography website and her photography blog with her latest work.
Cut & Dip-Dyed
MarieSam's hair cut and color was by Sara Meddick of Nelson J. Salon. She went from dark brown to lighter ends through a process called Dip-Dye Ombre. It is very popular among celebrities including Kim Kardashian, Jessica Alba and Drew Barrymore. The salon stylists say that someone who has medium to long hair with lots of layers and darker skin tones is a perfect candidate for this look.
MarieSam definitely recommends mothers take time for themselves! "Being a mother is such a huge responsibility that encompasses so many needs and demands, it often fills each day to the point where there's little time to take care of yourself. And I think all moms are guilty of putting everyone else's needs—especially their children—in front of their own. But in order to be the 'best you' for your family, you have to take time—as little as it may be—to take care of yourself physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. It's amazing how even the littlest gifts to yourself can make such a difference in how you feel and look at life," she says.
For more information about Nelson J. Salon, check out Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.
From Post-Pregnancy Locks to ...
Lexi is in advertising sales and just had a baby 10 weeks ago!
She wanted beachy, relaxed waves, and agreed to try some hair chalk for a quick and fun change to her normal routine.
Chalking Color
Tina Dizon, who owns The Private Room Salon in Beverly Hills, showed off the salon's Color Pop Service on Lexi's blonde tresses even though anyone can wear chalk in their hair! Even on the darkest hair, there are shades that can work. But either way, it’s a temporary way to add quick color or fun style to any look.
Dying to try it on yourself? If you do try it at home, Tina warns, "it can get a little messy. Just remember to keep the pieces minimum and narrow, cover your clothes and keep a wet towel handy to wipe your hands when you are done."
Some on-trend color combinations for right now are light, soft colors. Think pastels like pink and rose, lavender, blue and green.
Lexi's take? "Wow! Normally not my style but hey, why not have some fun?" Her advice for moms who just haven't made time for themselves as far as beauty treatments? "You must try to do it, at least once every few weeks. Even if it's just a quick manicure or pedicure, making 'me' time for yourself is crucial," she says.
For more information, check out The Private Room on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.
From Barely-There Lashes to ...
Randi Cuba Newman has a son, age 5, and recently moved across the country. Her last treatment was back in NYC for a cut and color in July. For a quick pick-me-up, Randi opted for temporary lash extensions.
Date-Night Worthy Lashes
At EDEN by Eden Sassoon, they applied temporary extensions to Randi's lashes. The adhesive used is latex-based, and just a few lashes are simply attached to the lash line. The entire process takes about 15 minutes and typically lasts two to three days if you don't use an oil-based cleanser or makeup remover. It can also be taken off the same day if needed.
Temporary lashes are great for moms because you can simply pop on some lip gloss and instantly look bright-eyed! It's a great solution for those just starting to experiment with lash extensions or want an instant wow factor for date night! The experts at Eden Sassoon suggest applying a little highlighter under the eyes, and in combination with the lashes your eyes will pop!
If you have an event and are rushing, getting a quick makeup application and blow out all in one place will have you looking red carpet ready in under two hours.
For more information about Eden Sassoon, please check out: EDEN by Eden Sassoon, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
From Mid-Length Hair to ...
Mary Michael is in integrated marketing for websites like Moviefone.com and has two children, ages 3.5 years and 5.5 months. Since she had cut her hair before returning back to work from maternity leave, she thought it would be fun to have her hair braided, as she typically wears it down or just pulls it back in a ponytail. "I never 'do' my hair," she says. "Ever."
Follow Mary Michael on Instagram!
An Unexpected, Gorgeous Up-do
Mary Michael's hair may not have seemed long enough to pull off a braid, but using some hair product and a couple twists of the wrist that brought the braid across her head rather than down the back, resulted in a fun updo that can work as well on date night as it can on a play date.
According to Tina Dizon, who owns The Private Room Salon in Beverly Hills, the secret to getting a great-looking braid is to "keep it simple and do what’s best for your hair type. For example, if you have thick hair, a 3-strand side ponytail is easy and stylish. If you have fine hair, instead of trying to braid all of your hair, add a french braid to just one side or section of the hairstyle."
"Braids are a great style for busy moms because they’re a fun alternative to the traditional ponytail or bun for keeping hair out of the way," she adds. "They’re also stylish and trendy for moms on the go, and sometimes braids can help them look both a little younger and more modern at the same time."
Mary Michael's take? "I was impressed to see that all of my hair could be braided, despite the shorter length," she says. "It makes me feel like there are lots of possibilities!"
For moms who haven't made time for themselves as far as beauty treatments, Mary Michael suggests thinking about the one thing that will make you feel good about yourself and go for it! She says, "I love getting a mani/pedi … and if I can’t get away to the nail salon, my daughter is always up for painting nails at home—it’s not as pretty (or relaxing) but we have fun!"
For more information, check out The Private Room on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.
From Dark & Dramatic to ...
Lighter & Brighter
Esther's hair was cut by Ray Salazar, celebrity hairstylist at Nelson J Salon, while the color was done by Nelson Chan, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Nelson J. Salon. Nelson took Esther's hair from dark, dark brown and lightened her up through a color process called "Base and Hand-Painted" highlights. The result is called "Sombre," similar to how your hair would look after being out at the beach all summer long.
Looking for something similar? Nelson says to use the word "Sombre" for this fashionable look. He also says to show the stylist photos of the desired look, and ask the stylist to take a few hair extensions with the color you desire and place them next to your face to see how the color will look before actually coloring the hair. Communication with your colorist is key!
Esther's recommendation for moms who haven't pampered themselves? "Make time—it’s worth it! You’ll feel rejuvenated, refreshed and pampered—things all moms deserve," she says.
For more information about Nelson J. Salon, check out Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.
From One Length ...
Christina Montoya Fiedler, a parenting writer, mom blogger and mom extraordinaire to two boys ages 6 and 15 months, last got a trim after her youngest was born and has never dyed her hair. (Lucky girl!)
Looking to add side-swept bangs, Christina was always wearing her hair in a ponytail or bun, so she needed something different in order to look more polished.
Follow Christina on Twitter!
To Banging Bangs
Feeling timid about trying out bangs? This style, cut by Tina Dizon, owner and stylist of The Private Room Salon in Beverly Hills, from her Bang Service, which is part of her suite of signature services, are pretty easy to push back in with the rest of your hair. It's the best of both worlds.
Christina's advice for moms who just haven't made time for themselves as far as beauty treatments? "It sounds so cliche, but if you look good, you feel good. There's such a difference in my mood when I take five minutes of my morning to put on some concealer and mascara. Ten minutes? Blush and lip gloss," she says.
Tina loves bangs and thinks they are great for moms because you can quickly change a style without the commitment of a full haircut.
In order to make your bangs look great when styling them yourself, always dry or style bangs first to avoid unwanted wave or texture in the front. The key is actually spending some time on them to maintain the bang style: Blow-dry them while using a soft bristle round brush. Bangs can take some maintenance depending on the style and hair type. A good stylist will also cut your bang style to fit your hair type, so hopefully they won’t be too much work."
For more information, check out The Private Room on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.
From Au Naturel to ...
Robyn Altman, a summer camp director and mom to two kids, ages 5 and 2, tried out a makeup session at NiteSpa. (Yes! Makeup sessions aren't just for those getting married!) Her typical hair and makeup routine in the morning during work days takes just 10 minutes and includes sunscreen, mascara and face powder (it is camp, after all). But for special events, she'll add an eyelid primer, eyeshadow, curl the lashes, a bit of liner, mascara and foundation in addition to the powder and blush.
Nicely Made-Up
The makeup artist at NiteSpa showed Robyn how to use contour cream and how to properly apply blush (on the apples of your cheeks!), encouraging her to apply more. "I was usually too scared to use that much color!" Robyn says.
When asked if Robyn would do a makeup session again, she responded, "I absolutely would be more inclined to get it done for a special event or night out. It never would have occurred to me before, but I will be doing it before big parties, especially based on the reaction I had from other people at work later that day! Not only that, it inspired me to play with my makeup more and be more liberal."
Lastly, as a busy mom juggling a million things at any given time, Robyn suggests giving yourself a big cushion of time when approaching any sort of treatment, especially if it's a new one. "So many times I make time for myself and the salon is running late and then it becomes a stressful activity in order to pick up my kids on time. No one wants to get pampered while looking at a watch the whole time!" she adds.
For more information, check out NiteSpa on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
5 Ways to Get Glowing Skin
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Wash your face at night. This removes a day’s worth of makeup and dirt. Make cleansing and moisturizing your face part of your night-time routine.
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Exfoliate at least once a week. Sloughing off dead skin cells helps to reveal glowing skin.
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Don’t just drink water, drink lemon water (just squeeze half a lemon into a glass of water). Lemon helps flush toxins from your system.
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Make sure you use a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15 to protect your skin from harmful sun rays.
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Caffeine dehydrate the skin so avoid them. Reach for a cup of herbal tea instead!
