The History Of The Hair Clip - Barrette Inspiration From The A-List

The History Of The Hair Clip - Barrette Inspiration From The A-List

You'll likely find a random assortment of clips, barrettes, and bejewelled pins in almost every woman's beauty arsenal. In addition to being deeply functional, a hair clip can add an instant—and unexpected—dose of chic to an everyday look.

And while even the slightest mention of the accessory might conjure up cringeworthy memories of decades past (neon-coloured banana clips, anyone?), the hair clip has actually always been trendy. Click through the slideshow to see how some of our favourite vintage icons, street style stars, modes, and celebrities have sported them.

CR Fashion Book Issue 6

CR Fashion Book Issue 6

This is my favorite thing on the Internet/newsstands this week. The cover of CR Fashion Book's Issue 6 is the best thing ever. Model, Kitty Hayes, graces the cover and (while the hair in her choker bugs me tremendously) I can't help but gush over her braces. Her big smile kills me, I absolutely love it. I adore it. I wish this existed back when I had braces in elementary/middle school. (Forever grateful my Mom had me get it over with before high school. I had enough problems to deal with. Ha.)

V Magazine Spring 2015

V Magazine Spring 2015

Let me start this off by saying that I love Selena Gomez like, well, like a love song, you might say. (I'm not sorry for that because A. That's a horribly great song. B. That was funny. To me, at least.) But her new V Magazine cover makes me somewhat uncomfortable. Maybe it's her charming and adorable baby face and the fact that it, and the body connected to it, want nothing more than to be seen as an adult. Or maybe it's because I feel like she's my friend or sister and I feel like I accidentally walked in on her at a bad time. Or maybe it's just all those things. She's adorable and I love her, but I'm so sick of topless shots just because. Save that for the one that loves you like a love song back, Selena. This time, that person's not me.

Interview with Celebrity Stylist Billy Lowe

Interview with Celebrity Stylist Billy Lowe

Life can take us on many paths. Often, as young people, we tend to do what society/our parents/culture deems as in our best interest when it comes to following the path into adulthood. Yet, there are more and more people today following their dreams and doing what feels right in their heart. Rather than worrying about what society has to think, find the strength in yourself to do what you know is right. One individual in particular who has done just this throughout his life and has seen tremendous success is stylist and entrepreneur: Billy Lowe.



This golden boy in the beauty industry has worked with the celebrity elite and still makes it a point to connect with his regular customers and provide to them products that make them feel like celebrities in their own light. His latest product: Gloss & Toss - a simple hair serum developed by Billy Lowe to use on the sets of Hollywood.  Lowe's initial thought was that he needed a light-weight serum or styling product that would speed up styling time, hold up to a long production day, and keep actors and models' hair looking gorgeous and shiny without weighing it down.  He and his team soon realized that Gloss & Toss® shine serum was not just a product that celebrities needed, but something that should be made available to everyone - everywhere. Read on to learn more about Billy and his journey along with some great tips on upcoming hair trends and cuts for the season. 



Halfstack: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?

Billy Lowe: Well when I was a little girl - he says jokingly - I always wanted to style hair. My grandmother was my favorite person in the whole world and I remember this old white brush she had - and she loved for me to brush her hair. I must have been 6 or 7. I grew up in rural Georgia - you know - where all the boys want to be hair stylists - NOT. My father is a minister and ther ejust wasn't much room for hair and makeup for young boys growing up in the 70's in rural America and my (biological) mother absolutely refused to allow dolls for me. My Grandmother - being who she was - bought my first set of dolls for me at a very young age and said 'Now don't tell your dad and we'll just keep these at my house.' That was the beginning of my career. Since I couldn't go to beauty school and was strongly discouraged from doing so, I took to classical piano performance and played and competed professionally for many years. I went to college to begin a career in music and ended up with a degree in Secondary Education (BA Spanish Secondary Ed) and moved to LA in the late 90's to pursue music w/ MCA Records, but went right away into the world of beauty.

HSM: What makes your brand and your standing as a stylist truly outshine the rest of the fierce competition in this industry? 
 
BL: To me it's all about the reveal. There's a split second when you turn the client around in the chair and that magic "hair-gasm" expression happens and you see it. Not for myself - but I live through the eyes of the client and I come alive when I see their expression of awe - joy - and OMG - I FEEL BEAUTIFUL. It gets better and better with every turn of the chair. 

HSM: What inspired you to create your own product line such as gloss & toss and can you tell us a bit about the product development process? 
 
BL: As a hair stylist on the sets of Hollywood - and as a master colorist, I started paying attention to hair results. I noticed in many of my salon clients a build-up on hair and time and time again I would ask what they were using. 9 times out of 10 when I noticed a certain waxy/residue feel on the hair it was always the same answer - a department store "snit-frizz" serum. It builds up on hair and color doesn't penetrate and is next to impossible to get quality results iin professional color when this product is used. I also noticed that at the end of a long production day, actors and models hair was often heavy and weighed down and I wanted something that would work in my kit, would help my productivity (time) on set, and stand up to a long production day. GLOSS & TOSS SHINE was born.

HSM: Have you faced any obstacles on your journey, if so how did you overcome?
 
BL: I grew up in Georgia in the 70's during a lot of heated issues in the south. There were huge cultural battles, socio-economic differences between me and the other kids at school and I was the victim of extreme bullying all throughout grade school. I was called names that I didnt' even know the meaning of so I grew up thinking I must be a horrible person. I went to 9 different schools grades K-12 and just remember nothing feeling "normal." We moved around every year or 2, my parents were each married three times and I just thought "wow, if I ever make it out of here - I'm going to create a solid, stable life for myself where I feel great about myself - and one where i help others feel great about themselves as well. So the mission was born from early childhood, obstacles I've faced, and things I've overcome. With that I say to anyone out there that if I can overcome what seemed impossible stumbling blocks of bullying, social pressures, broken families, constant moves - I say to anyone out there IT DOES GET BETTER. We have to stay on the boat, lock arms with those around us, and look to the horizon.

HSM: What have been some of your most successful moments as an entrepreneur? 
 
BL: Wow - successful moments. While I'm a southerner at heart - I've really taken to California. I've often reveled in features and placements in magazines and news articles around the world (too many to name) and I realized that I didn't want my career to be about mentions or accolades - I wanted it to be about service to others and helping everyone walk through that door called I FEEL BEAUTIFUL ABOUT MYSELF. Easier said than done. We all come with stores of the past, things we hold onto, ghosts we chase. I'm personally trying to live more in the moment than future or past. Carly Simon wrote "THESE are the good ol' days." and as I grow in my career - I recognize that today will be my tomorrow's "good old says" so I am trying to make the most of them. Each and every day. Certainly working as a brand ambassador for many beauty brands has been a huge hit for me as I've just about seen it all; product launches, work with celebrities, reality tv, etc.

HSM: What does it feel like to have the acclaimed title of "celebrity stylist" - is it stressful working with top names/celebs or does the job come with its own ups and downs just as any other position may?
 
BL: To us here in Hollywood - "celebrity hair stylist" gets lost among many. But when I realize that the client at home in Boise, Idaho or Greenville, SC is reading my beauty content - I have to step off the red carpet for a bit and try to produce content relevant for my readers and fans.

HSM: What are your go to products as a stylist? 

BL:THE PERFECT ROUND BRUSH AND LOTS OF HAIR SPRAY. We're in the process of adding a series of styling brushes to the line as well as the most amazing wet/dry brush for every hair type - perfect for wet or dry styling and use. There's nothing that you can't fix with a little hair spray.

HSM: Any tips tips for women who are looking to find a great stylist and keep the relationship going?
 
BL: BE LOYAL. Don't expect too much on the first visit. COMMUNICATE. Take look books and talk about what you see. Bring tear-sheets and write words beside what you see. This helps the stylist see and hear what you're describing. Be open to change. And RUN from the stylist who insists "I'm the artist here" or "You're in MY chair." In the world of beauty, ego has no place. It's a very uncomfortable situation to be in the chair of a hair stylist who wants to have his or her way only.

HSM: What are the 3 hottest hair trends you see for fall/winter 2014? What are some to stay away from?
 
BL: Depth of color - it doesn't require changing a lot. Just ask your salon professional to add some lowlights to your current color or natural tones. Braids - still a hit. Get creative - not too neat - lots of space in the style creates a more fashionable/relaxed look and feel. The California curl will always be a hit. This look is super easy to get as well either by twisting hair when wet an diffusing dry, or by wrapping hair around fingers, clipping to the base area and allowing to air dry.

HSM: Can you provide a couple of tips for women on how to best maintain their cut and color after the salon visit? 
 
BL: YES - BEFORE LEAVING - BOOK YOUR NEXT APPT. This is critical for every gorgeous cut or color. Stay on time with your appts, don't do it yourself and don't try to color or "preserve color" in between visits. There's no such thing as cheating when it comes to your color.

HSM: Can you give our readers a few tips on best practices for the at home blow out?

BL: The biggest thing - remove 80-90% of the water PRIOR to even using your styling tools - dry root area first. Add Gloss & Toss® SHINE serum (of course) prior to your blow-dry to help speed up drying time, control fly aways and add shine. Use larger sections (since roots are dry) and with your round brush direct hair down - keeping brush and dryer moving at all times. Never "park" the hair dryer on any one section of hair - keep it moving always.

HSM: Finally, where can we learn more about you, your services and your product line?

BL: Please visit www.glossandtoss.net to learn more about Gloss & Toss and to purchase your own "Celebrity Shine in a Bottle™" products. Follow us socially @glossandtoss

Beauty Test Kitchen: Hair Essentials

Beauty Test Kitchen: Hair Essentials

Hey readers!!

Last week was a whirlwind with our latest issue release! Thank you so much for checking it out and if you haven't you can read it here. Today, I am bringing to you a round up of new hair products we've been testing at the Halfstack Office. These are products focused on healthy hair and styling.

The Rozge Grow Fast shampoo and conditioner have been helping me with growing out my hair since I have had cutters remorse from my last chop this past spring. GrowFast™ Shampoo and Conditioner promote the growth of hair. Infused with peptides and vitamins that help strengthen hair shaft and prevent dryness and breakage. Safe for all hair types, GrowFast™ adds body and a healthy shine to hair, while conditioning and strengthening hair to improve manageability. I found that the shampoo and conditioner tended to weigh my hair down. So, if you face the same issues as me with my naturally oily hair, I would suggest using the product no more than 3 times a week. I definitely have noticed growth + a quarter of an inch. My hair grows incredibly slow, so I am just trying to be patient, but some is better than nothing and my hair definitely feels stronger!

The next product I am highlighting are these fun pop in pieces from hairuwear. Who remembers my red head days from back when Halfstack first launched? Well, enjoy below!

Anyways, as beautiful as that red was, it did a number on my tresses. So, I took a break from coloring all together. But, these pop in colors are a fun way to do something different. They are real human hair so you can use hot tools on them.  Check them out here.

Alright, so the next items we highlighted were the fortify vitamins and shine serum from Gloss & Toss.  It literally is celebrity shine in a bottle. Created by stylists to the stars - Billy Lowe. Make sure you check out his interview with us on the site this week! What I liked most about this product was that it is specially formulated to give shine without leaving that residue that weighs your hair down!

Finally, I shared the Wet Brush, Shine Brush and Rusk hair sprays. Seriously, if you have a rat's nest in your hair in the morning (Keeping it real my friends) the wet brush is going to be your bestie. The super flexible bristles help detangle hair easily and painlessly. Love it! Well, my oldest loves is most since she pretty much kidnapped it from me. The Shine brush has a combo of the flexi bristles with boar's hair bristles that help disperse your hair's natural oils to give your mane that shiny lustrous look. Now, Rusk products are quick dry, humidity resistant hairsprays. The texture spray is perfect if you are like me and need to tease hair a bit to add body. The freezing spray is perfect for quick styling. It dries fast and both smell really nice unlike most chemical smelling sprays.


Hope you enjoyed the roundup this week! Remember, if you like what you see (including all my funny faces I tend to make when I talk...) please subscribe! Leave a comment if you want us to review other products or even have other suggestions! Thanks for your support!
-
Jen Lezan
Editor in chief

A Q&A with M&M of Effortless Extensions

A Q&A with M&M of Effortless Extensions

Most women dream about having long flow hair but can never achieve the long locks of their dreams. Whether their hair grows extremely slow or they have too much damage due to color processing and blow drying, sometimes growing out long hair can be really hard.  Yet, lucky for us ladies now a days there are a lot of options.

Whether you want to try to grow out your hair yourself and take vitamins and do conditioning treatments or some may prefer the quick and easy way by getting extensions. When it comes to extensions there are many different kinds out there to chose from. You can get extensions glued, sewn or clipped in. Sometimes those can all be a lot of maintenance or even damage your hair.  That is why Michelle Elizabeth created Effortless Extensions. These are extensions where all you have to do is slip on the extension. That is correct slip on, something totally easy and they come in a ton of different colors, styles and textures so that every women out there could wear them.  I had the pleasure of interviewing Michelle and finding out all about Effortless Extension and starting up a new business.


1. Please explain what Effortless Extensions are? Effortless Extensions are the Ultimate Fashion Accessory!  EE is 100% Non-Damaging, go in and out in seconds and do not connect to the wearers hair At All!  

2. What made you want to start up Effortless Extension? I had damaged my hair after years of Processing, then, after getting a short haircut, I needed something easy and comfortable to use.  When I couldn't find what I wanted I made my own, the Effortless Extension.


3. What obstacles did you have to overcome when starting up your business? For us it was so many different processes, beginning with filing for patents. We had to learn as you go, I spent hundreds of hours researching, and after 10 years I still spend many hours every day continuing to learn.  Knowledge is a powerful tool, so is good social media and networking, a free source such as LinkedIn, Facebook, twitter, etc.

4. What advice can you provide to someone who has an idea or wants to start up their own business?  Make sure you research your consumer base, know your competition, does your product or idea fill a need or do a better job than what is on the market. More doors will Not open than will, be tenacious you can't make someone believe in your idea/product, if you don't!

5. What do you think makes Effortless Extensions stand out from other extensions out there in the industry?  We are the ONLY Patented hair extensions with this unique design!  We have been granted more than 30 Worldwide Patents and we pride ourselves with the Best customer service, Highest Quality materials and construction.

- Written by: Danielle Pulak - Beauty Editor

How To Get Exactly What You Want At The Hairdressers

How To Get Exactly What You Want At The Hairdressers

With the new season approaching now is a great time to think about revamping your hair; but with three colour changes under my belt in as many months, I am sharing my cautionary tale on how to get EXACTLY what you want from your next visit to the salon . . . 

The tale of Monica's hair . . . 

Not so long ago I decided to lighten my locks to reflect the Summer season; I already had a grown-out caramel balayage from the previous Autumn, but was convinced that I needed to lighten up! Knowing that finding a good colourist is like finding Sophia Webster sandals at 95% discount (read: THE HOLY GRAIL) I decided to bide my time until I returned to Menorca where I had first had my hair coloured. 

Yes, I waited to go to another country to get my hair dyed. Ugh the patience! But here my friends is where it all went wrong . . . 

Visit 1: I love Pinterest, yes, yes I do. In fact I love it so much I can easily get lost in the tumbling waves of beautiful blondes, fantasising that the exact blonde of this image will suit me just fine. Despite the fact I am naturally a brunette.  Hmm. Credit to the colourist in Menorca - she highlighted, and lightened until my natural locks matched those of the image I had shown, then painstakingly blow-dried and tonged my hair. From the back it looked beautiful; from the front . . . it just didn't suit me. Oh dear. 

Visit 2: After a sad post-hair beer with Oli, I agreed to return to the salon, tail between my legs and explain -  in Spanglishtalian - that I didn't feel the bright blonde suited me. At all. My colourist pointed out that she had matched the image I had shown her - to which I whole heartedly agreed - but thankfully booked me in to return the next day and put an all over toner over the colour. I left the salon much happier with more natural locks. Although . . .

Visit 3: I knew from the get go that I wasn't leaving Menorca fully happy with my hair; yes it was blonder and beachy, but the highlights which had been woven through still looked block-like and too contrasting for me. What to do?! I texted over an image of my stripy locks to my good friend Jade who assured me it wouldn't take much to blend through some of my natural colour to break up the blonde. For the THIRD time in as many months I had my colour done. By this point I was convinced I would have to grow out my hair and start again (for oh, about four years) but then . . . voilà! Jade wove magic through my hair and took it back to my natural brunette colour, whilst leaving Summer flecks of caramel through the ends. YAY YAY YAY. 

From the above I have learnt three CRITICAL lessons: 

Lesson 1: 

Nature Knows Best. 

99% of the time, you will look best with a colour which is a version of your natural hue. This is not to say that as a brunette your couldn't go blonde, or red or vice versa, but that there are ways of weaving in colour which will naturally suit you. 

For instance, if your natural colour is quite warm - like mine - then going for a very cool blonde - think Scandinavian - will likely jar with your skin tone. By opting for a caramel shade you can get a lighter colour, but one which will flatter your appearance. 

If you do wish to completely change - awesome! There are women I know who look stunning with platinum hair, or jet black or purple - however this is a commitment  - and goes hand in hand with rocking a look. Think Nicole Richie's punk vibe, or Rooney Mara with blunt glossy black bangs. 

Lesson 2: 

Communication.

Communicating with your hairdresser or colourist is CRITICAL. You need to have a good relationship and be open to their advice and input. Most salons will suggest a consultation ahead of your appointment which is a great test for compatibility. Be honest about the amount of time you have to style your hair, this will affect everything. For example, if you want a tousled bob but have naturally straight hair, you will have to style it. Your hairdresser will be able to advise on how best to cut and colour within your styling means. 

ALWAYS come armed with images. Use your phone or Pinterest to collect visuals ahead of your consultation, then whittle them down to one or two pictures. You hairdresser should be able to advise on how to best weave the look you want into what will suit you. 

Side note: if you are dying your hair darker you will need to get an allergy test done at least 24 hours in advance. 

Lesson 3: 

If It IS broke - Fix It. 

Oli has always told me that if a client doesn't feel comfortable with their hair, he 100% wants them to say so that they can fix it together ASAP. If you are not happy with the end result of your cut or colour - just say! That moment of embarrassment will last a lot less time than the pain of not liking your hair. Be honest, and say something. The salon may not be able to fix it on the day, but it will likely not be long until they can. 

Here are some of my favourite resources for hair inspiration: 

Population Salon, San Francisco, on Instagram - for the BEST colour, in particular balayage, and amazing finished results. I am living vicariously through their gorgeous images until I can visit San Francisco and have my hair done by them. One. Day. 

Pinterest - I try to search for specific terms, like 'brunette balayage', or celebrities whose hair I like - Jessica Biel is forever my hair heroine. 

InStyle Hair - a whole myriad of dedicated slideshows, for all manner of hair discussions. At the moment I'm looking into long hairstyles. 

I hope today's article can help you in your next hair escapade. Book mark and refresh when you book your next appointment!

Have you guys had a similar hair struggle? What has been your best or worst hair venture? Leave me a comment, and let me know!

Have a great start to your week all!

Love, 

MB x

5 Fun Do's To Try This Weekend

5 Fun Do's To Try This Weekend

pic via my Instagram 

1 - Braided Chignon. 

Last weekend I was having one of those mornings where I prioritised EVERYTHING before washing my hair. Reluctant to wear another IKEA top knot, I got to grips with one of my favourite Summer do's - a braided chignon. The look got a lotta love on Instagram and it is SUPER easy to do. Simply two french braids, twisted and pinned at the nape of your neck. 

Here are four other fun and EASY do's I love . . . 

2 - Perfect Bed Hair 

Best worn when rolled straight out of bed. Ha!

Hair Note: As you'll see there is an 'undone' theme amongst my pics! I guess I feel like the weekend is ALL about relaxing and not getting too fussy. For the best messy hair conditioned locks are vital. I've been using the Redken All Soft shampoo and heavy cream recently and it has REVOLUTIONISED my hair - I could not recommend it more if you are suffering from dry ends and brittle locks.

3 - Classic Top Knot. 

Gorgeous with grown out bleached ends. 

4. Messy Low Ponytail. 

Best with second day hair + gentle back combing at the root

5. Chunky Central Plait.

Add a fedora and leave loose strands framing your face - so chic!

* Pics 2 - 5 from my Pinterest *

Do you guys love messy weekend hair too? Let me know which do' is your favourite in the comment section below. 

I am off to my cousin's wedding today! The first one of the season - yipee!

Follow me along for the day on Instagram. 

Have a great weekend all!

Love, 

MB x