TiP: Hair Stylist Loyalty 101

Things get busy and life gets hectic but stay true to your stylist! Don't have too many different "Philosophies" in your head! Don't victimize your hair!

I've been one to have too many hands in my hair. What I mean by that is... I may go to one stylist this week and another the next. For me? it's my business to do this. I'm my own Ginnie pig. But I realise it's not always the best situation for your hair. I admit, it's a convenience thing over anything else. My life gets hectic and I hate making appointments even days in advanced because things tend to change for me VERY quickly and abruptly. Alot of the time, I've been that horrible client that cancels the morning of or wants to come in the morning of (without notice). At one point I travelled a lot, so for me i've learned you have to have consistency with your hair. That applies to your stylist as well.

I KNOW, I know, we're all not Oprah. Not all of our budgets can include our stylist as an item when travelling across the country or the world.

But to avoid having a few pocket curl situations, be sure to consider the following....

- It's true, you have different stylist for different things. You may have one stylist for your regular wash 'n go look and another for your creative extensions fix. You may have various stylist in various cities to accommodate your travel situation. Although their gifts and styling traits may be different make sure they have similar hair care philosophies to avoid mismatched hair situations that may lead to serious stress on your hair.

- Have an open and honest relationship with your stylist. Be friendly and relaxed with them to receive genuine feedback. You wouldn't just let ANYONE house sit? So get to know who is styling your hair.

- Be consistent. Visit your hairstylist on a schedule that your budget and time can accommodate. Invest in them and they will invest in your hair. Let them trust you so you can trust them. In this industry, people tend to get hustled with a blink of an eye to avoid this be consistent and personable.


*I know you all are probably wondering what in the WORLD is a Pocket Curl. I only learned what this term meant by my home girl Ms. Lynn (Jazma). Pretty much, it's when a shady stylist is curling your hair, burns a patch of your hair (that may or may not drop to the floor) and pockets the curl. They don't tell you about the mistake, they don't try to fix it but rather they pocket the curl and send you on your way without any remorse. So befriend your stylist and AVOID the Pocket Curl lol.

Post by Editor in Chief Ally Glasgow, owner of AMAG Media (Web Media & Events Management Company) and LOUDMOUFCOUTURE Clothing. Ally and her team stay busy with in house communication projects in Beauty, Fashion, Travel and The Arts. Give her feedback via ally@amagmedia.com.

Thanx Lynne

While I was getting my Wash 'n Blow dry on in the city of T.Dot aka Toronto, I got a hand full of ideas for some up coming posts, video features and reviews thanks to Jazma Stylist Ms. Lynne.

She gave me some great and horrible new things to feature... so stay tuned!



Post by Editor in Chief Ally Glasgow, owner of AMAG Media (Web Media & Events Management Company) and LOUDMOUFCOUTURE Clothing. Ally and her team stay busy with in house communication projects in Beauty, Fashion, Travel and The Arts. Give her feedback via ally@amagmedia.com.

You GO K'naan!

We at BHC.com LOVE K'naan's Springy Spirals and his music too lol. He blew away BET's Audience with his performance of "Waving Flag" On The Mo'nique Show last night. We've been trying to find a video clip of his performance, but unfortunately NO LUCK. If you guys know where it's posted let us know by sending an email to info@blackhaircanada.com ASAP!

For the rest of you lovelies that can't find the video... enjoy these fun performance pics I found.


Photo courtesy of MuchMusic.com


Photo courtesy of Dose.ca


Post by Editor in Chief Ally Glasgow, owner of AMAG Media (Web Media & Events Management Company) and LOUDMOUFCOUTURE Clothing. Ally and her team stay busy with in house communication projects in Beauty, Fashion, Travel and The Arts. Give her feedback via ally@amagmedia.com.

LG Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2010 by L'oreal RAP UP!

We know, we know it's almost two weeks since the wirlwind of fabulousness ended but here is the rundown/rap up as we promised!

All in all Toronto Fashion Week was success adn you can say (based on the opinion of many) very tame in comparison to earlier events. Cough-no drnken speeches this time around-Cough. All you canadian fashion enthusiasts KNOW who and what we're talking about.

The fashionable trends in hair to look out for this coming fall are wild and almost tribal. We here at BHC are EXTREEMELY excited to see how lovely ladies of Canada will incorporate some of these trends into their everyday fab. Earthy and natural hair tones are IN this year. As a whole, it seems the asymetrical hair cutting is a thing of the past. No crazy hair colours, but lots of crazy hair styling. Lots of teasing, texture, volume and up do's. Although wild, the styles were very fun, flirty and feminine.

Although there wasn't much change in the lack of diversity on the catwalk (which NEEDS to change), the beautiful women of colour who did stomp the catwalk were looking fabolicious.

Stacey Mackenzie was indeed a presence at fashion week! We got it in with her back stage and took note of her hair colour transition from strawberry blond/red vibe to a rather sultry deep chocolate brown.

Canadian First Lady of fashion aka Bossy Lady @ Fashion Television Jeanne Beker's discouraging words to Canada's Next Top Model Cycle 1 contestant Tenika Davis a couple years back havn't effected homegirls presence on the Canadian catwalk. BHC was glad to see our girl Tenika getting her strut on at multiples shows during Fashion Week.

Stay Tuned for some pics, we're havin some technical difficulties (they'll be up soon!).

Why are Black Hair Products so *F@$*& expensive in Canada!?!?

Photo provided by www.thatblackgirlsite.com

Yes, this is a question many of us wonder I’m sure. In the Canadian beauty scene we tend to receive the more boutique-y high quality beauty brands later than our American neighbours. But in the majority of cases, whether late or early a lot of the products we have access to (that aren’t useless garbage) are OVER PRICED!

Why is it that the cost of Black Hair Care product is so expensive here in comparison to the states? Well we have an answer that kinda-sorta justifies why that is.

Generally, our black hair care beauty suppliers are “Mom ‘N Pop” neighbourhood supported businesses. A huge percentage of black hair care products are produced overseas, their corporate offices managed mainly in the USA and cater to the American market due to the high percentage of their target demographic residing there.

When our local beauty suppliers order products directly through the corporate entities, they receive inflamed costs themselves (based on the difference in currency, our higher taxes and shipping/handling rates). Plus, they are sometimes (in actually most cases) considered “international orders” and their product order minimums are outrageous! Our beauty suppliers in some instances are required to purchase a minimum $3000.00 USD+ of product QUARTERLY to receive a wholesale account with the products corporate office. That’s a huge risk just for ONE product line, so in the majority of cases if the beauty supply isn’t familiar with the product line? They’re not willing to risk having a bunch of dusty beauty ornaments on their shelves waiting to be tossed.

So I guess the next question is …how do they get the product they have currently on their shelves? Well that in itself is a bit more time consuming, but indeed more cost effective in most cases. They set up relationships with fellow retailers who reap the benefits of having a beauty supply in an American market, rather than paying a gazillion dollars in inflated “international” fees to the products corporate sales. Although still inflated, in comparison to dealing with the corporate wholesale account requirements… they save all across the board (by purchasing significantly less product) but inevitably paying additional fees all the same (such as shipping, handling and staffing travel expenses).

So when you visit your local “Mom ‘N Pop” Beauty Supply and get an urge to cuss out the nearest customer service rep in sight, remember ALL of what Blackhairacanada.com mentioned. NOW, we’re not saying this applies to every business but in most cases with the ethical ones it does indeed.

So how do we change this? How do we get these prices to be more reasonable as they are in our neighbouring USA? Well, if you want to support the Canadian Market so that it doesn’t dry up and disappear then stop buying hair online, over the boarder and be a loyal customer. Be brand advocates of your local Beauty Supply! Give them reason to trust us rather than swindle us! This will give you the consumer POWER and SAY over what products they choose to order and in what abundance. Money and numbers talk! So rally all the lovely individuals in your life that are Hair Care/Beauty enthusiasts and head over to your local beauty supply. Start buying, start requesting and start changing our industry! So that we change the interest of these corporate suppliers and so WE Canadians become a market priority!

And be sure not to forget blackhairacanda.com in the movement =).

We shall be at Toronto's 2010 Fall/Winter LG fashion week!

Yes Yes Yes Y’all!

We shall be backstage getting the low down on the new trends among our Toronto fashionistas!

Stay tuned for some fabulous pics and amazing tales (I’m sure) from Toronto’s 2010 LG Fashion week starting next week!

For more details, log on to www.lgfashionweek.ca!

We love love love what Melanie was doin’ at the 52nd Grammy Awards!

We ALWAYS love what Toronto Native R&B Soulstress Melanie Fiona is doin with her long tresses, but on the night of this years Grammy’s? We here at BHC simply adored her side swept tussled waved sleek up-do with amazing shine to match her amazing talent.

To achieve Melanie’s shine, use hibiscus oil a great daily scalp moisturizer and Alfaparf’s Cristalli Liquidi an illuminating serum that adds LSS (light, softness and shine) and VOILA!

Congratulations Melanie!

Most Improved of '09

The intervention of the once upon a time HOTmess that is Canada’s MTV Live’s Nicole Holness takes the award for most improved hairstyling this year.

MTV Live’s crazy, loud and cute VJ Nicole Holness has been relentlessly irritating black hair stylists for the past few years. This Scarborough native’s hair DONTS on air have had many asking for a while “Who the *&%$@# would do THAT to her hair?”

And then FINALLY…



Her tangled synthetic hair pieces have been retired and unruly waves finally tamed! Her recent hair DO's have been complimentary to her fun and yet funky style within the past few months. Whoever her new hairstylist is, we salute you! And please note, you (new hairstyist) have saved Ms. Holness from potentially being shaken and even chased down the street by various hairstylists throughout the GTA (all at once even) with a hairbrush and hair treatment in tow.

Watch Ms. Holness' crazy antics with hair FINALLY in check on MTV Live Monday through Thursday Weeknights at 6:00pm EST on MTV Canada!

We love Jully Black’s innovative hairstyle as much as her intimately creative 2009 release “The Black Book”!

We love how Canada’s soulful song bird and Etalk Daily correspondent Ms. JULLY Black has been working her fierce cutting edge doo lately. With the release of her latest LP “The Black Book” it is no surprise Ms. Black has been up to nothing but fabulousness from her HAIR to toe.

Her recent doo consists of a very creative take on an asymmetrical bob styled upward as opposed to down. She playfully has incorporated volume without it seeming heavy or ‘over the top’ like some of her pop counterparts - cough- crazed lady gaga -cough-. Ms. Black completes her sultry look with healthy shine and chic but bold colour choice.

The Black Book is in stores now! Have a listen to some of the songs off her latest LP by clicking here!

We LOVE Bobbi Boss!

For you lovely weave enthusiasts who aren’t familiar with Bobbi Boss Hair? GET FAMILIAR!

In 2010, BHC has a funny feeling Bobbi Boss will be a huge force among the fabulous in Canada’s hair industry. Bobbi Boss is a leader in human and synthetic hair products. Based out of California, They have a huge variety in textures and colours while giving an experience of utter luxury with every sassy lock on each well constructed waif.

The quality is what sets Bobbi Boss apart from a lot of other synthetic and human hair distributors, while still having a great range of styles. Whether big and curly, long and straight, sassy sultry waved or just a adventurous change on a whim, every woman will find a look that suits their hair preference.

General Pros: The hair texture is indeed human. Bobbi Boss hair does not itch at all and blends well with various hair textures. With a variety of colours you face little need to customize your purchased tresses with colour (but considering the quality of hair, you still have that as an option).

Line Fave:


PLEASE NOTE: THE STYLING OF BOBBI BOSS OCEAN WAVE INDI REMI EXTENSIONS ON THE MODEL IN THIS PHOTO DOES NO JUSTICE TO THE ACTUAL CURLS/WAVES/OVERALL TEXTURE OF OCEAN WAVE IN LIFE. HOPEFULLY ON BOBBI BOSS'S NEXT PROMOTIONAL SHOOT THEY WILL INVEST IN A BETTER STYLIST TO ENSURE THE AMAZING QUALITY IS EMPHASIZED EFFORTLESSLY IN THEIR ADS. =)

IF you love the versatility of going back and forth between straight and amazingly curly, Bobbi Boss Ocean Wave INDI REMI Human hair is what you need. Its soft light texture with amazing volume is the best product out of the Bobbi Boss hair line as a first experience.

General Cons: like any extension, Bobbi Boss sheds. Yes, they shed but even so... you won’t have embarrassing moments where you feel as if the hair is running away from you (without a brush intervention). You’ll notice excessive hair loss in your styling instruments (combs and brushes) and yet you will still have fullness with weeks and weeks of shedding into your combs. Unfortunately, it is very hard to find Bobbi Boss products in your local beauty supply. Because retail accounts are required to buy in bulk at a minimum of $3000.00 USD PLUS most retailers are unwilling to take that chance in the north considering they would have to retail the hair at a high cost. For example, there is only ONE legitimate location in all of Toronto. ON that carries a wide selection of Bobbi Boss hair in stock and it’s mainly because we here at BHC BEGGED them to carry it. So all you lovely Torontonian divas be sure to walk into Hair Trix Salon (click here for their contact) and tell them we sent you! For those of you lovelies out of the area unable to get your Bobbi Boss fix in person, online is your best bet or befriend and pressure your local Beauty Supply to invest this amazing line (just note Bobbi Boss does not distribute their product directly to the general public).

Hit up www.bobbiboss.com for more details on their products!

Chris Rock's "GOOD HAIR" featured at 2009 TIFF

What more can be said about black people and their hair? Everything.
The subject has inspired countless song lyrics, books, films and kitchen-counter arguments. The politics, the economics and even the physics of black hair can sometimes trigger obsession. Now everyone can find out what all the fuss is about, with Chris Rock as a guide.

Acting as African America's Michael Moore, Rock goes front and centre in this investigative documentary that is both hilarious and surprisingly informative. It began with an innocent question from his young daughter: “Daddy, how come I don't have good hair?” In black families “good” hair means straight hair, and it's been the source of pain and envy ever since African slaves first digested European beauty standards. Today, women on limited incomes pay thousands of dollars a year to maintain a straight-hair weave – or expect their men to pay for them. To assist in the exploration of this trend, the Reverend Al Sharpton, interviewed by Rock in a light mood, sermonizes on the historical significance of his processed ‘do.

Rock is bemused as he goes from salon to street corner to industrial giant, but he asks tough, smart questions. Aided by both ordinary people and celebrities – actress Nia Long, author Maya Angelou – he aims to bring common sense to an arena ruled by vanity and warped custom. Still, there's no denying the incredible creative ferment brought on by this desire to change and improve one's hair. Visiting an annual contest for black hair stylists, Rock watches as competitors whip up coiffures that seem straight out of science fiction.

Underpinning it all is a hidden economy that stretches from those living in America's black neighbourhoods, to the businessmen who harvest women's hair in India, to the Korean American brokers who deal straight black Asian hair to black women so their manes can look more European. It's a black thing, but everybody's involved (Good Hair at TIFF).

Public Screening

Sunday September 13 - 03:45PM
Tuesday September 15 - 02:30PM
Saturday September 19 - 09:30AM

Beauty World Beauty Supply

Beauty Supplier
Toronto, ON
3711 Keele Street

(416) 630-4083

Located in Toronto’s west end, Beauty World Beauty Supply is home to one of Toronto’s largest selection of hair extensions, wigs, hair pieces, hair accessories and hair care products.

Clientele: Vast and multicultural – mainly based on referrals.

$$$: The overall pricing is affordable and reasonable in comparison to mainstream competitors.

Products Carried:
In store private brand of human hair extensions, Bohyme, Remy Hair, Black Diamond, Moroccan Oil products, Chi products, Mezzane products, Goldwell Products, Abba Products, Biosilk, Nexxus, Nioxin, Elucence, cutticle organic hair extensions(non chemically treated) and much more! Contact them for further details.

Just Incredible Hair

Beauty Supplier
Toronto, ON
1543 Eglinton Avenue West
(416) 787-7900


Located in the heart of Toronto’s little Jamaica, Just Incredible Hair provides clients with a variety of hair extensions, wigs, hair pieces and hair accessories. Leading providers of human hair, in a variety of colours, lengeth and amazing quality.

Clientele: Multicultural

$$$: The overall pricing is affordable and reasonable in comparison to mainstream competitors.

Products Carried: Remy Hair, Yaki Hair, Sensual Collection (human hair), Milky Way, Outre, Sensational, Jazwave, Harlem, Troika, Glamourous, Lustre Hair products, and More! Please contact them for further details.

Jazma Hair Inc

Jazma Hair Inc
Salon
Toronto, ON
8 St. Josephs Street

416-928-1888
www.jazma.com

Located in the heart of Toronto’s downtown core, Jazma has been an innovative and dominating force in the Canadian black hair care industry. This is a high end salon that provides an intimate yet original experience and will leave you happily satisfied.

In addition to a full service salon, they have their own line of hair care products that is an expansion of their hair care philosophy that you can take home with you.

Clientele: Primarily women – black professionals

$$$: The overall pricing is above salon standards and is on the pricier end.

Products & Services offered:
- Specializing in natural hair styling, hair care and products
- Exclusive sale of their own product line. Please contact them for details.

Amorphous Salon

Amorphous SalonSalon
Toronto, ON
1178 Eglinton Ave West

416-782-2135
amorphous@rogers.com
http://www.amorphoussalon.com/

Located in Toronto’s Forrest Hill community, Amorphous provides an experience that caters to the adventurous individual in need of a new style and hair care solution. The salon itself is chic and has an open concept.

Clientele: Consists primarily of mature black women (30 plus)

$$$: The overall pricing is fair yet adheres to salon industry standards.

Products & Services offered:
- Styling of both relaxed and natural hair types, colour, relaxers, extensions, braiding
- They offer sale of beauty and hair care products. Please contact them for details.

Hair Trix

Hair Trix
Salon and Beauty Supply
Richmond Hill, GTA, ON
10217 Yonge St

(905) 884-5016

Located just outside of Toronto in the Richmond Hill community, Hair Trixx provides the beauty shop experience. The salon is a “mom and pop” salon that is able to provide you with conservative yet healthy hair care. The only afro-centric hair salon of its kind in Richmond Hill.

In addition to a full service salon, they have a fully stocked beauty supply neighboring the salon that gives you amazing high end product you would never expect to find.

Clientele: Consists primarily of local families.

$$$: The overall pricing is very fair, very affordable and counters salon industry standards.

Products & Services offered: - Styling of both relaxed and natural hair types, relaxers, extensions, braiding
- They offer sale of beauty and hair care products. Please contact them for details.

Hair 2 Inc

Salon
Toronto, ON
98 Scollard Street

416.924.9080
www.hair2inc.com

Located in Toronto’s exclusive Yorkville shopping district, Hair 2 Inc provides an experience worth remembering. The salon itself has two inviting levels, the staff is professional and accommodating.

Clientele: In addition to their multicultural staff, Hair 2 Inc’s clientele consists of multicultural women in the entertainment and beauty industry (primarily women between 25 and 35 plus).

$$$: The overall pricing is fair yet adheres to salon industry standards.

Products & Services offered:
- Styling of both relaxed and natural hair types, colour, relaxers, extensions, braiding
- They offer the following beauty and hair care products.

Moroccanoil
hydra care perfecta shampoo, hair mask, and leave in spray
cristalli liquidi
mizani
osis products
kms products
Difiaba

Please contact them for details.

Headturners Hair Styling Boutique

Salon
Toronto, ON
1194 EGLINTON AVE W M6C2E3

416-782-2764
headturnerssalon@gmail.com
headturnershairstyling.com
Headturnerssalon Blog

Located in the heart of Forrest Hill, Headturners Hair styling boutique has a fun yet comfortable experience. The salon itself is very intimate yet chic, the staff is warm, welcoming and yet professional. Headturners stylists give the most useful and effective advice. They cater to all hair types and leave your hair flawless, sassy and sexy with that “Headturners” edge.

Clientele: Consists of the young fabulous and focused in Toronto. primarily young black professional women between the ages of 20 to 35. A lot of the time, the salon serves as an amazing networking pool.

$$$: The overall pricing is fair yet adheres to salon industry standards.

Products & Services offered:
- Styling of both relaxed and natural hair types, colour, relaxers, extensions, braiding
- They offer sale of Moroccan Oil and Redken Products