Lessons from the beauty parlor

Earlier this week I attended another Citysearch Eat.Drink.Learn event, this time the topic wasn't on how to take care of orchids, but "Haute Locks: How to Look Fierce for Spring."

Held at The Parlour on 3rd, a cozy salon in West Hollywood. The parlor's normal cashier station was turned into a mini bar serving up cocktails consisting of the world's first Acai infused spirit, VeeV. The little Acai berry is the new super food that is replacing the recent pomegranate craze due to it's higher count of natural antioxidants, vitamins, protein and fiber. What I also found interesting about the spirit is that VeeV donates $1 for every bottle sold to help protect and replenish the Amazonian Rain forest. The cocktails were refreshing, like lemonade, albeit a little strong for me to drink before dinner and after a long day of work. Luckily they had some really fresh sushi on hand from nearby Sushi Roku (I had only been to the one in Vegas) to help balance out the cocktail.

During the party women were getting highlights, cuts, blowouts and eyelash extensions from the beauticians and hairstylists. I keep seeing spas and salons out here offering eyelash extensions, but had never seen it done or knew anyone who had done it. Although, I hear more and more brides are getting hair and eyelash extensions done for their wedding. So instead of a fake row of eyelashes like you'd buy at the drugstore, they meticulously and individually apply curled plastic lashes in between your real eyelashes. I'm not good with things going near my eye, as my friends have found out the hard way when they've tried to apply eyeliner or eyeshadow for me. I get squeamish seeing anyone put in contacts even, which is why I was relieved to see that the model's eyes were closed during the entire process, which can take up to 2 hours the first time and then 30-40 mins for reapplys. The extensions last for up to two months. Sounds like a lot of work to me, but the end result looked pretty dramatic. Something to think about for my wedding in September though.

10 Quick Tips to Healthy Hair:

From the Parlour on 3rd

• Apply treatment and brush prior to shampooing

• Limit the number of times you wash your hair


• Shampoo in lukewarm water since hot water will dry out your cuticles


• When using hot styling tools, make sure to use a protective serum


• Always use color protective products to prevent from further damage and fading


• Deep condition once a week (IE the hair masks I blogged about before)


• Frequent hair cuts are absolutely necessary to maintain healthy ends (Which reminds me, I need a cut!)


• Timed color touch ups are key in maintaining vibrant color


• Make sure you use the appropriate products for your specific hair type
  
  

Where's Tara? If you're super bored, see if you can spot me throughout the photos on Flickr!