How to Have an A-Lister Hair Salon Appointment
When booking, ask the receptionist to add a few extra minutes for a consultation. Dress nicely for the appointment. It’s hard for the stylist to envision glory when you’re wearing sweats. Inspire. Arrive a bit early to avoid being rushed. In the chair, clearly communicate what you want, your level of styling competence and the time and money you can commit to care. With all that info, the stylist can suggest a cut that conforms to your needs.
Consultations should be show and tell. Don’t just say you want Jennifer Anniston’s hairstyle. That could result in a flash back to the Rachel cut when you want her do from this decade. Bring pictures.
“Do whatever you want. I’m yours,” could end in disaster. This isn’t a romantic liaison. Don’t assume the stylist cares, is motivated or creative at this point in his or her day. Be prepared to give direction. That’s not to say you shouldn’t heed professional advice. If a stylist warns going platinum could cause your hair to fall out, that Gwen Stefani do is a don’t.
I know I’ve learned from my many mistakes in the chair. What is your worst hair horror story?
Four End of Summer Skin Fixes
As my tan fades, the warm glow gives way to the sun damage. I often bump into world-renowned dermatologist Dr. Adrienne Denese in QVC’s green room. As she disapprovingly eyes my sunspots, Dr. Denese reminds me the number one thing I should do for my skin is slather on the SPF. There’s nothing luxe about skin cancer.
Most have us have gotten better about applying it to our faces, but we often forget our necks, hands and other exposed areas. From a vanity standpoint, it’s these parts of our bodies that often give away our age. Let’s leave them guessing with these four fixes.
1. I prefer bangs to Botox (I could change my mind by tomorrow). For a temporary fix, Freeze 24/7 Instant Targeted Wrinkle Treatment is amazing at making even deep lines disappear (10 g, $65, freeze247.com).
2. Ward off impending droop without dropping a dime at the plastic surgeon. Try Esther Blum’s natural facelift from her book, “Secrets of Gorgeous.”
- Eat wild Alaskan salmon three times a week or more. Blum calls it a face-lift in your fridge. It’s nutrients act as a wrinkle fighter and improve cognitive function. Pretty smart.
- Eat avocado, raw nuts and seeds to moisturize you skin from within.
- Eat organic blueberries and cantaloupe to plump and protect you skin,
- Avoid sugar as it causes inflammation and can add years to your face.
3. If you go the injectable or surgical route, be sure to go to a board-certified medical practioner who has a hefty list of happy patients. Just because someone can legally administer a treatment, doesn’t mean they should. You don’t want some greedy guy with a weekend class under his belt giving you a permanent droopy eyelid. You can’t play that off as sultry. I promise.
4. Be sure to book an annual skin cancer check with your dermatologist. Good health equals luscious looks.
Sketchy-Stay Essentials
Not every hotel stay rates five stars. Eliminate or elevate questionable travel digs with these four essentials for those who are easily skeeved (me!).
1. Bedbugregistry.com. Check this Web site to see if your hotel has a history of infestation. Ew.
2. Hotel Sanitation Kit. Travel-size germ killers in a handy plastic pouch.
3. Flip flops for the shower. Fend off foot fungus in slimy showers.
4. Silk Dream Sack. Slip into this instead of suspect sheets. Comes with matching pillowcase.
