Shu Uemura Hair Play

HAIR PLAY from V Magazine on Vimeo.

Since we're fans of Shu Uemura we'll share this video with you guys. To get right down to the hair styling skip over Coco Young chatting about nothing really to 1:47 and watch famed hair stylist Conrad Dornan create a cool looking braided style (2:47) then Dornan goes on to create beautiful curls on her otherwise lifeless hair (3:40).

Budget Babes: Headbands

During the summer I'll be wearing lots of wash and go's and I need headbands to keep my bangs out of my face and keep my edges slicked back.  On a trip to CVS this am imagine my delight when I found that tons of headbands were buy 1 package (of 6) get 1 free!  That's 12 headbands for just $6.49 plus tax can't beat that! 

Act One: Curlformers

Last weekend I purchased four packs of curlformers along with the wand.  I wanted the small spiral curls so I picked up the long and narrow, good thing I check it out in the car because I found that my hair is too long for long.  I had to hit up a different Sally's Beauty Supply store to pick up the extra long, but of course they didn't have the extra long and narrow so I ended up with extra long and wide.  Bottom line: I had a hard time putting them in, I lost some hair on the wand, and I left them in for about 3 hours got sick of waiting and took them all out (it was getting late and I was sleeply and getting irritated).  Needless to say my hair was a hot mess so I wore a bun all week. 

I plan on trying them out again, so I'll be sure to keep you posted. 

FYI, this box of Curlformers is no longer being carried at the Sally's around my way.  Instead, you have to buy the separate packages and wand.  Each pack is about $11.99 and I used four packs. 

Little Girls - Grown Hairstyles

I'll just share the images and let you comment.... what do you think about little girls with grown hairstyles? 


Mel B. with daughter Phoenix Chi


Jada Pinkett Smith and daughter Willow

Wedding 'Do Idea: Kate Bosworth @ the Oscars

I totally wasn't even planning on overing the Oscar's hairstyles this time around, I'm not quite sure you guys (my readers) love it.  But when I saw Kate Bosworth's 'do in pictures I couldn't help but think it would make an awesome hairdo for a wedding whether you're in it or attending. 

Create her look from home with these easy to follow, DIY tips from Laini Reeves, owner and creative director of Essensuals London:


Step 1: Begin with damp hair. Laini used Shu Uemura Art of Hair Essence Absolue on Kate's hair before blowdrying, a weightless formula that helps to smooth the hair and give amazing shine.

Step 2: Part the hair to one side and blowdry hair in the opposite direction to the way it sits naturally. Once dry, push the hair back to the other side to make a lifted, sweeping part.

Step 3: Pull all the the hair to the back of the head and secure in a side pony tail at the nape of the neck. Make sure the pony tail is loose and baggy to ensure a soft, modern look.

Step 4: Take the end of the pony tail and roll upwards and under itself. Secure the the ends under the band with pins.

Step 5: Finish with a light holding spray such as Shu Uemura Art of Hair Sheer Lacquer.

Emily Blunt at the Wolfman Premiere

Check out Emily Blunt’s gorgeous 1920’s inspired look from last night’s Wolfman Premiere in LA. Create her look from home with these DIY tips from her stylist, Laini Reeves!!

Laini Reeves, Owner and Creative Director of Essensuals London (essensualslondon.com), took inspiration from Emily’s vintage style to create a new take on the 1920's up-do.

To set the mood, Laini made a custom flapper style accessory - a peacock feather fashioned to an elastic headband. Laini took the hair and twisted it up, over and into the band, keeping in tight to the head. The messy texture of the hair helped to modernize the look.

Step 1: Start with hair that is smooth and glossy. Laini has been using Shu Uemura Essence Absolue while on tour with Emily, a light blow dry lotion that helps to smooth hair and give great gloss. Apply this prior to blow drying.
Step 2: Gently scrunch dry hair to encourage a natural wave and boost texture
Step 3: Secure the headband and twist hair up and over around band, to back of head with messy bun at nape of neck
Step 4: Loosen a few strands to create a more modern, soft, toussled look
Step 5: Finish with a light holding spray