Where Organic Meets Beauty

The Curly Girl Method – A How-to-Guide

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The Curly Girl Method or CGM has become increasingly popular given that it is the holy grail of hair care routines for beautiful, perfect, fresh out of the salon curls! Every curly girl has had to experience frizz, uneven texture, damage, and even a loss of curl over time. While properly treated and styled curly hair looks stunning, you must know that in order to achieve that, you need to give your hair the time, love, and attention it needs and the CGM is exactly that!

Give this hair care routine a try and we promise that not only will your curls thank you forever, but your hair care routine will become easier and your curls will ALWAYS look effortlessly perfect. Isn’t that every curly girl’s dream? Well, let’s dive in step-by-step into the Curly Girl Method.

STEP 1: Clarifying Wash OR “Final Wash”

This first wash will prep your hair to start the CGM. You want to use a clarifying shampoo to thoroughly cleanse your hair before conditioning. Make sure you wash your scalp really well to remove any product build-up. Once you rinse out the shampoo, you are ready for conditioner. Make sure you only use your fingers to detangle your hair, do not use a comb or a brush since that will only stretch out your curls even more. This process is done once or twice a month.

STEP 2: Co-Wash

Once you have completed your Clarifying wash, you are ready for the Co-Wash. This is how you will wash your hair from this point forward until it’s time for a “Reset Wash” with clarifying shampoo again. Co-washing is basically washing your hair with a clarifying conditioner instead of shampoo. Simply massage the conditioner throughout your scalp just like you would shampoo using your fingertips.

STEP 3: Conditioning (If needed)

After Co-Wash, if you feel that your hair needs additional moisture, you can condition your hair with a thicker and richer conditioner than the one you used for Co-Wash. Yup, that means you need two different conditioners. Use this step to moisturize your hair and detangle your hair using your fingers. Rinse out the conditioner and you are ready to move on to the styling step!

Step 4: Styling Your Curly Hair

Begin your hairstyling in the shower! Applying your curling products with soaking wet hair will yield the best results. It sounds crazy, but we promise it makes all the difference. At the salon, we use a variety of products prescribed for your specific curly needs. If you have more questions about curly girl recommended products, we have a whole blog about that too, simply Click Here.

Step 5: Drying

Once you have applied your hair styling products use a microfiber towel or a cotton t-shirt and squeeze the excess water out of your hair and wrap your hair.  Then, you can air dry or use a diffuser to dry your hair. Do not play with your curls! We get it, they look so pretty it’s hard not to want to touch them but leave them alone.

Refreshing Your Hair

You may be wondering how to keep your curls looking beautiful for more than one day.  It’s pretty simple, use a refreshing product to avoid rewetting your curl. It’s all about refresh, not rewet and we have a variety of next day curl refreshing products available at the salon.

Continue Co-Washing your hair until you feel it is time for a “Reset Wash” and simply repeat Step 1. For wavy hair, you will probably need to cleanse about twice a month, while for coily hair it will be strictly when you really must (maybe once a month).

Like any new routine, give your hair time to adapt! It might be a little weird at first since the thought of ditching shampoo can be a little scary.  Trust the process and we promise the results are life-changing!

Let us know if you gave this a try!  Tag us on social media @salonnirvana954. We would love to follow your curly girl journey J Remember we are always available for a complimentary consultation.

Must Do’s and Absolute Don’ts for Beautiful Wavy/Curly Hair

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Gorgeous, healthy, wavy/curly hair does not happen by accident. In fact, wavy/curly hair has very different moisture needs, and great wavy/curly hair takes work! It all starts with understanding some of the basics like what products serve your hair and which ones don’t.  Making a few changes in your hair care routine and the products you are using can go a very long way.  So here is a quick list of products and ingredients that contribute to making and keeping your hair healthy as well as some that you should absolutely avoid. We also touch upon certain styling rules to follow to make sure you are treating your hair with the utmost love and respect 😉

Must Do’s for Wavy/Curly Hair:

Moisture plays a very important role in keeping your hair looking its best. Try to use products that contain humectants. Look for moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, and amino acids. At our salon, we have a variety of curly hair approved products that we love and trust.  During a free consultation, we analyze your type of curl and what your hair is lacking, and we prescribe the perfect product combination for your curly hair.

Find a cleansing conditioner to wash your hair. Washing your hair when you have wavy/curly hair is a very different process because you don’t want to wash out natural oils that are essential for the moisture of your hair. If you want to learn more about The Curly Girl Method for washing your hair, we have a step-by-step guide HERE.

Absolute Don’ts for Wavy/Curly Hair:

Say goodbye to your combs and brushes! Stay away from anything that messes with your natural curl pattern.  You want to detangle your hair in the shower with conditioner and use your fingers only. Once your hair is dry, don’t run your fingers through your hair to move it around because you will disrupt your curl pattern.  Instead, grab the section of your hair you want to move and scrunch it up.

Stay away from products that contain alcohol or artificial fragrance because they can dry out your hair and you definitely want to stay clear of sulfates and silicones. Choosing the right products to take care of your hair makes a big difference.  Curly/wavy hair needs moisture, so you want to stay away from products that strip the natural oils out of your hair or dry out your hair.

Oils are another category curly hair girls should stay away from.  While a lot of people use oils to make their hair shiny and think they are adding moisture to their hair, oils actually do the complete opposite. Oils repel water don’t allow your hair to absorb moisture.

If you have any questions regarding products, and how to take proper care of your hair you can always give us a call and set up a one on one with our curly hair specialist.  At our salon, you will find a large variety of products we love and trust and we are happy to help you find the right products for your hair.

 

The next thing in hair straightening is Magic Sleek!

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So many women love to straighten their hair, and they do so themselves, or they get a keratin treatment.  Studies have come out that advise against the use of Keratin because it does more damage than good.  With the keratin treatment, the molecules of the keratin cluster themselves to the natural hair protein fiber of the hair and when it washes out it pulls the natural fiber with it, leaving your hair more damaged. Thankfully, there is a healthier and better solution available now, MAGIC SLEEK is the next generation of hair straightening treatments.

What is Magic Sleek?

Magic Sleek is a new hair straightening treatment similar to Keratin, only better!  Magic Sleek lasts longer and is healthier because it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals and is 100% formaldehyde free containing no methylene-glycol.  In short, Magic Sleek is the newest and best option out there to straighten your hair!

Is Magic Sleek safe?

This is a question we’re asked so often, and the answer is yes!  Magic sleek is 100% formaldehyde-free, and it doesn’t contain any methylene-glycol or any other harsh chemicals that can become harmful when heated.  Magic Sleek doesn’t have the negative health risks other hair straightening treatments have.

How long does Magic Sleek last?

Magic Sleek can last up to 6 months! Magic Sleek doesn’t wash out, so you can enjoy it for a long time. Every time the hair is washed, it will dry perfectly straight and frizz-free without applying heat or brushes.

Magic Sleek Versus Keratin

Magic Sleek is not an alternative to Keratin. Magic Sleek is a successor to Keratin.  Unlike Keratin, Magic Sleek isn’t simply another hair straightening treatment, it helps hydrate and nourish your hair, cuticles, and scalp with Argon Oil and amino acids. It also helps protect your hair color, adds softness, and shine to your hair, and it protects your hair from damage.

 

To learn more about Magic Sleek, click here or contact us.

Have Fabulous Hair Even While Traveling

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Women who travel a lot get it. Traveling can take a toll on your hair, especially if you have curls, colored hair, or hair extensions. The goal of this blog is to share some tips I’ve learned throughout my years of traveling. If you have any other tips you’d like to share, let us know on Instagram! 

4 fabulous hair care tips for your next vacation! 

Airplanes have a way of draining you and worst of all, making you look exhausted and messy. It’s important to feel great when you’re traveling, and this includes making sure you always look fabulous – even after flying!  

There are a few simple things you can do to make sure you won’t have to worry about your hair. All it takes is a little prep before taking off and a few seconds throughout the day.

Check the weather before flying. Really you do need to check it!

Avoid frizzy, dry, or unmanageable hair by packing the right products. You know your hair best. You know how your hair reacts to dry, humid, hot, or cold weather. But what you may not know is where to find the products to manage your hair’s different personalities. Pack them beforehand by knowing what the weather will be like. At home, you may already have the needed products, so all you have to do is toss them in a travel-sized container or come and see us for your travel-sized products!  

Ponytails and Buns are your best friend on the plane. 

These hairstyles help keep your hair manageable and free from static. They also keep your hair from having that always unwanted flyaway, which always seems to find its way out.  

Use a hydrating product. Great for the plane and dry or cold weather. 

Going somewhere chilly? Cold air tends to be dry, and that is not ideal for keeping moisture. The air in airplanes is also dry, so you need to give your hair some help so it can stay hydrated. Just like you moisturize your skin and lips, you also need to make sure your hair is moisturized. The right shampoo and conditioner helps, but don’t overlook the benefits of a hydrating product. Hydrating products like serums, sprays, or leave-in conditioners are also great for keeping your hair looking fabulous and keeping it manageable.

Hydrate. Then Hydrate some more.

Most of us don’t drink enough water throughout the day. Traveling takes a toll on our body, hair, skin, and nails, so it becomes even more important to stay hydrated. Reach for that glass or bottle of water to make sure you drink enough and stay hydrated. Your skin, hair, and nails will thank you. Staying hydrated keeps you looking your best and helps prevent premature aging. 

I hope you enjoyed these tips and remember to share any of your tips with us! We’d love to hear what they are! If you need any suggestions for a hydrating product, let us know!  

3 Ways Organic Hair Color Products are Better for you

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We’ve all heard organic is better, organic is healthier, and organic is the future. But why are people saying this? Here are three reasons why we chose to use organic, holistic, and toxin-free hair color products.  

Zero Toxins or Dangerous Ingredients

Beautiful hair should not compromise your health. What’s the point of having beautiful hair if your health is being affected? Organic hair color products are better for you because they do not contain chemicals or toxins that can harm you. One such chemical is ammonia, which is known for causing health conditions like headaches, chronic cough, and rashes when someone is repeatedly exposed to it over time.  

Organic and Sustainable

Organic products are better for you because they are made with the fewest and cleanest chemicals possible. The products we use have been proven to be better for your hair than their non-organic counterparts.  

Organic and sustainable products are important not just for your future health, but for the future health of our planet. At Salon Nirvana, we believe in providing beauty services that do not compromise on results or your health. NATULIQUE defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” and we couldn’t agree more with this statement. 

Gentle on Your Strands

Harsh chemicals are just that; they are harsh. The hair color products we use contain pure natural sunflower seed extract, jojoba oil, and apricot seed oil, which help provide extra conditioning and natural color with fewer chemicals.

And there you have it. Three reasons why organic hair color products are better for you and why you should switch to them. Here’s a little more information on the hair color line we use and why we use them. 

Which hair color product do we use?

We chose NATULIQUE because their vision and values are in line with what we believe in. Their products are all created with zero toxins or dangerous ingredients, so you can focus on looking fabulous and not worry about your health being compromised.  

You can read more about why we chose NATULIQUE here. 

Keep Your Curls Hydrated!

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Caring for your curls is extremely important, and one of the most essential steps in any curly hair girl’s routine is hydration. Curly hair loses moisture faster than straight hair because of its shape, which is why you need to condition your hair properly. 

Many women come to us with concerns they have regarding their curly hair. The most common problem we see is dullness, uneven curl patterns, and dryness. The best way to solve these is with proper hydration, which starts from the inside and out. Like with anything, make sure to drink enough water throughout the day every day, but also make sure to use a deep moisturizing conditioner (we recommend Be My Curl) to really hydrate your hair and scalp.  

Hydration will fix the dull look of dry hair along with giving your curls an even pattern, so you can take full advantage of your beautiful hair! Remember, curly hair is unique, your curls are a part of you, so treat them with care. 

Simple Curly Hair Regime:

  1. Use a non-sulfite hydrating shampoo and conditioner
  2. While in the shower, apply Be My Curl Primer layered with a hydrating gel from Be My Curl.
  3. Blot out the excess water and product with a microfiber towel or a cotton t-shirt.
  4. Air dry or use a diffuser to softly dry and enhance your curls 
  5. Apply a hair mask once or twice per week, depending on your curls needs. 
  6. Detangle your hair when wet using your fingers.  

Looking for a salon for your curly hair?

Salon Nirvana 954 offers curly hair services, so be sure to check us out for all your curly hair needs. As a curly-haired woman myself, I understand how difficult it can be to find a salon to cut and style curly hair. I love my curls, and I want you to love yours. Come in or call for a consultation and discover how we can create the look you want, all while using organic, holistic, and toxin-free products.  

Wedding Hairstyle Tips

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Prepping for the big day? Yay! Your wedding day is all about you, and we have a few, simple tips to make you look even more glamorous than you thought possible.

Here are a few wedding day hair tips to keep you looking fabulous!

Do not wash your hair on the day of your wedding!

It’s not gross. In fact by washing your hair the day of your wedding you are making it too soft to keep the hairstyle in place. Washing your hair the night before is recommended.

Do everything with enough time, including getting your hair done. Do not rush your hairstylist.

You don’t want to have every second accounted for. Give yourself time to fix any mishaps that can come up. This also empowers you to be in control, so when the time comes to say “I do” you look gorgeous and not stressed. The same thing goes with your hairstylist. Don’t rush them. Give them time to style your hair so you can walk away knowing with 100% confidence your hairstyle won’t be undone. Nothing is worse for your hairstyle than out of place strands!

Plan for touch-ups.

Take extra products to touch-up any mishaps that can happen or for the reception.

Last-minute haircuts and color changes are usually not a good idea.

Have a plan beforehand in regards to your hair, because the last thing you want is to have wedding day pictures you’ll be looking at for decades that you’re not happy with. This is your day. Do not leave everything for the last minute. Book an appointment with your hairstylist and show them examples of the style you want. With enough time you can totally try each style out and see what they look like!

Have a second look for the reception

When it’s time for the reception, you can show up with an entirely new look! Most brides change their dress for the reception, so why not do the same for your hairstyle?

A trial run is always a must

You have this image of what you’re going to look like once your hair is done and your veil is on. A trial run puts it all out there so you can see it live and in person! Also, please don’t forget to consider your veil! See what’s involved with putting on and taking it off. Make sure to know exactly what your hair looks like with it on and how to properly take it off.

 

Extend the life of your sew-in hair extensions

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What girl doesn’t want gorgeous hair in minutes? Now, what if a few minutes today could give you gorgeous hair for two months or more? That’s precisely what sew-in hair extensions do! A little time today goes a long way towards saving you a ton of time later on. Plus you’ll look and feel like a million bucks.

Quality hair extensions (like the ones we use at Salon Nirvana 954) are made from real human hair, which means they’ll look, feel, move and be styled as if they were your own hair. Just like your real hair, you need to keep your hair extensions properly maintained, so they last longer and look great the entire time you’re wearing them.

The number one tip we always tell people regarding hair extension maintenance is always use the right products. Just like overusing chemicals can dry out your real hair, the same is true for hair extensions. The difference is since hair extensions are not being supplied nutrients from your scalp, you need to do what you can to keep them looking healthy for as long as possible, and that begins with the products you use.

Here are four products we recommend for maintaining your hair extensions.

Product 1
From our organic line moisturizing conditioner
Product 2
From our organic line moisturizing shampoo
Product 3
From our organic line moisturizing de-tangler
Product 4
Dry conditioner

If you have any questions regarding these products or if you’re using something else and want to know what we think about it, let us know!

 

Hair masks and 3 reasons we love them!

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You put masks on your face, so why not on your hair too? Hair masks do what shampoo and conditioner cannot. Just like you have a skincare routine to keep your face healthy and looking younger, you should incorporate hair masks into your routine as well.

Hair masks go in deeper than conditioner.

Hair masks are designed to go in deeper, much deeper than conditioner which keeps the ingredients of the mask in your hair longer to really target any hair related issue you want to get rid of.

Hair trouble? There’s a mask for that!

Hair masks are packed with ingredients to solve whatever problem you have – from dry, damaged, and frizzy hair to thin or flat, limp hair. There’s a mask out there for you. You can find masks that target very specific hair types like curly hair too!

They’re super easy to use.

Just make sure your hair is clean and apply your hair mask. Some masks work better on dry hair while others work best on wet hair. Applying the mask can take a minute or so then you just have to wait and let the mask work hard while you relax. Make sure to comb the mask through your hair and up to the tips. Since your tips are the most fragile part of your hair, you want to make sure to coat them thoroughly.

 

4 Busted Hair Care Myths to Disregard Now

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We asked around and made a list of four common hair care myths and busted them. Next time you hear someone say any of the following myths tell them Salon Nirvana 954 busted it!

Ready? Here are four busted myths (and what you should actually do)

Myth #1 Dry shampoo or regular shampoo there’s no difference except one is wet.

Busted! While dry shampoo can leave you feeling with cleaner hair, it doesn’t actually clean or nourish your scalp. Dry shampoo simply absorbs excess oil while leaving you with a pleasant smell afterward. In no way is dry shampoo a replacement for regular shampoo. Massaging your scalp while shampooing stimulates your hair follicles which has long term benefits towards the health of your hair.

Myth #2 Plucking a gray hair will make two more come out

False! At any given time, regardless of hair color, only one hair strand grows per hair follicle. It’s simply the way hair works. Plucking a hair out will not cause that hair strand to multiply, not now and not ever. In fact, plucking a gray hair can actually damage the hair follicle. Instead of plucking consider color or cutting the hair strand. You can also embrace the gray! Nothing wrong with that 🙂

Myth #3 Washing your hair every day is bad for your hair

Nope. If you are using a proper shampoo that is gentle you can wash your hair every day. Some shampoos are designed to be used daily without harming your hair. These shampoos restore the moisture that is lost throughout the day so your hair can stay hydrated, clean, and healthy!

Myth #4 Avoid hair conditioner if you have greasy hair

Wrong! You should choose a hair conditioner for your hair type. There are hair conditioners that help control excess grease and oil. Conditioning your hair refortifies it to protect it. Not conditioning is definitely something we would not recommend for your hair!

Have any other hair care routines you follow? Let us know on Instagram!