Life's a beach....beach hair at home!

Santa Monica, California 2008


Wow I wish I was back here !! I LOVE California, so much I have California tattoo'd on the back of my neck, It was a spur of the moment thing (like most things I do) I got it done while on this trip at LA INK in Los Angeles. Although theres been a select few that have poke fun at the fact that I have a state tattoo'd on the back of my neck, to me its represents all the memories and moments like these...

Ever since I was a little girl my cousin Michelle and I would dream of moving to California and we would have a house on the beach and we each would have a pet dolphin, lol we were very imaginative little girls...although still nothings really changed. I would still love to move there and hopefully one day I will, but at this moment the reality of packing up and leaving my birth place and lifetime home of B.C Canada, is all too real and scary (plus a big move like that requires money and lots of it, which I unfortunately lack of at this moment)

For now California will always be considered my home away from home, I just fell in love with everything from the weather to the people, who are typically from somewhere else in the world. My crazy outgoing personality fits in quite nicely in this neck of the woods I love it!
This was taken at one of the many trips I have taken to California for education purposes I swear! ;) this was for a KMS hair Cutting course.

.....Have you ever took the plunge and moved to your dream destination?? how was the experience ??

BEACH HAIR AT HOME

The natural, tousled, wavy surfer hair you leave the beach with, always seems to be such a shame to wash away at the end of a beautiful laid back summer day! I love leaving the beach with that beautiful, textural, natural wave thats achieved by the oceans natural sea salt and minerals. Its a great way to go from day at the day beach, to evening BBQ with minimal priming required!  

Wether you don't live near the beach, or its been awhile since you've taken a visit, you can achieve the infamous laid-back surfer hair at home. I love wearing my hair like this on a daily basis! I always get stopped and asked how I did my hair all the time!  I think I could almost pass for a californian beach bum/surfer chick, if it wasn't for my pasty white canadian skin. 

So mix yourself up a mojito, grab your sunglasses and turn up your favourite summer Jams!!!!! (yes I did just say jams) Here are some products, tips and funtasticness (yeah I threw that out there) to give you that SURFS UP look without actually "surfing up" (whatever that means...Now I'm just creating a whole new language :| <- if you can't tell this is my straight face) lol enjoy



Bumble and Bumble Surf spray


This one of my favourite products to achieve beach hair with, its specifically formulated to create that surfer hair look without having to step foot on a beach. This product is great for all hair types, It has a light hold, and matte finish. This product gives the hair body and lots of texture, If your a girl that always has to have soft, run your fingers through you hair; be aware. This product gives the hair a matte almost gritty texture feel that mimics the oceans natural sea salt, which is signature to the beach look.

 Apply and work product through damp or dry hair, spraying product and then quickly scrunching and working the hair to desired texture. Let dry naturally or blow dry using a diffuser, if you don't have a diffuser, lightly blow-dry while scrunching. After scrunching I like to tie my hair into a "messy bun" and let the product dry. When I take my hair out of the bun, my hair is full of fun kinks and waves, then  fluff accordingly, for extra hold finish with a light holding hair spray.



Do it yourself Sea Salt spray!

For all my fabulously frugal ladies out there! (myself included,) this is a perfect substitute to Bumble and Bumble Surf spray, the secret ingredient?? Sea salt of course.

-Plastic spray bottle (dollar store)
- 1 Teaspoon Sea salt. (it has to be sea salt, not table salt)
- 8 oz of water
- 1/2 Teaspoon coconut oil, olive oil, or light conditioner (to prevent the salt from drying your hair out)

**optional 3 drops essential oil

Ylang ylang: Great for sensitive skin and scalp problems.
Rosemary: Great to help deepen the colour of brunettes hair.
Chamomile: Great for brightening blondes.
Tea tree oil: Great for sensitive and oily scalps, If you tend to have oilier hair or dandruff this is the best option because it won't make your hair oilier or weigh it down.
Rose Oil: Aids in hydration

Lemon juice (Naturally lightens hair when exposed to sunlight)

1.)  Remove top from the spray bottle, pour water into plastic spray bottle.

2.) Add sea salt, NOT TABLE SALT. The more salt you add the more crunchy, textured, matte, beachier like your hair will feel. Also be aware that salt does dry your hair out so find a nice happy medium that best suits your hairs needs, try adding 1/4 tsp. at a time until you and your hair have come to an agreement.

3.) To combat against the drying of the hair add a moisturizer. Use coconut oil, olive oil or light conditioner. Be careful not to use to much because it can weigh your hair down. Essential oils can be added for scent as well as offer some extra benefits. Try experimenting with your favourite essential oil based on scent and its benefits. If you have dry or coarse hair this is a good add-in because they will help condition your hair and add shine.

4.) Replace the nozzle and close tightly. Shake the bottle rapidly to mix ingredients and dissolve the salt. Make sure all ingredients are fully mixed and that no oil is on the surface of the water.

5.) Spray mixture into your hair until lightly damp. work,Scrunch,twist, shake hair and lightly blow-dry until desired texture and look is achieved.


                               (Please excuse the not so pretty background..I'm working with what I got)

Before:

After:

                                             

MOJITO Recipe:....just in case ;)

- Ice
-10 fresh Mint leaves or so..
-Lime wedges
-2 Tablespoons white sugar, or to taste
- Club Soda
- White Rum (if appropriate drinking age of course)

1.) Place mint leaves and lime wedge into a sturdy glass. Use a muddler, wooden spoon or any other crushing device you can find in your kitchen, to crush the mint and lime to release the mint oils and the juice of the lime. Add two more lime wedges and the sugar; crush again to release the lime juice, combining the juice of the lime, oils of the mint and the sugar. Do not strain. Fill the glass with ice cubes and add shot or two of Rum (depending on how you want your night to go) Fill the remainder of the glass with Club soda (sprite is a great substitute, don't add sugar if using sprite) Stir, taste, garnish, enjoy....responsibly of course.

Thanks for coming on a California adventure with me...I had a lot of fun!! ..see you soon..Enjoy..